The Sands Scoop (Past Issues)

BOARD OF DIRECTORS APPROVES COMPLIANCE POLICY
The Association’s Board of Directors voted to implement a compliance policy at the November Board meeting. A copy of the compliance policy is available through Tim Richart and also posted on the bulletin board. The objective is to encourage voluntary adherence with the Association’s rules and regulations. This decision means we need a fines committee of 3 owners/spouses of owners to serve a one-year term and they cannot be Board members or spouses of Board members. Please consider volunteering to serve on this committee. Contact any Board member to be considered for appointment.

IMPORTANT NOTICE - INSURANCE COVERAGE
The Sands has changed insurance carriers. Your mortgage lender will need a new certificate of insurance from the Association. Please call Brown & Brown at 941-262-5142, toll-free at 888-262-2239 or fax them at 941-262-2334 Alicia Poole will be happy to get that information to your lender without delay.

ANNUAL MEETING-ELECTIONS SET FOR MARCH 5, 2002
Election of Board members will be held at the annual meeting at Mackle Park on March 5, 2002. You will be receiving a mailing soon with more information. In the meantime, consider running for the Board. There will be 3 openings on the Board this year, each for 2-year terms and you have until mid-January to send in your name and a brief resume for mailing with the election ballot.

BUDGET APPROVED FOR 2002
The Board met on November 14 and voted to submit the proposed budget to the owners. The budget was subsequently approved at the Board’s monthly meeting on December 6, 2001. Many of our costs have risen dramatically and this will result in an increase in our quarterly maintenance dues to $698 per quarter, effective January 1, 2002. The upside is that The Sands property looks beautiful, our values appear to have risen dramatically and our fees are very reasonable when compared to surrounding condo properties.

GROUNDS COMMITTEE
Several comments have been heard regarding the improved appearance of our property. The much-needed tree trimming, fertilizing and weed/insect control and mulching have had a very positive effect on our grounds. Thanks to Tim and Marilyn and all those volunteers who have spent several mornings spreading a mountain of mulch. Also, we are soliciting suggestions for the area behind C building (The Corral) where the old wooden fence has been removed and a chain link one installed.. Send your suggestions to Tim.

CHRISTMAS AT THE SANDS
We have all enjoyed the lovely Christmas tree in the Tiki and the lighted angels on the Collier border of our property and the lighted palm trees. Did you think that Santa Claus brought the tree and added the lights? Our own resident Santas have purchased, transported, erected and lighted the tree. Bob and Helen Birchell, Leo and Georgie LeComte and various helpers along the way have quietly gone about this task for several years. A debt of gratitude is owed to these willing volunteers.

SOCIAL COMMITTEE
Kathy Bell has volunteered to work on the Social Committee for the coming year. She can use some help with planning and organizing. 941-389-1290 or 570-288-9920 or leave a message with Tim in the office.

CONGRATULATIONS
We have two couples who will be celebrating 50th Wedding Anniversaries this coming year. Congratulations to Lee and Dorrie Catalano (A-105) and Leo and Georgie LeComte (D-507).

SOLAR HEAT
The Board has decided to use our Florida sunshine to heat the pool and spa. Solar heating panels will be installed to help contain that cost. If you have any information or input for the Board before this installation, please contact any of the Board members.

QUESTIONS? SUGGESTIONS?
Anyone wishing to contribute information or suggestions or have questions answered in the SCOOP, please contact Tim in the office or Joyce Kaelin in D-102. 941-642-3896 or e-mail, jrk8042@aol.com

IMPORTANT EARLY NOTIFICATION
In the summer of 2002, the entire parking lot will be coated and re-striped. This includes the area behind the tennis courts. If you leave a vehicle in that long term parking area, you must leave a key for Tim in order for him to move the vehicle. You may also want to leave instructions as to your battery, etc. Check with Tim on this when you are here.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO CONSIDER POLICY ON FINES
The Association's Board of Directors will consider establishing a policy to assess fines for violations of the Association's rules and bylaws. The present Board first discussed the need for such a policy several months ago, and has since been encouraged to do so by owners concerned with the increasing level of non-compliance. The policy being discussed would hold owners responsible for their own violations., as well as those of guests and lessees.

As with other complexes, the most common violations at The Sands have related to pool regulations, such as underage children in the pool and spa, the use of flotation toys, and excessive noise in the pool area. Also, owners and lessees alike have exceeded permitted overnight condo occupancy limits; common areas have been obstructed; and rowdiness has occurred at all hours. The Board feels all unit owners should be responsible for their own actions and communicate behavior expectations to their guests and lessees who the Board believes are the most common violators of our condo rules. Unit owners must be held accountable for the conduct of the occupants of their units whether owners are on-site or not. Of equal concern to the Board is the occasional non-compliance of paperwork requirements in connection with the sale and lease of units.

The Board will meet at The Sands' office at 10:00 am on Wednesday, November 14, 2001 to discuss this topic, and asks for your input. If you are unable to participate in this meeting but would like to express your views, please send your written comments using The Sands web site www.thesandsofmarco.com or mail or fax them to Tim Richart attention at the office. If you use the web site, click on the Board members name that appears in blue to send an e-mail message. All communications must include your name and unit number. All constructive suggestions and ideas would be appreciated.

