Tradewinds Homeowner Annual Meeting Minutes 3/26/22
Call to order: The meeting was called to order by Pres. Don Kent on March 26, 2022, at 11 o’clock in the morning. The meeting took place at Tradewinds clubhouse.
Present were the following homeowners:
Nathaniel McKervey (lot 11), Steve Currieo and his wife Jana, Donnie Hoover and his wife Jodi, John Kell, Fred Unger, Nick George, Don Kent and his wife Sandi, Russ Welker, Jill Puckett, Jay Evans and John Hugill (responsible for memorializing these minutes).
Quorum: proxies were counted. The proxies have all been scanned, and are saved as a single file, and filed together with these minutes. Between the proxies (there is an additional proxy of Hayward Hurst which was sent electronically to Russ Welker, and is present on Russ Welker’s computer), but between all the proxies returned, and the members present, we have more than enough present, between proxies and members present, for a quorum.
Minutes of the last meeting: they are on the website according to Pres. Don Kent, and available for review.
Financials:
A copy of the financials as prepared by the accountant were handed out to all of the members present. Significant discussion ensued. It was noted that a significant number of homeowners are not up-to-date on their dues. John Hugill noted that it is not proper for these individuals to avail themselves of the benefits of membership, while not paying dues.
Russ Welker made a motion, to discuss with the attorney to review all homeowner lots in arrears and recommend what action can be taken to correct the matter. Sandi Kent seconded the motion. A vote was held, and the motion passed unanimously.
It was decided therefore that the accountant, Harvard will prepare a list of delinquent lots, forward this list to Pres. Kent, who were then forwarded on to the attorney. Who will recommend appropriate action.
Discussion was held as to how to stop those in arrears, availing themselves of the benefits of ownership. It was decided that this is difficult to do, and no decision was made.
In regards to the financials, Russ Welker inquired one item on the financials which had been supplied from the accountant, namely “unapplied cash payment income of $12,905.36.” Don Kent will inquire of the accountant what is this item.
Bank accounts:
Whereas up to this point Tradewinds has only had one account. A month or so ago, John Hugill went to the bank, (Centennial Bank in Crawfordsville), and per direction of the board opened 2 additional accounts. Namely “Tradewinds Marina” (the marina consisting of 9 slips, at the end of the road, adjacent to the canal, adjacent to Russ Welker home), and a 2nd account, called “Reserve.” The purpose of reserve account was to hold monies which are to be held, obviously enough, in reserve, for emergencies.
The Tradewinds account (the traditional Tradewinds bank account) has in it currently, $18,094.00
The “Tradewinds Marina” account which was opened by John Hugill with $100.00 contains presently only the $100.00 which had been withdrawn from the Tradewinds account at the time that the Tradewinds Marina account was opened.
Discussion ensued as to the need to request that the accountant review income and expenses for the Tradewinds Marina (Marina at the end of the road adjacent to the canal and the Welker home, consisting of the 9 slips), and to determine the appropriate amount which should be used to fund, from the Tradewinds account, the Tradewinds Marina account. It appears in the meanwhile this has been done, and the accountant has recommended that a total of $8765.51 be transferred from the Tradewinds general account, into the newly created “Tradewinds Marina” account, to fund that account, for monies which represent payments made, and which were pertinent to the 9 boat slip marina. That would need to be minus the original hundred dollars which was used to open the account.
The “Reserve” account has been funded with $50,000.
So, recapitulating, Tradewinds account has in it $18,094.00
Of this the recommended $8,665.51 ($8,765.51 minus $100.00 taken from the general Tradewinds account to fund the account when it was opened),will be moved from the Tradewinds account to the “Tradewinds Marina” account. And the “Reserve” account has currently in its $50,000.00
A motion was made by Russ Welker seconded by Steve Currieo to transfer $8665.51 from the “Tradewinds” account, to the “Tradewinds Marina” account. Motion passed unanimously.
It was discussed that accounting will need to be done so monies given to the Tradewinds Marina account be fairly accounted for, in that the Tradewinds Marina account in some form or other needs to reimburse for accountant’s fees and other things of this type, to the general Tradewinds account. It was not determined how this would need to be done.
Russ Welker did mention that whatever expenses the Tradewinds Marina incurs (boat slips 1 through 9 at the end of the road, adjacent to his home) whatever expenses they incur, those boat slip owners would pay out of their account.
