SOLD – $200,000 – Reduced from $210,000! This corner 2/2 unit villa has a 1 car garage and closed in tiled patio. It is located in Garden Patio Villas in Margate, Florida. It has updated rooms and bathrooms! The master bedroom features vinyl flooring with an updated bathroom with shower. The 2nd bedroom features beautiful double french doors, and can be used as a den, office, spare bedroom, or even a 2nd master bedroom with attached bathroom. The kitchen includes stainless steel appliances. The front door and garage door are both hurricane impact rated. The garage and closed in patio separate you from your neighbors, so this villa is very private and quiet. Restrictions do apply to this 55+ Homeowners Association.
For more information and pictures, contact the realtor here! Showings are by appointment only.
Our first “Villa of the Quarter” contest award was voted by the Board of Directors of Garden Patio Villas. For the 1st quarter of 2021, the award was given to C11U2! (This villa is on Strawberry Lane,) Owners are Ann Marie Lloyd & Jean Joseph Michel. Congratulations on a great job keeping your villa beautiful and very attractive for your neighbors!
Ann Lloyd & Jean Michel were awarded a certificate of accomplishment along with a $25 gift card to Home Depot by the Board of Directors! We appreciate the hard work and effort they have taken to make their villa very appealing to our community! Keep up the great job!
Thank you Ann Lloyd & Jean Michel! Your community, Garden Patio Villas appreciates you!
Garden Patio Villas
7708 Margate Blvd, Margate, FL 33063
Board of Director Meeting Minutes
March 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.
Barbara read the minutes and updates from February’s meeting. Items that were discussed were as follows:
BACKFLOW PREVENTERS – Joe gave an update on the backflow preventers, we are in the process of installing the units. There is one per cluster. To date, five systems have been completed. The Clubhouse, C1U1, C2U3, C3U6 and C4U3. In April, the plumbers will be back to install more systems and will continue till all 12 have been installed.
Each backflow unit will have to be protected from tripping, breakage or weather hazards and of course aesthetic appearance. The Board voted on wooden covers that Joe built to serve as protection for the backflow preventers. They are strong, will be easy to do the yearly inspections and will look pleasant on the property. In addition, the cost to make these were lower than other options.
CANAL/SPRINKLER ISSUE – After a thorough investigation, the same recommendation was given to us by three professionals, (including the Canal Management for the City of Margate) which was to run our pipe to the other side of the bridge. An emergency meeting of the Board of Directors was held. All Board Members voted YES to go ahead with the project and accepted the estimate of $7,000. (Another bid was $4,600 more!)
Work was completed on February 26th. All 34 zones have been tested and are working well. Our lawn service did a sprinkler check and is making any adjustments that are needed.
Currently, our lawns are scheduled to be watered two times per week. Each zone works independently. There are 34 zones and they run during a 24 hour period. There is no way to tell what time each zone will be on so please refrain from calling and asking. If you see a major problem, contact maintenance to report the issue. We will try to get it resolved in a timely manner.
FINANCES – Gelly presented the Board with an Expense report for the month of February. She stated that our collection for the Backflow Special Assessment has been successful! Only six villas still have not paid any amount. We want to thank everybody for their response and prompt payment. It helps our association stay in the good graces of compliance with the City of Margate.
A reminder to all: HOA fees will be going up to $510, as of January 1, 2022.
HISTORICAL ARTICLE – Jeff wrote a historical article this past month called “Broward County 1976” It is posted on our website, along with the original brochure created for Garden Patio Villas. Look for it on our website! He has been fulfilling his duty of cleaning the clubhouse and will be involved with the preparation of the Garden Patio Villa Directory.
VILLAS FOR SALE – Lou discussed the application of the new purchaser for villa C4U6. He also discussed other legal matters regarding some of the villas and stated that we have a new villa C8U8 coming on the market soon.
KEEP MARGATE GREEN – Melodie, discussed the update on our golf course. According to her contact with other senior communities and the City of Margate, the owner was giving everyone till March 1st to decide what they might choose to do. Unfortunately, he wants $10 million! He stated that once everyone gets back together in March, if no one buys it, he is going forward with his plan to build a sports complex on the Margate Executive Golf Course. He stated he was going to run it. It is allowed under the current recreational zoning. No meetings are planned at this time and he has yet to bring an application to the City of Margate. We need to continue to have our voices heard by attending the monthly City of Margate Commission meetings on Zoom, calling the Commissioners or emailing them. Melodie is attending them and has been attending them for years to be informed and help “Keep Margate Green.”
