Hi all,
Our Community Service Channel 63, is down due to the fact that the player computer has terminally crashed due to mechanical malfunction.
We will obtain a replacement from Key West Technologies as soon as possible.
Dave Israel
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Thanks Dave
Recently I have had the need to write out two Certificate of Approval forms. I knew we had them on the left side bar of the blog. I was not sure how to use the form or if I could download it. I opened it up and at the top left hand side was a download icon and I was on my way. I was able to type out the names then print the form. No, you cannot save it to your computer but you can scan it back in or make a hard copy for your files if you want one. This is all thanks to our president, David Israel who had the foresight to make our jobs easier when possible by adding many interactive forms on the left side bar of the blog. Many thanks, Dave. We are very fortunate to have you as our president.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Recent Arrest In C.V.
The recent arrest of the Mark Phillips aka Marcus Steffan raises questions surrounding our investigation process and eligibility for residency in C.V.
If Mr. Phillips used his correct name, why didn't his "wanted" status show up during the investigation? Since he was recently returned to the same Judge who sentenced him some 30 yrs ago, his record would have been created here in Florida, not some distant state whose records are not available to our investigation.
In either case of whether the fugitive used his real name or his assumed name, he would have no credit transactions for the past 30 years. Such an absence of credit history, at a minimum, should have required some explanation. He could have been in prison for the past 30 years in a state that does not provide such information to our investigators.
Furthermore, our application calls for an employment history. As noted above, the use of his real or assumed name would reveal no employment history for the past 30 years. How did he support himself?
Whether it was Mark Phillips or Marcus Steffan, neither applicant had any work history, any credit history and, at best, a driver's license for 6 months.
It would seem that the absence of any such history in all these areas should have raised a "red flag" much the same as a negative report. Such a report would/should have raised questions of how an applicant supported himself for three decades without a job, credit or a driver's license.
With an overabundance of C.V. units for sale due to a flat real estate market and struggling economy, the likelihood of many more units becoming rental units is a distinct reality. If Boards begin approving individuals with no work history, no credit history and/or the applicants failing to have established a record of meeting their financial obligations, it will not be long until we begin to read about many other arrests taking place in C.V.
What is the sense of asking for all this information if we can't verify all of it, interpret the results and make a proper recommendation?
If Mr. Phillips used his correct name, why didn't his "wanted" status show up during the investigation? Since he was recently returned to the same Judge who sentenced him some 30 yrs ago, his record would have been created here in Florida, not some distant state whose records are not available to our investigation.
In either case of whether the fugitive used his real name or his assumed name, he would have no credit transactions for the past 30 years. Such an absence of credit history, at a minimum, should have required some explanation. He could have been in prison for the past 30 years in a state that does not provide such information to our investigators.
Furthermore, our application calls for an employment history. As noted above, the use of his real or assumed name would reveal no employment history for the past 30 years. How did he support himself?
Whether it was Mark Phillips or Marcus Steffan, neither applicant had any work history, any credit history and, at best, a driver's license for 6 months.
It would seem that the absence of any such history in all these areas should have raised a "red flag" much the same as a negative report. Such a report would/should have raised questions of how an applicant supported himself for three decades without a job, credit or a driver's license.
With an overabundance of C.V. units for sale due to a flat real estate market and struggling economy, the likelihood of many more units becoming rental units is a distinct reality. If Boards begin approving individuals with no work history, no credit history and/or the applicants failing to have established a record of meeting their financial obligations, it will not be long until we begin to read about many other arrests taking place in C.V.
What is the sense of asking for all this information if we can't verify all of it, interpret the results and make a proper recommendation?
Friday, February 25, 2011
POSSIBLE CODE VIOLATION IN GOLF'S EDGE - PETITION
Hi all,
Following is a Petition, it is directed to the Code Enforcement Officer who will be presenting agenda item 37, Re. Issac Feder at the Code Enforcement Magistrates hearing on March 2, 2011 at the Vista Center; as regards the possible code violation at Golf's Edge. Please print it, and if you are of like mind on the issue, sign it and solicit others to so sign.
Dave Israel
...........................................................................................................
Following is a Petition, it is directed to the Code Enforcement Officer who will be presenting agenda item 37, Re. Issac Feder at the Code Enforcement Magistrates hearing on March 2, 2011 at the Vista Center; as regards the possible code violation at Golf's Edge. Please print it, and if you are of like mind on the issue, sign it and solicit others to so sign.
Dave Israel
...........................................................................................................
Petition to Code Enforcement of Palm Beach County.
Attention ; Elpido Garcia, Code Enforcement Officer.
Re: March 2, 2011 Agenda - Item 37 - Feder Issac
17 Golfs Edge - Unit 2 - Bldg E
Century Village, West Palm Beach
This unit may be being used as other than Residential Housing, in violation of
"Chapter 162.F.S. Ordinance No.87-15, adopted 8/25/87 effective
10/01/87 as amended- Unified Land Developement
Code Section 4-14.
We, the undersigned Resident/Owners of units located in this
community, support ordinance #87-15 and request it's full imple-
mentation against this action. Units were created for Residential use.
Signature.............Printed Name.............Address.............Phone number
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PETER BLAIR DENIS BERNARD NOONE - APPEARING MARCH 3, 2011 IN MAIN CLUBHOUSE
Do you remember who he is now???
Get your tickets!
Dave Israel
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The Final Frontier
This may be outside the CV jurisdiction, but I remember watching the Apollo launches on TV years ago. I thought I was going to be in position to see this one touch the sky.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
RECLAIMED WATER - GET THE FACTS - STOP COMPLAINING!
Despite all of the complaining and the flat refusal of some folks to research and learn the science behind water level reduction in our lakes and canals; we are in fact, in the current time frame, receiving Reclaimed Water at a flow rate well in excess of contractual limits of 750Kgallons per day.
The chart above shows that over the last week, we are receiving 2,458,000 Gallons per day! Over the last 30 days, our average volume is 1,540,000 Gallons per day; twice our contractual limit.
Do you notice the slight increase in water level? This means, for the moment, the inflow is just ahead of Percolation loss and Evaporative Transpiration losses combined.
Instead of complaining, look at the guage, do some arithmetic, only at these accelerated rates can we keep just ahead of natural losses, don't expect the County to keep this going for any extended time, and please take the time to learn the facts before bombarding the County Office with nonesense calls; which have no effect whatsoever!
Dave Israel
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Over 55 Community Status
We are asked to report resident ages each year to make sure we retain our prized over 55 status, but what are the hard benefits of this, are some taxes less (or double). Who knows the Code? I understand spin, adult-oriented senior living and less rug rat ambience but what exactly else ..?
Dunkin Donuts
A chance encounter with a member of management of H Q (head quarters) at our local DD this am, prompted me to suggest they
make an effort to accomodate our community,in the evenings,
particulary weekends, show nights, etc. stating that many would be
patrons, went elsewhere, due to lack of inventory...
This Gentlemen named "Joe", was most receptive and expressed interest in working with the community...so I would suggest if
you currently frequent this location ( just outside our West gate) please make your opinion known... Thank you
Bettie L Bleckman
make an effort to accomodate our community,in the evenings,
particulary weekends, show nights, etc. stating that many would be
patrons, went elsewhere, due to lack of inventory...
This Gentlemen named "Joe", was most receptive and expressed interest in working with the community...so I would suggest if
you currently frequent this location ( just outside our West gate) please make your opinion known... Thank you
Bettie L Bleckman
Monday, February 21, 2011
ALLIGATOR SIGHTINGS.....AGAIN....
ONCE MORE WE ARE BLESSED BY NATURE....HOWEVER,IT IS NO LONGER CONTENT, TO REST PARTIALLY CONCEALED AT WATER'S EDGE BUT NOW
EXPOSES ONESELF, FULL LENGTH, ON A BED OF GRASS....QUITE A COLORFULL
SIGHT...WHICH HOPEFULLY WILL BE SHORT LIVED....SHOULD YOU HAPPEN
TO COME ACROSS OUR UN-INVITED GUEST, YOU MAY REPORT YOUR SIGHTING
TO THE 'ALLIGTOR HOT LINE' AT 1-866-392-4286...( EACH ASSOCIATION
BORDERING ALL BODIES OF WATER, SHOULD POST THIS PHONE NUMBER ON
THEIR ASSOCIATION'S BULLETIN BOARDS.
