Below please find the, unedited, audio of the review of the proposed 2010 | 2011 POASC Budget and the February 18th, 2010, Board Meeting which followed afterwards.
The following is the 2010 | 2010 budget template that includes all income and expense categories. Click on the following link to download it in Adobe Acrobat Reader (pdf) format:
POASC 2010 & 2011 Budget Template Download Here
Thanks to all who did a wonderful job of gathering, disseminating and presenting the information.
PLEASE NOTE: This is a report of the Feb. 18, 2010 Board meeting. It is NOT the official minutes.
Property owners who want access to POASC records have new rules governing the request. The rule was approved by a 5 to 2 margin.
Only individuals, their agents or attorneys may ask for specific records. Director Sharon Bemis read the definition of “member” from the Covenants.
“Member or Members shall mean and refer to every person or entity that holds membership in POASC.”
Since the definition includes “entity”, she said she feels any group or committee should be included in those authorized to research records.
Copying records pertaining to the individual and those normally disseminated to property owners is allowed. Fees will be assessed for employees to assemble or review information. The first half hour is free. Subsequent time will be charged at $20 per hour. None of the information may be given to any unauthorized third party. Fines will be assessed for violations.
The new rule will be added to the Rules and Regulations pertaining to the ByLaws Section 3.2 (d). Existing regulations may be found in the ByLaws and Operating Procedures.
The current ByLaws Section 13.1 says the board has the authority to fix reasonable rates for inspection of records, including document copying and research time. Protected from the rules regarding availability of records are personnel records, document or materials protected by the attorney-client privilege or attorney work product, names of those members who are delinquent in assessment payments and Executive Board meetings minutes and/or tapes. Once a lien has been filed, the information is public record.
The Operating Procedures duplicate the ByLaws, but adds that a record of the request for documents will be kept by the office including the name and lot number of the property owner requesting the information, a brief description of the records or documents requested, the date and time of the request and its completion, the name of the staff member and the charge and receipt number.
After a budget hearing held before the board meeting, the board approved the 2010-2011 Budget in the amount of $1,071,140. The budget calls for no increase in assessments this year. A cost-center format is being used this year so board members and property owners will be able to see how much it costs to maintain the amenities.
The largest income is from assessments, based on 1510 property owners, accounting for 87.9% of the total. Other income comes from the laundry at the RV Clubhouse, Mediacom franchise fee, building permits, transfer, impact and buy-in fees and advertising income from The Update.
The expense cost centers are Pool, Maintenance, Security, Vehicles, Update, Cove Clubhouse, RV Clubhouse, Office, Payroll-Related Expenses, Outside Services, Insurance, Taxes, Contingency, Contribution to Asset Repair and Replacement Fund and “Not Classified Elsewhere”. The largest expense items are AR&R contribution and Office Expenses.
Copies of the budget are available at the POASC office.
The board approved the new procedures for hiring an Operations Manager. The procedure includes a statement that no more than three final candidates presented to the board for the final decision on hiring. Director Bemis felt the statement should mandate three candidates. The procedure passed by a vote of 6 to 1.
The www.spanishcove.org website was added to the Communications Committee Mission Statement.
It now reads:
The Update and the Spanishcove.org Website are the official public voice for Spanish Cove and POASC and any official information released should be done through or by the Committee Chairman.
Director Dick Junkins said the last phrase was unnecessary, as the job description for the Update Editor requires the Chairman of the Board and the Communications Committee Chairman be given a copy of The Update for review before it is printed. The motion was approved 6 to 1 after an amendment to remove the last phrase was defeated.
The Operations Manager reported the pool would close on April 19 for maintenance. It should open by April 24. He asked residents who pay assessments, permit fees and fines in cash to use small bills, no larger than $20.
The manager is in the process of reviewing the utilization of the clubhouses. He said it would be more cost-efficient if small groups would use the RV Clubhouse. Due to limited parking, the facility is not available to large groups.
Bids are being sought for a computer and server to replace one used by the accounting department. When the third bid is received the Manager will contact board members by email for their approval. The current computer is five years old and starting to fail. It hosts the TOPS program with all the POASC financial information.
After the new board is seated in April, the Manager will ask them to discuss the non-compliance issues on some of the properties throughout Spanish Cove. He said the office inspects news construction and keeps an eye on lots for unsightliness, but the existing issues such as setbacks concerning fences, sheds and carports need to be addressed.