A motion was made and seconded to approve the financials.
Election of the new board:
After much discussion it was recommended that the new board consist of:
1. Don Kent Pres.
2. Jay Evans, vice president
3. John Hugill, Treas./Sec.
4. Janna Currieo (member at large)
5. Russ Welker (member at large)
John Hugill made a motion that the above board be elected. The motion was seconded by Russ Welker. The motion was voted on, and all members were elected unanimously.
Additional business: Jodi Hoover commented that there is a roughness to the surface of the pool, and her son scratched his chest while swimming. John Hugill said that he would call the pool maintenance, Titus, and asking to look into this. (This he has at this point, already done, and left a message for Titus).
Additionally, Russ Welker commented on the wonderful things that have happened to Tradewinds over this past year. The fencing across part of the front, additional fencing on the east border of Tradewinds, new furniture at the pool, the gate at the front entrance, another gate restricting access from Marina Village Harbor to the 9 boat slips, additional planting at the north end of the development, bordering Mashes Sands Road. Whereupon John Hugill spoke up, thanking publicly Pres. Don Kent, for the hours and hours of time that he has put into Tradewinds. Specifically, there is barely a day goes by that Don Kent is not involved, in some manner or other, in working to improve our development.
Additional business:
1. Clubhouse cleaning has been erratic, lacking, and expensive. A motion was made to replace the current cleaning lady, with the lady that cleans for Don and Sandi Kent. The motion passed unanimously.
2. The lights are not working at the big pond. Don Kent will purchase lights, they will cost about $800. He will be reimbursed for this expense. Don Kent assisted by Nick George and Russ Welker, will exchange the burnt lights with the newly purchased ones.
3. Insurance: our current insurance carrier is no longer insuring in Florida. Our insurance agent, Ms. Swindall has obtained new insurance, a copy of which was distributed to all present. It was voted on and approved.
John Hugill made a motion that, since all issues have been adequately addressed, that the meeting be adjourned. Unnecessarily, since Roberts Rules do not require a 2nd for a motion to adjourn, still the motion was seconded anyway, voted on and approved unanimously.
The meeting was ended at 12 o’clock.
Annual Meeting Minutes: 02/27/21
Venue: Held on 2/27/21 at 10 AM, at the Tradewinds Clubhouse.
Call to order. Present were the following members. Jay Evans (one vote), Fred and Kay Unger (2 lots, therefore 2 votes), Russ Welker, (one vote), Sandi and Don Kent (one vote).
Proxies: 18 received. (Don Kent has them filed away for the record).
Adding the proxies with the votes in attendance (5) made a total of 23.
The bylaws require, for a quorum, half of the lot owners +1 and therefore, with 44 lots, half would be 22 lots and the plus one is 23 needed. We had 23 between attendees and proxies. Therefore, we had a quorum.
Financials:
Financials had been presented to all homeowners in anticipation, by the accountant, John Medina. They were current up to 12/31/20. They were reviewed. And found to be in order.
Russ Welker made a motion to accept the financials. Sandi Kent seconded. No discussion. All present voted in favor.
Noted was the need to call the accountant, John Medina, that we should have accounts up to current, and not up to previous year end. Russ also mentioned having attempted to contact the accountant, with no response, and the accountant will be requested, by John Hugill, to be more responsive in the future. Also noted is that we need to know what the balance in the account currently is. And also, to note, that with the co-mingling commingling of funds between Tradewinds and “Tradewinds Marina”, this accounting total needs to distinguish between the two. Also needed is a reporting on who has prepaid their dues in anticipation of gate construction.
Officers elected. Don Kent was elected President. John Hugill was elected Treasurer. Other members, members who have agreed to serve (members at large) were Jay Evans, Russ Welker and Shane Watson, (Shane Watson absent because of Covid 19 illness).
Russ Welker publicly thanked our pre-previous president, Fred Unger, for everything that Fred has done over the many previous years to make Tradewinds what it is today. A vote in support of Mr. Fred Unger’s efforts was held, with unanimous approval.
Proposed projects for the coming year:
· Signs. All road signs at Tradewinds are aged, toppling, bent, crooked, twisted, and every single one needs replacing. Jay Evans very kindly is going to look into this matter, and we look forward to hearing from him, in this regard.
