Category: Uncategorized

At the Masters Annual Meeting March 15, we are pleased to announce the following:

As of the deadline to fill the expired terms for two positions on The Masters Association Board, two individuals, Lynelle Moscaritolo and George Monahan have submitted their “notice of intent to be a candidate” forms. After reviewing our documents and Section 720 of the Florida State Statutes, the following is the course of action that will be followed:

1  – As there were two candidates for two openings, no election is required and the two candidates will be elected to the Masters Association Board on March 15, 2023.

2 – Immediately after the Annual Meeting, the seated Board will hold their organizational meeting to elect new officers

Lynelle and George will be joining current Board members Celeste Eaton, and Jerry Vasile

Additionally, Kathy Sherlock, Masters Board Treasurer has advised us that she will step down from the Board effective the adjournment of the 2023 Annual Meeting.

Kathy joined the Board at the 2022 Annual Meeting and served our community extremely well. Her contributions as the Treasurer and member of the Board are very much appreciated.

The Board at its Organization meeting on March 15, will appoint a new Board member to serve the remaining year of Kathy’s term. 

While she will not serve on the Board, Kathy will continue to serve our community as a member of our Welcome Committee, the formation of which was approved at our last Board meeting. She will also take on the role of our Social Coordinator working with our event organizers.

I am very pleased to announce that joining Kathy on the Welcoming Committee will be Pat Becker and Mary Grace Gallagher. They will continue to build on the excellent work by Don Jancin in welcoming new residents to the Masters and organizing our social events.

Several Masters residents will have tables at the 2023 Pelican Sound Arts and Crafts Show. If you would like to be listed here please notify info@masters33928.org

Saturday, February 25, 2023
10am-3pm | Pelican Park

Those who want to display and sell your hand-crafted treasures. Register by February 15th!
For more information, or to register, call Anne DeLaCroix at 239.247.2729 or email her at a.delacroix@comcast.net

Masters participants include:

Anina Bachrach
Barbara Reece

Masters Residents

The Masters President, Dikran Ohannessian, attended a River Ridge meeting after our Masters Board meeting on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, specifically to represent the Masters Community on Drainage issues impacting the Masters residents from golf course Lakes five through eight holes on outer edge.

The following is a summary report submitted by Dikran to the Masters Board members, a Map from RRCDD and part of the engineer’s report issued at the RRCDD Board meeting from their website.

The initial comments are Dikran’s followed by supporting documentation from River Ridge; Our Board objective is to keep residents informed on current issues.

Don Jancin
Masters Board Secretary

Drainage in the Masters

January 2023

The River Ridge CDD Board will consider the engineer’s plans to address the water problem in the Masters. This is expected to be approved; however, implementation will only occur when funds are available which could take some time. In the meantime, they will see if some remaining funds from completed projects could be directed to start addressing the problem.

The project involves locating drainage structures originally planned but have long been covered, making sure once located,the drainage holes are functional and then connecting pipes to the drainage hole for stagnant to flow into.

The current drainage network:

• ·Black Circles with a black dot centre are CDD drainage structures.
• Black lines are CDD drainage pipes.
• Orange Circles with an orange centre dot are CDD drainage structures (locations for most are currently unknown and whether these are functional)

Engineer’s report (extracts) provided by Engineer to River Ridge Board

it stated that there are several areas that are experiencing standing water after heavy rains. These include areas around the Master neighborhood, the area behind Seaside and the dry detention area north of Pelican Sound Blvd. To help address the standing water we are providing some conceptual improvements and estimated costs for budget purposes only.

Masters‐Southeast Corner

There are several locations within and around the Masters neighborhood where standing water has becoming more prevalent. The first area is located in the southeast corner of the neighborhood, adjacent to an indigenous vegetation area. Since the area is an indigenous vegetation area, the grading has remained as close to the natural ground as possible. In the southeast corner there is an existing inlet and rip rap swale that collects the some of the water and directs it to the golf course drainage or to the near by lake. As the inlet does not show up on any plans the exact path is unknown and will need to be investigated.

In addition, modifications would include;

• Installation of 3 PVC yard drains
• Installation of ±400 LF 15” ADS drain line
• Connections to existing inlet (2)
• Installation of ±4,000 s.f. Bermuda sod
• Estimated cost=$30,000.00

Masters‐Northwest Corner

The residents of the first 6 lots of the Masters have expressed concerns of standing water between their lots and the adjacent golf course. The original drainage plans showed yard drains to be installed behind these lots. After reviewing the behind the lots no inlets could be seen. Inspection reports from MRI do not show inlets or drainpipes behind the homes. To address the standing water it is proposed to install the yard drains based on the original drainage plans.

The proposed drainage modifications include;

• Installation of 2 PVC yard drains
• Installation of ±200 LF 15” ADS drain line
• Connections to existing inlet (2)
• Installation of ±2,000 s.f. Bermuda sod
•  Estimated cost=$24,000.00

Masters‐West Side

The residents on the west side of the Maters have expressed concerns of standing water between their lots and the adjacent golf course. The original drainage plans showed yard drains to be installed behind these lots. After reviewing the behind the lots no inlets could be seen. Inspection reports from MRI do not show inlets or drainpipes behind the homes. To address the standing water, it is proposed to install the yard drains based on the original drainage plans.

