March 15, 2012

N O T I C E    &    P R O X Y

            The Semi Annual Meeting of the Gables Estates Club, Inc., will be held on Thursday, April 26, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at Fairchild Tropical Garden, Garden Room, 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, Florida.

            The undersigned, voting members of Gables Estates Club, Inc., having received the Notice of the Annual Meeting dated March 12, 2012 and appoints:

            Mr. Daniel Canel               Mr. Bill Box            Mrs. Trish Bell

or any of them as proxies to the undersigned, with full power of substitution, to cast his/her vote at the Semi Annual Meeting to be held on April 26, 2012 as set out in full above, and at any adjournment of such meeting of any business that may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment of such meeting.

            This proxy shall be the same as if the voter were present.

DATE:__________________          _______________________________________

                                                                                          (SIGNATURE)

Please Print Name___________________________________________Lot #______

Please Indicate Whether or Not You Intend to Be Present at this Meeting by Circling One:

                                 YES                                 NO

PLEASE IMMEDIATELY RETURN YOUR PROXY TO KATHLEEN VIA MAIL OR BY DROPPING IT OFF AT THE GATEHOUSE SO THAT WE CAN ASSURE THE NEEDED QUORUM.       WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT THIS CLUB MEETING.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR COOPERATION.

GABLES ESTATES CLUB INC., RESOLUTION OPPOSING THE MATHESON HAMMOCK PROPOSED DRY DOCK STORAGE FACILITY RESOLVED ON FEBRUARY 8, 2012.

TO:  ALL CORAL GABLES ELECTED AND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICIALS, PLANNING AND ZONING AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARDS AND COMMITTEES, OUR IMMEDIATE NEIGHBORS, ADJACENT NEIGHBORS OLD CUTLER BAY AND COCOPLUM AND THE COMBINE COMMUNITIES OF GABLES BY THE SEA, PINECREST BY THE SEA, OUR NEIGHBORING COASTAL COMMUNITIES BOTH EAST AND WEST OF OLD CUTLER ROAD FROM COCOPLUM CIRCLE SOUTH TO KINGS BAY AND ANY AND ALL OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES

FROM:  GABLES ESTATES CLUB, INC. BOARD OF GOVERNORS

REF: BOARD OF GOVERNORS VOTED IN FAVOR TO OPPOSE THE MATHESON HAMMOCK PROPOSED DRY DOCK STORAGE FACILITY

BE IT HEREBY KNOWN THAT ON FEBRUARY 8^TH, 2012, IN THE INTEREST OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS REPRESENTING THE GENERAL MEMBERSHIP OF GABLES ESTATES CLUBS’ WILL; CALLED AN EMERGENCY BOARD OF GOVERNORS MEETING OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS.  THIS MEETING WAS CALLED AS A RESULT OF RECEIVING AN OVERWHELMING MAJORITY OF MEMBERS’ PETITIONS AGAINST THE MATHESON HAMMOCK PROPOSED DRY DOCK STORAGE FACILITY.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT OUR COASTAL COMMUNITY OF CORAL GABLES MAKE A PLIGHT TO ALL DECISION AND POLICY MAKERS TO PROTECT US FROM THIS UNSUPPORTED AND HARMFUL USAGE THAT WILL NEGATIVELY AFFECT THE COASTAL AREAS OF OUR “CITY BEAUTIFUL” AND THIS BOARD FURTHER IMPLORE OUR CITY OFFICIALS TO TAKE THE LEAD AND GENERATE AND PASS AN IMMEDIATE RESOLUTION TO PUT ANYONE ON NOTICE THAT THE CITY OF CORAL GABLES WILL NOT SUPPORT SUCH OBJECTIONABLE USAGE SO AS TO DEFUSE AND SET CLEAR POLICY TO SAFEGUARD OUR COMMUNITIES AND ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL CONCERNED.

RESOLVED FURTHER, THAT THE PRESIDENT, MR. RENE GUERRA, AND SECRETARY, MR. BILL BOX AGREE THAT SAID POSITION IS QUALIFIED.  THE UNDERSIGN HEREBY CERTIFIES THAT HE IS THE DULY ELECTED AND QUALIFIED SECRETARY AND THE CUSTODIAN OF THE BOOKS AND RECORDS AND SEAL OF GABLES ESTATES CLUB, INC., A CORPORATION DULY FORMED PURSUANT TO THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA AND THAT THE FOREGOING IS A TRUE RECORD OF A RESOLUTION DULY ADOPTED AT AN EMERGENCY MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, AND THAT SAID MEETING WAS HELD IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE LAW AND THE BYLAWS OF GABLES ESTATES CLUB, INC., ON FEBRUARY 8, 2012, AND THAT SAID RESOLUTION IS NOW IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I HAVE EXECUTED MY NAME AS SECRETARY AND HAVE HEREUNTO AFFIXED THE CORPORATE SEAL OF GABLES ESTATES CLUB, INC., THIS 8^TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2012.

A TRUE RECORD.

ATTEST:                                

___________________________________________                     

MR. RENE GUERRA, PRESIDENT

___________________________________________

MR. BILL BOX, SECRETARY

SEAL

Minutes

February 8, 2012

The Board of Governors met at the President’s home, 650 Leucadendra Drive, Coral Gables, FL on February 8, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. Present were: Rene Guerra, President; Jose Bared, Vice President; Secretary, Bill Box; Directors:  Albert Tano  and Bunny Bastian.  Unable to attend were: Vice President; Sissy Ruffe, Treasurer; Tony Argiz, Directors: Trish Bell, and Daniel Canel. 

The President, Mr. Guerra welcomed the Board members present and called the emergency meeting to order.  The President stated this emergency meeting was called as a result of receiving an overwhelming majority of Club members petitions against the the proposed Matheson Hammock Dry Storage Facility.  

The purpose of this emergency meeting was intended for the Board to take a position to oppose or not oppose the Conditional Use Application for the proposed Matheson Hammock Dry Storage Facility sought after by Richard J. Heisenbottle and Aqua Marine Partners, Andy Sturner and Mark Buoniconti.

Mr. Bared moved that the Board of Governors oppose the project.  Dr. Tano seconded the motion.  Discussion took place.  The motion was called.  Those in favor of the motion were: Mr. Bared, Dr. Tano, Bill Box and Mr. Guerra.  Those against the motion were: Mrs. Bunny Bastian.  The motion passed. 

The Administrator, Kathleen Richardson, was instructed to prepare a resolution reflecting the Board’s decision.  This resolution will be submitted to City Officials and Staff as well as other Official Government Institutions as required.

There being no other business, a motion to adjourn the meeting took place at 7:55 p.m.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Box and all were in favor.  The meeting was adjourned.

                                                                     ______________________________________

                                                                         Mr. Rene Guerra, President

Table of Contents

Independent Auditor’s Report 1

Balance Sheets 2

Statements of Revenues, Expenses

and Changes in Members’ Equity 3

Statements of Cash Flow 4

Notes to Financial Statements 5 – 7

Schedule of Revenues and Expenses -

Budget vs. Actual 9

Member of American and Florida Institutes of Certified Public Accountants

JOE A. CATARINEAU, CPA

CONNIE F. CATARINEAU, CPA, CVA

Email: catarineaucpa@bellsouth.net

www.catarineaucpa.com

7780 S.W. 117

th AVENUE, SUITE 201 ● MIAMI, FLORIDA 33183 ● PHONE (305) 596-7883 ●

FAX (305) 596-4577

Independent Auditor’s Report

To the Board of Governors

Gables Estates Club, Inc.

Coral Gables, Florida

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Gables Estates Club, Inc. as of

September 30, 2011 and 2010, and the related statements of revenues, expenses and changes

in members’ equity and cash flows for the years then ended. These financial statements are

the responsibility of the Association’s management. Our responsibility is to express an

opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the

United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to

obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material

misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts

and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting

principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the

overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable

basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material

respects, the financial position of Gables Estates Club, Inc. as of September 30, 2011 and

2010, and the results of its operations and cash flows for the years then ended in conformity

with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Our audit was conducted for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic financial

statements taken as a whole. The information included in the schedule of revenues and

expenses – budget vs. actual is presented for additional analysis and is not a required part of

the basic financial statements. Such information has been subjected to the auditing

procedures applied in the audit of the basic financial statements, and, in our opinion, is fairly

stated in all material respects in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole.

Catarineau & Givens, P.A.

Miami, Florida 33183

October 24, 2011

ASSETS 2011 2010

Current Assets:

Operating cash and cash equivalents $ 528,545 $ 159,353

Cash and cash equivalents (Contingency) 500,000 500,000

Cash and cash equivalents (Board designated for roads) – 370,000

Total Current Assets 1,028,545 1,029,353

Property and Equipment, at cost:

Information center 307,182 307,182

Office equipment 16,656 16,656

323,838 323,838

Less: accumulated depreciation (193,931) (188,225)

Total Property and Equipment, net of

accumulated depreciation 129,907 135,613

Other Assets:

Delinquent maintenance dues receivable, net of allowance (Note 3) 18,000 24,000

Utility deposit 1,386 1,386

Total Other Assets 19,386 25,386

TOTAL ASSETS $ 1,177,838 $ 1,190,352

LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS’ EQUITY

Current Liabilities:

Accounts payable $ 1,291 $ 1,291

Accrued expense 32,201 34,164

Rehabilitation of cats – Resident Exchange 617 -

Income taxes payable – 1,926

Payroll taxes payable 1,293 -

Total Current Liabilities 35,402 37,381

Members’ Equity 1,142,436 1,152,971

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS’ EQUITY $ 1,177,838 $ 1,190,352

September 30, 2011 and 2010

Gables Estates Club, Inc.

Balance Sheets

See accompanying notes and accountant’s report

2

REVENUES: 2011 2010

Annual dues $ 1,158,000 $ 1,158,000

Application fees 410,000 315,000

Interest on investments 12,679 1 5,483

Architectural fees 20,400 2 8,830

Landscaping income 18,315 1 8,315

Interest on fees 5 ,855 10,011

Miscellaneous income 6 ,907 2 06

TOTAL REVENUES 1,632,156 1,545,845

EXPENSES:

Guard expenses 664,792 733,782

Road improvements 367,403 -

Landscaping maintenance and related salaries 163,366 144,777

Refund to members 100,000 100,000

Salaries 6 8,235 6 4,159

Security police 54,207 5 2,550

Capital improvements 39,495 9 ,655

Information center expense 19,392 2 7,239

Legal 1 6,208 4 3,944

Block party (promotional expense) 14,780 1 5,747

Holiday bonus 14,348 1 6,655

Insurance 13,626 1 5,348

Credit reports 11,114 1 0,275

Equipment maintenance – Camera 10,861 9 ,300

Professional fees 10,663 1 2,675

Architectural fees 9 ,030 13,520

Scanning project costs 8 ,346 -

Taxes and licenses 7 ,779 7 ,621

Employee benefit expense 6 ,823 6 ,839

Pest Control 6 ,400 -

Meeting 5 ,800 6 ,073

Office and administration 7 ,105 7 ,731

Depreciation 5 ,706 5 ,705

Children’s club expenses 3 ,536 4 ,120

Equipment maintenance – Traffic control 2 ,785 6 ,331

Telephone 2,188 2 ,706

Awards and gift baskets 2 ,130 -

Postage and printing 1 ,831 2 ,253

Equipment maintenance – Beam 1 ,342 1 ,681

Maintenance and repairs 1 ,200 2 ,306

Miscellaneous 8 22 2 ,610

Yacht club expenses 8 08 4 17

Website 5 70 6 36

Bad debt – 30,000

Medical expense – 3 ,230

Auto mileage reimbursement 3 ,575

TOTAL EXPENSES 1,642,691 1,363,460

NET INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES (10,535) 182,385

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES – 1,926

NET INCOME (LOSS) (10,535) 180,459

MEMBERS’ EQUITY, BEGINNING OF YEAR 1,152,971 972,512

MEMBERS’ EQUITY, END OF YEAR $ 1,142,436 $ 1,152,971

Gables Estates Club, Inc.

