*From the Managers Desk………
by Charlie Davison
MANAGER’S NOVEMBER REPORT
I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable Halloween. The first item I would like everyone to know about is street paving that will be taking place very soon.
The contract for paving was awarded to Gene’s Dozer Service. They will be paving Spanish Cove Streets as follows.
1. Ridgewood Drive from Lot #1040 to Lot #1156.
2. Avenida Alberto from North Spanish Cove Drive to Alberto Circle.
3. Caney Loop from Hwy. 99 to the Eagle Trail entry and Ridgewood.
Drive from Caney Loop to the start of Ridgewood Drive that was paved in 2007.
4. Land Harbor entry from Hwy. 99, including Buena Vista Drive to Lot #357 and Maria Drive to Lot #402.
5. Portage Circle to Horn Drive.
The RV Clubhouse was struck by lightning, taking out the phone system. The phone company came out and had to dig 20 feet down and put a ground unit in. We are hoping this will solve the problem.
The POASC office renovation are finished and it really looks good.
Baldwin County Solid Waste has changed its household garbage pick up to Tuesday. They are cutting back and going to a four day work week. Also, please keep in mind that if you have large items to get rid of such as washing machines, refrigerators, mattresses, etc., you can call Baldwin County Solid Waste and they will tell you what day to have these items at the curb. They will pick them up at no charge and you can use this service once every quarter. If you have questions, contact them at (251) 972-6878.
We have had a request from a property owner to build a stick built house in Land Harbor. This request will be presented to the Rules Committee for study. Also, this would require a vote of the membership.
The dome is up at the pool and ready for your pleasure. The hours of the pool will be 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., 7 days a week. I would also like to thank Mr. Bill Hayden who volunteered his time to assist the pool attendants and maintenance staff in putting up the dome. Bill is truly a great volunteer.
We continue to have problems with dogs and cats running loose in the Cove. If you see this happening, please call Baldwin County Animal Control at (251) 972-6834, or notify the office, giving your contact information. We will get in touch with Baldwin County Animal Control and request traps be set to try and catch animals that are running loose.
Just a reminder to everyone, daylight savings time ends a little later this fall. Turn your clocks back one hour Saturday night, November 1st before going to bed.
Currently, we have 44 accounts that are past due. Nineteen liens have been placed on properties and nine of these liens have been turned over to POASC attorneys for collection and/or foreclosure.
We continue to have a lot of late assessments. Interest fees are placed on accounts that are past due. If a lien is filed against a property and it is turned over to the attorneys, all fees to process the lien is charged to your account and this can add up very quickly.
POASC Security has issued 41 tickets this month for STOP sign violations and vehicles without Spanish Cove decals. They also reported that a home on Rosinton Circle was egged and two mail boxes in the Cove were damaged – one on Pine Ridge and one on Manuel.
If you see anything suspicious, please contact Security at (251) 747-4435. They are on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so it does not matter what time of day or night that you call. They are always available to respond to your calls.
On behalf of myself and all POASC staff members, I would like to wish everyone a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING. May God bless you all on this very special day.
If you have questions, concerns or comments, please email me at spanishcove@gulftel.com, or call me at (251) 961-1129.
Neighborhood Watch Program...
Neighborhood Watch
Neighborhood Watch began in the Cove in 1985 by Sally Clemmer. This was before we had 24 hour security. Around 1993, Walt Fricke and George Dahlman became the coordinators. Walt had an aggressive attitude. When someone new moved into the Cove, he would knock on their door, familiarize them with the Neighborhood Watch Program and ask them if they would like to volunteer one day a year. That is how Arlene Strawn first got involved. She answered the door when Walt knocked in 1993 and she and husband Jim have been “watching” the Cove ever since! Walt and George ran this until 2001, and then Bill and Herb Tate began to share the responsibility. The guys needed more volunteers, so Arlene offered to help them by calling Cove members who were not on the “Watch” list. Through this process, they were able to keep the program running every day of the year with each volunteer doing duty one day a year. Upon the passing of Bill in early 2007, Arlene was “temporarily” in charge of the program. She used Bill's old lists, but there weren't enough people to go around keeping the once- a- year schedule. She called on her friends and neighbors and asked them to help fill-in and sometimes they would run it twice a month each month. Where would we be without our friends and neighbors?
