CRIME ALERT!!!!
Although you are fortunate that there is very little crime in PGA National, it does exist. Last month, many Championship residents received a “reverse 911” call from the Palm Beach Gardens Police advising of a vehicle theft and vandalism in the gated subdivision. The same weekend, a vehicle lost all four wheels and tires on the west side of PGA National and a car had its windows smashed out on the east side of the community. Each of these events took place during the day or the early evening hours so here are some suggestions:
- Get to know who lives around you (ie: just recognize their face!) so you can recognize someone who doesn’t belong
- If you see someone you don’t recognize, pay attention to what they are doing and if you have any concerns, call the police or security.
- Don’t be afraid to call security (627-1600). It is better that they check 100 calls that are nothing than to have one crime committed
- Don’t assume that if you see something (like tires being removed from a vehicle) that someone else must have already called.
- Never approach someone you suspect directly! Call the police or security
- If you come home and you suspect someone has been in your house, don’t assume they are gone. LEAVE IMMEDIATELY and call the police from your cell phone or a neighbor’s house where you are safe.
If the matter is serious or urgent, call the police FIRST. Wackenhut security monitors all radio calls and will respond when you call the police. Wackenhut guards are not police and don’t have the same powers.
DOGS
The thing about dogs is that they can’t carry “pooper scoopers” or bags – they rely on you for that. They don’t like to live where they “go” (ie: if you “crate trained” your dog, you know that it will not go to the bathroom right where it sleeps).
If dogs wore shoes they wouldn’t want to step in their own mess. Worse yet, if they DIDN’T wear shoes, they wouldn’t want to step in it either!
What is my point? You live in a beautiful community and take pride in your home and your community so why not be a little considerate and clean up after your pet? I thank you; your neighbors thank you; your dog(s) thank you too.
Two large events are held in Masters Park each year: the April Children’s Party in the Park and the December Arts & Crafts Festival – I know you don’t enjoy stepping in the mess (or having your children sit/play in it) so we are begging for your cooperation to clean up after your pet(s) – not only in Masters Park but everywhere in PGA National.
MONEY!!!
Now that I have your attention, there are two important matters you need to be aware of: 1) the Annual Assessment invoice will be mailed June 1st and payment is due BY July 1st; and 2) the address where you direct your payment has CHANGED. If you pay your bills “on line’ or use a bill paying service, please remember to notify them of the new address and the new assessment amount.
The Board of Governors spent considerable time working on the new budget in consideration of the current economy and the many PGA owners who have been affected by same. For the past three or four years (and despite hurricanes) the assessment has remained at $586.00 and although the Board has agreed not to pursue any of the long–awaited improvement projects (such as beautification of all entries and enhancement of the entry monuments to more closely reflect the improvements to the PGA Resort) it still resulted in a slight budget increase. The biggest impact was as a result of the interest rates dropping and the loss of interest income from over $2Million in assessments that should be paid by July 1st as well as the number of foreclosures and the many owners whose assessments are in arrears even though not in foreclosure. The board has implemented a “bad debt” line item to help offset this loss of income. Put simply, all of the above means that all the owners of PGA must make up the shortfall.
The assessment will increase from $586.00 to $624.00 for the year (or $38.00 per lot or, in the case of commercial accounts, $38.00 per assessable unit). The cover letter and the budget with footnotes will explain everything in detail. I just wanted you to be aware of the increase and to let you know how hard your board worked (as always) to protect your property values without a significant financial impact.
HURRICANES
This is the last time I will use the “H word” for the next few months. I just wanted to remind you that next month officially begins “Hurricane Season” (June 1st – November 30th). Yes, it is that time already!
You can find helpful tips on the POA’s website (pga-poa.com) and we just wanted to remind you to prepare early. At my house, we slowly start stock-piling drinking water over a two or three month period. Items such as canned food that you might never eat if it wasn’t for storms can be purchased and will keep for quite some time. After the storm passes and you still don’t have electricity, it is amazing how good canned ravioli tastes heated on the Bar-B-Que grille as your first hot meal in several days!
Hurricane shutters are another matter. Please remember that installation of ALL hurricane shutters must be approved by the POA Architectural Review Committee (“ARC”) and many communities have a specific style, placement or color required for that community so please call the POA before contracting to have any type of storm shutters installed. Once in place, only accordion shutters, roll-down shutters, clear panels and metal panels that are factory finished to match the surface to which they are attached may be closed through the entire storm season. All other types, including plain metal, fabric shield, plywood and the like, may only be installed at the issuance of a Hurricane WARNING and must be removed within seven days after the warning is cancelled or the hurricane passes, whichever is later. Violators are subject to fines of $100. per day per the POA By-Laws and State statutes so please be sure you follow the rules and if you have any question, just call the POA office.
PICTURES OF YOU?
Don Paulus, Chairman of the POA Communications Committee has been trying to get photos at various events so he can put them on PGA TV Channel 63 (viewed within PGA only). In addition, I took photos at the Children’s Party in the Park which will appear in next month’s issue of this newspaper. You can also find these pictures on the POA website: pga-poa.com so take a look! Hope you were able to enjoy the party. The next POA Special Events Committee event is the 4th Annual Craft Fair & Art Festival at Masters Park on December 12th – don’ t miss it! If you know a talented crafter or artist, tell them to check the website for information about the event and an application form.