Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Tradewinds - Susan Niwinski @ 16:10 EST
The office will be closed Thursday and Friday.

Happy Thanksgiving

The Staff

City Council Update-November 24, 2008 - Susan Niwinski @ 14:52 EST
MARCOITES: AS MANY OF YOU KNOW, I TRY TO STAY CLOSE TO THE WORKINGS OF OUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND I BELIEVE " MARCO IS IN A SERIOUS FINANCIAL CRISIS!!"

I URGE EVERYONE to read the information I have provided below and go to www.eyeonmarco.com and express your concerns to the Marco City Council! (Click on Send E-mail to City Council)

As you read this e-mail, please keep in mind that the Finance Director resigned within days of the Council authorizing an Audit of Collier Blvd expenditures!! (City Manager Thompson approved a $25,000 severance package for him (3 months pay) even though he cleaned his office out immediately!)

1. On November 3,2008 the City Manager requested the City Council approve an URGENT $11 Million dollar, short term (9 month) loan with a 90 day call (pay back) after six months from the City's bank, Fifth Third Bank. The Agenda item actually asked for approval of an $11 Million Dollar Bond issue--however, the City could not find anyone to take our bonds. During the discussion it was determined that the City had already spent $7 Million of the $11 Million and the (bills) were sitting in City Hall to be paid. Sounds fiscally irresponsible to me. (see Agenda Item 7 F Utility Revenue Bonds at http://www.cityofmarcoisland.com/Public_Documents/MarcoIslandFL_CouncilAgenda/Nov3/index?textPage=1 )

Not one Council member asked: 1.) Why this was brought to the Council's attention at the 11th hour? (City Manager and staff knew about this for months) and 2.) How could the City spend $7 Million dollars without the funding being in place?

2. Taken from the City Manager's Report of Oct 13,2008. FINANCE DEPARTMENT: Bond Insurance Downgrade. When we sold the $101 million bond issue in late 2003 to finance the acquisition of the water and sewer system from Florida Water, we purchased bond insurance from MBIA to give our new and unrated utility system a triple-A rating, the rating of the insurer. Earlier this year, MBIA was downgraded to A from AAA. That action required that the City take steps to put in place a Debt Service Reserve (DSR) for the 2003 bonds in the amount of $6.5 million, the amount of the maximum annual debt service on the bonds. We made the first deposit of approximately $650,000 this past summer, and unless the rating for MBIA improves we are required to make nine more deposits, one every six months over a five-year period, to create the DSR. This week, MBIA was further downgraded to BAA1 from A. That action requires that the entire $6.5 million be deposited into the DSR over the next twelve months, rather than five years. (Click here for full Report: http://www.cityofmarcoisland.com/public_documents/MarcoIslandFL_PIO/Weekly%20Update-081113.pdf )

Now, the City is trying to finance another $6 Million dollars from the same bank to meet the reserve on our bonds and the City Manager stated in the same report "We will also be looking to add the needed $6 million to the permanent funding Water and Sewer Revenue Bond issue we will be preparing for market early next year fund the Water Utility Expansion!" (Wonder how much of that $6 Million Dollars has been spent already?)

I have not missed many Council Meetings the last several years and my recollection is that everytime a bond issue came before Council for approval, the Finance Director\staff indicated that "the excellent financial condition of the City allowed us to have a AAA Bond rating. Now we find out the City's Financial condition had nothing to do with issuance of the Bonds that we paid for insurance that is now "NOT INSURANCE". The Bonds were recently downgraded again from A to BAA1 (almost junk bonds) and the City has to come up with $6 Million dollars to put in reserve.

Not one Council Member asked: 1.) Why weren't they told about the downgrade from AAA to A (which happened months ago) and now downgraded further from A to BAA1, 2.) Who and what type of due diligence was done to purchase Insurance on the Bonds from a Company that now has no value? This should be investigated!

3. In May of 2008, Interim City Manager Souza in his transition report to City Manager Thompson, stated his concerns that there were "irregularities" in the City's Accounting process. This report was not made available to the Council nor Public until Sept 2008 when Mr Souza resigned his job with the City. Specifically Mr. Souza reported: a.) Management and oversight issues in the Finance Department, b.) Management Apathy, c.) A practice of cleaning up project account overruns vs management project accounts. d.) Unauthorized moving of expenditures from account to account. e.) Misleading City Council when asking for contract approvals. (Gotta love item e, when Council asked Mr Thompson about the report he said everything was just fine! Council did not ask about any specifics!) Click here to view the Transition Report: http://www.eyeonmarco.com/clientuploads/Trans.pdf

4. In May 2008, the Interim Manager's Transistion Report also indicated that staff reported a $850,000 overrun on the Collier Blvd Project. When the Council asked about this in September when they got the report, the City Manager said there was no overrun --that in fact their was $2.5 Million in new found money. He did not explain the discrepancy nor did the Council ask for a reconcliation of this disparity. Staff indicates this is in an "Enterprise Fund" and can't be spent to satisfy other requirements!

5. Note: City Managers Report of November 18,2008 (below), the City Manager states "Clearly one question of importance to all of us is whether the city should continue to issue debt and continue with this major project in today’s environment." At the November 3,2008 Council Meeting, several Councilors spoke of postponing the STRP for one year and look at the Economic situation at that time. The City Manager\staff did NOT support any delay! NOW ,two weeks later the City Manager is putting the idea out in his Weekly Report---seems the City Manager may now think it's worse that previously disclosed!

Also, in this same report he states "This larger bond issue will also be the permanent funding source for the $24 million in construction commitments that are currently underway." Sounds like we are obligating (signing) construction contracts when the FUNDING IS NOT IN PLACE!! How irresponsible is that in this economy!!!

IF THE ABOVE IS NOT A FINANCIAL CRISIS, NOT TO MENTION MISMANAGEMENT OF TAXPAYER DOLLARS, I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS!! There were at least eight (8) Budget hearings and workshops over the summer and the City Manager\staff DID NOT bring these problems to the Council or the Public!

The Federal Government has called this the worse Economic Times since the Great Depression. Marco Island Taxpayers deserve to have the answers to the hard questions and ask that ALL Non-essential expenditures be stopped until the extent of the problem is defined and corrected!!!

PLEASE VISIT: www.eyeonmarco.com AND SEND YOUR E-MAIL TO CITY COUNCIL!!


Please forward this to ALL your friends and neighbors so they can be informed on this Critical Situation--It's OUR Money!!!! Take care. Bill McMullan
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Manager's Report: City’s finances change with the economy
By By Steve Thompson, Marco Island City Manager

Tuesday, November 18, 2008 http://www.marconews.com/news/2008/nov/18/managers-report-citys-finances-change-economy/

The City has addressed two separate major financial issues over the past few weeks, and the two highlight some of the complex changes underway in Marco Island and the country.

These issues specifically involve the issuance of debt to support the continuing Septic Tank Replacement Program (STRP), and the changes in the bond market that have resulted in the city’s loss of bond insurance. The issues are largely unrelated, but show the difficulties of financing large projects in a changing economic environment.

Why issue bonds now to pay for construction? The city continues the construction of the STRP and in November, the City Council approved an interim $11 million short-term bond to pay for construction. Clearly one question of importance to all of us is whether the city should continue to issue debt and continue with this major project in today’s environment.

City Council made a commitment to move forward with the STRP three years ago, and construction on this multi-year project is both underway and timed with bond issues or debt to pay for this construction. The construction is taking place in advance of the bond issue, with the debt timed to keep the city’s expenses and costs to each taxpayer as low as possible. This new interim debt is to cover the cost of construction already obligated and to some extent complete.

The $11 million bond is a short-term loan to bridge today’s volatile bond market until the city is able to secure a $35 to $40 million water/sewer revenue bond issue as the market stabilizes within the next few years. This larger bond issue will replace the interim $11 million financing with Fifth Third Bank, and will provide financing for the major capital construction currently underway on the utility system upgrades. This larger bond issue will also be the permanent funding source for the $24 million in construction commitments that are currently underway.

How do the current credit problems of the nation affect past bond issues? In 2004, the city purchased the water system from Florida Water Services, Inc. With this system the city did not have the utility operating experience that would allow the bond rating agencies (Moody’s, S&P, Fitch) to assign a good rating to the utility system. Instead of paying the higher rates of interest with a lower rating, Marco Island did as most cities and counties do in this instance — bought bond insurance through MBIA to achieve the AAA rating — generally the only reason to buy bond insurance.

If the city’s natural rating had been high enough to result in an A or AA rating, the insurance would have been an unnecessary expense.

The bond commitments required the city to either maintain bond insurance to merit the AAA rating or to set aside adequate reserves to protect investors. With the collapse of many of the bond insurance companies over the past few weeks, cities, counties, and utility districts are scrambling to find replacement insurance or build reserves.

This issue is the utility system debt, which is treated as a business operation. Unlike general obligation debt, this revenue debt does not pledge the full faith and credit of the city, but instead pledges the utility system’s revenues as the source of funding. The bond agencies recognize this difference with slightly higher interest rates.

The city’s financial advisors believe that we can establish and fund an increase in the system’s reserves with little or no impact to our rates through a series of investment alternatives, but clearly everyone is trying to work through this rapidly-changing issue.

Thank you for living in and supporting Marco Island. The city is always working with residents and customers on a variety of issues, including utility and other services, and the city’s Web site, cityofmarcoisland.com, provides a wealth of information and listing of contacts and offices. In addition, I am always available to meet personally or by e-mail at sthompson@cityofmarcoisland.com or by telephone at (239) 389-5001. © Marco News

Tuesday, October 28, 2008
IN MEMORY OF ERWIN HELLERMANN-10/28/08 - Susan Niwinski @ 12:19 EST
We are saddened to inform you that
your neighbor and owner of #109
Erwin Hellermann,died a few days ago.

Notes of sympathy can be extended to
his wife:
Mrs. Carol Hellermann
917 Shing Wauk Drive
Marinette, WI 54153

He will be greatly missed by all at the
Tradewinds who knew him.

Wednesday, October 08, 2008
City Council Update-October 7, 2008 - Susan Niwinski @ 14:12 EST
MARCOITES: YOUR CITY COUNCIL AT WORK! Two Clay Courts for $80,000 at Racketball Center (200 members), additional Shuffleboard Courts, Landscaping of Cul-de-sacs and THREE (3) NEW EMPLOYEES!!!
"TRUMPS THE ECONOMIC CRISIS IN OUR COUNTRY AND CITY!!!!!"
Please keep these expenditures --of the 15% increase in your City tax dollars in mind, when the ELECTED OFFICIALS talk about ESSENTIAL SERVICES FOR IT'S RESIDENTS------POLITICAL BULLCRAP--101!!!!!

IT IS TRUE --that ex-councilor, Arceri was the defacto Campaign Manager (last election) for the three City Council members that criticized the right of Citizens to bring "concerns" to them or disagree with them---(Trotter, Gibson, Waldack), PARTICULARLY as it pertained to Ex-council member Arceri! I'm sure it was just a coincidence---politics at it's best--at the Public's expense! Bill McMullan

PS Editorial correction in the story below, Bill McMullan DID NOT post 600 e-mails on www.eyeonmarco.com , I believe they ARE located at MarcoIsland Blog at http://209.15.40.246/miblog/emails.html along with several thousand e-mails regarding City Issues with State and Federal Officials at http://marcoislandblog.blogspot.com/ . Also, I never used the phrase "behind-the-scenes puppet master", I have no-idea where that came from---perhaps reporters license!

PSS MY REAL SENTIMENTS OF THE BUDGET PROCESS ARE REFLECTED IN THE PHOTO AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS E-MAIL---ENJOY!!!!
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Politics get personal at Marco City Council meeting
Bridge repairs delayed for parks and recreation events in budget trimming session
By KELLY FARRELL http://www.marconews.com/news/2008/oct/07/politics-get-personal-city-council-meeting/

Originally published 09:15 a.m., October 7, 2008
Updated 05:17 p.m., October 7, 2008

MARCO ISLAND — At times Monday’s City Council meeting discussions sounded more like election campaigning than a session to wrap up the city’s budget.

Some of the most recognizable names in Marco Island’s political process seemed to be dragged through the mud at one point or another in the two-part meeting.

A public records request by resident Bill McMullan for e-mails between former city councilor John Arceri and all city officials, which yielded 600 e-mails posted on eyeonmarco.com, snowballed into rebuttals and counter-attacks.

At a previous meeting, McMullan said the e-mails raised concerns about “fraud” and a behind-the-scenes puppet master, Arceri, who appeared to tell city staff, including Public Works Director Rony Joel and Public Information Coordinator Lisa Douglass, what to do and how to do it. Arceri and Councilor Jerry Gibson followed up by saying the unfounded allegations were nothing more than personal attacks.

