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Winter 2013 Issue
Board of Directors
Pat O’Neill
President
941/492-2972
Steve Krum
Vice President
Woodlake Condominiums
941/492-4913
Fred O’Neil
Secretary
941/412-4304
Ed (Butch) Miller
941/408 1787
Dick Diehl
941/497-1197
Frank Rossetti
Cove Pointe
941/492-3582
Ronnie Conroy
Country Club Villas
941/ 412 4885
Michelle Thibeault
Sunstate Management
941/870-4996
michelle@sunstatemanage
ment.com
Winter 2013 Issue
Since the beginning of 2013 we have added three new members to the Board of Directors. We are very pleased to have them join us. In addition to oversight of the deed restrictions, it should be remembered that the charge of the Board of Director is to 1) maintain the look and appearance of the community; 2) to meet the established expectations of owners in the community; and 3) protect property values. Whether it’s landscaping, maintenance, parking or architectural guidelines, it all comes down to maintaining the community as reviewed in the article on page 5, “Preserving JWHOA Concepts”.
Since last summer we have put together committees consisting of very dedicated volunteers. The first is the Welcome Committee. They deliver packets of infor-mation to new residents. The next is the Architectural Committee. Whenever a homeowner wishes to make a change to the exterior of their home, they must con-tact Sunstate Management at 941 870 4996 or the chair of the committee (or any Board member) to see if the change constitutes need for filling out of forms, an inspection and providing plans to JWHOA.
The Hearing Panel is very important for homeowners and consists of five very dedi-cated resident volunteers that meet each month at the Jacaranda Public Library. Their purpose is to listen to what a resident wishes to say regarding a non-
...continued on page 2
Mark Your Calendar Now!
Special Meeting for Approval of Amended Bylaws
March 7, 2013 7:00 pm
Jacaranda West Country Club
1901 Jacaranda Blvd. Venice
Mail or bring your proxy ballot!
A Deed Restricted Community
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Jacaranda West Homeowners Association Newsletter
compliance issue for which they have received notice. This committee has the legal power to decide if the violation is worthy of a fine and if so, how much. This is not the solution that anyone would like to see. There is also a Compliance Committee that is ready, willing, and able to work with any homeowner to resolve the problem. If you find yourself in this situation, please contact Sunstate Management and they will try to work through the issue with you.
The survey that was completed last year showed there is a great deal of interest in maintaining the appearance of the community. In order to do that, we need the cooperation of all residents. Spring is coming, and it will be time to “fix up” the lawns and exteriors of our homes. Remember that anything more than general landscaping requires Architectural Review Committee permission. This definitely includes fences. Absolutely no fences are to be installed without the knowledge of JWHOA.
Lawns are among the most requested on the list of items to be improved. Bruce Dayton, a botanist living in Jacaranda West , would be very happy to work with you in deciding what and when to plant. He can be contacted at 941 493 5087.
Lastly, the Board thanks all residents for all that they do to maintain the appearance of our wonderful community. This is what the Board strives to accomplish for all the members of Jacaranda West Homeowners Association, #1, Inc.
— Pat O’Neill, President JWHOA
President’s Message (continued from page 1)
Page 2
Calendar for 2013
Board Meetings
February 28 Thursday 9 am
March 28 Thursday 9 am
April 25 Thursday 9 am
Mau 25 Thursday 9 am
June 27 Thursday 9 am
July 25 Thursday 9 am
August 29 Thursday 9 am
September 26 Thursday 9 am
October 31 Thursday 9 am
November 14 Annual Meeting
December 5 Thursday 9 am
All meetings will be held at the
Jacaranda West Country Club
Annual Meeting November 2012
President Royal Smith reported the many accomplishments that had been made during the year of 2012. Then there was the usual “changing of the guard”. Royal Smith and Norma Dayton had both submitted their resignations. With no one volunteering to fill their seats, the Board was two members short but still legally able to function. The election of offic-ers was held after the meeting and Pat O’Neill became President, Steve Krum (Woodlake), Vice President, and Fred O’Neil , Secretary. Frank Ros-setti still represented Cove Point and Roger Griswold represented Coun-try Club Villas.
