LGPOA BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
5/21/17
Minutes
CALL TO ORDER
The planning meeting was called to order at 10:05 a.m. at his home by President Richard Leydon, Jr.
PRESENT
Mary Lou Davidson, Rhonda Freeman, Paul Holmes, Richard Leydon,Jr., Rhonda Olson (by phone), Barbara Orcutt, Karen Weeks, Terrie Weibley. Guests: Marietta Abele, Andy Dixon.
MINUTES APPROVAL
The minutes from the 5/08/2017 Board Meetings were unanimously approved after a motion by Richard Leydon, Jr., seconded by Paul Holmes.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Paul Holmes reported a current membership of 207 for the 2017 fiscal year, with a current balance of $16,500.
SAILBOAT UPDATE
Several Board members were present for various portions of the salvage operation on Saturday, May 20th, conducted from the water and beach at the site of the July 2015 sailboat stranding. Islanders lined the beach for the operation which involved a salvage vessel, small backhoe and multiple attempts to dislodge the remaining vessel portions and double keels of lead. Officials from FWC and ROC (Reclaim our Coasts at the UF Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research, contacted by Linda Soderquist), partnered to fund the operation and were on hand as were officials from the Charlotte County Environmental Department. Though sea turtle nesting season has begun, no nests were nearby and now there is safe passage for all turtles, not to mention humans and other creatures. The POA is grateful to our friends at FWC and ROC as well as to the hard-working salvage operation crew.
ROAD ACCESS CONCERNS
The Board discussed road issues and agreed that talks with affected property owners are the next step.
DOGS
Letters from Tom McCoy to a Board member who requested help in understanding property issues as they relate to dogs were circulated among Board members. Meanwhile, a lively discussion ensued about the need for island property owners to exercise their dogs, leash laws and the County’s plan that seems to restrict access on what is private property. The encroachment of boaters picnicking on private land with their animals running free and no trash or bathroom facilities, protection of turtle nests and (currently missing) nesting shorebirds and in particular, the lack of awareness of many island renters about land use matters are important issues. Recent difficulties with aggressive dogs were discussed and there was agreement that these cannot be tolerated. A mechanism already exists for such situations, and Mary Lou Davidson offered to design a refrigerator magnet for all island homes in order to promulgate telephone contacts for aggressive dogs, fires and emergencies, pending Board approval before production.
HOLIDAY POLICE PROTECTION
Additional officers to patrol LGI will be hired for the Friday and Saturday nights of Memorial Day weekend from 4-10 pm, with transportation across the bay via Hideaway ferry. Deric Flom from LGI Carts will have a cart available for the officers, and Mary Lou will orient them with Marietta Abele shadowing.
DISTRICT 6 REPRESENTATIVE
Marietta Abele will be recommended for the Board position of Representative – At Large – District 6 at the next regularly scheduled LGPOA meeting or prior to that, by email Board approval.
PLANNING DEVELOPMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Rhonda Freeman reported that the committee comprised of Mary Lou Davidson, Bruce Erhardt, Buddy Gaines, Richard Leydon,Jr. and herself, is in the information gathering stage. Buddy and Mary Lou have spent endless hours scouring the countryside in search of dock and parking spaces as an alternative in the event that marina spaces dry up. Despite the slim pickings, they persevere with optimism and hope to meet with Charlotte County government officials for helpful solutions.
NEXT GENERAL MEETING
President Leydon set the date for the next LGPOA General Meeting for Saturday, July 1st at 10 a.m. at the Placida Beach clubhouse.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 12:12 p.m. by President Richard Leydon, Jr.
Respectfully Submitted,
Terrie Weibley, Secretary
