Deercreek newsletter top logo image
Newsletter August 2011

Deercreek Owners Association
Volume XV     Issue 8   

In This Issue
DCCOA
Reserve the Pavilion
Reminder to Residents
Market Update
Homeowners Insurance Comparison
Redistricting Meeting
T - L - C
Women's Alliance
Garden Club
Passion for Reading
Finance Committee Report   

As of 03/30/2011:

  

Revenues: 

    $388,096

 

Expenses        

$384,215

   

Balance           

$ 3,881

 

Reserve Fund  

 $ 241,405

 

Receivables  

$99,845

 

Rec. over 90 days  

$  84,629

 
EVENTS

DCCOA   

  

August 4, Thursday
7 PM - ARB
 

August 10, Wednesday

6 PM Access Control

 

7PM Common Property

 

 

August 18, Thursday

6:00 PM - Covenants Enforcement

 

7 PM - Finance

 

 

August 25, Thursday

7 PM Board of Directors

 

 

 

September 21, Wednesday

7 PM Communications


  
EDGEWATER

 

August 18, Thursday

7 PM-HOA Board

 

 

 

COMMUNITY   

 

August 15, Monday
10AM  Literary Circle
 
August 25, Thursday
9:30 AM  Bunco, contact Pat Register, 363-0230


11:30 AM  Golden Acorn Award Luncheon

 

 


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Bargain Avenue

Highlights from the June Meeting
Board Meeting of the DCCOA

The DCCOA Board of Directors assembled at Deercreek Country Club on June 23, 2011 for a regularly scheduled meeting.  A quorum was established and the board was called to order.  The President made two motions, one to approve the agenda and the other to approve the minutes from May 26th.  A guest of the Board, the ARB Committee Chairman, was recognized by the President and invited to discuss the ARB report at the appropriate time in the agenda.      

The first order of business was the Property Managers Report.  Motion was made to send several owners who remain in violation to Covenants Enforcement for a hearing.  The motion was passed and those owners will be referred for further action.  Mention was made of the upcoming road project in October/November and planning needs to start at this time.  The exit gate arm is broken again and it will cost $1,700 to replace the failed motor and $3,100 to purchase a new box.  A motion was made to replace the motor at $1,700 dollars and it was passed.  The saw horse barriers at the gate house are in disrepair and need replacing for $125 each.  A motion was made and passed to replace them.  Finally, a home owner contacted May Management and asked about removal of a tree stump in a lake made visible by the low water level.  The owner was informed this was not part of the lake maintenance contract and would most likely be cost prohibitive understanding that the lake levels will rise. 

The Access Control Report covered the difficulty with finding a vendor for the upgrade of our access control gate.  Also covered was a rash in thefts from unlocked vehicles within the complex.  The perpetrators go throughout the complex between 1-5 a.m. and try the doors of cars parked in driveways.  This appears to be a cyclical occurrence correlated to the ending of school.  Historically, once entry is gained only expensive items that may be mistaken by the owner as misplaced have been stolen; items such as sun glasses, I-pods, sports equipment.  The recent thefts have escalated to finding garage door openers and accessing the garage and selectively stealing expensive items such as golf clubs.   The JSO and DCCOA security have been contacted and are aware of the problem. 

The ARB Chairmen explained that in the beginning of the ARB a set of guidelines were in place with regards to basketball goals, play sets, fountains, flag poles and others, which were never formally approved by the board of directors.  There is no provision for guidelines in the covenants.  In March of 1995 the developer established a set of ARB policies and procedures.  There were some policy positions or precedence, like putting up a fence on the property line.  The ARB then decided to create a list of specifications for pre-approval of certain items.    These policy positions are meant to inform the public on how the ARB regards certain projects but approval is still needed.  Pete Gentry mentioned that there are Florida Statues to follow as well.  The ARB Chairman also mentioned that if a homeowners' application is denied, the homeowner could appeal it to the board of directors, which can over-rule the ARB's decision.  The President directed an article be included in the next newsletter to inform all the owners of this information. 

