• HOA Board Workshop Meeting, Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at 1:00pm
• HOA Grounds Committee, Thursday, February 8, 2024, at 1:00pm
• HOA Architectural Review Committee (ARC), Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at 9:00am
• HOA Board Meeting, Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at 5:00pm
• HOA Activities Committee, Thursday, February 15, 2024, at 10:00am
• HOA Communications Committee, Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at 1:00pm
• HOA Finance Committee, Thursday, February 22, 2024, at 1:30pm
• HOA SSEP Committee, Friday, February 23, 2024, at 8:30am
• HOA Architectural Review Committee (ARC), Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at 9:00am

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.

Architectural Review and approval requirements for exterior modification to your home

The Herons Glen Homeowners Association, Inc. Rules and Policies require Homeowner’s to have the approval of the Homeowners Association through its ARC Committee before exterior modifications or improvements are made to a home. Please review the Design and Development Guidelines, Community-Wide Standards, Guidelines, Policies and the Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions for Herons Glen. Documents can be accessed online at www.heronsglenhoa.org or at the Herons Glen HOA Office.

Approval is required for exterior modification or construction or addition of any type, including but not limited to the following:

•Exterior painting of walls, trim, roof, driveways & walkways, including repaints of same color
•Installation of storm shutters
•Exterior screening & rescreening
•Lanai extension, lanai enclosure or front entry enclosure
•Exterior doors, screen doors, garage doors, garage screens
•Pool and/or spa installation
•Front yard light fixture and/or post, mailbox post
•Generator
•Gutters & Downspouts
•Replacement of Windows
•Any type of alteration, change or addition to driveways & walkways, roof or walls

This list does not represent all items that approval is required for. Please contact the HOA Office for more information on items not listed here.
ARC Application submission deadlines and meetings:

• For application review at the February 13th ARC Meeting, applications and support documents must be submitted by February 6th to the HOA Office.
• For application review at the February 27th ARC Meeting, applications and support documents must be submitted by February 20th to the HOA Office.

Reminder: The application and support documents must be submitted by the homeowner (not the contractor) to the HOA Office.

Click: Architectural Design and Development Guidelines and Related Policies

In 2014, a significant strong rotten egg odor plagued the North Fort Myers area. One source of the odor was determined to be coming from the SLD Construction & Debris Facility just north of Herons Glen. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection Agency (FDEP) was contacted. It was found that the facility like others had Chinese drywall in the Construction & Debris landfill. As the drywall decays, it emits the Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) gas. The hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) gas has a very pungent “rotten egg” odor.

The SLD facility is regulated by the FDEP. Once enough data was collected between 2014 & 2016, which included local resident complaints, the FDEP executed a legal consent order in 2016 requiring the SLD facility to take measures to control the Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) gas emissions. The Herons Glen HOA Air Quality Control representatives hold a quarterly meeting with the management staff of the Waste Connection SLD facility, and the FDEP is included in the meetings as necessary. The purpose is to get updates on their progress to control the emissions and improvements to their systems as required by the FDEP. The FDEP continues their onsite inspections and monitoring of the facilities which include the complaints submitted. The company that owns the SLD facility is now called Waste Connections. Each year they attend the Firewise Community event and provide a table where residents can stop by and ask questions.

Several things need to occur for areas of Herons Glen to experience the “rotten egg” odor. The drywall is deeply covered in the landfill, and a gas collection system operates to burn off the gases. When what they call hot spots develops in an area within the landfill it can release uncollected gases into the air. It is generally not immediately known when this occurs somewhere within the landfill or between daily testing during the week. If a hot spot opens and if the wind direction is from the North or Northwest, then residents in areas of Herons Glen may smell the “rotten egg” odor. The odor may also appear if the gas is in the air, and it rains or there is heavy fog. The facility management team responds when a hot spot is discovered and has equipment to cover the areas to eliminate the release of the (H₂S) gas. The best option to eliminate the (H₂S) gas is what they call a vertical scrubber. It is reported to be the most effective solution. We expect this scrubber to be installed at the facility soon. It will not 100% eliminate a possible gas release incident but will significantly reduce the amount of gas that could be released. The monitoring will continue even after this installation.

