Our Village

There was a shortened September 28th board meeting due to the absences of Treasurer Steffensen (illness) and VP McBride/Director Chapa (vacations). Agendas such as the Treasurer’s report, Pool Committee report, Infrastructure Work report, Web Listings report, and Newsletter Distribution report had to be shelved.
Lot 155 suggested putting windows only in the lower area when our Village replaces the large Activity Center windows located by the ping pong table and fill in the upper portion with a solid material. He felt it would look just as nice while conserving energy costs. The Board liked his idea.
GM Horner reported last month they had 97 work orders, six building permits, and condo fee arrears totaled $30,136. They were currently monitoring and adjusting the sprinkler system so maximum water pressure is being used when watering. In response to last week’s Coffee question Rick confirmed that maintenance internally inspects the fire hydrants during fire prevention week. He sadly announced that Armando had a spell at the employee’s picnic outing that resulted in a possible need to correct a left artery clog. As of October 12th Armando is not working and tests are still being done.
The August Minutes were approved.
President Montalvo said the Board will focus on the Village Grill/Pro Shop revenues and expenses moving forward. Our GM did say last year he came under fire when he temporarily closed the Pro Shop. He said it doesn’t make sense though to pay to be open when Pro Shop revenues are just $35 a day.
D and E is to have a Halloween cocktail party on October 31st and Trash and Treasures on November 4th..
Golf Committee Director Sandberg brought up an annual green fee credit request asked for by Dennis Zylman. Board members had no problem with his request but stated it’s not actually an issue that the Board needs to address. Director Sandberg said she understands that but Dennis thought this should be brought to the Board attention since he is also on the Golf Committee. Director Sandberg also told the Board that many who golf thought that any owner over ninety years of age should have an honorary golf membership. This was later voted on and passed under new business.
GM Horner said Berry Pool’s response to LIV’s termination request is that they have a contract with LIV until next April. President Montalvo said should be a lesson learned that there should be an LIV out clause on every contractual agreement. The GM again expressed that the Berry Pools contract he had on file had a 30 day termination notice. He had no knowledge that a different contract was approved by a previous Board that substituted this 30 day out clause with a 30 day notice at the end of the annual contract. We learned that Berry Pools indicated an LIV resident told them LIV wanted this termination for no other reason than to change the purification systems and that is why Berry Pools feels the current contract should be honored. It was said that whoever this owner is appears to be intentionally undermining this Board. President Montalvo said the action by this owner was not the problem,the real fault here is that this contract should have never been approved or signed in the first place.
Executive Session
After the Meeting came to order the owner from lot 145 expressed having a problem with the current watering of the common areas and wanted to organize teams of owners to edge Village streets.
Motion was approved to accept the current non-disclosed terms set forth in the M. O. Berry lawsuit. The Board took note to an owner saying that a non-disclosure of terms cannot legitmently be expressed in the minutes.
Motion was approved to start accepting dredging bids.
Adjournment
Read more...

It appears the Board will discuss the needed repair to our roads and parking lots next Wednesday. If approved, it is rumored owners will see a $300 assessment. Apparently through positive lawsuit negotiations, this Board will now be able to discuss the necessary dredging of our canals. If approved, it is rumored owners will see a second $300 assessment. We will hear more details at the Regular Board Meeting next Wednesday.
Read more...

The Coffee meeting was very short.
Lot 119 asked that an area in the Rec. Hall be provided for small meetings, i.e. the Bridge Board meetings.
Lot 142 complained about lot 152’s dog. Treasury Steffensen said Port Isabel’s School system is in need of volunteers to assist students.
It was revealed there will be a fashion show next year on Valentine’s Day. Proceeds will go to the Library.
VP McBride announced that longtime resident Jan Zylman died yesterday.
It was said that Director Gagan did well in a Coastal Current article with his reasons on why people from California relocate here.

WORKSHOP
Secretary Seffensen will provide a report on the Newsletter’s recent distribution survey and talk about Rental listings.
Dir. Gagan asked for update on the salt conversion of our pools and was told there has been no final response from Berry Pools yet on the breaking of the pool contract.
There might be a discussion about fire hydrant inspections.
There will be some clarification on what is happening with the parking lot/ road work along with the dredging.