In June of 2007, Arlene once again called Cove residents to help fill the roster. What a time consuming job! Being short of help, it was decided in 11/ 07 that Neighborhood Watch would run every other day which meant only 15 people per month. Arlene’s cousin helped her coordinate all of her roster information and now she has a very efficient system. Each month Arlene calls her volunteers to see if they have a preferred day to take their turn on the “Watch”. She then puts their name on the date of choice. On a monthly basis, the runs are either even or odd days. Arlene then e-mails the completed schedule to those who have e-mail service and to the rest of the people she delivers the schedule to their home. Arlene puts a lot of time and energy into this program. We thank you, Arlene, for your services.
When you volunteer for Neighborhood Watch you drive around the Cove twice a day. There is a clipboard which has a map of the Cove and a sign-in sheet upon which you fill in observations made during your tour. When you're finished with your second round, you drop the clipboard off at the next person's house and the last person on the list, at the end of the month, leaves it at Arlene’s. There are about 175 people that volunteer for this program which works year-round. Right now it is set that one person would just have to drive one day a year. The Neighborhood Watch Program benefits all of us and is a great asset of Spanish Cove. Thank you to all who have helped in this program. If anyone is interested in volunteering, give Arlene a call at 961-2976. She’d love to hear from you! ml
WELCOME NEWCOMERS
Welcome to the Neighborhood
Because it is difficult for the Welcome Committee to determine when you will be moving into your new home, your new Welcome Packet is available at the POASC Office. Please be sure to pick one up. It contains lots of useful information. Be sure to fill out the Newcomers’ Information Form so we can list you here to let everyone know you’ve made the same excellent choice they did.
Nix, Jerry A. & Robin
545 Buena Vista Dr. (205) 387-8771
Nix-jerry@yahoo.com …...
Home State ……………...Alabama
WELCOME TO THE COVE!
Spanish Cove Flotilla
SPANISH COVE FLOTILLA WAVES
It was a beautiful day at Johnson's Beach for the Flotilla picnic. Delicious chicken from Perdido Market was supplied by the Flotilla. The Members all brought a dish to share. We had an abundance of food.
November 13th will be lunch at Calypso's in Orange Beach at 11am. Call Jo Flynn at 961-2447 to make reservations. Hope to see you there. Hold the date of December 20th for the Flotilla Christmas Party at the Cove Clubhouse. More details will follow next month.
The planning meeting will be Tuesday, November 11th at 9am at the RV Clubhouse.
Terry Danson
CAREFORCE
CareForce List Of Services
Relief and respite…
while caregiver gets out.
Death in the Family…
airport runs, child care, etc.
Chauffeur Service...
to doctor appointments, treatments, drug store, airport, shopping,
when needed.
Medical support information…
list of facilities, home health agencies, paid home-workers, home
blood pressure.
Telephone service…
daily call to cheer and check on you.
For Above Services…
For services other than equipment, Call Lynn Frank, 961-3080 After 10am
Notes To Note from CareForce
The number to contact for Careforce services: Ceil Campbell, 961-2700.
For equipment call Bob Miller, 961-3430 or Ken Cote, 961-1995.
Anyone interested in receiving Meals On Wheels should call Lynn Ochs, 961-1291.
Our Sympathy to the families of
Joe Novak
2865 Avenida Alberto
Sheila Prohaski
Member of St. Joseph church
Betty Whitfield
1854 Suavez Dr.
From the desk of Carol Ann Braun
By Carol Ann Braun, Activity Coordinator
Home, Hearth, and Family are so indelibly linked with the Holiday we celebrate this month that we sometimes forget what we’re observing — the adventures of people who traveled far from home, in difficult circumstances, and learned to rely on the hospitality of strangers.
We are all Pilgrims here in the Cove, most of us having moved away from our homes and families to enjoy retirement in sunny Alabama. Thankfully we disembarked in a spot where friendship and neighborly support is ever abundant.
And speaking about support, I want to say a special THANK YOU to the Social Committee who very graciously purchased a new Dell Computer for the Activity Office. I am overjoyed! Out of the Dark Ages and into the 21st Century of Cyberspace.
I’m happy to report our Health Fair was well attended, very informative, and the entertainer was cheered on and had the room filled with laughter. For those who forgot or were unable to make it this time we will be doing it again next Spring.
