Subscribe to Journal

Friday, May 4th 2012

5:44 PM

BOS Meeting May, 11, 2012....




Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring Improvement District
Board of Supervisors
Regular Meeting
Friday, May 11, 2012 at 9:00 A.M.
Community Center – 3500 Edgewater Drive, Sebring, Florida 33872

AGENDA

1. Call to order – President Gangemi
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Announcements:
a. Next regular meeting is scheduled for Friday, May 25, 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, April 13, 2012
Motion to approve Consent Agenda

5. ACTION AGENDA

a. Resolution 2012-5/11-22: A resolution of the Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring Improvement District to award contract for provision of health insurance for District employees

b. Resolution 2012-5/11-23: A resolution of the Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring Improvement District to approve revised personnel job descriptions

6. Add-on items
7. Petitions and Communications
8. Staff Reports – Greg Griffin
9. General Counsel Report - John McClure
a. Litigation Report
b. Foreclosure Report
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

Friday, April 20th 2012

6:40 PM

BOS Meeting April 27, 2012....





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

AGENDA

1. Call to order – President Gangemi
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Announcements:
a. Next regular meeting is scheduled for Friday, May 11, 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, April 13, 2012
b. Acknowledge receipt of the Treasurer’s Report including District Financials and
Golf Operations Financials for the month of March 2012
Motion to approve Consent Agenda

5. ACTION AGENDA

a. Presentation by Grau & Associates for the September 30, 2011 annual audit of Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring Improvement District

b. Resolution 2012-4/27-18: A resolution of the Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring Improvement District to request the Florida Department of Transportation, District – 1, to change the limits of the existing sidewalk project on Granada Boulevard from Ponce de Leon to Ortega Street, and to request that the Highlands County Engineering Department design the project

c. Resolution 2012-4/27-19: A resolution of the Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring Improvement District to declare certain properties owned by the District as surplus and authorizing the sale and disposition by the District of such surplus propert

d. Resolution 2012-4/27-20: Recommendation to adopt revised personnel manual, job descriptions and wage comparisons

e. Resolution 2012-4/27-21: Recommendation to award employee health insurance

6. Add-on items
7. Petitions and Communications
8. Staff Reports

a. Community Services Monthly Report
b. Security Monthly Report
c. Code Enforcement 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

Sunday, April 15th 2012

7:11 PM

Governor Christie's Speech At The George W. Bush Foundation....




If you are undecided about upcoming presidential election take a few minutes (29 min) and watch this video. 


0 comment(s) / leave comment

Thursday, April 5th 2012

9:19 PM

BOS Meeting April 13, 2012....




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

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

4. CONSENT AGENDA

a. Minutes of the Regular Board of Supervisors Meeting held Friday, March 23, 2012
Motion to approve Consent Agenda

5. ACTION AGENDA

a. Resolution 2012-4/13-15: A resolution of the Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring Improvement District to request the Board of County Commissioners, Highlands County, Florida, to indemnify and hold harmless the District for use of District property located within the county preserve property for recreational purposes by members of the public

b. Resolution 2012-4/13-17: A resolution of the Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring Improvement District to authorize the harvesting of timber on the 19 acre tract owned by Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring Improvement District located in Unit 19 utilizing the terms of the contract

c. Resolution 2012-4/13-16: A resolution of the Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring Improvement District to award Bid Number 12-04 for audit of financial statements for year ending September 30, 2012 to McDirmit Davis & Company of Orlando, Florida in the amount of $23,000.00

6. Add-on items
7. Petitions and Communications
a. Tom Kosty – Update on the Landowner Committee regarding recommending changes to the landowner election process
Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring Improvement District
Board of Supervisors
Regular Meeting
Friday, April 13, 2012 at 9:00 A.M.
Community Center – 3500 Edgewater Drive, Sebring, Florida 33872
8. Staff Reports
9. General Counsel Report - John McClure
a. Litigation Report
b. Foreclosure Report
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


3 comment(s) / leave comment

Wednesday, March 28th 2012

10:12 AM

Guglielmi - What Can You Say....




Mr. Guglielmi comment (see below) was part of Al Grieshaber work evaluation.  Severino, Puffenberger, Johnson and Guglielmi all gave Al 3's (a perfect score) on every item in the evaluation.

Giving a perfect score to any employee during an employment evaluation is a sign of:
 
(A.) weak mind and/or
(B.) he's a buddy and he's doing what you want.

