In This Issue
The Vice-Prez Sez...
Trick or Treat!
Yard of the Month
As the Clock Turns
Hats Offs and Door-Knockers
ARC FAQ's
Neighbors Meet at Fall Festival
Top 10 Things Overheard
My First Board Meeting
Holiday Decoration Contest
Lights at the Ends of Tunnels?
Crystal River Drive Awaits
Neighborhood Watch
Homeland Security in Cypress Isles
WLCA Sets Photo ID Schedule
Contact List
A Seasonal Jingle
The Vice-Prez Sez
Dear Homeowners,
As you know, the management fee for our homeowners association is the one
of the largest line items in our yearly budget. With that in mind, we wanted
the homeowners to be fully informed on how we came to our unanimous decision
to retain Penn First Management as our management company. The following
is a snapshot of the information that the Cypress Isles Board used in determining
to whom to award our management contract for the next few years.
We sent requests for bids to four companies based on recommendations from
homeowners and a local realtor.
Attwood Phillips - $1000 per month, one-year contract; 30-day cancellation
with financial penalties.
No follow-up from company
Leland Management - $500 per month, one-year contract with some possible
hidden/transition costs; 30-day cancellation. Some negative feedback on
their performance.
Mid Florida Management -
No response after 3 requests.
Penn First Management - $560 per month through Dec 2003, and $595
per month through Dec 2005, with a three and one-half-year contract; 30-day
cancellation clause
The Decision
The board unanimously approved Penn First Management based on the following
information.
Penn First Management currently manages the operations of the Waterford
Lakes Master Association, along with most of the Waterford Lakes Sub Associations,
with no outstanding issues. We at Cypress Isles have no outstanding issues
with Penn First. In fact, we felt that our neighborhood is the best kept
in all of Waterford Lakes. We have a long history with Penn First, and they
know the contractors and the developers and have a good working relationship
with them. Since this contract can be cancelled in 30 days without penalty,
it is a performance-driven contract. If Penn First does not perform, we
can find a management company who will.
We decided that we would make a decision based on value, not just lowest
costs. But in addition, we have negotiated a 25-cent-per-home-per-month
discount in price compared to other Waterford Lakes neighborhoods managed
by Penn First.
Thank you for your support over the years and, as always, we welcome your
feedback at our monthly meetings. Our goal is to make good, sound decisions
for the neighborhood and to keep you, the homeowners, informed.
Steve Hartman, Vice-President
Cypress Isles Board of Directors
Trick or Treat!
Trick or Treat night will be on Thursday, October 31st (a.k.a. Halloween),
starting at 6 PM., ending at 9 P.M., or whenever the treats run out. Turn
your porch lights on and meet your neighborhood goblins.
Where to go? I'm glad you asked. Good rule of thumb, or foot, is: Porch
light on - go there. Porch light off - don't go there. Of course, as we
all know, sometimes the lights are on and no-o-o-body's home...
Trick-or-treaters: Watch out for vehicles and be extra careful because your
costumes can make it hard to see. Carry a flashlight to make it easier for
you to see, and for others to see you.
Drivers: Watch out for trick-or-treaters and be extra careful because behind
every bag of goodies is an excited child.
Moms and Dads: Those costumes are great; we have no idea who they really
are.
Everyone: Don't forget to check those goodies before eating them.
Watch for our January issue to find out when Groundhog Day will be.
(Yeah, yeah, this was a re-run article from last year. Sometimes we run
low on imagination
)
Yard of the Month
Recent Yard of the Month winners are:
Congratulations on your exemplary yards!
As the Clock Turns
Remember last April when we sprang forward and lost that hour of sleep?
Well, soon you will be able to regain that hour of lost sleep (supposedly).
On Saturday, October 27 at 2 a.m. we return to EST - Eastern Standard Time.
This means you will turn your clock BACK one hour. So you can either set
your alarm to get up at 2 a.m. and make the change, or do it at a reasonable
hour later in the morning, or before you go to bed. No excuses for being
late the next day, like when Daylight Saving Time begins in the spring.
