THE SANDS SCOOP             December 2005

***REMINDER***
SANDS’ ANNUAL MEETING AND ELECTION OF DIRECTORS will take place on March 8, 2005 at Mackle Park at 2:00 p.m. A written notice of intent to run for the Board must be received by January 26, 2005. You may send in a brief resume to be included with the ballot. There are no write-ins, nominations or votes from the floor allowed. Of the seven directors, three will be up for reelection. (Bell, Coplin, Stevenson) For more information call Joyce Kaelin at 239-642-3896 or email at Jrk8042@aol.com.

HURRICANE WILMA
Wow! Those owners who stayed or returned immediately were fantastic. Tim & Marilyn offer their deepest thanks to all of the following. Lamar Persing, Cindy Dadarian, Frank Thuemmeler, Jerry & Annette Zaccardo, Pete and Matt Kozlowski, Dori Catalano, Rich & Joyce Kaelin, Glen & Charla Smits, Carol & Wayne Anderson, Anthanasios Kontogiannis, Chuck & Gail Hoopes, Ruth Angott, Bob Martin, Don Conboy, Bob & Helen Birchell, Nick Malouta, Bernie Sikorski, Lynn Stevenson and all of the Board members who were so supportive during this time. The debris that was everywhere was cleaned up in just a few days. Chuck did an inventory of every light, emergency light, and fire extinguisher on the building and gave Tim a detailed report. Others volunteered in the office for phone and mail duty. Some re-installed the emergency lights and exit signs. It is impossible to count the man-hours these folks put in. A huge thank you from everyone and we hope we have not left anyone off the list!

PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS
The South Collier project is still in progress so the Gulf side of our property is not too attractive just now. South Collier should be completed by April when the North Collier project will commence. That will affect our northwest corner on Collier. The D/E side of our building is also a construction site. Since July, the outfall project has been in progress and there is no vegetation there, only sand. It is due to be completely restored by the City when the total project is completed.

SELLING & LEASING UNITS
If you are selling or leasing your unit, the paperwork must be in the office no less than 15 business days or the closing may be delayed. In the case of rentals, the persons may be denied occupancy. A $100 check must accompany any request or the paperwork will not be deemed complete. Forms are available on line or in the office.

PARKING
When you park your car or van, please remember to pull up to the cement stops. Others cannot get around your vehicle if you don’t. Be a good neighbor. AND please, don’t tell your friends to park in our lot for church or the beach. We are near capacity now.

AUTO SERVICE IN THE PARKING LOT is not allowed except in an emergency, i.e., flat tire, dead battery. Please do not contract with an auto service company to have work done on the premises, including detailing. And do not use the hose by the pump house to wash your car or any part of it. There are several car washes on the Island.

RULES AND REGULATIONS
We realize this reminder is put in almost every issue of the SCOOP, but until all owners and non-owners, realize the importance, it will continue to be a part of the SCOOP. Adults and children continue to dive and jump into the pool, regardless of who is near them, even with all of the new signs. Children continue to pick the chlorine logs off the bottom of the pool and play with them. Parents continue to allow small children in the spa without doctors’ written consent. Most of these rules are set by Collier County, not the Board. One of the first questions the insurance company asks us is if we enforce the rules. The rules are there for a reason. SAFETY.

THANK YOU
Betty Roberts asked us to convey her deepest thanks to everyone for all of the cards and letters after her surgery in October. She was very grateful for all of the love and good wishes sent to her.

WATER RATES
Beginning January 1, 2006, the new water rates will go into effect, rising from $4.35 per 1000 gal to $17.85. Yes, that is correct. And it is more important than ever to look at energy efficient appliances when you need to replace yours. Another suggestion is the new water-less water heaters. But right now everyone can do their part in trying to conserve water as much as possible. You might even remind your guests and renters that there is a huge increase coming in the water rates.