Douglass said the communications plan that Arceri commented on in the e-mail used as evidence of his “puppeteering” was a plan written by her in advance of correspondence with Arceri.

“What is so hard to accept is that I put in over 100 hours of free consulting time (valued at over almost $50,000 at my present consulting rate) helping my city at their request and get demonized by people as being part of some conspiracy, some part of personal agenda,” Arceri said.

Since the release of the e-mails, more officials have switched from playing defense to playing offense. Councilor Chuck Kiester said he was personally offended by a letter from Arceri to City Attorney Alan Gabriel.

“Mr. Arceri has now moved on to direct the city attorney to determine as to whether Mr. Arceri has a legal case against me. Who is in charge here? It certainly isn’t City Council,” Kiester said.

In a letter to the City Council’s attorney, Arceri accused Kiester of spreading hate and suspicion about his involvement in electric studies and negotiations. He also asked Gabriel for a formal legal opinion of the e-mails.

Kiester and McMullan have both subsequently said there appears to be the possibility of Sunshine Law violations in the e-mails, including an e-mail from Arceri to City Council sharing Councilor Frank Recker’s idea to set up a committee to study a city takeover of the electric company, Lee County Electric Cooperative.

Gabriel said he has found no violations of law in any of this so far.

While Kiester said there may not be enough evidence of Sunshine Law violations to hold up in court, he said he was primarily concerned that no one other than the city manager should be directing staff of how to do their daily jobs.

“I think we have a good grasp on that. I can understand the concerns,” City Manager Steve Thompson replied.

The special-called meeting in the afternoon was set to cut about $1 million from the budget, including a $50,000 reduction in legal fees. The reduction is planned to come from limiting attorney presence at planning board meetings.

There seemed to be few winners in the meeting which closed with scarcely one political name left unscathed.

Jose Granda, Chairman of the Code Enforcement Board accused Marco Island Taxpayer Association President Fay Biles of bigotry for alleging that his letter about putting electric lines underground was written by Arceri, adding that just because he “speaks with a funny accent” doesn’t mean he is not capable of authoring a well-written letter.

Biles said she felt personally attacked by Granda, who she said falsely accused MITA of contributing to election campaigns, which is contrary to MITA’s bylaws.

MITA member Linda McCune also said she “felt harassed” by name calling such as “malcontents and CAVE dwellers, citizens against virtually everything.”

All involved demanded apologies, but the only one who came close was Arceri. Chairman Bill Trotter said he regretted not addressing McMullan’s “false” allegations head on at the last meeting.

Council was able to continue with business and, if there was a turning point in the mood of the meeting, it likely occurred as Recker recommended the city find a way to continue funding youth, teen and family events needed to foster community spirit in a down economy.

Council unanimously approved funding for all city-sponsored parks and recreation events and full funding of YMCA swimming lessons. They approved limited cuts for community sponsored events and a new process by which organizations can apply for grants.

In order to fund an additional $50,000 for community events while compensating for the reduction in the millage rate, among other things, council decided to trim bridge repairs by $228,400.

Joel said the cuts would likely allow the Kendall Drive bridges to be repaired and may minimize or delay repairs to the Caxambas Bridge and the bridge on Hernando Drive. Remaining in this year’s budget is $2.25 million for bridge repairs and $500,000, which will be set aside for the future replacement of the two Smokehouse Bay bridges.

Other reductions from the initial $14.5 million general fund budget included a reduction in staff raises from 4 percent to 3 percent. In June, City Council approved a 4 percent raise and an additional 1 percent raise to be given at Thompson’s discretion for any city staff who implemented cost saving measures. This 1 percent cost savings incentive is no longer addressed in the budget. The change from 4 percent to 3 percent represents a $75,000 cut in the budget.

City Finance Director Bill Harrison said a process will be created to give staff who implement cost saving measures raises.

Also instead of hiring five new employees, three positions will be added to the fire department in January, saving $75,000 in over time and therefore contributing $75,000 to the 2009 budget. Fire Chief Mike Murphy said the ongoing cost of the three firemen will be about $200,000 annually after 2009.

While much was accomplished despite multiple allegations and name-calling, issues left unresolved included Kiester’s question of how $25,000 for an electric municipalization consultant is now budgeted at $75,000.

Joel said “it was never $25,000” and until the scope of the consultant’s work is determined it is unknown what the actual cost will be. He said the consultant recommended by blind votes from the municipalization committee will be announced in a matter of days, with City Council making the final decision at a November meeting.

Council voted 5-2 to lower the electric franchise fee on electric bills from 5 percent to 3.6 percent beginning January 2009. The fees will generate more than $1.5 million with $1 million to pay for debt for putting Collier Boulevard electric lines underground and an additional $500,000 not yet allocated, but possibly going toward putting lines underground in the future — as the fee was initially set to be used for in the 2005 ordinance. Councilors Forcht, Kiester and Recker have questioned the timing, given the national economic crisis, but council has yet to formally take another vote on the issue.

In other matters council voted to:

– Approve Marco Island Historical Society’s request for city-owned dirt from the Marco Shore’s facility to be used for construction of the Marco Island Historical Museum under the condition MIHS pays for testing the dirt fill for quality. (7-0)

– Approve on second reading an ordinance to establish grease damage prevention regulations for restaurants to protect the waste water utility from backing up. (7-0)

– Approve on first reading an ordinance to amend the beach management and vessel control ordinance with the condition that the 14-year-old age limit for motorized water vessel operation be reviewed before second reading. (7-0)

– Approve a 10-year water supply facilities work plan as required by the state to be worked into the city’s comprehensive plan. (7-0)

– Appoint Larry Magel of Hideaway Beach to the nine-member Coastal Advisory Committee created in 2001 to share recommendations with the Board of Collier County Commissioners and Tourist Development Council on areas affected by coastal erosion. (7-0)

– Maintain a $56,000 lien accrued from code enforcement fines and a sewer assessment against 625 Dorando Court, foreclosed by Countrywide Home Loans. (7-0)

– Approve assessment resolutions for Gulfport, East Winterberry and Southeast Winterberry sewer assessment areas. (5-2)

– Approve a resolution to reimburse up to $65 million of capital improvements, including expansion of the wastewater treatment plant to five million gallons per day, construction of the deep injection well and sewer construction projects, with proceeds of future bond issued financing. (5-2) © Marco News

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PS I accept donations to offset web, copying, printing and Public Records Request expenses. If you can help, please send to Bill McMullan\EOM, PO Box 159, Marco Island, Fl 34146. Thank you in advance.

Friday, October 03, 2008
City Counsel Update-October 2, 2008 - Susan Niwinski @ 15:47 EST
MARCOITES: Thanks to the volume and frequency of YOUR VOICES, the City Council is FINALLY looking at reducing some spending. However, make no mistake, City Council came into the Budget Cycle going for every penny under the Tax Reform Legislation they could squeeze out of OUR POCKETS and many ways outside of the CAP to include: Payment-in-Lieu-of Taxes, Stormwater Utility Fee, Fire Assessment and Water surcharge. The BAD news is the City is moving forward on a 15.5% increase in City taxes. The GOOD news is that ALL the last minute "Invented Revenue Sources" were turned-back by YOUR input\comments to the Council.

The City Council needs to be reminded what US Senator Judd Gregg, Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee, said before the vote on the "Bailout Package", Friday, October 3,2008, specifically; "It is the responsibility of all Public Servants and Elected Officials to protect the people they work for!"

I have attended ALL the City Council Meetings over the last several months during the Budget Process and I am sorry to say, it's not transparent who this Council works for! Please continue to let them know your feelings regarding higher taxes, more cuts in spending and reduced costs! E-mail address are listed below for your convenience. Keep up the good fight! Bill McMullan

PS Click here: www.marcoclassifieds.com to see the Garage Sales on Marco this weekend!
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Marco to consider budget cuts, electric fee reduction
Bridge improvements, community events, electric undergrounding, city salary increases and new positions among proposed cuts
By KELLY FARRELL, Thursday, October 2, 2008 http://www.marconews.com/news/2008/oct/02/marco-consider-budget-cuts-electric-fee-reduction/

MARCO ISLAND — City Council will be deciding what should be put up on the chopping block as they seek to cut about $1 million from the budget early Monday afternoon.

The $970,000 cut from the originally proposed budget comes out of two earlier council decisions: A reduction in the preliminary tax rate and a move of fees collected through electricity bills from an enterprise fund into the operating budget.

The reduction in the tax rate means $620,000 needs to be cut from the originally proposed budget as well as re-appropriating $350,000 for providing electricity to street lights.

At their last meeting, council lowered the preliminary property tax rate of 1.454 to 1.3917 mils. The reduction still caused an increase in the tax rate from last year’s rate of $1.21 per $1,000 of property value.

Council will now choose what should be cut from the original $14.5 million general fund budget 3 p.m., Monday.

City Finance Director Bill Harrison and City Manager Steve Thompson are providing council with options for areas to cut. These proposals included delaying hiring five new employees, minimizing staff salary increases, cutting some bridge repairs, splitting the cost of new clay tennis courts by using a portion of the Racquet Center’s self-generated income, turning off some street lights along Collier Boulevard and cutting funding for many community events.

The current 2009 budget includes $2.5 million for repairs to four bridges and $500,000 to be set aside toward funding the future replacement of the two Smokehouse Bay Bridges — for about $13 million.

Bridges to be repaired in 2009 include the Caxambas Bridge, two Kendall Drive bridges and a bridge on Hernando Drive.

The proposed reduction in bridge repair would be by $178,400 delaying one of three bridge repairs until 2010. Setting aside less funding for future replacement of the Smokehouse Bay Bridges is an option as well.

“Bridge repairs are necessary, but I don’t believe we risk a bridge collapse by postponing some repairs. It is a good time to postpone such projects as long as there is no imminent danger in doing so and it doesn’t result in more expensive repairs later,” said Councilman Frank Recker.

Chairman Bill Trotter said he would like to see all capital improvement plans stay in tact.

“Prudent investments in our infrastructure are near the top of the list of priorities,” Trotter said.

Councilor Wayne Waldack seemed to agree.

“(Bridges) are essential structures. Repairs and maintenance should not be put off. Budgeting for future repairs or replacement needs to be done now or the problems compound,” said Waldack.

Other areas of cuts, which are actually limited increases from last year, are in the arena of city staffing. Originally, six new city employees were proposed including an information technology person to work in the utilities department, a human resources professional, an accountant and three firemen.

Public Works may be able to hire an IT person without council approval, through an enterprise fund, not funded with property tax dollars.

Proposals at this time are to postpone hiring three firemen until the beginning of the year and postpone two other positions indefinitely.

Harrison said the general idea is that overtime could be eliminated by hiring the firemen, but he said the cost or savings to the city under such a plan was not immediately available.

Another proposal for “cuts” was to limit staff raises. In June council approved 4 percent raises with an additional 1 percent option based on Thompson’s discretion of the employee implementing cost savings procedures.

The current proposal is to limit the raises to 3 percent and allow Thompson an open additional incentive, which could be above the original 1 percent.

Councilman Chuck Kiester originally believed cutting back on raises was a legitimate cost savings measure, however, after learning that employees would be paying five percent more for their health coverage, he recently said it may not be among the top preferred areas to cut.

Recker said he liked the idea of trimming raises.

“ ... Our city staff appreciates the fact that their jobs have been deemed secure, and this is just not the time to dispense additional, discretionary dollars,” Recker said.

As to Thompson’s ability to offer employees raises above 3 percent for cutting costs, “we will need to set the rules of the game as to eligibility and pay-out amounts,” Harrison said.

Some cuts are also needed as the city decided to return electricity costs for street lights back to the general fund as set in the city’s 2005 ordinance. A five percent surtax was set on electric bills in 2005 to fund putting electric lines underground. Instead, $350,000 has come out of the fees to pay for electric bills every year.

Eliminating the fee may mean the cancellation of the $1.7 million electric underground pilot program planned for the Barbados area in early 2009. While city staff has not presented this option to council, both Kiester and Recker have mentioned that cancellation of the project should be considered.

“ ... From my perspective, the undergrounding pilot project is not particularly time sensitive, nor is the LCEC study,” Recker said.

Residents could save $180 annually if the fee were removed and the city could save about $1.8 million if they cancelled or delayed both projects.

At this time, city staff is recommending reducing the surtax to 3.6 percent leaving residents still paying more than $100 per year on the electric bill tax.

Other cost-saving measures include saving $25,000 with less lighting along Collier Boulevard, reducing legal fees by $40,000 and trimming city sponsorship of community events.

“My only passionate position on our budget is that, especially when the economy is struggling, we should not reduce our funding to community groups, family events, recreational activities, arts programs, children’s’ events, or any activity that adds to the quality of life for our residents, or attractiveness as a tourist destination,” Recker said.

After the special-called budget meeting at 3 p.m., City Council will reconvene for a regular meeting at 5:30 p.m.