(yawn)
Hats Offs and Door-Knockers
and whiskers on kittens
The ARC awards Hats Off commendations to homeowners who do exceptional property
maintenance, and gives "Doorknocker" reminders to mow, trim, maintain,
replace, move or remove, or repaint something. Ten Hats Off awards were
issued during the last quarter, and only 4 doorknockers.
Several homeowners have recently received anonymous "Dear Neighbor"
letters via U.S. mail about their property maintenance. Neither the Board,
the ARC, nor Penn First had any part in these irritating letters, which
do more to damage community spirit than they could ever gain to improve
landscaping. We hope the perpetrator ceases and desists. There's enough
other trash in our mail.
Remember - grass clippings are NOT to be blown into the street. If you hire
a lawn maintenance company, be sure they are aware of this also. But we'll
tell you to your face.
Chip Crane, ARC Chairman
ARC FAQ's
A preliminary guide to ARC - Homeowner interactions
What's this I hear about a walk-through?
This year in November the ARC will have a "walk-through" of the
entire neighborhood, instead of just a "drive-through." The purpose
will be to point out some of the things that all of us should do to keep
our homes and properties in great shape.
What is the ARC?
The Architectural Review Committee consists of 3 or 4 neighborhood residents
who are appointed by their neighborhood association Board of Directors.
Why do we need an ARC?
The ARC keeps the neighborhood looking good. In Cypress Isles, the ARC tours
the neighborhood once a month to ensure that the yard, weeds, sidewalks,
driveways, and shrubs, are kept up and looking neat. They also make sure
there are no trailers, RVs, or commercial trucks in driveways.
How neat is "neat?" Do I have to bounce a quarter off my
lawn? What if my redneck cousin in his monster truck comes over to visit?
Always the kidder. The standards enforced by the ARC are based on guidelines
from the Amended and Restated Declaration of Master Covenants, Conditions,
and Restrictions (See "Limits of Authority" in the Summer 2002
Cypress Isles News.) Those documents allow the ARC to use consistent rules
to maintain community standards, and the ARC should eventually formalize
and publicize those rules, even if they change later. Common sense moderates
the process. The odd weed is overlooked, but ample amber waves of weeds
get doorknockers. Cousin Eddy, visiting in his RV, is not a problem, but
more than a week of parking a box panel truck will get a doorknocker. The
ARC isn't whimsical or arbitrary, even though some of our sloppier residents
might like to think so.
I got a doorknocker. What happens now?
Depends. If you fix the problem within 15 days, it's over. If you do a great
job of fixing the problem, you might get a Hat's Off from the ARC, and probably
a "thumbs up" from your neighbors as well.
If you need more than 15 days, call the phone number on the doorknocker
and ask for more time. If you disagree with the finding or need more clarification,
call the phone number on the doorknocker and talk it over.
On the dark side, if you ignore the doorknocker for more than 15 days, you'll
get a violation letter from the Property Manager restating their case and
strongly requesting compliance or an explanation. If you ignore the letter,
then things start to get too ugly for this Q&A column.
By the way, all official doorknockers show the phone number for the management
company. If you get an unsigned note, it's not from the ARC or from anyone
official. In all these proceedings Penn First often acts as the Board's
agent, but all decisions are made by the ARC or the Board, not by Penn First.
When do I need to submit an ARB form?
First of all, there are no such things as "ARBs" or "ARB
Forms" even though the term is used a lot. The Architectural Review
Committee is the ARC, and the form is called an Architectural Review Application,
which would be abbreviated "ARA." But I digress.
The appearance of your outside property affects the whole community, so
the community should be consulted before you change that appearance. As
community representatives, the ARC needs to know about anything that would
change the outside appearance of the property beforehand, while there is
still time to discuss any possible problems. The Review Form starts this
"discussion" with the community.
Review forms must be submitted prior to making any changes to landscaping,
construction of pool, outside house paint, gutters, additions, statues or
fountains in your yard, or any other changes. Homeowners usually hear back
within 30 days
What if the ARC rejects my application?
