COMMITTEES AND CHAIRPERSONS

Buildings	Tom Whewell
Grounds	Lynn Stiles
Communication	Jack Washbourn
Executive	Bernie Sikorski
Finance	Lorna Verrastro
Insurance	Lorna Verrastro
Sales/Lease	Joe Leone
Parking/Signage	George Bell
Energy/Water	Lamar Persing

The above committees welcome your participation and cooperation. Please contact the chairperson and volunteer your time and talent.

THE PRESIDENTS CORNER
Well owners the season is almost over. Snowbirds are heading out daily. In a few days only the all year around folks will be at the Sands. It was a very unusual year weather wise. But now it is finally wonderful, and everything looks lush. Have a wonderful summer and come back soon.
Bernie Sikorski

SYMPATHY
CAROL ANN (Vinopal) ANDERSON D306

ANDERSON CAROL ANN (nee Vinopal) of Fairview Park, OH, passed away peacefully Monday April 5, 2010. She was born on November 24, 1940 in Akron, She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Wayne and their three children; Heather Anderson, Kevin (Nicole) Anderson and Laura (Mike) Albert and her four grandchildren; Brooke, Caroline, Brady and Tanner. A celebration of her life will be held at Rocky River United Methodist Church, 19414 Detroit Rd, Rocky River, OH at 10:00 a.m. on May 13, 2010. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Carol Vinopal Anderson to Delta Gamma Foundation, 3250 Riverside Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43221-0397.

UNIT INSURANCE COVERAGE
Since 2004, the Condominium Act has required unit owners to carry insurance coverage to cover loss to their unit. In 2008, the statute was changed to require condominium associations to require each owner to provide evidence of a currently effective policy of hazard and liability insurance upon request once a year.

In order to comply with the statutory language we are requesting that each owner return to the Sands office a copy of your unit’s insurance policies The Sands Scoop February, 2010 for our files. If an owner is selfinsured, you may send us a note to that affect.

It is in the best interests of each owner as well as the Sands to carry adequate coverage for your personal property, personal liability, and hurricane insurance.

Sands Noise Rule
Reminder to Owners & Renters
++There is a City Noise ordinance that exists between 10PM and 7AM.
++The Sands also has a Noise Rule found in the Condominium Usage Rules (see #5). For your reference the rules can be found on the Sands web site www.thesandsofmarco.com (see right hand drop downs).

NEW DIRECTOR
As reported above, Jack Washbourn, C304, has been appointed a director effective at the close of the annual meeting. Jack and his wife Sylvia live in White Lake, Michigan (near Detroit) most of the year and plan to spend five or six months each year at the Sands.

ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES
MEMBERS ANNUAL MEETING - MARCH 18, 2010 MACKLE PARK

President Bernie Sikorski called the Annual Meeting of the members of The Sands of Marco Condominium Association to order at 2:00 PM at Mackle Park. Present were members of the Board of Directors Wayne Anderson, Lamar Persing, Lorna Verrastro, Bernie Sikorski, Lynn Stiles and George Bell. Director Tom Whewell was absent. Manager Tim Richart was also in attendance as was legal counsel, Rob Samouce. Bernie confirmed that he had the affidavit stating that all members had been notified of the meeting as required by law.

Lynn Stiles offered a motion to waive reading of the unapproved minutes of the last annual meeting, held March 19, 2009, and accept the minutes as drafted. After a second by Lamar Persing, the minutes were approved.

Bernie Sikorski asked for a moment of silence in remembrance of members and friends that have passed away since the last meeting.

Bernie announced the 2010 composition of the Board of Directors. Three incumbents ran unopposed and were automatically elected this year:
George Bell
Tom Whewell
Lorna Verastro
Jack Washbourn was appointed effective at the end of the annual meeting to replace Wayne Anderson who resigned also effective at the end of the annual meeting.

Bernie Sikorski, Lynn Stiles & Lamar Persing are also Directors

Bernie noted that four director positions will be up for election next year and urged owners to consider running for election as a director next year.