WELCOME NEW OWNERS
Stephen & Debra Jarrow   E-201   N Kingstown RI

E-MAIL
If you want to be on the Sands list for owners/others, send me an e-mail message at Jrk8042@aol.com. No jokes, I promise. With Hurricane Wilma I was able to email information within 48 hours and keep you informed on what is happening at The Sands. We are going to try out sending more communications via email rather than the USPS. Please email me a comment on receiving THE SANDS SCOOP by email rather than USPS. We recently tried that method of sending a letter to all of the owners and the Board is interested in your opinion. We could save over $100 per year just on postage if just half of the owners received their SCOOP on line!

CHRISTMAS TREE
The new artificial Christmas tree was put up in the Tiki recently and decorated. Because of the wind damage last year to the ‘real’ tree we had, the Board decided to change to an artificial one. Please feel free to add an ornament but make sure it is not glass. Last year someone put several glass ornaments on the tree, they were blown off and shattered. There were lots of tiny pieces of glass to be cleaned up, so plastic, cloth, wood or shells only, please.

DATES TO REMEMBER

December 7, 2005	Budget Meeting
December 15, 2005	Board Meeting
January 12, 2006	Board Meeting
March 8, 2006	Annual Meeting

SMOKE ALARMS
All of the smoke alarms were tested this summer but owners need to recheck the ones in their units. Just press the center button and it should sound an alarm. If not, check with Tim.

MEDICARE PLAN D
If you are 65 or over and qualify for Medicare Part A & B, you are qualified for Medicare D, but you must enroll. It is difficult to understand the entire program, but it can save most people a lot of money. If you have not checked into it, do so before May of 2006 or you will have to pay more for the coverage. Coverage can start as early as January 1, 2006.

RESIDENCE VS. RESORT
To those owners who rent their units and advertise The Sands as a resort, please make note that this is a residential complex, not a resort. Many renters and guests arrive looking for room service, the concierge, bell hop, housekeeping, etc. Those services are not provided and you need to advise your guests and tenants.

CONDO DOCUMENTS
It appears that many owners do not have a copy of the condo documents that govern the Association. If you have misplaced them or never received them from the previous owner, copies are available in the office for $25.00. The documents rule and are enforced through our attorney. Condo ownership is quite different from home ownership so you might want to review these at some point in time, especially if you want to make changes in your condo.

NEW PHONE BOOKS
New phone books are available in the office.

WELCOME BACK!
Welcome back to your Marco home. It is good to see so many already here. Have a safe trip back!

Any questions or comments can be directed to me at Jrk8042@aol.com

Joyce Kaelin - Editor

THE SANDS SCOOP             October 2005

NEW WATER RATES
The Marco Island City Council and City government, have voted to raise the base water rates on single meter condos from $4.85 per unit to $13.71 on Jan. 1, 06 and to $17.37 on Oct. 1, 06. This will mean a huge increase in our water rates. We must be more aware than ever of water conservation.

RENTAL UNITS
A reminder that if you are renting your unit, you must submit the paperwork to the office no less than 15 business days prior to occupancy, with the $100 check. The forms are available at the office or can be downloaded from the website, www.thesandsofmarco.com

WELCOME NEW OWNERS
C-606   Duane & Susan Suwyn   Ada, MI

OFFICE HOURS REMINDER
Beginning October 1, the office will revert to the morning hours of 8:00 – 10:00am if you need to reach Tim. You can also e-mail Tim at tim@thesandsofmarco.com

New phone books are available from Tim in the office.

CONSTRUCTION
Many of you are aware that the South Collier Boulevard construction was begun last February. We now have construction on the storm sewer between Beachview and The Sands on the south side of our property. All of the plants, trees and shrubs are gone but most are supposed to be replaced by the City after construction is complete. There is still of lot of construction on South Collier so be prepared when you return.
The walkways refurbishing is complete, as is the tennis court resurfacing.

ELEVATION CERTIFICATES
If any of you have an elevation certificate in your possession, would you be so kind as to make a copy and give it to Tim. We are searching the condo records and have been unable to find one for each building. If you have flood insurance, you may have one. To get new ones, a new survey would have to be done on each building at a cost of $75-$100 per building.