There are other odors that come from various sources that are unpleasant, but they are not a hazard or dangerous like the hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) gas has been determined to be, and the other odor sources are not part of the FDEP monitoring.

The very pungent “rotten egg” odor as it is described is much stronger than the typical sulfur water smell. It can appear at anytime provided the wind or right conditions exist. A sewage or garbage or mix of sulfur and sludge smell or smell like the “dump” is generally not related to the hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) gas smell. If you are not sure of the offensive odor, it is ok to file the complaint just in case. It is important to file the complaint as soon as you experience it if you can. Have the date, time, and location available. In the survey link below, please note that the general location of Herons Glen on the map is E4.

http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/1901263/Zemel-Road-Facilities-Survey-Form

All pets whenever outside of a Unit must be confined on a leash that is held by and under the control of a responsible person.

In addition, the Lee County Ordinance #14-22 Animal Control

Shall mean immediate and continuous physical control of an animal at all times; such as by means of a leash not to exceed 8 feet in length, cord, or chain of sufficient strength to restrain said animal.

Herons Glen HOA Pet Rules and Regulations

To help ensure the safety of our residents, their pets and guests, in accordance with the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions for Herons Glen Article XIII, Section 4 Animals and Pets and to clarify:

Article XIII, Section 4 of the Declaration

Animals and Pets. No animals, livestock, or poultry of any kind shall be raised, bred, or kept on any portion of the Properties, except that dogs, cats, or other usual and common household pets not to exceed a total of three (3) such pets may be permitted in a Unit. No pets are permitted to roam free.

If the owner fails to honor such rule, the pet may be removed or a fine or other penalty may be imposed by the Board of Directors. No pets shall be kept, bred, or maintained for any commercial purpose. Household pets shall at all times whenever they are outside a Unit be confined on a leash held by a responsible person. Persons walking pets shall be responsible for removing solid pet waste and properly disposing of the waste.

1. No more than three pets are permitted in a Unit. Sub Association rules and regulations may be more restrictive but not less restrictive.
2. No pets are permitted to roam free outside of the Unit.
3. No pets shall be kept, bred, or maintained for any commercial purpose.
4. All pets whenever outside of a Unit must be confined on a leash that is held by and under the control of a responsible person.
5. Persons walking pets are responsible to remove pet waste and properly dispose of it at their Unit. Disposal of pet waste on Common Areas or locations other than the Lot Owner’s Unit is not permitted.
6. Pet owners are not permitted to allow their pets to create any noise or other condition that will or might disturb the peace, quiet, safety, comfort, or serenity of the occupants of surrounding property.

Sub Association rules and regulations may be more restrictive but not less restrictive. Residents and tenants living in a Sub Association are responsible to check their documents for additional restrictions.

Violations

Notice of Violation to the Lot Owner will be a warning.

Notice of Violation to the Lot Owner will result in a $100.00 fine.

Additional violations will result in a $100.00 fine for each occurrence.

Violation of the Pet Rules & Regulations may result in additional action by the Association board
and/or management as allowed by the governing documents of Herons Glen.

For everyone’s safety please report violators of this policy.

Dog Friendly Parks in Lee County: https://www.leegov.com/parks/parks/dog%20friendly

North Fort Myers: https://www.leegov.com/parks/parks/juddpark

Pet Licensing: https://www.leegov.com/animalservices/licensing

ARC Design and Development Guidelines
The ARC has found that there are still homes with damage from Hurricane Ian that have been missing lanais or pool enclosures and some with missing screening. In the coming months, notices of violation will be issued to owners who have not submitted an ARC application, the details for replacement and name of the contractor.
In addition, any residence with a pool that does not have their pool screen enclosure replaced yet must have a temporary construction safety barrier installed by their contractor. Contact Lee County Community Development for questions concerning pool safety requirements.
The Design and Development Guidelines require pools to have a screen enclosure.