Kiester said he did not like having important budget decisions being made before most residents could attend and would like to see the budget issues brought up at the second meeting.

Items on the regular meeting agenda include:

– A presentation by the Marco Island Historic Society

– Amendment to the police officer’s pension plan that will allow members to purchase additional service at no cost to the city.

– Amendment to the beach management and vessel control ordinance to include allowing tossing frisbees and balls on the beach, boater rental safety and increases in no wake areas along the coast.

– A 10 year water supply plan.

– Appointments to the Coastal Advisory Committee.

– Request to waive $56,000 in code enforcement fines for 625 Dorado Court.

The special-called budget meeting is 3 p.m., Monday, in Community Meeting Room next door to the Marco Island Police Station, 51 Bald Eagle Drive. The regular meeting begins 5:30 p.m., Monday, in the same location. © Marco News

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Council Chairman Trotter wdtrotter@earthlink.net

Council Vice Chairman Recker frecker@cityofmarcoisland.com

Councilman Forcht tforcht@cityofmarcoisland.com

Councilman Gibson jgibson@cityofmarcoisland.com

Councilman Kiester ckiester@cityofmarcoisland.com

Councilman Popoff rpopoff@cityofmarcoisland.com

Councilman Waldack wwaldack@cityofmarcoisland.com

City Manager sthompson@cityofmarcoisland.com


The following e-mail address: citycouncil@cityofmarcoisland.com is supposed to be copied to ALL Councilors, however, my experience has found the staff "bundles" these e-mails for Councilors to read if they want and when they get around to it!

Best to you and yours. Take care. Bill McMullan

PS I thank ALL who have made donations and continue to accept donations to offset web, copying, printing and Public Records Request expenses. If you can help please send to Bill McMullan\EOM, PO Box 159, Marco Island, Fl 34146. Thank you in advance

Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Tradewinds Family, Guests and Rental Policy - Susan Niwinski @ 11:49 EST
Family-blood line - mother, father, brother, sister, niece, nephew, in-laws-UNLIMITED VISITS.

Guests - 3 TIMES A YEAR.

Rentals-Annual or Monthly. Monthly - It has to be 30 continuous days.

PLEASE NOTE: WE DO NOT ALLOW WEEKLY, 2 WEEKS or 3 WEEKS RENTALS-MONTHLY ONLY - 30 CONTINUOUS DAYS.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Marco Island News Update-City Council Budget Meeting - Susan Niwinski @ 11:37 EST
MARCOITES: Your voices keep making progress --little by little but saving us lots of $$$$!

ITEM 1: City Tax increase. Last meeting at the first Public Hearing the Council voted 7-0 to raise OUR millage from 1.2 mills per thousand dollars last year to 1.45 mills per thousand this year--a 21% increase in your City taxes. When the item came up on the Agenda, Councilor Popoff made YOUR case (Message to Council) that we are in the "Worst Economic Conditions of our Lifetimes" and indicated he could not support the 1.45 rate and wanted the Council to stay at last years milage of 1.2. After an hour and a half the Staff convinced the Council to start at the rollback rate of 1.33 and add the CAP adjustments which brought it back up to 1.39 and the vote was 7-0. The is essentially a 16% increase versus 21 % they agreed to last meeting. I have searched the internet ALL across Florida and have not found any Government entity that has raised taxes on their constituients in these economic times. (Analogy: YOUR Council invited you to a banquet. They said there was not enough food to go around, s-o-o-o we are going to have to take off both your arms to feed everybody--then halfway throught the festival they annouce that they only need to cut off one of your arms---AND YOUR SUPPOSED TO FEEL REAL GRATEFUL TO THEM! Go figure!

ITEM #2: At the last Council meeting, the Agenda included a request by the Public Works Director to add a 8% surcharge to your water bill to make up for the loss of sales due to water restrictions--how ludicrist is that! Since last meeting, till tonight's meeting the Public Works Dir changed the 8% to 15-30% surcharge to be added to different tiers of water usage--can you believe it! Fortunately, YOUR VOICES brought some common sense to the Council and they would not agree to a "Carte blanche" surcharge and instead defeated this request with directions to staff to bring it back on a "as needed basis" if water restrictions are implemented again.

I challenged the Council to take a hard look at why the Public Works Director would -(-after initial review in May), would be trying to invent 1.4 million dollars at the eleven hour, Payment-In-Lieu-of-Taxes (went away in July) ,Stormwater Assessment--voted down in Aug--and two weeks ago 8% surcharge now 15-30%--something smells at the Water\sewer Dept-- and it's not sewage---NO COUNCIL MEMBER WOULD STEP UP AND ASK THE HARD QUESTIONS!!

I will update a report card at a later date so you will have a complete picture of the real $$$ affect on YOUR pocketbook. Kudos to ALL for speaking up! Keep up the good fight. Take care. Bill McMullan

PS I thank ALL who have made donations and continue to accept donations to offset web, copying, printing and Public Records Request expenses. If you can help please send to Bill McMullan\EOM, PO Box 159, Marco Island, Fl 34146. Thank you in advance.

Monday, September 15, 2008
Marco Island News-DTD September 14, 2008 - Susan Niwinski @ 13:29 EST
Marcoites: It's so sad when YOUR elected officials have lost touch with the people they represent. The Council has NOT reduced one department's budget, has not reduced one contract or project, has not reduced or eliminated one part-time or full time position--nor even looked at vacancies to see if they should be filled! It's all about spend, spend, spend with no end in sight. The WORST ECONOMIC TIMES OF OUR LIFETIMES and there are five (5) more employees in the budget (one is a human resource manager to manage ALL the employees needs), $65,000 for a second set of clay courts at the City Racquet Ball Club, over $600,000 to beautify our swales and cul-de-sacs with more trees. Over two million dollars in projects were carried over from last years budget and NOT one Councilor asked to see what they were or question the need to delay or reduce the carryover spending.

Now the City Staff wants authority to raise YOUR water rates from 15-30% (not just 8%--talked about last month) when they feel they need to make up for lost revenue from reduced sales due to water restrictions or perhaps a Harry Potter spell. I would suggest that you come to the meeting and voice your opinion ----however, their track record of not listening to the people of our Community is well documented and may be futile! These 7 individuals (it only takes four votes) are insuring that the middle-class is becoming an "endangered species" on Marco Island. How many ways can you say "Out-Of-Control", how many ways can you say "More For Sale Signs".

I suggest you Click on the following link regarding Cities going Bankrupt: http://www.townhall.com/content/0b838c5d-b0d7-4db9-aa56-b205539f19a4 which may fortell our future mandated by a few who refuse to listen to the people! May the good Lord protect our Paradise--it's obvious the elected officials will not! Bill McMullan

Electric, water fees may be reconsidered at Marco City Council meeting
City Council will be wrapping up the budget process revisiting community events, the electric franchise fee and water rates
By KELLY FARRELL, Thursday, September 11, 2008 http://www.marconews.com/news/2008/sep/11/electric-water-fees-may-be-reconsidered-marco-city/

MARCO ISLAND — The Marco Island City Council will be locking in their answers Monday night to how to solve the significant loss in the city’s income due to property value decreases and state mandated tax reform.

Their answer was to increase the millage rate from $1.2048 per $1,000 of taxable property value to $1.454 per $1,000 of taxable property value, an approximate 20 percent rate increase.

The current year’s roll-back rate, or the rate which the city is required to disclose in order to show the one which would generate the same income as the year before, is 1.3363 mils, an approximate 8 percent increase.

Bill Harrison said the need to repair three of the city’s inland bridges is the main reason for the significant budget hike, which is about a 13 percent increase in the overall budget from last year.

If fee goes, underground wires may too

Councilor Chuck Kiester said he is attempting to balance out some of these property tax increases for residents by eliminating the electric franchise fee, which is 5 percent on residents’ electric bills that was instituted in 2005 to fund putting the city’s electric lines underground.

Initially the fee cost residents about $100 per year, the Eagle reported in 2005. However the increase in electricity costs, largely due to increases in the cost of coal and oil, means residents are paying more. Kiester estimated residents are now paying about $180 each year due to the electric franchise fee. He added that he wanted to revisit the electric franchise fee for other reasons as well.

“Let’s give the residents a break on construction,” he said.

The removal of the electric franchise fee may come with other side effects. The fee was initially to be used for putting power lines underground but has spawned into use for other things such as the purchase of street lights on Collier Boulevard and providing electricity to those lights.

In a recent Marco Island Taxpayers Association meeting, Amadeo Petricca said the city ordinance (04-18) still states that the money should be used for putting wires underground.

“Technically, the city is in violation of their own ordinance,” added MITA member Ken Honecker.

While a record cannot be found that the ordinance was formally amended, prior councils have discussed allocating the electric franchise fee funds to cover electric bills and street lighting on several occasions over the past four years.

One of City Manager Steve Thompson’s jokes is to begin addressing such issues with the line “that was B.S., before Steve.”

Regarding the issue of the use of the electric franchise fund, Thompson said it is common for cities to use the fund to pay for several general expenses.

“My understanding is that Marco’s was earmarked. It was included in the budgets for undergrounding as well as streetlights,” he said.

If City Council votes to remove the franchise fee from Islanders’ Lee County Electric Cooperative bills, Kiester has suggested cutting expenses by turning off every other light on Collier Boulevard, at least during the off season.

Some have described Collier Boulevard as being lit up like a runway, helpful perhaps when there is a lot of evening vehicular and pedestrian traffic, but perhaps not necessary in the less active summer months.

Another possible outcome of eliminating the fee will be cancellation of the electric underground pilot program planned for the Barbados area in early 2009.

While high estimates, about $30 million, came from LCEC just before discussions of electric municipalization emerged, several city officials say putting wires underground and a study of the city taking over the utility are two completely unrelated issues.

“I believe that the two are separate and independent issues. The issue of undergrounding is aesthetics and reliability. Municipalization investigation is to determine if we could reduce the cost of electric service to our citizens and maintain the same level of service,” said Public Works Director Rony Joel in an e-mail to the Eagle.

Proposed water, sewer rate increases

In addition to Council deciding whether electric bills may go down, they will also be looking at whether water bills will go up and by how much.

The recommendation is for council to approve a 4.3 percent water and sewer rate increase for Marco Island customers, a 3.5 percent increase for Marco Shores customers and 2.3 percent increase for Goodland customers.

Also, the recommendation is to increase rates by 15 percent for most residential customers if the South Florida Water Management District restricts irrigation to once a week watering. The increase would cost the average customer about $20 per month. The rate increase could go up to 30 percent if use is significantly higher than 21,000 gallons per month.

Honecker said the water utility rates need a restructure because the rate based on usage is not working.

The utility is planning to do a full rate study in the coming year.

“The base rate needs to come up and the use rate needs to come down,” Honecker suggested.

This would eliminate customers’ bills fluctuating as much as 30 percent from one month to the next based on rainfall, use or other factors and would also allow the utility a more stable income.

Other issues on the agenda

– Discussion of a $15,000 proposal to control the island’s iguana population.

– First reading of an ordinance to implement new grease trap regulations for restaurants.

– Discussion of a new process for city funding special community events.

– First reading of an ordinance to amend the police officer’s pension plan.

– Discussion of an interlocal agreement with the Collier County School District and potential use for the Tract K property.

City Council will meet in the Community Room next door to the Marco Island Police Department, 51 Bald Eagle Drive at 5:30 p.m., Monday. © Marco News

Friday, September 12, 2008
Hurricane Ike - Susan Niwinski @ 15:40 EST
Hurricane Ike has not touched Marco Island at all.

Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Update on the City Council Meeting -September 2, 2008 - Susan Niwinski @ 08:22 EST
MARCOITES: Round 1, good news and bad news--however, YOUR VOICES ARE BEING HEARD!

GOOD: The Council voted 5-2 to "defer" the Fire Assessment. The concept of the assessment was approved at the City Council Meeting of July 24,2008, and the Council's action tonight has the effect of no-funding (which was required to be funded tonight to be part of our Tax Bill as an assessment line item), however, we must remain vigilant to insure it does not come up again in a few months without being completly vetted for inequities and receive a concensus from the public.

GOOD: The Council is no longer talking about Payment-in-lieu-of-taxes--(8 % of utility bill) --seems to have faded off the table.

GOOD: The Council voted at the last meeting NOT to support a Stormwater Assessment!! (6.5 % of your water bill)

BAD: The Council voted, first reading, 7-0 to set the millage rate at the highest millage they could set by law 1.45 per thousand dollars. a 21% increase in the Taxes you pay Marco. Has another reading on the 15 of September--more later.

BAD: Also on Sept 15,2008, the Council will consider the 8% Water surcharge for the "water we did not use when we were on mandated water restricions earlier this year!!" More later.

Your voices have meant a great deal toward holding the line on non-transparent and non-deductable fees, assessments, etc.

