HOA Meeting Minutes

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  Special Meeting November 20, 2024 at the Morgade Library

In Attendance:

Board Members Present:

Larry Cohen, President    Marty Moss, Vice President

Cindy Blancher, Treasurer   Christine Demetriades, Secretary

Dave Balongue, Director Doug Calo, Director

Board Members excused:

Mara Sorensen, Director 

Guests Present: 

Pat Blancher  Susan Cohen  Colleen Sample DJ Philibert

James Brooks  BJ Cornelison Jimmie Cornelison

A quorum was present.

Opening:

Board President Cohen, called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM.

Approval of Minutes from Previous Meeting: 

Secretary Demetriades read the minutes from the previous meeting. Vice President Moss moved to accept. Motion was seconded by Director Calo, with the Board’s unanimous approval.

Special Business (Approval of 2024-2025 Budget)

Vice President Moss presented the proposed annual operating budget for fiscal year 2024/2025, for discussion and review. Treasurer Blanchard discussed additions to the proposed budget and the carry-over surplus money. Discussion ensued regarding any possible unexpected expenses that could arise and how carry-over funds would be utilized. Additional discussion occurred regarding exactly where to put the carry-over funds; in the checking account or the contingency account (reserve). The conversation ended with the acknowledgement that the Board could not determine “unexpected” expenses fully, that the two existing accounts will remain as they currently exist, and there could be further discussion once the fiscal year ends. Motion made by Vice President Moss to accept the proposed annual operating budget, which was seconded by Director Balongue. Motion passed with the Board’s unanimous approval.

President Cohen briefly discussed community projects that he is closely monitoring through contact with local government officials.

Adjournment

Vice President Moss moved to adjourn and Secretary Demetriades seconded the motion. Motion passed with the Board’s unanimous approval. 

Respectfully Submitted by Christine Demetriades, Secretar

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HOA Meeting on October 16, 2024 at The Morgade Library

In Attendance:

Board Members Present:

Larry Cohen, President     Marty Moss, Vice President

Cindy Blancher, Treasurer   Christine Demetriades, Secretary

Doug Calo, Director Mara Sorensen, Director

Board Members excused:

Dave Balonque

Guests Present:

Anne Marie Moss,  DJ Philibert,

Pat Blancher, Mary Calo,

Kathy Benoit, Jack Benoit,

A quorum was present. 

Opening:

Larry Cohen, Board President, called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM

Approval of Minutes from Previous Meeting:

Minutes accepted through motion made by President Cohen and seconded by Vice President Moss with the Board’s unanimous approval.

President’s Report:

All Board Members will receive their State of Florida certificate stating they have completed the educational curriculum required for service on the Board of a Homeowner Association. President Cohen and Treasurer Blancher provided copies of their certificates to Secretary Christine Demetriades for the record. The other Board Members will also copy Secretary Demetriades as they receive their certificates. Director Mara Sorensen will schedule her HOA training.

President Cohen to put in a “request for service” with the county regarding the resurfacing of Lamay Drive, as the road is in need of repair. 

Treasurer’s Report:

Treasurer Cindy Blancher reported that all Woodland Homeowners dues have been paid. Treasurer Blancher stated that there were no outstanding bills. Current checking account balance is $******and the money market account balance is $***** which includes money to yet be spent on remaining budget items for the year. The interest for 2023-2024 is currently under $****. Question raised by DJ Philibert that as the dues have been increased the past two years, was this raise part of the reserve and requested that a budget be presented. Vice President Moss stated that the budget was presented at the previous meeting but the Board would provide it again to DJ electronically within 5 working days.

Vice President’s Report:

Vice President Moss said he would update the Woodland’s Homeowners community map and make all relevant changes. He requested that the homeowners provide any changes and/or corrections to him for phone numbers and emails. There are currently six Members without listed emails which may limit needed communication to them and require hand delivery of otherwise emailed notices. Some have responded to my request for their email and expressed their desire to not provide it, others have not. If you are receiving these minutes via hand delivery, and have not responded, please call me (772-284-6319) and let me know your decision. 

Vice President Moss spoke with Sherwin Williams about a discount for our Woodlands Members when they purchase paint, etc. Our HOA has been approved as “The Woodlands of Stuart, account# *******” to present to Sherwin Williams in order to receive your discount of 40% on paint and between 10% to 15% on other non-paint items such as brushes etc. If you have any problems with this offer please contact me.

Landscaping: 

Discussion also ensued regarding closure of landscaping “bid” issues. President Larry Cohen and Pat Blancher to meet our current contracted landscaper to discuss further.