Statements of Revenues, Expenses and Changes in Members’ Equity

Years Ended September 30, 2011 and 2010

See accompanying notes and accountant’s report 3

2011 2010

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

Net income (loss) $ ( 10,535) $ 180,459

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss)

to net cash provided by operating

activities:

Depreciation 5,705 5,705

(Increase) Decrease in:

Payroll taxes receivable – 845

Maintenance dues receivable 6,000 42,000

Increase (Decrease) in:

Accounts payable – ( 48,508)

Accrued expenses ( 1,962) 26,764

Income taxes payable ( 1,926) 1,926

Payroll taxes payable 1,293 -

Exchange 617 -

Prepaid maintenance dues – ( 6,000)

NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED BY)

OPERATING ACTIVITIES ( 808) 203,191

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH ( 808) 203,191

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR 1,029,353 826,162

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR $ 1,028,545 $ 1,029,353

Gables Estates Club, Inc.

Statements of Cash Flows

Years Ended September 30, 2011 and 2010

See accompanying notes and accountant’s report 4

5

Gables Estates Club, Inc.

Notes to Financial Statements

Years Ended September 30, 2011 and 2010

NOTE 1 – NATURE OF ORGANIZATION

Gables Estates Club, Inc. is a homeowners’ association incorporated in the State of Florida. The Club

is responsible for the operation of the homeowners’ association. Gables Estates Club, Inc. consists of

193 lots located in Miami – Dade County.

NOTE 2 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

On July 1, 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued “The FASB

Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting

Principles,” which establishes the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (the “ASC”) as the

source of authoritative principles recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental

entities in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles

generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). This standard is effective for

financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009.

Cash and cash equivalents – Cash consist of checking and money market accounts and certificates of

deposit with original maturities of one-year or less.

Property and Equipment – Real property and common areas are not recorded in the Association’s

financial statements because those properties are owned by the individual members in common and not

by the Association. The Association capitalizes personal property to which it has title at cost. Real

property not directly associated with the members is recognized as assets by the Association when it

has title to the property and either the asset can be disposed of by the Board of Governors or generates

significant cash flows from members or nonmembers on the basis of usage. Property and equipment

are recorded at cost. Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives of the assets using the

straight line and accelerated methods as follows:

Estimated Useful Lives

Information center 7 – 39 Years

Office equipment 5 Years

Use of estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles

generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and

assumptions that affect certain reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent

assets and liabilities at September 30, 2011 and 2010 and revenues and expenses during the years then

ended. The actual outcome of the estimates could differ from the estimates made in the preparation of

the financial statements.

Replacement Fund – Gables Estates Club, Inc. has no common areas for its members’ enjoyment; it is

a homeowner’s association only. Therefore, no separate reserve fund has been established.

6

Gables Estates Club, Inc.

Notes to Financial Statements

Years Ended September 30, 2011 and 2010

NOTE 3 – DELINQUENT DUES RECEIVABLE

The annual dues are payable on October 1

st

of each year. If not paid within 90 days, a delinquent notice is

sent to the owner and if still unpaid as of February 1

st

, a lien is placed against the property. Accrued

interest on delinquent accounts is not reflected on the financial statements until collected. The delinquent

dues as of September 30, 2011 and 2010 are $18,000 and $36,000, respectively. At September 30, 2011

and 2010, the allowance for doubtful accounts was $0 and $12,000, respectively.

Delinquent dues receivable are recorded at the stated amount of the transaction with the Club’s members.

The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Club’s best estimate of the probable losses in the Club’s

existing delinquent dues receivable. Past due balances over 120 days were reviewed individually for

collectability and the reserve was established accordingly. Account balances are charged off against the

allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered

remote.

NOTE 4 – CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

The Association had various accounts in financial institutions that are insured by the FDIC. The

amounts exceeding federally insured limits as of September 30, 2011 and 2010 were approximately

$248,000 and $107,500 respectively.

NOTE 5 – INCOME TAXES

The Association is subject to filing federal and state income tax returns. A homeowners’ association

may elect to be taxed as a regular corporation or as a homeowners’ association, depending on which

method results in a lower tax. If the Association elects to be taxed as a regular corporation, the excess

of revenues from members over related expenditures is subject to taxation, unless excess is returned

to the unit owners or is applied to the following year’s assessment. If the Association elects to be

taxed as a homeowners’ association, it is taxed on non-membership income, such as interest income.

For the year ended September 30, 2011, Gables Estates Club, Inc. elected to be taxed as a regular

corporation and file Form 1120. For the year ended September 30, 2010, Gables Estates Club, Inc.

elected to be treated as a homeowners’ association.

The Club adopted FASB ASC Topic 740, effective January 1, 2009, which clarifies the

accounting for uncertainty in income taxes by defining the criterion an individual tax position

must meet for any part of the benefit of the tax position to be recognized in financial statements

prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. The Club may recognize

the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not the tax position will

be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based solely on the technical merits of the

tax position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a tax position

should be measured based on the largest benefit having a greater than 50% likelihood being

7

Gables Estates Club, Inc.

Notes to Financial Statements

Years Ended September 30, 2011 and 2010

NOTE 5 – INCOME TAXES (Continued)

realized upon ultimate settlement with the tax authority. Additionally, Topic 740 provides

guidance on measurement, de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in

interim periods, disclosure and transition. In accordance with the disclosure requirements, the

Club’s policy on income statement classification of interest and penalties related to income tax

obligations is to include such items as part of total interest expense and other expense,

respectively. At September 30, 2011, the Club did not have any uncertain tax positions and thus

has not recognized any interest or penalties in these financial statements. Tax years that remain

subject to examination by federal authorities are 2008, 2009 and 2010.

NOTE 6 – STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE

Cash paid for interest and income taxes for the years ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 are as

follows:

2011 2010

Interest $ 0 $ 0

===== =====

Income taxes $ 0 $ 1,926

===== =====

NOTE 7 – SUBSEQUENT EVENT

The Company has evaluated subsequent events through October 24, 2011, which is the date the

financial statements were available to be issued.

Supplementary Schedules

REVENUES: Actual Budget Variance

Annual dues $ 1 ,158 , 000 $ 1,158,000 $ -

Application/Transfer fees 4 10,000 2 70,000 1 40,000

Interest on investments 1 2,679 1 6,000 (3,321)

Architectural fees 2 0,400 2 3,437 (3,037)

Landscaping income 1 8,315 1 9,704 (1,389)

Miscellaneous income 6 ,907 2 50 6 ,657

Interest on fees 5 ,855 2 ,500 3 ,355

TOTAL REVENUES 1 ,632,156 1 ,489,891 1 42,265

EXPENSES:

Architectural fees 9 ,030 1 2,500 (3,470)

Awards and gift baskets 2 ,130 2 ,000 1 30

Bad debts – 1 2,000 (12,000)

Capital improvements – Cameras 4 ,648 3 ,500 1 ,148

Capital improvements – Hedge 1 7,732 2 0,000 (2,268)

Capital improvements – Landscape lighting 9 61 1 ,500 (539)

Capital improvements – Road 3 67,403 – 3 67,403

Capital improvements – Sign 1 6,154 – 1 6,154

Children’s club expenses 3 ,536 5 ,500 (1,964)

Contract services – 1 ,000 (1,000)

Credit reports 1 1,114 8 ,000 3 ,114

Depreciation 5 ,706 – 5 ,706

Directory – 2 ,500 (2,500)

Pension expense (administrator) 6 ,823 6 ,824 (1)

Equipment maintenance – Beam 1 ,342 3 ,500 (2,158)

Equipment maintenance – Camera 1 0,861 9 ,000 1 ,861

Equipment maintenance – Traffic control 2 ,785 6 ,000 (3,215)

Guard expense – 2nd site supervisor expense 1 ,260 1 ,260 -

Guard expense – Air and sea davit – 1 ,200 (1,200)

Guard expense – Awards – 3 00 (300)

Guard expense – DSL camera line 1 2,464 1 1,000 1 ,464

Guard expense – MTO expense – 2 ,000 (2,000)

Guard expense – Service and devices 6 49,808 6 67,732 (17,924)

Guard expense – Site supervisor expense 1 ,260 1 ,260 -

Holiday bonus 1 4,348 1 8,017 (3,669)

Information center – FPL 1 3,137 2 2,000 (8,863)

Information center – Supplies 3 ,723 3 ,500 2 23

Information center – Water and sewer 2 ,532 6 ,000 (3,468)

Insurance 1 3,626 1 6,000 (2,374)

Landscaping – Caretaker pension 2 ,911 2 ,881 3 0

Landscaping – Caretaker salary 2 7,186 2 8,806 (1,620)

Landscaping – Enhancement 2 5,384 – 2 5,384

Landscaping – Fertilization 9 ,775 7 ,800 1 ,975

Landscaping – Maintenance 8 9,118 8 9,000 1 18

Landscaping – Planning replacement – 8 ,000 (8,000)

Landscaping – Sprinkler system 2 45 1 ,500 (1,255)

Landscaping – Supplies, gas and oil 3 ,887 6 ,000 (2,113)

Landscaping – Tree trimming 4 ,860 2 ,500 2 ,360

Legal 1 6,208 2 5,000 (8,792)

Maintenance and repairs 1 ,200 – 1 ,200

Meeting 5 ,800 6 ,500 (700)

Miscellaneous 8 22 8 ,000 (7,178)

Office – storage 1 ,378 1 ,500 (122)

Office – supplies 5 ,727 4 ,500 1 ,227

Pest control 6 ,400 1 ,200 5 ,200

Postage and printing 1 ,831 2 ,500 (669)

Professional fees 1 0,663 1 2,600 (1,937)

Promotional expense 1 4,780 1 4,800 (20)

Refund to members 1 00,000 1 00,000 -

Salaries 6 8,235 6 8,235 -

Scanning equipment 8 ,346 1 2,000 (3,654)

Security police 5 4,207 4 6,800 7 ,407

Taxes and licenses 7 ,779 8 ,000 (221)

Telephone 2,188 2 ,600 (412)

Website 5 70 6 00 (30)

Yacht club expenses 8 08 2 ,000 (1,192)

TOTAL EXPENSES 1,642,691 1,307,415 335,276

EXCESS OF REVENUES OVER EXPENSES $ (10,535) $ 182,476 $ (193,011)

Gables Estates Club, Inc.