Election for four new board members will be held from 9 a.m. to Noon on Saturday, March 13 in the Cove Clubhouse. The same day the Annual Meeting will be held at 2 p.m. In order to have a valid Annual Meeting, 20% of the property owners must attend in person or send it proxies. Ballots for election of directors and for the referendum regarding site-built homes on contiguous lots in Land Harbor as well as proxies were mailed to all property owners on Feb. 1. The Nominations and Elections Committee asks that they be returned to the POASC office by 4 p.m. Monday, March 8.
The Treasurer said he expects to deposit $100,000 to the AR&R account by the end of the fiscal year, March 31. The money will be invested in Certificates of Deposit at a bank with the highest interest rate.
During discussion at the Finance Committee meeting, it was noted that the Operations Manager talked with someone representing Henry Homes, the owner of the property north of North Spanish Cove Drive. The long-term expectation is to build up to 260 homes there. Streets and utilities have been in place since 2004, but no activity has taken place there since the infrastructure was completed. The plat had been set many years prior to that. Any changes would need to be approved by Baldwin County.
Activities Committee
Committee Chairman Judy Deeter announced several future events:
March 7—Talent Showcase
March 11—Movie and Popcorn Night; 6:30 p.m. Poolside Room, “Inglourius Basterds”, Rated R
March 20—Craft Sale; $5 to reserve space. Outside vendors welcome. Call Sandy, 961-1130 to sign up.
May 15—Evening of music presented by Top Hat & Jackie.
A property owner asked the committee to sponsor events for young people. It was suggested that those who are interested in working on such projects come to the next committee meeting. The next meeting will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 2 in the Poolside Room of the Cove Clubhouse.
Administrative Committee
The committee is working on a job application for new employees. The next meeting of the committee will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 9 in the office conference room.
Communications Committee
The Update was 32 pages in February due to the additional space required for the board candidate resumes and the 2010-2011 Budget. Pages in excess of the normal 28 will be added at the discretion of the Editor. The next meeting will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 2 in the Poolside Room of the Cove Clubhouse.
PDM Committee
The water heater in the Cove Clubhouse was replaced, sidewalk lighting leading to the pier and beach has been repaired, the RV Clubhouse is scheduled for inside painting and all exit lights have been repaired. The next meeting of the committee will be held at 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 2 in the office conference room.
Road & Drainage Committee
Proposed projects:
- Street repair around 2113 Club House Drive where water has undermined the street and it is breaking apart.
- Sinking culvert at Club House Drive and Spanish Oak Drive where water has undermined the culvert, causing the road to sink.
- Downed trees and other debris are causing flooding of yards near 2681 Pine Ridge Drive.
- Large rooted trees are blocking the water flow on the East side of the Peterson Branch bridge. Bids are being sought for tree removal in the area. This should allow unimpeded water flow to Perdido Bay, solving some of the Spanish Cove drainage problems.
The next meeting of the committee will be held at 8 a.m. Saturday, March 6 in the RV Clubhouse.
Rules Committee
The next meeting of the committee will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 10 in the office conference room.
Safety Committee
The Operations Manager has identified five new locations for streetlights. “No Outlet” and “Speed Limit” signs have been ordered. A first-aid kit will be purchased for the Cove Clubhouse. It was suggested it be placed in the kitchen for easy access when no one is in the Activities Office.
Property owner Dave Danson asked that the committee address skateboarding on Spanish Cove streets. He said there are young people using them in the area of Ridgewood Drive and Chagrin. The children use automobile ramps for their activity that poses a danger for the users as well as passers by on foot and in vehicles.
The next Working Session of the board of directors will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 11 in the Fireside Room of the Cove Clubhouse. The Regular Session will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 18 in the same location.
Tags: Budget, election, Record access, Technical
Some residents believe that Cove Connections and the Update | spanishcove.org are competitors.
Fortunately, that isn’t true and we affirm that the Spanish Cove Update and spanishcove.org are the official communications tools of the Spanish Cove community.
Few people know that we have supported the development of spanishcove.org.
As an example when Tom Lake began to work on spanishcove.org, I gave him my copy of Microsoft’s Frontpage 2003 website development software. Since then. other small amounts of information have been exchanged.
We will continue to support .org and the Update while providing other factual news, photos and articles about our community.
Tags: competition, competitors, spanishcove.org
It was a breezy and chilly day in Spanish Cove, but the sun was shining and all was right with the world. It was a perfect day for a parade! The 4th Annual Spanish Cove Mardi Gras Parade took off from Rio Circle and Ridgewood at noon and drove through the streets of Land Harbor. Costumed revelers in more than 30 vehicles, including golf carts, cars, motorcycles and even a bicycle, tossed beads, Moon Pies and candy to waiting neighbors. It was the largest crowd ever, estimated at about 200.