Supervisor Guglielmi:

"Some people feel that Al is sometimes too direct with people and comes off as unfriendly and abrasive. I have never experienced this behavior myself but I guess some people are thin skinned and need to be handled with kid gloves. Maybe you might exhibit more patience?"

Al had a "get even attitude" and was a bully.  Read his employment history he displayed the same questionable attributes in his other jobs.

As far as Guglielmi is concerned, he is uninformed and is useless as a board member.  It seems the only thought he has is to ask for more money for the golf course.
1 comment(s) / leave comment

Saturday, March 24th 2012

8:19 AM

POA Meeting March 26th....


POA

February 2012 Monthly Meeting

Monday, March 26, 2012 at 7:00 PM

Community Center - 3500 Edgewater

Drive, Sebring, Florida 33872

0 comment(s) / leave comment

Saturday, March 24th 2012

8:16 AM

Severino - Court Date Set April 18, 2012....




In Highlands County, Severino, 63, a former Sun 'N Lakes of Sebring Improvement District supervisor, spent two months on the run before turning himself in.

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 to lower their water and sewer bond repayments, according to an affidavit filed by Highlands County Deputy Hank Smith.

Investigators allege Severino bilked Sun 'n Lake homeowners out of more than $250,000, sheriff's spokeswoman Nell Hays said. He faces 38 charges.

After a hearing on Wednesday, Judge Angela Cowden moved Severino's pretrial hearing to 8:30 a.m. April 18. 
0 comment(s) / leave comment

Friday, March 16th 2012

4:37 PM

BOS Meeting 3 - 23- 2012....




Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring Improvement District
Board of Supervisors
Regular Meeting
Friday, March 23, 2012 at 9:00 A.M.
Community Center – 3500 Edgewater Drive, Sebring, Florida 33872

AGENDA

1. Call to order – President Gangemi
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Announcements:
a. Next regular meeting is scheduled for Friday, April 13, 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, March 9, 2012
b. Acknowledge receipt of the Treasurer’s Report including District Financials and
Golf Operations Financials for the month of February 2012
Motion to approve Consent Agenda
5. ACTION AGENDA
a. Discussion – Future of Fire/EMS services for Sun ‘n Lake
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
10. General Manager Report - Michael Wright
11. Unfinished Business
12. New Business
13. Committee Reports
Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring Improvement District
Board of Supervisors
Regular Meeting
Friday, March 23, 2012 at 9:00 A.M.
Community Center – 3500 Edgewater Drive, Sebring, Florida 33872

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, March 12th 2012

9:35 AM

The Guglielmi Report....



He is at it again!  You have to give Frank credit he knows the golf operation.  The only problem is he and a few others are never satisfied are always wanting more.  His latest rant is for new greens for Turtle Run.

The Turtle Run course is not as old as Deer Run.  Another point, we do not have a history of possible problems and performance of the new style greens.
 
Guglielmi acts like a child.  All he knows is "I want."  He appears to give no consideration to other important concerns facing the District.

At Fridays, Board of Supervisors Meeting they were informed that Fifth Third hired new lawyers.  The new lawyers are litigators.  It appears they are planning to sue the District.  The cost of defending against this action could cost the District $250,000 to $500,000. 

Ask your self, is this the time to spend money on replacement greens?
 
5 comment(s) / leave comment

Sunday, March 4th 2012

3:51 PM

Anonymous Letter....




CommentarySNL's first posting was May 10, 2006, titled "Sun 'n Lake Civil Lawsuit."  During 5 1/2 + years of operation 1,860 + articles were posted and are available in our archives.

The receipt of anonymous information/letters was not uncommon.  It is our policy not to print unsigned documents.  But, the information was used to direct further investigations, which could lead to postings.

Their is always an exception to the rule and this is one.

About 2 1/2 years ago I received a 2 page letter, unsigned.  Recently, I reread that letter and found the content still held true.  

On the first page, 3 names are used, they are no longer employed by Sun 'n Lake.  Read the attachment and you will have a better understanding as too why.   Page number 2 was withheld.  Their was only a paragraph, but 2 current residents were named.

CLICK HERE to read letter   

1 comment(s) / leave comment

Friday, March 2nd 2012

11:53 PM

BOS Meeting March 9, 2012....




