Friday, November 04, 2011

Friday, December 09, 2011
New Website - Susan Niwinski @ 15:27 EST
This website will expire December 31, 2011-11:59 PM

The new website is www.Tradewindsmarco.com

Browse the new website.

Friday, November 04, 2011
Update on Parking Lot-11/4/11 - Susan Niwinski @ 15:37 EST
The parking lot and pavers is complete.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Update on Parking Lot - Susan Niwinski @ 16:24 EST
The parking lot is completed.

The pavers in the front of the entrance door and the visitors area is completed. The contractor is working his way down the pavers to the entrance of the building. It looks like it should be done by Friday.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Tradewinds Progress Report - Susan Niwinski @ 10:03 EST

There is a lot of activity taking place in the month of October

The Fob system has been installed and is working great. (There is a black box next to the magnetic key box and you would need to swipe or hold the blue Fob against the red eye on the black box to open the doors.)

The new bulletin board has been installed in our library..

The new air handler for the hallways will be up and running this coming week.

The paving of the parking lot is just about finished.

The elevators new interior will start this coming week.

Otis will install the new balance system this coming week.

Tannassee will start on Tuesday to install the DecoShield and the new sprinkler heads for our sprinkler system.

Oscar will be installing the new wood frame for the office door.

Susan and Marc are very busy coordinating the projects and things are running smoothly

Much credit is given to Rene and his Building Committee for the magnificent job they've done on all these projects.

Tuesday, October 04, 2011
Tradewinds Parking Lot - Susan Niwinski @ 10:30 EST
Work started October 3, 2011 on the parking lot. It should be compled by October 14th (weather permitting). I will keep you posted of any changes.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Fobs Update-September 27, 2011 - Susan Niwinski @ 14:47 EST
The new Fob system is completed.

You can now use your Fobs.

Friday, September 16, 2011
Fob Update-September 16th - Susan Niwinski @ 08:36 EST
The Fobs installation will not be completed until the end of next week, parts had to be ordered.

The Fobs will be mailed out today.

I will keep you posted of any changes.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Fob Installation-September 13, 2011 - Susan Niwinski @ 16:51 EST
The Fob installation started today and should be completed early next week.

Fobs will be mailed either UPS or regular mail with a tracer option, by Friday the latest. If the package gets lost we will be able to trace it.

I will keep you posted if anything changes.

Management

Wednesday, August 31, 2011
A/C in Hallways-August 31, 2011 - Susan Niwinski @ 16:13 EST
You might notice that you LCEC bill is a little higher than normal. The A/C in the hallways has been down for a while. We have gotten 2 bids and came to a decision. We will be getting a new one installed in about 5 weeks. They have to make the A/C for us and that will take about 4 weeks plus delivery time.

Tradewinds Update-August 31, 2011 - Susan Niwinski @ 09:12 EST
Fobs should be in the office by next Friday. As soon as we get the Fobs they will be mailed out.

Alarms by Bell will start to install the new system September 12th.

You do not need to send us the magnetic keys, only the owners that are entitled to a refund and they have been contacted. You would need to turn in the key number(s) that I have given you for a refund.

Parking lot work to start maybe the 3rd week of September. When I have an actual date I will post.

There is a new bulletin board mounted on the wall in the library area. There are 2 separate bulletin boards-1 for unit owner local phone numbers and the other one for rentals of units. There will be no more index cards advertising rentals instead we will have a printed listing posted. It will include unit #, owners name, months available, telephone number and email address. There is a catagory for a 1 bedroom or a 2 bedroom. There is also a section for units that are for Sale. Just send the information to the office and it will be put on the list.

There is no longer a bulletin board in the service area.

Tuesday, August 02, 2011
POOL CLOSED - Susan Niwinski @ 16:21 EST
The pool will be closed for approximately 2 weeks starting Tuesday, August 2nd for maintenance.

The Admiralty pool will be available. Please abide by their rules. A copy of their rules is posted on the office window.

Tuesday, June 07, 2011
Two September Projects - Susan Niwinski @ 11:14 EST
1. SEALING PARKING LOT AND SEALING PAVERS (staff will be moving cars that are here year round)

2. ENTRY KEY SYSTEM-FOB
1 BEDROOM WILL RECEIVE 3 FOBS
2 BEDROOM WILL RECEIVE 5 FOBS

THE NEW FOBS THAT WILL BE ISSUED TO OWNERS WILL BE PROGRAMMED FOR 24/7/365 DAYS A YEAR OPERATION AND EACH HAS A UNIQUE ID ASSIGNED.

UNIT OWNERS THAT CURRENTLY HAVE KEYS THAT ARE $100 REFUNDABLE WILL BE GIVEN THEIR MONEY BACK UPON PRESENTING THE PROPERLY NUMBERED KEY TO THE OFFICE. NO OTHER KEYS WILL BE TURNED IN OR REFUNDED. .

IF A UNIT OWNER REQUIRES ADDITIONAL FOBS THEY CAN OBTAIN TWO MORE AT A COST OF $50 EACH NON-REFUNDABLE. THESE FOBS WILL BE PROGRAMMED THE SAME AS THE ONES ABOVE.

IF A UNIT OWNER LOSES A FOB, AFTER PROVIDING THE OFFICE WITH THE ID OF THE LOST FOB SO THAT IT CAN BE ELIMINATED FROM THE SYSTEM. IT MAY BE REPLACED FOR A FEE OF $25.

FOR UNIT OWNERS, WHO RENT, FOBS MAY BE GIVEN TO RENTERS THE SAME AS KEYS ARE NOW GIVEN. IF A RENTER REQUIRES MORE FOBS THEY CAN SEE THE OFFICE AND OBTAIN THE NEEDED FOBS. THESE FOBS WILL BE PROGRAMMED 24/7/ LENGTH OF RENTAL AND REQUIRE A $50 REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT PER FOB.

THE FOBS WILL BE MAILED OUT BY UPS SO THAT IF THEY ARE LOST THEY CAN BE TRACED.

