Treasure Cay Property Owners Association
Annual Meeting, March 18th, 2008
2:00PM
Ed Whitcraft called the meeting to Order and, as is traditional, invited Mr. Wardy Thompson to open the gathering with an invocation.
Welcoming remarks by Ed Whitcraft
“This is the 37th TCPOA Annual General Meeting. Mrs. Jean English was here for the very first meeting. There have been some great changes in Treasure Cay, but not in Jean. It has been the most eventful year for positive change with the Corbett Expansion and the revitalization of the Treasure Cay Emergency Services Organization. In addition, everybody’s favorite, Lucy Beckwith has joined the swirling vortex of dazzling Treasure Cay Blondes.” He added as a reflection of everyone’s’ sentiment, “You look beautiful darling”!!! He added that each speaker will give brief reports, will take two or three questions and be available after adjournment.
Scrutineers’ Report – Edna Lacey
Edna Lacey read the bylaws which state that 50 or more members must be present for a quorum. Ed said that he, Edna and John had been discussing how many years Edna had been “scrutinizing”. The task proved too daunting and they all gave up. In any case there were many more in attendance and proxies that required.
Notice of the meeting and the Opening of the Meeting
Ed Whitcraft read the notice of the meeting previously sent to the membership and officially opened the TCPOA Annual General Meeting.
The President’s Address
Mr. Whitcraft said it would be short as he talks enough as it is. The important content of the meeting will come from those who follow. There will be a strong recurring theme of the homeowners and the Bahamians working together. This cooperation starts with Government in the person of the Prime Minister, Hubert Ingram, and includes all the volunteer trained emergency personnel and the contributed labor for the Fire station. In addition many Marsh Harbour businessmen contributed services “for the good of Abaco”, and the new Treasure Cay Year Book is being created largely by Bahamians. The combined efforts and contributions in addition to fire and emergency response, will, also greatly advance the level of health care for all, as well that over 80% on the Corbett patients are Bahamians not second homeowners.
T.C.P.O.A. Annual Community Service Award
Ed reminded the members that the Award was given to thank the recipients for their service to the Treasure Cay Community. The winners were decided by the past recipients who are, Wardy Thompson, Jerry & Rose Mary Roberts, Noel Lister, Ron Wilson, M.D., John & Edna Lacey, Bruce & Doreen Barth, Bill Hertz, and Ann Smith.
Mr. Whitcraft then invited Wardy Thompson, the first honoree, to make the presentation to the winner.
Wardy said, “This year’s award goes to two very special people. They have both served the Community in many capacities. In fact, they both served T.C.P.O.A. in several different roles. They have had a significant impact on the beauty of our community and its literary well being. They are our third husband and wife team and our first Bahamian honorees. Many have now guessed that we are honoring and thanking Bernard & Virginia Curry.
“Virginia worked as the keeper of the T.C.P.O..A. membership list and information for a few years before she took charge of the Rose Mary Roberts Library where she had volunteered for many years. “Bernie has served on Treasure Cay Amenities and also on the Executive Committee of T.C.P.O.A. Bernie’s landscaping talent is seen throughout the community in the many projects he undertook as a volunteer for Treasure Cay Ltd. From the point to the gate house, you are never more than a few feet away from some flowers and plants that Bernie selected and often planted himself. Bernie’s advice has always been very sound and freely given, and they also give great parties. Bernie had one problem to deal with and that was me and my wife. Bernie suggested to us that he replace some sea grape trees with some flowers. I went away for about 6 months and upon my return I came back to a beautiful garden of flowers where the sea grape trees use to be. I do not know anyone who loves Treasure Cay the way Mr. & Mrs. Curry do. We feel lucky to have them as neighbors”.
Wardy invited the Currys to come up and accept their award. He added that they are the 9th recipients of this award and that he had made presentations to the last 7 recipients.
Virginia said a word of thanks to everyone for this award and Bernie, much to the surprise of all his friends, had little to say. He was obviously moved by the tribute.
Ed unilaterally awarded past winners Mr. Noel Lister and Jerry Roberts each an Oak Leaf Cluster to reinforce their previous honors. Noel & Sylvia’s leadership was essential to the success of the Corbett Medical Centre expansion. Jerry as well as being the hardest working man working man who ever lived in Treasure Cay manages to do it with a smile.
