Monday, September 19, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Friday, October 22, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Your Money and Where It Goes
To go there click on MLC Journal here or on the MLN Home page, enter your password and proceed to the Finance Section, where you will find the monthly Financial Reports through September of 2010.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Friday, November 20, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Your Money and Where It Goes
To go there click on MLC Journal here or on the MLN Home page, enter your password and proceed to the Finance Section, where you will find the monthly Financial Reports through August.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Mirror Lake Manager's Corner
Except for my three days in the office, Lou in Maintenance and some outside professional services, a Condominium Association is staffed by volunteers. This limits what we can do, as these difficult times burden us with many very time consuming tasks not ordinarily faced by volunteer personnel and staff. It is essential that you participate in areas where you have expertise. It is also necessary that you utilize, as much as possible, the tools we have put in place for you to reduce the demand on staff time. Remind others of their responsibilities; required forms and other relevant information can be obtained from the web site. Other government entities and institutions require you to do so; why not save your own money and participate in upholding the quality of life at Mirror Lake. As an owner it is your investment at stake and as a renter, the place you call home.
Please read the full report here.
Please read the full report here.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Openness & Transparency
Mirror Lake News and the community is greatly benefiting from the efforts of Kimberly Light, our Property Manager, to foster openness and transparency in conducting the business of the Mirror Lake Condominium Association. We believe that this attitude will help us improve the timeliness and clarity of the information posted for your benefit.
Some of these efforts may take time to be properly implemented. A new and fully inclusive “Monthly Financial Report” is currently under development. This report promises to make it easier for laypersons to understand the financial picture and also correlate the actual expenses to a more refined budget.
To receive the various mailings, it is essential that everyone inform Kimberly of their address and email information.
Some of these efforts may take time to be properly implemented. A new and fully inclusive “Monthly Financial Report” is currently under development. This report promises to make it easier for laypersons to understand the financial picture and also correlate the actual expenses to a more refined budget.
To receive the various mailings, it is essential that everyone inform Kimberly of their address and email information.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Mirror Lake Manager's Corner
For those that have not yet met Kimberly Light, the MLCA Property Manager, here is an opportunity to get to know her better. We hope that "Kim's Corner" will be a regular feature.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
Mirror Lake Hires New Property Manager
The Board of Directors of the Mirror Lake Condominium Association hired a new Property Manager. Her name is Kimberly Light. She holds a BS degree from the University of Akron, Ohio and completed an MBA Program with Case Western Reserve University of Cleveland, Ohio. Kimberly, most recently, worked as a Community Association Manager for Fairway Bay Association of Longboat Key.
Kimberly will begin her employment at Mirror Lake on December 29, 2008. The exact office hours will still need to be established by the Board of MLCA.
We wish Kimberly the best in her new endeavor.
Kimberly will begin her employment at Mirror Lake on December 29, 2008. The exact office hours will still need to be established by the Board of MLCA.
We wish Kimberly the best in her new endeavor.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Condo law gets a big makeover
Published: Sunday, November 23, 2008 at 1:00 a.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, November 20, 2008 at 3:20 p.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, November 20, 2008 at 3:20 p.m.
Commentary
The Florida Legislature has ushered in the most sweeping changes to its condominium law since the early 1990s. Restrictions on board eligibility, penalties for volunteer directors charged with technical violations of the law, and an acknowledgment that boards need to act fast in the face of disasters dominated the agenda. Insurance, a favorite target for change, has been tinkered with and will need yet another fix next year.
Condominiums were created in Florida with a bare-bones Act of the Legislature in 1963. The law has grown to more than 60 pages and spawned a regulatory agency with its own voluminous regulations (every condo unit owner in Florida pays $4 per unit for this oversight.)