EXPOSES ONESELF, FULL LENGTH, ON A BED OF GRASS....QUITE A COLORFULL
SIGHT...WHICH HOPEFULLY WILL BE SHORT LIVED....SHOULD YOU HAPPEN
TO COME ACROSS OUR UN-INVITED GUEST, YOU MAY REPORT YOUR SIGHTING
TO THE 'ALLIGTOR HOT LINE' AT 1-866-392-4286...( EACH ASSOCIATION
BORDERING ALL BODIES OF WATER, SHOULD POST THIS PHONE NUMBER ON
THEIR ASSOCIATION'S BULLETIN BOARDS.
Record Retention and RETRIEVAL
In my business life I was involved with micrographics and record retention. There are many laws that designate what records need to be kept and for how long. Microfilm was the accepted medium for this process. Online database storage was too expensive. Today that has changed and local governments, businesses and educational institutions have converted to online storage.
UCO has kept all of its records over the years but they were in file cabinets and often hard to find. This has changed.
David our wonderful President is in the process of changing all of that. He and with the help of others are in the process of scanning all of UCO’s records into a database which can be used by UCO to answer the many questions that people of CV have. He understands business, management, and has the technical knowledge to put this project into place. If you go by the UCO office after hours you will often see his car. He is in the office scanning documents.
This is not the kind of activity that everyone in the village knows or cares about unless a question pertinent to them comes up and they come in and ask the question. The answer can be gotten quickly and accurately. No more rumors of what people think happened. There is documentation to show what really did happen.
When someone gets up at the delegates meeting and starts accusing UCO of doing things, and presenting this incorrect information as fact, we can now go to the computer and find the REAL answer.
When the history of ALL UCO documents are on the database, the daily job of some UCO volunteer will be a half hour to scan all the previous days documents. This project brings UCO into the 21st Century. I would like to thank Dave, our un-sung hero for implementing this wonderful project. We need the officers and staff to support this and use it to its full potential. We live in a technical world, our grandchildren are as comfortable with these processes as we were with a radio dial. It is very important that UCO continue this improvement process. As we go to vote for Executive Board Members in a couple of weeks, let us think about our vote and support those who want to do things to make UCO better, not those whose only voice is against everything, never a suggestion to think about it or maybe improve something just a negative. We have good people in this village, we need to support them fully.
UCO has kept all of its records over the years but they were in file cabinets and often hard to find. This has changed.
David our wonderful President is in the process of changing all of that. He and with the help of others are in the process of scanning all of UCO’s records into a database which can be used by UCO to answer the many questions that people of CV have. He understands business, management, and has the technical knowledge to put this project into place. If you go by the UCO office after hours you will often see his car. He is in the office scanning documents.
This is not the kind of activity that everyone in the village knows or cares about unless a question pertinent to them comes up and they come in and ask the question. The answer can be gotten quickly and accurately. No more rumors of what people think happened. There is documentation to show what really did happen.
When someone gets up at the delegates meeting and starts accusing UCO of doing things, and presenting this incorrect information as fact, we can now go to the computer and find the REAL answer.
When the history of ALL UCO documents are on the database, the daily job of some UCO volunteer will be a half hour to scan all the previous days documents. This project brings UCO into the 21st Century. I would like to thank Dave, our un-sung hero for implementing this wonderful project. We need the officers and staff to support this and use it to its full potential. We live in a technical world, our grandchildren are as comfortable with these processes as we were with a radio dial. It is very important that UCO continue this improvement process. As we go to vote for Executive Board Members in a couple of weeks, let us think about our vote and support those who want to do things to make UCO better, not those whose only voice is against everything, never a suggestion to think about it or maybe improve something just a negative. We have good people in this village, we need to support them fully.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
PLACE OF WORSHIP AT GOLF'S EDGE - MAGISTRATE HEARING
Hi all,
As many of you may have read in the Palm Beach Post, one Issac Feder may have established a "House of Worship" in a Golf's Edge apartment. This issue will be the subject of a Code Enforcement hearing before a Special Magistrate; scheduled as follows:
REF: http://www.pbcgov.com/pzb/calendar/2011/calendardetails_2011.htm
For those interested in a brief description of the Special Magistrate hearing process and authority, the following will prove instructive:
Kurt Eismann - Director
Code Enforcement Special Magistrate Process
AUTHORITY: Chapter 162, F. S., Ordinance No. 87-15 adopted on August 25, 1987, effective October 1, 1987; as amended. Unified Land Development Code, Section 4.14.
APPOINTING AUTHORITY: Board of County Commissioners (BCC)
In October, 1997, Palm Beach County changed from a multi-member Code Enforcement Board to a Special Magistrate process. Eight attorneys were appointed by the County Administrator to sit as Code Enforcement Special Magistrate.
Hearings are typically held the first Wednesday of each month at the Planning, Zoning and Building offices at 2300 N. Jog Road, West Palm Beach.
Functions of the Special Magistrate include making findings of fact and conclusions of law as are necessary to enforce the various building and zoning related codes and ordinances applicable in the unincorporated area of Palm Beach County; issuance of subpoenas; taking of testimony under oath; to issue orders having the force of law commanding whatever steps are necessary to achieve compliance of the violation of the County's codes; to levy fines not to exceed $1,000.00 for a first violation, or $5,000.00 for a repeat violation for each day a violation continues past the first day; and to lien property in cases where the violation is not corrected within the timeframe provided by the Special Magistrate Order.
As many of you may have read in the Palm Beach Post, one Issac Feder may have established a "House of Worship" in a Golf's Edge apartment. This issue will be the subject of a Code Enforcement hearing before a Special Magistrate; scheduled as follows:
REF: http://www.pbcgov.com/pzb/calendar/2011/calendardetails_2011.htm
Date:.......... March 02, 2011
Time:......... Hearings start at 9:00am
-
ACCORDING TO COOKEY CURRIER, AN OFFICER OF GOLF'S EDGE, THE FEDER CASE WILL BE HEARD AT 1:00 PM.
-
-
ACCORDING TO COOKEY CURRIER, AN OFFICER OF GOLF'S EDGE, THE FEDER CASE WILL BE HEARD AT 1:00 PM.
-
Place:......... Hearing Room 1E-60
Address:..... 2300 North. Jog Road, West Palm Beach Florida. (Vista Center)
For those interested in a brief description of the Special Magistrate hearing process and authority, the following will prove instructive:
-
Code Enforcement Division
Kurt Eismann - Director
Code Enforcement Special Magistrate Process
AUTHORITY: Chapter 162, F. S., Ordinance No. 87-15 adopted on August 25, 1987, effective October 1, 1987; as amended. Unified Land Development Code, Section 4.14.
APPOINTING AUTHORITY: Board of County Commissioners (BCC)
In October, 1997, Palm Beach County changed from a multi-member Code Enforcement Board to a Special Magistrate process. Eight attorneys were appointed by the County Administrator to sit as Code Enforcement Special Magistrate.
Hearings are typically held the first Wednesday of each month at the Planning, Zoning and Building offices at 2300 N. Jog Road, West Palm Beach.
Functions of the Special Magistrate include making findings of fact and conclusions of law as are necessary to enforce the various building and zoning related codes and ordinances applicable in the unincorporated area of Palm Beach County; issuance of subpoenas; taking of testimony under oath; to issue orders having the force of law commanding whatever steps are necessary to achieve compliance of the violation of the County's codes; to levy fines not to exceed $1,000.00 for a first violation, or $5,000.00 for a repeat violation for each day a violation continues past the first day; and to lien property in cases where the violation is not corrected within the timeframe provided by the Special Magistrate Order.
---------------------------------------------------
The public is welcome, but the room is small, so if you want a seat, be there early (There may be an overflow chamber with video). Also, be aware that a number of issues are usually taken up, so the Isaac Feder case may not be the first on the docket.
-
In response to Barbara's comment as to time, here is the Agenda item, it is Agenda item 37:
---------------------------
REF: http://www.pbcgov.com/pzb/CodeEnforcement/ce_agendas/2011/march/agenda_030211.pdf
-
Respondent: Feder, Issac
CEO: Agenda No.: 037 Status: Active
Elpidio Garcia
11 Sasev Ct, 105, Monroe, NY 10950-5939
Situs Address: 17 Golfs Edge, Unit 2 Bldg E, West Palm Beach, FL Case No: C-2011-01100001
PCN: 00-42-43-23-08-005-0172 Zoned: RH
ePZB / CE_Merge_Agenda.rpt-739 Page: 10 of 29 Print Date: 2/9/2011 03:07 PM
CODE ENFORCEMENT
SPECIAL MAGISTRATE HEARING AGENDA
MARCH 02, 2011 9:00 am
Violations: 1 No building or structure shall be used or occupied, and no change in the existing occupancy classification
of a building or structure or portion thereof shall be made until the building official has issued a Certificate of Occupancy.