Covenant Enforcement Hearing Committee reported that four homeowners attended the meeting. Three of these were regarding lawn issues that have been corrected.  One owner asked the committee to be more understanding of the economic times and apply a more lenient approach to their efforts. On individual cases the decision of the Covenant Enforcement Hearing Committee is final. The Board only rules on policy decisions.

Common Property reported the establishment of a reservation form for use of the playground and/or pavilion for special events.  A motion was made to approve the form and the motion was passed. 

The Communications Committee reported progress on the agreement with the Florida Times Union to publish the first addition of Deercreek Living in September.  This full color news letter suitable for coffee table display is at no cost to the community and will feature articles from the Women's alliance, Garden Club, Deercreek Country Club, and each DCCOA committee.  This publication will be delivered to each homeowner.  
A new business discussion was had regarding requests to companies to bid on the landscaping, lake maintenance and security.  It is the board's responsibility to ask for management company bids.   When the proposals come in to May Management they will then present them to the liaison of each committee at a Board Meeting. The committee's liaison will take them back to their committees for review and will then make a recommendation to the board at the next meeting. 

Update on Legal and Financial Issues at Deercreek.  

 

The Association has approximately 12 properties that have severely impacted the financial health of the community. The total amount for these properties is $95,000. These properties have assessments, interest, late fees, work orders, and legal fees included in the monies owed the association. Six of the properties represent absentee owners who no longer reside at their properties. Legal action continues even though the property owners do not physically live on premises.

 

The association continues to take the appropriate legal action (liens, money judgments) in order to recoup the monies owed. Our attorney is very pro active in attempting to resolve the varying issues and complexities of each case and there are many. The good news is that action to date has resulted in receivables of approximately $19,000, however other past dues continue to mount or another property owner surfaces. It is an ongoing cycle. Property owners who are in arrears over $1000 and ninety days overdue will have their bar code de-activated and not re instated until full payment is received.

 

Unfortunately, within our budget we have to accrue funds to cover any potential losses incurred by non collection. Your Board of Directors and the financial committee; along with May Management constantly review these properties and the monies owed to insure we can cover these liabilities. Unfortunately, in today's climate bad debt is a key indicator into an association's fiscal health and is a burden to all other residents.

 

We thank those residents who adhere to their obligations and help support a healthy financial picture for the association.

Your next quarterly assessment is due October 1, 2011.





Call the Guard Gate to Reserve the Pavilion 

 

By Carol D'Onofrio

 

Are you planning a birthday party for your child or a picnic for a family reunion? If so, perhaps you might consider reserving the Pavilion at the Deercreek Playground for that special event.

The three covered picnic tables provide ample space for a large gathering, and there is plenty of parking available in the lot between the playground and the Tennis Pro Shop. The kids can enjoy the well-equipped and safe play equipment while the older ones might play a game of basketball or volleyball nearby.
 
If you would like to reserve the Pavilion, please fill out the form.

See link below.  The security guard will be pleased to record your reservation. There is no charge for use of the area. All that is asked is that you return the area to the same condition you found it and dispose of any trash you generate before you leave.

Print and fill out the Playground Pavilion Facilities Form and turn it into the Guard Gate. Questions may be directed to the Gate at  363-2147 or Mary Stelbrink at 363-2360.

 


Reminder to Residents:
Enjoy the View,
But Please Stay off the Course

 

 

The Deercreek golf course is not a public park, it's a private club. You should not be biking, walking your dog, jogging, etc. on the course.  

 

Work is being done of the course, both with heavy machinery and with chemical applications most mornings. This is not safe for you or your pet.    

 

Also, please note that the dumpster at the Country Club is not for community use.  It is for club use only. When it gets filled with resident's garbage, there is no room left for the Club's garbage and they must pay for extra dumpings.

 

It's always a pleasure to stroll through the Deercreek neighborhood with its beautiful green spaces and golf course views, but please remember to stay on the sidewalks and off the golf course.