Everyone stood to cheer for Jerry who was in attendance.
Reports on Community Efforts
Entertainment and Fund Raising - Barbara Hadley
Barbara brought the audience up-to-date on the following:
- On December 12, The Marsh Harbour Gospel Choir performed; the committee charged $10.00 donation fee at the door and gave all the proceeds to the choir because seven of the 15 who performed that night had breast cancer and she knew the money could be used to help with their medical expenses.
-On January 23, Bruce Hallet, author of the definitive book Birds of Bahamas was introduced by Treasure Cay’s own Woody Bracey. Bruce gave a marvelous presentation and the event was also a financial success.
- On February 3, A party and fund raiser with a live and silent auction for the Emergency Services and the Humane Society was held at the Bahama Beach Club. The Prime Minister was present and actually was auctioned off as the lead item. The evening raised $67,800.00 net.
-On March 1, A jazz piano Concert was a great success and will be back next year.
-On April 2, The annual Showcase of Stars was again a great success and will return to the Community Centre.
- Barbara acknowledged all the volunteers who had worked so hard, and they were cheered for their efforts.
Recycling in Treasure Cay and Abaco – Uli Nowlan
A few years ago, Friends of the Environment informed us that recycling was being brought to Abaco. They supplied large plastic tote bins. Ten were repainted green and placed around the community. They are emptied periodically by a firm from Marsh Harbour. The firm has also initiated a contest among the Abaco schools. The school collecting the most cans will receive $200. TCPOA will add $500 to the prize if the Treasure Cay School is the winner. Batteries, metal, beer bottles and appliances can also be re-cycled; a car crusher has also been imported.
In answer to a question from Fred Zulaff, Uli said that a site at the Batelco tower has been designated for batteries and large items.
Corbett Concierge Program - Larry Rayner
Larry said that he had been coming to Treasure Cay for twenty five years and he had a stroke two years ago and lost the use of his right leg, and this first hand experience motivated him to assist in mitigating the risks to which we are exposed by the remoteness of our community. He added that he had accepted the position of Chairman of the trust that owns the Corbett Medical Centre, (CMC).
Larry continued that Joe Calihan and John Shedd, M.D. initiated the effort to bring a CT scan to the CMC and link our medical evacuations to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. $1,000,000 was set as a target for the effort as well as to strengthen the existing endowment of CMC. 90 % of this amount has been raised and the CT scan will be here shortly. Floyd Sawyer built the necessary addition to CMC with a significant donation of contributed labor. Steve Russell was very helpful in approaching the Prime Minister about duty free importation of the CT scan, and he has agreed to have the duty and the stamp tax waived. Jack Albury has also agreed to contribute his services and trucking to the effort.
Larry stressed that CMC patients are by a vast predominance local Bahamians not second homeowners.
Larry then described the Corbett Concierge Program that facilitates the diagnosis, treatment and evacuation of patients suffering a medical emergency. He urged everyone to join. There are currently 153 members, and the record of success of the evacuations to date, will take the number to well above the first year target of 200. He stressed that the program was a great advancement for the community.
He thanked the Listers for their leadership and all those who have contributed to the effort.
Emergency Services - Betsy Bracey
Ed Whitcraft held up a document dated 1974 about the start of a process to provide fire protection for the community. Betsy Bracey, Jerry Roberts and Colin Albury Colin will tell us what they have accomplished after many the many false starts since then. It is truly marvelous.
Betsy said the following, “Thank you for inviting us. We’re very happy to have the opportunity to share with all owners in our community the details of what has been accomplished in the past 13 months since the disastrous Royal Palm fire. All told we have lost 7 homes in TC to fire, 2 of them to brush fires that could not be contained, the Sand Dollar Bar, forerunner of the Coco Bar and most recently, 6 condominiums.
“Since the Fire Pumper has arrived, Chief Albury and his Volunteers have responded to four fire events and 16 medical and accident emergency runs. This activity level, puts to rest any doubts that these Emergency Services are needed in this part of the island.
