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BURNT STORE ISLES ASSOCIATION, INC.
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
December 7, 2005
The meeting, which was held at the PGI Civic Center, was called to order by Bill Hughes, president, at 7:35 p.m. The required quorum was present. Mr. Hughes reminded everyone that this date marked the 64th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and asked those present to stand in silent recognition of the men and women who keep our country safe and allow us to have free assembly. This was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to our nation’s flag.
GUEST SPEAKERS - The first speaker of the evening was Mayor Steve Fabian who provided a power point presentation on the state of the city. Included in his remarks were kudos to city manager Howard Kunik for his open door policy and information sharing. He went on to say that the city budget for 2005-06 is $72 million and includes several redevelopment projects. He praised TEAM Punta Gorda for their efforts post hurricane Charley and outlined new developments in progress and planned. He has named 2006 the “Year of the Shovel” and predicts that within 3-5 years the city will be bigger and better than ever. During Q&A, Mayor Fabian responded to a question about Burnt Store Road improvement plans. He said the state’s Transportation Regional Improvement Program will provide the city with approximately $5 million for road improvements. There is no timeframe yet on when these improvements will begin. Another question was asked about landscaping the medians on Route 41 south of Aqui Esta. The mayor said the city has applied for enhancement money from the state for this project however it is unknown when the money will become available. In response to the concern that an artesian well exists under the old courthouse, the mayor said no such well exists. He also indicated that the marina at Fisherman’s Village is several steps closer to becoming a reality.
Following the mayor’s remarks, city manager Howard Kunikspoke about damaged/destroyed homes and empty lots. He indicated a status list was given to the city council today which identifies those properties exceeding 50 per cent damage…both residential and commercial…and the status of each in terms of plans for demolition or repair. Each property owner has been given 60 days to begin repairs or pick up a demolition permit. Failure to comply will result in legal action. The empty lots in BSI have been inventoried and the owners noticed to either clean up their lots or appear before the Code Enforcement Board. He explained that city staff cannot go onto private property to remove debris without going through the enforcement board process. Reportedly, the lot mowing program has been increased from 8 to 12 mows per year which should help with appearances. During Q&A, Mr. Kunik discussed the status of the damaged property at Route 41 and Aqui Esta. He explained that the property owners have attempted – unsuccessfully – to sell the property a few times. There is no question but what the property needs to be cleaned up and Mr. Kunik indicated that will be the tone of his message to the owners when he meets with them tomorrow. Responding to a question about traffic congestion at the intersection of Jones Loop/Burnt Store Road and Route 41, he said that while these roads are not managed by the city suggestions for improvement can be made to the county transportation staff and/or the Florida Department of Transportation. Another good source is the South Charlotte County Coalition. With regard to citizens identifying and reporting properties needing repair, Mr. Kunik designated city staffers Randy Cole, Susie Russell, Dennis Murphy, Laura Manson and the city building department for contact. He indicated permitting staff have been augmented with inspection and clerk positions and that no other augmentations are anticipated at this time. In the near future there will be measures taken to possibly annex certain areas to the city. If/when this happens, the city will be able to exercise more control over improvements to infrastructure and land use.
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Rick Kilmer , representing TEAM Punta Gorda (TPG), was the next speaker. He thanked BSIA for their outpouring of support for what TPG is trying to do, namely provide a citizens’ vision of and direction for rebuilding the city after hurricane Charley. He reported relations between TEAM members, city staff and council members are excellent and talked briefly about the Del Rey Beach visitation program and the planned beautification of Marion Avenue. He invited residents to come out on December 16 and 21 to help plant palms and shrubs and lay down sod. TPG is currently reviewing the Wal Mart expansion plans on Jones Loop Road in an attempt to influence the architectural design of the building and surrounding areas. He spoke about the development of out parcels at the Sweetbay Shopping Center, including a potential Chili’s Restaurant, which hopefully will not look like a chain restaurant but more in line with the vision of the 2005 Citizens Master Plan. He invited everyone to visit the TPG website (teampuntagorda.org) to see a summary of the Burnt Store Road Project report and position papers on the courthouse and building heights. He reported on the Herald Court beautification project and asked for volunteers to help place a brick walkway from Route 41 to Taylor. Lastly, he briefly outlined the new mixed use development proposal for property at Monaco and Route 41. Again, TPG’s aim is to influence the design of this development.
Warren Renninger announced that the BSI holiday lights judging contest is scheduled for Sunday, December 11 at 6:30 p.m. Awards will be given in such categories as Best All Around, Best Front, Best Back (golf course or canal), Most Fun, Best Cul De Sac, and Best Grouping (4+ houses).
2006 OPERATING BUDGET was presented by Ed Minzer. He noted that income sources are membership dues and directory ads. New expenses for the year will include renting a meeting room at the PGI Civic Association for monthly board meetings and enhanced landscape work at the Monaco and Madrid entrances. IT WAS MOVED AND SECONDED TO APPROVE THE 2006 BUDGET AS PRESENTED. The motion carried without dissent.
