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BURNT STORE ISLES ASSOCIATION, INC.

Board of Directors Meeting

February 3, 2006

Officers Present Directors Present

President – Chick Petrosino Community Standards – Terry Miller

Vice President – Joe Sabatino Immediate Past President – Bill Hughes

Treasurer – Tom Murphy Legal Liaison – Jeff Nilsson

Membership – Bob Fitzsimmons

Neighborhood Security – Jim Townsend

Planning – John Gioia

Social – Claire Phelen

Officers Absent

Carolyn McDermott

The February 3, 2006, Board Meeting was called to order at 8:40 a.m. by Chick Petrosino, President. Minutes of the January 6, 2006 Board Meeting were approved with no objections. Mr. Petrosino stated that in talking to Roberts Rules educator he will change the format of next months meeting. He will incorporate the lessons that he and Jeff Nilsson have learned in their classes. It was suggested that the Presidents report go first so motions taken can be acted upon and move the meeting along faster. He has taken this under advisement and will do.

Officer and Directors Reports

Joe Sabatino-Vice President

Mr. Sabatino stated that he had very little to report as Mr. Gioia and Mr. Nilsson had taken over the majority of his previous reporting responsibilities which he is very grateful for. Mr. Sabatino did report on the upcoming newsletter and how the survey that was taken would be handled. It will be broken into two categories: (l) BSI Issues and (2) Community Issues. The survey reported that we do have very strong support from our active membership in that we should be pro-active regarding Deed Restrictions, By-Law Changes, etc. Landscaping was clearly a mandate of the responses plus more meetings for the membership. Mr. Sabatino recommended that he & Mr. Petrosino set a meeting with Howard Kunik, City Manager, to review the raw survey to see how we are doing as a community but, more important, how the city is doing in response.

Community Issues were very important and a Community Wide Organization is very much supported. LDR’s were of great confusion by the membership survey.

Highest concern was the beautification of Hwy 4l South of Aqui Esta. We need to report to the city that our citizens are very mindful of this project and are anxious to see something happen. Annexation was another issue that is not fully understood and they would like to understand the City’s position more clearly.

Mr. Sabatino discussed Volunteerism and reported that 62 families have volunteered to work in some capacity for the neighborhood. Mr. Nilsson recommended that we immediately respond with a thank you to those that have volunteered via email so that we do not lose touch. After a lengthy discussion Mr. Nilsson recommended that we form a committee to organize volunteers and how their talents can be used for neighborhood issues and report back to the Board in March with an action plan. Mr. Nilsson volunteered to chair with Terri Miller and Bob Fitzsimmons as committee members.

Tom Murphy - Treasurer

Mr. Murphy reported that Les Totten is currently working on the audit for 2005. Balance sheets labeled as of December 31., 2005 were distributed and explained. No questions. Balance sheets as of January 31, 2006, were distributed. After review & explanation there were no questions. Mr. Murphy noted that our accounts have now been moved to Bank of America due to transaction limitations with Wachovia. Bank of America has agreed to waive the limitations for January and February. A full explanation was given by Mr. Murphy.

At 8:56 a.m. Mr. Petrosino halted the report from Mr. Murphy for a 15 minute presentation from Mr. Steve Helgemo of Valetta Court. This is in regard to his request for a 6’ fence around a portion of his property. A copy of the drawing and request is on file with the secretary. After Mr. Helgemo’s presentation and a question and answer period with discussion, the Board thanked him for coming and assured him that a timely response would be given. Mr. Petrosino stated that all would be taken under advisement that was reported and would be discussed during the regular meeting today.

At 9:17 a.m. Mr. Murphy’s report continued as follows:

Mr. Murphy continued with an explanation of the Profit & Loss budget vs. Actual thru January, 2006. It was explained that a $6,000.00 check was written to the City of Punta Gorda per our previous agreement for beautification of the entry ways on Monaco and Madrid. The check was given to Nancy Brewster to be delivered to the City. Claire Phelen recommended that a Donation Category be added and Joe Sabatino suggested that we go forward with that at this time. Bill Hughes recommended that anytime a new category is needed because too many things fall into miscellaneous that Mr. Murphy have the discretion to set that up. All agreed.