“The Fire equipment was imported duty free thanks to our Prime Minister and shipped gratis by Tropical shipping thanks to John Harold Bethel.
“Two years ago at the TCPOA Annual meeting Ed Whitcraft asked for a volunteer to reopen the drive to establish a Fire Dept, without success. Following the Royal Palm fire, Jerry Roberts and I agreed to give it a try. The main objection that met us was that there was a fire truck here in the early 70’s that went to rack and ruin due to lack of care. We vowed never to let that happen and this is still our firm commitment.
“In order to assure the continued success of this venture we are requesting that each owner in Treasure Cay and Leisure Lee contribute $250.00 per year to assure that Trustees have sufficient funds to cover the expense of safely housing the equipment, properly maintaining and insuring it as well as providing the essential safety gear for our volunteers.
“Through the generosity of many of you here today who contributed tax-deductible Capital gifts to create this department we have achieved the majority of our goals. Now we must establish the means to continue its effective operation on an annual basis. To this end most Presidents of the Condo and Villa Associations have agreed to encourage their members to approve an assessment of $250.00 per year, per unit. All those who have had their AGM’s have received membership approval and we are confident the remaining groups will be on board.
“In April and May we will be sending notices to every private homeowner in Leisure Lee and Treasure Cay requesting this commitment for 2008. Should we find that our proposed budget requires adjustment or should we find that we are receiving funds over and above our needs we will adjust our request. This will be determined on an annual basis as it is not our intention to build a bank account. We have planned for replacement needs within the budget as you will see. From the beginning we have mailed financial statements with our requests for Capital funding. This winter we have distributed statements to Condo Associations as we attend their AGM’s.
“Today you will receive a copy of our current financial statement as well as our budget for 2008. We have had complete transparency of our financial status from the beginning and we intend to have it into the future.
“Our Fire Chief, Colin Albury, will now update you in regard to the equipment currently on site or soon to be on site as well as to the amazing success of his Volunteer Fire Brigade.” As Colin was approaching the podium, Ed said that Colin was a great leader and had provided nicknames to his team of volunteers. Ed suggested that a good nickname for the Chief might be “Hurricane” and said that all would soon see why..
Fire & Rescue – Chief Colin Albury
“I am so proud to be a member of this Community. In all my 36 years in Treasure Cay I have never seen such an enthusiastic coming together of the various parts of our community. It has truly been a heart-warming experience.
“It is an honor to make you feel safe. If you ever have an emergency just pick up a phone and call and help will come. Before I arrived, the emergency plan was to put the patient in a taxi then transport them to a medical facility. That is unacceptable. We now have 23 Fire Fighters and Rescue Operators ready to respond. When that call comes in they fly and leave their family and are ready to perform.
“A tanker has been purchased and is in West Palm Beach, will be in Treasure Cay in 4 weeks. Jerry Roberts came me and asked to do a fire fighting map of Treasure Cay. I went through the Treasure Cay area personally and put a plan together to put “wash outs” (water supply for fire fighting) in your community at a minimal cost from Water & Sewage to put this near you.
“My intention is to have everyone in Treasure Cay feel safe. Volunteers were trained in firefighting and accident response, and they passed with flying colors. We will start medical training for the Fire Fighters this summer. There will be ongoing training for all our volunteers
“April 4 & 5 – the U.S. Forestry Service will be here doing a seminar with our volunteers. These guys are the best fire fighters to be trained.”
Colin also announced that he and Patty Pinder are engaged and will marry sometime soon. He also sad that he is exploring an air evacuation opportunity that would be located in Treasure Cay.
Humane Society & Fire Station Building – Jerry Roberts
Jerry said that he has had many meetings with Colin and the volunteers and they all respect the Chief and will follow him anywhere.
Jerry added “Emergency services and the building is the most rewarding project I have done in my entire life. Treasure Cay has overwhelmingly supported the efforts.” He was pleased that the Humane Society would soon have a permanent home in the building and a mobile veterinary unit for animal neutering. He added that though wind is causing some problems, but buy next week we will have the shell of the building up, and the building should be functional by June 1st, 2008.
