Pond Shore Erosion Mitigation Underway
Cross Creek has been busy and continues, one pond at a time. Material dredged from the pond bottom is pumped into large plastic tubing lining the shore. After the water is removed, it is then covered over with new sod. This project, costing over $420,000 was funded with some $200,000 taken from the "working capital" funds, supplemented by a $325 assessment on each of the 677 Isles homes.
Sarasota County has completed the repainting of 31 Fire Hydrants in the Isles (including two near entrances on Honore). A big improvement!
The Isles budget for mulch in 2021 is $125,000, down from $150,000 in the previous year. On the recommendation of the Landscape Committee, a new color is being tried this year. A dark brown is replacing the “golden” mulch used previously. Property Manager Jones said it may a couple of years before the lighter color doesn't show through. Neither color is natural—they both are the result of a die process. Shown above is the supply for the Abaco & Granaway area.
Posted 9/20/21
Posted 9/20/21
FPL does major land clearing
During late July and early August (2021), Florida Power and Light has been clearing a wide swath of the land under the power lines that run through the Isles on its eastern side.
This area has been habitat for numerous species, including deer, bobcats, and the wild boars.
Traps installed to capture wild pigs have been moved from this area to other locations within the Isles.
This area has been habitat for numerous species, including deer, bobcats, and the wild boars.
Traps installed to capture wild pigs have been moved from this area to other locations within the Isles.
Read your documents
In addition to controversial provisions which were “carved out” for separate vote (and which were voted down), the approved document revision does the following:
After revising our Documents at a cost of over $20,000, we have this mess that is an embarrassment to all.
- Sets the Board size at only five members and quorum at three. AOI, 9
- Allows the Board to meet anywhere in Sarasota County. Bylaw
- Gives Board the right to “adjust” assessments, from time to time. VII.2,
- Establishes unnecessary easements on every Attached Home lot. II.Sec 12. B.
- Provides new Special Assessment for painting of zero-lot-line homes by HOA. II.Sec 12 A.
- Contains conflicting rules about repair of Stand-Alone Walls. II, 12. E.& F.
- Allows one person to simultaneously be both President and Treasurer of the HOA AOI, 8
- Allows a fee to be charged for ACC applications. XII.2.B.
- Allows ACC to approve/disapprove identical proposals differently. XII. 4
- Owners must pay for maintenance of approved plant replacements. VIII.2.E.
- Prohibits home business activities of any sort. IX. Sec 5
- Fails to provide for regular maintenance of sidewalks and gutters. VII.1.E.
- Prohibits outside lighting without Board written approval. IX. Sec 27
- Precludes rental of excess garage space to other Owners IX.Sec. 5
- Increases maximum fines from $1,000 to $5,000. IX. Sec. 1
- Allows unlimited delegation of Director duties to Manager. AOI 4.C.6
- Requires the HOA to buy “Full Replacement Value” insurance. XI. 1. A.
- Requires HOA as added “Insured” on Homeowner policies. XI.Section 1.A.
- Contains extraneous and useless material such as:
- Prohibits Oil Wells and Mining activities. IX. Sec 13
- Controls how Golf Carts are to be used. IX.1
- Require Owners to fix their garage door Remote Control when needed.
- Requires Owners to pay all their utility bills.
- Requires Owners to regularly wash their windows.
- Article II shall not be amended without “prior written consent” of BOD II.7
- Requires Board to sign-off on non-white curtain colors showing outside.
- Says Declarant doesn't have to install Monument Signs. II.8.(12)
- Advises that Palmer Ranch may be under construction for extended period.
- A disclaimer regarding outside construction, including highway interchanges.
After revising our Documents at a cost of over $20,000, we have this mess that is an embarrassment to all.
Annual Meeting 2018
The Isles Membership Annual Meeting was held in the Town Center on Thursday before Easter, March 29, 2018.
At the designated time, participants fell “a few short” of the necessary number for a quorum (204 homes represented in person or by proxy).