It’s just one more activity that makes living in Spanish Cove so great. Afterwards Denny and I went to a local restaurant for lunch. His neck was loaded with beads and I still had my favorite Mardi Gras hat on. Everyone noticed us, of course. Perfect strangers asked where we had been. When we told them Spanish Cove, they nodded and said, “Oh, yes, we’ve heard what a fun place that is to live.” How right they are!
Tags: Gras, Mardi, Mardi Gras, Parade
Below please find the original recording of the Thursday, January 21, 2010, POASC Board Meeting in its entirety.
You can listen to the entire unedited meeting, over the Internet, by using the following player in Internet Explorer. Other browsers may or may not work.
To download different file formats including Windows Media Player and MP3 [that can be listened to in most MP3 players] please click on the following link:
Spanish Cove’s, Thursday, January 21st, 2010, Board Meeting
Tags: Board, January 2010, Meeting, POASC
I was an organizing member of the Concerned Property Owners Committee (CPOC) that formed as a consequence of the troublesome events surrounding POASC’s financial situation brought to light last summer. The objectives of the committee were consistent with my own though in some instances I differed with other members on procedural matters. As I stated at the Town Hall Meeting many changes have been made and more are in process and I believe that my own objectives will soon have been met.
At this juncture the CPOC is considering broadening its objectives to other areas. I have decided that since my personal objectives appear to have been met and because I do not wish to participate in an expanded effort by CPOC the most reasonable personal action would be to withdraw from membership. Therefore, I have resigned my membership with CPOC.
Wallace D. Hodge
Lot 2130
Tags: CPOC, Financial, Organizing Member, POASC
PLEASE NOTE: This is a report of the POASC Board Meeting held on Thursday, Jan. 21. It is not the minutes of the meeting.
Beginning in May 2010, rentals will no longer be permitted for the clubhouses in Spanish Cove, according to a proposal submitted by Rules Committee Chairman Dick Junkins. Reservations by property owners for their special events such as wedding, anniversary and birthday parties would still be allowed. Outside organizations would be barred from using the facilities. However, a property owner may reserve the clubhouse for an event, as long as he or she attends.
The Rules Pertaining to the ByLaws states:
“Use of either Clubhouse shall be restricted to activities sponsored and attended by the Association Member seeking its use.”
Operating Procedures adopted in 2007 permitted a “Special Use” provision that essentially negated the Rules Pertaining to the ByLaws, Rules Committee Chairman Dick Junkins said.
“Special Use” is defined as use by party or parties, private clubs, or organizations not necessarily directly and principally related or associated with Spanish Cove or the POASC.
The motion that was adopted by a five to three vote, instructs the Administrative Committee to remove all reference to “Special Use” (rental) from Appendix G of the Operating Procedures.
The next meeting of the Rules Committee is 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10 in the office conference room.
Charge for researching records proposed
A proposal to assess a charge to those asking to review POASC records was left in limbo. Rules Committee Chairman Junkins said he wanted to discuss the proposal and then send the information to the Rules and Administrative Committees for amendment to the proper POASC documents, but no motion to do that was made. The board may bring up the issue again or the individual committees may discuss the proposal and make recommendations to the board.
The regulations proposed included:
a. Access limited to individual property owners only.
b. Fees assessed to assemble information.
c. First (1/2) half hour at no charge; subsequent time at $20.00/per hour or portion thereof.
d. No copying of information permitted, other than information pertaining directly to the individual making the request.
e. Property owner required to sign a statement that information will not be given to any third party.
Junkins said individuals coming to the office for copies of deeds or other items pertinent to their lots are no problem. Their requests can usually be filled in a matter of minutes. He said big jobs requiring research and compilation require a lot of employee time, taking away from their regular jobs. A fee for time spent should be required for those requests, he said.
Director Bemis recited Alabama law that says, “All books and records of a corporation may be inspected by any member, director or officer, or his agent or attorney, for any proper purpose at any reasonable time.” Junkins said he would have no problem adding “agent or attorney”, but that the information should be given to an individual, not a group.
Director Pinkerton said he feels the proposal is taking property owner rights away. He said the issue is being addressed due to the recent requests by the Concerned Property Owners Committee (CPOC) to examine records of expenditures related to the dismissal of the former Operations Manager.
Director Huff said she agrees the request was handled poorly, but the board was advised by their attorney not to discuss specific events in relation to the situation. She said she feels a 24-hour notice should be given to the office when records are requested in order to give personnel time to accumulate them. Some requests may require searching archived records in the attic of the office building.
Some in the audience said they feel the half hour free time is too short. Others agreed to a reasonable fee, but did not indicate what that might be.
