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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
RCI Sponsored Newsletter ......... 2
Quick Recap of Annual Meeting. 2
Looking for a secure and convenient way to pay your Maintenance Fees online? ..................................... 3
Why was my deposit rejected? .. 3
Save time, money, and paper by paying with a credit card ........... 4
Upcoming Election in 2014 ........ 4
Interested in Trading/Exchanging your Week for another time in the year? ........................................ 4
Email Notices to Owners regarding your Week ................................ 5
Security Deposits via check ....... 5
Special Points of Interest
Dickens on the Strand 2013
Mardi Gras Galveston 2014
Nicole’s Islandy Puzzle
Calendar of Events
Looking to purchase an additional week or know someone who may be interested?
A message from the GM
Season’s Greetings Owners! The holidays are
now upon us. I want to mention in this article the importance of the 2013 Fall/Winter Newsletter. This is the 1st time all owners who have an email on file will be receiving the newsletter in digital form – thus saving on paper, printing, labor, and the overall cost of the project. This is a huge step for the resort in moving toward greener ideas to becoming more efficiently managed.
I highly encourage everyone to read and review the newsletters and other information sent from
the resort, as there is always something that applies to everyone.
It is my goal to continue providing you with a colorful newsletter that keeps you
informed with updates, useful information, and other important topics that
arise from time-to-time. Long gone are the days of topics that seemed like too
much to read, or just not eye catching. The newsletters are just one aspect of
my creative nature - to raise the professionalism of the resort, while maintaining
a positive and friendly atmosphere for all guests. In turn, guests will continue to
return year after year, and tell others about the Four Seasons on the Gulf.
On behalf of myself, the Board of Directors, and the resort staff – we would like
to wish everyone a safe, and happy holiday season. We look forward to hearing
from and/or seeing you soon.
Vol. 3 November 2013
Volume 3
Salvi Bautista
General Manager
Reminder:
Invoices & Late Fees
The 2014 Invoices have been billed out with this newsletter. Invoices are due by January 15th, 2014 to avoid any late fees. Late Fees are assessed in increments of $50.00 per month, starting on the 16th day of that month.
The Annual HOA Meeting was held on June 11th, 2013 at 6:30pm on the tennis court of the resort. The overall turnout of attendance was 150 week owners present, which was enough to proceed with the annual meeting (the resort is required by law to have 10% of the owners present to proceed). Some of the key items that were discussed were the following;
Review of the Yearly Financial Statements & Supplemental Information.
Re-Election of Board Directors; Tara Fase, Secretary and Officer, George Whitaker. Both began a new 2 year term as Directors.
Discussion plans for Future Assessments were addressed, as to how they would be due. It was voted by owners present to be billed out in a 3-Payment Plan (as previous payment plans were done). Actual Assess-ment and remodel plans will be presented to owners at future meetings.
General Manager, Salvi Bautista addressed owners of some of the key programs that have been put in place over the year, they include: Profes-sional Lawn care, Deep Cleaning of the Condos, Professional Pest Control, and replacements to the condos, such as new stoves, beds, linens, etc.
Q & A Session with Owners to the Board and the General Manager. Some items discussed were the new Queen Size Beds, which are now put in place in all bedrooms.
For any questions regarding the meeting, please contact Salvi at 409.763.7138 or at [email protected] for additional details.
“The best part of the program is that there is no cost to the resort, with no distri-bution costs to have newsletters emailed or mailed.”
Sponsored Newsletters
Quick Recap of Annual Meeting —June 2013
Four Seasons on the Gulf and RCI have partnered to bring you, the owner, a resort newsletter more frequently. General Manager, Salvi Bautista was presented with an opportunity from our RCI Account Manager for a cost effective meas-ure to reduce spending costs to-wards Maintenance Fees, with the use of owner emails already on file. The RCI sponsored newsletters began going out in August in two forms, one to all owners who have an email address on file, and the
other (for owners who do not have email) a newsletter card was mailed. The response from owners has been great, as owners are now receiving more frequent communications from the resort – keeping them in the know. The best part of the pro-gram is that there is no cost to the resort, with no distribution costs to have newsletters emailed or mailed. If you have not already done so, sub-mit your email contact info to [email protected] to be added today.
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Why was my RCI deposit rejected?
That is a question we still
frequently get. The answer
will usually relates to
Maintenance Fees.
As previously addressed in
newsletters throughout the
year, the resort policy for
RCI deposits changed in
early 2012.
We now require all RCI
members who wish to
deposit their week(s) early,
to simply pre-pay their re-
sort maintenance fees at
the current years rate, for
the requested year to be
eligible. Doing so does not
lock-in that rate, but allows
early usage for deposits
only. Should Maintenance
Fees increase, the balance
will then be invoiced to
your account.
Looking for a secure and convenient way to pay your Maintenance Fees online?
