HAWKES HAPPENINGS
The Newsletter of the Hawkes Bluff Homeowners' Association
Volume 10 Number 1 November, 2000
ANNUAL MEETING UPDATE AND ELECTION RESULTS
The annual meeting and election of association directors was held on Tuesday October 24th at the Fire Station Community Room. Association President Howard Neu opened the meeting providing updates on several items. The budget, which remains on target for the year, was reviewed. Thanks to the efforts of Director John Pickett assuring compliance has been mainly successful. An update was given on the improved landscaping and lighting at the development entranceways. A lien has been filed related to the vacant lots on Huntridge where an unauthorized fence erected earlier this year was removed and the association needs to recover the costs of removal from the lot owner.
The election took place with the result that all 7 members of the existing board were elected to the new board. In a subsequent vote amongst the board members it was decided to retain the same positions on the board as in the previous year. Thus the new board consists of:
President Howard Neu
Vice President Mo Christie
Treasurer Jeff Stoller
Secretary Jay Stahl
Recording Secretary Gretchen Farmer
Director John Pickett
Director Mike Murphy
Many thanks to Carol Stoller, Barbara Neu and Marion Lansberg for assisting with checking in homeowners who attended and also absentee ballots at the meeting. Although only about a dozen homeowners actually did attend the meeting plenty more had completed their absentee ballots and sent them in prior to the meeting. Thanks also to Aude Franks and Steve Sheikman for counting the ballots.
There was a lengthy discussion on the removal of the melaeluca trees behind homes alongside 1-75 and the huge increase in noise and whether any further action can be taken to reduce the noise level. There was also discussion of the legal limit for noise pollution. Howard will write to DOT on this topic as it is felt that the landscaping being planted will not provide a sufficient noise barrier.
During the work of removing the existing vegetation and hog fence along 1-75 it was noted that parts of the wood fence maintained by this association were damaged. (Some areas of that fence were already in disrepair.) Mo Christie will chair a committee to look into any damaged areas offence, get repairs made and hopefully get some compensation from DOT for any damage caused by their contractors. Homes alongside 1-75 that back up to this wood fence will be visited by Mo during the next few weeks to check on any damage to the fence.
Several other items were discussed briefly before the meeting ended and many of these are the subject of articles and reminders elsewhere in this newsletter.
Thanks to all the residents who took the time to attend the meeting and to enjoy the refreshments provided. The next quarterly meeting will be held on January 23rd, 2001 at which time the budget for the new association year will be presented.
Monthly board meetings are normally held on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 7:30pm in the Firestation community room. Residents are welcome to attend any board meeting and are encouraged to attend quarterly meetings where refreshments are usually provided.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
PROPOSED 38 TOWNHOMES
As mentioned in the last newsletter there is a proposal to build 38 townhomes on the vacant 3.8 acre lot adjacent to the Ivanhoe Fire Station and Community Room. Some nearby residents, particularly those in Falcon's Lea, have concerns about this development, especially the high density. While the townhomes proposed may be attractive enough there does not seem to be adequate visitor parking or any facilities for the residents such as a community pool. At the minimum a lesser density would be better and ideally some other use for the land such as open space would be preferred. A meeting was held (at very short notice) on November 14th where residents could discuss the plans with representatives from the Town of Davie and with the developer. It appeared that the developer is unwilling to make any changes or enter into a discussion with local residents.
Obviously, those residents nearest this proposed site are impacted the most but all of us in Ivanhoe are affected to some degree. After a couple of postponements this proposal is now scheduled to go before the Planning and
Zoning board on Wednesday December 13th 2000. Residents wishing to express their views on this development are strongly urged to appear in person at this P & Z meeting which will be held at 7:30pm in the Davie Town Hall. Calling the Town on the meeting day to check this item is still on the agenda is advised.
LOOKING GOOD
The holidays are almost here and hopefully that will get everyone out taking a good look at what might just need fixing or cleaning before all their visitors arrive.
Director John Pickett could use YOUR HELP with compliance so please let him (or any board member)
know the ADDRESS of any homes where you see a major problem. Recent problems have included boats parked on driveways, piles of trash left uncollected, lawns not cut or not edged along the sidewalks, etc. Basically, if it looks unsightly it probably contravenes the covenants and the homeowner needs to be reminded about it.
Thanks to all those residents who do beautifully maintain their homes and please.., keep up the good work.
HALLOWEEN
This past Halloween some of the outdoor decorations have been just delightful. More and more homes seem to be decorated now at Halloween and it all helps make the entire development look extra nice. Many thanks to all those residents who like to dress their place up for occasions - you help make our neighborhood look good
ANNUAL PICNIC
The annual picnic used to be held in November and for many people this was too close to the holidays and all the conflicting demands on their time. This past year the picnic was held in late April and was well attended. Ideas for the next picnic are sought and a date sometime in April (avoiding conflicts with Passover and Easter) will be announced early in next year. Those wishing to volunteer their help are asked to contact Mo Christie. At the last picnic - where steak and ribs were served - a menu of lobster and steak was suggested for the next picnic.., your thoughts on this are welcome!!
DRAINAGE
During some heavy rains a few weeks ago there was once again a drainage problem on many of the streets in our development. Water drains off our streets thru the storm drains into the lakes within the development. If the local Water Management Board has not been pro-active in lowering the level of the lakes prior to heavy rains then there is no place for the water to go. This is why we end up with standing water making many of our streets impassable. It is suggested that homeowners impacted by this problem contact the Water Management Board directly with complaints.
