Draft Version of Annual Meeting is Posted

SEMI ANNUAL MINUTES APRIL 29, 2010

THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MEMBERSHIP OF GABLES ESTATES CLUB, INC., TOOK PLACE AT FAIRCHILD TROPICAL GARDEN, BALLROOM, 10901 OLD CUTLER ROAD, MIAMI, FLORIDA AT 7:30 P.M. THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2010.
WELCOME & INTRODUCTION

MR. RENE GUERRA, PRESIDENT, CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND WELCOMED THOSE PRESENT. MR. GUERRA INTRODUCED THOSE BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: MR. JOSE BARED, SECOND VICE PRESIDENT; MR. BILL BOX, SECRETARY, DIRECTORS; MR. DANIEL CANEL, MRS. BUNNY BASTIAN, DR. ALBERT TANO AND MRS. TRISH BELL. THE PRESIDENT ESPECIALLY WELCOMED TO THE MEETING MISS LAMAR CURRY THE CLUB HISTORIAN AND MR. JACK ROSS, PAST BOARD MEMBER.
FP&L PRESENTATION

FP&L ENGINEERING SUPERVISOR, MR. WILLIAM MONZON GAVE A PRESENTATION TO THE MEMBERSHIP REGARDING THE PAST AND CURRENT POWER OUTAGES CONDITIONS WITHIN GABLES ESTATES. HE ACKNOWLEDGED AN ACTION PLAN WAS NECESSARY TO CORRECT PROBLEMS WITH SERVICE TO OUR AREA .98% OF THE PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN CORRECTED.. HE STATED BESIDES TRIMMING AND REMOVING NUISANCE TREES, THERMOVISION TECHNOLOGY WAS USED TO DETECT HOT SPOTS AND THOSE HOT SPOTS WERE ADDRESSED ALONG WITH IMPROVEMENTS TO FEEDERS. NEXT YEAR NEW TECHNOLOGY WILL BE PUT IN PLACE CALLED SMART METERS AND AUTOMATIC SWITCHERS WHICH WILL ADDRESS AND MONITOR POWER OUTAGES AND SUPPLIES. THIS WILL PRODUCE QUICKER RESPONSES TO POWER OUTAGES. TO DATE, MINOR OUTAGES HAVE BEEN REDUCED BY 50%. MR. MONZON STATED HE FELT VERY CONFIDENT THAT OUTAGES WILL CONTINUE TO BE REDUCED WITH THIS NEW TECHNOLOGY. HE ADDED FP&L HAS ADDRESSED THE AREA AS A WHOLE AND NOW WOULD LIKE TO ADDRESS INDIVIDUAL CONCERNS FROM HOMEOWNERS. THE SUPERVISOR STATED BURYING THE CABLES ON CASUARINA CONCOURSE WOULD NOT LIMIT OUTAGES SINCE MOST ISSUES ARE FROM THE LINES OUTSIDE OUR COMMUNITY THAT PROVIDES SERVICE TO CASUARINA CONCOURSE. THOSE OUTSIDE LINES WOULD STILL IMPACT CASUARINA CONCOURSE. THE PRESIDENT THANKED THE REPRESENTATIVES FROM FP&L IN ADDITION TO THANKING MR. JOSE SOLARES FOR BRINGING ABOUT THIS OUTREACH.

PROXY REPORT

MRS. BELL, CHAIR OF THE PROXY COMMITTEE GAVE THE FOLLOWING REPORT:
THERE ARE 193 VOTING INTERESTS IN GABLES ESTATES, EVERYONE OWNING A LOT IN GABLES ESTATES IS ENTITLED TO VOTE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH FLORIDA STATUE 617.305 (a). FLORIDA STATUTES 617.305(1) PROVIDES THAT 30% OF THE VOTING INTEREST

SHALL CONSTITUTE A QUORUM. 30% x 192 = 57.90 VOTING INTERESTS SHALL CONSTITUTE A QUORUM. THE NUMBER OF INTERESTS VOTING BY PROXY IS 57.29. THE NUMBER OF INTERESTS VOTING IN PERSON IS 10. THE TOTAL NUMBER VOTING IS 67.29; THEREFORE, WE HAVE A LEGAL QUORUM. SIGNED: MRS. TRISH BELL, CHAIR.

MINUTES - ANNUAL MEETING OCTOBER 20, 2009 & BOARD OF GOVERNORS MEETING MARCH 4, 2010.
MR. GUERRA ASKED FOR A MOTION TO BE MADE THAT THE READING OF THE MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF OCTOBER 20, 2009 & BOARD OF GOVERNORS MEETING MINUTES OF MARCH 4, 2010 BE WAIVED AND BE ADOPTED (ANNUAL)AS CIRCULATED TO THE MEMBERSHIP. A MOTION WAS SO MOVED BY MR. BARED AND SECONDED BY TRISH BELL. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

ADMISSION COMMITTEE

MRS. BELL WELCOMED THE FOLLOWING NEW MEMBERS APPROVED SINCE THE CLUB’S LAST ANNUAL MEETING, SIX MONTHS AGO: MR. & M RS. BENJAMIN LEON III, 9100 ARVIDA DRIVE MR. AND MRS. ENRIQUE CUSCO, 601 ARVIDA PARKWAY MR. AND MRS. VALLADARES GARCIA - 221 CASUARINA CONCOURSE MR. AND MRS. ALBERT MAURY, 401 LEUCADENDRA DRIVE
THE CHAIR STATED HER ENCOURAGEMENT THAT OUR NEW MEMBERS WILL BE ABLE TO ATTEND OUR NEXT MEETING.
SECURITY COMMITTEE

THE PRESIDENT STATED HIS GRATITUDE TO THE SECURITY CONTRACT NEGOTIATING COMMITTEE; MR. DANIEL CANEL, CHAIR, MR. NICOLAS JUNCADELLA, MR. BILL BOX AND MR. JOSE BARED FOR AN OUTSTANDING JOB THEY DID WHICH RESULTED IN THE CLUB SAVING NEARLY $200,000. PER YEAR.

MR. CANEL, CHAIR OF SECURITY GAVE THE FOLLOWING REPORT: 1) AS STATED, A NEW TWO YEAR CONTRACT WILL GO INTO EFFECT AS OF MARCH 3RD, 2010 PROMPTING A SAVINGS OF NEARLY $400,000. 2) THIS ACTION BREAKS THE EXISTING TREND OF AN AUTOMATIC BUILT IN INCREASE EACH YEAR WITHOUT CONSIDERATIONS. 3) THE SECURITY COMMITTEE NEGOTIATED THIS REDUCTION WITHOUT REDUCING THE QUALITY OF SERVICES BEING PROVIDED. 4) NO REDUCTION OF SALARIES TOOK PLACE, ONLY A TWO YEAR FREEZE OF SALARY. 5) REDUCTION OF BOAT PATROL HOURS FROM 56 HOURS TO 40 HOURS WAS REQUIRED. (SECOND PATROL DISMISSED). 6) OFF DUTY POLICE SCHEDULE SHALL REMAIN INTACT. 7) SECURITY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED REDUCTION OF BOAT PATROL HOURS DUE TO ALL CAMERAS HAVING NIGHT VISION AND TWO NEW CAMERAS BEING PROPOSED AT KEY LOCATIONS. 8) CRITICAL POTENTIAL AREAS FOR NEW CAMERAS WILL IMPROVE QUALITY OF WATERWAY SUPERVISION BY SECURITY. 9)EACH GATEHOUSE HAS SIMULTANEOUS MONITORING CAPABILITIES, DUPLICATED SYSTEM FOR MONITORING AND RECORDING. 10) QUALITY CONTROL WILL CONTINUE WITH NEWLY IMPLEMENTED FINGER SCANNER TO BE USED BY PERSONNEL.

THE PRESIDENT ASKED IF THERE WAS ANY NEW BUSINESS FROM THE MEMBERSHIP.

HEARING NONE, HE STATED HE WANTED TO ADDRESS A SERIOUS MATTER WHICH HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION IN THE PAST TWENTY FIVE YEARS. THE PRESIDENT PROPOSED FORMING A COMMITTEE TO CREATE JOB DESCRIPTIONS FOR BOTH THE CLUB EMPLOYEES, THE EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR AND THE PART TIME HANDYMAN. HE EXPLAINED THIS WAS NO REFLECTION ON THE JOB PERFORMANCE OF EITHER EMPLOYEE BUT FELT THE BOARD NEEDED TO ADOPT A COMPREHENSIVE JOB DESCRIPTION AND COMPENSATION PACKAGE. KATHLEEN WAS TEMPORARILY EXCUSED FROM THE DISCUSSION. DISCUSSION TOOK PLACE. UPON KATHLEEN’S RETURN THE PRESIDENT STATED A COMMITTEE WAS CREATE FOR THE ABOVE MENTIONED PURPOSE WHICH WILL BE CHAIRED BY MR. ARGIZ, AND FELLOW MEMBERS SERVING WILL BE MRS. BELL, DR. TANO, AND MR. BOX. IT WAS AGREED THAT THIS COMMITTEE WILL PRESENT TO THE BOARD OR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE THE FINAL PACKAGE FOR BOTH JOB DESCRIPTIONS AND COMPENSATIONS FOR THE CLUB’S TWO EMPLOYEES FOR FINAL APPROVAL.

CASUARINA DRAINAGE CONCERNS:

DR. ZIEGLER OF 555 CASUARINA CONCOURSE EXPLAINED THE HISTORY OF THE STREET FLOODING IN FRONT OF HIS HOME, MEASURES THE CITY HAS TAKEN TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM AND THE FACT THAT THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. THE PRESIDENT STATED THAT HE WOULD BE DELIGHTED TO WORK WITH DR. ZIEGLER TO ADDRESS THIS MATTER WITH THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT. HE STATED THIS DEPARTMENT IS IN A TRANSITION PERIOD AND WOULD ADVISE WAITING UNTIL THE NEW DIRECTOR IS WELL ESTABLISHED TO BEGIN WORKING TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. DR. ZIEGLER THANKED THE PRESIDENT.

ADJOURNMENT

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS, MR. CANEL MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. MRS. BELL SECONDED. ALL WERE IN FAVOR. THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 9:00 P.M.

_________________MR. RENE GUERRA, PRESIDENT

________________ MR. BILL BOX, SECRETARY

Semi Annual Meeting Agenda for April 29, 2010

Semi Annual Meeting Notice and Proxy for April 29, 2010

Paver Project Survey Results Announced

A survey was conducted concerning a proposed paver project in Gables Estates. The survey was put to the Gables Estates membership on January 20, 2010. The deadline for the survey results were closed on February 24, 2010.

The results are as follows:

Members in favor of the paver project : 66

Members opposed to the paver project : 44

Members who did not participate : 83

Of the surveys submitted 34% were in favor of the paver project

A G E N D A
Wednesday, December 2nd , 2009 @
7:00 PM @ Fairchild Gardens, Classroom “A”

1) BALLOT COUNTING PROTOCOL & ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESULTS - Attorney Laura Russo

2)APPROVE MINUTES: - President Rene Guerra
a) Board of Governors - 10/20/09
b) Annual Membership Meeting - October 29, 2009 (as circulated to the general membership for membership approval at the next Annual Meeting in April)

3)ELECTION OF NEW OFFICERS: (due to ballot results)- Full Board
a) President
b) Vice President/s
i.
ii.
c) Treasurer
d) Secretary
e) Executive Committee - 5 Members = President, Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer

4) VARIANCES REQUESTED: Bill Box, Chairman of the Architectural Review Committee
a) Appeal Review - 8545 Old Cutler Road - Mr. and Mrs. Nicolas Finazzo
b) Variance - 50 Casuarina Concourse - Mr. and Mrs. Armando Codina

5) SECURITY: Meeting with Wackenhut Manageent - Daniel Canel, Chairman

6) CODE AND COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE MODIFICATION - President Rene Guerra

7) BOARD DISCUSSION - President Rene Guerra
a) Casuarina Concourse Overhead Cables Converted to Underground Cables
b) Canal Dredging Due Diligence
c) Look into complaint of bad odor on Leucadendra Drive with City of Coral Gables Public Works Department

Ten minute recess
8)NEW/OLD BUSINESS:
a) Suggestions and Complaints - Dr. Ricardo Pines, 8805 Arvida Drive
b) General Membership

9) CLOSING:

Drafted Minutes of October 29th Annual Meeting

ANNUAL
MINUTES
October 29, 2009

THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MEMBERSHIP OF GABLES ESTATES CLUB, INC., TOOK PLACE AT FAIRCHILD TROPICAL GARDEN, “BALLROOM”, 10901 OLD CUTLER ROAD, MIAMI, FLORIDA AT 7:30 P.M. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2009.

