PGA NATIONAL Property Owners Association

Palm Beach Gardens, FL

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Property Manager’s Report – October 2013

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SALUTE!
No, that isn’t an invitation to raise your glass; it’s a recognition of my fellow service personnel (yes, I was in the Air Force for a while). For those who haven’t been paying attention, there is a very active Veteran’s Committee and on Sunday, November 10th they are having a Dedication Ceremony at the new Veteran’s Garden in Masters Park (on the corner of Ryder Cup Blvd at Ave. of the Masters). Please look for the article in this issue of C.A.N.!

ELECTIONS
In this issue of C.A.N. you will find a notice about the PGA POA Annual Meeting and Election to be held in January. Anyone interested in running for election to the POA Board should send a letter to the POA by the end of October so the Nominating Committee can contact you. All POA Board members serve a two year term and most will Chair one of the POA Committees. A complete list of POA Committees can be found here on the website or you can call me for more information.

BAR CODES AND GATES
If you are one of the many residents who either got a new license plate or a new car, the POA needs to be aware. It has come to our attention that some residents who purchased a new car have peeled the bar code and re-attached it to the new car. While this might work for a while with the older bar codes, it will fail eventually. Of more serious concern is that the data on file is now incorrect. The POA Board and staff have worked hard to ensure that the gate data base is as accurate as possible so when or if the POA ever gets full-time access control, we won’t have to again issue 10,000 bar codes. To help us keep info up-to-date, you should contact the POA to let us know if your license plate has changed and, if you get a new car, you should get a new barcode. They are only $5.00 and it takes less than 2 minutes on average for us to assign the new bar code sticker.

One other thing: If you find that the gate does not open (especially at the Northlake entry which has the most sensitive reader) it may be time to get a new bar code sticker. Cars that are parked outside, bar codes issued more than 5 years ago, and vehicles that get regular professional cleaning can all be subject to the sticker deteriorating. Once the barcode starts to look black and gray instead of black and white, it is definitely time for a new sticker. The POA is open 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and for those who absolutely, positively can’t make it during those hours, if you call me, I will do my best to accommodate you. We really appreciate your cooperation.

STILL BLOWN AWAY
The POA recently completed the annual tree trimming in the common areas. If you haven’t trimmed the trees on your property, you should get this done soon. The “H” season lasts until the end of November and trees will survive a storm much better if the wind can blow through the trees rather than hitting a solid, dense canopy which causes the tree to blow over. Don’t wait until a storm is spotted in the Atlantic…..by then it’s too late to have the tree trimmed and debris removed. You should also have your other supplies (batteries, flashlights, canned food, etc.) on hand. Just because it’s October doesn’t mean we are in the clear; after all Jeannie and Francis both visited in late October!

DRIVING
You are, I am sure, aware that school started last month. First, a reminder to SLOW DOWN and be aware that we have kids of all ages waiting beside the road and crossing streets to get to their bus stop. This also means that parents, in an effort to keep their children safe, are parking by bus stops and waiting to pick up/drop off their children. Some don’t realize they are obstructing the site lines for other cars which creates a whole new danger. If you are one of the parents who wait for the bus, please be aware of where you are parking to wait. The POA is looking into some kind of solution since moving bus stops is not the answer….historically it just moves the problem or creates additional concerns. Additional paver pads may be installed in some areas.

Also, for parents whose children ride their bicycle to the bus stop, please tell your children not to chain their bikes to trees, guardrails and other similar structures/landscape. A bicycle rack has been ordered for Marlwood Park. Do not leave bikes on Tournament at Ryder Cup; lock the bicycle in the park then walk over to the bus stop.

Property Manager’s Report – September 2012

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HI everyone: I missed you last month! I won’t take much of your time but there are a few important reminders:

WHERE IS SECURITY?
I’m sure you have noticed the friendly attitude of the guards when you enter any of the PGA gates. Well, that’s the ABM Security Services (also known as Elite Protection Services) crew. As indicated in the memo sent to all PGA residents with the annual assessment notice, the Board of Governors signed a contract with Elite as of July 1st. In addition to a nice savings which allowed us to keep the POA annual assessment at the same $700.00 as last year, Elite also brought a lot of technological advances to the community. All patrol cars have laptop computers so the guards on patrol can immediately look up information instead of having to radio the main Communication Center. Elite is also supplying new license plate recognition cameras at all gates and a number of improvements have been made (and will be made) to the access control software programs. There are quite a few improvements to the overall service that I can’t go into (in case the “bad guys” are reading this too) but suffice to say the Security Committee and Board of Governors did an excellent job with the bid process and selection/transition.

After Elite came on Board, a few residents called because they had not seen the patrol vehicles. They are still there but the cars are not as “bold” as the former G4S vehicles with the graphics on the windows and red stripes. There should be a photo here on the POA’s website and you’ll see the light bar on the top is a “low profile” with clear lenses (although the bulbs have color when the lights are on).