Florida's condominium law is considered consumer-protection legislation. Ridding the state of the stereotype of developers selling swampland made way for the unprecedented growth in the real estate market that has largely dominated the past 50 years. The Florida Legislature wisely moved to block developers from imposing "sweetheart deals" on buyers, many of whom were and continue to be seasonal. Over the years, escalating land and recreational leases have been deemed unconscionable. The amount of disclosure that must be provided to a prospective purchaser (from a developer on an original purchase, or on a subsequent transfer) has become extensive. A seller who fails to comply essentially with the law allows a buyer to walk away without penalty, or, in certain circumstances, even rescind a deal that has already closed.
The 2008 Legislature apparently determined this year, and not for the first time, that what or whom the average condominium resident needs to be protected from was none other than their own volunteer board of directors, i.e. their neighbors. Much of the genesis of this kind of lawmaking comes from anecdotal evidence presented to various lawmakers, who are usually from the other coast. If a lawmaker or constituent has a mother with a bad experience with a "rogue" board of directors, it is not unusual to see the "fix" for that problem codified within a few years.
The Condominium and Planned Development Committee of the Florida Bar has the services of a professional lobbyist. In addition, a few law firms concentrating their practices in the field also have established lobbying arms to ameliorate the effects of some of the more drastic legislation. These efforts have succeeded to an extent. However, legislators without a "dog in the hunt" do not pay particular interest in condominium association bills, and, as a result, legislators with an axe to grind, or an ox that got gored, on a subject related to condominiums frequently get their way.
For instance, original legislation this year called for criminal sanctions for volunteer board members who fail to maintain official records (this could mean the misplacement of a six-year-old set of meeting minutes). Lobbying efforts succeeded in getting criminal sanctions removed. Civil penalties (monetary damages) were left in the finally adopted law, though, which should make anyone considering serving on a board think twice.
I have represented condominium associations for more than 20 years in Southwest Florida, and I know that it is very difficult to recruit members to serve on a board. Yet, when I read law like that which passed in 2008 and is in effect now, it would almost seem like people were fighting for the chance to be elected or appointed -- only to abuse their power and commit crimes in the place where they or their loved ones live, and where they, like their neighbors, will share in the repercussions of their actions.
A case in point is a change made to Section 718.112(2)(d)3. of the Condominium Act. The new law now requires every candidate for the board to certify on a form that has already been adopted by the state that the candidate has read and understands "to the best of their ability" the condominium documents, the State Statutes and applicable Administrative Rules. The agency has interpreted the law to be that any candidate now running for the board in a condominium association is not eligible unless they complete the form. I question whether the sponsors of the bill that made its way into law (or even attorneys for that matter) could honestly complete such a certification. The latest information is that the agency, upon a complaint, could invalidate an election if all certificates were not received.
A positive note is the adoption of "emergency powers" for boards in the aftermath of a disaster. Although pro-active association attorneys have long included similar powers in a community's governing documents, the powers have not been recognized in law until now. Ironically, in a year where the law seems to reflect a perception that boards are out of control, this law correctly addresses the need for boards to have extraordinary powers in the aftermath of hurricanes and other emergencies. These powers include the rights to order evacuation, mitigate damage, dry out and secure units, levy special assessments and borrow money without owner approval.
Finally, a number of technical and ultimately flawed amendments were made to the insurance sections of the Condominium Act. Depending on the condominium, certain burdens for insurance may have shifted. All owners and associations should consult with their insurance professionals to confirm that no gaps in coverage exist.
Tamela Wiseman is a board-certified real estate attorney with Becker & Poliakoff, P.A. This article is not intended as specific legal advice to anyone.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Mirror Lake News
The Board of Directors currently consists of Char-Lez Braden, Grigory Zaritsky, Homer Campbell, Joseph Frederick and Evelyn Moore.
It is our understanding that the contract with the Property Management Company (C&S) expires the end of July and that effective immediately all property mamagement activities will be administrated by the Board of Directors working out of the office by the Cabana. The office will be staffed daily by Greg Zaritsky for four hours, two of which will be for the benefit of residents. Check the office for the specific times.
