Property Managers Report – June 2010

SHORT AND SWEET:

This month I will keep things brief. I know you can’t believe it but I will try really hard not to ramble on. I only have a few reminders (and a couple humorous things) to tell you about.

REMINDERS

Theft: We enjoyed a couple months where there were no break ins but (to quote a popular horror movie: “they’re baaaacckk!”. Typically items are stolen from unlocked cars when owners leave valuables in the car (often in plain view).

Please remember to lock your car and your home and set your alarm. Seems like an obvious thing but because the residents of PGA enjoy such a low crime rate, there is a false sense of security. Be aware and be safe, please!

Animals: it was a cold winter (well, cold for Florida) and all the animals that cuddled to keep warm have now had babies and they are all over the place. There is a wilderness preserve and four golf courses as well as beautiful landscaping everywhere so the animals have a great habitat. Not all are cute fuzzy bunnies: there are raccoons, foxes, opossum, armadillo, bats and the like all looking for a tiny little corner where they can live their lives. Sometimes they decide they like YOUR corner and try to move into your home; however, before you start killing things keep in mind that some of the wildlife is endangered or protected (not talking about rats here!). For example if bats are coming and going, it is against the law to just board up the opening and preventing the bats from getting to their family. If you have bats or suspect that you do, there are specialists who must be called and they must follow strict guidelines for eradication. You can call me for the contact number or check the internet by searching under “Bat prevention, Florida”.

Because the animals try to hide from humans, many are only seen at night or in the early morning or late evening hours. Unfortunately, they must also cross the street and can be hit by cars. I received a message from a resident who was (rightfully) very upset because he watched a raccoon die after being hit by someone’s car. The Sandhill Cranes (the big, beautiful birds with the red crown on their head) are very hard to see against the gray roadway and often don’t move out of a vehicle’s way. Please remember that one of the reasons you purchased in PGA National because of the beautiful habitat – be tolerant of the animals and by all means SLOW DOWN so you can perhaps stop in time if one of the animals does happen to cross in front of your car.

Money: This is the third month and it is now time; THE BILLS HAVE BEEN MAILED. The $650 annual assessment to PGA POA is due on July 1st. As indicated in several places in the mailing, if there is any reason you can’t pay in full by the due date, you need to call me. The Board does not want to refer an account for collection and have the owner pay legal fees and costs if they are already having a financial hardship.

ARE YOU SERIOUS?

I keep saying I will someday write a book with the crazy things people call the POA for and want us to “do something”. A well-known builder pointed out that no one would ever believe these things really happen but those in this business can attest to the truth!

Here are some humorous things regarding a few not-to-funny matters:
Full of water: There was one day when we had at least a foot of rain within one hour. PGA National has a swale system which is designed to hold water. The swales hold water that flows to the lakes then out to the preserve west of PGA. There are five pumps on the western perimeter that pump water at hundreds of thousands of gallons per minute but when the rain comes down that hard, that fast, it takes a little while for the system to “catch up”. We had no less than a dozen owners who called to report that they had standing water in their street, driveway or yard – really? Of course an hour later it was mostly gone but there was a moment of panic initially.

Full of gas: In mid-May, the natural gas was not working in all of Palm Beach County. I don’t know exactly what the problem was but we got a few calls from residents who felt the POA should “call someone” to get it turned back on. I admit that the staff calls me The Wizard (yep, as in Oz) but I think that’s really only because it would be rude to call me what they really want to! Despite this, I really don’t have “someone” I can call to magically have service restored. We call the same customer service number that you do whenever any utility is not working. Unfortunately, no one could tell us when they anticipated the gas to be restored so we couldn’t get any further updates to the residents – we did try!

HAVE A HAPPY SUMMER: All the snowbirds are gone….it’s safe to go to your favorite restaurant (as long as they have gas to cook with!)

Security Manager’s Report – July, 2010

As we enter the 2010 Hurricane season, it’s never too late for the whole family to start planning. Everyone including children should have a role. As The Director of Security, I would like to provide you all with some safety tips and information.

To prepare for a hurricane, you should make plans to secure your home. Make arrangements for your pets. Clean your yard of any items that could pose a threat to you or your neighbors in hurricane force winds. Be sure that all trees and shrubs around your home are trimmed. Stock your home with supplies that may be needed during the emergency period. These supplies should include several containers of water, non-perishable foods, batteries, a radio, flashlights and candles.

Check your insurance coverage and take photos of your home contents for insurance purposes. Put important papers in waterproof container. If you have a generator, test it before the storm arrives to ensure it is working properly. Fill up you gas tank. These are just some tips to help ease the frustration associated with dealing with a hurricane.

As your security provider, we will have a Hurricane Command Center set up at the PGA National Resort & Spa. Our primary functions will be to provide 24-hour emergency assistance and perform community assessments. Our duties will include removing debris from roadways and clearing storm drains, as well as working alongside local law enforcement and Fire Rescue. Unfortunately for those residents that are away during the time of a hurricane and have not provided us with, a property check form, we may not be able to perform individual property assessments. It is a very busy time for security after the storm has passed and in most cases we are in emergency mood.

As always, our goal is to provide the residences of PGA National with superior service. Remember to set your alarm when you leave your home and make sure that all doors and windows are secure. Never leave valuables in your vehicle. Report all suspicious persons and activity to security at 627-1600.