New Hires

Let me restate something I was saying at the Del Mtg.
When UCO hires new paid employees, UCO should be saying:

“We are leaving behind the old school methods and cozy deals.
What new ideas, modern methods, and computer skills can you bring to the job that will make us so efficient that your salary will be covered by the savings that you create.”
Roger that!

(Its okay Roger I just wanted to use that phrase)
Don't ask me about the actual motion, that was a wiffle ball.

Finance Committee -Budget Presentation

Clubhouse-Room C - Tue. 9/15/2009 - 9:30 am
Everyone Welcome
Please come and learn where your money is going .

Silent Film Festival

The recorded Delegate Assembly will be shown on Channel 63 for 5 days at 9am and 6pm (I assume weekdays). OK we get the point the Delegate Mtgs need better sound equipment. Even when speakers use the mic its garbled. Its mostly no sound this week … How many $$ needed?

THINK ABOUT IT!

Hi All,
Here is a comment that I missed.
………………………………………..
George R. Pittell said...
-
"As one who attends the Delegate Meetings during the months I am in Florida I think it would be great to be able to see the meetings on the blog when I am away. Pushing the technological envelope even further it would be better still if it was a live showing and further still if we were able to phone in or email our comments. Well anyway just a thought".
-
This is a very interesting Comment; and actually is quite do-able.
-
There is one practical issue as regards “live” narrowcasting of the Delegate Assembly.
-
Very often votes must be taken, and if we narrowcast live, we might never get a quorum; it would make an interesting experiment!. Also, certain meetings of wide interest and importance would make good candidates; Officers Committee, Operations Committee, Finance Committee, Security Committee, Cable Committee, UCO Budget Workshop…Etc…! All such things would be greatly enabled if the Village was WiFi’ed. Think about such things when you vote in March.
-
Dave Israel

UCO - COMMITTEE OVERSight PERSONS

Re Howard ‘Visitor Pool Issues’ - Posts that begin ‘why doesn’t UCO..” are generally doomed unless they fall under Dave’s oversight. Questions directly to appropriate VP, or at Operations Mtg for WPRF issues may produce more results. List from last March:

UCO - COMMITTEE OVERSight PERSONS

(VP)Frank Cornish….....................(VP)Dave Israel
-
Programs & Services………...........………………Cable
Transportation………………...........………………Channel 63
Investigations……….......………………………..Safety
…………………………………....……………………Welcome
-
(VP)Jerry Karpf………………………(VP)Bob Marshall
-
Maintenance…………........…………………….Irrigation
Advisory………………………………………Infrastructure
Community Relations………........………….Beautification
……………………………………………………Signs & Benches
-
(P)George Loewenstein……………..(CAM)Pat Blunck
-
C E R T…………………………………………Elections
Insurance…………………………………..Computers
Operations…………………………………Nominations
Security……………………………………..Lifts
-
(T)Dorothy Tetro
-
Finance
Reporter
One unit/One vote

Visitor Pool Issue

Why have we not heard from UCO regarding this matter. WPRF seems to be on board with enforcing the rules that are published?

Vote on New By Laws

I am very upset about the fact that a vote will take place at the July Delegate's meeting on new By Laws. I don't think we should have a vote until January when the snow birds are back. What is in there that has to be passed in a hurry that all would not have a chance to read and make their voices heard? This is just so like UCO. They forget they are there for us, not themselves and they owe it to all to wait until people are here. They just waited until sowbirds have left to ram some new ideas through.