Chairman Fletcher indicated that the person who should have been looking at the invoices and receipts and who signed the checks is no longer on the board. New procedures, including purchase orders, are now in place and working well, she said.
Contractor Fees Eliminated
Contractors will no longer be required to pay a $40 permit fee to work in the Cove. They will be given a yearly Contractor’s Permit and a file will be kept on the work done. A $500 bond is required and insurance coverage is checked at that time to cover any damage to POASC property.
It will be up to the homeowner to verify the contractor has liability insurance and a Baldwin County Business License. POASC permits are still required and in some cases, a Baldwin County permit may be required.
After the work is done, property owners may place a letter, positive or negative, in the contractor’s file and it will be available for other property owners to review. The Operations Manager and/or the Property Inspector will be available to assist in the review of the work performed.
“No Outlet” Signs Approved
Seven “No Outlet” signs and galvanized posts to be placed at cul-de-sacs will be purchased at a cost of $444.91. An original request for 17 signs by the Safety Committee was pared down, as some were deemed unnecessary due to the length of the road and/or visibility. Signs will be placed at Panama Circle, Manuel Circle, Valencia Drive at Pensacola Drive, Rosinton Circle, and the south end of Ridgewood Drive near Rosinton Drive, and the south end of Maria Lane where it ends at Ridgewood Drive.
The next meeting of the committee is 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 1 in the RV Clubhouse. Chairman is De Dickey.
RVCH Spruce Up
The tankless water heater has been installed at the RV Clubhouse, new furniture has been ordered and quotes to replace the shelving have been requested. The shelving will accommodate a flat-screen television set.
The Ford Ranger truck will be sold to Ronnie Gulsby Paint & Body for $300. Lots 636 and 1776, owned by POASC, will be put up for sale as soon as a fair market value price is received.
2010-2011 Budget
Board members decided not to vote on the proposed budget until after a Town Hall-type meeting is held prior to the Feb. 18 Regular Meeting. The budget was distributed in December to board members, discussed at the December Regular Session, and presented to property owners attending the Jan. 14 Working Session, but some board members said they hadn’t gotten copies. The new format shows expenditures in cost centers for easy determination of the cost of amenities such as the clubhouses and the pool. Copies of the budget are available at the POASC office.
Treasurer Junkins said the Asset Replacement and Repair Fund (AR&R) balance should reach approximately $600,000 by the end of the fiscal year, March 31, 2010. The Capital Improvement Fund balance is $138,000. The AR&R fund is like a savings account, to be available when major repairs or replacement are necessary for existing amenities. The Capital Improvement Fund would be used for new improvements.
Crystal Norton is the latest addition to the office staff, following new hires Kay Chastain and Tami Booth. Crystal is the new bookkeeper.
The treasurer is working on the Miscellaneous Income and Expenses in the budget, working to pare them down and putting the expenses in proper existing accounts or adding new ones to accommodate similar items. The Assessment income has been reduced to a more revised estimate of assessed property. A more accurate accounting will be sought during the next fiscal year that begins April 1.
Committees
Activities–The Jan. 30 Cabaret Night is sold out, but Sandy in the Activities Office has a waiting list. Entertainer Fred Land will perform.
February will feature a Mardi Gras Gala on Feb. 13 with dinner and dancing. Cost is $7.50 per person. A Chili Cook Off is set for Feb. 20. Bring your favorite recipe at 5 p.m. Tasting will begin at 5:30. Finish the evening with a bonfire on the beach, featuring roasted marshmallows.
A Showcase of Talent is planned for March 7, Time to show off your talents. Dance, sing, play an instrument, read a poem, whistle; it’s all good. Register with Sandy.
A craft show will be held March 20. Vendors sign up with Sandy. Tables are $5 each. The committee is planning several other special events, Cove-wide Yard Sale, April 10; Ice Cream Social, May 9; Shrimp Boil, June 12; movies, concerts and Saturday morning coffee and donuts. The next meeting of the committee is at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2 in the poolside room of the Cove Clubhouse. Chairman is Judy Deeter.
Administrative—The committee is still working on Operating Procedures Section 7.3 Hiring an Operations Manager. The committee has approved all revisions except the last area dealing with interviewing final candidates. The next meeting of the committee is 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9 in the office conference room. Chairman is Sue Huff.
Communications—A revision has been made to the calendar page in The Update. Spanish Cove activities will be listed separately from events outside The Cove. Pictures and resumes of candidates for the March election of Directors will be in the February issue. A copy of the 2010-2011 Budget is also included.
