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Responses to Opinion - Shores Pool Survey
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Editorial Response to "A Long Time Shores Resident"

We have obtained information related to the comments made by "A Long Time Shores Resident". An archived article from the St. Augustine Record follows. Please note the identity of the petitioner mentioned in the article. Could history be repeating itself and is it true that "What Comes Around, Goes Around?" You be the judge!

Article Courtesy of the St. Augustine Record
St. Augustine, March 14, 2003

ST. AUGUSTINE SHORES -- A contentious meeting Thursday of St. Augustine Shores Service Corporation's board of directors ended with removal of president Terry Brannon in a 4-2 vote.

The vote was a monster victory for the 999 homeowners -- of 3,054 in the Shores -- who had signed a petition demanding Brannon's resignation. Robert Medeiros, vice president, said elections will be held in May to determine a new president.

Until then, he would move up. "I feel bad about this. Terry is a personal friend," Medeiros said. "But this was for the community's sake. Maybe now we'll accomplish something at our meetings. They've been the same thing for the past six months."

Residents were unhappy with what they called Brannon's abrasive management style and his support for leaving "greenbelts" alone -- a hot issue in the Shores. Some homeowners over the years had cleared wild areas between and behind homes to expand their property and resisted efforts of the corporation to stop the practice.

Homeowners said the bylaws allow them to do so.

Then the corporation sued 19 residents, angering them and creating a standoff. The corporation dropped some lawsuits later, but it was too late to build bridges. Their meetings became marked by arguments over legalities, bylaws and personalities. Deputies were called at least once, some meetings ended early and Brannon even reportedly brought a bodyguard with him to one meeting. "We have to get business done. We have to have the cooperation of the community to have a peaceful meeting," Brannon said in February after a particularly nasty meeting.

Brannon was not available for comment. Neither were the two board members who voted to keep him president: Rudolf and Suzanne Esser.

According to John Geiszler, a Shores resident who wanted Brannon gone, the residents "were sick and tired of the way he related to people, but his policies got him voted off."

A petition started by resident Beatrice Racicot in September to remove Brannon got the 25 percent of the residents it needed by November. The bylaws say that is what is necessary to remove a board member.

Racicot was warned they would never get enough signatures. "But people rushed to sign it. We kept pushing it, setting up booths at polling places," she said. The board eventually voted 3-3 on the issue. Brannon refused to leave.

In November, he required that the residents' petition be reviewed and its signatures checked. A job that should have taken three days took three months, Geiszler said. In February, the board voted to validate the petition and on Thursday, a crucial vote switch by board member Klaus Gringer ended Brannon's unpaid post.

"Today was the end of the trail for Brannon," Geiszler said. "He picked up his papers and left the meeting, muttering. He was less than happy."

Racicot said Gringer voted against Brannon this time, but had voted for him before. "He was told he would have been personally responsible for legal fees if he didn't vote him out," she said.

The Service Corporation wouldn't pay those bills." She was happy at the vote. "We didn't give up," she said. Medeiros said Brannon had good qualities. "He tried hard to do the right things," Medeiros said. "He stood his ground. But that may have been what caused this. Hopefully, we can straighten some things up. I just want to see us working together."

A Letter from Director Weingaertner and Mr. Goldstein's response

Keith,

In reference to your group having a meeting with President Zinn. As a homeowner I believe that your meeting should include all the board of directors. Why do You, and Kevin always seek a "private' meeting with only one board member present.

As to your motivation, could it being denied your $10,000 start up money for the Sert?

RESPONSE

Dear Peter,

I would appreciate if you would keep your comments to the facts at hand. As an elected member of the St. Augustine Shores Service Corporation you have a fiduciary responsibility to the membership of this corporation. Slander and Libel are not acts that a director of a corporation should engage in.

This dialogue was created to discuss the issues of today that affect all members of the corporation. The issues are stated below

1. Overcharging of fees pursuant to the Deed Restrictions as filed with the State by the St. Augustine Shores Service Corporation

2. The Operations Policy of 1989 stating that Homeowners would not have a financial burden for operations of the Riverview Club Facilities

3. A Document filed with the county in 2000 regarding a vote to raise the Association Fee Cap

4. Homeowner funding of over 50% of the costs of both the Riverview Club building and pool without use

As an elected official charged with the governance of this community, addressing these issues should be your focus, not name calling.

