From the HOA President

Summer Campers:

First, I would like to thank Rich Basile and Mike Russo for their investment of time and the great amount of work they, along with Tom Perry, have put into getting the Covenants Committee up and running this year.  I was greatly surprised that both Rich and Mike had resigned from the Committee.  Mike informed Penny and the Board of his resignation but we found out about Rich’s resignation from his Facebook post.

Covenants are a necessary part of who we are as an HOA in Florida but are also tedious rules that require a considerable amount of effort to interpret, manage and contemplate even simple changes or updates. Rich mentioned that the Covenants Committee had made several recommendations to the Board but no actions had been taken.  The Board has received those recommendations and discussed them at a recent Board meeting.  The recommendations fell into two (2) categories: those can be approved by a Board vote and those that can only change with a majority of all lot owners approving the proposed change.  To get a better understanding of what the Board can do under Florida HOA law, we have had several discussions with our attorney.  Through these discussions, we are working to get a better understanding of which recommendations can be updated or changed through a Board vote and which would require a vote of all owners.  Currently we are looking at next steps and will communicate the required process to the membership as we progress. I realize some want immediate action on any item, but I would rather be perceived as moving too slowly when important matters are being considered that affect the future of our community.

Rich also surprised me with his recent resignation from the Maintenance Committee.  His dedication and hard work have been seen and felt by the entire community.  I do hate that he feels like the Board is not functioning properly even though I realize sometimes it is easier to focus on minor details and not see the big picture.  Major projects completed this year include the pool renovation, replacement of the boardwalks around the pool and lodge, east side bridge repairs, sign installation, cleaning and logo replacement on street name signs, and the purchase of some much-needed pool patio tables and chairs.  We have made great strides this year in establishing policies and procedures in accordance with Florida HOA law and striving to maintain compliance under those guidelines.  We have created an owners’ Facebook page to allow us to quickly communicate with all members.  Additionally, I have been writing a newsletter that is posted on the HOA website every month to let everyone know what is going on in the community.  When we created the HOA website earlier this year, we thought we had posted all required documents.  We realized a couple of weeks ago that the approved 2025 Budget was not posted and that has been corrected. I apologize for the posting error and going forward, current financial data will be on the website. If there is other community information you cannot find on the website, please let Penny know and we will make sure it is accessible.

Remember, election information for the new Board year is coming soon.  Please consider running for one of the three seats that will be open.  We also need additional members for the Covenants, Maintenance, and Signage Committees. Please let Penny know if you have an interest in any of these opportunities.

Randy Donaldson