Subscribe to Journal

Wednesday, January 25th 2012

3:34 PM

As Golf Declines, Life On The Links Ain't What It Used To Be....




Wednesday morning while I was shopping at Publix,  I ran into a long time resident of Sun 'n Lake.  We talked awhile and then he  asked, when I thought the Board of Supervisors would do something about the financial problems facing the golf operation?  My response was, " nothing."

Club memberships are dropping at an alarming rate.  Seven years ago 500+ residents were members.  In 2012 50+ members did not renew, leaving about 230 memberships.

All five board members are golfers, two have openly stated any and all monies needed for the operation, maintenance and upgrades of both courses should come out of the General Fund.  Guglielmi has already suggested the greens on Turtle Run be retrofitted like Deer Run.  Many act as though monies for the golf operation are an entitlement.

All things in the world have a natural rise and fall.  Golf has hit its zenith and is in decline.  The question now before us is how are we all going and work this out?

If nothing is done the 94% of residents who are not golfers will be left two choices:

1) Use the election process to replace unresponsive members.

2) Bring suit against Sun 'n Lake.

Please read the article below.  I hope you find informative.


Communities and clubs suffer as fewer take up sport

By Mike Perrault and Keith Matheny
USA TODAY

Palm Springs, Calif.-Bill Asley traveled the northwest for 30 years as a wholesale furniture sales representative which gave him plenty of time to contemplate a retirement filled with golf and warm winter days.

Now, six decades after discovering his passion for the game, he can pull his golf cart out of the garage and drive a minute to Mountain Vista Golf Club, in the resort community of Sun City Palm Desert Calif., about 120 miles east of Los Angeles.
 
"I love the game" said Ashley, who plays as many as five days a week, watches the Golf Channel religiously and has been to the Masters tournament twice.  "If I couldn't play, I'm not sure what I'd do."

Ashley is the kind of die-hard golfer and second-home buyer who has driven much of the real estate growth in  California's Coachella Valley and other golf-oriented residential areas such as those near Los Vegas, in Arizona, Florida and elsewhere.

But, fewer Bill Ashleys are coming.

"We're not getting replacements for those people, " said real estate analyst Lou Goodkin, president of Miami-based Goodkin Consulting.

There are fewer golfers, fewer golfers, fewer people who can pay high amounts to buy into a club.  There's doing to be a lot more people out there that are challenged in their retirement years than we've had in the past.

Gold resort communities are bleeding money and members, as the recession exposed the vulnerability of the business model that create an unbreakable linkage between golf and real estate.

In the nine cities of the Coachella Valley, including Palm Springs, where  multiple presidents, Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra swung the clubs and lived in golf-centric resorts, today nearly one out of every four homes for sale is on a golf course

"We're entering a new normal." said Pete Halter, chairman of the Halter Cos., an Atlanta firm that advises developers.  "We can't think this will be over soon.  things have changed for good.

Among the forces reshaping the relationship between golf and real estate.
 
1) Fewer people play golf, and Baby Boomers don't have the time, money or interest in the game that their parents did.  The number of golfers in the U.S. has fallen by 13% in the past five years, according to National Golf foundation statistics.  the number of golf rounds played nationwide l st year through November was down 3.5% from the previous year, according to the foundation.

2) Nationally, golf memberships have dropped by a million since the early 1990s, and of the 3,400 courses across the country in the past decade, 93% are daily fee courses, according to industry associations.  Coachella Valley golf resorts have responded by slashing often six-figure club memberships by as much as 70%. The decline of golf real estate extends to other parts of the country.

3) In Missouri, the Sikeston Country Club, about 145 miles south of St. Louis, closed last month after nearly 55 years of operation.

4) Paulson & Co. a large hedge fund owning five high-profile golf resorts, including Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa in Hawaii, the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa in Phoenix, Doral Golf Resort and Spa in Miami and PGA West in La Quinta, Calif., filed for Chapter 11 reorganization last February.  Paulson, in it's bankruptcy filing, cited an economic downturn that in recent years caused the resorts to lose more than two-thirds of there annual operating revenue.

5) The Club at Cordillera near Vail, Colo., opened only one of its four golf courses last spring, with owners claiming they lost more than $6 millkion in 2010.  Club owners and homeowners have sued one another after many residents balked at paying 50% higher dues than last year, from $12,000 to$18,000, while amenities were out cut.

Resort communities are ready beginning to offer fewer golf courses, and high-priced courses designed by top golfers or famous architects will become rarer,  Goodkin said.  Allowing non-residents onto club courses and letting them pay by the round will become more prevalent as a way to control costs within golf communities, he daid.

"There will be a lot more focus on soft amenities - education, fitness and health programs - not just playing golf four or five times per week," he said.

