TAMARIND NEWS

 NEWSLETTER-SUMMER 2011

QUARTERLY STATEMENT

Enclosed with this newsletter is the Third Quarter Maintenance Fee reminder Statement which is due on or before July1st.

SECURITY FOBS/BOAT RAMP

Change can be difficult for some; however the first winter season using the Restricted Access FOBS went by without a hitch and its usage has become routine.

Do to unauthorized use of our boat ramp the boat ramp key has now been relocated to the bulletin board behind locked doors in the clubhouse. Previously the key was located in the west entrance hallway which is electronically locked and unlocked to coincide with the pool hours and therefore accessible to anyone and apparently became common knowledge. 

SUMMER PROJECTS

BOAT DOCK REPLACEMENT

The permitting process for the replacement of the boat docks had been delayed as it became embroiled in the Submerged Land Lease issue that has been ongoing since 2008. For those that are not aware of this issue this is a quick overview.

The Association docks are located on submerged land that is under the jurisdictional control of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Since 1992 leases have been issued and annual fees charged for the use of this land. During the five year term of the lease it is a requirement that the FDEP visit each leased area to assure compliance with the terms of the lease prior to renewing the lease. Apparently due to the backlog at the FDEP our last visitation did not take place until two years after the expiration of the current lease (2006). During that visitation it was determined that certain vessels exceeded the lease boundaries and allegedly we had significantly altered the size and configuration of our docks prompting a letter from Tallahassee.

A meeting soon took place between President Martin, Manager Zion, Attorney Mueller and two FDEP representatives in Fort Myers where we proved with original drawings that the docks had not been altered but rather the drawings in their records had been truncated over the years and one of the vessels being challenged had been parked at the same slip for twenty years. We were instructed to have the area surveyed to determine the boundaries of private land and public lands and the survey drawings were to include the exact location and specifications of our docks.

A survey was promptly ordered, the engineer’s dock drawings reflected an increase in the boundary to accommodate a larger vessel on slips 1, 2, 3, 25 & 26 the packet was completed and submitted to Tallahassee as instructed which they proceeded to loose. To not bore you with the frustrating and time consuming details of the process that has continued since 2008, it would appear that the saga is almost over as confirmed by a recent email sent by a now intimate friend at the FDEP and received by the Association.

The letter of compliance and consent to reconstruct the docks is being drafted as this Newsletter is being written. With the FDEP approval letter in hand this should remove any obstacles inhibiting the issuing of the permits by all parties involved. The new Submerged Land Lease reflecting the increased boundaries will hopefully also be issued without incident.

The construction start date will be posted on the property as well as on the Association website tamarindnews.com allowing time for Member’s planning and boat removal.

ENTRANCE SURFACE REPAIRS AND SEALING

Beginning on Monday June 6th the contractor that applied the marbelite surface to our entrances, steps and hallways will begin repair of any damaged or failing areas and will then be stripping, cleaning and reapplying a new seal coat to preserve and maintain the surface as well as to restore the appearance. Weather permitting, the project is supposed to continue uninterrupted until completed.

ELEVATOR PROJECT

The modernization of the mechanicals on the elevators and the installation of the evacuator system are scheduled to begin on August 8th and will continue for three weeks or until completed.

OFFICE ENTRANCE

The contractor has completed the project to remove the patio door and enclose the office porch and add a new entrance door. Tamarind maintenance personnel are completing the project by doing the trim work and painting.

IN MEMORIUM

The Association wishes to acknowledge the passing of member Fred W. De Bow on April 11, 2011 while in residence at Tamarind. Fred was a longtime owner and winter resident at Tamarind. Fred loved to fish and always had a joke to entertain laughter. He will be missed.  Condolences to Mary and the De Bow family

Have a great summer.

Board of Directors