Happy New Year

Goodbye 2007, Hello 2008

We have accomplished much this year but there is still tons to do to get this neighborhood back into tip-top shape.

Completed Projects

Tennis court re-surfacing (2 south courts)
Tree/stump removal & trimming
Brush pile removed (YEAH!)
Lake front area cleaned and trimmed
New signage for Walking path and Playground
Village-wide sprinkler system updated and monitored
New Pressure-relief valve for sprinkler zones
Both basketball courts newly lined (blacktop redone on sm court)
Enhanced entrances with foliage
New pool maintenance company
Clubhouse breezeway repainted
Clubhouse parking lot repainted

TO BE COMPLETED IN 2008

Tennis court hut remodeling
re-surface 2 north tennis courts
Rebuild Pool pumphouse
Tennis court parking lot painting
Re-install Tennis backboard
Inspect Playground
New Clubhouse Foliage in front
Repaint North Entrance Sign

As you can see, we have a ton of work to do. Contact someone on the Board or Rosemary in the office if you want to pitch in - we'd be thankful!

Christmas Grinch

I have been approached by a number of my neighbors and quizzed as to why (like last year) I don't have my Christmas lights up???

First, let me declare that last year was out of PURE laziness! I'm guilty of putting it off until it was too late. Yep, that's me. Guilty as charged.

This year is for completely different reasons. First, let me tell you that I do not have any political party affiliation - I am affiliated with the CS & D party...the party of Common Sense and Decency. I have scrutinized my day-to-day activities ever since watching Al Gore's telling docu-drama "An Inconvenient Truth".

Real or exagerrated, global warming scares me not for my sake, but for the sake of my neighbor's kids I see playing in the yard and for the children that I will have in the very near future.

With the approach of Christmas and the ritualistic hanging of the lights, I have been reading about how much pollution and waste incandescent Christmas lights create. So I am taking a stand and putting my money where my mouth is (and maybe my foot, too).

Incandescent Christmas lights can create as much as 4x's the amount of carbon emissions as non-lighted homes. That's alot. The electrical costs can be limited by incorporating timers, but the power company is still churning out electricity to support the lights.

This link can explain it alot better than I can - it's logical and supported by numbers.

http://www.celsias.com/2007/10/23/christmas-lights-scrooge-or-savior/

So come Dec 26, when they stores discount their decorations, I will be shopping for LED light displays. And next December, when my neighbors see my lights, I will proudly say that they are Earth-friendly.

Just a thought...Rich

Westlake Village Community Garage Sale Jan 19 & 20

Get your stuff together - we're having a GARAGE SALE...

January 19th and 20th

Westlake will do all of the advertising for you!

Call the Office with any questions 784-3054

1.35% Tax Cap Grows

Cut Property Taxes Now!
www.CutPropertyTaxesNow.com
1.35% property Tax Cap –

1) 25-40% tax cut for Florida taxpayers;
2) applies to homesteaders/non-homesteaders;
3) Preserves Save Our Homes cap,
4) Applies to Taxable Value,
5) Allows school Funding to be preserved;
6) forces local governments to cut their budgets down to size. ……we need you to gather signatures!

¨ Coalition Grows – Floridians for Property Tax Reform add their support and volunteer network to get 1.35% plan on ballot! (http://www.saveourhomesforever.com/)
¨ Bradenton Herald offers supportive comments for 1.35% plan!
¨ Anna Maria city Commissioner endorses 1.35% plan!
¨ We need you to collect signatures for our 1.35% petition and donate at www.CutPropertyTaxesNow.com

Below is a letter of endorsement and an opinion piece in the Bradenton Herald supporting our 1.35% plan. Will you join our campaign?

In Today's Bradenton Herald (12/2/07) (letter to the editor)

Help pass 1.35% cap

I read with interest and hope about a ballot initiative supported by House Speaker Marco Rubio that calls for a flat 1.35 percent cap on all property taxes. The ballot proposal is sponsored by the coalition Cut Property Taxes Now and you can read more about their proposal at their Web site www.cutpropertytaxesnow.com.

This is a grassroots initiative and they need more than 600,000 verified voter signatures by the end of January for it to be placed on the ballot. What particularly caught my attention was the acknowledgement by Rubio that we (the people) need to rein in government spending. Our Legislature, local representatives and Gov. Crist have clearly demonstrated a lack of will and competence to address the citizens' concerns about spending and taxes; therefore, we, the people, need to take action. I strongly urge all concerned citizens to complete the petition form and notify your friends and family about this important ballot initiative. Let's show Tallahassee we, the people, can make a difference.

Dale Woodland
Anna Maria city commissioner
City of Anna Maria

Tax plans aplenty (12/2/07, Bradenton Herald)

Finding fairest of them all

Just in the past few weeks the war against property taxes has expanded across several more fronts - each one more responsible than the Legislature's vain effort at reform during October's special session.

One proposal, a citizens petition, restricts property taxes to 1.35 percent of a parcel's taxable value. The tax bill on a piece of property valued at $100,000, with no exemptions, would be $1,350, amounting to a 26 percent reduction on average. The plan, which retains Save Our Homes and the homestead exemption, cuts property taxes by $8 billion statewide.

A new statewide coalition called Cut Property Taxes Now is sponsoring the measure, which could land on next November's ballot.

Another proposal, from a powerful statewide panel, seeks to repeal many of the state's sales-tax exemptions and exclusions and use that money, estimated at $9 billion annually, to replace local property taxes that fund public schools. The savings on property-tax bills would range from 30 percent to 45 percent.

The Taxation and Budget Reform Commission, which is appointed every 20 years by the governor, House speaker and Senate president, is charged with re-examining the tax code and can place proposed constitutional amendments before voters - this one, too, in November 2008.

Both merit further discussion and analysis.

And both come on the heels of an act of desperation by the Legislature, which spit out a last-minute plan for property-tax relief during the waning moments of yet another special session. Their proposed constitutional amendment, which comes up for a vote Jan. 29, would chop property taxes $12.4 billion over five years with school revenues taking a $2.8 billion hit.

The plan doubles the $25,000 homestead exemption, amounting to an average tax savings of $240 a year; allows homeowners to retain their accrued Save Our Homes benefits when they move; and sets a 10 percent annual cap on nonhomesteaded assessments. The doubling of the homestead exemption would not apply to schools.

This ballot issue has come under fire from a number of quarters, including those who question its fairness to nonhomesteaded property owners and those concerned with education. A St. Petersburg Times-Bay News 9 poll taken in November shows waning public support - at 53 percent among registered voters, well short of the 60 percent required for passage of a constitutional amendment. That number plummets to 47 percent when respondents learn about the plan's specific provisions.

This proposal is not measuring a passable pulse, yet Gov. Charlie Crist - who campaigned on Save Our Homes portability and doubling the homestead exemption - is plowing full steam ahead. He has appointed a top aide to run a statewide effort to boost support for the plan, and he is seeking donations from business trade groups in order to fund an advertising campaign.

This plan, though, only serves to compound inequities in the state's tax system, and we suggest Crist put his efforts elsewhere.

The 1.35 percent proposal, though, applies to all properties, including homes owned by snowbirds - making it more fair than January's amendment. But the plan faces a steep uphill climb in order to secure a spot on the November ballot, needing some 61,000 signatures on petitions by the end of December to trigger a Florida Supreme Court review of the ballot language. If that passes muster, roughly 550,000 signatures would have to be collected by the end of January.

The sales-tax measure - long a pet project by Bradenton businessman and former state Senate president John McKay - targets hundreds of materials and services currently untaxed. Many are justified and such "necessities of life" items as food, prescription drugs and health services would remain exempt. McKay is also not going after lawyers or advertising. The commission's tax code committee is looking at Internet sales, courier services, pro sports franchises, lawn care and swimming pool services, to name a few.

With support from two-thirds of the commission's 25 members, the amendment could be placed on the November ballots - though it, too, would require 60 percent passage.

With another $1 billion revenue shortfall predicted several weeks ago and continued economic grief ahead for the state, Florida will be challenged to come up with a more equitable tax system - whether that comes from a citizens initiative or a political effort. At least now there are more ideas on the table. We hope voters agree on one thing: January's ballot measure is not the answer.

Carrotwood Trees - Wanted Dead (not Alive)

Have you seen this tree?

If you are like me, you may have never realized it was a non-native, highly invasive “weed” that displaces Florida’s natural flora and landscaping.

Recently, the Association has started removing the smaller trees we come across, as they can be taken out by hand. We do have a couple of larger trees which will merit more attention in the near future.

Carrotwood is an evergreen tree native to Australia, Indonesia, and New Guinea. It is a slender tree usually with a single trunk that has dark gray outer bark covering inner bark that is often orange in color. Birds, particularly fish crows, are the primary animal dispersal agents of carrotwood seeds, which they ingest and later deposit a considerable distance from parent plants.