The resort also allows it owners to utilize the Bill Pay option provided by your financial institution. This feature will allow you to make Maintenance Fee payments, without a checkbook or paying for postal services. Your financial institution will send a check on your behalf for the amount you specify. For example on 2014 payments, you can break down the amount by 2 months (December & January), and pay $270.00 each month. For 2015 and beyond, Bill Payments can be setup on a monthly basis from your account. You can break down the amount of which you wish to pay for a certain amount of months, and think of it as a monthly bill payment. (Example; cur-rent year’s rate of $540 divided by 12 months = a monthly bill payment of $45.00 per month) Your financial institution will then send out a check for that amount every month, until you decide to cancel it – while alleviating the obligation to pay during the holiday season. Owners currently utilizing the Bill Pay option find this to be far more convenient and flexible on their schedules. Please note the following; use of this method from your financial institution may take about 3 to 10 business days before a check is sent – therefore, it is best to have the payments done at the beginning of the month. For more information, contact your financial institution to find out what options are available to you.
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Save time, money, and paper by paying with a credit card.
The resort encourages all owners to use credit/debit cards to pay any fees. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express - email receipts can be sent upon request. We also accept their Pre-Paid debit cards, which can be purchased from most retailers and banks as a form of payment or for security deposits. Pay early to avoid backed up phone lines prior to the date due. All inbound calls will be returned in the order they are received.
Upcoming Election in June 2014
This upcoming June 2014 will serve as the election of the President, Vice President, Treasurer, an Officers. The election will be held at the Annual HOA Meeting in June 2014 (date subject to be announced in future communications). Want to be a part of the Board of Directors? Interested in running for or possible re-election on the Board? Now is the time to submit your information to the resort. Those interested must personally name themselves, and list their qualifications and experience as to why they feel it would benefit the resort. Send in your request and information so that we may begin to advertise your name in 2014 Spring/Summer Newsletter which will in-clude the Proxy Form, and Ballot. We must have this information
submitted by February 15th, 2014 to be eligible. Communication will be sent in April 2014 regarding the Annual Meeting , which will include information on the election. Send your information by either email at [email protected] (recommended), fax at 409.763.7152, or by mail to the resort. All Board members are elected for 2 Year Terms. Board Meetings occur 5 to 8 times per year, and are at your own expense. Meetings are held in either Galveston or the Houston area and are usually in the evenings. Current ownership is required to be eligible. Board members/officers are not paid for their time/services rather granting you the satisfaction of being a part of resort decisions and operations. Here is your chance to become involved and make a change!
4
Interested in Trading/Exchanging your Week for another time in the year? As an RCI member you may deposit your week into their system and pay the exchange fee to utilize another week at the resort, or any other resort around the world. However, the resort does not allow any direct exchanges made through the office, for any owner to utilize an alternate week - other than the one that they own. Alternatively, should your current week owned no longer meets you or your families’ availability, consider exchanging that week with a purchase of the desired week (certain fees may apply).
“These email notices, are the replacement of the mailed cards owners would have received in years past.“
Over the summer, the resort began its email program of sending out notices to all owners regarding their upcoming week(s) at the resort. These email notices, (as explained in the April 2013 Newsletter) are the replacement of the mailed cards owners would have received in years past. They serve the same purpose, while being educational at the same time. The notices are simply a reminder of your owned week, and whether or not you have already confirmed with the resort for arrival, space banked, rented, or simply may forgotten all about it. The email includes options for you to reply back to, stating which one applies to your account - it’s that simple.
Presently, the resort still allows for its security deposits of $200.00 to be paid via per-sonal check at the time of check-in. This is exclu-sive to owners only – all others are required to use a credit card. For those that wish to use a check, please note the following; Checks payable to Four Seasons on the Gulf Date must be the date of check-in only Should no fees be charged – checks will then
be shredded on site to eliminate lost checks via mail and mailing costs.
We strongly recommend all owners to use credit/debit cards, so in the event there were any charges - only the amount due will be authorized. Otherwise, a check will be deposited for $200, and if the amount due is less per damages, a company check will be sent for the difference. Any returned checks will be assessed a $50.00 fee. Rental fees from the resort are to be paid only by credit/debit cards – no cash or checks will be
accepted.
5
Email Notices to Owners regarding your Week
Security Deposits made by check
The resort is offering rentals available for a 2 night minimum for the Dickens on the Strand weekend. New for 2013 is the addition of a 3 day for the event. Dickens on the Strand begins on Friday December 6th to Sunday December 8th, 2013 (Weekly rental options are also available). For owners who are checking in on Saturday December 7, 2013, add Friday December 6th for a discounted rate and enjoy the full festivities all weekend. Call 409.763.7138 now to reserve, space is limited. For more information on Dickens on the Strand visit dickensonthestrand.org.