Schedule of Revenues and Expenses – Budget vs Actual

Year Ended September 30, 2011

See auditor’s report 9

DRAFT – ANNUAL

MINUTES

November 15, 2011

The Annual Meeting Of The Membership Of Gables Estates Club, Inc., Took Place At Fairchild Tropical Garden, “Ballroom”, 10901 Old Cutler Road, Miami, Florida At 7:30 P.M. Tuesday, November 15, 2011.

Welcome & Introduction

Mr. Rene Guerra, President, Called The Meeting To Order And Welcomed Those Present.   Mr. Guerra Introduced Those Board Members Present: Mrs. Sissy Ruffe, Vice President; Mr. Jose Bared, Vice President; Mr. Bill Box, Secretary; Directors; Mrs. Trish Bell, Mrs. Bunny Bastian , Mr. Daniel Canel And Dr. Alberto Tano.  Mr. Anthony Argiz, Treasurer Was Unable To Attend.

The President Welcomed & Introduced The Honorable Mayor And Mrs. Jim Cason, Public Works Director Mr. Glenn Kephart, Public Works Engineer Mr. Noel Polo And The Club’s Accountant Mrs. Connie Givens Catarineau.  The Membership Welcomed Them With A Warm Applause. 

The President Introduced The Management From G4s Security Solutions:  Mr. Orlando I. Aguilera, General Manager; Mr. Robert Cooper And Mr. Ronald Fagan.

Mr. Guerra Reviewed The Following Club Accomplishments With The Membership:

1)      Road Enhancement Project For Arvida Parkway, Leucadendra And Casuarina Are Completed With New Paving Of Arvida, Leucadendra And Casuarina, New Pavers At All Bridge Locations, Traffic Calming Locations And Traffic Circle And Repaired Curbing On Leucadendra And Casuarina.  This Phase Of  The Club’s Capital Improvement For All Streets Is Complete Except For Final Punch List Items.

2)      Arvida/Leucadendra Traffic Circle Re-Designed For Safety To Include Large Bismarckia Tree

3)      Arvida Lane Traffic Triangle Re-Designed To Include Palm

4)      Install New Curbing At The Dock Area Off Arvida Parkway And Install New Curbing At The Casuarina Concourse Entrance

5)      Board Of Governors Refunded $100,000. Back To The Membership In Good Standing 2010/11 Year.

6)      Board Increased Transfer Fee To $10,000. Per Transfer.

7)      Club Is Scanning All Documents.  Five Years Past To Current Documentation Were Scanned And Preserved By Our Cpa Office.

8)      New Entrance Marquees Were Installed At Both Entrances.

9)      The 1,800 Ft Main Force Sewer Line Was Corrected On Leucadendra By The City Of Coral Gables.

10)  Approved New Awnings For Both Gatehouses For Shade And Relief From Rain For Security

11)  Instructed G4S To Implement New Semi Automatic Weapons For All Officers Effective Immediately After Training Requirements Are Met At No Cost To The Club For Weapons.

2012

1. Training Sessions Of Officers For New Semi Automatic Weapons Cost Was Paid By Gables Estates Total $3,035.
2. Completion Of The New, Detailed Job Description For The President, Treasurer And Secretary Of The Board Of Governors.
3. City Submitted Plans To The Club’s Architectural Board For The “New” Pump-Station Area And Will Improve The Overall Look Of This Area (Neighbors And Board Approval Is Required ).
4. A List Of Areas Which Need Improvement Has Been Created By The Beautification Committee Chair, Mrs. Sissy Ruffe, To Include Enhanced Landscaping, Lighting And Irrigation.  The Board Voted On A Budget Of $250,000.  And Priorities Have Been Decided Based On Safety And Adding Value To The Community.  As We Collectively Increase Our Landscaping, Irrigation And Lighting The Maintenance And Cost Involved Will Also Have To Be Increased.  This Shall Take Place By Hiring One Additional Part Time Employee, For Five Days A Week For Five Hours Per Day, To Concentrate Solely On Maintenance Of Landscaping Such As Weeding, Cleaning Out Beds, Picking Up Trash, Etc….  Our Administrator Will Supervise Both Gables Estates Part Time Employees.  In Order To Be Cost Effective, The Existing Contract With Golden Sun Tree Will Be Reduced From $89,000. To $75,000.   This Reduction In Cost And Services Will Reflect The 2^nd Handyman’s Contribution To Detailed Work And Provide The Club With A Savings Of $14,000. Which Will Be Allocated To The 2^nd Handyman’s Salary.
5. In Process Of Hiring  2^nd Handyman For 25 Hours Per Week, Monday Through Friday, Five Hours Per Day – Noon To 5 P.M. Cost Savings From Reduction In Yearly Maintenance Contract Will Offset Salary Of 2^nd Handyman.
6. Increase The Application Fee From $60,000. To $75,000. 
7. Place Security Cameras To Be Located At 8545 Old Cutler Road To Cover The North End Of Old Cutler Road. 
8. Better Communication Between All Parties Within Gables Estates, I.E., Administrator, Security Staff, Handymen And Landscape Provider Must Be Improved on To Create The Ultimate Appearance For Gables Estates. 
9. Reserve Of Funds Last Year $500,000.  For The First Time In Gables Estates History The Club Has Over One Million Dollars In Cash. 

Mr. Guerra Stated All This Could Not Be Possible Without The Hard Work Of The Board, Their Loyalty And Dedication And He Thanked Them.

Mayor Jim Cason

Mr. Guerra Invited Mayor Cason To The Podium.  The President Explained That Mayor Cason

Was Named Ambassador In His Native Land Of  Cuba In The Year 2000 And As A

Cuban/American He Owned Him A Debt Of Gratitude.  Mr. Guerra Added That Since 1959

No One Had Done a Better Job than Mr. Cason,

The President said He Was Confident That The Mayor Would

Do A Wonderful Job In The City As Well.  Mayor Cason Stated After Traveling To 15 Countries

And A 40 Year Career With The State Department He And His Wife Carmen Knew There Was

Only On City They Would Retire To And That Was Coral Gables.  They Moved Here,

Purchased A House And Went Through The Permitting Process.  Because Of The Permit

Process Mr. Cason Got Interest In Politics.   The Mayor Explained The City Was Fortunate To

Have A Great City Manager.  He Stated He Had Many Ideas To Move The City Forward And

His First Order Of Business Was To Lower The Millage Rate And He Hopes To Lower It Again

Next Year. Mr. Cason Stated Property Values Were Up 1.4%   The City Removed Eighty Six

Employees In The Last Two Years And Maintained Services And Quality.  He Stated The

Biggest Problem The City Faced Was Pension Costs, Ten Years Ago, The Pension Cost Was

Ten Million And Today It Is Nearly Twenty Seven Million.  Negotiations With The Teamsters’

Union Have Resulted In Their Contributing ½ Income Which Will Help Us Move Forward And

Assure Their Involvement.  He Stated The Next Step Is To Reform The Police And Fire

Pensions.  The Mayor Stated The City Is Investing Twenty Two Million Dollars In

Thirty Lane Miles City Wide To Include Sidewalks, Trees, A Senior Center In The

North Gables, Parks, Monuments And Lighting And Traffic Lights. Another 16.1 Million Is

Being Invested Into The Downtown Infrastructure To Include Fountains, Lights And Sidewalks. 

He Said The Biltmore Issues Is Set To Be Resolved Within The Next Ten Days And Jose Cuervo

Tequila Will Be Investing ½ Billion Dollars Into Coral Gables In New Apartment Housing.  The

City Is Creating An Entertainment Area To Overlap With The Jose Cuervo Development And

There Currently Is 166 Restaurants In The City.  Rand Mc Nally Voted The City Of Coral

Gables One Of The Top Cities For 2011.  The Permit Department Has Been Revamped And

Some Permits Can Be Issued On Line To Save Time And Money, Such As Painting Permits.

In closing The Mayor Stated He Is In His Office Eight Hours Per Day And Welcomes Those

Interested To Come By To Discuss City Matters.  The Mayor Received A Hearty Applause From

The Membership.

Proxy Report

Mr. Canal, Chair Of The Proxy Committee Gave The Following Report:

There Are 193 Voting Interests In Gables Estates, Everyone Owning A Lot In Gables Estates Is Entitled To Vote, In Accordance With Florida Statue 617.305 (A).  Florida Statutes 617.305 (1) Provides That 30% Of The Voting Interest Shall Constitute A Quorum.  30% X 192 = 57.90 Voting Interests Shall Constitute A Quorum.  The Number Of Interests Voting By Proxy Is 52.  The Number Of Interests Voting In Person Is 6. The Total Number Voting Is 58.  Therefore, We Have A Legal Quorum.  Signed: Mr. Daniel Canel, Chair.

Minutes – Semi Annual Minutes, April 27, 2010

Mr. Guerra Asked For A Motion To Be Made That The Reading Of The Minutes Of The Semi Annual Meeting Of April 27, 2010 Be Waived And Be Adopted.  A Motion Was So Moved By Mrs. Bell And Seconded By Mr. Box.   All Were In Favor And The Motion Carried.

Nominating Committee:

The Chair Gave The Following Report:  The Nominating Committee Met At The Home Of Bill Box, 300 Leucadendra Drive, On Thursday, October 13, 2011 At 6:00 P.M.  Those Serving On The Nominating Committee Were:  Chair; Mr. Bill Box,  Mrs.Pat Bohn, Mrs. Maggie Miranda, Dr. Sanford Rakofsky,  And Mrs. Connie Ryan Bales.

Names Of Persons Nominated:

1. 1.  Mr. Antony Argiz
2. 2.  Mrs. Bunny Bastian
3. 3.  Mrs. Trish Bell
4. 4.    Dr. Alberto Tano

All Four Members Have Agreed To Serve On The Board For A Two Year Term.  The Chair Asked For Additional Nominations From The Floor?    Hearing None, Those Nominated Are Unanimously Elected To Serve On The Board Of Governors for two years. 

Flooding Occurrences in Gables Estates

Mr. Guerra Invited Mr. Kephart To Address The Membership Regarding The Flooding Which Took Place This Past Month On Arvida Parkway And Casuarina Concourse.  Mr. Kephart Stated The Storm Was An Unusual One Which Brought 10 To 12 Inches Of Rain.  Mr. Kephart Stated His Department Looked At The Areas In Question And Feel Several Issues Can Be Addressed To Help Minimize The Flooding.  Most Paramount Is To Remove All Vegetation From The Drainage Systems Prior To The Storm.  This Will Free Up The Drains To Allow Water Flow And Stop Clogging.  Mr. Kephart Invited Those Experiencing Drainage Problems to Please Call Him Directly to Meet and Address The flooding Problems.  