COMMUNITY-WIDE YARD-SALE
The next community-wide yard-sale will not be scheduled until after the holidays.., look for a date in mid-January but start planning ahead. This is a good opportunity to start the new year by getting rid of some of your old stuff- as well as making room for all those nice new holiday gifts.
BRIARWOODS LIGHT UP
Once again this year on Christmas Eve (December 24th) Briarwood Manor and Briarwood Way will be holding their annual candle-lit street-long luminaire. Stroll or cycle over (please try not to drive over since cars ruin the effect) to see this and join in the partying on the street with your neighbors who will all be outside enjoying this beautiful scene.
In past years other areas of the development have also held luminaires and several residents have sought advice on how to do so. The association board is not involved in this event and it has always been up to the individual homes to organize. It is quite easy to do but first you need to determine a manageable group of homes to try to work with - a reasonable amount is probably not more than 40 to 50. You will need to place bags every 1 to 2 feet for the best effect so count up how many are needed per home. Then you know how many bags and candles to get. You need sand to weigh the bags down and set the candles in so how much of that should you get and where should it go? Once you decide all of this you will have an idea of costs. Then you need to talk to everyone at the homes involved and get their agreement AND you need to get everyone to pay money - for candles, bags, sand, etc... that's one tricky part. Then you need to get everyone to prepare in advance, put their bags out on the night and light their candles.., that's the other tricky part. Sounds simple huh? Good Luck!
HOLIDAY DECORATIONS
Many residents are thinking about decorating for the holidays and the board is planning to make awards as in previous years. The categories will probably be the same as last year which were:
Best major light display
Best daytime display
Best small display
Most creative
Best use of lights
Best children's display
So start decorating.., and good luck!
PEOPLE NEWS
Warm birthday wishes to Briarwood Way residents Carmen and Nilo Blanco who will both be celebrating a BIG 70 years young during December. As if that wasn't enough reason to party they will also celebrate 46 years of marriage this December. Congratulations!
Condor William Campi arrived November Ist (8lb, lOoz & 2O1/2"). Congratulations to parents Dawn and Bill Campi of Hawkes Bluff Avenue and big sister Caitlyn (4). Grandparents Jan & Aude Franks live on King Arthur Avenue
Barbara and Howard Neu are VERY PROUD that Barbara's son Ray Dillman has just made varsity basketball at Archbishop McCarthy High. Those of us who know Ray and have seen all 6'6" of him lately are not surprised at the news, however we have to remind ourselves that he is only 14 and in 9th grade so this is quite an achievement.., well done Ray!
DID YOU GET YOURS?
Following the controversial settlement between Davie and Sunrise all our residents should have got a refund on their water bills recently. Did you get yours?
REMINDERS
TRASH PICK-UP on Mondays and Thursdays is for a maximum of 5 items per household. Please do not put trash out more than 24 hours before pick-up. If stuff is not picked up you should store it out of sight until the next trash pick-up or a bulk pick-up day. On windy days please make sure items are secured.
COMMON AREAS can be monitored by all of us. If you see trash there why not stop and pick it up you will be helping improve the look of your community - thanks!
SPRINKLERS & TIMERS Did you remember to reset the timer on your sprinkler after the clocks went back an hour? Are you watering too late and soaking your neighbors, children on their way to school, etc? Please check and also check that sprinkler heads are aimed correctly.., thanks.
NEWSLETTER DELIVERY
Newsletters are usually hand-delivered by volunteers many of whom are school-age and are earning credits for community service hours. Many thanks to Ray Dillman (14); Robert and Catherine (16) Wagner (and sometimes Catherine's friend Jennifer Rivas); Marita (16) and Kerry (14) Donohue - or sometimes their dad and little brother JJ (5). Thanks are also due to adult volunteers Barbara Goldman, Chester G!adue, Carol Stoller and Carmen Tronolone. To volunteer to deliver newsletters please contact Mo Christie - thanks.
NEWSLETTER DELIVERY
Volunteers always welcome
Please contact Mo Christie
434-8287 evenings/weekends
If you need a copy of the bylaws please read them on the web-site or contact your board for a copy, which will be provided at a nominal charge of 25¢ per page.
REMINDERS
Next bulk pick-up scheduled for...
Monday November 20th
NO trash pick-up December 25th
NEWSLETTER
Another newsletter is planned for publication in late December announcing the Holiday decorations winners. Please have articles, advertisements and other items submitted by December 19th. As always all items will be handled on a first-come, space-permitting basis. PLEASE - let's have some people news. Also jokes, ideas, recipes and plans for upcoming occasions especially for new year celebrations on your street.
CONTACTING YOUR BOARD
The board encourages homeowners to put any queries or concerns in writing, to the address below please indicating Construction Approval, Newsletter, etc. as appropriate OR by sending e-mail. Since your board members are volunteers if you do phone please pick a considerate time, identify yourself as a Hawkes Bluff resident, be brief and keep to the point. Thanks.
President Howard Neu 434-4006
Vice President Mo Christie 434-8287
Secretary Jay Stahl 680-8686
Treasurer Jeff Stoller 680-1965
Assistant Secretary Gretchen Farmer 434-8337
Director at Large John Pickett 680-3835
Director at Large Mike Murphy 434-9715
Please send any correspondence (comments, requests for construction approval, etc) via e-mail or to the mail box (located in the Regency Square Pak'n'Ship)
HAWKES BLUFF HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
4839 SW 148th Ave Suite 400
Davie, FL 33330
Fax phone number • 680 8650
E-mail • hawkesbluff@hotmail.com
Check out the website for useful info and links at
http://www.hawkesbluff.com