Tiara Towers

Starting soon, we are changing the mail provider for the Tiara Newsletter.    Continue reading →

After a very successful Valentine's Day dinner outing, the Tiara Social Committee has planned new events for March.  Watch for sign-ups and notifications in the elevators and in the mailrooms.

Coming Events in March

March 4 - Ladies (Only!) High Team

March 16 - South Africa Travel presentation by Pat and Kathy

March 27 - Bunko Party with Dessert and Coffee

Publix' website now announces the Grand Opening of the Taylor Creek Publix store as February 20, 2020!

I know all at Tiara are going to be very excited to know that the long wait is finally over.

Just a reminder that if you are planning renovations to your unit, some renovations require advance approval.     This writeup about the Architectural Review Committee comes from Board President Bill Dicker:

                          Architectural Review Committee

Mission Statement

The Architectural Review Committee was created to provide Association oversight, as an arm of the Board, of specific homeowner renovation projects (unit and/or garage) that may influence the integrity of the building and/or the well-being of Association members.  This oversight encompasses the following:

1. Receipt and preliminary approval of Specific projects by the Committee and the Board with respect to contractors and workers involved, their credentials, some construction materials, and prospective timelines.
2. Inspection of the work, in progress, to insure compliance with original proposal and Association Rules.
3. To ensure compliance with all state and local ordinances that relate to the proposed project.

Projects Not Requiring Architectural Review

1. Interior painting, wallpaper, paneling, wall tile, removal of popcorn, install of ceiling   finishes, replacement of electrical fixtures, replacement of toilets and plumbing fixtures, replacement of interior doors, installation of crown molding or trim, replacement of kitchen cabinets or bathroom vanities; replacement or install of new countertops. (Contractors who might be hired to complete this work must be licensed, insured and bonded) As a courtesy and for security reasons as well please inform David or a Board member when contractors will be in your unit.

Projects Requiring Architectural Review

1. Replacement of exterior doors, sliding doors, windows, hurricane shutters.
2. Install of floor tile (or some other product) and/or replacement of floor tile or some other product. The application of tile, stamped concrete or some other material (other than paint) to unit balconies.
3. The replacement or relocation of existing plumbing or the install of new plumbing and/ or sprinkler heads/pipes. To include the replacement of water heaters and especially the install of tankless water heaters – both of which now require a building permit.
4. The removal (in whole or in part) of existing walls or the install of new walls.
5. The relocation (or replacement) of existing electrical wiring or the install of new electrical wiring

Application Process

1. Owners planning a renovation project requiring Architectural Review Committee and Board approval must submit the details of their project to Elliott Merrill and thus to  the Committee at least three weeks before the beginning of the project.
2. This submission (on the appropriate form) should include the following: scope of work; contractors involved with proof of license, bonding, and insurance; copies of appropriate building permits (which may be obtained after Board approval); materials; timelines; and acknowledgement of Association rules regarding when work may be done and the responsibilities of owners and contractors (cleaning up in public spaces, not using our dumpsters, parking in appropriate places, using service entrance, work hours: 9:00AM-5:00 PM, Monday-Saturday.)

Approval Process

1. The Architectural Review Committee will review the submitted application form and  submit their findings to the Board for approval.
2. The Board will consider the findings of the Architectural Review Committee and render a decision in a timely manner.
3. The Board retains full authority regarding the requested project. .
4. The Board may accept any or all of the Committee’s recommendations
5. The Board may reject any or all of the Committee’s recommendations
6. The Board may add conditions or modifications for approval as the Board deems appropriate.
7. The Board will then, through Elliott Merrill or the President, inform the owner of the Board’s decision.

Once you log into the website, the Architectural Review Form can be found on the website at:  www.tiaratowers.org/Support/Maintenance/Architectural Changes   

The Tiara Owners Directory for 2020 is available.     If you still need one, contact Jeri Bullock, 510-914-0257, to make arrangements to get one.    Jeri will be glad to bring one to you or you can come up to 1505 S to pick up yours.   This year the Directory has a bright yellow cover.   Be sure to get one.