UCO - COMMITTEE OVERSIGHT PERSONS

UCO - COMMITTEE OVERSITE PERSONS

(VP)Frank Cornish….....................(VP)Dave Israel

-
Programs & Services………...........………………Cable
Transportation………………...........………………Channel 63
Investigations……….......………………………..Safety
…………………………………....……………………Welcome
-
(VP)Jerry Karpf………………………(VP)Bob Marshall

-
Maintenance…………........…………………….Irrigation
Advisory………………………………………Infrastructure
Community Relations………........………….Beautification
……………………………………………………Signs & Benches
-
(P)George Loewenstein……………..(CAM)Pat Blunck

-
C E R T…………………………………………Elections
Insurance…………………………………..Computers
Operations…………………………………Nominations
Security……………………………………..Lifts
-
(T)Dorothy Tetro

-
Finance
Reporter
One unit/One vote

------------------------------------------------------------------

Dave Israel

VP Dress Uniforms

Time to dude up the VPs. Sell your old gold to make mayoral (or VP) chains, and a few ideas for VP robes and uniforms from the U.K. CV is bigger than many of these towns. Who wants to be town crier?

Notarial Services available at UCO

In George Loewenstein's column, he states due in fact that we absorb the fees, of
some volunteer's who are now Notarys, and that this service is available to all..
It would be interesting to know, if any of the blogger's, would available themselves
of this service, considering that discreation is not one of the virtues,shared by
many in this adminstration.

MEA CULPA, MEA CULPA, MEA MAXIMA CULPA!

Hi all.

In another Post an anonymous contributor stated that the President of UCO makes the UCO VP's swear not to publish on this BLOG.

I have now heard from two VP's, Ken Davis and Frank Cornish; that this is false.

It goes without saying that we must remove the offending post.

The farther reaching consequence may be that we will have to eliminate anonymous posting altogether.

Please think twice before posting false "information"

Dave Israel

PS:

Since there are no such restrictions on UCO VP Posting, it would be nice if they would indeed respond to Unit Owner questions here!!!

HOW TO BECOME A "MASTER HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION"

Hi all,

Elsewhere in the BLOG I asked:

"what is a Master Homeowner's Association"? and how did the PBCBCC get the idea that UCO was such? Do not tell me what you think it is; find for me a Florida Statute that defines it;

not simply A Master Association, but a Master Homeowner's Association. Now if you can do that; then the next question is; when, and under what authority did UCO assume this power"

Time is up and we have no answers so the following may prove interesting to those who care about operating legally:


We are going to look at two Communities; Cypress Lakes (right next door) and Century Village:

First you need a Master Declaration of Covenants that provides the conduit; see said Master Declaration for Cypress Lakes at the following

REF:
http://oris.co.palm-beach.fl.us/or_web1/details.asp?doc_id=9369464&file_num=19790120260

Also see the most current version of this document for UCO by sharp contrast:

REF:

http://oris.co.palm-beach.fl.us/or_web1/details.asp?doc_id=729410&file_num=19990128892

Then you simply file as a Master Homeowners Association with Florida Division of Corporations.

