Dear Lakemont Cove owners,

Your Board of Directors has been actively working with roofing companies in open executive sessions in an effort to understand our options for future roofing repairs or replacement.  This activity will continue until we have a good understanding of roofing products, materials and techniques that will provide Lakemont Cove with the very best roofing solutions available in today's marketplace.  Please join us at these meetings so that you, too, will learn.  All meetings are posted at the mailboxes.

 If you are making or thinking of making improvements, please be aware that both Lakemont Cove and Pelican Landing have requirements and restrictions.  The PLCA's January 15th newsletter reminds us to please remember that all exterior changes need to be approved by the Design Review Committee, including but not limited to hurricane shutters, windows, color changes,,,,"

 Thank you for your continued support and understanding throughout this challenging time.

GROUNDS UPDATE
Keith Pitcher, Vice President

As many of the residents may have noticed, our shrubs and some trees were damaged by the frost in mid-January. Although I don't believe much permanent damage has been done, we will have to live with bare bushes until the leaves have time to grow back.  Interesting that this is the first time in 15 years here that I can remember this happening to this extent .
 
We have not replaced bare places in the lawns with resodding yet because we are checking for the presence of nematodes in the soil, a condition that is largely untreatable. Nematodes are microscopic worms that live in the soil, are totally harmless to humans but kill the grass by eating the roots. It can only be detected by taking soil samples and having the Department of Agriculture analyzed these samples under the microscope. The first set of tests was “inconclusive” and had to be repeated. At writing, the results of new tests are not yet in but are expected soon. Nematodes have been found at several communities within Pelican Landing and require replacement of the dead grass by an alternative ground cover such as junipers which are not affected by nematodes. However, we do believe that the majority of the dead grass was caused by cinch bugs that took advantage of perfect ”cinch bug" conditions last summer and is treatable if spotted early in the infestation. 
  
On 2/01 2010, a new contractor, Juarez Lawn Care will be taking over the duties of Lewsader, Ricky Leon Sprinklers, and Power Exterminators thus placing the duties of lawn cutting, shrub trimming, fertilization and weed control, pest control and sprinklers under the control of one contractor . This should coordinate these functions and lead to more timely intervention since all these endeavors will be under the control of one manager who will accept responsibility when timely intervention was missed.  The cost of this contract was considerably less than the sum we were paying to the other contractors, so we should be ahead on all counts.
 
Some of our pavement concrete slabs are lifted due mainly to tree root action. We have identified these and are in the process of having them leveled.  Until then, please take care not to trip over a lifted slab edge.
 
My thanks to those residents who have assisted by pointing out where improvements can be made and by hand watering where necessary.

Financial Update
Denis Avagliano, Secretary/Treasurer

Total full-year income was $712,948, $8,500 lower than budget entirely due to lower FDIC insured investment interest earned on our respective reserve portfolio.    Total reserves at year end were $819,913 of which $688,267, 84% of the total is roof replacement.  Total full-year expenses were $686,015, $35,404 better than budget mainly due to lower than anticipated costs for ground maintenance and maintenance and repairs.  As compared with total expenses in 2008, we continued to show improvement with an operating expense reduction of $32,258, 4.5%. 

The 2010 budget was approved by the Board of Directors at the November 20, 2009 association meeting and dues will remain unchanged for 2010 at $1,395 per quarter.

The Lakemont Cove Board recently completed a review of all community vendor contracts.  Our board's main  focus was  on the level of vendor satisfaction and improving community service delivery, coupled with reducing operating costs.  The contract review was extremely beneficial and has yielded significant cost reductions for the coming year.   An example was consolidating all ground maintenance services (e.g. landscaping, pest control, tree trimming, etc.) with one vendor, providing a full year community savings of $11, 000.  We will continue to leverage buy where possible and reduce our operating cost base in 2010.

Social Committee
Mary Beth Kelligrew, Chair

The Lakemont Cove Social Committee has had three parties so far this season.  Approximately forty people attended the Welcome Back party in November.  At the tree decorating party we had a few fewer than 40, and everyone who wished to have his/her picture taken with Santa.  This was the first time that we used Wayne and Jerilyn's donated Christmas tree, which worked out nicely.  Also member Sherry Bird decorated the Lakemont Cove entrance with lights that looked very festive.  At the Winter Wonderland party in January, we asked that the entrance fee be a donation of any amount to "Hope for Haiti."  We raised $103.55!  It was especially nice to see the Geldorfs, the Hills and the Vilums back with us and meet new attendees like renters Chuck Van Ornum and Swann Fredrickson from Cincinnati, and to see prior renters, Murray and Joanne Clarke from the Toronto area.  We used the blue and silver theme that we always have used for Winter Wonderland.  Parties coming up, and listed on the bulletin board, are February 14, Valentine's Day party; March 17, St. Patrick's Day; and April 18, Men's Barbecue. 