Due to the aforementioned improvements, the patrols are in the communities more frequently than in the past. All vehicles have GPS units so management can look at the computer and tell you exactly where any patrol vehicle is located at any given time.

The POA was fortunate to be able to keep some of the key personnel who were assigned to PGA National for many years which made the transition very smooth – but Elite also did an excellent job in communicating and holding frequent training and orientation meetings so the change was as seamless as it could be for a 5,000 home community that was with G4S / Wackenhut for almost 20 years. Our friends at G4S also did a great job and will be missed but I know you’ll welcome the Elite crew!

BREAK INS
There have been owners who have found items stolen from their unlocked cars and there was one residential burglary recently. In the case of all the cars to date, residents left the doors unlocked and someone helped themselves to change and other easily taken items. In the case of the residential burglary, the owner DID lock the door and set the alarm but someone entered via a very small window and took small but valuable items. They were in and out within minutes so the only caution we can give you is to keep your eyes (and ears) open! If you see anyone suspicious, day or night, call security (627-1600). I’ve said it before: It doesn’t matter if security responds to 100 calls that turn out to be nothing and we would rather they do that than to miss the one that really is a legitimate suspicious person intent on causing harm or damage. There are a lot of workers in the community during the day but it is a popular time for break-ins. Here are some things to look for:

  • Someone driving around a community perhaps passing by every few minutes
  • Someone fishing inside a community (which is against the rules)
  • Someone walking by a number of times (especially if they are carrying a large sack/purse or backpack)
  • Workers who seem to be paying more attention to people coming and going than they are to their work

OTHER REMINDERS
School is back in session. This means it is again time for the people waiting at the bus stop: both the young people sitting and standing at the curb waiting for the bus, as well as parents parked near the stop. Please use extreme care with your speed and be sure to pay attention when driving.

The Assessment payment to PGA POA was due July 1st. If you are reading this and have not yet paid the annual assessment, your account is past due and interest has been posted. The POA Board makes every attempt to work with owners who are having financial difficulties so if you cannot pay the assessment in one installment please call me to work out details.

Storms: Don’t forget that September is the peak of “H” Season…sorry we can’t use the “H” word but it means big winds, rain and damage. This website has a lot of helpful information on how to prepare before, during and after a storm. Don’t wait until everyone has purchased all the batteries, water, and other necessary supplies – buy them now.

Speaking of storms, I would say that for several years we “enjoyed” a drought but that would not be accurate as we didn’t enjoy the water restrictions and people and animals suffering from the heat without any relief from rain. We are, however, back into the usual pattern of afternoon thunderstorms. Many owners have discovered their roof needs to be replaced (don’t forget to get POA ARC approval first!).

You have probably also discovered that when the rain comes down hard and fast, the storm drains can’t keep up. This doesn’t mean the pumps aren’t working or they aren’t on; instead, one of the problems is the leaves and debris covering the metal storm grates. In mid-August, I was out in the rain (along with security personnel) clearing those storm drains along the main roads and inside many communities. Each owner should keep any drains near or on their property cleared. It is amazing to watch the suction on the water going down the drain once the debris is moved yet I still get calls to “do something” (like I control the weather?) when we get heavy rains. If you would be so kind as to help spread the word to your neighbors and management companies to keep the leaves and debris cleared off the top of the drain covers, it would help considerably (and I thank you!)

A FUN THING
Actually, two fun things. The Special Events Committee is trying to organize a “Concert in the Park” in Masters Park sometime between January and March. We don’t have details yet but “stay tuned”.

The Special Events Committee is also accepting applications for the 7th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival in Masters Park. If you, or anyone you know, is an artist or crafter, put them in contact with the POA office or look here on the website for information about the event. It is a one day festival on Saturday, December 8th from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm and even if you don’t know anyone who can participate, you should mark your calendar! In addition to food, music and a fun day, it’s a great place to pick up one of a kind unique gifts for yourself or others!

Property Manager’s Report – March 2012

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What’s that road?
Palm Beach County will soon begin construction on Jog Road south of the PGA National Northlake Blvd gates. Directly opposite Ryder Cup at Northlake is where the Jog Road tie-in to the Turnpike will be constructed. In summary, the road will connect Northlake Blvd to Bee Line Highway at the Turnpike entry on Bee Line. A copy of the plans can be viewed in the POA office lobby.

Rumors of Tenants at the Plaza
The LA Fitness Plaza (fka Shoppes on the Green) should have some new tenants soon. There are a lot of rumors going around but the landlord has reported that they are finalizing negotiations with the Brooklyn Water Bagel and Pizza shop (yep, Brooklyn Bagel will be serving Pizza too!). They are planning to occupy the former Mama Leone’s space at the mid/north section of the plaza.