FEDERAL FAIR HOUSING ACT – Melodie, brought to our attention a new project that we have to abide by as a 55+ community. It’s pertaining to the Federal Fair Housing Act and census that is required by law. All persons living in Garden Patio Villas will need to send a copy of your Driver’s License or any document that proves your date of birth. Please take a picture of it and text it to Garden Patio Villas at 954-543-0480 or you can email it to us at gardenpatiovillas@gmail.com If you are unable to do that for each resident of your villa, please stop by a Board of Director’s home so they can take pictures for you.
WEBSITE AND FACEBOOK – Melodie also stated we update our website every month with articles and updates pertaining to villas that are for sale or those that have sold. She also is keeping our “Garden Patio Villas” and “Keep Margate Green” pages on Facebook updated. If you are on Facebook, make sure to like our pages!
VILLA OF THE QUARTER- Our Board voted on a winner for the first quarter of 2021. We are proud to say villa C11U2 won with this quarter’s award for community pride in the appearance of their villa! They will receive a certificate, a $25 gift card to Home Depot and a picture of their property posted on our website. Congratulations, job well done!
MEETING ADJOURNED AT 9:15PM
SOLD – $200,000 – This attractive, current 1/2 (one bedroom, two bathroom) villa has been recently renovated throughout the home! New paint and flooring, remodeled kitchen with new appliances, bathrooms have been been remodeled with cabinets, sink and bathtub. The front room is an office/den but it can always be converted back to a bedroom by adding a wall and closet. Villa includes a car port which can be converted into a garage as many other villas have done. Space in back of car port can be converted into an quiet outside porch or as part of the living space. Lovely backyard view with trees. Driveway recently painted. Washer and dryer included, refrigerator included in car port. Small amount of work might still be desired. Owner moved. For inside pictures and a viewing, contact the Realtor here!
The Board of Directors from Garden Patio Villas Association approved the work to be done to our sprinkler pump a week ago. The work was completed and all went well!
The sprinkler issue is resolved! The pipe to get water was extended to a higher canal area. The results mean we will now be able to run our sprinklers on a regular basis.
It has been months since we lost water in the canal. Unfortunately our 55+ community suffered greatly due to this serious problem. The lawns of our villas have looked very dry and ugly. We researched and looked for the least expensive method that was a permanent solution to the problem.
With other financial issues straining all of our owners, we decided to use our repair funds for 2021 to pay the $7000 bill.
The work was completed in an amazing 3 complete days! We still need to adjust sprinklers and others issues but you will now begin to see the lawn watered on a regular basis by cluster every night while everyone is sleeping. Our lawn company will be looking at our sprinklers and correcting anything that is not working. We hope all the grass will revive very soon!!
Our 55+ community and villas will one again have beautiful lawns. Thank you to every owners who has been patient while the Board has research solutions and received several estimates and solved this problem. We also thank Extreme Maintenance for their quick response, good price and the fantastic job they did!
We sadly announce that Arnaldo Aguiar, lost his battle with cancer on February 19, 2021 at 2:20pm. He is survived by his wife Elza Aguiar, his 2 sons, Junior & Alison, and his 2 daughters, Raquel and Flaviana; as well as grandkids and extended family.
He was a resident of our community, Garden Patio Villas, for many years at 7708 Margate Blvd. C1U2.
The family would like to thank everyone in the community for all the love and understanding shared with them.
Garden Patio Villas
7708 Margate Blvd, Margate, FL 33063
Board of Directors Emergency Meeting,
February 20, 2021 1:00 PM Location: Zoom
Agenda: Lack of water from canal for sprinklers
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: President, Melodie Savoca, Vice President, Lou Grunes, Treasurer, Gelly Dossman, Member at Large, Jeff Mandell
Melodie called this emergency meeting due to the seriousness of the lack of water present in the canal and urgent need to water the grass of Garden Patio Villas Association and its owners.
Recommended by the City of Margate canal personnel, our Irrigation Company, and our Lawn Company to lengthen the piping to our sprinkler pump over to the other side of the canal where water is always present and full. (Across the bridge of 76th)
Two bids were received. One for $11,600 and one for $7,000. In our dire need for watering our canals, Melodie called this meeting to vote on this option immediately.
The vote was unanimous “yes” from all Board Members for the company that would do the work for $7,000.
Work will begin next week. Hopefully we will see Garden Patio Villas sprinklers working in the very near future!