ADDRESS/PHONE CHANGES
Please help us keep the owners’ list current by notifying Tim or me of any address, telephone or e-mail changes. Call Tim at the office at 239-642-5575 or e-mail at tim@thesandsofmarco.com or Joyce at Jrk8042@aol.com

INKJET CARTRIDGE RECYCLING
If you use an inkjet printer and toss your cartridges in the trash, please don’t. Save them, put in the replacement packaging and give to Tim for recycling for cash.

LOCKS
If you have changed or added a lock, it must be keyed to the master. If Tim cannot access your unit for maintenance, he will have it re-keyed at your expense.

GET WELL SOON
Long time resident, Patrick Loftus fell and broke his leg at the hip in August and after surgery, has been in rehab since late August. We wish him a speedy recovery.

CONGRATULATIONS
To Tim & Marilyn Richart on the birth of their 5th grandchild. This makes 3 girls and 2 boys and the new proud papa is Jeff Richart of JCR Screens.

ARRIVIDERCI
Dick & Mary Gagnon have sold their E-201 unit. Dick was President of the Association for 3 years and has been active in the Association since then. Mary has been a volunteer in many areas, especially on the Grounds Committee. These two will be missed and we wish them well and hope they return to visit.

CONDOLENCES TO

• Annette Zaccardo on the loss of her Dad, Frank, in August.
  
• Joe Ferris on the loss of his brother, Richard, in September.
  
• Nicholas Malouta, on the loss of his sister in September.

SEDIMENT IN WATER
With all of the construction in the area, the water has a lot of sediment when you first turn it on. Remember to run water in the bathtub before you run any other faucets or flush the toilets. The sediment will have built up after months of no usage and may get caught in your smaller pipes.

Have a safe trip back. Paradise awaits! (Even amidst the construction)

Joyce Kaelin - Editor -

THE SANDS SCOOP             June 2005

IMPORTANT NOTICE:
If you, your family members or guests are planning a trip to The Sands in September or October, please note: Beginning (tentatively) on September 12 through October 21, 2005, crews will be working on all of the walkways.
Buildings     A & B     9/12 – 9/23
Building      C             9/26 – 10/7
Buildings     D & E     10/10 – 10/21
The work will require that you vacate your unit for a minimum of 3 days if you are above the ground floor. Dates are subject to change but you may check with Tim after September 12 to find out about your unit area and when it will be affected. Note the office hours are 1-3pm until October 1st.

RENTAL UNITS
A reminder that if you are renting your unit, you must submit the paperwork to the office no less than 15 business days prior to occupancy, with the $100 check. The forms are available at the office or can be downloaded from the website, www.thesandsofmarco.com

WELCOME NEW OWNERS
Greg & Michelle Jareczek
Park Ridge IL   A-202

John & Jane DeMado
Washington CT   B-202

Mark Baker
Castle Rock CO   B-306

Joseph Virzi
N Royalton, OH   C-305

ADDRESS & PHONE CHANGES
Please help us keep the owners’ list current by notifying Tim or me of any address, telephone or e-mail changes. Call Tim at the office at 239-642-5575 or e-mail tim@thesandsofmarco.com or Joyce at Jrk8042@aol.com

CELL PHONE RECYCLING
Don’t toss that old cell phone. It will go into a land fill and potentially contaminate ground water. The Shelter for Abused Women will have old phones reprogrammed to make emergency calls to 911 and given to women and children who are in danger so they can get help. There are drop boxes on Marco Island at the MICA office, Cocomos Restaurant & the Brooklyn Bagel Factory.