Our annual Craft Sale is on Saturday, the 8th of Nov. beginning at 8:00AM until Food and Beverages will be available for purchase from 9 o’clock. Be sure to come by, I know you will find items just perfect for xmas gift giving and at the right price. Spaces & tables are still available so you have time to sign on and get your craft items sold.
Set aside the afternoon of November 9th for a get-together to sort through your photos, or put together a traditional or digital scrapbook. This is a FREE event. There will be a professional video to view, bring along your laptop and be prepared to learn from professional. Items will be available for purchase. Perhaps we will start a new monthly activity for cove residents Call me to reserve 961-1130
WE will travel to the Hard Rock Casino, on Tues. the l1th of Nov. for another chance to break the bank. Cost $12 pp. receive $10 in play and half off the buffet.
Y’all Come Pot Luck in the Clubhouse - Nov. 11, 5PM. Bring a dish to share.
“A Trip Back In Time” as noted in the Oct. Update; I have a trip to the Foley Railroad Depot Museum scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 13. If interested please call me, we will carpool from the Clubhouse, departing at 9:30 AM.
ELVIS will take to the stage at the Activity Committee's “Lost in the Fifties” party on Saturday, Nov, .22. Pizza, Beer and soft drinks will be served from 6 -7PM; Elvis will then gyrate and perform his famous songs followed by music to ROCK & ROLL the night away. Wearing 50’s attire is highly encouraged and will add to the tim of the evening. Reservations will be taken from Nov 3, on, and limited to 80. Cost is $5.00 pp payable within 4 days of reserving
The Social Committee’s Annual Thanksgiving Dinner is Tuesday, Nov. 25, at 5:00PM, the scrumptious feast is being Catered by Sue Huff and Lynn Ochs, Cost is $12 pp. call me to reserve your seat 961-1130 Limited to 100
UPCOMING EVENTS & ACTIVITIES AROUND THE AREA
Nov. 7-9 Gulf Coast Arts Festival, Seville Sq.
Nov. 14-16 Greek Festival, Annunciation Church, Pensacola
Nov. 25 Mobile International Festival, Civic Center, Flavors of the World
Nov. 14-16 & 20-23 “And Then There Were None” Pensacola Little Theatre
Dec. 6 “The Messiah” Perdido Bay United Methodist Church 7:30PM.
Call Good Time Tours for the following: 1-800446-0886
Thanksgiving Special Nov. 26-28th Hard Rock for 4 hrs. with $15 in play money;overnight in the Isle of Capri includes half off dinner, breakfast, and $30 in free play, then on to the Grand, with $15 free play. Cost is $99 pp Dbl.
Snowflake Special Jan. 26-27 2009 Hard Rock Casino, overnight in the Beau Rivage, Cost $79 pp Dbl occ. Receive $45 free play.
Sweetheart Mardi Gras Special, Feb. 15-16 2009 Spend the day in New Orleans for Mardi Gras and the night playing at the Beau Rivage, Bioxi, $125 pp Dbl occ. Includes hotel and $30 free play.
For the Art enthusiasts, on exhibit at the Pensacola Museum of Art, Expressions of Pop: Jasper Johns since 1960, through Jan. 10 and A Foreign Affair: American Artists Abroad & American Seascapes: Artist at the Shore, Nov. 7 through Jan. 31.
Until next month, Happy Thanksgiving. For those taking to the road over the holiday, safe journey.
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CHAIRMAN'S CORNER . . . . . . .
By Frank Lennox
I appointed an Ad Hoc committee with board approval to study adding a referendum item in the March 2009 ballot to get the residents opinion on changing the board to nine members. Dick Junkins will chair this committee. Road paving has been approved and will proceed soon. Garbage pickup has been changed to Tuesday because the garbage company has gone to a four day work week. If anyone would like to become a Board member, I would suggest they contact the office or Bill Duncan and put their name in nomination. We will have three members going off the Board as of April 1 and we are now operating with a nine member board. We really need our residents to step forward and participate. The pool cover is being put back on so you can enjoy swimming all winter. Things seem to be rather peaceful in the Cove. I would appreciate more residents attending our Board meetings and Town Hall meeting. If you have any complaints, this is the place to air them.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Activities...