We have asked the BoD to publish and provide us with the phone and fax numbers, along with any other procedural changes of importance to the community. We currently do not know the impact of these changes with respect to what we usually try to publish in a timely manner to inform the owners , primarily the Board Agenda and Minutes of Meetings, as well as the Financial Reports, So, please be patient during this transition and we are sure everything will fall in place in time.
As we receive relevant information we will let you know more in the next MLN Newsletter.
It is our understanding that the contract with the Property Management Company (C&S) expires the end of July and that effective immediately all property mamagement activities will be administrated by the Board of Directors working out of the office by the Cabana. The office will be staffed daily by Greg Zaritsky for four hours, two of which will be for the benefit of residents. Check the office for the specific times.
We have asked the BoD to publish and provide us with the phone and fax numbers, along with any other procedural changes of importance to the community. We currently do not know the impact of these changes with respect to what we usually try to publish in a timely manner to inform the owners , primarily the Board Agenda and Minutes of Meetings, as well as the Financial Reports, So, please be patient during this transition and we are sure everything will fall in place in time.
As we receive relevant information we will let you know more in the next MLN Newsletter.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Mirror Lake News
Read April's Mirror Lake News. This newsletter covers a single topic, specifically the interest of the Board of Directors of Mirror Lake to solicit support for gating the community.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Monthly Assessment for 2008
The proposed budget for 2008 is now available for your review in the MLC Journal section.
New Board of Directors
Char-lez Braden, President
941-527-8610
John Palmer, Vice President
941-756-8777
Homer Campbell, Treasurer
941-725-0500
Grigory Zaritsky, Secretary
941-758-7552
Joseph Frederick, Director
814-694-2944
The Audio Minutes of the Membership & BOD meeting is now available in the MLC Journal section.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Friday, July 20, 2007
Joseph Frederick New Board Member
Joseph (Jay) Frederick joined the Board as a new member. Congratulations! We are all confident that his expertise as general contractor and plumber will help the community greatly in this period of on-going building repairs and water supply related problems. We want to thank Jay especially for coming to Mirror Lake in July to address issues requiring his expertise.
We hope that his engagement will set an example and cause others with a specific expertise to apply for a position on the board. This type of involvement in community affairs does not require year-around residency.
We hope that his engagement will set an example and cause others with a specific expertise to apply for a position on the board. This type of involvement in community affairs does not require year-around residency.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
BOD Treasurer Evelyn Moore Resigns
From MirrorLakeRoundTable (June 21, 2007):
Hello community,
Due to conflicting schedules, work being busy, I have elected to resign today. It is not fair to the community or the board to not be involved as I once was. I reqret I have to resign, but I just don't have the time now to devote to the Board.
Thank you for the support, and please continue supporting the board as they work very hard to make Mirror Lake a place we call home.
See you at the meetings, on the other side of the table.
Evelyn Moore
Hello community,
Due to conflicting schedules, work being busy, I have elected to resign today. It is not fair to the community or the board to not be involved as I once was. I reqret I have to resign, but I just don't have the time now to devote to the Board.
Thank you for the support, and please continue supporting the board as they work very hard to make Mirror Lake a place we call home.
See you at the meetings, on the other side of the table.
Evelyn Moore
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Monthly Assessment
"The proposals we have gathered is not the final word. Sadly the actions taken in Tallahassee
We will wait until that expiration date has passed and seen the effects before making any decisions about fee changes.
Char-Lez"
Those were the last words of the President of Mirror Lake before leaving for his new residence elsewhere. For more news on the insurance and assessment topics, check out the MLC Journal in mirrorlakenews.com. There, you'll find financial data, news and replies from the Expenditure Review Committee (ERC), the Audio Minutes of the February Meeting of the Mirror Lake Board, as well as the Audio Minutes of the February Community Meeting.
We will wait until that expiration date has passed and seen the effects before making any decisions about fee changes.
