A VISITOR; AN INSURANCE TALE

A Visitor

Most of our readers are familiar with items placed before them on this BLOG. Perhaps, you would be surprised to learn that I just had a visitor, complaining of my criticism of the poor judgment of the Operations Committee in coping with the insurance “Tsunami” spoken about at the Delegate Assembly.

“Let’s be fair”, said the speaker, who criticized, at the Delegate Assembly, the much higher deductible for this Village, and other three Villages as well. He attempted to clearly lay all blame exclusively at the feet of WPRF. Admittedly, WPRF has some responsibility for the 8 1/2% deductible Zurich required. But being fair, what is their motivation to advocate when ALL DECISIONS rest solely with THE OPERATIONS COMMITTEE, a UCO Committee? WPRF does not collect one additional red cent, challenging rates for Residents of this Village even when our leadership has called them “THIEVES”. The millennium Agreement squarely places all responsibility at the feet of the Operations Committee to approve all expenditures for the fiscal year, prior to implementation! To be clear, the Operations team did nothing but APPROVE this contract and FAIL to PROVIDE THE SAFETY NET that would have reduced the deductible by 1,400,000.00, while they attempted to find a better solution. Unfortunately, their responses came in DECEMBER, well after the OPERATIONS COMMITTEE GAMBLED WITH OUR RISK. We were lucky no storms hit during this enormous exposure to the “tsunami”, about which my visitor complained. DO WE WANT GAMBLERS MANAGING OUR 10 MILLION DOLLAR BUDGET FOR WPRF ANY MORE? WPRF tried to reduce this enormous exposure, but the OPERATIONS COMMITTEE FAILED TO ACT ON IT! My visitor just could not understand this point.

I did learn that the policy for which we pay 683,669.00 for $ 1,000,000.00 coverage has an aggregate of $ 2,000,000.00. I interpret, that to mean our limit is that amount (not unlimited claims for $ 1,000,000.00). Even this cost is prorated to each of the four Villages, so our share is $ 194,000.00. I have communicated with WPRP directly and obtained the explanation. It was reported, at the Delegate Assembly, to be $ 1,000,000.00 coverage only, however when the limit of
$ 2,000,000.00 would be exhausted the $ 30,000,000.00 Umbrella Policy would then cover any claims up to $ 30,000,000.00. This proves the coverage to be more than adequate. It certainly clears up the concern of inadequate coverage as we were informed at the Delegate Assembly!

How do you feel on these issues? Let the U C O Operations Committee KNOW you views!

VOTE your view on March 7, 2008

How to Find a Subject

Hi Dave.

In the beginning didn't you have the title of each post in the left column? I might be remembering wrong, but I thought it would be nice for people to look at all the post titles and immediately get to something that interests them rather than scrolling through all of the posts. I certainly don't mean that is a criticism. I can't even imagine how you set up this blog! But I have noticed when I am looking for something I might have read a week or two ago, sometimes it is hard for me to find it.

Thanks,
Chris

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ADMIN. Reply

Hi Chris,
The posts were not on the left of the main BLOG page, however they are so available on another page as follows;

From the main BLOG page, click "sign in" or "customize" at the upper right.

Then click "dashboard" also at the upper right.

Then click manage: "posts" in the dashboard dialog box.

You will now be at a page with all Post titles listed chronologically from latest to earliest. They are listed 100 per page, back to Day 1 / Post 1.

Another option is , on the main BLOG page, go to "EDIT" at the upper left; click on "EDIT" and on the Drop-Down menu, Click on "Find on this page"
If you plug in the right keyword in the dialog box, you will be taken directly to the Post you want.

Dave

Pictures Around The Village

WPB DOGGIES

elaineb photos
Just for you dog people. The WPB Green Market is always a dog show, sometimes in costume too.
I was trying for 6 small photos but I think there is a 3-limit

ANALOG TO DIGITAL TV TRANSITION

Does anyone have an opinion about what will happen to all of us when in February 2008, all TV programming will go from Analog to Digital? I remember Larry Kall doing an article about this a few months ago. Is it possible that Comcast will be able to convert the signal thru the cable lines? I wonder if that will happen or will we all have to buy boxes for our TVs or get new TVs?

Chrisj

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ADMIN. REPLY:

Hi Chris,
The long awaited Conversion to Digital TV is actually scheduled to occur on February 17th. 2009.

The following snippet from the FCC division of Consumer affairs will prove useful: (The entire article is a highly recommended read)
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REF: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/digitaltv.html

"Why Are Broadcast TV Stations Switching to All-Digital?
Congress mandated the conversion to all-digital television broadcasting, also known as the digital television (DTV) transition, because all-digital broadcasting will free up frequencies for public safety communications (such as police, fire, and emergency rescue). Also, digital is a more efficient transmission technology that allows broadcast stations to offer improved picture and sound quality, as well as offer more programming options for consumers through multiple broadcast streams (multicasting). In addition, some of the freed up frequencies will be used for advanced commercial wireless services for consumers".
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While the "Fire and Safety" usage of the freed-up Spectrum is being given top billing, in reality, the Government is drooling at the prospect of auctioning off large blocks of Frequency Spectrum to major TELCO players who wish to use it to build-out and market Wireless services. One Non-TELCO wannabe in the mix is GOOGLE ; and Billions of dollars are on-deck to bid for the soon to be abandoned Spectrum.

What does this mean to the Unit owners in CV?

Every Unit in CV is wired with Coaxial Cable, over which a number of services are available. These include TV, High Speed INTERNET and Telephony. A special separate MODEM is required for High Speed INTERNET.