 
1 comment(s) / leave comment

Saturday, January 21st 2012

7:31 PM

POA Meeting 1.23.2012....


POA

January 2012 Monthly Meeting

Monday, January 23, 2012 at 7:00 PM

Community Center - 3500 Edgewater

Drive, Sebring, Florida 33872


0 comment(s) / leave comment

Friday, January 20th 2012

11:01 PM

Landowners and BOS Meeting....




Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring Improvement District
Board of Supervisors
Regular Meeting and Landowners Meeting
Friday, January 27, 2012 at 9:00 A.M.
Community Center – 3500 Edgewater Drive, Sebring, Florida 33872

AGENDA

1. Call to order – President Miller
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Announcements:
a. Next regular meeting is scheduled for Friday, February 10, 2012 at 9:00 A.M. at the Community Center, 3500 Edgewater Drive, Sebring, FL 33872
4. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Minutes of the Regular Board of Supervisors Meeting held Friday, January 13, 2012
b. Acknowledge receipt of the Treasurer’s Report including District Financials and Golf Operations Financials for the month of December 2011
Motion to approve Consent Agenda
5. ACTION AGENDA
a. Adjourn Sine Die
b. Annual Landowners Meeting
1. Call to Order – President Miller
2. Acknowledgement of Quorum present “majority of the acreage represented either by owner or proxy present and voting at said meeting need to carry and vote”
3. Nomination of Chairman
4. Nomination of Secretary
5. Minutes of Landowners Meeting held January 28, 2011
6. Discussion of Updated Landowner Election Procedures
7. Annual Report by District Manager
8. Unfinished Business
9. New Business
10. Adjournment
c. Reconvene Regular Board of Supervisors Meeting – President Miller

Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring Improvement District
Board of Supervisors
Regular Meeting and Landowners Meeting
Friday, January 27, 2012 at 9:00 A.M.
Community Center – 3500 Edgewater Drive, Sebring, Florida 33872

d. Election of Officers to the Board
1. President
2. Vice President
3. Treasurer
4. Secretary
e. Resolution 2012-1/27-07: A resolution of the Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring Improvement District to approve a Change Order with the contract with UIT, LLC for repairs to the sewer gravity lines
f. Resolution 2012-1/27-08: A resolution of the Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring Improvement District to reject all bids received for security services, and to implement the provision of security services by the District in-house, and to approach a budget amendment for funding such services
6. Add-on items
7. Petitions and Communications
a. Letter from Pat Holmes with Sebring Group to host AA District 3 breakfast at the Community Center
8. Staff Reports
a. Community Services Monthly Report
b. Florida Anti Crime Security Monthly Report
9. General Counsel Report - John McClure
10. General Manager Report - Michael Wright
11. Unfinished Business
12. New Business
13. Committee Reports
14. Public Comments
Public Comments will be limited to three minutes, however, another two minutes may be allowed. A maximum of five minutes is allowed for public comments. Inquiries may be made during this time and responses will be forthcoming in written form.
15. Discussion to/from Board
16. Adjournment
0 comment(s) / leave comment

Monday, January 16th 2012

7:28 AM

Special Board Meeting 1.17.2012....




Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring Improvement District
Board of Supervisors
Special Meeting
Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 6:00 P.M.
Community Center – 3500 Edgewater Drive, Sebring, Florida 33872

AGENDA

1. Call to order – President Miller
2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. ACTION AGENDA

a. Resolution 2012-1/13-06: A resolution of the Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring Improvement District to approve that certain Amended and Restated Forbearance Agreement with Fifth Third Bank regarding the Unit 16, Area A and Area C, assessments

4. Public Comments

Public Comments will be limited to three minutes, however, another two minutes may be allowed. A maximum of five minutes is allowed for public comments. Inquiries may be made during this time and responses will be forthcoming in written form.

5. Discussion to/from Board
6. Adjournment
0 comment(s) / leave comment

Thursday, January 12th 2012

12:26 AM

Garcia Pleads To Cheating, Other Charges Dismissed....





By: JOE SEELIG Highlands Today
Published: January 12, 2012

Bail bondsman and owner of a RGA Services Inc., Robert Reed Garcia, pleaded no contest to a charge of cheating and was sentenced to two years of felony probation in court Monday.

Garcia, 48, of 7325 Coral Ridge Road, Sebring, was arrested in 2009 on three counts of grand theft and one count of scheming to defraud. He had been free on $4,000 bond.

However, according to Highlands County Clerk of Courts Robert Germaine, in reference to the 2009 case, a decision was orally made in the courtroom Monday to not prosecute Garcia, and the four charges were terminated and dismissed.

A new case was opened Monday, charging Garcia with cheating, to which Garcia pleaded no contest in his best interest and adjudication was withheld.