 


Deercreek Market Update

 

Year- Over-Year Comparison

(January-July, 2010 compared to January-July, 2011)

 

Deercreek

7/29/2010

7/29/2011

Change

New Listings

46

25

-45%

Under Contract

15

21

+40%

Sold Listings

13

17

+30%

Sold Volume

$5,412,850

$6,381,550

+17%

Average Sale Price

$416,373

$375,385

-9%

List Price to Sale

Price Differential

 

91%

 

94%

 

+3%

Total Inventory

61

51

-16%

 

Deercreek activity for this year to date has been positive, with sold listings up 30% over last year.  Distressed properties, however, helped to bring the average sale price down 9%.  Non-distressed property owners have had to adjust pricing to face the realities of the market, bridging the gap between list price and sales price.  New listings are considerably down compared to last year, helping to bring the total number of homes on the market down by 16%.

 

 

 

NEW LISTINGS

 

BEDS/

BATHS

 

SQ. FEET

 

LIST PRICE

LIST

PRICE/SF

 

SOLD PRICE

SOLD PRICE/SF

 

8206 Chester Lake Rd.

 

4/3.5

 

2827

 

$379,000

 

$134

 

 

 

10109 Vineyard Lake Rd.

 

5/3.5

 

3144

 

$444,900

 

$142

 

 

 

 

PENDING SALES

 

 

 

 

 

 

10096 Persimmon Hill Ct.

 

5/4

 

3061

 

$392,924

 

$128

 

 

8221 Ashworth Ct.

 

4/3.5

 

3175

 

$452,900

 

$143

 

 

10282 Cypress Lakes Dr.

 

5/4.5

 

3826

 

$474,900

 

$124

 

 

10092 E. Vneyard     Lake Rd.

 

4/3

 

3079

 

$469,900

 

$153

 

 

 

 

SOLD LISTINGS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8056 Ashworth Ct.

 

4/4

 

3039

 

$269,900

 

$89

 

$315,000

 

$104

 

10114 Bishop Lake Rd.

 

5/3.5

 

3575

 

$449,900

 

$126

 

$425,000

 

$119

 

10008 Randallstown Ln.

 

4/4.5

 

3392

 

$487,900

 

$144

 

$467,000

 

$138

 


 

Easy Homeowners Insurance Comparison

 

With rising homeowner's insurance costs, it may be time to shop rates. The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation launched an interactive program to help Florida homeowners shop for rates. The new system, Consumer Homeowners' Insurance Comparison Electronic System (CHOICES) doesn't offer quotes on a specific home, since there is no way to key in details. Instead, it offers two home examples and generates, county-by-county, a range of costs as they would apply to that sample home. Those rates can be used as a yardstick to compare carriers before calling for a direct quote. You can find the information at: http://www.floir.com/choices



 Special Redistricting Meeting -
July 13, 2011

 

Danny Becton opened the meeting by welcoming members of District 3, Southeast CPAC and guests. A special introduction was made for New City Council Members Bill Gulliford District 13 and Lori Boyer District 5. Also to Scott Wilson, Asst. to Council Member Don Redman District 4. There were approximately 30+ members and citizens in attendance.

 

The purpose of the meeting was to highlight the current Re-Districting process taking place in our city of Jacksonville. Re-Districting is a process that takes place every 10 years based on the updated Census information provided by the Federal Government that dictates our political representation for City Council Members and School Board Representatives. This special meeting was to provide a forum to update the community on COJ progress in redrawing the new district lines and to obtain input and have a community discussion on the strengths and issues of the current City Council Districts. The meeting would focus on City Council Districts 4, 5, 6 and 13 as to their majority representation within CPAC District 3.

 

The meeting began with a presentation by committee host and facilitator, Danny Becton, Chair of the Southeast CPAC Growth Management and Transportation committee. Danny presented the attendees with an update, timeline and up-to-date progress report of the City of Jacksonville (COJ) reapportionment committee.

Also provided was the past and up-coming makeup of the reapportionment committee as a change was made by the new Council President Joost. It was noted that only Matt Schellenberg and John Crescimbeni were the only "South" of the river Council Members on the new committee.

Presentation also included the following information:

 

-      Total Population to be used for Re-Districting which is 864,263.

-      The ideal District sizes for the new Council Districts would be 61,733 in total population.

-      The Ideal District for At-Large Council Districts would be 172,853.

-      Districts may only have a 10% variance from largest to smallest.