If you do not have a Set-Top Cable Box,
(or a Cable Card) you are receiving the CV Contract negotiated Enhanced Basic TV feed. This means that the Coaxial Cable attaches directly to your TV and your TV Tuner must extract and display the various TV channels on your TV set.

The other option is that you have independently contracted with Adelphia/COMCAST to rent a Set-Top Cable Box, in which case you may receive any or all 400+ Channels on the COMCAST system, depending on what services you subscribe to and are willing to pay for.

The Set-Top Cable Box is a Digital TV receiver with Enhanced Computer MODEM Circuitry and is capable of many spiffy tricks!

First of all the Set-Top Cable Box will be able to handle the Digital TV signals and present your TV with a compatible Signal even if your TV is an old style Analog unit. This is true because the Cable Box acts as your TV Tuner and your set is simply acting as a monitor.
Additionally, the Cable Box opens up the world of Pay-TV, Pay per View and Video-On-Demand.

The Cable-Box may be rented from COMCAST for about $5.00/month or, you may purchase a Cable-Box from COMCAST or any other vendor of your choice.

In short! If you have a Cable-Box; you need do nothing you will be totally compatible after Digital Transition occurs.

So; what of the vast majority of you who do not have a Cable-Box, and still have an old style analog TV set?

First of all, do not anticipate that COMCAST will "convert all of the channels in the CV contract Channel block to analog format" This is a complex and expensive proposition, definitely not in the cards!

You will need some sort of Set-Top Box to do the conversion for you, and the most logical way to go is to obtain a COMCAST Cable-Box.

There will be a cheap Converter available funded primarily by a Government issued chit of $40.00, however the Federal Government offer currently precludes those of us on Cable from participating.

Since we are talking about thousands of Cable-Boxes in CV, Larry Kall is attempting to negotiate a deal with COMCAST to supply these boxes for a nominal rental of $3.00/month. Also, if you have more than one TV set, each one will require it's own Cable-Box, at an additional fee.

Then comes the problem of installing these boxes in every unit! Some of you will have no problem doing this yourself, but many will require the assistance of a Technician to do so. Clearly, depending on the final negotiated deal, there could be additional costs involved.

So, keeping in mind that February 2009 is still a year away, there is no need to panic, just keep alert to your options and all things will work out in due course.
It goes without saying; if you buy a new TV between now and February 2009, be sure it is Digital TV ready and Cable Ready. This will preclude the need for any sort of Set-Top converter to receive our Basic contract TV Feed.

I hope this is helpful information

Dave

GOOD DEALS & FREEBIES

· The Carvery is terrific value and boy they do know how to cook meats, so tender. They advertise in the UCO Reporter.
· Free drinks for seniors at Taco Bell. I am told you can go in and drink without buying anything. I have not tried that. No coffee, all drinks are high fructose corn syrup mixes, unhealthy.
· Free fruit in CV, ask permission if close to building. At various seasons, calamondin, kumquats, tangerines, papayas, loquats, avocadoes, rare tropical fruits. Oh yeah, coconuts.
· Free food at nearby casinos, I have not tried that either.
· Free compost and mulch at the SWA.
That’s not much of a list, I hear you cry. Well, that is because now YOU can list your ideas.

EXERCISE VIDEO

Hi All,
A little humor to brighten your day!
thanks to Ken Davis;

http://www.newsday.com/news/opinion/ny-walt-babyboomers-blurb,0,1036393.blurb

Vision Statement

BOB MARSHALL'S PLAN FOR CENTURY VILLAGE


Century Village WPB is a wonderful place to live. It is also a great place to spend only a few weeks or months during the season. However it is my opinion, living could be made less stressful for the unit owners.
One of the ideas that I'd like to investigate would be the hiring of professional management for the village. In my opinion what exists today does not work well. Changing the management every two to four years just does not make good sense. I'd envision a person who functions in much the same manner as a Town Manager. This needs to be investigated and I'd begin this analysis early in the my term.

Most of us need to visit the Clubhouse to see about tickets or to acquire guest passes etc., so why not be able to acquire your transponder and/or gatepasses at the same time in the same place? All of this integration of function can be accomplished if we are coorperative with WPRF rather than litigious and adversarial.
As the Clubhouse was being designed and renovated, plans were in place to have a card reader system in place, at the entrance to the indoor pool and at the North door under the library. This would have allowed handicapped folks to park reasonably close to the North door and enter the building directly, rather than having to go to the front door. This system would also allow for the folks who use the indoor pool to enter from the Southwest door. This becomes especially important during a rainstorm. Oh yes, also installed at those doors would be a TV camera. Anyone tailgating would loose his or her right to use the remote entry into the Clubhouse for a period of time. This is not a police action but rather a heightened effort at keeping the facility secure. Had these systems been installed as the building opened much of the stress in the current offices could have been eliminated.

I'd like to see a realistic reevaluation of rebuilding 2102 (The proposed UCO office building). The newspaper has worked from its current location for years and there is no reason the finance folks could not work from there as well. This reevaluation probably could not happen until after the arbitration case is completed. It is difficult to negotiate with someone after you called them a “thief” and a “liar”!
The investigation department needs some major reevaluation. Florida law dictates the maximum amount that a prospective unit owner or renter may be charged. The vendor’s cost for this service is rapidly reaching these limits.
Since the collapse of old Communist Empires and the horrors of 9/11, we have prospective owners coming to our gates from the far corners of the globe. Investigations require a total revamping, in recognition of the Fact that one size does, indeed, not fit all. We need a Professional investigator, who knows how to develop Global Reach in the process; we need to know who is seeking to inhabit our buildings, unfortunately, in some cases, costs may rise, but this is driven by our need to enhance our Security.
I will contact the State offices to inquire of their plans, if any, to increase that amount, inquire of other potential companies offering the necessary services and also inquire of other ways to obtain the necessary information to do these checks, affordably. Perhaps we need to contact some of the Fortune 500 companies and inquire into their needs and ability to collect this data. Perhaps the incoming Manager will have had experience and can make recommendations as to how to accomplish all of this with modern computers and software technology.