The proposed drainage modifications include;

• Installation of 2 PVC yard drains
• Installation of ±380 15” ADS drain line
• Connections to existing inlet (2)
• Installation of ±3,800 s.f. Bermuda sod
• Estimated cost=$31,000.00

Masters‐North Side

The residents on the north side of the Maters have expressed concerns of standing water between their lots and the adjacent golf course. To address the standing water, it is proposed to follow the example of other areas around the Masters and installed PVC yard drains and 15 inch ADS pipes to move the standing water to the existing drainage system.

The proposed drainage modifications include;

• Installation of 6 PVC yard drains
• Installation of ±690 LF 15” ADS drain line
• Connections to existing inlet (2)
• Installation of ±6,900 s.f. Bermuda sod
• Estimated cost=$42,000.00

Masters‐East Side

The residents on the east side of the Maters have expressed concerns of standing water between their lots and the adjacent golf course. To address the standing water, it is proposed to follow the example of other areas around the Masters and installed PVC yard drains and 15 inch ADS pipes to move the standing water to the existing drainage system.

The proposed drainage modifications include;

• Installation of 4 PVC yard drains
• Installation of ±530 LF 15” ADS drain line
• Connections to existing inlet (4)
• Installation of ±5,400 s.f. Bermuda sod
• Estimated cost=$43,000.00

The estimated cost to perform the drainage improvements to the Masters neighborhood is $170,000.00.

Depending on the terms of your home owners insurance policy you may be able to make a claim for the Masters Home Owners Association Assessment due to Hurricane Ian. Some policies wave the deductible requirement for this type of claim. Some policies allow you to submit only one claim, so you may have wait until you get the Pelican Sound Assessment to make a claim. Please consult your policy or agent for the factors that pertain to your situation. To make the claim for the Masters Assessment you may need one or both of the following two documents.

content of email sent 09/04/2023

MASTERS NVR VOTING (BY LAWS 3.12 & 3.13)

The current language was wordy- The Board streamlined language consistent with the Masters objectives and consistent with Pelican Sound Documents.

In additions the Board added language defining a majority polling vote consisting of 51members voting on issues to be a community opinion for the NVR to vote. It was noted residents have an obligation to vote on important issues a lacking a 51 % response the Board would advise the NVR on preferred vote for the community.

The proposed changes will be submitted to residents for comment before final Board approval

MASTERS BOARD ELECTION – Request for candidates

It was noted that we will have two open positions on our Board as of the March 15, 2023 annual meeting. Dikran Ohannessian and Don Jancin are term limited and leaving the Board.

All residents are reminded and encouraged to considering volunteering for our community Board. A letter of intent must be filed with Collier Financial by 5:00 P.M. on February 3, 2023

HURRICANE IAN – LOSS ASSESSMENT

The Secretary will issue and post on the Web site a required letter covering assessment to be used with resident’s insurance company. If your insurance company requires more detail – Collier Financial and / or Cambridge can assist.

It was noted that Pelican Sound Board and the Masters Board advised all homeowners to check their policies or with their agent on loss assessment coverage provided in their policy. Policies differ on coverage provided, deductibles, if any.

MAINTENANCE ISSUE- RESIDENT RESPONSIBILITY

Homeowner asked what is my responsibility when having my pool refinished on disposal of current pool water. We asked PS Administration to check with LEE County to ensure our response was correct. The response received per PSGRC Administrative Office:

“Lee County Utilities called me back this morning and said you are free to drain the pool into your yard, but NOT into the street or sewer.  This may cause damage to your grass so I would check with your pool vendor regarding that issue. We should not be discharging directly into any lakes”

REPLACEMENT OF HURRICANE DOWNED CANOPY TREES

 A conference Call was held by the Masters ARC Chair with Eric Long, PS, General Manager, Skeeter Siefert , PS ARC Chair, Denise William, PS Administrative Assistant.

Discussion included review of Lee County Rules, Village of Estero Rules and PS Documents on street trees. It was concluded that Street trees must be replaced and Pelican Sound Management will enforce existing rules and regulations.

Pelican Sound – Declaration

• Paragraph 5.2 states that “Trees within a neighborhood Association that are on an easement will be maintained by the Neighborhood Association including trimming, fertilization, and replacement … If said trees are damaged as a direct result of a storm, the Neighborhood Association shall be responsible for replanting or replacing.

To ensure compliance The Masters replaced down or damaged trees

MASTERS ROOFS

The Masters Community now stands at 87 replaced or in process of being replaced with 13 original roofs remaining.

NEW WELCOME COMMITTEE – PERMANENT BOARD COMMITTEE

The Board established a new committee to welcome new neighbours in the Masters;

Committee to be comprised of chairperson and two others who would meet / greet new neighbours.

The President requested we need volunteers for this committee and anyone interested should contact him.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

The Board approved the funding of community activities by the Association;

They included Holiday Decorations, Flags, New Member badges.  Social Functions were excluded to be run independent from Board responsibility and should be self funding. Donations were excluded by State Statute and must be done independently by residents.