A big thank you goes out to Shirley Piacquadio for encouraging Ed (Butch) Miller to volunteer in January, 2013, to fill one of the empty seats. Butch asked a neighbor, Richard Diehl, to volunteer to fill the re-maining open seat.
Condolences
JWHOA has lost two very dedicated volunteers. David White
passed in December, 2012. David served on the Board as Sec-
retary, the ARC, and helped with the gate house on S. Doral
Lane. Bob Purdy passed on Feb. 10, 2013. He served for many
years as Treasurer and chair of the Finance Committee. His
many achievements will long be remembered. May they rest in
peace.
Winter 2013 Issue
Page 3 New Board Members
Ronnie Conroy joins us from Country Club Villas. He and his wife, Bobbieo, have
lived in Florida for many years but have recently moved here to Venice. Previous to joining our Board, he has served on several other home owner association boards and has served as a president as well. Ronnie is pleased to have this op-
portunity to serve this community.
Dick Diehl is joining us from Country Club Village. He and his wife Susan have lived here since 2009 and enjoy being part of this community. Dick originally came from Maryland but after joining the Air Force, spending time in England, and finally settling down in Portsmouth, N.H., where he and Susan raised a daughter and son. He is now
retired from the automotive industry. Dick is looking forward to working with the Board for the next two years.
Edward “Butch” Miller also is joining us from Country Club Village.
Butch and his wife Jo Ann have lived here for 13 years and recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. He has maintained the gatehouse on S. Doral Lane for many years, helps chair the Octoberfest and helps with the Village garage sale. Out-
side of our community he is a member of the Elks, Moose, American Legion Lodges, Sahib Shrine Temple in Sarasota and the Venice Shrine Club. Butch is concerned about our community and its future, as all residents should be. We are very lucky to
have Butch join our Board for the next two years.
The Board of Directors is looking forward to a very active year. With the new faces on the Board, it
should be a very interesting one. Anyone can stop by and meet the Board members at 9 AM at the Jac-aranda West Country Club on the last Thursday of every month. We’d enjoy meeting you!
FINANCIAL REPORT Year Ending DECEMBER 31, 2012 Expenses for 2012 were right in line with the budget and were actually $4,333 less than in 2011. Income was $35,560 less in 2012 than in 2011. This was due to the reduction of the assessments for Reserve Funds.
During 2012 the Reserve Funds were reduced by $87,000.
Major expenditures were:
Paving: $98,000
Sealcoating: $10,000
Documents Revision: $14,000
Assessments added to reserves were $82,000
Accounts Receivable continue to be a collection problem but they only represent .4% of the 900 home-owners in the Association. Nearly all are secured by liens on the properties.
Jacaranda West Homeowners Association Newsletter
Page 4
ESTATE & MOVING SALES
MUST BE AUTHORIZED
There are guidelines that must be followed for such sales. A form must be filled out and given to Sunstate Management. A homeowner will then receive the list of regulations.
Most importantly parking is only allowed on one side of the street so that emergency vehicles are able to negotiate our narrow streets.
Signs are not permitted unless permission is given in advance. Also, absolutely no parking on common ground or centers of cul de sacs is per-mitted.
There is a fine associated with unauthorized sales such as these. Thank you.
If you would be interested in serv-
ing on a Jacaranda West Homeown-
ers Association Committee, contact
Board President Pat O’Neill or any
board member. Volunteers are al-
ways needed and welcome.