On day one I will ask for a list of all Reserve accounts and any activity into or out of these funds in the past two years. I will also request a copy of all minutes showing what the activities were or were supposed to be. (Our Financial accounts must be in accord with professional standards and all costs must be transparent and fully funded in our budget.) Also on day one I'll request an analysis of the Roads Bridges and Walkways reserve account along with whatever information exists determining what the cost of repaving the roadways will be and when this repaving will need to be done. We need to update any existing figures, considering wear and tear and the major increases in the cost of petroleum products.

Someone had asked earlier about the level of communications during my previous term. There was a discussion in the blog area for that question, however it needs repeating for anyone who may not have had access to that part of the blog. I firmly believe that we did the best we could under the existing circumstances. Admittedly our effort lacked coverage. Upon election, we will resume planning and implementation of modern Television on Channel 63! This will consist of people, News, Real time coverage of events such as Committee meetings; in short 21st. century service to our residents. The communications with the unit owners, especially regarding the Operations Committee, needs to be enhanced.
Step one, would be to have the Operations Committee meetings held either in the party room, Classroom C, or in the Theater. They should be held much like the County Commissioners hold their meetings,with allowance for hearing from unit owners on major financial projects and expenditures. The Operating budget for WPRF and the UCO budget need to be presented with much greater detail.

No one who is interested should be surprised to hear that benches and birdhouses were included in the budget and since you voted for them, you are getting them! The budget should be presented at the regularly called meeting, as called for in the Millennium agreement. Also on day one I'll inquire of WPRF as to whether these benches and birdhouses may be installed. After all the waterways and the land close to the water is owned and controlled by the WPRF management.

Lastly, for now, this Village needs to be reunited. The divide and conquer mentality must be eliminated. This Village is owned and occupied, mostly, by rational, caring people.
WE must stop the “ONE” from “governing the Village”!

TO RECAP!

1) Hire Professional management for the Village.
2) Consolidate UCO and WPRF service such as; Passes, ID’s Tickets,
Transponders…on networked computers in the Clubhouse; “One Stop Shopping”.
3) Card reader enabled entry to the Clubhouse via building end and rear entrances.
4) Reevaluate the need for an expensive new UCO building.
5) Bring Investigations up to a post 9/11 standard with Global Reach.
6) Bring UCO finances up to Generally Approved Accounting Procedures; make finances transparent and fully budget and fund all approved Line Items.
7) Reconstitute the Roads, Bridges and Walkways Budget line and bring it up to date as to need and budgeting.
8) Implement a modern Channel 63 TV capability and enhance Communications to achieve total transparency.
9) Bring the Operations Committee, and the millions of dollars that it spends. Into the light of day.
10) Examine all beautification projects and do what make sense and is possible, on UCO land.
11) End the litigious and adversarial atmosphere and reunite the Village; restore a professional and cordial relationship with WPRF.

What is YOUR VIEW? I would like to know!

Bob Marshall

ARBITRARY ACTION

UCO Candidate selection Ouija Board

ARBITRARY ACTION

One of the major accomplishments of the Marshall Administration was the generation of written “Standard Operating Procedures” (SOP) for many UCO functions and also for the operation of certain key Committees. The use of SOP is the mark of any Professional organization, and results in a uniform process, thus eliminating variable and arbitrary practice. This work was unfinished, and subsequently abandoned by Loewenstein & Co. The result of this lack of guidance has had particularly Dictatorial effect in the Nominating Committee! Lacking a Mission and Function statement, this Committee makes its Candidate Selections based on Ouija Board logic and Party loyalty! Worse yet; they craft their rejection decisions based on zero formal criteria. It is difficult enough to recruit the best talent in the Village to volunteer, without a layer of Mustache Petes making arbitrary decisions in camera. Should we allow this arbitrary autocracy to continue? Should Loewenstein and Co. be re-elected??
LoT

LOEWENSTEIN & CO. CHIEF ACCOMPLISHMENTS

LOEWENSTEIN & CO. CHIEF ACCOMPLISHMENTS

WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM THE UCO ELECTION IN MARCH?

FOLLOWING ARE THE KEY “ACCOMPLISHMENTS” OF THE CURRENT LOEWENSTEIN ADMINISTRATION:

1) VICE PRESIDENT MYRON SOLOMON DRAGGED THE VILLAGE INTO A MAJOR LEGAL QUAGMIRE BY LAUNCHING A LAW SUIT IN VIOLATION OF THE MILLENIUM AGREEMENT PRIOR TO REQUIRED NEGOTIATION AND ARBITRATION; THIS POORLY CONCEIVED ACTION WAS VIGOROUSLY SUPPORTED BY PRESIDENT LOEWENSTEIN AND THE UCO OFFICERS TEAM; SHOULD THEY BE RE-ELECTED?

2) VICE PRESIDENT HOWIE SILVER, BASED ON WORK ACCOMPLISHED BY THE PREVIOUS MARSHALL ADMINISTRATION, PUT A DEGRADED VERSION OF CHANNEL 63 ON THE AIR WHICH EXHIBITS 1940’s LEVEL TECHNOLOGY IN LIEU OF A MARSHALL PLANNED PROFESSIONAL TV FORMAT; SHOULD HOWIE BE RE-ELECTED?