WELCOME & INTRODUCTION
MR. RENE GUERRA, PRESIDENT, CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND WELCOMED THOSE PRESENT. MR. GUERRA INTRODUCED THOSE BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: MR. JOSE BARED, VICE PRESIDENT; MR. ANTHONY ARGIZ, TREASURER; MR. BILL BOX, SECRETARY; DIRECTORS; MRS. TRISH BELL, MRS. BUNNY BASTIAN , MR. DANIEL CANEL AND MRS. CRISTINA MIRANDA. MRS. SISSY RUFFE WAS UNABLE TO ATTEND.

THE PRESIDENT WELCOMED & INTRODUCED MR. AND MRS. NAMIKI, CONSUL GENERAL OF JAPAN TO THE MEETING. THE MEMBERSHIP WELCOMED THEM WITH A WARM APPLAUSE.

THE PRESIDENT INTRODUCED THE HONORABLE MAYOR DON SLESNICK AND MR. SLESNICK ADDRESSED THE MEMBERSHIP. THE MAYOR STATED THERE HAD BEEN MANY CHALLENGES BOTH FOR THE MAYOR’S OFFICE AND THE CLUB. HE PLEDGE TO CONTINUE TO WORK WITH THE BOARD AND PLEDGED THAT HIS DOOR IS ALWAYS OPEN AND HIS HEART IS IN THE RIGHT PLACE. HE STATED HE WILL CONTINUE TO WORK ON ISSUES WITH THE OUR BOARD SUCH AS THE TRASH COLLECTION AND REPORTED THAT THE SECOND SEAWITCH WAS ON ORDER FROM ENGLAND AT A COST OF $250,000. WHICH WILL BE USED TO HELP CLEAN THE DEBRIS FROM THE CANALS. THE MAYOR RECEIVED A HEARTY APPLAUSE FROM THE MEMBERSHIP AND DEPARTED THE MEETING.

PROXY REPORT
MR. CANAL, CHAIR OF THE PROXY COMMITTEE GAVE THE FOLLOWING REPORT:

THERE ARE 193 VOTING INTERESTS IN GABLES ESTATES, EVERYONE OWNING A LOT IN GABLES ESTATES IS ENTITLED TO VOTE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH FLORIDA STATUE 617.305 (a). FLORIDA STATUTES 617.305 (1) PROVIDES THAT 30% OF THE VOTING INTEREST SHALL CONSTITUTE A QUORUM. 30% x 192 = 57.90 VOTING INTERESTS SHALL CONSTITUTE A QUORUM. THE NUMBER OF INTERESTS VOTING BY PROXY IS 42. THE NUMBER OF INTERESTS VOTING IN PERSON IS 31. THE TOTAL NUMBER VOTING IS 73. THEREFORE, WE HAVE A LEGAL QUORUM. SIGNED: MR. DANIEL CANEL, CHAIR.

MINUTES - SEMI ANNUAL MINUTES, APRIL 22, 2009 (AS CIRCULATED TO THE MEMBERSHIP)
MR. GUERRA ASKED FOR A MOTION TO BE MADE THAT THE READING OF THE MINUTES OF THE SEMI ANNUAL MEETING OF APRIL 22, 2009 BE WAIVED AND BE ADOPTED AS CIRCULATED TO THE MEMBERSHIP. A MOTION WAS SO MOVED BY MR. BOX AND SECONDED BY MRS. BELL. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE:
THE CHAIR GAVE THE FOLLOWING REPORT: THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE MET AT THE HOME OF THE BARBARA KELLY, 640 ARVIDA PARKWAY, ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2009 AT 7:30 P.M. THOSE SERVING ON THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE WERE: CHAIR; MRS. BARBARA KELLY, MR. SALVADOR JURADO, DR. ALBERT TANO, DR. SANFORD RAKOFSKY, AND MRS. IRKA CHOATE.

NAMES OF PERSONS NOMINATED:


1. MRS. TRISH BELL
2. MRS. CRISTINA MIRANDA
3. MRS. BUNNY BASTIAN
4. MR. ANTONY ARGIZ
5.

ALL FOUR MEMBERS HAVE AGREED TO SERVE ON THE BOARD FOR A TWO YEAR TERM. THE CHAIR ASKED FOR ANY ADDITIONAL NOMINATIONS FROM THE FLOOR? MR. EUGENE CONESE NOMINATED MR. ANTHONY MORGENTHAU, WHOM AGREED TO SERVE. UPON HEARING NO ADDITIONAL NOMINATIONS THE NOMINATIONS WERE CLOSED.

THE ADMINISTRATOR STATED MEMBERS WILL RECEIVE THEIR WRITTEN BALLOTS IN THE MAIL WITHIN SEVEN DAYS AS PER THE CLUB’S BY-LAWS SECTION 12.

ADMISSION COMMITTEE
MRS. BELL, STATED SHE WAS DELIGHTED TO SEE SO MANY MEMBERS ATTENDING TONIGHT’S MEETING. CHAIR READ AND WELCOMED THE FOLLOWING NEW MEMBERS APPROVED SINCE THE CLUB’S LAST SEMI ANNUAL MEETING, SIX MONTHS AGO:
MR. AND MRS. RICHARD LUNEBURG PF 455 CASUARINA CONCOURSE
MR. AND MRS. SERAFIN GARCIA - 631 ARVIDA PARKWAY
MR. AND MRS. GIRALDO LEYVA - 100 CASUARINA CONCOURSE
MR. AND MRS. RENE DE JESUS VALVERDE - 460 LEUCADENDRA DRIVE
MR. AND MRS. BENJAMIN LEON III - 9100 ARVIDA DRIVE

PRESIDENT’S OVERVIEW OF CLUB AFFAIRS
THE PRESIDENT STATED THE FOLLOWING ACCOMPLISHMENTS TOOK PLACE IN 2008:

• PHASE II OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT ARVIDA, LEUCADENDRA & CASUARINA CONCOURSE BRIDGE LIGHTING COMPLETE
• PHASE II OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY HEDGE INSTALLATION COMPLETE.
• PHASE II OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS - 600 BRIDGE PLANTING COMPLETE
• CLUB SECURITY ENHANCED WITH ADDITIONAL WATERWAY CAMERAS AND ENTRANCE CAMERAS CONVERTED TO COMCAST DLS FAST SPEED LINES.
• CONTINUE PROGRAM WITH OFF DUTY POLICE OFFICERS AS WELL AS WACKENHUT BIKE PATROL AND THE 2ND PATROL VEHICLE.
• FILED LIENS ON DELINQUENT MEMBERSHIPS
• BOARD VOTED TO INCREASE THE APPLICATION FEE TO $60,000.
• BOARD ESTABLISHED PRESIDENTIAL AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE CLUB
• BOARD ESTABLISHED PIN CEREMONY FOR WACKENHUT SECURITY STAFF RECOGNITION
• BOARD MEMBERS MET WITH MAYOR SLESNICK ON BEHALF OF CLUB REGARDING THE BETTER REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CLUB BY THE CITY, CLEANING OF DEBRIS FROM OUR CANALS, INADEQUATE CANAL DEPTH, MAINTENANCE OF ROADS AND THE PURCHASE FROM THE CITY OF THE 2ND SEAWITCH TO CLEAN THE CANALS.
• PRESIDENT AND BOARD MEMBERS MET WITH THE NEW CITY MANAAGER PATRICK SALERNO REGARDING CLIPPING PILE PICK UP FOR FRIDAYS AND 25 YEAR AGREEMENT TO REIMBURSE CLUB UP TO $20,000. FOR LANDSCAPING MAINTENANCE
• MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORIES WITH REVISED CHARTER, BY-LAWS AND DECLARATION OF PROTECTIVE COVENENTS DELIVERED TO EVERY CLUB MEMBER.
• BY- LAWS WERE PASSED TO FORM CODE AND COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE WITH ABILITY TO FINE VIOLATORS.
• FIRST ANNUAL YACHT CLUB BOAT PARADE TOOK PLACE WITH FIRST PLACE AWARD AND PARTICIPATE AWARDS.

THE PRESIDENT STATED THE FOLLOWING ACCOMPLISHMENTS HAVE TAKEN PLACE OR WILL TAKE PLACE IN 2009:
• BOARD VOTED TO INCREASE THE ARCHITECTURAL FEE TO $750. PER VISIT TO COVER EXPENSES
• BOARD VOTED TO INCREASE THE TRANSFER FEE TO $5,000. PER TRANSFER
• BOARD HAS RESERVE OF $200,000. WHICH WILL BE USED FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FOR THE COMMUNITY.
• BOARD WILL REFUND $100,000. IN TOTAL TO THE CURRENT MEMBERSHIP IN GOOD STANDING FISCAL YEAR 2008/09.
• RENEGOTIATE WACKENHUT CONTRACT WITH SAVING APPROXIMATELY $80,000. PER YEAR & ACCEPT NEW LANDSCAPING CONTRACT SAVING $20,000. PER YEAR.
• CHANGE BY LAW TO HAVE ANNUAL MEETINGS IN MID NOVEMBER OF EACH YEAR.
• CHANGE BY LAW TO INCREASE ONE TIME VIOLATIONS OF CODE AND COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE FINES TO MAXIMUM OF $10,000.
• HOLIDAY BONUS GIVEN BY BOARD TO BE BASED ON PERFORMANCE AND LONGEVITY.
• BOARD WORKING WITH CITY OF CORAL GABLES TO CREATE SAFETY OF CIRCLE AT LEUCADENDRA DRIVE AND ARVIDA PARKWAY - AWAITING CITY’S FINDINGS.
• NO INCREASES IN MAINTENANCE FEES GOING INTO THE SEVENTH YEAR AT $6,000. PER LOT
• CREATED $500,000. RESERVE FUND
• SALES IN BUDGET PROJECTED AT THREE AND THIS GOALS HAS ALREADY BEEN MET IN FIRST MONTH OF FISCAL YEAR.
• REDUCED BUDGET FROM LAST YEAR BY 11%

DR. PINES OF 8805 ARVIDA DRIVE RAISED HIS OBJECTION TO THE AMENDMENT TO INCREASE THE CODE AND COMPLIANCE FINE FROM $1,000. TO $10,000. DISCUSSION TOOK PLACE. MR. GUERRA STATED HE WILL TAKE DR. PINES OBJECTION TO THE BOARD FOR CONSIDERATION.