PLEASE NOTIFIY THE OFFICE, IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE OFFICE HOLD THEM FOR YOU SO THAT YOU CAN PICK THEM UP WHEN YOU ARE ON MARCO. OFFICE HOURS MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:00 AM TILL 4:00 PM.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR REALTOR TO PICK UP ONE OR TWO FOBS FOR THEIR OFFICE CALL THE OFFICE AND AUTHORIZE THAT THE REALTOR (NAME) WILL PICK UP ONE OR TWO FOBS.

NOTE: ONCE I HAVE THE EXACT DATES OF WHEN THE WORK IS TO BEGIN, I WILL POST IT.

Friday, May 13, 2011
Balcony Railings - Susan Niwinski @ 14:26 EST
Marc and Ron will go into each unit and do an inspection on the balcony railings to see if there is a problem with the paint chipping on Tuesday, May 17th and Wednesday, May 18th, 9:00 AM till 3:30 PM. It should be completed by Wednesday.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011
2011 Certificate of Insurance-(Flood & Condominium Insurance Policy (property, liability, casualty & wind) - Harry Scott @ 08:03 EST
CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE

When your mortgage company wants a copy of the Flood Insurance Policy give them the following information.

Company holding master policy: Statewide Condominium Insurance
Telephone number: (800)260-5252
Facsimile number: (772)562-7100
Online: www.statewidecondo.com click on Certificate of Insurance

When your mortgage company wants a copy of the Condominium Insurance Policy (property, liability, casualty and wind) give them the following information.

Company holding master policy: Brown & Brown
Insurance agent contact person: Kurt VanDrie
Telephone number: (800)548-1808 ext. 1427
Facsimile number: (239)278-5306 Attn: Evidence Dept.
Online: www.bbftmyers.com (User name: Condo & Password: Cert)
Email: evidence@bbftmyers.com

The insurance company will need from you or your mortgage company the following information.

1. Owner name(s) found on the mortgage
2. Unit number
3. Telephone number
4. Building name and complete address
5. Your loan number
6. Lending institution’s name and complete address & Contact or Dept.
7. Lending institution’s telephone & fax numbers

To download this file go to http://visitmarco.com/tradewinds/Condo%20Forms/CERTFINSSTATEWIDEBROWN.pdf

Thursday, February 24, 2011
Results of the Annual Meeting-February 24, 2011 - Susan Niwinski @ 17:16 EST
The following listed below are the results of the election:
John Apolzan (#215) 60 votes
Rudy Besler (#209) 89 votes
Norma Griffin (#413) 91 votes
Lee Pepper (#1203) 62 votes
Fran Winslow (#413) 82 votes

Rudy Besler, Norma Griffin, Lee Pepper and Fran Winslow won the election.

Rudy Besler-President
Bob Brockmann-Vice President/Treasurer
Rich Kaplan-Secretary
Fran Winslow-Asst. Treasurer
Lee Pepper-Director
John Battaglia-Director
Norma Griffin-Director

Vote on rollover of excess Association funds, if any, to next year's budget. PASSED
105 In favor
1 Opposed

Thursday, February 10, 2011
BIKE STORAGE AT TRADEWINDS IMPORTANT NOTICE - Harry Scott @ 07:53 EST
WHO: All bike owners at Tradewinds.

WHAT: A new procedure is in place for all bike owners at the Tradewinds. A onetime refundable fee of $20.00 will be charged to store and keep each bicycle on the Tradewinds premises. The funds will allow the purchase of bike racks for outside and inside storage, tags, etc.

WHY: The bike storage room and outside racks have become crowed with bikes that have not been used in years, are unusable and the owners unknown. This procedure will act as a deterrent to forgotten bikes cluttering the bike areas.

WHAT: The procedure. Each bike must be registered with the office. A numbered metal tag will be issued when the fee is paid. The tag must be affixed under the rear seat where it is visible. The fee will be refunded when a bike is removed from the Tradewinds property and the tag returned to the office.

IMPORTANT: In addition, a new system of locking your bike will become mandatory. Currently bikes are often locked in a manner that doesn't allow them to be moved for cleaning the storage room, or for easy access for other bike owners. Starting May 1, 2011, the only acceptable way to lock a bike is to wrap a lock thru the front tire rim and thru the bike frame, one lock for each bike. Do not attach to any structure. This prevents anyone from taking your bike but allows the bikes to be lifted and moved when necessary. An option is to keep bikes in your unit, however they still must be registered if stored on common property, inside or outside.

WHEN: The new system will be in full effect on May 1, 2011. Any unregistered bike at that time and in the future will be disposed of. This will be the only notice you will receive of this new procedure.

HOW: The staff can help you if you are not here before May 1, 2011. After that time all unregistered bikes will be disposed of. Thank you for your cooperation.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Make checks payable to the Tradewinds Apts. and mail to the Tradewinds Office. Thank you.

Name__________________________________________________________________ Apt. #______________

Number of bikes___________ Brand name of bike(s)________________________________________________

Bike(s) lock combination: ____________________________ (so bike(s) can be properly re-locked)

Enclose $20.00 per bike, total $_________________________

You may download this form at http://www.visitmarco.com/tradewinds Just click on the link Bike Storage at Tradewinds

Thursday, December 30, 2010
HAPPY NEW YEAR! - Susan Niwinski @ 16:08 EST
The office will be closed on Friday, Decembr 31st.

HAVE A HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SAFE NEW YEAR.

Tradewinds Staff

Thursday, December 23, 2010
MERRY CHRISTMAS - Susan Niwinski @ 15:38 EST
HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE HOLIDAY TO ALL.

TRADEWINDS STAFF

Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Update-Waterproofing of the balconies-11/30/10 - Susan Niwinski @ 15:39 EST
The job is completed and it looks great.

Friday, November 26, 2010
Water "leak" affects 1st. 2nd. and 3rd. Floors on Noth End - Harry Scott @ 14:51 EST
On 11-24-2010 in the late afternoon a water problem was discovered on the north end of Tradewinds that caused flooding on the first, second and third floor. Clean up experts were called in and began working. Work continues today as fans and dehumidifiers are still on all three floors.