6
Dickens On The Strand 2013
Mardi Gras Galveston 2014
The resort is also offering rentals available for a 2 night minimum for both Mardi Gras weekends. Mardi Gras Galveston begins on Friday February 21st through Tues-day March 4th, 2014 (Weekly rental options are also available). The 1st weekend of Mardi Gras features 2 parades that will pass along the Seawall side of the resort. The 2nd weekend of Mardi Gras will feature 1 parade that will also pass along the Seawall side of the resort. That same evening the Knights of Momus Grand Night Parade starts on 25th & Seawall and proceeds to the downtown area with all the festivities. Call 409.763.7138 now to reserve, space is limited. For more information on Mardi Gras Galveston visit mardigrasgalveston.com.
7 7
AROUND
BEACH
BISHOPS PALACE
BOATING
CONDO
DAISY
DOLPHIN
DUCK TOUR
EAST
ELISSA
EXCHANGE
FAITH
NICOLE’S ISLANDY PUZZLE
H E L L O D A I S Y Y L D N E I R F O G R O W E
I F U N M O O D Y M A N S I O N K L I M H N P E
B E L Q S O R L O U D Y L L E H S A E S Z O B E
I S E G U G V A P T I P P L E A S E V W H B S S
S T V Z N R N I B H P E O P L E A X E I V I K T
C I O X F I I I E A I Q R C A X L I M M I K N H
U V H J L L C S N U F N U T F H V J A M C E M G
S A S G O L K O U N J S O W H N I N E I T R S I
A L N Z W R E P L T A Y T B A X G Z C N O R U S
L O O P E J L R W E S T K E T R A K O G R A N T
W E S F R A H P K D W B C I N C I P N L Y I S A
H C A E B F O U R T H O U S A N D L D E D N E O
I Q E M A L L E C L X M D R E A M E O N V F T B
T Z S Y K O I S I S L A N D Q G E A A E T O X L
E X R C E W D E Z H A L S A S L A S V N S R L I
E Y U I R E A E X A K C A L B Y L U E I A E G A
L V O R Y R Y R O D U B A E O J H R F H M S N S
I A F O A S D T M O O D Y G A R D E N S T T I E
S C U T G Q Z M E W Y H T N T E D P R N S C F M
S A I S L E Y L A S T F S A I S N I K U I A R O
A T X I Y T O A S I X S A H N O U E A S R F U C
B I S H O P S P A L A C E C G R O R E X H E S L
S O J I B X W F N A Q M Y X Q T R O P I C A L E
D N A R T S E H T N O T S E V L A G S D L R O W
GRILL
GROW
HAPPY
HELLO
HIBISCUS
HISTORIC
HOPE
ISLAND
ISLE
LADY
LAST
LOUD
LOVE
MAN
MOODY GARDENS
MOODY MANSION
MOVIE
NASA
NICOLE
OCEAN VIEW
PALM TREES
PEOPLE
PICNIC
PLEASURE PIER
SALSAS
SALVI
SAND
SEASHELL
SHADOW
SIGHTSEE
SPEAK
SUNFLOWER
BAKERY
SUNRISE
SUNSET
SUNSHINE
FOUR SEASONS
FOUR THOUSAND
FESTIVAL
FISHING
FLOWERS
FOG
FRIENDLY
FUN
GALVESTON
GHOST
GO KART GRANT
SURFING
SWIMMING
TANNING
THE STRAND
TROPICAL
VACATION
VICTORY
WELCOME
WEST
WORLD
November 2013
16th Festival of Lights (Begins)
28th Thanksgiving Day (Office Closed)
29th Black Friday
29th Home for the Holidays Gift Market
December 2013
2nd Cyber Monday
6th—8th Dickens on The Strand
25th Christmas Day (Office Closed)
January 2014
1st New Years Day
4th Festival of Lights (Ends)
12th to 25th Galveston Restaurant Week
15th Annual Maintenance Fees for 2014 Due
February 2014
15th Submissions for Board of Directors Elections Due
21st Mardi Gras Galveston (Begins)
March 2014
4th Mardi Gras Galveston (Ends)
April 2014
TBA Spring/Summer Newsletter
20th Easter (Office Closed)
24th—27th Galveston Island Food & Wine Festival
Upcoming Calendar of Events
Board of Directors
President Oscar Davis
Vice President Tim Hutcheson
Secretary Tara Fase
Treasurer
Paul Spellman
Officer George Whitaker
Officer
Don Lawrence
Office Personnel
General Manager Salvi Bautista
Resort Specialist Nicole Cleveland
Maintenance Tech Grant Heaslet
Porter
Nicolas Espinoza
4000 Seawall Blvd.
Galveston Island, TX 77550
Office: 409.763.7138
Fax: 409.763.7152
After Hours: 832.315.5415
E-mail: [email protected]
Office Hours:
Sunday : 10AM—2PM
Monday—Friday: 9AM—5PM
Saturday: 3PM—6PM
The resort has some newly available weeks for sale
by the resort or from current owners. Cost vary by listings. Contact
Salvi today for more information.
Looking to purchase an
additional week or know
someone who may be
interested?
