The annual meeting of the Port Largo Residential Property Owner’s Association was called to order at 10:45 AM by President, Glenn Patton at the Key Largo Civic Club. Present were Ann Nickerson, Vice-President; Frances Simmons, Treasurer; Mary Nelson, Secretary; and Directors: Pat McLaughlin, Annette Richard, Mike O’Connor and Cara Smith.

Attached sign in sheets indicate 55 members present.

Glenn Patton asked for a moment of silence to honor our American heroes.

Glenn Patton recognized and thanked the PLRPOA Board of their service to the Community.  he also thanked our committee chairmen; ‘Netta Hills, Sunshine committee; Sue Cunningham/Holly Trejo, Let’s Decorate the Neighborhood committee; Lynda Munshower, Welcome committee; John Trejo, Fishing Tournament committee.

   I. Minutes from the last annual meeting held on February 9, 2002 were read by Mary Nelson and approved as read.

 II. Treasurer’s Report was read by Frances Simmons, Treasurer and was approved as read.

III. New business - a. Guest Speakers:

1. Alfred Sanchez, President/CEO, YMCA - Mr. Sanchez explained this is his seventh month on the job and that the YMCA has enjoyed a two year relationship with our community thanks to the help of Commissioner Nelson. They are working to provide our community with educational and recreational programs and would like our input. He asked what issues we would like the YMCA to address in order to serve our community better. He mentioned childhood obesity as a #1 national concern. The YMCA would like to create health and fitness programs and structure their educational programs so that they will be taken home to the families and therefore become more effective. He then introduced Don Clarke, General Manager, YMCA, Dade and Monroe Counties, who explained the YMCA is under contract by Monroe County to act as coordinator for group activities of other organizations. Allison and Kurt have been at our park since opening and are the representatives our members can speak with about our concerns and questions. He mentioned our questionnaire in the newsletter and urged all members get there completed and back to us. Scholarships are available for youngsters who cannot afford the membership fees. Alfred Sanchez advised us funds are welcomed for this worthy cause. March 8, 2003 has been designated as Healthy Kids Day – we are all invited.

                2.  Commissioner Murray Nelson, District 5. Commissioner Nelson explained his first goal as Commissioner was met when he moved his office into our community. He invites everyone to stop by his office to visit and/or bring your concerns. Another goal has been to bring business and community together on common issues. The Key Largo Chamber of Commerce, IKLFHA, The Civic Club and Tavenier Community Association are all working together  resulting in more of our fair share of infrastructure funds being brought back into our community, another goal of this commissioner. The YMCA continues to serve our community even though coordinating our park activities costs them more each year than the county funds approved for this service. The Spiegel Grove has been sunk as a popular dive site. Roads in our community have been paved or are under contract to be paved. Monroe County is now negotiating to purchase property adjacent to our community park to provide a skateboard facility and additional parking. A new community/government center is being planned along with other capital projects totaling $10.8M which will bring funds back into our community to better serve our needs. $12M designated for wastewater which will begin to benefit Key Largo with the project scheduled to begin in Key Largo Village. We now have our own independent Sewer Board so that these needs can be provided sooner and less costly than anyplace in this county. With 14,000 residents, the biggest land mass, and the fact that Key Largo generates $3M each year in infrastructure taxes, we are becoming a leader in Monroe County. Commissioner Nelson is honored to be working with you to serve this community for the next two years.

                3.  John Trejo, Fishing Tournament Chairman: The purpose of our tournament is to get our members together to get to know one another, participate and have a good time! Please come to our picnic as well. John briefly explained the rules and asked for volunteers. We have photos on his table along with rules and entry forms. He then opened the floor for questions.  

III. b.  Positions and actions of board: Glenn Patton reviewed positions our board have taken:

* opposed the Rusk Center;

* researched and distributed information on the downstairs enclosures issue;

* recovered funds for rebuilding damaged homeowners park gate;

* supported lighting time extension for play off games at community park;

* requested street repaving;

* donated $500 to Volunteer Fire Department;

* supported county purchase of the Quay property for community/cultural and government center;

* have been represented by our delegates at IKLFHA meetings.

III. c. Survey and Feedback: Glenn also stressed the importance of community input and asked all members to complete the Questionnaire in our newsletter (additional copies are at the front desk) and return it to our board. He reviewed the feedback received to date and urged all members to let us know your email address if you would like to receive our email news updates. All members who have family being deployed in the military, please submit their email address or APO address if you would like us to offer moral support.

III. d. Delegates to IKLFHA: Glenn Patton introduced our delegates, Ann Nickerson and Annette Richard, who represent this association at Island of Key Largo Federation of Homeowners Associations meetings in all issues facing our community and $60 membership fee has been approved by our board.

III. e. By Law changes: Glenn Patton reviewed By Law changes made by our board (1) to be able to appoint a non-voting board member at large, (2) Nominating committee chairman to be appointed from our board with a committee from general membership and (3) tenants with one year or more lease can join association as non-voting member.

III. f.  Park Rules changes: Copies of our By Laws are available to all members upon request and are also posted on our website. Glenn Patton reviewed proposed park rules changes: access to our homeowner’s park boat ramp available 24 hours a day; 7 days a week. Other rules remain unchanged; no park activities after park hours. A motion sensor light will be installed. Pat McLaughlin advised that all members are now accountable with the card entry system. Any offending member will be traced and his card will be deactivated. Glenn pointed out board concerns regarding the park rules changes and opened the floor to discussion. After discussion, Joe Torino made a motion that membership vote on access to boat ramp be made available to members 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Cara Smith seconded his motion. Ballots were distributed and a vote was called. A review indicates the vote is in favor of 24/7 access to the boat ramp however, ballots must be verified. Results will be announced when this verification process is complete.

FINAL VOTE COUNT - Mary Nelson (PLRPOA Secretary) checked all the names against our database. All names on ballots were members. The final vote was 25 "yes" and 17 "no".  Motion passes....

III. g. ELECTION OF BOARD MEMBERS:  Glenn Patton read the names from our January Newsletter of those willing to serve on our board during 2003 and invited nominations from the floor.

                Glenn Patton                     Mary Nelson                           Pat McLaughlin

                Ann Nickerson                 Frances Simmons                   Mike O’Connor

                Cara Smith                         Annette Richard                    

Glenn Patton asked for a show of hands which indicated all present were in favor of accepting these members as Directors.  Officers will be elected at our March board meeting.  

IV. Old Business - a.  Sue Cunningham - Let’s Decorate the Neighborhood prizes.  Sue handed out the following prizes in the SEA CATEGORY: 

§         1st Prize – 185 Atlantic Boulevard

§         2nd Prize – 495 Caribbean Drive 

§         3rd Prize – 258 Atlantic Boulevard

LAND CATEGORY: 

§         1st Prize – 169 Bahama Avenue

§         2nd Prize – 430 Laguna Avenue 

                             3rd Prize – 52 Coral Drive  

IV. b. Commissioner Nelson presented “Conch Certificates” to Frances Simmons, Ann Nickerson and Fred Nickerson and thanked them for their outstanding service to our community.

There being no new business, a motion was made and accepted to adjorn. The meeting was adjourned at 12:30 PM.

Respectfully submitted by Mary Nelson                         Pending Approved by PLRPOA Board