ELECTION OF 2006 OFFICERS/DIRECTORS was conducted by Laura Felmore, chair of the nominating committee. Mr. Hughes noted the absence of Joe Sabatino, nominee for vice president. Mr. Sabatino is out of town but indicated in a letter to Mr. Hughes he would accept the position if elected. Biographies of two nominees – John Gioia and Jeff Nilsson – which were not included in the last edition of the newsletter were made available for pick up at the registration table earlier in the evening.
Ms. Felmore conducted each election by reading the name of each nominee recommended by the committee then requesting nominations from the floor three times before asking the secretary to cast one vote for the nominee. This process was followed for all nominees. As there were no nominations from the floor the secretary cast one vote each for the unanimous election of the following officers/directors: President Frank Petrosino; Vice President Joe Sabatino; Treasurer Tom Murphy; Secretary Carolyn McDermott; Planning Director John Gioia; Special Programs Director Bob Semer; Community Standards Director Terry Miller; Legal Liaison Jeff Nilsson; and Neighborhood Security Director Jim Townsend. Two director positions did not require re-election as they are transitioning to their second year in office. They are Social Director Claire Phelen and Membership Director Bob Fitzsimmons. Congratulations were extended to all involved and a general plea made that next year more members will answer the call to serve.
REPORTS FROM OFFICERS/DIRECTORS 2005 – all officers and directors were polled for reports. Those making remarks included the following: Claire Phelenthanked the members for
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December 7, 2005
their support of social events this past year. Plans for next year include 3 membership meetings to foster better communications, Cambridge Lady lighted boat cruise, BBQ, and possibly an
evening out to the Palms Theatre. Mrs. Phelen also said that through her work on the city beautification committee additional funds were allocated in 2005 for Monaco/Madrid entrance way improvements and the planting of mahogany trees on Madrid. Her plans for next year include landscaping improvements on Route 41 from Airport south to Cox Lumber. Tom Murphyspoke to the continuing evolution of the FRS radio project for emergency situations. He encouraged those who have not already done so to purchase a radio and participate in the monthly radio tests. With regard to community security, Mr. Murphy cautioned everyone to be aware that a gypsy group may be canvassing the neighborhood looking for open garages from which they can access houses to steal appliances and jewelry. Nancy Brewsterdisplayed preliminary drawings of the improvements to the entry ways. She also acknowledged the work of Jo Ann Houston and Audrey Young to place Christmas decorations on the entrance signs. She asked Chuck Zajicek to come forward and accept a plaque of appreciation for his efforts to install the sign at the Madrid entrance. Elaine Gil was also recognized with a plaque for her 4 year efforts to improve the appearance of the planter beds in the cul de sacs. Bill Hughesgave Joe Sabatino’s report on the survey results. The vast majority of those responding indicated they wanted the deed restrictions more rigidly enforced, including escalating legal remedies. Most said they would help with community clean up days as needed and wanted to see more involvement with TPG and South Charlotte County Coalition. Frank Petrosino’sremarks included his belief that the association needs to be run as a business; that we must be cognizant of our needs to market our property 10-15 years into the future because failure to do so will result in our falling behind as new developments are completed. He noted the three assets BSI possesses: geography, canals and golf courses. These must be maintained, enhanced and marketed. He pledged a dynamic 2006 board with plans to improve communications by holding at least three general membership meetings a year and to wage an all out campaign to get more of the 1150 property owners in BSI plus the contiguous multi-unit complexes and retail establishments to share in the support of the association.
PROPOSED BY-LAW CHANGES to Article V Board of Directors Section 2 were publicized in the October edition of the newsletter and presented here by Mr. Hughes. Given the adoption of the 2006 budget earlier in the evening the first change relating to enhanced landscaping of the entrances is moot. The second change would add language to Section 2 relating to legal fees. Following discussion, IT WAS MOVED AND SECONDED THAT SHOULD THE BOARD OF BSIA DETERMINE A RESIDENT, MEMBER OR NON MEMBER, IS NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH BSIA DEED RESTRICTIONS, AND THE BOARD REQUIRES LEGAL REMEDY, THAT THE BOARD BE ALLOWED TO HIRE AN ATTORNEY AT THE CURRENT USUAL AND CUSTOMARY RATE TO RESOLVE THE DISPUTE. The motion carried.
NEW/OLD BUSINESS – Mr. Hughes talked about the proposed development at Route 41 and Monaco. There will be a public hearing on December 23 to hear more about the mixed use plan. Members are encouraged to keep up to date on this issue as it will affect our entrance.
In closing the meeting, Mr. Hughes recognized the officers and directors who served with him during the past two years. He thanked his wife Mary Ann for her support and patience and wished the new board a successful term. IT WAS MOVED AND SECONDED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. The time was 9:30 p.m. The motion carried without dissent.
Respectfully submitted,
Carolyn J. McDermott, Secretary
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Burnt Store Isles Association, Inc.
P.O. Box 510956
Punta Gorda, FL 33951-0956
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