There is a second tenant finalizing the lease for the former Walgreen’s space. It will be a specialty food store that some of you may know: Tunies Natural Grocery. They have vitamins, supplements and natural foods.

Children’s Party
Next month the POA will hold the 26th Annual Children’s Party in the Park. As always it will be in Masters Park. This year the POA will be charging $5 per food pass (instead of the previous $1).

The POA Special Events Committee established the $1.00 charge to not only slightly offset costs, but to also prevent people from inviting their whole school at the PGA residents’ expense. Over the past few years the POA has seen an increase again in residents using the event to fund their personal parties and have had friends and neighbors buy food passes for them so they can get 30 or more passes. This event is limited to residents of PGA and their family members so the Committee was faced with either canceling the event due to the cost or they could raise the price of the food passes to actually defray some of the expense. The event is a huge success so the committee chose the latter option of raising the food ticket prices. It is still a VERY reasonable amount for a full day of fun.

As a reminder, residents may attend the event free of charge and have snowcones, cotton candy and other snacks without buying a food pass. If you want a hotdog or hamburger and a soda the tickets will be $5.00 each with a maximum of ten tickets.

Money…Money
Speaking of keeping costs down, I can hardly believe that in just 3 months it will again be time for the annual assessments to be mailed. Your POA assessment is mailed June 1st and payment is due by July 1st. Because of the number of homes in foreclosure it is more important than ever for residents to pay the assessment on time. The POA is a not-for-profit corporation so there is no stash of cash available. The assessment covers the operating expenses and your assessment needs to be paid so the POA can pay their bills. As with all notices, the POA reminds owners who cannot pay on time to contact the POA office – don’t just ignore the bill.

Honda Classic
To all of you who cleaned up your property for the cameras and guests in PGA: THANK YOU!

Property Manager’s Report – January 2012

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HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Meeting:   We are starting the year with the upcoming annual meeting. If you haven’t mailed your ballot (or dropped it off at the POA office) you have until January 12th to do so. More importantly, COME TO THE MEETING! The Annual meeting is the “membership meeting” where residents get to address the board with questions/concerns about the POA. Unfortunately, the POA can’t address issues you may be having with your HOA but we will do what we can to help if it is within our ability to do so.

Sign in starts at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 12 in the Masters Ballroom. In addition to City and County speakers, the Honda Classic has again graciously agreed to provide passes to the upcoming Honda Classic. The drawing is FREE but you must be present to win and, of course, the drawing is at the end of the meeting so we can make sure you stay for the presentations from city and county officials. They take time from their very busy schedules to meet with all of you so please plan to attend the meeting for an hour or so. Who knows you might find out something interesting (or win a pass to Honda Classic!).

Entries:   We are also starting the New Year with a face lift. The main entry at Avenue of the Champions has received its new stone face and as of this writing, we are waiting for the new lettering to be installed. Each of the other entries (i.e. each end of Ryder Cup Blvd) will have the same treatment within the next year or so.

Lakes:   Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District engaged a new aquatic maintenance company as of October 1st and we are now starting to see some improvement to the conditions of the lakes, canals and marshes. Many residents complain that there is so much “stuff” growing in the “lake” that they can’t see the water. Most of the “stuff” is aquatic plants that were intentionally placed there for the health of the waterways. It is a specific “ecosystem” and the plants are needed for the water to filter out the “bad stuff” and provide a habitat for fish and other organisms that ‘eat’ the things we don’t want like algae. Most of the “lakes” with all the plants are actually marshes. All of this will be addressed by NPBCID at the annual meeting (see: another reason to attend).

IT’S TOO LATE:   If you still have ANY type of hurricane shutters installed you are well past the deadline for removal and in danger of being fined. Please remove/open all storm protection devices.

Although we are presently out of “storm season” I mention the following because of a recent article in a local newspaper about leaving hurricane shutters closed and whether shutters should be left installed/closed all year.

Some owners feel that it offers “safety” when the reverse is usually the case. If you have storm shutters installed and there is a fire in the house, you have effectively sealed yourself inside. I spoke with an owner who said “yes, but I can always get out the front door or the sliding glass door, the shutters are only on my bedroom window”. The funny thing about electrical fires (as an example) is that they can start anywhere. Who is to say that a fire won’t start in the bedroom blocking the only exit? Why chance it? Also, I feel that closing all your storm shutters for weeks and weeks announces that you are out-of-town and may invite burglary. The “bad guys” see this and enter via one of the back/side shuttered areas and now they can turn on lights and take their time because no one can see them inside the house.

All of this is offered for your information. The POA rules allow certain types of hurricane protection to be installed thru the hurricane season (but not all year). You may NOT install fabric panels, plywood, bare (unfinished) panels and the like unless a hurricane warning has been issued.