President Ken Keys proceeded with agenda items not requiring a quorum while a few latecomers drifted in. It was announced that since no new candidates for the Board had come forth, the two seats to be contested will remain unchanged, and no election would take place. Brief reports were heard from Committees and the Property Manager. Treasurer Amazon said the money situation is “in good shape.” Manager Crosley noted that outstanding assessments have been reduced to only 4 accounts, with liens placed on two that are over 90 days in arrears.
Keys spoke on the subject of CERT, noting that Paul Hersey has retired as Incident Commander. Hersey was presented a trophy by the Board honoring his service. Amazon said an Open House will be held with an opportunity for residents to express interest in filling the open position. CERT member Jim Fonk asked for clarification about how the position would be filled and was assured that residents who are CERT-trained will select the new IC. He offered a motion to this effect, but it was rejected by Keys on the basis that CERT “is not a part of the HOA.”
A quorum having been achieved, minutes for meetings of March 30, 2017 and November 29, 2017 were approved, and a motion to roll over operating surplus was also approved. A motion to adjourn was seconded by the President, and quickly approved.
At the designated time, participants fell “a few short” of the necessary number for a quorum (204 homes represented in person or by proxy).
President Ken Keys proceeded with agenda items not requiring a quorum while a few latecomers drifted in. It was announced that since no new candidates for the Board had come forth, the two seats to be contested will remain unchanged, and no election would take place. Brief reports were heard from Committees and the Property Manager. Treasurer Amazon said the money situation is “in good shape.” Manager Crosley noted that outstanding assessments have been reduced to only 4 accounts, with liens placed on two that are over 90 days in arrears.
Keys spoke on the subject of CERT, noting that Paul Hersey has retired as Incident Commander. Hersey was presented a trophy by the Board honoring his service. Amazon said an Open House will be held with an opportunity for residents to express interest in filling the open position. CERT member Jim Fonk asked for clarification about how the position would be filled and was assured that residents who are CERT-trained will select the new IC. He offered a motion to this effect, but it was rejected by Keys on the basis that CERT “is not a part of the HOA.”
A quorum having been achieved, minutes for meetings of March 30, 2017 and November 29, 2017 were approved, and a motion to roll over operating surplus was also approved. A motion to adjourn was seconded by the President, and quickly approved.
In addition to controversial provisions which were “carved out” for separate vote (and which were voted down), the approved document revision does the following:
- Sets the Board size at only five members and quorum at three. AOI, 9
- Allows the Board to meet anywhere in Sarasota County. Bylaw
- Gives Board the right to “adjust” assessments, from time to time. VII.2,
- Eliminates Neighborhoods which facilitate fair apportionment of Home Landscaping costs. VI.1.A
- Establishes unnecessary easements on every Attached Home lot. II.Sec 12. B.
- Provides new Special Assessment for painting of zero-lot-line homes by HOA. II.Sec 12 A.
- Contains conflicting rules about repair of Stand-Alone Walls. II, 12. E.& F.
- Allows one person to simultaneously be both President and Treasurer of the HOA AOI, 8
- Allows a fee to be charged for ACC applications. XII.2.B.
- Allows ACC to approve/disapprove identical proposals differently. XII. 4
- Owners must pay for maintenance of approved plant replacements. VIII.2.E.
- Prohibits home business activities of any sort. IX. Sec 5
- Fails to provide for regular maintenance of sidewalks and gutters. VII.1.E.
- Prohibits outside lighting without Board written approval. IX. Sec 27
- Precludes rental of excess garage space to other Owners IX.Sec. 5
- Increases maximum fines from $1,000 to $5,000. IX. Sec. 1
- Allows unlimited delegation of Director duties to Manager. AOI 4.C.6
- Requires the HOA to buy “Full Replacement Value” insurance. XI. 1. A.
- Requires HOA as added “Insured” on Homeowner policies. XI.Section 1.A.
