The following summary is presented by Diane Tomasik, resident and Webmaster.

President's/Manager's Report

In the wake of Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne, the Islesworth board of directors and property manager Jerry Zalben presented information on key items concerning our neighborhood.

Street lights: FPL has surveyed Islesworth and is working its way through Martin Downs communities, making repairs. 

Fencing: A Palm City-based contractor, Treasure Coast Fence, has looked at the condition of the fencing around Islesworth and will present an estimate on two options: Replacing the sections of fence that are damaged or removing the entire fence and rebuilding it. It may be 30-60 days before any action is taken. Because Islesworth's fence is not for security, it is not a high-priority job. Mr. Zalben is researching Islesworth's insurance policy on the coverage for the fence.

Debris: Mr.  Zalben reported that Islesworth's biggest problem following the hurricanes -- in comparison to other communities he manages -- was from vegetative debris. The contractors finally picked up debris piles during the past week. Mr. Zalben said that the contractors will come back through again to collect any more debris that homeowners accumulate.

Landscaping: The Landscape Committee will be making a walk-through of the community and do a needs assessment. The board will then determine what can Islesworth can afford to replace.

Roads: Many potholes developed in the wake of the hurricanes and subsequent flooding of the streets. The worst is at the end of Captiva Court. It appears that an area of about 10-12 feet square will have to be repaired. Bids are being sought for this job.

Sunset Trail: Large trees and limbs fell onto Islesworth homeowners' property, damaging homes and fences. A tree service was called immediately to attend to a large pine tree that fell between two houses and damaged a fence. The tree was cut down and made safe, but disposal of the trunk is still a problem. Islesworth also wants the tree service to come back out and trim or top off some other of the big pine trees that may pose a safety concern.

Drainage: Palm Pointe/Palm Isles' improper cut-ins to our drainage system were discussed, and a resident will be posting information regarding people to contact at the South Florida Water Management District to call for the matter to be corrected. Check the message center for this information.

ARC report

The Architectural Review Committee met in a special hurricane-related session and presented the following information to homeowners:

• Roof Repairs/Replacements. The original dark brown and dark gray roof shingle colors will remain as the standard. Roof shingles must be matched as closely as possible when making repairs or replacements. Architectural, three-dimensional shingles must be used (original style). Questions may be directed to the ARC.

• Fences. Existing fences may be repaired/replaced with like kind/quality without approval of the ARC. If a homeowner does not plan to replace an existing fence, then an ARC request must be submitted for this exterior change. 

• Garage lights. Homeowners will be given three months to repair/replace broken garage/coach lights. An ARC form must be submitted for blanket approval to replace existing lights.

More such decisions and timelines will be announced following the regular ARC meeting on Oct. 13 at Blake Library. Reminders will also be sent out regarding allowable hurricane shutters. The shutter specifications as defined in the design guidelines are as follows:

Only accordion, panel or roll-down hurricane shutters may be installed. Colors must blend with the existing colors of the home.

Halloween

The same provisions as usual will be made for Halloween. Sheriff's deputies will close of Islesworth to all but residents at about 6 p.m. A mailing will be sent out with details.

Next meeting

The Islesworth Board of Directors will consider the budget for the upcoming year at its next meeting. This meeting likely will draw a large attendance, but the large meeting room at Palm City Presbyterian Church is not available on the scheduled night. The meeting likely will be rescheduled for Thursday, Nov. 11. The board will confirm this date and report to the community.