Garcia was arrested Monday on the cheating charge and released on his own recognizance by the court, and criminal registered on Tuesday.

The plea deal shows Garcia is ordered to make restitution to Placid Lakes Home Property Association starting within 60 days of $75 per month, and a to-be-determined amount to the Sebring Airport Authority.

There was no mention in the court documents of any restitution to Sun 'n Lake of Sebring, which was named in the 2009 charges.

Garcia was ordered to pay the Highlands County Sheriff's Office $750 in investigation fees, a fine of $200 and cost of $428; plus a $250 prosecution fee.

Garcia said Wednesday that he was pleased with the way things have happened, but said there were still some issues with the dollar amounts that will be resolved within the next 20 to 60 days.

"The ground work has been laid and has not yet been completed," he said. "There is a money issue…"

On March 2, 2009, allegations were made that Garcia fraudulently billed clients, such as Sebring Regional Airport, Sun 'n Lake of Sebring and Placid Lakes Home Property Association in Lake Placid, for security services that were not provided.

Investigators alleged the total dollar amount owed relating to lapses of paid-for security services was: $2,511.36 from Sun 'n Lake; $7,645 from the Sebring Regional Airport; and $1,812.19 from Placid Lakes.

Those are the allegations that have been dropped, Garcia said.

The new charge of cheating to which he pled came out during the depositions, which Garcia called an "appropriate charge that involves staffing issues."

In the interim, licenses for R.G.A. Services, his security company and bail bonds company, have been temporarily suspended pending the outcome, but the telephone numbers were still active, Garcia said.

0 comment(s) / leave comment

Friday, January 6th 2012

8:32 PM

Board Meeting - 1-13-12....




Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring Improvement District
Board of Supervisors
Regular Meeting
Friday, January 13, 2012 at 9:00 A.M.
Community Center – 3500 Edgewater Drive, Sebring, Florida 33872

AGENDA

1. Call to order – President Miller
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Announcements:
a. Next regular meeting is scheduled for Friday, January 27, 2012 at 9:00 A.M. at the Community Center, 3500 Edgewater Drive, Sebring, FL 33872

4. CONSENT AGENDA

A. Minutes of the Regular Board of Supervisors Meeting held Friday, December 9, 2011
b. Acknowledge receipt of the Treasurer’s Report including District Financials and Golf Operations Financials for the month of September 2011
Motion to approve Consent Agenda

5. ACTION AGENDA

a. Resolution 2012-1/13-01: A resolution of the Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring Improvement District to award the bid for the clearing, preparation, and installation of approximately 6,050 square feet of concrete sidewalk along Edgewater Drive and Sunrise Drive

b. Resolution 2012-1/13-02: A resolution of the Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring Improvement District to approve emergency repairs to a failed storm drain, and culvert, and Florida Avenue roadway restoration

c. Resolution 2012-1/13-03: A resolution of the Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring Improvement District to transfer ownership of Lot 3, Block 348, Unit 16, to DFC, Inc., a Delaware Corporation, in recognition of an improper transfer to Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring Improvement District by NRP of Sun ‘n Lake, LLC

d. Resolution 2012-1/13-04: A resolution of the Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring Improvement District approving the 2012 Employee Holiday Schedule for District employees

e. Resolution 2012-1/13-05: A resolution of the Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring Improvement District approving the 2012 Meeting Schedule for the Regular
6. Add-on items

7. Petitions and Communications
8. Staff Reports
a. Community Services Monthly Report
b. Florida Anti Crime Security Monthly Report
c. Code Enforcement Monthly Report
9. General Counsel Report - John McClure
a. Litigation Report
b. Foreclosure Report
10. General Manager Report - Michael Wright
a. Discussion - Unarmed Security Service
11. Unfinished Business
12. New Business
13. Committee Reports
14. Public Comments
Public Comments will be limited to three minutes, however, another two minutes may be allowed. A maximum of five minutes is allowed for public comments. Inquiries may be made during this time and responses will be forthcoming in written form.
15. Discussion to/from Board
16. Adjournment
0 comment(s) / leave comment

Sunday, January 1st 2012

5:21 PM

Ex Sun 'n Lake Supervisor Lands In Jail....




In the Sunday edition Highlands Today picked the Top Ten Stores of 2011.  Holding the Number 6 spot was our friend and neighbor Mr. Severino.

Good Reading.

No. 6

Robert Severino, former Sun 'n Lake Improvement District supervisor, spent Christmas in a place that would be last on people's list: the Highlands County Jail.

The once powerful Sun 'n Lake politician has been in custody since September. After being on the lam for nearly two months and missing three court appearances, Severino turned himself in a few weeks after his 63rd birthday, and has been sitting in a jail cell ever since.

