October Update
I can’t say much more other than this was my worst month with regard to my time on the CROA Board (in the eight so far). However it was the best when it comes to community and justice. What follows is my recap of my experiences in October on the CROA Board of Directors:
As mentioned in the September Update, the Celebration URL (website address) was changed without Board knowledge or approval. This incorrect website address was intentionally printed by Grand Manors direction in the Celebration News magazine on every page. (more on this below, including resolution)
The community-wide survey for Grand Manors mid-year review concluded on October 4. 631 residents responded. When asked “Would you recommend Grand Manors to others as a management company?” residents responded 20% yes, 60% no, and 20% other.
On Monday, October 9th there was an Emergency Meeting held to censure board member Jared Wise (myself) and limit his communications and access to CROA information extensively. The draft resolution presented at the meeting was seeking to censure Mr. Wise for his statement on this blog (specifically, this document here.) More information on events leading up to this topic can be found here.
It was made clear at the meeting that Mr. Charles Richards was the sole individual who called for this action. Shortly after the blog post, Mr. Richards called Ms. Swisher, saying “Just so you know, I have called Tom [Slaten, CROA attorney]. I am absolutely livid about what I’m seeing on the back porch.” He told her “He wanted this fixed.”
Mr. Richards insisted on legal action against Mr. Wise at the time of the post and the day following. (Mr. Richards later attempted to backtrack on his call to action after overwhelming community opposition to the action, however the meeting was not canceled, as Ms. Swisher, who made multiple attempts to contact Mr. Richards, could not reach him as he was not answering calls or e-mails.)
Ms. McFadden made it clear that Mr. Richards was “very upset and very angry” about the e-mail in question, and that Mr. Richards didn’t respect the board (“your peers”) as he didn’t wait for an answer to his e-mail, but rather “simultaneously stuck it on social media for the world to see rather than let us discuss it as a board.” At no point did any board member, any management staff member, or any attorney reach out to Mr. Wise directly to discuss the issue.
More than 100 residents attended the meeting in person and online. Over a dozen residents spoke on Mr. Wise’s behalf (given that he was out of town and unavailable to attend the meeting.) Mr. Hays spoke actively during the meeting, putting forth the residents questions and concerns with the actions taking place, how they developed, and the legitimacy of the entire process.
Under recommendation from other attorneys present, the resolution was changed to simply disavow Mr. Wise statement. A copy of this resolution is available here.
On October 19th, the e-mail in question was provided (with others) to a resident in a standard records request. This request was approved by CROA’s attorney. This is indicative that the e-mail was never a personnel record, and was never protected. The language of Florida statues also clearly defines that the information contained in the e-mail is not protected personnel information.
The attorney fees for this event as well as time spent to prepare for it cost CROA $4,838.
At no point whatsoever was Mr. Wise approached about the communication he shared, and he was never given an opportunity to speak to it at any point, even when requesting the meeting be scheduled at a time he could attend to speak for himself. (Mr. Wise made a brief statement thanking residents for their support at the October board meeting, during Board Member comments.)
The Dog Park Committee met on October 17 at 4pm. There was discussion on future enhancements, specifically dog park agility equipment. New Adirondack chairs are needed in the big dog park. There is a concern that dogs are getting hives and paw damage. Management determined that Round-Up was being used to treat weeds. The committee is recommending the immediate suspension of Round-Up in the dog parks, and research a pet-friendly alternative. The committee requests to receive safety information on the alternative weed treatment chemicals. There was discussion about updating rules and regulations, and potentially doing a workshop with residents to get feedback and input regarding updating the rules.
On Monday, October 16, Mr. Wise (myself) presented the following items for the October Board Meeting Agenda: A) Require recordings of CROA meetings for member access, B) Celebration Website timeline and clarifications, and C) Emergency Meeting Cost Disclosure. President Cindy Swisher blocked these items from appearing on the agenda. Mr. Wise asked again on October 20, stating that these topics aren’t “my own agenda” but rather questions residents are asking, however the request was again denied.
On October 20th, the Dog Park Committee hosted a “How to Socialize Your Dog” workshop at the big dog park. It was well-attended, with residents and their dogs receiving group and one-on-one training about social behavior. There is another workshop for the small dog park scheduled for Friday, November 3.
On October 23rd, Mr. Richards hosted a workshop about the Grand Manors (management company) community survey results. The resident survey results were discussed, and some short, medium, and long term goals were identified. There will be another workshop to discuss results with Grand Manors executive management on November 8.