· Real estate signs. Noted was a very attractive sign on the lot adjacent to the Stuckey’s, crafted by Debbie Moritz. Discussion was held as to requesting all realtors to follow this format and if so, it was deemed that realtor signs (if of the same format as Debbie Moritz’ sign) for Tradewinds would be acceptable. Failing that discussion centered around a box outside the gate (once we have it) listing all the properties inside Tradewinds that are for sale. If the outside box is used, there would be no realtor signs inside the development itself.
· Promoting Tradewinds outside of this area: discussion was centered around different things that could be done, to promote our development not only locally, but also in Tallahassee, and even around the state.
· Identifying respective lots. Discussion centered around creating a post or a small concrete slab with the lot number on each empty lot identifying the lot number. One disadvantage of this would be that it would be necessary to survey the whole development, which is, at this point, impractical.
· Fencing the western edge of the development. Laura Stuckey questioned if the appearance of the western edge of the development could not be improved. It currently consists of a barbed wire fence, surrounded with bushes and brambles. This project would involve removing the barbed wire fence, removing the bushes and brambles, surveying the area to identify the edge of the development, and creating a 3 board fence, similar to what we have on the opposite east side of the development. Laura Stuckey is going to look into the feasibility of this project and report back to the board.
· With the creation of the new gate, members discussed concerns regarding trespassers entering from the Mashes Sands Road edge of the development, either on foot or with golf carts. The feasibility of closing off these vacant areas with bushes/grasses was discussed.
· Russ Welker continues to be concerned about trespassers on his property. He proposed sending a very “polite” letter, from the Board, to the Board of Marina Village Homeowners Association (boat slips) advising that should individuals from that development continue to trespass either on his personal property or on the area of the 9 boat slips (Tradewinds Marina - a private property) at the east end of our development, that a fence would be put up between the Rankin boat slip and the Godbehere property adjacent, an extension of the currently present minor extension identifying the limit of the 2 properties. This would be a one-piece fence, posts and 3 boards, a continuation of the current short fence, which would extend to the water’s edge, separating permanently the 9 boat slip area (Tradewinds Marina) from the adjacent Godbehere property. This would include appropriate signage indicating that “trespassers will not be permitted.” Russ Welker is to compose said letter.
· Insurance: for some reason our insurance company no longer wishes to ensure the clubhouse. This will become effective at the end of the current policy. Our insurance carrier has already been contacted (Hugill) and is looking into alternative sources of insurance.
· Other discussed topics included the need to trash all current pool furniture and purchase 10 new recliners. Jay Evans, owner of Badcock furniture and therefore an expert, advised that top-notch quality furniture is very expensive. He would recommend buying from Wayfair the same we had before, and expecting to replace it in a couple two to 3 years.
· The need for a spa cover was discussed, with Fred Unger advising that only in the winter, and at this time of year, not necessary.
· John Hugill advised that he had arranged for our landscaper to trim the crêpe myrtles at the entrance, and along mashes Sands Road. Also he personally fertilized all plants at the entrance and along Mashes Sands Road (crêpe myrtles and magnolias). With business concluded a motion to adjourn from Sandi Kent (Roberts rules require only a motion to adjourn with no 2nd needed). Motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted by John Hugill on 3/2/21 at 12:30 PM.
Annual Meeting Minutes: 03/07/20
MINUTES OF TRADEWINDS HOA MEETING OF 3/7/20
Meeting held at Tradewinds clubhouse.
Present in person were the following:
Fred Unger, Pres
3 lots
Don and Sandi Kent, Sandi VP
I lot
John Hugill, Treasurer
1 lot
Shane and Sandy Watson
1 lot
Hayward Hurst
3 lots
Rankin Smith
2 lots
Stan Freeman
1 lot
Russ and Julie Welker
1 lot
Jay Evans
1 lot
Rick Poltevaque
1 lot
Represented by proxy were Tradewinds LLC (9 lots), Frank Rudd (1 lot), John Langenfeld (1 lot), Ferrell Scruggs (1 lot), Mike Miller (1 lot), Steve Liedy (1 lot).
With 44 lot owners, a quorum consists of at least 23 owners, either present or by proxy, so there was more than a quorum.
