This Is our Village

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

HOW MUCH PER MONTH TO REINSTATE WI-FI?

From what I've been told, the $400,000 in the Wi-Fi account, which may be transferred to the UCO Reserves, would have been enough to pay for the installation of the Wi-Fi towers and equipment. Essentially our only costs, once the equipment was in place, would have been operational, amounting to $2-3 per unit per month.

Assuming, because of the shortfall in Reserves, that this $400,000 IS transferred to the Reserves, what would it cost per unit per month to reinstate Wi-Fi? I figure it this way, in two-steps:

1. Step 1: Add $2.40 to what every unit pays for two (2) years to come up with $450,000 for the Wi-Fi installation two years from January 1, 2015. Why $450,000? Because the cost may have gone up a little by January 1, 2017. ($2.40 x 24 months = $57.60 x 7800 units = $449,280.) During this time the Wi-Fi Committee can continue its negotiations with Wi-Fi companies. This is important because our dropping out of the picture entirely sends a message to the best Wi-Fi companies: "Don't spend time and effort on Century Village; they aren't serious players."

2. Step 2: Every unit pays $2-3 (NOT $2-3 plus $2.40) during the operational phase of Wi-Fi, which would presumably begin sometime in 2017. At the same time the terrific Internet service savings begin to occur. I may be able to drop my $39-per-month for Internet charged by AT & T. Others with $20-30 plans will still save a bundle. 

This is what we face, it seems to me, if Village-wide Wi-Fi is reinstated: essentially only a two-year wait (that's the new part) and $2-3 a month more in UCO dues. Is that such a hard pill to swallow?

Wi-Fi and MORE at CV


This is from Part 2 of this blog and needs to be repeated here.
It is a shame that 5-6 malcontents who HATE Dave Israel SO much are trying to sink the Wi-Fi proposal that would help move CV into the 20th century (we can work on the 21st later). 


Prior UCO administrations woefully neglected our infrastructure.  Many condo association buildings are a shambles with incompetent or absent Boards of Directors paying no attention.

 
Folks we NEED to INVEST some money here at home!


Studying WiFi

Below is part of Anitra Kraus' - easy to understand - article from UCO Reporter August page B5. Thanks Anitra.
I have obtained a copy of the router that has been proposed by Comcast as a business modem that can be placed in individual associations as a business account to wi-fi the building. The interesting thing is that that modem is the exact modem I have in my home. The signal from that modem does not reach out very far from my unit. I cannot go more than two (2) units away from mine and still receive a signal on my laptop. Also, if my husband is listening to his radio stream and I am trying to play a game, the speed drops tremendously.
Also in having only one (1) modem per building, it means that everyone in that building is using the same security access code. This means that there are people that know how to access other computers via that modem — so your computer is compromised.

Again recently, I had to give my access code to the EMS when they came to my apartment because they could not access their modem on their unit. Wouldn’t it be nice if they could have their own access via the Wi-Fi to access records they need to take care of us? I am thankful that it was not a life-threatening emergency when they were called and we had time to put the needed codes in their computer.

UCO MONTHLY MEETINGS - AUGUST 2014

 
-
Dave Israel
-

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

WiFi....???

What Is The Status Of UCO WiFi ?

Monday, July 28, 2014

ANOTHER COMPUTER SCAM

This morning, I received a call from a computer tech claiming I have a software problem on my computer.  I told him I know his game and it is a scam and not to call.  He had an Indian accent and insisted I think I don't have a problem because I am just looking at my hard drive.  At this point, I lost it and told him to go to hell.   I don't  know how they do this because the number was 212-017-1180 which was a New York number and name not found.  I called that number and it is not a working number.

A while back my neighbor fell for a scam with technicians that sold her the Microsoft Essentials anti-virus program for $275.00.  She asked me to come and check her computer because she was having a problem with her printer.  She told me she subscribed to a new anti-virus program that only cost her $275.00 for 3 years which the techs downloaded on her computer remotely.  I mentioned that was funny because I got mine for free.  Anyone can download this program from Microsoft. Fortunately, she called the company and got her money back.  She was one of the lucky ones.  I am still concerned that they have information from her computer from having remote access.

So please be aware of these scams.  They are always looking for new ways to get money and identity information from you.  Don't trust anyone that calls you, even if it is your bank.  Call them instead and don't ever give your social security number.

JOINT SPECIAL MEETING - OFFICERS & FINANCE COMMITTEES - UCO BUDGET FOR 2015 PRESENTED




                    Officers Meeting - Budget 7-24-2014  Part 1 from David B. Israel on Vimeo.


                    Officers Meeting - Budget 7-24-2014 Part 2 from David B. Israel on Vimeo.
-
Dave Israel
-

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

TWO BOOKS I LIKED


Duty and Stress Test

I recently read two books that interested me because the writers bridged the gap between the George W. Bush and Barack Obama administrations—that is, they worked for both. When someone works for two politically opposed administrations, I take notice, because I think he or she must be pretty capable and evenhanded.

