Verona at Pelican Preserve

Verona Update (1/6/22) – Landscaping / Garage Lights / Mailboxes / Sealcoating / Pest Control

Verona Update (11/18/21) – President’s meeting / Toys for Tots / Landscaping / Sealcoating / Lights / Save the Date

The following items will be of interest to Verona residents:

President’s Meeting (11/18/21)
1) New hours for the trap gate operation will be from 6:00pm till 6:00am each day.  Exit arm will also be “down” during those hours.
2) New policy to be announced:  Golf carts NOT used on the golf course can be any color.
3) Construction Road upgrade:  DRI must be revised before road will be built and upgraded.
4) PPCA is striving for a stronger, regular police presence in the community.  Meanwhile, police will continue to be hired for traffic enforcement.
5) Rumble strips on Veneto Road leading to the Town Center:  City has to approve the planned improvements.
6) Boardwalk:  Will be completed by late December, but two government agencies must approve.  January opening is anticipated.
7) Walking path around Preserve:  Repairs will be made on sections as needed.
8) Low water pressure:  While not a problem in Verona, this is an ongoing issue in other areas of the community.
9) Water delivery from city:  New pump station at end of Treeline near Daniels will not be completed till Fall 2022.
10) Former Sales Center:  Conversion plans will include Library, Music Room, Card Rooms, Offices, Coffee service (in addition to TC).
11) Flip Flops and Destinations:  Emphasis is being placed on improving the “experience”.  New menus, food choices, Sports TV, Employee training.
12) Community Garage Sale:  The date has not yet been set.

Toys for Tots
Verona will participate in the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. A collection box will be provided for donations at our Christmas lighting on Sunday, December 5th. Please bring a new, unwrapped toy to add to the box.

Landscaping
Extensive Improvements will begin in January consisting of the areas between and in front of the units.  Not every home will be affected. Be aware: In some
instances, the resident will need to remove walkway lights to avoid damage.  ALSO:  If in the past you have paid to have a special
planting installed by Ameriscape, you will need to identify it so it will not inadvertently be removed.  Specifics will be provided in January.

There will be some maintenance issues addressed in December such as concrete repair and tree removal due to disease that are not part of the main project.

Landscaping Committee
Thanks for Toivo Ratsep, Mary McKinney, and Gary Johnson for agreeing to serve as advisors to the Board on landscaping maintenance.  Their purpose will be
to work directly with Ameriscape personnel on a regular basis using walk throughs to identify areas such as dead bushes, broken sprinkler heads, trimming, etc.
that need to be fixed or repaired.  NOTE that if a resident has any of the above mentioned concerns, it should be reported directly to Ameriscape  (and not the committee) using their ticket system or by making a phone call.  This is the most efficient way to correct a problem and establish a history of the report.

Sealcoating 
The CDD will not be sealcoating streets in Pelican Preserve as their engineers feel this is strictly an appearance condition and not necessary for street maintenance.  Roads will be inspected each year for eventual repaving as will be done in Avila whose streets are in poor condition.  Meanwhile, the Verona
Board believes the consensus of our association residents is to sealcoat the street.  This, and sidewalk / driveway power washing will be done in the Spring.

Garage Lights.
Still under evaluation … lots to consider.  A possible sample unit has been installed at 10549 Diamante.  Your comments are welcomed.

Save the Dates
December 1st:  Annual Verona Meeting – 1:00pm – Town Center Theater
December 7th:  Facilities meeting.  Both in person and hybrid.  Current revised plans will be revealed. Location / Time to be announced.
December 8th: Ft. Myers city personnel will visit to answer questions.  3:00pm, Magnolia Room

Thanks for your support.

Bob Kohlbecker
Frank Magruda
Tom Fifelski

Verona Update (11/1/21) – Landscaping / Hard Cutting /  Lighting / Street Sealcoating / Mailboxes / Other items

The following email is intended to bring all Verona residents up to date on items of interest to our Association

1) Landscaping: Following the recommendations of the Landscaping Committee which were finalized in May, and with input from Javier Pineda of Ameriscape and Marsha Dennison of Schoo Management, the Board has decided to embark on a two phase program to revitalize and renew our 20 year old landscaping.  We tentatively plan to start in December.  The overall goal of this program is to clean out and open up existing areas that are overgrown while judiciously replanting, adding color to the existing landscape palate. This will all be done with the realization that Verona is paying for “commercial grade” landscaping which has inherent cost limitations compared to what all of us might have done as individual homeowners in the past.  Part of this plan will be to transition to a “coco brown” mulch which is recommended by Ameriscape and will add to the aesthetic appearance while providing more nutrients to our plantings.

