ATTENDANCE BY COURT:
Arbor
Winona Whitehead
Cameo
Russel Peters
Cellana
Gerry Wilson
Coquina
John Bendall
Eagles Preserve
Jerry Ingalls
Harbor Court
Joan Perry
Junonia
John Gill (Send Minutes to Mary Ellen Taylor)
King's Crown
Sidney Hansen
Lakewood
Fritz Knox
Lucina
Thomas Timothy
Macoma
Pat Straup
Nautilus
Mike Klein
Oakmont
Bill Lanpher
Palm Acres
Joan Kelly (Send Minutes to Ted Rodgers)
Parkwood
Peter Lekouses (Send Minutes to Donald Miltner)
Pavilion
William Staples
Periwinkle
Grayce Gore
Rosemont
Richard Maass
Royal Bonnet
Sylvia Chamberlin
Sand Dollar
Harold Waldron
Sundial
Chris Gooden
Tellidora
Norman Arnold
Turban
John Schulke
CALL TO ORDER AND OPENING PRAYER
Chairman Lanpher called the meeting to order at 8:45 AM and Gerry
Wilson offered the opening prayer.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The Chair reported an update from Dawn Boren regarding CENSUS
FORMS. There still is some confusion regarding the delivery of
forms to all Shell Point residential addresses. Dawn has
been in constant communication with the Field Supervisor who hopes all
will be resolved within the next few weeks. If residents chose to
communicate with the Field Supervisor regarding this situation, please
call 1-866-872-6868. Dawn is requesting all residents to be
patient regarding this situation. Any updated information will be
conveyed on Shell Point TV and posted on court bulletin boards.
ROLL CALL OF COURT REPRESENTATIVES
The roll was called with those present listed above.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF APRIL 7, 2010, RESIDENTS' COUNCIL MEETING AND
APPROVAL OF AGENDA FOR TODAY
On motion duly made, seconded, and unanimously passed, the Minutes of
April 7, 2010, were approved as submitted. It was noted, however,
that there has been an update on the information for Tenant's Insurance
that was distributed by Scott Moore. Although State Farm is not issuing
new policies, it is renewing existing policies.
The Proposed Agenda for the Residents Council for May 5, 2010, was
distributed to each Court Representative present, and on motion duly
made, seconded, and unanimously passed was approved as amended.
Mr. Maass requested that an addition be made to New Business in the
Agenda regarding the matter of window washing.
STAFF REMARKS
PETER DYS
Mr. Dys reported on the following items:
Mileage Markers: The mileage markers on the perimeter walk around the
Island have been repainted.
Ladders and Life Saving Devices: There are now ladders and
life saving devices at or near the area between Tellidora and the
beach.
Bike Paths between the Island and the Woodlands: The bike path
between the Island and the Woodlands is for the use of pedestrians and
bicyclists. Although residents of Shell Point are advised NOT TO DRIVE
GOLF CARTS ON THE BIKE PATH BETWEEN THE ISLAND AND SHELL POINT, this
practice continues by residents as well as staff of Shell Point.
All drivers of golf carts who use this bike path are asked to move off
the path when pedestrians and/or bicyclists are present. This is
a common courtesy and a safety issue concern for pedestrians and
bicyclists.
Occupancy: Shell Point is enjoying reasonable and appropriate levels of
occupancy at this time. Currently, 92.6% of our units are
occupied and generating revenue. The number of units sold is
98.7%, but there are several individuals awaiting closing on their
current real estate. Throughout the State of Florida the
average occupancy of similar facilities to Shell Point is 83-85%.
There are 11 facilities in Florida, including Shell Point, with over
90% occupancy. Currently there are 15 Units available in our
entire inventory of 1200 units. Closure is a problem and a major issue
for those units sold, but not closed. Shell Point has recently hired a
Home Sales Resource Coordinator who will assist individuals regarding
the related activities of a sale of their current real estate.
This Coordinator will be introduced to the new purchasers, discuss
resources, offer services including making property ready for sale,
suggest realtors who will list their property, help people close,
and other related activities.
Budget: The 2011 Budget for Shell Point is a challenge and will be
presented to the Board next week for official action. The most
serious challenge is the employees' insurance premiums. The loss
ratio is high and a number of our employees are older; 70-80 employees
are over the age of 65. Also, there are a dominant number of
women employees whose care is covered. Statistically these two
circumstances raise the premiums. The premium increase for
employees' health insurance at Shell Point is approximately $700,000,
which is a huge increase to absorb in operations. Shell Point will be
introducing employee programs with emphasis directed to wellness.