Standing Committees 2013
Hearing Panel:
Ralph Pratt, Chair [email protected]
Charlie Maguire [email protected]
Shirley Piacquadio [email protected]
Pat Deere [email protected]
Charles Harris [email protected]
Architectural Review Committee
George Allen, Chair [email protected]
Gerry Cashion [email protected]
Lamar Karlovetz [email protected]
Fred O’Neil [email protected]
Welcome Committee
Fenia Biron, Chair [email protected]
Adele Naugle [email protected]
Ronnie Storch [email protected]
Shirley Piacquadio [email protected]
Special Committees 2013
Newsletter
Martha Karlovetz, Editor [email protected]
Hao Li Ee, Co-Editor [email protected]
Ronnie Storch, Feature Stories
Compliance
Bruce Dayton [email protected]
Ginny Rubbright [email protected]
Environmental Committee
Bruce Dayton, Chair [email protected]
Norma Dayton [email protected]
James Diedrich [email protected]
Ad Hoc Committees
Bylaws Review Committee
Martha Karlovetz, Chair [email protected]
Ralph Pratt [email protected]
Shirley Piacquadio [email protected]
Frank Rossetti [email protected]
Winter 2013 Issue
Preserving JWHOA Concepts
Living in a planned community involves the consideration of all residents to abide by the community's deed
restrictions. Such deed restrictions, among other things, protect the rights of all community homeowners,
both yours and those of your neighbors. The restrictions also assure that all properties are attractively main-
tained to reflect the collective character and value of our neighborhood in a manner consistent with the
original design of the development. Governed by an elected Board of Directors, homeowners associations
(HOA) were created to preserve these concepts.
To achieve this goal, the Jacaranda West Homeowners Association (JWHOA) has enacted, by a vote of the
resident-members, a Declaration of Covenants and Restrictions (Covenants). The Board of Directors
and Board appointed committees are responsible for ensuring that all residents fully comply with the Cove-
nants. Compliance with the Covenants is an integral part of property owners maintaining and residing in
their individual properties in accordance with the Covenants.
One of the key tools required in enforcing compliance with the Covenants are to enable any noncompliant
homeowner an opportunity to resolve any issue relative to the noncompliance. In doing so, and by state law,
the JWHOA is required to afford each noncompliant homeowner an opportunity to be heard after proper no-
tice. The Board of Directors, through the Covenants, has established a Hearing Panel (HP) comprised of five
residents of Jacaranda West. The HP provides any homeowner, who is unable or unwilling to comply with the
Covenants, to appear and be heard. In return, the HP considers the issues involved in each noncompliance
case and renders a recommendation to the Board of Directors for its' consideration and possible further ac-
tion. It is the ultimate goal of the HP and Board of Directors to resolve each case amicably, if at possible. If
unable to do so and as a last resort, the HP has the authority, pursuit to the Covenants, to impose sanctions
upon a noncompliant homeowner, including monetary fines and the filing of lien against the noncompliant
property to collect the fine. This process is deemed necessary so the aesthetic value of the community is
maintained and enhanced and the property values of all homes are protected.
When a homeowner is noncompliant and/or financially obligated to the JWHOA, all other homeowners as-
sume an unfair share of the burden of assuring that we continue to live in an enjoyable environment of a
planned residential community, such as Jacaranda West.
— Ralph Pratt, Chair, Hearing Panel
New Benches
On January 16, four new benches were put in
place around the lakes. They are made of 100%
recycled material with concert legs & supports.
Director Fred O’Neil has been working on this
project since last spring, getting the estimates
and the Board’s approval for the benches.
What a perfect place to rest while walking!
Thanks, Fred
Page 5
Jacaranda West Homeowners Association Newsletter
My JWHOA
I am a new homeowner and this was my first JWHOA Town Hall Meeting. I found the meeting to be
informative. I was introduced to some issues faced by different parts of the community. Being an
informed homeowner will help me to be a good neighbor in our community.
The Town Hall Meeting held on Thursday, January 17, 2013 was attended by a small number of
concerned residents of Jacaranda West Homeowners Association (JWHOA). This was the first Town
Hall Meeting of 2013, and I was expecting a larger gathering.
After the opening formalities of signing in, we recited the pledge of allegiance. The meeting was
called to order by Pat O’Neill, President JWHOA, who introduced the guest speakers; Sheriff Tom
Knight and Sarasota County Commission Chair Christine Robinson.