REF: http://sunbiz.org/search.html

let's look at the two fillings:
---
Detail by Entity Name
Florida Non Profit Corporation
CYPRESS LAKES MASTER HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.
Filing Information
Document Number
747951
FEI Number
592538729
Date Filed
07/03/1979
State
FL
Status
ACTIVE
Last Event
AMENDMENT
Event Date Filed
07/16/2007
Event Effective Date
NONE
Principal Address
3445 CYPRESS TRAILWEST PALM BEACH FL 33417 US
Changed 02/14/1994
Mailing Address
3445 CYPRESS TRAILWEST PALM BEACH FL 33417 US
Changed 02/14/1994
Registered Agent Name & Address
BECKER & POLIAKOFF, P.A.625 FLAGLER DRIVE7TH FLOORWEST PALM BEACH FL 33401 US
Name Changed: 09/23/2008
Address Changed: 09/23/2008
Officer/Director Detail
Name & Address
Title PD
ARTIGIANI, STEPHANIE3445 CYPRESS TRAILWEST PALM BEACH FL 33417
Title TD
LEIDER, ETHEL3445 CYPRESS TRAILWEST PALM BEACH FL 33417
Title VPD
ANTHONY, SANTORIELLO3445 CYPRESS TRLWEST PALM BEACH FL 33417
Annual Reports
Report Year
Filed Date
2007
01/15/2007
2008
01/22/2008
2008
09/23/2008
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Detail by Entity Name
Florida Non Profit Corporation
UNITED CIVIC ORGANIZATION, INC.
Filing Information
Document Number
763367
FEI Number
592221503
Date Filed
05/19/1982
State
FL
Status
ACTIVE
Principal Address
24 CAMDEN AWEST PALM BEACH FL 33417 US
Changed 03/29/2006
Mailing Address
24 CAMDEN AWEST PALM BEACH FL 33417 US
Changed 03/29/2006
Registered Agent Name & Address
LOEWENSTEIN, GEORGE5 HASTINGS A WEST PALM BEACH FL 33417 US
Name Changed: 03/29/2006
Address Changed: 03/29/2006
Officer/Director Detail
Name & Address
Title S
LAPIDUS, BETTY MRSGREENBRIER CWEST PALM BEACH FL 33417 US
Title P
LOEWENSTEIN, GEORGE H MR5 HASTINGS AWEST PALM BEACH FL 33417 US
Title T
TETRO, DOROTHY312 WELLINGTON EWEST PALM BEACH FL 33417 US
Title VP
BUMMOLO, SALVATORE201 WELLINGTON FWEST PALM BEACH FL 33417 US
Title VP
SILVER, HOWARD146 STRATFORD KW PALM BCH FL 33417 US
Title VP
RICHLAND, PHYLLIS MRS216 SOMMERSET KW PALM BCH FL 33417
Annual Reports
Report Year
Filed Date
2006
03/29/2006
2007
02/23/2007
2008
03/17/2008

---

UCO needs to update their filing don't they!!

OK!

Now for the 64,000.00 question; Why has UCO never become a Master Homeowner's Association???

THE SLIPPERY SLOPE

Reduction of UCO Services

-
Perhaps our BLOGGERS recall sometime back when we lost, through mysterious non-process, the support of Rod Tennyson as regards the updating of our Documents. I note in passing that our model documents date back to 1999 and are fast phasing out of date.
-
Now we learn that because of the precipitous actions of one Association, that caused an OEO ( Office of Equal Opportunity) complaint to be issued against the Association and UCO; UCO is considering elimination of legal support for Associations who decide to reject an Applicant for the purchase or transfer (with or without occupancy) or lease of a Unit.
-
These two items; Documents support and Applicant acceptance/rejection, are key pillars of Village operations and should not be eliminated; in fact, they should be maintained and reinforced.
-
Please, Delegates and Unit Owners do not let this happen, what will your Association do and what will it cost when you need to update your documents or decide on rejection of an Applicant for Purchase and Occupancy?
-
Let’s all work together to make UCO Advisory, Helpful and Legal.
-
Dave Israel

FOUNTAIN OF MISINFORMATION

Fountain of Disinformation
---
The Following is to be found on the CV Web Site INFOLINK
---
REF: http://www.centuryvillagewpb.org/investigation.htm

The only problem is that these paragraphs are not to be found in Chapter 718 as the INFOLINK suggests. There is a difference between local procedures and State Law. Will it never end???

Dave Israel
----

Investigation Procedures
-
Chapter 718 — A contract for purchase or transfer of a deed or lease (if rental) must be given to the Condominium Association. This must be accompanied by a $100 check made out to the Association for the investigation. The Association deposits this check and issues an Association check for $100 made out to UCO. A married couple will be one (1) investigation. A marriage certificate is needed if the names are different. All other requests will require separate investigations; therefore, checks will be required for each investigation. Anyone can bring the contract, etc., together with the check to UCO. An application will be given to the bearer of the contract and the check.
-
Chapter 718 — The completed original application must be returned to the Condominium Association. It should be examined immediately for completeness (proof of income, proof of age, if mortgaged — a commitment letter). Page #4 is to be notarized as the thirty (30) day time clock for approval or rejection starts when all necessary information is received at UCO.

-
A condo board member must sign page #4 of the application before it is returned to UCO for the investigation to begin. This will affirm that the Association has screened the application and is aware of it.
Anyone can bring the completed application, after being signed by a Board Member, to UCO, for the investigation process to begin.