I would also like to call you on a blatant "UNTRUTH". In May of 2008 I had asked the Board to endorse the creation of a community emergency response team (CERT) for the Shores Community as part of our proposed plan for a county wide operation. At a workshop I also invited an individual from the Coquina Crossing subdivision to attend and explain how a CERT works. He was invited because of experience with such a program in his community.

At a proceeding meeting a member of "YOUR BOARD" asked what the cost would be. I explained, based on the question raised that I felt that between 20 and 25 members would be needed in the community. (2 in each condo community and 2 within each Unit of the Shores) I also explained that although a hard cost had not been determined I felt that for training and equipment that the figure is probably between $400.00 and $500.00 per.

I also stated, in detail, that the costs were for CPR training, an emergency defibrillator, and 8 weeks of classroom training at one 8 hour day per week. The proposed program was actually recommended to me by St. John's County Emergency Management.

I "NEVER" asked anyone for money. I answered the questions asked!! My goal was, and still is to protect and educate the citizens in this community regarding what actions to take before, during or after a personal or community emergency. Here is a link to what we do and invited the Shores to participate in. SASERT

Emergency Management has even stated to me that if we were to have an actual emergency, such as a major hurricane, that it could be "DAYS" before they could assist. Our goal is to assist our community during those "DAYS".

We were also going to utilize these CERT members as neighborhood watch captains. It is unbelievable that you, as Security Committee Chair even brought this up!! The fact that, with all the senior activities, that the Board has never purchased an emergency defibrillator for the Riverview Club facilities is appaling. Where is the Safety and Security Committee?

Are you trying to bastardize any opportunity that you may have had for being re-elected????

Peter, Please act and respond to the specific issues and behave as an elected Board member should.

Keith

To The Editor,

Thank you for the opportunity of offering the residents of the Shores a forum in which to voice opinions and grievances. As a resident of the Shores for over 35 years I agree with most of the comments that are here.

I don't personally agree that the Board of Directors is responsible for all of the problems of today. A lot of the problems that we face go back to a time when Mr. Brannon was the president of our association (Mr. Brannon was President of the Service Corporation). At that time I was a member of the Recreation Association.

Mr. Brannon was forced to resign his position as president by a petition initiated by Beatrice Racicott and her husband. I believe that it is this group that is attempting to eliminate SASCA as well.

Mr. Brannon was similar in personality to Mr. Dunne. He always attempted to do the right thing for the community members but certain individuals were affected by his decisions. At this time, the Recreation Association group become more politically involved and less focused on creating activities for the benefit of all. Because of the politics at the time, my husband and I discontinued our membership.

Apparently, things have not changed over the years. I commend Mr. Dunne and the others that are now attempting to right the wrongs of the past. At one time the Shores was a great place to live and it could be once again although at my age I may not see it.

Keep up the fight. As a housebound woman, I look forward to your paper every month. If possible, please withhold my name and telephone number. I don't want any problems, I am too old!

A Long Time Shores Resident

COMMENT
The above post has been edited for punctuation and clarity.

To The Editor,

I agree with Mr. Goldstein. No one has anything to gain by bringing these issues to the forefront except that we as a community need to work together to correct the wrongs and move forward in a positive, productive manner. If Mr. Dunne is guilty of pointing out issues to the board than so be it. He has taken a lot of verbal and written abuse for standing up for ALL homeowners in the Shores. We need more people who have positive vision for the community. It is obvious the current board who was voted in to represent all owners, do not take this position. How very sad.

I am very disappointed that the board refused to sit down with concerned parties as invited back in December. The board was given every opportunity to address issues without going public and making this a "free for all". They did not respond. What choice did SASCA and Kevin Dunne have but to bring this up at the meeting in a public forum. It was obvious the board did not want to address anything in private but preferred to "sweep the issues under the rug" and hope they would go away. They will not resolve themselves.

I realize Mr. Dunne can come across as "abrasive" to some, but I believe this comes from the absolute frustration he feels when dealing with the current Board of Directors. I ask you, how many times can a person beat his head against a wall and not get a headache?