The committee is still discussing future improvements to the spanishcove.org website. The committee is using new bookkeeping procedures to protect those who are authorized to sign checks on the committee’s account. Copies of receipts and other pertinent information are kept in the committee secretary’s binder. The next meeting of the committee is at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3 in the poolside room of the Cove Clubhouse. Chairman is Sharon Bemis.
PDM—There was no meeting in January. Work orders are being completed by maintenance personnel. Previously outside contractors were hired to do repairs around the Cove. The maintenance staff has taken on that responsibility and no outside contractors will be used unless necessary. The next meeting of the committee is 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2 in the office conference room. Chairman is Jimmy Young.
Roads and Drainage—Drainage problems on Club House Drive and other areas will be addressed when the committee establishes the list for repairs this year. Replacement of metal culverts, a sinking culvert at Club House and Vasco Drives and a sinking area of the road in front of the McCorkindale home will be addressed. The next meeting of the committee is 8 a.m. Saturday, March 6 in the RV Clubhouse. Chairman is Tom Pinkerton.
Nominations and Elections—Seven candidates have been nominated for the position of Director in the election to be held Saturday, March 13. Candidates are Cleo Conn,
Dave Danson, Sara Laibe, Connie McCorkindale, Pat Morgan, Susan Schiller and Jimmy Young, the only incumbent. Four candidates are to be elected to fill the vacant seats.
A Candidates’ Night will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10 in the Cove Clubhouse. A 3 x 4 card will be given to those who want to ask questions of the candidates. The Moderator will then pose the question to one candidate or all seven.
Packets with ballots for director and an amendment to the ByLaws pertaining to building on contiguous lots in Land Harbor will be in the mail on Monday, Feb. 1. Proxies will also be in the packet for those who will not be able to attend the Annual Meeting at 2 p.m. that day. In order to have a valid Annual Meeting, at least 20% of the membership must attend either in person or by proxy. Approximately 25 property owners served on the committee to count the ballots. Chairman is Bill Duncan.
Tags: Board Meetings; Rules;
In response to Free Speak comments I, not Dave Danson, recorded the meeting and placed the recording on Cove Connections.
It’s a full unedited version of the entire meeting and was placed on CC so that property owners, who were unable to attend the meeting, could listen to the entire event.
Another day of surprises!
I walked into the dining area at the rehab center and there was Mr. McKinney watching TV.
I stood looking at him, wondering if he really knew who I was, when out of his mouth comes, "Hey there, Sally Lou".
OMG! Lots of hugging and kissing. He even talked to our kids on the phone.
He’s not 100% yet, but my confidence is rising by the day.
Please continue to keep him in your prayers.
I’m convinced that God is just tired of hearing all of you and will fix him up quickly to shut you up.
I can’t tell you how much you all mean to me.
Thank you.
There are several comments made on Spanish Cove Free Speak that I feel I must reply to.
1. My filming of the meeting was because Cove Connections was/is hopeful of being able to post the entire meeting for those who missed the meeting to see. The camera was running continuously except when the batteries died. The entire meeting could not be filmed because I had only brought one set of replacement batteries and that was not sufficient. No editing of the tape was done by me, or anyone else to the best of my knowledge. If anyone would like to see the tape I will make the sd card available to them to take home and return to me after watching the approximately 1 hour of the meeting I was able to tape. You can see that there are 3 files on the card–the first is about 25 minutes. The camera stopped because the battery was weak, I restarted it and it recorded another couple of minutes. After replacing the battery there is about a half hour of meeting recorded. The taping was done in the open. No one requested that the meeting not be taped
As far as the accusation that I am still supporting Charlie. In a public Board meeting I addressed the Board, admitted I was wrong in my original support and went so far as to say that I felt the Board should pursue filing a complaint so that Charlie would have a permanent record for what he had done.I have said before, and continue to believe that Charlie did wrong, and that he misused POASC funds for his own personal benefit. I do feel that much of the blame falls on Boards in existence between 4-03 and 6-09 who failed to take steps to create strong internal controls. Stop blaming Ben Bonnet and Sue Huff. Ben was turned down by both the Finance Committee and the Board on proposals aimed at improving our internal controls. He also spoke to our outside accountants regarding expanding the audit. The Board and Finance Committees thought it unnecessary and to costly. Sue Huff was never even an Authorized signature on the POASC account due to lies told to her and to Frank Lenox by Charlie. As to myself in 2003, after the Karen Black experience I, as a member of the Finance Committee proposed the codifying of all the recommendations made by the Auditors. My proposal was turned down by the then chair of the committee as not necessary. I resigned from the Committee in protest. I have long advocated an expanded audit annually, and the formation of a "membership" internal audit committee. I am today a member of the Ad Hoc Committee writing internal control procedures and will advocate strongly we expand the audit and have some form of membership internal audit procedure. Dick Junkins, who leads the Ad Hoc committee has long been in agreement with both of these necessities.