PREVIOUS NOTICE OF VIOLATION C-2010-01250015
Details:
Code: PBC Amendments to the FBC 2007 Edition - 110.1
Issued: 01/13/2011 Status: CEH
cc: Feder, Issac
------------------------------
Now, what time will agenda item 37 actually be heard; given that every item is different and the time duration for each item is unknown, who knows, I suggest attendees be ready for a long wait, unless many items between 1 and 36 are Non-contested!
-
The entire agenda is divided into Contested and Non-contested categories; the Non-contested are handled in a separate room and go very quickly; the Contested items, as I suspect the Feder case will be can take much longer.
-
In response to Barbara's comment as to time, here is the Agenda item, it is Agenda item 37:
---------------------------
REF: http://www.pbcgov.com/pzb/CodeEnforcement/ce_agendas/2011/march/agenda_030211.pdf
-
Respondent: Feder, Issac
CEO: Agenda No.: 037 Status: Active
Elpidio Garcia
11 Sasev Ct, 105, Monroe, NY 10950-5939
Situs Address: 17 Golfs Edge, Unit 2 Bldg E, West Palm Beach, FL Case No: C-2011-01100001
PCN: 00-42-43-23-08-005-0172 Zoned: RH
ePZB / CE_Merge_Agenda.rpt-739 Page: 10 of 29 Print Date: 2/9/2011 03:07 PM
CODE ENFORCEMENT
SPECIAL MAGISTRATE HEARING AGENDA
MARCH 02, 2011 9:00 am
Violations: 1 No building or structure shall be used or occupied, and no change in the existing occupancy classification
of a building or structure or portion thereof shall be made until the building official has issued a Certificate of Occupancy.
PREVIOUS NOTICE OF VIOLATION C-2010-01250015
Details:
Code: PBC Amendments to the FBC 2007 Edition - 110.1
Issued: 01/13/2011 Status: CEH
cc: Feder, Issac
------------------------------
Now, what time will agenda item 37 actually be heard; given that every item is different and the time duration for each item is unknown, who knows, I suggest attendees be ready for a long wait, unless many items between 1 and 36 are Non-contested!
-
The entire agenda is divided into Contested and Non-contested categories; the Non-contested are handled in a separate room and go very quickly; the Contested items, as I suspect the Feder case will be can take much longer.
-
Dave Israel
My Life In The 20th Century
My Life In The 20th Century from grafficx on Vimeo.
In October of last year there was a buffet in the clubhouse honoring residents of the village that are 100 years or older. They are known as centenarians. At that time I began a project doing video interviews with a few of the honorees. This is the result of my project. I hope you find their comments as interesting as I have.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Mean Golden Girls
Here is an article about seniors who bully each other. I should emphasize that this takes place in another community — not ours. Don't give Cerabino food for fodder; if there's a case of arrested development by nasty people in CV, nip it in the bud!
PUG, NOT RECOGNIZED BY UCO - BUT A FAVORITE OF THE AKC
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If one enjoys "Pot Stirring" served with a modicum of disinformation, I hasten to recommend meetings of PUG. I am intrigued by the fact that one of the principals of PUG, seeks to tear down UCO efforts at every and any opportunity. Our Administration has reduced the Unit Owners coupon by some 2.4 million dollars in our first year in office; what has PUG done, other than complain. So why is this un-elected Pugee running for election to the Executive Board.
-
Do you really want such a person on the Executive Board, where he may be expected to attempt to undo the steady progress and cost cutting efforts of my UCO team. Listen to the PUG nonsense, and then decide when you vote in March.
Dave Israel
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Wednesday, February 16, 2011
THIS IS A SCAM EMAIL
Hi all,
This is a SCAM Email:
if you receive it, do not go to the "click here" site.
Dave Israel
We recently detected discrepancies in your payment, address and security information.
To avoid service suspension, please update your information.
Click here to update your information.
Your access to the entire Comcast Network will be deactivated, if we are unable to verify all required information.
We sincerely regret any inconvenience and thank you for choosing Comcast!
-
BINGO!
Just for fun, come on down to the Clubhouse and play bingo! Buy your cards and stay for the drama as the possibility of winning for five numbers in a row happens! Every Wednesday until the snowbirds fly back to Capistrano. Be there!
Monday, February 14, 2011
1ST. PRIORITY RESTORATION SERVICES, INC. - TITAN RESTORATION, INC. ARE THEY RELATED?
Hi all,
Have you seen the Titan Restoration trucks in the Village? Preliminary research suggests that the principals of this new firm are closely related to those of 1st. Priority Restoration Services, Inc., if not the very same persons. Please go to the following URL and read the documents carefully, these documents are all available on the public record:
http://goo.gl/KCgre
Note that the President, Secretary, Treasurer and Director, one Orly Cohen-Levy, is closely associated with Yitshak Levy, a principal of 1st. Priority, and the Registered Agent, Attorney Kevin I. Schwartz Esq. has represented 1st. Priority from time to time.
Any unit owner considering employing Titan Restoration, Inc. for any advertised services, are advised, as in any case of engaging any contractor, to check for License, Insurance, and References.
Finally, please consider having any contract that any contractor asks you to sign, checked out by someone knowledgeable in such matters.
Dave Israel
President
United Civic Organization
-
Have you seen the Titan Restoration trucks in the Village? Preliminary research suggests that the principals of this new firm are closely related to those of 1st. Priority Restoration Services, Inc., if not the very same persons. Please go to the following URL and read the documents carefully, these documents are all available on the public record:
http://goo.gl/KCgre
Note that the President, Secretary, Treasurer and Director, one Orly Cohen-Levy, is closely associated with Yitshak Levy, a principal of 1st. Priority, and the Registered Agent, Attorney Kevin I. Schwartz Esq. has represented 1st. Priority from time to time.
Any unit owner considering employing Titan Restoration, Inc. for any advertised services, are advised, as in any case of engaging any contractor, to check for License, Insurance, and References.
Finally, please consider having any contract that any contractor asks you to sign, checked out by someone knowledgeable in such matters.
Dave Israel
President
United Civic Organization
-
It's 10 MPH or Less
10 MPH 10 MPH 10 MPH 10 MPH 10 MPH 10 MPH 10 MPH
I was walking near the Okeechobee gate this morning, 9 out of 10 vehicles were speeding on their way out. The Palm Tran Connections bus smashed the gate arm. This is easy to do if you are going faster than 10 MPH, you cannot stop in time.
Community Association System is a Total Failure
An Opinion By Jan Bergemann:
This system pits neighbors against neighbors. It makes homeowners pay for services for the neighbors who stopped paying. It forces owners to pay for the maintenance of properties that are collateral of banks and/or mortgage companies, the same entities that caused the whole financial misery by their irresponsible lending practices. Is that a system we want to continue?
To read more of Jan's hard hitting info, and an Arizona option, click
I always enjoy Jan's newsletter, you can sign up too.
Palm Beach County’s Programs
Click on the links if this would be good for your SIG.
Palm Beach County's Office of Community Revitalization (OCR) is proud to once again offer the Resident Education to Action Program (REAP), a five-week, hands-on educational program providing community revitalization and civic leadership development training. This program is intended to help residents who are interested in improving their neighborhoods.
· Call to County Artists for Exhibit at PBIA
Artists, do you want your work to receive broad exposure and possibly sell? If so, enter your artwork for exhibition at one of the county's most visited locations.
Artists, do you want your work to receive broad exposure and possibly sell? If so, enter your artwork for exhibition at one of the county's most visited locations.
· WUD to Host Free Photo Workshops at Wakodahatchee
The Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department (WUD) is hosting a series of five free photography workshops to help you learn about our native wildlife and how to get the best nature photographs. Nationally-recognized nature photographers have volunteered to give lectures and critiques at the Wakodahatchee boardwalk.
The Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department (WUD) is hosting a series of five free photography workshops to help you learn about our native wildlife and how to get the best nature photographs. Nationally-recognized nature photographers have volunteered to give lectures and critiques at the Wakodahatchee boardwalk.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Could have been a Valentine!