Budget meetings since 3 PM, getting late. More later. Keep up the good fight. Bill McMullan
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PS I am gladly accepting donations to offset web, coping, printing and Public Records Requests expenses. If you can help please send to Bill McMullan\EOM, PO Box 159, Marco Island, Fl 34146. Thank you in advance.

Monday, August 25, 2008
IMPORTANT- Marco Island News - Susan Niwinski @ 09:19 EST
MARCOITES: We are 9 days from September 2,2008 when YOUR City Council will be voting on the 2008-2009 Budget which could include any or ALL of the following :1.) Fire Assessment, 2.) a 21% Tax increase from 2007-2008, 3.) a Payment-In-Lieu-of Taxes Fee (6.5%) and a 4.) 8% monthly Water Surcharge Fee (to make-up for lost water sales when we were on mandated water restrictions--how many ways can you say ludicrous!)

Please visit www.eyeonmarco.com and encourage others to do the same and send a Message to Council to reduce spending and cut costs! Also, on Wednesday, September 3,2008 the City is convening the Electric Muni Committee to study buying the electric company from LCEC!

If the Fire Chiefs are concluding the Consolidation Study---why is Marco Island in such a hurry to establish a Fire Assessment--which could be outside the CAP and is NOT Tax deductible!! Go figure. Bill McMullan Did I remind you to go to www.eyeonmarco.com .

Fire-ambulance consolidation talk still alive in Collier
By I.M. STACKEL, Saturday, August 23, 2008 http://www.naplesdailynews.com/news/2008/aug/23/fire-ambulance-consolidation-talk-still-alive-coll/

Fire chiefs and their crews from all over Collier County have worked hard to put together a final report on their possible consolidation with Collier Emergency Medical Services.

Some sense the merger will be difficult to achieve, even though the effort could ultimately reduce or eliminate wastefulness at a time every agency in the county is struggling with a deflated property tax base and economy.

Even so, those working on the fire department and ambulance service consolidation must remain optimistic, said Jorge Aguilera, deputy chief of the North Naples Fire and Rescue Department.

When the Collier County Fire Chiefs Association operations subcommittee issued its final report on consolidation in June, the document outlined several different ways to combine the services.

The report also noted that there could be continued resistance to the concept, as follows:

There may be a lack of stakeholder acceptance within, and-or between, the county’s 10 public organizations that now provide fire-rescue or emergency medical services.

That could mean friction between various fire chiefs, within labor unions or among fire and EMS officials.

Each of Collier County’s 10 independent, city-run and county-run fire districts have a working staff, and most have their own board of commissioners.

There’s no problem finding jobs for staff. But what becomes of some 35 fire commissioners?

After an EMS Advisory Committee-Productivity Committee subcommittee meeting on Aug. 8, Golden Gate Fire Commissioner Dave Stedman said he doesn’t have a problem giving up his seat.

However, he -- like everyone else -- has heard grumblings, and suspects there are some commissioners who will resist.

“I just want what’s best for our residents,” said Stedman, who is also a statistician for EMS.

The tenuous nature of the consolidation effort also has officials on edge as they finalize their plans and budgets for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1.

Collier EMS Chief Jeff Page said he could use an assistant chief. All of the fire districts have them, but he doesn’t, he said in early August.

“I’ve got over 200 employees,” he said.

But he has no one to assist him and it isn’t likely he will see that position created anytime soon.

State-mandated tax rollbacks have diminished county pots of money. Also, Collier County’s property tax base has lost some of its value, so all county departments -- including EMS -- were told to cut back.

Some involved in the consolidation review question whether it is worth it to purchase additional equipment or hire more personnel if consolidation will provide a wealth of both.

But that hasn’t happened yet, and, in the interim, Collier EMS -- and some fire districts -- are searching for alternative sources of money.

On the table now is an $800 response charge like that Winter Haven in Central Florida just imposed. The fee would kick in if someone were in a car accident, and law enforcement, EMS and fire responded to the crash.

Winter Haven plans to bill the “at-fault” driver.

While some counties have been looking to only fine out-of-towners, lawyers for Winter Haven determined this would cause too many legal repercussions, Page said.

The county’s productivity committee is currently reviewing the EMS Master Plan, written in 2007 by an outside consultant for about $80,000. The consolidation study will go before the Fire Chiefs Steering Committee on Aug 28.

If it clears that panel, it should be ready to be presented to Collier County commissioners in September.

At a meeting earlier this month, Productivity Subcommittee Chairwoman Janey Vasey said she’d been hoping her committee could review the idea of adding extra EMS units, noted in the master plan.

But she also wanted Advanced Life Support ambulance units calculated into the mix.

When advanced units in North Naples came online, response times were reduced, she said.

It’s that kind of notion that has officials inching closer to consolidation.

Adding in Advanced Life Support engines pretty much reduces response time, Page said.

But there are different types of response times, Aguilera said after the meeting, such as initial repsonse time and that of the transport vehicle.

“EMS is a service, not a company,” Aguilera said firmly. “EMS is not a trademark.”

When someone in need calls 911 and gets an ALS engine arriving on the scene, that person is getting EMS-quality medical attention.

That’s one type of response time.

“Transport ability is a different question. The transport vehicle may not be there, but the service is. The person is being treated,” he said.

However, Aguilera said he doesn’t want to minimize the importance of the transport unit arriving in a reasonable time to take the person to a hospital.

“A transport unit coming to you in a reasonable time is an essential part of the service,” he said.

Collier County fire and EMS officials have to walk “a very delicate balance between both” response times when talking about the issue, he added.

The proposed consolidation report also noted that Collier County residents may resist ways to pay for a consolidated service.

“There may be a pre-existing misconception that a consolidation plan such as this must demonstrate a cost-savings immediately upon implementation,” the report states.

That isn’t likely to occur in the first few years, but will eventually, the report says.

Also, the varied property tax rates among the fire districts could cause difficulties in consolidation, the report notes. © Naples News

Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Hurricane Fay - Susan Niwinski @ 12:30 EST
Everything is fine at the Tradewinds. No major damage. The car wash house fell down with the roof torn off and the pipe for the water supply cracked. The prong frongs (palm tree branches) have been cleared away from the parking area. Tradewinds lost power Tuesday morning about 5:00 AM and when I left at 12:00 PM they didn't have it back on yet. Hopefully they will get it back soon. We had heavy rain and winds of about 60 mph. Power is back on. It came back on at 2:15 PM Tuesday.

Thursday, July 17, 2008
Flooding on Marco Island-Wednesday, July 16, 2008 - Susan Niwinski @ 08:51 EST
You can relax there was no damage at the Tradewinds.

With the heavy rain on Wednesday, July 16th, we did not lose power at the Tradewinds nor did we have any flooding except by the entrance of the Tradewinds and on Seaview Court, which was gone by the time I left at 4:30.

Flooding from heavy rain disrupts life on Marco Island
By NAPLES DAILY NEWS STAFF Originally published 01:33 p.m., July 16, 2008 Updated 07:35 p.m., July 16, 2008

After being closed earlier this afternoon, the bridge connecting Marco Island to the mainland has been reopened, but Marco residents are being asked to stay indoors because of heavy rain and flooding on some city streets.

As a result of heavy flooding, high tide, and at least 4 to 6 inches of rainfall, the intersection of Barfield Drive and Collier Boulevard is flooding. A flash flood warning has been issued for Marco Island until 4:45 p.m.

More than 1,500 homes on Marco Island were without power this afternoon, however, only 100 homes remain without power now. Lee County Electric Cooperative is working to restore the power as quickly as possible, the city reports.

The rain has stopped and another weather cell of rain is headed in the direction of Marco Island. The area of 6th Avenue and Elkcam Circle is now flooded and crews are working to keep water from entering homes.

Heavy rainfall had forced the city to close portions of seven roadways, including main thoroughfare Collier Boulevard at Elkcam Circle, due to high water levels. Mackle Park will be closed the remainder of the day and reopen tomorrow.

Travelers should anticipate road diversions due to areas that are still flooded. Officials urge residents not to travel on the roadways unless it is an emergency.

"Unless necessary, residents should remain indoors," City Spokeswoman Lisa Douglass said in a release. "If it necessary to be on the roadway, drivers should use caution, slow down in areas were water is on the road and avoid high water areas."

The National Weather Service in Miami issued an Urban Flood Advisory for southwestern Collier County, including Marco Island.

Heavy rains are expected to continue throughout the day. The city is experiencing high tide currently, with low tide expected at 7 p.m.

Residents are urged to use caution while driving tonight and tomorrow morning because additional rainfall is expected throughout the night. The next high tide event will occur Thursday at 1:58 a.m.

Unless necessary, residents should remain indoors. Officials urge residents to not travel on the roadways unless it is an emergency. If it is necessary to be on the roadway, drivers should use caution, slow down in areas where water is on the road and avoid high water areas.

The following seven road areas on the island are closed:

• All of Elkcam Circle South of Collier Boulevard

• North Bald Eagle in the North Marco area

• North Collier Boulevard between Barfield and East Elkcam Circle. (It is anticipated that this will be opened in a few hours. The Public Works Department is placing pumps in the area to assist with standing water.)

• Yellowbird Street at Collier Boulevard

The following road areas on the island are open:

• 6th Avenue at Elkcam Circle

• Bluebird Avenue and Yellowbird Avenue (minimized localized flooding)

• Kendall Boulevard at Collier Boulevard (open but has high water)

Rain squalls dumping inches of water have been recorded from Lee County to Marco Island.

Marco police officers are at the corner of Bald Eagle and Collier monitoring for traffic problems and at several intersections where floods are causing vehicle mechanical problems and congestion. Vehicles are broken down in various locations around the island. Road closings are anticipated, Douglass said.

Floods are up over car bumpers and wakes from trucks are splashing over the hoods of cars. A number of vehicles stranded in flood waters between Collier Boulevard and Elkcam Circle had to be towed by the Marco police department.

"This isn't the time for sight-seeing. If you can stay home, we urge you to do so," Douglass added.

Bob Pease said his home weather station on Marco Island has recorded 6.64 inches of rain as of 2 p.m. today. He said he has recorded 13.63 inches of rain on Marco so far for July.

Some government employees who work on Marco but live off the island are being sent home early in case they become stranded should the need arise to close State Road 92 as well.

The Judge S.S. Jolley Bridge was temporarily closed to traffic entering the island due to flooding. Collier County Sheriff's deputies rerouted motorists heading south on Collier Boulevard at Isles of Capri Boulevard.

Motorists traveling onto and off the island were advised to take State Road 92 through Goodland, and not to use Collier Boulevard.

If you have photos or videos of the Marco flooding, upload them at participate.naplesnews.com. © Marco News

Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Condo Insurance Quote - Susan Niwinski @ 10:35 EST
If you are looking to get a quote on your condo insurance call Jim Bonfitto, ARA Insurance Inc. 239-394-0888. He has saved me $$$$ on my condo insurance.

Susan

Friday, June 20, 2008
Revised 6/24/08-Interior Painting of the Building - Susan Niwinski @ 16:22 EST
The job is complete and it looks fantasic. Gratkowski Painting did a great job. The service/ trash room will be closed for 2 weeks and will open up July 7th. It has been painted and the floors need to cure.

The north and south stairwells, floors and stairs only, have also been painted.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Update on interior painting of building - Susan Niwinski @ 15:12 EST
The ceilings are done on each floor except the 12th and 1st (tile ceilings). Two coats of paint have been applied to the top half of the hallway walls (color- oak straw) on the 12th floor down to the 6th floor. The 5th floor down to the 1st floor should be done by Friday or sooner. They will then go back up to the 12th floor and start on the chair rails and the bottom half of the hallway walls (color - Timothy Tan)with two coats of paint. The door frames and doors will be last and the color will be Timothy Tan.

We will keep you posted.

Monday, May 05, 2008
Interior painting of the building - Susan Niwinski @ 11:15 EST
Gratowski Painters will be painting the ceilings, hallways, doors and door frames starting May 5th. Once they are done with the interior of the building, they will paint the Service Area/Trash Room on the first floor. That area will be closed for a period of time (maybe 2 weeks) and the trash chutes on each floor will be out of service for that time. There will be a garbage can on each floor that will act as your trash chute. The newspaper machines will be located oustide the Service Area/Trash Room for a short period of time.

I will keep you posted.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Notice of Special Board Meeting-May 6, 2008 - Susan Niwinski @ 16:18 EST
The following letter was mailed out April 14, 2008:

NOTICE OF SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
THE TRADEWINDS APARTMENTS OF MARCO ISLAND, INC.

TO ALL MEMBERS

On May 6, 2008 at 9:30 AM at The Tradewinds Apartments of Marco Island Social Room, 180 Seaview Court, Marco Island, Florida, a Special Meeting of the Board of Directors of The Tradewinds Apartments of Marco Island, Inc. will be held for the purpose of considering the levy of a third and final special assessment against all Unit Owners to cover the cost and expense of repairing and replacing risers and related piping and equipment.