MRS. ROSS ASKED FOR CLARIFICATION OF THE CODE AND COMPLIANCE BY- LAW INCLUDING LICENSEES SUCH AS REALTORS BEING INCLUDED IN THE LANGUAGE SINCE THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PROPERTY, MR. GUERRA EXPLAINED THAT ALL OWNERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING THAT ANY AGENT OR EMPLOYEE, INCLUDING REALTORS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE HOME IN THE OWNER’S ABSENCE COMPLIES WITH THE STANDARDS SET FORTH IN CORAL GABLES CODE AND IN THESE BY LAWS AND ANY RULES AND REGULATIONS ADOPTED BY THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS. HE STRESSED IT IS THE PROPERTY OWNERS RESPONSIBILITY TO ASSURE STANDARDS ARE MET AND ONLY THE PROPERTY OWNERS CAN BE FINED. THE PRESIDENT ADDED THAT NON BOARD MEMBERS SERVE ON THE CODE AND COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE AND THEY ARE REQUIRED TO HOLD HEARINGS ALLOWING PROPERTY OWNERS TO APPEAL THEIR DECISIONS. MR. FINKLE COMPLIMENTED THE BOARD FOR INCREASING THE VIOLATION FINE SINCE IN THE PAST SEVERAL HOUSES ON CASUARINA CONCOURSE HAVE LOOKED DERELICT AND HE HOPES THE COMMITTEE WILL NOT HESITATE WHEN NEEDED TO IMPOSE THIS FINE AS A MEANS OF PROTECTING THE PROPERTY VALUES WITHIN GABLES ESTATES.

MR. EUGENE CONESE OF 650 LEUCADENDRA DRIVE REQUESTED TO ADDRESS THE MEMBERSHIP SINCE HIS WIFE WAS ILL AND HE WOULD NEED TO LEAVE THE MEETING. MR. CONESE STATED HIS GENERAL IMPRESSION OVER THE LAST FIFTEEN YEARS WAS THAT THE CLUB NEEDED A POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE. MOST MEMBERS HAVE THEIR CHILDREN IN PRIVATE SCHOOLS AND TAXES FOR THE SCHOOLS WAS A GREAT BURDEN. HE SUGGESTION THE CLUB’S ACTION COMMITTEE JOIN OTHER ACTIONS COMMITTEES OF SURROUNDING NEIGHBORHOODS AND HE OPPOSES SPENDING THE MONEY ON PAVERS AND FEELS THE OVERHEAD CABLES SHOULD BE PLACED UNDERGROUND FOR SAFETY REASONS. HE STATED THIS ITEM IS VERY ESSENTIAL AND HE WOULD RECOMMEND THAT THIS MATTER GO OUT TO THE MEMBERSHIP FOR A VOTE

DR. PINES ALSO REQUESTED TO ADDRESS THE MEMBERSHIP SINCE HE TOO HAD A SICK WIFE AT HOME AND NEEDED TO LEAVE THE MEETING EARLY. DR. PINES STATED HE HAD WRITTEN MR. GUERRA REGARDING AN ACCOUNTING MISTAKE HIS ACCOUNTANT HAD FOUND WITH THE BOOKS. MR. ARGIZ STATED HE CHECKED THE BOOKS AND AGREED A CLERICAL ERROR HAD OCCURRED. MR. GUERRA HAD INVITED DR. PINES TO SERVE ON THE BUDGET COMMITTEE. MR. FINKLE STATED HE HAD ATTENDED THE BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING HELD AT DR. PINES HOME AND THE ERROR WAS DISCUSSED AND CLARIFICATION WAS MADE AT THAT TIME THAT IT WAS AN ERROR IN BOOK KEEPING. THE ADMINISTRATOR EXPLAINED THAT SHE HAD APOLOGIZED TO DR. PINES AT THE TIME AND WILL AGAIN THAT SHE SIMPLY MADE IN INPUT ERROR WHICH WAS CORRECTED. DR. PINES STATED HE WAS NOT IN AGREEMENT WITH THE SECURITY EXPENDITURES OF $800,000. FOR GUARD SERVICE NOR THE $80,000 FOR OFF DUTY POLICE. HE STATED THE MEMBERS OF GABLES ESTATES PAY 20% OF THE CITY OF CORAL GABLES REAL ESTATE TAXES AND HE FEELS THE COMMUNITY SHOULD GET THEIR SECURITY FREE. DR. PINES ALSO OBJECTED TO THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS MADE TO LANDSCAPING WHICH HE STATED WAS OVER $800,000. HE STATED THE BOARD MUST REDUCE IT’S EXPENSES AND MEMBERS MUST CHECK ON WHAT THE BOARD IS DOING AND STOP EXCESSIVE EXPENSES. THE PRESIDENT STATED THERE ARE 193 LOTS IN GABLES ESTATES AND COLLECTIVELY WE PAID $4.5 MILLION IN REAL ESTATES TAXES TO THE CITY OF CORAL GABLES.


FINANCIAL REPORT
MR. ARGIZ, TREASURER INVITED THE MEMBERSHIP TO REVIEW THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT FROM THE CLUB’S ACCOUNTANTS CATARINEAU AND GIVENS, P.A. HE NOTED THAT THE FIRM PREFORMED AN AUDIT (SEE ATTACHED) DISCUSSION TOOK PLACE. MR. BARED MOVED TO APPROVE THE AUDITOR’S REPORT. MRS. BELL SECONDED THE MOTION AND ALL WERE IN FAVOR. THE TREASURER ENCOURAGED THE MEMBERSHIP TO REVIEW THE PROPOSED BUDGET (SEE ATTACHED) APPROVED BY THE BOARD AT THEIR BOARD MEETING HELD ON OCTOBER 20, 2009. HE ASKED IF THERE WERE ANY QUESTION. NONE WERE PRESENTED. MR. BARED MOVED TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED BUDGET AS PRESENTED AND MRS. BELL SECONDED THE MOTION AND ALL WERE IN FAVOR.

MRS. BELL REQUESTED TO TAKE AN ITEM OUT OF ORDER SINCE THERE HAD BEEN A GREAT DEAL OF CONTROVERSY SURROUNDING THE PAVING OF PORTIONS OF THE STREETS. SHE STATED THAT SINCE WE ARE ALL FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS AND THE BOARD IS TRYING TO DO THE VERY BEST AND IT HAS COME TO THEIR ATTENTION THAT THERE IS A DEGREE OF UNHAPPINESS WITH THE PROPOSED PAVER PROJECT SHE BELIEVES THE MISINFORMATION OR LACK OF INFORMATION REGARDING THE PAVERS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. MRS. BELL STATED THE ITEMS REGARDING OVERHEAD CABLES BEING PLACED UNDERGROUND AND THE DREDGING OF THE CANALS WERE SEPARATE ISSUES AND WOULD NEED TO BE ADDRESS AS SUCH. MRS. BELL MOVED TO TABLE THESE MATTERS FOR ANOTHER DATE UNTIL THE MEMBERSHIP CAN BE WELL INFORMED REGARDING THE PAVERS, CABLES AND DREDGING. MRS. BELL STATED THE BOARD WILL PROVIDE A QUESTIONNAIRE FOR THE MEMBERS TO FILL OUT AND ALLOW THE NEIGHBORS AND BOARD TO HAVE A BETTER OPPORTUNITY TO SEE HOW EVERYONE FEELS AND ACT ACCORDINGLY. MR. BOX SECONDED THE MOTION AND ALL WERE IN FAVOR.

MR. JEFFREY WECHSLER OF 485 LEUCADENDRA DRIVE STATED HIS CONCERNS REGARDING THE INFRASTRUCTURE, MAINLY THE SEWAGE PROBLEMS ON LEUCADENDRA DRIVE. THE PRESIDENT STATED THIS MATTER HAD BEEN ADDRESSED WITH THE CITY AND HE AGREES THAT HE WILL MAKE THIS A PRIORITY ISSUE.


BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE
THE PRESIDENT ADVISED THE MEMBERSHIP THAT MRS. RUFFE, CHAIR OF THE BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE WAS UNABLE TO ATTEND TONIGHT’S MEETING. HE STATED THE COMPLETION OF THE CLIPPING PILE HEDGES AND 600 LEUCADENDRA DRIVE BRIDGE WERE COMPLETED.

SECURITY COMMITTEE
MR. CANEL, THE NEWLY APPOINTED CHAIR STATED HE WANTED TO COMMEND MRS. MIRANDA FOR THE WONDERFUL JOB SHE HAD DONE OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS CHAIRING THE SECURITY COMMITTEE. MRS. MIRANDA RECEIVED A HEARTY APPLAUSE. MR. CANEL STATED HE HAD MET WITH CAPTAIN URRA, SITE SUPERVISOR OF THE WACKENHUT SECURITY STAFF AND WILL MEET WITH THE OTHER OFFICERS. MR. CANELS WILL KEEP THE CLUB’S MONETARY CONCERNS IN MIND AS HE WORKS TO IMPROVE THE CLUB’S SECURITY. A COMMITTEE OF THREE BOARD MEMBERS WILL BE MEETING WITH WACKENHUT MANAGEMENT TO RENEGOIATE THE WACKENHUT CONTRACT IN ORDER TO REDUCE COSTS. MR. CANEL STATED ONE OF OUR CLUB MEMBERS, MR. NICOLAS JUNCADELLA, A SECURITY EXPERT, WILL WORK CLOSELY WITH HIS COMMITTEE AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE BOARD TO ADDRESS SECURITY ISSUES. MR. CANEL ASKED FOR FEEDBACK FROM THE MEMBERSHIP REGARDING SECURITY AND STATED PLEASE CALL KATHLEEN FOR HIS PERSONAL EMAIL ADDRESS TO COMMUNICATE WITH HIM DIRECTLY.

YACHT CLUB REPORT:
MR. CANEL STATED THE 2ND ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARADE WILL TAKE PLACE ON DECEMBER 12TH. MORE DETAILS WILL BE SENT TO THE MEMBERSHIP VIA MAIL.

THE PRESIDENT STATED THAT THE BOARD MEMBERS HAVE MET WITH COMMISSIONERS HOWEVER THE CLUB NEEDS MORE REPRESENTATION FROM THE CLUB AND HE INVITED THE MEMBERSHIP TO GET MORE INVOLVED AT THE CLUB AND CITY LEVEL.

THE PRESIDENT STATED ALBERTO DELGADO’S PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT PAVED ALL OF ARVIDA PARKWAY AND ARVIDA DRIVE AND HAVE COMMITTED TO PAVING ALL OF LEUCADENDRA AND CASUARINA WITHIN THE NEXT TWO YEARS. THE PRESIDENT ADDED THE BOARD WILL ADDRESS THE CONCERNS WITH THE PAVERS AND CLARIFY THE SITUATION, LISTEN TO WHAT THE MEMBERS HAVE TO SAY AND IF NEED BE, TAKE THE MATTER TO A VOTE.

MRS. KELLY STATED HER CONCERN REGARDING WHAT WILL TAKE PLACE ONCE THE MEMBERSHIP HAS THE INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE BOARD. SHE SAID THE BUDGET MUST BE A GUIDING FORCE FOR THE BOARD AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS DO NOT APPEAR ON THE BUDGET ND IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE PROCESS. MR. KELLY STATED LONG RANGE PROJECTS SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE BUDGET AND THE MEMBERSHIP SHOULD BE INVOLVED AND FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH LARGE DECISIONS INVOLVING MEMBERSHIP VOTES.

MR. PEREZ OF 50 LEUCADENDRA DRIVE STATED HE WAS HAPPY TO BE BACK AND WANTED TO CONGRATULATE THE BOARD IN NOT INCREASING THE MAINTENANCE FEES IN SEVEN YEARS. HE SAID THE BOARD DID A GREAT JOB.


ANNOUNCEMENTS:
MRS. KELLY STATED THE HALLOWEEN HAYRIDE AND PARTY IS TAKING PLACE TOMORROW STARTING AT 6:00 P.M. AT THE CUL-DE-SAC IN FRONT OF 369 LEUCADENDRA AND EVERYONE IS INVITED.

