In This Issue - May 2008
PLEASE Come to the Annual Meeting
Fires in Wetlands / Conservation Areas
Traffic Committee Survey Results
CIN Publication Schedule
Cypress Isles Contact List
Welcome to Cypress Isles!
Tips from the ARC
Thanks from the President
Water Restrictions
On This Date in History
New WLCA ARC Guidelines On-Line
Back by Poopular Demand
Who Ya Gonna Call?
PLEASE Come to the Annual Meeting
As this newsletter goes to press, only a handful of proxies have been received,
not enough to make up a quorum to hold your Annual Members Meeting. That
means you all must be planning to attend the meeting! Great!
Cypress Isles homeowners are urged to PLEASE attend this year's Annual Members
Meeting on Tuesday May 20th at 7:00 p.m. at Exit Realty, on Lake Underhill
Rd., just before Hooters. Can't make the meeting? Not to worry - just complete
a proxy and bring it to the Secretary - Dennis Horazak at 726 Divine Circle
as soon as you can. Worried about possible human interaction when delivering
your proxy? Not to worry-there's a lockbox outside the front door to drop
it in. We've got all excuses covered.
If you send in a proxy and then decide to come to the meeting, your presence
will supersede your proxy. The important thing is that you are represented,
one way or the other.
If a quorum isn't reached on May 20th (as happened with the first attempt
at the 2007 Annual Members Meeting), it will have to be re-scheduled for
the next month…and the next, etc, till a quorum is reached. Remember
- every re-scheduled Annual Meeting requires new mailings at HOA (your)
expense.
Sandy Horazak
Nag Editor
Fires in Wetlands / Conservation Areas
The Fire:
As most of you know, on Sunday, April 27th, around 3:00 pm Orange County
Fire Rescue was called to our community because a brush fire had started
in the wetlands directly behind homes on White Cedar Court and Spring Island
Way. At the time the origin of the fire was unknown, but was suspected to
have started as a result of fireworks. One of our neighborhood watch captains,
Mike Langan, heard a very loud boom behind his home and went back into the
wetlands to investigate. Thank goodness he did, as he was the one who spotted
the fire and called 911. Orange County dispatched a truck and upon their
arrival these firemen quickly realized they should call for additional help
as the fire had grown and had the potential to reach homes, if not controlled
very quickly.
There were 10-12 fire vehicles in Cypress Isles at one point, and a few
along Lake Underhill that day. To add to their challenges, the fire was
at least 150 yards or more back into the wetlands and the only way to get
water on the fire was to drag the hose though the thick brush. The wind
was also blowing, and the hot ash skipped from tree to tree making it even
more difficult. To say the least, this community was very anxious for hours
that day and for 3 days following as the underbrush continued to flare-up.
On Monday, April 28th, Barrington was at serious risk along with a number
of apartment buildings off Woodbury Rd. that also border the wetlands on
the other side. Again, Orange County Fire Rescue had 10-15 trucks positioned
on both sides of the fire in order to contain it. Tuesday was a better day
as there were no more large flare-ups, but OCFR was still here in force
all day to ensure we were not at risk. By Wednesday OCFR was able to conduct
their final inspection of the area and felt comfortable that the risk was
gone. At the end of 3½ days, 10-12 acres of wetlands had been burned,
about 20-25 OCFR vehicles had been dispatched, and somewhere around 3000
man-hours had been used.
Upon their departure on Tuesday, April 29, I was told by all three captains
that NO ONE should go back into the burned area because there are trees
with burned-out trunks that could fall without warning. In addition you
could stir up a hot spot by stepping on or shuffling the burned bush. So
please do not let your curiosity get the best of you. Please stay out of
the area unless you are investigating possible activity in this area that
should not be going on.
I can't say enough about the Orange County Fire Rescue Department. Many
of you may have talked with fire fighters as I did, and were quick to learn
that they were focused on our safety and the safety of our homes. There
are those that make comments like "well that's their job," but
I for one never take these men and women for granted because they choose
this profession, and I am glad they do. So thank them the next time you
see them.
The Cause:
Now let's talk about the suspected cause of this event. Even though it has
not been confirmed by any authority, it is very strongly believed that fireworks
started this fire. Based on the loud boom just before Mike Langan went into
the wetlands to investigate, and the fact that he saw at a distance 1-3
unidentified persons leaving the area, lends itself to support the suspicion.
This land is posted "No Trespassing", so why was anyone in there
at all, one would ask?
