Drama Queens

The Proactive Cmte wants us to panic and deluge Code Enforcement with calls! They blog - “We emphasized the tremedous amount of debris that if left unattended could act as missiles in the event of a Hurricane ... and tremendous amount of "brush" creates a fire hazard in this extremely dry climate."
If you actually look at the golf property: The grass is short enough and green a (not fire material). There are fluffy palm fronds decomposing on the ground, the small kind from Sable palms (not the large Royal Palm type like ours). The photo is the most debris I could find. These will not fly except in a category 5 hurricane, in which case you should worry about your roof, not palm fronds. (a professional opinion, with which I agree)
PS: Code Enforcement has already notified Waldman to clean up.
PPS: Perhaps an inquiry to our Fire Dept would set your minds at rest per lightning strikes.
Do you really want to annoy code enforcement, and stress our elderly population unecessarily?
There is a good common sense case to make against development, but the above is not it.

SUNDAY NIGHT SING-A-LONG

Each Sunday, from 6 to 8PM, year round ( unless otherwise noted)
many of our neighbors & friends gather in Classroom "C" at the
Club House, to exercise their vocal cords..hosted by Louis Ahwee,
who manages to bring out the "BEST" in all of us...
However, this COMING SUNDAY, JULY 3RD, 2011, the hours are from
4 to 6 PM...so why not drop by..it could become a habit!

Pro Active Committee.

I do hope that the Pro-Active Committee has some very deep pockets, because if it continues to attack without provocation, it may need them!
Given the amount of 'alleged' support this committee purports to have, isn't it rather odd that they suddenly feel it's imperative to embark on an over zealous attempt to censor the 'Reporter' and UCO?
So, what on earth has happened to have the Pro-Activists stomping around like ballerinas with holes in their hose? What has led them to want, nay demand, that the 'Reporter' publishes a disclaimer each time it reports something about the golf course from 'the other side', which on this occasion is far from spiritual.

Whilst I appreciate that this group is, rightly so, passionate about this proposed development and has every right to bring their ideas to the Delegate Assembly for consideration, it is totally unacceptable to publish blatant untruths in any medium, even on a blog. I do trust, if it comes down to it, they can present evidence to substantiate their claims.

Unable to wait for Friday's Delegate Assembly to democratically allow a vote, the Pro-Active's have already posted a proposed motion, as a given fact, on their blog.
They advise residents that when reviewing material from the UCO Administration or the Editors of the 'UCO Reporter' it should be regarded as information only.
Says who? What happened to freedom of speech and when did the Pro-Active Committee - not even a UCO Committee- have the authority to speak for anyone other than themselves. More importantly, what are they suddenly so afraid of, and why are such extreme measures necessary when they claim that victory is on the horizon?
I have no idea who wrote this piece of verbiage, but it wasn't a lawyer. It is not particularly wise to imply that Editors have been less than honest to their readers, which the Pro-Active blog does.

It's always saddening when a cause becomes a crusade especially when some really good people have worked hard to achieve goals in a logical, sensible way. To see this credibility destroyed through irrational demands, merely devalues what has already been achieved.

The UCO Reporter has a zero tolerance for censorship, and we will defend not only freedom of speech, but our reader's right to read both sides of any story. By the way, we also have a zero tolerance for libel, so may I remind 'certain parties' they too may just find themselves on the wrong side of civil law – the one the Pro-Active's claim will ultimately protect us from this development.
Justice is blind, and like good reporting, relies on facts not feelings.

Hot Advice from the Fire Dept.

- - - for 2-storey condos:

You can use an electric grill on your patio.

You can store charcoal on your patio.

But BBQ (charcoal) with flame must be at least 10’ from the bldg

NO GAS grills or containers anywhere, ever.

And you can use the grills at Picnic (Duck) Island at the Clubhouse, there are also electric outlets there.

- - - I did not ask about larger buildings, but you could call Fire HQ 616-7000.

PSA - HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

Closed Meetings of Condominium Boards

In Florida, Boards of Directors are required to hold meetings in the open. Transparency in the decision-making process is required. Any time a quorum or more of the Board meets and discusses Association business, such gatherings are considered a Board meeting requiring proper notice to the unit owners. However, as with every rule, there are exceptions. In this case there is an existing exception and one that will begin on July 1, 2011.