With Valentine’s Day so close, I was excited to find a big red envelope in my mail yesterday. Surprisingly, the return address was Washington, D.C.
Could this be a mistake? No. It was clearly addressed to “Taxpayer” at my home address.
Well, this must be an affectionate or at least appreciative missive from our politicians. And that is exactly what it was.
The outside of the card was a picture of the Capitol Building with a lovely red heart superimposed, then a lovely verse inside.
The verse began:
“How can I tax thee?
Let me find more ways…”
It was signed with flourishes by many beltway politicians and even our President.
Unlike the romantic young suitor an old fashioned father would query about his intentions, our government’s intentions are crystal clear.
In spite of our national debt exploding, D.C. does business as usual…using the taxpayer’s money or China’s to buy even more dependent and loyal voters. For example, the Wall Street Journal, Feb. 9, reports that our president wants 8 billion in his new budget as part of a 6 year, 53 billion high-speed rail plan.
Meanwhile, the newly elected governors of Ohio and Wisconsin campaigned with promises not to accept Federal money to build these high speed rails. Costs of maintaining them far outweighed the temporary job benefits and the proposed lines did not fit with travel needs in their states and would become costly white elephants.
So, the governors wanted those dollars reallocated to infrastructure for real shovel-ready-jobs to maintain the roads people actually do use. On Dec 12, 2010, the Dept. of Transportation redirected those funds to other states’ high speed rail, largely to California with its hideous fiscal mismanagement and fantasy budgeting.
This administration ignores NJ’s Gov. Chris Christie trailblazing a path of fiscal prudence. They ignore FL’s Gov. Scott presenting a budget with billions cut from taxes and spending. Still, NY’s Gov. Cuomo made himself perfectly clear by pronouncing NY as “functionally bankrupt” and the budgeting process as a “special interest protection program”.
So our government persists with the gifts that keep on giving. Printing, borrowing and taxing are undeterred by the cost to present and future generations.
Appropriately, my D.C. valentine concluded with:
“I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
I can reach into your assets, income, and estates…”
So, in spite of the lovely though imaginary card with the lovely imagined Valentine heart, I must believe this administration’s too real actions and words. I must play the field and put past hopes and dreams for this suitor aside to seek another with a quite different proposal.
Could this be a mistake? No. It was clearly addressed to “Taxpayer” at my home address.
Well, this must be an affectionate or at least appreciative missive from our politicians. And that is exactly what it was.
The outside of the card was a picture of the Capitol Building with a lovely red heart superimposed, then a lovely verse inside.
The verse began:
“How can I tax thee?
Let me find more ways…”
It was signed with flourishes by many beltway politicians and even our President.
Unlike the romantic young suitor an old fashioned father would query about his intentions, our government’s intentions are crystal clear.
In spite of our national debt exploding, D.C. does business as usual…using the taxpayer’s money or China’s to buy even more dependent and loyal voters. For example, the Wall Street Journal, Feb. 9, reports that our president wants 8 billion in his new budget as part of a 6 year, 53 billion high-speed rail plan.
Meanwhile, the newly elected governors of Ohio and Wisconsin campaigned with promises not to accept Federal money to build these high speed rails. Costs of maintaining them far outweighed the temporary job benefits and the proposed lines did not fit with travel needs in their states and would become costly white elephants.
So, the governors wanted those dollars reallocated to infrastructure for real shovel-ready-jobs to maintain the roads people actually do use. On Dec 12, 2010, the Dept. of Transportation redirected those funds to other states’ high speed rail, largely to California with its hideous fiscal mismanagement and fantasy budgeting.
This administration ignores NJ’s Gov. Chris Christie trailblazing a path of fiscal prudence. They ignore FL’s Gov. Scott presenting a budget with billions cut from taxes and spending. Still, NY’s Gov. Cuomo made himself perfectly clear by pronouncing NY as “functionally bankrupt” and the budgeting process as a “special interest protection program”.
So our government persists with the gifts that keep on giving. Printing, borrowing and taxing are undeterred by the cost to present and future generations.
Appropriately, my D.C. valentine concluded with:
“I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
I can reach into your assets, income, and estates…”
So, in spite of the lovely though imaginary card with the lovely imagined Valentine heart, I must believe this administration’s too real actions and words. I must play the field and put past hopes and dreams for this suitor aside to seek another with a quite different proposal.
Friday, February 11, 2011
MAY AN LCAM SERVE ON YOUR BOARD
Hi all,
Well, we actually have a serious discussion item to chew on. Following are a number of extracts from State Law, which suggest to this researcher, that if you have a "compensated person" on your Board, he or she should be a Licensed Community Association Manager. So, I would opine that a LCAM may indeed serve on your Board. You read the following and see what you think.
Dave Israel
.........................................................
(d) Unit owner meetings.-- From FS-718
1. There shall be an annual meeting of the unit owners. Unless the bylaws provide otherwise, a vacancy on the board caused by the expiration of a director's term shall be filled by electing a new board member, and the election shall be by secret ballot; however, if the number of vacancies equals or exceeds the number of candidates, no election is required. If there is no provision in the bylaws for terms of the members of the board, the terms of all members of the board shall expire upon the election of their successors at the annual meeting. Any unit owner desiring to be a candidate for board membership shall comply with subparagraph 3. A person who has been convicted of any felony by any court of record in the United States and who has not had his or her right to vote restored pursuant to law in the jurisdiction of his or her residence is not eligible for board membership. The validity of an action by the board is not affected if it is later determined that a member of the board is ineligible for board membership due to having been convicted of a felony.
The extract above would suggest that a Board member must be a unit owner.
.........................................................
3. The members of the board shall be elected by written ballot or voting machine. Proxies shall in no event be used in electing the board, either in general elections or elections to fill vacancies caused by recall, resignation, or otherwise, unless otherwise provided in this chapter. Not less than 60 days before a scheduled election, the association shall mail, deliver, or electronically transmit, whether by separate association mailing or included in another association mailing, delivery, or transmission, including regularly published newsletters, to each unit owner entitled to a vote, a first notice of the date of the election. Any unit owner or other eligible person desiring to be a candidate for the board must give written notice to the association not less than 40 days before a scheduled election
This extract introduces the concept of an "eligible" person other than a unit owner; there is a minor problem, as the term "eligible person" does not seem to be well defined in the Statute. One more step to go!!!
.........................................
Unless otherwise provided in the bylaws of the association, the members of the board shall serve without compensation. However, if compensated, a board member may require licensure as a community association manager pursuant to Chapter 468, Florida Statutes.
Condominium: Section 718.112(2)(a) 1., F.S.
Cooperative: Section 719.106(1)(a) 1., F.S.
..........................................................
Anu and Bel called by name me, Hammurabi, the exalted prince, who feared God, to bring about the rule in the land.
Dave Israel
Well, we actually have a serious discussion item to chew on. Following are a number of extracts from State Law, which suggest to this researcher, that if you have a "compensated person" on your Board, he or she should be a Licensed Community Association Manager. So, I would opine that a LCAM may indeed serve on your Board. You read the following and see what you think.
Dave Israel
.........................................................
(d) Unit owner meetings.-- From FS-718
1. There shall be an annual meeting of the unit owners. Unless the bylaws provide otherwise, a vacancy on the board caused by the expiration of a director's term shall be filled by electing a new board member, and the election shall be by secret ballot; however, if the number of vacancies equals or exceeds the number of candidates, no election is required. If there is no provision in the bylaws for terms of the members of the board, the terms of all members of the board shall expire upon the election of their successors at the annual meeting. Any unit owner desiring to be a candidate for board membership shall comply with subparagraph 3. A person who has been convicted of any felony by any court of record in the United States and who has not had his or her right to vote restored pursuant to law in the jurisdiction of his or her residence is not eligible for board membership. The validity of an action by the board is not affected if it is later determined that a member of the board is ineligible for board membership due to having been convicted of a felony.
The extract above would suggest that a Board member must be a unit owner.
.........................................................
3. The members of the board shall be elected by written ballot or voting machine. Proxies shall in no event be used in electing the board, either in general elections or elections to fill vacancies caused by recall, resignation, or otherwise, unless otherwise provided in this chapter. Not less than 60 days before a scheduled election, the association shall mail, deliver, or electronically transmit, whether by separate association mailing or included in another association mailing, delivery, or transmission, including regularly published newsletters, to each unit owner entitled to a vote, a first notice of the date of the election. Any unit owner or other eligible person desiring to be a candidate for the board must give written notice to the association not less than 40 days before a scheduled election
This extract introduces the concept of an "eligible" person other than a unit owner; there is a minor problem, as the term "eligible person" does not seem to be well defined in the Statute. One more step to go!!!