Financial Report

The President Explained That Mr. Argiz, Treasurer Could Not Attend Tonight’s Meeting; However, The Club’s Accountant Was In Attendance To Answer Any Questions Regarding The Financial Statements For This Fiscal Year October 1, 2010 Through September 30, 2011.    Hearing None, The President Asked For A Motion To Approve The Proposed Budget For This Fiscal Year October 1, 2011 Through September 30, 2012.  Mr. Bared So Moved And Mr. Box Seconded The Motion.  All Were In Favor. 

Beautification Committee

The President Addressed The Plans For The Beautification Enhancements For 2012 And Stressed The Success If This Program Will Depend On The Administrator’s Supervision And The Communication Of All Employees In Order To Take The Level Of Quality And Control To Perfection.  The President Asked The Chair Of Beautification And The Administrator To Look For Ways To Say Money With The Enhancement Contracts.The President Invited Mrs. Ruffe, Chair Of The Beautification Committee To The Podium And Stated She Had Done A Wonderful Job In Designing The Entrance Marquees And Has Worked With Such Passion To Beautify Gables Estates.  He Stated Mrs. Ruffe Can Be Trusted With Any Task Given To Her And Works Tirelessly For The Community.  Mrs. Ruffe Greeted The Membership And Stated She Is Very Pleased With The Lovely Way The Marquees Turned Out.  She Stated The Road Enhancement Project Was Completed; However, The Punch List Was Still Pending And Those Items Should Be Resolved Shortly With The City Public Works Department.  She Stated She Is In The Process Of Interviewing And Hiring The 2^nd Handyman.  She Explained She Received Three Bids For The Ground Lights, Landscaping Of New Plants And Irrigation And Is Currently Finalizing And Fine Tuning The Approved Bid.   Mrs. Ruffe Stated Holiday Decorations Will Be Installed Later This Week And Wishes Everyone A Happy Holiday Season.  Mrs. Ruffe Received A Warm Applause From The Membership.  

Security Committee

Mr. Canel, Chair Of Security And Mr. Guerra Invited Mr. Orlando I. Aguilera, General Manager; Mr. Robert Cooper And Mr. Ronald Fagan To Present The Following Awards To The Gables Estates G4S Officers:      Each Officer Was Pinned And Presented With A Monetary Award From Gables Estates:

Officer Of The Year

(Cpo Pierre Beaton Was Unable To Attend Due To A Marine Commitment)

Cpo Beaton Displayed A High Level Of Professionalism This Past Year.  He Stood Out Due To His Uniform Appearance, Punctuality And Customer Service Skills.   Officer Beaton Is Very Conscientious About Implementing The Post Orders On A Continuous Basis.  Officer Beaton Is A Key Member Of Captain Urra’s Team. 

One Incident In Particular Highlights Officer Beaton’s Professionalism.   Officer Beaton Was On Duty At A Gate House And A Resident Pulled Up.  However, The Resident Was In The Back Of The Car.  Office Beaton Stepped Out And Greeted The Occupants Of The Vehicle But They Would Not Roll Down The Window.  Officer Beaton Patiently Waited Until The Windows Were Rolled Down And Then Spotted The Resident In The Back Seat And Only Then Was Access Into The Community Granted.

Distinction Award

(Cpo Juan Vera)

Cpo Vera Has Made Marked Improvement This Past Year.   Officer Vera Has Greatly Improved His English Skills And Has Impressed The Captain By Taking The Initiative To Assume A Leadership Role Those Rare Times When A Ranked Officer Is Not Present On A Particular Shift.

Recognition Award

(Cpo Antonio Romero)

Cpo Antonio Romero Has Been Assigned To Gables Estates Since 1992, Nineteen Years.  His Professionalism And Loyalty To Gables Estates Is Respected By All.  To Most Residents, Cpo Romero Is One Of The Friendly Morning Officers.   However, Cpo Romero Routinely Goes Above And Beyond The Call Of Duty.  When Hurricane Operations Go Into Effect, Cpo Romero Is Part Of The Team That Stays Onsite At Gables Estates Until The Storm Passes (Leaving His Family And Home) And Operations Return To Normal.  Cpo Romero Is Also Cross-Trained At All The Posts At Gables Estates (Guardhouse, Marine And Bike Patrol) And Willing To Work All Shifts (Morning, Afternoon And Night) As Needed.  Cpo Romero Is The Consummate Team Player.

Appreciation Award

(Cpo Gary Mcclure)

Cpo Mcclure Just Completed His First Year At Gables Estates.  His Commitment, Flexibility And “Can Do” Attitude Has Won Him Praise From His Fellow Officers And Residents Alike.  Officer Mcclure Does It “By The Book”.

Special Mention

(Lt. Castillo, Sgt. Hammett Were Unable To Attend Due To A Prior Committment)

In The Early Morning Hours Of 2-9-2011, Two Subjects Entered The Community And Attempted To Steal A Jet Ski From A Member’s Property.  The Subjects Entered Through The Waterway And In So Doing, Activated The Waterway Beam.  Lt. Castillo Noticed The Activation And Called Coral Gables P.D.  G4s Secure Solutions Personnel, Along With Members Of The Coral Gables Police Department Were Successful In Apprehending The Subjects Identified Above And The Member’s Jet Ski Was Returned.

Special Mention-Merit Pin

Captain Urra

Gables Estates Presents A Very Dynamic Environment To Patrol.  A Security Officer Is Required To Interact With A Vast Variety Of Different Individuals Ranging From Board Members To Home Owners To Contracted Vendors; Each Bringing His Or Her Own Uniqueness To Day To Day Operations. Captain Urra Has Been Able Guide And Inspire His Staff To Handle These Interactions With Courtesy, Compassion And Professionalism.  There Has Been A Clear Improvement In Implementing The “Step Out” Policy, Better Communication Between The Captain And Gables Estates Management And An Overall Improvement In Leadership This Past Year.

The Awards To The Officers Listed Above Are A Direct Reflection Of Not Only The Officer Involved But The Outstanding Leadership That Captain Urra Has Provided The G4s Staff At Gables Estates.  His “Lead By Example” Approach In Running The Day To Day Operations At Gables Estates And Commitment To The Community Is Paramount And The Basis For His Success.

We Commend Captain Urra For His Professionalism And Outstanding Leadership; We Are Proud To Have Him As A Member Of Gables Estates And G4s Secure Solutions “Team Miami”!

Mr. Aguilera Thanked The Board Of Governors, Mr. Canel And Mr. Guerra For The Incredible Support G4S Has Received.  He Noted That Gables Estates Was Not The Typical Vendor Client Relationship But A Partnership Instead.  He Explained Due To The Security Chair’s Request, All Gables Estates Officers Have Transition To And Are Qualified To Use 9mm Semi Automatic Weapons.

Public Works Presentation:

The President Invited Mr. Kephart And Mr. Polo To The Podium.  He Stated Mr. Polo Was In Charge Of Supervision Of The Roadway Project And That He Has Done A Wonderful Job.  He Stressed That Mr. Polo Acted Very Professional, Addressed All Concerns In A Timely Manner And Completed The Project Within Budget.  Mr. Guerra Stated Mr. Kephart Has Proven To Be Very Supportive Of The Project And Has Shown Great Leadership.  The President Presented Gentlemen With Plaques Of Recognition From The Membership Of Gables Estates.  They Received Applause From Those Attending.  Both Gentlemen Thanked The Board And The Membership.

Annual Block Party:

Ms. Anna Collongette On Behalf Of Mrs. Ross, Stated That The Annual Block Party Is Scheduled For Sunday, February 12, 2012.    Festivities Will Begin At 2:00 P.M. At The 369 Leucadendra Drive Island.  The Theme Will Be  “International Day ”.  Ms. Collongette Invited All Members Interested In Serving On The Block Party Committee To Please Let Mrs. Ross Know. 

Old Business/New Business:

Mrs. Rava Fridman Presented A Framed Picture Of A Lighthouse Dr. Fridman Had Taken For Mr. Polo For Making The Gables Estates Streets So Beautiful.   Mr. Polo Accepted And Thanked Mrs. Fridman.

Adjournment

There Being No Further Business, A Motion To Adjourn The Meeting Was Made And Seconded. All Were In Favor.   The Meeting Was Adjourned At 8:55 P.M.

                                                                                                                                                            _____________________________________________

MR. RENE GUERRA, PRESIDENT

                                                            _____________________________________________

                                                            MR. BILL BOX, SECRETARY

 Board of Governors

Minutes

February 24, 2011

The Board of Governors met at Fairchild Gardens, Classroom “A”, Coral Gables, FL at 7:30 p.m. Present were: Rene Guerra, President; Jose Bared, Vice President; Secretary, Bill Box; Treasurer, Tony Argiz, Directors: Trish Bell, Albert Tano and Daniel Canel.  Mr. Guerra welcomed the Board members and membership for attending the meeting and called the meeting to order.

Minutes: Cat Committee – Daria Feinstein

A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of January 14, 2011 as circulated to the Board.  All were in favor.

Cat Committee Recommendations for Funding & Support Letters:

Mrs. Feinstein was invited to address the membership by the President.  Mrs. Feinstein stated the newly appointment Cat Committee, after researching several options available, was fortunate to have found Sparkle Plenty Services.   Mrs. Feinstein stressed her Committee’s priority of humane treatment of cats.  Mrs. Feinstein suggested approximately 135 cats are currently feral and abandon within our community.  She recommended $15,000 to $20,000 to address this concern.   Ms. Deborah Jeans of Sparkle Plenty Services addressed the Board.  She gave a brief history of herself and her company.  Mrs. Jeans stated she works with several local vets at cost to re-habilitate cats.  She explained that she has worked within Gables Estates for the past five years at the direction of Ms. Silvania Dacanha Juncadella whom has donated her time and money addressing stray, abandon, diseased and injured cats.  Ms. Jeans recommended an informative questionnaire be given to the membership requesting proper identification of all sponsored cats be provided to the Administrator as well as non sponsored cats being sited on their property.  Ms. Jeans stated she has several cats up for adoption which were trapped within Gables Estates.  Ms. Jeans stated feral cats can not be relocated to another area as it is against the law to do so.

The President gave a brief history regarding the Club’s involvement with this matter and acknowledged that $1,200. in donations had been made with an additional private donation of $300.  Mr. Guerra recommended to the Board that allocations of money be given to address this issue.  He stressed, due to the lack of projected sales this fiscal year, the Board must be conservative in their actions until such funding becomes available. 

The President reminded those present that major investments to the Community from the Club are taking place as per the City agreement to repave Casuarina Concourse and Leucadendra Drive as well as install safety enhancement decorative pavers for the Leucadendra Drive/Arvida Parkway Traffic Calming Circle, Traffic Calming Islands on Casuarina Concourse, and bridges on Arvida Parkway and Leucadendra Drive. 