His legal troubles began in March when he bounced 13 checks totaling nearly $211,000 for contracts he signed with Sun 'n Lake residents to negotiate lower water and sewer bond prices, according to a warrant affidavit filed by Highlands County sheriff's Detective Hank Smith.

Despite repeated requests for payment, Severino "made no attempt" to make good on the checks, the detective added.

Then Severino's problems snowballed. In all, Severino faces several charges of grand theft, larceny and failing to appear in court, and remains in jail with no bond. According to Highlands County Courthouse records, he faces 38 total charges.

Investigators allege that Severino bilked Sun 'n Lake homeowners out of more than $250,000, sheriff's spokeswoman Nell Hays told Highlands Today in an earlier report. His case is still winding its way through the court system.
0 comment(s) / leave comment

Thursday, December 29th 2011

2:40 PM

Puffenberger Fired....



Shortly after Mr. Hawthorne fired Puffenberger, he was fired.  Within a week Mr. Puffenberger was the new general manager.  How do think that happened?

Quickly Mr. Hawthorne's was fired.  His dismissal was wrapped in a very proper resignation letter, that was window dressing.  

The District was in negations with NRPI for the purchase of all the vacant lots in Sun 'n Lake.  It appears Mr. Hawthorne was insisting on conditions more favorable for the District.  Apparently NRPI was unhappy.
 

Dear Mr. Puffenberger:

As you know, Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring District employees fall under the direct purview of the General Manager and are accountable to the General Manager as the chief administrative officer of the district.  With this in mind, I previously distributed and promulgated a Team Creed to serve as a guide for all employees to follow throughout their tenure with the district. 

Among other professional principles, let me remind you that the Team Creed provides for the following:  “…to keep politics out of the professional administration of the government, and to develop only proper relationships with members of the governing body.  Your actions and conduct should always fall under the protective coverings of the professional and ethical umbrella. 

Our professional responsibilities require limiting political persuasion and influence.  If an elected official tells or asks you to do something, acknowledge the request respectfully.  If you think that the request is improper, call or meet with the General Manager.”  

And finally, “If an elected official asks for information and a memorandum is generated, send a copy to the General Manager.  If an elected official asks for information which you believe is in the best interest of the organization for the General Manager to know about, inform the General Manager prior to your verbal or written response.”

From the beginning of my tenure until now, I have consistently advised you and staff of the importance of these and other principles of professional administration.  You have, quite simply, failed to respect or uphold them, willfully undermining our purpose.  In addition to you continually bad-mouthing administration (the General Manager, in particular, as well as others) and demoralizing employees, you have formed and maintained questionable relationships with board members.  I am aware indirectly that you were an active participant and contributed funds to the campaigns of current incumbents in the last election.  

These types of activities are remindful of political cronyism and not acceptable, if not unethical, in a professionally based local government administration.

Last Friday, July 23, I learned through your own confession that you were in the communication loop with board supervisor(s) on surprise legislation meaningfully affecting administrative duties.  You failed to inform me of this most critical issue which is in direct violation of the Team Creed and which causes me to seriously question your ethics, judgment and ability to uphold your professional responsibility to the administration and to the district as a whole.

With my late knowledge of your having played a role in this “bomb shell” information in which the Highlands Today in a recent article and editorial has questioned possible violation of Florida’s Government-in-the-Sunshine Law, I now recognize my delinquency in not more effectively dealing with your improper relationships with board members and continued disruption of the professional
management of this organization.  

Your employment contract expired on June 30, 2004.  With a full complement of qualified and expert professional staff now in place, including the previous reclassification of the Operations Manager position, your service with Sun ‘n Lake
of Sebring Improvement District is terminated, effective immediately, with the delivery of this letter.

 Very truly yours,

 Stanley D. Hawthorne  

1 comment(s) / leave comment

Tuesday, December 27th 2011

11:04 PM

Severino Update....



Former Supervisor Robert Severino, now a jailed felon, is scheduled to appear in court February 22, 2012.

At the request of Severino's attorney the December 21, 2011 court date was continued to a new date in 2012.
2 comment(s) / leave comment

Tuesday, December 20th 2011

2:15 PM

New Buisness in Sebring....



A new building is under construction on Highway 27.  It's located on the west side of Highway 27, next to the entrance of Sun 'n Lake Waste Disposal Plant.  When completed Retinacory LLC will open their new Sebring office.

Retinacorp LLC has a location in Winter Haven, FL. Active officers include David M Misch, Adam Berger, Suk Jin Moon, Richard S Hamilton, Michael Tolentino and Karen Gehrs. Retinacorp LLC filed as a Florida Limited Liability on Thursday, July 24, 2008 in the state of Florida and is currently active. David M Misch serves as the registered agent for this organization.

0 comment(s) / leave comment

Sunday, December 18th 2011

5:59 PM

Improvement Districts Should Be Revoked....




