Two special events took place at the recent meeting of the POASC Board of Directors. First, the Chairman introduced the New Operations Manager, Harry “Butch” Price and then she announced the appointment of property owner Dick Junkins to the board.
Price said since he had just started the day before the meeting, he did not have a report. He said he would be out and about to talk with residents to get their input on issues and suggestions for Spanish Cove. Price has a Masters Degree in Operations Management from the University of Arkansas. He and his wife, Jerri, live at 1966 Ridgewood South.
Junkins has served on several board committees and will chair the Rules Committee. He is filling the vacancy that occurred when Frank Meier resigned to move out of the area. The term expires in March 2011.
The ballots to vote on an amendment to the Covenants to allow site-built homes (Conventional Homes) in Land Harbor have been mailed by the Nominations and Elections Committee. Property owners should be sure to follow the instructions in the letter. Place the ballot in the small blue envelope. Do not write anything on it. Then place the blue envelope in the self-addressed white envelope. Be sure to write your name and lot number on the back of the white envelope. Property owners are asked to return them to the office by mail or in person by 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18.
It is important that at least 20% of the property owners return a ballot for the vote to be valid. Then at least two thirds of those voting must approve the amendment for it to be adopted.
The proposed amendment follows. The only change from the current Section 8.38 is the addition of Conventional Homes.
Section 8.38. Permitted Uses and Improvements. Recreational Vehicle Lots shall be used exclusively for single-family residential uses. Recreational Vehicles, Manufactured Homes, Modular Homes and Conventional Homes, which cannot exceed one thousand (1,000) square feet in size, may be used as a Dwelling on a Recreational Vehicle Lot.
No more than one (1) Recreational Vehicle, one (1) Manufactured Home, one (1) Modular Home or one (1) Conventional Home shall be permitted as a Dwelling on any one (1) Recreational Vehicle Lot. No permitted Accessory Improvement shall be used as a Dwelling on a Recreational Vehicle Lot. No permitted Accessory Improvement shall be used as a Dwelling on a Recreational Vehicle Lot. Temporary occupancy of a stored or visiting Recreational Vehicle may be permitted with specific written approval of the Board of Directors. Manufactured Homes may include single wide units (formerly known as Park Model units) up to five hundred (500) square feet with additions of equal size approved by the Board of Directors or complete manufactured homes up to the maximum size of one thousand (1,000) square feet as approved by the Board of Directors.
Major discussions at the meeting revolved around the PDM Chairman’s proposal to purchase an additional two concrete tables and six benches, two stationary grills for the beach area and two pallets of sod for the area south of the pool where the swing set formerly resided. The second proposal was the placement of a three-foot fence from the clubhouse wall to the north property line to deter vehicles from driving to the rear of the clubhouse.
Recently the swing set that had been placed near the pool was moved to the beach area and Neighborhood Real Estate donated two tables and six benches for the area. Two pallets of sod were also donated for the area behind the clubhouse. Chairman Jimmy Young asked for $900 to double the equipment and to purchase more sod to fill in the area where the swing set once stood.
Some board members raised concern about the loss of the sod if a hurricane should visit the area. They also expressed concern about fishermen cutting fish and/or bait on the benches on the pier. A rule exists that fish may not be cleaned on the pier. Because they need a place to cut bait, it was suggested cutting board be placed in the corners at the end of the pier. A motion to spend an amount not to exceed $900 was passed to provide the tables, benches, sod and cutting boards.
Committee member Tom Pinkerton and Young spoke in favor of the fence and said dirt bikes, ATVs and golf carts had been seen driving over the lawn on the north side of the Cove Clubhouse. They were concerned that the new sod would be torn up or that persons walking in the area could be hurt. The proposed fence would have a gate that would be locked unless maintenance needed access. Some on the board were concerned about the $1000 cost of the fence and a property owner pointed out the area can be used for access to the rear of the clubhouse in the event of a medical emergency, but would not be available it the fence were placed there.
Board members postponed a vote on the proposal, asking the new Operations Manager to give his input. They also suggested that the rules prohibiting wheeled vehicles on Cove property be enforced and violators be given tickets for infractions. A property owner said security personnel had issued tickets, but no one had followed up on the enforcement procedure. The rule states:
“Motorized vehicles meant for personal conveyance are restricted to use on paved surfaces only unless otherwise specifically authorized.”
The proposal will be discussed at the next Working Session on Thursday, Sept. 10.
The Treasurer reported that the income continues to do well, with the increase of real estate activity for four consecutive months. Copies of the monthly Financial Statement and the 2008-2009 Audit Report are available to property owners at the POASC office.
The Finance Chairman reported $30,000 was transferred from Colonial Bank to Regions Bank in light of the report regarding the bank’s financial situation. Colonial Bank was closed by the Alabama State Banking Department and all deposit and loan accounts have been transferred to Branch Banking and Trust Company, (BB&T), Winston-Salem, NC. The next meeting of the committee will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 16 in the POASC office conference room.
The maintenance department is checking weekly for loose boards on the pier and repairs to the RV Clubhouse are complete. The next meeting of the PDM Committee will be held at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2 in the POASC office conference room.
Roads and Drainage Committee Chairman Tom Pinkerton reported the Elephant Ears that had been causing drainage problems had been treated with a poison and killed, but they are persistent in growing and need to be treated more often. He said both the EPA and Health Department approved the weed killer.
The road repairs needed because of the culvert problem on Club House Drive has been temporarily patched and Pinkerton recommends more extensive repairs be added to the list for the 2010-2011 budget. A suggestion was made to make permanent repairs this year, since there is money in the Asset Repair and Replacement Fund. The Operations Manager will evaluate the situation and make a recommendation whether the work should be done now or later.