The current exception is that meetings between the Board and the association’s attorney, with respect to proposed or pending litigation, may be held in a closed session, when the meeting is convened for the purpose of seeking or rendering legal advice. Please note that the attorney may be present either in person or via speaker phone.

Beginning on July 1, 2011, there will be one other exception to the open-meeting rule. Section 718.112(2)(c)(3), Florida Statutes, will be amended to allow the Board, without the Association’s attorney being present, to hold a closed meeting for the purpose of discussing personnel matters. Therefore, if the Board wishes to discuss the hiring or firing of an employee, it may now do so, without an attorney, in a closed session.

The standard 48-hour notice should be posted for both types of meetings. The notice / agenda should state either: "Closed meeting to discuss proposed or pending litigation," or "Closed meeting to discuss personnel matters," depending on the type of meeting being held.

Mark D. Friedman is a senior attorney at the law firm of Becker & Poliakoff, P.A. Mr. Friedman may be contacted at CondoLaw@becker-poliakoff.com.

Kool-Aid Water

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"The drinking water in West Palm Beach could soon look, taste and smell differently than it ordinarily does. The Palm Beach County Health Department was asked by city leaders to relax drinking water quality standards because of the ongoing drought. ... The SFWMD began drawing water from one of its reservoirs on Friday to help supplement the water supply of West Palm Beach, should the city need the assistance. West Palm Beach’s primary water supply is Lake Okeechobee. The lake is much too low for pumps to deliver water forty miles into the heart of the city."

Brings back memories of living in Richmond, VA, where water came from the summer-dry James River, the only way you could drink it was with Kool-Aid.

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Raccoons

So we think that we have raccoon problems. Here is a blurb written by a friend on Facebook today about her raccoon troubles.

"Damn raccoon was in the house 'again' last night. He comes through the cat window which needs a computer chip to open it but the little devil with his little devil hands pulls the window out and comes in to check out the food......and is quite upset when we try to get him out."

She lives north of Montreal in St-Sauver which is the heart of the ski country in the Laurentian mountains. Over the last couple of years she has posted pictures of the raccoons going through her garbage and in her yard.

Post from Grace

WPRF and Theater tickets for 2011-2012

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Re the closure of the Clubhouse this summer. Is there any decision as to where WPRF will have their office for ID cards? Also, what's the schedule for picking up the yearly ticket forms and where do we go to get them?
............................................................................
The following is provided by Anita Pearce, VP W.P.R.F., Inc., as to services that will be available at Hastings Clubhouse during closure of main clubhouse.

Dave Israel
...................................
 ID Office will be open - we plan to provide IDs for new owners and all forms of temporary and guest passes as usual at Hastings.  In addition, our A/R Dept will be open at Hastings to accept and process payments, issue estoppels, answer questions and the like.  My office staff (administration) will also be available at Hastings.  The ticket office will be closed, but staff will be working on season ticket processing outside of Hastings.
Hope this helps.  Please keep in mind these are initial plans, all subject to change.
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WPRF ARTICLE - JULY 2011

Hi all,
The monthly article by Anita Pearce was inadvertantly omitted from the UCO Reporter. So, with apologies, we publish it here in the BLOG:
...................................................................................

                      W.P.R.F., Inc.

by:Anita J. Pearce - Vice-President 

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The summer heat is on, and our pools are filled every day with those who choose to swim as an escape from the heat.  If swimming is not your choice, you can find lots of activities going on every day in the cool, air-conditioned comfort of our Clubhouse and Hastings Fitness Center. 

-

Refer to this paper and Channel 63 for listings of activities offered.  (Remember that Bingo will NOT be held from July 6th through August 31st.  Bingo will be resuming on September 7th.)

Many of our residents are here for the 4th of July holiday, and this year WPRF invites you to come celebrate Independence Day at the Clubhouse Guest Pool on Monday, July 4th from 1 to 5 PM.  Music will be provided poolside by Tommy Caruso for your dancing and listening pleasure. 

-

Snacks and drinks will be provided while supplies last, so bring your own special food and enjoy the fun! Also in the month of July, please join your friends and neighbors in our Theater on July 27th at 2 PM for a short, casual video presentation of the upcoming 2011-12 season’s entertainment lineup.

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  Theater doors will open at 1:30 PM.  Abby Koffler, our Vice-President of Entertainment, will be hosting this preview.  Both she and I will be available to answer any questions you may have.

