Be Summer Smart and Safe

The Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions of Herons Glen requires that garage doors and/or roll down screens shall remain closed at all times except during ingress, egress, occupancy of the garage or during lot maintenance by the homeowner.

Summer is here and the garage is hot. Should you open the garage door and leave it open to let out the hot air while you stay inside where it is nice and cool? If you do not have a roll down screen in place the answer is no you should not do that.

An unattended open garage:
• Is inviting to wildlife, bugs, snakes, and rats. A cool garage floor can be very inviting to wildlife that would like a little shade and a cool place to rest.
• Provides a content view for would be criminals passing by.
• A place for a criminal to hide, easy access to the least secure door leading into your home. Most garages likely have a few hand tools to provide the criminal with extra help to get in.

If leaving your garage door open is something you really like to do then consider applying for approval to install a roll down screen. The benefit of having a roll screen is the ability to leave your garage door open, maintain your privacy and keep everything else out.

Do not leave your garage door open, if you have a roll down screen in use, remember to close and secure your garage door at night.

Payments must be received by July 15 to avoid late fees and interest.

Accounts not paid by July 15th will have a late fee and interest applied to the balance. All fees applied will be due and require payment of the full amount.

Paying Your Herons Glen HOA Assessment Fees
Residents who are not on Automatic Payments should consider signing up for auto pay or set up bill pay through your bank. This is the most secure way to make assessment payments.

Remember that bill pay through your bank takes extra time to arrive so please set the payment date early to avoid late fees.

Paying by mail can also take extra time for delivery but still must arrive by July 15th so please mail early to avoid the late and interest fees.

If you receive electronic statements through email and do not find that you received a statement prior to July 1st you are still responsible to pay the assessment fee on time. Check your spam and if still not there then send an email to bookkeeping@mbcopa.com. You will need to include your name, address and account number in the email.

To access your HOA Account online please use the link below:

https://mbc.cincwebaxis.com/5805

This link is also on the HOA webpage www.heronsglenhoa.org.

Ed Huetteman, HOA Treasurer
Delivered at the HOA Board Workshop June 6, 2023

The Finance Committee met on June 1, 2023.

The total cost of the Memorial Garden was $19,880, The Players of the Glen contributed $500 toward that amount. To date, twelve engraved pavers have been installed.

The resurfacing of Herons Glen Blvd from the Rt 41 entrance to Via la Quinta is scheduled to begin in late June.

To date we have incurred $205,000 from hurricane Ian costs. Replacement of damaged street signage is under way. We estimate the total hurricane costs to be about $300,000.

The Gate House generator installation has been completed and the unit is operational. It is monitored and tested remotely. There will be no additional costs for us this year. Following that, yearly maintenance of the generator will be $360.

The street lighting around the new Mystic homes is still not done. We hope that LCEC will complete this installation by the end of the summer.

There were no updates to the draft HOA operating budget. We are still awaiting the costs of insurance, the Common Area CLIS system charge to the HOA and other items. All three contracts with vendors, such as our accountants, run through September 2024. There are built in 3% increases in these contracts. The draft budget is currently based on good estimates.

The next regular HOA Finance Committee meeting will be held on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at 1:30 in the HOA Conference Room.

It is June and our Finance committee along with our management team are focusing on next year’s budget (October 1, 2023 through Septembers 30, 2024). Taking into consideration the high inflation rate, increases already seen from various vendors and the HGRD, and projecting budget items which have yet to be quoted along with the costs associated with IAN, some of which are partially offset with longer term contracts which have built in inflation factors, in most cases, significantly lower than what we are currently experiencing, they will do their best to control next year’s budget while providing adequate reserves to meet our future needs. Next year’s proposed budget will be discussed at the July Workshop and voted on for publication at the July Board meeting. It will then go out to the owners/residents and be adopted at September’s Board meeting.

Our Communications committee has been reformed and is focusing on how to improve communications within the community. This committee, along with our other committees, are seeking volunteers for next year; please consider completing a volunteer form for next year. We could really use your help.

Rick Romine

Replacement, Maintenance Standards and Owner’s Responsibilities

The residential community street lighting is provided by the yard lights located in each owner’s front yard, lights that are integral part of the mailboxes in the Sanctuary and Majestic Isles and the Carriage lights on the garages in Solana.

Post Lights & Posts are all on private property. Replacement, repairs and maintenance is the responsibility of the homeowner. The cost of the original installation was included in the original purchase price of each home. All homes must be equipped with a front yard light with a photo sensor with the exception of Solana homes that must have black carriage lights located on the garage and also be equipped with a photo sensor.

Replacement of yard light fixture and/or light post requires approval from the Architectural Review Committee. Replacements will be permitted according to the approved Standards.

Click on link below for more information:
Community Wide Standards for Lighting, Light Fixtures and Light Posts

In preparation for a medical emergency. It is a very good idea to know where your community's closest AED location is!

