SHELL POINT RESIDENTS COUNCIL
Regular Meeting – Grand Cypress Room
December 3, 2008
Pavilion Minutes (PDF)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CALL TO ORDER AND OPENING PRAYER
Chairman Rockstroh called the meeting to order at 8:45 a.m. and Gene Loughran gave the opening prayer.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Chairman Rockstroh announced that in view of the interest in recycling, we hope that at the January meeting Bill Skinner will be here for a program for the ResidentsÕ Council and later there will be an Academy program on recycling.
ROLL CALL OF COURT REPRESENTATIVES
The roll was called with those present listed above.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 5, 2008, RESIDENTSÕ COUNCIL MEETING
AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA FOR TODAY
A motion was made and seconded that the minutes be approved which passed with Mr. Jamison abstaining. A motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda, which passed unanimously.
STAFF REMARKS
PETER
DYS
Dr. Dys first expressed appreciation to those members who served on the Council this year and will not be here next year, and congratulated those who will be serving next year.
He then gave an update on a number of items. From a sales and marketing standpoint the month of November was excellent. We had 19 sales, which surpasses anything we had anticipated and shows the market strength thatÕs out there. The problem is that many cannot sell their homes. The number of units which are now unsold at Shell Point is 34. There are 35 on the Òwill adviseÓ list. They want to come here and have put their money down, but have to sell their homes first. We have indications that the housing market is getting stronger and weÕre hoping that that will help.
The number of units drawing fees, which is the most important factor right now, is 92.6%, based on a budget of 90%, so we are over budget. This is the critical item. If you take all of the units that are sold and those that are drawing fees, we have just about 97%. We are pleased with that, but we like to be in a position where 97% or 98% are drawing fees. Other occupancy remains very good. The Pavilion is running at 155 to 157, but soon we will have a number of new beds. KingÕs Crown has two vacancies and The Arbor has only one.
Another item is the Zoning notice signs along Shell Point Boulevard. They have been placed there by the County and relates to a DRI (Department of Regional Impact) that expires on the property by the end of the year. We are coming to the end of a five year DRI permit, and it is up for renewal. and we hope to get a twenty year extension, which is fairly difficult to get. If we get it, it means that the conditions we employed the first five years will remain in effect for twenty years. We have gone through all of the updates and planning, but now the public has a chance to comment. We do not expect any problems with this.
He then said that he had also been asked to comment on the capital budgeting process, which he did in substantial detail. It involves staff proposals, both operating and capital budgets, which are reviewed by the appropriate Vice Presidents and himself, and the resulting capital budget goes to the Board which takes action before the effective date of July 1. The Board gives management the latitude to establish priorities.
There are several factors or goals that they have to keep in mind while going through the process. One is that we want to have our capital expenditures at least equal to the depreciation, which is just a general operating principle, but we far exceed that every year. And we also want to increase our budget by at least the CPI. We also have a 20 year capital replacement plan to guide us. Then there are also special projects that we are facing, like the recent roof replacements, that we have to take into account, and he mentioned several projects which are ongoing. He also mentioned that they have Court audits to determine what should go into the long range plan.
Dr. Dys then said that one of the major components of a long range plan is apartment renovation, which is difficult to project. We have to renovate 80 to 120 units every year and the renovation is always a sizeable part of the capital budget. There is always the unknown – itÕs the things that we donÕt know that can hurt, so we have to be prepared and there has to be a fair amount of flux.
In summary, he said that all of these are elements that they have to keep in mind as they prepare a capital budget. This year we are spending about ten million dollars outside of the normal capital budget on KingÕs Crown and the Pavilion. Right now we are taking care of critical issues, but are holding off on those things can wait a while.
Operationally we remain strong. Our expenses are less than our income. What hurts us right now it that we are not getting the FounderÕs Fees, and the investment market is down.
He then mentioned that he had just received word that the Bank of America will close its branch bank at Shell Point, which has implications for both residents and Shell Point.
He said that he was having a meeting with them that morning. He knows that there are a number of residents of Shell Point that require face to face banking and we have to take that need seriously. He said that as soon as he has more information it will be given to residents. He said that there are three main issues – face to face contact, lock boxes and
Legacy matters, and he hopes that there will be some banking service here, even if only part time. We may have to look at another bank to take Bank of AmericaÕs place.
Before leaving, Dr. Dys mentioned Employee Chaplain Don Steenhoek, who would be speaking later in the meeting. He said that the Chaplain probably has more contact with Shell PointÕs more than 800 employees than anyone else on the pastoral staff and he comes to us not just as a good pastor who wants to touch the hearts of people, but he comes with a passion to work with workers and he came with a knowledge of what that involves. You need to have someone who is knowledgeable in the whole area of employee ministries and he has had that experience. Dr. Dys said that he is so pleased that the Chaplain is part of the Shell Point family and that it is the Village Church that has hired him to provide this vital ministry to our employees. He also said that he hears from employees who are gratified to have that ear and that help, especially in these economic times that are affecting many of our employees.