Pools:
In ground pools and spas are permitted. The pool or spa must be inside of a screened structure attached to the home. The screened structure cannot be higher than the existing home.
• Pools shall be of the in-ground type. Above-ground pools are prohibited. The elevation at the top of the pool shall not be over two feet (2′) above the natural grade of the lot.
• Pool and/or spa must be installed in-ground with a concrete or paver deck and enclosed with screened aluminum framing.

Dirty Roofs
Dirty Roof notices will be going out soon. If you have a pending insurance claim that prevents you from cleaning your roof, please be prepared to submit proof that you have a pending insurance claim if you receive a notice to clean your roof.

Click to review: Design and Development Guidelines

Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions for Herons Glen
Article VI Insurance and Casualty Losses
Section 2. Damage and Destruction
(c) By virtue of becoming an Owner, each Owner covenants and agrees with all other Owners and with the Association that in the event of a partial loss or damage resulting in less than total destruction of structures on the Lot, the Owner shall remove all debris within a reasonable time and complete repair or reconstruction of the damaged structure within one (1) year in a manner consistent with the original construction or such other plans and specifications as are approved in accordance with Article XII of this Declaration. In the event that the structure is totally destroyed, the Owner may decide not to rebuild or to reconstruct, in which case the Owner shall clear the Lot of all debris and return it to substantially the natural state in which it existed prior to the beginning of construction and thereafter the Owner shall continue to maintain the Lot in a neat and attractive condition consistent with the Community-Wide Standard.

(SSEP Committee) Monthly Report to the HOA Board
The following topics were discussed at the December 22, 2023, SSEP meeting.

The meeting was held in the HOA conference room.

The SSEP committee topics of discussions:

1. Manager Joyce Gillespie reported that there were two reported issues at the rear Dennisport gate. 1. A vehicle entered Herons Glen from Magnolia Landing at 11:52 PM on Wednesday the 20th. The vehicle hit the gate arms and pushed the arms up over the vehicle. The vehicle then proceeds through the gate and returned shortly and exited the same way by bumping the gate arms. 2. A resident’s visitor tried to hold the gate arms up to allow the driver to exit into Magnolia Landing. That attempt failed and the homeowner was notified.

2. Liaison Russell Long gave an update on the HOA yearend HOA meeting and reviewed the election results.

3. North Fort Myers Fire Department Toy drive was a Hugh success.

4. The SSEP received their certificate from USA Firewise for 2024.

5. There was Discussion on registering and looking at the Florida Motor vehicle statute for guidelines.

Next meeting will be held on January 26, 2024.

Respectfully submitted,
Craig J. Woolley, Chair

Ed Huetteman, HOA Treasurer
Delivered at the HOA Board Workshop January 2, 2024

The Finance Committee met on December 28, 2023.
Hurricane Ian costs for the HOA are now $215,000. Street signposts damaged by Ian will cost an additional $19,054.

The Marathona reserve funds have been placed in a Money Market Account at First Horizon Bank at a rate of 4,08%.

The following are new Bank CD’s

A 6-month CD from Independent Bank at a rate of 5.4%. AMT - $246,000

A 12-month CD from US National Bank at a rate of 5%. AMT - $176,000

A balance and interest review of other reserve accounts vs anticipated capital and deferred maintenance expenses for 2024 will be done in January 2024 to determine best options for interest earnings.

The following long-term contracts are expiring in 2024:

Common Landscaping, Single Family Mowing, Preserve Villas Landscape Maintenance, Accounting, Sidewalk Cleaning and Road Paver Maintenance. Since these are big dollar contracts, competitive bids will be solicited.

The contract with Solitude Fountain Maintenance will be cancelled because of unsatisfactory performance.

The next regular HOA Finance Committee meeting will be held on Thursday, January 25, 2024 @ 1:30 in the HOA Conference Room.