Herons Glen has had the foresight to strategically locate the AEDs throughout the community.

The AEDs are very simple and easy to use. There are diagrams on the unit as to proper placement and use. Also, there is a verbal prompt as well. This makes proper use of the AED easy, even for someone who has no prior knowledge or experience.

Do not be afraid of using the AED!
YOU COULD SAVE A LIFE!!!

LOCATIONS:
1) Clubhouse lobby (to the west of entrance door)
2) Corner of Via Montana and Skyler Off #13 hole
3) Fitness center lobby (inside on left wall). Note no access card is necessary just tap wheelchair access button.
4) Pickle Ball courts (on fence facing North)
5) Tennis, Bocce, Shuffleboard Restroom area
6) Pro Shop starter shack (inside). Note the shack door is not locked.

Suggestion: Keep the AED location in a prominent place (e.g. fridge door, on your cell phone....)

(Please note: the Herons Glen Recreation District provides the AEDs at the amenities locations. They determine the placement, management, and the maintenance of the AEDs)

CERT TIP

Gerry Lecavalier
Barry Glaudel

Flag Day - the anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777 - was officially established by the Proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30th, 1916. While Flag Day was celebrated in various communities for years after Wilson's proclamation, it was not until August 3rd, 1949, that President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day.

History of Flag Day
http://www.usflag.org/history/flagday.html

Do you know the rules for displaying flags and installing flag poles?
Flagpoles, Flag and Banner Guidelines

A Florida bill recently passed updating the Florida Statutes regarding the display of Flags effective 7/1/2023. The Grounds Committee will be updating the Flag Policy to comply with the statutes. The revised policy will be posted in July once the board approves it.

Another hurricane season is upon us and Your level of preparation before a hurricane can have a significant impact on how well you weather the storm and how quickly you recover from it. Consider preparing your home, inside and out, long before a storm is in the forecast. In the end, you can never be too prepared when it comes to protecting your loved ones and your property from hurricanes and other extreme weather events.

Know the Forecast
You may hear the terms "Hurricane Watch" and "Hurricane Warning" in your local forecast. Understanding the difference between them is essential to helping you prepare for a hurricane. As soon as a Hurricane Watch or Hurricane Warning is forecast for your area, it is important, depending on the type of alert, to immediately begin or complete your preparations.
A Hurricane Watch means hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours. Begin stocking up on emergency supplies in the event a warning is issued. If you live in a coastal area, you also should be prepared to evacuate.
A Hurricane Warning is more serious. Hurricane-force winds (74 mph or higher) are expected to hit your area within 36 hours. Seek shelter or evacuate, if notified to do so.

General Hurricane Preparation Tips
• Prepare a survival kit that includes items such as water, non-perishable food and medications for everyone, including your pets; a portable radio; flashlights; batteries; and battery chargers for your cell phones and other portable electronic devices, which can be powered by your car.
• Plan your evacuation routes and leave as soon as an evacuation order is issued. Also, fuel up your car before you leave.
• Build an inventory of the items in your home or at your business.
• Secure all outdoor objects or move them inside. Close your home’s storm shutters and board up windows and glass doors as appropriate.
• If possible, bring in gas or charcoal grills, but do not use them indoors. Also, do not store propane tanks inside the house or garage. Chain propane tanks in an upright position to a secure object away from your home.
• Secure your boat or move it to a safer place.
• Fill your emergency generator fuel tank, if you have one, and have spare fuel on hand. Store generator fuel in an approved container in a garage or shed, away from open flames, heat sources and appliances such as natural gas appliances.

The Four Hurricane Myths

Myth #1 – You Only Need to Protect the Windows Facing the Water
Hurricane-force winds can turn landscaping materials and other outdoor items into projectiles that can break windows on any side of your home.2 All windows and glass doors should be secured to guard against high winds and flying objects.

Myth #2 – If You Lean against a Window or Door, You Can Keep it from Blowing Inward
You are putting yourself in danger if you remain in front of windows and doors. Instead, you should:
• Stay away from windows and glass doors.
• Close all interior doors and brace external doors before the storm.
• Take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level.

Myth #3 – Open Windows to Alleviate Pressure
This myth is based on the misconception that pressure can build up in your home during a storm to the point of causing complete structural failure. According to the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, no house is built airtight and an over-pressurization to this degree is not possible. Opening windows presents the danger of flying objects entering your home.4 Therefore, all windows should be closed and shuttered during a hurricane.

Myth #4 – The Biggest Myth is that “It Will Not Happen Here”
Each year, heavy rains, strong winds, floods and coastal storm surges from tropical storms and hurricanes affect much of the United States, including both coastal and inland areas.5 Although all of us hope we will not be affected by a hurricane, it is always safer for you, your family and business to be prepared.

