Garden Patio Villas
7708 Margate Blvd, Margate, FL 33063
Board of Directors Meeting, February 1, 2021
7:00 PM Location: Clubhouse
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: President: Melodie Savoca, Vice President: Lou Grunes, Treasurer: Gelly Dossman, Secretary: Barbara Reul, Member at Large; Jeff Mandell
Owners Present: Joe Reul, Maintenance Coordinator
Melodie called the meeting to order.
OLD BUSINESS:
Barbara read the minutes and updates from January’s meeting.
BACKFLOW PREVENTERS – Joe presented the estimates from 3 plumbing companies for review and discussion. He presented the options we have with one of the companies called Unique Improvement Plumbing. Unique presented us with a thorough detailed scope of the work necessary. To install all 1 of the backflow preventers. They are a 5 star rated company, licensed and insured, and their estimate is reasonably inline with the going cost to install backflow preventers. They will work with us regarding our finances and time frame to complete the job.
The Board voted upon all three estimates and unanimously decided to go with Unique. Joe will be contacting the owner and make definite plans to start the project. Permits from the city will take some time. We will keep all owners updated as to when and where the work will begin and how it’s progressing.
Regarding the C7U8 issue with roots coming through the toilet, Joe spoke to the plumber that will be installing our backflows and he will check it out when he is on site. Depending on the findings, the board will decide where the responsibility of repairs lie.
SPRINKLERS & CANAL ISSUE – The Board discussed the ongoing problem with our sprinklers and canal. Joe was asked to explain his findings after he did a thorough investigation into the canal situation. This is the main reason why we are having so many issues with our sprinklers and pump, resulting in all of our lawns being in such poor condition.
Joe reported that he spoke to Mr Albright, the Maintenance Chief for our neighbors, Oriole Gardens II. Mr. Albright stated that they do not have any issues and they only have to clean their pump once a year. With that information, Joe went to visit their pump site and found that they have made a reservoir in the canal area where their pump is, narrowing the flow of water that feeds into our part of the canal, pictures of their dam were provided to all of the Board.
In addition, Joe visited the Margate Executive Golf Course. They have also created a dam and completely closed off the water that flows into our part of the canal. Pictures of that were also presented. With all the findings above, we have come to the conclusion that Garden Patio Villas is being cut off water flow on both sides which is a reason why our part of the canal is so low and our pump continuously gets clogged. The responsibility of the canal lies in the hands of the Margate Executive Golf Course. They are responsible for the canal, however, with the present situation of our immediate need, and the property for sale they are not going to do anything to help us and we do not have much course of action to make them do it. Joe suggested that we create our own dam by digging down 7-10’ and dredge the area, moving the pipe into the Y of the canal and then putting our suction lines in that area. This could possibly solve our problem! Of course, before we proceed, we will get a professional opinion from an Irrigation company as to whether this will be feasible. The Board voted 4 to 1 on going forward to find out if this will be the answer and Joe will also get estimates for digging and moving the lines.
NEW BUSINESS
HURRICANE TRIMMING – Joe will contact Farina Tree to put them on notice regarding the hurricane timing this coming July. We will be expecting an estimate from them. They have done previous work and gave us a great price.
JANUARY FINANCIAL REPORT – Gelly presented a report of our income and expenses. Our quarterly HOA fees are current with the exception of 2 villas. To date, the Backflow Assessment has been paid by 14 Owners. We encourage all Owners that would like to get the discount from our Association to pay by February 28th.
As a reminder, as of January 2022, HOA fees will increase from $480 to $510 each quarter. That is an additional $10 per month from our current dues
CLUBHOUSE CLEANING – Jeff agreed to take on the clubhouse cleaning and reported that he accomplished that. He has completed updating Google contacts.
ATTORNEY ISSUES – Lou gave an update pertaining to our attorney regarding two of our villas. One is in bankruptcy and the other the Owner passed away with no contact information.
POOL COMPANY – Melodie brought up the possibility of getting an estimate from another pool company since there were a few issues on the competence of our present company regarding the Board of Health Inspections. There were a few issues with the equipment necessary to pass the inspections but thank goodness the water quality passed well. The Board voted to give them another chance since they have been taking care of our pool for many years and this is the first time we had an issue, All things have been corrected and our re inspection has finally passed.
PLANTED TREES & SHRUBS – Melodie mentioned that some Owners that have trees and shrubs planted over their 15 feet, making it difficult for our lawn service to get around and cut and trim. She solely looked at the front of the villas. Our Governing Documents state Owners are not allowed to plant on any Association property. Letters will be sent out to Owners with the option for them to pull out the shrubs/trees and move them within their 15’ property or the Association will have them removed. The Board agreed unanimously. Please take a look and make adjustments accordingly. We have seen several Owners trying to plant trees on Association property recently. Please contact the Board before planting to avoid problems.
“VILLA OF THE QUARTER” CONTEST – The “Villa of the Quarter” contest will be decided soon for the first quarter. The Board will vote on the best kept villa at our March meeting and the winner will receive a $25.00 Home Depot gift card with certificate. (Decision will not be based from the grass.) The Board will be looking for pretty landscaping along with following Association rules. All winners will get posted on our website!
KEEP MARGATE GREEN – If anyone has good pictures of people playing on the golf course, please send them to GPV gmail at gardenpatiovillas@gmail.com. Pictures of golfers on the course are helpful in our fight to “Keep Margate Green.” Melodie is attentive to all current events. Both Margate Executive Golf Course and Carolina Golf Course are in jeopardy of being redeveloped in Margate! If you can, join on zoom where the City of Margate Commission meeting is presently held. You can voice your opinion via telephone call or through zoom. You can also call Commissioners or email them from the city website.
Meeting adjourned at 9:00pm