Char-Lez"
Those were the last words of the President of Mirror Lake before leaving for his new residence elsewhere. For more news on the insurance and assessment topics, check out the MLC Journal in mirrorlakenews.com. There, you'll find financial data, news and replies from the Expenditure Review Committee (ERC), the Audio Minutes of the February Meeting of the Mirror Lake Board, as well as the Audio Minutes of the February Community Meeting.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Saturday, February 03, 2007
Mirror Lake "Expenditure Review Committee" (ERC)
The Mirror Lake "Expenditure Review Committee" (ERC) was formed by two concerned resident/owners, B.J. Green and Rainer Noess, late in January 2007. Currently, its primary purpose is the review of the 2007 budget with special focus on the insurance related expenditure and its impact on our community. ERC's goal is to achieve a roll back of our “Association Fee”, if the budgeted insurance increase does not materialize as previously estimated and projected. This committee and its objectives have been sanctioned by the Mirror Lake Board of Directors.
Keep informed on future developments in the ERC section of the MLC Journal.
Keep informed on future developments in the ERC section of the MLC Journal.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Florida governor signs legislation designed to lower property insurance costs
By Associated Press Thursday, January 25, 2007 - Updated: 03:30 PM EST
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida’s new governor signed a bill Thursday that could lower property-owners’ insurance costs, although it means that the state could have to pay billions of dollars if a catastrophic hurricane hit.
The measure was passed by lawmakers in a special session Monday. It was the first signed by Gov. Charlie Crist, who took office earlier this month.
The bill aims to cut into the skyrocketing cost of home insurance that many Florida residents, especially those on the coasts, have seen since the busy hurricane seasons of 2004 and 2005. Many have seen premiums more than double or triple.
Although the measure will provide some relief to a large number of home owners, how much remains murky. Estimates range from 5 percent for many inland customers to averages of nearly 20 percent for others, particularly those on the coast.
Also unclear is exactly when people will see savings.
A key provision of the bill forces an immediate rate decrease for Florida’s largest insurance company, state-created Citizens Property Insurance Corp., and cancel another planned increase for the company.
The bill also seeks to lower rates to make more state backup insurance available to private insurance companies. By taking on more of the responsibility to pay out of the Hurricane Catastrophe Fund if there is a large storm, the state will reduce insurers’ ultimate risk, cutting their need to raise rates. But the state and its residents take on that risk.
The backup coverage also will be cheaper than the private reinsurance that most companies buy, immediately cutting one of their biggest costs. Those savings will also be passed on to consumers.
The measure also makes an effort to allow consumers to change their coverage to try to save money. Besides going without wind coverage, some might be able to have a higher deductible, for example. Many of those changes, however, won’t be available to homeowners who haven’t paid off their house, because mortgage lenders often dictate how much coverage they must have.
The state’s second-largest insurer, State Farm Florida Insurance Co., and other private insurance industry officials generally don’t like most of the bill, complaining that it discourages companies from wanting to do business here by artificially suppressing rates.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida’s new governor signed a bill Thursday that could lower property-owners’ insurance costs, although it means that the state could have to pay billions of dollars if a catastrophic hurricane hit.
The measure was passed by lawmakers in a special session Monday. It was the first signed by Gov. Charlie Crist, who took office earlier this month.
Although the measure will provide some relief to a large number of home owners, how much remains murky. Estimates range from 5 percent for many inland customers to averages of nearly 20 percent for others, particularly those on the coast.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Availability of MLCA Documents
The following documentation from the Mirror Lake Condominium Association is not available.
- December 2006 Financial Report
- November 2006 “
- December 2006 “
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Articles Regarding the Insurance Crisis
Evelyn Moore provided these links to articles about the crisis in FL regarding Property Insurance.
Friday, November 17, 2006
Homer Campbell Resigns from MLCA Board
At the MLCA Board meeting on November 16 residents were informed of the resignation of Homer Campbell from the board. No further details were given.