The National Health Care System is an issue that will be facing
us. Details are unknown at this time and what the consequences
will be for Shell Point is a concern. Two groups will be coming
in next week to address this issue and present to the Board the
ramifications to facilities such as Shell Point. One matter of
great concern to Shell Point is the Medicare reimbursement to our
physicians. This policy was to take effect April 1st and was then
extended to June 1st, and perhaps will be extended to October 1 of
2010. Physicians in the Lee County community have between 30-40%
Medicare patients, but many will not accept any additional Medicare
patients because they would not be able to meet their expenses. Shell
Point Medical Center physicians have 100% Medicare patients. If some of
those cuts go through, and we have not budgeted for those cuts, this
will be a major factor for Shell Point with a loss of revenue of
$250,000. There is only one place to subsidize this from and that
is from the residents of Shell Point.
Shell Point did its best to stay within the CPI level and have tried to
put into place some plan for employees' salary increase.
Employees have had no increase for a year and a half and this matter
has been addressed in the new budget. The budget
preparation is now behind us and we have done extremely well this
year. We are pleased that with our level of occupancy and the
production financially that we have demonstrated, it looks to be a very
good year.
The Pavilion Administration Building Campaign: We have decided to
proceed with the project based on the confidence that the residents of
Shell Point will help us reach our goal of $1,500,000. To date we
have raised $1,305,000 and we are $195,000 from our final goal. We have
until the first quarter of 2011 and we are continuing with our campaign
to reach that goal. There are 710 donors; 52% of all
residents at Shell Point.
Legislative Session: There is a controversy and debate regarding
the actions of Florida Governor Christ bolting from the
party. This has created a whole new set of issues.
Representatives have commented that they have never seen anything like
it. As a result, there are a few issues that do affect Shell
Point:
A. There was no attempt to start
taxing some of the services provided through a not-for-profit
corporation. The state will be living on Federal subsidy funds
that are promised, but if that goes away the state will be looking real
quick for additional revenue. The activity going on in the Gulf
right now is going to do the same thing because it has a huge impact on
state-operating budgets.
B. One issue that went through
with virtually no changes was Chapter 651, State Insurance Commission,
under which we fall as an organization. It sets out all the
guidelines for how these operations must take place in protecting the
resources and investments the residents have made. This was a
result of a task force that was put together last year of which Mr. Dys
was a part. Six members re-wrote the legislation. The only
significant change is that throughout the document there is more
transparency that we are trying to make clear within the legislation.
Insuring that what Shell Point is currently doing is transparent in
other organizations. The Residents' Association in the state was
looking for an example because some organizations are not making things
available or transparent. The other thing it did was to make a
change requiring facilities to be audited by the state every three
years. The state had the right to come in at any time there was a
complaint or notice of not meeting certain standards. For
example, if there was not the proper amount of cash set aside to
protect the residents' investment in Shell Point, the state would have
the right to come in and conduct an audit. Currently the audit is
done every three years; the proposal was to have the audit done every
five years. There was some concern that it was not enough,
especially for some troubled facilities. The legislation now says
that the audit should be done every three years for a non-accredited
facility. Shell Point is accredited by the Continuing Care
Accreditation Commission which monitors its financial performance every
year and therefore will be audited every five years..
C. There is now a requirement for
automated external defibrillators in all assisted living facilities. In
the event of an apparent heart stoppage, a lay person could locate the
unit and revive the individual. Several years ago we were on the
cutting edge of that and we had six or eight of them around the campus
and at the Medical Center. We pulled them out on the advice of
our attorney because there was more liability by having them than not
having them. There were numerous negative circumstances and
issues which could occur, including a "do not resuscitate" order, lack
of proper training and no periodic testing of the
equipment. A number of facilities who have had them got rid
of them advising their residents if they wanted a defibrillator to buy
it themselves - about $1,000 per unit. Shell Point will now have
to spend several thousand dollars to put this into our assisted living
facilities. Also, there will be additional costs and expenses involving
keeping the equipment operational and proper training for the
staff. That is a mandate to be in effect by July 2011.