THE SANDS SCOOP             April 2005

FROM THE BOARD:
The owners’ annual meeting was held on March 10, 2005 at Mackle Park and the Board of Directors’ organizational meeting followed immediately. Reelected to the Board were Wayne Anderson, Ed Bartsch, Joyce Kaelin and Joe Nedza. The new officers are:

PROXY VOTING: At the annual meeting, there was some confusion over proxy voting versus voting from the floor on several issues. We were unaware that the Florida legislature changed the law regarding proxy voting this past year and advised the owners they could mail a proxy or vote from the floor. Our attorney said that under the new laws, there can be no voting from the floor and proxies must be completed so there is a written record of how each person voted on the issues, except for ballots and issues brought before the owners at the meeting. In the future, we will make sure which issues may be voted on at the meeting or must have a proxy.

“The purpose of the Board of Directors is to maintain and enhance the value of the Sands and the quality of life for the owners.”

IN MEMORIAM…Our sympathy to
Fran Sikorski, C-101, who lost her Mom in Michigan.
Joe Dachowicz, D-504, who lost his Dad in New Jersey.
Mark Puccio, E-103, who lost his Mom in Chicago, all in February.

COMMITTEES AND CHAIRPERSONS…

Buildings	Ed Bartsch
Grounds	Open
Landscape/Outfall Coordinator	Dick Gagnon
Communication	Joyce Kaelin (Ruth Angott)
Executive Wayne Anderson	(Joe Nedza, George Bell, Joyce Kaelin)
Finance	Joe Nedza (Duane Coplin)
Insurance	George Bell
Sales/Lease	Joe Leone

The above committees welcome your participation and cooperation. Please contact the chairman and volunteer your time and talent. It takes more than a few people to keep the operation running smoothly.

ADDRESS AND PHONE CHANGES…
The new owners’ list is available in the office if you were not at the annual meeting. Please verify that your address/phone number information is correct on this list. If not, please notify Joyce at Jrk8042@aol.com or Tim in the office. It is vital that we have current information for mailings and in case of emergencies.

***SCREEN DOORS – IMPORTANT
If you have a screen door that is not in an approved model, you must have it removed and or replaced by April 1, 2005 or the matter will go to the Association attorney for handling at your expense. There is an approved door model and Tim has the specifications or they are available on the web site. Single panel windows/screens are not approved nor is any grill.

WELCOME NEW OWNERS…

B-203	Beth & Mark Provenzano	Grosse Pointe Shores MI
A-204	Michael & Richelle Blaisdell	Bear DE
B-104	Mitch & Aline Gilbert	Quebec City, Quebec Canada
B-306	David & Eileen Roskos	Pennington NJ
C-306	Anthony & Rhonda Pashigian	Plymouth MI
C-406	Michael & Donna Stanczak	Kildeer IL
D-204	Todd & Dorine Sirota	Toms River NJ
D-207	Steven & Marilyn Haar	White Lake MI

CONGRATULATIONS to Lynn Stevenson (D-101) who entered 4 exhibits in the Marco Island Shell Show in March and took home a First, Second and Honorable Mention!

HELPFUL HINTS – CONDO SHUT-DOWN LIST

• Set thermostat at 75 and humidistat at 58. (60 is too high for this area)
• Dishwasher – LIMEAWAY or salad oil in the bottom. Upon return, hot water and vinegar and drain.
• Garbage Disposal – 2 TBSP salad oil and a quick flick of the switch.
• Disconnect all TV’s, microwave, refrigerator. If you prefer to not unplug your refrigerator, and many people are recommending you don’t, empty in case of problems. Use it to store your spices, candles and batteries and set at low setting. Shut off icemaker.
• Empty ice cube trays and prop open refrigerator doors if unplugged.
• Open closet doors and cabinet doors.
• Bring bicycles from bike racks indoors to store.
• If you do not have storm shutters, put all lanai furniture inside unit.
• Lock all windows.
• Remove all batteries from flashlights, radios, VCR’s, etc.
• Remove phone adapter.
• Place DAMP RID in closets and baking soda in refrigerator.
• Place small amount of boric acid under sinks in corners.
• Place roach and ant motels in kitchen and baths.
• Pull plugs on computer and phone lines
• Shades closed in Master bedroom.
• Flush drain line for air conditioner (be sure drain is open).
• Make final ‘pit stop’; add bleach and stretch plastic wrap over commodes.
• Turn off main water valve.
  Upon return, after water is turned on, run bathtub faucet for a few minutes to clear any debris from pipes. Then run other faucets and flush commodes.
• Switch off all circuit breakers except air conditioner (and refrigerator if not unplugged).
• Put your door mat inside.