.........................................
Unless otherwise provided in the bylaws of the association, the members of the board shall serve without compensation. However, if compensated, a board member may require licensure as a community association manager pursuant to Chapter 468, Florida Statutes.
Condominium: Section 718.112(2)(a) 1., F.S.
Cooperative: Section 719.106(1)(a) 1., F.S.
..........................................................
Anu and Bel called by name me, Hammurabi, the exalted prince, who feared God, to bring about the rule in the land.
Dave Israel
Thursday, February 10, 2011
A MATTER OF CODE
Hi all,
Many questions on the BLOG come down to a matter of local code. Let's look at the question of stuff on Catwalks. When searching for anything in Cyberspace, the most critical component, is knowing what to ask and how to ask it.
This takes a bit of thought and a lot of experience. Do you think there is anything in any code with the phrase "stuff on catwalks"? Don't waste your time.
What code should you search, what should you look for? Here is a site that all of you Local Code researchers will love:
http://goo.gl/ejouU
place a link to this site on your desktop and learn to navigate it.
So, how can a fire inspector tell you to remove Welcome Mats, Plants, Chairs or, anything else from your catwalk; it's simple, they take a snippet of Code, and exercise virtually infinite discretion:
Here is an example of such a snippet, from the reference above:
"Sec. 7-314. Obstructing exits.
Security methods shall not create a hazard to life by obstructing any means of egress or any opening which is classified as an emergency exiting facility. Security provisions shall not supersede the safety requirements relative to latching or locking devices on exit doors which would be contrary to the provisions of Chapter 11 of theStandard Building Code and the Life Safety Code, N.F.P.A. 101.
(Ord. No. 87-26, § 5(3), 10-27-87)"
Of course, your Welcome mat, plant, chair...Etc! is NOT a "Security Method"
But that will not stop a overzealous inspector, so, when you get a violation, demand the code site and check it out.
Now, I will treat you all to one that will curl your hair, from the same reference:
"Sec. 7-327. Parking identification.
Assigned parking spaces shall not be identified to coincide with room number, name, or unit address.
(Ord. No. 87-26, § 5(17), 10-27-87)"
Guess what, we are all in violation of that one, welcome to the world of Local Codes"
Dave Israel
PS: What was the magic search term on the catwalk item, "egress"!!
-
Many questions on the BLOG come down to a matter of local code. Let's look at the question of stuff on Catwalks. When searching for anything in Cyberspace, the most critical component, is knowing what to ask and how to ask it.
This takes a bit of thought and a lot of experience. Do you think there is anything in any code with the phrase "stuff on catwalks"? Don't waste your time.
What code should you search, what should you look for? Here is a site that all of you Local Code researchers will love:
http://goo.gl/ejouU
place a link to this site on your desktop and learn to navigate it.
So, how can a fire inspector tell you to remove Welcome Mats, Plants, Chairs or, anything else from your catwalk; it's simple, they take a snippet of Code, and exercise virtually infinite discretion:
Here is an example of such a snippet, from the reference above:
"Sec. 7-314. Obstructing exits.
Security methods shall not create a hazard to life by obstructing any means of egress or any opening which is classified as an emergency exiting facility. Security provisions shall not supersede the safety requirements relative to latching or locking devices on exit doors which would be contrary to the provisions of Chapter 11 of theStandard Building Code and the Life Safety Code, N.F.P.A. 101.
(Ord. No. 87-26, § 5(3), 10-27-87)"
Of course, your Welcome mat, plant, chair...Etc! is NOT a "Security Method"
But that will not stop a overzealous inspector, so, when you get a violation, demand the code site and check it out.
Now, I will treat you all to one that will curl your hair, from the same reference:
"Sec. 7-327. Parking identification.
Assigned parking spaces shall not be identified to coincide with room number, name, or unit address.
(Ord. No. 87-26, § 5(17), 10-27-87)"
Guess what, we are all in violation of that one, welcome to the world of Local Codes"
Dave Israel
PS: What was the magic search term on the catwalk item, "egress"!!
-
president council meeting
we had a really good meeting for our first time out. there were 127 folks in attendance and everyone was at the top of their game. the questions were inteligent and were questions that more than one person wanted to ask. our CAM Rodger Carver was a wealth of information and he didn't take a deep breath for all the time we were there. he ran around the room with the mike and answered everything that was thrown at him (in a good way) with his expertise and educated knowledge.
all the folks realized that we were there to share information and a few folks had some hard core situations that need individual attention so they came into the office afterwards and sat with Rodger and left with a smile.
please bring your suggestions for the next meeting which will be march 9th at 10am in the party room into the uco office and we will see to it that the most requested will be on the agenda.
thanks again for a great turnout, and we hope to see you in march.
all the folks realized that we were there to share information and a few folks had some hard core situations that need individual attention so they came into the office afterwards and sat with Rodger and left with a smile.
please bring your suggestions for the next meeting which will be march 9th at 10am in the party room into the uco office and we will see to it that the most requested will be on the agenda.
thanks again for a great turnout, and we hope to see you in march.
BULLETIN BOARDS AND CATWALKS
Won't anyone answer The Nutmegger?
BULLETIN BOARDS AND CATWALKS
Are Unit Owners from one Association allowed to advertise on the other 308 AssociationBoards?When I moved to CV I was told that the catwalks have to be free of any objects and thatit is a fire rule to protect unit owners from hazardous falls. Is this rule still in efffect?
Posted by The Nutmegger at 8:12 AM 0 comments Links to this post
BULLETIN BOARDS AND CATWALKS
Are Unit Owners from one Association allowed to advertise on the other 308 AssociationBoards?When I moved to CV I was told that the catwalks have to be free of any objects and thatit is a fire rule to protect unit owners from hazardous falls. Is this rule still in efffect?
Posted by The Nutmegger at 8:12 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Parking @ Clubhouse
This situation is becoming more DANGEROUS, DAILY....Unfortunately,
we have individuals, who appear to be "Incapable" of following,
R&R's...driving towards on coming traffic, cutting through parking
stalls, to exit, instead of following the flow of the road,.. which
may actually take another MINUTE..HOW CAN WE RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM?
IF YOU DO ENCOUNTER THE OFFENDER, THEY RESPOND WITH A BLANK STARE...
DOESN'T THAT SAY IT ALL.....
we have individuals, who appear to be "Incapable" of following,
R&R's...driving towards on coming traffic, cutting through parking
stalls, to exit, instead of following the flow of the road,.. which
may actually take another MINUTE..HOW CAN WE RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM?
IF YOU DO ENCOUNTER THE OFFENDER, THEY RESPOND WITH A BLANK STARE...
DOESN'T THAT SAY IT ALL.....
For Sale or Rent Signs in Condo Windows
To people who were asking about this, check your Association bylaws, most are as follows:
XIV MAINTENANCE AND ALTERATIONS
5. To show no signs, advertisements or notices of any type on the common elements or his unit, and erect no exterior antenna or aerials, except as consented to by the Board of Directors of the Associations.
It is not a UCO regulation.
UCO AND TRANSPARENCY - ACCESS TO INFORMATION
Hi All,
At todays Irrigation Committee meeting, among many statements heard, was the following:
1) I have never heard of the Bulk Reclaimed Water Agreement (BRWA)!
2) The Bulk Reclaimed Water Agreement was signed last year!
Both statements are absurd, but it brings up the issue of Transparency and Access to information. The BRWA is available on the Public Record of Palm Beach County and has been there since 2003, when it was signed and filed for record; it is to be found at : Official Record Book 15769 - Page 0762.
I have this day added a link to the BRWA in the Sidebar of this BLOG under the heading Core Documents.
Do not point a finger of "secrecy" at my Administration, You have NEVER had a more transparent UCO Administration. When unit owners come to UCO and ask for copies of contracts, for example, we do not ask "why do you want it" as did some prior Administrations, my attitude is; we all pay for it in our monthly coupon, so here is your copy!
If there is something you want, ask, if it can be legally provided, it will be.
Finally, if you come to meetings to muckrake, at least try to research the FACTS!
Dave Israel
At todays Irrigation Committee meeting, among many statements heard, was the following:
1) I have never heard of the Bulk Reclaimed Water Agreement (BRWA)!