-

We will be working on numerous maintenance projects over the summer months.  We have completed painting of the exterior of the Hastings Fitness Center, and will be performing further maintenance in and around that facility throughout the summer to include, among other things, seal coating and re-striping of the parking lot and landscaping. 

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I trust that you will be pleased with the finished project.  Many residents are calling about the decreasing number of patio umbrellas at WPRF pools.  We have been experiencing a high volume of umbrellas down for repair, and are regularly returning them to the manufacturer to make repairs under warranty.  Since there is a long turn-around time on these warranty repairs, many seeking shelter from the sun are increasingly aware of the lower number of available umbrellas.  If you use one of the patio umbrellas, it is important that you close the umbrella as you leave.  We do experience high winds here in South Florida which can be devastating to an open umbrella, causing breakage and the need for repairs.           

-

 If you are going north for the rest of the summer, please know that our staff will continue to work on maintaining the facilities while you are gone to provide you with a clean and safe environment at our clubhouses and pools upon your return.  For those of you who are here year-round, I invite you to take advantage of all of the activities WPRF offers.  It would also be my pleasure to personally visit with you – my door is always open. Enjoy the summer months, and be well. 
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Tropical Fruit Fest this Saturday

Calling all lychee fans: Join Chef Allen Susser as he whips up his signature dishes in a special cooking demonstration followed by a book signing at 11am & 1pm.
Hailed by The New York Times as the "Ponce De Leon of New Florida Cooking," Susser was named "One of the 10 Best New Chefs in America" by Food & Wine magazine in 1991, and three years later received the coveted James Beard Award as Best Chef in the Southeast.

PAVING SCHEDULE FOR SOUTHAMPTON AREA

Do we have to take a Board Certification course each year?

At each of the Board Certification seminars Becker & Poliakoff has presented, whether at Century Village or the other locations, there was always one recurring question that had no answer: “How long is the certification good for?” The Florida Legislature has finally provided an answer by revising Section 718.112, Florida Statutes. Effective July 1, 2011, the Statute will provide as follows:

“The written certification or educational certificate is valid and does not have to be resubmitted as long as the director serves on the board without interruption.”

That means if you are a current Board member and are re-elected next year, your certification remains valid and you are not required to take another certification class, as your service to the Board is uninterrupted. However, if you sit out next year and rejoin the Board the following year, you will have to be re-certified as your service was interrupted.


In addition, a Board member may submit a certificate of having satisfactorily completed the educational curriculum administered by a division-approved condominium education provider within 1 year before or 90 days after the date of election or appointment.

Therefore, if anyone attended a Board Certification class this year and received certification in anticipation of joining the Board next year (within 1 year), such certification fulfills the statutory requirement.

Mark D. Friedman is a senior attorney at the law firm of Becker & Poliakoff. You may contact Mr. Friedman at CondoLaw@becker-poliakoff.com.

Publishing Directories

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Many condominium associations have traditionally published directories listing their unit owners' names, addresses, telephone numbers, e-mail addresses, etc. During the 2010 legislative session, when phone numbers, e-mail addresses and other personal identifying information became off limits for records inspections there was some debate regarding whether condominium associations could obtain waivers from their unit owners to continue publishing this type of information in their directories. This issue has now been clarified by a change in the law. Section 718.111(12), Florida Statutes, now provides that a unit owner may now consent in writing to the disclosure of protected information outlined in the statute. This is an opt-in provision, meaning a unit owner must specifically consent to the publication of his personal identifying information. I recommend that any condominium association wishing to publish a directory contact its community association attorney to develop a waiver for this purpose.


As a reminder, here is the updated list of items that may not be provided to a unit owner as part of an official records request:


 Attorney-Client privileged correspondence
 Work-product privilege
 Information obtained in connection with the approval of a lease or sale of a unit
 Medical records of unit owners
 Social Security Numbers
 Drivers License Numbers
 Credit Card Numbers
 E-mail addresses
 Telephone numbers
 Facsimile numbers
 Emergency Contact Information
 Any address of a unit owner other than as provided for Association notices
 Electronic security measures and passwords for computers
 Software and operating system data
 Personnel records of association or management company employees, including but not limited to disciplinary, payroll, health, and insurance records.