Source: Click here to view photos

Wednesday, November 24, 2010
City Council backs down and agrees to do COS (Cost of servies study) - Harry Scott @ 12:48 EST
City Manager James C. Riviere has consulted with the chair of the city council and the Chair of the COS subcommittee and decided to pull the business item regarding the COS study from the December 6, council meeting. The study will move forward.

Thanks to all of you who took the time to write and or contact your council members to right this injustice.

Source: Harry Scott

Friday, November 12, 2010
Update-Waterproofing of the balconies 11/12/10 - Susan Niwinski @ 15:55 EST
The balconies are complete except for 3 which just need to be repainted.

Photos of Fire Alarm and Sprinkler System Installation - Harry Scott @ 13:35 EST
........................................................................................................................

Source: http://visitmarco.com/tradewinds/2010FireAlarmReno.html

Friday, October 22, 2010
Update-Waterproofing of the Balconies - Susan Niwinski @ 14:36 EST
Al Porter will be done painting the 1st floor today. Next week they will work on the balconies that need repairs and then paint them. The job should be complete next week.

Thursday, October 07, 2010
Update-Waterproofing of the Balcony Floors - Susan Niwinski @ 11:12 EST
Al Porter Restoration is working on the 6th floor today and working their way down. It takes them a day and a half to do a floor.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Unit #511 in foreclosure - Susan Niwinski @ 15:12 EST
Unit #511 is listed for $322,900. 2 bedroom facing the Gulf side. Unfurnished.

Contact Karen Vecchio (Read Real Estate)
239-784-6776 Cell
239-244-9655 Office

Monday, September 20, 2010
Exterior painting of the building & balconies - Susan Niwinski @ 13:50 EST
The exterior painting of the building & balconies is finally complete. It looks great.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Revised 9/22/10-Waterproofing of the Balcony Floors - Susan Niwinski @ 14:55 EST
ATTENTION RESIDENTS:

AL PORTER RESTORATION WILL BEGIN WATERPROOFING THE BALCONIES STARTING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27TH. THEY WILL PUT SOME KIND OF PROTECTION DOWN TO PROTECT YOUR FLOOR AND THERE WILL BE 2 STAFF EMPLOYEES GOING INTO THE UNITS.

THEY WILL START WITH THE 12TH FLOOR AND WORK THEIR WAY DOWN. SOME BALCONIES HAVE ALREADY BEEN DONE BY COMMEX PAINTERS.

YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GO ON YOUR BALCONY FOR 24 HOURS. THIS PROJECT SHOULD BE DONE IN A MONTH (WEATHER PERMITTING).

I WILL KEEP YOU POSTED AS CHANGES OCCUR.

THANK YOU.

MANAGEMENT

Wednesday, September 01, 2010
Update on Fire Sprinkler System - Susan Niwinski @ 11:17 EST
Both stairwells are complete.

They are working on the 5th floor and working their way down.

Talking to the Supervisor, Ray, the piping should be completed by end of September or 1st week of October. Once that is completed then they will do the Deco Shield to cover the pipes and then do the fire hydrant.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Update of the exterior painting of the building & railings - Susan Niwinski @ 09:00 EST
The painters are working on the last stack (08 stack) and should be done by the end of September or sooner (depending on the weather).

Sometime in September we are having Al Porter Restoration do the waterproofing of all balconies and minor repairs to some balconies. That will take 2 months to complete the job (depending on the weather).

Tuesday, August 03, 2010
Replacement of balcony lights - Susan Niwinski @ 15:27 EST
ATTENTION RESIDENTS:

MARC AND RON OUR MAINTENANCE STAFF WILL BE GOING INTO THE UNITS TO REPLACE THE BALCONY LIGHTS FOR THE NEXT 2 MONTHS.

THANK YOU.

MANAGEMENT

Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Fire Sprinkler System - Susan Niwinski @ 11:24 EST
ATTENTION RESIDENTS

A-1 FIRE EQUIPMENT STAFF ARE INSTALLING THE FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM IN THE HALLWAYS AND IN THE A/C CLOSETS IN THE HALLWAYS.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE STOP BY THE OFFICE.

THE MANAGEMENT

Friday, July 09, 2010
Update on exterior painting of building & railings-7/9/10 - Susan Niwinski @ 16:24 EST
ATTENTION RESIDENTS:

COMMEX PAINTING WILL BEGIN PAINTING THE STACKS WITH A TENTAVITE SCHEDULE LISTED BELOW. I WILL POST CHANGES AS NEEDED.

WHEN THEY PAINT THE STACKS KEEP IN MIND YOUR WINDOW & DOOR SCREENS SHOULD BE IN YOUR UNIT, NO FURNITURE ON THE BALCONY, HURRICANE SHUTTERS OPENED & YOU ARE BEING ADVISED NOT TO BE ON THE BALCONY WHEN THEY ARE DOING YOUR STACK. THE PAINTERS WILL ALSO HAVE YOUR WINDOWS COVERED FOR ABOUT 1 WEEK (DEPENDING ON THE WEATHER).

MONDAY THRU FRIDAY 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

THANK YOU.
MANAGEMENT

EFFECTIVE MAY 27, 2010-BALCONY FURNITURE & SCREEN DOORS NEED TO BE INSIDE YOUR UNIT. THE PAINTERS WILL BE CROSSING OVER THE STACKS TO DO WORK WITHOUT NOTIFICATION TO THE OFFICE.
02 STACK (1200, 1102, 1002, 902, 802, 702, 602, 502, 402, 302, 202 & 102).
04 STACK (1202, 1104, 1004, 904, 804, 704, 604, 504, 404, 304, 204 & 104).

EFFECTIVE MAY 17, 2010-BALCONY FURNITURE & SCREEN DOORS NEED TO BE INSIDE YOUR UNIT.
06 STACK (1006, 906, 806, 706, 606, 506, 406, 306, 206 & 106).

EFFECTIVE JULY 9, 2010-BALCONY FURNITURE & SCREEN DOORS NEED TO BE INSIDE YOUR UNIT.
08 STACK (1106, 1008, 908, 808, 708, 608, 508, 408, 308, 208 & 108).