Comments?
Read more...

The GM said our poolside grill will drop the Friday food service and will be open only on Saturday and Sunday through Labor Day. After Labor Day the Grill will be closed for the season.
The Minutes were approved (no month mentioned).
The Treasurer's Report will from now on describe the previous full month instead of from the first to the Board Meeting's date.
Profit and Loss showed our Village's net income year to date was off by $282,916 from the previous year with $36,212 revenue decrease and $246,704 expense increase. The Treasurer provided attendees an expense loss breakdown to which certain Board members questioned.One question brought to light a most interesting disclosure about Aramark’s liquor license contract with our Village.
Revenue Centers showed the Grill was a $32,603 loser, the Golf Course a $41,372 loser, and the Rental Office was down $14,477. In the black were the Laundry at $280 and the Newsletter at $2.333. Committee activities started with D-E having a successful fishing tournament, the Pool Committee is interested in new furniture, and a Policy Committee gave an update on their tedious task.
Roger Steffensen resigned from the Bridge Board due to health reasons and will not be replaced.
Berry Pools will be sent a termination letter from our Board with a grocery list of problems they've fail to resolve in the hopes that they will agree.
Motion was approved to purchase five hitch locks to use on illegally parked or untagged trailers.
Rental Office problems were in the spotlight with the focus being on better documentation, inspections, and upkeep of rental units.
When VP McBride suggested that the Welcome Center hand out fliers asking all to refrain from washing their RVs, Director Guerra couldn't get it out fast enough if this will apply to the winter people. He voiced that these RV washings should be allowed using some kind of a designated sprayer pistol. Director Guerra then added that he was not in favor of doing this to the summer people and then asked if we were under some kind of water management, duh!! After some discussion each Director agreed to the fliers.
The Board declined a varianc for lot 663 .
The Board discussed the Village website needs.
No one on the Board could answer Treasury Steffensen's question if the rules and regulations along with the amendments to our Bylaws were filed by the Village attorney.
Director Guerra appeared to browbeat the GM and security supervisor Jesse for not conducting security/GM meetings. He wanted information about the water machine at bath house two and wondered if the security golf carts are equiped yet with a second fire extinguisher.
The Gm was praised for his idea to have a new ice machine at the Welcome Center. He said he found a company that sells bags of ice at about half the price of our current provider. The Board went into an executive session over update on legal issues and personnel.
Read more...

At our Coffee Meeting the Board said they are having problems with getting rid of Berry Pools. Back on August of 2007 a Berry Pool agreement was approved with having a 30 day termination notice throughout. We were also told that this monitoring service alerts Berry Pools of mechanical failures so they are corrected before they cause our pools water problems. General manager Larry DeMalade also said that Berry Pools would save our Village at least 30% on chemical costs.
On April 2009 the Board approved a higher cost Berry Pools contract that contained changes. It seems our Board now can only give a termination notice 30 days before the contract ends and now we have to tell them about a problem after it gets out of hand.
Since the contract renews itself each April, our new Board must now wait until April of 2012 before they can rid our Park of Berry Pools services. It also appears our Village is spending more, not less on chemical costs.
Comments?
Read more...

Pledge of Allegiance

Owners Speaking
Lot 145 owner who had demonstrated what changes he could make to the Village website said he was not looking for a job. He said he would help when he could.
Lot 702 expressed concerns about President Montalvo being absent during non-official Coffee Meetings and wanted him to address the attitude of his children. This lot owner wamted him to deal with his kids, suggested he resign, and then asked for a response. President Montalvo dealt with this lot owner like a Governor Christie. He quickly responded saying Directors have no attendance obligations to these Coffee meetings. When I ran for the Board I made it clear to everyone I was not in favor of these meetings and would probably not attend many of them. As far as my children, I have not received any complaints prior to yours and wish to ask you (lot owner) if this incident involving my children involved you? The lot owner said no. President Montalvo said I have not received filed complaint about my children from Security. This Board has stressed to owners if anyone gets out of line that they need to call security. When President Montalvo continued the meeting, this lot owner objected. Montalvo said I allowed you to have your say and addressed both, next item.