2) The Bulk Reclaimed Water Agreement was signed last year!
Both statements are absurd, but it brings up the issue of Transparency and Access to information. The BRWA is available on the Public Record of Palm Beach County and has been there since 2003, when it was signed and filed for record; it is to be found at : Official Record Book 15769 - Page 0762.
I have this day added a link to the BRWA in the Sidebar of this BLOG under the heading Core Documents.
Do not point a finger of "secrecy" at my Administration, You have NEVER had a more transparent UCO Administration. When unit owners come to UCO and ask for copies of contracts, for example, we do not ask "why do you want it" as did some prior Administrations, my attitude is; we all pay for it in our monthly coupon, so here is your copy!
If there is something you want, ask, if it can be legally provided, it will be.
Finally, if you come to meetings to muckrake, at least try to research the FACTS!
Dave Israel
CV Yard Sales
The next date is Yard Sale at Sheffield G on Saturday February 12th, from 8AM to 2PM. per S. Goldstein.
Thank you for your continued support of our yard sales, AKA tag sales, garage sales, car boot sales.
Bring one quarter or more, you will find goodies.
Meeting with M. Levy
David, Could you please elaborate on your meeting with Mr Levy. Why do we have to contribute to salaries at the other Century Village you spoke of?? Where can we get a copy of the agreement that was talked about?
Monday, February 7, 2011
SUSPICIOUS HANDYMAN FLYER
Hi all,
There is a advertising flyer being circulated in our Village by unknown persons!
The flyer is designed to give the impression that the "company" is sponsored by Century Village!
The only thing we know for sure at this point is that the Logo is wrong and the address is an old address for the Hastings clubhouse.
WPRF denies any sponsorship or knowledge of the company being advertised. Please see the flyer at the following URL and beware if approached.
http://goo.gl/dXCiN
WPRF is investigating as is UCO, results will be published as available.
Dave Israel
-
There is a advertising flyer being circulated in our Village by unknown persons!
The flyer is designed to give the impression that the "company" is sponsored by Century Village!
The only thing we know for sure at this point is that the Logo is wrong and the address is an old address for the Hastings clubhouse.
WPRF denies any sponsorship or knowledge of the company being advertised. Please see the flyer at the following URL and beware if approached.
http://goo.gl/dXCiN
WPRF is investigating as is UCO, results will be published as available.
Dave Israel
-
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Running C.V. Like a Business
As snowbirds for 6 years and now full-time residents, we have been truly impressed with the improvements in Century Village, especially during the UCO administration led by David Israel, Bob Marshall, Frank Cornish, Ed Black, Phyllis Richland and others. The Village is finally being run like a business with a new level of efficiency, openness and transparency.
A major advancement is the availability on the blog of UCO forms and legal documents that residents and associations need, including bylaws, laws and statutes affecting the Village. Anyone who has scanned documents for electronic access knows the inordinate amount of time and commitment it takes to complete a project like this.
It's a great convenience to have ready access to interactive printable applications for things like sale or deed transfers, non-owner occupancy, association board member & delegate listings, etc. Also available are electronic forms for hardship requests, requests for occupancy and resident transponder registrations, among others.
This is also the first time in C.V. history that the contract for insurance has ever gone out for bid. Can you imagine a business awarding a multi-million dollar contract without a formal bidding process? By competitive bidding, and by approaching new markets, the Insurance Committee identified $2 million in excessive costs in the old contract, a travesty really --considering that these new markets have been available since 2008. The Committee set a precedent for sound, responsible business processes, which UCO expects to expand and continue on all contract negotiations and renewals going forward.
Most residents may not realize that the new Comcast agreement was negotiated to give C.V. residents services for $27 per month that would cost $67 per month outside the Village -- pretty good! UCO also set up regular training in the use of the cable box.
We also see an openness in the running of UCO meetings that respectfully allows every opinion to be heard, even though there have been frustrating incidents of rudeness and attempts to disrupt. These episodes seem never to produce concrete alternatives, just noise -- yet everyone is allowed to have a say.
Have you noticed that UCO investigations are becoming more streamlined, efficient and timely? Or that UCO finances and expenditures are more transparent? There is a decidely more friendly atmosphere for unit owners dealing with UCO. There are serious initiatives to connect the neediest of our residents with services like food stamps and reductions in utility rates.
Every day we are seeing Century Village become stronger and more vibrant, and we hope that advancements like these will continue. Our thanks to the UCO team for managing C.V. like a well-run business.
The Buchanans
A major advancement is the availability on the blog of UCO forms and legal documents that residents and associations need, including bylaws, laws and statutes affecting the Village. Anyone who has scanned documents for electronic access knows the inordinate amount of time and commitment it takes to complete a project like this.
It's a great convenience to have ready access to interactive printable applications for things like sale or deed transfers, non-owner occupancy, association board member & delegate listings, etc. Also available are electronic forms for hardship requests, requests for occupancy and resident transponder registrations, among others.
This is also the first time in C.V. history that the contract for insurance has ever gone out for bid. Can you imagine a business awarding a multi-million dollar contract without a formal bidding process? By competitive bidding, and by approaching new markets, the Insurance Committee identified $2 million in excessive costs in the old contract, a travesty really --considering that these new markets have been available since 2008. The Committee set a precedent for sound, responsible business processes, which UCO expects to expand and continue on all contract negotiations and renewals going forward.
Most residents may not realize that the new Comcast agreement was negotiated to give C.V. residents services for $27 per month that would cost $67 per month outside the Village -- pretty good! UCO also set up regular training in the use of the cable box.
We also see an openness in the running of UCO meetings that respectfully allows every opinion to be heard, even though there have been frustrating incidents of rudeness and attempts to disrupt. These episodes seem never to produce concrete alternatives, just noise -- yet everyone is allowed to have a say.
Have you noticed that UCO investigations are becoming more streamlined, efficient and timely? Or that UCO finances and expenditures are more transparent? There is a decidely more friendly atmosphere for unit owners dealing with UCO. There are serious initiatives to connect the neediest of our residents with services like food stamps and reductions in utility rates.
Every day we are seeing Century Village become stronger and more vibrant, and we hope that advancements like these will continue. Our thanks to the UCO team for managing C.V. like a well-run business.
The Buchanans
Speaking at Delegate meetings
I really believe that anyone should be able to ask a question at a delegate meeting but we are so often the recipient of speeches that are presented as fact. I think it is time to ask the people who want to speak to present evidence that what they want to say is actually the truth. When people say things with enough force, many take that as fact and start spreading it around. The rumor mill flourishes.
Questions _ Yes
Rants and speeches should not be allowed. - They are out of Order
Any valid suggestions should be cleared with the executive committee before being given floor time. This time is too valuable for communicating valid information to allow opinions that can't be validated.
Questions _ Yes
Rants and speeches should not be allowed. - They are out of Order
Any valid suggestions should be cleared with the executive committee before being given floor time. This time is too valuable for communicating valid information to allow opinions that can't be validated.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
FACTS AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - WATER LEVELS AND SHORELINE
-
Hi all,
At the Delegate Assembly meeting of February 4, 2011 we were inflicted with a diatribe of mis-information regarding the water levels in our lakes and canals and the shoreline restoration project.
This sea of mis-information designed to stir passions brought nothing to the table that contained one scintilla of light or accurate knowledge; it was simply noise!
For those who wish to become knowledgeable of the issues and contribute real ideas toward the solution of the problem, I commend the following paper, written by Dom Guarnagia. Those who wish to learn and help, please attend the Irrigation Committee meeting scheduled for February 8, 2011 at the UCO Office at 9:30AM - Noise makers please stay home!
Dave Israel
-----------------------------------------
UCO IRRIGATION COMMITTEE MEETING
February 8, 2011
Facts and Frequently Asked Questions
• South Florida Water Management District is charged with monitoring the water levels in Lake Okeechobee and for our purposes it is the Lake Worth Drainage District that monitors Century Village and sets the height of our dam or sluiceway that controls the outflow or discharge of our waterways into the South Canal and becomes part of the drinking water in Clear Lake Reservoir, south of Interstate 1-95 .
• Swimming Pools are built of concrete and gunite which creates an impervious, relatively waterproof container whose water level is easily maintained since it is affected only by evaporation.