Duty, by Robert M. Gates, tells of his replacing Donald Rumsfeld as Secretary of Defense under President G. W. Bush and continuing on as President Obama’s Secretary of Defense through his first term. Gates had to deal with the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, of course. He tells of his dealings with both presidents, both vice presidents, the secretaries of state, the congress, and the military leaders in particular. The sacrifices of America’s youth weighed very heavily on him, you will find throughout Duty.

Stress Test, by Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, is the story of his life, how he became gradually interested in economics, and his climb up the financial ladder holding various positions of influence until he became appointed Secretary of the Treasury under Obama. The fact he had a Republican background, worked closely with President G. W. Bush, and was (I would say) a Keynesian, especially interested me. I have never understood economics very well, but this book helped me understand more—especially in dealing with the onset of panic during a recession, which is what the US faced in 2008-2009.  He credits Bush with agreeing with the first bailout measure and Obama for his support of the “cocktail” of measures Geithner and others recommended during some extremely harrowing days.

Sunday, July 20, 2014

"Reserve Requirement"

-
This question is for Mr. O'Brien- or anyone else who cares to answer:

In the Treasurer's Column, published in this months UCO Reporter, mention is made several times of a "reserve requirement".

Who, or what entity, "requires" the reserve amounts quoted in the article? Is this a law? Are these amounts based on guidelines provided by some government agency or professional association?

It may be that these reserve numbers are simply the professional opinion of one highly qualified individual (Howard), who was elected by the Delegate Assembly to analyse UCO finances and offer a plan for our future. And that's fine- prudent reserves based on accurate and objective analysis of the Village's physical plant just makes good sense.

But is it a "requirement"?

Suggestion for Century Village Pools :-)




Saturday, July 19, 2014

PRESIDENT FOR LIFE

I Think the MALS might  have something there! I will be circulating a petition to name David I ( President For Life ). After this becomes a reality, the Village Elders will perform an exorcism to rid CV of the MALS . The petition will be circulated at all pools , bus stops and the local Publix. America ! Ain't it great!

Friday, July 18, 2014

JESSICA TICKTIN ESQ. - CANDIDATE FOR JUDGE - MEET AND GREET

-
Dave Israel
-

DELEGATE ASSEMBLY - JULY 11, 2014 - LIVE IN CYBERSPACE

-



                         delegate assembly 7-11-2014 PART 1 from David B. Israel on Vimeo.
-



                             delegate assembly 7-11-2014 Part 2 from David B. Israel on Vimeo.
-


                                  delegate assembly 7-11-2014 Part 3 from David B. Israel on Vimeo.
-
Thanks to Ed Black and Anitra Kraus for rendering, and upload to Vimeo.
-
Dave Israel
-


Thursday, July 17, 2014

Thank You Palm Beach Sheriff's Office!

Congratulations to UCO for having PBSO officers on duty during Delegate Meetings to arrest or eject unruly people from the meeting.  This was the calmest meeting in many months, as the "bad apples" were kept in check.  

Perhaps more people will now show up if the PBSO officers keep guard over these five or six people.  

Monday, July 14, 2014

ON THE UCO BUDGET SHORTFALL


Whether Florida Statute 718 requires an entity such as UCO to have reserves or not, it still makes every bit of sense for UCO to have reserves, and it makes sense to fund them adequately.

In considering our situation, it might be well to first keep in the back of our minds that well-meaning treasurers may differ in their calculations. That is almost a given in the financial field, I think.

Our new treasurer, Howard O’Brien, feels our UCO reserves have been underfunded, and that this needs correction starting in 2015. He suggests a 5-year plan wherein the shortfall will be made up over five years.

The shortfall, as Howard calculates it, projects to be about $1,152, 561 at the end of 2014. For this amount to be made up over five years would mean collecting an additional $230,512 for each of the five years. Dividing this by the number of months in a year (12) means that $19,209 would need to be made up each month. Dividing this by 7800, the approximate number of units in the Village means that each unit would have to pay $2.46 more a month to make up the deficit.

Is that so much?

UCO dues would go up more than this, but that is because of other increased UCO expenses--NOT failure to have budgeted enough for the UCO reserves. Our total condo dues will undoubtedly go up still more because of the effect of inflation on other expenses; and WPRF dues will probably increase a little, too.

The overall increase may be considerable, a tough bullet to bite, and this might well be the time to put off some purchases we would like to have made. Our officers and the Finance Committee will be considering this.

Let’s not blame the underfunding of UCO’s reserves for more than its share, though. At the most, if my figures are right, this would be responsible for less than $2.50 per month per unit to be made up over five years.

Friday, July 11, 2014

Norwich K ex-President arrested for embezzlment

HOME > NEWS > CRIME & LAW

Updated: 6:28 p.m. Friday, July 11, 2014 | Posted: 6:15 p.m. Friday, July 11, 2014

Ex-condo association president, 82, arrested on embezzlement charges in West Palm Beach




By Aleese Kopf


Palm Beach Post Staff Writer


A former condominium association president was arrested Thursday and charged with allegedly embezzling about $22,500 in association funds to pay for a long-distance affair.

Representatives of the Norwich K Condominium Association reported former President and Treasurer Alan Kaplan, 82, of West Palm Beach, to police after an audit of the association’s bank accounts, according to the police report.