Ted Rodgers asked if Dr. Dys had any information on the removal of the poles along Shell Point Boulevard, and his response was that they are supposed to be taken down during 2008.
TIM
FICKER
After wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, Mr. Ficker reported on the upcoming visit of the CCAC (Continuing Care Accreditation Committee) and the CARF (Committee on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities). We had just received notice of the accreditation dates, which will be January 12-14. A team of 4 people (3 on site for the period and one back at the office). They will be in a room and go through huge books that we have put together and do extensive touring around the campus, asking people questions. Accreditation is like the Good Housekeeping seal of approval. In addition to the basic accreditation, we are going for accreditations in Stroke Care, Dementia Care and Person Centered Care. If we get all three of these, we will be the first retirement community in the nation to have them all. In addition, starting next week there will be a posting with their address if any residents should want to contact them, and Mr. Ficker invited residents to respond. Accreditation is renewed every five years.
Mr. Ficker also announced that we now have a new Security Supervisor, Dennis Gannaway. When John Dattilo left, Diane Morton was given responsibility as Security Manager as well as our Transportation Manager. We wanted to bring in someone with an extensive security background, and Dennis combines security with an eye for hospitality and helpfulness. He formerly headed up security for Pelican Bay.
Mr. Ficker then invited anyone who hasnÕt been there to take a look at the lobbies in the mid-rises. Many have observed the Courtyards and he feels that they have been greatly enhanced and are worth a look. He also referred to the presentation on recycling at the next meeting and said that it will be a good session.
He then referred to Mr. JamisonÕs question at the last meeting about whether there is any need to conserve energy because we buy it in blocks. He said that we do not buy it in blocks, but we do negotiate a price which will cover whatever amount we use and we pay for only what we use, so conservation is important. He also reminded everyone that thermostats should be set at 78 degrees if you will be out of the apartment for an extended period of time in order to prevent mold.
He also said how much he enjoyed the Olympics which Mary Franklin and others put together and commented on several of the events. He said that he was especially impressed with all of the flags which were prepared by the Courts.
Rob Waltz asked that the lights on the Christmas tree in the Lagoon be turned on at 5:30 a.m. for the viewing of Pavilion residents and others who go by there. Mr. Ficker said that he remembered hearing that request last year and that he would look into it again.
Mr. Goodell asked about the availability of the Social Center. He referred to what Mr. Minniear mentioned about the urgency of a situation in the Florida Keys where a nursing home was in jeopardy and consequently the agency that had to be here to approve our situation could not come as scheduled. That has delayed the move and we do not know when they will be able to get here. He hopes that the Council will be back in there for the next meeting. He commended Al Slickers for the fine job he did in arranging for other places for the Court Christmas parties. Chairman Rockstroh added that he had received messages of appreciation for the fine work Mr. Slickers did, and Mr.Ficker said that Al is a Òcan doÓ guy. Carol Palermo added to the recognition of Mr. Slickers in providing hand sanitizer at the Crystal and suggested other locations, especially at the Pavilion.
STEVE
MINNIEAR
After passing out the morning assurance forms, Mr. Minniear said that Òas we speakÓ the ACHA construction and standards folks are in the Pavilion doing their final 100% review of the first floor as well as, hopefully, giving the word to the life safety group so that they hopefully can give us the approvals to open everything and give us the Certificate of Occupancy. He said that they still had to hear from the local fire department but he did not think that that would be a problem, so he was still hoping that that they would not have to wait until the 11th to get the building open. He said that he hoped that the people doing the inspection would call the life safety group and say that they have signed off on everything and that the life safety group will go ahead and give us the certificate of occupancy. If they get approval, the plan is to start on the 11th to rearrange residents to get back to a normal situation. On the 12th we will start moving patients in from the outside to the balance of the 40 new beds.
Sometime between the 12th and the 20th of next month Sherry and her team will be contacting Court representatives to invite them to come to tour the renovated first floor. Then on January 20th they will have an open house for all of the outside professional health care providers to see what Shell Point has to offer for them and the people they work with on a daily basis.
Mr. Minniear recalled that last month Mr. Jamison had asked him about a wheel chair scale; and Mr. Goodell sent him some information. Mr. Minniear said that he has asked Renee Bittner to review that information to see what they may be able to do.
Mr. Minniear also said that they are having another health fair in the Village Church auditorium on January 15 from 9:00 to about 11:30 and they will expand it to include the health care providers now seeing patients at the Arbor. They will get a notice out on SPTV as soon as they have their plans completed.
DON
STEENHOEK
Employee Chaplain Don Steenhoek said that it was his privilege to speak to the Council and to update them on his pastoral activities here at the Shell Point Retirement Community. He said that one other piece of information that he wanted to disclose is that in addition to his having worked for Waste Management Corporation for many years, he has continued to work at Òwaist managementÓ since he left the company.