On October 24th, the Finance Committee met. With regard to September finances, Mr. Andrew Benenati and Mr. Mike Jackson questioned some expense irregularities. Mr. Benenati recommended sharing unrealized revenue thus far for the investment accounts, to show that the money is earning better than it would sitting in our checking accounts. Mr. Jackson also pointed out that home sales are lower than previously (307 last year versus 237 this year), and we need to account for that reduction in revenue. On the topic of insurance, there was discussion on developing a partial self-insure/partial coverage option for assets worth <$10,000 (not general liability), as well as increasing deductibles to $10,000 (from $5,000). The committee will put this together as a recommendation for the board to approve at the November 8 workshop, so that CJC can approve it at their November 13 meeting. With regard to the budget, Mr. Benenati thanked the myriad people who were involved. Amie Gusweiler suggested an owner 411 with regard to the budget for 2024. Mr. Jackson noted we cleaned up a long-standing Apartment Fees issue, and that we also tightened up the labor load (15% fee on fee that was never being charged) so those were both savings points. Mr. Wise stated that the entire committee did a great job at ensuring the lowest increase possible and that Mr. Benenati led the budget process extremely successfully. With regard to the 851 lease option, there was concern from the committee to spend money with Lexin when there isn’t a plan for the building at this time. This was echoed by resident comments. Mr. Jackson believes we are pursuing it too early, and when it does become necessary, we should also only pursue a one year lease with an extension option. The recommendation from the Finance Committee is to put the negotiation on hold until we have a more concrete plan for the building.
The October Board Meeting was held on October 25. Mr. Wise (myself) added the topics of A) Require recordings of CROA meetings for member access, B) Celebration Website timeline and clarifications, and C) Approval of Artisan Park Budget to the agenda, all of which were accepted unanimously. Grand Manors introduced Mr. Jeffrey Webb, CROA’s new General Manager, and also Mr. Metrius Fair (VP On-Site Services), who will be replacing Mr. Roger Edwards, effective immediately. The Finance Committee recommended tabling further discussions of a lease with Lexin to relocate 851 staff, which passed (6/1, with Dr. Anderson voting no.) The Master Plan Advisory Group members were voted and appointed (6/1, with Dr. Anderson abstaining.) There was discussion on requiring recordings of meetings, and it was decided to send the question to the Technology Committee for review and recommendation. There was a recommendation to develop an RFP for Legal Services for 2024. There was discussion about removing chargers at Lakeside Park. There was discussion and clarification about the website confusion and corrective actions moving forward.
On October 26, Mr. Wise (myself) attended a meeting with Mattamy and CCDD. Alleyway lighting in Phase 2 will not exist on the alley, but rather as coach lights on each home, that owners cannot switch off. Owner will be responsible for power and maintenance of these lights that are mandatory alley lights. There is no electrical or landscape as-builts, and Mattamy claims this is not an industry practice. Landscape has all been turned over to both CDD and CROA. CROA is having issues with water pressure. Booster pumps for landscape have not been installed, as they were not required until Phase 2. The last tract was deeded over on October 25. This was just discovered at the meeting, which was also a surprise to CDD. The new amenity center will be built and managed by Mattamy, which will make it easier for CROA to manage the turnover. They are at 30% concept drawings currently, but right now the new amenity center will include a gym, two meeting rooms, a pool, a playground, and mailbox kiosks.
On October 30, Mr. Wise (myself) and Mr. Hays called a special meeting to discuss continued playground issues. There has been no progress from the (now third) project manager over the two weeks preceding this date, so a public meeting was necessary. Ms. Swisher attempted to resolve the issue on her own, consulting only with Mr. Richards (and at no point involving the Playground Project liaison, Mr. Wise). As stated at the meeting, Ms. Swisher had planned to turn the project back over to Lauren Gunnyon to oversee the completion. However, Mr. Wise stated that Ms. Gunnyon was in charge of the project when it spent 14 months going nowhere, so to do that would only put us where we were in July, and also not hold Grand Manors accountable for their project management deficiencies over the past four months. Instead, Mr. Wise recommended that we hire a project manager working directly for CROA (not Grand Manors or Real Manage or any other partner/subsidiary/etc.), and that we use the scope document created by the last project manager, with edits and additions by Ms. Gunnyon and Mr. Wise. This was echoed by Mr. Fair from Grand Manors as well, who also agreed to pay the cost of this project manager, as was previously the case. At the end of the meeting, the plan was to hire a project manager by November 3, and bids to be received by late November with a decision shortly thereafter.
On October 30 at the Playground Special Meeting, Mr. Hays resigned, sending an e-mail to the board stating that “Due to the unrelenting time commitment needed, and to spent the necessary time with my family, it is with a heavy heart that I ask you to accept my resignation from the CROA Board of Directors. This is effective immediately.”
Sooo… most of that is bad. Some of it is REALLY bad.
But just like every month this year, there have been some very redeeming and valued aspects.
On October 27th, I (personally) hosted a community appreciation event at the Celebration Town Tavern to thank those who were supportive of me during my absence from the Emergency Meeting. Even though the cause of this meeting was unfounded and personally-motivated by revenge, the positive side of it was that I made personal connections with so many new residents. I became close friends with even more neighbors. And as I stated in a post previously, I have really learned the true meaning of community living here in Celebration. I will continue to strive for transparency and accountability in how we manage, grow, and celebrate in our little village of Celebration.