A COUPLE QUICK REMINDERS
As we start the New Year, why not go back to the things we learned when we were in kindergarten: 1) always say please and thank you; 2) treat others as you would like to be treated; 3) you get better results when you are pleasant so always smile ….smiles are contagious and they disarm anger.

Property Manager’s Report – December 2011

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Hello everyone! I know Diane missed me, did anyone else? Well, like a houseguest who has outworn their welcome….I’m still here.

It has been a busy couple months at the POA and I apologize for not getting my article in for the past two months. We have new staff at the POA and for those who haven’t stopped by or called lately, our new Receptionist/Lease and Sales Administrator is Samantha (“Sam”); the new Administrative Assistant is Sarah; and the new ARC/Compliance Administrator is Kimberley. I think we have a good team and they are learning quickly. I hope you well make them feel welcome.

FACELIFT – no, not me (or I wouldn’t look this bad….I would have gone for the liposuction too). I’m referring to the entry monuments. The long-awaited resurfacing of the entry signs at the main (Ave of the Champions) entry is almost complete. The POA created a “Capital Improvements” line item in the budget and this is the first of the projects to be completed in that line item. Over the next couple years the signs at each end of Ryder Cup Blvd will also be re-faced to match the main entry. So far the comments have been positive and I can’t wait for all three entries to be done.

ANNUAL MEETING – In this issue you will find a “meet the candidates” article containing the biographies for each of the seven PGA POA Board of Governors candidates. The annual meeting will be held January 12th at the Masters Ballroom of the PGA Resort. Whether you plan to attend in person or not, it is important that you submit your voting certificate and ballot to elect five individuals.

The meeting notices will be mailed December 9th so watch your mail and get your ballot in as soon as possible. The POA has a nine member board and each year, the membership elects either four or five candidates. This year there are five board members whose terms are expiring (Mike Engelsher, Jack Hughes, Ralph Infanti, Don Paulus and Phil Slifka). Phil Slifka will not be running again so in addition to the incumbents, the ballot also includes Art Garbarino, Bob Schneider and Karen Warshaw for a total of seven candidates. The five elected at this meeting will serve with Herb Andrew, Bob Brown, Bob Hodgson and Jeanne Larsen making your nine-member board. While the POA staff handles the day-to-day affairs, we work at the pleasure of the board. Staff cannot approve anything nor can we make decisions so it is important that you consider the candidates carefully and elect those who will serve the interests of all owners. You’ve done a great job so far!

REMINDERS
Hurricane Shutters: If you are reading this with a lamp on because your storm shutters are making it dark in your house, you are now in violation of the POA Rules. All hurricane protection was to be removed by November 30th.

Pets: I regularly get calls asking if the POA can install (more) signs to remind owners to clean up after their pets. Really? Do you think a sign will do it? If so I’ll pay for a billboard since I’m the one who usually wears the “gifts” left by those animals. It isn’t the animals’ fault; it is the owner. I have to be a big believer in Karma and one day it will be their shoes (or worse, their grandchild) who trips and falls in it…eeeeeww!

IN CLOSING
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I am sending all of you the very best from the POA’s Lang staff and wishing you and your families a happy and healthy New Year.

Property Manager’s Report – September 2011

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THE POA NEEDS YOU!
The annual meeting of PGA POA will be held JANUARY 12, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. in the Masters Ballroom at the PGA Resort. The board is LOOKING FOR CANDIDATES TO RUN FOR ELECTION. If you have served on other boards or have expertise you can offer, please call me at 627-2800 or send a brief note to PGA POA so the Nominating Committee can contact you for an interview. Five individuals will be elected to the nine member Board of Governors for a two year term.

SCHOOL:
I’m starting right off nagging you: slow down, slow down, slow down. The kids all back in school and buses are running. Please use extra care and drive carefully.

STORMS:
Hope you read my article last month and secured outside items because we barely missed Irene. She isn’t my cousin – she was that storm (you know, the dreaded “H” word). Looks like perhaps the forecasters may be correct and it just might be an active season! If you have any questions about preparing before, during or after a storm, just go to pga-poa.com and we have lots of info on the website.

IMPROVEMENTS:
Paving: I am happy to report that the long awaited paving of General Drive is now complete. Thank you again for your patience …. Especially those in Windermere and Villa D’Este who had no other road to get in or out of their community!

Sidewalk: Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District finished paving Tournament Blvd at the end of August and they are getting ready to “tie in” the sidewalk at the north end of Ryder Cup Blvd. If you walk or bicycle, you probably know that the sidewalk on Ryder Cup Blvd doesn’t connect to the PGA Blvd sidewalk making it a necessity to walk into the roadway. Sometime over the next couple of months this too will be corrected and the sidewalk will be continuous.