D. Shell Point is required to have
a Level II enhanced background screening for each employee who provides
personal care or services to residents or who have access to residents'
funds, personal property, or living areas, and for contractors who
provide personal care or personal services directly to
them. That means anyone, including home health staff,
physicians, etc., who comes into your apartment, assisted living,
or skilled care facilities, must be fingerprinted and have an FBI
background check. The cost is between $50-75 per person times
approximately 400 employees equals approximately $20,000 each
year. This must be done every 5 years. Initially the
requirement was that any volunteer working in those areas would have
the same background check which would have been another $75 per
person. That provision was set aside and is out of the system.
E. Elevators in multi-story
facilities are the focus of numerous legislative activities. At
Shell Point most all of our elevators have met the standards, or are in
the process of being upgraded and will be completed within the next
fiscal year. The standards include where keys are located, overrun
keys, and other emergency issues tied to that.
Mr. Dys completed his presentation. The Chair commended Mr. Dys
and the staff for the tremendous upgrade on the employees' newsletter
entitled "Currents". Plans are in the system to upgrade the
newsletters for the assisted living and skilled care facilities. The
new process is actually less expensive than the previous black and
white newsletters. Lynn Schneider and her staff are to be
congratulated on this success of producing a better product at a better
price.
STEVE MINNIEAR
Currently King's Crown occupancy is strong with 116 units occupied out
of 120. The Arbor occupancy is strong with 126 units occupied out
of 130. The occupancy rate is 96.8% in the assisted living
facilities. The skilled nursing facility has 187 residents; 2
Hospice; 33 Medicare.
The state has completed their Annual Survey of the skilled nursing
facility with only 6 minor deficiencies which are of little
concern. We are very pleased that the investigation of 4-5
surveyors for 5 days resulted in that level of positive recognition by
State agencies. Sherry and her staff are doing a great job.
Regarding the physician reimbursement schedule, it is hoped that the
extension will be pushed out past June 1 to October 1. With these
extensions and deadlines, we always fear that they will eventually stop
extending it.
There are a number of "Boil Water Notices" posted in the Pavilion
because of the work being done to build the Administration Building as
well as the Rehab Center. We had to cut some water lines and
bottled water is being brought in. Ice is being brought down from
the Crystal Dining Room. The notice is expected to be released on
Friday after appropriate testing to make sure the water is back up to
drinking standards.
On a personal note, Mr. Minniear thanked the many who sent him cards
and notes related to his mother's passing last month. Mrs.
Minniear was extremely happy at Shell Point; she loved the King's
Crown, residents and staff. Hospice Care was wonderful.
BOB SOUTHERN
The annual Resident Hurricane Meeting was held May 4, 2010.
Hopefully, lots of residents will watch this program on Shell Point
Television. About half the people in the audience attending the
Meeting on May 4th were here during Hurricane Charlie. Lots of
preparation is involved in getting ready for the hurricane season. Mr.
Southern said he always hopes it is a waste of effort and that we have
no hurricanes.
Mr. Southern distributed the Annual Resident Survey to all Court
Representatives. The form is similar to that of last year, but
some small changes have been made in order to simplify the
process. If there are any questions, please call Bob Southern at
454-8792. Recognizing that some residents are absent, Court
Representatives were asked to complete and return the Survey Forms to
Bob Southern within a 3-week period, if possible. However, he
would like to have them returned no later than June 1. Note on
the form if a resident is absent and Mr. Southern will attempt to
contact those residents and complete the information. This
applies to residents who have temporarily vacated their apartments as
well as those absentee residents who do not live at Shell Point on a
regular basis.
REPORTS OF THE REPRESENTATIVES OF COURTS, KING'S CROWN, ARBOR AND
PAVILION
Bill Staples submitted a copy of the Larsen Pavilion Resident Council
Meeting, Notes from April 1, 2010, a copy of which is attached to
these Minutes.
OLD BUSINESS
Employee Christmas Gift Committee: Kate Mondello, Chair, reported
that a letter to all residents was sent in early May kicking off the
2010 Employee Christmas Gift campaign. Special attention was
given regarding the request to residents to enroll in the monthly
contribution option. Shell Point employees have not
received a pay increase in a year and a half. Because of
the stresses on our pocketbooks regarding the Pavilion Administration
Building campaign, we are concerned that we will not be able to raise
the amount of money we want to raise this year. We
would really like to exceed our last year's goal. We are
highlighting the monthly contribution option and are encouraging
residents to participate in this option. There will
be a "three-pronged approach": green letter and form to fill out
for monthly contributions, Christmas! Really? Article in the May 2010
issue of Shell Point Life and next week an interview on Shell Point
Television with Mrs. Claus. ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS TO GET ON BOARD WITH
THE MONTHLY CONTRIBUTION PROGRAM. The Committee is now going into a low
activity mode until it starts gearing up in preparation for fall
activities.