This letter to the editor appeared in the News Sun.  Take a few minutes and read it.  What do you think?

Editor:

The board and manager of Spring Lake Improvement District are again trying to change our charter so as to steal our home and property rights. All state counties should investigate improvement districts in their counties. They are a detriment to property values and add to home and property foreclosure. They are a threat to all home and property owners in Florida.

All Florida counties should ask the governor to revoke the small state entities called improvement districts. They are duplicating county government. The way the board members are elected is not a democratic process, but rather a good old boys club. It is government gone rogue. They tend to create a power grab, changing the charters to give themselves unlimited power over the home and property owners. They are a corrupt form of government causing the loss of home and property values. They try to set up a city form of government which can and will bankrupt small villages.

Billie E. Jewett
Sebring

2 comment(s) / leave comment

Thursday, December 15th 2011

12:08 PM

Where Are They Now?



Ann Mitchell and her husband are living and working in Maryland, Washington D.C. Metro Area.

Mrs. Mitchell is an Administrative Assistant at Fredericksburg Area Builders Association.  She started working there October 2011.

The Fredericksburg Area Builders Association, chartered in 1968 and incorporated in 1980, represents thousands of people whose livelihoods are directly tied to the building and building-related industries.

We wish Mr. And Mrs. Mitchell good fortune.
0 comment(s) / leave comment

Wednesday, December 14th 2011

2:49 PM

Sun 'n Lake Bully....



Warning

The "Sun 'n Lake Bully" strikes again.  Two residents n the rear parking area behind the Pro Shop were talking.  Suddenly and uninvited the "SNL Bully" approached them laced they with a vile and nasty tirade of fowl talk and acquisitions.

The "SNL Bully" strikes without warning.  Most of the reports come from around golf club house and golf courses.  In one incident the Highlands County Sheriffs department was called.

If approached by someone who could be the "Bully" do the following:

1) Do not disagree with him - He seems to know everything.
2) Do not talk about anything concerning golf- Again, he seems to know everything.
3) Do not attempt to appeal to his better nature.  So far none been found.

These bulling and verbal confrontations have a long history here at Sun 'n Lake.

If you have any information about the "Sun 'n Lake Bully"  call the District office and ask for Mr. Wright.

Be on the look out - Help your community

0 comment(s) / leave comment

Tuesday, December 13th 2011

12:38 PM

Dumb and Dumber....



In less than a year two popular seats will go before the voters.  Halbig and Johnson terms are over.  Neither has indicated if they will seek re-election.  Guglielmi will face the residents in January 2013 at the Land Owners Meeting.

The three member of the board driving the improvements, in all areas, of the Districts are Board President Richard Miller, Supervisor and former President Dave Halbig and Supervisor Gene Gangemi.  Their ideas, leadership and character have removed the stink and corruption that permeated the District.

According to Mr. Wright, "The District is in sound financial condition."  In the last 2 budget years assessments were not increased.  Remember when we faced 28% increase in assessments over 2 years.  Thank Mr. Severino and his marry-band.

Gangemi's election sent Severino to the hinterland.  Now through his own considerable effort he's in jail awaiting trail.  The number of charges are still growing. If convicted he could face many years in prison.  

Guglielmi and Johnson were big supporters of Severino and his leadership.  Guglielmi twice invested money in Severino's schemes, Florida International Yachts and his latest fraud that put him in jail.  Is this the type of judgement you want on the Board of Supervisors?

In my opinion Guglielmi and Johnson are dead weight and have offered nothing to improve District life.  

From the departure of Grieshaber to the board meeting of November 18th, 2011 they have acted as obstructionists, filed unfounded charges  (Sunshine violations) against several board members.  Their latest action during the November 18th BOS Meeting was laughable.

In the last minutes of the November 18th BOS Meeting  Guglielmi suggest Ms. Christi Wolf assume Mr. Wright job when he's unavailable.  His cohort, Supervisor Johnson supported the suggestion.  Guglielmi reasoning was Ms. Wolf is in contact with many departments in the District.  When I heard this the only thing I could think of was, Dumb and Dumber.

Christi Wolf is a nice lady, but she does not have the skill-set or experience to run Sun 'n Lake.  This is an example of Guglielmi and Johnson poor judgement and lack of viable ideas.

Note - I never refer to Mr. Guglielmi as Supervisor.  In my opinion he has never won an honest election.  Until he faces the residents and wins, he will be called Mr. Guglielmi. 
0 comment(s) / leave comment

Friday, December 9th 2011

5:39 AM

Handley: County Building Is Workable....




The county purchase of a building at 4500 N. Kenilworth Blvd is in the news again. The details of the purchase and problems are contained below in an article by Gary Pinnell.  Questions about Mr. Wright's possible involvement in the purchase of this building during his time as the County Administrator have risen.  Mr. Wright assured SNL supervisors that he was not involved.

