WCA Board Meeting Notes, Jan. 2012: Board Debates Grass Moratorium and Pool Fence
The first meeting of the Westchase Community Association (WCA) Board of Directors in 2012 kicked off with fireworks. The Jan. 12 session began with the residents forum that saw two voting members, Carlos Quiros (Villas of West Park Village) and Gene McArthur (Woodbay), express concerns about fireworks being set off in the community over the recent holiday season. McArthur said a pick-up truck parked in front of his house on New Year’s Eve and set off canister-style fireworks, which burned a neighbor’s screen enclosure. McArthur described the fireworks as, “…not kids’ stuff but major explosives.”
After WCA President Joaquin Arrillaga suggested that the fireworks issue be added to the February meeting agenda so the matter could be properly addressed, the board agreed.
In new business, a motion was made to roll over the year-end cash available balance of approximately $232,000. The motion was seconded and approved.
Directors then discussed assessment deadlines for homeowners’ late payments. The annual homeowner’s assessment was due by Jan. 1; a notice and $25 late fee will be sent to the owner on Feb. 1. A follow-up letter will be sent out on March 1 advising delinquent owners they will be forwarded to legal counsel if the assessments are not paid by March 15. Those homeowners whose accounts are sent to legal counsel for collection generally see significant legal fees added to their bill.
The Nathan Lafer Award, which was awarded to Harbor Links/The Estates resident Ben Stein for his work in establishing the Westchase Thanksgiving Food Drive, was presented to his father, Jonathan, since Ben is currently away at college.
During the meeting, directors debated whether there should be a temporary moratorium on dead sod violations due the winter weather. Dyan Pithers commented, “It’s been a mild year in regards to weather so I don’t support it.”
Greens resident Ernie Sylvester, a supervisors on the Community Development District, asked, “Has anything been written in WOW about how to grow grass in winter?” The board agreed that education of residents might be a good idea.
Directors also discussed adding fencing at the West Park Village pool, which would allow access to the pool bathrooms for tennis players. To protect the association against liability, the suggested fence would keep restroom visitors from approaching the closed pool. Currently, those utilizing the tennis courts have to walk to the Baybridge Park restrooms. Brian Ross stated, “I’m not ready to talk about quotes for fencing when we aren’t clear on a master plan.”
The board agreed it was a good idea to put together a two- to five-year master plan for the facilities first.
Alonso High School requested use of the West Park Village tennis courts from 3-5 p.m. each day for their tennis team’s practices. Westchase Operations Manager Kelly Shires expressed support for the proposal and the board approved it.
In other news:
The board voted unanimously to re-appoint Dale Sells to the Modifications Committee.
The last West Park Village water bill was higher than normal and a leak was discovered and repaired.
Association Manager Debbie Sainz announced that Shires and Westchase Swimming Coach Kelley Allen had received Red Cross certifications. This will allow Westchase to become a training center for certifying individuals seeking to become lifeguards at Westchase pools.
Sainz announced there were 400 violation letters sent to residents in December.
A volleyball tournament is planned for February with Westchase villages competing against each other. Interested residents should contact the Swim and Tennis Center at 855-0662.
Zookeeper will be February’s featured Movie in the Park. It will be shown on Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. at Baybridge Park.
By Lisa Puster