Thursday, June 17, 2010
Update on exterior painting of the building and railings-6/17/10 - Susan Niwinski @ 13:57 EST
ATTENTION RESIDENTS:

COMMEX PAINTING WILL BEGIN PAINTING THE STACKS WITH A TENTAVITE SCHEDULE LISTED BELOW. I WILL POST CHANGES AS NEEDED.

WHEN THEY PAINT THE STACKS KEEP IN MIND YOUR WINDOW & DOOR SCREENS SHOULD BE IN YOUR UNIT, NO FURNITURE ON THE BALCONY, HURRICANE SHUTTERS OPENED & YOU ARE BEING ADVISED NOT TO BE ON THE BALCONY WHEN THEY ARE DOING YOUR STACK. THE PAINTERS WILL ALSO HAVE YOUR WINDOWS COVERED FOR ABOUT 1 WEEK (DEPENDING ON THE WEATHER).

MONDAY THRU FRIDAY 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

THANK YOU.
MANAGEMENT

EFFECTIVE MAY 12, 2010-BALCONY FURNITURE & SCREEN DOORS NEED TO BE INSIDE YOUR UNIT.
00 STACK (1100, 1000, 900, 800, 700, 600, 500, 400, 300 & 200).

EFFECTIVE MAY 27, 2010-BALCONY FURNITURE & SCREEN DOORS NEED TO BE INSIDE YOUR UNIT. THE PAINTERS WILL BE CROSSING OVER THE STACKS TO DO WORK WITHOUT NOTIFICATION TO THE OFFICE.
02 STACK (1200, 1102, 1002, 902, 802, 702, 602, 502, 402, 302, 202 & 102).
04 STACK (1202, 1104, 1004, 904, 804, 704, 604, 504, 404, 304, 204 & 104).

EFFECTIVE MAY 17, 2010-BALCONY FURNITURE & SCREEN DOORS NEED TO BE INSIDE YOUR UNIT.
06 STACK (1006, 906, 806, 706, 606, 506, 406, 306, 206 & 106).

Thursday, May 27, 2010
Update on exterior painting of the building & railings-5/27/10 - Susan Niwinski @ 09:00 EST
ATTENTION RESIDENTS:

COMMEX PAINTING WILL BEGIN PAINTING THE STACKS WITH A TENTAVITE SCHEDULE LISTED BELOW. I WILL POST CHANGES AS NEEDED.

WHEN THEY PAINT THE STACKS KEEP IN MIND YOUR WINDOW & DOOR SCREENS SHOULD BE IN YOUR UNIT, NO FURNITURE ON THE BALCONY, HURRICANE SHUTTERS OPENED & YOU ARE BEING ADVISED NOT TO BE ON THE BALCONY WHEN THEY ARE DOING YOUR STACK. THE PAINTERS WILL ALSO HAVE YOUR WINDOWS COVERED FOR ABOUT 1 WEEK (DEPENDING ON THE WEATHER).

MONDAY THRU FRIDAY 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

THANK YOU.
MANAGEMENT

EFFECTIVE APRIL 23, 2010-BALCONY FURNITURE & SCREEN DOORS NEED TO BE INSIDE YOUR UNIT. THE PAINTERS WILL BE CROSSING OVER THE STACKS TO DO WORK WITHOUT NOTIFICATION TO THE OFFICE.
12 STACK (1208, 1110, 1012, 912, 812, 712, 612, 512, 412, 312, 212 & 110).
10 STACK (1206, 1108, 1010, 910, 810, 710, 610, 510, 410, 310 & 210).

EFFECTIVE MAY 12, 2010-BALCONY FURNITURE & SCREEN DOORS NEED TO BE INSIDE YOUR UNIT.
00 STACK (1100, 1000, 900, 800, 700, 600, 500, 400, 300 & 200).

EFFECTIVE MAY 27, 2010-BALCONY FURNITURE & SCREEN DOORS NEED TO BE INSIDE YOUR UNIT. THE PAINTERS WILL BE CROSSING OVER THE STACKS TO DO WORK WITHOUT NOTIFICATION TO THE OFFICE.
02 STACK (1200, 1102, 1002, 902, 802, 702, 602, 502, 402, 302, 202 & 102).

Friday, May 21, 2010
Increases exceeding 25 percent by October. - Harry Scott @ 15:51 EST
MARCO ISLAND — Some Marco Island utility customers are going to be down in the dumps if City Council approves a proposal considered on Monday that will increase their water and wastewater rates again. Other islanders, will be pleased that fairness was considered in the reworking of the city’s utility rate structure.

All Marco Island water and wastewater customers endured a 9.5 percent rate increase last October; will see another 10.5 percent increase this October and if City Council approves the newest proposal, some will see hikes of more than 50 percent in their base rate. The base rate is the consistent monthly charge irrelevant of usage.

The proposed changes in base rates for various customer types may be somewhat beneficial to single family homeowners, while many condominium dwellers will see significant hikes.

“This is a terribly, terribly important issue that tends to put the condo world against the single family world, which nobody wants,” said Dick Bergmann of the city’s utility advisory committee.

A utility rate study by the five-member utility advisory committee sought to make base rates more equitable between customer types. Customer categories include multifamily with individual meters, master-metered condos, commercial and single family residential, among others.

In doing so, customers who may have enjoyed the lowest rates for years, the master-metered condominiums, will see compounded rate increases exceeding 25 percent by October. Nearly 1,000 customers in the North Marco Utility will see a 50 percent increase in their wastewater base rate.

If approved, master-metered condos, which are condos with one meter for all units, would see an average increase coming in October of about $15 per month per unit.

Customers in many of the island’s areas aren’t pleased with the prospects. Others, such as Amadeo Petricca, have said previously that it’s way past due.

Craig Woodward, president of North Marco Utility, which is privately owned and pays the city for waste water services, said there are more than 800 customers in his area who can’t absorb such hefty increases.

Woodward wasn’t able to speak on Monday because public input was cut short due to time, but council will hold another public workshop in June.

“I’m going to have 800 people here,” Woodward said after the meeting.

“It’s not coming down the pipeline, that’s why I’m here,” continued Woodward, who is also an attorney on the island.