Sheriff Knight was the first to speak. He opened by polling the homeowners about their number
one concern. Traffic was the consensus. The Sheriff was pleased to hear that Traffic and Not
Crime was the one thing on everybody’s minds. He then went on to list the various measures be-
ing taken by the Sheriff’s office to address this issue. With the assistance of his staff, Capt. Ron
Lock and Sgt.Darrell Seckendorf, they provided statistical information about traffic citations that
were issued in a 5 year period. There was a steady increase in 2012 (33,865 citations) compared
to previous years (22,418 citations is 2008). The stretch between Center Road and US 41 of Jaca-
randa Boulevard reported 2300 traffic tickets in 2012. Recently installed Speed Radar signs have
been effective in slowing down traffic on Jacaranda Boulevard. Isolated incidents of crime within
the community were discussed. Sheriff Knight stressed that citizens be on the Alert at all times
and always dial 911 for emergencies and 941-316-1201 for non-emergencies.
Our next speaker was Sarasota County Commission Chair Christine Robinson. Commissioner Robin-
son thanked the board for their continued efforts and collaboration with Sarasota County in solving
signage and community improvement issues. She provided updates on current projects like Alliga-
tor Creek Trail, and encouraged residents to submit feedback on Sarasota Bicycle and Pedestrian
Plan via the County’s wiki discussion site (www.scgov.net enter keyword Pedestrian).
Bylaws Review Committee member Martha Karlovetz presented an update on bylaws project. She
advised that the review and amendments to the Bylaws had been completed and a draft copy
would be available for download online (www.myjacarandawest.com). Accessing the document
online prior to the vote would provide additional time for review and enable homeowners to make
an informed decision.
An open forum followed, at which homeowners discussed issues regarding seawall and weeds in
the lakes. Homeowners are encouraged to contact the board or management company with ques-
tions or concerns regarding our community.
— Hao Li Ee
Page 6
Winter 2013 Issue
Page 7
Solar Powered Speed Signs
Thanks to help from County Commissioner Christine Robinson we were
able to obtain solar powered speed limit signs along Jacaranda Blvd.
Over a year ago board members, former President Royal Smith, current
President Pat O’Neill, and former board Secretary Norma Dayton met
with Ms. Robinson and county engineers to discuss ways to slow traffic
on the road.
The county began the process with additional signs just north of Center
Road on Jacaranda warning of the reduced speed on the south side of
Center Road. Stripes were also added in the same area on the road
which if they worked would slow traffic. Neither caused drivers to slow
down. Then board members pushed for the solar signs because they
are used in other parts of the county and they do work. It took several
months before they could be purchased and installed. The response
from residents has been positive and though not everyone observes the
speed limit of 30MPH, traffic has slowed down considerably. We do ex-
pect the Sheriff’s department to send police officers to monitor and
watch for speeders when they are able or when called. This is the best
way to assure that drivers observe the speed limit.
Jacaranda West Homeowners Association Newsletter
Page 8
Bylaws Review Committee
The review of the JWHOA Bylaws has been a lengthy process which began in 2010 when a Documents
Committee was established to review the Association Documents in order to bring them into compli-
ance with current Florida statutes.
The first step was to revise the Declaration of Restrictions. This process included an every member
survey, several town hall meetings, the appointment of a Documents Advisory Committee to assist the
Board, and ultimately a ballot to all JWHOA members. The Second Amended and Restated Declaration
of Covenants and Restrictions of Jacaranda West were approved at a special meeting of the member-
ship held on April 24, 2012.
Subsequently, an ad hoc Bylaws Review Committee was established to review the bylaws proposed by
the previous Documents Committee as a significant amount of both member involvement and attor-
ney time had already been invested. (Please note that the Bylaws of the Association deal more with
the governance structure of the Association whereas the Covenants and Restrictions deal more with
the building restrictions.)
The Bylaws Review Committee completed their review of the Bylaws in August. The JWHOA attorney,
Jeremy Anderson, gave a similar review of the Bylaws during the same time period. Most of the
changes recommended by the Bylaws Review Committee are minor and simply intended to bring the
HOA in compliance with Florida statutes. Probably the most significant change is eliminating the proxy
ballot for the elections of Directors, replacing it with a mail ballot which could either be mailed to the
management office or brought to the Annual Meeting to be turned in prior to the Call to Order. The
committee felt that this would eliminate much of the confusion with the proxy voting. A limited proxy
could still be used for issues.