President Bernie Sikorski reported our financial records indicate a $4,700 “loss” to budget for 2009. He explained that this figure is the result of a transfer of $15,000 to our reserves from the 2008 retained earnings. He also reported that approximately $35,000 has been saved in the last year by the volunteers who have stepped forward to help with needed tasks. He stated that our reserves are down to $375,000 and are expected to reach $250,000 next year. We will be replacing the BC elevator beginning this spring when residents begin leaving and the DE elevator will be replaced next year. Another major, unforseen expense is the replacement of our fire alarm system due to a new Florida law. This work will cost approximately $110,000 and will be implemented in December this year with the “outside” work and January/February of 2011 of the work that needs to be done in each unit.. Bernie thanked Wayne Anderson for his eight years of service on the Board of Directors.

George Bell, chairman of the insurance committee, reported that The Sands insurance needs are being well met by our carriers and that premium’s have gone down the last two years.

Lynn Stiles, grounds committee chairman, thanked Glen Smits for his work on the grounds. Lynn also thanked Carol Anderson and Jane DeMado for their efforts on the grounds committee, in particular regarding the dumpster enclosure issue and on overall beautification of our campus. He stated that they are working on both a long range plan and also a short range plan for pruning and fertilizing.

Lorna Verrastro, treasurer, thanked Bernie for giving the treasurer’s report and also for his leadership through some contentious issues during the past year. She also thanked Wayne Anderson for his service as a director and Tim Richart for helping her understand how it “really is” at the Sands and especially during the summer when it seems she and Tim are the only ones here!

Proxy Issues
Wayne Anderson announced the proxy vote results:

Issue #1 - Enclosing of the Dumpsters:
PASSED.

Issue #2 – Dumpster enclosure color to tie in with surrounding area.

The 3rd issue was to approve a financial review in lieu of a full audit.- PASSED

The meeting was adjourned at 2:30 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Wayne Anderson, Secretary

GROUNDS
There was a special Board Meeting held on April 16th to hear a presentation by Lynn Stiles and the Sands Grounds Committee regarding the improvement of the two sign areas located on the Collier Boulevard side of the complex as well as the main entrance area on San Marco. The plans included new plantings and an overall sprucing up of these areas. More news on this will follow.

HELPFUL HINTS - CONDO SHUT-DOWN LIST

• Set thermostat at 75 and humidistat at 60.
• Garbage Disposal – 2 TBSP salad oil
• Disconnect all TV’s, microwave, refrigerator. If you prefer to not unplug your refrigerator, and many people are recommending you don’t, empty it of all perishables. 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.
• 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.
• 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
• Close shades in Master bedroom.
• Flush drain line for air conditioner (be sure drain is open).
• Make a 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.

This list is meant to guide you but there are other steps you may take. Each owner has his/her method. If you have a question, check with Tim in the office. Make sure your main water valve is shut off when you leave, even for a few days. Several water heaters have failed with water damage to that unit and the one below. Many owners have changed to a single lever shutoff for the washers and main water valve because the older faucets do not shut off completely. Tim needs to be notified if you want this done because the plumber will need to shut off the stack valve.

INSTANT HOT WATER HEATERS
The Scoop has previously reported that the waterless hot water tanks that are on the market are not allowed at the Sands as our condominium was not constructed with the proper wiring to support them. This month the Marco Island electrical inspector, inspected some new construction in a unit that has one of the instant hot units and advised them that the device is illegal at the Sands. There are four such Sands condominium units that have installed these heaters. The board’s position is that this is a matter between the city and each owner.

PRINTER CARTRIGES
Please give your used printer cartridges to Tim for recycling. We ship them postage free and receive cash – about $100 per year to help pay for office expenses (every little bit helps!). So save your cartridges, wrap them in a paper towel and give them to Tim.