Carrotwood is listed as a Category 1 invasive exotic in Florida, capable of altering native plant communities by displacing native species and changing community structures or ecological functions. Spoil Islands, beach dunes, hammocks, marshes, mangrove and cypress habitats, scrub, coastal prairies and coastal strand are among the Florida coastal natural habitats susceptible to invasion by this species. Once it invades a new area, Cupaniopsis anacardioides can crowd out and out-compete native vegetation to form dense stands of carrotwood trees.

Cupaniopsis anacardioides (aka carrotwood) can alter the community structure of native plant communities, e.g., mangrove marsh, and negative economic as well as ecological impacts are probable.

To minimize impacts, the plant was added to the DACS Florida Noxious Weed List in 1999. Plants on the Florida Noxious Weed List, including carrotweed, may not be introduced, possessed, moved, or released without a permit.

Need: Proxies & Volunteer Help...Annual Meeting Questions Answered

Unfortunately, we did not receive our 190 residents in attendance via in person or by proxy - we had 145 at last count. Our Green book says we MUST have an Annual Meeting, so we will need to come up with 45 more proxy votes and then we will reconvene to do the business of the Annual Meeting. If you have a proxy, please designate the Secretary as your proxy and mail it to or drop it off at the Clubhouse. Your assistance is greatly appreciated.

As president, I did have a few opening remarks for those present. 2007 was a year of change in Westlake Village - we greeted a new Office Administrator (Rosemary), a new Director of Buildings and Grounds (Jim), a new insurance company (Carlton Fields), and a host of other "new" things! The challenge we face in 2008 is simple: lack of man/womanpower. Without going into too much detail, we (the Board) are TIRED. We are trying to give 110%, but we find ourselves being pulled in every direction. Anything you, as a resident, can do to help out would be greatly welcome.

We were also able to field some great questions from the membership… touching on a variety of topics including, but not limited to, the pool maintenance costs, legal costs and challenges, finances, and FORECLOSURES. Let's look a little deeper into that. As you know, we find ourselves in a challenging time financially. Every household is being asked to do more with less (or at least the same), thanks to rising energy costs, growing insurance bills, and other costs. Westlake Village is now feeling the pinch of foreclosed and abandoned properties. Currently, there are approx 3 - 4 active foreclosures in our neighborhood. It is common for embattled owners to simply walk away from the properties, leaving the growing grass and decaying pool for neighbors. It sometimes takes 3 or 4 months before the lender (or buyer) to take possession of the property, at which time it is cleaned up.

So what do we, as a community, do when the property is abandoned for those 3 - 4 months? The Board has been examining this issue since it was first brought to our attention in September, then it was tabled in October, and will be finally addressed in Nov. Our legal counsel has advised us it is not financially wise to begin mowing these properties, as there is little chance we will be reimbursed for the costs of imposing a lien on the property for the actual mowing. There are many liability issues with going on a property that we don't own, although the Green Book does grant us the power to do this. And finally, where does our “power” stop – do we mow peoples lawns who are NOT in foreclosure but appear to have abandoned the property (yes, we have received a request already).

My wife is so smart and timely. When I told her of this quandary, she related a story to me about a California community who was seeing 20% - 25% vacancy in their new development, as investors bailed on the properties. It was so bad that residents formed "mowing parties" and began caring for the homes until the banks received possession and began their maintenance program for the property. Again, just an interesting story and it this does not address the liability these conscientious residents (perhaps unknowingly) took upon themselves.

The Board will adopt measures that address these abandoned homes while also minimizing the financial toll and liability such a program entails. Where does the balance fall? I'm not sure. If you have any ideas, please call or email ANYONE on the Board...www.WestlakeVillageHOA.com.

Thanks for your support

ANNUAL MTG!!!

All,

The ANNUAL MTG is tomorrow (Tuesday) at 7pm at the Clubhouse. If you can make, please stop by. We need AT LEAST 190 proxies/votes to have a quorum and have the meeting.

If you have any questions, please call Rosemary in the Office at 784-3054.

Sheriff activity report

As a service to our residents, the Board of Directors contracts with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Dept for off-duty patrols on specified days and times. These off-duty patrols target suspicious activity, traffic issues, and are an overall deterrent to criminal activity. Below is the September report for your review...



PINELLAS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
SPECIAL OPERATIONS DIVISION

ACTIVITY REPORT

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, H.O.A.

Sept 2007

9/01/07
Saturday
Sgt. K. Page
No activity to report. Quiet within the community.


9/02/07
Sunday
Dep. J. Olley
No activity to report. Quiet within the community.


9/08/07
Saturday
Dep. C. Hamilton
Field Interrogation Report, Incident #07-255577 on Lakeview Drive for a suspicious vehicle.


9/14/07
Friday
Dep. G. Williams
No criminal or suspicious activity found. Also no traffic violations.


9/18/07
Tuesday
Dep. K. Lewis
No activity to report. Quiet within the community.


9/22/07
Saturday
Dep. J. Martin
No traffic citations to report. However, patrol units arrived in area, XXX Village Way, for clearing a party and a narcotics case.


9/29/07
Saturday
Dep. T. McTaggart
No activity to report for this date.

ANNUAL MEETING UPDATE:

You should have received you Annual Meeting Notice and Ballot in the mail. If not, please contact Rosemary in the office for a copy 784-3054. Unfortunately, we received only 1 candidate for the 2008 Board of Directors.

That means at our next regularly scheduled meeting (Nov 19th @ 7p) we will convene with only 5 Board members, THE MINIMUM NEEDED TO CONDUCT THE BUSINESS OF WESTLAKE VILLAGE. Should we fall short at any time during the year, the following Florida Statute will apply:

FS 720.305 (4) reads as follows:

If an association fails to fill vacancies on the board of directors sufficient to constitute a quorum in accordance with the bylaws, any member may apply to the circuit court that has jurisdiction over the community served by the association for the appointment of a receiver to manage the affairs of the association. At least 30 days before applying to the circuit court, the member shall mail to the association, by certified or registered mail, and post, in a conspicuous place on the property of the community served by the association, a notice describing the intended action, giving the association 30 days to fill the vacancies. If during such time the association fails to fill a sufficient number of vacancies so that a quorum can be assembled, the member may proceed with the petition. If a receiver is appointed, the homeowners' association shall be responsible for the salary of the receiver, court costs, attorney's fees, and all other expenses of the receivership. The receiver has all the powers and duties of a duly constituted board of directors and shall serve until the association fills a sufficient number of vacancies on the board so that a quorum can be assembled.

NOMINATIONS WILL BE TAKEN FROM THE FLOOR DURING THE ANNUAL MEETING.

Here's a quick hit...




1) Our annual meeting will be held on November 13th at 630 at the Clubhouse. Please try to attend. If not, WE DESPERATELY NEED YOUR PROXY - LAST YEAR WE HAD TO CALL RESIDENTS SO WE COULD HAVE A QUORUM AND COMPLETE THE ANNUAL MEETING. You will be receiving the annual meeting packet in the mail very soon!


2) If you notice yellow spots in your St. Augustine, don't fret. Part of it is normal due to the shift in seasons. However, according to my lawn care company and various Internet sites, it's due to an iron deficiency, particularly in part due to reclaimed water. Well water users will probably not notice any yellowing. Contact your lawn company or the County extension for the proper fertilizer to use.


3) We will be doing extensive tree work soon, both on the Blvd and throughout our common areas. Please use caution when driving on the Blvd if there are workers present - we have 60 palm trees that will be trimmed.


4) The Board of Directors currently has no one coordinating Community events, such as SpringFest, a community Garage Sale, Holiday Wine Shares, etc. If you are interested, we have set aside funds for these events and we would love to have the assistance. Please contact Rosemary in the office 784-3054 if you are interested.


5) As the weather cools off, this is an excellent time to have your A/c serviced. Dirty coils are the #1 cause of under-performing units. Call an A/C professional ( I have a personal reference if you need one), clean your condensation line, and check your filters. You will see the difference in your bill - trust me.


Cheers...

URGENT - WE NEED YOUR HELP

URGENT.....URGENT.....

http://www.cutpropertytaxesnow.com/ has launched a grass-roots campaign to add a new Constitutional Amendment to our ballot which will dramatically LOWER your property tax bill.

****This measure is designed to rein in excessive property taxes, not do away with them completely. It also leave the provisions of Save Our Homes intact****

read below for directions on how you can change the state of affairs in the State of Florida:

Cut Property Taxes Now

Forward this message far and wide for tax relief

A Simple and Effective Citizens’ Tax Relief Proposal for Florida: 1.25% property tax cap for everyone.