ANNUAL BLOCK PARTY:
MRS. ROSS, STATED THAT THE ANNUAL BLOCK PARTY IS SCHEDULED FOR SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2010. FESTIVITIES WILL BEGIN AT 2:00 P.M. AT THE 369 LEUCADENDRA DRIVE ISLAND. THE THEME WILL BE “CARNAVAL RIO STYLE ”. MRS. ROSS INVITED ALL MEMBERS INTERESTED IN SERVING ON THE BLOCK PARTY COMMITTEE TO PLEASE LET HER KNOW. MRS. ROSS ENCOURAGED MEMBERS TO ATTEND AND BRING THEIR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN TO THIS COMMUNITY EVENT. SHE STRESSED THAT THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS AND FRIENDS AND ENJOY THE GREAT WEATHER THAT TIME OF YEAR.

OLD BUSINESS/NEW BUSINESS:
MR. BARED STATED THAT IN THE NEXT CITY ELECTION, THREE COMMISSIONERS TERMS EXPIRE. HE STRESSED THE MEMBERSHIP MUST GET OUT AND VOTE. VERY IMPORTANT TO SHOW UNITY BY VOTING AS A COMMUNITY FOR WHICHEVER CANDIDATE YOU PREFER JUST AS LONG AS YOU VOTE.

ADJOURNMENT
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS, A MOTION TO ADJOURN THE MEETING WAS MADE AND SECONDED. ALL WERE IN FAVOR. THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 9:15 P.M.

MInutes of Board of Governor's meeting held October 20th

Board of Governors Meeting

Draft Minutes

October 20, 2009

The Board of Governors met at Fairchild Gardens, Classroom “A”, on Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. Present were: President; Rene Guerra, 1st Vice President; Sissy Ruffe, 2nd Vice President; Jose Bared , Treasurer; Anthony Argiz, Secretary; Bill Box. Directors: Trish Bell, Daniel Canel and Bunny Bastian. Mrs. Irka Choate of 480 Arvida Parkway, Mr. Nicholas Kelly and Mrs. Barbara Kelly of 640 Arvida Parkway were in attendance.

Opening of Meeting and Introduction of Guest Speaker: Alberto Delgado, Public Works Director

LEUCADENDRA DRIVE / ARVIDA PARKWAY TRAFFIC CALMING CIRCLE

The President welcomed those present to the meeting. He introduced Mr. Alberto Delgado, Public Works Director to the meeting. He thanked Mr. Delgado for resurfacing the entire roads of Arvida Parkway and Arvida Drive instead of just a small portion of the 100 block of Arvida Parkway. He stated this was a vast improvement and the membership greatly appreciated it. He also stated that Leucadendra Drive and Casuarina Concourse will be resurfaced over the next two years as promised by Mr. Delgado. Mr. Guerra stated the Proposed Capital Improvement Project will not include the enhancement of the Traffic Calming Circle at this time do to safety reasons. The President asked Mr. Delgado to address the issue regarding the safety of the design of the Leucadendra Drive / Arvida Parkway Traffic Calming Circle. Mr. Delgado informed those present that each Traffic Calming Circle the City has installed required some type of adjustment. In the case of the Gables Estates Traffic Calming Circle his department is looking into using “splitters” islands to assure that cars use the proper use as the circle was intended. Mr. Delgado stated that vehicles must slow down to the 15 MPH speed limit as this is what the circle was design to do, slow down traffic. City will make adjustments to the circle and the final decision may be to remove the circle if that is what the Association requests. Mr. Delgado added that the circle can have up lights to help with better visibility at night.

Mrs. Kelly stated she was concern about the safety of the Traffic Calming Circle prior to its installation in 2006. She felt that there was a constant sense there would be a head on collision and now she feels the problem is basically worse than before the circle was installed. She had recommended that a medium be installed instead of the circle to force the proper turn onto Leucadendra Drive. Mrs. Kelly stressed that the circle has created a major intersection in front of her house and that her wall mirrors the design of the circle. If delineations are installed, they will block her driveway and she feels it is imperative that her family be informed each step of this process to protect their interest. Mrs. Ruffe stated the traffic calming circle has slowed down traffic going to the far end of Arvida Parkway. Lengthy discussion took place. Mr. Bared explained the circle is there now and the professionals from the City Public Works Department are looking into making this circle safe with other alternatives. He suggest the Board afford them this opportunity to fix the issues and wait for their solution. If a solution cannot be found, the Board can vote to have the circle removed. The Board was in agreement with this. Mr. Guerra stated his personal commitment to Mrs. Kelly was that she would be informed and a part of the process regarding decisions pertaining to the circle.

PROPOSED CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT EXPENDITURE FOR PAVERS FOR CASUARINA CONCOURSE’S FIVE (5) TRAFFIC CALMING ISLANDS & TWO (2) ARVIDA PARKWAY AND ONE (1) LEUCADENDRA DRIVE BRIDGES AND CURBING AND GUTTERS FOR MUNICIPAL DOCK AREA.

The President explained the Beautification Committee’s recommendation to pave with Chicago Cement Brick Pavers the five traffic calming islands on Casuarina Concourse, the two bridges on Arvida Parkway, the first bridge on Leucadendra Drive; and the municipal dock area with curbing and gutters only. Mr. Delgado showed those present a couple of samples of the design layout of the brick pavers which could be used. Mr. Delgado recommended using the bands around the pavers and with a pattern to control movement of the pavers and minimize maintenance costs. Mrs. Bastian objected to the idea of the pavers and she felt the membership should vote on this issue and raised the concern of the bumpiness of the road. Mr. Kelly stated his concern was the cost of the pavers as well as the noise factor and felt neighbors should have the right to vote on this matter. Mr. Box stated the membership voted the Board in place and he feels issues should not go to the membership, but the Board must make these decisions. Mr. Delgado stated the cement Chicago brick paver is a very thick paver which is packed down and serves as a noise deterrent. This would not be the same cobblestone type brick as used at our entrances as this brick is a very flat brick and has not created a noise issue elsewhere. Mr. Guerra stated the Board has historically felt the reserve fund should have $500,000. and in the recent past the Club had between $350,000. To $450,000. in the reserve fund. The Board has taken measures like increasing the application fee to $60,000. and reducing spending whenever possible and as a result the Club now has $850,000. Two hundred fifty thousand has been place in IBF and Community Bank in one year CDs. Mr. Guerra proposed returning $100,000. in total to the current membership in “Good Standing” as part of the Boards fiscal responsibility. The President stated this would allow up to $350,000. for Capital Improvements which would increase the value of the properties in Gables Estates. Mr. Bared stated Mrs. Ruffe, as Chair of the Beautification Committee, has done a wonderful job enhancing the aesthetics our community. Mr. Bared said he feels under her charge our area will continue to be greatly improved. Mr. Kelly questions the cost of the proposed Capital Improvement . Mr. Guerra stated the cost would be $200,000. Mr. Bared moved to approve the Beautification Committee’s request for $200,000. to pave with Chicago Cement Brick Pavers the five traffic calming islands on Casuarina Concourse, the two bridges on Arvida Parkway, the first bridge on Leucadendra Drive; and the municipal dock area with curbing and gutters only. Mr. Canel second the motion and all were in favor.

PROPOSED BUDGET

The Treasurer, Mr. Argiz, reviewed the proposed budget with the Board, see attached. Discussion took place. Mrs. Bell moved to approve the proposed budget with attachments to present to the membership at the Annual Meeting, October 29,2009Mr. Box second the motion and all were in favor. Mr. Bared moved that all Club funds must be Federal Insured and no account shall exceed $250,000. The Administrator informed the Board the Mr. Guerra would be meeting with a representative to go over the CDARS program with a built in Ladder to address the Club’s financial needs this coming week. She explained that Mr. Guerra would come back to the Board for a final vote. All were in agreement.



CODE AND COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE

The President stated he felt Mrs. Ruffe as Chair of the Beautification Committee should oversee the Code and Compliance Committee. All were in agreement.

CHILDREN’S PARK

The President asked for instructions from the Board whether or not to pursue a Children’s Park to be located within Gables Estates Club. The President explained this would be a City Park with no parking allowed and the City would assume all liabilities and upkeep. The Club could go into a matching funds venture with the City. Mrs. Bastian suggested surveying the immediate neighbors as a first step to see if they were in favor of this approach or not. All were in agreement.

APPOINT SECURITY CHAIR

The President stated the Mrs. Miranda has agreed to continue to serve on the Board however time did not permit her to continue to serve as Chair of the Security Committee and therefore she handed in her resignation. The President wished to appoint Mr. Canel as Chair of the Security Committee and Mr. Bared so moved and Mr. Argiz second the motion and all were in favor.

CHANGE LANDSCAPE PROVIDERS

The Chair of Beautification recommended accepting the bid from Golden Sun Tree Farms for $72,999. per year starting on November 1st, 2009. Mr. Argiz so moved and Mrs. Bell second the motion. All were in favor.

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING

The Board was reminded to attend the Annual Meeting on Thursday, October 29th at 7:30 p.m. @ Fairchild Gardens, “Ballroom” and the invited guest speaker was Mayor Donald Slesnick. Mrs. Kelly suggested a flyer should go out to the membership advising that the Mayor would be the guest speaker. All were in agreement.

NEW BUSINESS

Mr. Bared discussed the lack of proper markers on the waterway entrance into Gables Estates. Captain Urra explained the Pat Burns from the City had replaced one marker and was still working on the others as they had to be ordered and should be installed within the next month.

ADJOURNMENT

As no other business came before the Board, Mr. Box moved to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Bared second the motion and all were in favor. The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m

Gables Estates announces Annual Meeting for Gables Estates Board Members

A G E N D A
ANNUAL MEETING
October 29, 2009 @ 7:30 p.m.

1) WELCOME GENERAL MEMBERSHIP & INTRODUCTION OF BOARD MEMBERS :
- RENE GUERRA, PRESIDENT

2) REPORT ON PROXIES FOR QUORUM: - DANIEL CANEL, CHAIR

3) MINUTES: RENE GUERRA, PRESIDENT
SEMI ANNUAL MINUTES, APRIL 22, 2009 (as circulated to the membership)

4) NOMINATIONS TO THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS: - BARBARA KELLY, CHAIR

a) Nominating Committee Report

b) Nominations from the Floor

5) NEW MEMBERS: - TRISH BELL, CHAIR

New Memberships as of the Semi Annual Meeting:
a) Mr. and Mrs. Richard Luneburg- 455 Casuarina Concourse
b) Mr. and Mrs. Serafin Garcia - 631 Arvida Parkway
c) Mr. and Mrs. Giraldo Leyva - 100 Casuarina Concourse
d) Mr. and Mrs. Rene de Jesus Valverde - 460 Leucadendra Drive

6) PRESIDENT’S ACCOMPLISHED 08/09:
CHANGES & OBJECTIVE FOR 2009/10
- RENE GUERRA, PRESIDENT

7) FINANCIAL REPORT: - ANTHONY ARGIZ, TREASURER

a) Review Auditor’s Report, Receipts & Disbursements
b) Review Proposed Budget for fiscal year 2009/10 (presented for membership approval)

8) BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE REPORT: - SISSY RUFFE, CHAIR

a) Completion of all clipping pile hedges throughout Community
b) Completion of 600 Leucadendra Drive bridge planting to match existing plantings
c) Compliance and Code Committee will report findings to the Chair of the Beautification Committee

9) SECURITY REPORT: - CRISTINA MIRANDA, CHAIR

a) Briefing from Captain Roberto Urra, Wackenhut Site Supervisor
b) Briefing from Officer Michael Hearns, City of Coral Gables Police

10) YACHT CLUB REPORT: - DANIEL CANEL, COMMODORE

11) OLD BUSINESS / NEW BUSINESS: - RENE GUERRA, PRESIDENT

a) Need Community Involvement For Better Representation @ City Level
b) Road Paving Commitment from Director of Public Works Department, Alberto Delgado

12) ANNOUNCEMENTS:

a) CHILDRENS' CLUB: HALLOWEEN HAYRIDE & PARTY - PATRICIA CRUZ, CHAIR
b) BLOCK PARTY: - AUDREY ROSS, CHAIR

13) ELECT NEW OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS: - FULL BOARD - PROVIDED NO
NOMINATIONS ARE MADE FROM THE FLOOR - (IF NOMINATIONS FROM THE FLOOR,
ELECTION PROCESS WILL TAKE PLACE)

14) CLOSING/ADJOURNMENT :- RENE GUERRA, PRESIDENT

Gables Estates Board of Governor's Meeting set for October 20th

A G E N D A

Board of Governor's Meeting October 20, 2009

Meeting Place: Fairchild Gardens, Classroom “A” @ 7:00 p.m.

