BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2
PRESIDENT'S REPORT HUGH RIPPS
In my final article as the current Board President, I want to thank the current Board and this community for your continuous support over the past year. While we might have varying perspectives and different opinions, we share a common goal of doing what is best for the Seven Lakes community.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: In 2022, we had several significant accomplishments:
Improved and transformed landscaping throughout the community Have fully operational tennis courts Creation of the Building Safety Act Task Force to monitor the Florida Senate Bill 4D (keeping us abreast of the impact of the bill and associated legal implications) Implementation of the Northstar System - introducing a new website, mobile app, and enhanced communications Revamped The Tee Room experience, improving both service and food quality Renovated the golf cart paths Onboarding of a new management team that many longtime residents say is the best ever THE HURRICANE: On September 28, 2022, Hurricane Ian struck and devastated our community. The formation of a Hurricane Response Team (consisting of residents and administration volunteers) earlier in the summer, allowed us to react much faster and more efficiently than many other communities. The Board and staff quickly mobilized to determine how to best ensure residents were kept up-to-date on the assessment of damages, navigation of legal and insurance-related processes, and progress on identified next steps. The team met daily for several weeks to triage and resolve issues. Over time, the meeting cadence changed from daily to twice weekly, weekly, every other week, and monthly. In addition to the on-site meetings, updates were sent via email and posted on the residents’ community page to keep those not able to attend the meetings updated with the latest information. In times of crisis, how a community reacts and responds is indicative of its culture. We should all be proud to be part of the Seven Lakes community. From countless hours spent planning and implementing the Task Force and working and negotiating with vendors and insurance companies to preparing and serving food in The Tee Room, the Seven Lakes community truly came together to help and support each other. A big thank you to Linda Keyes, Bill Darden, Carl Triola, John Kennedy, Ken Brown, and Sach Mathur for the roles you each played and the contributions you each made. Henry, Jorge, and every staff member also went above and beyond to support this community (while many also suffered individual hurricane-related losses). REBUILDING: While much progress has been made, there is still much work for us to do – starting with getting our displaced residents back in their homes. What is taking so long? Why can’t we just hire contractors to start the necessary repairs? As is often the case with life, things are not always as simple as they seem. Our community must adhere to Florida Statute 718. Under this statute, Seven Lakes consists of 29 Condominiums and an Association. While the Association is responsible for the maintenance, repair, and enhancements of the community's common elements (such as the Admin Building, Tee Room, Golf Pro Shop, Golf Course, Tennis and Pickleball Courts, Fitness Center, etc.) the unit owners in each condominium are responsible for the maintenance, repair, and enhancements of their building(s). SIMPLY PUT: Association – Responsible for common elements Unit Owners – Responsible for their buildings
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