Jerry reported that Craig Roberts deserves special thanks for all the cement work on the foundation and floor. The value of this gift is in excess of $50,000. Jerry added that many people have agreed to donate their services for the interior work to be done on the building Greg Cash is going to do the cabinet work; Terry Franks, the painting; Peter Williams, the fill; Ossie Hall the, sprinkler system; Bernard
Curry, the landscaping; John Knowles, carpentry; Nicolas Lowe, interior; JR. Hodgkins, Cabinets; Abaco Hardware, 25% discount on materials, Arthur Roberts, Plumbing.
Financial statements and building plans are available for your inspection and we will have answers to any questions you may have.
Water & Sewage - Kim Kirtland
Last year Ed Whitcraft gave an update on the state of the sewage collection system here in Treasure Cay. It was not well maintained, and getting remedial action is a bit slow. But we are on the priority list. Kim reported that he was able to establish contacts in Nassau and was informed that the plan is to drill a disposal well and redesign and replace the main pump. The 600 foot well has been drilled and the casing was done but not yet cemented. It should be done in April. The replacement pumps are $200,000 each and two are needed. The general feeling is that the people involved are doing the best they can and are making an honest effort to fix the situation.
Community Management- Dick Phillips
“The Treasure Cay President’s Community Management Group (TCPCMG) consists of representatives (presidents) of the condominium associations of Treasure Cay. The group was formed by Ed Whitcraft under the auspices of TCPOA about 3 years ago to bring some thinking to bear on the common problems of the TC community.
“Over the years all of us have witnessed TC evolving from a “Private Resort” operated by TC Ltd in the 1970s-80s to a thriving community of privately owned residences. In fact, TC will soon have 855 homes, of which 247 are private homes and 608 are condo units either in existence or under construction, distributed across 24 condo associations. As such, TC faces problems typical of any modern municipality, such as infrastructure (water, sewer, utilities, TV, internet) medical facilities, emergency services, security, etc.
“Background: Some of us here today have been property owners in Treasure Cay since the 1970s, (Others, like my wife and I, since the 1980s). Back then it would have been hard to imagine that TC would have the benefits of the “modern” infrastructure to the extent that we now enjoy (e.g., telephone and high speed internet service, cable TV, electric power distributed all the way from Marsh Harbour, water piped in from main Abaco supply source, and a stretch of the Great Abaco Highway paved between here and Marsh Harbour that you can drive sixty miles per hour on instead of the previous 6 mph).
“Even more noteworthy are the additional TC community services and facilities that, in almost all cases, have been initiated spontaneously over the past few years by one or more individuals (some of whom are here today), and funded from private contributions. They include – The Community Centre and Library – TC Amenities for maintaining our roads and greenways – The Security Gate House – The Corbett Medical Centre – The CT Scan – The Corbett Concierge Program – TC Administrative Services Office - most recently, the TC Emergency Services Organization providing fire and ambulance service for the protection of all of us.
“In parallel with some of these improvements, recent issues of common interest taken up by the Presidents’ Community Management Group have been helping to channel requests for contributions to the TC Emergency Services capital fund drive from individual condo owners; Pledging $250 per condo unit to support the annual operating costs for the TCESO; working with the Bahamian police force, Craig Roberts, TC Ltd and other members of the community to propose security measures and security patrols.
Most condo associations stand ready to fund the operation of security patrols, pending establishment of a method for staffing and managing them.
“Now I’d like to bring you to the present, and the main purpose of this presentation -- The TC Presidents’ Community Management Group faces some challenges ahead: TC Ltd has announced their intention to sell their holdings and thus turn over their responsibilities for the management of the TC infrastructure to the community within the next few years. In preparation for the pending transfer of management responsibilities, we need a plan for an organization that’s capable of accepting the responsibility upon turnover. We also need to develop a Municipality Vision of what we would like TC to be in one-year, five years, ten years; and a strategy for getting there. For Example:
Keep TC a PLEASANT place to be (grounds-keeping, painting, etc.)