Neighborhood Watch:

Vice President Marty Moss discussed the latest BOLO scam (copy attached) per the Office of the Sheriff. He will continue to alert us of all local law enforcement, “Be On the Lookout for” (BOLO) alerts.

Old and Pending Business

Jack Benoit commented that he still has plant growth on his lake shoreline. Josh from Aquagenix will be notified at the next scheduled spraying. Additional information needs to be gathered to determine the risk to the indigenous plants and clearing the exit canal. Jack Benoit also commented that the drainage to the lake on the side of his lot is slow. Larry Cohen said he would contact Jack to visit and investigate. The roadside culverts on Lamay Drive are under the jurisdiction of the county. President Cohen has been working with the county and will continue to see about grading them and clearing under the driveways.

After the installation of the new sidewalk on our side of Salerno Road there may now be bicyclists or pedestrians walking across our two Exits/Entrances and extra precaution needs to be taken to observe for those when entering and exiting our community.

New Business:

Appointing Replacement Board Members: 

Colleen Sample resigned as Secretary due to some personal obligations. Director Cristine Demetriades has agreed to take on that responsibility. Larry Cohen made the motion to accept, and Marty Moss seconded. The board approved unanimously. Larry made a motion to fill the now vacant Director position with Dave Balongue, and Marty Moss seconded. The board approved unanimously.

Reminder that “The Woodlands” is not zoned for commercial business.

Martin County has a leash law for pets. 

Pets should not be doing their business outside the “front door” of any homes other than their own. If that were to happen, pet clean up would be appreciated. 

It was mentioned that some Members are entering The Woodlands on the exit side of the islands. This should not be a regular practice, however if you must, please wait and yield to any traffic exiting the neighborhood and grant them right of way.

The next HOA meeting will be scheduled in February or March, date not yet determined. Agenda items requested by Members will need to be submitted one week prior to the meeting. 

Adjournment:

President Cohen moved to adjourn at 7:00, and Vice President Moss seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted by:

Christine W. Demetriades 

Secretary

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HOA Annual Meeting on June 29, 2024 at Morgade Library

In Attendance:  

Larry Cohen Sue Cohen (Appointed as Acting Secretary)

Marty Moss D J Philibert

Pat Blancher  Anne Marie Moss

Dave Balongue Cindy Blancher 

Doug Calo Jane Engelbrecht

Colleen Sample

Mary Calo

Steve Bruno

James Brooks

A quorum was present.

Opening: 

This meeting was called to order by President Larry Cohen at 10:30 a.m. at the Robert Morgade Library. Sue Cohen was appointed as Acting Secretary.

Marty Moss made a motion to suspend the reading of the minutes from the last meeting (they were previously sent to all residents). Pat seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

President’s Report 

Larry read his annual review of the Board’s accomplishments and diligence in keeping costs low through the help of all those who participated. He called for greater membership participation.

Treasurer’s Report:

Presented by Barbara Poglitsch. She reported that we would have a $4,500 surplus rolling into next year year’s budget. Discussion was held about costs still in question at this time which could affect the next budget. Maintaining an adequate surplus is important to consider to avoid any future special assessments. Dave Balongue made a motion that we table approval of the budget as presented until the next board is in place. Marty seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Recognition was given to Barbara Poglitsch for her many decades serving as The Woodlands Treasurer.

Vice President’s Report and Crime Watch:

Marty Moss passed along information from Neighborhood Watch. The group warns county residents to be vigilant about locking vehicles, keeping garage doors closed, and watching for anyone in parked cars that may be observing those leaving the bank as a mark for robbery. The Sheriff’s Office is also warning us about increasing incidents of internet fraud. Never give personal information unless you are sure of who the requestor is.

Landscaping:

Pat Blancher reported on his comparative bids from three different companies for landscaping services. He will continue to gather the information and make a recommendation to the Board.

Landscape Lighting: 

Marty reported that he has repaired landscape lighting at the entrances and main frontage sign without the need for the $100.00 requested in the last meeting but for approximately only $25.00. One light shining on a Sable Palm in the West entrance is out and will not be replaced as it has been run over within days of each past replacement,

Old business:

Larry made a motion to table Old Business. Marty seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 

Good and Welfare:

Larry discussed importance of passing along information to the board when there is a death or any situation where the Board could offer support. Also, we intend to send welcome letters to new residents which will also request their contact information (Name, Phone Number and E-mail).  Marty and Larry discussed the need for social events for a more friendly community.