Mark D. Friedman is a senior attorney at Becker & Poliakoff. You may contact Mr. Friedman at CondoLaw@becker-poliakoff.com.
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Governor approves HB 1195

The Governor has approved House Bill 1195 which includes changes to the Condominium Act. The new laws become effective on July 1, 2011. I am creating a series of blog posts over the next few days, as well as writing an article for the UCO Reporter, so that you have all of the information regarding the significant changes.

Mark D. Friedman is a senior attorney at the law firm of Becker & Poliakoff. You may contact Mr. Friedman at CondoLaw@becker-poliakoff.com.

JULY 2011 - UCO REPORTER LIVE IN CYBERSPACE

Hi all,
Want a sneak peek at the July edition prior to the Print one? Well it is to be found at the following URL.

http://goo.gl/6WAVC

Of course, it, along with Reporter editions back to 2008,  may also be accessed via the Side Bar under the heading UCO Reporter.

Dave Israel

New Law Regarding Process Servers

While we await the Governor’s approval of House Bill 1195, which covers the majority of changes to the Condominium laws, there are other House Bills which have already been signed into law that effect condominium associations.

One such new law, which was House Bill 59, becomes effective July 1, 2011, as Section 48.031(7), Florida Statutes. This new law provides that a gated residential community, including a condominium, must grant unannounced entry into the community, including the common areas and common elements, to a person attempting to serve process on a defendant or witness who resides within or is known to be within the community.

Therefore, after July 1, 2011, the guards at the gates can no longer deny access or announce a process server who is attempting to serve a Summons and Complaint on a condominium association or an individual living at Century Village.

Mark D. Friedman is a senior attorney at the West Palm Beach office of Becker & Poliakoff, P.A. You may contact Mr. Friedman at CondoLaw@becker-poliakoff.com.

Not Much Summer Posting

The 80 Blog authors (members) must be too busy to post because they are reading through Dave's Info Project pdf's I received 21 pdf's so far! Another reflection of the astonishing amount of work that goes into UCO.

Dave, is the Information Forward Initiative (IFI) just for Delegates, or also for anyone who wants to be more involved? How about a post on the IFI? Is that the best acronym! Do villagers know they can look in on all kinds of meetings?

Lightning Strike?

Something going on WNW of village, N of Vista ctr.?

Drought

This is the Water Co. ex pond at the corner of Sussex. Nice crop of hay but not a drop of water. They are giving us all the reclaimed water they can. How annoying is it to see the forecasts of rain every day for 2 weeks. We need another rain dance Lanny. Rainy season coming soon, Aha Aha!

Welcome Back

Mr & Mrs Sandhill Crane and little Dune. Hanging out in Canterbury shade. They want you to know they are omnivorous.

THE KNITTING CHANNEL? - BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU ASK FOR

-

at CV Medical Center

Something happening next to Walgreens and Vitas, still locked up.
Click to read enlarged photo. What a generic title over the door!

Are you one of the 600 Board members who are Certified? If not an on-line class is now available!

After three lectures at the Century Village Theater, more than 600 Century Village Board members have been certified through Becker and Poliakoff’s Board Certification Course titled, “Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Condominium Law but Were Afraid to Ask.” However, with 309 condominiums in Century Village we have definitely not certified everyone. This blog post is designed to help you understand the significance of this class and to give those Board members who are out of State a one-time opportunity to take the course on-line (click on the title of this article to be taken to a registration page).

In 2010, Section 718.112, Florida Statutes, was amended and now requires that within 90 days after being elected or appointed to the Board, each newly elected director has the following options:

1. certify in writing to the secretary of the association that he or she has read the association’s declaration of condominium, articles of incorporation, bylaws, and current written policies; that he or she will work to uphold such documents and policies to the best of his or her ability; and that he or she will faithfully discharge his or her fiduciary responsibility to the association’s members; or

2. in lieu of the foregoing written certification, the newly elected or appointed director may submit a certificate of satisfactory completion of the educational curriculum administered by a division-approved condominium education provider. (Becker and Poliakoff is a division-approved condominium education provider and the substantive materials in our presentations have been pre-approved by the Division for use in this program.)

A copy of the certification, whether it is the affidavit described in number 1, above, or the certificate from a Division-approved class, must be kept as part of the official records of the Association for 5 years after a director’s election.

If you were unable to attend one of the three lectures given at Century Village and would like to take the course on-line, on Thursday, June 30, 2011, please click on the title of this article, which is a link to the registration page.