Rate structure change proposals come from the notion that the utility needs to make up for five years of not changing the rates to ensure the utility, purchased in 2003, is covering its fixed costs in the most equitable way possible. Fixed costs include pipe maintenance, plant upkeep and paying off the bonds from the city’s purchase, among other expenses, that don’t change based on the amount of water used.

Several council members said they were skeptical about the proposal.

Councilman Larry Magel said he thought cost based on usage was most equitable.

That idea doesn’t work with a utility that has expensive fixed costs, said Rob Ori, the city-hired consultant from Public Resources Management Group. Currently 80 percent of the utility’s costs remain even if no one used any water, he said.

The proposal brings the current base rates up from covering 42 percent of the utility’s fixed costs to covering 50 percent of the utility’s fixed costs. It won’t bring in additional money to the utility, but makes more of the revenue steady while usage is steadily declining, Ori said.

Covering all of the fixed costs in the base rate would be too astronomically high, he added.

Councilman Bill Trotter said that in that sense, the proposal may be a compromise.

A base rate that covers much of the fixed costs reduces the financial risks for the city and is favorable for bonding, Ori reported.

If council approves the recommendations, customers in Key Marco, Goodland and Marco Island’s single family residential users could see a relative relief in base rates, but either way, officials said, rates need to go up for everyone.

View the utility rate proposal in related documents to the upper left.

Source: MarcoNews.com

Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Update on exterior painting of the building & railings-5/11/10 - Susan Niwinski @ 15:26 EST
ATTENTION RESIDENTS:

COMMEX PAINTING WILL BEGIN PAINTING THE STACKS WITH A TENTAVITE SCHEDULE LISTED BELOW. I WILL POST CHANGES AS NEEDED.

WHEN THEY PAINT THE STACKS KEEP IN MIND YOUR WINDOW & DOOR SCREENS SHOULD BE IN YOUR UNIT, NO FURNITURE ON THE BALCONY, HURRICANE SHUTTERS OPENED & YOU ARE BEING ADVISED NOT TO BE ON THE BALCONY WHEN THEY ARE DOING YOUR STACK. THE PAINTERS WILL ALSO HAVE YOUR WINDOWS COVERED FOR ABOUT 1 WEEK (DEPENDING ON THE WEATHER).

MONDAY THRU FRIDAY 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

THANK YOU.
MANAGEMENT

EFFECTIVE APRIL 23, 2010-BALCONY FURNITURE & SCREEN DOORS NEED TO BE INSIDE YOUR UNIT. THE PAINTERS WILL BE CROSSING OVER THE STACKS TO DO WORK WITHOUT NOTIFICATION TO THE OFFICE.
14 STACK (1014, 914, 814, 714, 614, 514, 414, 314, 214 & 112).
12 STACK (1208, 1110, 1012, 912, 812, 712, 612, 512, 412, 312, 212 & 110).
10 STACK (1206, 1108, 1010, 910, 810, 710, 610, 510, 410, 310 & 210).

EFFECTIVE MAY 12, 2010-BALCONY FURNITURE & SCREEN DOORS NEED TO BE INSIDE YOUR UNIT.
00 STACK (1100, 1000, 900, 800, 700, 600, 500, 400, 300 & 200).

They are doing a great job with the painting. It seems to be moving along quicker.

Thursday, April 29, 2010
URGENT LETTER REGARDING WATER RATES - Harry Scott @ 14:34 EST
City to raise water rates.... to condos. Condo's allready pay more than residents. If this happens your condo maintenance fees will go up. Read more to fight this unjust rate increase.

http://visitmarco.com/tradewinds/pdf/TWwaterbillnotice.pdf

Source: URGENT LETTER REGARDING WATER RATES

Wednesday, April 28, 2010
SEA TURTLES ARE HERE: LIGHTS OFF ON BEACH MAY 1--OCT 31. - Harry Scott @ 08:35 EST

SEA TURTLES ARE HERE: LIGHTS OFF ON BEACH MAY 1--OCT 31. Nesting season begins on May 1, with courtship activity occurring several weeks before the actual nesting season. Large fines for violating the light Ordinance along the Beach.

Loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) are the most frequently observed turtles in Florida waters, with more than 90 percent of the nesting activity in the world occurring on Florida’s beaches.

Now is the time for boaters to navigate carefully off of the coastline and keep an eye out for the mating Loggerhead sea turtles.

Nesting season begins on May 1, with courtship activity occurring several weeks before the actual nesting season.

Females nest a few weeks after mating.

Nesting on Marco Island usually occurs between May and August, with hatchlings emerging through Oct. 31.

Loggerhead nesting occurs on sandy beaches above the high tide line. Most females return to the same nesting beach each year.

The female crawls ashore at night, digs a shallow pit and then using her hind flippers makes a nest cavity, called a clutch, where she deposits an average of 100 Ping-Pong
ball-shaped eggs. The depth of the cavity is determined by the length of the stretched hind flipper. The eggs are white, soft and round, measuring about 1-3/4 inches.

The eggs are surrounded by a thick, clear mucus covering. Once the eggs are deposited, the rear flippers fill and cover the nest with sand and the turtle returns to the sea.

Females may nest every two to three years resulting in one to seven nests per season. The female can storage sperm from one or more males in the oviducts without additional mating needed to fertilize her eggs.

Sometimes a turtle may arrive and for many reasons return to the sea without digging a clutch.

This is commonly known as a false crawl.

On Marco Island this is normal, with about 50 percent of the turtles visiting the beach before actually laying a nest.

Last season, Marco Island beaches were fortunate to have 55 nests documented with 46 of these hatching producing close to 4,000 hatchlings.

(The nine nests that did not hatch were due to six of the nests being washed out in an early season storm; the three others were determined to be “false crawls” and not nests.)

Monday, April 26, 2010
Update on Exterior Painting of the building & railings-4/26/10 - Susan Niwinski @ 13:34 EST
ATTENTION RESIDENTS:

COMMEX PAINTING WILL BEGIN PAINTING THE STACKS WITH A TENTAVITE SCHEDULE LISTED BELOW. I WILL POST CHANGES AS NEEDED.