Meeting adjourned at 1:15pm
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
Garden Patio Villas
7708 Margate Blvd, Margate, FL 33063
Board of Directors Special Meeting
January 14, 2021 7:00 PM Location: Clubhouse
Agenda: : Backflow Preventers and Sprinkler Problems
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: President, Melodie Savoca, Vice President, Lou Grunes, Treasurer, Gelly Dossman, Secretary, Barbara Reul, Member at Large, Jeff Mandell
Melodie called the meeting to order and the floor was turned over to our Vice President, Lou. After his meeting with Joe, Lou explained the following:
1. BACKFLOW PREVENTERS:
As discussed previously, the City is requiring our Association to install 11 backflow preventers at each cluster in our community. We have investigated all aspects of this request thoroughly and have spoken to every City Commissioner, the irrigation department, and the City Manager. Unfortunately, we do not have a choice but to put them in and according to their last correspondence, we have 60 days to comply otherwise we will be in violation and be fined per day until we install them.
According to the City and County code, backflow preventers are required for multi-family dwellings that have pipes coming from the city meters more than 1”. Our pipe coming from the meter to the manifold is 1 ½” then from the manifold to each unit is 1”.
Joe offered several different options, some of which were presented in our January Board Meeting. The City is concerned with contamination to the water for 62,000 residents of Margate and will not budge off this requirement. However, Joe was able to get us more time to complete the requirements. The City has agreed to work with us since they understand the financial burden placed on our Owners and gave us a few more months.
Joe then discussed the scope of this project.
Taking all of the above into consideration we need approximately $24,000. for this project which is mandatory for us to do or we will be fined. Joe further added that all of these systems have to be inspected yearly at the rate of $178. per system, times that by 11. We need to allocate an additional $1,958. to our budget every year.
The Board further discussed the situation. We decided to offer the same incentives that we used when we painted the villas. The cost will be divided up between all of our villas.
Each villa will be assessed $300. with the following payment schedule:
The Board voted unanimously to do the assessment and go forward with the project since there isn’t any other option. We don’t want to get fined!!
Barbara will be sending out the notification letters and vouchers next week. We have to start this project very soon because we are on a deadline to have this completed.
2. SPRINKLER ISSUES:
The sprinklers have been a continuing problem for our community. Lou stated that after hurricane season the South Florida Water Management back flows water in the (Z14) canal. This year they didn’t do it for reasons unknown. The part of the canal that surrounds part of our community where our pump is located is not even a canal, it is a drainage ditch.
When the canal is low like it is now, or has been for most of last year, our pump is jeopardized because all of the muck and algae gets sucked up into the hose and the water cannot pump for the sprinklers. Joe added that this has been an ongoing problem and that is why our lawns look so bad. Our lawn service has cleaned out the hoses several times at no charge and according to the Lawn Owner, this is going to be a continuous issue and may even put our new pump in harm’s way. We don’t want that to happen!!
These were some options that were put on the table:
1. Running a pipe to the other side of the bridge on 76th so we can put the intake pipe in deep water. We will also need permission from the neighboring community to go on their property. We have one estimate of $11,000. to run the pipe. We intend to get 2 more estimates
2. Installing a well. This will cost approximately between $8000. – $10,000. In addition, we would have to maintain it monthly with chemicals so we don’t get rust on our cars or homes that will cost between $300.-$400. per month. This will totally end our sprinkler problems.
3. Moving the pump house to the other end near the bridge. Joe said this would be extremely costly because all of the plumbing and pipes would need to be moved. No estimates yet.
4. Trying to install a pipe to the cross-way because it is a little deeper there then where it currently is located. More investigation on that is needed.
5. Joe also suggested cleaning out the catch basins because they are filled with leaves and this may stop the rainwater from going into the canal.
The Board requests that all Owners need to understand that we are all well aware of the problems with our lawns. They are dry and some even look dead. Everyone is unhappy! However, we as a Board along with Joe and lawn company are doing everything possible to find a reasonable answer to this problem.
Most sprinklers have been fixed. All cluster pipes to the sprinklers are presently working! This is the first time in many years that all work. We have made some progress. There may be a few sprinklers that still need to be fixed or just adjusted, but they are going to be taken care of. The main problem is the canal water level. Presently, sprinklers are fixed to go on 2 times per week and will run all day and night in each zone. There are 17 zones and they run for at least 1 hour or more and there are 24 hours in one day. That is how it works. If one of the heads needs a small adjustment because it is pouring onto the driveway instead of the grass, you can gently turn the sprinkler head to point the other way. Let’s all try to be patient and work together.
Meeting adjourned at 8:20PM
