Pondapple Maintenance Association
Unofficial Monthly Board Meeting Notes
June, 2004
Board members present were Norton, Duke, David, and VJ. Glen S. was present representing Benchmark. Minutes from the May 26 meeting were approved.

• Financial matters:
  • The transfer of the reserve bank account has been delayed by a problem concerning the signatories. This is expected to be cleared up soon.
  • Late payments. Examination of accounts shows a number of residents are several months behind in their payments. One resident is 8 months behind. Glen said that we can request Benchmark to send letters out to anyone who is more than 30 days overdue. If residents do not respond to the letters the account will go into the collections procedure.
• Old Business:
  • Resident with the unsightly torn awning on the balcony still has not repaired the awning. Another letter may be necessary.
  • FPL had to re-spot the location of the halogen streetlight at the end of Sweet Maple. This should be installed soon, once we are cleared by "No-Cuts."
  • Via Verde approved our request to put a gate at Powerline Road entrance. We will be seeking bids.
  • Roots of ficus trees on the Powerline side are causing problems in several yards. We will contact the owners and propose that if the four affected homeowners will agree to replace their deteriorating fences at the same time, the HOA will have the stumps ground for them of the problem and grind the roots, preferably at the time that the fences are being replaced.
  • Stump grinding in the Park still has not been done. John of TopNotch will be contacted to remind him that this is part of the contract and has not been completed.
  • J & J Landscaping: we are still waiting for the schedule of regular tasks. We will contact J & J to ask them to cut palms blocking streetlights.
  • Pisces Landscaping: we need to get the front entry cleaned up. Benchmark will contact Pisces.
  • Superior Sprinkler: we will ask again for specifics of bill for "supplies." We need to know on which lots supplies were used.
  • Directory of Residents: Benchmark has a list of all residents. Glen will email the Excel file. Duke will contact Barbara P. about getting the Directory printed.
  • Gating the community. There was some discussion about the information gathered on placing a gate at the entrance. There is not enough room at the entrance for placing gates and allowing the required space for turning around to exit the area. In addition the expense involved makes this project undesirable. The consensus was that this project is neither desirable nor practical given the layout of our community.
  • Replacement trees: Residents must replace shade trees which have been removed with shade trees, not palms. Trees are required to be 12-14 feet in height, with a single leader. Native Florida trees are preferable. VJ has a list of suggested trees, or you may consult a book on Florida trees as the basis for your choice. You can find one at your library.
  • Emergency vehicle turnarounds must be kept accessible for emergency vehicles. Parking is not allowed. Glen suggested marking fire lanes with yellow lines and "NO PARKING" so that residents are warned not to park there.
• New Business:
  • Satellite Dishes: There was a discussion of placement of satellite dishes within the community. Florida law says that these dishes cannot be disallowed by homeowners' associations. There was agreement that we can require approval for placing the dish on the house and ask that it be placed in an area not visible from the front of the house. The next newsletter should mention this issue and ask residents to get approval just as for other architectural changes.
  • Garbage/yard trash/recycles: We need to remind everyone in the next newsletter that residents are asked to wait until 5 pm the day before pickup to put out any of these items. Recycle bins, trash cans and other receptacles used should be removed as soon as possible after the pickup, that evening at the latest. People on vacation should make arrangements for this to be done. It is a matter of keeping our neighborhood looking nice, for our enjoyment as well as to make this an attractive and inviting place to live.
  • Beautification Committee: there was a discussion of the procedure for approving paint colors, etc. Residents are to be reminded in the newsletter that they cannot expect an immediate answer from the Committee. They must allow time for the committee to meet and consider the request, and to get input from the Board if needed. While the committee and Board will act as quickly as possible, this may take up to 30 days.