1) REVIEW & DISCUSS PROPOSED BUDGET 2009/10

2) REVIEW & DISCUSS PROPOSED CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT EXPENDITURE – PAVERS FOR CASUARINA CONCOURSE’S FIVE (5) TRAFFIC CALMING ISLANDS & TWO (2) ARVIDA PARKWAY AND ONE (1) LEUCADENDRA DRIVE BRIDGES - GUEST SPEAKER, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR, ALBERTO DELGADO

3) REVIEW & DISCUSS SAFETY OF LEUCADENDRA / ARVIDA TRAFFIC CALMING CIRCLE AS CURRENTLY INSTALLED – GUEST SPEAKER, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR, ALBERTO DELGADO

4) DISCUSS PROPOSAL TO REFUND % OF MAINTENANCE FEES FROM FISCAL YEAR 2008/09 TO EQUAL APPROXIMATELY $100,000. IN TOTAL BACK TO THE GENERAL MEMBERSHIP IN “GOOD STANDING WITH THE CLUB”.

5) NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29TH @ 7:30 P.M. @ FAIRCHILD GARDENS, “BALLROOM” – INVITED GUEST SPEAKER, HONORABLE MAYOR DONALD SLESNICK

6) NEW BUSSINESS:

7) ADJOURMENT

Gables Estates Board of Governors supplies Hurricane information for residents

Hurricane Awareness

Here we are once again, hurricane season officially begins on June 1st and ends November 30th. Weather Experts are predicting a very active hurricane season again this year, although not as bad a pervious years. Please make sure our security staff has an updated Gables Estates Contact Form on file for your property. (You may obtain a form at either gatehouse.) This information is necessary to provide the optimum security during your absence (storms, business travels, vacations, etc.).
In the event a Hurricane Advisory is issued, the Homeowner’s Association has requested Wackenhut security to report loose objects not anchored or secured to the appropriate homeowner, to work closely with the City so that garbage and debris are removed prior to the arrival of the storm, and to contact construction personnel on site to request construction material be secured. Please notify Kathleen or Captain Urra at either gatehouse (Arvida 305-667-3604 or Casuarina 305-667-3295) to report loose objects, your assistance is greatly appreciated.The following are some helpful numbers for information and assistance:

1) Emergencies call 911

2) Special needs 305-460-5560

3) Electricity problems 305-442-8770 (FP&L)

4) Telephone line problems 611 or 305-780-2840 (BellSouth)

5) Coral Gables Citizen Information 305-460-5401

6) City Gas 305-693-4311

7) American Red Cross (Shelter Information) 305-644-1200

8) Wackenhut Station One 1-800-666-5808

Since Gables Estates is located in a flood zone, Coral Gables and Miami Dade County Zoning Boards recommend that all residents evacuate the area in the event of a Hurricane with a category of two or greater, winds reaching 96 miles per hour or above and a storm surge seven feet or higher.
Wackenhut Security and Coral Gables Police as well as all other emergency response personnel will evacuate the area during a mandated evacuation. Immediately following the mandatory evacuation/hurricane, Wackenhut officers will resume patrol and assist members whenever possible.
Any security related issues should be reported to Captain Urra for the Arvida side at 305-667-3604 or 305-667-3295 on Casuarina.


We know you have heard this before, but it is very important and bears repeating once again.
Please keep all doors to your home and vehicles locked. Please keep your security lights for your property and dock area on at night and do not leave your boat keys in the ignition. Please be safe this Hurricane Season.

Gables Estates Semi Annual Meeting agenda announced

Gables Estates Semi Annual Meeting

April 22, 2009

7:00 p.m. @ Fairchild Gardens Ballroom

A G E N D A

1) WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION:

Rene Guerra, President

2) REPORT ON PROXIES FOR QUORUM: -

Trish Bell, Chairperson

3) MINUTES: 2008 ANNUAL MEETING

Rene Guerra, President

4) NEW MEMBERS:

Trish Bell, Chairperson

a) Mr. and Mrs. Frank Milton, 100 Leucadendra Drive

b) Mr. and Mrs. Mauro Libi, 401 Arvida Parkway

c) Mr. and Mrs. William Zelaya, 8585 Old Cutler Road

5) BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE REPORT:

Sissy Ruffe, Chairperon

a) Phase II Ground Lighting Installation, Casuarina Concourse Status

b) Change of Pick Up Day of Clipping Piles

6) COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT COMMITTEE-

Barbara Kelly Chairperson

7) SECURITY REPORT

Cristina Miranda, Chairperson

a) Wackenhut Ribbon Program & Awards for Officers - Eddy Esquivel

8) OLD BUSINESS / NEW BUSINESS

General Membership

7:30 p.m.

Intermission for membership to meet and greet Presidential Award Recipients and Family Members

8:00 p.m.

Presentation Ceremony of Presidential Awards

9) ANNOUNCEMENTS / CLOSING

Rene Guerra, President

The Gables Estates Board of Governors Minutes of February 27, 2009

The Board of Governors Meeting Took Place at Fairchild Tropical Garden, Classroom “A”, 10901 Old Cutler Road, Miami, Florida at 7:00 P.m. Thursday, February 27, 2009

WELCOME & INTRODUCTION:

Mr. Rene Guerra, President, Called the Meeting to Order and Welcomed Those Present. Mrs. Sissy Ruffe, Vice President; Mr. Jose Bared, Second Vice President; Mr. Bill Box, Secretary; Directors; Mrs. Bunny Bastian and Mrs. Cristina Miranda. Unable to attend were: Mr. Anthony Argiz, Treasurer; Mr. Daniel Canel and Mrs. Trish Bell. Guest Speaker was Mr. Eddy Esquivel, General Manager of the Wackenhut Corporation, Florida Regional Office. Also in attendance: Mrs. Marta Guerra, Mrs. Barbara Kelly, Mrs. Joyce Dickerson, Mrs. Irka Choate, Mrs. Pat Bean, Mr. and Mrs. Lazaro Milton, Mrs. Rava Fridman, and Mr. Nicolas Finazzo.

PRESIDENTIAL AWARD:

The President proposed to the Board adopting a “Presidential Award” as a means of giving recognition to members and non members of the Club who have gone beyond the call of duty. He explained the following:

Scope and Purpose:

Responsibility:

Procedure:

Presentation:

Records:

Eligibility:

All members in good standing and non members who have worked towards the betterment of Gables Estates Club, Inc., beyond the normal commitment. This could include; leadership, commitment of time, effort, involvement and talent. for Gables Estates Club, Inc., will be maintained indicting the recipients of the Gables Estates Club, Inc., Presidential Award.The presentation of the Gables Estates Club, Inc., Presidential Award will take place with proper notification given to the full membership in writing. Presence of the recipients and their family members will be requested at the presentation ceremony. The Administrator will maintain a list of nominees of members in good standing and /or non members whom contributed to the Club beyond the normal call of duty. Nominees will be evaluated by the President along with the Board of Governors to determine if meritorious requirement have been fulfilled. Final determination will be the decision of the Board of Governors. Members may make nominations to the Administrator, President and/or Board at will. The Board of Governors will administer the policy and process recommendations for this award.To provide procedures to acknowledge with special recognition of exceptionally meritorious acts of service to and for the Community of Gables Estates Club, Inc.The President stated the first time presentation will involve a formal invitation prepared and printed from the Board requesting the presence of the recipients to a presentation ceremony. Members will be encouraged to bring their family members. He stated all Past Presidents living in Gables Estates will be honored the first year of presentation. Past Board Members: Arch. Jose Milton, Dr. Phillip George, Mr. Arthur Finkle, Mr. Jose Ortega, Mrs. Patricia Wallace and Mr. Jack Ross. Posthumously: Mr. Fred Havenick and Mr. Guillermo (Bill) Miranda. Other nominations that were approved thus far are: Mrs. Audrey Ross, Mrs. Patricia Cruz and Miss. Lamar Curry. Mrs. Ruffe moved to approve the Presidential Award and guidelines for said award as submitted by the President. Mr. Box seconded the motion and all were in favor.

BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE REPORT:

Clipping Pile Hedges: Mrs. Ruffe, Chair of the Beautification Committee Gave the Following Report: Twenty one new clipping pile hedges have been installed on the right of ways and 49 additional hedges will be installed, once funded in next year’s budget.
Phase II Ground Lights: She said Phase II of the Additional Ground Lighting for the 200 and 300 Arvida Parkway and 665 Leucadendra Drive Bridge Locations are complete. The plans for the ground lighting for the Second Island Behind the Gatehouse on Casuarina Concourse are in the permit stage and will be installed once the City issues the permit.
Cost for City Survey: Mrs. Ruffe explained that this Board had requested from the City on numerous occasions a change of clipping pile pick up from Monday to Friday. The Chair discussed the response request from Mr. Dan Keys, City of Coral Gables Public Service Director which is to have the Club pay $1,000. for his department to mail out a survey ballot allowing the northern neighborhood to vote yes or not for the pick up date change. She stated this survey requires 51% no votes in order for the change not to happen. (See attached survey) Discussion took place. Mr. Bared moved to approve the expense for said survey and Mr. Box seconded the motion and all were in favor.
The President added that as per his conversation with the City of Coral Gables Manager, Mrs. Maria Jeminez, a second seawitch is being purchased by the City and the old seawitch will serve as a back up. He stated the cylinder buried at the entrance in the main canal was located by the City and will be removed by the City in March. He also mentioned Mr. Alberto Delgado, Director of the Public Works Department, has committed to repairing two roads every year for three consecutive years until all the roads in Gables Estates are repaired.

CREATE FINANCIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO GO OVER BUDGET (2010) AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE TREASURER:

The President stated the Club’s income and expenses are on target with our budget; however, he would like to propose a non-Board member committee to review the past year’s budget 2007-2008 with this year’s budget 2008-2009 and make recommendations for savings where possible in the next year’s fiscal budget 2010. This Committee would be given guidelines and report directly to the Club’s Treasurer, Mr. Argiz, and Mr. Argiz would make recommendations to the Board for Board action. Mr. Guerra would like to recommend Mr. Arthur Finkle, past President, to serve on this Committee along with Dr. Ricardo Pines. Both have agreed to serve. Mrs. Ruffe moved to accept the formation of said Committee along with the nominees noted. Mr. Bared seconded the motion and all were in favor.

CODE AND COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE BASED ON AMENDMENTS TO THE BY-LAWS

(See Attached) The President explained the amendments have allowed the Board of Governors to make rules and regulations governing the properties located within Gables Estates; specifically for contractors, Realtors and landscape contractors, as well as levy fines on those who refuse to comply. He stated non-Board members would serve on the oversight committee to make recommendations to the Board on fines being levied. Ms. Lilliana Farinas-Sabogal, from Becker & Poliakoff, went over the Compliance and Enforcement Committee Guidelines, the Courtesy Warning Notice and the Notice and Compliance of Violation Forms with the Board and Club members in attendance. (See Attached.) Lengthy Discussion took place. Mrs. Barbara Kelly, as Chair, Mrs. Irka Choate and Mrs. Joyce Dickerson have agreed to serve on the Compliance and Enforcement Committee. Lengthy discussion took place. Mrs. Ruffe moved to approve the formation of this Committee and accept the volunteers submitted to serve on this committee. Mrs. Miranda seconded the motion and all were in favor. Mrs. Farinas-Sabogal was thanked for her time and departed the meeting.

