IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO ALL LSE RESIDENTS FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Residents of Lake Suzy Estates are protected by community covenants that maintain the beauty of this enchanted place.  These covenants, sometimes called deed restrictions, are rules insuring the integrity of construction, landscaping, and other aspects of community living.  One important function is protection from the careless behavior of otherwise good neighbors.  The letter below was sent to three residents who have placed boats or boat trailers in public view.  Doing so detracts from the beauty of our community and violates our covenants.  The letter reflects the Board of Director’s desire to be considerate and neighborly while making clear that the noted violations must be corrected.  In contacting violators, the Board provided a 30-day grace period which ends on August 16, 2009.  If these violations continue after that date the Board will issue formal letters of warning and, ultimately, fines will be levied.  At the end of that process, as defined by our covenants and Florida law, the Board will take violators to court to collect any unpaid fines.
Over the past two months the new Board has conducted “street meetings” at which members have made clear their support of our community covenants.  They have voiced their dismay about the “eye sores” created by the placement of boats and boat trailers in public view.  The covenants protect all residents from such unsightly violations and the Board is committed to enforcing the community’s will.  Finally, it is interesting to note that no one other than the violators support the public display of boats and boat trailers.  This is not an LSPOA issue but a concern of everyone, members and non-members alike, about behavior that is having an adverse effect on our community.

Here, then, is the letter issued by the Board in an attempt to resolve this matter amicably on behalf of all residents of Lake Suzy Estates. 

July 14, 2009

The LSPOA Board of Directors has received a report from its Architectural Review Committee (ARC) that a boat and boat trailer are parked on your property in violation of our community covenants.  While many Lake Suzy residents are avid boaters, we understand that our covenants are designed to protect the beauty of our community and, as a consequence, we place our boats in the lake, inside a closed garage or outside of Lake Suzy Estates.  Because we value a congenial and civil community, we are asking that you remove your boat and trailer from public view within the next thirty (30) days.   All boaters understand that there can be special circumstances under which boats and trailers may need to be temporarily parked in public view.  Should you have future need for short-term public parking of your boat and trailer, you should contact the ARC or the Board of Directors and request permission.  In the spirit of community accord it is likely that temporary permission will be granted.
Although regrettable, some in Lake Suzy Estates have suggested that the 1999 deed restrictions are the only ones in force.   Our association attorney has made clear that this is not the case and that all covenants are in effect except the one requiring mandatory membership.  All parties agree that the 1999 covenants are in effect and Part B, Number 11 of those restrictions reads in part, “No boat, boat trailer, motor home, travel trailer or any other RV shall be stored on any lot without approval of the Architectural Control Committee.”  (Note:  The Architectural Control Committee was the controlling agent prior to the transfer of governance authority from the developer to the LSPOA in 2003.  Under the Bylaws of the LSPOA that authority now resides in the Board of Directors and its Architectural Review Committee.)
Every property owner in Lake Suzy Estates (LSE) was made aware of our community covenants when they purchased LSE property.  This is true today just as it was in 1973.  In fact many of us purchased property here specifically because the covenants protect and maintain the beauty of our lake community.  At a recent meeting of community residents all reaffirmed their commitment to our covenants and voted unanimously in support of covenant enforcement.

Lake Suzy Estates is a wonderful place to live.  Our community covenants represent one way by which we seek to maintain a beautiful, tranquil and civil community.  We ask that you conform to these covenants within the specified timeframe so that no further action in this matter is required.  We thank you in advance for being a good neighbor.

Renee’ Martellini, ARC Chair
Buck Million, BOD Chair    

LSPOA HOLDS ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

On Saturday, May 30th LSPOA held their Annual Membership Meeting at the Kingsway Country Club. Over 40 members attended, although we missed our snowbird friends who could not be with us. The meeting was full of positive energy and good news. Our Special guests, Sheriff Wise and Commisioner Buddy Mansfield provided their greetings (see Neighborhood Watch Program in Bulletin Board section). Treasurer Don Drinkwater presented the end of year Financial Report with a LSPOA bottom-line healthier than the previous year. There were no legal expenses associated with the court defense of the Presilla lawsuit, thanks to liability insurance coverage.

President Len Anderson provided the details of the results of the Court's decision on the challenge to LSE Deed Restrictions. Everyone was relieved to know that the 2005 Deed Restrictions are valid and enforceable by LSPOA. See below article - Court Rules in Favor of LSPOA.

The proposed budget for the 2009/2010 fiscal year was approved. The budget reflected savings through volunteer mowing of Kings Row by residents, which had historically been the policy before 2007. Annual membership dues remain unchanged at $325 per property.

Len Anderson reviewed the list of LSPOA Activities and Accomplishments during the last year. The Board and community made many positive, constructive improvements during 2008-2009. Various committees also reported on their activities and future plans. Rollie Schindler was given special thanks for mowing of Courtly Manor Park. Len Anderson and Chuck Celaya were honored and thanked for their devoted service to the Lake Suzy Community. Two new members were elected to this year's LSPOA Board of Directors and ARC, Buck Million and Judy Thompson.

After the meeting was adjourned the new Board met briefly to elect officers. During the buffet lunch provided by Kingsway Country Club it was announced that Buck Million had been named the new President and Renee Martellini the ARC Chairperson. Congratulations!