• CALL TO ORDER AND OPENING PRAYER
Chairman Lanpher called the meeting to order at 8:45 a.m. and Chaplain Gerry Palmquist offered the opening prayer.
• ANNOUNCEMENTS
United Way Campaign
Chairman Lanpher was pleased to make the following announcement regarding the United Way Fund Drive at Shell Point: As of this date, generous residents of Shell Point have contributed the sum of $90,531. The goal was $50,000. As of the February 2, 2011 Residents' Council Meeting, a total of $48,000 had been contributed to United Way. Past performances included: 2007 - $97,000; 2008 - $70,000; 2009 - $61,000; and 2010 - $74,000. The residents of Shell Point have been most generous in their contributions to the United Way Fund Drive and the Chairman thanked the Shell Point residents who have contributed to this worthwhile project.
• ROLL CALL OF COURT REPRESENTATIVES
The roll was called with those present listed above.
• APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 2, 2011, RESIDENTS' COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA FOR TODAY
On motion duly made, seconded, and unanimously passed, the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Shell Point Residents' Council of February 2, 2011, were approved as submitted.
The Proposed Agenda for the Residents' Council for the March 2, 2011, meeting was distributed to each Court Representative, and on motion duly made, seconded, and unanimously passed was approved.
• STAFF REMARKS
PETER DYS
Nursing/Assisted Living Facilities: 183 of our 191 beds are occupied in our nursing center. Assisted living facilities are either occupied or committed.
Ad Valorem (Property) Tax: Mr. Dys introduced Tim Lochridge, CFO, who spoke regarding the Ad Valorem Tax, payable by each Shell Point Resident. Mr. Lochridge distributed an example of and presented a verbal explanation for the manner in which the Ad Valorem (Property) Taxes are calculated for each individual residential unit. For the first time, included in the March 2011 resident's monthly statement will be an explanation of how such taxes are calculated. The enclosure is an explanation only and the actual tax amount due is also included in the March bill. If, after reviewing the "Explanation of the Calculation", you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the Finance department. The calculations are made on an individual basis, so your tax amount will probably not be the same as your neighbor's tax amount.
Mr. Lochridge reviewed the Florida's "Save Our Homes" program, which has been in effect since the 1980's. The "Save Our Homes" credit is decreasing because of the decline in property values. Mr. Lochridge explained that Shell Point residents build up their credit for each year they live here in Florida. Residents get the SAVE OUR HOMES credit as well as the HOMESTEAD exemption.
Mr. Lochridge advised that the actual amount of taxes paid by Shell Point in November 2010 was $2,100,000, having taken advantage of the 4% discount from the County. The total assessed value for all Shell Point properties came down 3.1%; however, the taxable value increased by 1.6% (the amount used to actually calculate our taxes). This is due to the "Save Our Homes" recapture rule currently in effect. The millage rate increased 1%, and our total taxes due increased 2.6% from the prior year.
Mr. Dys thanked Mr. Lochridge and his staff for the significant amount of work they are doing and for the excellent work they have been doing with the County. Also, thanks to the Lee County Property Appraiser's Office for working so well with Shell Point.
Century Link: Mr. Dys reported on the situation regarding Century Link. The feedback from Shell Point staff is that on March 2, 2011, the Century Link infrastructure will be complete, which will show improvements in picture quality, and a resolution of the lack of audio and lip sync problems. These problems should resolve 99% of the digital issues. Following these improvements, these kinds of picture problems will only be coming from those broadcast companies that Century Link cannot control; it happens at the head end and not Shell Point's end. On or about March 17, 2011, additional electronic equipment will be installed. This will boost our signal and remove the remainder of signal problems.
All of the remaining televisions that fail to have good reception will be moved to a copper link service at the expense of Century Link by March 17, 2011. These televisions will receive the basic lineup and will be able to switch over to Shell Point TV to watch other channels. We continue to have Century Link's attention, and Century Link continues to exert itself to address these issues. We will then look at contractual documents if Shell Point is satisfied with these conclusions. We do remain on target with Century Link.
Residents are urged to call 454-2190 as quickly as possible if problems exist or continue with their TV reception..
Palm Acres Bus Stop: It was determined that it would not be a wise, reasonable, or feasible move to create a bus stop in Palm Acres for Shell Point residents pick-up. Creating stop areas throughout Palm Acres would present numerous potential dangers to Shell Point residents. There are significant dangers including folks standing along the road and/or golf carts parked on the grass. Palm Acres residents are encouraged to use the currently available transportation from the Island to one location or another.