For those who attended the class on Friday, June 10, 2011, at the Century Village Theater, your certificates should be in the mail to you by the end of next week.

Mark D. Friedman is a senior attorney at the West Palm Beach office of the law firm of Becker & Poliakoff, P.A. You may contact Mr. Friedman at CondoLaw@becker-poliakoff.com.

Whassup Golf

Ok President and CEO of the Golf Cmte, where is:

5/13 Further information will be forthcoming soon.

4/16 More information will be forthcoming.

I do think a crowded development with no apparent pool is a really bad idea next to us and our 14 pools.

New Condo Laws on Governor's Desk

House Bill 1195, the community association bill that passed during the Legislative session, was sent to Governor Scott today. The Governor has until Tuesday, June 28, 2011 to act on the bill. I will let you know as soon as Governor Scott acts on this bill. If he signs it I will post blogs to explain the changes in the law. Stay tuned.

HASTINGS POOL AREA TO CLOSE FOR REPAIRS

Hi all,
In order to effect emergency deck repairs, the Hastings pool area will be closed until further notice.

The Hastings Clubhouse will remain open, barring complications.

Dave Israel

Revolt By Clubhouse Pool People Likely.

Resentment of Snowbirds not having to endure the Clubhouse Pool closure is at a boiling point . Poolers were heard saying WPRF & UCO officials should be carted off to Duck Island and placed in stocks, for a week or so. Other Poolers were planning simultaneous Marches on UCO and WPRF to stone officials. If it wasn't for the cool head of Marvin G, Poolers would have been in marauding bands looking for officials today. I tell ya folks, there's trouble in River City .

From today's Palm Beach Post

Once again, seniors are targets of scams. Click on this link to find out:
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/money/medical-alert-firm-distress-calls-to-wire-money-1532592.html?cxtype=ynews_rss

a/c /common element drain

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Has anyone else experienced this issue: once again, my a/c shut off. I had ECM out on 5/31 and the tech said the common element drain not draining - I am on ground level/corner. The a/c unit totally replace 2 yrs ago. Did not experience issues initially but much too often of late - ECM told me it was prop mgr issue since it's the common element drain ---so, two shut offs ago/ prop mgr comes out - says there was very little in the drain - all ok. And of course, it always happens on the wkend ----I am caring for my 88 yr old mother who is basically in a wheelchair and I depend on the CV busses for my transport so it's not easy around here and this constant a/c issue has now flipped me over the edge ---Has anyone else had the same prob w/common element drain or know of anyone who has? of course, the tech says these bldgs are 40 yrs old etc but none of my assn neighbors are battling this prob----any input appreciated. Thank God it's only 80 in here now and I have ceiling fans -----once again thank you anyone and everyone with input.
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A VERY WORTHWHILE CLASS

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I am just back from attending the 3-hour class on condo rules and regulations given by Mark Friedman, attorney for Becker & Poliakoff, and it was excellent. Using the projector and movie screen, he taught us so much and made it interesting. Instead of answering questions as we went along, he had us jot down our questions during the lecture. These were collected at the end, and then he answered them. I was surprised how fast the time went. Those who attended will get a certificate, fulfilling the requirement
that as condo association officers they be familiar with condo laws.
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WATER - HERE WE GO AGAIN

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Hi all,
Much discussion about water, the drought season brings out all sorts of "information" about things that lack one essential element; facts!!!

In case you all have not noticed, we are in the midst of a very significant drought which has persisted for some time. Believe it or not, one of our Associations has actually engaged an Attorney to threaten UCO, for "not providing adequate water in a canal" to allow for proper irrigation.

I have examined all UCO documentation, and nowhere does it say that UCO can make it rain!!!
Now for some facts;  below you will see the latest Reclaimed Water flow for Century Village; as you can see, we have been receiving a 30 day average flow in excess of 900 thousand gallons per day. We are fortunate to receive that, because our contract only allows for 750 thousand gallons per day.

UCO is doing the best we can, but my best advice is to pray for rain.

Dave Israel

1-day a week watering in City of West Palm Beach

"Critical condition." That's the status the city says its water levels are in, and now they are ordering one day a week water restrictions.

The new water restriction will go into affect Monday, June 13th.

The city is hoping the restrictions will conserve what water is left until rain comes.

Across the city, homeowners are using their own method of keeping their lawns green.

