BAY COLONY CLUB MAY 20 BOARD MEETING - SYNOPSIS

Open Forum : Questions from owners on replacing U.S. flag, BCC office charges for notarizing documents, changing BOD meetings day to Mondays.

Board Members Attending: Wilbur Bullock, Lisa Farinacci, Betty Francis, Bev Houston

Board Members Absent: Bill Brady, Bill Delaney, Sean Holland

Miscellaneous Other Attendees: Joanne, BCC Manager

BCC Owners Attendees: 25 (est.)

Board Meeting Minutes: Waived reading of April 15 minutes, waiver and minutes themselves approved unanimously

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Reports: President’s, Treasurer’s, Screening, Community Relations, Manager’s are, or should be available on BCC website.

Capital Improvements Report: (Not on agenda, but voted unanimously to include.) Gordon Houston gave an interesting report on capital needed improvements which touched on roof edge connection improvements (initial estimates $40,000 per building) , seawall repair, balcony and balcony railing repair. Further details and progress reports expected at the next BOD meeting.

Old Business: Collection Attorney: A new collection attorney was selected to replace John Stevens. Ticket Fine Requests: Outstanding tickets for two residents were negated due to “selective enforcement.”

New Business: Security Gate Equipment Ratification: A lightning strike required immediate replacement of most electrical and electronic equipment in the Gatehouse. Ratification of replacement costs net of insurance approved unanimously. Swimming Pool Drain Cover Ratification: Purchased due to code requirement. Approved unanimously. Swimming Pool Heater Fence: New code requires fences around pool heaters @ $4,300. Approved unanimously. Insurance Package Policy Renewal Ratification: Details in prior minutes. Ratification unanimous. Rec Center 2 Sound System: Upgrades to Rec 2 sound and recording equipment (up to $3,000) approved unanimously. Smoking Urns: Purchase of two smoking urns ($288 each) for Rec 2 approved unanimously. Request for Bid: Development of a formal written request for bids, including a provision for Whistle-Blower rewards, approved unanimously.

Meeting adjourned at 9:10 P.M.

Editorial Comment:: Members of the disgraced and repudiated former Board of Directors turned up in full force for this meeting. Their obvious intent was to carp and nit-pick any and all actions of the present BOD. It is amusing to hear the folks who gave away $100,000 of BCC’s money to a “cable TV consultant”, question $5 notary fees being charged at the office.

It would be in all our interests to attend Board meetings and challenge the lies and obfuscations trotted out by this bunch before they confuse the owners who didn’t pay much attention while their assessments were being mis-spent.

Corrections and comments would be appreciated.

BAY COLONY CLUB REALTY REPORT AS OF 4/30/10

Total # 2 BR for sale:  15

High        $299,900

Low         $179,990

Median    $229,990

Sold 2 BR YTD:  6      LP/SP         Days on Market

High        $195,000          96%              49

Low         $140,000          83%               8

Median    $161,250          90%              215

Total # 1 BR for sale:  7

High       $129,000

Low        $ 87,500

Median   $104,990

Sold 1 BR YTD:  5        LP/SP         Days on Market

High:      $117,000                87%                    10

Low:       $  85,000                86%                  270

Median: $101,000                86%                  140

Information provided by Marge Matinale, Lic. Associate Broker, Prudential Florida 1^st Realty, 954-298-2527, fax: 954-771-7367, email: margesells4u@yahoo.com

BAY COLONY CLUB'S NEXT HURRICANE

This report was written by BCC resident Gordon P. Houston, P.E., a Professional Civil Engineer registered in Florida and Illinois. He worked in construction and design since 1965 and served 2 years on the BCC Board.

Roofs

The roofs of our buildings are constructed by stretching a membrane over plywood sheeting supported by wood roof trusses. The membrane is anchored at the roof edge by steel screws spaced at intervals along the edge ledger board. This produced a strong roof with a low wind drag which is important during a strong wind storm. We found during hurricane Wilma that the edge anchorage must be maintained. During this storm we had a failure on the south side of buildings 1 through 8. The roofing expert hired to repair these roofs said the steel connectors had deteriorated. He made repairs using stainless steel connectors. When asked how we could prevent this from happening again, he suggested we install additional stainless steel connectors between the existing steel connectors.