As many homeowners along Spring Island Way know, this was not the first
time we have had a fire in the wetlands. Thank goodness that about 1½
years ago when a mattress was burned back there it did not ignite the undergrowth
-- but it could have. Over the last two years there have been many homeowner
complaints about forts being built, paint ball courses being set up, and
other activities going on in the wetlands. The HOA Board has also been concerned
about these activities and has tried to reduce or stop them by talking with
parents and posting of "No Trespassing" signs where possible.
These efforts may have worked to some degree, but the fact that a fire was
started in this protected, no trespassing area would suggest that more stringent
efforts might need to be taken.
The Orange County Sheriff's Department has advised the HOA Board that having
"No Trespassing" signs posted allows their deputies to arrest
anyone that is seen or caught in these protected wetlands. The only problem
is catching someone. The OCSD have been called on many occasions, but when
they arrived the trespassers were gone. So what do we do as a community?
How to Prevent:
The answer is simple: be proactive. If you live along conservation / wetlands,
be observant all the time. Also, if you have children, teenagers, or young
adults, be sure to let them know that this area is off limits and if they
know of other children, teenagers, or young adults who are going back there,
they should tell you. It is sad to think it will take someone being arrested
as the only way to stop this from possibly happening again, but we must
be responsible to our community and ourselves.
If you are concerned about helping the community enforce the "no trespassing"
law, then I ask you to think about this: What will be your reaction if you
have a child who is seriously hurt or your home is damaged as a result of
not keeping people out of these wetlands? We do not live where hundreds
of acres of land separate our family and our homes from dry natural brush.
Just a small fire could be at your door within minutes!!!
I would venture to say that you will have the commitment of your future
HOA boards to do everything possible to protect you and your family, but
you must do your part.
Ron Wiley, President
Cypress Isles Board of Directors
For tips on what to do before or when a brush fire threatens, go to the OCFR website: http://www.orangecountyfl.net/cms/DEPT/ocfrd/default.htm Brush Fire Safety Tips.
Traffic Committee Survey
Results
Speed Humps? Not this time.
On May 5th, Orange County Traffic Engineering revealed these results of the survey of Spring Island Way residents:
37 Voted YES - In favor of speed humps
28 Voted NO - Not in favor of speed humps
4 Returned undeliverable
0 Received after deadline
13 No Ballot submitted
82 Total ballots distributed
Those in favor represented 56.9% of the 65 ballots that were returned, but
only 45.1% of the 82 residents surveyed. According to Orange County protocols,
at least 66% would have been needed to move the project forward.
To say this is disappointing is an understatement. It was also a surprise,
considering that the majority of the SIW residents who signed the petition
to move forward with the project indicated they were in favor of speed humps,
and intended to cast a "yes" vote. Obviously they changed their
minds, or misled us from the beginning.
The back end will be experiencing traffic problems again shortly. The 6000
unit apartments on Avalon Park Blvd are now leasing. There are many other
developments in progress in that area as well. These people will once again
begin using our neighborhood as a cut through to avoid traffic on Lake Underhill.
It currently backs up past Bradford Lakes in the mornings just about every
day.
The saddest part of this whole episode is that all the time, money and resources
volunteered by the Traffic Committee were completely wasted. The county
will not listen to us again for at least 2 years.
Thanks to all who participated, sacrificing a great deal of their personal
time to work on this for the past 14 months. Sadly, it was for nothing.
John Tenney, Traffic Committee Chair
CIN Publication Schedule
The Cypress Isles News is published quarterly by the Board of Directors
for the residents of Cypress Isles. We welcome non-commercial articles and
paid advertising from our neighbors. Send email submissions to Sandy Horazak
- sanden@bellsouth.net. Copy deadlines are February 1 for the February issue,
May 1 for the May issue, August 1 for the August issue, and November 1 for
the November issue. Articles may be edited for length, clarity, or content.
Advertisements are subject to approval of the Cypress Isles News staff and
the Cypress Isles Board of Directors, which governs this newsletter.
Advertising in the Cypress Isles News does not constitute endorsement by
either the Cypress Isles News or the WLCA. We do not guarantee the accuracy
of the advertisements or the performance or proper licensing of our advertisers.
We recommend that consumers check references.
Thanks to the Symons and the Engolds for delivering the newsletter
to our homes. And a big thanks to Cookie Symons for coordinating the volunteers.