3) CURRENTLY WE ARE IN ARBITRATION, OUR CASE IS DUBIOUS AT BEST! WE ARE PAYING OUR LEGAL FEES WITH MONEY TAKEN FROM OTHER, BUDGETED, CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE LINE ITEMS, THIS IS THE “PLAN” OF THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION, AN INTERESTING PROBLEM COMES OUT OF DEPLETING ESTABLISHED BUDGET LINES FOR THESE LEGAL COSTS; SHOULD WE IN FACT RECEIVE ANY AWARD FROM THE ARBITRATION PROCESS, IT WOULD BE PAID TO THE RESIDENTS, NOT TO UCO, HENCE RESTORING THE BUDGET INTEGRITY WOULD BE GREATLY DELAYED; SHOULD THEY BE RE-ELECTED?

4) THE LOEWENSTEIN TEAM HAS FAILED TO BUDGET FOR LEGAL EXPENSES WHICH HAVE NO FORESEEABLE LIMIT; SHOULD THEY BE RE-ELECTED?

5) THE LOEWENSTEIN TEAM HAS FAILED TO DISCLOSE, OR TO PROPERLY BUDGET FOR, THE COSTS OF SHORELINE RESTORATION OF OUR LAKES AND CANALS, WHICH WILL COST, IF DONE PROPERLY, BETWEEN 3 MILLION AND 8 MILLION DOLLARS; SHOULD THEY BE RE-ELECTED?

6) THE LOEWENSTEIN TEAM HAS FAILED TO BUDGET FOR A POTENTIAL INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLE OF $2,400,000.00 A LIABILITY OF $305.00 PER UNIT; SHOULD THEY BE RE-ELECTED?

7) THE OPPORTUNITY, NEGOTIATED BY THE MARSHALL TEAM, TO INSTALL MAJOR UCO FUNCTIONS IN THE CLUBHOUSE, AND IN COORDINATION WITH WPRF, TO PROVIDE “ONE STOP SHOPPING” FOR SUCH PRODUCTS AS PASSES, TICKETS, ID’s TRANSPONDERS, ALL ON COMMON COMPUTER NETWORKS; HAS BEEN SQUANDERED BY LOEWENSTEIN INCITED PERSONAL ANIMOSITY WITH WPRF; SHOULD HE BE RE-ELECTED?

8) LEGAL CONFLICT WITH WPRF, PRECLUDING FUNCTIONAL INTEGRATION OF KEY UCO TASKS IN THE CLUBHOUSE, NOW HAS LED TO THE POORLY PLANNED “NEED” TO CONSTRUCT A NEW UCO OFFICE BUILDING AT GREAT COST, SHOULD THIS TAJ MAHAL OF PERSONAL AGGRANDIZEMENT OF THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION BE ALLOWED TO PROCEED? SHOULD WE ALLOW THIS TO GO ON BY RE-ELECTING THE GANG THAT CAN’T SHOOT STRAIGHT?

9) WHAT GAVE THIS CREW THE DIVINE RIGHT TO TURN OVER OUR PROPRIETARY FINANCIAL DATA TO THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY? WHAT GAVE THIS CREW, WHO’S FUNCTION, IS STRICTLY ADVISORY IN NATURE, THE IMPERIAL AUTHORITY TO DISPERSE INSPECTORS ONTO OUR ROOFS TO PRODUCE CONCOCTED FAILURE REPORTS? IN THE END WHAT WILL THIS ARROGATION OF POWER COST THIS VILLAGE? THE FOLLOWING RECITATION OF BAD JUDGEMENT SHOULD PROVE INSTRUCTIVE!

10) Failure: to uphold the oath of office of President of UCO.

11) Failure: to offer a limited apology to avoid the lawsuit by WPRF.

12) Failure: to offer an apology to a contractor that President Loewenstein personally denigrated, thus resulting in a $ 50,000.00 bill.

13) Failure: By, allowing the Nominating Committee to reject candidate applicants without any criteria, for the first time in the 24 year history of UCO.

14) Failure: to follow UCO by-laws, by requiring prior notice to attend Committee Meetings.

15) Failure: to provide an open forum for the WPRF/Operations Committee meetings, as required by the By-laws, this Committee operates in the dark and spends millions of dollars of our money, with virtually no constraints!

16) Failure: to allow open, uncensored discussions on the CV website/forum, a UCO sponsored function.

17) Failure: to maintain a properly updated reserve for the repaving of the Village. The fund has not been reappraised for 6 years!

18) Failure: by creating and encouraging the unnecessary animosity between Residents and WPRF.

19) SO! WHAT ARE THEIR STRONG POINTS? CONSTANT COMPLAINTS: “IT’S ALWAYS SOMEONE ELSE’S FAULT”; POOR JUDGEMENT; LACK OF CRITICAL THINKING; POOR PRIOR PLANNING IN ALL THINGS, ARROGATION OF POWER, EXCEEDING THEIR AUTHORITY; IN SHORT, A SOLID ABILITY TO SCREW UP ANYTHING THEY TOUCH! REALLY!! SHOULD WE GIVE THIS "KING MIDAS IN REVERSE" THE OPPORTUNITY TO SINK US DEEPER INTO THE QUAGMIRE OF EXPENSE AND ABJECT FAILURE? LINCOLN IS REPUTED TO HAVE SAID; “IF YOU WANT TO TEST A MAN’S CHARACTER; GIVE HIM POWER” WELL, LOEWENSTEIN & CO. HAVE BEEN GIVEN POWER AND THEIR CHARACTER HAS BEEN FOUND WANTING!!! SINCE THEY WILL NOT DO THE MORALLY CORRECT THING AND RESIGN, I SAY;

“THROW THE BUMS OUT”

LoT

"BUDGET Giveaway"

This is almost as bad as “FREE Roof Inspections”, to give away our budgets to the Insurance Company so they would “reduce the deductible”? The Insurance Application does not ask for that at all!

