Madeira Beach Yacht Club
2, September 2010 TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – If you need a new air conditioner, now may be the time to buy one. Starting today, Florida consumers who upgrade their air conditioning systems can qualify to receive a $1,500 rebate, under a program supported by members of the Florida House Democratic Caucus. TARA GALLAGHER 171 E Tara passed away from a head injury at 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 31, 2010. She has lived here since 2006 and worked at the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary. Arrangements are pending. The office will keep you informed of any services. Tara was 49 years old. Expressions of sympathy can be sent to: Bob & Erika Boice 5260 – 39th Ave. N. St. Petersburg, FL 33709 6, August 2010 August 18, 2010 Dear Fellow Supporters, Thanks to your continued participation, we are making progress on our goal of trying to put legislation in place to protect us from the efforts of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to drastically increase submerged land lease fees over the past few years. Our recent conference call on August 5, 2010 with the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA) was a good open dialogue. Agreement was reached on two key points: (1) The lease fee structure and language in the Florida Statutes and Florida Administrative Code is very complex and confusing and needs to be streamlined. (2) Private multi-family residences should be treated as residential and not lumped in with commercial entities. In addition to these points we have agreed to review SB1012 from the 2009 Legislative Session and submit our comments and changes to create a bill that Florida Homeowners for Fair Treatment could support. The OPPAGA staff has agreed in turn to analyze our draft language from the 2010 Session and offer their comments as well. As we continue to work with the OPPAGA staff on this study we are also directing our efforts in other directions in preparation of the 2011 Legislative Session. We will be having a meeting on August 27, 2010 with our lobbyist to plan our strategy moving forward. We have contacted all 3 gubernatorial candidates for their position on our issue. To date only Rick Scott’s office responded: “ As I indicated during our call, I have not had the opportunity to speak with Rick about this specific subject, however I can tell you that rules such as the one we discussed are the types of regulations that Rick believes need to be reviewed in order to determine if they serve a valid public purpose, if they are fair and if they should be eliminated. As Governor, Rick will not support any increase in the fees you are currently paying and I am sure he will be willing to have the DEP regulation in question reviewed.” Remember that the DEP attempted to get legislation passed during the last three years!! 350% increase in 2008 425% increase in 2009 And the SAME 425% increase in 2010 In 2010 the bill was not introduced due to the proactive and offensive actions of our coalition. We have again prevented ANOTHER huge increase and saved everyone thousands of dollars this year. This proves that we need to continue our goal of trying to get legislation in place to protect us from these runaway fees and increases. What can you do to support our efforts moving forward? 1. Donations are needed for expenses incurred which include our lobbyist, website maintenance, communication efforts, etc. 2. Contact your local legislators and let them know what you think. Write them a letter, not just an email, as well as calling them. 3. Go to town hall meetings and voice your opinion on our issues. 4. Continue to spread the word about our efforts. Please send your donations to: Terri Pentek 363 Pinellas Bayway #48 DEATHS He was employed by MYBCC in 2007 and was a great asset to the staff. Our hearts and prayers go out to Rick’s wife and family. Services will be held up north where the majority of his family lives. Expressions of sympathy can be sent to: Karen McClain 14045 Vivian Drive Madeira Beach, FL 33708 29, July 2010
Most everyone should be in possession of their proxies/ballots for the amendment change to definitively allow for the Association to charge a late fee on delinquent accounts. This is an important tool in keeping delinquencies in check in our community and one we strongly advocate. Vote your conscience, but vote. And please use the return envelopes provided.
Below is information of the Florida rebate program for new air conditioners. This can be very useful for folks considering a new one. It's a good rebate amount.
Florida Rebate Offers $1,500 Back
On New Air Conditioners
In an effort to stimulate the economy and make homes throughout Florida more energy-efficient, nearly $15 million has been set aside for the Florida ENERGY STAR® Residential HVAC Rebate Program. The program runs until Dec. 31 – or until the $15 million runs out.
“A program that saves money for consumers, creates revenue for business, and saves energy all at the same time is a home run in my book,” said Representative Janet Long, D-Seminole, a supporter of the new program.
The rebate program was approved through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (federal stimulus). The 2009 Florida Legislature approved the legislation allowing the Florida Energy and Climate Commission to apply for the federal grant. The State of Florida received $17.6 million to establish an ENERGY STAR® appliance rebate program and an additional $15 million to develop a residential program to increase energy efficiency within the home.
The rebate applies to the purchase of new central air conditioners, air source heat pumps or geothermal heat pump that meet all the requirements of the Florida ENERGY STAR® Residential HVAC Rebate Program. One such requirement is to have the home duct system tested, indicating that there is no more than 15 percent leakage to the outside. The rebate will come in the form of an American Express Prepaid Card preloaded with the value of rebate determined by processor. The American Express Prepaid card is issued by American Express and is able to be used at merchants and retailers in the United States that accept the American Express Card; however, it cannot be used at cruise lines, casinos, ATMs, or for recurring charges (such as monthly utilities or subscriptions).
To qualify, homeowners must have their home air ducts tested, and there must be minimal leakage to the outdoors.
For more details and to learn how you can qualify for the rebate, go to www.rebates.com/floridahvac.
31, August 2010
DEATHS
It's hard to believe this is the first entry for August. On the other hand, it's been so darn hot, no one's been moving fast enough to be interesting enough to write about!
Here is an update on the Land Lease issue. This issue si for our vessel owners as well as the rest of it. If we're successful in getting rid of this requirement, our Association saves 13 THOUSAND dollars a year. That's money back in our pocket. Have a look:
Rick McCLain
Maintenance
Rick McClain passed away late Friday afternoon on July 30, 2010 after a battle with cancer. He died peacefully with his wife, brother and son at his side.
OK, seriously. When is it really going to get hot? Good gravy!
The spa has been down for a few days. We are waiting on a part. It's hard to imagine anyone wants to get into hot water in the summertime in Florida, but hey, it's an amenity. We'll get it up and running just as quickly as we can.
Speaking of the heat, remember our hard working maintenance and landscape people. Feel free to give them a bottle of water or a soda if you see them out there. They'll be most appreciative.
Thanks to all the owners who took advantage of the discounted rates they gave us to repair and replace old screens in the complex. The work that was done came out great and everyone was pleased with the more than half off prices. It makes the complex look all that much better!
21, July 2010
Our apologies for the hiatus. It's the dog days of summer as they call them and so time just slips by.
Besides the fact that it's hot as Hades outside, it's business as usual at MBYCC. Despite the rains, it was reported that everyone had a good 4th of July. Glad to hear it!
A couple of issues: One involves vandalism. For the most part, we are a well-behaved group here at the Yacht Club and have only rarely had occurences like these, but in the course of the last month we had several instances of malicious vandalism on our common grounds, caused, near as we know, by short-term renters. We are reviewing our rental policies and putting rental agenices on notice, and owners and full-time residents can do their part by reporting any activity to the office. Let's all play nice, right?
Secondly, there has been a slow learning curve on the new traffic direction on Medallion. A good number of vehicles has been observed going the wrong way despite several signs and large arrows in the road indicating the new direction. The original intention of establishing the one way in the first place was to improve safety. It's hardly safe, folks, to be driving the wrong way on a one-way road. Please take note, if any accident were to occur, the driver going the wrong way would be unquestionably the one at fault, and could be charged accordingly. This is not just an Association issue, it's also one of personal responsibility.
We continue to improve the landscape of the community and are about to begin another phase in September.
Our roofs seem to be holding up great through the rainy season. Anyone noticing anything please let us know immediately.
