SHELL POINT RESIDENTS' COUNCIL MEETING
Regular Meeting – Social Center - The Island
Minutes – May 4, 2011
Attachments Located Below

Attendance by Court

Arbor - Bob Silva
Cameo - Russel Peters
Cellana - Gerry Wilson
Coquina - John Bendall
Eagles Preserve - Jerry Ingalls
Harbor Court - Joan Perry
Junonia - John Gill
King's Crown - Jean Field
Lakewood - Bobbie Phillips
Lucina - Tom Timothy
Macoma - Pat Straup
Nautilus - Mike Klein
Oakmont - Bill Lanpher
Palm Acres - Ted Rodgers
Parkwood - Carol Ann Ormes
Pavilion - Mary Fountain
Periwinkle - Grayce Gore
Rosemont - Janet Medina
Royal Bonnet - Sylvia Chamberlin
Sand Dollar - Harold Waldron
Sundial - Lowell Schulz
Tellidora - Megs Singer
Turban - John Schulke


• CALL TO ORDER AND OPENING PRAYER

Chairman Lanpher called the meeting to order at 8:45 a.m. and introduced Chaplain Gerry Palmquist who offered the opening prayer.

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• ANNOUNCEMENTS & CHAIR REMARKS

The Chair reported that Bob Silva is now the Court Representative for the Arbor and officially has a name plate.

The Chair also announced that there are no assigned seats at the Council meetings. Court Representatives may sit wherever they choose.

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• ROLL CALL OF COURT REPRESENTATIVES

The roll was called with those present listed above.

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• APPROVAL OF MINUTES

OF APRIL 6, 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 April 6, 2011, were approved as submitted.

The Proposed Agenda for the Residents’ Council Meeting for May 4, 2011, was distributed to each Court Representative, and on motion duly made, seconded, and unanimously passed was adopted.

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• STAFF REMARKS

PETER DYS

Occupancy: Mr. Dys stated that as of May 2, 2011, the occupancy rate of units drawing fees is 94.1% and is projected to be 95.3% by the end of June 30, 2011. As of Thursday of last week, 100% of the Shell Point units were sold. There were still 4 or 5 units that were available to sell and names were reserved on all apartments to be released. The number of units sold is also tied to the discount offers during March and April and resulted in the sale of 48 units which equates to 5-1/2 units per week. There are 39 who have indicated move-in dates prior to June 30, 2011. This figure could go up or down depending on some of the folks selling their homes earlier.

These statistics are wonderful. Some of Shell Point’s major competitors in and around the Shell Point area are in the mid to upper 70% drawing fees. The State average still tends to be in the low to mid 80%. Even though our occupancy is up, summer months are traditionally slow, especially when getting into the August – November timeframe. Statistically, the number of apartments turning over is behind from previous years.

Skilled Nursing Occupancy: Shell Point’s Skilled Nursing Facility occupancy has been at 180-185 beds, which is good. When other Assisted Living buildings have units that become available, almost all are obligated in a short period of time. Occupancy stays good, good from a budget perspective next year.

Legislature: There have been some major cuts in the health care field. The projection was from 5% - 12% cuts in Medicaid rates. For Shell Point that does not mean a lot because there are a marginal number of Medicaid patients. The Deland facility has approximately 80% Medicaid patients. The cut is 6.5% and management had budgeted for a 7% cut, so the Deland facility is pretty well on budget there. One thing that is good and which does affect the Shell Point facility is that with the cut in Medicaid the State also had to pull back from its mandated 2.9 per patient staffing ratio to the prior 2.5 per patient staffing ratio. Some years ago the State increased Medicaid reimbursement but simultaneously mandated an increase in staffing ratios from 2.5 to 2.9. Now that reimbursement has been reduced, staffing ratios were also reduced. Mr. Dys stated that he is pleased by that. Sometimes people think that just because you have a mandated increase in staffing ratio you have better service. They are not looking at outcomes; they are looking at numbers. In Shell Point’s case, there are a few Medicaid patients, but we have to staff at the higher level and we must pass along that cost. There is still a looming concern regarding Medicare cuts that will be proposed. The level of that cut has not as yet been determined.

Personnel Change: Mr. Dys announced that Scott Moore has been moved to the position of Assistant Vice President of Operations. In addition to overseeing Facility Operations, Mr. Al Slickers and the entire Hospitality Services Department will now report to the Assistant Vice President. There are no immediate plans to fill the Vice President/COO position.

Shell Point TV System: The television system has been transferred from CenturyLink to Senior TV. There have been a few glitches along the way, but it has been a rather smooth transfer. The Staff has been responding quickly to individual issues that have arisen. Residents are urged to call 2190 at any time with questions regarding the conversion and will receive prompt and responsive care.