Signs: The main entry monument signs (at Ave of the Champions) are getting their “face lift” soon. These signs ended up below the grade of PGA Blvd once that road was widened so we will be elevating the walls slightly and changing the lighting on the sign face. The walls themselves will be finished with the same “ledge stone” used at the PGA Resort. Eventually all the entry signs (ie: the one at each end of Ryder Cup Blvd) will receive the same treatment which should only help PGA’s property values!

REMINDERS REGARDING YOUR IMPROVEMENTS:
PGA National had its first demolition. The home in Marlwood that was partially constructed was torn down and will be re-built. The POA ARC was expecting to see “demo jobs” soon just because the community is getting close to 30 years old. Fortunately, most owners have maintained their homes and have updated the appearance so it isn’t necessary.

With that thought, I just wanted to remind everyone that all changes to the exterior of your home/property requires the prior written approval of the POA ARC (Architectural Review Committee). The By-Laws go into detail with “including but not limited to” examples that include everything from roofing and painting to installing potted plants, small statues, etc. In a word ANYTHING on the outside of your home that is changed, added or modified in any way needs approval. The POA actually has the right to go into your lot and remove any unauthorized modification at the owners expense so it really is easier to just do it the right way. JoAnn O’Mara at the POA office (627-2800) can answer questions about making application.

FUN STUFF:
One final reminder: on December 10th the POA Special Events Committee will hold the 6th Annual Art Festival and Craft Fair in Masters Park. Are you a sneaky sculpture artist, a paranoid painter, a closet crafter? Come out of your shell and join us to sell your creations! Get together with someone else and buy a canopy (Wal-Mart, Target, etc) for $80, pay the $60 participation fee, submit your application and make some holiday money! Who knows – you might just get discovered!

If I can’t get you to participate at least mark the date and come enjoy all the beautiful items at PGA’s own Arts & Crafts Festival….it just keeps getting better and better! More info is available on this website.

Property Manager’s Report – August 2011

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One request and only two things to talk about this month and they are both weather related

THE REQUEST:
If you see something damaged in the POA Common areas (outside your specific community) call the POA to report it. If it is inside your community call your HOA/Condo management company…..don’t assume someone else has reported it: The biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place.

THE WEATHER STUFF:

WATER RISES…
We are finally experiencing regular rainfall. All of the lakes and canals are connected and in the western part of the community are three major pumps and two secondary pumps that carry the water west and south out of PGA National.

This system is computer controlled and Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District oversees the functions of this equipment with personnel who are on call 24 hours per day. When the lakes reach “control” which the depth that NBPCID and South Florida Water Management have set for the highest point, the pumps automatically pump hundreds of thousands of gallons of water out of the lakes. It is truly amazing to see but if it has been raining hard for a while and you are a resident who lives further west (such as Villa d’Este, Burwick, etc), it may seem like the water is getting awfully close to your house and “nothing is happening”. I assure you it is happening.

Approximately ten years ago, we experienced approximately 30” of rain in a 24 hour period and although some owners had lake water within feet of their home, no one reported any water inside so the pumps DO work. Please be patient.

CLOSE TO BLOWN AWAY…
Since I can’t use the “H-word” I’m going to simply refer to it as a storm. Well, a really bad storm with lots of wind, rain and damage known as the dreaded “H”. Next month begins the most likely month for a storm. I know this because my birthday is in early September and I grew up in Miami, Florida. This means that every single year until I was old enough not to have parties (is there such a thing?) my birthday party was cancelled due to Betsy, Cleo, Donna…..ooops I’m telling you I’m OLD!

I’ve always said that I would rather live in Florida and deal with this type of storm and have days (sometimes weeks) to prepare, rather than live somewhere there are earthquakes or tornadoes that literally appear out of nowhere. In Florida, we know that the most likely time for a problem is June 1 – November 30 with late August through the end of October being the most active period during “storm” season.

PGA National allows owners with accordion shutters or clear panels to secure their home for the entire season (although I personally feel this also announces to the “bad guys” that you’re away). Metal panels, plywood and other types of shutters can only be installed at the issuance of a Warning (Not a Watch but a Warning). When Jeannie and Frances blew through the community a few years ago, the City of Palm Beach Gardens was nothing less than wonderful in their assistance in working with FEMA to get debris cleared quickly.

If you haven’t already made plans to have someone secure your home at the issuance of a severe storm warning, you should make those arrangements NOW. When the previous storms came through I was one of the last to leave the community as the storm was making landfall just south of us. Literally as I was walking out the door a resident called from “up north” asking if I had anyone who could go into his garage and put the storm panels up! Needless to say, it was way too late for that but I did get his address in PGA and his phone in Connecticut so I could report what happened after the storm passed (he was very fortunate and had no broken windows).