ADDRESS/PHONE CHANGES
Please help us keep the owners’ list current and save postage by notifying us of any address, telephone or e-mail changes. Notify the Sands office at thesandsofmarco@marcocable.com or telephone Tim at the office at 239-642-5575.

SUGGESTIONS, COMMENTS TO THE EDITOR.
If you have any suggestions for articles or comments for THE SANDS SCOOP, please contact the editor. Also, if you received this via the USPS and have internet access, please share your email address with us. It saves us all money to communicate via e-mail whenever possible. The Sands Scoop is also available on The Sands web site, thanks to owner Joe Ferris, (E101), at thesandsofmarco.com – check it out!

Jack Washbourn (C304) - Editor

THE SANDS SCOOP             February 2010

FROM THE BOARD
The Sands officers are:

President	Bernie Sikorski
Vice-President	George Bell
Treasurer	Lorna Verrastro
Secretary	Wayne Anderson

"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."

COMMITTEES AND CHAIRPERSONS

Buildings	Tom Whewell
Grounds	Lynn Stiles
Communication	Wayne Anderson
Executive	Bernie Sikorski
Finance	Lorna Verrastro
Insurance	George Bell
Sales/Lease	Joe Leone
Parking/Signage	Lamar Persing
Rnergy/Water	Lamar Persing

The above committees welcome your participation and cooperation. Please contact the chairperson and volunteer your time and talent.

THE PRESIDENTS CORNER
This has been an unusual and fast year on Marco. Unusual because of the weather. During the summer we missed all the good rain. October was very hot and humid and January was like Detroit, Boston and Chicago. Cold, wet and windy! Even now our weather is not great.
Yet the season is flying by and we are almost in March. On the good side we are now seeing the sun again, regularly, and the folks fortunate enough to be here are having a very good time. No matter what the weather “ONCE YOU’VE BEEN ON MARCO ISLAND YOU WILL NEVER LEAVE AND YOU WILL ALWAYS RETURN”! I would like to say that I created this phrase but it came off a Mackle Brothers billboard 30 years ago. See you soon!!!
Bernie Sikorski

SYMPATHY
The Sands lost another original owner August 26, 2009, with the passing of Bill Corkin, D401 & C602. Bill and Diana had traveled to their family cabin in Ishpeming, Michigan where he suffered a heart attack and later died in the same hospital he was born in 77 years ago. Bill’s ready smile and sage advice to the board of directors he once served on, will be sorely missed by all that knew him.

We extend our sincere sympathy to the family of George Tatoole who passed away November 18, 2009. George and his wife Shirley are owners of C405.

An original Sands owner, Tibor Hamor, C601, died January 8, 2010. We offer our deepest sympathy to his family.

UNIT INSURANCE COVERAGE
Since 2004, the Condominium Act has required unit owners to carry insurance coverage to cover loss to their unit. In 2008, the statute was changed to require condominium associations to require each owner to provide evidence of a currently effective policy of hazard and liability insurance upon request once a year.

In order to comply with the statutory language we are requesting that each owner return to the Sands office a copy of your unit’s insurance policies The Sands Scoop February, 2010 for our files. If an owner is selfinsured, you may send us a note to that affect.

It is in the best interests of each owner as well as the Sands to carry adequate coverage for your personal property, personal l i a b i l i t y, and hurricane insurance.

BOARD MEETINGS NOTES
•Directors - Wayne Anderson, D306, submitted his resignation at the February 18 board meeting which will be effective immediately after the Annual Meeting on March 18, 2010. Bernie Sikorski made a motion to accept the resignation letter and to appoint Jack Washbourn, C304, to serve the remaining one year of Wayne’s term beginning on March 18, 2010 (immediately after the Annual Meeting). Supported by Lorna Verrastro motion passed.
•Ficus Tree - Bernie reported that the ficus tree next to the water pipes adjoining the long term parking area, will be removed due to potential damage to the pipes. We received approval from the city for the removal. In order to conform to the city’s ordinances, another canopy tree will be planted at the end of the line of ficus trees towards Collier Blvd.
•Finances - Lorna Verrastro reported that 2009 showed a loss to budget of $4,700.00 and that $1,000.00 had been recovered from an Insurance Claim.
•Unit Fire Alarms - Tom Whewell reported that the fire alarm changes that are mandated by the City and State will be done in late 2010 and early 2011 at a cost of approximately $110,000.00 which will come out of reserves.
•Pool Railing - An additional pool railing will be added over the summer months which will make it easier for folks to enter and exit the pool. This will require the pool water level to be lowered to accommodate this change.

