The president, Marvin Peterson, called the meeting to order at 2:00 PM. Present were: Jim Hobin, Mike Coyne, Libbie Bramson, John D’Aquanno, Ted Raia, John Boland, Dick Laughlin, Coleman Connell, Ed Rossini, Allan Grossman. Also present was Ray O’Connor Chairman of the Oversight & Coordinating Committee.
The president determined there was a quorum.
By motion duly made, seconded and passed unanimously, the partial minutes of January 8, 2004 were approved. Due to a recording problem all the minutes were not able to be recorded. Mike Coyne attests to the accuracy of those minutes recorded.
President’s Remarks
Marvin noted that Ray O’Connor’s committee is looking into
the annexation situation. Marvin will be attending a Town Meeting on Friday,
February 20 from 5 -7 PM. This meeting will be preceded by a preparation
meeting on Feb. 18.
Marvin mentioned that the County is looking for beach access.
Dick Laughlin brought up the issue of well water. He thinks this is a
good time to speak to the County about getting a water agreement at a
reduced rate. The County built a well to get rid of potable water because
they had too much. Marvin said that there is not enough affluent water
during season. He read a resolution.
Dick Laughlin made a motion to appoint a committee to meet with Mr. Mudd
to start negotiating a long term contract for our irrigation water preferably
at reduced rate. Motion seconded by Ted Raia - motion to be discussed.
Alan Grossman made a motion that they amend Dick’s motion. This
was seconded. Dick amended the motion by saying we should endeavor to
get a long term contract for our waste water at a better price than we
are paying now and to be in consultation and interface with the Foundation.
All were in favor with the exception of Libby Bramson.
Oversight Coordination Committee
Ray O’Connor reported that his committee had decided not to meet
until after the elections of the city of Naples. Now that the elections
are completed the committee feels that there is a favorable atmosphere
in the city and they are going to go forward with their plans to look
into annexation. The annexation(Oversight Coordination committee)-the
5 members they already have plus the judicial committee of the Board-
will convene a week after the meeting of February 20th. They will look
further at Dick’s proposition and appoint 2 members to meet with
the Foundation with Marvin’s approval. Ray will present to the committee
the possibility of having guests come in, such as the past president of
Bear’s Paw, Jim Rideoutte, Martha Dykman, president of Seagate Association,
Dudley Goodlette who has always expressed an interest in Pelican Bay becoming
part of the city. Also, Frank Halas could speak on behalf of the county.
Allan Grossman made a motion that PBPOA send a letter to the Advisory
Committee of the Foundation regarding the Service’s Division pursuing
space at the Commons for lease and that they are opposed to the procedure.
Jim Hobin seconded the motion. Discussion followed. In a month and a half
Hammock Oak will be demolished for reconstruction. This will leave only
space for activities (such as computer classes, etc.) to be held at the
Commons. Member space shouldn’t be used by outside sources (Services
Division). Allan said that he would be willing to get together with Libbie
to write a letter for the Post as well. Discussion followed. To what extent
do we get involved?
It was decided that Dick Laughlin and Jim Hobin would compose the letter
which would include the following items:
a.) The move is too premature to do given the annexation issue
b.) This is the wrong time to be moving given the fact that space
becomes more of a premium in the absence of Hammock Oak
c.) The possible appearance of potential conflicts of interest that could
arise
d.) There is no hardship for Services Division to have to move
All were in favor of the letter to be written and a draft e-mailed to
the members of the Board.
Beautification Committee
Jim Hobin reported it is pretty much a foregone conclusion on the US-41
berm.
Public Relations
Libbie Bramson reported that most of her focus has been involved with
Cap d’Antibes and asked to have a report on that issue. She noted
that our appeal is on March 10, there is going to be a Town Hall meeting
at Hammock Oak on March 2. Libbie said she would be working with the Foundation
on these meetings. Libbie asked for $1500 to be used for expenses (buses,
etc) for the Collier County appeal. The Board moved to allow this from
the budget. All were in favor.
Dick Laughlin reported that there would be two attorneys working on the
appeal – the Foundation attorney and PBPOA’s attorney. The
Foundation attorney will be the lead attorney. Ted Raia will be available
for any information. Dick Laughlin will write a letter to the Foundation
letting them know their attorney is in charge of the hearing.
The main argument was whether the developer was allowed to combine the
two lots into one. Dick Laughlin stated that there should be a public
hearing on the amendment of the PUD as to the combining of the two lots,
and also an appeal to the amendment of the PUD to put in the provision
about the cluster because it isn’t there.
Ted Raia said that we want to show that what they did is not in the PUD
and it is not in the land development code. He said that they exceeded
their authority.
Libbie and Ed Rossini recommended that there be a meeting of our Board
with our attorney, Michael Volpe so that the Board can be comfortable
with the way the appeal is going to be conducted. Discussion followed.
A motion was made by Dick Laughlin that a letter be written to the Foundation
asking them to take over the litigation and that we will help them in
any way we can. Motion seconded by John Boland. Motion fails – only
two Board members in favor.
It was decided by the Board to hold a special meeting with Attorney Michael
Volpe to go over the brief. Dick Laughlin will do the questioning and
Ted will offer comments. This meeting was set for Friday, February 27
at 2 PM. After this meeting the Board will come back to the issue of the
letter to the Foundation.
Coleman Connell reported on The PB Services Division. He said they have a 23 million dollar plan over the next ten years.
John Boland reported on the 25th Anniversary Clambake that we are co-sponsoring with Ginny Lee. The PBPOA donation is $5,000. No tickets will be sold until the announcement comes out in the Post. Libbie would like membership applications available at the Clambake and also at all Year-Rounders’ functions.
Ted Raia remarked that moneys should be available up front for the legal committee.
Coleman Connell commented that in regard to the Safety and Security Committee the single laning of Pelican Bay Blvd. won’t be because the boulevard isn’t designed for a single lane and there is no room for a 4 foot bicycle lane and two full lanes. Not sure of what will happen with a bike lane.
In regard to nominations for the Board, all four incumbent members have agreed to run for another term.
The Board agreed to approve the $2600 cost of the preparation of the audit.
Since one of our insurance policies is in Maryland, it was suggested that both our policies be handled in Naples since Oswald Trippe is a carrier for Zurich.
Next Board meeting will be the Annual Meeting on March 11, at 4Pm at Hammock Oak.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:10 PM.