1.Certifying Quorum - Call to Order
2.Proof of Notice of Meeting
3.Disposal of Unapproved Minutes
4.New Business
a. Consider the levy of a third and final special assessment against all Unit Owners to cover the cost and expense of repairing and replacing risers and related piping and equipment.
b.Set due date(s) for third and final special assessment, if approved.
5.Adjournment

All members are invited to attend.

Dated: April 14, 2008

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

________________________________________
Bob Brockmann, Treasurer

This notice has been mailed to all unit owners at least fourteen (14) days in advance of the meeting referred to above and has been posted for fourteen (14) continuous days in advance of such meeting in a conspicuous location at the condominium.

Thursday, March 13, 2008
FYI - Susan Niwinski @ 14:33 EST
We are no longer dealing with Brown & Brown for the building insurance. We are dealing with Wells Fargo and there is a form on the Tradewinds website with more information.

Regarding a letter sent out to unit owners dated January 8, 2008, whose hot water heaters were 8 years or older and needed to be replaced-I was just speaking with Bruce the Electrical Inspector and he just confirmed with me that you would need your hot water heater and your a/c hard wired at the same time when you replace your hot water heater. There is a form on the website from the City of Marco and it should read Hard Wiring of Water Heater & A/C and there is information that the owner needs to fill out and the plumber needs to fill it out too. Once it is completed then it would be sent to the Tradewinds office and then I would fax it to the City of Marco.

Friday, March 07, 2008
2008 Annual Meeting - Susan Niwinski @ 15:25 EST
The 2008 Annual Meeting went well.

Rudolph Besler - President
Robert Blow - Vice-President
Robert Brockmann - Treasurer
Fran Winslow - Secrectary/Asst. Treasurer
Rene Basile - Director
Richard Kaplan - Director
William McGreevy - Director

Friday, December 21, 2007
Bulletin #11 - Susan Niwinski @ 14:27 EST
The following was mailed December 21st:

December 21, 2007 Bulletin No. 11

RE: PROJECT RISERS

Dear Unit Owners:

We are pleased to advise you that as of December 14th, stacks 05, 07 and 08 have been released. Now that all the stacks have been released, there are still some units that are not ready for occupancy because additional work must be performed in them. The Tradewinds office will be able to identify them for you.

Our unit owners must be aware at this time of the provisions of our contract as we near “completion”, the 10% retainage on the last payment due the General Contractor will be reduced to 5% after our Engineer has determined that the work has reached “substantial completion”. When we reach the point of “completion”, the board has 5 working days to compile and deliver a final punch list of items they conclude require correction. When the work on the “final punch list” has been completed, the 5% retainage, the final payment under the contract, will be paid to the General Contractor. Any work requested thereafter will be subject to the warranty provisions of the contract.

Although we have been constantly preparing interim punch lists during the course of construction, there remains the possibility that we may have overlooked some items which unit owners might claim need remedial work.

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that unit owners must protect their interest by advising the Board of work in your unit you consider not done properly or omitted. This must be done now, because the Board will have only 5 days to prepare the final punch list after the Engineer and the General Contractor conclude the work has been “completed”. We anticipate you have less than 2 weeks from the date of this letter.

MAKE YOUR FINAL INSPECTIONS NOW.

Very truly yours,

Susan M. Niwinski
Manager

Thursday, November 08, 2007
Bulletin #10 - Susan Niwinski @ 16:29 EST
The following letter was mailed out on November 8, 2007.

November 7, 2007 Bulletin No. 10

RE: PROJECT RISERS

Dear Unit Owners:

We have been advised by the GC that their schedule indicates units in stacks 09, 10, 12, 13, 14 and 15 may be released on November 9th. It is also possible that units in 00 and 11 stacks may be released by November 16th. When the stacks are released to the Tradewinds, only then will the office notify all owners, by letter, in the released stacks that their unit is available for occupancy and/or work you may have planned.

Many units in the balance of the stacks are in various stages of work. We have experienced 5 units in the 08 stack with mold and this has held up some work in that stack. The GC is working around problem areas in an attempt to complete the work as quickly as possible.

It is imperative that unit owners in stacks not released to the Tradewinds delay rentals and visits until you are notified by the Tradewinds that your unit is available for occupancy. If you arrive here prematurely, you may not be allowed in your unit because of Board of Health regulations (no water and/or toilet facilities). In addition, you may interfere with the workmen, which will cause delays in completion of the Project and possibly cause additional expense.

We have been advised by GC that work will continue the week between Christmas and New Years.

Once again we appreciate your perseverance and cooperation.

Very truly yours,

Rene Basile
President

Enclosure-Stack listing

Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Risers Update-12/28/07 - Susan Niwinski @ 11:26 EST
*REVISED 12/28/07
ATTENTION RESIDENTS:

(17 stacks) #115,217,317,417,517,617,717,817,917,1017 & 1115-RELEASED TO TRADEWINDS
(16 stacks) #114,216,316,416,516,616,716,816,916,1016 & 112-RELEASED TO TRADEWINDS
(15 stacks) #113,215,315,415,515,615,715,815,915,1015,1114 & 1210-RELEASED TO TRADEWINDS
(14 stacks) #112,214,314,414,514,614,714,814,914 & 1014-RELEASED TO TRADEWINDS
(13 stacks) #111, 213,313,413,513,613,713,813,913,1013,1113 & 1209-RELEASED TO TRADEWINDS
(12 stacks) #110,212,31,2412,512,612,712,812,912,1012,1110 & 1208-RELEASED TO TRADEWINDS
(10 stacks) #210,310,410,510,610,710,810,910,1010,1108 & 1206-RELEASED TO TRADEWINDS
(09 stacks) #209,309,409,509,609,709,809,909,1009,1109 & 1205-RELEASED TO TRADEWINDS
(00 stacks) #200,300,400,500,600,700,800,900,1000 & 1100-RELEASED TO TRADEWINDS
(11 stacks) #109,211,311,411,511,611,711,811,911,1011,1111 & 1207-RELEASED TO TRADEWINDS
(02 stacks) #102,202,302,402,502,602,702,802,902,1002,1102 & 1200-RELEASED TO TRADEWINDS
(01 stacks) #101,201,301,401,501,601,701,801,901,1001,1101 & 1201-RELEASED TO TRADEWINDS-EXCEPT UNIT #501
(04 stacks) #104, 204, 304, 404, 504, 604, 704, 804, 904, 1004, 1104 & 1202-RELEASED TO TRADEWINDS
(03 stacks) 103,203,303,403,603,703,803,1103 & 1203-RELEASED TO TRADEWINDS
(06 stacks) #106, 206, 306, 406, 506, 606, 706, 806, 906 & 1006-RELEASED TO TRADEWINDS
(05 stacks) #105, 205, 305, 405, 505, 605, 705, 805,905,1005,1105 & 1204-RELEASED TO TRADEWINDS-EXCEPT UNITS #105 & #305
(07 stacks) #107, 207, 307, 407, 507, 607, 707, 807, 907, 1007 & 1107-RELEASED TO TRADEWINDS
(08 stacks) 208, 308, 408, 508, 608, 708, 808, 908, 1008 & 1106-RELEASED TO TRADEWINDS
UNITS #503, 903 & 1003-RELEASED TO TRADEWINDS
*UNITS #108, 501 & 903-RELEASED TO TRADEWINDS

RELEASED TO TRADEWINDS MEANS UNIT IS AVAILABLE FOR OCCUPANCY. YOU CAN HAVE CONTRACTORS GO INTO THE UNITS TO DO WORK.

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL OFFICE REGARDING SCHEDULE.

Wednesday, December 31, 200-31
- @ EST

Wednesday, December 31, 200-31
- @ EST

Monday, September 24, 2007
Update Risers-Schedule Revised 9/24/07 - Susan Niwinski @ 08:27 EST
*REVISED 9/24/07
REVISED 9/14/07
ATTENTION RESIDENTS:

The pipes, laterals and flanges have been replaced in the stacks listed below. This does not mean that the units are completed. Please refer to your Bulletin #7 for the procedure for completion.

(17 stacks) #115,217,317,417,517,617,717,817,917,1017 & 1115-FIRE STOPS PASSED INSPECTION-DRYWALL WORK ALMOST COMPLETE-WATER ON
(16 stacks) #114,216,316,416,516,616,716,816,916,1016 & 112-FIRE STOPS PASSED INSPECTON- DRYWALL WORK ALMOST COMPLETE-WATER ON
(15 stacks) #113,215,315,415,515,615,715,815,915,1015,1114 & 1210-FIRE STOPS PASSED INSPECTION-WORKING ON DRYWALL-WATER ON
(14 stacks) #112,214,314,414,514,614,714,814,914 & 1014
(13 stacks) #111, 213,313,413,513,613,713,813,913,1013,1113 & 1209-FIRE STOPS PASSED INSPECTION
(12 stacks) #110,212,31,2412,512,612,712,812,912,1012,1110 & 1208
(11 stacks) #109,211,311,411,511,611,711,811,911,1011,1111 & 1207
(10 stacks) #210,310,410,510,610,710,810,910,1010,1108 & 1206
(09 stacks) #209,309,409,509,609,709,809,909,1009,1109 & 1205
(00 stacks) #200,300,400,500,600,700,800,900,1000 & 1100
14 STACKS THRU 09 STACKS AND 00 STACKS– WATER OFF

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE FOR STACKS (SOUTH SIDE).

SEPTEMBER 5TH TILL ???? – WATER OFF
(02 stacks) #102,202,302,402,502,602,702,802,902,1002,1102 & 1200

SEPTEMBER 10TH TILL ???? – WATER OFF
(01 stacks) #101,201,301,401,501,601,701,801,901,1001,1101 & 1201

SEPTEMBER 17TH TILL ???? – WATER OFF
(04 stacks) #104, 204, 304, 404, 504, 604, 704, 804, 904, 1004, 1104 & 1202

*SEPTEMBER 25TH TILL ???? – WATER OFF
(03 stacks) 103,203,303,403,503,603,703,803,903,1003,1103 & 1203
(05 stacks) #105,205,305,405,505,605,705,805,905,1005,1105 & 1204

*OCTOBER 1ST TILL ???? – WATER OFF
(06 stacks) #106, 206, 306, 406, 506, 606, 706, 806, 906 & 1006

OCTOBER 3RD TILL ???? – WATER OFF
(07 stacks) #107, 207, 307, 407, 507, 607, 707, 807, 907, 1007 & 1107

OCTOBER 8TH TILL ???? – WATER OFF
(08 stacks) #108, 208, 308, 408, 508, 608, 708, 808, 908, 1008 & 1106

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL OFFICE REGARDING SCHEDULE.

Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Letter from Mike Housewert, GC, dated September 6, 2007 - Susan Niwinski @ 08:40 EST
Distinctive Construction, Inc.

September 6, 2007

To all TRADEWINDS Unit Owners
Regarding the Sanitary Waste Pipe Replacement program.

I, Mike Housewert, am your Construction Manager writing this letter to all unit owners so you can better understand the sequence of events that have caused some confusion regarding the work schedule. Below are some of the MAIN HIGHLIGHTS that have been very disruptive to the schedule:

Ø “Week 1, July 16: Work began in the north wing, the 16 and 17 stacks.

Ø Week 2, July 23: Plumbers began finding laterals that had failed, average one lateral per unit, and the repairs of these were not included in the original contract with the Tradewinds. Pricing for the laterals replacement was put together and an addendum to the original contract was written and then approved on 7/27/07.

Ø Weeks 3 & 4, July 30: Plumbers went back into the units where the vertical sanitary pipes had been replaced and begin removing the laterals in the same units.

Ø Week 4, Aug. 6: Fire Marshall called in to review the fire stopping on the vertical stacks and he discovered code violations to fire stopping that had been done years prior up to and including when the building was first built.

Ø Mold was discovered inside the walls of three units and the mold remediation process was started, beginning with air and surface sampling by an independent laboratory, followed by their recommendations for mold remediation, followed by the mold remediation process.

Ø Currently mold has been found in 20 units and the women’s bathroom on the first floor. When mold is discovered a very strict mold remediation procedure is started and the work of replacing the waste piping will not be started in those units until the units are CLEARED by the independent laboratory. On average it is taking from two to three weeks for the mold remediation process, start to finish, before a unit is then ready for the waste piping replacement to begin.

Ø When mold is found, those units are SKIPPED, and the STACK BY STACK waste piping replacement is moved forward to the NEXT UNITS in line. This severely changes the schedule and those units that were not going to be started, for example; until the following week (s), are now suddenly started.