President’s Remarks section had President Montalvo saying he heard good things said about our Village and thanked everyone for their patience this summer.

Manager’s Report was postponed due to the manager having to meet with the family of an owner who just passed away.

Minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report had Director Sandberg bringing up a time lapse problem on the figures. It was suggested that in the future a line item be added to show accounting from the Board meeting to the end of that month.
Mayprofit and loss report showed the Village Grill and Golf course had doubled their losses from a year ago. The Rental Dept. lost 25% more. $8,500 has to be added to the cost of the Rec. Hall roof repair because of a bad beam. This roof repair will now cost $68,500.

Committee Report
DE has a fishing tournament on Aug. 20th and the Adult Pool Olympics on Aug. 27th.
Golf had no report.
Pool will have some chairs replaced this winter.
Safety section addressed our Village dust problem which is apparently five times worse than normal due to the construction of the new nature reserve.

It was noted that the bridge employees did a fine job on a recent major repair.

Unfinished Business
Web Site will have continued discussions.
Pool Equipment was addressed by Director Chapa. He said when Berry Pools remove their chlorinators; the replacement chlorinators will cost approximately $650. He can also save the Park about $50 a month on pool chemicals. Dir. Chapa talked on converting to salt generators. Using this machine would convert salt that's in the water to chlorine. This basicly would eliminate the costs of chemicals. Cost for each generator (5) will range around $1700. It was noted that without having to now pay Berry Pools $1300 for their useless services and buy their overpriced chemicals, the investment in these salt generators could be recouped in less than six months and it would feel like swimming in soft silky water.
Motion passed to give Berry Pools their 30 day notice and approve Dir. Chapa to acquire the replacement chlorinators. A second motion passed to install one salt generator.
Exercise Room Expansion section saw a motion pass to move all treadmills into the clogging room across the hall.
Pool Shades section announced that these shades did not look right and there is a need for more thought. Dir. Guerra expressed his concern that the $225 additional amount was not approved by the Board. The minutes will be reviewed.

New Business
Indoor Pool Use by adults from 9pm to 11pm had lengthy discussions, primarily on what is an adult age. Office Phone System motion was passed for a 24 month open end AT-T lease agreement at a total payment cost of around $7900 and a $1 or fair market value purchase option at the end of the lease.
Boat Trailer Parking motion passed to give Security the authority to attach tongue locks to illegally parked trailers.

Other
The Security Supervisor talked about implementing different security procedures and mentioned the additional guard being used at busy times.
The Board expressed confusion over if a golf cart operator must be licensed or be accompanied by licensed person. Minutes will again be reviewed.
It was asked if there is still a rule on checking out the balls and cues for the billard room.

Executive Session-Legal Issue Update and Personnel

Adjournment
Read more...

May 25th Board Meeting
Director Guerra absent

Owners Speaking-None

President’s Remarks- Montalvo-He thanked owner Bob Davidson for his hard work with providing each Director a CD that has the Board Minutes from 1996-2010. VP McBride also thanked all those involved with the donations and installation of the stairway chair lift now located in the Activity Center.
Manager’s Report-Horner/Zamora-77 work orders, no building permits, will replace the TV in the Activity room, and condo fee arrears were down to $28,951. Dir. Gagan asked GM Horner if he could get the cost on a shredder for mulching the cut debris.

Approval of Minutes- after corrections the motion was approved

Treasurer’s Report-Steffensen-It was noted that Aramark’s bill of over $200,000 was not posted yet. No P&L was available due to a computer problem. Treasurer Steffensen’s motion was approved to transfer the money from the 2011 Major Improvement Fund to pay the first installment of the Rec. Hall $19,000 roof project.