A second Town Hall Meeting was held on January 17 where Martha Karlovetz gave a summary of the
process so far and indicated that the proposed bylaws would be posted on the Association website.
The bylaws were then reviewed and approved by the Board on January 31. The proposed documents
are now being brought to a vote of the JWHOA members.
JWHOA current bylaws, Article 14.3, require that the proposed documents would need to be
“approved by a majority of the Board of Directors and by not less than a majority of the voting inter-
ests, present in person or by proxy, at any annual or special meeting which has now been scheduled
for March 7 at 7:00 pm at the Jacaranda West Club House. Owners should have received a notice of
the proposed meeting by mail as well as a copy of the proposed documents and a proxy ballot (for
those that cannot attend the meeting). The proposed Bylaws must now be approved by a majority of
the total voting interests , present in person or by proxy at this special meeting.
JWHOA Bylaws Review Committee
Martha Karlovetz , Shirley Piacquadio, Ralph Pratt, Frank Rossetti
Winter 2013 Issue
Time to Get Rid of Crab grass
It’s that time of year, the dry season. If your front yard displayed a luxurious growth of crab grass dur-
ing the rainy season, it now displays a brown tangle of dead, not dormant, crabgrass. Crab grasses
(Digitaria species) are officially classified as weeds, not “turf grass” as required in our deed restrictions.
Turf grasses for this region include St. Augustine, Bermuda, Bahia and Zoysia grasses. So your brown
lawn is not covered by the state law which allows “dormant” brown lawns during the dry season. As the
dry season wears on, the brown tangle gives away to bare earth. Our deed restrictions require residen-
tial properties to be “fully sodded” with turf grass or other approved ground cover. There are two rea-
sons for this: to maintain property values, and to prevent sheet runoff of fine soil particles and nutrients
into our waterways when the rains come. So if you want to be in compliance, and want to repair your
lawn, now is the time to act.
Crab grasses are “annuals” which germinate each spring from seed stored in the soil. A pre-emergent
herbicide applied now will prevent these seeds from germinating, as well as seeds of other annual weeds
such as crowfoot grass. An example of a readily available pre-emergent herbicide is “Crabgrass Pre-
venter”. This should be applied to your yard at the recommended rate four months before you apply
turf grass seed to the bare spots in your lawn.
A decision to repair your lawn, rather than replace it, may be based on the following rule: a lawn that is
more than 50% weeds and bare earth, and less than 50% turf grass, should be replaced rather than re-
paired. If necessary, I can help you identify what are weeds and what are turf grasses. Incidentally, our
deed restrictions also require yards to be “free of weeds”. I plan another article on lawn repair or re-
placement in June, at the start of the rainy season, the time to repair or replace your lawn with seed or
sod.
Bruce Dayton
Compliance & Environmental Committees
Page 9
Sarasota County Water Restrictions
Sarasota County has strict water restrictions for its residents regardless of
whether the water comes from a well, pond, or utility system.
Even number houses may water only on Tuesday; odd number houses
water on Thursday.
The maximum amount of water applied is limited to three-quarters of an
inch in each irrigation zone, once, on each allowable watering day.
Irrigation is prohibited between 10:00am & 4:00pm.
Exceptions:
New or replacement lawns may water a total of 30 days if needed. Con-
tact Sunstate Management for more details.
Hand watering of plants is permitted any day.
*Most residents are aware of the restrictions and follow them. This is a gentle refresher for new residents
and for those who may have forgotten.
Jacaranda West Homeowners Association Newsletter
DOG DROPPINGS
Occasionally residents have noticed dog feces on their lawns. If you are a dog owner, please remember
to take your plastic bag with you when you walk man and woman’s best friend. No one likes to find a
surprise on the lawn when going out in the morning. Most neighbors are very considerate and everyone
is appreciative. There is, in addition to JWHOA covenants, a county ordinance regarding picking up after
your pets. Thank you.
Page 10
Meet Your Neighbor . . . NORMA DAYTON
You may have seen her walking along Jacaranda Boulevard at a brisk
pace. You may have noticed that she interrupts that walk occasionally
to stop and pick up trash — she’s a true environmentalist. You may
have run into her at the Y where she exercises on a regular basis. You
may remember Norma as a JWHOA Board member until she finished
her term in November. But that’s only part of the story.