It is important to note that while most units will experience work being done, not every house will be affected.  The initial plan will generally involve the front and center areas between units. Plants that are up against the house itself will generally not be addressed until the second phase which is planned for next year.  Also, in certain instances, pathway lighting should be removed lest it be damaged in the replanting process.  As we get closer to the start of the project, we will define exactly which houses might be affected.

Residents have probably observed that replacement plantings (notably bushes at the top of driveways and certain hibiscus) are quite small.  This was done intentionally, as there is a considerable cost savings by planting small …  they will grow!

Finally. please remember that Verona is a condominium association, and that contrary to a “homeowners association”, residents are not allowed to plant, maintain, or do anything to the landscaping.  This is also reflected in our contract with Ameriscape who warrants and replaces all our plant material. If an issue does exist, then the resident should submit a “ticket”  online at the Ameriscape website or call the company at (239) 353-6755.  All requests are eventually reviewed by the Board.

2) Hard Cuts:  Ameriscape will soon be doing a hard cut on most plant material in the community, including trees with blooms.  This is a necessary phase of landscaping maintenance … trees will rebloom quickly.  Also note that the cul de sac palm trees need maintenance and trimming.  The cul de sac is actually maintained by the CDD – they will be contacted concerning this maintenance work

3) Lighting: The Board is also reviewing the possibility of replacing and standardizing all outside garage lighting.  There is a lot to consider in this area however, and no final decisions have been made.  A sample black light has been installed at 10549 and is being evaluated …. any comments you might have are welcomed.  Also, if you have not done so, take time to look at the Avila lighting at night.

4) Street Sealcoating: From an appearance standpoint it  is apparent our street needs to be sealcoated.  However, there is a possibility the CDD might do this in the coming months which would save the Association almost $9000.  But, as of this email,  there is no final commitment from the CDD to sealcoat the streets.  In addition, we do not want to sealcoat prior to beginning our landscape project.

5) Mailboxes:  Mailboxes are the responsibility of the individual homeowners.  Accordingly, repairs such as flag replacement, numbers, or doors not closing must be done by the owner and the repair consistent with the rest of mailboxes on the street (ie: Flags and numbers must be the same design and type).  We suggest you call the company that originally installed the mailboxes which is Lykins Signtec at (239) 595-8484 for replacement parts. Mention you live in the Pelican Preserve Verona Association. The cost of parts is nominal, and most repairs are fairly simple, but if you would want a “handyman” to make the repair, contact Schoo Management or the Board for a handyman suggestion if you are not familiar with one.

OTHER ITEMS

6) Sidewalk / Driveway cleaning:  This will probably be done in the spring after the landscaping and seal coating projects are completed.

7) Paint Samples: Paint samples, especially brown,  for touch up work on your unit are still available.  Contact Bob Kohlbecker for assistance.

8) Volunteer Opportunities: The Board welcomes resident’s participation to make our association and community a better place to live.  Carole Maimoni and Mary Anne Harris are doing a great job creating social opportunities within our community.  John Marksteiner heads up the association’s Christmas decorations on the cul de sac which always brighten the season. The Arnolds are hosting Coffee on Concrete and have contributed to the overall landscaping project. Mark Kline heads up the Verona ERT and along with Tom Fifelski and Paul Daraska, are providing guidance and help in times of emergency.  In that spirit, we are seeking new members for our landscaping committee and appreciate that Toivo Ratsep has volunteered.  There are other areas where your participation might help.  Please consider volunteering for one of these groups or for one in which you might have a personal interest.

8) Annual Meeting:  Our Annual Meeting will be at 1:00 pm in the Town Center Theater on Wednesday, December 1st.  Further information and an agenda will be forthcoming from Schoo Management.  With that in mind, the Board appreciates the support we are receiving from the community as it makes the time and effort involved with our job easier.