The responsibility for the purchase was detailed in this article.  See below:

"Helms was assistant county administrator in February 2008; Carl Cool was county administrator when Highlands contracted to pay $1.235 million for seven-eights of the 18,000 square-foot Kenilworth Business Center.'


By GARY PINNELL Highlands Today
Published: December 08, 2011

The county-owned building at 4500 N. Kenilworth Blvd. is not as rough as described, Commissioner Ron Handley said Tuesday.

Barbara Stewart was dismayed and furious Nov. 23 after County Engineer Ramon Gavarrete asked commissioners for an additional $100,000 to weatherproof the building, which Supervisor of Elections Joe Campbell expects to occupy in a year.

"You bought a shell of a building," Gavarrete said two weeks ago. "It's not what one could consider air tight or weatherproof. You can actually go inside the buildings and see daylight through many orifices. … There are openings along the entire envelope of the buildings."

What Gavarrete called mini-warehouse units must be weatherproofed with walls, shutters or impact windows, and the roof has to be upgraded to store public records and voting machines.

"I don't accept that," Stewart said. "To say to us, you can see the light. It was portrayed to us as a commercial building that we were buying, not a mini-warehouse. Mr. Helms, this is unacceptable."

"It's not that bad," Handley, a home builder, said Tuesday after meeting with Gavarrete at the Kenilworth Building. "The little bit of light that you see is nothing to worry about. The building is definitely workable."

Handley sees the building as the perfect opportunity — his words — for the county to hire subcontractors to finish the job. "I think we could save a lot of money if we could."

A few county employees have contractor's licenses. "And they're not very busy right now," Handley said. "They could actually oversee the job. … and my gut feeling from experience is that you could save $100,000 to $150,000 on this."

Maybe, County Attorney Ross Macbeth said. "The county does have to bid the job, and probably the biggest issue for the locals is the bond requirement, because, by statute, we have to have construction bonds when the job goes over $200,000."

"Okay, there's nobody who will let them do it," Handley sounded disappointed. "If I wasn't sitting right here, I could do it."

"Let's look at the project and see about how that would fit within the statutory scheme," Macbeth said. "Let's see if there is a way, by contracting out specific work. I don't know."

County Administrator Rick Helms wasn't enthusiastic. "We're taking an employee from what their normal duties are and either removing them from that or tasking them with the responsibility of overseeing."

Helms said the county is already negotiating with a contractor to do the job.

"Yeah, and it's already gone up another $150,000 from where it started," Handley said. "These are the kind of answers I'm getting though, it's like we can't do it."

"The legislature is not real friendly to this idea," Macbeth said. Legislators have favored cities and counties bidding those jobs to contractors.

"What about the road and bridge crew? They could do the whole job," Handley countered. When he worked for road and bridge, his crew built the jail.

"Obviously," Stewart said, "You're saying (the contractor's estimate) is quite high."

"I'm trying to cut out the fluff that's always involved in county jobs." Handley said,

Maybe, Stewart said, the county should simply negotiate better with the contractor.

Macbeth and Helms were instructed to meet with Handley to resolve more issues.

Gavarrete wasn't at Tuesday's meeting, but he said he wasn't consulted when the building was purchased.

Helms was assistant county administrator in February 2008; Carl Cool was county administrator when Highlands contracted to pay $1.235 million for seven-eights of the 18,000 square-foot Kenilworth Business Center. A church was its only tenant, which the county bought in June 2010 for $182,641.

In November 2010, Elections Supervisor Joe Campbell got permission from the county commissioners to occupy 14,000 square feet. Voting records and machines will be stored there. Next year, he hopes to move out of his 3,000 square-foot Government Center office.

There are other problems, Gavarrete said: the retention pond must be fixed and the site must be certified by the water district. The concrete slab is cracked in several places and must be sealed. Air conditioning is needed, along with fire suppression sprinklers.

Most of that should have been done during construction, prior to the time the county owned the building, Gavarrete said.

If the county spends the remaining $632,000 in the budget, plus another $100,000, the building cost will total $2.1 million.
0 comment(s) / leave comment

Thursday, December 8th 2011

6:44 PM

The Clock....




Have you seen it yet?  It's a beautiful!  pure black clock, about 6' tall, with a double face.

Two years ago golfers expressed interest in getting a Starter Clock similar to the one at Pebble Beach Golf Club in California.  Supervisor Halbig supported the effort, but said they would have to pay for it.  No District money will be used.

The clock was purchased and now sets outside the rear entrance to the Pro Shop.  The $15,000 cost will be paid for by the sale of Engraved Paving Bricks (75).  Each brick cost $200 and allows placement of a personalized message.