Sandy Horazak, Editor
Board of Directors
Ron Wiley, President 407 384-2564 rwiley4@cfl.rr.com
John Tenney, Vice-President 407-383-3079 johnwill@tenncomgroup.com
Dennis Horazak, Secretary 407 207-6557 densus@bellsouth.net
Myron Davis, Treasurer 407 737-8200 mdavis8200@comcast.net
John Culbertson, Member 407 658-4261 jculbertson@cfl.rr.com
Harold Engold, Member 407-273-4990 LTHEJHPD@aol.com
Cookie Symons, Member 407-273-5460 NEW ADDRESS>Minnieland@comcast.net
Community Management Professionals
Judith Meldrum
407-903-9969 Ext. 106
Judith@community-mgmt.com
Neighborhood Watch
John Culbertson 407 658-4261 jculbertson@cfl.rr.com
Traffic Study Committee
John Tenney 407-383-3079 johnwill@tenncomgroup.com
Media
Dennis Bode, Webmaster dbode@cfl.rr.com
Sandy & Denny Horazak, CI News Editor 407 207-6557 sanden@bellsouth.net
Welcome to Cypress Isles!
Go over and say, "Hi!"
Welcome to our new neighbors at
920 Spring Island Way
If we've missed anyone else who recently moved in, please let us know so we can mention you in the next newsletter.
For easy access to all things ARC, check the Cypress Isles website: http://www.cypressisles.org/ > Architectural Review > Homeowner's Master Documents
Those driveways and sidewalks are looking good. We want to thank those who
spent their weekends outside power washing those driveways and sidewalks.
They really look nice. I am sure there are lots of sore necks.
We have several new neighbors in our development and some have been notified
by the management company that they are in violation of something or other.
Here are some helpful hints to avoid receiving a letter:
o If it's not a garbage pick up day garbage cans must be stored out of sight from the street.
o Garden equipment must be stored in the garage or out of sight from the street.
o Ladders must be stored in the garage or out of sight from the street.
o Basketball hoops are allowed but must be maintained. A little paint cleans them up very nicely.
o Lawns should be edged and grass trimmed from growing up the side of the house or fence.
o If weeds are filling the flowerbeds, a little Roundup® goes a long way.
o Weeds should not be growing in the driveway. Roundup® kills this problem in a few hours.
o Some fences are looking very weathered. Power washing the fence restores the look.
o Dead palm fronds need to be removed. (Tired of trimming? Read "Hate Trimming Palms? Trade 'em In" in the November 2007 Cypress Isles News. It's on our website (look down))
These are all in keeping with part of the guidelines in the Declaration
of the Master Covenants for maintaining your property.
No one likes receiving a letter being told they are in violation. Cypress
Isles has always been one of the best looking communities in Waterford Lakes.
Lets all try to keep it looking it's best.
Cypress Isles Architectural Review Committee
Thanks from the President
We are at the end of another term for the Cypress Isles Board of Directors.
I, as the President for 2007/2008 term, wanted to express my personal thanks
to those who served on the board in 2007/08. Being a volunteer HOA board
member is typically a thankless job. Once in awhile a neighbor or homeowner
will extend appreciation to a board member, but more often the women and
men that serve in these roles go unnoticed.
I wanted to go on record about how much I personally appreciated each and
every board director and committee member this past year, as they all went
above and beyond their roles to help ensure that our community was safe
and maintained its value.
Our Neighborhood Watch Coordinator, John Culbertson, really helped get our
Neighborhood Watch Program back on track. He re-organized and re-assigned
the blocks, with a map for each block, secured new block captains for the
vacancies, and really works to bring continuity to the program again. The
Architectural Review Committee (ARC) consisting of Cookie Symons and Harold
Engold keep track of our community violations, ARC submissions / reviews
/ approvals, and community drive-through inspections with our property manager
every month. Vice-president John Tenney led the Traffic Committee and, with
the help of many residents, organized Park-In-Street events that positioned
us with the County to secure grant money for speed humps and islands. Our
Secretary, Dennis Horazak kept impeccable minutes, worked on revisions of
our community documents to match the state changes, and most of all kept
the entire board on track regarding anything currently in our community
documents. I can't say enough about how important that job is.
The last, but certainly not the least, board member is Myron Davis. If there
is any one board member you should treasure, it is our Treasurer, as Myron
watches over our expenses carefully and will without hesitation question
every single request to spend our money. Myron leads the charge to watch
the community expenses along with the rest of your board, and I can tell
you that he lets nothing slide.
