THE GLADES OWNERS ASSOCIATION

                        THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2009   

                              THE GULF BEACH BAPTIST CHURCH MINUTES

In attendance were Board Members George McNitt, Ken Patterson, Tom Holmes,

Gus Martell, and John Bridges. There were 8 Glades Owners in  attendance.

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 P.M. by President McNitt.

·        Approval of May 21 Regular Meeting Minutes. Martell motioned we approve the minutes. Seconded by Holmes and carried.

·        OLD BUSINESS: President McNitt reviewed the status of the Glades II Pond Agreement and introduced our Glades Attorney, Bill Henry as well as Glades resident Tom Crusey who has many years experience in the Insurance Industry. Judy Lee related her understanding regarding the history of the ponds and how they  became an increasing financial liability to Glades II owners. The previous board authorized Ms. Lee to survey Glades II owners and found 85% were agreeable to removing the pond pumps. Subsequently, Wes Burnham agreed to lease the ponds and take on the insurance liability. Mr. Crusey gave his opinion this would not relieve the association of liability. He also questioned whether or not Mr. Burnham has a vested interest. There was quite a bit of discussion and the consensus was that Burnham does have a vested interest. President McNitt then asked our attorney to give us the result of his research. First, Mr. Henry stated that Homeowner’s associations do not have authority to lease property. However, Mr. Henry says that TGOA may grant a license over common areas. There is no requirement for a  special membership meeting or quorum and the board can grant a license as part of  its power to manage TGOA’S business. As to liability, Mr. Henry quoted Florida law that there is no liability for a drowning in a body of natural or artificial water. The general rule is the owner is not guilty of negligence for a drowning. Also, based on case law, Mr. Henry said liability insurance is not necessary. He said it’s a business decision for the board, pointing out that members are not individually liable. However, he said that in the event of a lawsuit against TGOA, he said the cost of defense could be high and ultimately cause the association to go broke. There was discussion of alternatives to reducing liability such as filling in the ponds or dissolution of Glades II, but the general consensus was these are not viable alternatives. Lastly, Ms. Lee said she will show the proposed license agreement to Mr. Burnham. In the meantime, Mr. McNitt asked Bridges and Martell to get new insurance quotes from other companies and present their recommendations at the September meeting. Mr. Crusey offered to assist in this search.

·        Treasurer’s Report. Treasurer Patterson reviewed the financials and indicated the board must be very cautious in spending for the rest of the year. He reported that 14 Homeowners have not yet paid the extra $100. He said that 3 had not paid regular dues of $200 plus the $100. McNitt ask Patterson to send out a 45 day notice of intent to place liens. Mr. Easter has a question about the $400 water bill. Ms. Lee said there was a sprinkler problem on Middle Beach entrance, now repaired. Martell motioned  and Holmes seconded acceptance of the Treasurer’s report and it carried.

·        Environmental Report: Martell gave his report, indicating 13 homes in need of mowing. He has made phone calls and 3 have corrected. He reported one motor home parking problem. As he is unable to reach many of the owners, he wants authorization to draft a letter for board approval to send to owners in violation of covenants. Holmes motioned approval along with the report, seconded by Patterson and carried.

·        Maintenance Report: Maintenance Chairperson, Judy Lee gave her report on the new Bay Landscaping Company. In addition, she asked for authority to spend $90.00  to pressure wash the Back Beach entrance signs. McNitt motioned, Martell seconded and it carried. Ms Lee brought an estimate for additional landscaping as well as additional lighting. Due to low cash flow, McNitt cautioned we need to put these items on hold. Patterson motioned deferring, Martell seconded and it carried.

·        NEW BUSINESS: There was some discussion about the location of the new sign to be constructed at the R. Jackson Blvd. entrance to the Glades. The general consensus was for the signs to be located near the R. Jackson Blvd. entrance so people could see the signs as they approach Grand Heron. McNitt has contacted contractor John Spiller who will meet with McNitt and Bridges.

·        CITY LAISON: Tom Easter gave the following report:   (1) On July 9, he and McNitt attended a City Council meeting regarding a proposed racetrack near the subdivision. The project was ultimately approved over the objections of the residents who were present. (2) Easter reported that the city had cleaned the abandoned property at 310 South Glades which is apparently in foreclosure.

·        Easter reported that in applying for Flood Insurance for his home, the insurance company required a Topo of his property. He said that City residents can get copies of their property topo from the City of PCB.

·        President McNitt thanked Crusey and Henry for their input.

·        Patterson and Holmes recommended adjournment and it carried. The meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM.

Respectfully submitted:

John Bridges

VP and Secretary