Island Towers Trespassing and Fireworks Incidents

The following is a copy of an email received from one of our residents:

This afternoon I noticed a man going floor to floor and door to door. First, I asked him what he was doing. He responded that he had a carpet cleaning special he wanted to let people know about. Then I asked him if he was currently doing work for a resident. He responded that he was not. So, I asked him how he got in the building to which he responded that the lobby door was open. At this point I explained to him that our complex was private property, had a no solicitation policy and we could not have people just walking up off the street doing this. When I told him to leave the property he acted as though he was doing so but I noticed that he never came out of the lobby. Therefore, I went downstairs, closed the back door and there he was standing in the lobby. I asked him why he had not left and he said he was waiting on a ride. I told him to wait for his ride in the street that it was not up to him when he would leave. Also, I asked for a business card and what company he worked for. He said that he worked for Kirby Vacuum but would not give me a business card. Once again he acted like he was not going to leave. Sensing his belligerence, I opened the front door and told him to leave at once or I was going to call the sheriff. Finally, he left and shortly thereafter a maroon Ford Econoline van pulled up and took him away. Interestingly enough this van did not have any Kirby Vacuum insignia or identification. The tag number was V34-7TG or V34-7TJ.

I have no idea if this man is a legitimate representative of Kirby Vacuum or not. Given the demographic makeup of our community, I do not think it is a good idea to allow this type of door to door solicitation. In my opinion it would be appropriate for Steve to contact Kirby Vacuum and inform them that someone is acting as an imposter or they need to restrict their representatives from uninvited solicitation at Island Towers. Even when contractors are here doing work they should not be allowed to wander around soliciting business.

Another incident took place last night that you should be aware of. The same group of kids that congregate near our main entrance on a daily basis decided to spend about an hour throwing firecrackers and such down the storm drain etc. Finally, I hollered down to them to end the fireworks display for the evening and they dispersed. During the past week I have found several of these kids under the carports and made them leave. Also, one of the girls involved and her mother were out at the seawall the other evening standing directly in front of the no trespassing sign. They live across the street and know this is private property and have been told not to come here. Nonetheless, the girl has been back over here.

Right after I first moved here Island Towers was experiencing a similar problem. At that time the Sheriff Deputy had the Board write a letter stating their intent to prosecute further acts of trespassing. He then delivered this letter to each resident of the two complexes across the street and told them this served as their warning and if he picked them up on Island Towers property they would be arrested. The problem ended cold turkey. Perhaps the Board should consider discussing this matter with the Sheriff’s Department and determining what pro-active options are available at this time to curtail the incidents taking place. A patrol car stationed on Woodette between calls during the afternoon and early evening hours would likely have a positive impact.

These are just several examples of the recent escalation of trespassing and unacceptable behavior taking place. Unfortunately, it has been my experience since living here more than ten years now that this tends to run in cycles until there is action taken to stop it. It is time for such action.

Sincerely,

Update Summary of Key Restoration Projects

The following is an update summary of some of the key projects going at Island Towers:
1. Installation of new 3" water main pipe: The actual installation is complete, and all our water is now being supplied by the new pipes. We are currently in the process scheduling the asphalt, concrete, and landscape contractors to come in and fix the damage from the installation of the new pipe.
2. Reworking the walkways, stairwells and balconies: the walkways and stairwell are finished, except for touch up work. On Oct 2, 09, Steve Carpenter and Jodie Canon will start inspecting the balconies. They will enter as many apartments as possible and survey each balcony for actual damage. A second date, to survey the balance, has not been identified yet.
3. Installation of hard wired smoke detectors: McGee, the electrical contractor, just notified us that the city granted us the permits to do the work. He would like to start next week. We'll have to coordinate with the Board, because at least one Board Member, or committee member will have to be present when McGee enters each apartment.
4. Cleaning the outside of the windows: started yesterday and should finish today or tomorrow.

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For more of this type of information go to http://www.dunedin-fl.com/latestpress.php, on use the link at the bottom on the page (http://www.dunedinfl.com/), and explore on your own.

Steve Carpenter on vacation Sep. 6-12, 09

Steve Carpenter, our property manager, is on vacation until Sep. 12, 09. He will be back at work on Monday, Sep. 13, 09.

NOTICE OF WATER SHUT OFF.

The water supply to both Towers and the Clubhouse will be turned off on Wednesday, Sep. 16, 09, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. During this time the plumbing contractor will switch from the old to new water line.

The water could be turned on earlier or possibly later then the 5:00 PM estimated time depending on how the work goes.

Residents should experience a significant increase in water pressure and volume after the new water lines are connected.

Steve Carpenter
Property Manager
Condominium Associates

(NOTE: For additional information see post dated, 8/31/09, 3" water main update.)

IMPROMPTU LABOR DAY BBQ AT THE POOL.

There will be an impromptu Labor Day BBQ today starting at 3:00 PM, at the pool for anyone who in interested. The grilling will start around 5:00 PM. Bring your on food and booze, and one dish to share with everyone else. Come down and meet your neighbors.

THE POOL IS OPEN!!!

Just go word from Steve Carpenter, the repair work is done and the pool is open!!! Everyone have a Happy Labor Day!

Pool Closure Update, Sep. 3, 09

See: Pool Clusure Update, Sep. 1, 09.

McGee Electric was in on Wednesday, and determined that the power box was OK. So now the problem has been isolated to the wiring (or conduit) between the power box and the pool pump motor. McGee could not come in before the Labor Day weekend started, so Steve scheduled another electric company for Friday morning. Hopefully, they can snake a line through the conduit. If they can’t, the next step is excavating a new line. Let’s hope they can get that wire through the conduit.

Pool Closure Update, Sep. 1, 09

The pool was closed because the pump was not working. Initially it was believed that the motor had burned out; however, after further inspection yesterday it was determined that the motor was OK. It now looks like it may be an electrical problem. McGee Electric is scheduled to check the power connections tomorrow. We are trying to get the pool back into service as quickly as possible.