Mr. Murphy reported on the status of the CD’s and Insurance renewal. His recommendation is that we roll over our 4 month CD’s to 6 month CD’s with a 4.25 interest. This will be with State Farm. After discussion it was agreed that this action be taken. Mr. Murphy suggested that we look at opening a Money Market Account. After discussion it was agreed that this has been the Treasurer’s decision in the past and would move forward in that direction. It was agreed upon that the present insurance coverage be continued as is.

New Member initiation fees were discussed and where those monies should be placed. Mr. Murphy suggested that we earmark those fees to the legal fund. Claire Phelen stated that this would have to be voted on by the Membership. After much discussion it was agreed that it would remain as is for the time being. The next Voting Membership Meeting is scheduled for November, 2006 and could be presented at that time.

Mr. Murphy asked about the necessity of bonding for the treasurer. It was agreed that he is covered and this issue would be by-passed at this time but may be addressed at a later date.

Mr. Murphy stated that he would be out of town for the month of February and the check book would be delivered to Mr. Petrosino. Written report & balance sheets are on file with the secretary.

Bob Fitzsimmons - Membership

Mr. Fitzsimmons reported that we presently have 407 members, 24 new members with 207 members that have not renewed at this time. A committee has been formed that will start calling immediately to remind those that have not rejoined. It was suggested that a sign be posted at our entry ways in January to remind members of dues. This will be discussed at a later date. Mr. Fitzsimmons asked that Board Members think of new ideas to encourage residents to join the Association and email him with those ideas. The new directory is due to be out the first week of April.

Bill Hughes recommended that one last email go out reminding everyone that dues are currently due. Email will be sent to Dave Phelen for distribution.

Mr. Fitzsimmons written report is on file with secretary.

Claire Phelen - Social Chairman

Mrs. Phelen reported that the next Membership meeting will be held on March 6, 2006 at the Twin Isles Country Club. The Association has to guarantee 80 persons for dinner at $27.00 per person. Information will be in the upcoming newsletter. It was reported that this is not a business meeting but an informational meeting therefore no quorum will be needed. Mr. Petrosino reported that a room charge of $600.00 was bartered for free advertising for our next two meetings so there will be no room charge.

Mrs. Phelen reported that a suggestion was made that we put together a cocktail party or dinner among New Members and that a bridge club or other game club be started. Sign up sheets will be put out at the March meeting to see if there is any interest in either. Mr. Sabatino suggested that the Volunteer Committee put that on their agenda to see if there is a real interest.

Mrs. Phelen reported on the City Beautification project. She stated that on Madrid, on the corners of Tripoli and Madrid, the corners of Monaco and Tripoli and the corner of Albacete and Tripoli, there are white flags where trees or palms will be placed. Mr. Murphy asked if there would be coordination with Dennis Frichette of The Villas and the City in the placement of the palms. Mrs. Phelen reported that The City Beautification Committee has asked that the Washingtonian Palms be replaced with Royal Palms. Mrs. Phelen reported that this is all being coordinated with City Planning.

Mr. Petrosino asked Mr. Murphy to report on Mr. Frichette’s willingness to participate with BSI regarding landscaping. Mr. Murphy reported that he is very anxious to work with BSIA up to and including making a financial contribution to BSIA for landscaping in the Monaco area.