-
Only a Condominium Officer or Board Member can pick up the completed investigation report. It is a confidential report and the Officer or Board Member will be made aware of the report's contents.

UCO Office

The new UCO Office at 2102 West Dr. will open for business on Monday, Jan 5th at 9:00 . The old Camden Office will be, as it used to be, The UCO Reporter only.

TERM LIMITS - LET THE DEBATE BEGIN

One could not start this debate at a better place than the twenty second Amendment of the Constitution Of the United States:
-----
Amendment XXII:
-----
“Section 1. No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice, and no person who has held the office of President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office of the President more than once.

But this article shall not apply to any person holding the office of President when this article was proposed by the Congress, and shall not prevent any person who may be holding the office of President, or acting as President, during the term within which this article becomes operative from holding the office of President or acting as President during the remainder of such term.”

(NB: Not to be applied retroactively)
-----
Just months into his fourth term, Franklyn Delano Roosevelt died and, with him, the idea of unlimited terms for presidents. An amendment, promoted heavily by the Republican Party, and by others nervous at the idea of a permanent presidency; a King, immortal in office, and not subject to accountability in the most powerful office in the land. The Twenty Second Amendment was passed in 1947. It was ratified by the states four years later. The amendment limits a president to two four-year terms.
-----
The Bylaws of UCO reflects this concern as regards the Office of President and of course for The Vice Presidents.

Bob Marshall raises the question;

Why not Term Limits for all of our elected officials, and this begs the question, why was this not done at the National levels of our Government as regards the House of Representatives and the Senate.
-----
The following may prove instructive:
-----
“ the Supreme Court has ruled in U.S. Term Limits, Inc. v. Thornton, Nos. 93-1456 and 93-1428, that congressional term limits (as passed by individual states) is unconstitutional,
-----
it appears James Madison, father of our Constitution, was right. In his Federalist Paper No. 53, written over 200 years ago, he explained why the Constitutional Convention of 1787 rejected term limits. He stated:
-----
"a few of the members of Congress will possess superior talents; will by frequent re-elections, become members of long standing; will be thoroughly masters of the public business, and perhaps not unwilling to avail themselves of those advantages. The greater the proportion of new members of Congress, and the less the information of the bulk of the members, the more apt they be to fall into the snares that may be laid before them."

I suggest that one might replace the phrase; “members of Congress” with “members of The Executive Board” and thus make this highly applicable to our situation here in CV. We should rigorously avoid throwing out the baby with the bathwater.

This immediately gives rise to the issue of culling out the “deadwood” on the EB; this matter should be the province of the Nominating Committee; which must be transformed from a political rubber stamp into a true deliberative independent body charged with finding and developing real talent as demonstrated by deeds and good ideas at the Association level.

The EB should be a body of wise and deliberative agents of the people, with solid knowledge of the law and of the panoply of issues critical to CV operations; this sort of knowledge comes with years of experience and should not be shortcut by arbitrary Term Limits.

In the same vein, I would not make this Amendment retroactive and I would eliminate the Proviso in The UCO Bylaws which allows the President of UCO to “pack the EB” with up to eight appointed “Political Hacks”

Dave Israel

UCO NEW OFFICE DEDICATION CEREMONY

Top left: Commissioner Jeff Koons, Top right: the Ushers wait to conduct guided tours, Top center: UCO President Loewenstein, VP's Bummolo, Karpf, Davis and Treasurer Tetro cut the ribbon.

----------

The Dedication of the New UCO Office building kicked off a bit after ten O'clock. The Rabbi from Aitz Chaim gave a benediction, Phil shapkin raised the flag and UCO President Loewenstein and County Commissioner Jeff Koons spoke to the assembled crowd of about 100 persons.

----------

The Ushers conducted guided tours of the new building and refreshments were served.

----------

We do not have our certificate of Occupancy quite yet, but it will be issued soon.

-----

Your BLOGMEISTER acted as the photographer; sorry about that microphone Dorothy, these old eyes did not even see it in the viewfinder.

