Newsletter 5 September 5, 2010

POINT BRITTANY SIX NEWSLETTER


NEWSLETTER 5 SEPTEMBER 5, 2010



As you recall, we had an inspection of the Cathodic Protection system and the balconies in general on June 17, 2010. Overall the findings were very good. There were several items which require repair but as best we can tell they are under warranty. The cathodic protection system was checked entirely either through on site review or electronically. We know that the system is working. What we need to determine is what unit balconies need repair beyond those actually looked at by the inspection team. We will address this issue at our next board meeting.

This is a reminder to unit owners who are having work done by contractors. Please have the contractor load/unload their vehicle(s) at the dumpster area at the west end of the building. When they are finished, have them move their vehicle(s) to the lot on the other side of Leland Street. They can gain entrance to the parking area by advising the security guard of the unit where they are working. They should be advised that this is a tow away zone.

We have a long standing rule which specifically prohibits deliveries on weekends. The only notable exception to this rule is in the case of an emergency. As an example, if a refrigerator would fail and there was a danger of losing medications or for that matter food items, an exception can be made. In a situation such as this, simply contact a member of the Board for approval to have the delivery made. The Director will contact security to authorize the delivery.

What has the Board been doing since the last Newsletter?

- Since our last newsletter, we experienced transmission failures in 3 of our washing machines. Since the cost associated with the replacement of the transmission is so high, it is more prudent to replace the machine. As a result of the effort of the Board and specifically Mr. Feldwisch, we were able to get the manufacturers to extend the warranty to cover the cost of repair of these washers. This will result in the savings of approximately $2,400.00. The savings will increase if we experience more transmission failures during the extended warranty period. You can help! The primary reason we experience these transmission failures is through overloading. Please do not wash heavy items in these machines such as heavy bed spreads, carpets, etc.



-We arranged to have the drain replaced on the upper garage level, along with the installation of a larger drain pipe which will assist in the removal of rain water in the basement area. We are very hopeful that this will stop the water leaking onto the garage floor.

- I failed to mention the installation of a motion detector in the west dumpster area in the last newsletter. This, along with enhanced lighting in the dog walk area, improves security and helps to insure the safety of our residents.

- The Board is working very closely with the landscaping committee and the hallway renovation committee. There will be a presentation by both of these committees at our next Board meeting. I know that I am speaking for all the members of the Board when I say that the members of these committees are working extremely hard to come up with the best, most cost effective initiatives to improve our building. We owe them a big thank you for all their good work.

The Community Association Institute published the fundamental guidelines which essentially governs the actions of the members of the Board of Directors in buildings such as ours. These fundamentals are as follows and I quote;

“ Associations ensure that the collective rights and interests of homeowners are respected and preserved.

Associations are the most local form of representative democracy, with leaders elected by their neighbors to govern in the best interest of all residents.

Associations provide services and amenities to residents, protect property values and meet the established expectations of homeowners.

Associations succeed when they cultivate a true sense of community, active homeowner involvement and a culture of building consensus.”

If we were to write a charter for the Board of Directors, it would have to include these basic principles. I believe the members of your Board understand these concepts and adhere to them. But, to be truly successful, we need you to work with us to develop the “true sense of community”.

We will publish a formal announcement of the date, time, and place of our next Board meeting which is tentatively scheduled for October 6, 2010 at 7:00 PM in the ballroom in Residence Hall. Please plan on attending this extremely important meeting.

7. By now you should have received your tax notice of proposed taxes for the year. It appears that many of us will receive a significant reduction in our taxes. This is a good thing. I would like to suggest to those of you who are not “Homesteaded” to consider doing so while the value of your unit is low. This will assist you when the appraised value increases in the future. The negative side of this issue is that our units do not have the value they once did, but this is true throughout the State of Florida and many other States. On the positive side, while your unit may have decreased in appraised value, you have not lost anything unless you sell your unit in this depressed market. This may be the time to sit back and enjoy the tax savings you have received.


Thomas G. Bertz, President, Building Six Board of Directors