"It's a serious situation when the lake levels are so low and that we depend on them for our water supply system," says city spokesperson Chase Scott.

The rain deficit has affected all area communities, including our primary water supplies at Grassy Preserve Waters, Lake Mangonia and Clear Lake. The city says the water level at Clear Lake has dropped four feet.

Homeowner Larry Lester has been through a Florida drought before and says news of one day irrigation restriction isn't what he wants to hear.

"Once before when we were one day I almost lost it then and I managed because it didn't last for too long," he states.

But Lester says the water restrictions should depend on where your source of water comes from.

"People with wells, like myself, should have an exemption," says Lester.

Unfortunately though, they don't.

Customers with odd number residences may only water using irrigation systems on Wednesday's from 4:00 a.m to 8:00 a.m. Even number addresses, which include common areas and multi-family dwellings, may only use irrigation systems on Thursday's from 4:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.

If you are hand watering, you can do that on Wednesday and Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for ten minutes only.

"We are all in this together so we're asking everyone to conserve due to the drought," says Scott.

The city says they will issue warnings to those breaking rules. They say if the conditions worsen, they will began to issue citations.

FREE OOMA Home Phone Service - Almost- (just buy the box)

(Copied from an e-mail requesting info on the free OOMA phone service at the Delegates' Meeting June 3, 2011)

Hi Elaine,

In response to your question about the OOMA phone service, I have to tell you, OOMA is one of the best-kept secrets out there right now. I was paying $50-$60 for regular phone service like everyone else for years. I then went to Vonage about five years ago and used it for three years, paying 24.99 + tax for a total of about $30/month. It was much cheaper and quality was just as good as regular land line. Then, about two years ago, my wife Sharon found OOMA on a website somewhere. We knew that nothing is free in this world, so we were skeptical and dubious at best. Because it was unknown and untried by anyone we knew, we decided to purchase the OOMA box that allows the service to be used while leaving Vonage running until we were sure that OOMA was a viable option. We used both systems for about a month to compare them against each other. OOMA turned out to be even better than Vonage was, not only with excellent voice clarity but with features and cost.

I just read the latest Consumer Reports survey on internet, TV, and phone services and bundled Internet/Telephone/TV packages from the different phone companies. It rated OOMA first out of the 25 different services rated for telephone services. I'll scan the article and send it to you.


You needn't be on a computer to use OOMA except for only about 15 minutes to initially set up the OOMA and get your phone number. Once it is set up you never need a computer again. And as long as you have power to the OOMA box and the router or modem, you will have service as long as the ISP (Internet Service Provider) is up. If you're concerned about losing electrical service, you simply purchase a small UPS (uninterruptible power supply). As I said in the delegates meeting, I've been using Internet VoIP telephone service for five years now and the service has gone down only once for approximately 3 hours. The problem was on a server at the main headquarters.

Not bad for FREE phone service that you can use all over the country! The only limitation is 5000 minutes (over 83 hrs!) per month. I work full time, travel all over the country for work, call home all the time, and have never come close to that.

Service to any other country in the world is only 1-2 cents a minute. You can call Germany, Australia, Egypt, etc., and talk for an hour for only .60! There is a mention on the website about paying taxes of $3.50 per month, but I don't know what that's about. If you aren't paying a monthly fee, how can they charge tax on something that's free? We don't pay any fees at all. It may have to do with paying monthly for additional lines and features, but that's optional and not required.

I contacted them to see if they provide service to businesses such as UCO. Unfortunately, they only provide residential service.

If you would like to hear the sound and quality of the OOMA, feel free to stop by. If you call me you will hear the sound quality from a recipient's standpoint.

By the way, I'm going to post this e-mail to the blog for others to take advantage of the service if they desire. If anyone reading this is interested in trying out OOMA, please call me first so you can hear the quality of the phone calls. This will give you an idea of the call quality. I can also answer any questions you may have.

Again, the installation is extremely simple:

1. If you have Internet service already then you will probably have a modem and/or a router.
(If you need to purchase a router, which is not necessary unless your modem has only one port, they're very inexpensive-around $20-$30.)

