Homeowners Association of La Casa, Inc.
Approved
Board of Directors Meeting
March 24, 2025
Rec Hall &
Via Zoom
1:00 p.m.

Call to order: At 1:00 p.m. in the Rec Hall by President Davis.

Pledge of Allegiance: Recited

Exit Message: Reviewed by President Davis, this also included a reminder there is an AED Defibrillator located on the back wall.

Silence Electronic Devices: Reviewed by President Davis.

Roll call: Present: Fogt, Hagopian, Luecken, Mithoefer, Morgan, Lilley, McMillion, Smith, Davis, Jack Pasquale (Parliamentarian), Browning (Park Manager), Krout (Off Mgr./Acct.).
Via Zoom: None
Absent: None

A quorum of the Board is present.
There were 48 residents in attendance, 0 via Zoom.

Adoption of Proposed agenda:
Motion: To approve the agenda as presented. Morgan/Lilley, MMC 9/0

Secretary’s Report: Rob McMillion
Motion: I move to approve the HOA Board of Directors minutes of the February 24, 2025 meeting as posted. McMillion/Morgan, MMC 9/0

Treasurer’s Report: Linda Luecken
1
Treasurers Report – Preliminary

Month Feb 2025

        Actual      Budget      P/L

Income $212,772.24 $206,416.48 $6,355.76
Expense $136,880.01 $144,275.11 ($7,395.10
P/L $ 75,892.23 $ 62,141.37 $13,750.86

YTD Jan-Feb 2025
Actual Budget P/L
Income $427,061.70 $420,051.65 $7,010.05
Expense $281,673.13 $281,860.11 ($186.98)
P/L $145,388.57 $138,191.54 $7,197.03

Bank Balances
Ckg/Money Market CD’s
Reserve Funds* $354,012.72 $1,215,000.00
Operating Funds* $278,709.31 $ 180,000.00
Capital Acquisition Fund* $594,045.01 $1,720,000.00
Petty Cash $ 250.00 $
Hurricane Deductible/
Uninsured Asset* $ $ 375,000.00
Total $4,717,017.04

CD’s Amount Interest Rate Renewed
Reserve
Operating
CAA $150,00.00 3 yr 4.067% (old rate 5.15%)
Notes:
*Reserve Funds are restricted
*Operating funds include four months everyday expenses and emergencies
*Capital Asset fund is for purchase of large items
*Hurricane deductible is for insurance deductible and uninsured assets

Motion: To recess HOA Board of Directors meeting LCRE Annual Meeting. Smith/Mithoefer,
MMC 9/0

Motion: To reconvene HOA Board of Directors meeting. Smith/Fogt, MMC 9/0

STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS

FINANCE: Jack Pasquale

STANDING COMMITTEE ON FINANCE REPORT TO HOA
March 24, 2025
Good afternoon; President Davis; HOA Board Members; Mr. Randy Browning, Park Manager; Ms. Linda Krout, Park Accountant; La Casa Shareholders and Residents
My name is Jack Pasquale and I live at 655 Los Altos. I have the privilege to serve as chairman of the Finance Committee along with team members Al Campbell, Jim Dahlhausen, Jan Danner, Jim Fitzsimons, David Fogt and Evelyn Ternullo.
The preliminary draft February 28, 2025, month end financials were reviewed at our meeting Monday, March 17, 2025; no material or unexplained budget variations were identified. Our investment allocations are aligned with the ranges specified in the Investment Policy. Our net income for the first two months of 2025 is positive over the estimated budget amount by 0.13%.
Our Park Accountant Linda Krout reported after our meeting that our Auditor Cavanaugh and Company will commence work on the 2024 FY Audit this week (March 14, 2025). Linda Krout works closely with our audit firm throughout the year to insure we are in compliance with all generally accepted accounting procedures and we expect the audit process to proceed smoothly with no surprises. We expect we may see a preliminary draft audit mid-April at which time our Park Accountant will make any Journal adjustments identified by the Auditor. We anticipate the review of the preliminary draft financial audit will be completed so that the audit can be presented to the HOA Board for acceptance at its April meeting.
Our reservist Pierre Del Rosario, Capital Reserve Advisors, anticipates making an on- site visit and inspection of all reserve assets to develop a comprehensive Reserve Management Plan 30-year projection update beginning January 2026. Our last full update was made three years ago.
The Finance Committee wishes to recognize and thank Al Campbell for his service on the committee as Secretary for the past six years and wish him well in whatever future endeavors he undertakes. We also wish to recognize David Fogt for his service on the committee and congratulate him on his election as a director to the La Casa HOA Board.