CAMBRIDGE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT – Use of existing vendor technology

The Board and vendor in reviewing improved resident service / communication discussed that emails to Cambridge was a preferred resident communication. Cambridge software tracks written communication from point of receipt to completion. The Board and Cambridge will prepare updated instructions for our Web Site and to our Residents.

Donald J Jancin

Masters Secretary

THIS IS NOT OFFICIAL MINUTES OF THE BOARD MEETING

Come one, come all, to enjoy our January Social and the opening of the 2023 Bocce season.

Here’s how the event will unfold:

3pm to 5pm – Opening bocce matches at the bocce courts. All are welcome to come and cheer the teams on.

5pm to 8pm – Immediately following is our January Social on the Racquet Center lanai

Registration for this event is closed

To check who has registered: Click Here

Wally’s deli will deliver a range of sandwiches, salads, chips, and cookies. Bartenders will be ready to create your favorite beverages to be charged to your PS member account.

Cost per person: $15

Deadline to register: January 6^th

Payment: Please drop off your check (payable to Michele Towey) or cash (in an envelope with your name) at 21948 Masters Circle. A box will be by the front door.

Kindly note: the January 6^th deadline is important for the correct amount of food to be ordered and paid for in advance.

The more the merrier to usher in the new year with a January Social and Bocce opening. Gather for a fun event with your neighbors.

All community members, house guests and renters are invited to join our event. Masters residents – Please remember to wear your name badge.

Questions? Please contact me at: Michele.Towey@gmail.com

Michele Towey – Event Coordinator

There have been reports of a number of vehicles not coming to a stop where Masters Circle intersects with itself.

The Stop sign is down but drivers still need to come to a complete stop, especially as the house on the corner has a large stack of  construction materials that impairs sitelines. 

Please remind your visitors to be aware of the situation; a temporary sign will be in place as soon as possible.

In December the Masters association will have the sable palms and hardwood trees trimmed as part of its regular maintenance program.  And as a final cleanup from hurricane Ian, the dead branches from the Canopy trees will be cleared.

At the Board meeting of November 15, there was a lot of discussions concerning clean up of dead branches and trimming of trees throughout the Masters Community and whether hurricane downed Canopy trees needed to be replaced.

Tree Trimming and Removal of Dead Branches From Trees on Your Property

If an owner has dead branches on the trees on their property (other than the Canopy trees), it is the homeowner’s responsibility to hire a contractor to clear these branches.

If you wish to take advantage of Greenscapes (with its subcontractor, Johnson Tree Services), working in the community to have your trees cleared of dead branches or additional tree maintenance, please contact Jami at Greenscapes ASAP. This work is NOT covered by the Masters Association.

I have been asked to list tree services that have worked within the Masters community. I am not endorsing these businesses. These are the contractors that I have received good reviews on the work they have completed.

• Greenscapes of Southwest FL Office:  239-643-4471 Jamie McGarvey, Landscape Manager
• Johnson Tree Service:  239-947-4720
• TLS Lawn & Tree Service:  239-851-1353

Regarding tree trimming, all work is to be performed in accordance with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI A-300and Z133.1 standards) and associated Best Management Practices for Tree Pruning. Please note that trees may not be trimmed merely to improve views.

Replacement of Hurricane Downed Canopy Trees

The Association considered whether hurricane downed Canopy trees should be replaced as some members thought it might no longer be desired.

Various rules and regulations regarding trees must be considered:

General Trees

• The Lee County Land Development Code requires one General Tree per 3000 square feet of development area.
• 75% of the General Trees must be native trees, and no more than 25% can be palms.

Trees along the road

• The Lee County Land Development code requires five trees per 100 linear feet along the street.
• 75% of such trees must be native trees. 50% can be palm, however they need to be clustered, NOT lined up with equal distance between them.
• Three palms equal one canopy tree.

Pelican Sound – Declaration

• Paragraph 5.2 states that “Trees within a neighborhood Association that are on an easement will be maintained by the Neighborhood Association including trimming, fertilization, and replacement … If said trees are damaged as a direct result of a storm, the Neighborhood Association shall be responsible for replanting or replacing.

To ensure compliance, hurricane downed Canopy trees will be replaced.

ARC Application for Planting, Removal, or Replacement of a Tree

For your information, I have included the ARC application process:

1. Submit Exhibit C – ARC Tree/Palm Removal and Replacement Application.
2. When removal is approved, a replacement tree/palm may be required. If so, it will be noted in the approved application. In the event a replacement tree is required, complete the tree replacement fields.
3. As we are single family lots, a Village of Estero “Vegetation Removal Permit,” is not required. However, every lot is required to maintain two native trees in compliance with Lee County Land Development Code. Canopy trees on a resident’s property count as native trees.

In the event of a storm or natural disaster, a tree or palm is downed or sustains significant damage that creates a hazard to buildings or safety to people, an approved ARC tree Removal and Replacement Application is waived.

If you have any questions/comments or concerns, please feel free to contact me.

Celeste Eaton, Masters ARC Chair

217-617-2331 celeste.eaton@gmail.com