Here is the bottom line: clear branches and debris, potted plants and other accessories from around your home NOW. If you are not a full time resident, any accessory items and patio furniture should be stored inside so you don’t have a mad scramble to make someone else take care of your home when their own may need attention. If you live in a community where the association doesn’t trim the trees (such as Marlwood, Burwick, Glengary, Thurston, Preston, The Island, etc) hire a licensed arborist to trim your trees and “open up” the branches. This will (hopefully) allow wind to pass through the canopy instead of toppling the whole tree. “Hat-Racking” which is the process of removing all leaves and leaving only branches with a hat rack appearance is strictly forbidden by both PGA and the City of Palm Beach Gardens. Owners who ‘hat rack” tress could be subject to fines. This process actually results in a weakened tree structure so don’t do it!

As far as preparing your home, please look elsewhere here at pga-poa.com to find information about preparation before, during and after a storm. Wishing you a safe and happy summer!

Property Manager’s Report – July 2011

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FACE LIFT
The POA will begin work on re-facing the signs at Ave of the Champions/PGA Blvd in the next few weeks. Eventually the other entry’s will receive a similar “face lift” but they can only be done one at a time. We hope you like the new look!

PAVING
The long-awaited paving of GENERAL DRIVE between Ave of the Champions and the Eagleton/Championship “back gate” will begin in the next few weeks. Residents of the Eagleton/Championship communities will not be able to access their community via the ‘back gate’ – only the entry/exit from Ryder Cup Blvd will be operational. We expect the paving project to take about a week so we hope you are not too inconvenienced. For those residents who live in Windermere or Villa d’ Este, please just follow the flagman’s directions and don’t drive through barricaded areas. Your entry/exit areas should not be completely blocked at any time but you may be directed to enter/exit via the other side of the road or you may be held up for five minutes while workers complete a section if you happen upon them at that exact moment.

OLD NEWS BUT IMPORTANT NEWS
Many residents saw the report on a dog that was taken by an alligator last month. Our sincere sympathy to the dog’s family…as an animal lover it broke my heart. The important lesson here is about the alligators. Unfortunately, we still have people who think they are “cute” and they feed them. This is not only dangerous for the obvious reason that they may approach you for more food and decide your leg is as good as a chicken leg, or they lose their fear of people (not that they are afraid to begin with!).

The months of April – July are very dangerous as it is mating and nesting season and the animals become very aggressive and protective. Regardless of what time of year, you should NOT feed any wildlife – especially alligators! If there is an alligator “hanging out” near your home you can call your HOA management company or security (627-1600) or you can call the Alligator hotline yourself at 866-392-4286. They usually need a community representative to approve the removal so be sure to call your HOA management company with the ticket number so the property manager can authorize the removal. These animals are not relocated: they are destroyed.

IN APPRECIATION
Thank you to those of you who immediately mailed your assessment to the POA when you received your notice in early June. If you are reading this and haven’t yet sent your $700.00 payment, IT’S LATE! Please mail your payment at your earliest opportunity to avoid interest penalties which will soon be posted to all unpaid accounts.

Thank you also to all the residents who have “fixed up” their property over the past few months. It is so nice to drive down a street and see beautiful mulched beds with neatly trimmed bushes. We recognize your frustration when you have spent all that time and money to maintain your property and there is another that is not being maintained. We appreciate your patience and understanding in this regard and can only assure you that if it is a bank foreclosure, we are after the appropriate agency to assist. Sometimes it is your HOA or it may be the City Code Enforcement Dept who have been very helpful to the residents of PGA by ensuring that property pending foreclosure is periodically maintained. It would otherwise be completely neglected property. If you see a home that is neglected please contact your HOA or the POA to let us know since we aren’t always notified by the agencies who are supposed to tell us of pending foreclosures. Because both the HOA/POA and City must go through “due process” of notifying the owner before just cutting their grass it takes some time. Please don’t make the assumption that someone else has let us know or we are already aware. The POA for example only conducts a community inspection once per year so unless we happen to be in the neighborhood, it is likely that we aren’t even aware of a problem…..we DO appreciate you letting us know.

GOLF MAINTENANCE FACILITY ON AVENUE OF THE MASTERS
We have received a number of calls at our office about the appearance of the above facility. While the POA has no jurisdiction over, and is not responsible for the work being done there, we are trying to get the project moving forward. The PGA Resort/Golf Maintenance departments have been working with governmental agencies so they can get all the necessary approvals to restore the property. Some fuel tanks were removed and drainage is being modified so a number of agencies must review and approve the plans. As soon as the POA can get firm dates from Golf Operations, we will be happy to share the information with you. We have requested that the landscaping across the front is maintained and that the gate is kept closed when possible. In the mean time, thank you for your patience and understanding.

FUN STUFF
Have you heard about the SUMMER GREEN MARKET? The Storage facility on Military Trail (the tall building just north of PGA Blvd between CVS Pharmacy and the overpass) is trying out the month of July to see if they can get a summer green market going. The market, which is a smaller version of the City’s Green Market will be held in the breezeway of the Storage building each Saturday in July from 8:am – 1:pm – stop in and check it out.