The meeting was called to order by Pres. Fred Unger on Saturday, March 7, 2000, at 10 in the morning.
Financials: we have $3500 in the bank.
Election of next year’s board. Rankin Smith made a motion that we should elect the same board next year, as we had this past year, and this was seconded by Russell Welker. The motion passed unanimously. The board will therefore continue under the leadership of Pres. Fred Unger, with Sandi Kent VP, John Hugill Treas. and members at large Jay Evans and Shane Watson.
The following issues were discussed:
Clubhouse: the walkway has been pressure washed. Certain repairs need to be done to the boards. Certain elements need painting. Russ Walker pointed out that all of these issues need to be addressed, and decided, not by one person, but by the board.
Gate: again, it would appear that all members present were in favor of a gate with the exception of our present, Fred Unger. Sandi Kent advised that she had consulted with three realtors all of whom had advised to dedicate would increase the property values in Tradewinds.
Lack of Internet for Russ Welker: the board will look into this and advise.
Utility boxes: Russ Welker advised that they are helter-skelter, tilted, when it rains there sitting in a puddle of water (with associated liability), and the board will address this matter in the future.
Mailboxes: Russ Welker does not have a mailbox. He advised that the bylaws/covenants require a certain type of mailbox not one of which is current in any of the houses currently in Tradewinds. This matter was left to be clarified in the future.
Landscaping in Tradewinds: Fred Unger advised that our landscaper will only lower lots which he can run his zero turn riding mower over. John Hugill noted that this is unfair to residents that have landscaped yards since they are paying for landscaping company to mow other people’s lots, while these residents have to mow their own lawns. Significant discussion was entertained in this regard, to include possibly obtaining additional bids. Jay Evans advised that for the money that we are paying our current company, it might be better to not rock the boat, so the issue was tabled.
Entrances to Tradewinds: the buildings on each side of the entrance are in need of cleaning/painting. The board will address this later.
East entrance to Tradewinds: there is significant brush/palm fronds/litter/in the area were Tradewinds property abuts on the vacant adjacent lot. Fred Unger will discuss with our landscaping company and ask them to clean this up. He will also request that the landscaping company trim the Palmetto on the common area of the lot between his house and the Hugills.
The following issues were left to be addressed by the board over the upcoming weeks:
· Clubhouse painting/restoration
· Comcast in regards to service to the Welker residence
· Mailbox issue as brought up by Russ Welker
· Repainting/restoring the entrance buildings
· Gate to Tradewinds. Russ has obtained a bid, and he will check to see if it is still current. Jay Evans will obtain another bid, as will Don Kent.
· Duke electric boxes scattered around Tradewinds, tilted, standing in water when it rains. The issue needs to be brought up with Duke.
At 11:15 AM present Fred Unger made a motion to adjourn (Roberts rules do not require a second for a motion to adjourn). Motion passed unanimously. The meeting was closed therefore at 11:15 in the morning.
Respectfully submitted by John Hugill on 3/7/20 to President Unger at 5:15 pm
Minutes of Tradewinds Board meeting of 12/15/19
The Board met via Telephone conference on 12/15/19 at 3pm
Present on the call were President Fred Unger, Vice President Sandi Kent, Treasurer John Hugill and Board Member Jay Pefurnco.
Discussed was Board member Laura Stuckey having asked many months prior if it would be possible to replace her, since she is about to have a baby.
During this telephone call it was unanimously agreed by all members, that per her wishes, Mrs. Laura Stuckey will be removed from the board, and replaced with Tradewinds Lot owner, Mr. Shane Watson Lot #4 (clanwatson@comcast.net) who has kindly agreed to serve instead.
Respectfully submitted to all board members, 12/19/19 at 3:41 pm
Boare Meeting 12/01/18
Minutes of meeting held regarding restoration of Tradewinds, devastated by Hurricane Michael.
After adequate notification to all homeowners, the meeting was held on Saturday, December 1 at 1 PM, in the clubhouse of Tradewinds.
Present were the following:
On behalf of the board, Fred Unger (Pres.), Sandi Kent and John Hugill (treasurer).
Also present was Hayward Hurst, Don Kent, Rick Poltevecque (lot 11) and Russ Welker (lot 10).