WHEN THEY PAINT THE STACKS KEEP IN MIND YOUR WINDOW & DOOR SCREENS SHOULD BE IN YOUR UNIT, NO FURNITURE ON THE BALCONY, HURRICANE SHUTTERS OPENED & YOU ARE BEING ADVISED NOT TO BE ON THE BALCONY WHEN THEY ARE DOING YOUR STACK. THE PAINTERS WILL ALSO HAVE YOUR WINDOWS COVERED FOR ABOUT 1 WEEK (DEPENDING ON THE WEATHER).

MONDAY THRU FRIDAY 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

THANK YOU.
MANAGEMENT

EFFECTIVE MARCH 15, 2010-BALCONY FURNITURE & SCREEN DOORS NEED TO BE INSIDE YOUR UNIT.
16 STACK (1112, 1016, 916, 816, 716, 616, 516, 416, 316, 216 & 114).

EFFECTIVE APRIL 23, 2010-BALCONY FURNITURE & SCREEN DOORS NEED TO BE INSIDE YOUR UNIT. THE PAINTERS WILL BE CROSSING OVER THE STACKS TO DO WORK WITHOUT NOTIFICATION TO THE OFFICE.
14 STACK (1014, 914, 814, 714, 614, 514, 414, 314, 214 & 112).
12 STACK (1208, 1110, 1012, 912, 812, 712, 612, 512, 412, 312, 212 & 110).
10 STACK (1206, 1108, 1010, 910, 810, 710, 610, 510, 410, 310 & 210).

Thursday, April 15, 2010
Update on the exterior painting of the building and railings 4/15/10 - Susan Niwinski @ 16:18 EST
ATTENTION RESIDENTS:

COMMEX PAINTING WILL BEGIN PAINTING THE STACKS WITH A TENTAVITE SCHEDULE LISTED BELOW. I WILL POST CHANGES AS NEEDED.

WHEN THEY PAINT THE STACKS KEEP IN MIND YOUR WINDOW & DOOR SCREENS SHOULD BE IN YOUR UNIT, NO FURNITURE ON THE BALCONY, HURRICANE SHUTTERS OPENED & YOU ARE BEING ADVISED NOT TO BE ON THE BALCONY WHEN THEY ARE DOING YOUR STACK. THE PAINTERS WILL ALSO HAVE YOUR WINDOWS COVERED FOR ABOUT 1 WEEK (DEPENDING ON THE WEATHER).

MONDAY THRU FRIDAY 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

THANK YOU.
MANAGEMENT

EFFECTIVE MARCH 15, 2010-BALCONY FURNITURE & SCREEN DOORS NEED TO BE INSIDE YOUR UNIT.
16 STACK (1112, 1016, 916, 816, 716, 616, 516, 416, 316, 216 & 114).

There was a final inspection on the 15 and 17 stacks on April 14th and 15th. Once Commex does the touch up work on those stacks, then they will bring the swing station to the front north side of the building and will be working on the stacks listed below. The work might start the week of the 19th. I will keep you posted.
EFFECTIVE APRIL 19, 2010????-BALCONY FURNITURE & SCREEN DOORS NEED TO BE INSIDE YOUR UNIT. THE PAINTERS WILL BE CROSSING OVER THE STACKS TO DO WORK WITHOUT NOTIFICATION TO THE OFFICE.
14 STACK (1014, 914, 814, 714, 614, 514, 414, 314, 214 & 112).
12 STACK (1208, 1110, 1012, 912, 812, 712, 612, 512, 412, 312, 212 & 110).
10 STACK (1206, 1108, 1010, 910, 810, 710, 610, 510, 410, 310 & 210).

Friday, March 12, 2010
Update on the Painting of the Building & Railings-3/12/10 - Susan Niwinski @ 16:07 EST
ATTENTION RESIDENTS:

COMMEX PAINTING WILL BEGIN PAINTING THE STACKS WITH A TENTAVITE SCHEDULE LISTED BELOW. I WILL POST CHANGES AS NEEDED.

WHEN THEY PAINT THE STACKS KEEP IN MIND YOUR WINDOW & DOOR SCREENS SHOULD BE IN YOUR UNIT, NO FURNITURE ON THE BALCONY, HURRICANE SHUTTERS OPENED & YOU ARE BEING ADVISED NOT TO BE ON THE BALCONY WHEN THEY ARE DOING YOUR STACK. THE PAINTERS WILL ALSO HAVE YOUR WINDOWS COVERED FOR ABOUT 1 WEEK (DEPENDING ON THE WEATHER).

MONDAY THRU FRIDAY 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

THANK YOU.
MANAGEMENT

EFFECTIVE JANUARY 6, 2010-BALCONY FURNITURE NEEDS TO BE INSIDE YOUR UNIT. THE PAINTERS WILL BE CROSSING OVER THE STACKS TO DO WORK WITHOUT NOTIFICATION TO THE OFFICE.
11 STACK (1207, 1111, 1011, 911, 811, 711, 611, 511,411, 311, 211 & 109).
13 STACK (1209, 1113, 1013, 913, 813,713, 613, 513, 413, 213 & 111).
15 STACK (1210, 1114, 1015, 915,815,715,615,515, 415,315,215 & 113).
17 STACK (1115, 1017, 917, 817, 717, 617, 517, 417, 317, 217 & 115).

EFFECTIVE MARCH 15, 2010-BALCONY FURNITURE & SCREEN DOORS NEED TO BE INSIDE YOUR UNIT.
16 STACK (1112, 1016, 916, 816, 716, 616, 516, 416, 316, 216 & 114).

Tuesday, March 09, 2010
A-I Fire Equipment installed a Notifier by Honeywell - Harry Scott @ 20:45 EST
February 17, 2010

To Whom It May Concern:

A-I Fire Equipment installed a Notifier by Honeywell, which is an addressable, intelligent Fire Alarm System for the protection and safety of owners and tenants in the Tradewinds Apartments.

This alarm system is programmed to notify a monitoring company that will call the fire department in the event of a fire and the alarm will also notify the owners/tenants through a speaker system to give the residents enough time to evacuate the premises. Each unit has a fire alarm system with a speaker system inside the units. A one-bedroom unit has one fire alarm system with a speaker system in the bedroom and a two-bedroom unit has two fire alarm systems with speaker systems one in each bedroom.