-      Reapportionment committee established principles included:

  • Compactness
  • Communities of Interest
  • Contiguity or Contiguous
  • Incumbency for Council and School Board Members
  • Preservation of existing Districts

 

Also included in Danny's presentation was an historical review of the City Council Districts since consolidations. Maps including the Council District from 1960, 70, 80's, 90 and today were presented as well as today's At-Large Council Districts and School Board Districts was reviewed.

 

Objectives of the special meeting of the District 3, Southeast CPAC were discussed which included:

-      Paying attention to Districts 4, 5, 6, 13 & 3, 9

-      District Concerns and Issues

  • Communities of Interest
  • Compactness
  • Contiguity
  • Preservation of existing

-      Separation of District 13, Major priority on splitting The Beaches from the Southside (West of Inter-coastal).

-      Creation of a new Southside District, keeping it preserved, compact and with inclusion of all communities of interest.

 

Danny opened the floor for a thorough discussion of input and recommendations for 1) current District strengths, 2) current District opportunities and issues, 3) review of current COJ reapportionment maps and 4) discussions of likes and dislikes of the current progress within those maps. It appeared as if most were in agreement as to the recommendations and were happy to have the opportunity to provide input along with an exchange of ideas for the future of the reapportionment process for the city. The attendees were encouraged by the Chair to provide written input as to their existing district and to have their thought on issues, like and dislikes for the proposed district proposals known.

 

As any other proposals are made the Southeast Citizens Planning Action Committee (CPAC) will keep their members apprised of all issues.

Full minutes from the meetings will be posted on the Deercreek web site www.deercreekcc.com under CPAC. For further information, contact our CPAC representative Danny Becton at [email protected]



T - L - C 

 

JSO Wants YOU to Practice T-L-C A Guide to Preventing Auto Burglaries

 

AUTO BURGLARIES ARE PREVENTABLE

Most thefts from motor vehicles are preventable. There are just a few things you need to do to prevent them. Once you realize the steps you need to take, we need you to do them all the time:

 

PRACTICE T - L - C

  • Take Out Valuables.
    If you can leave your valuables at home, do so. Otherwise, when you get to your destination, take valuables with you. If you have to leave them in your vehicle... place them in your trunk
    prior to reaching your destination.
  • Lock Your Vehicle.
    Verify that your vehicle is securely locked before leaving the area. Keyless or remote locking systems can malfunction from a low battery, etc. leaving your vehicle unlocked. Make sure it's locked!
  • Close Windows and Sun/Moon Roof
    Windows and sun/moon roof (if equipped) allows a thief a quick & quiet way to enter your vehicle. Even a crack in the window makes the thief's job so much easier. Verify that your vehicle's windows are rolled up and the sun/moon roof is closed before leaving the vehicle.

 

COMMON STOLEN ITEMS

You might be surprised just what thieves are looking for, or what victims make easily available to them:

  • Portable Personal Entertainment Systems
  • Prescription Drugs
  • Global Positioning Satellite Systems
  • Credit Cards
  • Keys and Remotes
  • Check Books
  • Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)
  • Cameras
  • Lap-top Computers
  • Cell Phones
  • Firearms
  • Compact Discs
  • Pull-out Stereo Systems
  • Address Books
  • Receipts
  • Purses
  • Jewelry
  • Money
  • Jackets
  • Gym Bags & Sports Equipment
  • Luggage
  • Garage Door Openers
  • Briefcases
  • Your Identity

 

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION

It is important to take care when you park your vehicle. Thieves are looking for vehicles they can enter with the least possibility of someone watching and thereby alerting authorities.

 

Ideally, the best place to park is in your locked garage. Otherwise, here are other important factors to consider:

 

Don't:

  • Don't park where others cannot see your vehicle, such as behind buildings, shrubbery, landscaping berms or larger vehicles/trucks.
  • Don't park in all-day unattended parking areas.
  • Don't trust your vehicle remote to lock your doors.
  • Don't park in a parking lot and then transfer valuable items to your trunk, where a thief might observe.