It was pleasing to know my name and message be among the greats of Sun 'n Lake golfing community.  The ideal placement would to be between Guglielmi and Shields.  Metaphorically speaking it would be like a "beatify flower setting in a bed of manure."

I encourage all Sun 'n Lake residents to buy a brick and leave a message.  Their are no restrictions, anyone can buy one.

1 comment(s) / leave comment

Tuesday, December 6th 2011

5:42 AM

BOS Meeting - 12.9.11....




Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring Improvement District
Board of Supervisors
Regular Meeting
Friday, December 9, 2011 at 9:00 A.M.
Community Center – 3500 Edgewater Drive, Sebring, Florida 33872

AGENDA

1. Call to order – President Miller
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Announcements:
a. Next regular meeting is scheduled for Friday, January 13, 2011 at 9:00 A.M. at the Community Center, 3500 Edgewater Drive, Sebring, FL 33872

4. CONSENT AGENDA

a. Minutes of the Regular Board of Supervisors Meeting held Friday, November 18, 2011
b. District Attorney Evaluations
Motion to approve Consent Agenda

5. ACTION AGENDA

a. Resolution 2011-12/9-42: A resolution of the Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring Improvement District to approve a distribution easement for electrical power to Florida Power Corporation D/B/A Progress Energy Florida, Inc. for the lighting in conjunction with the entrance way and parking lot for the Golf Clubhouse/Restaurant

b. Resolution 2011-12/9-43: A resolution of the Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring Improvement District to approve an agreement with Palmetto Sebring II, LLC to accept the relocated Frontage Road and the retention pond servicing the Dollar General store at the Tanglewood entrance from US 27 for ownership and maintenance purposes in perpetuity

c. Resolution 2011-12/9-44: A resolution of the Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring Improvement District to amend the budget for repayment of golf course equipment loan from the General Fund to the Golf course Fund

6. Add-on items
7. Petitions and Communications
8. Staff Reports
9. General Counsel Report - John McClure
a. Litigation Report
b. Foreclosure Report
10. General Manager Report - Michael Wright
a. Pool Heating Options - Christi Wolf
11. Unfinished Business
12. New Business
13. Committee Reports
14. Public Comments
Public Comments will be limited to three minutes, however, another two minutes may be allowed. A maximum of five minutes is allowed for public comments. Inquiries may be made during this time and responses will be forthcoming in written form.
15. Discussion to/from Board
16. Adjournment
0 comment(s) / leave comment

Friday, December 2nd 2011

7:36 PM

Responce to Mr. Wright....




Read - Fire Department Lunch Wagons....

WRIGHT responded back by indicating it saved time to respond to 'Calls for Service' by taking the fire truck, and not a personnel vehicle.....Well, that may be so.
 
Now, let's make further inquiry....Who is paying for those Lunches at Publix..?  Is the District, or is the individual Firemen/Staff paying for their own Lunches..?   IF District is paying for it, then it is a justifiable expense, and use.
 
If the individual is paying for it, then it is a personal (errand) 'Use / Benefit' (expense), and this 'Use/Benefit' is illegal if not accurately detailed on income tax reports, for both Employee, and District.
 
WRIGHT should be well aware of this rule, reflecting back during his County Manager days for Highlands County.  In fact he was County Manager when Highlands County went through a 'random' IRS Government Audit.    County employees had to start 'parking' county vehicles at the end of the day, and not allowed to take home.  Even with the excuse of possibly being called out after work hours, and on holidays.  The 'Use/benefit' for personal time to drive to work, and then drive home was a benefit that required to be reported to the IRS.  Employees had the option.  Most employees, and the County Administration thought best to just 'park' them.
 
Ever wonder how many cell phones the District has, and who are carrying them around.  What are the monthly bills showing not only for billing, but also for usage.  Do District cell phones show a lot of activity on the weekends...?  (Oh, No!)       
  
1 comment(s) / leave comment

Wednesday, November 30th 2011

2:45 PM

Severino Update....



Mr. Severino's next court date is December 21, 2011, at 8:30 AM.  He continues to be held in the county jail, on $180,000 bond.

During Severino's last court appearance the Highlands County, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney requested a delay to consolidated the state's charges.  The judge granted the request.
0 comment(s) / leave comment

Wednesday, November 30th 2011

2:42 PM

Mr. Wright - Updates....




1) The swapping of the scrub jay easement for other lands owned by the District is nearing conclusion.  The State of Florida required additional title work (to include all conservation land within in the District) which took several additional months and some tedious research.  I expect it to be concluded by the end of this year or early next year.  Recording the new easements in January will save the District about $10,000 the following year in taxes so I expect we’ll wait until then to take that action.  Once the easements have been recorded, the District has the ability to clear the areas on golf course property that are currently under the scrub jay easement.  The State of Florida rarely, if ever, releases a conservation easement.  Getting it to do so is a time consuming and difficult process but I’m confident we will accomplish the task having talked with officials about this project as recently as Tuesday of this week.