The POA’s TV channel 63 is now listing other events and things to do in the area. The City is sending us regular press releases so check out 63 – it’s more than just meeting notices!

Property Manager’s Report – June 2011

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IRRIGATION TIME CORRECTION
In my last article I reversed the days that you are allowed to water your grass under the present restrictions. We immediately put a notice on PGA TV 63 but here is the correct information. It should have said if your house number is
    -ODD you can water Wednesday and Saturday
    -EVEN you can water Thursday and Sunday
You are only permitted to water between 12:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. OR from 4:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. on your approved day (above). Sorry for the confusion.

LOOKIN GOOD
Each morning, I make the rounds through PGA National. I’ve noticed that many owners have been working hard to replace worn or dead landscaping, painting faded homes, replacing roofs, etc. Given that the community is approximately 30 years old it sure doesn’t look like it so thank you for all your efforts!

Most modifications require prior approval by the POA Architectural Review Committee (a relatively simple process). But there are, unfortunately, a couple contactors (one landscaper and one painter in particular) who are proceeding without application to the POA ARC. Please be aware that the property owner is the one penalized for this – not the contractor. The POA suggests that if you are having work done outside your home that you call the POA office at 561-627-2800 to find out if the project you’re planning needs approval (and please don’t rely on what friends and neighbors tell you). If the contractor tells you they will handle it, you should not let them proceed until you have a copy of the POA ARC approval letter. All submittals are responded to in writing by the POA. If you allow a contractor to proceed without approval, the POA can take any or all of the following actions: 1) you could be fined $100.00 per day; 2) the modification can be removed and the area restored to the original condition/color at the property owners’ expense; 3) legal action (at the owners’ expense) can be taken.

Despite what you may have heard about the meanies at the POA we really do try to work with everyone. You purchased in a community with deed restrictions and POA staff is tasked with upholding those restrictions. These restrictions and conditions are one of the reasons why the place looks so good so please cooperate! We really don’t have anything against you personally, we just want to be sure everyone applies.

CRIME ALERT
There was an incident in one of the PGA communities recently where a resident was followed home and property was stolen from them. We always tell people to be careful when shopping (i.e.: watch your purse, lock your car, don’t leave valuables in your car, etc). but you must also be diligent at all times. Be aware of people and vehicles around you. If you are at all concerned, stop at one of the guardhouses if you think you are being followed; drive to the police station, or at the very least, stay in your car and call the police (G4S -f/k/a Wackenhut- will also respond in PGA National).

The Palm Beach Gardens police and G4S are to be commended for the quick actions that lead to the arrest of those suspects referred to above. Within moments of getting the call, security closed down all gates in and out of PGA National (i.e.: a “lockdown” procedure) and a good description of the car was given allowing the police to find the vehicle believed to be involved.

We sometimes get calls about what security does for the residents and this is just one example. They also patrol the communities (in both marked and unmarked vehicles as well as on bicycles and on foot). As a result of this, the “bad guys” know that coming into PGA National isn’t such a good idea and the residents enjoy a very low crime rate. Unfortunately, this sometimes leads to complacency from the residents so the POA Board just wanted to remind you that we are not exempt from crime! If you see suspicious activity day or night, either call security or call the police

DOG GONE IT YOU’RE WRECKING IT FOR EVERYONE!
I know I am repeating myself (over and over and over) but this is written to the dog owners who take their dogs to Masters Park (or Marlwood Park or Berwick Park) and allow them to run loose and/or don’t clean up after them. We all know what a nasty pain in the back it is to clean up after your dog but it is a requirement. Not only is it an Ordinance with the City of Palm Beach Gardens, but it is also a PGA POA rule and owners can be fined $100.00 per occurrence per day for violating the rules in accordance with the PGA POA By-Laws and state statutes.

For those who just don’t care about the rules (and if you aren’t picking up after your pet it is obvious that you don’t) then please consider this: do YOU like stepping in gifts from other pet owners? Do you have children or grandchildren? Would you be happy to take them to one of the parks in PGA (or for a stroll along the paths) and have them step in something or perhaps worse, find them crouching down to explore the neat thing they found? Disgusting, yes but give it some thought.

For those who let their dogs run in the great big areas of the PGA parks (especially Masters Park) you must really love your dog…..how would you feel if that dog spotted a squirrel or some of the other exciting wildlife and they followed their nature and ran after that animal…..into the street?! The leash laws aren’t only to protect other people and their pets from being confronted by your pet but the leash is required for your pet’s safety too.

The Board has discussed making the parks “no dogs allowed” parks. If you don’t want that to happen please be a considerate and responsible pet owner. I thank you, my shoes thank you and all the people who call the POA upset over this also thank you. Most importantly, your pet(s) thank you!