Bob Kohlbecker
Tom Fifelski
Frank Magruda

Oct 4th at 9 am – Coffee on the Concrete at 10517 Diamante Way.

Thank you Joanne and Tovie for hosting, this will be the only Oct. date.

Oct 8th at 1:00 pm will be our Verona Outing to the Boathouse Tiki Bar in Fort Myers, email was sent with location .

We are all looking forward to everyone returning this fall.

Verona Update – 8/4/21 – Oak Trees / Landscaping / Master Association /  Emergency Response Team (ERT) / New Neighbors / Website / Weather

This is a email to bring everyone away from Pelican Preserve for the season up to date on what has happened in Verona since many of you left last Spring:

1) Oak Trees:  18 trees along the street have been removed (trees in the “park” remain), and the area sodded over with plans to replace these trees in the Fall.  We are still dealing with the after affects of the Oak tree root system as repairs to some drainage pipes are necessary. These repairs  can cost up to $800.

2) Landscaping: Phases one and two have been completed and plans are to complete the landscaping program (phase 3) in the Fall.The first two phases involved removing the junipers from the remaining islands and planting bushes at the top of all driveways.  Also being planned, funds not withstanding, are new lighting on the units and seal coating Diamante Way.  Note however that all of this is dependent on sufficient funds being available and we will have a better feel for this by the end of the Summer.

3) Master Association: The Master Association covenants (rules) are so similar to our condominium association documents (covenants) that the Master Association Board’s request to all Associations to adopt the Master rules into their own rules will have little effect on us except for it being easier to achieve uniformity in the community.  The biggest effect will be on Homeowners Associations.

4) Emergency Response Team (ERT): As the height of hurricane season approaches, critical information may be available to residents from the Pelican Preserve Emergency Response Team with Verona residents Mark Kline, Tom Fifelski and Paul Daraska as representatives.  The Verona website (veronacoa.com) has bulletins (under the bulletins / emergency response bulletins tab) issued by this group concerning hurricane preparedness.  We urge everyone to be familiar with these documents and be aware more information will come from the ERT in the event of an emergency. Urgent bulletins will come from Mark Kline or the Emergency Response Team.

5) New Neighbors:  Please welcome Larry and Lynn Conner (10543) and Dwight and Sandra Swann (10515) who have recently bought in Verona.

6) Website (veronacoa.com):  We have had this site in place now for 6 months.  There is a nominal charge each month for its use, so if you are having any issues with its functionality such as access, speed, ease of use, please send your comments to Marsha Dennision at Schoo Management and copy Bob Kohlbecker,

7) Weather:  As would be expected … hot and humid with afternoon rainstorms.  The ponds are full.

Verona Association Board

Bob Kohlbecker
Tom Fifelski
Frank Magruda

Verona Update – 5/15/21 – Presidents Meeting / How to Access the Verona Website
Inbox

.Good Morning,

Here is an update of the President’s Meeting on May 13th and information on how to access the Verona Website:

1) PPCA (Master Association): In order to provide better adherence to the rules, the PPCA will be instituting a process to enforce adherence to existing covenants in Pelican Preserve . Currently, there is considerable variation between associations. While most of the issues deal with HOA’s, it was noted that association covenants can not be less than the Master but that an association can be more restrictive. Verona is a Condominium Association whose covenants are generally more restrictive than the Master.

2) Preserve Boardwalk: As of 5/13, the contractor is into the seventh day of the process – most railings have been removed. The design of the octagon viewing platform will be modified somewhat with additional pilings being put into place. There is a possibility of a 5-6 month delay in completion because of the nationwide shortage of building materials and a 25-30% increase in the cost of the materials. Questions concerning this project should be addressed to Scott Scharnoff by email or phone … (239) 985-1628.

3) Hotwire Installation: 2360 homes have been installed and a few remain to be done. There are 67 of whom they have not been able to contact.

4) Resident ID cards: Terri Lollio noted that implementation will be a long process with 5000 cards to be distributed. They are currently processing 100 per day. Residents will be emailed when their card is ready.

5) Dog Park: Terri Lollio also asked that residents not let their dogs dig holes in the dog park. Dogs like to dig holes, but there are safety issues involved and regrading is necessary.