Entrance Doors

Building entrance doors are a concern. The door panels are mostly in good condition but the hardware has been used for over 36 years without replacement. Most latches and worn-out hinges are noisy, and many closures are inoperable or nearly so. The conditions of the entrance doors are important during wind storms because if they fail to hold back the wind we will lose the roof.

Shutters, Windows, Balcony Enclosures

BCC should have a policy on window replacement, balcony enclosures and practical shutter design. If we make all windows meet the new code we would be eligible for a substantial discount on wind insurance. The policy should require all present and future glass balcony enclosures (where sliding door is removed) to meet the same present code requirements.

The preceding is from an August 2009 Blog article.  Here we are on the brink of a new and predicted to be more severe hurricane season and nothing has yet been done to protect lives and property.  HOW ABOUT IT BOD?

BAY COLONY CLUB WHISTLE-BLOWER REWARD

The Bay Colony Club Board of Directors (BOD) should authorize a whistle-blower reward at their next meeting. 

1) The reward should be substantial, $5,000 to $10,000

2) The reward should be given to any individual providing information leading to the arrest and conviction of person or persons:

i) Soliciting or offering kickbacks on goods or services purchased by BCC, and/or;

ii) Vandalizing Association common property or the property of owners, renters or guests located in BCC, and/or;

iii) Embezzling or any use of Association funds for private use or profit, and/or

iv) Theft of Association common property or the property of owners, renters or guests located in BCC.

3) The reward would be prominently featured in BCC’s Vendor Agreements and solicitation for bids.

4) Notification of the reward would be sent to all present and past BCC vendors as well as past non-winning bidders for BCC business going back for 5 years.

A whistle-blower award would:

1) Provide a possible income source for the Association. (Civil action to claw back illicit payments, etc.)

2) Discourage undesirables from seeking BCC BOD seats or applying for BCC employment.

3) Encourage BCC “Security” to keep a sharper eye peeled for illegal activity.

4) Lower BCC expenses and/or improve quality of goods and services bought by BCC.

5) Improve quality of life for most BCC residents.

I am sure we will all be interested in who offers counter-arguments for a reward and what those arguments might be.

Let’s get this on the next BOD agenda!

CONDO CRIME & PUNISHMENT

We've set up a new link (thanks to Jan Bergemann of CCFJ)  to articles about condo shenanigans and the (sometimes) resulting criminal prosecutions.  Look in the left column on this page under "Links" and click on "Condo - Crime & Punishment".  Bay Colony Club Association owners might find the articles interesting and possibly helpful.  Highly recommended are the articles on Hallandale's Parker Plaza Estates.  And, for the latest, there's this:

4/29/10 Breaking News Update!

From today's Miami Herald:

Condo president charged with stealing from her association... "At this point, we've hired a forensic accountant and they'll be looking at (this)..." said attorney Thomas J. Tighe, who represents the (Hollywood) Hillcrest Codominium residents."


Let's hear some comments on this one!  Ah go ahead, prove you're out there and paying attention. 

BAY COLONY CLUB APRIL 15 BOARD MEETING - SYNOPSIS

Open Forum (7:16-7:35): Questions from owners on:

1. Accounting for cash intake at BCC social events. (Prompted no doubt by mystery disposition of all those years of BCC’s Sunday brunch income.)
2. Ticket for scooter questioned.
3. No prior “Move Cars” notice to owners on tree trimming.
4. Incorrect reporting of cost for Rec 4 ice machine. Ignoring prior BOD’s illegal purchase of Rec 1’s ice machine with delivery just in time for a super bowl party.

Board Members Attending: Bill Brady (by phone), Betty Francis, Sean Holland (by phone), Bev Houston

Board Members Absent: Wilbur Bullock, Bill Delaney, Lisa Farinacci

Miscellaneous Other Attendees: Joanne, BCC Manager

BCC Owners Attendees: 40 (est.)

Board Meeting Minutes: Waived reading of March 18 minutes.( Except for those regarding Rec 1 ice machine, which were corrected for Rec 4 machine cost.) Corrected minutes approved unanimously.