Do:

  • Do park in well lit areas.
  • Do park where your vehicle is visible to others.
  • Do verify that your vehicle's windows are rolled up and the doors are locked before leaving the vehicle.
  • Do join a Neighborhood and/or Business Watch group(s)

 

MORE TIPS

  • Mark valuables with your Driver's License Number
  • Record your VIN number
  • Use anti-theft devices
  • If you have to give your car key out- give the valet key only- do not have a key ring with your name on it
  • Have your license tag number handy


Women's Alliance  

 By Patty Tomka  

 

Our Deercreek Club was turned into a tropical retreat on July 22, when the Women's Alliance hosted a Luau for members, friends and the Deercreek community. The rooms were filled with flower leis, flowery dresses and hairpieces and coconuts filled with flowers! The party had been planned for poolside but Mother Nature pushed it indoors and, as usual, she was right. It turned out to be a terrific party and everyone had a great evening. Special cocktails were concocted just for us and there was plenty of pulled pork for everyone. Peach cobbler was a perfect summer dessert. 112 came out to enjoy the evening of fun and laughter that included raffle gifts, door prizes and a very talented comedian who included several of our group in his routine.

 

Dana Southall, Ally Kessel and Donna Bernard put the event together, with Ally in charge of the beautiful decorations. Elizabeth Curtin organized the raffles and check-in. Gene Curtin gave a short overview of what the Alliance does and how our efforts have gone far and wide. We never know who will be affected by what we do but we keep giving in the hope that someone we have helped will reach out to someone else when they see a need.

 

This year we are supporting 8 different charities: Wolfson Children's Hospital, Books-a-Go-Go, Hubbard House, WJCT Radio Reading Service, The Senior Life Foundation, Touchstone Village, NE FL Community Hospice Thrift Store and The Bag Ladies. If you are interesting in more information about any of these, please contact one of the Board members and she'll be glad to direct you to the proper chairman.

 

We don't have a meeting in August, but we will be holding our annual book drive from September 1-14 for Books-a-Go-Go. Arlene McDermott is the chair (538-9185) if you are clearing out closets and clutter, please set aside any books you might have to donate. These go far and wide and can open up a child's world.  

Enjoy your summer vacation and we'll see you in September.

 

 



Deercreek Home and Garden Club 

 

Golden Acorn Award Luncheon

By Rita Allen

 

Even though there are no meetings in June or July, Mary Louise Selzer and her Program Committee members have been at work planning programs and activities for the coming year. All residents and Deercreek Club members are invited to attend the opening Luncheon 11:30 A.M. Thursday, August 25 at Deercreek Club.    

Cost for the luncheon is $15.  For reservations contact Mary Louise Selzer, 363-1618 or [email protected]  

 

If you come, you will receive a preview of the upcoming events, so that you can plan to attend those that interest you. If you are not currently a member, there will be an opportunity to join Deercreek Home and Garden Club at this time. Dues are $20 a year.  

 

A highlight of the luncheon will be the presentation of the Golden Acorn Award to one of our deserving residents. Look for an article about the winner in next month's newsletter.

 

Marie Smith and Rita Allen, who are members of Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of North Florida, will provide information about that vibrant organization and invite everyone to the OLLI Open House at UNF on September 14 from 1:00 to 3:00 P.M. before the fall semester of classes begins.

 


Share Your Passion for Reading at the Deercreek Book Club

 

By Elizabeth Curtain

 

The Book Club's meetings are on the third Monday of each month, at a member's home. We meet at 10am for coffee, discuss the book (and often many things besides) and then have lunch.

 

We are currently reading "The Feast of Roses" by Indu Sundaresan. The love story of Emperor Jahangir and Mehrunnisa began in the novel, "The Twentieth Wife" and continues in "The Feast of Roses." Mehrunnisa becomes the most powerful woman in the Mugal Empire. She rules from behind the veil and risks everything, even her daughter, to get what she wants. But she never loses the love of the man who bestows this pbookclubower upon her.

 

For September, "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks". Doctors took her cells without asking. Those cells never died. They launched a medical revolution and a multimillion-dollar industry. More than twenty years later, her children found out. Their lives would never be the same.

 

Elizabeth Curtin is the contact for anyone wanting to join the Deercreek Book Club, 519-7937 or [email protected]