The President stated he agreed with the Cat Committee and their recommendation that there must be a joint effort between the Club and Club members raising funds.  He also mentioned the membership survey results showed an overwhelming support to address this concern.   The President asked for a motion for the Board to allocate $6,500. for this endeavor and that a letter go out to the membership asking for private funds as well.  Discussion took place.  Mr. Argiz so moved and Mr. Bared seconded the motion.  He stated that Sparkle Plenty Services did a fantastic job and was confident in their ability to serve our community.   Dr. Albert questioned the ultimate goal.  Ms. Jeans answered to control the feral cat population through spay and neutering, removing disease and injured cats and working to eliminate the spread of disease.  Dr. Albert stated this is a long term commitment and agreed education information should be provided to the membership to stop behaviors that encourage growth of the feral population.  Mrs. Feinstein stated she reserved the right to come back before the Board if the private donations did not match the needs as she did not want to do a half hearted job.  All were in agreement and the motion passed unanimously.

Results of Membership Survey:  The President gave the following report to those present:

2/24/2011 – Net Results of Membership Survey 2011

VARIANCE REQUEST 50 CASUARINA CONCOURSE: – Bill Box, Chair of the Architectural Board:

Mr. Box informed the Board of the variance requests for mooring piles from 50 Casuarina Concourse.  He stated all immediate adjacent neighbors submitted letters of approval as well as the Architectural Review Board headed by Ramon Pacheco.  Discussion took place.  Dr. Tano moved to support the variance requests, Mr. Argiz seconded the motion and all were in favor.  (see attached letter )

February 25, 2011

Martha Salazar Blanco,

Zoning Administrator

City of Coral Gables                                                              

405 Biltmore Way                                                                  

Coral Gables, Florida 33134                                                  

Re: Mr.  and Mrs. Armando Codina, 50 Casuarina Concourse, Gables Estates, Coral Gables, FL 33143

Dear Mrs. Salazar Blanco:

The Gables Estates Architectural Review Committee (in house) and the Gables Estates Board of Governors having met on February 24, 2011, reviewed the request for the following variances: 

1. Allow the proposed two (2) dolphin mooring piles to extend 40’ feet (13’ feet from existing piles) from the bank of the property vs no mooring piles shall be placed or set in the water bodies which shall be located at a greater distance than twenty-five (25) feet from the bank of such water or waterways.

1. Allow the proposed two (2) dolphin mooring piles to extend 13’ feet from the adjacent property vs all mooring piles, docks and /or similar structures shall maintain the same minimum setback from the adjacent owner’s property line extended as established for the main structure permitted on each building site, except as described for specific properties and the Mahi Canal in Appendix A.

Note: Property owners adjacent to 50 Casuarina Concourse submitted letters of approval as follows for this application:

            Approval – 21 Casuarina Concourse, Mr. & Mrs. Cisneros

            Approval – 70 Casuarina Concourse, Mrs. Vanessa Valle

            Approval – 630 Leucadendra Drive, Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin Leon, Jr.

            Approval – 2 Leucadendra Drive, Mr. R. Eric Thyrre, Trust

            Approval – 80 Casuarina Concourse, Dr. and Mrs. Richard Feinstein

            Approval -  1 Leucadendra Drive, Mr. Francisco Unanue

            Approval -  60 Casuarina Concourse, Mr. Roger Abboud

After careful consideration, the Architectural Review Committee and the Board of Governors voted to support the variance requests as noted above provide the applicant receives DERM’s approval and the City of Coral Gables approval.  The application must have DERM’s approval as a prerequisite.

Please feel free to contact me, at the above number, if you have any questions regarding this matter.  As always, thank you for your assistance.

Sincerely yours,

Kathleen Richardson

Executive Administrator to the

Board of Governors

CASUARINA CONCOURSE ENHANCEMENT FISCAL YEAR TO DATE:

The President went over the expenditures which took place this fiscal year for Casuarina Concourse. (see attached)  He stated a total of $13,532.03 had been spent on improvements for Casuarina Concourse.  He stated the City of Coral Gables hired a professional tree trimming service to trim and prun all the Oaks on the Casuarina

Concourse right of ways.  The City has been performing this work for the past six weeks to date.

The President discussed the “wish list” provided by Mrs. Rava Fridman and explained that several of the items were the City’s responsibility and other private homeowners responsibility.  He added the Board is continuing to address and receive bids for Mrs. Fridman’s landscaping requests, however, due to budgetary constraints no additional work will take place at this time and all streets within Gables Estates will be considered for enhancements in the future.  Until funds are available it was agreed this matter would be tabled.

POSSIBLE WATERWAY CLEAN UP – DISCUSSION ONLY – BILL BOX, CHAIR

Mr. Box presented the following for discussion:

One of Gables Estate Club major goal’s is to have our waterways deepened and cleaned. The following might be a way through the Waterway Renaissance organization. I have outlined some details below.

I discussed our problem with Peter Hairston, CEO of a non-profit organization called Waterway Renaissance. I have seen his organization’s project to refurbish and repaint the bridge on Granada. He told me of several other waterway related projects in Coral Gables; they all appeared quite impressive. I wrote his contact information at the end of this email.

He told me that there were several governmental and private funding sources available for us to approach. If we attack the issue from a water quality and safety perspective, funding might be easier to procure. In fact, he is optimistic about this approach.

As I understand it, the basic plan would be for us to fund an initial assessment (less then $10,000) to define the scope of our problem and present our findings to a governmental agency – probably the City of Coral Gables. The City, Waterway Renaissance and the GE Club would then set about as a team looking for funding. Waterway Renaissance would be a key player at this stage, finding funds available and helping the City write the grant proposals, money matching programs, etc. All official applications would be handled through the City. Our part would be monitoring the process. Peter Hairston also said that his organization is experienced in navigating the various regulatory agencies due to their previous projects.

I think that this approach might hold promise. I asked him if he would be willing to make a brief presentation to the Board to answer any questions we might have – and he agreed. Perhaps he could make his case at the next available meeting if there is any interest.

Mr. Guerra suggested a written presentation package be prepared detailing what Watereway Renaissance can do, how they would proceed, what results can be assured to the Club.  Once the package is ready a Committee can be educated and report back to the Board.  Mr. Box, Mr. Canel, Mr. Moretti and Mr. Bared volunteered to serve on this Committee.  Mrs. Audrey Ross stated this should be a “Joint Green Initiative” whereas the Club would be working with Private, City of Coral Gables and Federal Funding Grant money.  Mr. Canel questioned the Administrator had the Gables Estates Finger Canals ever been cleaned.  She responded no.  She stated the City had received Federal Grant Funding for testing the silt for toxins and cleaning canals within Coral Gables.  The main canal in Coral Gables benefited from this funding and promises were made that Gables Estates Canals would be addressed.

Mr. Bared questioned the delay regarding the Channel Markers at the entrance canals.  The President stated he would have a meeting with Public Works to determine the status of the Channel Markers.

ABSENTEE BALLOTS AND DRIVE TO ENCOURAGE MEMBERSHIP VOTING IN THE CITY OF CORAL GABLES APRIL’S ELECTION:- JOSE BARED, CHAIR

Mr. Bared volunteered to work to encourage membership voting turn out for the April 12^th City of Coral Gables Election. 

There being no other business, Mr. Guerra moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 p.m.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Box and all were in favor.  The meeting was adjourned.

                                                                     ______________________________________

Mr. Rene Guerra, President

MINUTES

APRIL 27, 2011

THE SEMI ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MEMBERSHIP OF GABLES ESTATES CLUB, INC., TOOK PLACE AT FAIRCHILD TROPICAL GARDEN, “BALLROOM”, 10901 OLD CUTLER ROAD, MIAMI, FLORIDA AT 7:30 P.M. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2011.

WELCOME & INTRODUCTION

MR. RENE GUERRA, PRESIDENT, CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND WELCOMED THOSE PRESENT.   MR. GUERRA  INTRODUCED THOSE BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: MR. BILL BOX, SECRETARY; DIRECTORS; MRS. TRISH BELL, MRS. BUNNY BASTIAN, MR. DANIEL CANEL, MRS. SISSY RUFFE.

PROXY REPORT

MRS. TRISH BELL, CHAIR OF THE PROXY COMMITTEE GAVE THE FOLLOWING REPORT:

THERE ARE 193 VOTING INTERESTS IN GABLES ESTATES, EVERYONE OWNING A LOT IN GABLES ESTATES IS ENTITLED TO VOTE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH FLORIDA STATUE 617.305 (a).  FLORIDA STATUTES 617.305 (1) PROVIDES THAT 30% OF THE VOTING INTEREST SHALL CONSTITUTE A QUORUM.  30% x 192 = 57.90 VOTING INTERESTS SHALL CONSTITUTE A QUORUM.  THE NUMBER OF INTERESTS VOTING BY PROXY IS 52.  THE NUMBER OF INTERESTS VOTING IN PERSON IS 17. THE TOTAL NUMBER VOTING IS 69.  THEREFORE, WE HAVE A LEGAL QUORUM.  SIGNED: MRS. TRISH BELL, CHAIR.

MINUTES – ANNUAL MINUTES, NOVEMBER 12, 2010 (AS CIRCULATED TO THE MEMBERSHIP) & BOARD OF GOVERNORS MEETING FEBRUARY 24, 2011.

MR. GUERRA ASKED FOR A MOTION TO BE MADE THAT THE READING OF THE MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING AND BOARD OF GOVERNORS MEETING MINUTES BE WAIVED AND BE ADOPTED.  A MOTION WAS SO MOVED BY MR. CANEL AND SECONDED BY MRS. BELL.   ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

ADMISSION COMMITTEE

MRS. BELL, CHAIR READ AND WELCOMED THE FOLLOWING NEW MEMBERS APPROVED SINCE THE CLUB’S LAST ANNUAL MEETING, SIX MONTHS AGO:

            MR. AND MRS. ELIGIO CEDENO 340 LEUCADENDRA DRIVE    

            MR. AND MRS. ROGER ABBOUD – 60 CASUARINA CONCOURSE

SECURITY COMMITTEE

            AWARD PRESENTATION

THE PRESIDENT WELCOMED MR. ORLANDO AGUILERA, GENERAL MANAGER OF G4S SOLUTIONS, USA INC TO THE PODIUM.  MR. AGUILERA STATED THE SECURITY GABLES ESTATES RECEIVES IS EXCELLENT PARTLY DUE TO EXCELLENT COOPERATION BETWEEN THE MEMBERSHIP, THE CITY OF CORAL GABLES AND THE CLUB’S G4S SECURITY STAFF.   MR. AGUILERA STATED HE AND MR. ROBERT COOPER, MANAGER OF OPERATIONS FOR G4S WERE HONORED TO PRESENT AWARDS OF DISTINCTION TO THE FOLLOWING OFFICERS:  CPO LIEUTENANT CASTILLO, CPO SERGEANT HAMMETT, CPO OFFICER KOSACK.   MR. AGUILERA READ THE FOLLOWING REPORT (SEE ATTACHED).     EACH OFFICER WAS PINNED AND RECEIVED A CERTIFICATE OF DISTINCTION.  THE MEMBERS RESPONDED WITH BY APPLAUSE.  MR. AGUILERA THANKED THE MEMBERSHIP FOR ALLOWING G4S TO PROVIDE SECURITY TO THE COMMUNITY.  HE STATED HE WAS VERY PROUD OF OUR OFFICERS.         