Reports: President’s: None given.
Treasurer: Available on BCC website.
Screening: 4leases, 5-sales, 2- 2^nd occupant
Community Relations: No more alcohol to be served at BCC functions, BYOB only. Better (stage) lighting needed for Rec 2. Upcoming May Disco, June BCC idol.
Manager: Presently 136 dock leases, 2 slips A dock and 2 finger slips available. 128 leases. 13 units in bank foreclosure, 14 in collection with attorney. 3 bike thefts in past month. (See BCC website for additional details.)

Old Business: Legal Matters:
1. Three law firms interviewed for collections attorney. Selection of attorney tabled (pending production of performance spread sheet) until next BOD meeting.
2. Becker & Poliakoff authorized to represent all named BOD defendants in amended Walker law suit. Approved unanimously.
3. Pay off of additional $62,500 plus arbitration fees for CCG cable contract. No explanation of how prior BOD’s approval of $60,000 was increased to $62,500. Payment based on legal advice. Approved unanimously, with great reluctance.
Temporary Workers: Temporary workers to be hired to paint curb stops, laundry room sidewalks and mailbox pads. Cost of labor and materials $9,100. Approved unanimously.

New Business:
Violations Committee and Ticket Fines: Waiver of fines tabled pending resolution of “selective enforcement and other issues."
Meeting adjourned at 9:47 (Lost Brady phone connection and quorum.)

Corrections and comments would be appreciated.

BAY COLONY CLUB REALTY REPORT AS OF 3/31/10

Total # 2 BR for sale:  16

High         $299,900
Low          $139,900
Median     $225,000

Sold 2 BR YTD:  3       LP/SP         Days on Market
High        $195,000          96%               49
Low         $144,000          83%                8
Median    $175,000          91%             228

Total # 1 BR for sale:  6
High       $129,000
Low        $ 91,000
Median   $ 94,140

Sold 1 BR YTD:  2        LP/SP         Days on Market
High:      $117,000          87%                 10
Low:       $  85,000          86%                 10
Median:  $101,000          86%                 10

Information provided by Marge Matinale, Lic. Associate Broker, Prudential Florida 1^st Realty, 954-298-2527, fax: 954-771-7367, email: margesells4u@yahoo.com

BAY COLONY CLUB MARCH 18 BOARD MEETING - SYNOPSIS

Open Forum : Questions from owners on BCC foreclosures (13 bank, 3 BCC); Beth Walker law suit; possible noise dampening in Rec 2; Landscaping Committee; Bill Delaney resignation as V.P.; Betty Francis new V.P.

Board Members Attending: Bill Brady (by phone), Wilbur Bullock, Betty Francis, Sean Holland (by phone), Bev Houston

Board Members Absent: Bill Delaney, Lisa Farinacci

Miscellaneous Other Attendees: Joanne, BCC Manager

BCC Owners Attendees: 51 (est.)

Board Meeting Minutes: Waived reading of Feb. 8, Feb. 11, and Feb. 22 minutes. All minutes approved unanimously.

Reports: President’s: Buildings 3 & 4 re-rated for flood insurance, Rules & Regulations and Community Relations Committees started up, BCC Newsletter reinstated and opinion poll testing owners’ opinions on various matters to be circulated.
Treasurer: Available on BCC website.
Screening: 3-leases, 5-sales, 1- 2^nd occupant
Community Relations: Several possible activities discussed, i.e. garage sale, welcome wagon, educational speakers. Committee is seeking owner input.
Security, Rules & Regulations: SUVs with a short truck bed, towing of illegally stored vehicles and deliveries discussed. Upcoming poll to test owners’ opinions on these and other matters.
Manager: Presently 136 dock leases, 2 slips A dock and 2 finger slips available. 

Old Business: Update on Legal Matters: Beth Walker suit over pest control still pending. CCG cable consulting contract going to arbitration. (Sam Slota signed contract without BOD or owners’ knowledge. BOD prompted by Saundra Zubko approved a $60,000 payoff. Zubko later upped to $62,500.) It was pointed out (again) that the prior BOD’s last minute approval to settle with cable consultant CCG appeared to legitimize the illegal Slota signed contract. Prior BOD’s approval made any legal challenge to CCG contract and subsequent 10 year Comcast contract difficult if not impossible.
Attempted retrieval of personal information on 9 owners copied by Zubko underway.