After searching the association’s accounts and Kaplan’s personal accounts, a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s officer discovered that Kaplan is alleged to have stolen $22,580 from 2011 to 2013.

Kaplan told police he was in debt and needed the money to supplement his income and finance an affair with his New York lover, the report said.

He was charged with grand theft and booked into the Palm Beach County Jail Thursday night. He was released Friday afternoon after posting $5,000 bond.

MALCONTENT ATTEMPT TO PANIC THE DELEGATES OVER NON-EXISTENT MONEY FEARS. - UCO VP MAGIC SOLUTION - "KILL WI-FI"

-
Today's Delegate Assembly was treated to Mr. Ed attempting to panic-monger the Delegates about money. He has been at the same old "pop-stand" for 4 years. He was wrong then, he continues to be wrong now. ALL bills are paid and being paid timely; Reserves are being slowly built up!
-
"Come to my meeting" he bellowed, I who have no responsibility for anything UCO, and who is elected to nothing UCO; has the answers to everything, so, come to his meeting and the magic formula will be revealed.
-
Earlier in the meeting he attempted to lecture a PBSO Captain about how to investigate Cyber-Terrorism. An absolute joke!
-
VP Ziccardy of course had the answer to our non-existent money problem - wait for it folks - "Kill Wi-Fi"! Of course, the fact that robust Campus wide Wi-Fi would save many of our unit owners $30.00 - $50.00 dollars per month; completely escapes our "dump Dave" VP, you tell them Marcia, but please try getting the facts first about the huge value-added vector that Wi-Fi would bring to CV.
-
Ed, you, your acolytes and sycophants lost the election, get over it!
-
Dave Israel
-

UCO is NOT a condo association

Again, UCO is NOT a condo association governed by Chapter 718 of the Florida Statutes.

Any reserves UCO wants to have are ultimately decided by the UCO delegates.

Do not be deceived or misled by false statements on other nitwit blogs.

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

There is only a UCO budget reserve shortfall--we Delegates said YES to it!

Please see below from UCO Treasurer O'Brien's report in June 2014.

David Israel and Ed Black did NOT cause ANY shortfall. We UCO delegates voted the reserves we have. DO NOT be fooled by other crazy and deceptive blogs or pool side rumors
.

From the UCO Treasurer’s Report

At June 30, 2014, the reserves aggregate $554,375 and are supported by cash in the bank. The UCO reserves as recorded were always supported by cash in the bank accounts.

The December 31, 2013 draft report of the UCO audit was released on May 1, 2013. In this report, it is stated that the aggregate amount of reserves at Dec. 21, 2013 amounted to $423,872.

The estimated underfunded reserve at December 31, 2014 is expected to be $1, 152,561

This is due to inadequate funding in the current and prior years. Examples of this are as follows:

• During the 2013 Budget process, the Delegate Assembly approved reserves for 2013 of $385,915, although $456,061 was required per the audit report. This amounts to a shortfall of $70, 146.

• Similarly, during the 2014 process, the Delegate Assembly approved reserves for 2014 in the amount of $291,000 although the auditor's suggested a required amount of $493,440 . This amounts to an added shortfall of $202,400 .

• A recent review of the aggregated UCO reserve requirements has been completed in preparation for the upcoming 2015 UCO Budget. The result of the review disclosed a net shortfall in the aggregate reserves at December 31, 2013 in the amount of $715,711

FS 718 requires that adequacy of reserves be reviewed and maintained.

Monday, July 7, 2014

New FRIDAYS only, EL PRESIDENTE bus trip

Shopping Center - Gun Club Road
Depart from the Clubhouse 11:00 am Pickup 2:30 pm
"Your Dollar Buys You More In Our Store -
If you’re looking for fancy-schmancy label products at outrageous prices, we are not it.  If you want real quality with a touch of color, warm service and down-to-earth savings, Presidente Supermarket is for you."

Check Bus Schedules in the UCO Reporter for other rides.

Sunday, July 6, 2014

BOIL WATER ALERT RESCINDED

-

-
The boil water notice dated 7/3/14 for
 ALL OF NORTHAMPTON, SUSSEX, CAMBRIDGE, CANTERBURY, OXFORD, & DORCHESTER - CENTURY VILLAGE – WPB
Has now been cleared.
As of 1200pm on Sunday 7/6/14
 
The Precautionary Boil Water Notice for century village is hereby rescinded following the repair of the water line and the satisfactory completion of the bacteriological Survey showing that the water is safe to drink.  Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
 
Palm beach county water utility
-
Dave Israel
-


Thursday, July 3, 2014

BOIL WATER ALERT - NORTH WEST CORNER - CENTURY VILLAGE

-

-
As a result of the water break that was reported today in the Canterbury section of Century Village, a boil water notice has been issued for the entire North West corner of Century Village. This will affect the following sections: Oxford, Dorchester, Cambridge, Canterbury, Sussex and Northampton.
-
A notification will be made as soon as the boil water notice is rescinded.
-
Karen Vedovelli
Wud Communications
8100 Forest HIll Blvd
West Palm Beach, Fl
-
Dave Israel
-