The meeting opened with Fred Unger distributing paperwork describing anticipated expenses to Tradewinds, for repairs as a result of hurricane Michael (attached).
Discussion took place in regards to the following:
Pier:
Those present were pretty unanimous in that the pier should be reconstructed. Tradewinds would not be the same without the pier. It was discussed that this needs to take place within a times time span of 160 days, otherwise permitting will need to be obtained again. And if rebuilt after that period of time, new permitting would be necessary and the new pier would not be as long as the one which we currently have. The board voted and elected to undergo this rebuild of the pier within the 160 day timeframe. We have an estimate from Ben Withers for $37,340 for this. All present feel this is an excellent bed. This estimate included the 2 "landing areas" on either side of the pier. It was decided that these would not be included in the rebuild . Ben Withers will be approached to see if he will reduce his estimate, in light of the unnecessary rebuild of these areas.
Also, Ben Withers will be approached since he will be undergoing reconstruction of the marina at the end of Tradewinds (separate entity), and in light of his being offered the opportunity of doing these 2 significant "jobs," he will be "gently" requested a possible discount.
Pool:
The estimate to repair the pool, draining, cleaning etc.) work of which has already been completed, is $15,000 approximately. While the work is completed, this invoice has not yet been paid.
Pool fence:
The fence around the pool is essential. We have a couple of estimates, one being somewhat in the order of $15,000. Another more realistic one is for $8400. J Kelly from Florida Fence and Deck will be approached as well as Ellingson Enterprises so we can obtain more bids.
"Beach" in front of the pool:
It is felt that the "beach" in front of the pool is unnecessary. Nobody uses it. Furthermore, this sand, in the event of future storms, will only compound pool damage by draining into the pool again, as it did at the time of this recent hurricane Michael. It was therefore felt best to eliminate this "beach." We have an estimate for around $4000 to put another barrier of large stones next to the pool wall to protect the pool from future damage essentially "walling off" the beach. However it would save considerable amounts of money if we were to move the rocks currently next to the water up to adjacent to the pool wall. Ben Withers will be approached and asked, in light of us having him rebuild the pier and also rebuild the marina at the end of the road, if he would "throw this in for free" thus saving us this expense.
Spa:
For the spa to be made functional, the heat pump will need to be replaced. The estimate for this is $3500. The board elected to proceed with this promptly, so members of Tradewinds could enjoy the spa, during the colder months. However it was elected to put the heat pump on the 2nd story of the clubhouse, where it would be more protected from future damage, in the event of further hurricanes.
Fence between Tradewinds and Marina Village:
It was decided that this should be rebuilt. The best option would be 6 x 6 posts with four 2 x 6 rails, all of pressure treated wood (pic below). Estimates will be obtained to accomplish this. Russ Welker will give names to Fred Unger, so calls can be made to get estimates. Where the prior gate had been, on the main road end, this part will include a small opening, sufficiently large to allow passage of a golf cart, to permit access to Marina Village. On the other end of the fence (closer to the gulf) the fence will make a 90° turn and end adjacent to the "Tradewinds" boat slips. Here another small "gap" will be created, permitting passage, with signs posted on the Marina Village side, that whoever goes through, will be entering Tradewinds property.
Additionally:
Fred Unger (our President) will initiate preparation of the letter to be circulated to all lot owners in the future, advising of our upcoming homeowner meeting, next year. In this letter Mr. Unger will advise all members of Tradewinds of the discussions held today regarding gating our community. On a positive side, Russ Welker pointed out how, in his experience in another development he is aware of, gating that community resulted in an immediate increase in property values. On the negative side, if our property should become gated, the county, which has expressed interest in taking over our roads, would no longer be able to do so. So repair of any future damage to the roads would in that case be at our expense.
Additionally, the board recommended an immediate $500 assessment per lot to defray the significant expenses that will be incurred to rebuild Tradewinds to somewhat resembling the beautiful condition it was in before this devastating hurricane. When Mr. Unger advises homeowners of this he will also advise homeowners that while prompt payment would be appreciated, a 90 day grace period will be offered.
Minutes prepared by your Treasurer, John Hugill, and submitted on the day of the meeting, 12/1/18 to Pres. Fred Unger for his review and comments, prior to distributing to members attending today and subsequently to all homeowners.
Thank you
John Hugill