NEW SANDS WEB SITE www.thesandsofmarco.com Check it out and send your comments and suggestions to any of the Board members in blue. We owe JOE FERRIS (E-101) a BIG THANK YOU for setting up this site for us.

TOWING POLICY Due to limited parking at The Sands, any vehicle not registered at the office will be ticketed and then towed the next day. Also, the parking spaces next to the buildings have been painted this summer with OWNERS. These are reserved for any owner/lessee. Guests and maintenance vehicles must use the perimeter spaces. The exception is E building because of one-side only parking. All vehicles MUST pull into the space, no backing in, to preserve our landscaping and protect first floor units from exhaust fumes. During the coming Season, MICA will limit parking at Resident's Beach and we will be vulnerable to illegal parking from beach visitors so we must enforce our parking regulations. Your cooperation is appreciated.

HELPFUL HINT To clean non-lacquered brass doorplates, remove the plate from the door, cut a lemon in half, sprinkle it with salt, rub the brass, rinse and dry.

INSURANCE The Board, with George Bell as chairperson of the insurance committee, has been reviewing our insurance costs. At over $50,000 a year, it is one of our largest expenditures and it is important that we are aware of our needs. George and his committee are getting bids from several insurance companies and reviewing our entire portfolio. If any owner has any insurance background and is willing to assist George and the committee in making recommendations, the Board would certainly appreciate your assistance. If you can be of help, please call George at 570-288-9920 or work, 570-288-6654 or e-mail him from the web site. You can also call Joe Leone at 732-388-1774.

RECYCLING AT THE SANDS Collier County has expanded their recycling program. Recycling will not save us any money now but may in the future because of landfill problems. We can recycle all of the following but please do not put any items in plastic or paper bags. Waste Management will refuse a load with plastic bags. Remove all caps and rinse bottles and jars.

All steel and aluminum cans
Plastic: #'s 1 - 7
Glass: green, clear and brown
Junk mail, phone books and flattened cardboard with newspapers

Paper & plastic bags can be returned to Publix or Winn-Dixie.
Non-rechargeable A, C, D batteries are non-hazardous and can be put in your trash.
Hearing aid, cell phone, camera and VCR batteries should be recycled at the Marco Transfer Station on Elkham.
Packinq materials such as pellets, bubble wrap and styrofoam are usually accepted at Mail Boxes Etc at Town Center Mall and Pak Fore & Ship Too in Heritage Square, both on Collier Blvd.
For more information, contact Collier County Solid Waste Management at www.colliercountyrecycles.com

FROM THE BOARD Long Range Planning Committee
An open forum meeting with owners was held on April 3, 2001 at the pool tiki. The purpose of the meeting was to get input and suggestions from the owners as to what they saw or wanted to see at The Sands in the future. The following are some of the ideas that were presented for discussion:

The Long-Range Planning Committee, composed of Don Conboy, Ed Bartsch, and Bob Ettensohn, Chair, met on April l0th to further review and discuss the above ideas. Before addressing the list, however, the committee developed a draft mission statement for the Board of Directors. It can be considered at their next meeting. It was felt that the Board should utilize such a statement in communications to reinforce the purpose of the Board and its actions.

The next order of business was to prioritize the list of suggestions as to feasibility, cost, time needed for research, etc. A (1) was rated highest priority, and (3) the lowest at this time. The Bulletin Board has already been addressed by the Board and will be available almost immediately. Those areas given a (3) priority are Clubhouse; Sidewalk Lighting; Parking Shed/Garages; Fountain or Beautification of Green Space; and 911 phone at Tiki. There was considerable discussion regarding costs, building restrictions, water retention regulations, prior obstacles (911 phone) that had been encountered, and number of owners required for approval. Follow-up on this latter issue will be done with the lawyer, as there seems to be some confusion on a prior ruling vs. Section 11.4 of the Declaration of Condominium document.

Priority (2) was given to the Shed/Work area. Fence could be taken down, space reduced, different fence installed, and landscaping done. Some estimates will be obtained. This improvement is possible without significant cost. Ban on "Back-in-Parking" was given Priority (1), as it could be included in our rules and regulations brochure the next time it is revised. Also receiving Priority (1) were the Trash Bin areas and The Flagpole. Some research has already been done by viewing other condos' trash areas and more attractive enclosures are under consideration. The flagpole will remain at present location, but trees will be trimmed to provide better visibility.

Other committees will be involved in some of the above information gathering, and further reports provided to owners as research is completed.

MONTHLY MAINTENANCE FEE CHANGE: Several owners have questioned the $29 charge on their last statement. The Board voted last year to raise the quarterly dues $29 to $609. Consequently, on the last statement, you were charged $609 plus $29 for a total of $638 to make up the $29 for the previous quarter. There was not enough time to change the billing before it had to be mailed so we were billed the increase for previous quarter with the next quarterly dues.