New devices, pull stations and elevator recall have been added to comply with the new NFPA-72 code rulings for the protection of life and property.

Sincerely,
Susan M. Niwinski
Manager
Tradewinds Apts of Marco Island

Rules for Companies and Individuals Doing Work in Units - Harry Scott @ 16:25 EST
Rules for Companies and Individuals Doing Work in Units

INDIVIDUALS OR COMPANIES PERFORMING SERVICES ANYWHERE ON SITE MUST PROVIDE:
· A COPY OF A CURRENT COLLIER COUNTY LICENSE, APPROPRIATE FOR THE SERVICES PERFORMED
· A COPY OF THEIR LIABILTY INSURANCE
· NECESSARY BUILDING PERMITS Per Florida Building code 105.1

Sign In:
You will sign in each day with the Tradewinds office prior to beginning work. At that time you will present a copy of your license and certificate of insurance, if not currently on file. The Manager, depending on the "scope of work" will designate work area.

Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
All work, including clean up, shall be completed between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday ... NO WEEKENDS! ! Except for emergency repairs and furniture deliveries.

Unloading and Parking:
Parking in the service entrance area is limited to 10 minutes for load/unload of tools and supplies. After loading/unloading operations are completed, vehicles may be parked in any of the visitor parking spaces unless otherwise directed by the Manager. All vehicles must be removed from the premises at the end of the workday.

Material Removal and Clean up:
Under no circumstances are the dumpsters to be used at any time! All materials must be taken with you. Unit owners doing their own work must also remove debris from the premises. This rule will be strictly enforced. No personal furniture shall be discarded in the dumpster.

Tools and materials shall not be stored anywhere on the grounds or in the common areas of the condominium, overnight or between work periods.

You will be responsible for complete clean up of the loading area, elevators, and hallways of all debris associated with your work to the satisfaction of the Manager. This also applies to an owner doing his own work. Any clean up required to be done by the Tradewinds staff will result in a mandatory $50.00 minimum charge. This payment will be due within 24 hours.

Any violation of the above rules at the Board's discretion will carry a $100.00 fine for each violation and you a will not be allowed to do any further work until fines and fees are paid. Our suggestion is that the owners subtract these amounts from their contractor’s bill.

* * * Owners please give this to any and all rental agents, decorators, etc., who may be acting on your behalf to coordinate work done in your unit

TRADEWINDS RULES FOR CONTRACTORS - Harry Scott @ 16:24 EST

TRADEWINDS RULES FOR CONTRACTORS

HOURS 8:30AM-4:00PM -MONDAY THRU FRIDAY. START CLEANUP AT 4:00 PM YOU MUST BE OUT BY 4:30PM. NO WORKING ON WEEKENDS.

YOU MUST SIGN IN EVERY DAY AT THE OFFICE.

COMPANIES PERFORMING SERVICES ANYWHERE ON SITE MUST PROVIDE:
· A COPY OF A CURRENT COLLIER COUNTY LICENSE, APPROPRIATE FOR THE SERVICES PERFORMED
· A COPY OF THEIR LIABILTY INSURANCE
· NECESSARY BUILDING PERMITS Per Florida Building code 105.1

ALL CONTRACTORS AND DELIVERY PERSONAL MUST USE SERVICE AREA ENTRANCE ONLY LOCATED BY THE WHITE GATES WHEN ENTRANCE AND EXITING THE BUILDING. THERE IS A SECURITY CAMERA THERE AND A BUTTON TO BUZZ YOU IN.

OFF LOAD ALL EQUIPMENT FROM TRUCK THEN MOVE TRUCK TO PARKING AREA ALONG SEAVIEW COURT (CLOSE TO ENTRANCE BY STREET).

NO CONTRACTOR VECHILES ARE TO BE PARKED IN VISITORS PARKING, HANDYCAPPED PARKING OR SERVICE DRIVEWAY. (NO EXCEPTIONS).

THE MANAGER, DEPENDING ON THE “SCOPE OF THE WORK BEING DONE “ MAY DESIGNATE A SPECIFIC AREA FOR YOU TO WORK.

PAPER OR SOME TYPE OF PROTECTIVE COVERING MUST BE PLACE ON CARPET FROM ELEVATOR TO UNIT DOOR. THIS MUST BE SECURED TO PREVENT IT FROM MOVING WHEN WALKED ON. ON FRIDAYS THAT PAPER OR PROTECTION HAS TO BE PICKED UP AND PUT BACK ON MONDAYS. TILE FLOORS MUST ALSO BE PROTECTED FROM DAMAGE.

IF DOING TILE, GROUT, PAINTING OR SEALING WORK DO NOT WASH OR FLUSH GROUT, SEALENT, PAINT OR CAULKING DOWN THE TOILET, SINKS. OR LAUNDRY ROOMS SINK.

IF CUTTING TILE ON BALCONY YOU MUST KEEP DUST FROM LEAVING THE BALCONY BY PUTTING UP A DROP CLOTH OR PROTECTIVE BARRIOR ON OR OVER THE RAILING.

USE THE SERVICE ELEVATOR IF YOU HAVE EQUIPMENT, SUPPIES OR TOOLS TO TRANSPORT. ELEVATOR PADS ARE AVAILABLE TO PROTECT THE INTERIOR OF THE ELEVATOR CAR. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE. YOU MUST CLEAN UP YOUR MESS IN THE ELEVATOR, HALLWAYS, ENTRANCES, AND WORK AREAS. THE SERVICE ELEVATOR IS THE ONE FURTHEST TO YOUR LEFT.

DO NOT USE OUR DUMPSTERS. YOU MUST REMOVE ALL CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS OR DEBRIS BY TAKING THEM WITH YOU FOR PROPER OFF SITE DISPOSAL OFF SITE.

Any violation of the above rules at the Board's discretion will carry a $100.00 fine for each violation.

Wi-Fi access point installed in our library. - Harry Scott @ 09:43 EST
Improved Wi-Fi Access

A new Wi-Fi INTERNET access point has been installed in the Tradewinds library. The SSID name of this access point is "Library".