Many of you have asked whether we will have the Garage Sale this year.  The PLCA Garage Sale is March 6th, 2010, at 8 a.m.  We will begin picking up your donations the day before.  Thanks to Pam and Tom Traverse, we will have their minivan to collect your donations.  We are looking for clean books, small appliances, bric a brac, linens, kitchen items, etc.  For pickup please call Mary Beth as close to March 5th as possible, at 949-6302.   

We have had a donation of two ficus trees for the clubhouse from a Bonita Bay friend, so tell us what you think.

Community Update
Jim Murphy, UOC

Thanks to all of you for your wonderful support and positive comments.

Over the past couple of years we have observed water coming into the clubhouse through the doors every time it rained heavily.
Last fall we installed gutters around the main gate entrance, which seems to have solved the problem.
 
A third and final high efficiency pool heater was purchased to replace an irreparable old heater.  We have a five year parts and labor warranty.
 
All lighting in front of the clubhouse has either been replaced or repaired.  The system has a sensor to replace the old timers for more energy savings.
 
A new purchasing method has resulted in a 24% reduction in the cost of propane for the poolside grills.

Be in the know...

Submitted by Sherry Bird 

-The Lakemont Cove Annual Meeting is Tuesday, March 30, 2010 at 2pm at the PLCA Community Center.
Mark your calendar and please make every effort to attend, as a quorum of owners is needed to conduct this meeting.

-Check Bulletin Boards by mail boxes for updates, announcements, meeting schedules, changes in plans and party information sign ups.  

-Kudos to Social Chairperson Mary Beth Kelligrew for organizing all the parties month after month in our Community Room. The fun is possible because of the commitment to such details as appropriate decor, which includes cooking the fabulous St. Patrick's Day meal.  Those serving with Mary Beth on the committee are Treasurer, Bruna Kokalas; Secretary, June Hemsworth; Barb Nattinger, who continues to volunteer as "webmaster"; Rachel Detgen, Dolores Andrews, and Sherry Bird.  Contact any of the Social Committee members if you would like to join this committee.  New members are welcome and greatly appreciated. 

-Congratulations to our January Trivia Team, who tied for second place.  The winnings of $108.00 were contributed to team's future registration fees for the season.  The question that clinched the honors was to identify perfectly 6 world flags. 

 -If you are concerned about inhabitants of your building who might not be registered at PLCA or Lakemont Cove, please contact Brad Thomas at Sandcastle Management Company (596-7200).  All guests, renters and family members using your unit in your absence must be registered at our management company and at PLCA.

  -Visit Lakemont Cove.com for updated information and printable forms for all items related to our community.  Leasing regulations and fees with forms are available, as are information/forms to register animals per PLCA and Lakemont Cove regulations.  No animals are allowed with a rental lease.  Owners who are renting units should advise their tenants of all guidelines and regulations. 

-Visit Pelican Landing.org; this website can be utilized to register guests and vendors at the gate and features updated details for community events, sunset cruises, amenities, classes and activities. 

 -Alligators have been sighted around residences near the dock area.  It is important that no one, especially children, walk near shore.  Walking dogs along water's edge is prohibited. The wrangler representing PLCA in these matters has been notified.  If you see an aggressive alligator, call Alligator Hotline 866-392-4295 and use the reference #74710.   
 
-Residents need to be aware that our dumpsters are very full in season.  Please break down ALL boxes.  Do not overfill the dumpsters as they will not be emptied if overflowing.  Contact Veloia (334-1224) if you have large furniture or appliances that need to be hauled away.  Veloia will advise time/day that you must place the item(s) near the dumpster.

-Bocce:  If you are interested in playing Bocce for the Lakemont Cove Team, please sign up to participate in our upcoming practice sessions.   A Lakemont Cove co-ed team will compete in the PLCA Bocce tournament in March 2010.