SECURITY COMMITTEE REPORT:

The Chair, Mrs. Miranda gave the Following Report:
1. A Comcast cable line has been ordered for the Riley Camera, once this line has been installed, an infrared camera will be installed at this location.
2. Our President, Mr. Rene Guerra, working with Wackenhut Management has designed pins for Officer of the Year, Appreciation, Recognition and Distinction. These pins were created to enhance morale and pride among the Security Staff serving Gables Estates. For the same purpose one year, five years, ten years, fifteen years, twenty years and twenty five years pins have been established. All these pins are exclusive to Gables Estates by way of Gables Estates Colors.
3. The Chair read the following letters of appreciation for Wackenhut Custom Protection Officers; Castillo, Hammett, Rosser and Linares and presented said letters to Mr. Esquivel. Lt. Castillo was recommended by the Board to Wackenhut Management to receive the appreciation award.
4. Mr. Nicolas Juncadella has volunteered to work with the Security Committee and the Wackenhut Site Supervisor to review all Club and Wackenhut policies, procedures and post orders and make recommendations for improvements being mindful to stay within the existing budget.
Mr. Esquivel expressed appreciated for the letters for his Officers and for the Gables Estates Security Committee and President working so diligently to continuously enhance the Club’s overall security program. Mr. Esquivel explained the Security Bulletin procedures, Burglary Prevention tips, possible alarm monitoring for the community being provided by G4s Technology as well as other items of security interest. Discussion took place. Mr. Esquivel was thanked for his time and departed the meeting.

VARIANCE - PROPOSED DOCK, MOORING PILES AND WATERCRAFT LIFT FOR 8545 OLD CUTLER ROAD - MR. & MRS. NICOLAS FINAZZO

Mr. Box, the Chair of the Architectural Review Committee, stated his Committee had met at the above mentioned property and reviewed the applicant’s request for an L shaped dock. His Committee took into consideration concerns and objections from some of the surrounding neighbors. The Committee did not Recommend the variances requested as presented. However, a request for a T shaped dock was submitted approximately two weeks earlier which after careful consideration, weighing the neighbors’ objections and approvals, the Committee felt they could recommend. Mr. Box stated this recommendation was based on the hardship and approval established by DERM, Florida Department & Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corp of Engineers. (Due to the water depth and mangroves at this location). ( See Attached Plan and City description of said variance requests). Mrs. Bean was present and expressed her disapproval for both variance requests (L Shaped & T Shaped). Mr. Finazzo expressed his desire for the L shaped dock due to easier excess to and from the boat, however, he was willing to accept the Committee’s recommendation. Mr. Box requested from Mr. Finazzo that any deviations from his Committee’s recommendation first must come back to his Committee with full notification of any and all changes. Mr. Finazzo agreed. Lengthy Discussion Took Place. Mrs. Ruffe Moved to accept the Architectural Review Committee’s recommendation to not oppose the T Shaped dock. Mr. Bared Second the Motion and All Were in Favor accept Mrs. Bastain, who voted against the variances requested.

Kathleen Will make sure the plans are approved by Ramon Pacheco’s Architectural Review Committee, all conditions are met with DERM’s approval and once this is accomplished, Send a non objection Letter to the Building & Zoning at the City of Coral Gables.

ADJOURNMENT:

A motion was made and seconded for the adjournment of the meeting at 10:15 p.m.

Gables Estates Board of Governors initiates new blog information forum designed to inform residents and readers regarding safety issues

The Gables Estates Board of Governors is instituting a new forum pertaining to crime prevention, and safety issues to the Gables Estates Blog. Following the adage that information is empowering, the Gables Estates Board of Governors will be periodically posting articles and Internet resources designed to inform and enlighten the residents and readers of the blog about personal safety, property protection, home safety, as well as roadway and marine safety issues.
Today's safety topic of interest concerns the issue of kidnapping with tips and preventative measures that can be undertaken to thwart any kidnapping threat to you or a loved one. The information is provided by The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and is printed in both English and Spanish and can be found by simply clicking the link HERE

President's Message from the Gables Estates Board of Governors

President’s Page

On behalf of the Board of Governors and myself Happy New Year to you and your family. I trust you had a pleasant and safe holiday season.

As most of you are aware, the $6,000. yearly maintenance fees for Gables Estates Club have not been increased in the last six years. However, your Board will be addressing a difficult decision of whether or not to raise the dues if the projected sales (only3) for this fiscal year do not take place. So far, we have had one sale and feel confident that two other sales will take place this fiscal year. The Club traditionally has relied on application fees to off set our fiscal budget and without that income the Club will experience a deficit, raise the yearly maintenance fees or be forced to dip into the Club’s reserve fund.

The Board has designed a “Presidential Award” which will be awarded, from time to time, to a special member or non member of Gables Estates Club. This award will be given to those who have contributed to the well being and betterment of our Club beyond the normal call of duty. Many members over the years have given a great deal of their time and this is a nice way to honor and acknowledge those members. This award will be given based on a set of rules which must be carefully considered by the Board prior to selecting and nominating a recipient. A ceremony will be hosted by Gables Estates for the presentation of this award

Our 21th Annual Block Party is scheduled for:

Sunday, February 8th from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

This year’s theme is an “Mardi Gras in The Green.” I hope you can attend this Club function, meet some new neighbors and have an enjoyable afternoon. Once again, we owe our gratitude to Mrs. Audrey Ross, Chairperson of the Block Party Committee.

Phase III of the Beautification Committees’ Capital Improvement Ground Light Project for additional bridge lights and trafficcalming island lights is currently being assessed and designed to meet within the Club’s budget and maximize the best use of the lighting improvement. The Beautification Committee will continue to install portacarpus hedges around the clipping piles, as our budget permits, in the order of the highest visible impact to the community.

The Board has received a commitment from the Director of Public Works, Mr. Alberto Delgado, that two roads within Gables Estates will be re-paved each year over the next three years, thus completing all the road re-paving by the end of 2011. Your Board is also working with the Public Service Director, Mr. Dan Keys, to change the pick up day of the clipping piles from Monday to Friday. This will greatly enhance the appearance of our community.

It is imperative that each member of Gables Estates take an active role by encouraging the City to uphold their pledges to our community. You can do this by voting in the upcoming election this April. Please make sure you and your voting age family members are registered to vote. Please vote by absentee ballot if you are not planning on voting in person. Your Board will be inviting all candidates running for City Commission to present their position regarding issues affecting Gables Estates at a regular Board meeting to be announced shortly. Please submit any questions you would like asked. A brief summary of their answers will be sent to you.

The Board will soon be appointing a Compliance & Enforcement Committee of Five to oversee the implementation and compliance of the rules and regulations for maintenance standards for Gables Estates Club. This Committee will review proper standards for homes, landscaping, construction, proper use of trash and clipping piles and realtor activities as they relate to securing and maintaining property within Gables Estates. If you are not a member of the Board and wish to serve of this important Committee, please contact Kathleen.

Thanks go out to our Commodore, Daniel Canal, for creating The Gables Estates Yacht Club’s 1st Annual Boat Parade of Lights. This activity was received with great enthusiasm. The “Best Dressed” award was given to Mr. and Mrs. Patricia Cruz and all participants were given a participant award. We hope to see this Yacht Club event take place every year. We encourage members to participate next year so submit your suggestions and comments now.

Lastly, just a reminder, our Semi-Annual meeting will be held on:

Thursday, April 23, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. at Fairchild Gardens.

Please mark this date on your calendar.

Rene Guerra, President

Gables Estates 2008 Holiday Newsletter

Holiday 2008 Newsletter
December 3, 2008

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Although the Board does give a holiday gift to each Wackenhut Guard based on rank and time served, we also suggest that each member generously give a holiday gift to the Wackenhut Guards. We ask that you makeyour check out to: Gables Estates Club, Inc. ,you may drop your contribution off, in a sealed envelope, at either gatehouse or mail directly to Kathleen. The Board will be happy to make the distribution for you. This year there are fifteen (15) full time guards serving Gables Estates and one handyman . Each officer is listed on the back of this newsletter along with the time he has served at Gables Estates. Please do not give checks or money to an individual to distribute, other than Kathleen. Your contributions to the security staff will be logged in the Club’s ledger and dispersed to each employee based on his rank and time served with GablesEstates. Your contribution is greatly welcomed and appreciated. So Please remember your security staff this holiday season.

Gables Estates Club Wackenhut Security Staff

Wackenhut Officer	Time Served at Gables Estates	Starting Date
Captain Roberto Urra	12 years (9 Month) 11.5 Supervisor	03/1996
Lieutenant Juan Castillo	18 years & 2 months	10/1990
Sergeant Joseph Smith	15 years & 10 months	02/1993
Sergeant William Hammett	14 years & 4 months	08/1994
Officer Antonio Romero	15 years & 4 months	08/1993
Officer Juan Morales	5 years & 6 months	06/2003
Officer Jason Webster	5 years & 4 months	08/2003
Officer Reinier Barrios	2 years & 4 months	08/2006
Officer Juan Vera	2 years & 2 months	10/2006
Officer Bayardo Bojorge	1 year & 8 months	04/2007
Officer Robert Dorris	1 year & 5 months	07/2007
Officer Frank Montoto	1 year	12/2007
Officer Peter Linares	10 months	02/2008
Officer Charles Rosser	8 months	04/2008
Officer Dale Kosak	2 months	10/2008
Handyman Jose Orozco	2 years & 11 months	01/2006

The 1st Annual Holiday Boat Parade of Lights

The 1st Annual Holiday Boat Parade of Lights was an inagural success all boats and participating members welcomed the holidays with great spirit, originality, and community goodwill.

The 21st Annual Club Block Party

The 21st Annual Club Block Party is slated to be a big success just like years past. Invitations will go out shortly for theAnnual Club Block Party which has been planned for the afternoon of Sunday, February 8, 2009 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. This year’s theme will be “Mardi Gras on the Green”.Suggestions and volunteers are welcomed. Please contact Kathleen or Mrs. Audrey Ross if you’d like to help

Date to Remember

January 31, 2009 all Maintenance fees must be received in full (6,000. per lot) in order to avoid a lien being placed on your property. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the status of your bill, please call Kathleen.

Thanks Once Again

Our thanks go out to Mrs. Sissy Ruffe for decorating the gatehouses for the Holiday Season and working so diligently as the Chair of Beautification. As always, your Board of Governors and Kathleen, would like to extend to you and yours a very Safe and Happy Seasons Greetings. Best Wishes to you and yours for a healthy, prosperous New Year.

Sincerely,


Rene Guerra
President

Annual Minutes of Gables Estates Club, Inc. October 2008

ANNUAL MINUTES

OCTOBER 30, 2008

THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MEMBERSHIP OF GABLES ESTATES CLUB, INC., TOOK PLACE AT FAIRCHILD TROPICAL GARDEN, MAIN GARDEN ROOM, 10901 OLD CUTLER ROAD, MIAMI, FLORIDA AT 7:30 P.M. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2008

MR. RENE GUERRA, PRESIDENT, CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND WELCOMED THOSE PRESENT. MR. GUERRA INTRODUCED THOSE BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: MRS. SISSY RUFFE, FIRST VICE PRESIDENT; MR. JOSE BARED, SECOND VICE PRESIDENT; MR. BILL BOX, SECRETARY, MR. ANTHONY ARGIZ, TREASURER; DIRECTORS; MRS. CHRISTINA MIRANDA, MR. DANIEL CANEL AND MRS. BUNNY BASTIAN. MRS. TRISH BELL WAS OUT OF TOWN. MR. GUERRA WELCOMED NEW MEMBERS MR. AND MRS. RICARDO ALBARRAN TO THE MEETING.