Don't take it personally, just continue the discussion. Talk to someone
on the ARC, find out what the objection is, and work out a solution. Problems
with house paint color? Try lowering the intensity a few shades. Like that.
When everyone agrees, it's over.
What if that doesn't work?
Depends on your style. If you're the creative type, you'll figure out some
new solution that satisfies both your needs and the ARC's objections. If
you're the belligerent type, there are lawyers who will be more than happy
to have you support them as you slowly lose the battle with the Homeowners
Association. Me, I like the creative option better.
Is that it?
Yep - for now. Now about that bush
Chip Crane, Board Member and ARC Chair
Dennis Horazak, Editorial Facilitator
Neighbors Meet and Greet at
Fall Festival
Bunnies, baby goats, baby chicks, and squealing piglets; a big red fire
truck with a 75 foot ladder to climb; a pony to ride; water balloon tosses;
hot dogs, chips, sodas, popcorn, and cookies; and lots of prizes
OH MY!
The first Fall Festival was a wonderful success. Neighbors visited and mingled.
Everyone was enthralled with the "petting zoo" and the kids (baby
goats) wandering around eating anything. The Orange County Fire Rescue Division,
Ladder Company 83 came out to demonstrate their impressive equipment and
competence. We got to blow the horn and run the siren. Several neighbors
brought special treats to complete the provided snacks and sodas AND LOTS
AND LOTS OF COLD ICE WATER. We were all treated to the hot, sunny, beautiful
Florida Fall day.
To those who were able to attend, we thank you. To those who missed the
Fall Festival, we hope you plan to attend our next community event. A grand
time was had by all and we all enjoyed meeting our neighbors in this richly
diverse community.
Special thanks go to our neighborhood merchants who provided the many prizes
for our raffle:
Donato's Pizza Dress Barn
Eckerd Drugs Home Depot
Longhorn Steakhouse Quizno's Subs
T.G.I Friday's TooJay's Gourmet Deli
WalMart
Of course, this event could not have all come together as successfully
as it did without the tireless efforts of the Festival Committee:
Sonya Barsness Chip Crane
Myron Davis Steve Hartman
Ellie Huck Claire Sheeler
Cookie Symons Jamie Wiley
Ron Wiley
Allen Huck
Fall Festival Committee Chair
Top 10 Things Overheard at
the Fall Festival
10. Man, it's hot. Mustard on the hotdog, please.
9. Why can't we have a pony? Ask your mother
8. %$#%^ water balloon!
7. Larry, the goats want to discuss a 3-year vegetation maintenance contract.
6. Why is the scarecrow smiling? Oh
5. You want me to climb what?
4. Sure is hot. Maybe November next time?
3. Somebody please hit me with a water balloon!
2. Was my number called?
1. They can have this bullhorn when they pry it out of my cold, dead hands!
Like most of the residents of Cypress Isles, I relocated to Florida from
the north, never knowing what a Homeowners Association was or the purpose
of the Board of Directors. Initially, it appeared to be a council of some
sort to which I paid periodic fees. It appeared that what I got in return
for my fees was an upkeep of lawn and pond maintenance. I now know differently,
since my wife has become involved with the association, first with Neighborhood
Watch, and more recently as an elected member of the Board of Directors.
I've learned that the Board is in fact a type of council that makes decisions
on ground maintenance, insurances, improvements, and managing the association's
assets
Until recently, I never had an interest in attending a Board meeting but
a resident's letter citing some issues he had for the board, prompted me
to attend my first meeting. To be honest, I thought, if anything, I might
be entertained. Six of the seven board members were in attendance -- the
property manager, the resident who wrote the letter, two members of the
newsletter committee, and six other residents, including myself. I arrived
late and found the meeting in progress going over old business quite like
a city council would do. After old business came the new business. I said
previously that I might be entertained and this is where it began. The president
and the treasurer of the board had a debate over the wording of a contract,
both citing their views of why they thought it was wrong. I joke about being
entertained but could see that they were both serious about their views.
They each could have just conceded, but instead they agreed to investigate
it further.