Committee Report D&E-White- Karaoke Sat. May 28th, Pool Olympics June 18th, cook-off July 9th.
Committee Report Golf-Sandberg-N/A
Committee Report Pool-Steffensen-An additional “life ring” was order. Dir. Gagan said that the pool/spa thermometers were far from being accurate
Committee Report Safety-McBride-Thanks was given to those who volunteered their time and much needed hurricane advice.

Unfinished Business-News Letter-Steffensen- motion was approved that for 90 days owners will receive their newsletters via email. Owner must notify the office to opt on being mailed one.
Unfinished Business-Mail Package Box-McBride-after some discussions along with a few owner opinions, the Board decided not to provide this service.
Unfinished Business-Committees-Montalvo-President Montalvo relinquished his position to VP McBride in order to make a motion. With saying the Village Website lacked in so many areas, Pres. Montalvo made the motion to hire a Website contractor. He then rescinded it after finding out the Village may have a volunteer. This subject will be brought up at the next meeting, giving time to find out what this volunteer can provide. Director Montalvo made it clear he was forming a Building Committee that will feature two contractors having different building perspectives. President McBride gave the President’s position back.
Unfinished Business-Security-Guerra- Secretary White thought that Dir. Guerra concerns were with pool area Security and that he wanted a better performance from Security. Pres. Montalvo added to this that Security should drive slower while on patrol.

New Business-Infrastructure Update-Steffensen-she wanted Manager Zamora to provide an update on the costs of the Rec. Hall parking lot overlay and the new solar street lights. She said all infrastructure costs need to be kept updated for the MIF.
New Business-Rental Office-Steffensen-Her report showed that if the Rental Office were to close the fixed expenses remaining would cost $44,000 a year. Since the fixed expense number is higher than what the Rental Office is losing, her recommendation was to continue the Rental Office and have management do a better job. Dir. Sandberg made the comment that she and others have stopped using the Rental Office due to a bad experiences, hers being three years ago, so there is a need to restore a trust. There were some ideas thrown around at improving the Rental Office, but in the end Treasurer Steffensen said the Rental Office currently has 58 rentals and will stay in operation.
New Business-Questionnaire-McBride-VP McBride said a questionnaire gives our Board a good read on what is right or wrong within our Park and would like it used. Owners/renters will see it in the near future.
New Business-Outdoor Pool Shade-McBride-VP McBride made the motion to construct a shaded area at the pool. Dir. Sandberg said the Board first needs to know the cost before a vote. Owner of lot 171 recommended that the Board redo the new fence around our current shaded area to redirect incoming pool traffic and with that nothing else would need to be done. SC 120 asked if this construction needs to be owner ratified and VP McBride said he would look into it. After some discussion the motion appears tabled.
New Business-Expansion of the Exercise Room-Deitrick-there was two ideas to expand the exercise room. Use space from the indoor pool bathrooms or use the clogging room. Motion was passed to have management provide solutions on the expansion of the exercise room using these two ideas. It will be addressed at the next meeting.
New Business-Accountability of gas usage-Deitrick- Director Deitrick wanted better accounting for Village gas usage. GM Horner expressed the changes he's done so far after it was originally brought up at the Coffee. Pres. Montalvo also wanted a spread sheet showing monthly usage.

Other-Trash-McBride-praised our new trash pickup company and it was agreed upon that the trash bin lids will be raised in the morning and lowered in the late afternoon by maintenance. Ash cans will now be provided to owners/renters in the trash bin area.
Other-Volley Ball Court-McBride-GM Horner said it is now ready.
Other-Hurricane Preparation-McBride-GM Horner said a list of lots and notifications will be provided to the Board and will be kept updated at who is in violation of the Village rules.

Executive Meeting to review updates on legal issues and a one personnel item.

Adjournment
Read more...

Laguna Madre Water District - Results

Proposition 1.
The issuance of $23,750,000 of bonds for the system improvements and the levy of taxes in payment of the bonds.

For - 565

Against - 471

Proposition 2.
The issuance of $15,655,000 of bonds for a seawater desalination pland and the levy of taxes in payment of the bonds.

For - 544

Against - 478

The ballots are not finalized until they are canvassed by city commissioners and alderman.
Read more...