THE PRESIDENT READ THE FOLLOWING PROXY REPORT ON BEHALF OF MRS. BELL, CHAIR OF THE PROXY COMMITTEE:

THERE ARE 193 VOTING INTERESTS IN GABLES ESTATES, EVERYONE OWNING A LOT IN GABLES ESTATES IS ENTITLED TO VOTE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH FLORIDA STATUE 617.305 (a). FLORIDA STATUTES 617.305(1) PROVIDES THAT 30% OF THE VOTING INTEREST SHALL CONSTITUTE A QUORUM. 30% x 192 = 57.90 VOTING INTERESTS SHALL CONSTITUTE A QUORUM. THE NUMBER OF INTERESTS VOTING BY PROXY IS 5O. THE NUMBER OF INTERESTS VOTING IN PERSON IS 8. THE TOTAL NUMBER VOTING IS 58; THEREFORE, WE HAVE A LEGAL QUORUM.

MR. GUERRA ASKED FOR A MOTION TO BE MADE THAT THE READING OF THE MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF APRIL 24, 2008 BE WAIVED AND BE ADOPTED AS CIRCULATED TO THE MEMBERSHIP. A MOTION WAS SO MOVED AND SECONDED. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

Nominating Committee Report

MRS. CRISTINA MIRANDA GAVE THE FOLLOWING REPORT ON BEHALF OF MRS. MAGGIE MIRANDA, THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE CHIAR: THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE MET AT THE HOME OF THE CHAIR, MRS. MAGGIE MIRANDA, 601 LEUCADENDRA DRIVE, ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2008, AT 6:00 P.M. THOSE SERVING ON THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE WERE: CHAIR; MRS. MAGGIE MIRANDA, MR. SALVADOR JURADO, AND DR. SANFORD RAKOFSKY. MR. LAZARO MILTON AND DR. ALBERT TANO WERE UNABLE TO ATTEND.

NAMES OF PERSONS NOMINATED:

MR. RENE GUERRA OF 650 LEUCADENDRA DRIVE

MRS. SISSY RUFFE OF 110 ARVIDA PARKWAY

MR. JOSE BARED OF 9025 ARVIDA DRIVE

MR. BILL BOX OF 300 LEUCADENDRA DRIVE

MR. DANIEL CANEL OF 555 ARVIDA PARKWAY

IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY AGREED BY A QUORUM OF THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE THAT THE ABOVE FIVE (5) NAMES WOULD BE PRESENTED FOR NOMINATION TO THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS. ALL FIVE (5) MEMBERS HAVE AGREED TO SERVE ON THE BOARD.

MRS. MIRANDA ASKED IF THERE WERE ANY ADDITIONAL NOMINATIONS TO BE MADE AT THIS TIME. HEARING NONE THE NOMINATIONS ARE CLOSED AND THOSE NOMINATED ARE DULY ELECTED.

THE PRESIDENT GAVE THE FOLLOWING REPORT FOR THE ADMISSION COMMITTEE CHAIR, MRS. TRISH BELL:

THE BOARD INCREASED THE APPLICATION FEE FOR PURCHASING PROPERTY IN GABLES ESTATES FROM $30,000. TO $60,000. AS OF SEPTEMBER 1, 2008. THE BOARD APPROVED MAINTAINING THE APPLICATION FEE FOR LEASING PROPERTY UP TO A FIVE YEAR LEASE IN GABLES ESTATES TO $30,000. THE LESSEE WILL HAVE TO REAPPLY AFTER THE FIFTH YEAR WITH AN ADDITIONAL $30,000 APPLICATION FEE. EFFECTIVE FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2008.

MRS. RUFFE, CHAIR OF THE BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE, GAVE THE FOLLOWING REPORT:

1) BOTH GATEHOUSES ARE COMPLETE WITH FINAL C.O.

2) LANDSCAPING LIGHTING FOR BOTH ENTRANCES COMPLETED

3) ADDITIONAL GROUND LIGHTING FOR BRIDGE & ISLAND LOCATIONS WILL BE INSTALLED SHORTLY

4) STAGE ONE ON INSTALLATION OF CLIPPING PILE HEDGE WILL BEGIN SHORTLY.

5) HOLIDAY DECORATIONS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED RIGHT AFTER THANKSGIVING

THE PRESIDENT ONCE AGAIN THANKED SISSY FOR ALL HER HARD WORK AND TIME GIVEN TO THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE CLUB.

MRS. CRISTINA MIRANDA, CHAIR OF SECURITY GAVE THE FOLLOWING:

THE SECURITY COMMITTEE HAS CONTINUED TO MEET WITH WACKENHUT MANAGEMENT. WORKING TO IMPROVE CAMERAS WITH INFRARED AND NEW DVR RECORDERS. POLICY “MAY I HELP YOU?” AFTER 11:00 P.M. PROVEN EFFECTIVE . REQUEST MEMBERSHIP COOPERATION. CONTINUE ENFORCEMENT REGARDING CONSTRUCTION SITES TO COMPLY WITH CITY CODE FOR PROPER START TIME AND COMPLETION TIME ALSO HAS PROVEN EFFECTIVE.

CAPTAIN URRA, SITE SUPERVISOR, ADDRESSED THE MEMBERSHIP: HE REQUESTED MORE PARTICIPATION FROM MEMBERSHIP BY COMPLETING THE VACATION FORM, MARINE VESSEL REGISTRATION FORM, VEHICLE REGISTRATION FORM AND EMERGENCY CONTACT FORM. HE STATED THESE FORMS HELP ASSIST SECURITY IN SERVING THE MEMBERSHIP BETTER. CAPTAIN URRA STRESSED THE NEED FOR MEMBERSHIP TO NOTIFY SECURITY WHEN A CHANGE OF VEHICLE TAKES PLACE OTHERWISE THE BARCODE STAYS IN THE SYSTEM EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE NO LONGER BELONGS TO A MEMBER.

THE PRESIDENT STRESSED SECURITY AS THE CLUB’S MOST IMPORTANT COMPONENT. HE STATED THE BOARD GIVES A GREAT DEAL OF THEIR TIME AS IT RELATES TO SECURITY AND IMPROVING SECURITY WHICH IS ALSO REFLECTED IN THE YEARLY BUDGET. MR. GUERRA COMPLIMENTED MRS. MIRANDA ON WORKING DILIGENTLY WITH WACKENHUT MANAGEMENT AND STAFF TO INSURE POST PROCEDURES ARE BEING PROPERLY FOLLOWED.

CITY OF CORAL GABLES OFFICER MICHAEL HEARNS, THE CLUB’S OFF DUTY COORDINATOR SPOKE WITH THE MEMBERSHIP REGARDING THE INCREASE IN CRIME. HE ASKED RESIDENTS TO BE DILIGENT AND TAKE PRECAUTIONS WITHIN THE COMMUNITY AS WELL AS WHEN OUTSIDE OF GABLES ESTATES. HE SUGGESTED REMOVING PERSONAL LICENSE PLATES WHICH SHOW STATUS AND MAY EVEN INDICATE WHAT YOU DO OR WHERE YOU LIVE. A MORE ANONYMOUS LICENSE PLATE WILL HELP MEMBERS BLEND INTO THE GENERAL POPULATION.

MR. ANTHONY ARGIZ, TREASURER, WENT OVER THE AUDITOR’S REPORT WITH THE MEMBERSHIP. HE POINTED OUT THE INCREASE IN APPLICATION FEES TO $60,000. HE WENT OVER THE DECREASE IN EXPENSES STATING THIS WAS DUE TO THE LAST TWO YEARS OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT COSTS. HE POINTED TO THE SMALL LOSS OF $23,690. FOR THE FISCAL YEAR OF 2007/08. THE TREASURER WENT OVER THE PROPOSED BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2008/09. A MOTION WAS MADE AND SECOND TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED BUDGET AS PRESENTED. QUESTIONS WERE TAKEN. THE MOTION WAS CALLED AND ALL WERE IN FAVOR TO APPROVE THE BUDGET.

THE COMMODORE, MR. DANIEL CANEL IS LOOKING INTO A HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE FOR GABLES ESTATES MEMBERS.

RACHEL BEJEL, ON BEHALF OF MRS. AUDREY ROSS, BLOCK PARTY COMMITTEE CHAIR , STATED THE 21ST ANNUAL BLOCK PARTY WILL BE HELD ON FEBRUARY 8TH, 2009 BETWEEN 2:00 AND 5:00 P.M. THE THEME WILL BE MARDI GRAS IN ON THE GREEN. PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND BRING YOUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN TO MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS AND MAKE NEW FRIENDS.

THE PRESIDENT STRESSED THE NEED FOR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT FOR BETTER REPRESENTATION AT THE CITY LEVEL. HE STRESSED CONCERNS FOR THE RECENT FLOODING IN SOME AREAS, POOR CONDITION OF ROADS AND MAINTENANCE OF DEBRIS AND ORGANIC FILL IN THE CANALS AS WELL AS THE NEED FOR A SECOND SEAWITCH OR BACK UP CONTRACT TO CLEAN THE DEBRIS FROM THE CANALS. HE STATED HE AND SEVERAL BOARD MEMBERS ARE PLANNING TO MEET WITH CITY DIRECTORS AND POSSIBLY THE MAYOR WITHIN THE NEXT SEVERAL WEEKS REGARDING THE ABOVE MATTERS. MR. GUERRA INVITED MEMBERSHIP PARTICIPATION WITH THESE CAUSES.

MR. BARED QUESTIONED HAVING GABLES ESTATES FUNDS EXCEEDING THE $250,000. FEDERALLY INSURED AMOUNT IN ONE BANK. DISCUSSION TOOK PLACE. THE PRESIDENT WILL LOOK INTO THIS MATTER AND MAKE SURE THE CLUB’S FUNDS ARE PROPERLY PROTECTED.

MRS. BARBARA KELLY EXPRESSED HER CONCERNS WITH LONG CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS AND LACK OF ENFORCEMENT. SHE SUGGESTED AN IMPACT FEE FOR THE DAMAGE DONE TO THE ROADS AND FINES FOR SLOW MOVING CONSTRUCTION. MR. GUERRA STATED THE NEW BY LAWS JUST PASSED WILL ALLOW THE BOARD TO SET STRICTER RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR CONSTRUCTION, LANDSCAPERS AND REALTORS TO ADHERE TO. HE STATED THE BY LAWS WILL ALLOW THE BOARD TO LEVY FINES FOR OFFENDERS. HE SUGGESTED MRS. KELLY TO SERVE OF THE OVERSITE COMMITTEE, OF NON BOARD MEMBERS, WHICH WILL HOLD HEARINGS PRIOR TO FINES BE LEVY.

THE PRESIDENT ASKED IF THERE WAS ANY OLD OR NEW BUSINESS FROM THE MEMBERSHIP. HEARING NONE, MR. GUERRA THANKED EVERYONE FOR ATTENDING TONIGHT’S MEETING. HE INVITED ANYONE INTERESTED TO STAY AND WITNESS THE ELECTION OF NEW OFFICERS.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS:
MR. BILL BOX MOVED TO NOMINATE MR. RENE GUERRA AS PRESIDENT. MRS. SISSY SECONDED THE MOTION. ALL WERE IN FAVOR .

THE MOTION PASSED.

1st VICE PRESIDENT:

2nd VICE PRESIDENT:

MRS. SISSY RUFFE MOVE TO NOMINATE MR. JOSE BARED AS 2nd VICE PRESIDENT. MR. DANIEL CANEL SECONDED THE MOTION AND ALL WERE IN FAVOR.