Saturday, September 02, 2006
Pictures of the Refurbished Deck
The deck is finally open again for use by the residents. It looks nice and hopefully signals more improvements to come.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Letter from Char-Lez Braden
Recently, Mirror Lake News had a meeting with Char-Lez Braden, President of the Mirror Lake Condominium Association. Meanwhile we have received the following letter.
Click here to read it.
Click here to read it.
Saturday, August 12, 2006
News
Work on the deck has resumed and promises to be completed shortly. Buildings are being pressure washed. In addition to Homer Campbell, who resumed his earlier maintenance duties, a new full-time maintenance person has been hired and is being trained by Homer.
Friday, July 21, 2006
Char-Lez Braden New President of MLCA
Dianne Lamb-Elliott assumes position of Vice President due to health reasons.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
To all Owners and Residents of Mirror Lake
There will be another meeting to voice your ideas, concerns and to ask questions of the board. The board wants to hear your ideas and concerns in a format that is not so formal, letting everyone talk about whatever they would like to share.
It will be next Tuesday July 25th at 7pm in the cabana.
We hope to see you there. The Board of Directors at Mirror Lake
It will be next Tuesday July 25th at 7pm in the cabana.
We hope to see you there. The Board of Directors at Mirror Lake
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
June 2006 Financial Report Available
The Financial Report for June has been published. The trend outlined in our July Newsletter continues with a further increase in the deficit for Administration. The line item for Postage/Printing jumped from a surplus of $60 through May to a shortfall of $1247 through June. It looks like we spent $1516 for Postage/Printing in June. In the first half of this year we spent double what was budgeted.
Check it out here.
Check it out here.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Road Cleared
The roadway blocked since May 15 due to multiple water main breaks has been paved.
The work was done by Anderson Asphalt & Concrete Services
The work was done by Anderson Asphalt & Concrete Services
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Water Main Break III
Hello Residents & Owners.
We have had another water main break. The water will be shut off at midnight tonight. Please fill your tub with water.
If you need more water you can fill a bucket from the pool. The plumbers will be there in the morning to begin repairs. We do not have any idea how long it might take so watch for the sign posted at the front. The road will be closed at P-Q buildings, so if you live beyond those buildings you need to enter to the left. We are sorry for the unfortunate event and hope to have the pipe fixed as soon as possible.
The Board of Mirror Lake Condominium Assoc., Inc. Dianne Lamb-Elliott - President
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:
(May 28,2006) - The main line leak has been repaired and the water is back on. Fortunately it was only a 2 inch main this time rather than than a 6 inch main like the time before. We would like to remind you that for your safety, you may want to boil drinking and cooking water for the next 24 hours. - Management
We have had another water main break. The water will be shut off at midnight tonight. Please fill your tub with water.
If you need more water you can fill a bucket from the pool. The plumbers will be there in the morning to begin repairs. We do not have any idea how long it might take so watch for the sign posted at the front. The road will be closed at P-Q buildings, so if you live beyond those buildings you need to enter to the left. We are sorry for the unfortunate event and hope to have the pipe fixed as soon as possible.
The Board of Mirror Lake Condominium Assoc., Inc. Dianne Lamb-Elliott - President
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:
(May 28,2006) - The main line leak has been repaired and the water is back on. Fortunately it was only a 2 inch main this time rather than than a 6 inch main like the time before. We would like to remind you that for your safety, you may want to boil drinking and cooking water for the next 24 hours. - Management
Friday, May 19, 2006
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Water Main Break II
We are out of water again.
Washers and Water Heaters are burning up. The C&S approved contractor busted the pipe.
Washers and Water Heaters are burning up. The C&S approved contractor busted the pipe.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Water Main Break
Monday, May 8, 2006 through Tuesday, May 9, 2006 near the office.
We were out of water for over 27 hours
We were out of water for over 27 hours
