SHELL POINT RESIDENTS’ COUNCIL MEETING

MINUTES

Regular Meeting - Social Center

March 4, 2009

Pavilion Minutes (PDF)

ATTENDANCE BY COURT:

CALL TO ORDER AND OPENING PRAYER

Chairman Rockstroh called the meeting to order at 8:45 a.m. and Harriet Reece gave the opening prayer.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Chair announced the following:

1. United Way.  Two hundred sixteen gifts from Shell Point equaled a total of $61,086.  

2. Library Fund Drive.  The Shell Point Library Annual Fund Drive starts today and runs through March 18.

ROLL CALL OF COURT REPRESENTATIVES

The roll was called with those present listed above.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 4, 2009, RESIDENTS’ COUNCIL MEETING AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA FOR TODAY

On motion duly made, seconded, and unanimously passed, the Minutes of February 4, 2009, were approved as submitted.  The Proposed Agenda for the Residents’ Council for March 4, 2009, was distributed to each Court Representative present, and on motion duly made, seconded, and unanimously passed was approved.

STAFF REMARKS

Peter Dys introduced Rita Southern.

RITA SOUTHERN

Mrs. Southern addressed the following issues:

SHELL POINT PET POLICY

This past month a very good meeting was held with the pet owners.  One hundred thirteen pet owner families attended, of which approximately 90% were pet owners.  There are one hundred thirty-two registered pet owners at Shell Point.  The purpose of the meeting was to remind residents of Shell Point’s Pet Policy and to give residents a clear understanding of the Policy and the thought of why items were included in the Policy.  One item of focus was the carrying of pets.  The policy contains a requirement that when in public areas, all pets must be carried.  

The Pet Owner Fee is $250 which some pet owner residents felt was unreasonable and should be waived for cats or lowered in general.  The fee is not a deposit, but is for the administration of the Pet Policy and is related to the level of staff involvement. It is a reimbursement to Shell Point for the privilege of being a pet owner.  

***Regarding a complaint concerning an issue with pets, Shell Point residents should call Mackenzie Boren at 454-2299.***

Ms. Boren is the Administrative Assistant for Resident Services.  It is through Ms. Boren that you register pets, submit complaints regarding pet issues, and other related issues concerning pets.  If the matter appears to be resolved in an easy manner, Ms. Boren will handle the issue.  Otherwise, the matter will be referred to the Case Manager of the building in which the pet owner resides.  The Case Manager will follow up with the pet owner resident and address the issue and will stay involved to make sure there is compliance.  In the event the pet owner resident fails to comply, the pet will be evicted.  

Any complaints are investigated very thoroughly; however, it is impossible to follow up on complaints without specific details, name of court/building, pet description, and other identifying information.  As a matter of practice, the originator of the complaint is not identified to the pet owner. It is important to get details so that the issue may be reviewed fairly.  As Court Representatives, if you do come across a problem, please furnish Mackenzie Boren as much detail as possible in order to resolve the issue. A file is kept on the complaints as they come in and if they are unresolved, we will move forward to evict the pet.

Richard Maas from Rosemont stated that as an outcome of the meeting, he has seen a few more dog carts for carrying their pets than previously.

All visitors’ pets must abide by Shell Point’s Pet Policy and all Shell Point residents should educate their guests regarding policy. Visiting pets must also conform to the size restriction and Shell Point will enforce that policy.  Visiting pets are not registered with Shell Point and Mrs. Southern will talk to Security about that.  Security will stop cars with large dogs over the weight limit and will turn those cars away.  It is not acceptable to keep pets exceeding the weight limit (or any other pets) in a vehicle while visiting at Shell Point. Pets living at Shell Point, whether full or part time, must comply with the Lee County Animal Control requirements and be licensed and have their shots up-to-date.  

For any resident who does not have a copy of the Pet Policy, please call Mackenzie Boren at 454-2299 and request a copy.   

There has been discussion about giving all Shell Point resident pet owners a door sticker for a couple of reasons:

--Ability to enforce Pet Policy

--Awareness to Emergency Management staff of a pet in residence

--Awareness to Maintenance Staff who must enter a residence in an

    emergency that a pet is in residence 

Mr. Dys stated that the Pet Policy appears to be working and has been instituted to allow pet owners and non-pet owners to live harmoniously.