I asked for documentation of this requirement and NEVER received any response. The Insurance industry has employees that analyze risks so that the company may properly price the premium.

I would not be surprised for other elements of our Insurance to request budgets, and find that those who maintain their own reserves may see increases in their premiums. Even this policy might do that!

Even the EXPLANATION left some believing their LOSS DEDUCTIBLE for Storm Damage went DOWN TO $ 5,000.00 from the 2% of value, approximating more than
$ 30,000.00. I only hope during budget deliberations that most Associations were not confused. Otherwise, many Unit Owners “will be up in arms”.

What’s your view, we would all like to know?

Ed Black

"FREE Roof Inspections"

Certain things attract my “undivided attention”, like unwanted
“FREE Roof Inspection”!
My Association received one and it cost us to re-inspect “those cited” items and others they didn’t even SEE!

I will never understand how anyone would authorize a “Free Roof Inspection” for all Associations without the “consent” of any Association. Most of us have better things to do than overcome faulty reporting, which, if you fail to so do, could be grounds for the Insurance Company to refuse to pay you Storm claim!

I could not even be sure that the pictures included in the report were of my Association’s roof. Besides, shouldn’t the condition of the paint, caulk, and cement work have ALL been included in this “FREE” report?

Do we really want to have multiple people on our roof, at all? If we want an inspection, wouldn’t it be better for the repairs to be made the same day, rather than days or weeks later.
What’s your view, we all would like to know!

Ed Black

HELP THE BLOG

LoT and the rest had better get on with it or this will be our Blog. Give Blog URL and info to all your friends.

(Internet photo)

JUST THE FACTS

To Messrs. Bob Marshall and Ed Black:

Your posts have been noticed. They seem sincere. Would it be feasible for you to allot a small ad in the condo paper advising its residents that they may discern what you have to declare unfiltered firsthand on this blog? Just a proffer.

PREPARE FOR THE UNVARNISHED TRUTH

Hello,
This is simply a test, but soon, The Light of Truth shall shine and you shall be enlightened. Be prepared.
LoT

CV PICS DU JOUR

This is where the reclaimed water comes in when it comes. Is beautification our job or the Water Co. they did create a berm? Riparian plantings in the Water Co. property next to Sussex, will protect their banks against erosion (When the pickerel weeds, etc. grow). This is how it is done.

Accomplishments of Bob Marshall's Administration

Several of you have asked that I try to recall some of the accomplishments of our administration. Keep in mind please that this covered the 2004 to2006 time period.

During the election process the item that seemed to be on many minds was the Millennium Agreement and whether or not it could be overturned, changed or just eliminated. We made several inquiries to legal firms including Rod Tennyson and Sacs and Sacs, who were the originators of the agreement.

We requested a formal inquiry and opinion from Gunster and Yoakley, an old and very respected firm of attorneys. These folks told us that while this agreement was not a very good one, we had lived with it for several years and trying to make any changes at that time would cost a prohibitive amount and probably not be successful. So we set out to make some accomplishments in other areas.

One of the largest accomplishments was the rapid recovery from the three hurricanes of those years. Yes, three hurricanes. I was not here for the previous 30 years but I understand that these were the first hurricanes to hit Century Village, WPB. So why if none for thirty years did we have to handle three in two years?!

Yes, I'm including the recovery efforts with the Clubhouse in these accomplishments. When all of the dust had settled it took one year to rebuild. The first permit was issued in May and it was reopened the following May. By far most of the reconstruction or the planning was accomplished during this administration. Oh yes, I do understand that the current administration tried to take all of the credit but you know what was done, when and who did it.
The local charities were extremely good to all of the residents but the coordinating took a lot of time and work. By the time the third one hit and we got it cleaned up, we were known as people who knew how to get things done and done right. In the office we found that the clerical staff had no Process and Procedure manuals to help them in their decision making process. Manuals were written for most of the activities. This gave the volunteers a place to research a question if they felt uncomfortable answering a question with their limited experience.

The UCO office was brought into the real computer age with computers networked. The one stop shopping concept was being developed as the Clubhouse recovery proceeded. This needs further discussion but I'll save that for a later submission.

The fire in the Wellington building is another example of how we worked for the unit owners. The roofing contractor had placed the tar heating apparatus on the roof, in violation of the law. When this heater caught fire it burned through the roof and the fire and resulting water damaged several apartments. I believe it was 10 or 12 apartments that were without electricity late in the afternoon. We held the contractors feet to the fire, brought an electrician to the site and restored the electricity to those apartments that permitted resident to return to their homes.

More to come when the brain releases more from core memory!