Resident Council Meetings Broadcast Feasibility: Following a previous discussion and request regarding the possibility of television coverage for the Resident Council meetings available through the Shell Point TV system, Mr. Dys discussed this matter at length with the Shell Point Staff and looked at various options and the pros and cons of the issues involved. Those elements were reduced to ten items that were included and distributed to each Court Representative with the current agenda.
The Chair invited any questions regarding the subject distribution. Mr. Dys was asked to read Items 9 and 10 in full. Regarding Item 9, Mr. Dys stated that the precedent issue cannot be minimized. There are strong passionate pleas from other activities throughout the community to have TV coverage. This is an issue we cannot ignore.
Item 10 addresses the issue of what is good for the community. The only way it can be broadcast live is in the Auditorium at a specific location. That would take up the entire building for a relatively small number of people and will involve additional manpower. If it were televised in the Social Center, there would be a fixed camera focused on a certain area and there would be no flexibility of moving the camera which would not be good for programming.
Two matters are important regarding the development of the television system: it can be significant fiscal encroachment - the equipment is the least expensive, but the manpower required to support this expectation would incur huge expenses which would have to be passed along to the residents. The other matter was the quality in the system. Shell Point has excellent quality and there is no interest in reducing the quality, which the subject request could do.
STEVE MINNIEAR
Census Report: The Pavilion presently has 186 beds occupied, including 35 Medicare A patients. The Arbor has 129 units occupied with 1 unit reserved. King's Crown currently has 117 units occupied with 3 units reserved.
Responding to a prior inquiry regarding the availability and purchase of diabetic supplies from the Shell Point Pharmacy, Mr. Minniear addressed the matter in detail and set forth the criteria required for the Shell Point Pharmacy to engage in the sale of diabetic supplies. The very specific qualifications required for the Pharmacy to provide these diabetic supplies include:
- A prescription is required with a diagnosis code provided by the ordering physician
- Instructions related to the use of the Diabetic Supplies
- Medicare Card/Number required. The Pharmacy will bill the cost directly through the supply company EMDEON
- Deductible will be taken into account if not previously met.
Any needed item may be ordered. If it is not in stock, it can be ordered for residents. Attached to these Minutes for your easy reference please find PHARMACY DME.
Mr. Minniear stated that requests to tour the Rehab Center/Pavilion have been received from Courts and other specialty groups. This is a very busy, working operation and there are as many as 35 patients receiving treatment at any given time. It is just not possible to offer any tours because of the volume of work done daily.
MR. MINNIEAR ISSUED A PLEA TO NOT USE THE REHAB CENTER ENTRANCE AS AN ENTRYWAY TO THE PAVILION.
There are a number of folks entering the Pavilion by walking through the Rehab Center. This area is for clinical use only and not to be used as an entrance; please respect the privacy and dignity of residents receiving intensive therapy sessions.
Annual Surveys: The Pavilion remains in the Survey window. The Annual Survey entails 4-5 days of review by up to 8 surveyors. Notices will be posted when the surveyors arrive. It is an unannounced Survey so Shell Point is not aware of when they will be coming.
Specialists on Campus/New Chiropractor: Dr. Charles Fulton (275-0770) is a new Chiropractor on campus. Scheduled appointments are at the Arbor Specialty Center on Tuesdays.
Attached to these Minutes please find a list of the SPECIALTY PHYSICIANS at Shell Point Island/Arbor Medical Center.
Mobile Mammography Unit: Shell Point now has a Mobile Mammography Bus on campus. It is scheduled to be on campus again on Monday, March 14. It is a walk in facility and no appointment is required. The Bus will be on campus at least once per month and generally parks in front of the Village Church. The process usually takes approximately 15-30 minutes, with no prescription required.
• 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 2, 2011, a copy of which is attached to these Minutes.
• OLD BUSINESS
Report of Election and Procedures Review Committee
Chair Jerry Ingalls reported a meeting of his committee consisting of Joan Perry, John Schulke, and Lowell Schulz. The committee met once and will meet March 9. A final product will be available at the April 6, 2011 meeting, however, it is hoped that the final product will be distributed to each Court Representative prior to the April Meeting for careful review by each Court Representative. Mr. Ingalls thanked those who submitted comments for review by the committee.
• NEW BUSINESS
Consideration of televising meetings of Residents Council:
Chairman Lanpher opened the floor for discussion of this matter.
Discussions by Court Representatives stated that after consideration of the cost and other pertinent matters, this project would be too costly compared to what would be gained. Any issues can be thoroughly addressed by this Council. The costs and potential for reduced services for things that would be more beneficial are greater than the benefit received from televising the Residents' Council Meetings.
There appears to be only a casual interest in these meetings as evidenced by the number of residents who attend the Council Meetings. Residents get all the details from the Court Representative reports and Minutes which are in great detail.