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

AGENDA

1. Call to order – President Gangemi
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Announcements:
a. Next regular meeting is scheduled for Friday, March 23, 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, February 24, 2012
Motion to approve Consent Agenda

5. ACTION AGENDA

a. Resolution 2012-3/9-11: A resolution of the Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring Improvement District to amend the budget for capital project expenditures for fiscal year 2012

b. Resolution 2012-3/9-12: A resolution of the Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring Improvement District to award contract for provision of health insurance for District employees

c. Resolution 2012-3/9-13: A resolution of the Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring Improvement District to award the proposal from RFP No. 12-01 for insulation of a Geo-Thermal Water Heating System with Saline Chlorination System to Symbiont Service Corporation

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
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, February 26th 2012

6:32 PM

February POA Meeting....


POA

February 2012 Monthly Meeting

Monday, February 28, 2012 at 7:00 PM

Community Center - 3500 Edgewater

Drive, Sebring, Florida 33872


Guest Speaker


Mr. Cliff Wood

0 comment(s) / leave comment

Saturday, February 25th 2012

10:25 AM

Save America....



The next national election is the most important one in my life time.  The options are clear, let the U.S. become a "nanny state" and let the U.S. become a second rate military power.  Under the leadership of Mr. Obama that is the direction we are headed.



1 comment(s) / leave comment

Thursday, February 23rd 2012

6:55 AM

Severino Update....



Wednesday, February 22, 2012, Circuit Court Judge Angela Cowden granted a continuance in the trail of Robert Severino.

In a conservation with Mr. Severino's attorney John Kromholz said, they were working with State Attorney Richard Castillo on a plea agreement.  The plea agreement is based on restitution of monies Severino defrauded from his victims in Sun 'n Lake.  His sentence will be affected by the amount money returned.

With Mr. Severino current financial limitations I asked, where the money would come from?  He indicated relatives would come up with the money.

Kromholz expects the next court appearance to be in April, 2012.
2 comment(s) / leave comment

Wednesday, February 22nd 2012

7:15 AM

Former Finance Director Sues Avon Park....




Ms. Green, a resident Sun 'n Lake, filed a lawsuit against Avon Park and its City Manager Julian Deleon a former employee.  Both have ties in Sun 'n Lake.

CommentarySNL will follow the process and keep you informed.


By MARC VALERO Highlands Today
Published: February 21, 2012

A lawsuit filed Tuesday against the City of Avon Park claims there was no "just cause" reason for City Manager Julian Deleon to terminate Renee Green after she served as the city's finance director for more than 10 years.

In the complaint filed by Green's attorney, Robert Grizzard II states that there appeared to be no cause for her termination other than her opposition to the wrongful and wasteful actions and misfeasance and malfeasance of Deleon as public works director and as interim and city manager.

Also, Grizzard cites two additional motives for Green's termination – her testimony and production of documents to the State Attorney in response to her subpoenaed testimony on two occasions and her resistance to the scheme to defraud the county of monies by changing the payroll.

The city has taken adverse action against Green for all of those reasons, Grizzard stated in the complaint.

Deleon said, "This lawsuit is more of the same. It's all coming from attorney Grizzard under the same legal camp.

"The reasons for her separation [from the city] were clearly documented in her personnel file."

Grizzard is also representing former Avon Park police chief Mike Rowan in his lawsuit against the city.

This most recent complaint filed by Grizzard states that in April 2010, Deleon began protesting the procedures for obtaining purchases and the role that Green had in that process.

Deleon sent purchase orders to Green without proper documentation, objected to her cash management delay of one month for a purchase, questioned the practice and policy for budget "rollovers," wrote at least one offensive memo to the then city manager concerning Green and proposed spending which had not been budgeted, the complaint states.

The actions by Deleon and others on behalf of the city have caused damages to Green including: mental anguish, loss of income, denigration of her business reputation and loss of benefits, according to the complaint.

Deleon stated in a Sept. 15 letter to Green that he "elected" to terminate her employment with the city within 21 days "for just cause."

At its Sept. 26 meeting, the city council approved a severance package for Green that included four months of severance pay.

Prior to Green's termination letter, Deleon had requested an administrative inquiry of the finance department, which was conducted by Avon Park Police Detective Nathan Coogan.

Prior to Sept. 16, Coogan interviewed 20 city employees including Green and Deleon.

"Difficult," "stressful," "impossible," "very rude," and other negative comments were made about Green by 12 of those who were interviewed by Coogan.

Positive comments about Green and/or the finance department were made by four of those interviewed.
0 comment(s) / leave comment

Saturday, February 18th 2012

7:59 AM

BOS Meeting 2.24.2012....




Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring Improvement District
Board of Supervisors
Regular Meeting
Friday, February 24, 2012 at 9:00 A.M.
Community Center – 3500 Edgewater Drive, Sebring, Florida 33872

AGENDA

1. Call to order – President Gangemi
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Announcements:
a. Next regular meeting is scheduled for Friday, March 9, 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, February 10, 2012
b. Acknowledge receipt of the Treasurer’s Report including District Financials and
Golf Operations Financials for the month of January 2012
Motion to approve Consent Agenda

5. ACTION AGENDA

a. Resolution 2012-2/10-10: A resolution of the Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring Improvement District to enter into listing agreement with Sheehan Realty Corporation for an exclusive listing for all properties in which Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring Improvement District is the record title holder by virtue of the Unit 16, Area A and Area C assessment proceedings

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
10. General Manager Report - Michael Wright
11. Unfinished Business
Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring Improvement District
Board of Supervisors
Regular Meeting and Landowners Meeting
Friday, February 24, 2012 at 9:00 A.M.
Community Center – 3500 Edgewater Drive, Sebring, Florida 33872
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

Thursday, February 16th 2012

2:06 PM

Severino Trail Update....




For the Sun 'n Lake residents who are following the trial and tribulations of our resident felony, we have an update.

Mr. Severino's next court date is February 22, 2012 at the Highlands County, Court Room 2B, at 8:30 AM.  A Pre-Trail Conference is on the court docket.

Bob is still in jail and it appears that is were he will stay.  If convected the time he is serves before his trail will be deducted from his final sentence.
1 comment(s) / leave comment

Thursday, February 9th 2012

2:22 PM

Wright Hires New Opperations Manager....




Sun 'n Lake has a new operations manager, Gregory Griffin.  Mr. Griffin is a

resident of Sebring, attended Sebring High School.  After graduation he earned a B.S. (with honors) from Brevard College, Brevard, North Carolina.

He has licensures and certifications for:

1)  Start Certified General Contractor License
2)  Commercial Pesticide Applicators for Aquatic Plant Management
3)  FDOT certified for Maintenance of Traffic Intermediate Certification.

He has substantial experience in:

1)  Project Management.
2)  Civil construction (road and bridge, storm water and waste-water).
3)  Regulatory Compliance

Stop by the District office and welcome Mr. Griffin to Sun 'n Lake.

0 comment(s) / leave comment

Tuesday, February 7th 2012

6:56 PM

Fire Services Examined....




By PALLAVI AGARWAL Highlands Today
Published: February 07, 2012

Sun 'n Lake General Manager Michael Wright has been evaluating the pros and cons of disbanding this subdivision's volunteer fire department and giving the fire protection to nearby West Sebring Volunteer Fire Department.

Wright hopes to complete his analysis within 60 days and present his findings to the Sun 'n Lake Board of Supervisors. The board will then decide how it wants to proceed.

The Sun 'n Lake Fire Department is run by 16 part-time employees and three active volunteers. At any given day, two of these 16, who also work for other Sun 'n Lake departments, man the show from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Because of the staffing situation, the problem arises after hours, Wright said, even though emergency medical calls, which Highlands County EMS handles, far outnumber fire calls.

"We got 20 house calls last year," he said. "They were very minimal, kitchen-type fires. We have not had a major fire in years."

Often, when firefighters are needed, West Sebring firefighters respond to Sun 'n Lake calls as part of its mutual aid agreement with Sun 'n Lake.

"West Sebring is very large, very well-run," Wright said.

They cover a 36-square mile area that has 4,200 residents, he added.

The issue was brought to the forefront by Sun 'n Lake's former public safety director, who said either the paid staff should be expanded or West Sebring take over because of the spotty afterhours in-house coverage, Wright said.

Another problem Sun 'n Lake is facing is the age of some of its firefighting equipment, Wright said.

"The equipment is getting old," he said. "The frontline truck is 16 years old; it's going to need replacing in the future."

Wright said he is still studying the issue and has no recommendation right now.

He's had a series of meetings with West Sebring and county officials.

While the Sun 'n Lake board will have to first approve the proposal, no changes can be made until the Highlands County Commission ratifies it, Wright said.

"The county, they are the ultimate authority," he said.

A non-ad valorem assessment pays for the fire service, Wright said. His analysis so far shows Sun 'n Lake might save money if West Sebring took over, he added.

West Sebring's Fire Chief Scott Mann deferred comment, saying he first needed more information.

Sun 'n Lake Board Member Dick Miller said the proposal is still in the "very early stage," and the board has not formally looked at it.

"This board is dedicated to provide the best possible solution," he said.

County Emergency Operations Director Tim Eures said he's attended a couple of meetings.