Landscape drawings for Hwy 41, Madrid and Monaco were passed out for review and are on file with the Secretary. These were brought to City Beautification in August, 2005 and Mrs. Phelen reported that this would not be implemented until mid 2007. There was much discussion regarding the beautification of 41, and the lack thereof, from Aqui Esta South. Mrs. Phelen reported that this is all being paid by the State and not the City. Mr. Petrosino stated that SCCC is looking to champion a challenge and this could be an area that we should get involved in as it definitely affects BSI. Mrs. Phelen made a plea for volunteers from our community to become involved with the different Boards. Jeff Nilsson requested that the information regarding open vacancies on the Boards and what is needed be put into an email to him and he will present to the Volunteer Committee.

John Gioia - Planning Director

Mr. Gioia reported that he attended 2 Council Meetings and 1 Planning Meeting in the month of January. Bill Hughes took him to City Hall to introduce to City Planner. Mr. Gioia reported that the Planning Board passed a multi-use variance for the property on Rt 41 and Monaco. The principal, Mr. Katz, will now proceed to the City Council for approval to build mixed use condos and business on that property. He, also, reported on a variance request for a boat lift on Mondovi Ct. After discussion regarding this variance Mr. Hughes recommended that Mr. Gioia email Board Members if he needs guidance or help if there is no immediate Board Meeting.

Mr. Gioia reported that Mr. Katz will be going to Planning on February 15th. Prior to this meeting, Mr. Katz will meet on February 7 th with Mr. Gioia, Mr. Petrosino and Mr. Sabatino. At this time he will go over his plans for the property at the corner of 41 and Monaco and their effect on and benefit to our community.

Mr. Gioia reported on several issues that were discussed at City Council which do not directly affect BSI.

Mr. Gioia’s written report is on file with the Secretary.

Mr. Petrosino stated as “A Point of Interest”…… FPL is now offering to any community who wishes to go with underground utilities, a 25% participation. Mr. Petrosino said he wanted to bring this to the Board’s attention as it may be something to look at again in the future.

Bob Semer - Special Projects

Mr. Semer noted that the entry way beautification of Monaco and Madrid is moving forward at a good pace. The check given to Nancy Brewster will be delivered immediately to the City. He reported that Linda Dobrian will now be working with the cul-de-sacs and that Elaine Gil has offered to help when needed.

Jeff Nilsson - Legal Liaison

Mr. Nilsson reported that he and Mr. Petrosino have begun the Robert’s Rules of Order and are becoming quite proficient.

Mr Nilsson reported that he, Dave Phelen, and Frank Petrosino met with Attorney Ed Wotitzky to discuss our needs and desires and his ability to represent us. He, also, reported that he has done an initial review of the Bylaws and Deed Restrictions in an attempt to get up to speed on both issues.

Mr. Nilsson reported that he had forwarded the frustrated notes from Ed Zapke with SCCC. He reported that he believes Mr. Zapke is looking to BSIA to see if they have a cause they would like to Champion and they will support us. Mr. Petrosino read SCCC’s Mission Statement. Different “causes and issues” were discussed at length and where we might go with them. Mr. Nilsson asked if there is some one area that we wish to take the lead on and they will Marshall Troops behind us. After further discussion and reading of Mr. Zapke’s letter the consensus of the Board is to bring the beautification of 41 and a traffic study of the area within a mile radius of Burnt Store Rd and 41 as suggestions to SCCC. Mr. Nilsson thanked the Board and stated that he has a direction.

Mr. Nilsson’s written report and letter from Mr. Zapke are on file with the Secretary.

Jim Townsend - Neighborhood Security

Mr. Townsend reported that he strongly agrees with Directors notes being sent via email before each meeting and encourages this to continue.

Mr. Townsend reported on the findings regarding video surveillance systems for BSI. He will continue to research this system. Mr. Petrosino reported that he and Tom Murphy had spoken with Dennis Frichette of The Villas and he strongly agrees that a Security System is certainly an enhancement to the community. After lengthy discussion it was determined that our Neighborhood Watch Program needs to get up and running first and this is something that we can come back to at a later date.