Dave Israel

OPEN LETTER TO UCO

Hi All,
The following was sent by Phyllis Richland:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Editor,

In all the years I served in UCO I have never before witnessed the officers of UCO airing their dirty laundry in the Reporter or in any public forum. This, in my never to be humble opinion, shows a lack of class among the members and another reason why the residents of Century Village are disenchanted with this administration.

Personal attacks between officers and between officers and those who chose to voice their opinion in either an article or a letter to the editor is a sign of disrespect to the office they hold. -

It has been brought to my attention , as I am no longer involved in this administration, that many residents are disillusioned and angry at what is going on within UCO at the top.

When residents came to me with anger and vitriol against an officer or a volunteer in the UCO office I did my best to quell the anger and get to the root cause of it. Now, not being part of UCO, I cannot turn away from this.

After reading what was written in this latest issue of the Reporter I need to step forward and make myself heard.

What I have read in the recent issue saddens me deeply. To think that the inner working of an organization such as UCO is rotting from the inside is a tragedy.

Where is the leadership of this family? The leadership that should protect each member from attacking one another especially in public? Oh, l know.

The leadership is also on the attack. 0h, well !!!!!

Submitted by,
Phyllis Richland

UCO REPORTER RESTRICTIONS

Hi All,
Phyllis Richland posted this in a Comment Stream; with her permission I have made a Post of her input.
Thanks Phyllis,

Dave Israel

I guess we will just have to buy space in the reporter if we want our words heard by the public in the Village.

how interesting that the one time I write a letter to the editor the president refuses to allow the printing of opinions contrary to his or other officers.

Welcome to 1984 and big brother.

What good is the reporter if one cannot voice an opinion in it?

Does censorship ring true to anyone? how dare they , those that sit in a small room and make the decisions as to what gets printed or not.

I was once one of those and thus one of the reasons for my resignation.

God help us all if this continues.

Respectfully submitted by Phyllis Richland

FREEDOM OF OUR PRESS

Hi All,

The First Amendment to the United States Constitution provides that "Congress shall make no law...abridging the freedom...of the press."
---
Although the First Amendment specifically mentions only the federal Congress, this provision now protects the press from all government, whether local, state or federal.
---
The founders of the United States enacted the First Amendment to distinguish their new government from that of England, which had long censored the press and prosecuted persons who dared to criticize the British Crown.
---
As Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart explained in a 1974 speech, the "primary purpose" of the First Amendment was "to create a fourth institution outside the government as an additional check on the three official branches" (the executive branch, the legislature and the judiciary).
---
As difficult as it may be for UCO to understand this concept; the “Freedom of the Press” concept supersedes even the acquisitive power of the Officers of UCO and the Imperial autocracy of the UCO Reporter Editorial Board.

The only connection that the Officers of UCO should have with the UCO Reporter is the right to submit Articles and/or write Letters to the Editor;

specifically, they should have no connection to the Editorial Board, we the Unit Owners own the Reporter and we have the right to expect a free and independent Editorial Board free of undue influence.
---
We do not need to read that which is in essence a filtered and smoothed UCO House organ!
---
The UCO Reporter of November 2008, Volume 27, No. 11 contains writings of Messrs Loewenstein, Karpf, Blank and LaBonte which can only be described as childish travesties on the Body Politic.
---
However; they have the right to their opinion, and all of those writings should have been published under the rubric of Opinion.
---
The right to our opinion and the right to criticize our Elected Officials is a uniquely inherent fundamental American right. Clearly, the above mentioned persons arrogated unto themselves, by virtue of nothing but their positions proximate to the UCO Reporter, the consummate gall to publish their childish screeds.
---
This very right they would now deny to all other Unit Owners to similarly have their inputs published.
---
The restrictions announced on November 3, 2008 by President Loewenstein at the Executive Board meeting as regards publication in the UCO Reporter of critical articles must not be allowed to stand. It is a direct attack on the Democratic principles we hold so dear.

Dave Israel