See Dr. McKalip and Tax Fighter David Simpson on ABC Action News (Tampa Bay) tonight at 5 or 6 pm about the initiative. (10/11/07)

Press conference at St. Pete City Hall Wed. 10/17 2pm , 175 5th St. N. St. Petersburg.

1. Go To http://www.cutpropertytaxesnow.com/ to download a petition to sign.

2. Fill in your address and it will help fill out the petition for you

3. Print and mail it in.

4. Donate money for a successful campaign with the “contribute” button at the site.

5. Go to http://www.cuttaxesnow.com/ to sign up for this email distribution list (if this was forwarded to you).

Today, Cut Property Taxes Now - a new and separate organization - announced its proposal to amend the state constitution in 11/08 to cut taxes for all Florida Property Owners. The Key points of the proposal would:

Tax all property at no more than 1.25% of its taxable value.

Keep the effect of the Save Our Homes cap – permanently.

Provide strong tax relief to homestead and non-homestead property owners.

Cut local government property tax revenue by about 25% across the state.

Takes effect in January 2009.

To put it more simply, here are the taxes that would be paid on all property based on its taxable value (the value on your Trim notice after Save Our Homes and exemptions).

This applies to homesteaders and non-homesteaders:

Taxable Value Property Tax

$100,000 $1,250

$200,000 $2,500

$300,000 $3,750

$500,000 $6,250

$750,000 $9,375

$1,000,000 $12,500

Last year, local Governments in Florida collected a record $30.4 billion in property taxes, nearly twice what was collected in 2000. The “One and a Quarter” Solution would have allowed $22.4 Billion, cutting local tax collections an average of about 25% (a quarter) around the state. The money is being wasted on corporate welfare, failed social welfare, government mismanagement and waste and excessive benefits packages for government workers.

Cut Property Taxes Now is headed by Lee Sullivan, of Bay Taxpayer Alliance in the Panhandle, David McKalip, M.D., of Cut Taxes Now in Tampa Bay and Ira Paul, of Independent Voices for Better Education in Miami-Dade.

Are you fed up with the overspending at your local governments? Are you disgusted that the politicians can’t find a way to cut taxes for all those who are actually paying the high taxes? Are you angry that tax collections have doubled since 2000, people are leaving the state, the Florida economy is spiraling downward and businesses can’t grow or must close?

The time is now. It is up to us. Let’s take action to bring government back down to size and achieve the tax relief our politicians will never give us.

Go to http://www.cutpropertytaxesnow.com/ and download the petition.

Sign it and mail it in today.

Paid Political Advertisement Sponsored and Paid for In Kind by David McKalip, M.D., 1201 5th Ave. N. #210, St. Petersburg, FL 33705.

So what's new?

1. The association will be having the Green Belt area along Belcher Road professionally surveyed in order to update our records and ensure we are protecting the common areas of Westlake Village. It should occur on or around the 1st of the year.
2. Dir. of Maint Jim Brasby has been busily sewing up loose ends and completing many, many projects such as sealing sections of the walking path, repairing and repainting benches throughout the park, coordinating the re-lining of our 2 basketball courts, repainting the basketball hoops, removing dead citrus from the grove, and much more.
3. Jim will be tackling more dead citrus, piles of logs, removing invasive carrotwood trees, and coordinating with a tree company to remove our debris pile in the woods.
4. Pete Mansour has been readying the annual meeting packets for mail and they should be going out soon.
5. Our Treasurer, Mike Hicks, has mentioned at previous meetings we are dealing with quite a few delinquent dues - to the tune of $12,000 - $13,000.

Cheers

Our march into fall continues...

1) The tired and overworked must wait another month to turn back the clocks - November 4th, thanks to new energy-saving legislation

2) The association will be having the Greenbelt area surveyed in the next few months.
Residents whose rear property line abuts the Greenbelt area may see flags or stakes as the survey is completed. The association is updating it's records with a current survey to identify any encroachments, easements, and existing structures in the Greenbelt.

3) We're still looking for Board volunteers for our Annual Meeting which will be held November 13th at 7 PM at the Clubhouse.

4) Please ensure you are locking your vehicle each and every night, as we may have had another round of break-ins. IF YOU SEE ANYTHING SUSPICIOUS, PLEASE CALL THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND LET THEM KNOW. OT CALL ME 417-8814 AND I WILL PASS IT ALONG TO THEM. WE MUST CONTINUE TO REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY UNTIL THESE CRIMINALS ARE CAUGHT.

5) There are many new projects underway/being completed - the Board of Directors wants to thank Jim Brasby, our Director of Maintenance, for his continued dedication to excellence in Westlake Village. His presence has made a dramatic impact in the short time he has been here and we look forward to his future contributions.

CORRECTION:
Welch Tennis Courts, who recently remodeled 2 of our courts, has requested we limit access for 30 days after completion of the courts. The additional cure time will increase the useful life of the new courts. We know this is an inconvenience, but we feel it is worth the delay. Thanks for your understanding.

Unfortunately, we had another string of vehicle burgularies - my household was a victim, as well. Earlier this week, my wife walked out to her car on her way to work and found the driver's side door ajar and the glove box hanging open. Missing was her change and $25 sun glasses. I have spoken with some residents who also reported thefts. Please ensure you are locking your vehicles and try not to leave any valuables in them overnight. Also, consider installing some motion-sensing floodlights. for your driveway if you do not already have them.

Andy Franek, our lawn care technician, recently installed a new flower bed by the pool pumphouse. It had deteriorated into a hedge of oak trees, but with the guidance of our Dir of maintenance, Jim Brasby, it is now looking beautiful with jasmine, crotons, and 2 palms. Also, Jim is busy resealing the small basketball court and will be pressurewashing the large court, all in preparation for relining.

We continue to look for volunteers to help us achieve our goals for 2007 and lay the foundation for a successful 2008. Thanks and good day!

Welcome to September

Here's whats new:

1. We still need 3 nominees for your 2008 Board of Directors. I think you'll agree that I've whined enough about voluntering - so if we don't get any one to step forward, so be it.
2. The 2 southernmost tennis courts are being resurfaced. They were in the worst condition, given their location to the entrance to the tennis courts. We expect them to be available early next week, so GAME ON! Thanks for your patience with us as we continue our complete subdivision makeover.
3. Jim Brasby, our new Director of Building and Grounds, has been hard at work. His latest completed projects include new gutters on the Clubhouse to stop ground erosion, new painted Bulletin Board in the Breezeway, refurbishing the park benches, and pressure cleaning the back pool deck. I have to commend Jim for his ability in bringing on a new pool company and working closely with them to minimize the time the pool was closed for cleaning. Thanks, Jim.
4. It's budget time again and if you are interested in where our money goes, please contact anyone on the Board and let them know you want to help set the budget for next year.
5. Please drive carefully in the neighborhood, especially in the eary morning hours. We have many schoolchildren waiting for busses and walking to school. Slowing down just 5 mph could be the difference between life and death.

Until next week,

adios - Rich

Pool

FYI...

Due to the unchecked "explosion" of black algae in the Community Pool, we were forced to discontinue our relationship with the pool company we had and move forward with Anchor Pools, who have a superior reputation within the North County area. The recommendation was made by Rosemary, our Office Administrator - THANKS ROSEMARY!

Anchor started work on Thursday and by Friday at 2p, the water was P-E-R-F-E-C-T! We have also discontinued our regular pool chemical delivery, as Anchor supplies their own chemical system.

Our previous company also had recommended we spend $2100 to replace a dated chlorine "injector" pump - the Anchor Pool rep, Bob, said they prefer to handle the chemical mixing by hand, thus saving us the $2100 pump.

Enjoy the pool - it's open 9a to dusk...

Thanks, Rich C

It's that time of year...

...no, not International Housekeepers Week, which also happens to be in September.

It's almost time for our Westlake Village Civic Association Annual Meeting, which is held in November!

At the meeting, we will summarize what the Village has accomplished, what setbacks we have experienced, and goals for 2008.

WE ALSO ELECT 3 NEW BOARD MEMBERS! So grab your phone, dial 417-8814, and let me know you will be a candidate for YOUR 2008 Board of Directors. No lame excuses like:

1. Monday night meetings are tough for me (they're tough for EVERYONE)
2. I just can't spare the time (Yes, you really can but you choose not to)
3. It's just not fun (most of the time it is...but there are times that are "harder" than others)
4. I will if you can't find anyone else to do it (Great...sign here!)

Let's cut to the chase - we're a volunteer organization 110% responsible for keeping up the value of YOUR home - joining the Board is a win-win proposition! No volunteers = no Board = crappy neighborhood = declining home values = keep working for that retirement, buddy!

Better yet, why don't YOU volunteer for one of our 2 open slots RIGHT NOW - don't wait for the meeting!

