HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 08-13-2008
ST. LUCIE COUNTY
PROPERTY AND HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
Minutes of Meeting
August 13, 2008
Convened: 10:00 A.M. Adjourned: 11:23 A.M.
The meeting of the Property & Homeowners Association was held Wednesday,
August 13, 2008, in Conference Room 3 of the St. Lucie County Administration
Building, 2300 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, Florida.
Members Present:
Craig Mundt, North Beach Association (Arrived at 10:30 a.m.)
Toni Trabolsi, Coalition of Sandpiper Bay HOA
Carole Mushier for Walter Fauth, Fort Pierce South Beach Association
Charlie Brown, Indian River Estates HOA
Bill Hammer, Reserve PGA HOA
Kathleen Ivins, River Park HOA
Andrew Stark, Palm Grove HOA
Kit Linberger, Palm Grove HOA
Also Present:
Commissioner Chris Craft, Chairman
Deputy Gary Gonsalves, St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office
Catherine Whitaker, St. Lucie County Fire District
Kathy Thornton, Savanna Club HOA
Tom Linberger, Palm Grove HOA
Mark Boston, Florida Alliance for Retired Americans
Bob Bangert, Holiday Pines
Swendy Ariyanayagam, St. Lucie County Code Compliance
Dennis Bunt, St. Lucie County Code Enforcement
Eva O’Donnell, Aide to Commissioner Craft
Stephanie Bush, St. Lucie County Administration Office
Property & Homeowners Meeting
August 13, 2008
Page 2
ITEM 1 – CALL TO ORDER :
The meeting was called to order at 10:00 A.M. Commissioner Craft led the
Association in the Pledge of Allegiance. The Homeowners’ Representatives and
the public in attendance gave self-introductions.
ITEM 2 – APPROVAL OF MINUTES :
The minutes from the June 11, 2008 meeting were unanimously approved.
ITEM 3 – ST. LUCIE COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT :
Deputy Gonsalves – There continues to be an increase in crime, particularly theft
of metal. Keep an eye on vacant homes in your neighborhoods, people have
been either living in them or vandalizing them.
National Night Out had about 20 communities that participated, which was a
better outcome than last year.
The Sheriff’s Department will have the “Computer Cop” software available
th
around August 25 for parents to install on their computers in order to the
search database to help protect your children. This software is of no cost to
taxpayers. There will be 4,000 initial copies available only for St. Lucie County
residents and one per family.
Bill Hammer expressed his concern regarding Allapattah Flats on Glades Cut-Off
Road and the traffic once school begins. Deputy Gonsalves stated the St. Lucie
Sheriff’s Department will be keeping an eye on that area.
Bob Bangert asked if there was a way St. Lucie County could have a law against
driving and talking on cell phones. Deputy Gonsalves stated Mr. Bangert would
need to contact his State Representative. The Sheriff’s Department does offer a
teen driver challenge course. If you are interested please call (772) 462-7300
and ask for Sergeant Adam Goodner. Mr. Bangert complimented the Sheriff’s
Department on getting rid of old medications.
ITEM 4 – DOUGLAS ANDERSON, COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR :
The amended budget for 2007/2008, which is the year we are in now, is
$710,079,239. The recommended budget for 2008/2009 is $638,643,120.
Property & Homeowners Meeting
August 13, 2008
Page 3
The 2000/2001 population was 192,695. The population today is approximately
282,948, which is about 47% greater. St. Lucie County has had an estimated
position reduction of 238.5. The total remaining positions is estimated to be
730.75. St. Lucie County is operating with 30% less people. There will no
longer be salary increases for staff.
Kit Linberger asked if St. Lucie County’s employees were unionized. Mr.
Anderson said about 1/3 of them and they are currently going through
negotiations.
During the 2009/2010 fiscal year there will be a two year estimated property tax
revenue decrease of $54,377,439.
Bill Hammer stated there are problems in local homeowners associations with
collecting assessments and the banks not moving to foreclosure. Mr. Hammer
suggested making Ravenswood pool green. He stated the users are willing to
raise money, let them buy the materials and let a solar company donate the
labor. Mr. Hammer also stated the unfunded mandates are horrendous and
suggested the County assess on a per capita basis to the entities that are putting
the inmates in jail. Mr. Anderson said that is not allowed in the state of Florida.
The Logistic Center, the old Sam’s Club, is over 100,000 square foot and is on 15
acres of property. The back of the building, 50,000 square feet, is used for
storage of County records and all emergency/hurricane supplies. The front of
the building, 50,000 square feet, will be used for the new employee clinic, a
portion of it is rented by the Salvation Army until their new building is complete,
Community Services will relocate there along with a portion of the Health
Department, and emergency generators are stored there as well. The building
has been through three hurricanes and has a new roof.
The committee decided to go on a tour of the Logistics Center for the next
meeting.
Craig Mundt asked about the book mobile. Mr. Anderson said the book mobile
would more than likely be replaced with “Book’s by Mail” and County pays for the
postage.
The copy of the power point presentation Mr. Anderson went over will provided
with the minutes.
Property & Homeowners Meeting
August 13, 2008
Page 4
ITEM 5 – OLD BUSINESS :
At the last meeting there was discussion about the light at Rio Mar; Commission
Craft did not receive the information at the time of the meeting.
ITEM 6 – NEW BUSINESS :
The committee discussed Dekker Farms, which is a hydroponic facility and
decided that in the future the committee would plan a trip out there.
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:23 A.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Stephanie Bush