2) The overhaul of the District personnel policies and procedures has finished phase one. Supervisors will be briefed by the Consultant in the near future.  It’s being managed by a very competent Organization and Development Consultant as a favor to me and he is not charging the District for what would normally cost between $25,000 and $50,000.  When completed, it will include a salary administration program, salary and benefits profile, updated job descriptions, an updated employee handbook, activity tracking and some other miscellaneous provisions.  It is expected to be completed in early Spring.
1 comment(s) / leave comment

Tuesday, November 29th 2011

4:53 PM

Fire Department Lunch Wagons....





Sun 'n Lake Fire Department personnel use District fire vehicle  to make lunch runs. Twice they've been seen parked at Publix.

I asked Mr. Wright what was the District's policy?  His reply was, "To my knowledge there is no written policy.  It’s discretionary with the department head as to whether or not fireman can leave the District and when to pick up meals or other reasons.  It’s a common practice in fire departments for fireman to use a vehicle for such purposes rather than a private vehicle to allow them to respond
immediately to a call rather than having to return to the station to pick up a fire truck." This reply was disappointing.

Is Mr. Wright abdicating  his responsibility and authority?  Does the head of the fire department set District policy or will Mr. Wright step-up and take responsibility for the entire District.
2 comment(s) / leave comment

Sunday, November 27th 2011

6:44 PM

POA Meeting....


POA

November Monthly Meeting

Monday, November 28, 2011 at 7:00 PM

Community Center - 3500 Edgewater

Drive, Sebring, Florida 33872


Speaker: Dee Dee Jacobson

Subject: Winter Lawn Care


0 comment(s) / leave comment

Saturday, November 26th 2011

2:46 AM

Maguire v. Sun 'n Lake....



Maguire v. Sun 'n Lake lawsuit was dismissed by Judge Angela Cowden. She wrote, " The Court finds that it is appropriate to grant SNL's Motion to Dismiss The Plaintiff's Second Amended Complaint, and dismiss said Second Complaint with prejudice.  By the Court's granting of SNL's Motion, the remaining Motions to Dismiss the Plaintiff's Second Amended Complaint, as well as the Motion(s) to Abate, are denied as moot, on that basis alone."

That means is it's over and done with.

CLICK HERE to read Court Documents.

1 comment(s) / leave comment

Friday, November 25th 2011

12:26 AM

Mr. Wright - Updates....




Got a buyer for the port-a-let. He's willing to pay $20,000, which is slightly less than the estimated value. However, there's a small problem with a honeybee hive that's in the wall of the structure. Apparently the hive is so large honey is running down an interior wall and the buzz is so loud in the trailer it sounds like an electric razor running on the bathroom counter. Judge Ritinour has been called and we expect he'll be out as soon as he gets off the bench to take care of the problem. We'll probably have to remove an exterior wall to clean the hive out.

B. The District's golf club liquor license now includes the Community Center. That will allow the restaurant staff to provide a cash bar for events that want the service and should help the profitability of the restaurant. Also, there won't be a need for one day alcohol permits in the future for special events at the complex.

C. If you see new faces around the District doing edging, cleaning or other routine maintenance, they're not new employees. Rather they are individuals sentenced to community service by the courts. Over the summer we had about a 1,000 hours of work performed by these individuals. Ileana has done a good job of lining up workers through the court system and we expect more during the rest of the year. We don't take just anyone and have rejected some people, including individuals that have committed crimes inside the District.

D. At the last Board meeting, an individual complained about the poor tile work in the men's bathroom. We found the problem and fixed it in about five minutes. Where a pipe leaves the men's urinal and goes into the wall, the tile cut out for the pipe was slightly larger than the round face plate covering the hole. We put filler in the hole, which was less than one square inch too large or about the thickness of a grout line.
0 comment(s) / leave comment

Monday, November 21st 2011

10:14 AM

Severino - Class Action Suit....



Severino's legal problems are growing. Susan Stout is trying to organize a class action civil suit.  Stout owns 2 lots on Oviedo St. in Unit 10.
 
In an email to the  Board of Supervisors Mr. Wright wrote the following,  "Attached are e mails that were given to me by one of the alleged Severino victims. One individual is attempting to organize a class action lawsuit to sue a number of parties, including the District, to recover lost funds. I’m making no representations as to the potential validity of the lawsuit, only that it is out there."

Ms. Stout owns two lots in the western part of Unit 10 with a total bond indebtedness of about $22,000.

CLICK HERE for emails about this subject. 
0 comment(s) / leave comment