Make a choice to help out your neighbors (and yourself) - call me.

Thanks in advance,

Rich

the Latest..

Here we go...

1. Jim Brasby, our new Director of Bldg & Grnds, has been hard at work catching up on projects that just didn't get done previously. So far, he has repainted the parking lot, repainted the breezeway, serviced our maintenance equipment, coordinated with Andy Franek on lawn issues, installed new mailboxes throughout the park, and replaced light covers in the breezeway. Oh he also patched a hole in our Belcher Road chainlink fence.
2. The 2 southern tennis courts will be repaired soon, as the Board just approved spending $5800 for it's re-painting.
3. We will be surveying the Green Belt area in an effort to update our older records.
4. Criminal activity has subsided since the spike 2 - 3 weeks ago with the burgularies. No suspects have been identified nor apprhended.
5. WE STILL NEED BOARD VOLUNTEERS! We would like to welcome our newest Board member, Dmitri Leventis! As he will soon find out, being a Board member is easy, fun, and a great way to give back to your community.

cheers...

I went to YC for the weekend and I received no calls or emails, so I ASSUME it's been quiet around here - I will be checking with our PCSO liaison for an update. Here's the newest:

1. The auto-chlorinator failed over the weekend. Thank you to the residents who informed Rosemary in the office, who informed me. We had the pool company out post=haste and the issue was resolved.
2. Jim Brasby, our new maintenance director, has been making quite a few changes around the Clubhouse area - the Breezeway has been expertly painted, the parking lot is also being repainted, and new lighting has been installed in the Breezeway.
3. Jim is also responsible for organizing and itemizing out maintenancetools and machinery.
4. We do have a storm in the Caribbean on a westward course towards us - please stay up to date with this event. If you want to beat the newscasters, visit www.nhc.noaa.gov

Have a great day...

Be Aware

Every day I pick up the newspaper (actually I read it online) and I read about fights, assualts, theft, even murder - I think to myself "That's a shame to have to live in fear of _______."

Unfortunately, my rose-colored glasses broke yesterday when I heard what happened to one of our neighbors, Greg Foley and his family.

Rather than recite what I have been told, I am copying Greg's email here so you can read it in his words:

"FYI, our house (on Sandy Hook Rd) was broken into early this morning by a young white male approximately 6'2" medium build,dark clothing, hat & gloves. My wife's screams & our dog's barking scared him off but not before he took our wallets & a laptop that we found outside. Too hard to conceal I imagine. He discharged a taser in our home that fortunately hit no one.

We have three people who saw the suspect in the neighborhood & the Sheriff's department is working on it (Case # 07-218631). If anyone saw anything or anyone suspicious this morning (Saturday) between 5 & 7 please call the sheriff's dept @ 582-6200 & reference the case #.

Those in the area may want to check for anything missing. Suspect was seen at Lakeside @ Sandy Hook @ 6:10 am before he hit us.

Thanks,
Greg"

UPDATE:

1) Access to Greg's home was through an unlocked side garage door - check your right now.

2) The laptop was found outside, but the wallets are still missing.

If you know anything at all or think you may have seen something that relates to this incident, please call the PCSO with the case number.

Also, be observant as you go through your day to day routine - if you see someone who is unfamiliar or just looks out-of-place, please call me, a Board member, or the PCSO.

Trust your instincts - most often than not you will be correct.

Respectfully, Rich C.

OWNER ALERT...

ATTENTION SELLERS:

http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/n2-073007.cfm

Study: Foreclosures impact entire neighborhoods

MIAMI– July 30, 2007 –

Mounting mortgage defaults across South Florida threaten to hurt more than just those homeowners who lose their properties to lenders.

Experts say foreclosures could drag down already sluggish housing prices throughout entire neighborhoods.

“Homeowners that are being foreclosed upon aren’t spending their Saturday afternoons mowing the yard,” said Greg McBride, a senior financial analyst at Bankrate.com in North Palm Beach. “So those people who are cutting the grass, trimming the shrubs and fixing the gutters will suffer.”

In the Tree Tops development in Wellington, where residents tend to their lots with care, one property near the entrance is in foreclosure and has been on the market for months. The vacant house has a rickety wooden fence, missing roof tiles and, until recently, a front yard full of weeds. A buyer just walked away from a $190,000 contract on the home, located about three miles west of the Mall at Wellington Green where comparable homes go for as much has $240,000.

As a result, neighbors trying to sell their wood-frame homes built in the early 1980s could have a hard time getting their asking prices, said Deanne Lee, 43, a real estate agent who lives one street from the house in foreclosure.“It’s a scary thought,” Lee said. “I see this as just the beginning.”

In a national study published last year, two housing analysts found that for every foreclosure within one-eighth of a mile of a single-family home, property values decline by about 1 percent, and even more in dense developments. The study by Geoff Smith and Dan Immergluck is thought to be the only comprehensive look at the effect of foreclosures on property values, and is based on depressed values in Chicago in 1997 and 1998. Based on their study, the value of a typical Palm Beach County home near one property in foreclosure could drop at least $3,779.

The county’s median-priced existing home in June was $377,900, according to the Florida Association of Realtors.

“One foreclosure may have a modest effect on nearby property values, but with four or five foreclosures, you’ll see a significant effect,” said Smith, director of the Woodstock Institute, a nonprofit housing group in Chicago. “You see neighborhoods start to decline.”

Smith recommends that neighbors of foreclosed homes postpone selling their own properties until the housing market improves. “But people often times don’t have that option,” he said.

The numbers of homeowners defaulting on their mortgages and facing foreclosure are rising steadily across South Florida this year, according to Realestat.com, a Plantation-based company that compiles local housing statistics.

Analysts mostly blame the trouble on unconventional home loans made to risky borrowers hoping to get into houses and condominiums that shot up in value during the housing boom from 2000 to 2005.

Perfect foreclosure storm

The number of Palm Beach County homeowners behind on their mortgage payments topped 1,000 in June, almost a fourfold increase from 259 a year ago. Actual foreclosures were flat last month. The worst is yet to come, however. Experts say foreclosure filings and late-payment notices from lenders are expected to peak this fall, leaving lenders with a glut of properties to sell by next summer.

In Floral Park, a middle-class development of 40-year-old homes in suburban Lake Worth, a foreclosed house went on the market down the street from Joe Rodriguez. It sold recently for just more than $263,000. As a result, Rodriguez is worried that he could have a hard time getting his $369,900 asking price, even though his four-bedroom corner property is bigger and includes a pool table as an incentive.“

It’s a bad sign,” Rodriguez said of foreclosures. “If the banks turn around and sell them for less, sure, it’s going to hurt [other sellers nearby.]”

Homeowners with late house payments usually are at least three months behind and have been notified that their lenders intend to foreclose. In many cases, people who secured adjustable-rate loans found they couldn’t afford the monthly payments once interest rates rose.During the housing frenzy, some of those people avoided foreclosure simply by selling the homes or refinancing. But that wasn’t as easy to do when the market slumped last year. With fewer buyers and thousands of properties for sale, cash-strapped homeowners can’t count on fast deals to bail them out of trouble.

What’s more, refinancing isn’t as easy now because home values are flat or dropping and lenders are tightening credit standards as borrowers default on home loans.

Neighborhoods that stand to get hurt the most from the foreclosure crunch are newer ones with a large number of sales made near the peak of the housing boom in 2005, said Alan Hunter, a senior market analyst with Metrostudy, a West Palm Beach consulting firm.Because lenders don’t want to be in the real estate business, they’ll likely sell those properties quickly and at a loss that will reduce home values.

“They’ll be bought by investors who will try to rent them out at a profit,” Hunter said. It’s becoming more difficult to determine whether price declines are the result of nearby foreclosures or the general decline in the housing market, real estate agents say. Regardless, the downward pressure on prices actually will be good in the long run for overpriced markets, including South Florida, said Mark Vitner, senior economist for Wachovia Securities.“It’s going to help speed up the adjustment process,” Vitner said. “More homes will get into the hands of more willing sellers – the banks or whomever. It’s a necessary thing.”

But that’s not what sellers want to hear. Re/Max agent Mark Plaxen is marketing a two-bedroom townhouse off Village Boulevard in West Palm Beach. Four months ago, the seller was asking $199,000 but has since reduced the price five times. This month it was listed at $174,900.Plaxen just found out about another listing in the same development: a townhouse in foreclosure.

“I’ll probably have to call up my seller and say, ‘It’s time to lower the price again.’”

Copyright © 2007 South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Paul Owers. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

New Maintenance Supervisor

The dog days of summer are here again...hope you are staying cool.