2. Simply plug the cable from the OOMA box into one of the router's ports.

3. Plug the electrical cord into an outlet.

4. Plug any standard household phone into the OOMA port.

5. Go to the OOMA website and register the phone and obtain a telephone number. THAT'S IT!

If any of our non-tech savvy folks decide they want the free phone service and need help with setting it up, I'll be happy to do it for you. Just call me before you purchase and I'll help you with it. No charge, no strings... just the neighborly thing to do to help others save money like we did.

Best regards,

Lee

Lee Hunt
President, Sheffield D COA
561-202-8460 Home
858-922-8743 Cell

Golf Course Development

Click Header

Not anytime soon, even if owner gets zoning approvals ,which is in doubt.

ROAD REPAIR MEETING - CONTRACTORS -ENGINEERS

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Hi all,

There will be a meeting with Paving Contractors involved in the Road Repair Project:

DAY:.......... Thursday

DATE:........ June 09, 2011

TIME:......... 9:00 A.M.

PLACE:...... UCO Conference Room

ALL WELCOME

Dave Israel

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Wildlife Photos

Watch all of this, better than a nap.

Click on title or this http://www.flickr.com/photos/31012926@N03/show/

Abandoned Units Becoming a Nuisance?

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Abandoned Unit Becoming a Nuisance?

Restoring Power to Mitigate Further Harm

By Mark D. Friedman, Esq.

Foreclosures are at an unprecedented level in Florida resulting in many units standing vacant for extended periods, often without electricity to run the air conditioner. In Florida’s generally hot and humid climate, a closed unit without air circulation may lead to the proliferation of mold. Condominium Association Boards often ask if they may restore the power to the unit.


It would be the rare set of condominium documents which specifically addresses this issue. However, in a condominium setting, Section 718.111(5), Florida Statutes, permits the Association the irrevocable right of access to a unit for “maintenance, repair, or replacement of any common elements or of any portion of a unit to be maintained by the association pursuant to the declaration or as necessary to prevent damage to the common elements or to a unit or units.”


If mold proliferates in a unit damage could result not only to that unit, but to adjoining units and the common elements. The statutory right of entry does not specifically deal with restoring electricity to keep the air circulating. However, it allows the association the ability to enter a unit and take the actions necessary to prevent damage to the condominium property. As one of the simplest ways to prevent mold is to remove the moisture from the air by restoring electricity and running the air conditioner the condominium association board may arguably take this step.


The problem has been the restoration of power. Becker & Poliakoff has worked with Florida Power and Light to determine a standard operating procedure for such restoration of power. The basic steps are: 1) setting up a master account in the Association’s name; 2) when the power is disconnected the Association must contact Florida Power and Light to restore the power in the Association’s name using the funds in the master account; and 3) contact FP&L to expedite the restoration of power. Your community association attorney can assist you with contact numbers and further details to ensure the most current information.


Please note that the foregoing is only for Florida Power and Light customers and may not apply to customers of other power companies throughout the State of Florida.


We are often asked whether the Association can recover the cost of restoring power to the unit. It is unlikely that these costs can be recovered from the foreclosed unit owner, especially if the property is worth less than the amount of the first mortgage on the unit. There is a possibility (not a guarantee) of recovering these costs if the bank or other third party has received Certificate of Title to the unit and refuses to turn on the power. This is something that must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis with your community association attorney. However, the Board has a fiduciary duty to the remaining unit owners and it is less expensive to pay a small electric bill to keep the air circulating and protect the condominium property than it is to pay thousands of dollars to remediate a unit once it turns black with mold and threatens the rest of the property.


Mark D. Friedman, Esq. is a senior attorney at the law firm of Becker & Poliakoff, P.A. This article originally appeared in the Firm’s Community Update magazine. Mr. Friedman may be contacted at CondoLaw@becker-poliakoff.com.
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PRESIDENT - RESIDENT COUNCIL MEETING CANCELED

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ALERT - ALERT - ALERT

THE PRESIDENTS COUNCIL MEETING FOR JUNE 8, 2011 IS CANCELLED DUE TO THE JEWISH HOLIDAY AND THE ROOFING SEMINAR AT CYPRESS LAKES.

PHYLLIS AND RODGER WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL

OF YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST AND ATTENDANCE. WE

WILL RESUME IN THE FALL. FIRST MEETING WILL BE

OCTOBER 12, 2011 AT 9:30 A.M. AS USUAL COFFEE

WILL BE SERVED.

THANK YOU ALL AGAIN!

