I apologize for being behind in letting everyone know what's happening, so here it is:
1. All individuals who have canoes, please get your Unit number listed on the canoe, if it is not in the canoe rack, please notify me immediately, so the guys can help to get it secured on the rack. (Do not hook the canoe or boat alongside on the ground). We need to know what canoe belongs to whom, so we can keep proper track of the canoes. If we need more space then we can address this also. We don't need abandoned boats on the property.
2. We will soon have cameras up all around the property. We are almost completed. When we install a camera on your Unit we need access to your individual WIFI in order to have all cameras working. There is no expense to the individual of that unit. This information is held in confidence. Please everyone be cooperative and help us secure the property.
3. Landscaping - we are getting very close. The mulch will be gone soon, paver walk paths are coming in, new trees and plants. The ground will be leveled and sod will be the last thing going in. I will get around to each unit and an evaluation will be done to complete the landscaping look, give me time, we are focused on the big lakefront project at the moment. The sprinkler system has been a challenge. We keep having zones go out, this is in the works to be finalized.
4. Hopefully you have noticed all the retaining and building walls are being repaired, the adult pool is getting a face lift now, we still have numerous problems around the property and we are addressing them.
5. We are purchasing a new Utility Vehicle, after 18 years our golf cart can't do it anymore. You will see changes around the front dumpster as we clean up and make room for a new Utility Vehicle and a new cart. We are getting the golf cart repaired and a face lift and it will continue to assist on light projects. To work on the buildings, we need a much heavier duty cart.
6. We still have the Global Solutions people to work on the reserve study.
7. We are hoping to have Chad back to help us with getting Unit 186 finalized. He will work on fixing all the steps for Units 186, 144, 670 and 652. We have a code enforcement deadline that is fast approaching.
8. Pavers throughout the property have been repaired, but we are correcting a few additional problems that have arisen from the removal of overgrown plants, we still have the steps throughout the property to do, but this will be addressed upon Chad's return.
Please keep Chad in your thoughts and prayers for his Dad is in serious poor health.
I recognize that we unfortunately lost all our large trees. Several of the trees were compromising different Units, their roots were going under the foundation, several were hollow, several were dead, Laurel Oaks have a lifespan of 65 years, ours were at their maximum age. We wanted to avoid any tree falling onto a Unit, and all the displacement that creates. Every tree was evaluated by an arborist and the City of Altamonte Springs.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS - I personally love the gaiety and fun they create. Lake Villas has rules within the by laws specific to lights. You may have lights up from after Thanksgiving to January 5, 2024. Then all lights must come down.
The PROBLEM - NO ONE should get on the roofs other than authorized personnel. The first reason is a liability for all members in the association, the second is you compromise our warranty with the roofer when unauthorized individuals get on the roof. The third reason when you put your nails, hooks, etc into the exterior wood you further compromise the integrity of the building. Remember we are a wood structure, and when you place nails, etc into the exterior wall it allows water entry. So THEREIN LIES THE DILEMMA!!! How do we do things that are great for enjoyment and maintain our structure's integrity?
I don't mean to be a drag, but as members in the association, you do not own anything beyond your interior drywall. Lake Villas has exterior rules and regulations, and we maintain the exterior of the structures and property. Please clean up your patios and come into compliance with the rules. All the changes are going to increase property values, so take some pride in your surrounding area.
If you want to change something not within the rules and regulations, bring it to a board meeting. We can evaluate the request and we can always get a community vote should the majority agree with the change.
Thanks for everyone's support and understanding. We really are working at a feverish pace to make Lake Villas be the premium property it should be....Once the landscaping is done, then we will be doing the buildings.