A couple of weeks ago, our maintenance Director, Mike Sunderman, resigned with no notice, leaving the Village with no day-to-day person responsible for the upkeep of our assets. In the interim, members of the Board have been pitching in and helping with the regular duties: trash, the pool area, unlocking the pool, etc.

It is my pleasure to announce our NEW Supervisor of Building and Grounds - Jim Brasby. After a lengthy interview process with many candidates, we were excited to offer the position to Jim! Jim lives in New Port Richey with his wife and 2 children (ages 3 & 15). Jim has extensive experience in the home-building industry, including supervisory positions and hands-on experience "in the trenches". The knowledge gained in past occupations will certainly bennefit him (and Westlake) as he moves to tackle jobs that, for some reason or another, just couldn't get done previously.

Jim will be working Monday through Friday from 7a - 3p. If you see him, be sure to introduce yourself and make him feel welcome - he is, after all, part of our extended Westlake Village family. Jim also offered to pen a monthly column in the Village Voice to keep you, the residents, abreast of the latest projects and priorities.

As soon as he gets acquainted with our facilities and equipment, Jim will be fully responsible for all of the common assets of our neighborhood. If you know of an issue that requires attention, please submit a Work Order form to Rosemary in the Office - the blank form are available on our website, www.WestlakeVillageHOA.com, or in the office.

The 2nd half of 2007 should be an exciting time...stay tuned!

Oh, we are still looking for volunteers to join the Board of Directors. We don't bite and have no known communicable diseases - so don't put it off any longer! Make a choice to get involved and keep YOUR BIGGEST INVESTMENT - your home - protected by a well-run and well-maintained community!

Peace.
Rich C.

7/15 update

Were you ever just happy that a week ended? I just had one of those weeks and I couldn't get through it fast enough! Here's the latest:

Last Friday, Mike Sunderman, the Director of Building and Grounds for your community, abruptly resigned. The Board of Directors accepted his resignation and immediately began interviewing for his position. Being in charge of the Westlake Village common areas and the grounds encompassing all of Westlake Village is no easy task, I assure you. We have a backlog of projects the Board would like to see to completion. At our July Board meeting, it is my intention to put forth a candidate who will have the initiative, motivation, and knowledge to be successful in the vacated postion....stand by for more on this subject.

Wednesday morning, the Village awoke to vandalism of our pool area. Hoodlums cut out a section of our pool fence, which is mandated by the County to keep young children from wandering into the pool and drowning. We are working on getting this repaired just as soon as we are able. Also, these same thugs cut and removed all the wire strand running along the top of the pool fence...apparently there is a large black market for recycled Galvalum (or galvanized aluminum). A few tables and chairs were thrown into the pool as well as damage down to the playground area.

The Board of Directors has refit all locks and we are taking other measures to secure the common areas from further damage.

FYI, there are some rather major changes to the State Statutes with regard to Architectural/Deed restriction compliance that are coming down the pike. Stay tuned for more on that, as it WILL affect home values for those unlucky enough to live next to someone who bought in our community with no regard for the rules that have existed since the inception of our community.

Later...

Every week I update this blog with good info, tips, and please for volunteers. I would like to take this opportunity to offer you a referral that may save you a ton of money and sweat. But first...

***Westlake Village Civic Association does not endorse nor recommend any vendors to our residents and receives no compensation of any sort****

Last week, our A/C condenser outside started making noises reminicent of Linda Blair in "The Exorcist". It was so bad it would wake us up in the middle of the night as it kicked on and off. Bam, Bam, Bam, Bam, woo, woo, woo...at 13 years of age, I thought for sure we would need a new condenser unit.

We normally use a large local company, but my wife had a colleague who HIGHLY recommended another A/C guy. As a realtor, I have come to realize the intrinsic value of maintaining a referral list and working EXCLUSIVELY with vendors who have a proven track record.

I called Greg barnes of Dixie's Heating and Cooling, Inc. He came out in a prompt manner and proceeded to get to work. The first thing he noticed was the contactor had partially burned away after 13 years of Florida summers. It couldn't make full contact each and every time, hence the bangs we were hearing.

Part of his check included testing the freon level. he likened it to oil in a car - it should never be too low and NEVER be too high - ours had an overpressure situation, which Greg professionally adjusted.

His rates are very very competitive and he's always professional. I just had him work on my mother-in-law's compressor and I couldn't be more satisfied.

His number is 727.488.4478 - give him a call if you start sweating profusely - with the a/c at full blast!

Homeowners rejoice...

Real-estate related, but good information nonetheless:

http://realestate.msn.com/Buying/Article_Forbes.aspx?cp-documentid=5008065&GT1=10130


Where will real estate bounce back fastest?

Prices have hit bottom in some cities and are heading back up, but recovery rates vary. Here are the places with the best prospects.

By Matt Woolsey, Forbes.com

When it comes to real estate, the questions on everyone's lips are: How low is low, and when's the perfect time to buy back in?

That moment has passed in Seattle and in Charlotte, N.C. Both metro areas hit bottom in the first quarter of 2006 and have since posted price gains of 12.3% and 6.3%, respectively, according to National Association of Realtors (NAR) data.

Ripe for investment? Philadelphia and New Orleans. Based on housing inventory and local economic conditions, both should hit price troughs by year's end and bounce back with moderate gains of around 4% in 2008.

In markets expected to recover more slowly, such as Boston and Denver, low buyer confidence coupled with a surplus of housing stock has lengthened the slump. NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun points out that buyers are looking for clear signs of a market bottom and are content to wait on the sidelines until then.

It's easy to see why. Most of the country's real-estate markets are feeling the effects of overproduction. A strong market hovers near a 1.5% vacancy rate, but the national average currently stands at 2.8%, and in cities such as Miami, Atlanta and Denver, figures hang around 3.5%. In addition, every nugget of good news (like the May Commerce Department report that said new-home sales are at a 14-year high) comes with bad news (median price growth is at a 10-year low).

So which other metro area markets stand the best chance of recovery, and when will that upturn occur?

Behind the numbers

Market corrections follow three basic recovery patterns: a V-shaped recovery where a market experiences a sharp, fast decline but comes out strong once it hits bottom; a U-shaped recovery, where prices decline gradually and recover slowly; and an L-shaped pattern, a hard, fast fall with a paltry price bounce-back after the market trough.

The differences between a V-shaped market and a U-shaped one have to do with barriers to growth. High vacancy rates and high investor share can hurt a market, but if the local economy remains strong and housing stock affordable, it's only a matter of how long it takes to absorb the excess inventory.

Tampa, Fla., is a perfect candidate for a V-shaped recovery, according to research from Moody's Economy.com, an economic analysis, forecasting and credit risk firm in West Chester, Pa. The local economy remains strong, and subprime lending is relatively low.

Tampa's problem? A high investor share that led to high vacancy rates. When the market turned sour in 2005, more than 25% of Tampa homes were owned as investment properties. Investors are quicker to flee during a downturn, thus creating a glut of available housing stock. In Tampa's case, vacancy rates now stand at 3.5%.

"As investors exit, the market revives," says Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Economy.com, as fewer speculative buyers result in a more stable market. "Tampa's a pretty affordable market, and first-time buyers can come in once prices fall."

Based on Moody's Economy projections, Tampa should burn off its excess inventory and hit a price trough in the first quarter of 2008, at which point prices are expected to increase by 10.6% the following year.

These projections take into account housing affordability, vacancy rates, the strength of the local economy and job market, investor share in 2005 and the share of subprime mortgages. Data are from Moody's, the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Federal Reserve.

Predicting the bottom of any asset market, especially real estate, is a difficult thing. While these projections are based on sound data and advanced modeling by Moody's, no one can predict futures markets with absolute certainty.

Other bounces

Like Tampa, Phoenix is afflicted by high investor share (26.1%), and it has a vacancy rate of more than 3%. Good affordability rates and a surging job market suggest that once Phoenix bottoms out, price growth will be strong. Moody's projection model has Phoenix reaching its price trough in the fourth quarter of 2008 and then growing by 7.7% the following year.
Slower recovery rates are expected in markets such as Minneapolis and Boston, where a slumping local economy, slow job growth and negative migration numbers hamper long-term prospects. Along with other U-shaped markets, like Sacramento, that have double-digit subprime lending share, Zandi says it's going to be harder for these markets to get going again.
That doesn't necessarily mean V-shaped markets are in the clear. The labor markets in cities such as Las Vegas, Phoenix and San Diego, whose future economic success will be critical to recovery, are heavily in housing-related industries, according to Moody's. So long as those economies can weather their respective corrections, they should be all right.

"These markets are going to experience more substantial declines in the coming year," says Zandi. "Gauging the bottom is a very intrepid affair, and the job market is very important to recovery."