Election:

Larry appointed Anne Marie Moss and Jane Engelbrecht as Elections Supervisors.

Ballots were collected and results tallied by the two designated Elections Supervisors. The election results were submitted to the Board.

The newly elected Board is:

President Larry Cohen Treasurer Cindy Blancher Director Maura Sorenson 

Vice President Marty Moss Director Doug Calo

Secretary Colleen Sample Director Christie Demetriades

Adjournment:

Meeting adjourned at 11:37 a.m.

Meeting notes respectfully submitted by Acting Secretary Sue Cohen

Not to be included in the actual minutes of the meeting, please note: 

After the installation of the new sidewalk on our side of Salerno Road there may now be bicyclists or pedestrians walking across our two Exits/Entrances and extra precaution needs to be taken to observe for those when entering and exiting our community.

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HOA meeting on 29 May 2024 at Morgade Library

In Attendance:

Larry Cohen Sue Cohen

Marty Moss D J Philibert    

Pat Blancher

Dave Balongue  

Opening: 

This meeting was called to order by Larry Cohen, President, at 6:15 at the Robert Morgade Library. Larry made a motion that the reading of the minutes of the last meeting be suspended. Motion passed unanimously. 

Treasurers Report:

Larry reported that Treasurer Barbara Poglitsch couldn’t attend this meeting. No Treasurer’s Report was submitted to the Board.

Vice Presidents Report and Crime Watch:

Marty summarized information he gathered from the Sheriff’s Department Neighborhood Watch Program. He shared various safety suggestions and ways to avoid being targeted by criminals. He will continue to forward the BOLOs (Be On the LookOut) to our Members as received by the Martin County Sheriff’s office.  

Landscaping:

Pat Blancher has worked diligently on landscaping. He was happy to report that 14 people showed up for the Landscaping Community Workday, which ended up saving the HOA approximately $2,000, including dump fees. Although Larry reported challenges getting the county to pick up the debris, it was finally done. Marty stated that he has been notified by other Woodlands Members of their difficulty in getting yard trimming removal which may be too large for the regular scheduled Wednesday removal. Difficulty contacting the local Martin County Waste Management office was also mentioned. When contact was made, we were informed that they are shorthanded. It was suggested that we attend County Commission meetings to request better service at the level we have become accustomed to. 

D.J. Philibert brought up an objection to providing all the plants in the park, which could mean additional costs for maintenance in the future. Pat addressed this concern by saying that all the plantings were donated and self-sustaining.

Landscape Lighting: 

Marty reported that he has repaired landscape lighting at the entrances and main frontage sign.

Old business:

Larry reported that elections are coming up (June 29), and we need candidates to fill positions on the Board. Volunteer forms looking for more participants were sent out twice to all homeowners. Marty will collect responses and produce and mail out ballots, which will be mailed to everyone. Also, we need to get updated email addresses for all homeowners to facilitate better communication. 

In order to reduce our insurance costs, Larry attempted to get another quote, but found that our policy was more comprehensive than others he found. We will maintain the current policy and continue to investigate alternatives.

New Business:

Marty suggested that we consider planning a community event, such as bowling, and requested other suggestions from Woodlands Members to bring people together and to get to know our neighbors better.

New Business (continued):

The Board has been exploring the problem of the western gate being left unlocked allowing unauthorized access by anyone to the western edge of our Members’ property on that side. From markers and plot diagrams this gate has been found to be on county property. 

Also discussed was the problem of the county destroying the sprinkler piping and electrical wiring and removal of the Lamay Drive sign on the eastern island during the recent sidewalk installation. An on-site meeting was held with the County Project Supervisor, Larry, Pat and Marty and he agreed to relocate the blacktop for the pedestrian crossing. Pat and Marty made the necessary repairs to the piping, landscape lighting wiring and remounted the sign.

Dave Balongue wanted to show appreciation to Pat for all his work on park improvements and beautification of the east island after the county made its changes. Additional discussion was held about labeling various plantings and ways to cut landscaping costs. 

Adjournment:

This meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.

Meeting notes respectfully submitted by acting Secretary Colleen Sue Cohen.

The Annual Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, June 29th 10:00 a.m. at the Library.

Enclosed is a Candidate Volunteer form for You to become a member of the Board and be involved with the direction of your community. “Your Woodlands” needs your help!

Barbara Poglitsch, our Treasurer for the 24 years I have lived here and for many years before, will not be seeking re-election this year. Barbara will surely be missed by all. We wish her the best in the future. Thank You Barbara!

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