Mr. Townsend and Mr. Petrosino met with Sgt. Melissa Reynolds to discuss the Neighborhood Watch Program. She is very interested in getting the NWP up and running soon. Mr. Townsend will actively work with her toward this goal.The quarterly BSIA newsletter is asking for NWP volunteers. Mr. Townsend then explained how the Teams will work once they are established and set up.

Mr. Townsend reported that he contacted Rick Keeney with the City and was successful in getting “No Fishing” signs posted on the City Lot at the lock. Mr. Petrosino noted his letter to Howard Kunik regarding the City Lot at the end of Candia Drive.

Follow-up regarding the undeveloped property next to the Ducasse residence was reported on by Mr. Townsend. Mr. Petrosino suggested a letter go out to all vacant property owners to ask for “No Trespassing” signs. Joe Sabatino suggested that this be added to the agenda for the next Board meeting. In the meantime Mr. Petrosino suggested a letter be drafted and presented to our Attorney for review.

Mr. Nilsson commended Mr. Townsend for his written report and suggested that we accept the report “as is” unless there are questions. Mr. Petrosino stated he had planned to ask that all written reports be accepted unless there are questions concerning areas of the report for future meetings. This would help to move the Board Meeting at a faster rate and leave more time to address New Business. Mr. Petrosino asked if there were any objections to this. Mr. Murphy stated his concern regarding finances. It was stated that the Treasurer’s report would need to be verbal and on the records. Mr. Murphy asked if the reports needed to be in detail and not an outline. Mr. Petrosino answered yes to the question.

Mr. Townsend continued with discussion regarding vacant lots with posting of No Trespassing signs. Mr. Petrosino reported on phone call from a Ms. Sandra Diaz regarding trash on her lot on Tripoli. The No Trespass signs were explained to her and how she could post on her property.

Mr. Townsend’s report is on file with the Secretary.

At this point a general discussion ensued regarding the following:

A suggestion was made to Mr. Townsend that BSIA’s newsletter be done in recycled paper to be more cost effective. This is being looked into. Also, pictures of the new Board Members will be in the next newsletter. It was also noted that Nancy Prafke, who is editor of the Boat Club’s Up-The-Creeker Newsletter, has offered to work with BSIA in putting their newsletter together. She is willing to help format.

A copy of the City Ordinance was sent from Rick Keeney regarding Fishing from the Seawalls to Mr. Townsend. This will be filed with the Secretary. A note will go into the next newsletter plus we will ask The Boat Club to, also, mention it in their next newsletter. Bill Hughes will give this information to Chuck Will. Mr. Townsend recommended that Bill Grant be noticed at the next Membership Meeting for his efforts in gathering trash in the neighborhood. Tom Murphy noted that there have been general clean-ups in the neighborhood in the past. It was suggested that Bob Semer put this on his calendar for a future project.

Terry Miller - Community Standards

Mrs. Miller stated that she was asked to come up with a complaint form which she suggests should be in the newsletter, an application form for BSIA Board Approval of any planned changes to exterior appearance or change in land use and a proposed form letter to owner/renter for deed restriction violation. These forms were presented to the Board as a first draft for review. Mr. Sabatino suggested that the architectural committee work on these drafts and present at the March Board meeting. These can then be presented at the next General Membership meeting. Discussion followed. It was agreed that all would do their own editing regarding the letters and email recommendations to Mrs. Miller. These suggestions should be given to Mrs. Miller by the 20 th of February so that she and her committee can meet before the March Board meeting.

Deed restrictions were discussed at length and the fact that all property owners should have a booklet with the Deed Restrictions. This will be addressed in more detail at a later date. Mr. Hughes commended Mrs. Miller for her efforts in putting these letters together for review. Several property violations were discussed to bring Mrs. Miller up to date.

Mrs. Miller’s written report is on file with the Secretary.

Bill Hughes – Immediate Past President

Let it be noted that Mr. Hughes transferred the Inventory of the Lock Box to Mr. Petrosino on this date.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Mr. Hughes recognized Nancy Brewster for the work that has been done in regard to the entryways into BSI.