Real-estate markets with the best prospects for recovery


Rank
Market
Expected market bottom
Est. price appreciation after bottom
1
Tampa, Fla.
Q1 2008
10.60%
2
Phoenix
Q4 2008
7.70%
3
Las Vegas
Q2 2009
7.20%
4
San Diego
Q2 2008
5.30%
5
New Orleans
Q3 2007
4.30%

This and That...

Hola!

Here's what's new:

1. PLEASE DON'T FISH IN THE POND!!! Recently, a resident was asked (for about the 3rd or 4th time) to respect our long-standing rule of NOT fishing in the lake. Apparently, the resdient refused the Board member's request, thus forcing the Board member to involve law enforcement personnel. This rule has been around for quite some time - the signage by the lake for at least 10 years. Residents, the rules are there for a reason. Our county has miles of beautiful coastline where one can fish for HEALTHY fish. Please don't hassle a neighbor who is asking you to follow the rules - it's most UN-neighborly!
2. We now have Pool Monitors daily for the pool. THEY ARE NOT LIFEGUARDS - SWIMMING IS STILL AT YOUR OWN RISK (I know, it sounds really bad). The Pool Monitors are employees of Westlake Village and are empowered to ask that the rules are followed. Please give them the respect they deserve - they are making our pool area safe and enjoyable for ALL!
3. We are beginning to plan for the Annual Meeting in November. Pete Altmeyer will be heading up the nominating committee this year and will have at least 3, possibly 4 spots to fill. Please consider volunteering your time to become a Director for your neighborhood. We need the full complement of 9 members to ensure a smooth transition year over year. Call the office 784-3054 or any Board member for more info (psst, it's super-easy!)

Ok, back to work!

Rich

Swim to your heart's content

Summer's here and the best way to beat the heat is by swimming in your pool - or ours! The Jr. Olympic - sized Westlake Village pool is open from 9 am - dusk every day of the week. The pool and Clubhouse area offer many amenities such as clean bathrooms, picnic tables, a covered lanai area, and deck chairs for soaking up the sun.

We have recently hired pool attendants to help us keep the pool area clean, safe, and inviting for all Westlake residents and their guests. Starting immediately, all residents will be asked for the Westlake Village Membership cards, which you should have received after paying your annual dues earlier in the year. If you did not receive one or have lost yours, please call Rosemary in the office and she will get you another.

To maintain the safety of all residents, we do have general pool rules we expect all residents to follow (they are conspicuously posted in the pool area and also in our “White Book”. Here are a few:

1) Please have your membership card on you at all times and do not get angry or insulted if you are asked to provide it. The pool is a very valuable asset to our community on which we spend money to provide SOLELY to our residents.

2) We ask that all children under 14 be accompanied by an adult. Florida leads the nation in child drownings - it just makes good sense to accompany small children, even if you know they can swim!

3) Please do not bring glass into the pool area.

4) No night swimming. We do not have the necessary illumination as dictated by Pinellas County and we could lose our pool certification if people swim in the pool at night. That is why the pool closes at dusk.

5) No foul language, overly loud or distracting music, etc.

Our pool is to be safely enjoyed by all residents. If you are down at the pool and you need assistance or have a question, please call me at 727.417.8814 - I'll be happy to help in any way I can.

Happy Swimming!

Call for volunteers!

Happy Memorial Day weekend!

The Westlake Village Board of Directors needs you help: we are short on volunteers!

The biggest vacancy is on the Board - we only have 8 members vs. a full complement of 9. FYI - I heard horror stories about the Board (and have witnessed them). Let me make it perfectly clear - your 2007 BoD is not the HOA of the past. We are confronting large issues, working together, and SOLVING those issues. We rely on each other and always strive to do the right thing, no matter how painful it may be at the time. We are not perfect - but our intentions are good. If you don't believe, stop by our monthly meeting, which is always the 3rd monday of every month, and watch us in action.

Other areas we are short on "staff" are the Architectural committee, the Maintenance Committee, and Activities.

Decide to make a change today and help us out!

Thanks, Rich

We need your help!!!

The Westlake Village Board of Directors needs your help! We are currently in need of an additional Board member to give us our full complement of 9 members. Also, the Board is looking for a candidate who can spearhead Community functions and family-focused events. If you are interested, please contact Rosemary in the Office 784-3054 or any Board member (listed on website).

Westlake Village represents almost 600 single family homes and dozens of Townhomes. Our annual budget is $320,000+ and we also employ 2 part-time employees to assist the Village with administration and maintenance of our 30+ acres.

Here's your challenge - forget what you have heard about HOA's. Find out more about OUR Homeowner's Association and how YOU can make it better!

Summertime update

Summer's here...let the sweating begin.

To catch everyone up, on my last blog article I mentioned that chinch bugs are expected to be bad this year. Be proactive and fight back! They like hot and dry lawns, so keps yours as moist as possible. Supplement your normal lawn treatment with a focused treatment on suspected "hotspots" where chinch bug damage is beginning to show. Hotspots can be effectively countered by DRENCHING the area with water - a cheap, relatively easy solution!

Ok, B-I-G kudos go out to our Vice Pres (no, not Cheney!) - Pete Altmeyer. At the very end of April, we were advised by our insurance company to review our coverage for the coming year. When the new policy quote came back, lo and behold it did NOT include wind coverage for our structures, which are valued at approximately $650,000! Faced with a long-winded Citizens application process (at the end of which we may have been denied anyway), Pete Altmeyer found 2 additional insurance companies who were willing to quote us at the last minute. With our midnight expiration looming, Pete was able to secure a comprehensive policy with Carlton & Fields in Clearwater. You will be happy to know that our new policy has double the aggregate limits ($2M vs $1M), full wind coverage, and many other features not available with our previous policies. All this for LESS than what we paid last year!!!

The next time you see Pete, let him know his efforts are appreciated by all.

Westlake Village work update:

1) The park work is complete - all dead trees have been carefully removed, stumps have been ground, and the western shore of the lake has been dramatically cleaned up. We had budgeted $30,000 but were able to complete for appr. $13,000! Re-planting of Long-leaf pines will commence in Dec and run through Feb - let us know if you are interested in pitching in!

2) Pete Altmeyer is drafting plans to remodeled the Pumphouse, whose wooden ends have been fast deteorating. We'll update you as plans move forward.

3) We're getting estimates to spot-fix the walking path - some areas are crumbling and need to be addressed.

That's all for now...buh-bye!
Rich c.

Chinch WHAT?

Happy May Day!!!!

I received an odd alert...from my lawn service company, of all people! They included, with their bi-monthly billing, a letter for me to sign allowing them to spray for pests every month, at a cost of 1/2 of what we normally pay. As I read further, I was both educated and thankful.

Apparently, the chemical normally used to treat for aggressive chinch bugs are losing their ability to repel the voracious insects. To make a long story short, the problem is two-fold:

1. the normal chemicals used to treat for the bugs are being restricted for only certain uses, due to their environmental impact. The substitute chemicals last only a fraction of the time.
2. Chinch bugs are building a resistance to those "watered-down" chemicals.

I am certainly happy to have the bug-people stop by monthly - it's a small price to pay for protecting my $1000+ investment AND meeting my obligations to the neighborhood and neighbors to have a lawn with aethetic appeal.

The following information is available on the Internet at:

http://www.pestproducts.com/chinchbugs.htm

(DISCLAIMER: Westlake Village has no affiliation with the provider of the information below)

Chinch Bugs

Chinch Bugs, Their Damage and Elimination

Chinch bugs are most damaging to St. Augustine grass. You may see them on grasses such as zoysia, Bermuda, and centipede, but infestations usually occur where high populations have built up on St. Augustine grass. Adult chinch bugs are about one-fifth of an inch long and black with white wings folded over their backs. The insect mates early in the season when the temperature reaches 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The female lays eggs on roots, stems, leaves, leaf sheaths or crevices in nodes and other protected places. Eggs are laid over a 2 to 3 week period, with one female laying as many as 500 eggs.

The young chinch bugs ( called nymphs) develop into adults in four to six weeks. Nymphs are yellow upon hatching but soon turn red and have a light colored band across their abdomens. With each molt, nymphs more closely resemble the adults. There are 2 to 4 generations per year.

The chinch bugs insert their slender beak into the grass and suck the plant juices. As the chinch bug sucks the plant juices, it releases a toxin that causes yellowish to brownish patches in turf. Typical injury appears as spreading patches of brown, dead grass. This pest is a sunshine-loving insect and seldom attacks grass in a dense shady area. Discolored areas caused by chinch bug feeding that are in open sunlight several hours daily may be "hot spots" for chinch bug damage. Most homeowners will first notice dead patches of grass along a driveway, curb, sidewalk or foundation of the home, due to the heat emitted from such objects.
Because they can fly, it is difficult to keep an area free of chinch bugs if they are emerging from neighboring lawns, golf courses or nearby croplands.