• Our waterways, all 62 Acres of Lakes, Lagoons and Canals are contained within 36,000 lineal feet (6.8 Miles) of shoreline. These bodies of water, unlike a swimming pool, are lined with a sandy-clay porous mixture through which groundwater percolates both upward and recedes downward as the rainfall and varying amounts of runoff from Lake O, governed by Nature, rises and falls with little effect from humans.
• Additional water that Century Village manages. When built, Century Village drainage include the strip mall from the vacant Jennifer Convertibles store to the Family Dollar at the intersection of Okeechobee Blvd. and Haverhill Rd. as well as the 18 hole golf course and driving range. Runoff from the golf course, rich in nutrients, especially nitrogen, flowed under the roadway at Southampton A through a metal culvert into the South Canal and likewise between Golfs Edge under South Drive, between the Dover buildings and into Century Lake. That fertilizer was, in large part, responsible for the proliferation of grasses as well as nurturing other aquatic plants that required constant maintenance. Any runoff from the golf course now is devoid of those rich nutrients and plants that concealed the shoreline, no longer exist.
• The water level, as we see it in our waterways, is the surface of the water table below the grade or surface upon which you are standing. Essentially, if you dig a hole anywhere in Century Village your feet will get wet less than three feet down in summer and in most cases, more than four feet in winter. This phenomenon is what has caused some concern, regarding the reconstruction ofthe shorelines.
• Why can't we maintain the depth of water year round? Geologically speaking, we sit atop an aquifer! An aquifer is a water bearing stratum of permeable rock, sand or gravel deep below the surface. Our potable water for drinking, bathing and cooking is stored deep underground in that limestone deposit. The water, through leaching or percolation, is filtered through our sandy surfacial top soil and replenishes the water drawn to the surface by water management entities. When it rains the runoff fills the voids between sandy-clay particles and the water table is high. Without rainfall, that water recedes deeper into the ground until it reaches the aquifer where it has been cleansed through filterization and awaits reuse.
• Purchased Reclaimed Water: Located at the northwest corner of Century Village (Northampton) is a large reinforced concrete tank that can hold over one million gallons of somewhat purified reclaimed, non-potable water (not fit for human consumption), serviced by a chemically altering purification system. Century Village has been fortunate to become a customer, early in the production process and as a result was initially promised "UP TO" a maximum of 750,000 gallons of water daily at a cost of $ .04 (four cents) per thousand gallons ofreclaimed water. That amounts to a sum of $30.00 (thirty dollars) per day. The cost to the County for treating the water is about $ 0.11 per 1,000 gallons, or $82.50 per day.
• How does this affect our water levels in the waterways? If we are fortunate enough to purchase the maximum water for four days per week, approximately three million gallons, it would raise the water level in an area of 62 acres, a mere two inches. For irrigational purposes, we pump two million gallons every week for lawns and landscaping. Another half inch, an astonishing 750,000 gallons or so, weekly, evaporates with the sun's heat. Since our water level is shared by adjacent communities such as Cypress Lakes and The Tennis Apartments as well as Villa Regina, purchased reclaimed water flowing into Century Village will seek its own level and
flow underground into those areas. Thus we are intrinsically part of the greater community and they are part ofus.
• Why does the shoreline look like it does in January? Without rainfall replenishing the water table and water levels receding substantially, what was reflected as a beautiful and quite successful project, in early November with about 92% completion when the population was at its lowest, was at its best. This will be a recurring theme and it is not going unnoticed and a resolution is being sought. South Florida has entered a period of severe drought and a high wildfire index, a weather related phenomenon that begins December l and ends May 31. The wet, rainy or hurricane season begins on June 1 and ends November 30. With water in Lake O at a low of 12.57 Ft. Above Sea Level combined with reduced rainfall this rainy season, the water table has receded by some 3.5 Ft. already, which is evident here in Century Village. The mean allowable water level, regulated by the Lake Worth Drainage District is 13.00 Feet Above Sea Level, well below the flow from Lake O. this far from its outfall.
• Is there a reasonable fix to remedy and prevent this occurrence in the future? The short term answer is NO! The situation of a fluctuating water table is permanent. Under study is the opportunity to introduce aquatic plants and / or a different specie of grass that is drought resistant and can survive when submerged for extended periods. Cost per Square Foot, amount of areas to be treated with plants vs. sod, maintenance including fertilizing as well as durability and performance are things being studied.
• Who will pay for the resolution? A five (5) year plan was introduced in 2008 by which Association Fees would be increased from 2008 through 2012 for approximately $5.31 per unit, per month.
• What is left to do to complete the shoreline restoration? While the study continues, the corridor along the West Canal from Northampton, through Camden and ending at Windsor at the South Canal remains incomplete. During the dry season sod production is at best inadequate since sod installation is minimized with most grasses being dormant and requiring less irrigation and mowing. However, sod production and natural irrigation are best during the rainy season. Paradoxically, when the water table is at its highest and sod production is prolific, shoreline restoration must deal with
placing and staking new sod on newly created shorelines with deeper water. Therein lays the difficulty of whether to use different specie of sod on the vertical areas of shoreline than that on the horizontal areas or to beautify some areas with aquatic plants.
• How are these newly created areas being irrigated? The sprinkler system that is in place has been extended as part ofthe reconstructed shoreline with new spray patterns and additional heads that have been added to adequately cover the newly formed areas. Irrigating those areas is part of the irrigation system that has been watering the rest ofyour association's land. Drainage has been to discharge runoff further out into the waterways.
• Will the new geotubes hold up to the sun's damaging rays? Anchor Marine, the contractor responsible for the work, has assured us that this identical system was used 34 years ago at PGA National Golf Course with no deterioration of the same geotube product.
• What should the individual associations do to maintain the new sod land or aquatic plants? Like our other grassy areas that receive fertilizer and pesticides as well as periodic mowing and maintenance, so will the new areas be treated through your maintenance contract? Irrigation will be performed as allowed by the South Florida Water Management District regarding intervals of watering through the posted water bans. The responsibility rests with each one of us since it is our monthly fee that pays for the shoreline restoration project. Its success requires vigilance but it also requires the understanding that the water table is a varying entity that results in a seasonal contrast coupled with a deeper understanding of that variation.
-
Hi all,
At the Delegate Assembly meeting of February 4, 2011 we were inflicted with a diatribe of mis-information regarding the water levels in our lakes and canals and the shoreline restoration project.
This sea of mis-information designed to stir passions brought nothing to the table that contained one scintilla of light or accurate knowledge; it was simply noise!
For those who wish to become knowledgeable of the issues and contribute real ideas toward the solution of the problem, I commend the following paper, written by Dom Guarnagia. Those who wish to learn and help, please attend the Irrigation Committee meeting scheduled for February 8, 2011 at the UCO Office at 9:30AM - Noise makers please stay home!
Dave Israel
-----------------------------------------
UCO IRRIGATION COMMITTEE MEETING
February 8, 2011
Facts and Frequently Asked Questions
• South Florida Water Management District is charged with monitoring the water levels in Lake Okeechobee and for our purposes it is the Lake Worth Drainage District that monitors Century Village and sets the height of our dam or sluiceway that controls the outflow or discharge of our waterways into the South Canal and becomes part of the drinking water in Clear Lake Reservoir, south of Interstate 1-95 .
• Swimming Pools are built of concrete and gunite which creates an impervious, relatively waterproof container whose water level is easily maintained since it is affected only by evaporation.
• Our waterways, all 62 Acres of Lakes, Lagoons and Canals are contained within 36,000 lineal feet (6.8 Miles) of shoreline. These bodies of water, unlike a swimming pool, are lined with a sandy-clay porous mixture through which groundwater percolates both upward and recedes downward as the rainfall and varying amounts of runoff from Lake O, governed by Nature, rises and falls with little effect from humans.
• Additional water that Century Village manages. When built, Century Village drainage include the strip mall from the vacant Jennifer Convertibles store to the Family Dollar at the intersection of Okeechobee Blvd. and Haverhill Rd. as well as the 18 hole golf course and driving range. Runoff from the golf course, rich in nutrients, especially nitrogen, flowed under the roadway at Southampton A through a metal culvert into the South Canal and likewise between Golfs Edge under South Drive, between the Dover buildings and into Century Lake. That fertilizer was, in large part, responsible for the proliferation of grasses as well as nurturing other aquatic plants that required constant maintenance. Any runoff from the golf course now is devoid of those rich nutrients and plants that concealed the shoreline, no longer exist.
