Dear Members,
Hope you all have a terrific Holiday Season and a prosperous New Year. It seems like 2004 just slipped right past us and on to the New Year ! This letter will update you on the affairs of the Association.
At our December meeting, the Board discussed passing a special assessment to recoup the expenses of clearing Pheasant Way after our two hurricanes. The first answer from Palm Beach County regarding our attempt to get reimbursed was unsuccessful. The answer we received from the Director of the Roads and Bridges Division said no in a round about way.
There was no evidence or reference in the response that indicated the County Attorney was contacted or even aware of the decision, which would seem to be the appropriate way of handling our request.
The Board did vote to approve a small Assessment of $ 35.00 per member which will replenish our funds. The Board also agreed to take the issue with the County directly to our District Commissioner, Mary McCarty, for a second try. A copy of the letter we approved to send is included in this newsletter. I suggest that if you have the time or any influence, that our members write your own letter to the Commissioner.
Regardless of the Division Director's insinuation that our roads would have been cleared promptly, the County would have had to pay someone to do it. We also made note of the $2 million dollars of overtime the Commission voted to approve for salaried employees who worked long hours to try to clean up the hurricane mess.
My company was heavily involved in the aftermath of all four hurricanes. No County government could guarantee anything or any time frame to have cleared our roads under the conditions I observed all over Palm Beach County and around the State. The Board feels we have a legitimate issue and we will continue to exhaust efforts to recover the expense. We will keep the membership posted on the matter.
Since this will be my last opportunity to write the cover letter, I want to thank all the volunteers who help make a difference in our community. Many thanks to my fellow Board Members, all our committee volunteers, all the members who participate in our meetings and all our residents who have taken an interest in this community. Your efforts do not go unnoticed or unappreciated. Thank you all !
We can all see the rising property values we have been fortunate to benefit from by taking an interest in our investment. We still have some work to do but the community is developing a reputation as a desirable place to call home in Palm Beach County.
Best wishes for the holidays !
Sincerely,
Bill Schira, President
for the Board of Directors