Inspecting For Chinch Bugs
Scout turf on sunny days by slowly sliding your foot through the sod and watching for the bugs to crawl across your shoe. You can also determine infestations by using a large coffee can or gallon can with both ends removed. Press one end of the can about 2 or 3 inches into the soil, fill with soapy water, and watch for about 5 minutes. If chinch bugs are present, they will float to the surface. (This test will also bring molecrickets to the surface) It is very important to check areas where the yellowish spots and the green grass meet in several different locations.

Controlling Chinch Bugs
Chinch bugs have become resistant to almost every pesticide used to control them. They were even resistant to DDT in the early 1950s. Of the many insecticides labeled for chinch bug elimination, there are two that stand out above the rest: Talstar (which contains Bifenthrin) and Acephate. For the past several years, Acephate had been the best overall performer in eliminating chinch bugs in lawns, giving better control than other products being used by professionals and homeowners alike. However, Talstar has suddenly become the star performer in eliminating lawn and turf pests such as molecrickets, ants and chinch bugs.
For best results, wet turf thoroughly with water before applying an insecticide. Treat the entire area evenly and thoroughly. Wet the area with water again after applying the insecticide. Where chinch bug infestations are heavy, re-treat the area in 2 weeks to kill recently hatched insects, unless you are treating with Talstar. In this case, repeat applications may not be necessary.
Talstar liquid concentrate should be applied through a hose end sprayer at the rate of 1/2 ounce per 1000 square feet. Talstar granules should be applied at the rate of 25 pounds per 1/4 acre and irrigated immediately after application.

Acephate should be applied through a hose end sprayer at the rate of 1 pound per 1/4 acre in sufficient water.

Thatch removal is important for eliminating conditions favorable for chinch bug survival. Maintaining adequate moisture will increase the tolerance of turf to feeding damage and will promote beneficial fungi that attack chinch bugs. Low nitrogen fertilization slows chinch bug reproduction although the lawns regularly attacked by these insects (St. Augustine) are heavy feeders and prefer more fertilizer than other turf grasses. Consult your local county extension office about feeding your St. Augustine grass.

May is Here!

Good Day!

As you read this article, please know that your Board of Directors is busily preparing for the latter half of 2007. Preparations include the completion of the Park tree trimming and review/renewal of our comprehensive Westlake Village insurance policy.

I have been informed by our Treasurer, Michael Hicks, that the number of delinquent annual dues is much higher this year than in prior years. I, as well as the entire Board of Directors, understand the financial hardships that owning a Florida home now entail, specifically property tax liabilities and mandatory insurance requirements. Please know that we, the Civic Association, rely upon the prompt payment of annual dues to maintain our neighborhood. Without delving into the details of our financial obligations, it is very important that we receive all outstanding resident dues.

To that point, the Association will begin sending letters to homeowners with delinquent dues. If you do receive one of these letters, please remit the necessary amount to Rosemary in the office. Your neighbors appreciate it!

In other news, we are in the preliminary stages of remodeling the pumphouse adjacent to the Clubhouse. Towards the end of the year, you may begin to see the remodel take place. It’s long overdue and definitely serves to protect the physical assets of our community.

If you find you have spare time over the summer, contact a Board member and find out how you can help us out – we could certainly use extra hands!

Warmest Regards,

Rich Cornelius,
Pres, WLVCA

Now what??

Ok, we got almost all of the trees and stumps in the park. We need one more sweep through (appr. 6-7 trees and their stumps), plus a little limb- and tree-trimming.

Also, the 60 or so palm trees on the Blvd will be getting a "haircut" - the military version is call a "high and tight"! It will prevent debris from falling and also help the palms weather severe storms.

The planters on Baywood Court will be getting a facelift soon. Appr. 10 new railroad ties (to replace the rotten ones) and pine bark will be installed.

The Village is will be reviewing plans to renovate the aging Pool Pump building.

Andy Franek, our Lawn Maintenance contractor, has done a thorough inspection of the Irrigations systems and pointed out some areas that need help. If you see a broken or damaged head, please inform Rosemary in the Office or any one of the Board members.

Have a Happy MAY!

April Update

Hello, All...

First, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office continues to monitor our neighborhood very closely. The Pinellas County Sheriff's office has issued 2 trespass warnings to 2 non-residents who were found in the tennis court parking lot at 4:30 on 3/28, acting in a suspicious manner. One of the non-residents was found to have a drup paraphenailia on him and he is suspected of being the "local dope-slinger", as a deputy put it. The other non-resident was 17 and his father came to pick him up. The individual suspected of dealing drugs is Caucasian, appr. 5'10", about 190 pounds, has a very bad "bowl" haircut, and a large metal stud protruding from his lower lip. He drives a newer white Toyota Corolla. Should you see this person ANYWHERE in the neighborhood, the deputies ask that you contact the PCSO dispatch at 582-6200 and reference case #07-86633.

If you haven't checked your mail, reclaimed water availability is going to be reduced to Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays http://www.pinellascounty.org/utilities/press/pr-2007-04-09.htm. Here are a few ways to get the most "bang" out of your sprinkler system:

1. If you haven't yet, invest in an automated water timer...makes it super-easy!
2. Water early in the morning or late at night for 2 reasons: less evaporation + less wind = more water absorbed by the grass
3. Check your zones frequently for broken or clogged heads
4. WATCH the overspray and adjust the spray amount as necessary.

The more water we save, the sooner they can relax the restrictions!

The Board is ALMOST done with the park area... we have just a few more dead trees to remove, a ton of stumps to be ground, and some branches to be trimmed...plus, the 60 or so palm trees along the Blvd are about to get a "hurricane trim"!

That's all, folks.,..

In Memoriam

Westlake Village has lost a great friend and neighbor. Reggie Lanier of 780 Village Way passed on unexpectedly over the weekend while visiting family on Florida's East Coast with his wife, Helga.

We all mourn his passing, as Reggie was a great man, highly respected and a gentle soul. I will certainly miss our morning meetings in the park as he walked his puppy, Brillo.

If you have a moment, please let Helga know that she and her family are in your thoughts and prayers.

Spring musings...

March has been a busy, busy month. Here’s a brief summation of what has occurred:

1. The Board now has TWO (2) open Board positions. If interested in helping us out, please contact me, any Board member, or Rosemary in the Office at 727.784.3054

2. Speaking of, Rosemary Lehner is now fulfilling Alice Duffy’s (our former Office Administrator) duties. Rosemary has extensive experience with Homeowner’s Associations, excellent organizational skills, and is a no-nonsense New Yorker. If you have a free second, drop by the office and say “Hi!”.

3. You may have noticed a few less dead trees and visible stumps throughout the common areas. As promised, the Board did contract with a company to remove those trees and stumps. After discussing our situation with the Division of Forestry in Lakeland, we will delay our planting of long-leaf pines until the Dec-Feb longleaf pine planting season.

4. The Clubhouse has been painted!

5. The Board will be working closely with Andy Franek, our lawn services contractor, throughout the summer months to continually improve the “first impressions” people have of Westlake Village via the appearance of the Boulevard.

6. The Maintenance Department is asking any and all residents who have an interest in assisting the Village with identifying/addressing Maintenance items should contact either myself or the Office. The level of commitment is completely dependent on the individual – we just appreciate your generosity!

7. Now is the time to repair those lawns! If you have a dead spot (or more) in your lawn, take a weekend (before it gets too hot) to put new grass in – trust me, your neighbors will thank you!

8. Starting immediately, the APPROVED meeting minutes from our most recent monthly meetings will be posted in the Village Voice. We will always be a month behind (the April VV has February’s meeting minutes) due to the fact that meeting minutes are always approved at the next month’s meeting (March’s meeting minutes will be approved on April 16 and inserted into the May newsletter).

As always, if you have any concerns, questions, or comments, please contact any Board member or the Office – we serve at your direction!

Warmest Regards,
Rich Cornelius

Column Retracted

To whom it may concern:

The blog posting titled "Read All About It", which posted on 3/26/07 at 9:48a, was posted in error and was a misguided attempt at an April Fool's gaffe.

The posting was made in jest and was 100% fictional.

I apologize in advance for any discomfort I have caused and I certainly WILL NOT make the same mistake again.

Rich Cornelius

March is here!