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Emails To Association

Once again Kudos to Dave Israel, President of UCO, for sending out 3 Emails to Associations who have left their Email addresses with UCO. What a great idea to get information to the Boards. Thanks Dave.

Request to Assoc Boards

Recently I tried to deliver Board material to various associations. It is quite difficult when the Board does not post their names and unit numbers on the Bulletin board (although you do meet some very nice people).

Dear Boards - please post your names and unit numbers for the benefit of all delivery people. Perhaps this request could be repeated at the Prez/Rez Council and the Del Assy. Of course it does not apply to blog readers who are the wisest souls in cyberspace ;-)

Meeting Manners

At UCO committee meetings the Chairperson sits at the head of the table, there is a reason for this, so they can see everyone who wishes to speak. Grabbing their seat and other interruptions can only reflect badly on the offender.

Clubhouse Outdoor Pools

Rumor has it , the Clubhouse will be closed for a month to rewire and bring it up to code or something . Will the guest and residents pools remain open while the work is being done? I hope so.
Mike

DELEGATE ASSEMBLY OF JUNE 03, 2011 - LIVE IN CYBERSPACE

Hi all,
Thanks to Ed Black of the Channel 63 Team, the video of the June 03, 2011 Delegate Assembly is available for viewing in Cyberspace. Please see the following URL for the video:

http://goo.gl/eznAe

Also see in the sidebar under Delegate Assembly.

Thanks Ed!

Dave Israel
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Village Report Investigations on Ch63

Congratulations to David Saxon on his succinct summary of the improvements in the UCO Investigations Dept. and the part played by the Interactive Investigation Forms on our sidebar. "Service and a Smile." Just another of the many projects now moving forward under the UCO administration.

EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT CONDO LAW - By Mark D. Friedman, Esq.

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With this Post we introduce a new feature on the BLOG, Mark D. Friedman, a Senior Attorney with the Firm of Becker & Poliakoff, P.A. has consented to provide monthly articles on Condominium Law. As always, questions and comments may be entered in the Comment stream.

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Dave Israel

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Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Condo Law But Were Afraid To Ask

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As many of you are aware, Becker & Poliakoff has been providing the Century Village community with Board Certification classes over the past few months. This blog is designed to expand upon the concepts covered during the three-hour Certification class and answer some of your additional questions.

I will attempt to pick topics which I believe are relevant to your community and to keep the explanations “user-friendly.” For those who enjoy knowing the statutory citations I will provide that information at the end of the article.

In addition to elaborating upon the topics from the recent Board Certification classes, I will also explain the new laws once the governor signs the bills presented to him. I will explain the impact, if any, of the new laws on your condominiums.

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Today’s topic: Board Meetings and the Snowbird

Many individuals come to South Florida from November through April and return to their northern homes for the summer and fall. These individuals, known as “snowbirds,” make up a large percentage of the condominium unit owners and condominium Boards of Directors in Palm Beach County, including in Century Village.

Florida law provides no residency requirement for seasonal residents. Therefore, even a “snowbird” can be a Board member. During the off-season, when many unit owners and Board members are away, the business of the condominium association must continue. The Condominium Act (Chapter 718, Florida Statutes), permits Board members who are unable to be physically present at the Board meeting, to attend the meeting by telephone conference. Board members attending by telephone conference may be counted toward obtaining a quorum and may vote by telephone.

The procedure for handling such a meeting is simple. A telephone speaker must be used so that the conversation of those board members attending by telephone may be heard by the board members attending in person as well as by any unit owners present at a meeting.

Even if all of the Board members are attending by speakerphone the meeting may be held by speakerphone. Notice of such a meeting must still be posted on a conspicuous location on the condominium property and there must be a location where interested unit owners may attend and listen to the meeting and participate.

Usually the property manager will set up the meeting and speaker phones in the absence of any Board members. The minutes of the meeting may reflect who is present in person and who is attending by telephone, although that designation is not entirely necessary as there is no difference in the vote.
The only reason that you might wish to reflect that information is to demonstrate that a quorum was present even though a quorum of the Board was not in Florida at the time the meeting was held.

[Section 718.112(2)(b)(5), Florida Statutes]

Mark D. Friedman, Esq. is a member of the Florida Bar and a Senior Attorney at the West Palm Beach office of Becker & Poliakoff, P.A.

You may e-mail Mr. Friedman at:

CondoLaw@becker-poliakoff.com

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