As a homeowner I would like to personally thank Mr. Dunne for his dedication to this community and for the numerous hours spent researching documents and trying to coordinate productive meetings. He works hard for all of us and deserves our praise. Not many people would continue to pursue important issues when they fall on deaf ears!

Folks, its time for a change. I urge all of you to meet the candidates running for the board this year. Ask the tough questions and don't give up until you have the answers. It has taken over 30 years to get where we are. I ask that each of you have some patience with the new board as it will take a while to resolve the massive amount of items that need resolution.

Once again, thank you for this open forum. At the very least, we have people talking about the issues regardless of what their opinions might be. That, I believe is the goal.

Angela Bunkelman

To The Editor,

My original intent was to lay low regarding this issue, report the news and allow democracy to take action. Unfortunately the recent comments made by both Mr. Rubovsky and Mr. Weingaertner have made this completely impossible.

As someone who has uncovered quite a bit of hidden background deals and questioned the legality of various documents related to these issues, I can assure you that everything that Mr. Dunne or I have reported to the community has been factual and precise.

Our combined attempt has been, for some time, to assist our elected Board to take a serious look at the issues confronting our entire community. The key word being, "ENTIRE COMMUNITY".

As a business professional who has served on many Boards and previously held political offices in municipal government, I can spot management deficiency issues rather quickly.

What everyone needs to understand is that these issues are not new. Our original intent was to address these issues quietly and privately with all parties that are directly involved.

Indecision by our elected Board and blatant defiance to our concerns is what has brought this issue to the public spotlight.

I personally do not understand what the name calling will accomplish. The issues are real and need resolution. They will not go away.

Mr. Dunne and I gain absolutely nothing from from our actions. The only thing for which we could "HONESTLY" be accused is that we are passionate about our community and believe that all homeowners should have a voice and receive what is fair. Unlike others, we have allegiance to all homeowners equally.

If someone can give an example of an untruth or misstatement that has been printed or posted by us regarding this issue I have yet to see it.

Please read the following copy of a letter that that was presented to Jerry Zinn in December. If the request had been followed, there would be no reason for further debate. Let's keep these serious issues civil and factual.

Keith Goldstein

__________________________________________________________________


Joe Smith, General Manager
St. Augustine Shores Service Corporation
790 Christina Drive
St. Augustine, FL

December 12, 2008

Dear Joe,

Kevin Dunne, John Grexa and I would request that you initiate a meeting between our group and Jerry Zinn, Nancy Willis and yourself for the purpose of discussing the various options available to overcome the budget deficit affecting operations of the Riverview Club facilities and pool.

I would further request that this meeting be held during the week of December 14, 2008. The sense of urgency is due to the time of year as well as the statutory dates required for any proposed changes related to our governing documents and budgetary process.

It is our intent to conduct this meeting in order for the invited parties to share ideas related to the use of these facilities as well as discussion of the various funding options available to overcome these deficits.

Hopefully we can create a cohesive strategy to the benefit of both the recreation and social group as well as members of the community at large. You may contact me via phone at (904) 797-4115.

Respectfully Requested,
Keith Goldstein
18 Cristina Ct.

To The Editor,

Peter,

I have received a copy of your letter to Dunne (Kevin Dunne) and find it refreshing that someone has finally painted Dunne for what he is. I recollect that at one time you had advised Dunne to be less confrontational.

His monstrous ego is exceeded only by his divisive, arrogant and abrasive attitude.

His newest attack dog Goldstein is almost as bad. SASCA was once a valuable community asset but under the present leadership, it is doing nothing but promoting Dunne's personal agenda.

I thought that at one time you were encouraged to run for the Board at Dunne's suggestion. Nevertheless. I am encouraged by someone else calling his hand.

This man is using the Advocate to print the half-truths and personal attacks on past and current boards.

Vic Rubovsky

COMMENT
As we have stated previously, we will print anything! We do feel a need to disclose that Mr. Rubovsky is a member of the Rec Association as well as the Service Corporation Budget Committee. Any conflict of interest there?

Due to the fact that the Rec Association would be deeply affected by the homeowner's right to access of the Riverview Club facilities and the budget committee has not addressed the issue of potentially overcharging homeowners for the use of these facilities, you decide the credibility of his statements!!

We also have confirmed that the attack dog may have rabies. If you see this "DOG", run the other way!!