Ø Week 5, Aug. 13: With the expansion of the fire stopping scope of work, Acres and Sons Plumbing hired a fire stopping company to do the entire fire stopping and removed it from their (Acres) scope of work. With the “Failed” inspection by the Fire Marshall for the original and subsequent years of improper (not to code) fire stopping, the fire stopping company had to go back to the beginning, stacks 16 & 17, and bring all the fire stopping “up to code”. The company, Fire Containment Systems, doing the work started with two people and then doubled to four people to speed up the work.

Ø Week 6, Aug. 20: Fire Marshall inspected the NEW WORK COMPLETED by FCS, and approved their work; however, the Fire Marshall found MORE OLD fire stop violations which had not previously been discovered. Years ago, the present management does not know when as it pre-dates their employment, the STEEL condensate lines were all disconnected and abandoned, but left inside the walls and they pass through the concrete floors, all without fire stopping.

Ø Week 7, Aug. 27: The ORIGINAL SCOPE OF WORK has now increased significantly from waste piping replacement to include mold remediation, steel condensate pipe removal, and fire stopping expansion approximately four times the size of the original plan.

Ø Fire Marshall passed the first two stacks, 16 & 17, after failing those two times prior because of pre-existing conditions discovered on two different inspections. This was the last challenge prior to drywall replacement.

Ø Week 8, Sept. 4 (Sept. 3 was a holiday): Drywall (closing up walls and ceilings) began, along with the steel condensate piping removal and fire stopping.

The above highlights are just glimpses of the work that is being done in the Tradewinds. At any given time there are 25 -30 workers in your building working as hard as they can and as fast as they can to get the job completed.

Thank you for taking the time to read and understand the huge scope of work being completed in your building, and with that keep in mind that when unforeseen challenges occur, by no fault of anyone presently involved, that the schedule will change and we all need to be more understanding of the situation. The Board of Directors, Susan Niwinski and Marc London are doing an outstanding job during this time of construction, but as circumstances beyond their control occur, as outlined above, please be compassionate with them as they are indeed working FOR YOU to do the best they can under the circumstances.

Best regards,
Mike Housewert
Construction Manager

Friday, September 14, 2007
Update on Risers-Revised 9/14/07 - Susan Niwinski @ 16:42 EST
REVISED 9/14/07
ATTENTION RESIDENTS:

The pipes, laterals and flanges have been replaced in the stacks listed below. This does not mean that the units are completed. Please refer to your Bulletin #7 for the procedure for completion.

(17 stacks) #115,217,317,417,517,617,717,817,917,1017 & 1115-FIRE STOPS PASSED INSPECTION-DRYWALL WORK ALMOST COMPLETE-WATER ON
(16 stacks) #114,216,316,416,516,616,716,816,916,1016 & 112-FIRE STOPS PASSED INSPECTON- DRYWALL WORK ALMOST COMPLETE-WATER ON
(15 stacks) #113,215,315,415,515,615,715,815,915,1015,1114 & 1210-FIRE STOPS PASSED INSPECTION-WORKING ON DRYWALL-WATER ON
(14 stacks) #112,214,314,414,514,614,714,814,914 & 1014
(13 stacks) #111,213,313,413,513,613,713,813,913,1013, 1113 & 1209-FIRE STOPS PASSED INSPECTION
(12 stacks) #110,212,31,2412,512,612,712,812,912,1012,1110 & 1208
(11 stacks) #109,211,311,411,511,611,711,811,911,1011,1111 & 1207
(10 stacks) #210,310,410,510,610,710,810,910,1010,1108 & 1206
(09 stacks) #209,309,409,509,609,709,809,909,1009,1109 & 1205
(00 stacks) #200,300,400,500,600,700,800,900,1000 & 1100
14 STACKS THRU 09 STACKS AND 00 STACKS– WATER OFF

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE FOR STACKS (SOUTH SIDE).

SEPTEMBER 5TH TILL ???? – WATER OFF
(02 stacks) #102,202,302,402,502,602,702,802,902,1002,1102 & 1200

SEPTEMBER 10TH TILL ???? – WATER OFF
(01 stacks) #101,201,301,401,501,601,701,801,901,1001,1101 & 1201

SEPTEMBER 17TH TILL ???? – WATER OFF
(04 stacks) #104, 204, 304, 404, 504, 604, 704, 804, 904, 1004, 1104 & 1202

SEPTEMBER 19TH TILL ???? – WATER OFF
(03 stacks) 103,203,303,403,503,603,703,803,903,1003,1103 & 1203
(05 stacks) #105,205,305,405,505,605,705,805,905,1005,1105 & 1204

SEPTEMBER 27TH TILL ???? – WATER OFF
(06 stacks) #106, 206, 306, 406, 506, 606, 706, 806, 906 & 1006

OCTOBER 3RD TILL ???? – WATER OFF
(07 stacks) #107, 207, 307, 407, 507, 607, 707, 807, 907, 1007 & 1107

OCTOBER 8TH TILL ???? – WATER OFF
(08 stacks) #108, 208, 308, 408, 508, 608, 708, 808, 908, 1008 & 1106

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL OFFICE REGARDING SCHEDULE

Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Memo from Mike Housewert, General Contractor - Susan Niwinski @ 15:59 EST
DISTINCTIVE CONSTRUCTION, INC.

August 23, 2007
Tradewinds – Sanitary Waste Piping Replacement
Week ending 8/17/07 – Meeting Update

In attendance:
Tradewinds: Fran Winslow, Susan Niwinski, Marc London
Pelican Engineering: Tom Lepore, David Childs
Acres & Sons Plumbing: Oscar
Sleuth Technologies: Robby Bunker
Distinctive Construction, Inc.: Mike Housewert, Anderson Marinho, Mike Pascale
Infrared Consultants: Steven Parkhurst

NEXT MEETING WILL BE Friday, August 31 IN THE SOCIAL ROOM OF THE TRADEWINDS. No meeting Friday, August 24.

TRADEWINDS:
· Will notify unit owners that work will continue the week between Christmas and New Years
· To notify all unit owners that NO thermostats are to be turned off. While absent:
· THERMOSTAT SET @ 80
· HUMIDISTAT SET @ 60
If NO Humidistat, then the THERMOSTAT @ 80

PELICAN ENGINEERING
· Water Intrusion from case iron pipe breakage has caused mold in various forms to be found in 12 units through 8/17/07
· Infrared Consultants (owned by Clean Air Laboratories – the company contracted by the Pelican Engineering and the Tradewinds to do the initial air/mold sampling and clearance evaluation after mold remediation) had their Senior Environmental Scientist, Steven Parkhurst, explain what the Tradewinds is dealing with in regards to mold and some of the ramifications.

DISTINCTIVE CONSTRUCTION, INC.
· If mold is found while opening walls or ceilings and the mold surface is less than 1 sq. ft., the contaminated drywall will be sprayed with MONOSTAT, removed, double bagged, and disposed of properly.
· If mold is found and the area covered is greater than 1 sq. ft., then the Mold Remediation process will be implemented immediately.
· Acres and Sons Plumbing is moving at a rapid pace which will require DCI to bring on additional personnel to stay ahead of them opening walls & ceilings, and to cover the increased number of incidents of mold.

ACRES & SONS PLUMBING
· Cast iron pipe replacement completed in 62 units through 8/17/07.
· Hired an independent company, Fire Containment Systems, to handle all fire stopping

SLEUTH TECHNOLOGIES
· Units 113, 114, & 115 – pipe lining completed.
· All units, includingUnit 112 presenting a challenge in that the under slab pipes are at a 90 degree angle instead of a 45 degree angle, requiring manual vs machine cleaning.
· Roof stack lining completed on stacks #’s 25, 26, 27, 28, 32, 33, 36.

Please email corrections or additions to: mhousewert1@comcast.net

Mike Housewert, Construction Manager

Cc: Tradewinds, Acres & Sons Plumbing, Sleuth Technologies, Pelican Engineering

Update on risers-Revised 9/5/07 - Susan Niwinski @ 15:40 EST
The pipes, laterals and flanges have been replaced in the north side stacks listed below. This does not mean that the units are completed. Please refer to your Bulletin #7 for the procedure for completion.

(17 stacks) #115,217,317,417,517,617,717,817,917,1017 & 1115-FIRE STOPS PASSED INSPECTION
(16 stacks) #114,216,316,416,516,616,716,816,916,1016 & 112-FIRE STOPS PASSED INSPECTON
(15 stacks) #113,215,315,415,515,615,715,815,915,1015,1114 & 1210-WORKING ON FIRE STOPS
(14 stacks) #112,214,314,414,514,614,714,814,914 & 1014
(13 stacks) #111, 213,313,413,513,613,713,813,913,1013,1113 & 1209
(12 stacks) #110,212,31,2412,512,612,712,812,912,1012,1110 & 1208
(11 stacks) #109,211,311,411,511,611,711,811,911,1011,1111 & 1207
(10 stacks) #210,310,410,510,610,710,810,910,1010,1108 & 1206
(09 stacks) #209,309,409,509,609,709,809,909,1009,1109 & 1205
15 STACKS THRU 09 STACKS - WATER OFF

**REVISED 9/4/07
*REVISED 8/31/07
REVISED 8/28/07
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE FOR STACKS (SOUTH SIDE).

AUGUST 29TH TILL ?????
(00 stacks) #200,300,400,500,600,700,800,900,1000 & 1100

**SEPTEMBER 5TH TILL ???? - WATER OFF
(02 stacks) #102,202,302,402,502,602,702,802,902,1002,1102 & 1200

**SEPTEMBER 10TH TILL ???? - WATER OFF
(01 stacks) #101,201,301,401,501,601,701,801,901,1001,1101 & 1201

**SEPTEMBER 12TH TILL???? - WATER OFF
04 stacks) #104, 204, 304, 404, 504, 604, 704, 804, 904, 1004, 1104 & 1202

**SEPTEMBER 17TH TILL ???? - WATER OFF
(03 stacks) 103,203,303,403,503,603,703,803,903,1003,1103 & 1203
(05 stacks)
105,205,305,405,505,605,705,805,905,1005,1105 & 1204

**SEPTEBER 24TH TILL ???? - WATER OFF
(06 stacks) #106, 206, 306, 406, 506, 606, 706, 806, 906 & 1006

**SEPTEMBER 26TH TILL ???? - WATER OFF
(07 stacks) #107, 207, 307, 407, 507, 607, 707, 807, 907, 1007 & 1107

**OCTOBER 1ST STILL ???? - WATER OFF
(08 stacks) #108, 208, 308, 408, 508, 608, 708, 808, 908, 1008 & 1106

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL OFFICE REGARDING SCHEDULE

Friday, August 24, 2007
Update Risers-South side 00 Stack - Susan Niwinski @ 14:34 EST
Effective August 29th till ???? the water will be off in the following units:

00 Stack
200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000 & 1100

Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Beach Issues-Nancy Richie -Environmental Specialist - Susan Niwinski @ 16:10 EST
Good Morning,

Just a couple updates regarding the beachfront in your condo areas. If you could pass this information on to anyone you think would want it, I would appreciate it.

Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) has issued the raking permit to Collier County that City Council voted on to pursue. It is permit # 8022074-CO that allows raking activity on the Marco Island beach as stated below:

"Between 500 feet south of Beach Monument R-133 to 500 Feet south of Beach Monument R-134 (R133.5 to R 134.5) in Collier County at Tigertail Beach on Marco Island. This is approximately 1000 linear feet of beach area.

This modified beach raking permit is for the specific purpose of maintaining the existing lateral beach access path which is closing due to vegetation encroachment. Beach Raking may occur up to the existing vegetation line in this specific area only. The existing sandy path varies from 16 to 20 feet width. In no case shall the path be wider than 20 feet.

No other activity is authorized.See attached Beach Raking Permit Conditions specifics to field permit #8022074-CO. This authorization is valid one year, renewal will be subject to site conditions at that time."

Signed by Jennifer Cowart, FDEP on August 21, 2007

I have contacted Gary McAlpin at Collier County requesting that the permitted activity begin as soon as possible.

The other item is in regards to the posted Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) area. On Monday, August 27th, FWC biologists will be here to survey the area. Signs will be removed if no birds are nesting and chicks are fledged. FWC will contact the County on Tuesday to notify them that raking in that area can resume.

Please remind residents that it is still sea turtle nesting season and all lights need to be shaded or off by 9 PM each evening. To date the Marco Island beach has 41 nests. 22 to have hatched to date.

If you have any further inquiries or concerns, please contact me at any time. Thank you,

Nancy J. Richie
Environmental Specialist
City of Marco Island
50 Bald Eagle Drive
Marco Island, FL 34145

Phone: (239) 389-5003
Fax: (239) 393-0266

nrichie@cityofmarcoisland.com

Monday, August 20, 2007
Bulletin # 7 August 13, 2007 -Text format- PDF Instructions - Susan Niwinski @ 14:30 EST

To download a PDF file of this document for printing go to: www.visitmarco.com/tradewinds/pdf/projectrisers7.pdf

THE TRADEWINDS APARTMENTS
of MARCO ISLAND, INC.
180 Seaview Court
Marco Island, FL 34145-3302
Phone (239)394-7195
Fax (239)394-4838

August 13, 2007 Bulletin No. 7

RE: PROJECT RISERS

Dear Unit Owners:

This Bulletin is the latest one in our on-going effort to keep you informed.