• The water level, as we see it in our waterways, is the surface of the water table below the grade or surface upon which you are standing. Essentially, if you dig a hole anywhere in Century Village your feet will get wet less than three feet down in summer and in most cases, more than four feet in winter. This phenomenon is what has caused some concern, regarding the reconstruction ofthe shorelines.
• Why can't we maintain the depth of water year round? Geologically speaking, we sit atop an aquifer! An aquifer is a water bearing stratum of permeable rock, sand or gravel deep below the surface. Our potable water for drinking, bathing and cooking is stored deep underground in that limestone deposit. The water, through leaching or percolation, is filtered through our sandy surfacial top soil and replenishes the water drawn to the surface by water management entities. When it rains the runoff fills the voids between sandy-clay particles and the water table is high. Without rainfall, that water recedes deeper into the ground until it reaches the aquifer where it has been cleansed through filterization and awaits reuse.
• Purchased Reclaimed Water: Located at the northwest corner of Century Village (Northampton) is a large reinforced concrete tank that can hold over one million gallons of somewhat purified reclaimed, non-potable water (not fit for human consumption), serviced by a chemically altering purification system. Century Village has been fortunate to become a customer, early in the production process and as a result was initially promised "UP TO" a maximum of 750,000 gallons of water daily at a cost of $ .04 (four cents) per thousand gallons ofreclaimed water. That amounts to a sum of $30.00 (thirty dollars) per day. The cost to the County for treating the water is about $ 0.11 per 1,000 gallons, or $82.50 per day.
• How does this affect our water levels in the waterways? If we are fortunate enough to purchase the maximum water for four days per week, approximately three million gallons, it would raise the water level in an area of 62 acres, a mere two inches. For irrigational purposes, we pump two million gallons every week for lawns and landscaping. Another half inch, an astonishing 750,000 gallons or so, weekly, evaporates with the sun's heat. Since our water level is shared by adjacent communities such as Cypress Lakes and The Tennis Apartments as well as Villa Regina, purchased reclaimed water flowing into Century Village will seek its own level and
flow underground into those areas. Thus we are intrinsically part of the greater community and they are part ofus.
• Why does the shoreline look like it does in January? Without rainfall replenishing the water table and water levels receding substantially, what was reflected as a beautiful and quite successful project, in early November with about 92% completion when the population was at its lowest, was at its best. This will be a recurring theme and it is not going unnoticed and a resolution is being sought. South Florida has entered a period of severe drought and a high wildfire index, a weather related phenomenon that begins December l and ends May 31. The wet, rainy or hurricane season begins on June 1 and ends November 30. With water in Lake O at a low of 12.57 Ft. Above Sea Level combined with reduced rainfall this rainy season, the water table has receded by some 3.5 Ft. already, which is evident here in Century Village. The mean allowable water level, regulated by the Lake Worth Drainage District is 13.00 Feet Above Sea Level, well below the flow from Lake O. this far from its outfall.
• Is there a reasonable fix to remedy and prevent this occurrence in the future? The short term answer is NO! The situation of a fluctuating water table is permanent. Under study is the opportunity to introduce aquatic plants and / or a different specie of grass that is drought resistant and can survive when submerged for extended periods. Cost per Square Foot, amount of areas to be treated with plants vs. sod, maintenance including fertilizing as well as durability and performance are things being studied.
• Who will pay for the resolution? A five (5) year plan was introduced in 2008 by which Association Fees would be increased from 2008 through 2012 for approximately $5.31 per unit, per month.
• What is left to do to complete the shoreline restoration? While the study continues, the corridor along the West Canal from Northampton, through Camden and ending at Windsor at the South Canal remains incomplete. During the dry season sod production is at best inadequate since sod installation is minimized with most grasses being dormant and requiring less irrigation and mowing. However, sod production and natural irrigation are best during the rainy season. Paradoxically, when the water table is at its highest and sod production is prolific, shoreline restoration must deal with
placing and staking new sod on newly created shorelines with deeper water. Therein lays the difficulty of whether to use different specie of sod on the vertical areas of shoreline than that on the horizontal areas or to beautify some areas with aquatic plants.
• How are these newly created areas being irrigated? The sprinkler system that is in place has been extended as part ofthe reconstructed shoreline with new spray patterns and additional heads that have been added to adequately cover the newly formed areas. Irrigating those areas is part of the irrigation system that has been watering the rest ofyour association's land. Drainage has been to discharge runoff further out into the waterways.
• Will the new geotubes hold up to the sun's damaging rays? Anchor Marine, the contractor responsible for the work, has assured us that this identical system was used 34 years ago at PGA National Golf Course with no deterioration of the same geotube product.
• What should the individual associations do to maintain the new sod land or aquatic plants? Like our other grassy areas that receive fertilizer and pesticides as well as periodic mowing and maintenance, so will the new areas be treated through your maintenance contract? Irrigation will be performed as allowed by the South Florida Water Management District regarding intervals of watering through the posted water bans. The responsibility rests with each one of us since it is our monthly fee that pays for the shoreline restoration project. Its success requires vigilance but it also requires the understanding that the water table is a varying entity that results in a seasonal contrast coupled with a deeper understanding of that variation.
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Norton Free Saturday Plus
The Norton Museum of Art is pleased to announce that FREE Saturdays will now include admission to special exhibitions. Previously, the Museum’s FREE Saturday program granted entrance to the Norton Collection only and excluded special exhibitions. West Palm Beach residents will now receive FREE admission to the entire Museum EVERY Saturday, your Century Village ID will identify you as West Palm Beach resident. Museum Hours Saturday - 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Museum Address
Norton Museum of Art 1451 S. Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Phone: 561.832.5196
Norton Museum of Art 1451 S. Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Phone: 561.832.5196
BULLETIN BOARDS AND CATWALKS
Are Unit Owners from one Association allowed to advertise on the other 308 Association
Boards?
When I moved to CV I was told that the catwalks have to be free of any objects and that
it is a fire rule to protect unit owners from hazardous falls. Is this rule still in efffect?
Boards?
When I moved to CV I was told that the catwalks have to be free of any objects and that
it is a fire rule to protect unit owners from hazardous falls. Is this rule still in efffect?
DELEGATE ASSEMBLY, FEBRUARY 4, 2011 - LIVE IN CYBERSPACE
Hi all,
Thanks to the Channel 63 team, see the Delegate Assembly video at the following URL:
http://goo.gl/40ALJ
See also the link button in the sidebar.
DELEGATE ASSEMBLY - 02/04/2011
Dave Israel
-
Thanks to the Channel 63 team, see the Delegate Assembly video at the following URL:
http://goo.gl/40ALJ
See also the link button in the sidebar.
DELEGATE ASSEMBLY - 02/04/2011
Dave Israel
-
Thursday, February 3, 2011
YES - WOMEN ALSO DANCE THE MORRIS
While frowned upon in some circles, women do Morris dance!
Dave Israel
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Real Men Morris Dance
These are Morris dancers from my home area in England, Dave has suggested morris dancing for the village. Color photo 1991, B&W with hats 1927. I think the hats should get us a rating over 500 CFP&D.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Groundhog Day
It's been about 48 hours since anyone put an entry on this blog, so, I figured a story like this might wake us up.
Today is Groundhog Day, the traditional time where, if a rodent sees its shadow, it's more winter (it's also the basis for the Bill Murray movie). From groundhog.org (yes, there's a website), here's a bit of history:
Today is Groundhog Day, the traditional time where, if a rodent sees its shadow, it's more winter (it's also the basis for the Bill Murray movie). From groundhog.org (yes, there's a website), here's a bit of history:
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Groundhog Day, February 2nd, is a popular tradition in the United States. It is also a legend that traverses centuries, its origins clouded in the mists of time with ethnic cultures and animals awakening on specific dates. Myths such as this tie our present to the distant past when nature did, indeed, influence our lives. It is the day that the Groundhog comes out of his hole after a long winter sleep to look for his shadow.
If he sees it, he regards it as an omen of six more weeks of bad weather and returns to his hole.
If the day is cloudy and, hence, shadowless, he takes it as a sign of spring and stays above ground.
The groundhog tradition stems from similar beliefs associated with Candlemas Day and the days of early Christians in Europe, and for centuries the custom was to have the clergy bless candles and distribute them to the people. Even then, it marked a milestone in the winter and the weather that day was important.
According to an old English song:
If Candlemas be fair and bright,
Come, Winter, have another flight;
If Candlemas brings clouds and rain,
Go Winter, and come not again.
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