Dear Neighbors,
The year 2020 has certainly been difficult thus far, and the Waterleaf HOA Board of Directors hopes this finds you adjusting well to the many challenges we’ve faced. We would like to take this opportunity to update you on the happenings in our community and address some areas of concern.
As you know, the unprecedented fallout from COVID-19 has affected nearly every facet of our lives – including the use of our HOA amenities. The Board has spent countless hours consulting with attorneys and insurance agents in an effort to create a comprehensive Re-Opening Plan that protects our community and our Association. Our 3 Phase Plan not only adheres to all CDC guidelines and governmental recommendations, it is designed to mitigate risk to the HOA. Homeowners who would like to view this Waterleaf HOA internal document may contact our Property Manager, Anna Rusenko, at (904) 642-7547.
At the time of this writing, we are in Phase I of the Re-Opening Plan. The basketball court and playground are open with limited capacity and limited hours. They are being sanitized per the protocols outlined in this phase. Unfortunately, the pool cannot be opened until we can ensure that proper cleaning protocols for all areas – including restrooms – can be fully implemented. The restrooms must be operational per our State of Florida Pool Permit, and the COVID cleaning protocols are quite involved and time-intensive. We simply do not have the staffing to ensure proper sanitization. The good news is that we are in the final stages of hiring a full-time Amenity Center Director. Once this staff member is in place we can proceed to Phase II, which includes opening the pool and splash pad. The Board truly appreciates your patience and understanding. We look forward to working together as a community to safely and responsibly restore access to the amenities.
On that note, the Amenity Center restroom upgrades are nearly complete. This planned renovation was supposed to have been completed in March, but was significantly delayed due to Corona virus related setbacks for the vendor. Currently, both restroom facilities are operational and the new tile floor has been installed. The metal doors and doorjambs have been replaced and painted and new handles have been installed. Further upgrades include quartz countertops and new faucets, as well as a fresh coat of paint for the restrooms and foyer area. Future upgrades are planned for the kitchen area, the landscaping at the neighborhood entrance, and the Waterleaf monument sign.
Parking and traffic-related issues continue to be a source of concern for many residents. While the HOA has no control over COJ streets or Rights of Way, there are things we can all do to improve the situation. Whenever possible, residents should park in their own garages and driveways – not on the street. Do not block COJ sidewalks, as this is prohibited per FL Statute 316.1945. If you must park on the street, do not block mailboxes. Be aware that it is illegal to park within 30ft. of a stop sign, or within 15ft. of a fire hydrant or within an intersection, or in front of a public or private driveway. There have recently been numerous complaints about distracted drivers, speeding, and near-miss incidences. We cannot change the 30 mph speed limit in Waterleaf, but perhaps we should all consider driving more slowly and cautiously. This is especially important during the summer months when families and pets are outdoors more frequently.
Please be advised of the following proposed amendment to the Architectural Guidelines regarding Private Walks and Driveways.
Five feet (5’) side setback must be maintained for all driveways and private walks. The maximum width of the driveway should accommodate no more than three FWHA classified 2-axel vehicles parked across. Alterations in City Right-of-Way (CROW) requires COJ permit. JEA permit may be required for alterations within JEA easement. Contact JEA Real Estate Services for information at (904) 665-6581. Private walks and driveways shall be constructed of four –inch (4”) concrete. Pavers or alternate paving surfaces may be used if they are in keeping with the materials of the structure. Such alternate paving surfaces shall be subject to Architectural Control
Committee review and approval. (Revised February 13, 2020)
This proposed amendment will be voted on at the July 9th meeting of the HOA Board of Directors.
We are pleased to announce that a volunteer has taken on the Yard of the Month Program! Summer is upon us and it’s the perfect time for a little neighborly lawn competition. So show off your green thumb and help beautify Waterleaf at the same time! Winners will receive a $50 gift certificate and a yard sign to display for the month. As a reminder, everyone serving on the Board and HOA committees is a volunteer. Several committees remain vacant due to a lack of participation. If you are interested in helping, please email us at support@waterleafhoa.com.
The semi-annual assessment of $293.00 is due JULY 1, 2020. Payments received after July 1, 2020 will be assessed a late fee. For your convenience, and to avoid a late payment, you may take advantage of the “auto-pay” option on the KW Property Management website. To access your online portal, visit www.KWPMC.com or www.waterleafhoa.com and follow the instructions. If you need assistance, please contact Anna.
Please be advised that the payment of assessments is required per FL Statute 320.3085:
“The parcel owner’s liability for assessments may not be avoided by waiver or suspension of the use or enjoyment of any common area or by abandonment of the parcel upon which the assessments are made.” Our assessments pay for myriad goods and services, not just the upkeep of amenities. One major HOA expense is liability and property insurance, which is imperative as we approach hurricane season. Assessments also pay for landscaping, lake maintenance, dumpster services, security, utilities, pet waste removal, access control, and sanitizing – among many other expenses. Additionally, although the pool is currently closed, we must still pay the vendor to keep it cleaned and properly chlorinated. We also continue to pay JEA for the water to maintain proper levels and for the electricity to run the pump that circulates the water. The HOA expenses continue despite the temporary closure of common elements and amenities. As such, the full and on-time payment of assessments is required.
Finally, please join us for the monthly HOA Meetings. They are regularly scheduled for 6pm on the 2nd Thursday of the month. Our next meeting will be at 6pm on July 9th, at the Waterleaf Pool. We hope to see you there!
Sincerely,
Justine Wadyko, Susan Peters, Ruth Johnson, Mike Lee
Waterleaf Board of Directors
