REPORT FROM YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2009 has been a very challenging year for your Board of Directors.We knew that the recession would affect the collection of our maintenance fees.We delayed any landscaping improvements until we knew that there would be funds to cover them.Other projects have been undertaken only to fix damages. We re-bid our property management contract, received five bids and chose Greenacre Properties, Inc. (GPI) for our 2010-2012 property management company.Their presentation was outstanding showing us new technology that will be available to us in October.It should soon be possible for our Owners to view the monthly Board meeting from their computers.You can expect that our website will change in October because GPI is instituting new technology that enables them to provide us with web site service, along with much better communication on Owner accounts, access to documents, news and events. As of this printing, we are in the process of re-bidding our property maintenance contract.A decision on our landscape contractor will be made at our September Board meeting.We hope to finish needed landscape improvements at the entrances to The Preserve and Lakewood. Common Property Maintenance – ·We installed new stop/street sign poles at the entrances to The Preserve, Watergrass, and The Landings.As soon as funds are available, we will be replacing the poles at The Estates and Highwood Preserve.We replaced all the “No parking/No U-turn” signs along New Tampa Blvd. ·The pump that helps the water level of lake #15 (behind Strathmoor) was repaired.With that help and Mother Nature’s rain, the water level is improved but, still needs help.We are considering adding plants to the bank to improve the aesthetics of that lake. ·We negotiated a better cost for mowing the banks of lake #3 (behind the east side of The Landings) so that is now done along with the other mow schedule. ·We repaired expensive carp barriers between two ponds and the Wetlands, required for our ponds.We also got approval to add carp to our ponds to aid in the reduction of invasive plants and algae. ·We installed improved camera surveillance at our security gates, allowing us to clearly see and file claims against those damaging the gates. ·Holiday decorations for 2009 are not decided because of the construction at our entrance on Bruce B. Downs and the restraints on our spending. Covenant Compliance – We spent the first few months reviewing our policies on covenant compliance.
We asked and received from GPI another employee to review compliance and issue citations where needed.The number of violation letters has increased and compliance has greatly improved. Some were surprised to get a letter advising of non-compliance but, with a photo showing the violation, it was easy to see and get into compliance.
To help Owners grow green lawns, the Board approved lawn varieties:bahia, zoysia, Bermuda, st. Augustine, and vegetative ground cover (see article in this newsletter.)
The Board also approved pavilions (pergolas) in enclosed backyards.
Communications –This is quite possibly our last newsletter.We have found that with production and printing deadlines that our news and articles cannot be timely.We believe that our current, and soon to be updated, web site will provide a better avenue for communications with our Owners. Social/Education -- About 200 people attended the 2009 West Meadows Landscape Showwith two educational seminars on landscaping and design. 2010 – a new year full of promise –Hopefully, financial constraints will ease and we will be able to undertake projects to add to the beauty of West Meadows. Your help is needed.Three members of our Board of Directors will resign in November.Please consider taking a seat on our Board.It really can be a lot of fun, even in a year like 2009.Through all the tough discussions and decisions, we have established a long-lasting fellowship amongst us.
Located in the northeastern corner of the City of Tampa, West Meadows is close to the Gulf Beaches and some of the most popular tourist and entertainment attractions in the world. Busch Gardens and Adventure Islands Water Park are only 20 minutes away, while Sea World, Walt Disney World and Universal Studios are about an hour and 15 minutes drive. Less than 10 minutes away is the University of South Florida and the North Tampa Medical Center. We are just 30 minutes from downtown Tampa, Tampa International Airport and the Westshore business district.
There is a lot of information on this web site. If you do not find the information that you want, you may contact us at WMBOD@west-meadows.org.
If you want to report a problem in our community, please contact our Property Manager, Lloyd Rials -- 263-5905.