Craig Woolley,
Chair SSEP

All Committee Members were in attendance as well as Joyce Gillespie, HOA Manager.

Grounds Committee representatives Mary Wright (Chair) and Sandra Dresch (Member) reviewed and voiced general approval of the Herons Glen Community Governing and Oversight Structure Chart developed by the Committee. Mike Stropes will make one correction concerning the year the Fairways HOA Sub-association was formed, and the Committee will approach the HGRD for review before the chart is presented to Manager Gillespie and the HOA Board for approval to use. The final version could be shared via e-mail or hard copy with new Herons Glen residents or possibly all households.

Mike also reviewed the very preliminary Grounds Committee Approval Process document with Mary and Sandra, indicating this is a currently only a conceptual schematic/flowchart. Both Mary and Sandra indicated that this could be useful for their Committee and for HG residents in general in navigating the process for changes to landscaping. A similar document about violations had been prepared previously by Rich Strout and Joyce will share this with the Communications Committee. Sandra will serve as a point person from Grounds for continued work on this schematic. If successful, and with HOA Board approval, a comparable schematic could be prepared for the Architectural Review Committee and any other appropriate HOA Committee.

Mike shared another conceptual document, Herons Glen Residential Use Restrictions, an effort to make rules and standards that apply to HG owners, occupants, and properties more simplified and understandable to residents without diminishing the legal documentation governing Herons Glen. Mary and Sandra will help develop the document, which the Communications Committee could extend to the Architectural Review Committee and other Committees as appropriate.

Sandra Dresch will serve as an ad hoc or periodic member of the Communications Committee representing the Grounds Committee and will work with her Committee to identify issues and topics for Communications Committee assistance, as well as optimal timing for communications on various issues.

The Committee reviewed a tabulation of HOA Weekly News Bulletin topics from the March 3 – May 5 issues showing little duplication of subject matter over a several-month period. Future development for an index available on the HOA website can be considered in discussions with the HOA Webmaster.

Joyce prepared a summary of HOA Weekly News Bulletin statistics related to the distribution of the bulletins and the items clicked on. Over 70% who received the bulletin have opened it during the period from March 3 – May 5.

The listing of topics from the HOA Weekly Bulletins from April 7 – May 19 to be published in the June edition of the HG newspaper was reviewed. This listing provides residents a chance to go back to previous bulletins for information that may not have seemed pertinent when they received it.

Requests for Communications Committee volunteers will continue but outreach to standing Committees for liasons/ad hoc members will continue. Representatives from ARC will be invited to the June meeting, or to July if no one is available for June.

The June meeting will be held on Wednesday June 21, 2023, at 1:00 pm in the HOA Conference Room.

Respectfully submitted by Linda Lynch.

May 2023 Report

The ARC received and approved 28 applications for the month of May.

The committee met with a representative from Brava Roof tile manufacturing to review the proposed Resin roof tiles as an option for roof tile replacements.

The next meeting of the ARC will be held on June 13, 2023, at 9:00 am in the HOA Conference Room/Zoom.

Respectfully Submitted, Andrew Cohen, Chair

ARC Application submission deadlines and meetings:
• The deadline for the June 13th ARC meeting has passed
• For application review at the June 27th ARC meeting, applications and support documents must be submitted by June 20th to the HOA Office.

The HOA has a Group Emergency Messaging Service, (HGGEMS for short). This service provides HOA Management the capability to send text messages to cell phones, smart phones, and voice messages to cell phones, smart phones and land lines, informing members, employees, and renters, of emergency situations within or around Herons Glen.

Unfortunately, due to software differences among other countries phone systems, only US and Canada based smart phones and land lines will be able to receive the messages at this time.

Click on the following links for more information:

HGGEMs Information

Instructions to sign up or opt out

Hurricane season in the Atlantic began on June 1st and ends November 30th.

Emergency Preparedness Plan This plan includes the Lee County all hazards guide for 2022. Lee County has not published the 2023 all hazards guide as of today. We will update as soon as the 2023 becomes available.

Preparing your home for an extended time away

Home Watch

Emergency Contacts

Visitor Management

Email Sign Up

Authorization for HOA to replace yard post light bulb

Disaster Preparation Checklist

BICYCLE HELMET SAFETY

What's the Problem?
Millions of Americans ride bicycles, but less than half wear bicycle helmets. For example, a national survey conducted in 2015-2018 found that only 48% of adults aged 25-65 years wore bicycle helmets when riding.
In 2019 in the U.S., 1000 bicyclists were killed and an estimated 515,000 sustained bicycle-related injuries that required emergency department care. Roughly half of these cyclists were adults and adolescents under the age of 20. Annually, 26,000 of these bicycle-related injuries to adolescents are traumatic brain injuries treated in emergency departments.

Who's at Risk?
Any bicyclist who does not wear a bicycle helmet is at increased risk of head injury.