To The Editor,

I couldn't agree more, but with a management team comes more fees? Friends of mine live in a community that charges all home owners a few dollars in exchange for pool and a club house that is also available for parties for a fee. There is even a small weight room, something I would like to see.

What is the plan for all the years of over-charging current residents?

How about parties at the clubhouse that cater to baby boomers 40 and up. I have lived in the Shores on and off for years. I have always associated the Riverview Club with retirees. Any chance for some activities to be geared towards families and others? Potlucks with a theme are always nice. I know there is a shuffleboard court, how about a tournament?

I too would like to keep the kitchen and like the idea of lunch or dinner available with the great view.

Nanette Santopadre

COMMENT
Nanette, You may soon get your wish. We need to refurbish the shuffleboard court before the tournaments begin. At your first pot-luck supper what would you like us to bring? Regarding families, wouldn't it be great to watch a bunch of young pee-wees playing their little hearts out in a game of football or soccer!!

A RESPONSE TO PETER WEINGAERTNER

Peter,

While I appreciate the board's willingness to question the homeowners regarding the pool, it is irrelevant. The documents are clear. The rec association failed to honor their contract and pay for the expenses associated with the clubhouse and pool.

When this occurred and we, as homeowners began to deficit fund we all became eligible to use the facilities.

I do not blame the current board for this. They were only following the previous boards actions. Now that this matter has came to light, it is the moral, ethical & legal obligation of the current board of directors to right this wrong. We need to clean up the documents and start abiding by them. The board can not decide to pull garage sale signs because the documents say they are not to be put in the swales but then not enforce other items in the documents. You as a board are not allowed to pick and choose which rules you enforce.

I appreciate your service on the board and I do believe you try to do the right thing. I will be running for a board seat this spring. I wish you luck should you decide to run again and would look forward to working with you. My intentions are to serve ALL homeowners in the Shores. Not to align myself with any one group. I belong to SASCA and I believe in the good things this organization brings to the community. I would join the rec association but first, they do not offer anything for folks in my age bracket and second, I can not afford the fee. Lets all work together in 2009 to promote the community and stop pointing fingers. Leave the past behind us and move towards a positive future. I do believe this can be done with the right leadership. This is the key.

Angela Bunkelman

To The Editor,

I agree in theory with most of what has been said. The clubhouse and pool are two assets we own that are under utilized. I do not think removing the kitchen is the answer but instead, use it to generate an income. We could do pancake breakfasts etc. We need the kitchen to be included when folks rent the facility for weddings so removing it is not practical.

I am on both the Southwood BOD and the Belle Haven BOD...I would be happy to talk to anyone about what these folks do to use their facilities. Belle Haven has lots of things they do in the clubhouse.

I plan to state in my reply that the pool survey is irrelevant because we are deficit funding it and we own in it as homeowners. We must move beyond that and concentrate on generating money to support it in addition to the money used every month that pays the bills for the clubhouse and pool. A small increase in fee's is fine. The facilities have such potential to generate an increased income.

We need to hire someone with a marketing/events background. A professional property management company is the answer but it has fallen on deaf ears with previous boards. Maybe after this election we can take a business like approach to these issues. That would be unique as no board previously has done that.

I am running for the board this year so I will take the opportunity to ask for your vote. I will do my best to address ALL issues and work with every organization within the Shores. We need to move forward and stop pointing fingers and looking back. If any of you would like to discuss these issues or find out about my background and qualifications, please contact me.

Angela Bunkelman
SASCA - Board of Directors
angelanflorida@yahoo.com


COMMENT
Angela, Well stated. Let us know how we may assist you in getting the word out regarding your candidacy. You appear to be a much needed visionary.

A Response to Opinion - Shores Pool Survey

To The Editor,

I am responding to this letter as a home owner. The pool survey in reference to the pool, might be illegal? How is that? The board is trying to determine the residents wishes on it's funding. For over a year, you have been pushing for your favorite management company to take over the Shores, but they have never given us a price on doing so. This is going to be an additional expense to the homeowner.

You have told be that you wanted the pool tables removed, to spite a director's husband! Except for your flunky, I see very little input agreeing with your position, You stated that one of your goals is to disband the Rec. club association. Answer me why? I am also a member of SASCA., as a member, I think that it is time for you to step down from any leadership positions that you hold, for the good of the community.