Bob Marshall

SIC TRANSIT PC

Sic transit gloria mundi (as over blog clock) is a Latin phrase that means "Thus passes the glory of the world". It has been interpreted as "Fame is fleeting” and “worldly things do not last” neither do computers - I am repeatedly informed that my 4yr-old laptop is obsolete, not supported etc, etc.!! Only 4 years old ! just venting …

INTERNET HOAXES/MINOR FRAUDS

The Australian PM speech being passed around CV is a phony from cowardly fanatics.
The Self CPR - cough CPR is phony dangerous advice.
You can check out all these scary and unlikely advisories that are only on the internet, by a keyword search at http://www.snopes.com/info/search/search.asp

If you like wild and crazy rumors they are all at Snopes Urban Legends http://www.snopes.com/snopes.asp
But do not be a slacktivist.

AN INTOLERABLE FRAUD (NY TIMES)

February 8, 2008
An envelope arrived in our office the other day. It had the bulky, tawdry look of junk mail: pink and lavender Easter eggs, a plastic address window and a photo of a young man in fatigue shorts using crutches to stand on his only leg. “Thousands of severely wounded troops are suffering,” it read. “Will you help this Easter"

It was a plea for money from the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes, one of the worst private charities — but hardly the only — that have been shamefully milking easy cash from the suffering and heartache caused by the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The coalition and its sister organization, Help Hospitalized Veterans, were among a dozen military-related charities given a grade of F in a study last December by the American Institute of Philanthropy, a nonprofit watchdog group. These and other charities have collected hundreds of millions of dollars from kind-hearted Americans and squandered an unconscionable amount of it on overhead and expenses — 70 percent or 80 percent, or more. The usual administrative outlay for a reputable charity is about 30 percent. Money that donors surely assumed was going to ease the pain and speed the healing of injured soldiers went instead to junk-mail barrages, inflated executive salaries and other forms of corporate-style bloat.

It’s all legal. There is very little regulation in the charity game, and if someone like Roger Chapin, the “nonprofit entrepreneur” who founded the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes and Help Hospitalized Veterans, wants to mismanage your money, he has great leeway in doing so. His veterans’ charities raised more than $168 million from 2004 to 2006, but spent only a pittance — about 25 percent — to help veterans. The rest, nearly $125 million, went to fund-raising, administrative expenses, fat salaries and perks. Mr. Chapin gave himself and his wife $1.5 million in salary, bonuses and pension contributions over those three years, including more than $560,000 in 2006. The charities also reimbursed the Chapins more than $340,000 for meals, hotels, entertainment and other expenses, and paid for a $440,000 condominium and a $17,000 golf-club membership.

And what did the soldiers get? Try almost $18.8 million in “charitable” phone cards sent to troops overseas in 2006 — not to let them call their families, but rather to call up a stateside business that sells sports scores.

Representative Henry Waxman, Democrat of California, whose Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has held hearings on the issue and documented the above abuses, has rightly called the conduct of charities like Mr. Chapin’s “an intolerable fraud.”

Mr. Waxman deserves credit for exposing it, but Congress should follow through with stricter oversight and disclosure rules so Americans don’t have to rely on House committee hearings to know where their money is being misspent.

Meanwhile, if you happen to get a mailing from the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes, by all means open it. Look the contents over — the glossy bunny greeting card, the earnest letter from the retired Brig. Gen. Chip Diehl — then shred or recycle it or both. And think of what Mr. Chapin told the House committee when asked what would happen if his charities ever told donors where their money went.

“If we disclose, which I’m more than happy to do,” he said, “we’d all be out of business. Nobody would donate. It would dry up.”

A little humor!

Hi all. Hope this isn’t a little too risqué for the Blog – but I thought it was cute and wanted to share it with all my lady friends out there. If I offend anyone, I apologize. Be well all.
Chris

In case you missed it on 60 Minutes, this is what Andy Rooney thinks about women over 40:

60 Minutes Correspondent Andy Rooney (CBS)

As I grow in age, I value women over 40 most of all. Here are just a few reasons why:

A woman over 40 will never wake you in the middle of the night and ask, "What are you thinking?" She doesn't care what you think.

If a woman over 40 doesn't want to watch the game , she doesn't sit around whining about it. She does something she wants to do, and it's usually more interesting.

Women over 40 are dignified. They seldom have a screaming match with you at the opera or in the middle of an expensive restaurant. Of course, if you deserve it, they won't hesitate to shoot you if they think they can get away with it.

Older women are generous with praise, often undeserved. They know what it's like to be unappreciated.

Women get psychic as they age. You never have to confess your sins to a woman over 40. Once you get past a wrinkle or two, a woman over 40 is far sexier than her younger counterpart.

Older women are forthright and honest. They'll tell you right off if you are a jerk if you are acting like one. You don't ever have to wonder where you stand with her.

Yes, we praise women over 40 for a multitude of reasons. Unfortunately, it's not reciprocal. For every stunning, smart, well-coiffed, hot woman over 40, there is a bald, paunchy relic in yellow pants making a fool of himself with some 22-year old waitress. Ladies, I apologize. For all those men who say, "Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?", here's an update for you. Nowadays 80% of women are against marriage. Why? Because women realize it's not worth buying an entire pig just to get a little sausage!Andy Rooney is a really smart guy!
Femmes & Fellas,

Insurance Deductibles

After the hurricanes, many of us were surprised just how large each Association’s deductible had become. I just received the “appraisal” for insurance on my Associations Condominium Policy and the value HAS GONE UP.
A 24 Unit Building now has a valuation of $ 1,880,044.00 and the deductible would be 2% of that, for a new total of $ 37,600.88. That is nearly $ 1,566.00 per Unit Owner!

While we did not have these figures during our budget deliberations, it should be brought to the Attention of Unit Owners, in my opinion.

Why then do we have to ask for the increase in value? Why doesn’t UCO automatically provide this – perhaps at the delegate Assembly, as a handout?