- Contains extraneous and useless material such as:
- Prohibits Oil Wells and Mining activities. IX. Sec 13
- Controls how Golf Carts are to be used. IX.1
- Require Owners to fix their garage door Remote Control when needed.
- Requires Owners to pay all their utility bills.
- Requires Owners to regularly wash their windows.
- Article II shall not be amended without “prior written consent” of BOD II.7
- Requires Board to sign-off on non-white curtain colors showing outside.
- Says Declarant doesn't have to install Monument Signs. II.8.(12)
- Advises that Palmer Ranch may be under construction for extended period.
- A disclaimer regarding outside construction, including highway interchanges.
Proposing an amendment to ACC provisions (Article XII)
In the rush to gain approval of the revisions, opportunities to create more coherent and useful governing documents were largely foregone. If we are to have the documents that rise above the level of embarrassment to better serve this community, we will need to consider further amendment in the near future. Article XII of the Declaration should be a part of that.
Every part of the documents should have been subject to the question, “What changes are needed to best serve the community as against those designed to serve the developer. It was easy for legal counsel to find and point out paragraphs that contained the word “Declarant,” but many that did not were simply allowed to stand. One such area of concern is the ACC. This is the only committee created by the Declaration because it is the only committee which mattered to the developer. There is a difference in what served the Declarant and what is needed by a resident community. We really should have started from scratch. While members of the ACC have worked untiringly to fulfill their responsibilities as set forth in the document, in so doing they have served developer's issues and not always those of the community.
Having a three-man committee was fine for the developer when they controlled everything, because their answer to any change was already known; they needed only one. They did not want any changes while they were still offering new copies to the market. A full committee probably should have at least 5 members. The committee has had difficulty attracting even three, but this is largely due to the workload. A larger committee and reduced responsibilities would allow the committee to function more efficiently.
The workload can and should be reduced, first by restricting the Committee's attention to brick and mortar. Matters pertaining to landscaping should be transferred to the Grounds Committee. Secondly, the Committee should not be repeating the same work over and over. The Declaration currently allows the Committee to render opposite opinions on identical proposals. Instead, the Committee should set and publish standards for similar common projects, and compliance with such standards should relieve the homeowner of any necessity for seeking further approval. If you are painting your home in the original color, why should you need prior approval from the ACC? These standards should reflect the views of a majority of homeowners, not just the personal taste of committee members.
The ACC has already established “rules” that have had little or no scrutiny by the Membership or its Board—rules that prohibit adding rocks to your garden; rules that require you to maintain the exact color scheme of your home, forever; rules that require you to submit an application for any exterior change to your property. When documents are next revised, let's give thought to how architectural issues are managed.
Every part of the documents should have been subject to the question, “What changes are needed to best serve the community as against those designed to serve the developer. It was easy for legal counsel to find and point out paragraphs that contained the word “Declarant,” but many that did not were simply allowed to stand. One such area of concern is the ACC. This is the only committee created by the Declaration because it is the only committee which mattered to the developer. There is a difference in what served the Declarant and what is needed by a resident community. We really should have started from scratch. While members of the ACC have worked untiringly to fulfill their responsibilities as set forth in the document, in so doing they have served developer's issues and not always those of the community.
Having a three-man committee was fine for the developer when they controlled everything, because their answer to any change was already known; they needed only one. They did not want any changes while they were still offering new copies to the market. A full committee probably should have at least 5 members. The committee has had difficulty attracting even three, but this is largely due to the workload. A larger committee and reduced responsibilities would allow the committee to function more efficiently.
The workload can and should be reduced, first by restricting the Committee's attention to brick and mortar. Matters pertaining to landscaping should be transferred to the Grounds Committee. Secondly, the Committee should not be repeating the same work over and over. The Declaration currently allows the Committee to render opposite opinions on identical proposals. Instead, the Committee should set and publish standards for similar common projects, and compliance with such standards should relieve the homeowner of any necessity for seeking further approval. If you are painting your home in the original color, why should you need prior approval from the ACC? These standards should reflect the views of a majority of homeowners, not just the personal taste of committee members.
