SAVE OUR PLUMBING...SAVE US FROM UNNECESSARY EXPENSES
Dear Residents,
We hope this message finds you well. We want to bring to your attention an issue that has been affecting our plumbing system. It has come to our notice that non-flushable items are being disposed of in the toilets, causing blockages and other plumbing problems.
To maintain the proper functioning of our plumbing and sewer systems and to prevent costly repairs, we kindly request that you refrain from flushing anything except toilet paper down the toilets. This includes items such as wipes, sanitary products, cotton pads, paper towels, and any other non-biodegradable materials.
We have also attached some tips for the use of the garbage disposal below!
By adhering to this guideline, you will not only help us maintain a clean and functional environment but also contribute to the sustainability of our community.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
Sincerely,
Ray Ferreris, LCAM
Property Manager
Bermuda Bay Beach Condominium Association, Inc.
It is a trash compactor. It is NOT a dumpster.
Dear Fellow BB Residents—
You can only put certain things in it. It is a “delicate” mechanism that we rent from the City of St. Petersburg. We fill it up. They come every other Wednesday to empty it. They put it back in place and we fill up again. But sometimes—too many times!—people put things in this trash compactor that gum up the works. Four times in the last month, various people have put very large pieces of cardboard in the compactor—the type of thing that clogs up the “smashing” device inside the compactor, and then nothing gets compacted, the trash builds to capacity inside the compactor … and then it stops working. And then trash piles up outside the compactor. You may remember this is exactly what happened the very week that our new property manager
and new maintenance manager started their tours of duty.
Peg Daisley, chair of the Security Committee
Meet our New Property Manager, Mr. Rafael (Ray) Ferreris Jr.
Ray comes to us with an extensive background in leadership and organizational experience. Ray is a veteran of the United States Air Force, where he served for 20 years. He was the CEO of his own orthopedic company and has many years with sales, training, and customer service within this industry.
He has previous management experience with Tampa Palms Owners Association, managing performance, supervising employees, carrying out risk management responsibilities and making recommendations to mitigate any perceived risks. He was the System Administrator for all computers and responsible for all purchasing and installation of all systems. As Facility Manager, he recommended and led improvement with replacement projects in collaboration with the Executive Community Manager, and in alignment with Capital Reserve Study, scheduled thousands of dollars in savings. He has a lot of experience with asset management, invoice tracking, and compliance with the annual budget.
Ray has been married to his wife Barbara for 39 years, and has three grown children and seven grandchildren. Ray has been a Deacon at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in the Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg since 2019. His hobbies and interests include RV camping, cooking (especially BBQ) and enjoying the great outdoors.
LANDSCAPING IS LOOKING FOR DONATIONS
The Landscaping committee is knee deep in the dirt (so to speak)! Dirt from behind the pool was moved to put in a five foot walkway behind the pool fence, and for the balance of the width to be natural plantings used as a drain off area for the pool deck. They currently do not have enough money to cover this area, so they are asking for donations to cover the $2,200.00 needed. You can take your donations to the office, and if you have additional questions please contact the landscaping committee at bblandscapecommittee@gmail.com.
UPDATES FROM COURTS & SPORTS
Pickleball Skills, Drills and Practice every Monday at 6:30pm followed by Open Play. Beginners and Experienced Players Welcome.
Horseshoes and Cornhole - Thursday mornings at 10:00am
Walking Club - 9:30am MWF (meet at the Clam Bayou gate)
Pickleball Tournament Sunday March 24th, 2024
Winners were: Judi, Mark, Kent, and Alain
Debra won the Charcuterie Board made by Ed
Many thanks to Janice for her wonderful homemade prizes, and to the staff: Dave, Debra, Jan, and Jennifer. These people helped the 28 players and spectators have a wonderful and memorable experience.
BIKE REGISTRATION
SPEAKING OF BIKES...
Courts & Sports are also starting a BIKE LOAN, for those of you that visit and miss using a bike to venture out and explore. It's in the formation stages, as they have a men's bike, but are still looking for a women's and child's bike. They will chain them all together on one of the bike racks and provide a text number for a few members of the committee who could unlock them and get the waiver signed. Ed Braham will maintain them during our winter season when they would be most utilized. You can inquire through the office.
A LOT OF US HAVE BEEN INTERESTED IN DUCT CLEANING...Here's the skinny!
So recently, there was a lot of discussion on the Facebook page about getting quotes for duct cleaning. Quotes ranged from $200.00 - $1200.00. How could they be so different? So I set out on a quest to find out exactly what you are getting for your money.
Duct cleaning generally refers to the cleaning of various heating and cooling system components of forced air systems, including the supply and return air ducts and registers, grilles and diffusers, heat exchangers heating and cooling coils, condensate drain pans (drip pans), fan motor and fan housing, and the air handling unit housing.
If not properly installed, maintained and operated, these components may become contaminated with particles of dust, pollen or other debris. If moisture is present, the potential for microbiological growth (e.g., mold) is increased and spores from such growth may be released into the home's living space. Some of these contaminants may cause allergic reactions or other symptoms in people if they are exposed to them. If you decide to have your heating and cooling system cleaned, it is important to make sure the service provider agrees to clean all components of the system and is qualified to do so. Failure to clean a component of a contaminated system can result in re-contamination of the entire system, thus negating any potential benefits. Methods of duct cleaning vary, although standards have been established by industry associations concerned with air duct cleaning. Typically, a service provider will use specialized tools to dislodge dirt and other debris in ducts, then vacuum them out with a high-powered vacuum cleaner.
Do not hire duct cleaners who make sweeping claims about the health benefits of duct cleaning — such claims are unsubstantiated.