After extensive research and deliberation with Pelican Engineering, the General Contractor and our legal advisers and others, your Board of Directors has decided that the original project needs to be expanded in order to maintain the integrity of the entire building and to assure the health, safety and well-being of its occupants.

When the Contractor opened the first several risers, he found that the laterals leading into those risers were in very poor condition. He and the Engineer recommended replacing all of those laterals at the same time that the risers are being replaced. The Board has concurred with that recommendation. The only laterals, which will NOT be replaced, are those which have already been replaced - and that meet current standards.

As you know, the Board originally planned to replace only those laterals, which were broken or defective on a time and material basis. However, we have concluded that it will be more cost-effective and work-efficient to follow the Contractor's and Engineer's recommendation - to do all of the laterals now while the walls are already open. The final product will therefore be of higher quality than it would have been otherwise and should produce a plumbing infrastructure that is trouble-free for a much longer time in the future.

The additional cost of expanding the scope of the Riser Project (to include the laterals) will be covered by the Second Special Assessment of $750,000 due September 10, 2007, of which you have already been informed.

The Contractor is putting on additional work crews so that the project will continue to remain on schedule.

Your continued cooperation and understanding are sincerely appreciated. Please refer to Bulletin #6 for estimated dates of when the water in your unit will be turned off.

Attached is a “Summary of Work by Unit”.

For the Board

Susan M. Niwinski
Manager
Attachments
SUMMARY OF WORK BY UNIT

To access the plumbing pipes-both risers and laterals-certain walls and ceilings within the unit must be opened. The wall openings will normally be the full height of the wall and about 24” wide. Ceiling openings will vary. Vanities, including mirrors and/or cabinets will be removed as necessary, on the left or right side of the wall or both. When done the vanities will be put back in place. Since the replacement of the vanity is considered a repair a separate city permit should not be required, anything more extensive may require the owner to obtain a city permit.

Stack Bathrooms Kitchen Pipe Vanity removal
17 1wall-behind toilet Guest bedroom wall No
2 ceilings (except #1115) behind door

16 1 wall-behind toilet Guest bedroom wall No
2 ceilings (except #1112) behind door

15 Guest bathroom-thru hallway Kitchen pipes tied into No
Master bathroom behind toilet master bathroom pipes
1 wall
2 ceilings (except #1210)

14 1/2 bathroom-thru hallway Kitchen pipes tied into Yes
Master bathroom left side of master bathroom pipe
toilet
1 wall
2 ceilings (except #1014)

13 Master bathroom-behind toilet
Kitchen pipes tied into Yes
Guest bathroom-thru hallway master bathroom
1 wall
2 ceilings (except #1209)

12 Master bathroom-behind toilet Kitchen pipes tied into Yes
Guest bathroom-thru hallway master bathroom
1 wall
2 ceilings (except #1208)

11 Guest bathroom-thru hallway Kitchen pipes tied into Yes
Master bathroom-behind toilet Master bathroom
1 wall
2 ceilings (except #1207)

10 Guest bathroom-thru hallway Kitchen pipes tied into Yes
Master bathroom behind toilet Master bathroom
1 wall
2 ceilings (except #1206)

Stacks Bathrooms Kitchen Pipe Vanity removal

09 Bathrooms are back to back Guest bedroom behind door No
1 wall
2 ceilings (except #1205)

08 Bathrooms are back to back Guest bedroom behind door No
1 wall
2 ceilings (except #1106)

07 Bathrooms are back to back Guest bedroom behind door No
1 wall
2 ceilings (except #1107)

06 ½ bathroom-thru hallway Kitchen pipes tied into Yes
Master bathroom side of toilet Master bathroom
1 wall
2 ceilings (except 1006)

05 Master bathroom behind toilet Do not know at this time Yes
or ½ bathroom side wall
1 wall
2 ceilings (except #1204)

04 Master bathroom behind toilet Kitchen pipes thru hallway No
or ½ bathroom side wall
1 wall
2 ceilings (except #1202)

03 Master bathroom behind toilet Do not know at this time Yes
or ½ bathroom side wall
1 wall
2 ceilings (except #1203)

02 Master bathroom behind toilet Kitchen pipes thru hallway Yes
or ½ bathroom side wall
1 wall
2 ceilings (except #1200)

01 Master bathroom behind toilet Kitchen pipes thru storage room No
or ½ bathroom side wall
1 wall
2 ceilings (except #1201)

00 Bathrooms are back to back Guest bedroom behind door No
1 wall
2 ceilings (except #1100)

NOTE: Visit our web site at: www.visitmarco.com/tradewinds for updates on risers and Tradewinds information

FYI

·The pipes beneath the first floor that service units #101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114 & 115 will be cleaned and lined. One week prior to the pipes being done in a stack Distinctive Construction will put floor protection down and they will cut the drywall where specified and remove vanity if necessary. They will start on the 1st floor and work their way up to the 12th floor. Acres Plumbing will remove the risers, which are cast iron pipes and replace with PVC. When they open up a wall and if they find mold then the Engineer will call in Clean Air Inspectors. Any mold will be taken care of by Distinctive Construction. Acres Plumbing will also replace all laterals (except for those which were previously replaced). When the two stacks are completed Acres Plumbing will then call the Plumbing Inspector to approve the job. Once it has passed, the fire stops are applied to the risers; laterals and toilets and then the Fire Marshall will be called to inspect the fire stops.Once the fire stops have been approved the water is then turned on. Please understand that you cannot stay in your unit until the fire stops have passed inspection. If you decide to stay in your unit after the Fire Marshall passes the fire stop inspection you cannot move the furniture back, it has to stay where it is until the job is done. Once the fire stops pass inspection, the plumbers will then apply insulation around the pipes for soundproofing, install drywall patching, reset the toilets and install the vanities. This job should be completed in about 4 weeks unless they run into problems. When the job is done they will remove the floor protection and vacuum the areas where work was done. The furniture can be moved now that the job is complete. Mike Housewert, General Contractor, strongly recommends that unit owners not come down until the job is done completely. Please keep in mind that the contractors have a set schedule so please don’t ask them to set your toilet and install drywall for your stay at the Tradewinds. Please call the office before you plan to visit Marco.

NOTE: When the Fire Marshall is called to inspect the fire stops that could take a few days or a week for him to come out to the Tradewinds.
· Furniture that was moved in your unit was moved to another area inside your unit. The furniture to be moved back at the owners expense after the job is completed.
· The a/c in the units will be on when the contractors are doing work in your unit, so you will notice that your electric bill will be slightly higher than normal. They will set it back to the way they found it when the job is done.

Friday, August 17, 2007
Revised 8/23/07-Risers Update-12, 13, 10, 11, 09 & 00 Stacks - Susan Niwinski @ 21:13 EST
Effective August 13th till ???? there will be no water in the following units:

12 Stack
110, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612, 712, 812, 912, 1012, 1110 & 1208

13 Stack
111, 213, 313, 413, 513, 613, 713, 813, 913, 1013, 1113 & 1209

Effective August 20th till ???? there will be no water in the following units:

10 Stack
210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 910, 1010, 1108 & 1206

Effective August 22nd till ???? there will be no water in the following units:

11 Stack
109, 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711, 811, 911, 1011, 1111 & 1207

Effective August 27th till ???? there will be no water
in the following units:

09 Stack
209, 309, 409, 509, 609, 709, 809, 909, 1009, 1109 & 1205

Effective August 28th till ???? there will be no water
in the following units:

00 Stack
200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000 & 1100

Risers Update-Bulletin 7 - Susan Niwinski @ 14:56 EST
The following letter was mailed out on August 14, 2007.

August 13, 2007 Bulletin No. 7

RE: PROJECT RISERS

Dear Unit Owners:

This Bulletin is the latest one in our on-going effort to keep you informed.

After extensive research and deliberation with Pelican Engineering, the General Contractor and our legal advisers and others, your Board of Directors has decided that the original project needs to be expanded in order to maintain the integrity of the entire building and to assure the health, safety and well-being of its occupants.

When the Contractor opened the first several risers, he found that the laterals leading into those risers were in very poor condition. He and the Engineer recommended replacing all of those laterals at the same time that the risers are being replaced. The Board has concurred with that recommendation. The only laterals, which will NOT be replaced, are those which have already been replaced - and that meet current standards.

As you know, the Board originally planned to replace only those laterals, which were broken or defective on a time and material basis. However, we have concluded that it will be more cost-effective and work-efficient to follow the Contractor's and Engineer's recommendation - to do all of the laterals now while the walls are already open. The final product will therefore be of higher quality than it would have been otherwise and should produce a plumbing infrastructure that is trouble-free for a much longer time in the future.

The additional cost of expanding the scope of the Riser Project (to include the laterals) will be covered by the Second Special Assessment of $750,000 due September 10, 2007, of which you have already been informed.

The Contractor is putting on additional work crews so that the project will continue to remain on schedule.

Your continued cooperation and understanding are sincerely appreciated. Please refer to Bulletin #6 for estimated dates of when the water in your unit will be turned off.

Attached is a “Summary of Work by Unit”.

For the Board

Susan M. Niwinski
Manager
Attachments
SUMMARY OF WORK BY UNIT

To access the plumbing pipes-both risers and laterals-certain walls and ceilings within the unit must be opened. The wall openings will normally be the full height of the wall and about 24” wide. Ceiling openings will vary. Vanities, including mirrors and/or cabinets will be removed as necessary, on the left or right side of the wall or both. When done the vanities will be put back in place. Since the replacement of the vanity is considered a repair a separate city permit should not be required, anything more extensive may require the owner to obtain a city permit.

Stack Bathrooms Kitchen Pipe Vanity removal
17 1wall-behind toilet Guest bedroom wall No
2 ceilings (except #1115) behind door

16 1 wall-behind toilet Guest bedroom wall No
2 ceilings (except #1112) behind door

15 Guest bathroom-thru hallway Kitchen pipes tied into No
Master bathroom behind toilet master bathroom pipes
1 wall
2 ceilings (except #1210)

14 1/2 bathroom-thru hallway Kitchen pipes tied into Yes
Master bathroom left side of master bathroom pipe
toilet
1 wall
2 ceilings (except #1014)

13 Master bathroom-behind toilet Kitchen pipes tied into Yes
Guest bathroom-thru hallway master bathroom
1 wall
2 ceilings (except #1209)

12 Master bathroom-behind toilet Kitchen pipes tied into Yes
Guest bathroom-thru hallway master bathroom
1 wall
2 ceilings (except #1208)

11 Guest bathroom-thru hallway Kitchen pipes tied into Yes
Master bathroom-behind toilet Master bathroom
1 wall
2 ceilings (except #1207)

10 Guest bathroom-thru hallway Kitchen pipes tied into Yes
Master bathroom behind toilet Master bathroom
1 wall
2 ceilings (except #1206)

09 Bathrooms are back to back Guest bedroom behind door No
1 wall
2 ceilings (except #1205)
Stacks Bathrooms Kitchen Pipe Vanity removal
08 Bathrooms are back to back Guest bedroom behind door No
1 wall
2 ceilings (except #1106)

07 Bathrooms are back to back Guest bedroom behind door No
1 wall
2 ceilings (except #1107)

06 ½ bathroom-thru hallway Kitchen pipes tied into Yes
Master bathroom side of toilet Master bathroom
1 wall
2 ceilings (except 1006)

05 Master bathroom behind toilet Do not know at this time Yes
or ½ bathroom side wall
1 wall
2 ceilings (except #1204)

04 Master bathroom behind toilet Kitchen pipes thru hallway No
or ½ bathroom side wall
1 wall
2 ceilings (except #1202)

03 Master bathroom behind toilet Do not know at this time Yes
or ½ bathroom side wall
1 wall
2 ceilings (except #1203)

02 Master bathroom behind toilet Kitchen pipes thru hallway Yes
or ½ bathroom side wall
1 wall
2 ceilings (except #1200)

01 Master bathroom behind toilet Kitchen pipes thru storage room No
or ½ bathroom side wall
1 wall
2 ceilings (except #1201)

00 Bathrooms are back to back Guest bedroom behind door No
1 wall
2 ceilings (except #1100)

NOTE: Visit our web site at: www.visitmarco.com/tradewinds for updates on risers and Tradewinds information

FYI

· The pipes beneath the first floor that service units #101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114 & 115 will be cleaned and lined. One week prior to the pipes being done in a stack Distinctive Construction will put floor protection down and they will cut the drywall where specified and remove vanity if necessary. They will start on the 1st floor and work their way up to the 12th floor. Acres Plumbing will remove the risers, which are cast iron pipes and replace with PVC. When they open up a wall and if they find mold then the Engineer will call in Clean Air Inspectors. Any mold will be taken care of by Distinctive Construction. Acres Plumbing will also replace all laterals (except for those which were previously replaced). When the two stacks are completed Acres Plumbing will then call the Plumbing Inspector to approve the job. Once it has passed, the fire stops are applied to the risers; laterals and toilets and then the Fire Marshall will be called to inspect the fire stops. Once the fire stops have been approved the water is then turned on. Please understand that you cannot stay in your unit until the fire stops have passed inspection. If you decide to stay in your unit after the Fire Marshall passes the fire stop inspection you cannot move the furniture back, it has to stay where it is until the job is done. Once the fire stops pass inspection, the plumbers will then apply insulation around the pipes for soundproofing, install drywall patching, reset the toilets and install the vanities. This job should be completed in about 4 weeks unless they run into problems. When the job is done they will remove the floor protection and vacuum the areas where work was done. The furniture can be moved now that the job is complete. Mike Housewert, General Contractor, strongly recommends that unit owners not come down until the job is done completely. Please keep in mind that the contractors have a set schedule so please don’t ask them to set your toilet and install drywall for your stay at the Tradewinds. Please call the office before you plan to visit Marco.
NOTE: When the Fire Marshall is called to inspect the fire stops that could take a few days or a week for him to come out to the Tradewinds.
· Furniture that was moved in your unit was moved to another area inside your unit. The furniture to be moved back at the owners expense after the job is completed.
· The a/c in the units will be on when the contractors are doing work in your unit, so you will notice that your electric bill will be slightly higher than normal. They will set it back to the way they found it when the job is done.