KING’S CROWN RENOVATION PROJECT

The King’s Crown renovation project is almost finished.  There are one hundred twenty proud recipients of the renovation at King’s Crown.  The construction company is wrapping up its punch list. An Open House for all of Shell Point is scheduled for Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25.  Details are being worked out and a schedule will be publicized very shortly.  Transportation from individual Courts to King’s Crown will be scheduled. Residents are asked to watch for upcoming information.  This procedure is similar to that utilized for the Pavilion Open House and will keep the traffic manageable within the building to ensure better enjoyment of facility.

NOTIFICATION TO COURT REPRESENTATIVES REGARDING RESIDENTS MOVING OUT OF APARTMENTS

The Chair inquired about notification to Court Representatives of residents who move out of an apartment.  Because of privacy regulations, this information may not be distributed prior to such move; however, a procedure should be put in place to disseminate the information once the resident has moved.  Mrs. Southern advised that this procedure is in the process of being started by Ms. Boren who is the keeper of all of the residents’ information.

TIM LOCHRIDGE

2008 AD VALOREM (PROPERTY) TAX

Mr. Lochridge announced that the actual reduction to residents on this tax is 13% on average.  All units will see a significant decrease in taxes this year except for the Garden Apartments.   The Garden Apartments will have small increases of between $50 - $100.  The reason for this increase is that the Legislature instituted a second Homestead Exemption of $25,000 applicable this year.  For residences between $0 - $25,000, the first Homestead Exemption applies.  For residences between $50,000 - $75,000, the second Homestead Exemption applies.  For residences between $25,000 - $50,000, there is no additional exemption. Almost all of the Garden Apartments are assessed under $50,000.  As a result, the Garden Apartments only have the first $25,000 Exemption. In addition, the millage rate has been increased from previous years, resulting in a slightly higher tax. Independent Living residents will be billed for the Ad Valorem Tax in the March 2009 statement and Assisted Living residents will be billed in April. 

SHELL POINT ON-SITE BANKING FACILITY

In December 2008, representatives of Bank of America advised that they were going to close their branch at Shell Point. It was at the bottom 5% of all their branches across the country in volume and in profitability.  Mr. Dys and Mr. Lochridge met with representatives of Bank of America and as a result, Bank of America agreed to keep the branch open here at Shell Point until it could be replaced with another bank. But, Bank of America reduced its hours and also advised it would no longer pay the $40,000 per year rent.  

Management prepared and circulated a Request for Proposal to ten local banks. For various reasons, including the economy, eight banks did not respond.  In addition, because Shell Point’s bank accounts are tied to Bank of America as a result of a Letter of Credit, any new bank coming to Shell Point will not get the Shell Point accounts.   A new bank would get residents’ and employees’ accounts only.  A committee was formed to meet with and interview the two very good banks which responded to the Proposal.  Discussions will include longer banking hours available than what Bank of America is now offering, an ATM, and Shell Point receiving some rent.  It is hopeful that a new bank would consider renovating and have a much nicer looking facility.  Mr. Lochridge expects to name the new bank at Shell Point by April 1, 2009. Mr. Lochridge advised residents to do nothing regarding their current accounts at Bank of America in the event negotiations with the two banks are not successful and Bank of America will continue as it is currently.  

PETER DYS

Mr. Dys updated the Council on the following matters:

SURVEY ALONG SHELL POINT BOULEVARD

At the Quarterly Meeting, Mr. Dys advised that in response to Shell Point inquiries, the surveyors indicated that the survey work along Shell Point Boulevard was being conducted at the request of the Bank.  It has since been learned that the same Canadian owner who purchased the property some years ago is having the survey done.  The property is not held by the Bank.  The survey is being funded by the owner.  The owner is looking to take advantage of the economy where construction could be very reasonable.  There is not much question about what they can do on the West side of the road.  The East side presents an opportunity where something could be done if financial arrangements, permits, etc. can be obtained.  This is a correction to previous information given to residents.

LEGISLATURE IS BACK IN SESSION

The Legislature is back in session.  The next six weeks will be very interesting and there is some trauma that must be very carefully monitored.  Mr. Dys will be there April 1 to attend a State Association Legislative meeting and at that meeting a good indication is given as to what action will be taken.  We want to interface with those legislators to make sure that they understand, especially from our district, the implications of what they are talking about.  