TREASURER:
MR. BILL BOX NOMINATED AS MR. ANTHONY ARGIZ AS TREASURER. MRS. CRISTINA MIRANDA SECONDED THE MOTION AND IT UNANIMOUSLY PASSED.

SECRETARY:
MR. JOSE BARED MOVED TO NOMINATE MR. BILL BOX AS SECRETARY. MRS. SISSY RUFFE SECONDED THE MOTION AND ALL WERE IN FAVOR.


EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:

THE BOARD AGREED THAT THE PRESIDENT, VICE PRESIDENT AND SECRETARY WOULD SERVE THE BOARD AS THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

COMMITTEES:

THE NEWLY ELECTED PRESIDENT, STATED HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE A CONTINUITY AND APPOINTED THE FOLLOWING TO SERVE AS CHAIRS:

SECURITY:

CRISTINA MIRANDA

ARCHITECTURAL:

BILL BOX

BEAUTIFICATION:

SISSY RUFFE

FACILITIES:

JOSE BARED

BILL BOX

AND BUNNY BASTIAN

ADMISSION COMMITTEE:

TRISH BELL

DANIEL CANEL

AND BUNNY BASTIAN

YACHT CLUB COMMODORE:

DANIEL CANEL

JOSE BARED

THE PRESIDENT ASKED IF THERE WAS ANY ADDITIONAL BUSINESS FROM THE MEMBERSHIP. HEARING NONE, MR. GUERRA THANKED EVERYONE FOR ATTENDING TONIGHT’S MEETING.

ADJOURNMENT

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS, A MOTION TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. SECONDED. ALL WERE IN FAVOR. THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT_9:15 P.M.

Gables Estates Yacht Club to launch inaugural Holiday Boat Parade of Lights

WHEN: Saturday December 13, 2008, 6PM

WHO: Gables Estates Yacht Club

Your Commodore Daniel Canel cordially invites you and your family and friends to come and celebrate with your fellow members beginning at 6PM the 1st Annual Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. The parade will start from the main canal (marked “A” on your map) and travel through the Gables Estates canals. Each participating boat will receive a yacht club burgee. Votes will be cast to determine the winning entry for the best decorated boat and the first holiday boat parade of lights award will be given. Please bring your holiday spirit and play your best holiday music for everyone to enjoy. You can register by filling out the entry form below and returning it to the Arvida Parkway gatehouse or fax it to (305) 246-5288.

1st Annual Gables Estates Yacht Club Holiday Boat Parade of Lights

Entry Form

NAME:________________________________________

PHONE:_______________________________________

ADDRESS:______________________________________

E-MAIL:_______________________________________

TYPE AND LENGTH OF BOAT:_______________________


This is my entry form for participation in the Gables Estates Yacht Club’s 1st Annual Holiday Parade of Lights

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE BY-LAWS OF GABLES ESTATES CLUB, INC.

1.  Proposed Amendment to add Article XII to the By-Laws to Provide As Follows:

 

Article XII.  Maintenance.  All homes, structures and property located within Gables Estates community, more specifically defined as all of Gables Estates Number 2, Gables Estates Number 3, Gables Estates Number 4, Lots 14 through 21 Block 1 of Cocoplum Section One and Lots 1 through 9 of Block 12 of Cocoplum Section 2, Plat “A” (hereinafter “Gables Estates”) are located within the City of Coral Gables, subject to the Coral Gables City Code of Ordinances and are required to comply with those Codes.  In addition, each home, structure and property located within Gables Estates and each owner or resident thereof is required to comply with the below listed standards and requirements for maintenance thereof.  This obligation shall exist regardless of whether the home, structure or property is occupied or vacant.  Whether a given home or property is vacant, in the process of transferring title, or on the market to be sold does not excuse compliance with the obligations for the maintenance of homes, structures and property located in these By Laws and the Coral Gables City Code of Ordinances.  The Board of Governors of the Gables Estates Club, Inc. shall be specifically empowered to add to, amend and delete these as it may find to be necessary from time to time.

 

Section 1:  Maintenance of Homes, Structures and Property:

(a)    All doors and windows in any given structure must be closed and locked when the structure is vacant.

(b)   All walls, railings or structures of any kind must be maintained in good repair, properly painted with a Gables Estates Club, Inc. approved color and free of any unsightly damage or defects as may be determined by the Board of Governors of the Gables Estates Club, Inc.

(c)    In addition, all front, rear and side yards and/or property must be kept free of debris, trash, rubbish, weeds or other unsightly or unsanitary items.

(d)   All grass and/or undergrowth on any portion of the property must be kept at a height of six inches or less from the ground.

Failure to comply with the above referenced standards for homes, structures and/or property located within Gables Estates will lead to a notice given by certified mail to the owner of the property upon which the violation exists to the address listed within the Gables Estate Club Inc.’s (the “Club”) records advising the owner of the violation.  If the owner fails to remedy the violation within the number of days set forth in the notice, the Club shall have the right to remedy the violation on the owner’s behalf and at the owner’s expense.  All expenses associated with remedying the violation will be levied as a charge against the property upon which the violation exists, which will be collected in the same manner as past due assessments due to the Club may be collected.  Further, should more than one violation occur under this Section, the Club shall have the right to remedy future violations without further notice at the owner’s expense.

All owners are responsible for ensuring that any agent or employee, including realtors and/or brokers, responsible for the home in the owner’s absence complies with the standards set forth in the Coral Gables Code and in these By-Laws and any Rules and Regulations adopted by the Board of Governors of the Gables Estates Club, Inc.

Section 2:  Landscaping:

Owners and occupants of homes and properties within Gables Estates shall ensure that any service providers that perform landscaping services for the owner’s home or property shall comply with all of the Coral Gables Code of Ordinances governing such services.  In addition to any published Coral Gables City Code of Ordinances that may govern such landscaping services, the following restrictions shall apply:

(a)    All landscapers or other service providers shall either remove the landscaping or yard debris from the property and dispose of it properly and pursuant to City Code outside of Gables Estates or on the right of way that corresponds to the property upon which the landscaper or service provider is providing services. No owner, resident nor any agent or employee of any owner or resident, may dump any refuse on any right of way within Gables Estates other than their own property’s right of way.  Residents, occupants and their service providers are prohibited from depositing household refuse in trash piles, any earlier than 6:00 p.m. of the day preceding the designated collection day and any later than 7:00 a.m. on the day of the scheduled collection.

(b)   No landscaping services using any noise-producing lawn mowers, lawn-edgers, weed trimmers, blowers, chippers, chain saws, power tools or other noise-producing tools which are used to maintain a lawn or landscaping shall be provided to any property located within Gables Estates earlier than 7:30 a.m. nor later than 6:00 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays or Fridays.  No such services be provided to any property located within Gables Estates before 9:00 a.m. or after 5:00 p.m. on any Saturday.  No such services shall be provided to any property located within Gables Estates on Sunday or any holiday as established by Section 1-2 of the Coral Gables City Code of Ordinances.

(c)    Any vehicles or receptacles which have been temporarily placed on a street located within Gables Estates for the purpose of rendering landscaping services or facilitating the rendering of landscaping services to a property located within the Gables Estates shall be surrounded by orange traffic cones placed around the vehicle and/or receptacle to alert drivers of the vehicle’s or receptacle’s stationary position. Also, any such vehicles and/or receptacles shall be removed as soon as practicable after the services are rendered.  Under no circumstances may such vehicles and/ore receptacles remain on the street past those hours set forth above for the provision of the services.  Violation of this provision will lead to towing and/or removal of such vehicle and/or receptacle without further notice and at the cost of the owner of the property for which the vehicle and/or receptacle was used to provide services.

Section 3:  Building/Construction:

(a)    No construction, alteration or general repair of any building, structure or other item for which a permit to construct, alter or repair is required by any ordinance of the City of Coral Gables, nor any dredging or land filling operation, nor site preparation, assembly, erection, substantial repair, alteration, delivery of materials, demolition or similar action, which disturbs the peace and quiet of the neighborhood, shall be done in Gables Estates before 7:30 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m. on any Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday; nor shall any such activity take place on any Saturday before 9:00 a.m. or after 5:00 p.m. nor on a Sunday or any holiday as established by Section 1-2 of the Coral Gables City Code of Ordinances.

(b)   Any person desiring a special permit for the purpose of doing construction, alterations or repair from the City of Coral Gables must first seek and receive the written approval of the Board of Governors of the Gables Estates Club, Inc. for such special permits.  Thereafter, the requirements of the Coral Gables City Code of Ordinances shall be followed for the procurement of any special permits.

(c)    All properties located within Gables Estates shall comply with the above referenced requirements in this Article XII and any other Rules or Regulations that may be adopted by the Board of Governors of the Club regarding the maintenance of property in Gables Estates, regardless of the status of any building or construction that may be occurring on the property.  Even if substantial construction is occurring on the property, to the extent possible, such properties shall be kept clean, debris free, free of weeds and overgrowth of grass and other construction debris.  Any such refuse must be removed daily and in accordance with this Article and/or Coral Gables City Code of Ordinances, whichever is stricter.

(d)    All construction sites, whether they be new construction, repairs, additions or otherwise, shall be properly fenced in and screened to avoid improper entry onto the construction site and to minimize the likelihood of construction debris and dust from exiting the construction site and damaging personal property or structures located outside the construction site.

(e)    All work performed and services provided within Gables Estates must conform with the requirements of Coral Gables City Code.  All required licenses, permits,  or other City requirements must be properly obtained and displayed on the property prior to commencing any work.  All required inspections must be timely sought and completed to the City’s satisfaction.

Section 4: Owners Must Ensure Compliance

It is the responsibility of each owner and member to ensure that all contractors, service providers and  workers who perform work or provide services to the owner or member’s property or home comply with the requirements and restrictions listed in this Article and any other Rules that may be enacted by the Board of Governers.  Each owner and member is required to certify to the Club that: (1)  he or she has provided a copy of this Article and any other Rules governing such work or service to any and all contractors, service  providers and  workers who will perform work or provide services to the owner or member’s property or home and (2) the contractors, service  providers and  workers will abide by the stated restrictions.

Owners must also provide the Club with the Name, Address and License Number for each contractor, service  provider and  worker who will be providing services to his or her home, as well as estimated dates of service and work.

2.  Proposed amendment to add Article XIII to the By-laws to read as follows:

 

The Board of Governors shall be entitled to enact or amend Rules and Regulations governing the use, maintenance and/or occupancy of all of the real property in Gables Estates Subdivisions Numbers 2, 3, 4, Lots 14 through 21 of Block 1 of Cocoplum Section 1 and Lots 1-9 of Block 12 of Cocoplum Section 2, Plat “A”, and any other Rule and Regulation that may be authorized by Florida law.

 

3.  Proposed amendment to add Article XIV to the By-laws to read as follows:

 

The Board of Governors may, pursuant to Florida Statute, Chapter 720 as amended from time to time, levy reasonable fines against a parcel not to exceed the maximum amount permissible by law, for failure to comply with the provisions of the Board policies and governing documents (Declarations of Protective Covenants, Articles of Incorporation, By-laws and Rules and Regulations), by members, occupants, licensees, tenants and invitees.  A fine may be imposed for each day of a continuing violation at the highest rate allowable by law per violation with a single notice and opportunity for hearing, provided that no fine shall in the aggregate exceed the maximum amount permissible by law.

 

A fine may not be imposed without prior notice of at least fourteen (14) days to the person sought to be fined and an opportunity for a hearing before a committee of at least three (3) members appointed by the Board who are not officers, directors, or employees of Gables Estates Club, Inc., or the spouse, parent, child, brother, sister of an officer, director or employee.  If the committee, by a majority vote, does not approve a proposed fine or suspension, it may not be imposed.  Notice of the fining hearing is effective when mailed.  The levying of a fine does not preclude the Board from pursuing any other remedy allowed by the Gables Estates’ governing documents or Florida law, including an action for an injunction.