I for one are tired of the half truths and insinuations that you publish. Please insert this and the attache E mail you sent me.

Pete Weingaertner

COMMENT
Peter Weingaertner is a member of the St. Augustine Shores Service Corporation Board of Directors. This letter was sent to Kevin Dunne. with a copy sent to us.

Apparently Mr. Weingaertner has not looked at the facts presented and is using the pool survey issue to personally attack Kevin Dunne, President of SASCA. We have not been able to ascertain the identity of the "FLUNKY" mentioned by Mr. Weingaertner. Posted below this letter is Mr. Dunne's comments which Mr. Weingaertner has referenced.

As a Fiduciary of the Service Corporation, it is our opinion that he focus on the specific issues and research the alleged potential illegalities raised.

To The Editor,

I am of the opinion that we have uncovered some very serious wrongdoings here in the Shores and that after being ignored by the Service Corp Board for quite some time we will get an opportunity to correct the situation. We need to work together to accomplish what is best for the entire community and that means all must voice their opinion and attend any meetings that are called to address these issues.

The Options on the Pool Survey may not be legal so I would recommend that your response be to call a series of OPEN MEETINGS to discuss the funding for both The Pool and The Riverview Club as well as the maintenance fees.

Please share these issues with your friends and neighbors.

Kevin A. Dunne

COMMENT
Kevin Dunne is the President of the St. Augustine Shores Civic Association. Over the years he has been an advocate for homeowner's rights within our community.


A Response to Opinion - Shores Pool Survey

To The Editor,

We are contacting some of our other friends for their information and consideration as well. Please spread the word to others. These are important issues facing us in the Shores.

We did get the survey, and our reaction, at this time, is leaning more toward having the YMCA or other worthy organization sublet the pool and possibly a portion of the Riverview Club in order to install an exercise room and remove the pool tables, which get little use and a waste of precious space within the Riverview Club. Monies collected monthly by the YMCA to the Service Corp. would be used for needed projects that have been delayed or put indefinitely on the back burner.

We also believe that exploring the hiring of a management company to run our town's ongoing needs with oversight from a group of volunteers within the Shores community is something which we should look into.

We do not want to eliminate some of the worthwhile activities the Riverview Club has to offer, e.g. dances, social activities, etc. - these should continue to expand.

We also need to address the kitchen facility. We believe that this facility probably would not be used to justify its existence. By reallocating funds, serious thought may be given to eliminating the kitchen all together, and create space for some other worthwhile venture. We could auction off/liquidate some of the kitchen facilities if they are worth anything.

We don't want to waste effort looking back at what violations took place; we need to look forward now and make the right choices. After all, the Service Corp. members are all volunteers, and let's help and be advocates to support them and help them make the right decisions.

We also believe that consulting with some other subdivisions within the area and how they are structured and what their opportunities and challenges are would be well worth our invested time. A team of volunteers could be assembled to help with this effort.

Peter and Linda Dytrych

COMMENT
We totally agree with the Dytrych's way of thinking. The only disagreement may be regarding the kitchen facilities.

Personally, I would like to see the kitchen facilities leased out to someone with restaurant experience. I would love to see lunch served at the club. Imagine nice umbrella tables out by the pool and a light lunch served. Another advantage is that the Riverview Club may be more marketable for weddings and outside parties if we could also offer a catering menu with room rentals.

Either way, what we have is a great opportunity to utilize the facilities in a profitable manner as opposed to being a liability, in that we occur costs without benefits. We appreciate everything that the Recreation Association does unfortunately the fee structure is questionable. There are a lot of residents that would like to participate in the activities but they aren't willing to pay the membership fees.

Would fee based programs attract more participants as opposed to memberships? Unfortunately we don't have all the answers.

Regarding more dances, recreation and activities, I am on board with that as well. If all homeowners are going to fund these facilities, regardless of whether they live in a private home or condominium, the facilities need to offer something for everyone. There will be a petition in February's issue of the Civic Advocate for homeowners to fill out. It is regarding the enactment of a Riverview Club Council to study ways to best utilize these facilities at the least burden of cost to homeowners.

Mr. & Mrs. Dytrych, Keep up the great work and continue to spread the word throughout the condo communities of the GREENS and GREENS II.

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