• Amendments to the Community Wide Landscape Standards

• Amendments to the Grounds Approval Request Form

(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.

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.hghoa@gmail.com.

At the Herons Glen HOA Board of Directors Workshop scheduled for Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. in the HOA Conference Room, the Board will review the Amendments to the Community Wide Landscape Standards and the Amendments to the Grounds Approval Request Form.

The Herons Glen HOA Board will vote on the proposed amendments and changes at the HOA Board of Directors Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at 5:00 pm in the HOA Conference Room.

• HOA Communications Committee, Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at 1:00pm

• HOA Activities Committee, Thursday, January 18, 2024, at 10:00am

• HOA Architectural Review Committee (ARC), Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at 9:00am

• HOA Finance Committee, Thursday, January 25, 2024, at 1:30pm

• HOA SSEP Committee, Friday, January 26, 2024, at 8:30am

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.

were due on January 1, 2024

Payments must be received by January 15 to avoid late fees and interest.
Accounts not paid by January 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 January 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 by January 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

Please note the website link above is separate from the Herons Glen Recreation District account links and log ins. The above accounting link is for Herons Glen HOA only.

Report to the HOA Board January 2, 2024

Mike Stropes updated the group on the HG Governing Structures document based on feedback from Karon Bennett. HGRD Board Vice Chair Peter Overs is reviewing the document, and the plan is to submit it to the HGRD Board for their 1/15/2024 meeting for approval. If any changes are made by the HGRD, the Communications Committee will review the document again before it goes to either the HOA or HGRD Boards for approval.

Linda suggested that, when the HG Governing Structures document has been approved by both boards, an explanation and a link could appear in the HG newspaper in the same issue when an annual article explaining the differences between the HOA and HGRD is published. Joyce will also include a brief article and link in the Weekly Bulletin and will distribute the approved document to all Committee chairs and to the Welcome Committee for use in their packets for new residents. Joyce also suggested it could be part of the annual Board package in October when new terms are beginning.

Joyce also suggested that the document be reviewed annually by the HOA and HGRD Boards during the summer. Any changes would then be ready for approval by each Board annually in November.

Linda asked for clarification about whether Phyllis and Frank DeSmet should be invited to the next Committee meeting now that a Board opinion regarding event and activity announcements at Bingo had been rendered. A suggestion was made to invite them to see if the Communications Committee can assist them in any way. Linda will reach out to them.

The ARC Approval Processes flow document has been reviewed by the ARC and is now ready for Board approval in January. Then it and the Grounds Approval Processes flow document can be posted to the website. The documents will be publicized in the Weekly Bulletin and the newspaper, and given to the Welcome Committee, following release of the HG Governing Structures document.

Linda will work on articles requested by the Grounds Committee: bare and brown lawn spots, obscured house numbers, improper tree work. Joyce can then review and edit as needed. An article about improper weeding and mulching is underway. Once complete, the Grounds Committee can advise on the best timing for releasing to residents. Possibly some can be coordinated with the “best yards” awards.

The Annual Meeting Attendance Proxy Form and communications to residents about the form were discussed to see if there is clearer language that could be used to compel more residents to complete and return it. Committee members will put together comments and ideas for the next meeting.

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday January 17, 2024, at 1:00 pm in the HOA Conference Room.

Respectfully submitted,
Linda Lynch, Chair

January 2024

Happy New Year from your 2024 HOA Board of Directors. We held our organizational meeting Tuesday, January 2 and the officer positions as well as the liaison positions remained the same as last year. The first Workshop of the year was held later that afternoon at 1pm. There was discussion about the school buses entering Herons Glen; there are three at present and only one of them is authorized. Lee County school bus transportation department was contacted, and they have responded and will follow up with the affected families.

With the start of “high season”, I would like to remind all residents to obey the speed limits and stop at all stop signs and please always remain alert, whether you are driving, biking, walking or operating a golf cart. We want to keep Herons Glen safe for all of us.

Rick Romine,
HOA President

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