What the heck has your Board been up to? I ask myself that question everyday. Here's a brief synopsis:

1. Our tree removal contract was voted upon and ratified at the February Board meeting. It calls for the removal of 25 dead/dying trees and 75 unsightly stumps. Work to begin soon.
2. The Clubhouse painting is scheduled to begin, as well. Extremely cold weather prevented us from performing the work earlier, as paint does not perform as well when the mercury dips.
3. Alice, the Westlake Village Administrative Assistant for the past 3 years, has resigned to pursue other goals. The Board thanks her for her years of dependable, proficient, and excellent service to our residents. Her replacement, Rosemary, is now training for the position.
4. We have had 2 Board members resign recently, which has impacted our manpower.
5. The Pumphouse remodel is being re-examined. The Board is striving to meets the needs of the Village while completing the project with the least financial impact on our budget.
6. The Board will be setting aside monies out of our $30,000 budget allocation for tree removal to purchase new trees and citrus.

That's about it for now... if any of the above interests you, please contact myself or any other Board member for more info!

Cheers.

Goodbye Winter!

I had to do it...

...last night I switched the A/C to "COOL"!

Just a reminder...to keep that ever-growing electric bill down, make sure you change your A/C filters (or just that they are clean).

Also, consider cleaning out the drain pipe leading from your A/C air handler. Here's what my A/C company told me to do:

1. Locate the drain pipe, usually PVC.
2. Using a garden hose, force water UP the drain pipe for a few seconds
3. Remove the garden hose and watch the "nasty" stuff flow out
4. Repeat until no more "nasty" is seen.

Finally, consider having Progress Energycomplete and energy audit and "duct check" in preparation for the long summer months. Call Progress Energy at 1.888.302.8348 or log on to www.progress-energy.com/save for more info.

Enjoy!

2/12 Update

Howdy...

1. Unfortunately, Mother Nature was a bit uncooperative on Saturday, February 3rd, for our WLV Grove Cleanup day. Lightning, thunder, and rain postponed the event, which has been re-scheduled for February 24th from 8 - 11.
2. If you have driven by the tennis courts on a regular basis, you may have noticed a blue Buick that has been parked there on a continuous basis for at least 2 weeks. The car has not been reported stolen (per the PCSO) and is registered to someone not living in the Village. As of today, it's being towed by Day's Towing.
3. If you are walking in the park area, you will notice a couple of things: first, the area is being continuously mowed so that it appears as more of a meadow-type area as opposed to waist high weeds and plants. Second, the Board is in the process of identifying dead, dying, and potentially dangerous trees for removal, as specified by our 2007 budget.

Please keep in mind that we WILL NOT be removing all the dead trees. WLV is proud to be home to several families of pileated woodpeckers - you may have seen them occasionally around the village. For more info on them, go to:

http://www.nhptv.org/natureworks/pileatedwoodpecker.htm#2

Simply put, the woodpeckers need the dead trees for nesting and feeding purposes. Plus, if we remove the dead and dying trees, there is a larger chance of the woodpeckers choosing a resident's home for a nesting area.

Take care!

Annual Grove Clean-Up Rained Out!

Unfortunately, the Annual Grove Clean-up Day was rained out. It will be re-scheduled for the near future.

If you walk around the park area, you will see ribbon tied around trees. In accordance with our Capital improvement plan, the Board of Directors is preparing to remove dead, dying, and dangerous trees. At last count, we had appr. 88 trees to remove. We will review the trees again and solicit bids from contractors. The Board did budget $30,000 of our 2007 budget towards removal AND replacement of trees in the park area.

Warmest regards,
Rich

Honey vs. Vinegar

There's an old saying I like to quote (often, according to my wife) that goes, "One can catch more flies with Honey than with Vinegar." It's a simple euphemism that illustrates it most often pays to be kind when asking for something rather than to be rude or crass.

Recently, a Westlake Village resident felt passionate enough about the condition of the tennis court nets to leave the Board a message on a copy of his dues bill, along with his yearly dues payment. The message was along the lines of, "What are you doing with all this money? You need to fix the Tennis Court Nets. YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED!".

Hmmm. Now this resident succintly signed his name AND included a few letters therafter, as in a "P", and "H", and a "d". I thought about his comments for a day or two and then I sent him a letter which included various ways in which a resident can express an opinion or offer comment, including but not limited to the following:

• Call, email or letter to me directly
• Call, email or letter to any Board member
• Call, email or letter to Alice Duffy, the Village office manager
• Post a message on the Community Forum section of www.WestlakeVillageHOA.com
• Complete a Work Order form, available online or in the office
• Ask any Board member to complete a Work Order form on your behalf

The crux of the matter is both the comment and the method of delivery. First, no volunteer wants to be told they should be "ashamed" of the long hours they offer. Second, to keep the Village moving in a positive direction for all concerned, we have to stick to the systems (such as Work Orders) that have been put in place to facillitate open dialogue and address resident concerns in a straightforward and time-sensitive manner.

So, to this resident, I say this: I am hardly ashamed of the effort put in by you VOLUNTEER Board of Directors - in fact, I am proud as can be! And you should be, too.

1. Do we have more work to do - the answer is a resounding "YES!".
2. Will it happen overnight - "HECK NO!"
3. Are we on-schedule AND meeting the needs of the residents - "YES!"

I have submitted the Work Order to the Maintenance Department and they will be looking into replacing those Tennis Court nets in the near future.

Cordially,

Rich C.

Ok, this has 0% to do with Westlake Village BUT 100% to do with your wallet.

DISCLAIMER: I receive no compensation from this blog post EXCEPT for knowing I may have saved you a buck or 2!

I have been a client for a MAJOR insurance company since I received my first car - actually, my family has been with them since before I can remember. They have a local office and always send me nice reminders and notes saying they appreciate my business. My wife and I pay appr. $2500 a year for average coverage on a 2000 SUV and a 2006 sedan with a 5-star safety rating. We have excellent driving records, good credit, and are both over 25.

I have watched my monthly bill creep up ever so slowly but have felt that my long-standing relationship with them justified the ever-increasing policy price. Then my brother called me with a tip: 21st Century Insurance out in California. First, the thought of NOT having a local insurance office scared me. Second, their coverage could not poissibly be better than what I had. I was wrong on both points.

21st Century Insurance (http://www.21st.com/) has been rated "A+" by Standard and Poor's for the last 5 years. They are a new provider to Florida, having only been in-state for 10 months. Please do your own due diligence, as they may not be the best company for you, but my new premium, WITH BETTER COVERAGE in PIP, RENTAL CAR, COMPREHENSIVE DEDUCTIBLE, etc, is 50% of what I was paying with my old company.

Don't take my word for it - go to their website and give it a try or call them at 1-800-487-4500. I had a no-hassle, no hard-sell experience. My 21st agent, Charles, said the numbers would speak for themselves - he was 100% right.

Any questions, call or email me -

Rich C.

Retention Clean-Up a SUCCESS!

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the following residents who volunteered their time and sweat on Saturday to clean up the Retention Area in the SW part of the neighborhood:

• Wayne Will
• Dave Will
• Pete Altmeyer
• Pete Mansour
• Mike Sunderman
• Joanna Varner
• Bill Lecomte
• Vito Margaritondo

We hauled over 5 tons of downed trees, vines, and burned fencing debris to the Tarpon Springs dump and Dave Will toted at least that much on multiple trips to the large debris pile in the Park area. Mike Sunderman will begin chipping that pile soon. All in all, it cost the Village on $160 to do a job that contractors would have charged THOUSANDS for...

If you weren't able to get out there this weekend, that's fine. But please try next time a volunteer even happens. Many hands make light work (and a beautiful, safe nbeighborhood for all!)

-Regards, Rich C.

We can't function without your Dues!

Good Day!

Well, it's that time of year again - time to pony up the annual Westlake Village HOA fee. As you are writing the check, please take a moment to consider where that money goes:

1) We employ, via an employee leasing company, 2 almost full-time employees
2) The Board maintains a suitable insurance policy to cover Westlake Village assets/liabilities
3) We are charged to maintain (and possibly enhance) the 10's of acres of Westlake Village common areas
4) Capital Improvement projects such as the Belcher Road fence, tennis court improvements, a new swimming pool deck, a refurbished playground, etc.
5) Future projects such as Pool Pumphouse rebuild, tree removal, tree replanting, etc.
6) Increasing the net Reserves of the Association to solidify and protect the financial interests of the Village and it's members

The above items are perhaps the largest "big-ticket" items in out budget...there are many other facets of our budget that are smaller but just as important. For a detailed budget, please call Alice in the Office and request a copy 784-3054.

Warmest Regards,

Rich C.

2007 Potential projects

Here is a list of potential items your Board of Directors will tackle this year (in no particular order):

• Retention area clean-up/repair
• Citrus Grove clean-up/replanting
• Painting of the Clubhouse
• New tennis court nets
• Pool deck lighting to allow for nighttime swimming (per Pinellas county regulations)
• Rebuild/Repair/Demolish Tennis Court hut

If you have any other suggestions, please contact me or any member of the Board and let them know what you think (nicely, of course)!

Thanks! Rich C.