THE LAST WORD: Isn’t it too bad we all can’t learn from dogs:
WAG MORE, BARK LESS.

Property Manager’s Report – May 2011

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GATES AND THE BIG THANK YOU
Please look for Eric Jablin’s article in this issue. It contains some important and long-awaited information regarding the gates. He has also done an excellent job remembering to thank the key people but the POA Board and Staff want to extend a big thank you to the one person he didn’t mention: himself! Of course we also thank everyone at the City who worked so hard to achieve this great accomplishment. That’s all I’m going to say because I want you to read his article!

IRRIGATION AND WATERING RESTRICTIONS
Palm Beach County started watering restrictions again…this means you! No one is permitted to water lawns between the hours of 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

If your house number is EVEN ODD* you can water Wednesday and Saturday from 12:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. OR 4:00 p.m. until 11:59 p.m.
If your house number is ODD EVEN* you can water Thursday and Sunday from 12:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. OR 4:00 p.m. until 11:59 p.m.

There are other restrictions for new plantings. Please go to www.sfwmd.gov for more information and complete restrictions.

ONE MORE MONTH BEFORE HURRICANE SEASON
Soon I won’t be able to say the “H” word so consider this my pre-season caution. June 1st begins Hurricane Season. At present we are worried about the drought and the watering restrictions (as above) but before you know it we could be watching a dangerous storm brewing in the Atlantic. Don’t wait until everyone has bought all the supplies, start thinking now about what you will need in case of a storm (batteries, water, etc). You can find some great information on the POA website (pga-poa.com).

If you “go north” for the summer, please remember to secure your patio furniture and accessories and make arrangements now so you have someone who can make last minute preparations if we do have a storm.

PAY ME NOW….BILL YOU LATER!
I’m always impressed that people actually read my article (Jokingly I say you should get a life!). Last month when I announced the annual assessment would be $700.00 (due July 1st) I received a few calls regarding making payments. Here is my suggestion: Interest starts accruing as of the last day of July (and is posted the last day of each month thereafter) so if you want to get ahead of the game, you can send a partial payment NOW. Between now and July 1st you can make partial payments so that when the full assessment is due July 1st you may be able to pay it off before the end of the month. For example, $250.00 in May; $250.00 in June and $200.00 in July which will allow you to avoid interest! If you do this, PLEASE include a note letting us know that you are pre-paying the assessment or we will send you a letter asking why you are paying when you don’t have a balance due!

WHAT IS 63?
Well, for some it is an age and for some an IQ but in this case it is the PGA community TV channel. It can only be viewed within PGA National. Your association meetings, election results and other related info can be found there but it is also a great place to check if you are looking for something to do or you want to know what is happening in PGA.

Not only do we show notices about upcoming PGA events (such as the Children’s Party) and events at the City, but we also give you information about recent break ins and things happening in the community that you should be aware of when we don’t’ have time to send a letter to 5,000 homes. Be sure to check it out from time to time.

EVERY PARTY NEEDS A POOPER…….
The POA held its 25th Children’s Party in the Park in April. It was a fun-tastic event but it was tarnished by the unfortunate actions of approximately HALF of the people who reserved food passes.

Way back when the event started, the POA used to install large signs reminding residents of the upcoming event…..then we found out that kids from about ½ the schools in Palm Beach County were attending the event. Understand first that this event costs a little more than $20,000.00 and is paid for by ALL of the residents of PGA as a budget line item, having all these people in attendance was a concern.

Once you pay for the rides and games, it doesn’t matter how many people use them so that’s not a problem – it was running out of food an hour after the event started that became an issue. To get some control over this problem, the POA imposed a nominal fee for a “food pass” to get a hotdog or hamburger and a drink ($1.00 each) and those who didn’t get a “food pass” could still enjoy “free” cotton candy, popcorn and snow cones. There was a maximum of 10 passes per household to keep generous families from inviting 50-60 children at everyone else’s expense (after all, we know you can’t really get a hotdog or hamburger AND a drink for only a dollar!).

Finally last year we noticed that more people were requesting the maximum passes and this year more than half of the callers asked for the maximum 10 passes. The problem is that when we asked for how many adults and how many children we got answers like, “I don’t know I’m calling for my neighbor” or “I don’t know it’s not for me – a friend asked me to call”, or “just make it 5 adults and 5 kids”. In other words: the passes are not for YOU and YOUR family or friends – you are helping others find a way around the rules.

Because it isn’t fair to all the residents who don’t attend to have to pay for people who take advantage and are not ‘entitled’ to enjoy the benefits of being a resident of PGA National, the Special Events Committee will be making a difficult decision: Whether the 25th Anniversary will be the last event; Whether the food pass cost is raised to $5.00 or more each (or to do away with food completely); or whether another means of controlling costs may need to be created. I will let you know what the Committee decides.