"They've had very informal discussions," he said. "It's been for informational purposes for Sun 'n Lake."

West Sebring, which is volunteer-driven, is one of 11 volunteer fire departments, including Sun 'n Lake's, which cover 1,000 square miles in the county.

Over the years Eures has seen some volunteer fire departments merge due to demographic changes, which left some departments without the right number of volunteers.

Those challenges have been magnified due to the dismal economy and less revenue in government coffers.

Whatever the challenges, Eures said any motivation to consolidate departments cannot compromise the quality of service.

"You maintain the level of service or improve it," he said. "This is not something you rush into."

0 comment(s) / leave comment

Saturday, February 4th 2012

5:36 PM

Information - Sheehan Realty Corporation....




500 University Blvd, Suite 207
Jupiter, Florida 33458
(561) 745-2600


History

Sheehan Realty Corporation was established in 1980 and, through an excellent record of success in development, management and the marketing of real estate since then, has become a leader in the Treasure Coast market. We have built a team of real estate professionals whose combined skills and expertise enable our company to deliver the high level of service that your investments deserve, whether commercial or residential.

Our well-trained staff has experience in all aspects of residential and commercial brokerage. We are involved in the procurement and sale of estate homes, development land and investment properties.
The Sheehan Realty Corporation "Team Approach" has allowed us to respond quickly to our clients' needs, which has resulted in numerous long-term relationships.


2 comment(s) / leave comment

Saturday, February 4th 2012

5:20 PM

Board of Supervisor Meeying - February 10, 2012....





Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring Improvement District
Board of Supervisors
Regular Meeting
Friday, February 10, 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 24, 2012 at 9:00 A.M. at the Community Center, 3500 Edgewater Drive, Sebring, FL 33872

4. CONSENT AGENDA

a. Minutes of the Special Meeting held Tuesday, January 17, 2012
b. Minutes of the Regular Board of Supervisors Meeting held Friday, January 27, 2012
Motion to approve Consent Agenda

5. ACTION AGENDA

a. Resolution 2012-2/10-10: A resolution of the Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring Improvement District to enter into listing agreement with Sheehan Realty Corporation for an exclusive listing for all properties in which Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring Improvement District is the record title holder by virtue of the Unit 16, Area A and Area C assessment proceedings

6. Add-on items
7. Petitions and Communications
a. Letter from Kevin Hacker with Sebring Sunrise Rotary Club asking permission to hold Texas Hold ‘em Poker Tournament at the Community Center free of charge
8. Staff Reports
9. General Counsel Report - John McClure
a. Litigation Report
b. Foreclosure Report
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

Wednesday, February 1st 2012

8:14 AM

Make Over....




By JOE SEELIG Highlands Today
Published: February 01, 2012

Whenever the next upturn in the housing market happens, the Sun 'n Lake of Sebring Improvement District is making infrastructure improvements to position itself to be in a good place, said Dick Miller, a district board supervisor.

The district spent about $250,000 to refurbish the community center with all new tiles, floor and ceiling, a major upgrade to its library area and kitchen, new bathrooms and a small conference room.

"It's a total makeover for the facility," Miller said.

With access from a separate outside door, the facility now houses a fitness room for Sun 'n Lake residents only. The fitness room has weight equipment and a cardio area with bicycles and a stair climber.

The cost to use the fitness room is $50 a year for a membership, age 18 and over. It has 158 members, said Christi Wolf, community services director.

The district has a zero entry pool that opened in September 2010.

"We have similar issues that our neighbors do regarding growth and development," Miller said. "We had 109 house sales this past year, but the vast majority of them have been either short sales or foreclosures; so we're still working through that inventory, and we only had four lot sales last year. We have not raised assessments since the new board came in."

Resident Rick Hulbert said he is pleased with how the district's new administration and new board is functioning.

"I feel that most of the improvements that we have had in Sun 'n Lake have been with the new members of our board of supervisors," Hulbert said. "I think they finally are making a stride to improve the district in regard to sidewalks, golf course, community affairs, the community center, the clubhouse; it's all been improved."

He felt the next big issue that needed to be addressed was code enforcement, especially people parking on their lawns.

* * * * *
The district's 35-year-old sewer system is also being overhauled, according to general manager Michael Wright.

"We're putting a lot of effort this year into improving our infrastructure," Wright said. "That's the non-sexy part of local government. Our gravity sewer system is such that when we have heavy rains our flow is almost double. So we're in the process of basically repairing that part of our system to where we can stop that. That will extend the life and the operating cost of our sewer plants."