Shouldn’t all information affecting the cost of living here be made public as a matter of regular business practice?


I think it should, how do you feel, what does your delegate think?

Vial of Life for emergency responders

I like the online Vial of Life form better than the old hand written ones, but if you want the green alert sticker for your windows you have to phone in for those.
The Vial of Life is a form for personal and medical info that should be completed for each family member. The completed form(s) are to be placed in the plastic pouch provided and attached to the refrigerator so it is accessible to emergency responders. It is vital that this information be kept updated as physicians and medications change. http://www.pbcfr.org/vial_of_life.asp

photo test

Medium size photos, Capt John and Mike, I didn't say which.
What kind of horse is that, very slender legs, not a battle horse?

A picture is worth a thousand words, thanks Elaine for helping to demonstrate the capability of the BLOG, Let's see lots of Photos.

The Pooch by the way, is Tyson The Skate Boarding Bulldog, check him out in GOOGLE images!

Dave

ON ROUTE, THE PALM TRAN CONNECTION

Hi All,
Anyone interested in Palm Tran will find the following Newsletter interesting:

http://www.pbcgov.com/palmtran/marketing/pdf/OnRoute/NewsletterNov07.pdf

Dave

RECLAIMED WATER

Hi All,
The long awaited reclaimed water has been turned on, keep your eyes on the Lakes and Canals for the resultant effect.
Dave

Insurance Costs

At the Delegate Assembly we were also told we pay $ 700,000.00 for $ 1,000,000.00 in for liability coverage, including the complaint that “its too much for only $ 1,000,000.00!

All four villages are covered by this policy, and we pay our pro-rata share, as we always have. The coverage provides $ 1,000,000.00 PER INCIDENT! That coverage protects all incidents UP TO $ 1,000,000.00 FOR ALL FOUR VILLAGES.

If each Village had multiple incidents and claims by residents falling and each claim cost $ 1,000,000.00, and all are covered, why was someone complaining about this cost?

Most cases are for smaller amounts, but each incident IS COVERED UP TO 1 MILLION, without limits on the number of cases involved.

This is a good plan – so far as I can see!

We need professionals to speak to these kinds of issues, so we GET THE FACTS!

TOWN HALL MEETING

FEBRUARY 7, 2008

CLUBHOUSE

1:30 PM

Concerning the Palm Tran Connection and NEW procedures!

ADMIN. IN ACTION

Hi All,
Hello BLOGGERS, this is your Admin. speaking!
Just a few reminders;

1) Our Poll will close in a few hours, please consider voting.

2) We now have 29 persons who have registered to Post New subjects. Consider joining the ranks of Authors and Post Questions or Answers or interesting Information; send your Email to me at nsasigint@comcast.net I will then send you an invitation; follow the instructions and you will be a BLOG enabled Poster!

3) We now have 231 unique visitors to our BLOG; spread the word, help others Log-In. Keep your only Uncensored Communications Channel vibrant, relevant and growing.

Dave

UCO shirts

I noticed people in the town of Okeechobee wearing shirts printed with large UCO. Apparently it stands for 'us crackers only', there is also a 'for us crackers only'. I think it means the southern heritage and the good country stuff is for us crackers only. You can buy them at Dixie Outfitting.

HELLO

We are new to the area. So far, we love your posts. Can we say that we also love Hillary, and suggest you think hard about who should be the next person in the White House?

This is not a race problem, nor is it a gender problem; it is a common sense referral. She has already had eight years of White House problems and left it with a zero national debt, and no wars during the eight years of her joint tenure with her husband Bill.

Now, you may not like Bill because he fooled around; it seems throughout history, most of our presidents, generals and kings have done the same thing. It is almost like a rite of passage. So, ignore what Bill did and just concentrate on the kind of experience living in the White House daily can give a person after eight years. I believe she will make an excellent president.

Remember, this is a free country, and that's only my belief; you can do as you please.

“TSUNAMI”

I have had comments that the first version of my writing on the "Tsunami" was somewhat difficult to understand. I will try to make it clearer.

During 2007, the insurance marketplace was still reeling from the increase in major storm activity, and our insurance company (WPRF’s Insurance), Zurich, believed raising our deductible could reasonably reduce their risk. The actual deductible was $ 2,400,000.00.
The team at WPRF sought to reduce that increase in the deductible by seeking another insurance company to offer coverage for part of the deductible. The company would insure
$ 1,400,000.00 for a price of $ 194,000.00 or about $ 2.06 per month per unit. That means Unit Owners would be responsible for only $ 1,000,000.00 deductible, which remains in our WPRF Reserve fund!

Those responsible at WPRF emphasized their understanding that the agent, offering the additional coverage “reducing the deductible by offering a policy for $ 1,400,000.00”, was open to extending the coverage “for two hurricane seasons” – both 2007 and 2008.

The election of one does not crown that person as entitled to make decisions without the counsel of his/her peers. Even though the Operations Committee has no responsibility to provide a vote for such items at the Delegate Assembly, clearly to choose to do nothing is precisely “poor judgment”.

What is difficult to understand is why we heard nothing about this until 6 month into the policy and 3 month into the WPRF budget year. The Operations Committee choose not to include this additional premium in our payments, LEAVING US WITH THIS, to quote others,
“TSUNAMI”. Blaming WPRF is totally WRONG. It was a UCO Operations Committee mistake that will cost each of us $ 305.00 if a storm hits when if included in the budget – our costs would have been $ 25.00 out of pocket

Why do we hear only the views that make our UCO Administration look good?
When will they permit us to participate in those issues WE believe important.?
Why did anyone FAIL TO IMPLEMENT this PROTECTION FOR THIS VILLAGE?
It truly is time for change – tell your delegates – this disregard of the Delegate Assembly is just plain irresponsible.