Friday, August 03, 2007
Risers Update on 16 & 17 stacks and 14 & 15 stacks - Susan Niwinski @ 13:25 EST
As of today,August 3rd,the water is on in the 16 stacks (#114,216,316,416,516,616,716,816,916,1016 & 1112) & 17 stacks (#115,217,317,417,517,617,717,817, 917,1017 & 1115).

______________________________________________________

August 3, 2007

ATTENTION RESIDENTS:

THE PLUMBING PROJECT HAS STARTED ON MONDAY, JULY 16TH. THE WATER WILL BE SHUT OFF AUGUST 6TH THRU AUGUST 17TH (COULD BE SOONER) IN THE FOLLOWING UNITS:
(14 STACK)
112, 214, 314, 414, 514, 614, 714, 814, 914 & 1014
(15 STACK)
113, 215, 315, 415, 515, 615, 715, 815, 915, 1015, 1114 & 1210

THERE WILL BE NO WATER IN THE 14 & 15 STACKS FOR 2 WEEKS.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO
STOP BY THE OFFICE.

THANK YOU,
MANAGEMENT

Thursday, July 26, 2007
Risers Update - Susan Niwinski @ 16:05 EST

July 25, 2007 Bulletin No. 6

RE: PROJECT RISERS

Dear Unit Owners:

This is to inform you of the latest developments about the above subject.

There was a Board of Directors meeting on July 25th (via phone conference) regarding the second special assessment (see attached letter “NOTICE OF SECOND SPECIAL ASSESSMENT).

Mike Housewert, the General Contractor with Distinctive Construction, Inc. is still working on the vanity situation.
.
As of July 25th, Acres Plumbing is still working on the (16 stacks) #114, 216, 316, 416, 516, 616, 716, 816, 916, 1016 & 1112 and (17 stacks) #115, 217, 317, 417, 517, 617, 717, 817, 917, 1017 & 1115. . Acres Plumbing will be done with the 16 & 17 stacks late Friday, July 27th and the water will be turned on.

On, Monday, July 30th Acres Plumbing will be working on the (14 stacks) #112, 214, 314, 414, 514, 614, 714, 814, 914 & 1014 and (15 stacks) #113, 215, 315, 415, 515, 615, 715, 815, 915, 1015, 1114 & 1210. While doing work on these stacks there will be NO water for 2 weeks (July 30th thru August 10th).

Ray The Movers was hired by the Tradewinds to move furniture, etc. in each unit if necessary. The owners will be responsible to have their furniture, etc. put back at their expense. When you are ready to have your furniture, etc. put back maybe our weekend staff; Victor or Ed (on their time) will be available to help you at a price. If you would like for Ray The Movers to move your furniture, etc. back, please get in touch with Kirk Saunders 239-643-4100. Ray The Movers would need at least 22 units to get a discount price of $75.00 per unit. You would need to schedule with Ray The Movers, Kirk Saunders, not the Tradewinds office.

Very truly yours,

Susan M. Niwinski
Manager

NOTE: Visit our web site at: www.visitmarco.com/tradewinds for updates on risers and Tradewinds information

*REVISED 7/30/07
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE FOR STACKS.

AUGUST 13 THRU AUGUST 24
(12 stacks) #110,212,312,412,512,612,712,812,912,1012,1110 & 1208
(13 stacks) #111, 213,313,413,513,613,713,813,913,1013,1113 & 1209

AUGUST 27 THRU SEPTEMBER 7
(10 stacks) #210,310,410,510,610,710,810,910,1010,1108 & 1206
(11 stacks) #109,211,311,411,511,611,711,811,911,1011,111 & 1207

SEPTEMBER 10 THRU SEPTEMBER 21
(00 stacks) #200,300,400,500,600,700,800,900,1000 & 1100
(09 stacks) #209,309,409,509,609,709,809,909,1009,1109 & 1205

SEPTEMBER 24 THRU OCTOBER 5
(01 stacks) #101,201,301,401,501,601,701,801,901,1001,1101 & 1201
(02 stacks) #102,202,302,402,502,602,702,802,902,1002,1102 & 1200

OCTOBER 8 THRU OCTOBER 19
(03 stacks) 103,203,303,403,503,603,703,803,903,1003,1103 & 1203
*(05 stacks) #105,205,305,405,505,605,705,805,905,1005,1105 & 1204

OCTOBER 22 THRU NOVEMBER 2
*(04 stacks) #104,204,304,404,504,604,704,804,904,1004,1104 & 1202
(06 stacks) #106,206,306,406,506,606,706,806,906 & 1006

NOVEMBER 5 THRU NOVEMBER 16
(07 stacks) #107,207,307,407,507,607,707,807,907,1007 & 1107
(08 stacks) #108,208,308,408,508,608,708,808,908,1008 & 1106

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL OFFICE REGARDING SCHEDULE.
______________________________________________________

NOTICE OF SECOND SPECIAL ASSESSMENT

THE TRADEWINDS APARTMENTS OF MARCO ISLAND, INC.

DATE: July 25, 2007

TO: All Unit Owners, The Tradewinds Apartments of Marco Island, a Condominium

Dear Unit Owner:

Please be advised that the Board of Directors of the Association had met at a duly noticed meeting by phone conference on July 25, 2007. At that time, the Board levied a second special assessment of $750,000.00, which will be paid by unit type, and is hereby declared to be due by September 10, 2007:

A-1 $4,278.00 C $2,918.00

A-2 $4,263.00 D $2,884.00

B $4,135.00

All assessments are due and payable on or before September 10th. A late charge and interest will apply to all payments not funded on a timely manner.

Please make your check payable to The Tradewinds Apartments of Marco Island, Inc. and mail to The Tradewinds Apartments of Marco Island, Inc., Attention: Susan Niwinski, Manager, 180 Seaview Court, Marco Island, FL 34145-3302.

Please do not include the amount of this assessment with your monthly maintenance payment. Separate checks are required.

The purpose of the second special assessment is to cover the cost and expense of repairing and replacing risers and related piping equipment.

Your prompt payment of the second special assessment is appreciated.

Very truly yours,

Susan M. Niwinski
Manager

Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Vegetation Update - Susan Niwinski @ 16:20 EST
There was a meeting at Mackle Park with the City Council on Monday, July 16th at 5:30 PM.

City's decision on beach grass will likely keep vegetation right where it is. The city voted 6-0 to ask for a variance from state law permitting beach grooming within 15 feet from dune vegetation.

Read in full detail dated July 17th at www.marcoeagle.com

Friday, July 13, 2007
Building Risers - Susan Niwinski @ 16:57 EST
This notice was posted at the Tradewinds:

ATTENTION RESIDENTS:

THE PLUMBING PROJECT WILL START ON MONDAY, JULY 16TH AT 8:00 AM TILL 5:00 PM. THE WATER WILL BE SHUT OFF JULY 16TH THRU JULY 27TH (COULD BE SOONER) IN THE FOLLOWING UNITS:
(16 STACK)
114, 216, 316, 416, 516, 616, 716, 816, 916, 1016 & 1112
(17 STACK)
115, 217, 317, 417, 517, 617, 717, 817,917,1017, & 1115

THERE WILL BE NO WATER IN THE 16 & 17 STACKS FOR 2 WEEKS.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO
STOP BY THE OFFICE.

THANK YOU,
MANAGEMENT

Hopefully Monday morning I can get a schedule for the remaining stacks from the General Contractor.

We have a moving company, Ray The Movers, who will be going to each unit and moving items if needed to make a 5 foot clearance for Acres Plumbing to replace the pipes for the bathrooms and the kitchen pipe. The Tradewinds will pick up the bill, but the owner will be responsible to have it put back. If the owners would like to have Ray The Movers move it back once their unit is complete their number is 239-643-4100 ask for Kirk Saunders. I do not know what the cost would be. Once I find out I will post it on the web site and also send out a letter on July 25th along with the second special assessment . They will be filling out forms as to what units were done. They have done the 16 & 17 stacks. They will be doing other stacks as soon as we get a schedule from the General Contractor.

Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Building Risers - Susan Niwinski @ 08:49 EST
The two letters listed below were mailed out on July 10, 2007.

NOTICE OF SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
THE TRADEWINDS APARTMENTS OF MARCO ISLAND, INC.

TO ALL MEMBERS

On July 25, 2007 at 9:30 AM at The Tradewinds Apartments of Marco Island Social Room, 180 Seaview Court, Marco Island, Florida, a Special Meeting of the Board of Directors of The Tradewinds Apartments of Marco Island, Inc. will be held for the purpose of considering the levy of a second special assessment against all Unit Owners to cover the cost and expense of repairing and replacing risers and related piping and equipment.

1. Certifying Quorum - Call to Order
2. Proof of Notice of Meeting
3. Disposal of Unapproved Minutes
4. New Business
a. Consider the levy of a second special assessment against all Unit Owners to cover the cost and expense of repairing and replacing risers and related piping and equipment.
b. Set due date(s) for second special assessment, if approved.
5. Adjournment

All members are invited to attend.

Dated: July 10, 2007

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

________________________________________
Fran Winslow, Asst. Treasurer

This notice has been mailed to all unit owners at least fourteen (14) days in advance of the meeting referred to above and has been posted for fourteen (14) continuous days in advance of such meeting in a conspicuous location at the condominium.

July 9, 2007 Bulletin No. 5

RE: PROJECT RISERS

Dear Unit Owners:

This is to inform you of the latest developments about the above subject.

The contract was executed on July 9, 2007. A deposit was given to Distinctive Construction Inc, General Contractor, to start the work. They will be doing prep work starting the week of July 9th. On July 16th they plan on starting the plumbing project at the north end starting on the first floor with unit #’s 114 (16 stack) and #115 (17 stack) and working their way up to the 12th floor.

The following may pertain to some units:

If any cabinet or vanity needs to be removed for access to waste stacks, then the City of Marco Island is requiring a separate Permit be pulled for that particular condo unit. Once the permit is pulled the scope will include, as mandated by The City of Marco Island:
· Replacement of electrical wiring within that area (kitchen or bath) back to the panel.
· Replacement of outlets (to GFCI code) and switches in that same affected area.
· Replacement of all wires within the conduit(s) affected, including any wires connected to other wires at junction boxes leading back to the panel.
· Hot water heater and air handler connections will have to be brought up to code.

The Tradewinds will pick up the cost on the units affected and then the Tradewinds will bill the unit owner(s) for reimbursement of the work that was done to their unit. Please issue a separate check for this bill made payable to the Tradewinds Apts.

Very truly yours,

Susan M. Niwinski
Manager

NOTE: Visit our web site at: www.visitmarco.com/tradewinds for updates on risers and Tradewinds information.

Monday, July 02, 2007
Vegetation Update - Susan Niwinski @ 13:35 EST
July 2, 2007

To All Unit Owners:

As you may know the county is asking the state for permission to move the vegetation from South Seas Towers to be placed on the beach (proposed 30ft) for the next five condo’s which includes The Tradewinds Apartments. At this point it is our understanding that a letter from the city is necessary for the county to get this permit. As best we know, a city council meeting will be held, July 16th, at a