Do not hire duct cleaners who recommend duct cleaning as a routine part of your heating and cooling system maintenance. You should also be wary of duct cleaners who claim to be certified by EPA. Note: EPA neither establishes duct cleaning standards nor certifies, endorses, or approves duct cleaning companies.
Do not allow the use of chemical biocides or chemical treatments unless you fully understand the pros and the cons (See "Unresolved Issues of Duct Cleaning).
Check references to be sure other customers were satisfied and did not experience any problems with their heating and cooling system after cleaning.
Contact your county or city office of consumer affairs or local Better Business Bureau to determine if complaints have been lodged against any of the companies you are considering.
Interview potential service providers to ensure:
- they are experienced in duct cleaning and have worked on systems like yours;
- they will use procedures to protect you, your pets and your home from contamination; and
- they comply with NADCA's air duct cleaning standards and, if your ducts are constructed of fiber glass duct board or insulated internally with fiber glass duct liner, with the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association's (NAIMA) recommendations.
Ask the service provider whether they hold any relevant state licenses. As of 1996, the following states require air duct cleaners to hold special licenses: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Michigan and Texas. Other states may require them as well.
If the service provider charges by the hour, request an estimate of the number of hours or days the job will take, and find out whether there will be interruptions in the work. Make sure the duct cleaner you choose will provide a written agreement outlining the total cost and scope of the job before work begins.
What to Expect From an Air Duct Cleaning Service Provider
If you choose to have your ducts cleaned, the service provider should:
Open access ports or doors to allow the entire system to be cleaned and inspected.
Inspect the system before cleaning to be sure that there are no asbestos-containing materials (e.g., insulation, register boots, etc.) in the heating and cooling system. Asbestos-containing materials require specialized procedures and should not be disturbed or removed except by specially trained and equipped contractors.
Use vacuum equipment that exhausts particles outside of the home or use only high-efficiency particle air (HEPA) vacuuming equipment if the vacuum exhausts inside the home.
Protect carpet and household furnishings during cleaning.
Use well-controlled brushing of duct surfaces in conjunction with contact vacuum cleaning to dislodge dust and other particles.
Use only soft-bristled brushes for fiberglass duct board and sheet metal ducts internally lined with fiberglass. (Although flex duct can also be cleaned using soft-bristled brushes, it can be more economical to simply replace accessible flex duct.)
Take care to protect the duct work, including sealing and re-insulating any access holes the service provider may have made or used so they are airtight.
Follow NADCA's standards for air duct cleaning and NAIMA's recommended practice for ducts containing fiber glass lining or constructed of fiber glass duct board.
So Dan and I discovered, that just cleaning the air ducts was not the solution for us. We had mold residue, dirt, pollutants, in the ducts, on the registers, and in the HVAC system. If the total system was not cleaned out - the ducts might be clean for a while, but eventually the air goes back through the system and will pick up all the contaminants from everything else. This needed to be a real investment in our health and in the efficiency of our machinery. When we bought our unit five years ago, we had no idea what the history was, but came to find out that the duct work had never been cleaned. We had a complete free analysis and quote with no pressure. I am sharing some of the findings with the pictures below. So think twice about what you are paying for...a bigger investment might pay off in the long run. There are many fine companies to choose from - but do your research before you sign on the dotted line.
Treasurer’s Report April 17, 2024
The numbers I am reporting are as of March 31, 2024
Bank Accounts
In total, we have bank balances of $835k.
Operating Account
The operating account balance is $196k.
One of our insurance policies is coming up for renewal in May at a cost of $276k.
It is recommended we finance that cost through the insurance broker, Palm Insurance, to enable monthly payments.
While it is still early in the year, there are a few items I am projecting will end the year over-budget.
The insurance overage will be in the $85k range.
If the current trend continues, legal fees will end well over-budget largely due to construction issues.
Trash collection cost is projected to be over-budget
Reserve Fund
.The Reserve Fund currently has $366k in the bank.
Much of the reserve funding is to provide cash to re-roof our buildings in future years. We have had to accelerate some of the buildings due to there current poor condition and the continuing cost of patch repairs. These buildings will then be removed from the list when their planned year comes up.
This week, we received $85k which was the settlement from our Munyon Paint lawsuit.
Delinquencies
Delinquencies amounted to just over $32k.
That is an increase of about $2k since last month. I will be watching to see how
that trends. The majority of delinquencies are less than 60 days old or are smaller amounts.
Demand letters have been sent to those owners who’s arears are for older larger amounts. Three accounts are with the attorney collection.
Balcony Deposits
We have $273k in deposits from owners for extended balconies. I previously reported there were the owners of 4 units who had not paid for their balcony extensions. There are now only 2 as 2 are staying with the original size.
Kind of a Play on Words...but if you are in doubt as to what you can plant??????
Here is the updated list of invasive plants not allowed at Bermuda Bay.
Here are some other educational links:
https://plantatlas.usf.edu/flip/
https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/us/florida
You are also encouraged to contact anyone on the Landscaping committee. Cindy Hansen, Gail Cunningham, Bari Martinson, and Barb Barnard. They are more than willing to assist with your questions and all your landscaping needs.
What is the Florida invasive species app?
IveGot1
IveGot1 allows for both online and offline reporting with reports saved on your phone for uploading when you have network connectivity. Images and information on Florida's worst non-native invasive animals and plants. Real-time point distribution maps centered on your current location.
Bermuda Bay Beach Condominium Association, Inc.
Email: bermudabaymgr@condominiumassociates.com
Website: https://condo.cincwebaxis.com/
Location: Bermuda Bay Beach and Racquet Club, 4201 38th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33711, USA
Phone: 727-864-0735
Twitter: @BermudaBayStP