New Rules Committee Chairman Dick Junkins presented a ByLaws amendment to Section 7.4 Quorum which now reads:
“At meetings of the Board of Directors, a majority of the Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.”
The proposed change would adjust the number to a majority of the sitting board members so that business may be transacted while board seats are not filled. The proposed change states:
“Section 7.4 Quorum. At meetings of the Board of Directors, a majority of the Directors currently filling positions shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.”
The ByLaws set the number of directors at 12. Due to resignations, only 10 seats are filled at the present time. A quorum for the full board would be seven, whereas the current board would require only six, if the proposal is approved.
The second reading will be held at the next Regular Session on Thursday, Sept. 17. The board will vote on the proposal at that time. A vote of the property owners is not necessary for this change to be approved.
The committee will be discussing Phase II regarding site-built homes on contiguous lots, reviewing living area size, parking and accessory buildings. They are planning for a vote on these items at the March 2010 Annual Meeting. The next meeting of the committee will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 9 in the POASC office conference room.
The Safety Committee has completed its review of the need for more speed limit and caution signs. They are recommending a new three-way stop at the east intersection of Elberta Loop and Buena Vista Drive to limit the speeding on the strip between Escambia Drive and the north section of Buena Vista Drive. Thirty-five signs would be necessary according to the Chairman De Dickey. The list was distributed to the board for their review and input at the September Working Session. The next Safety Committee meeting will be held at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8 in the POASC office conference room.
Two fall events are being planned by the Activities Committee, an International Night in September and Halloween Fest on Oct. 31.
Cove organizations and groups are invited to present a table with foods representing world cuisine. Guests will be invited to have a taste of the various dishes. Sign up at the Activity office if you want to sponsor a table.
Halloween Fest will include some of the events from last year, but have a different focus, said Chairman Judy Deeter. She invites property owners to suggest activities that they would like to have offered. Call or email the chairman or stop by the Activity office. The next meeting of the committee will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 1 in the Cove Clubhouse.
Administrative Committee Chairman Sue Huff was not in attendance, but the committee will be reviewing Section 7.3 of the Operating Procedures regarding the procedures for hiring a new Operations Manager when a vacancy occurs. The next meeting of the committee will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8.
The next Working Session of the board will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 10 in the Cove Clubhouse. The next Regular Session of the board will be held at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 17.
Tags: Appointment, beach, Fence, Manager
There is no doubt that there are often fish scales on the benches and hand rails at the pier. I believe both residents & guests cut bait and may be cleaning fish. Without a doubt…it will continue. Call it what you like, hand cleaning station, bait cutting board area etc…A fresh water source to wash hands and clean benches & rails would be useful.
Sally, I agree and will do on my visit (if something needs to be said-or needs attention).
Hmmmm, it seems to me it was announced at the last couple of meetings that the RV Clubhouse was shipshape. An email to Butch Price is in order, methinks. Since I never go there, and probably would forget to check it out, could you do it, Gary?
I never have seen anyone clean fish, but many who catch small ones cut them up for bait on the railings, benches, and and then leave a big mess. At my home lake, the Parks Department has metal sinks with old fashioned red hand pumps that draws lake water on most of the public docks, the drain is a 3″ pcv pipe that goes strait down.
At my local sailing club and the local marina, one has to know the code for the lock to get on the pier or docks (most are that way).
Had another concern about cleaning; not sure how often RV Club House gets cleaned, but the showers need some extra elbow grease. I am a State Auditor (actually that falls in 5% of my misc. other duties), and those would not pass one of my inspections…
Let’s not make a big project out of this. People like to fish. People like to just sit and look at the bay. Seems to me you could do both at the same time. Little corner trays would do it, I should think. I would imagine most who catch fish release them, anyway. and why are non-residents using the pier? Doesn’t security go out there and check IDs? Seems to me spot checks could be done.
Aw, no fun! There is a major difference between cutting bait and cleaning fish-primarily volume of scales and entrails.
A bucket and rope could be lowered for water and SPLASH!
Yes, I agree that many non-residents of the Cove use the pier.
It seems to me, but I admit I do not fish, that allowing cutting of bait, or cleaning of fish, just draws flies and takes the enjoyment of the pier away from other users. Why can’t the bait be cut at home and brought ready to use to the pier, or I would not be against the construction of a covered area with a cleaning table, water, and a covered garbage can located some place around the start of the pier away from where people walk. We have rules and have had them for years that seemed to work well. I also wonder how much of the “mess” on the benches is being created bu non-cove residents. I was told yesterday by a frequent user of the pier just to enjoy it, not fish, that almost every day he meets non residents fishing there, including some from our neighbor the KOA.
I don’t see why maintenance can’t go there every once in a while with buckets, spray bottles or whatever and clean the bait cutting boards. Even just using the bay water will do it, I think. However, I’m not a fisherperson, so that may not be a good idea. A sign could be installed saying board is for bait cutting only and please douse it with water before you leave.
Well, Mr. Wagner, that’s one of the things some Board members were a little leery about when the vote came up to authorize the purchase of cutting boards. Fish CLEANING currently is and I believe will be prohibited at the pier. The cutting boards are intended for cutting bait only.
I do agree that water service at the pier would be a plus, but that will further encourage fish cleaning, and we may end up with a bigger mess than we need. I think there are environmental considerations about fish cleaning stations at inshore areas. Not sure about that. I just remember when a condo-owner friend of mine (Orange Beach)was getting permits for their boat dock, he wanted to put a fish cleaning station in, and was told he couldn’t do it and the permit would be denied. Called it a hand wash station and it was approved!
If the proposed fish cleaning board is installed at the pier, there should also be a water source for clean up. Washing fish slim off pier benches should be done more often. Like cleaning the pool deck area, it’s something they can once in while.