There was other new business, most of which went with no snags or interruptions
until we came to the resident with the letter of issues. Now, this is where
I thought I would be entertained and somewhat I was. Both the board and
the resident remained very professional and presented their points, many
of which I agreed and disagreed with. Afterwards when the meeting was officially
adjourned, instead of running for their cars, many continued their discussions
in smaller groups.
My first Board meeting was an education and experience and I stress to all
residents of Cypress Isles to try to attend a meeting when possible. See
what it's like and let your opinion be heard. I can say that the Board wants
to hear what you have to say. These people (Board) are volunteering their
time because they care about their community. Show them you care too by
attending a meeting and maybe even getting involved. Meetings are held every
third Tuesday of the month.
Let me reiterate, I did not write this letter to advocate one side. I just
would like to let all residents of Cypress Isles know that we have a Board
that cares (and residents too) and looks for feedback from their residents.
The best way we can let them know is to attend meetings, e mail them, or
become involved.
Scott Symons
Holiday Decoration Contest
Plans are underway with our neighbors in Bradfordt Lakes to swap Holiday
Decoration judging again this year.
This may also be combined with a hot chocolate fest and a visit from Santa
before he begins his annual rounds.
The date, time and place will be announced at the November 19th Board meeting,
posted on signs at both entrances, and on our website. Also look for details
of the event in the December Fountain of News.
Lights at the Ends of Tunnels?
How many permits does it take to install a light bulb?
The Cypress Isles entrance lighting project has been a work in progress
for over a year, but recent developments may have dimmed (groan)its prospects
for completion. To further abuse the title metaphor, the problem is not
with the lights, but with the tunnel.
Installing lights at both entrances to Cypress Isles is a relatively simple
project, but connecting them to each other and to Florida Power requires
tunneling beneath the road, which can be the construction equivalent of
brain surgery. Besides the usual fire ants, the ground beneath the road
also contains water lines, sewer lines, TV cables, telephone cables, and
other electric lines. Whoever digs the tunnel must have lots of permits
and lots of expertise in avoiding all these other utility lines.
This tunneling complexity has caused the cost of the project to creep upward.
The most recent price quotation was $6,600. This vendor was spotted doing
an entry lighting project at another neighborhood and advised that they
could work with Orange County's requirements, as evidenced by the project
they were doing. Two other Waterford Lakes Neighborhoods hired this company
to do their entry work also. The price, however, exceeds both the original
budget of $4,500 and a subsequent increase to $5,500.
The Board established a formal committee, consisting of Chip Crane and Ron
Wiley, to find out whether the homeowners of Cypress Isles are comfortable
spending $6,600 for the lights and also to explore other vendors and options.
The committee will report back to the Board at the November Board of Directors
meeting.
This just in While proceeding with the lighting project at another neighborhood, the contractor we obtained prices and assurances from had another neighborhood entry project shut down by Orange County. Seems that they did not have the system figured out as well as they thought they did. Stay tuned for updates on whether the project can be resurrected.
Dennis Horazak, Science Editor
Speaking of lights
Crystal River Drive Awaits
The streetlights for the dark and creepy area on Crystal River Drive have
been approved by Orange County and now it is up to Florida Power. They are
running about four months behind before they get around to doing installs
like this. With that time frame, hopefully that should be in the next month
or so.
Neighborhood Watch
No news is good news!
Good news - it was a dark and quiet summer, with no incidents to report
this quarter. The punks and brats have been behavin' lately
Homeland Security in Cypress
Isles
Orange County Sheriff Kevin Beary and Homeland Security Deputy for East
Orange Marian Hultgreen met with neighborhood watch coordinators on September
10th to present a preview of Orange County's new homeland security awareness
program. This program is an Orange County initiative, not currently connected
to any federal or state program.
The purpose of the program is to inform Orange County residents about what
may constitute suspicious activity, how to report suspicious activities,
and how to plan for and cope with disasters if they happen. Eventually,
the program may develop into sets of procedures related to the color-coded
national terrorist alert levels.