Last year Amendment V was defeated.  That would have opened up a tremendous opportunity for the State to come in and tax new entities in new ways.  That Amendment failed and was put aside.  It was something we did not have to worry about at the time.

Our biggest concern now is that there is a deficit of $2-$6 billion dollars that must be made up.  The fact is that there are a lot of interest groups who can apply a lot of pressure and say they don’t want to cut anything so they will be making some hard decisions on how to fill the coffers.    The most fearful one is legislation in the House right now to remove the tax exempt status from a number of organizations including all meals served in retirement communities and nursing homes. This could affect 95% of the facilities in Florida.

The other matter just as fearful, or more, is a rekindled interest in taxing monthly maintenance fees and Founders’ Fees.  Prospective residents who already have been unable to sell their homes would be subject to a tax on the Founders’ Fees and current residents would have to pay a state tax on their monthly fees.  There is good precedent to fight this, and Mr. Dys promised to stay on top of these matters.  He is working closely with those sponsors and will let them know what this will do and try to carve out other issues that are not 501c-3 organizations.  We will try to be very vigilant for revenue sources that could hurt us.

REMINDERS TO RESIDENTS, EMPLOYEES, AND GUESTS AT SHELL POINT

Mr. Dys presented the following reminders:

USE OF SIDEWALKS ON PERIMETER OF SHELL POINT BY RESIDENTS AND GUESTS

Contained in the Resident Manual, there are specific references to the fact that the perimeter walkways are not to be utilized by bicycles and/or golf carts.  On the internal walkways where it is not possible to separate golf carts and pedestrians, the resident always has the right of way. Those operating a golf cart must get off the walkway and let the pedestrian go by and must drive at a slow, safe speed.  The golf cart must be driven off the sidewalk to let the pedestrian pass safely.  Do not expect the resident to step off the sidewalk.  This is a reminder to all residents of the Island and the Woodlands, as well as employees. Guests driving resident golf carts must adhere to these rules and regulations.  It is the resident’s responsibility to see that guests follow these policies.  Our Security staff will monitor this, but we remind the residents that it is a courtesy and safety issue.   

The Chair mentioned seeing a Shell Point TV ad showing bicycles being ridden on the walkways.  Mr. Dys promised to look into this matter.

Mr. Lanpher addressed the matter of extending common courtesy on the Shell Point Boulevard walk which is utilized by pedestrians and bicycles.  This area is owned by the County.  This is a reminder to all using this path to extend courtesy to others in this area.

Mr. Rodgers stated that the Motor Vehicle Law states that bicycles must be ridden in the same direction as the automobile traffic.   This is not done when bicycles stay on the West side of the road coming into the Village. This creates a problem for vehicles coming out of Palm Acres.  The natural tendency is to look to the left as that is the area from which the traffic is coming.  Bicyclists are coming from the other direction.  They should at least go over to the East side of Shell Point Boulevard once they get to the Palm Acres area.  Mr. Dys stated that regarding safety issues, they are looking into utilizing the East side of the road for a bike path so that bicyclists will not be required to cross over. He is also asking residents not to operate golf carts on the Shell Point Boulevard bike path.

USE OF POOL AND POOL AREA

When guests are using the facilities at Shell Point, remember it is “Residents first; then guests”.  Please ask guests to use common courtesy and common sense when using the pool.  No food/drink is allowed at the pool and in the pool area.   

Also, reminding guests that there is a no smoking policy in effect at Shell Point would be a great help in eliminating an awkward situation.

PARKING ISSUES

This time of year there are legitimate parking concerns when there are various activities in the Social Center, the Village Church, the Resident Activities Center.  With all the cars and golf carts, there are complaints that there are no places to park.  Administration tries to make overflow parking space in some other areas.  Residents are urged to use the common transportation that is made available by Shell Point.   Parking of cars in non-parking areas such as on the grass, in the intersections of the highway, and parking at the emergency areas at the Pavilion and the access area to the Medical Center is not the acceptable thing to do.  Emergency parking is for the Fire Department only which has priority.  Fire Department vehicles will park in the roadway if no space is available and could stay for long periods of time, blocking traffic.