Can It Be Prevented?
Yes. Wearing a properly fitted helmet every time you and your children ride a bicycle is one important prevention method.

Bicycle Helmet Safety Standards
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) sets the standards for bicycle helmets sold in the United States. Approved helmets will have a "CPSC" sticker inside the helmet and will say they are CPSC-certified on the outside of their packaging.

The CPSC also recognizes certification by Snell and ASTM.

These safety standards ensure that an approved helmet will protect you in most kinds of bicycle crashes. Other kinds of helmets, such as batting helmets and construction hats, are made for different purposes and may not protect you.

Wear your Helmet and be safe when riding. It only takes one fall!!!

Respectfully,
Craig J. Woolley, Chair

Term October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024.

Activities Committee
This committee plans special events for the Herons Glen Community. The committee does not plan any of the HGRD Amenities activities. An example of some events- Paper Shredding, Christmas decorations for Herons Glen entrance (only), educational activity events and new resident welcoming sub-committee. Meetings are the 3rd Thursday of the month during season.

Architectural Review Committee (ARC)
The ARC meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month. This committee is responsible for reviewing resident applications for any type of exterior changes to a home such as painting, lanai extensions or adding a pool. They also monitor the compliance with the Design and Development Guidelines. No meetings in August. Members need to be able to commit more time in addition to meeting attendance.

Communications Committee
This committee is charged with keeping up with all the latest HOA information, improvements in communications to residents, HOA News Bulletin, Community Channel and The Herons Newspaper and editorial staff volunteers and the newspaper delivery team operates under this umbrella.

Compliance Committee
This committee only meets monthly as needed. If a violation of the deed restrictions reaches a stage where further action and review are necessary, this committee provides the board with results of the review and a recommendation.

Finance Committee
The Finance Committee meets on the 4th Thursday of the month. They review the monthly HOA financials for the fees and expenses. The committee reviews and recommends the bids for contract services and assists in the preparation of the annual budget. No meetings in August.

Grievance Committee
This committee only meets when necessary. This committee reviews and investigates conduct complaints resulting from non-compliance of the Covenants and makes recommendations to the board. If formal charges are approved a letter of compliant will be written and submitted to the Board of Directors.

Grounds Committee
The Grounds Committee meets on the 2nd Thursday of the month. They review the resident applications for removal and replacement of landscaping. They also monitor the compliance of the Community-Wide Standards. No meetings in August. Members need to be able to commit more time in addition to meeting attendance.

Legal Advisory & Bylaws Committee
This committee only meets when requested by the board. The committee assists with publication of the rules and regulations, bylaws, declaration and matters the board may want researched.

Security, Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee (SSEP)
The committee organizes seasonal programs and seminars concerning community safety and security issues. and oversees the Cert Team subcommittee. This committee meets on the 4th Friday of the month during season.

Volunteers are an important part of the success of the Homeowners Association. All the above committees contribute to keeping Herons Glen the wonderful, clean, safe, and beautiful community that we all enjoy when we drive through the gate from Route 41.

Full-time and part-time residents can volunteer. All committee member terms are for one year beginning October 1 and ends on September 30th.

Volunteer forms are available at the HOA Office, online on the HOA Website www.heronsglenhoa.org or you can click on the link below to submit online: 2023/2024 Volunteer Form

• Amendment to the ARC Design and Development Guidelines

(If you are not able to open the link when you click on it, please try holding down the control button on your keyboard and while holding down the button, move your mouse pointer over the link and click on it.)

The proposed amendments and changes to the language is underlined in red, black text with a strikethrough (text) will be deleted and wording in blue is existing language moved into a different section of the document.

If you would like a printed copy of the proposed amendments and changes, please contact the HOA Office at 239-731-0322 or send a request by email to lori@heronsglenhoa.org

At the Herons Glen HOA Board of Directors Workshop scheduled for Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. in the HOA Conference Room, the Board will review amendments to the ARC Design and Development Guidelines.

The Herons Glen HOA Board will vote on the proposed amendments and changes at the HOA Board of Directors Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, June 14, 2023, in the HOA Conference Room.

• HOA Board Workshop Meeting, Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at 1:00pm

• HOA Grounds Committee, Thursday, June 8, 2023 at 1:00pm

• HOA Architectural Review Committee (ARC), Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at 9:00am

• HOA Board Meeting, Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at 5:00pm

• HOA Activities Committee, No meetings until October 2023

• HOA Finance Committee, Thursday, June 22, 2023 at 1:30pm

• HOA SSEP Committee, No meetings until September 2023

• HOA Architectural Review Committee (ARC), Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at 9:00am

• HOA Communications Committee, June 28, 2023 at 1:00pm

If you are planning to attend any of the published meetings please contact the HOA Office at hoaoffice@heronsglenhoa.org for registration information to attend via Zoom.

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