6) Restaurant: While gross revenue YTD is $38,000 less, progress is being made. During the last period, gross revenue was up $12,000 above budget. Staffing has been a problem and they are currently short staffed. It has been difficult to hire people for positions.

7) Fort Myers Pump Station: Construction (near Bridgetown) will start in June 2021, and will take 12 to 14 months to complete. This should address water pressure issues in Pelican Preserve.

8) Hurricane Preparedness: Residents have been asked to carefully review the hurricane preparedness information sent out in a recent e-mail.[ This information is on the Verona website (veronacoa.com)]

9) Road Inspections: The CDD will be inspecting all roads in Pelican Preserve for repairs and possible resurfacing.

Additional Information concerning Verona and not included in President’s Meeting:

How to Access the Verona Website (veronacoa.com)

1) Google veronacoa.com or access the site thru your browser.

2) Next, register for the website. This can be done by either by clicking on the Register link on the drop down under Resident Login or by clicking on the Login page itself and then by clicking on the register link at the bottom of that page.

Register

2) Once the form is completed, you will need to wait a few days to be approved. Once approved, you will receive an email letting you know you can log into their account.

We plan to use the website as a major communication tool for our Association.

Have a good day!

Bob Kohlbecker
Tom Fifelski
Frank Magruda

Good Evening,

There will be a lot of activity in Verona over the next few months.

1) Oak Trees:  The Board voted to accept a proposal from Ameriscape to remove 18 Oak Trees in front of houses, and sod the affected area. Removing the trees was a difficult decision, but with the potential of blocked, broken sewer  and water supply lines it became clear it was not a case of “if”, but “when” the next problems would occur.  In addition, faced with a $9000 concrete repair bill this year alone much of which was the result of the trees, the decision was clear.  We also noted that Monticello, Avila, Materita II and other neighborhoods have already removed these trees.

There will be a replacement tree planted for each Oak tree removed, but this will be done in the Fall when conditions are more favorable for growth. The new trees will be chosen on the basis of color, maintenance requirements, and root migration.

2) Landscaping: Phase I will be completed in the next several weeks.  This will entail removing the Junipers from the remaining 8 islands between the driveways, sodding, and adding a bush at the top of each driveway.  In addition, those driveways which have been completed but do not have a bush at the top will have one added.  The bushes will either be a podacarpus or dwarf red ixora, and they will be interspersed.  Phase II should start soon, with the worst “jungles” that have been identified totally removed and replanted.  Other jungles will be identified this Fall with removal and appropriate replanting done.  Note that some plantings will be delayed till the Fall due to our high soil pH, dry conditions, and the need to provide optimal conditions for growth.  Finally, a “hard cut” is planned for July.  This has been delayed to this point by the dry conditions.

The annual trimming of the 123 Sabal Palms in the community will commence soon.

3) Concrete Repair Work: The Board approved concrete repair work.  Much of this is due to potential trip hazards and will be started within the next month or so.

4) Lighting: It is readily apparent that the outdoor garage light fixtures on our units are anything but “uniform” as required by the Association Documents.  The Board has decided on a “one time basis only”,  to purchase, replace and install all new lighting fixtures.  This will also include all necessary touch up painting and caulking.  After this is done, any replacement will revert back to being the home owner’s responsibility using extra fixtures that the Association will have purchased. Please note this work will not begin until late Fall to allow time to adequately research our light fixture options.

5) Website: Be sure to check our website (veronacoa.com).  It will be necessary to “register” first, then once accepted, you will need to establish a password.  It is the Board’s intent to have the website become a primary information channel to our residents.  Currently, Condominium Documents, Wind Mitigation Reports (to hopefully save money on your homeowners insurance), Emergency Response Team guidelines (from Mark Kline and PPERT) and other documents are viewable under the “documents” tab.  Wonder who lived here in 2008? Need to see a past “Verona Update”? Want to see other pictures? Click on “public information” and find the “photo gallery” and “news” plus other sections.

 6) Judy Lee Alcorn: Judy Lee (formerly of 10505) recently moved from our community to Bonita Springs.  Her new address is 25730 Hickory Blvd, Bonita Springs, 34134.  Her phone number remains that same.