The ACC has already established “rules” that have had little or no scrutiny by the Membership or its Board—rules that prohibit adding rocks to your garden; rules that require you to maintain the exact color scheme of your home, forever; rules that require you to submit an application for any exterior change to your property. When documents are next revised, let's give thought to how architectural issues are managed.
ACC Issues New Architectural Guidelines
New guidelines have been issued by the Architectural Control Committee. According to Property Manager Will Crosley, this two-page document informs homeowners how to go about requesting approval for external changes to their homes, and to some extent, what can be expected from the Committee when they do. The guidelines are available in the “Forms” section of the HOA Web site. http://www.islesofsarasota.com/forms.php
BURGLARY ATTEMPT IN ISLES: There have been numerous reports of break-ins and thefts from cars in the Isles and surrounding communities. Homeowners are advised to lock their homes, use the security systems, and keep their parked cars locked. Report any suspicious activity to the Sarasota Sheriff, phone 911 or 941-861-4260.
APPEALS COMMITTEE FORMED
Homeowners who fail to comply with HOA Rules can suffer consequences that include monetary fines or suspension of some privileges. Florida Statute 720.305(2) reads: “The association may levy reasonable fines of up to $100 per violation against any member...for failure to comply with any provision of the declaration, the [bylaws] or reasonable rules.” Fines can accumulate up to $5,000 under our revised Declaration. However the statute continues: “A fine or suspension may not be imposed without at least 14 days' notice...and an opportunity for a hearing before a committee...”
Other provisions apply.
On July 23, 2015, the Board of Directors approved the appointment of a 5-person “Appeals Committee” to fulfill the requirements of the above statute. Persons appointed to the committee who will hear any appeals resulting from imposition of fines by the HOA are:
Other provisions apply.
On July 23, 2015, the Board of Directors approved the appointment of a 5-person “Appeals Committee” to fulfill the requirements of the above statute. Persons appointed to the committee who will hear any appeals resulting from imposition of fines by the HOA are:
- Melvin Christian
- Bev Graham
- Paul Hersey
- Jean Snyder
- Doug Tolen
Other Items of Current Interest:
Highlights of latest Financial Report (Click here)- Report of recent Board Meetings (HERE)
- Who is???...BrightView
- Let's talk about BUDGETS....more
List of directors and officers (CLICK HERE)
Two Dozen Initiatives for Board consideration in 2015 & 2016 & 2017 (HERE)
List of directors and officers (CLICK HERE)
Two Dozen Initiatives for Board consideration in 2015 & 2016 & 2017 (HERE)
News in Pictures - Click here for latest photos
Links to Past Articles in the Shadow
REPORT OF MEMBERSHIP MEETING HELD MARCH 31, 2015
POOL HEATING Capital costs of Geothermal conversion
PICKLEBALL comes (at last) to The Isles
DOCUMENT REVISIONS - "It's in the hands of the lawyer" QUESTIONS THE LAWYER ASKED
POOL HEATING Capital costs of Geothermal conversion
PICKLEBALL comes (at last) to The Isles
DOCUMENT REVISIONS - "It's in the hands of the lawyer" QUESTIONS THE LAWYER ASKED
Did you miss something? Maybe it's still here...
Click on links for more about these subjects:
- MEMBERS approve GeoThermal Pool Heating purchase
- 2015 BUDGET APPROVED AT BOARD MEETING ON OCTOBER 23rd
- New "Administrative Assistant" position created
- Highlights from the December Financial Report
- Highlights of previous Board meetings,
- Check out the new Sports Page Board endorses commercial use of Courts
- Have you seen the Shadow's new gallery of "Critters" on the Pictures Page?
- The Shadow Blogs..."Don't Blow It"