Finally there is our Newsletter Committee, Sandy & Dennis Horazak. These
two individuals have edited and published our community newsletter as long
as I have lived here. They always do a great job and, even better, they
have secured advertisers that just about cover the cost of the publication.
How great is that.
Cypress Isles is the envy of all other Waterford Lakes communities in many
ways, and I can tell you that your HOA board is always thinking of you,
the homeowner, first and foremost in everything they do.
Thanks again to the 2007/08 Cypress Isles HOA Board of Directors.
Ron Wiley, President
Water Restrictions
No, they haven't gone away…
We are back under the same Orange County mandatory water restrictions that were implemented in 2001. As a reminder of what that means:
NO WATERING on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday.
NO WATERING between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on your designated day.
Odd numbered houses (your house number ends in 1, 3, 5, 7, 9) may only water on Wednesday and Saturday.
Even numbered houses (your house number ends in 0, 2, 4, 6, 8) may only water on Thursday and Sunday.
Always use less than 30 minutes a zone on your designated day.
The exceptions to these rules are newly planted sod (30 days); and "watering
in" fertilizer or chemicals within 24 hours of application, but still
not between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Better get used to these restrictions - they're only going to get stricter
- probably down to 1 day a week in the future. And for abusers of the rules,
the water police may be slapping a fine on you!
Any questions? Ask the Orange County Water Division at (407) 254-9850, or
visit their website at http://www.orangecountyfl.net/cms/DEPT/utilities/water_restrictions.htm
Sandy Horazak
Wet & Wild Editor
On This Date in History
Some more historical than others…
 May 23 - Michael Symons |
 May 22 - Cookie & Scott Symons |
New WLCA ARC Guidelines On-Line
To access these guidelines, go the WLCA website (www.waterfordlakes.org),
log in as a resident, then mouse over to Documents > Architectural Review
Committee Documents.
The WLCA Architectural Review Committee announced the posting of a number of guideline documents on the WLCA website. The documents are:
Guide To Planning A Home Improvement
ARC General Application Form (ARA)
ARC Pool Application Form (ARA-Pool)
ARC Original Color Painting/Paint Change Form (ARA-Paint)
Fencing Guidelines
Access Permission Agreement
Room/Addition Guidelines
Pool Application Guidelines
Pool Deck Modification Guidelines
Solar Panels/Roof/Insulated Aluminum Elite Roof Guidelines
Paint and/or Siding Guidelines
Front Entry/Walkway/Driveway/Circular Driveway Guidelines
Concrete Curbing/Landscaping/Lawn Ornaments Guidelines
Exterior Paint Guidelines
Non-Living Objects (As Ornaments) Guidelines
Xeriscape Guidelines (low-water, more indigenous landscaping)
Complete approved minutes of WLCA board meetings are posted on the Waterford
Lakes website at www.waterfordlakes.org
> Document > BOD Meeting Minutes. Comments can be sent to the WLCA
Board at www.waterfordlakes.org > Board/Committees > Address the Board.
Back by Poopular Demand…
Do You Know Where Your Pets Are?
They're in our yard! (Article being taken for a walk again by request…)
We know you love your pets. So do we. Okay, so we don't love your pets as
much as we love our own. We especially don't love your pets when they are
allowed to roam free, using our properties as their personal toilet area,
and upsetting our pets, which are either leashed, or being kept under control
in our screen enclosures. This applies to dogs and cats. It's also against
the law…not part of the local or master HOA documents, but an Orange
County law.
Orange County enforces animal leash and waste laws subject to fines up to
$500 for non-compliance. And don't forget to clean up your pet's waste.
We only want to clean up after our own pets, so please be responsible for
yours. Report violators to Orange County Animal Control 407-352-4390. If
you get caught up in their voicemail system, call the general county services
at 407-836-3111. OR - to register a complaint online go to:
http://www.orangecountyfl.net/cms/DEPT/CEsrvcs/animal/complaintdisclaim.htm
Sandy "Scoop" Horazak
WLCA Office (Dawn) 453 Mark Twain Blvd. 407-380-3803 wlca@bellsouth.net
Orange County Sheriff - Non-emergency 407 836-HELP (4357)
Animal Control (unleashed pets, etc.) 407 352-4390
Progress Energy Streetlight Repair or Power Outage 1-800-228-8485 www.progress-energy.com
Call before you dig (Sunshine Network) 811 www.call811.com