In closing, outside of the item now being investigated by the Fairhope Police I do not feel that a crime was committed because all purchases were authorized by the Chairperson signing the check paying for the purchases, thus in effect approving them. Under our rules the Chairperson has the authority to approve any budgeted purchase up to $1500. Gas is an budgeted item. In addition, the manager has the authority to spend up to $500 as he/she desires with no ones approval. That is why I feel that there was gross misuse of funds, but not a crime. Charlie was morally wrong in what he did and I condemn him, but much blame falls on the Boards during his tenure as manager.
January 16, 2010 10:31 AM
Tags: Board, Finance Committee, Free Speak, Response
Below please find the complete original recording of the Tuesday, January 12th, 2010 CPOC Town Hall Meeting.
You can listen to the entire meeting, over the Internet, by using the following player in Internet Explorer. Other browsers may or may not work.
To download different file types click on the following link:
http://www.archive.org/details/CPOCTownHallMeeting
Below is a picture of the web page.
DENNIS McKINNEY [Sally’s husband] suffered a stroke during carotid artery stent placement. He is in Spring Hill Hospital, Mobile and moving to Mercy Medical Rehab Center, Daphne tomorrow, hopefully.
Please keep him in your prayers.
Everyone’s entitled to their own opinion but that’s all it is [unless the writer attacks the reputation of, speaks ill of or defames someone].
I choose not to accept some opinions and, like a seed on the wind, let them float by remaining centered and unattached.
Spanish Cove’s problems seem very small indeed especially when major earthquakes and devastation occur.
Today my thoughts, prayers and concern are with the Haitian people.
Town Hall Meeting
6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 12
Open Forum
The Concerned Property Owners Committee
POASC Chairman of the Board Joan Fletcher,
POASC Attorney Daniel Craven
and a representative from POASC accounting firm
Gruenloh & Associates
will attend
and will be available for questions and information.
One thing remains true in Spanish Cove, the kindness and good will of neighbors and friends. We’re so lucky to live in this small community where thoughtfulness, kindness and friendship abound [which can make such a difference especially with those of you who are on your own and have no family to fall back on].
The website HelpOthers.org provides ideas, suggestions and stories about how even the smallest act of kindness can make a difference regardless of whether you’re on the giving or receiving end.
We’d really like to hear your stories and ideas.
You can email them to editor@coveconnections.com or leave a comment in the comment box that’s located at the bottom of this article.
Tags: caring, Community, Kindness, thoughtfulness
Song Lyrics:
Happy new year
Happy new year
May we all have a vision now and then
Of a world where every neighbor is a friend
Happy new year
Happy new year
May we all have our hopes, our will to try……….
To read the rest of the lyrics please click Happy New Year Lyrics
Tags: Happy, Happy New Year, New, video, Year
Theresa Lucas, a representative of Alabama Utilities Service (AUS) introduced herself to the board and property owners in attendance at the December board meeting. The group has acquired a permit to build a sewerage treatment plant at the north end of County Road 91. One of the principals, Lucas said the new plant would have a treatment capacity of one million gallons per day in a state-of-the-art facility. She said Baldwin County Sewer Service (BCSS) that now serves Spanish Cove has a 250,000 gallons per day license.
AUS is looking at the feasibility to bring lines to Spanish Cove. It is seven miles from the proposed plant to the area and would have a high cost, but Lucas said once the cost was established, they could hold the rate for a number of years. She said the goal of the new facility is to eliminate pollution of waterways.
Chris Matthews is the General Manager of AUS and has many years experience in wastewater treatment, Lucas said.
The plan could only succeed if enough property owners would agree to connect to the new lines. She said this plan would not eliminate the current plant operated by BCSS.
AUS operates seven facilities in the state including three in St. Clair County, two for the Department of Corrections and two in Jefferson County. A future meeting for property owners will be held to ask questions. Meanwhile, property owners may contact Lucas at tlucas@lucaseng.com.
New Budget
Good news was delivered as Director Junkins reported the proposed budget offers no increase in assessments for Fiscal Year 2010-2011. If approved, the assessments will remain at $52 per month. He told board members a change was made to a cost-based budget to allow them to see what specific items cost, such as the clubhouses, maintenance and the pool. The board will discuss the budget at the January meeting and a special Budget Hearing will be scheduled after that.
LH Contiguous Lot Proposal
A proposal to increase the size of dwellings on contiguous lots in Land Harbor was passed unanimously and will be sent to the Nominations and Elections Committee to include the ballot in the Annual Meeting voting in March.