            CAPTAIN ROBERTO URRA – SITE SUPERVISOR OVERVIEW

CAPTAIN URRA SPOKE TO THE MEMBERSHIP; HE THANKED THEM FOR AFFORDING HIM THE OPPORTUNITY OF WORKING AT GABLES ESTATES FOR THE PAST SIXTEEN YEARS.  HE EMPHASIZED THE IMPORTANCE OF MEMBERS REPORTING SUSPICIOUS BEHAVIOR TO SECURITY IMMEDIATELY.  INFORMED THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE ADDITIONAL WATERWAY SECURITY CAMERA INSTALLED AT 110 ARVIDA PARKWAY.  STATED ALL CAMERAS ARE VIEWED FROM BOTH GATEHOUSES WHICH ALLOWS OPTIMAL SURVEILLANCE OPPORTUNITIES.  NOTED THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE ENHANCED VISIBILITY PROGRAM OF HAVING OFFICERS CLOSE THE MEMBERSHIP ENTRANCE LANE ON ARVIDA FROM 11:00 PM TO 07:00 AM WHILE OFFICERS STEP OUT TO GREET ALL INCOMING VEHICLES AND DOCUMENT ALL PERTINENT INFORMATION.  CAPTAIN URRA ALSO MENTIONED THE HIGHER VISIBILITY OF OFFICERS DURING THE DAY AS OFFICERS ARE STEPPING OUT AND INTERACTING WITH NON MEMBERS ROUTINELY.   CAPTAIN URRA RECEIVED APPLAUSE FROM THE MEMBERSHIP.    

            OFFICER MIKE HEARNS, CITY OF CORAL GABLES OFF DUTY POLICE COORDINATOR FOR GABLES ESTATES       

OFFICER HEARNS ADDRESSED THE MEMBERSHIP AND STATED THE CITY HAS A NEW, HIGHLY EXPERIENCED CHIEF OF POLICE, CHIEF DENNIS WEINER.  OFFICER HEARNS STATED CHIEF WEINER IS VERY PROGRESSIVE WITH HIS IDEAS AND WILL PROVE TO BE RECEPTIVE TO THE NEEDS OF THE GABLES ESTATES COMMUNITY.  OFFICER HEARNS STATED HE HAS WORKED WITH GABLES ESTATES FOR THE PAST TEN YEARS AND INVITED THE MEMBERSHIP TO CALL HIM DIRECTLY FOR ANY CONCERNS OR ISSUES THEY MAY HAVE.  OFFICER HEARNS STRESSED THE ISSUE OF MEMBERS GETTING THEIR MAIL LATE AT NIGHT AS BEING A GREAT SECURITY RISK.  HE STATED ALL A PERSON WOULD NEED IS A “POST IT “ LEFT ON THE MAILBOX TO ROB OR TAKE YOUR LIFE.  HE EXPLAINED THAT HE HAD WITNESSED THIS UNSAFE BEHAVIOR MANY TIMES. HE FELT IT WAS IMPERATIVE TO BRING HIS CONCERN UP TONIGHT.  HE STATED MANY MEMBERS PULL UP TO THEIR DRIVEWAY, LEAVE THEIR CAR RUNNING AND UNLOCKED AND GET OUT TO GET THEIR MAIL.  THIS ALLOWS THE CRIMINAL ELEMENT TO JUST GET INTO THE CAR AND DRIVE AWAY.  HE STRESSED THAT WOULD BE THE BEST CASE SCENARIO.  OFFICER HEARNS CAUTIONED MEMBERS TO WAIT UNTIL THE DAYLIGHT HOURS TO GET THEIR MAIL.

            DANIEL CANEL, CHAIR OF SECURITY

MR. CANEL STATED HE WAS PLEASED THE REDUCTION OF THE SECURITY BUDGET LAST YEAR DID NOT RESULT IN THE DETERIORATION OF THE QUALITY OF SECURITY BEING PROVIDED TO THE CLUB.  HE ASSURED THE MEMBERS THE OPPOSITE IS TRUE,  HE STATED THE CLUB HAS EXCELLENT SECURITY DUE TO ORLANDO AGUILERA AND OUR SECURITY STAFF FROM G4S, COOPERATION WITH THE CORAL GABLES POLICE AND OFFICER HEARNS AS WELL AS THE MEMBERSHIP’S INVOLVEMENT AND THE CLUB’S CAMERAS.

THE PRESIDENT STATED SECURITY IS A TEAM EFFORT. HE THANKED MR. CANEL AND MR. JUNCADELLO, CO CHAIR OF SECURITY, FOR THEIR SERVICE AND SAID THEY WERE DOING AN IMPRESSIVE JOB FOR ALL THE MEMBERS IN GABLES ESTATES.

YACHT CLUB REPORT:

MR. CANEL, COMMODORE STATED THE 4^TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARADE WILL TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10^TH .  MORE DETAILS WILL BE SENT TO THE MEMBERSHIP VIA MAIL SHORTLY; HE STATED THE CLUB NEEDS BETTER PARTICIPATION.  MR. CANEL WILL BE SEEKING OUT PARTICIPANTS BY HAVING HIS BOAT CAPTAIN CALL ALL MEMBERS WITH BOATS IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS FOR SUGGESTIONS AND COMMITMENTS TO PARTICIPATE. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

MRS. AUDREY ROSS ANNOUNCED TO THE MEMBERSHIP THE PASSING OF A LONG TIME MEMBER, MR. GERALD BEAN OF 641 LEUCADENDRA DRIVE.  MR. GUERRA THANKED HER FOR INFORMING THE MEMBERSHIP AND STATED A BASKET HAD BEEN DELIVERED TO MRS. BEAN AND FAMILY TODAY ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD AND CLUB MEMBERS.

OLD BUSINESS/NEW BUSINESS

THE PRESIDENT THANKED MRS. RAVA FRIDMAN FOR HER DEDICATION, ENTHUSIASM AND PERSISTENCE IN ENHANCING CASUARINA CONCOURSE.  HE THANKED THE BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE CHAIR, MRS. RUFFE, WHOM HAS WORKED DILIGENTLY OVER THE PAST SIX MONTHS IMPROVING THE CONDITIONS ON CASUARINA AT AN ADDED EXPENSE OF OVER $15,000, TO DATE.  HE STRESSED THE NEED FOR PATIENCE AS THE ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT WILL COMMENCE ON MAY 1^ST AND NO PLANTING OR IMPROVEMENTS CAN TAKE PLACE UNTIL THIS WORK IN COMPLETED.  

THE PRESIDENT’S OVERVIEW OF THE PAST SIX MONTH’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS & FUTURE PROJECTIONS; THE PRESIDENT STATED THE BOARD COMPILED WITH THE RESPONSE/RESULTS OF THE MEMBERSHIP  SURVEY WHICH WERE ANIMAL CONTROL, PODOCARPUS HEDGES, ENTRANCE SIGNS AND SCANNING ALL DOCUMENTS.  MR. GUERRA READ THE FOLLOWING:

1. PHASE III OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS ON ARVIDAS, LEUCADENDRA AND CASUARINA ARE COMPLETED WITH PODOCARPUS HEDGES REPAIRED , CREATE NEW HEDGE PILES WHERE REQUESTED AND REPLACE OLD PODOCARPUS HEDGE PLANTS THAT DIED DUE TO LACK OF WATERING HAS BEEN COMPLETED.
2. SECURITY ENHANCEMENT BY ADDING HIGH SPEED INTERNET COMCAST LINE FOR WATERWAY CAMERAS, CONTINUE WITH STEPPING OUT POLICY, MONITORING TAG SHEETS AND IMPROVED COMMUNICATIONS.
3. NEW WATERWAY CAMERA INSTALLED AT 110 ARVIDA PARKWAY, AND ONE ADDITIONAL OLD CUTLER CAMERA LOCATION PENDING.
4. BOARD OF GOVERNORS REFUNDED $100,000. BACK TO THE MEMBERSHIP IN GOOD STANDING 2010/11 YEAR.
5. BOARD INCREASED TRANSFER FEE TO $10,000. PER TRANSFER.
6. CLUB IS SCANNING ALL DOCUMENTS.  OLD DOCUMENTATION WILL BE SCANNED AND PRESERVED BY OUR CPA OFFICE.
7. MEMBERSHIP  DIRECTORIES INCLUDING THE CHARTER, BY LAWS AND DECLARATION OF PROTECTIVE COVENANTS WERE DELIVERED TO MEMBERSHIP
8. CAT COMMITTEE WAS ESTABLISHED THIS YEAR WITH $6,500. FROM THE CLUB AND AN ADDITIONAL $7,000 IN DONATIONS FROM THE MEMBERSHIP.  
9. NEW ENTRANCE MARQUEES WHICH WERE DESIGNED BY OUR BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE CHAIR, MRS. SISSY RUFFE, WERE APPROVED AND WILL BE INSTALLED AT BOTH ENTRANCES THIS FISCAL YEAR.  THE WONDERFUL DESIGN IS MADE OUT OF KEYSTONE TO MATCH OUR CURRENT GATEHOUSES AND THE PRESIDENT THANKED MRS. RUFFE AGAIN FOR HER OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO THE CLUB.
10. THE 1,800 FT MAIN FORCE SEWER LINE WAS CORRECTED ON LEUCADENDRA BY THE CITY OF CORAL GABLES
11. THE CITY OF CORAL GABLES INSTALLED TEMPORARY CHANNEL MARKERS WHICH WILL BE REPLACED ONCE THE NEW CHANNEL MARKERS ORDERED BY THE CITY ARRIVE.
12. CASUARINA’S APPEARANCE WAS GREATLY ENHANCED THANKS TO MRS. SISSY RUFFE AND MRS. RAVA FRIDMAN.  ALSO A THANK YOU GOES OUT TO MR. MILTON WALLACE FOR DONATING 55 SEA GRAPE PLANTS WHICH WILL BE PLANTED ON CASUARINA IN TWO WEEKS, AS WE MUST WAIT FOR THE RAINY SEASON TO ASSURE WATER.