Residents operating golf carts are urged not to park in the spaces in the Administrative Circle.  Park golf carts in the areas designated for golf carts to the rear of the Crystal Dining Room near the Bank area.  This will free up areas for cars to be parked in the Administrative Circle.  Please be sensitive to those matters and that should relieve tensions.

REPORTS OF THE REPRESENTATIVES OF COURTS, KING’S CROWN, ARBOR AND PAVILION

Mary Fountain submitted a copy of the Larsen Pavilion Resident Council Meeting, Notes from February 5, 2009.

Carol Palermo discussed the matter of a resident having a large oxygen tank placed on the lanai which is illegal.  This was through the Veterans Administration Services in St. Petersburg which delivered the oxygen tank to the residence.  There are smaller oxygen tanks available for smaller apartments.  This particular matter was addressed today but is presented for future reference.  Mr. Dys will check with Social Services regarding this matter.

Nancy McDowell reported a recent incident involving a resident who was by choice not on the Morning Assurance Call Program who fell in her bathroom about 1 a.m. and could not get to the call cord and was found by her neighbor about twelve hours later.  A discussion was had at that Court meeting regarding having an emergency cord in the bathrooms.  Carol Palermo suggested that it might be better for the resident to have a Medic Alert Button.  Lee Memorial Auxiliary has a plan that helps with payment if the resident is not able to afford the $40 per month fee.  Perhaps the Case Manager could follow up on this matter.

Richard Maas indicated that during a previous discussion of the matter of the emergency cord, residents were told not to rely on them but to call 911 if there is a problem.  Mr. Maass stated that some do not work; he as well as a neighbor had problems with the emergency cord.  Mr. Dys stated that Shell Point rarely has a system that does not work.  The system is called the “Response System”.  Even if that system works, residents are encouraged in a true emergency or have a life threatening issue to call 911 first and then hit the Response System.  The emergency services through 911 take about 6 – 8 minutes and should be called to get them on their way promptly.  Shell Point does not have the emergency equipment such as a defibrillator and other technical equipment.  

Mike Klein understands that the Response System has not been tested since he has been here – 10 years.  There was a discussion as to testing this system with the suggestion that each resident test the button on their birthday to spread out the testing.  Mr. Dys stated that the system has been tested in the past, and he will look in to the matter further.

The Chair announced that last year stickers were distributed to residents to put on their telephones encouraging residents to call 911 and then to call Security to advise they have done this.  Perhaps new residents have not received these stickers.  Stickers may be obtained through the Administration office.  

OLD BUSINESS 

Matters under Old Business were previously presented.

NEW BUSINESS

The Chair announced a new committee for the 2009 Employees’ Christmas Gift Fund.  The Chair is Phyllis Ingalls from Eagles Preserve.  Members of the committee are Herb Wilcox from Royal Bonnet; Jane Hoden from Oakmont, and Judy Brock from Eagles Preserve.  The committee was endorsed on motion duly made, seconded, and unanimously carried.

The Chair announced that he is very enthusiastic about this year’s Committee.  Last year’s Committee was great and we will have another great Committee this year.   Herb Wilcox was on last year’s Committee and it is nice to have a carryover for this year,  The Chair of this committee has talked to Chuck Durrell at length before accepting the position and talked to some of the key people at Shell Point who support this effort,  like Cindy O’Grady and Karen Urbanowicz.  There will be a report of a Plan at the April 1, 2009 meeting.

SUGGESTIONS FOR THE GOOD OF SHELL POINT

Carol Palermo read a letter from Sylvia Chamberlain of Royal Bonnet who suggested that there are many single residents at Shell Point and she suggested a “Meet Your Neighbor Table” for dining at the Crystal Dining Room for those who would like company at mealtimes.    Mr. Dys will pass this information along to the dining staff.  

Ted Rogers suggested that the new banking hours at Bank of America be included on the last page of the Weekly Reminder.

The Chair distributed a list and asked the Court Representatives to indicate the number of posters required for distribution.

NEXT MEETING DATE

The next meeting of Shell Point Residents’ Council will be held Wednesday, April 1, 2009, at 8:45 a.m. in the Social Center on the Island.

CLOSING PRAYER AND ADJOURNMENT

The closing prayer was given by Harriet Reece and the meeting was adjourned at 9:55 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Linda Nickerson, Recording Secretary

Attachment:

Larsen Pavilion Resident Council Meeting – February 5, 2009