Activities Committee… Cove Clubhouse, Poolside Room
Sue Huff Next meeting Monday, Nov3, 10:30a.m.
Craft Sale Nov. 8th, 8:00 until?
Please let Carol Ann know that you wish to be part of the sale. A table is only $10.00. We will again be selling coffee, muffins, sloppy joes, etc.
Elvis Back to the Fifties event: Nov. 22 from 6:00 p.m. until ?
Get out those poodle skirts, petticoats and saddle shoes. Tell your favorite guy to roll up the sleeves of his t-shirt, slick back his hair and let's start reliving the fifties cause Elvis will be in the building!!
We will serve pizza, salad, beer and soda from 6:00-7:00. Elvis will perform from 7:00 until about 8:30. We then will put on fifties music and those wishing to remain, can enjoy the music and dance. We encourage people to dress in fifties style!
There will be room for 80 people so reserve your spot with Carol Ann quickly as we think this one will fill up fast. Cost is $5.00 with Activities Committee picking up the remaining amount. Reservations begin Nov.3rd.
We would like to do a New Year's Eve party in grand style so don't go anywhere else to ring in the New Year! We are also thinking of having a bonfire on the beach for January. More info will follow on these events.
Administrative....
Administrative Committee… Office
Joan Fletcher Next meeting Tuesday, Nov 11, 11am
The Administration Committee meeting, October 14, 2008, was attended by committee members Jocelyn McCoy, Dave Danson, Ron Hafer, Caryl Hafer, Bill Campbell, and Joan Fletcher. Also attending were Board Chairman Frank Lennox and Manager Charlie Davison.
We have made the final corrections to the POASC Security procedures. A motion was made to submit the procedures to the board with the committees recommendation for acceptance as written, seconded and passed unanimously.
Copies of the procedures will be distributed to the Board prior to the
November 13, 2008 Board meeting. At that time I will make a motion
that the procedures be accepted as written.
The next projects we will be working on is a procedure for our in-house cleaning personnel and the addition of a clause to the Update Editors procedures.
Visitors are always welcome.
Director Joan Fletcher, Committee Chairman.
PDM...
PDM Committee…
Next Meeting Monday Nov 6, 9am
There were five members and one guest present.
The future plans for PDM in the Cove were reviewed
1- The RV Clubhouse repairs
A- Men’s bathroom, ceiling, grates, and hardware
B- Sidewalk repair or replace
2-Enclose open bays on maintenance building
3- Replace existing yellow wood barriers with steel guard rails
Rules Committee...
Bill Campbell Next meeting Thursday, Nov 6, 2:30 p.m.
1. We discussed board size reduction from twelve to nine members. The committee chairman requested this item be deferred to the 2009-2010 board session. The committee was then reminded that any property owner could take this to the board directly. The item has been deferred.
2. We had a discussion with Realtor Ken Streeter who currently operates a real estate rental service in the area. He offered some insights into the rental service pitfalls he has encountered. He also gave POASC a copy of his rental application forms. This will continue on future agendas.
3. Front yard storage- revised version of Covenants Section 8.37 was presented to the committee. Discussion followed and will be put on the November agenda.
4. By-laws Section 5.7 relating to residency requirements for election to, and service on the Board of Directors of POASC. This will be returned to the committee agenda.
Two other agenda items did not reach discussion.
Communications Committee...
Communications Committee… Office
Judy Deeter Next meeting Wednesday, Nov 5, 9 a.m.
1. Communications Fund is now set up under POASC and will be a line item in the budget. The account now has a balance of $3221.95
2. The website Spanishcove.org is currently being updated with new pictures and updated data. To keep all information of this website current is a goal of the Communications Committee.
3. There are still three outstanding accounts from the ads sold for the phone directory. The Operations Manager is working on collecting these outstanding accounts.
4. The editors of the Update emphasized the cut-off date for getting information in for the Update. The date is the 23rd of the month. Also if e-mailing information, be sure to use scupdate@gulftel.com as the e-mail address. The Finance Committee will be contacted to contribute information regarding the 2009/2010 budget for the Update. Information should include more explanations of line items, rising expenses, etc.
5. A request will be made to the cable company and/or the manufacturer of equipment for help in using the newer keyboard for Channel 86.
6. Lights will be added to the new drive-by signs and the costs will come from the Communications Fund.
Safety Committee...