Orientation of New Court Representatives Process Review
Committee:. John Schulke, Chair, announced that a meeting of the
Committee was held April 20, 2010, attended by Committee members, John
Schulke, Russel Peters, and Pat Straup with guests Rita Southern, Paul
Yacovitch representing Shell Point, and Bill Sanders (Guest
Support). Mr. Schulke discussed the objectives of this Committee,
and submitted a copy of the Committee's Report dated May 5, 2010, to be
attached to the Minutes of this Council Meeting. Although the Committee
is still quite a way from a final product, things are happening.
Harold Waldron commented on "Standing Rules" governed by the
By-Laws. Upon Mr. Schulke's request, Mr. Waldron will provide him
with a copy of any information he has regarding the "Standing Rules".
The Chair thanked Mr. Schulke and his committee members for the fine
job they are doing.
NEW BUSINESS
Richard Maass presented the matter of WINDOW WASHING at Shell
Point. Although the Shell Point housekeeping schedule handout
referred to interior/exterior windows cleaning; and the Shell Point
Resident Manual dated June 2009 states that staff will clean exterior
windows and shampoo carpets on a periodic schedule basis, it appears
that this has not been performed and for approximately a year and a
half many buildings throughout Shell Point have not received the
benefit of this procedure.
SUGGESTIONS FOR THE GOOD OF SHELL POINT. The following were
suggestions for the good of Shell Point:
1. Chris Gooden presented the matter of overgrown shrubs in the
area of FineMark Bank and the Crystal Dining room which make it
difficult to use all the golf cart parking spaces, together with a
request to trim these shrubs.
2. Norman Arnold submitted a proposal that a bike rack be
provided near the entrance to the Island where Security could point it
out to cyclists as they enter. Perhaps this would help in
avoiding bikes being ridden on the Pedestrian Path.
Mr. Dys stated that this is an issue that is extremely difficult to
implement. There are cyclists who ride on the road and on the
bike paths. Mr. Dys stated that it is preferable that Security
staff handle this situation. Residents and their visitors ride
bikes throughout the Island. We have bikers who come onto the
Island and ride around, going to the Crystal Dining Room and coffee
shops on campus.
Residents' visitors riding bikes is a sensitive situation. We
prefer not to intervene with residents' families. Currently Security
staff is trying to warn bikers as they come through the gate that they
are welcome but note where it is permissible to ride bikes on the
Island. If residents see bikers at areas where no bike riding is
allowed, inform Security and let them handle the matter.
Mr. Dys will present this situation to the Security staff for their
recommendations regarding this matter.
RESIDENTS: Please advise all of your guests using your bike or
golf cart of the rules which apply to both residents and their guests.
3. Joan Perry reported that several residents of Harbor Court,
Sundial, and Sand Dollar have reported that their dishes are not
cleaned thoroughly after a complete dishwasher cycle and inquired if
there is a problem with the water.
Mr. Dys will address this matter with staff, but stated that
dishwashers sometimes react to the types of dishwasher
detergents. There are products that take out the chemical buildup
that does occur in the dishwasher. He will provide further
information at the next Residents' Council meeting.
NEXT MEETING DATE
The next meeting of Shell Point Residents' Council will be held
Wednesday, June 2, 2010, at 8:45 AM in the Social Center on the
Island. The Chair reminded Court Representatives that there will
be NO Shell Point Residents' Council Meetings in July and August of
2010.
CLOSING PRAYER AND ADJOURNMENT
The closing prayer was given by Gerry Wilson the meeting was adjourned
at 9:45 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Nickerson, Recording Secretary
Attachments:
Council Representative Orientation Committee Report - May 5, 2010
Richard Maass, Rosemont Court Representative - Window Washing
Chris Gooden, Sundial Court Representative - Overgrown Shrubs
Norman Arnold, Tellidora Court Representative - Avoiding Bikes on
Pedestrian Path
Joan Perry, Harbor Court Representative - Dishes Not Thoroughly Cleaned
Notes from Larsen Pavilion Resident Council Meeting - April 1, 2010