If you're not in residence but currently have a renter, your renter may be able to pick up a Directory for you.   Renters are asked to leave the Directory in your unit when they leave.   To save postage, directories will not be mailed to anyone currently at Tiara, or soon to be here.    Directories that must be mailed will be given to Elliott Merrill in the next few weeks so that EM can mail them out to owners not in residence.

It's started!     On Saturday January 18th the Social Committee hosted the first event of 2020, the Mix and Mingle.   Fifty-two (52) people attended, a mix of owners, residents, and renters.    As usual it was a great party and everyone welcomed the new renters, new owners, and old friends who had been away since last Spring.     All parties will be in the North building in 2020.

Next up is the Superbowl Party, to be held on Sunday, Feb. 2nd at 6 pm.       This year the menu includes a variety of home-made soups, chili, and other crock-pot meals plus desserts and coffee.    Sign-up are strongly encouraged by Wednesday Jan 29th so that party planners can get an accurate count for food and setup.   You bring your favorite beverage.   Watch the Super Bowl, enjoy some great eats, and play the Superbowl Football pool.   See Bob Smith (305 S) to buy a square or two for the pool.

The full 2020 Social Calendar is published in the Mail Rooms.

Recently one of the Tiara North residents caught this little guy on film.    Seen on the Tiara North dunewalk just outside of the pool area.   Closeup then one where I cropped the picture to highlight the little bobcat.   If you double-click on the picture you might be able to zoom in a bit.

Last call for updates, changes,or additions to the Tiara Owners Directory for 2020.

I have received a few updates that some of you returned to Elliott Merrill.   Thank you for those!

If anyone still needs to send me information you can email it to me at jerib99@gmail.com.

If you are NOT listed in the Directory for 2019 (the white book), and would like to be added to the 2020 Directory,

email me your contact information, all of which is optional.

Name (each individual in your unit that you want listed), unit #, Condo phone number, Cell phone number, and Email address of each listed individual.

If you are listed in the 2019 Directory and some information has changed, send me those changes CLEARLY indicate what has changed and what needs to be included in the Directory for 2020.

I'm hoping to have the 2020 Directory published in early January.

Happy Holidays to All!

Bob Alexander is keeping Tiara updated with the latest information from Comcast.

Comcast Price Increases

Comcast is increasing their Internet/wifi prices effective December 18.  (Merry Christmas from Comcast. 😊)  Most of their packages are increasing $3/month and the price of their modem/router is going up $1/month plus the related fees and taxes.

There are a couple of things you can do if you want to save money.  First, if you are using and plan on staying with Comcast Internet, you can buy your own modem/router and avoid the new $14/month leasing fee they will be charging.  Second, you could switch to another Internet provider.  Many owners have changed to Level 4 due to their reliable service and lower prices which include a free modem/router.

If you have any questions, please give me a call.

Bob Alexander

President Bill Dicker posted the President's Summary of the Annual Owners Meeting

            Tiara Towers Condominium Association

              Annual Meeting – December 4, 2019 – North Tower

President’s Summary

 

The meeting took place today as the required minimum number of proxies and owners in attendance was met.

Reports were given by committee chairs, the property manager, treasurer, and president. Highlights of the year were discussed as well as elevator modernization preparations.

Owners voted on reserve funding and candidates for the Board of Directors. An overwhelming number of votes were for partial funding vs. full funding. Bill Dicker, Doug Chartrand, Alan Winslow, and Karen Murphy were elected to two year terms as Directors.

The meeting was then placed on hold as the new Board left the room and decided which Board members would be officers.  Bill Dicker was chosen as President.  Ed Galvin was selected as Vice President.  Alan Winslow was chosen to be Treasurer and Doug Chartrand was selected as Secretary.

A Board meeting will take place in early January.

This 10:00 AM meeting was preceded by a special Board Meeting at 9:00 AM where the Board formally approved the budget for 2020.

 

Respectfully submitted by,

Bill Dicker