PARKING CHANGE NOTICE: At the meeting on May 9th the Board voted to begin a parking ban on back-in parking, The decision was made in order to save our landscaping from the exhaust and lst floor owners from the same exhaust. Notices will be posted and tickets issued.

I am sincerely grateful in extending my appreciation for your kind thoughts and contributions during this difficult period of sorrow. The Sands and its occupants represent not only a condominium complex but also an integral part of my family. Words are sometimes insufficient in representing inner feelings.

My best wishes for good health and happiness.

Treasurer: Bob Ettensohn was formally elected as Treasurer to replace Victor Falko. Victor will remain on the Finance Committee.

Welcome to the resumption of your quarterly newsletter, 'The Sands Scoop' which covers recent happenings at The Sands of Marco.

The owners' annual meeting was held in March at Mackle Park. The by-law amendment formalizing the increase in Board size to seven was overwhelmingly approved. The Board of Directors' organizational meeting occurred shortly thereafter and the names of officers, directors and committee chairpersons appear elsewhere in the SCOOP. .

The Board adopted a committee structure to devote more attention to the affairs of the Association. Critical issues such as finances, planning, insurance, grounds and buildings, and communication with owners will receive increased attention. A Director assisted by volunteer owners will chair each committee. Their progress will be reported periodically in the SCOOP. Please contact the appropriate committee chairperson if you'd like to help out.

Your new Board has begun to focus on numerous condo rule violations by guests, renters and owners this winter. Major concerns include overnight occupants in excess of permitted limits, and guests, lessees, and vehicles not registered as required at the Sands office. To encourage future uniform compliance with your rules, the Board in early April, adopted an aggressive vehicle towing policy. With everyone's cooperation, enforcement will not be necessary. See the related article in Owners Q&A which explains the obligations of lessors and lessees.

The Board will remain active during the summer months and will periodically report on its activities and accomplishments. Till next time, so long from The Last Paradise!

OWNERS' Q&A.........
Q:What if I decide to rent my unit? What must I do? What are my obligations?
A: The Board must be given written notice three (3) business days prior to the starting date of the lease, together with the name and address of lessee, a copy of the lease and a check for $100.00. The Board then has three (3) business days to approve or disapprove the proposed lease. Any lease entered into without Board knowledge or approval can be nullified and the lessee evicted without consent from the owner. No lease may be less than one (1) month or longer than one (1) year. No more than six (6) persons may occupy the unit overnight. If the lease is for more than three (3) months, total overnight occupancy is limited to four (4) people. Once a unit is rented, the owner may not use the recreational or parking facilities during the lease terms. This includes the tennis courts and the pool. All rules, regulations and condo documents apply to all persons occupying any unit. All vehicles must be registered at the Sands office and the sticker displayed. After two (2) notices of violation, the car will be towed at the car owners' expense. It is the owner's responsibility to communicate condo rules to all guests and lessees. We have enclosed a copy of the updated Sands Rules & Pool Rules and additional copies available in the Sands office by the tennis courts.

Recycling and garbage.........
Please recycle all cans, jars and plastics I & 2 but do not put them in plastic bags. This will contaminate the whole load. Newspapers should not be in bags. Plastic and paper bags may be recycled at Publix or Winn-Dixie or put in the garbage. Flatten all cardboard boxes so we can conserve space in the dumpsters. Put nothing on the ground. If you have a problem disposing of soi-nething, check with the office for advice.

Helpful Hints.........
Make sure your main water valve is shut off when you leave, even for a few days. Many of our owners are changing to single lever shutoffs because the faucets are not shutting off completely. Tim needs to be notified if you want this done because the plw-nber will need to shut off the main water valve for the whole condo. If you are having work done on your air conditioning unit, the serviceman usually needs to check the unit on the roof. Most of the refrigeration pipe insulation is wom away on the units. Have your serviceman check this for replacement. Having no insulation causes a loss of efficiency and higher electric bills.

IN MEMORIAM.....................

	Sadye Loft	A102
	Charles Dunn	C302
	Philomina Leone	D206
	Ethel Bellet	A305
	Robert Siler	C501

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE ADDRESSED IN THE SANDS SCOOP, please drop a note to the office or e-mail Joyce Kaelin at jrk8042@aol.com.

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD: At the request of many owners, the Board approved a community bulletin board to be placed next to the Association bulletin board near the office. It will be under lock & key and if you would like information posted on sales, rentals, etc., fill out a 3x5 index card, give or send it to Tim at the office. Anything of interest to owners, but not Association related, such as community activities, blood drives, social activities, etc., can be posted. All notices will be dated by Tim and removed after 30 days but you may request that it be posted again for another 30-day period. But all information must go through Tim Richart, our manager.

One note of change to the Board officers: Victor Falko has resigned as Treasurer but will remain on the Board as Vice-President. Bob Ettensohn, Assistant Treasurer, has assumed his duties.

REMINDER FOR ALL OWNERS ... If you change or have changed your locks, you must fumish a key to the office. This is necessary in case of emergency, lockouts and pest control.