Feeding Wildlife: Shell Point is blessed to have a lot of wildlife here. There are three “D”’s to be considered regarding Shell Point wildlife: Dirt, Disease, and Danger. PLEASE DO NOT FEED THE WILDLIFE. A new Resident Manual is coming out this summer and will address this particular issue. This is becoming more and more of a problem. If you are enamored by the wildlife, watch them, enjoy them, but please do not feed them. This is for the benefit of the wildlife as well as the residents.

Shell Point Thrift Store: Shell Point has entered into a contract to establish an offsite Thrift Store. Some notices have been distributed and there will be more as time goes along. Everything is on track and the Thrift Shop is expected to open in July 2011. At the Residents’ Quarterly Meeting on June 10th, further updates will be furnished.

Country Inn & Suites Conversion: Shell Point is currently in the permitting and bidding process. At the meeting of the Board next week, it is hopeful that a few more decisions will be made regarding this matter. There are three major issues that must be dealt with: Permits, Construction Bids, and Financing. The initial permit application was submitted and feedback has been received. There are issues to be dealt with but none are hugely significant. The application will be resubmitted shortly and then there will be another 30-day wait period for a response. Plans have been submitted to the contractors and initial bids are being received, which are being reviewed by Bob Southern and his staff. There are some issues associated with transferring from a for-profit to not-for-profit corporation. Those issues are being wrapped up and it is hopeful that by next week most of those problems will be taken care of as well. It is anticipated that by the next Residents’Quarterly Meeting on June 10, residents will be informed of the final decision on where Shell Point stands on this matter. Thereafter, in the weeks that follow, there will be a meeting where residents who want to attend can come and make specific inquiries regarding this matter.

Garden Apartment Engineering/Survey Matters: Megs Singer, Court Representative of Tellidora, inquired as what Shell Point’s long-term timetables are for further development of higher buildings of the Garden Apartments. Mr. Dys responded that the engineering and survey matters that are in progress are to determine the location of key utilities and infrastructure necessary for day-to-day operations. If, and when, Shell Point would make any other changes on the Island, the infrastructure would be a factor. There are no plans to proceed with any changes to housing on any part of the Island. That decision would be market driven. When and if Shell Point would make that decision, the residents would be notified. Anything that has been done regarding change is related to the zoning issues that are tied to the community. The critical thing to keep in mind is that how it stood before any changes were made with the County, if the buildings wore out, they could never have been replaced. Provisions now have been made to enable Shell Point to replace those Garden Apartments, when and if necessary. This was a judicious option that had to be pursued from an Administrative responsibility.

Television Guide on the Internet/Website: Russel Peters, Court Representative of Cameo, inquired regarding the TV Guide. There is not a TV Guide on the Internet/Website to see all the programs available. Mr. Dys turned the matter over to Peter Burt. Mr. Burt stated that Shell Point reports its channel lineup to Tribune Media which redistributes that information to sub-agencies. That information was reported to Tribune Media just before the changeover. Mr. Burt does not know how long it takes the sub-agencies to change their lineup, but will follow up with Tribune Media. Mr. Peters will furnish additional information to Mr. Burt for further discussion.

STEVE MINNIEAR

Mr. Minniear distributed copies of the Morning Assurance Reports.

The Pavilion is presently in the third day of its Annual Survey and it will continue through Friday of this week. There are four surveyors on the premises. The new survey format is that there are no end of the day discussions between representatives of Shell Point and the surveyors. We are a bit in the dark. We are not hearing any discussions or in-depth probing as yet which is what they do if they see a problem. Mr. Minniear will report next month on the report of this survey.

Rita Southern is still waiting for her survey at the Arbor which will finish up the survey cycle when completed.

Thursday, May 5th King’s Crown is hosting a pancake breakfast to invite folks to come to the King’s Crown and learn about the services that are offered. It is an RSVP event, so if you would like to attend, please call Mackenzie Millis at 454-2077. Approximately 100 people have signed up. Of course there will be pancakes for all of King’s Crown residents.

BOB SOUTHERN

Hurricane Information: Mr. Southern distributed updated annual hurricane forms to all Court Representatives to be completed by residents. This will advise staff which residents will be on premises in the event of a hurricane, information regarding pets, special medical and/or other needs required when in the Hurricane Shelter. All of this information is utilized in determining the number of residents that will be at the shelter, allocating adequate space for individuals, food, water, and special triage areas. Mr. Southern would like to have the forms returned no later than three weeks from now. Please contact Mr. Southern if you have any problems with that process.