Safety Committee … Office
De Olivia Dickey
Next meeting Friday Nov 7, 10am
Speed Humps: The speed hump issue is pending a demonstration date by one of the vendors.
Speeding Tickets: Ten speeding tickets have been issued.
Action: Mr. Davison will continue liaison with the Sheriff’s Office and State Troopers to ensure they continue their patrols of the Cove and the CR 99 approaches.
Road Striping: Mr. Davison has spoken with the Chairman of the Roads and Drainage Committee and that committee has taken the striping issue as one within its purview.
STOP Signs: Mr. Davison’s STOP sign replacement list, as reviewed by committee members, was returned to him for finalization. The replacement STOP signs will be of improved quality and reflectivity.
Reduced Speed Limits: Members Dick and Patty Junkins conducted and presented a preliminary investigation of areas within the Cove that might benefit from reduced speed limits and/or caution or warning signs.
Action: Committee members voted to continue the investigation. A more complete list with recommendations will be presented at the next meeting.
Guard Rails: Mr. Davison will proceed with the replacement of the guard rails at Entrance Six and the intersection of Buena Vista Dr. and Maria Dr.
Handicap Access: At the September meeting, Mr. Davison asked committee members to consider additional areas for installation of handicap access devices. Interest had been expressed in installing a handicap lift device at the pool. Mr. Davison will inquire into cost, but preliminary discussion indicates that the cost may be prohibitive, and such a device may introduce additional liability issues.
Action: Committee members will investigate other potential areas for improved handicap access and will make any recommendations required at next meeting.
Road Reflectors: Mr. Davison presented a list of proposed areas for installation of road reflectors. These devices are installed in areas, especially curves, where visibility is reduced at night and help in defining the road contour. The reflectors are relatively inexpensive ($27 per 100 for white; $37 per 100 for yellow), can be installed by Cove personnel and can be removed and reused when repaving.
Action: Committee members will survey the proposed areas and validate the list and potentially recommend additional areas for installation.
Committee Mission Statement: Ms. Giles recommended that the committee review its mission statement for possible revision and update.
Action: Due to time constraints, committee will discuss the issue at the November meeting.
Sidewalks: Mr. Davison introduced the subject of sidewalk replacement at the RV Clubhouse and the approaches to the pier. Both areas are deteriorating and may require replacement.
Action: As an item under the purview of the PDM Committee, but safety related, Mr. Davison will coordinate between committees and report results.
VISITORS WELCOME!
Roads/Drainage Committee...
Roads/Drainage Committee… Office
Jim Smith
Next meeting Tuesday Nov 11, 2pm
No meeting
Finance Committee...
Finance Committee… Office
Dale Morsette Next meeting Wednesday Nov 19, 2pm
Operations Manager Charlie Davison gave us a report regarding items of interest to our Committee.
Copies of the September Financial Reports were made available by Kliftin Nygaard and discussed in significant detail due to the shortage of Income and spread between Income and Expense thus far this Fiscal Year.
The account numbers of our CD’s and banks had been removed from the Financial Reports.
Major concerns were expressed about lower property sales creating a substantial reduction in forecasted Income, while some front-end loaded accounts showing higher than projected Expenses. Charlie Davison provided a summary of cost reduction actions he has taken. There were eleven property sales that took place in September/October that may indicate an up tick in property sales in the Cove.
The bulk of the meeting was spent discussing the Budget. My particular focus was on Income estimated from property sales, new home building, etc. It is clear that our over estimate last year of these items is the major reason for our current problems. I wanted members of the Committee to have some time with the Budget before significant changes are made. I specifically asked Charlie to consider the property sales, etc. income estimates. We don’t want to over estimate income again.
The overestimate for 2008 was due to when we have to present the Budget. At that time it appeared there would be substantial growth and our result is similar to what has been seen around the country this year. We are striving to not raise assessments more than necessary while still supplying the funds necessary to keep the Cove operating smoothly, without waste but also without damaging our quality of life.
The next scheduled meeting will be held Wednesday, November 19th in the POASC conference room at 2 PM. A special meeting may be called to ensure that we have a Final Budget ready to present to the Board of Directors. Visitors are welcome.
Regional Concerns Committee...
Regional Concerns Committee…
No date set
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