Thank you for your time and attention.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the Finance Committee,
Jack Pasquale, BSEE, JD
Chairman SCF

LCRE: Kathy Langone

REPORT: Randy Browning, Park Manager

New Entrance Fence:
The new 4-foot fence with gates has been installed. Both gates will be propped open during the day and closed and locked at night. When locked, the Guard House will provide access to the 6-foot gate at the Guard House Gates.

April Mowing:
Week of the 7th through the 11th and the week of the 21st through the 25th.

Pickleball Courts:
Delay on surfacing of non-protecting wall, which is to be completed in April.

Pipe Lining:
Lining will be March 25th-27th on Iglesia, Madonna and Los Altos.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT: Tim Davis

Good afternoon everyone and thank you for taking the time to attend our board meeting this month. Today I want to take time to let everyone here in La Casa know that the Florida department of transportation is inviting all our residents and surrounding neighborhoods to attend a special safety improvements public meeting on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at Trinity United Methodist Church off Biscayne Drive in North Port.

This meeting will discuss improved safety at multiple intersections along U.S. 41, including ours into la casa, harbor cove, harbor isles, riverwalk and lazy river. The purpose of these improvements is to improve safety, enhance traffic flow and reduce crashes. We in La Casa have been complaining for years to DOT and Sarasota County about the need for improved access and egress in our park. Most of this has fallen on deaf ears, and we have had some very serious crashes in front of our park in the past few years.

This month myself, Linda Luecken, Colette Welch and Linda Swab attended the monthly AMC meeting at harbor cove where this issue was discussed at length. Jim Spires, the president of Harbor Isles HOA, is our liaison to Florida DOT and has been tracking this issue for many years. He has been told that DOT has no intention of installing any traffic signals between River Road and Ortiz Blvd., nor will they lower the 55 mph speed limit. All 5 of the parks, through membership in the AMC, have been fighting this for years so our voices need to be heard at this special meeting.

I have posted all the information on our website, including how to register to attend online. Please go to lacasaroc.com more more information. I will also post notices on facebook so everyone knows about this important matter.

Director’s Reports:

Director David Fogt

Motion: To approve a home to be installed at 208 La Costa lot number 160. Fogt/Morgan, MMC 9/0

Rationale: The current home was damaged by hurricanes and will be removed. The replacement home fits within the buildable lot area and meets all requirements for size and setbacks. The home includes the required driveway and shed.

Motion: To approve a home to be installed at 650 El Tango lot number 324. Fogt/Hagopian,
MMC 9/0

Rationale: The current home was damaged by hurricanes and will be removed. The replacement home fits within the buildable lot area and meets all requirements for size and setbacks. The home includes the required driveway and shed.

Motion: I move to approve the request at 609 La Jolla lot number 535 to install a 10ft. x 12ft. Paver patio behind the home. Fogt/Luecken, MMC 9/0

Rationale: There is room for the patio and it’s removable. It does not interfere with any utilities.

Director Jack Hagopian

Motion: To approve Randel Beckley to the R.V. Committee for a three-year term. Hagopian/Luecken, MMC 9/0

Rationale: The rational is that he’s qualified and has submitted a letter of interest to serve. Randel is a full-time resident and presently a non-user.