ALSO, PLEASE NOTE. WHEN A HURRICANE IS THREATENING SOUTH FLORIDA, PLEASE DO NOT PAGE TIM. IF YOU WANT TO CALL THE OFFICE AND LEAVE A MESSAGE, DO NOT EXPECT A RETURN CALL UNTIL THE CRISIS HAS PASSED. THE PAGER IS ONLY FOR EMERGENCIES, NOT TO CHECK THE WEATHER FROM TIM. You may also e-mail Tim at tim@thesandsofmarco.com and he will get back to you as soon as he is able, or to me at Jrk8042@aol.com and I will do the same. If you are on the Sands Connection list, I will try and keep you updated on the situation. Send your email address to me anytime and I promise, no jokes, only Sands information.

INSURANCE CHANGES: Please keep for future reference.
One change by the Florida legislature this year is in regards to insurance coverage the Association must provide and coverage for which you are liable. Below is some information you may wish to discuss with your insurance representative when your policy comes due this year. Our policies will not change until November when they are up for renewal.
“Condominium Unit Owners: The condominium unit owner is responsible for water filters, built-in cabinets and countertops, window treatments and air conditioning units which service individual units. You should review your policy limits of liability with your agent to make sure the coverage limits reflect the value of these items.”
Insurance companies are also asking for flood insurance policy information:

Building A	Policy #	99015336182005
Building B-West	“	99015336172004
Building B-East	“	99015336162004
Building C	“	99015336152004
Building D-East	“	99015336142004
Building D-West	“	99015336132004
Building E	“	99015336192005

All of these policies are with The Hartford.
All other insurance information requests can be obtained from Jeannie Gallor at Acordia at 1-888-746-7673

OFFICE HOURS FOR THE SUMMER WILL BEGIN MAY 15 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 15 AND CHANGE FROM MORNING TO 1-3 PM.

CARPETING AND TILE ON LANAIS…
Carpeting installed or glued down over concrete lanai floors can cause STRUCTURAL DAMAGE. No glued down carpeting is allowed on the lanai. If you have loose carpet, please remember to roll it up and store it while you are gone since mold and mildew can form underneath. In the event there is structural damage to any lanai where there is glued down carpet, the Association will not be responsible for repairs.
Owners must also maintain the tile installed on their lanai and this includes making sure the tile is sealed against water leaks and using waterproof grout. If you notice any problem with your lanai tile, ask Tim for an inspection.

****RULES & REGULATIONS…IMPORTANT…PLEASE NOTE…***
All condominium associations have rules and regulations. The Sands is no exception. The rules and regulations are reviewed each year to determine which are no longer needed or required by state, county or city laws. Collier County governs most of our pool/spa rules. Last spring, the inspector for Collier County visited The Sands and gave Tim specific rules to change. One was adding NO DIVING signs to the pool and the signs were installed. Another is that no child between the ages of 4-12 will be allowed in the spa unless accompanied by a parent in the spa. The child must also have written permission from its physician. If you wish to have your child age 4-12 years in the spa with you, please bring the permission slip to the pool with you or give a copy for Tim to keep on file. You will be asked to produce it. Absolutely no children under the age of 4 in the spa. This is done for health and safety reasons.

FYI THE TENNIS COURTS
At the March Board meeting, the Board of Directors voted to remove the tennis court lights which have been inoperable for 15 years. One owner requested that we put them in working order and after getting quotes and code requirements, the only option was to take them down and put new ones up. This would have been cost prohibitive so the Board made the decision to remove them entirely. This will be done as soon as possible.

FINANCIAL REPORTS FROM 2004 As of this writing, the accountant has not completed the financial review for 2004. If you wish to be notified so you may pick up a copy or have one mailed to you, call Tim in the office and leave a message or email Tim or me.