7) New Residents: We welcome Brad and Nancy Straw who have become full time residents. Stop by and say “Hello” to them at 10505.

Bob Kohlbecker
Tom Fifelski
Frank Magruda

1) Irene Lester, 10543 Diamante, moved back to Baltimore last Monday. Irene lived here for 12 years … if you would like to send her a card, send it to:

Irene Lester, c/o James M. Burden
607 Hickory Overlook Drive
Bel Air, MD. 21014-1864

2) Wind Mitigation Forms are available on the Verona website (veronacoa.com). Log in on the website using your name and password and then click on the “Documents” tab at the top. Then, click on “Wind Mitigation Forms” on the left side and select your address to print the document. Send the form to your homeowners insurance company as there may be some savings because of the roof replacement.

3) Paint Samples: If doing touch up paint work at your house, the Sherwin Williams store may ask for a “lot number” and “block number”, in addition to the paint scheme. What they are referring to is not a “paint lot number”, but rather the block number and unit number of your house. This 17 digit alpha numeric number is usually above your name on the Lee County tax bill

4) Oak Trees: Unfortunately, it appears that the oak trees around our units are going to have to be cut down. Ameriscape has analyzed the trees and most appear to have the potential to clog unit sewer lines and affect water supply lines. We have already had two issues in the past several years and those trees had to be removed. Related to this, Monticello and Avila have removed all the Oak trees in their association. We are in the process of securing bids. The logical question is “Why” did Ft. Myers and the developer (WCI) ever approve them to be planted in the first place? We are still looking for that answer …

The landscaping committee, in conjunction with Ameriscape, is working on possible replacement trees and/or or plant material. This removal project will probably start this Summer …. as we learn more we will let everyone know.

Bob Kohlbecker
Tom Fifelski
Frank Magruda

Good Afternoon. Included in this email are important items that will need your follow up in a timely manner.

1) Wind Mitigation Form: A licensed inspector will be completing a wind mitigation inspection on the Verona units on Thursday 3/25, Friday 3/26, and Monday 3/29. This will require at least one unit owner being available to provide access to the building’s attic …. only one side has to be inspected. Please talk with your neighbor to determine which of you can be at home.This inspection is necessary for the Association to save money on its insurance and for you to save money on your homeowners insurance.

The Association will pay for the inspection. Buildings 10501 through 10527 (Odd Numbers) will be done Thursday 3/25, Buildings 10529 through 10555 (Odd Numbers) will be done Friday 3/26, and Buildings 10512 through 10546 (Even Numbers) will be done Monday 3/29.

2) Condominium Documents: Available on the Verona website (veronacoa.com). Sign in, and click on the documents tab at the top, and then the appropriate document on the left side. While on the website, take time to explore some of the other areas identified by tabs at the top. New information is being added on a regular basis.

Remember, Verona is a “Condominium Association” (more restrictive) as opposed to a “Homeowners Association” (less restrictive)

3) Concrete Concerns: If you have a concern with raised concrete on your walkway or driveway, please email me (bobkohlbecker@gmail.com) by Thursday 3/25 as we have a walk thru with our Community Manager scheduled. Please place the heading “Concrete” on the subject line.

4) Paint Touch Up: If you need touch up paint, small amounts are available for purchase at Sherwin Williams in the Forum. Pelican Preserve residents receive a discount so mention where you live. Use the appropriate paint scheme for your house listed under the “news” section of the website.

5) Oak Trees: We are closely monitoring these trees and their possible effect on our underground utilities, sewer pipes, and water lines.

6) Splash guards on gutters over lanai: Some Verona residents have expressed an interest in adding splash guards on the gutter on the back of the unit to prevent rainwater in summer storms from overshooting the gutter and cascading onto the lanai. Our gutter contractor can do this, but the final price is dependent upon the number of people that want it done. Note that this addition is at the homeowners expense and not the association. If you are interested, call KBI Industries (Joe Foronda) at (239) 433-3314 by Monday, March 29th and refer to “Verona – Gutter Splash Guards”. Once the contractor determines the level of interest and the scope of the work, a definitive price can be given. A clean out will also be done at the same time.

Have a good day.

Bob Kohlbecker
Tom Fifelski
Frank Magruda

Good Morning.