Motion: To approve Lee Hughes to the R.V. Committee for a three-year term. Hagopian/Morgan, MMC 9/0

Rationale: The rationale is that he’s qualified and has submitted a letter of interest to serve. Lee is a seasonal resident and presently a non-user.

Motion: To approve Jeffery Blake to the R.V. Committee for a three-year term. Hagopian/Luecken, MMC 9/0

Rationale: Jeff is a seasonal resident, is qualified and submitted a letter of interest and is presently a non-user.

Motion: To approve Randel Beckley to a three-year term to the compliance committee. Hagopian/Fogt, MMC 9/0

Rationale:

Motion: To approve Ed Bourdeau to a three-year term to the compliance committee. Hagopian/Lilley, MMC 9/0

Rationale:

Report: RV/Boat Compound Liaison/Compliance – None

Director Peter Lilley

Motion: I move to approve David Wood to fill the vacant position on the Security Committee for a three-year term. Lilley/Hagopian, MMC 9/0

Rationale: Two positions are currently available as two committee members’ 3 year terms are up. David’s background provides a good fit for the committee and is recommended by the committee.

Motion: I move to approve Don Gettys to fill the vacant position on the Security Committee for a three-year term. Lilley/Luecken, 9/0

Rationale: Don has been serving on this committee over the past 3 years, seeks a second term, and provides great support to the committee.

Report: Security – None

Director Linda Luecken: Treasurer
Motion: I move the HOA Board appoint Sharon Scarlett, 530 San Clemente Circle, to the Standing Committee on Finance for a three-year term ending March 2028. Luecken/Morgan MMC 9/0

Rationale: Sharon and her husband are full-time residents of La Casa. As can be seen from Sharon’s letter for consideration for appointment to the SCF, she has lived in a large community like La Casa and has participated in various committees including finance and planning. Sharon has the full support and recommendation of the SCF.

Motion: I move the HOA Board grant a waiver of Committee Policy and Procedures and to appoint Al Campbell to the Standing Committee on Finance for an additional 3-year term ending March 2028. Al currently serves in a key position as Finance Committee Secretary. He possesses a wealth of experience and knowledge, and is considered a valuable, knowledgeable and contributing member of the finance committee. Al is well respected by his fellow committee members and his input and insights are particularly important as La Casa continues to recover from Hurricanes IAN and Milton. Luecken/Fogt, MMC 9/0

Rationale: The SCF has two three-year terms expiring March 2025; Al Campbell and David Fogt. David was elected to the HOA Board and cannot continue to serve on the committee. Only one person has requested consideration for an appointment to the committee which will still leave one opening. Advertisements, solicitations and direct personal requests seeking potential applicants to fill the vacant position have not been successful. The SCF recognizes the importance of continuing to bring new members to the committee, but the reality of the circumstances requires the committee to make this recommendation to carry out its duties under its Charter.

Report: None.

Director Gary Mithoefer

Motion: To appoint Paul Moshano to the Contract Review Committee for a three-year term ending 2028. Mithoefer/McMillion, MMC 9/0
Rationale: Paul will be replacing Jeff Mithoefer who has completed two three-year terms and is not eligible for reappointment.

Motion: To appoint Gerald Derr to the Contract Review Committee for a three-year term ending in 2028. Mithoefer/Smith, MMC 9/0

Rationale: Gerald will be replacing Phil McCabe who has completed two three-year terms and is not eligible for reappointment.

Director Rob McMillion:

Report: Future of La Casa/Long Range Planning Committee Liaison,

Director Martha Morgan:

Report: Activity – None

Director Denny Smith

Motion: I move the adoption of La Casa Access Procedures, and such be included within the HOA Board of Policies in the appropriate section. Smith/Lilley MMC 9/0

Rationale: Over the past few weeks, select members of the Front Gate Task Force and the Standing Committee on Security reviewed and updated the current La Casa Post Orders. Both full committees have been given an opportunity to review and provide suggestions for inclusion. The work is a result of the collective thinking of both committees.