He said that he grew up on a farm in Iowa, has a heart for the common, ordinary working person, and thatÕs why he asked Human Resources if he could have get some of the ground keepers shirts. He took them to a tailor and put on a clerical collar, and out of honor for this occasion he put on a sport coat which he does not normally wear. He said that approachability and availability are his bread and butter. He tries to lower the threshold as best he can so that people will ask for help before it becomes a matter of crisis and they are almost beyond help.
One of the things he does is to provide counseling services in the evening, traveling to employeesÕ homes to do marriage counseling and family counseling and also individual counseling. And the entry level employees are his priority because he is a resource that is available and affordable because he is one of their employee benefits.
He said he hesitated to tell the story of the first employee who came to him for help because itÕs in the category of being too good to be true. The actions of the employeeÕs boss were not wise, the VP was less than wise and she had some comments about Peter. When he listened to that he asked that she tell him about her employment history, and she revealed that her former employer was equally dumb and stupid, prior to that she had worked for a very inept corporation, and in fact everywhere she went she was surrounded by people who were making mistakes and were doing things improperly. He said that when he pointed out the trend, she paused for a moment and said ÒYou know, maybe IÕm just angry with GodÕ.
Often times when employees come to him about supervisors itÕs a latent authority issue that they have not addressed. And one of the benefits of dealing with tough economic times is how the employees address the situation. In a more vibrant economy they would simply go to another employer and take their problems with them.
Another benefit from these hard economic times is that he is working in the evening with three couples that he thinks, if economic times were more favorable, would have filed for divorce, but they are facing the issues, staying together and starting to communicate. As he tells people, without hesitation, he has the best job on the staff of the Village Church. He has the opportunity every day to help people address the problems that confront them and when they bring the subject up about their relationship with the Almighty, that is for him incomparable in terms of the opportunity it represents to help them connect with a higher power.
In his background with Waste Management working with a lot of people in recovery, he learned a lesson from a friend who had about 33 years of sobriety the time. He said, Don, donÕt worry about people who say that their higher power is a light bulb, let them work with that for a time if they choose that, but when the light bulb doesnÕt work for them you might want to suggest something greater. And that AA veteran who taught him a lot about addiction was right. Whatever belief system you subscribe to ceases to work for you, perhaps it is time to look up. He said that he counts it as invaluable when he has the opportunity to be there when people look in GodÕs direction. He thanks the opportunity to be here and said that it is his joy to serve the employees who come to work every day and to alleviate, to a small extent, the load that they carry in tough times. It is his joy and privilege.
Chairman Rockstroh stated to Chaplain Steenhoek that the employees do not have any greater fringe benefit than him. He said that he felt that it was great that the Village Church provides his service, much better than having the employer do so, because itÕs easier for the employees to go to the church for help. He expressed his thanks to Chaplain Steenhoek and the Village Church.
REPORTS OF THE REPRESENTATIVES OF COURTS, KINGÕS CROWN, ARBOR AND
PAVILION
Mr. Jamison read a report on fire alarms from Dan Parker.
Another member expressed appreciation for the work of Paul Yacovitch.
Nita DeWeese reported that she had given the Recording Secretary a copy of the Minutes of the November meeting of the Pavilion Auxiliary.
OLD BUSINESS
Chuck Durrell reported on the Employee Christmas Fund drive. He had all good news and said that he was amazed at the generosity of Shell Point residents, especially in spite of current financial uncertainties. He said that they had received $268,400 to date, which would fund a full value gift to employees of $435 each, which is what was given last year. However, he expected that amount to be at least up to the goal of $450 by the end of the drive.
He expressed his appreciation for the help that he received from so many in supporting the campaign and from Joan Perry in directing the giving of the gifts to the employees, which she has done for the past eight years. He said that the bottom line is that the committee members are really excited with their progress and optimistic about meeting or exceeding their goal by the end of Friday.
He received a hearty round of applause and Chairman Rockstroh congratulated him and his committee and said ÒWeÕre in a good place!
NEW BUSINESS
United Way Campaign: A motion was made and seconded to approve a United Way campaign. Ted Rodgers moved that the goal be set at $75,000; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
SUGGESTIONS FOR THE GOOD OF SHELL POINT
Richard. Maass reported that a resident had suggested placing recycle containers in the refuse rooms. Carol Palermo said that the garden apartments have been doing that for some time with three different recycle containers and none for rubbish, which has to be taken to the garbage dump.
NEXT MEETING DATE
The next meeting will be on January 7. The time and place will be announced later.
CLOSING PRAYER AND ADJOURNMENT
The closing prayer was given by Gene Loughran and the meeting was adjourned at
10:05 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Earl Mallick, Recording Secretary
Attachment: Pavilion Auxiliary Minutes for November 6, 2008