If approved by at least 20% of property owners, the amendment to the Covenants would allow dwellings up to 1,250 square feet on contiguous lots, not including porches, decks, patios, carports and garages. The main dwelling footprint must fall across at least one lot line separating the contiguous lots.
In addition, sufficient parking space must be reserved to park all planned vehicles including RVs, boats with trailers and utility trailers in compliance with POASC parking restrictions.
This amendment will further define rules for conventional (site-built) and modular homes in Land Harbor. The new language defines “livable area”. The proposal offers modestly increased dwelling size for property owners that may be considering placing a dwelling on contiguous lots, said Rules Committee Chairman Dick Junkins. “Livable area” is defined as a heated and cooled area exclusive of porches, decks, patios, carports and garages.
Pro-Active Neighborhood Watch Proposed
Security Supervisor Ron Hafer reported a new pro-active Neighborhood Watch is being proposed. He said volunteers would be staged at various points in the Cove during the night. They would volunteer for short or long shifts between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. Property owners will be asked to volunteer their driveways for the volunteers to park so they may observe nighttime activity on the streets. He and the Operations Manager are investigating the purchase of night-vision motion-sensor cameras for use in the project.
He suggest that property owners call Riviera Utilities to have a street light installed at their property for safety. Cost is $20 for installation and $4.60 per month for power cost. He said in some areas neighbors are splitting the cost for the security lighting.
New Furniture
Board members approved a total of more than $11,000 for pool and RV clubhouse furniture. The pool furniture will cost $5,904.36 including shipping and tax. The purchase includes seven lounges and tables and 28 chairs. They will be purchased from Suncoast Outdoor Furniture. All tables and chairs will be replaced. The lounges will replace some that are not in good condition. Umbrellas are not included, as the current ones in use can be used.
The RV Clubhouse will get 14 chairs with arms and 14 without, four 42-inch diameter tables with laminated tops and a bulletin board from Alfax Wholesale Furniture. In addition, an end table, lamp and two high-backed side chairs will also be purchased locally. The total for the RV Clubhouse furnishings is $5,224.65.
Treasurer Resigns
Director Ben Bonnet resigned as Treasurer, but will stay on the board in another capacity until the end of his term in 2012. Director Dick Junkins as Assistant Treasurer will take over the Treasurer’s duties until the end of the fiscal year on March 31, 2010.
Vice Chairman Sue Huff who chaired the meeting due to the absence of the chairman, read a letter from Spanish Cove Attorney Daniel H. Craven. The letter says that he has advised the board not to discuss details regarding actions by former employees. He said, “The board and the Association take the position that no wrongdoing has occurred and that it will not be pursuing these matters further.”
He said the board’s cooperation with the Concerned Property Owners Committee (CPOC) by making its books and records available is consistent with its “open book” policy.
Director Huff said although Alabama is an “at will” state and no reason is required in terminating an employee, once you begin saying why a person was fired, you make yourself and the association vulnerable to lawsuits. By following the attorney’s advice, the board keeps itself safe from litigation.
Kudos for CPOC
Director Pinkerton in a statement said CPOC “provided a great service for the Property Owners of Spanish Cove.” He said they worked as a team gathering important information, compiling it and spending their own money to distribute it to residents. He asked the members of the committee who were present to stand and the audience showed appreciation by their applause.
Manager Report
Operations Manager Butch Price said bids were opened for the items listed previously. The winning bids on the iPhones were $110 and $75 and the refrigerator went for $26.51. No bids were received on Lot 636, the truck or the microwave. The board and the manager will decided on how to proceed with these items.
The Manager apologized for disseminating misinformation, using the term Forensic Accountant instead of Certified Public Accountant.
Nine letters were sent to property owners to clean up their property or bring them into compliance of setbacks. Twelve permits were issued and 30 maintenance work orders were completed.
Committee Reports
Activities Committee:
· “Un-decorating”-Wednesday and Thursday, Jan. 6 and 7. Volunteers needed.
· Cabaret Night-6:30 p.m., includes a performance of show tunes, popular music and oldies by Fred Land. Cost $6 per person. BYOB. Finger food provided by the committee. Sign up at Activities Office by Jan. 25.
· Chili Cook-Off and Bonfire-Feb. 20
· Craft Show-March 20
· Showcase of Talent, 2 p.m. March 7. Not a talent show, just a showcase. Register at the Activities Office.
· Cove-wide Yard Sale-April 10. $5 fee, some spaces available in the Cove Clubhouse parking lot.
· The Activities Committee checking account will be transferred from United Bank to BB&T due to a charge assessed at United Bank.