NEW DIRECTOR
As reported above, Jack Washbourn, C304, has been appointed a director effective at the close of the annual meeting. Jack and his wife Sylvia live in White Lake, Michigan (near Detroit) most of the year and plan to spend five or six months each year at the Sands.

ANNUAL MEETING
The annual meeting of the Sands Condominium Association will be 2:00 PM, March 18, 2010 at Mackle Park. Three director positions will be up for election. The three incumbent directors submitted their director candidacy documents and no others were received. Since there are three candidates for three seats there will be no election at the annual meeting and George Bell, Lorna Ver rast ro and Tom Whewel l are automatically elected.
Also to be decided at the annual meeting is an issue for ratification by the membership regarding enclosing the dumpster areas in order to beautify our campus. The board of directors feel this is a desirable improvement that will not only hide the unsightly areas but will also increase the value of our units. All of the condos surrounding the Sands have enclosed their dumpster areas. All details have been mailed to owners as prescribed by our Document of Condominium. Your vote is important! Please mail or FAX your proxy today!

APPLIANCE REMOVAL
Most owners, when purchasing new appliances, arrange for the old appliance to be taken away when the new one is installed. Occasionally, however, appliances are left next to the dumpsters. Waste Management will not remove the appliance with their regular pickup so Tim The Sands Scoop February, 2010 has to call them for a special appliance pickup at an additional cost. Such a pickup in July cost the Sands an additional $48.

Please arrange to have your discarded appliances removed by the business you purchased your new appliance from. Also, be sure that they do not place them by the dumpsters! If, for some reason this isn’t possible, contact Tim and he can arrange for the removal at your cost.

SCOOP DISTRIBUTION
The Sands Scoop is being distributed in PDF format for owners that receive it via email through the internet. This has several advantages e.g. allowing more features and insuring all e-owners can read it. Heretofore, it has been distributed as a Word document file requiring the ability to access a Word file.

INSTANT HOT WATER HEATERS
The Scoop has previously reported that the waterless hot water tanks that are on the market are not allowed at the Sands as our condominium was not constructed with the proper wiring to support them. This month the Marco Island electrical inspector, inspected some new construction in a unit that has one of the instant hot units and advised them that the device is illegal at the Sands. There are four such Sands condominium units that have installed these heaters. The board’s position is that this is a matter between the city and each owner.

PRINTER CARTRIGES
Please give your used printer cartridges to Tim for recycling. We ship them postage free and receive cash – about $100 per year to help pay for office expenses (every little bit helps!). So save your cartridges, wrap them in a paper towel and give them to Tim.

ADDRESS/PHONE CHANGES
Please help us keep the owners’ list current and save postage by notifying us of any address, telephone or e-mail changes. Notify the Sands office at thesandsofmarco@marcocable.com or email Wayne Anderson at wayneohio@gmail.com or telephone Tim at the office at 239-642-5575.

SUGGESTIONS, COMMENTS TO THE EDITOR.
If you have any suggestions for articles or comments for THE SANDS SCOOP, please contact the editor. Also, if you received this via the USPS and have internet access, please share your email address with us. It saves us all money to communicate via e-mail whenever possible. The Sands Scoop is also available on The Sands web site, thanks to owner Joe Ferris, (E101), at thesandsofmarco.com – check it out!

Wayne Anderson (D306) - Editor