After discussion, on motion duly made, seconded, and unanimously carried, it was determined to terminate any further action regarding this matter. The motion passed with no negative votes.
Available Handicap Parking Access: A question arose asking if there is anything that can be done to expand availability of handicap parking access. Mr. Dys addressed this situation. There is handicap parking available which meets and/or exceeds County as well as ADA requirements. This matter has been addressed and reviewed at length and in depth. Additional handicap parking spaces have been added. In addition, residents are urged and encouraged to use the bus transportation. Because of handicap limitations, this problem occurs at the individual Courts. Administration remains sensitive to this situation. There is a new, smaller vehicle coming which will provide additional handicap access. When the proper handicap parking signs are posted, Administration will be more aggressive about enforcing handicap parking.
Another matter of concern is those parking Golf Carts in the automobile parking spaces. Golf Carts should be parked in designated areas between the FineMark Bank and the Administration Building.
There are some additional issues presently being pursued. Some policy changes have been made aimed at trying to keep 100+ parking spaces between the area of the Guest House and the Church as well as from the Medical Center to the Social Center all reserved for residents only and not to be used by employees. There are specific areas we are trying to refine around the new Pavilion entrance and Rehab section designated as space for residents and some unmarked spaces for residents and guests. If there is more need for parking near the Pavilion, that area will be restricted for residents and guests. Evenings and weekends present a problem because employees park in areas near the Pavilion and the Welcome Center. There are now some fixed areas for parking designated for residents and some for employees.
Consideration of Alternate Location of Residents' Council Meetings:
After discussion, on motion duly made, seconded, and unanimously carried, it was determined that no changes would be made to the location of Residents' Council Meetings. The motion passed with no negative votes.
For clarification, such Council Meetings will continue to be held at the Island Social Center with the provision that occasionally such meetings will be held at other locations such at the Grand Cypress Room at the Woodlands.
Chairman Lanpher pointed out that two meetings of the Residents' Council have been scheduled for April 6, 2011 and October 5, 2011, at the Grand Cypress Room at the Woodlands. Also noted is the fact that these two meetings will commence at 9:00 o'clock AM in order to accommodate transportation schedules to the Woodlands.
• SUGGESTIONS FOR THE GOOD OF SHELL POINT
The following suggestions were made for the good of Shell Point:
--Various suggestions for golf cart traffic interacting with Pedestrians, Automobiles, and parking. A copy of the note is attached to these Minutes.
--Blue Bus pick-up for residents at Lakewood to travel to the Arbor and to the Woodlands restaurants. A copy of the note is attached to these Minutes. This matter will be investigated by Mr. Dys.
--ShellPoint.net information regarding menu availability at the various Shell Point restaurants would be helpful if it included one full week for the following month as part of the current calendar. Administration was asked to address this matter.
--Internal Mail Distribution to Courts should be reviewed with the thought to curb wasteful use of stationary and other supplies. It was suggested that the various submissions be simply posted with only an address label to the appropriate party. Do not use scotch tape or staples. Discontinuing envelopes of all sizes would be beneficial not only for convenience, but also to eliminate waste. A more efficient manner is distributing this information for posting on Court bulletin boards should be implemented to the cost savings for everyone. In some instances, this cost is borne by Shell Point Administration.
It was noted that Lakewood and Parkwood have two lobbies so that information to be posted should be distributed in two copies.
Palm Acres has no bulletin boards and requires 20 copies of any material for distribution. Mr. Dys stated that there is no central station to control such distributions by the various organizations and groups which distribute bulletin board notices. Mr. Dys suggested that the best management of these announcements would be to place them on Shell Point TV or the internet at shellpoint.net. One criticism of these procedures is that not every resident would get the information if they did not access these two methods of disbursement of information. It was also suggested that the use of reusable inter-office envelopes by Court Representatives might be beneficial in distributing information.
• NEXT MEETING DATES
The next Regular Meeting of the Shell Pont Residents' Council will be held Wednesday, **April 6, 2011, at 9:00 a.m. at the GRAND CYPRESS ROOM, WOODLANDS COMMONS**
Following is the Residents' Council Regular Meeting Schedule for 2011*:
May 4 - Social Center - Island
June 1 - Social Center - Island
SUMMER BREAK
Sept. 7 - Social Center - Island
Oct. 5 - GRAND CYPRESS ROOM - WOODLANDS*
Nov. 2 - Social Center - Island
Dec. 7 - Social Center - Island
• CLOSING PRAYER AND ADJOURNMENT
The closing prayer was given by Chaplain Palmquist. The meeting was adjourned at 9:55 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Nickerson, Recording Secretary