Homeland Security tips for our neighborhoods are based on the premise that
you, the homeowners, are the eyes and ears of America.
Be Alert - Spot suspicious packages, luggage, or mail abandoned in
a crowded place like an office building, airport, school, or shopping center.
Listen - If you hear or know of someone who has bragged or talked
about plans to commit acts of violence or claims membership in a terrorist
organization, notify law enforcement immediately. All threats should be
taken seriously.
Call the Sheriff's Office Homeland protection Unit at 407-628-7008
if you see or hear suspicious activities.
Be Prepared - Take steps to plan ahead for emergencies to protect
yourself and your family.
The Cypress Isles News obtained a sample of the pamphlet A Guide to Homeland
Security. The pamphlet contains information about general emergency preparedness,
evacuation plans, guiding your children, opening the mail, and dealing with
major emergencies. The guidelines on what to do before and during large-scale
emergencies are also useful in preparing for hurricanes, tornadoes, or floods.
Orange County intends to provide one pamphlet for each household in the
near future.
Myron Davis,
Neighborhood Watch Coordinator
WLCA Sets Photo ID Schedule
Below is the schedule for Photo IDs now being issued to all residents by
the Waterford Lakes Community Association, Inc. (WLCA) at the cabana by
the pool at 453 Mark Twain Blvd. In addition to Monday-Friday 9am to 11am
we will be open every Tuesday from 6:00pm-8:00pm, and will also be open
on the Sundays listed below from 9:00am until 11:00am. We will also post
this schedule at the pool. The following procedures are in effect to ensure
the success of the Photo ID conversion:
* Please bring photo identification such as a valid drivers license
* IDs will be issued on a "first come--first served, time available"
basis.
* Each resident age fourteen (14) and above can obtain an ID card.
* The homeowner must accompany any children needing a card.
* Tenants need written authorization to receive an ID.
Photo ID Schedule:
Every Monday-Friday 9am until 11am
ALSO:
October 29 (Tuesday) 6 - 8pm
November 3 (Sunday) 9 - 11am
November 5 (Tuesday) 6 - 8pm
November 12 (Tuesday) 6 - 8pm
November 17 (Sunday) 9 - 11am
November 19 Tuesday) 6 - 8pm
November 26 (Tuesday) 6 - 8pm
December 1 (Sunday) 9 - 11am
December 3 Tuesday) 6 - 8pm
December 8 (Sunday) 9 - 11am
December 10 (Tuesday) 6 - 8pm
December 15 (Sunday) 9 - 11am
Contact List
Board Members
Sonya Barsness - sasterbe@att.net
Chip Crane - chptv@aol.com
Myron Davis, Treasurer - mdavis6900@aol.com
Steve Hartman, Vice-Pres . - steve.w.hartman@gsk.com
Larry Sheeler, Pres. - larrypfm@bellsouth.net
Cookie Symons - minnieland@aol.com
Jean Thomsin, Secretary - j.thomsin@worldnet.att.net
Penn First Mgt. - 407-380-803 - pennfirst@aol.com
Dennis Bode, Webmaster - dbode@cfl.rr.com
CI News Editor and Copyboy Sandy & Denny Horazak - sanden@bellsouth.net
A Seasonal Jingle
you know the tune
(Pitch pipe (A=440) "Hmmmmmmm")
"Pressssssure wash your dirty rooftop
Fa-la-la-la-laaaa, la-la-la-la
So the reindeer won't slip and flop
Fa-la-la-la-laaaa, la-la-la-la
Clean the slime off where you're walking
Fa-la-la, la-la-la, laa-laa-laa
Keep the A.R.C. from squawking
Fa-la-la-la-laaaa, la-la-la-laaaaaaaaaa"
Dennis Horazak
(thank you, thankyouverymuch)
Disclaimer: No roofs were harmed in the making of these song lyrics. Neither
the Cypress Isles News, nor any roofing company that we know of endorses
the pressure washing of roofs, which has been determined by the Roofer General
to cause premature roof replacement. (See "To Clean or Not to Clean
Your Roof" in the Fall 2002 Fountain of News.)