New Business: Ice Machine: The “emergency expenditure” for ice machines approved by 5 prior Board members without Board discussion or vote was not ratified. A $10,000 order for 2 undelivered machines was cancelled. Machines made crushed ice, not cubes and were not designed for outdoor installation. One machine was installed in Rec 1 (just in time for a Super Bowl party). Vendor refuses to take back the one machine installed, and the five approving prior BOD members will be billed for its $5,000 cost.
Rec 2 Plumbing Repairs: Contractor selected unanimously.
Tree Trimming: Corrective pruning required for 192 canopy trees at a cost of $15,000 to $27,000. Pruning and costs will be divided over 2 years. Approved unanimously. 12 trees need replacement, $3,500 including additional stump grinding. Approved unanimously.
Manager’s Contract: An addendum to be added to manager’s contract suspending a provision for a 5% salary increase was approved unanimously and agreed to by the manager.
Wage Freeze: Employees wage freeze lifted and a 3.5% increase for all employees with one or more years of service approved unanimously. (Total annual cost for increase $13,000.)
Temporary Workers: Hiring painters for parking stops tabled pending further study. Hiring a 6 month temp for lawn crew at a total cost of $10,000 and a clerk to purge office files ($2,307) approved unanimously.
Rules: Clubhouse reservations and towing illegally stored vehicles tabled by unanimous vote. Vehicles registered as SUV’s with a short truck bed (i.e. Cadillac Escalade, Honda Ridgeline and Chevy Avalanche) will be allowed to park overnight. A bed cover will be required to be in place, gross vehicle weight must be less than 7,000 pounds and no trailer hitches protruding beyond rear bumper allowed. For: Wilbur Bullock, Betty Francis, Sean Holland, Bev Houston Against: Bill Brady


Meeting adjourned at 9:45

Corrections and comments would be appreciated.

BAY COLONY CLUB REALTY REPORT AS OF 2/28/10

Total # 2 BR for sale:  17

High         $299,900

Low          $159,900

Median     $225,000

Sold 2 BR YTD:  3       LP/SP         Days on Market

High        $195,000          91%               49

Low         $144,000          83%                 8

Median    $175,000          91%            228

Total # 1 BR for sale:  9

High       $129000

Low        $ 89,999

Median   $ 95,000

Sold 1 BR YTD:  2        LP/SP         Days on Market

High: $117,000                87%               10

Low: $ 85,000                  86%               10

Median: $101,000            86%               10

Information provided by Marge Matinale, Lic. Associate Broker, Prudential Florida 1^st Realty, 954-298-2527, fax: 954-771-7367, email: margesells4u@yahoo.com

WHY ATTEND THE NEXT BCC BOD MEETING?

There are two items which certainly should be agenda items at the next Board meeting:

Saundra Zubko #1 – Ice Maker “Emergency”*
An issue that should come up at the next BOD meeting concerns the reported "emergency" purchase and delivery of an ice making machine for Rec 1.  Order was placed and delivery made the Friday before Zubko's invitation-only Super Bowl party at Rec 1. The machine cost around $5,000 and what’s more, is not the right model.  It makes nuggets rather than cubes, is way under capacity and sits in the south west sun so will leak and run constantly all summer.

Four members of the previous BOD approved the purchase under a loophole that allows a majority of the Board to approve purchases without the necessary public vote under emergency circumstances. ( i.e. to protect people from injury or death and property from damage)   Any such purchase must be ratified at a properly noticed public board meeting.   Perhaps the four approving ex-Board members can explain this “emergency”?

*Alleged emergency purchase reported by a very reliable source.

Saundra Zubko #2 – Does She Have Your Number?
The alleged theft of confidential information from the BCC office deserves to be examined in detail and measures taken to improve security.  Please see the earlier blog article: “Does Saundra Zubko Have Your Number?”

If these two items get on the agenda, the next meeting should be very entertaining.