There was lengthy discussion on LDR’s regarding the overlay districts. Mr. Steve Helgemo’s request was the main issue. After discussion, Mr. Sabatino recommended that a meeting be set with Randy Wright in reference to codes and move forward from there. Mr. Semer recommended that a meeting be set with Terry Tubbs or Dennis Murphy for clarification. It was Moved/Seconded (Sabatino/Miller) that we obtain a formal, legal opinion to tell us which article in our Deed Restrictions we can relay on in this particularcase going forward. Mr. Hughes recommended that before we go out and spend money on an attorney we get an opinion from the City. Mr. Sabatino amended his motion that we get a City Opinion rendered and if it is still an open item we will then proceed with getting the necessary legal opinion so that we can respond to our homeowners request. The motion carried with one nay. It was the Board’s agreement that we have an answer before the March Board Meeting for Mr. Helgemo.

Mr. Hughes read the latest letter from Mr. Stan Munson of Madrid Ct. After discussion it was determined that Mr. Hughes would talk to the appropriate City official to see their position before responding to Mr. Munson.

NEW BUSINESS:

Mr. Petrosino reported that a meeting with the new manager of Twin Isles Country Club went very well.

Mr. Semer, Mrs. Miller and Mr. Petrosino met with Randy Wright to be brought up to date on the four houses that are to be demolished.

Mr. Petrosino shared information on his meeting with Jim Merillo, builder and developer in the area for 30 years regarding exteriors, etc. in regard to our deed restrictions. A lengthy discussion was then held regarding these issues.

Dave Phelen, Mr. Nilsson & Mr. Petrosino met with Attorney Ed Wotitzky in regard to his continuing to represent BSIA. He has a flat rate of $250.00 per hour with an average of $215.00 when using Associates. It was Moved/Seconded (Nilsson/Sabatino) that we retain The Wotitzky Law Firm as ourlegal council for the year 2006. Passed unanimously.

Mr. Petrosino & Mr. Murphy met with Dennis Frichette of The Villas. All names of new owners will be given to Mr. Murphy so that he and Mr. Fitzsimmons can utilize for membership contacts. Mr. Fitzsimmons will make contact with Viscaya in order to give them information on membership into the association.

The Villa deed restrictions were discussed. Mondovi Bay will be contacted regarding theirs. Mr. Petrosino reported that the underlying document is always Section 15 according to Attorney Wotitzky. These are the underlying Deed Restrictions. They can be layered on it will always filter down to Section 15.

A letter to Mr. Kunik, builders and the general population will be drafted regarding trespassing on empty lots per Mr. Petrosino.

Mr. Petrosino received a call from Mr. Dave Godzak who owns property on Toulouse Ct. requesting the burying of a propane tank. Permission was given. It was noted that this will be rental property.

After discussion of Open House signs, it was Moved/Seconded(Sabatino/Nilsson) that we go to the Charlotte County Board of Realtors with a 90 day trial period of allowing Open House signs to conform to the current size of 6X8 inches. They are to be put up on the day of Open House no earlier than 9 a.m. and down no later than 5 p.m. for each day of Open House. It is the responsibility of the Realtor to remove. If there is more than oneviolation in the 90 day period we will recind the right to useOpen House signs. After further discussion the Motion was Amended/Seconded (Murphy/Gioia) to read: We retain the requirement of timing for placement and removal of the signs on a daily basis but allow the full and customary size sign that will directtraffic to the appropriate house. After continued debate, Mr. Semer moved to postpone the motion until the March 3 rd Board Meeting. Mr.Townsend seconded. Passed with one nay.

Mr. Hughes gave information regarding the upcoming Parade of Homes to Mr. Petrosino to follow through on.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:16 p.m. by acclamation.

Next Meeting is Friday, March 3, 2006 unless otherwise notified.

Respectfully submitted,

Nancy Brewster for

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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