Special Needs: Included in the information packet distributed to each Court Representative is the Special Needs document to be completed by residents who have special needs: i.e., diabetic needs, blood transfusions, dialysis, etc. This particular form should be given to Renee Bittner at the Medical Center. Ms. Bittner will review the special needs with the resident to make sure she understands what their needs are and to make sure that they understand what we can do to help them, or what we cannot do. There is a note on this form which states that even though information is being requested on dialysis or blood transfusions, it is not implied that Shell Point can supply those services. If there is an occurrence that requires stay in the shelter longer than what a resident can go between treatments, something special must be done to get the resident where treatment is available. If a resident has that need on a regular or frequent basis prior to the storm, the resident should go to the hospital or someplace recommended by the individual’s doctor or treating facility that can accommodate those needs during the storm. That would be safer and better for the individual. Shell Point will do everything it can to safeguard every individual, but obviously it cannot perform some of these services here during a storm that we do not normally provide.

Collation of this information takes a tremendous amount of time and work. Mr. Southern stated that he hopes it is all a waste of time – MEANING NO HURRICANES! The Hurricane Seminar at Shell Point will be held Wednesday, June 1, which coincides with the beginning of the Hurricane Season.

• 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 April 5, 2011, a copy of which is attached to these minutes.

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• OLD BUSINESS

Christmas Gift Committee Report: Richard Rockstroh, Chairman of the Gift Committee, gave a brief history of the Employee Christmas Gift Fund program. Last year a total of $332,000 was distributed to the employees of Shell Point. At this point the Fund has a balance of $45,828, a 38% increase over last year. Many residents have elected to have a monthly gift to this Fund included in their Shell Point Statement. The majority of gifts come in during October and November, but the monthly gifts have become significant. Court Representatives were encouraged to help with the program by following a few simple guidelines:

1. Reinforce the understanding that the employees cannot accept tips or gifts directly from residents. The employees are subject to dismissal if they do so. There have been sad cases of good and well liked employees who are no longer here because they violated this strict Shell Point policy. Please do not put employees in this position by offering them tips or gifts.

2. Tell new residents about the Employee Christmas Gift Fund. This is a very tangible way of saying thank you to employees throughout Shell Point who do much for us, including many we personally do not have the opportunity to meet.

3. If there are any questions concerning this Fund, please call Dick Rockstroh, Nita DeWeese, Bill Staples or Jean Webber.

Mr. Rockstroh thanked the Council for this opportunity to speak about this very worthwhile program.

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• NEW BUSINESS

There was no New Business to come before Council.

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• SUGGESTIONS FOR THE GOOD OF SHELL POINT

The following matters were presented to Council:

Mr. Thomas Timothy, Council Representative from Lucina, inquired about the calcium content in the water. Mr. Dys stated that Shell Point gets City Water. Whatever is done to the water is done by the City. Shell Point does not touch the water and does not intervene. Any inquiries should be made to the City.

There is no New Year’s Eve Dance scheduled for this year. Mr. Dys reported that Shell Point staff has met with five couples regarding this matter. Participation is down and the number of participants attending dances is not enough to cover expenses. Dances will most likely be reduced rather than eliminated.

The carpets on the fourth and fifth floors at Lucina are stained and in very bad condition and are quite unattractive. Mr. Dys stated that this matter of renovation is scheduled for the coming fiscal year which begins July 1, 2011.

The Formica in the elevators in Lucina is chipped; perhaps an application of stainless steel caps on the damaged areas, especially the doors, would resolve the problem. Mr. Dys will follow up.

Janet Medina, Court Representative for Rosemont presented an observation regarding the requirement of manual channel changes in order to tune in HD channels on the new “Senior TV”. Mr. Dys suggested that matters such as this should go directly to 2190 who will respond to it.

Megs Singer, Court Representative for Tellidora reported numerous problems with the use of a Shell Point propane grill used in a recent cook-out: the pan used to collect grease was missing and the grill was dirty. These items are a safety concern. Mr. Dys indicated that these matters will be addressed.

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• NEXT MEETING DATES FOR SHELL POINT RESIDENTS’ COUNCIL

The next Regular Meeting of the Shell Point Residents’ Council will be held Wednesday, June 1, 2011, at 8:45 a.m. at the Social Center on the Island.

Following is the Residents’ Council Regular Meeting Schedule for 2011*:

--June 1 Social Center Island

SUMMER BREAK

--September 7 Social Center Island

--October 5 Grand Cypress Room Woodlands

--November 2 Social Center Island

--December 7 Social Center Island

*ALL MEETINGS START AT 8:45 AM – EXCEPT ALL MEETINGS AT THE WOODLANDS START AT 9:00 AM.

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• CLOSING PRAYER AND ADJOURNMENT

The Closing prayer was given by Chaplain Palmquist.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 a.m.

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Respectfully submitted,
Linda Nickerson, Recording Secretary



Shell Point Retirement Community
15101 Shell Point Boulevard | Fort Myers, Florida 33908
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