No key code is necessary to use this site.

You may also be able to log on to the "Library" access point from limited areas by the Tiki Huts.

Source: http://visitmarco.com/tradewinds/wi-fi.html

Permits to be obtained prior to the beginning of work - Harry Scott @ 09:26 EST
January 21, 2010

All Marco Island Multi-Family Property Owners,

The Florida Building Code Section 105.1 requires permits to be obtained prior to the beginning of work, to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or to erect, install, remove, re-install, convert or replace any exterior doors, windows, electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing components or systems which are regulated by this code.

City of Marco Island Ordinance 09-03 Section 105.3.8 states all construction within the city limits shall be performed through and supervised by a licensed general contractor.

Florida Statute 489 and Article III, Chapter 22 of the Code of Laws & Ordinances for Collier County, define the licenses that are required to contract the above-described work. General or Building contractors are always required to do remodeling work in Multi-Family Buildings. Unit owners cannot contract the work themselves. Replacement of built-in cabinets, counter tops, lavatories, sinks, tubs and shower surround,, all require a building permit.

Installation of drapes, wall coverings, painting, carpet and floor the do not require a permit. Wall tiling that requires the replacement of the backing board also requires -a permit. Also, the pulling, replacement, and resetting of toilets above the first floor, requires a Plumbing Permit (available at a reduced rate). The integrity of the firewalls must be maintained and inspected by the Building Department and Fire Department to insure the proper fire-rated materials are installed correctly and to insure that combustible materials are not concealed within Tall Buildings (per Sec 603.1 Florida Building Code).

It is not the Building Department's intent to drive up the cost of a job (large or small) with permit fees. But we intend to protect the lives and property in the adjoining units and common areas.

If the intended work doesn't fit in any of the categories listed above, call the Building Department to clarify the scope of work and whether a permit will be required.

Thank you,
Robert H. Mahar Building Official
City of Marco Island
(239) 389-5058

Source: Robert H. Mahar, Building Official City of Marco Island

Friday, February 26, 2010
Tradewinds Annual Meeting - Harry Scott @ 08:29 EST
The election result from the 2010 Tradewinds Annual Meeting are in with the following owners elected to the board: John Battaglia, Robert Brockman and Rich Kaplan. The meeting was followed by brunch in the social room at Tradewinds. Many thanks to all who helped make this year’s annual meeting a success.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Update on the Painting of the Building & Railings -1/27/10 - Susan Niwinski @ 11:56 EST
ATTENTION RESIDENTS:

COMMEX PAINTING WILL BEGIN PAINTING THE STACKS WITH A TENTAVITE SCHEDULE LISTED BELOW. I WILL POST CHANGES AS NEEDED.

WHEN THEY PAINT THE STACKS KEEP IN MIND YOUR WINDOW SCREENS SHOULD BE IN YOUR UNIT, NO FURNITURE ON THE BALCONY, HURRICANE SHUTTERS OPENED & YOU ARE BEING ADVISED NOT TO BE ON THE BALONCY WHEN THEY ARE DOING YOUR STACK. THE PAINTERS WILL ALSO HAVE YOUR WINDOWS COVERED FOR ABOUT 1 WEEK.

MONDAY THRU FRIDAY 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

THANK YOU.
MANAGEMENT

FIRST SECTION -(01, 03, 05 and 07 stacks) are done except for a few touch ups. The 09 stack is completely done.
09 STACK (1205, 1109, 1009, 909, 809, 709, 609, 509, 409, 309 & 209)
05 STACK (1204, 1105, 1005, 905, 805, 705, 605, 505, 405, 305, 205 & 105).
03 STACK (1203, 1103, 1003, 903, 803, 703, 603, 503, 403, 303, 203 & 103).
01 STACK (1201, 1101, 1001, 901, 801, 701, 601, 501, 401, 301, 201 & 101).

SECTION TWO
EFFECTIVE JANUARY 11, 2010-BALCONY FURNITURE NEEDS TO BE INSIDE YOUR UNIT. THE PAINTERS WILL BE CROSSING OVER THE STACKS TO DO WORK WITHOUT NOTIFICATION TO THE OFFICE.
11 STACK (1207, 1111, 1011, 911, 811, 711, 611, 511,411, 311, 211 & 109).
13 STACK (1209, 1113, 1013, 913, 813,713, 613, 513, 413, 213 & 111).
15 STACK (1210, 1114, 1015, 915,815,715,615,515, 415,315,215 & 113).
17 STACK (1115, 1017, 917, 817, 717, 617, 517, 417, 317, 217 & 115).

The second section they are sanding down the railings, door and window frames. We are being told they should be done in 2 months which would make it the second week in March with that section. Keep in mind it also depends on the weather.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Update on Painting of the Building & Railings-12/29/09 - Susan Niwinski @ 13:29 EST
We are having the building and railings painted.

All balcony furniture is to be inside the unit when they are working on a section. The windows and sliding glass doors will be covered with plastic for about 10 days.

SECTIONS:
Units 209 thru 1109 & 1205
Units 107 thru 1107
Units 105 thru 1105 & 1204
Units 103 thru 1203
Units 101 thru 1201

COMMEX PAINTING WILL BEGIN WORKING ON THE SECTION LISTED BELOW JANUARY 11, 2010.
Units 109 & 211 thru 1111 & 1207
Units 111 & 213 thru 1113 & 1209
Units 113 & 215 thru 1015 & 1114 & 1210
Units 115 & 217 thru 1017 & 1115
We are being told this will take 2 months to complete (depending on the weather).

After 4:30PM, Monday thru Friday, some furniture can be put onto the balcony but needs to be brought in before 8:00AM the next day. The balconies will be dirty.

For the weekend, the furniture can go out on Friday after 4:30PM and in before 8:00AM Monday.

There will be noise when the painters are scraping the windows, doors, and railings down to metal to prepare for painting.

The completion date of this project is unknown at this time.

There will be a notice on the bulletin board in the lobby as to which section(s) they are working on.

If you have any questions, please contact the office at 239 394-7195.