VISTA BLUES

I have been getting a deluge of bad luck (including the Patriots.) So here I am again with a new pc and Vista. The most popular FAQ on Vista is "Can I uninstall it". Ahah!
I refuse to buy $150 new software to go with Vista.
I refuse to pay HP to solve their own problems on my old pc.
I refuse to pay MS svc pac 2 ditto.
I paid $40 for an unreturnable transfer cable which will not work because I do not have svc pac 2 etc.
If anyone has been down the Vista road transferring WP docs from XP let me know if you are available for occasional questions.
I could just use notepad or join CVCC! TIA

Easements

Would anyone know if the Board of Director of an Association has the right to re assign the parking spaces of the owners in the building?

“A Tsunami”? Just who is responsible?

At the Delegate assembly, we heard how WPRF now has a $ 2,600,000.00 Insurance Deductible, (a Tsunami).
WOW! I am wondering why we never heard that because of WPRF’s concern for that large amount, they pursued a “reinsurance” and for $ 1.00 per month per Unit, the deductible would have been reduced FOR 2 HURRICANE SEASONS (2007 and 2008). THE NEW REDUCED deductible came in at $ 1,000,000.00 for BOTH YEARS.
Why didn’t we hear that?
Why didn’t we have a voice in whether to put that into the budget? Why does the OPERATIONS COMMITTEE continue to make decisions without clearly discussing these very important issues with the Delegate Assembly? Now that they are at odds with WPRF, isn’t UCO to blame for the Tsunami?

If you believe a CHANGE is MANDATORY…..Tell your Delegate how you feel….
They alone can vote for the CHANGE.

Please print and post on your bulletin boards and help get the word out!

ROAD TRIP PLANNING, MAPS AND ROUTES

Hi All,

Thanks to Ken Davis for this great travel reference.
Click on the title of this Post, or on the following URL:

http://www.milebymile.com/

This will be a permanent link on the Side Bar also for future reference.
Dave

CV GATE CLOSINGS AND OPENINGS

The following was posted on the CV Q & A; since it clearly exceeds the latest guidlines of that Forum (Tile person, Plumber, High School Reunion), It is being answered here.

Author: MarcVelonis (---.234.21.25.Dial1.Miami1.Level3.net)
Date: 02-03-08 07:50

What are the west and east gate hours, that they are open and closed?

Marc,
I have checked this with the Chair of the Security Committee; Al McGlaughlin.

The closing hours are 12 Midnight. The opening has been changed to 5:00 AM to accomodate those who must exit early for work.
Dave

BOB MARSHALL NOMINATED FOR UCO PRESIDENT FROM FLOOR OF DELEGATE ASSEMBLY

Robert S. (Bob) Marshall
60 Coventry C 561-683-4663

Bob.smarshall@gmail.com

Century Village President Emeritus UCO 2006-2008
President UCO 2004-2006

President of Coventry C Association.
Vice President Coventry A & Norwich L.

Florida - CurrentVolunteer in Sheriffs office in the Seniors vs Crime dept.

Capital Budget Committee for Town of Bourne Massachusetts.
Participated in budget planning for all Town Departments.

Finance Committee Town of Bourne A member of this committee for approximately 10 years, the last 5 as chair.

Planned approx 30 million budget for presentation at town meeting.

Town Assessor, Town of Stow, MA.

Responsible for the accurate valuation of all property and the issuance of all property tax bills. Elected position.

Bobs Home Services: A business I formed and developed and operated after taking an early retirement from Digital.

DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION Manager of an Engineering group for Image and Information responsibilities.

Brought department from a paper and microfilm medium to online availability. Responsible for budgets both Capital and Operating in excess of 5 million dollars.

AETNA LIFE AND CASUALTY Spent approximately 15 years at Aetna, Manager of their Records and Micrographic Department.

Duties included managing a budget of 2-3 million dollars and the activities of over one hundred employees.

Education:Western Illinois University

Personal:Married to Mollie Two Children, Seven Grandchildren, all boys!

ELECTION THOUGHTS

WHY WOULD ANYONE WANT TO RUN FOR THE OFFICE OF PRESIDENT OF UCO?

This is a question I’ve been asking myself for several months now. Most of the time the answer has been “do not run for office, run as fast as you can, go in the opposite direction. Now go faster!
The balance of the time I have felt guilty knowing how little most of the unit owners know about the financial situations in the Village. I’ve decided to try to inform as many folks as possible and if you appreciate the answers perhaps together we can change the present course. WOW! CHANGE. Isn’t that the buzzword today?
Most are not totally aware of the status of the arbitration situation. The full facts have not been published in the lawsuit between WPRF and George.
Some assume that the money put into the WPRF budget this year will pay for the erosion situation. I’ve been told that the survey is complete and being analyzed but the real question will be “what is the total cost”?
Where is the money coming from to repay the reserve fund or roads and bridges? When should this happen? When is it budgeted for?
Come to the blog (http://davesblogandchat.blogspot.com/),

identify yourself, ask your question and I’ll attempt to answer it.
Let’s educate and enhance the knowledge of the unit owners.

GO TO HOME PAGE

Remember when some of us were clumsy using the back button multiple times, after wandering the blog pages. I just realized that when you are in comment areas you can click on the big orange CVBLOGANDCHAT at top left and it returns you to the home page in one step. What can I say, non-intuitive Florida blonde!