The February 23rd weekend edition of the Venice Gondolier recently
recognized Norma for a wide range of services to our community out-
side the boundaries of Jacaranda West. She and husband, Bruce, are
both environmental activists and work with the Turtle Patrol at Venice
Beach and with the Scrub Jays. In her position as president of the
Venice Democratic Club, she has been able to feature speakers to discuss environmental issues. As a
member of the Audubon Society she often speaks to school groups about birds.
But one of her favorite volunteer efforts is the time she spends with the after school program at the
Laurel Civic Association assisting kids from Venice-Nokomis Elementary School with their homework.
Congratulations, Norma, and thank you for all your do to make our community a better place to live.
(For more about Norma’s efforts, read “Our Town Hero: Norma Dayton” in the February 23rd edition of
the Venice Gondolier. To find out how to volunteer at the Laurel Civic Association helping kids with
homework, contact John Jefferson at 941-483-3338 or e-mail [email protected] or visit
www.LaurelCivic.org.
Immediate left: Some
kids at the Laurel Civic
Center conduct a science
experiment.
Far left: A little girl is fas-
cinated by a magnifying
glass.
Winter 2013 Issue
Welcome to Paradise! The Jacaranda West Homeowners Association (JWHOA) would like to welcome new
homeowners to the area. We have packets available with important information re-
garding our Restrictions and what needs approval in the way of repairs, painting,
watering days which conform with Sarasota County rules on irrigation and landscap-
ing. There’s also a visitor’s guide, information about the Venice Newcomers Club and
a valuable coupon from the Jacaranda West Country Club.
Please contact me so that one of our committee members can meet with you. We
look forward to meeting you.
-- Fenia (Fay) Biron, Welcoming Committee Chair
941-244-2841 [email protected]
Fenia Biron (Fay) [email protected] Adele Naugle [email protected]
Epiphany Cathedral Church Fashion Show
March 20, 2013
“Struttin’ Downtown Fashions”
From Krystyna’s, Patchington’s, Seaside Chic, Zak’s,
Simple Elegance, LaCasa Del Quetyzal, Sunbug
Jacaranda West Country Club @ 11 AM
Salmon with Dill Sauce or Chicken with wine sauce
Tickets $35 contact: Fran Frederick 941 493 5904
Benefits Blue Ribbon School of Excellence that educates
children in the Venice area regardless of color or creed.
Jacaranda Men’s Club
The Jacaranda Men’s Club is a well established
social organization from the greater Venice area. The
Club meets at 11:30 am for lunch and fellowship at the
Jacaranda West Country Club on the first and third
Tuesdays of each month. A variety of speakers from
Southwest Florida are featured. If you are interested in
membership, please contact Charlie Cove (408-9244) or
Joe Byrne (408-9424).
Are You New to Venice?
The Venice Newcomers Club is a great way to meet people and get to know the area.
The Venice Newcomers Club is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to provide “newcomers”
opportunities to form new friendships and to experience the many things our paradise has to offer. Membership is
open to residents of Venice, Nokomis and Laurel who have moved to the area within the last three years and who
maintain at least nine months of residency per year. Membership is open to singles as well as to couples.
Members volunteer their time and energy as officers and activity leaders to arrange monthly activities and
other events of interest to the general membership. Venice Newcomers Club members are introduced to area
sports, theaters, concerts, ballets, museums, restaurants, and other places of interest in Southwest Florida.
Activities are varied and most people can find several to fit their interests.
For more information go to the Venice Newcomers website: www.venice-newcomers.org or call
Dewaine Smith (488-7820) or Ellen Elie (496-9639).
Page 11
c/o Sunstate Management Group
200 Capri Isles Blvd. #2
Mailing address:
PO Box 18809, Sarasota, FL 34292
941/870-4996 FAX: 941/870-9652
Emergency cell: 941-544-6888
Quick Tips for Internet
users
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www.sunstatemanagement.com
or
www.myjacarandawest.com
We’re on the
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