Landscaping, lighting, etc.

Money was allocated to pay for the trimming and removal of trees, including Brazilian pepper trees and especially some tall pines that were overhanging several lots behind Captiva Court and posing a hazard. 

The board also is arranging to have the pineapples repainted on the four Islesworth signs along Martin Highway (CR 714). 

Board members are also looking into additional light poles, which would be handled by FPL. A map is being drawn up of possible locations for improved lighting. Board members pointed out that the positioning of new light poles depends on the location of existing transformers.

In a followup from the March 10 meeting, board members were in disagreement over a resident's work on some common-ground property in the back of his home. The resident explained last month that the HOA had left it to residents to maintain (water, mow, etc.) the common ground buffer in back of their homes, so when an area of the property became sunken and waterlogged, he filled in the sunken portion with sand and re-sodded the area. However, the board was divided at this meeting on whether the resident must undo his work. A deciding vote will be cast by a member who was out of town at the time of the meeting. 

Mailposts and mailboxes

Many residents recently received notices about improving the appearance of their mailboxes and mailbox posts. One resident, whose mailbox post had split, inquired about how to go about getting a replacement post. It turns out that the company that originally built them went out of business. However a company called Treasure Coast Assembly can build posts on-site to match existing posts. Call (800) 404-6822.

The property management will be looking into where replacement mailboxes can be purchased. Residents reported that the Islesworth mailbox is in between the sizes available at local hardware stores.

Go-Peds

A resident expressed his displeasure with Islesworth's ban on Go-Peds and what he viewed as the unofficial nature of an addendum that covers their use. (Unlicensed Motorized Vehicles were addressed in an addendum to the covenants submitted in March 2001.)

However, other residents in attendance pointed out that Martin County requires anyone riding a motorized scooter on public roads to have a driver's license. Anyone under legal driving age can only ride on private property with the owner's permission. Board members indicated that Islesworth would follow the county's authority in this safety matter.

Anyone with questions about scooter laws may call the Martin County Sheriff's Office at 220-7000.

Community suggestions

Board secretary Phil Jacobus proposed several measures to foster communications and community spirit. Among his suggestions:

• Start a quarterly newsletter that would offer information, including the treasurer's report, and timed so that it could be a reminder about fees being due.
• Set up clear, public notice of upcoming meetings. (The board is looking into getting a stop sign in a wooden frame that would have an area to slip messages in an out, such as "Meeting Monday" or "Fees due." This would be placed at the rear exit.)
• Seek residents to serve as "block captains" who could help communicate important Islesworth information to neighbors, distribute newsletters and help with block parties.
• Set up a Hurricane Preparedness Committee. Among other things, people serving on this committee could organize help for residents who need assistance with putting up shutters.
• Provide better support to the Welcoming Committee, including the creation of an official packet of Islesworth information that includes all covenants, bylaws, addendums, information about the Web site, etc.

Anyone who is interested in serving as a block captain or any other volunteer function to help our community is encouraged to contact Phil or any other board member. See the Contact Info page for e-mail addresses.