THE FOLLOWING ARE IMPROVEMENT TO DATE (SIX MONTHS) FOR CASUARINA CONCOURSE:

1. TREE TRIMMING OF BLACK OLIVES LOCATED ON THE THREE ISLANDS BEHIND THE GATEHOUSE
2. PAINT THE THREE ISLAND LIGHT POLES BLACK LOCATED AT THE POTAMKIN CUL DE SAC ISLAND
3. INSTALL NEW FERN BED ON RIGHT OF WAY @ 501
4. PLANT CROWN OF THORNS AT SEVERAL ISLANDS AND ADD CROWN OF THORNS TO THE ENTRANCE SIGN LOCATIONS
5. PRESSURE CLEAN GATEHOUSE WALLS
6. PLANT QUEEN EMMAS AT THE ENTRANCE SIGN LOCATIONS, NORTH AND SOUTH
7. CLEAN OUT MANGROVE AREAS LOCATED AT 200 & 500 BLOCK
8. RAISE THE LANDSCAPING LIGHTS ON HIGHER FIXTURES ON THE TRAFFIC CALMING ISLANDS
9. CLEAN AWAY SAPLINGS ON THE RIGHT OF WAY OAKS UP TO SIX FEET HIGH
10. PLANT NEW PODOCARPUS HEDGES WHERE REQUESTED
11. ADD ADDITIONAL PODOCARPUS PLANTS TO EXISTING HEDGES WHERE NEEDED
12. PLANT FLOWERS AT THE ENTRANCE GATEHOUSE BASKET
13. SCHEDULE HANDYMAN TO HAND WATER NEW 650 CAS. FERN BEDS, GRASS AREA IN FRONT OF MANGROVE TO ENCOURAGE GROWTH & NEW FERN BEDS ON BI WEEKLY BASIS
14. MULCH THE POTAMKIN ISLAND CENTER PLANTING AREA
15. FILL IN DEAD AND/OR MISSING FERNS ON THE RIGHT OF WAYS
16. CLEAN AND/OR TRIM SEA GRASS AT MANGROVE LOCATION
17. INSTALL MULCH AT SEA GRAPE RIGHT OF WAY FROM 221 TO 55
18. PLANT NEW SWORD FERNS AT THE 650 CAS. RIGHT OF WAY GATEHOUSE ENTRANCE

A: PENDING ITEMS WHICH THE BOARD WILL BE ADDRESSING IN THE NEXT SIX MONTHS: (NOTE: THE PRESIDENT STATED TIMING AND BUDGETING WILL PLAY A KEY ROLE IN THE FOLLOWING ITEMS AND MEMBERS MAY NOT RECEIVE A REFUND NEXT FISCAL YEAR)

a)       REQUESTED SEVEN (7) ADDITIONAL LIGHTS TO BE ADDED TO THE EXISTING CAS. CON. STREET LIGHTS / AWAITING RESPONSE FROM FP&L

b)      REQUESTED OF FP& L  AND THE CITY OF CORAL GABLES COST / BID FOR PLACING THE OVERHEAD UTILITIES ON CAS. CON. TO UNDERGROUND CABLES., AWAITING THEIR RESPONSE.(THIS MUST BE APPROVED BY AT LEAST 51% OF THE MEMBERSHIP ON CAS. CON.  EMPOWERING THE  CITY TO ASSESS THE CAS. CON. MEMBERS THEIR PORTION PER LOT OF THE EXPENSE, IN 2001 THIS AMOUNTED TO NEARLY $30,000. PER LOT AND WAS VOTED DOWN.)   NOTE:  THE ENHANCED LIGHTING FOR ARVIDAS AND LEUCADENDRA WERE APPROVED BY THE MEMBERSHIP BY MORE THAN 51% AND EACH LOT OWNER ON ARVIDAS AND LEUCADENDRA WERE ASSESSED BY THE CITY. 

c)       COMPLETE THE ROAD ENHANCEMENT WHICH INCLUDES THE RE-PAVEMENT OF CASUARINA  & LEUCADENDRA WHICH IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN ON MAY 1^ST, AS WELL AS INSTALLING THE PAVERS AT THE ISLANDS, BRIDGES AND CIRCLE .  THE CITY OF CORAL GABLES IS ASSUMING FULL OWNERSHIP, LIABILITY AND MAINTENANCE OF THE IMPROVEMENTS.  (UNLIKE THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT ENTRANCE PROJECT COMPLETED SEVEN YEARS AGO)

d)      I WILL COMPLETE THE NEW, DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTION FOR THE PRESIDENT, VICE PRESIDENT, TREASURER AND SECRETARY OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS AND PRESENT IT TO THE BOARD FOR THEIR APPROVAL.

e)      I HAVE REQUESTED THAT THE CITY PAVE THE PUMP-STATION AREA AND IMPROVE THE OVERALL LOOK OF THIS AREA AS IT IS AN EYE SORE TO OUR MEMBERS

f)         AS A RESULT OF THE RECENT SURVEY WHICH WENT OUT TO THE FULL MEMBERSHIP; THE BOARD WILL BE DEVELOPING WAYS TO ENHANCE THE LANDSCAPING OF ALL THE STREETS WITHIN GABLES ESTATES.  KATHLEEN HAS BEGUN TO CREATE A LIST OF AREAS WHICH NEED IMPROVEMENT, INCLUDING ENHANCED LANDSCAPING, LIGHTING AND IRRIGATION.  ONCE THE LIST IS ITEMIZED, PRIORITIZED AND BIDED OUT, A BUDGET CAN BE CREATED AND APPROVED.  IN THE MEANTIME, I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A BOARD MEMBER REPRESENTING EACH STREET,  LEUCADENDRA, ARVIDAS & CASUARINA.  MY SUGGESTIONS  ARE:  FOR CASUARINA -  MR. ANTONIO ARGIZ, FOR THE ARVIDAS  – MRS. SISSY RUFFE, LEUCADENDRA DRIVE – MRS. TRISH BELL.  I WOULD LIKE FOR THEM TO BE ASSISTED BY A MEMBER OF EACH STREET, WHICH IS A NON BOARD MEMBER, FOR CASUARINA I SUGGEST MRS. RAVA FRIDMAN, AND FOR LEUCADENDRA I SUGGEST MRS. JOYCE DICKERSON.  THE PURPOSE OF THIS WOULD BE TO ASSIST SISSY, KATHLEEN AND MYSELF IN REVIEWING AND COMPLETING THE “WISH LIST”. FOR EACH ONE OF THOSE STREETS.  IT IS MY INTENTION TO DISTRIBUTE IMPROVEMENTS EQUALLY TO EACH STREET.  THE BOARD WILL DECIDE THE PRIORITIES BASED ON SAFETY AND ADDING VALUE TO THE COMMUNITY.  AS WE COLLECTIVELY INCREASE OUR LANDSCAPING, IRRIGATION AND LIGHTING THE MAINTENANCE AND COST INVOLVED WILL ALSO HAVE TO BE INCREASED.  CONTROLLING THOSE COST CAN TAKE PLACE BY HIRING TWO ADDITIONAL PART TIME EMPLOYEES TO CONCENTRATE ON MAINTENANCE OF LANDSCAPING SUCH AS WEEDING, CLEANING OUT BEDS, PICKING UP TRASH, ETC….  ONE EMPLOYEE WOULD BE DEDICATED TO CAS. AND ANOTHER TO LEU./ ARVIDA .  OUR CURRENT HANDYMAN, JOSE, WILL SUPERVISE THE NEW EMPLOYEES AND COMPLETE REPAIRS TO THE LIGHTING, IRRIGATION AND MASONRY STRUCTURES AS WELL AS OTHER DETAILED WORK.   THE COST INCLUDING TAXES FOR 25 HOUR WORK WEEKS EACH WILL BE APPROXIMATELY $35,000.  SISSY, KATHLEEN AND MYSELF WILL LOOK INTO REVISING AND RENEGOTIATING OUR CURRENT CONTRACT WITH GOLDEN SUN TREE AS MUCH OF THE CURRENT CONDITIONS COULD BE REMOVED SINCE ALL THAT WOULD BE REQUIRED OF OUR CONTRACTOR WOULD BE WEEKLY CUTTINGS AND REPLACEMENT OF PLANTS ON AS NEEDED BASIS. THIS CONCEPT WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE BOARD FOR FURTHER REVIEW PRIOR TO THE NEXT FISCAL BUDGET.  I HOPE THIS IDEA IS EMBRACED BY THE BOARD THUS PROVIDING GABLES ESTATES WITH NEARLY DAILY SERVICES.

g)      OUR BUDGET IS ON TARGET EXCEPT AT THIS TIME LAST YEAR WE HAD FOUR SALES AND THIS YEAR WE ONLY HAVE TWO SALES TO DATE.  I AM SURE WITHIN THE NEXT SIX MONTHS WE WILL HAVE AT LEAST TWO MORE SALES LEAVING THE CLUB WITH A SURPLUS OF AROUND $200,000. IN MY ESTIMATION.

h)       THE LEUCADENDRA TENNIS CLUB IS CURRENTLY ENHANCING THEIR LANDSCAPING AND THE BOARD WOULD LIKE TO ENCOURAGE THIS PRACTICE TO CONTINUE.  I WOULD LIKE TO THANK MR. JERONIMO ESTEVE FOR HIS DONATION OF SEVEN ROYAL PALMS WHICH WILL BE PLANTED AT THE TENNIS CLUB.

i)         CASUARINA CONCOURSE FLAG POLE

MR. GUERRA ANNOUNCED THAT MRS. FEINSTEIN HAD PICTURES AVAILABLE TONIGHT  FOR THE MEMBERSHIP TO VIEW REGARDING CATS RESCUED AND GIVEN TREATMENT AND CARE BY THE CAT COMMITTEE.  HE THANKED MRS. FEINSTEIN FOR THE OUTSTANDING JOB SHE HAS DONE.  MR. GUERRA THANKED THE FOLLOWING DONORS  WHO GAVE TO THE CAT COMMITTEE: FOUNDER OF PROJECT AND MAJOR CONTRIBUTOR TO THIS ENDEAVOR PRIOR TO THE BOARD’S INVOLVEMENT; MS. SILVANIA SILDACUNA

DONATIONS:

DANIEL CANEL

JACK UGENT

EVA & BRUCE ZWIGARD

DARIA AND RICHARD FEINSTEIN

ALAN POTAMKIN

TRISH BELL

EUGENE CONESE

VICTOR CLARKE

PATRICIA CRUZ

BONNIE ZIEGLER

RAFAEL MARTINEZ

LAURA & MICHAEL JONES

BETH MORGENTHAU

MILTON WALLACE

MRS. FRIDMAN WAS INTRODUCED TO THE MEMBERSHIP AND TOOK THE PODIUM.  SHE STATED LANDSCAPING WAS HER PASSION AND SHE WAS VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THE CONDITION OF LANDSCAPING ON CASUARINA CONCOURSE.  MRS. FRIDMAN SAID SHE HAD WORKED WITH KATHLEEN AND MR. ARGIZ AS WELL AS MR. GUERRA.  SHE MENTIONED SHE HAD WORKED WITH THE CITY OF CORAL GABLES TRIMMING CREW WHILE THEY WERE CUTTING THE OAK TREES EACH DAY BY BRINGING THEM COFFEE AND DESSERTS AT 7:30 A.M.   MRS. FRIDMAN DISCUSSED THE MAINTENANCE OF THE FERNS AT THE SEAWALLS ON CASUARINA, THE CLEANING OF THE SEA LETTUCE WHICH WERE INVADING THE SEA GRAPES.  SHE STATED CASUARINA NEEDS SOMEONE DEDICATED AND PASSIONATE ABOUT LANDSCAPING TO MAINTAIN OUR BLOCK AND KNOW WHAT OUR STREET NEEDS, LIKE IRRIGATION.  SHE SAID OUR HANDYMAN WORKS WITH HOSES AND THIS IS TOO TIME CONSUMING.  SHE THANKED MR. WALLACE FOR THE DONATION OF 55 SEAGRAPES AND THANKED MR. POTAMKIN FOR THE USE OF HIS CREW TO CLEAN OF HIS ISLAND WHICH TOOK THREE FULL HOURS.  SHE SAID SHE WAS VERY GRATEFUL TO BOTH GENTLEMEN.  MRS. FRIDMAN SAID IT WAS A CONSTANT STRUGGLE FOR THE HANDYMAN TO GET RID OF THE SEA LETTUCE AND THAT WHAT WAS NEEDED WAS A GARDENING CREW TO TAKE THEM OUT BY THE ROOTS.  MRS. FRIDMAN SAID THE HANDYMAN IS VERY PLEASANT AND WORKS VERY HARD AND IS VERY RELIABLE.  MRS. FRIDMAN STATED BORIS FROM THE CITY IS CHANGING OUT THE GREEN LIGHTS TO WHITE LIGHTS WHICH ARE ELEGANT FOR OUR NEIGHBORHOOD. MRS. FRIDMAN SAID SHE JUST WANTS HER STREET TO BE MORE LIVABLE AND BEAUTIFUL AND ALL IT WILL TAKE IS KINDNESS AND COMPASSION WHICH WE NEED TO SHOW EACH OTHER.  

MR. GUERRA THANKED MRS. FRIDMAN.  HE NOTED THE LACK OF IRRIGATION ON THE BRIDGES ON LEUCANDEDRA  AS WELL AS SEVERAL ISLANDS ON THE ARVIDAS AND LEUCADENDRA THAT DO NOT HAVE LIGHTING.  HE STRESSED MANY IMPROVEMENTS SUCH AS MAINTENANCE OF THE OAKS IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CITY AND THE CLUB HAS LOBBIED TO IM PROVE THE CONDITIONS.  THE PRESIDENT STATED A LOT OF WORK HAS BEEN COMPLETED IN THE PAST SIX MONTHS AND MUCH MORE IS REQUIRED.  HE INVITED EVERYONE TO SEE THE CONDITIONS ON LEUCADENDRA AND NOTED THAT ENHANCEMENTS MUST BE COMPLETED AS A COMMUNITY.  HE STRESSED THE ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS START ON MAY 1^ST AND IMPROVEMENTS WILL BE CONSIDERED AFTER THEIR COMPLETION.  THE BOARD WILL CONSIDER IMPROVEMENTS EQUALLY FOR EACH STREET.  HE ASKED FOR THE MEMBERSHIPS’ COOPERATION AND INVITED ANYONE WHO FELT DIFFERENTLY TO SPEAK WITH HIM DIRECTLY.  MR. MUSSO CAUTIONED REPAVING THE ROADS AND THAN ADDING IRRIGATION AND LIGHTING WHICH WOULD DAMAGE THE ROADS.  MR. GUERRA STATED HE WOULD LOOK INTO THAT WITH THE CITY.  MRS. FERNANDES DISCUSSED THE WASTING OF GOOD PLANTS, QUESTIONED RELOCATING PLANTS WHICH DID NOT FAIR WELL AND STATED SHE WANTED THE THEME OF GABLES ESTATES TO BE THE SAME FOR ARVIDA, LEUCADENDRA DRIVE AND CASUARINA.  MRS. MUSSO ASKED WHO IS IN CHARGE OF THE LANDSCAPING CREW AND MR. GUERRA STATED OUR ADMINISTRATOR.  THE PRESIDENT STATED STRONGLY THAT ONLY BOARD MEMBERS OR EMPLOYEES OF GABLES ESTATES CAN WORK WITH THE CLUB’S CONTRACTOR’S DUE TO LIABILITY EXPOSURE AND OUR AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF CORAL GABLES.  THE PRESIDENT STRESSED THIS ISSUE MUST BE TAKEN VERY SERIOUSLY AND NO ONE WHOM IS NOT AUTHORIZED SHALL BE ALLOWED TO DIRECT OR PERFORM DUTIES ON THE PUBLIC AREAS OF THE STREETS OF GABLES ESTATES.  MR. GUERRA SAID ANYONE WITH SUGGESTIONS OR COMMENTS REGARDING LANDSCAPING CONDITIONS MUST PROVIDE THIS INFORMATION TO KATHLEEN IN WRITING AND THE BOARD WILL TAKE THE MATTER INTO CONSIDERATION.

MRS. BOHN STATED SHE WOULD PREFER THE FUNDS FOR THE PAVERS TO GO TO PLACING THE CABLES UNDERGROUND. MR. MUSSO ASKED IF IT WAS TOO LATE TO STOP THE PAVER PROJECT FOR CASUARINA.   MR. GUERRA SAID YES THAT THE AGREEMENT WAS ALREADY SIGNED.  HE ALSO NOTED THAT THE SURVEY FROM THE MEMBERSHIP WAS IN FAVOR OF THE PAVER AND THE CONCERN FOR THOSE WHO VOTED AGAINST IT WAS THE LIABILITY AND MAINTENANCE OF THE PAVERS.  AFTER TWO YEARS OF MEETINGS AND THREE PUBLIC WORK DIRECTORS, THE CITY IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LIABILITY AND MAINTENANCE AS PER THE SIGNED AGREEMENT.  THE PRESIDENT STATED THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING ALL THE STREETS UNIFORM WITHIN GABLES ESTATES AND ARVIDA AND LEUCADENDRA ARE GOING TO HAVE PAVERS INSTALLED, SO CASUARINA NEEDS PAVERS AS WELL.  THE PRESIDENT ALSO STRESSED THE ORIGINAL CONSULTANT’S DESIGN; FOR THE TRAFFIC CALMING STREET IMPROVEMENTS, WHICH TOOK PLACE OVER SEVEN YEARS AGO, INCLUDED THE FIVE TRAFFIC CALMING CIRCLES ENHANCED WITH PAVERS.  THIS WAS DONE FOR SAFETY REASONS AND THE MEMBERSHIP VOTED FOR THAT PRESENTATION. 

MR. POTAMKIN STATED THE REEF ACROSS FROM HIS PROPERTY ARE NOT PROPERLY MARKED.  MR. GUERRA STATED HE WILL ADDRESS THIS WITH THE CITY AND SEE WHAT CAN BE DONE TO CORRECT THAT MATTER. 

ADJOURNMENT

THE PRESIDENT STATED ONCE AGAIN, I THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND AS ALWAYS WELCOME YOUR INPUT AND IDEAS ON ALL MATTERS CLUB RELATED.  THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS, A MOTION TO ADJOURN THE MEETING WAS MADE AND SECONDED. ALL WERE IN FAVOR.   THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 9:15 P.M.

                                                            _____________________________________________

MR. RENE GUERRA, PRESIDENT

                                                            _____________________________________________

                                                            MR. BILL BOX, SECRETARY

A G E N D A
ANNUAL MEETING
November 15, 2011 @ 7:30 p.m.

1) WELCOME GENERAL MEMBERSHIP :  – RENE GUERRA, PRESIDENT

            a) BOARD MEMBERS

            b) REPORT ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2010/11 + OBJECTIVES FOR 2011/12

            c) PRESENTATION OF AWARDS TO G4S OFFICERS: DANIEL CANEL, CHAIR

            d) OVERVIEW OF SECURITY OBJECTIVES 2010/11: DANIEL CANEL, CHAIR

            3) WELCOME HONORABLE MAYOR CASON TO ADDRESS MEMBERSHIP 8:00 P.M.

2) REPORT ON PROXIES FOR QUORUM: – DANIEL CANEL, CHAIR

3) MINUTES: RENE GUERRA, PRESIDENT
    SEMI ANNUAL MINUTES, APRIL 27,  2011 (as circulated to the membership)

4) NOMINATIONS TO THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS: – BILL BOX, CHAIR          

            a) Nominating Committee Report

            b) Nominations from the Floor

5) FINANCIAL REPORT: – Connie Catarineau, CPA; on behalf of ANTHONY ARGIZ, TREASURER

            a) Review Auditor’s Report, Receipts & Disbursements

            b) Review Proposed Budget for fiscal year 2011/12  (presented for membership approval with motion)

6) BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE REPORT: – SISSY RUFFE, CHAIR
      a) New Marquee Entrance Signs for Arvida and Casuarina

      b) Roadway Improvement Project Completed for Arvida Parkway, Leucadendra Drive and Casuarina

      c) Capital Improvements for Landscaping, Irrigation and Ground Lighting 2012

7) OLD BUSINESS / NEW BUSINESS: – RENE GUERRA, PRESIDENT

      a) Q. & A.  Mr. Glenn Kephart, Public Works Director, City of Coral Gables

8) ANNOUNCEMENTS:

             a) BLOCK PARTY: – AUDREY ROSS, CHAIR                                        

9) ELECT NEW OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS: – FULL BOARD -   PROVIDED NO NOMINATIONS ARE MADE FROM THE FLOOR – (IF NOMINATIONS FROM THE FLOOR, ELECTION PROCESS WILL TAKE PLACE)

10) CLOSING/ADJOURNMENT :- RENE GUERRA, PRESIDENT

N O T I C E & P R O X Y
The Annual Meeting of the Gables Estates Club, Inc., will be held on Tuesday, November 15, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. at Fairchild Tropical Garden, Ballroom, 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, Florida.

The undersigned, voting members of Gables Estates Club, Inc., having received the Notice of the Annual Meeting dated November 15, 2011 appoints:

Mr. Daniel Canel Mr. Bill Box Mrs. Sissy Ruffe

or any of them as proxies to the undersigned, with full power of substitution, to cast his/her vote at the Annual Meeting to be held on November 15, 2011 as set out in full above, and at any adjournment of such meeting of any business that may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment of such meeting.

This proxy shall be the same as if the voter were present.

DATE:__________________ _______________________________________
(SIGNATURE)
Please Print Name___________________________________________Lot #______

Please Indicate Whether or Not You Intend to Be Present at this Meeting by Circling One:

YES NO

PLEASE IMMEDIATELY RETURN YOUR PROXY TO KATHLEEN VIA MAIL OR BY DROPPING IT OFF AT THE GATEHOUSE SO THAT WE CAN ASSURE THE NEEDED QUORUM.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR COOPERATION.