Motion: To amend motion striking the phrase; “guards shall be prohibited from attending any community events or facilities within the community, striking phrase in 3rd bullet point in 3.0 of Employee Handbook. Morgan/Lilley, MMC 9/0

Discussion: Jack Pasquale, Parliamentarian, Suggested you have to strike those particular words out and then go back and act on the procedures aspect of that today and then come back in a future meeting and move to amend the procedures act that you’re passing by inserting the additional language you want to put in there. So this way you can act on it today minus that section on the guards. Have another meeting to amend the Employee Handbook and then you can add in the proper language that you wanted earlier.

Amended Motion: I move the addend of rules and regulations from the La Casa Access Procedures that pertain most directly to residents be included in the La Casa Rules and Regulations, Article VII General Rules as stated on the attached sheet becoming numbers 5-9 upon approval. Smith/Morgan, MMC 9/0

Rationale: These statements are included within the La Casa Access Procedures and pertain to all residents. This makes all aware of expectations going forward.

Report: LCRE Liason – (Communicated During LCRE Annual Meeting)

Taskforce Reports:
New Home Taskforce: Colette Welch, Chair.
Report:

Good afternoon, Mr. President, Board of Directors, Park Manager Randy Browning, Public Accountant Linda Krout, and residents. Our committee is made up of Linda Swab, Linda Luecken, Gary Peterson, Jack Hagopian, Jan Danner, Tammie Schroeder, Randy Browning, and me.

To bring you up to date, I will share the following information: We interviewed several vendors to see if they were willing to place a “spec” home in La Casa at no cost to our association. Palm Harbor and Regional Homes were the only ones interested. Lee Corp. requested exclusivity. We did not agree with that.

Palm Harbor signed an agreement about a year ago and chose two sites. They filed a floor plan and began working on a lot on Madonna during the summer. Nothing has been done since. We have tried reaching them for six months by phone and emails to check on progress with no response. On March 13, 2025, President Tim Davis sent Palm Harbor a letter, with a copy to corporate headquarters and our attorney, requesting information on their intent and progress. Regional Homes had to withdraw their interest for various reasons.

Where do we go from here? That is for the Board of Directors to decide. Here are the options our committee suggests.
• Call Lee Corp again to see if an agreement can be reached.

• Buy a home of our choice from a dealer of our choice and sell it. There is precedence for this as the Locasa Board of Directors has done that before on lots on La Rosas and La Playa.

• Dissolve the task force and wait for our nine lots to sell.

Whatever you decide, understand that each month La Casa loses the maintenance fee on these nine lots and must pay the water charge and any other expenses. Round off the number to $300 a month per lot for general consideration. Our committee awaits your decision on how to proceed.

Thank you. Respectfully submitted.

Colette Welch

Discussion: Revolving around:
• Viability and historical context of potential New Home Purchase for HOA owned vacant lots.
• Current contract with Palm Harbor and expiration date.
• Potential for different home builders in La Casa.

Front Security Gate Taskforce: Denny Smith, Chair.
Report: The task force met with a representative of one of the security companies and we invited the standing security committee and members of the HOA board to attend to hear the information about the system that could be applied to our front gate. There was no action taken, it was an informational meeting and we plan to hear from another security system company in a future meeting.
Old Business: None.

Calendar:
May newsletter, David Fogt, please submit by April 9, 2025.

New Business: None

Open Forum: Lisa Woods, 649 Los Altos; expressed appreciation for Steve’s contribution playing at the benefit for Sean O’Neal. Over $13,000 was raised.

Next Agenda meeting: Monday, April 21, 2025. 1:00 p.m. in the Rec Hall.

Next Board meeting: Monday, April 28, 2025. 1:00 p.m. in the Rec Hall.

Respectively submitted,

Rob McMillion, Board Secretary