Administrative Committee
The Committee is working on Operating Procedures Section 7.3 Hiring an Operations Manager and will begin work on an application that will be given to the final candidates to submit.
Communications Committee
Director Sharon Bemis said the committee is working on procedures and a purchase order draft. She said she feels it is imperative to come up with something in light of what has happened. Operations Manager Price said the office is already using purchase orders and would provide her with a copy.
PDM Committee
Director Jimmy Young said repairs are being done with no outside contractors. Exit lights at the Cove Clubhouse have been repaired, the steps at the office are being fitted with slip-resistant strips and the fire hydrants have been painted. He said the committee voted to do away with contractor fees that are being charged that are unnecessary.
Roads and Drainage
Director Tom Pinkerton said a drainage ditch on Pine Ridge Drive needs some work because it is diverting water to the adjoining property instead of going into the creek. The maintenance crew can remove some blockage. The Operations Manager will solicit bids from contractors to finish the job.
Rules Committee
Director Dick Junkins said the proposal to change the rules regarding use of the clubhouses has gone back to the drawing board, due to responses from property owners and reconsideration by some committee members.
The motion last month was that “POASC discontinue all rentals of the Cove Clubhouses, not to include reservations made for Cove-sponsored activities. A list of Cove-sponsored activities will be maintained by the Activities Coordinator as approved by the Operations Manager. This change to be effective January 1, 2010”.
The committee unanimously agreed that rentals by non-property owners should be prohibited. The Rules and Regulations pertaining to the Bylaws concur.
“Clubhouses may be used only by Spanish Cove Members in good standing. A schedule of user fees and deposits to provide for clean-up costs and/or cover inordinate wear will be posted and a contract shall be filled out prior to use. This may be accomplished at the activities office at the Cove Club. Use of either Clubhouse shall be restricted to activities sponsored and attended by the Association Member seeking its use.”
However the current Operating Procedures allow rentals to outside organizations under the “Special Use” provisions.
“Special Use is defined by party or parties, private clubs or organizations not necessarily directly and principally related or associated with Spanish Cove or POASC.”
The committee also agreed that the Activities Committee should have priority in reserving the clubhouses for Cove-wide events.
“Activities may be scheduled by the activities Committee at any time; property owners may schedule activities within a five month window.”
The Activities Committee Chairman and Activities Coordinator have been invited to the next meeting of the Rules committee at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13. Discussion will continue on the subject.
Safety Committee
Director De Dickey postponed discussion on the committee’s proposal to spend more than $900 on “No Outlet” signs and posts for the 17 cul de sacs in the Cove. She reported that Jimmy Young would replace Dick Junkins as Vice Chairman of the committee.
The night security crew has submitted an extensive report on dark areas where streetlights would be beneficial. The remaining 13 lights that were approved previously will be installed.
Residents are asked to call Security if vendors are seen blocking streets without the use of cones.
The next meeting of the Board of Directors will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 14 in Working Session. The next Regular Session of the board will be at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21.
Tags: Board, Budget, Committees
According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, while both male and female reindeer grow antlers in the summer each year, male reindeer drop their antlers at the beginning of winter, usually late November to mid-December.
Female reindeer retain their antlers till after they give birth in the spring. Therefore, according to EVERY historical rendition depicting Santa’s reindeer, EVERY single one of them, from Rudolph to Blitzen, had to be a girl.
We should have known… ONLY women would be able to drag a fat man in a red velvet suit all around the world in one night and make it home safely.
Tags: Celine Dion, christmas, Oh Holy Night
A man and woman had been married for more than 60 years. They had shared everything. They had talked about everything. They had kept no secrets from each other except that the little old woman had a shoe box in the top of her closet that she had cautioned her husband never to open or ask her about.
For all of these years, he had never thought about the box, but one day the little old woman got very sick and the doctor said she would not recover. In trying to sort out their affairs, the little old man took down the shoe box and took it to his wife’s bedside. She agreed that it was time that he should know what was in the box.
When he opened it, he found two crocheted dolls and a stack of money totaling $95,000. He asked her about the contents.
‘When we were to be married,’ she said, ‘ my grandmother told me the secret of a happy marriage was to never argue. She told me that if I ever got angry with you, I should just keep quiet and crochet a doll.’
The little old man was so moved; he had to fight back tears. Only two precious dolls were in the box. She had only been angry with him two times in all those years of living and loving. He almost burst with happiness..
‘Honey,’ he said, ‘that explains the dolls, but what about all of this money? Where did it come from?’
‘Oh,’ she said, ‘that’s the money I made from selling the dolls.’
Tags: joke
Tags: American, celtic, celtic woman, woman
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