Wright said they videotaped the inside of the 72,000 feet of sewer lines and identified every spot that needed repair.

There is money in the budget to add to the district's potable water storage system and repaving.

"Hopefully this year we're going to contract with the county to come in and repave about 10 miles of roads," Wright said. "It's the first time the county's done that for another government under contract since they've changed their policy to do that."

The roads to be repaired are east of Cortez Boulevard, he said.

"We've been very fortunate that we've been able to pay cash for all of our improvements," Wright said.

For many years, the former Candlelight Restaurant was subsidized by the community.

The Island View Restaurant, on Sun 'n Lake Boulevard, has been open a little more than a year, Wright said, adding they expected it would lose about $70,000 in its first year. Instead, it broke even.

"We actually made, what, like $300," he said. "It's kind of one of the best kept secrets around."

There are still some issues with a loan from Fifth Third Bank that paid for infrastructure improvements in Unit 16, but the district is working with the bank.

Resident Denise Stegall said she loves Sun 'n Lake and has loved it for 10 years.

Stegall thinks a very positive thing going on with the new board is they're constantly trying to find out what the residents want, for example, yoga.

"They really want to know what we want and then they'll try to give it to us," she said. "I'm a big golfer. So they've added to my life with what they've done over there at the community center. It's not just a golf community, although the golf is an important part of the community with its 36 holes."

Stegall complimented the food at the restaurant.

"It's an amenity for the residents and it should be kept as an amenity to the residents. It's as important to me as the pool is."

Three-year resident Jacqui Covert said she doesn't play golf, but the sidewalk improvements were important to her.

"It's so much safer for walking and biking, which is what I do," she said, adding she takes part in the exercise classes in the morning, which are free.

"There's a lot here for people who don't play golf," she said.

0 comment(s) / leave comment

Monday, January 30th 2012

12:20 AM

Governor To Review Taxing Districts....




By GARY PINNELL Highlands Today
Published: January 30, 2012

Two weeks ago, Gov. Rick Scott ordered a review of Florida special taxing districts.

However, special districts at Spring Lake, Sun 'n Lake, Sebring airport and Highlands County have not been contacted.

Scott's budget office has taken a similar months-long look at public hospitals and water management districts.

Florida's 1,600 special districts bring in more than $15 billion in taxpayer-funded revenues each year, Scott said in a statement accompanying his executive order.

"Floridians have a right to know what they're being taxed for and how that money is spent," he said. "This review will bring to light these questions and allow us to identify ways to save taxpayers money and increase accountability."

There are 63 soil and water conservation districts. The state Department of Economic Opportunity said the functions of other special districts range from running airports, financing affordable housing, and managing utilities and waste water systems.

* * * * *
Highlands County public information officer Gloria Rybinski said county commissioners have 10 fire districts and 16 lighting, recreation and road improvement districts.

They collect fees, she said. "They are not millage-rate or value-based. These Special Benefit Districts were set up for specific purposes at the request of the citizens within the boundaries of the district."

Scott's office said districts would be purpose for which they were created, are being efficiently governed, are accountable to taxpayers, are operating transparently and are prudently spending tax money.

"With such a significant impact on the lives of every Floridian and our economy, it is critical that we get a firm grasp on how these special districts are operating and hold them accountable," Scott said.

The governor didn't set a deadline for the Office of Policy and Budget to report back to him.

"If it's anything like what we found with water management districts, certain practices should stop and we just need to understand it better," Jerry McDaniel, Scott's budget director, told a Senate committee in December.

"We agree that a thorough review of all state programs, taxes and government bodies is often needed, and we welcome a fact-based discussion regarding special districts," Florida Association of Special Districts President Clete Saunier said in a statement responding to the order.

"We believe that the review by the Governor's Office of Policy and Budget will affirm that special districts are fiscally responsible, community-focused local government entities that have a clear and specific purpose in our communities.

"Special districts have always demonstrated strong levels of accountability to protect taxpayer dollars and remain steadfast in their mission to address specific community needs, and to provide and maintain infrastructure and service needs that are important for area residents," Saunier said.

* * * * *
Florida has two kinds of special districts: independent, sometimes run by elected officials and which collect taxes or assess fees and spend the money without oversight of a city or county; and dependent districts that essentially operate as an arm of a city, county or a state agency.

Sun 'n Lake and Spring Lake are independent districts, meaning they have their own board of supervisors.

Highlands County's 26 districts are dependent; the county commissioners act as the board of supervisors.

0 comment(s) / leave comment

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