Garden Patio Villas
7708 Margate Blvd, Margate, FL 33063
Board of Director Meeting Minutes
July 12, 2021 Time: 7 PM Location: Clubhouse
Agenda: Property Boundaries and Planting on Association Property
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Melodie Savoca, President; Lou Grunes, Vice President (via telephone); Barbara Reul, Secretary; Gelly Dossman, Treasurer; Jeff Mandell, Member at Large
Owners Present: C3U5, C3U11, C5U1, C7U1, C7U9, C8U4, C9U2, C9U3, C9U5, C11U8
Melodie called the meeting to order.
OLD BUSINESS
Items that were discussed were as follows:
BACKFLOW PREVENTERS – The last two Backflow Preventers are tentatively scheduled to be installed by next week. Notice will be given to Clusters 9 and 10 as soon as the date is confirmed.
MAINTENANCE FEES – HOA fees will be going up to $510, as of January 1, 2022
CLUBHOUSE EVENTS: Our first social “Mix & Mingle” took place on July 9th. We had a wonderful time of fellowship and coffee and cake with our neighbors. Twenty-six owners came out, it was a really nice evening. Be sure to check out our coming events on the bulletin board or on Garden Patio Villas calendar.
NEW BUSINESS
HURRICANE TREE TRIMMING – Farina Tree Company performed an evaluation of the trees in our community that pose a risk during a hurricane. All of those trees (approx 25) were trimmed. The coconuts will be removed on a separate date.
FINANCES – Expenses for the month of June are available on our website at Expense Reports.
VILLAS FOR SALE – There are several villas for sale in our community. Unfortunately, C10U3 is back on the market. Villas can be viewed on our website at Villas for Sale at Garden Patio Villas
PROPERTY BOUNDARIES AND PLANTING ON ASSOCIATION PROPERTY –
The floor was opened up for the concerns and questions. Most of the concern was in regard to the planting and removal of trees or plants that are on Association Property. Members expressed their grievances and unhappiness with the Board removing their plantings that have been there for many years. They expressed that these plantings have been a sanctuary for them for peace and tranquility and that this situation was never addressed in the last 12 years. One Member spoke about the uncaring and dismissive attitude in which this was being done. Another Member brought up “Selective Enforcement” and gave hand outs to all present. One Member suggested putting together a “Beautification Committee” along with others’ suggestions to try and find a compromise. One Member asked about the financial cost of removing the plants.
The Board has been discussing the problem of plants on Association Land for more than two months. For the last 13 years, trees, plants, fruit trees and bushes have been planted past the 15 foot rule. Some Members have used up to 30 feet over their property boundary lines! This concern and problem does not have anything to do with the City of Margate but the legality of being a Homeowners Association with restricted deeds. This rule is in our Governing Documents as well as our Rules and Regulations. It is also a growing financial problem for our community. Our Lawn and Tree Companies financial cost will continue to rise with more trees and plants to cut and trim.
Our Treasurer translated many of our Hispanic Member’s comments and questions which was helpful to everyone! Our President defended the position of the Board’s decision, which was voted on 3 to 2 at the June’s Board of Directors meeting to remove plants over the 15 foot rule. To support Members and the Environment, the Board is not touching any of the huge trees. (This would include trees planted originally from the Developers and any trees approved by the Board from long ago.) She suggested Members re-plant any plant they wanted to keep within their own property boundaries. She empathized with Members because she also has a fruit tree that will be removed. She replied that the financial cost to correct this problem without taking down any major trees was free. All work done is by Board Members and other Members of our community. Our Vice President and Board-at-Large also discussed their concerns about the problem of planting on Association land and being liable against Governing Rules. “Selective Enforcement” was addressed and stated that since the Board is not charging a fine/violation, it does not apply to this situation per Garden Patio Villa’s Council.
Because the Board wants to help Members understand the issue at hand, it was decided that there will be more discussion about this subject matter at the next Board of Directors meeting on August 2, 2021 No further plant removal will be done until then.
WEBSITE – Melodie put together new articles with photos. Click on each one to go directly to our website to read them.
HOUSEKEEPING REMINDER – All pets must be kept on a leash when outside in our community. Please bring a bag when walking your dogs to pick up the poop. We want to be courteous and consider your neighbor’s property.
MEETING ADJOURNED AT 9PM