This first e-mail is long …. we promise they will be shorter in the future … but we want to bring everyone up to date with regard to our Association. To begin with, “Thanks” to Glen and his Board Members for all their accomplishments. New roofs, painting, gutters and good communication are just a few of their contributions. If you are aware of a neighbor who does have email, please pass this information on to them.

A local attorney once said that “you have your opinion, I have my opinion, but in the end the only thing that matters is what the Condo documents say”. With this in mind, we wish to share the following information.

1) Bills have been paid for our recent repairs and renovations. Future plans will revolve around landscaping rejuvenation, uniform lighting on our units, road recoating, and concrete repairs.

2) Concrete repairs: Several areas have been identified that will need repairs including walkways and driveways. This will be a priority.

3) Landscaping: It is important to note that the Condo documents specify that maintenance and planting of new material is to be handled by our landscaper, which is Ameriscape. Residents cannot plant or remove plant material themselves as it may void our contract with Ameriscape. The reason for this is potentially increased maintenance costs, and the unintentional introduction of disease.

All landscaping requests, including but not limited to plantings, removal, and trimming must be submitted to Amriscape through their online ticket system (myameriscape.com) or by calling them at (239) 353-6755. If this is not convenient, call our Association Manager (Schoo).

Also, there can be no external personal enhancements added to the outside of your unit. This includes but is not limited to flower pots, signs, statues, flags, benches, banners, wreaths, etc. The ONLY EXCEPTIONS are the American flag and Christmas decorations from Thanksgiving to January 15th. Please note that your main entry alcove is not included in the forgoing restrictions, and that in April 2005, the Verona Board did vote to allow a limited number of flower pots on sidewalks if they were not visible from the street.

If you have planted material without Board approval, or have added any enhancements such as those described above, they must be removed. For the good of our Association and its general appearance, we ask for your cooperation so that our Association Manager does not need to follow up. We thank you in advance … your understanding makes our job much easier.

4) Landscaping Improvements: A landscaping committee was formed over a year ago and has had many ongoing meetings with Ameriscape management. Independent of Ameriscape, the committee has spent many hours researching and studying available plant material, attending seminars, and visiting local nurseries with the goal of adding color and variety to our pallet, and refreshing the existing material, while holding maintenance costs in control. Their plan will involve three phases that will need to be approved by Ameriscape and the Verona Board. All of this is subject available funds and hence the need to divide the project into several phases. As we progress in this area, we will keep everyone advised.

5) Exterior garage lighting on buildings: We need to achieve uniformity in our lighting fixtures to bring us in compliance with the Condominium documents. Lighting fixtures are the responsibility of the unit owner, subject to the documents. We will be providing more information in future emails.

6) Street recoating (not repaving): At some point, Diamante Way will need to be top coated for maintenance and for appearance. Pending available funds, the Board will be discussing this.

7) Our expenses are increasing, including an approximate $10,000 bump in our insurance costs. The final overall effect on our budget is not certain at this time but will be followed closely.

8) Covid Fatigue (similar to reading this long email!): It is fair to say that all of us are experiencing “Covid Fatigue”. One of our main goals is to start our social gatherings again subject to safe guidelines. Carol Maimoni and Maryanne Harris will be developing a schedule of future activities. If you have suggestions, please contact them. We also wish to take a moment and thank Vicki and Larry Arnold for hosting a Monday morning coffee each week for the community on their driveway.

9) Most issues or questions should be directed to Schoo Association Management (Marsha Denninson).

10) A Verona website has been created (Veronacoa.com) and is being developed further. We will pass on more information about the website shortly.

11) Attached to this email are three documents which are:
a) Association members phone list
b) Contact list, additional phone numbers, and general information for public utilities, Ameriscape, and our Association Manager.
c) Brief description of the Verona Condominium Documents. (Note: We are NOT a Homeowners Association).

Finally, if you have gotten this far, know that the Board is open to your ideas. Sometimes we are limited in what we can do, but please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or thoughts. Be aware that if the volunteer Board members were not doing this job, an attorney would be needed to perform the same duties at around $4000/month. With our completed improvements, those planned for the future, and a great group of people, we cannot think of a better place to live.

Bob Kohlbecker
Tom Fifelski
Frank Magruda

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