Questions, comments or suggestions may be directed to me at Jrk8042@aol.com.
Joyce Kaelin, Editor

THE SANDS SCOOP             January 2005

***REMINDER***
SANDS’ ANNUAL MEETING AND ELECTION OF DIRECTORS will take place on March 10, 2005 at Mackle Park at 2:00 p.m. A written notice of intent to run for the Board must be received by January 28, 2005. You may send in a brief resume to be included with the ballot. There are no write-ins or nominations from the floor allowed. For more information call Joyce Kaelin at 239-642-3896 or email at Jrk8042@aol.com.

MAINTENANCE
Many owners have received letters over the past 2 years regarding rusted light fixtures over their entrance. There are still about a dozen units that have not changed these or made the necessary repairs. Tim and a couple of volunteers are going to begin making the needed repairs and billing your account for the work.
In addition, there are still about a dozen units with grills on their screen doors. These must be brought into compliance by April 1, 2005. The attorney will then handle the matter at your expense.

OWNERS’ RENTAL GROUP
Al Miller, owner of C-204 is asking if there are any owners who lease their units, interested in forming a loose knit group to share input on rental rates, property news or problems pertaining to rentals. You can contact Al at millertime40@excite.com or phone at 248-375-1572.

CONDOLENCES TO
Chet Stewart, A-104, on the loss of his brother, James in Massachusetts on November 10, 2004.

RULES AND REGULATIONS
We realize this reminder is put in every issue of the SCOOP, but until all owners and non-owners, realize the importance, it will continue to be a part of the SCOOP. Children continue to dive and jump into the pool, regardless of who is near them. Adults continue to dive even with all of the new signs. Children continue to pick the chlorine logs off the bottom of the pool and play with them. Parents continue to allow small children in the spa without doctors’ written consent. These are rules set by Collier County, not the Board. When the first person is injured, then sues the Association, the first question the insurance company will ask is about rule enforcement. The rules are there for a reason.

SELLING & LEASING UNITS
If you are selling or leasing your unit, the paperwork must be in the office no less than 15 business days or the closing may be delayed. In the case of rentals, the persons may be denied occupancy. A $100 check must accompany any request or the paperwork will not be deemed complete. Forms are available on line or in the office.

COLOR CHANGE
You will notice that the outsides of the buildings have been painted. The railings and doors have also been painted. One of the major changes is the color on the stairs. It has gone from gray to light milk chocolate. You will be asked to vote on the color change for all of the walkways on all floors at the time of the annual meeting. For years, people have complained about the gray. Since the painting and restoration of the walkways will be done in late spring or early summer, at a cost of over $30,000, you will need to decide if we change to the new milk chocolate color on all walkways, or keep the gray. Keep that in mind over the next several months.

PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS
In November, we had an article relating to the City of Marco projects. These were due to begin this month but now the city is not sure when the work will begin. We will keep you posted.

AUTO SERVICE IN THE PARKING LOT
is not allowed except in an emergency. i.e., flat tire, dead battery. Please do not contract with a service company to have work done on the premises.

PARKING
When you park your car or van, please remember to pull up to the cement stops. Others cannot get around your vehicle if you don’t. Be a good neighbor. AND please don’t tell your friends to park in our lot for church or the beach. We are near capacity now.

RECYCLING
Our dumpsters are filling up because some folks are putting empty boxes in them. Cardboard boxes need to be broken down and put in the recycling bins with newspapers, magazines and telephone books.
NO PLASTIC BAGS IN ANY RECYCLING BIN.

According to the Education Channel, Americans have saved over 600 million trees by recycling paper. More than half of the aluminum cans produced are made from recycled aluminum containers. Recycling is invaluable.

TENNIS
If you are interested in a tennis round robin, contact Denise at 642-0670 or Joe at 642-3647.

E-MAIL
If you want to be on the Sands list for owners/others, send me an e-mail message at Jrk8042@aol.com. No jokes, I promise.