Keep TC a RELIABLE place to be (facilities, infrastructure – sewer, etc)
Keep TC a SAFE place to be (security)
Keep TC property VALUES maintained at a high level
Build RELATIONS of TC with respect to the rest of Abaco and the Bahamas (perhaps chartered some day as a municipality in its own right and recognized as such by the Bahamian Government)
Provide an effective focal point for MUNICIPAL GOVERNANCE (city planning, impact analysis for new construction, general maintenance of the infrastructure and municipal services, etc.).
“What can we do as we are sitting here today?: On behalf of the TC Presidents’ Community Management Group, I would like to ask you to think about the long range vision for Treasure Cay; the
strategy to get there, and even the short range plan for managing the community in the near future, and to feed your suggestions and concerns to your condo president, or to the TCPOA.
“So also on behalf of the Treasure Cay President’s Community Management Group, we appreciate the opportunity in this meeting to bring this update and request for feedback to your attention. Thank you…
Security – Ed Whitcraft
“TCPOA reward of $1,000 was awarded to Lumane Jean. The award is given to any person who assists the Police with their apprehension of miscreants who are ultimately convicted of a crime. This is the 2nd award for this service thus far. The first award was given to Mathew Claridge, who is with us today.”
“Three years ago, a letter surfaced in the Fox Hill Prison that if you want to do an easy robbery, go to Treasure Cay, and there was, in fact, a spate of break-ins over the following summer. In response, Mr. Craig Roberts build a $100,000.00 gate house; Treasure Cay Ltd. hired Mr. Glen Bullard to supervise security. Financially; Treasure Cay Ltd. has contributed $100,000.00 per year, and the Bahama Beach Club has contributed $40,000.00 per year until recently. The community contributed to the effort though not substantially or enthusiastically.
“What is to best way to deal with security? The Committee of condo & villa presidents voted to urge that the $100,000 being spent by Treasure Cay Limited on the gate house be converted to security patrols. They felt that the Gate House was better at promoting real estate sales than providing effective security. Given their evaluation of the gate house’s value and the lack of support from the rest of the community, Presidents agreed that they would only support an effort that provided effective patrols. Clearly there is work to be done.
Amenities – Ed Whitcraft
Ed outlined some paving projects that had been suggested – the ramp and driveway for the Fire Station– the end of Windward beach Drive - Beak Head Way - Speed Bumps. Whipstaff Crescent was to be graded and rolled. He asked for additional suggestions. The work will probably be done in the early summer
T.C. Community Office & Year Book- Ed Whitcraft
Treasure Cay Community Ltd. is funded for a two year trial period by two benefactors of the community who realize the importance of office support for all the volunteer activities that make Treasure Cay the wonderful place that it is. They also realize that a complete data base is essential for community management.
At last a new phone book and directory is in the works. The effort is headed by Bob Ewing and is headquartered in the new community office located above the former Solomon’s gift shop. The year book will include all residents of Treasure Cay (not just members of TCPOA). This all inclusive suggestion was first made by Ellen Kuhnle last year and is a good one. The new community directory will include phone and addresses as well as tide charts and other useful information and advertisements. Shantell Cooper (who you see here taking minutes of this meeting) is also working on it in the new office. This year book is being mostly done by Bahamians.
Community Centre (TCCC) – Wardy Thompson
“Last year the TCCC raised only $35,000.00 per year to take care of the operation of Community Centre. Expenses include the insurance, upkeep up grounds, utilities, etc. With all the fund raising demands on the community (Corbett and TCESO), the TCCC contributions declined. We send letters every year, and it had never been a problem to raise enough before last year. Fortunately provisions had been made for such “a rainy day”. This season was such a “rainy day”. Please do what you can for our next solicitation this summer”
Financial Report –Ed Whitcraft
It was prepared by Julie Cates of Abaco Bookkeeping Services and is found on your seats. The Review is to be done by Ronald Atkinson & Co of Nassau. Upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried the acceptance of the report was approved.
Nominating Committee Report
The Committee reported that they had no report to give as to post of the President and Treasurer.
Ed Whitcraft moved the re-election of the Presidents of the Villa & Condo associations as members of the Executive Committee. They are Paul Orloff (BVOA), Hagen Peters (RP), Doug Olen, M.D. (BBC), Mac Beckwith (MC), John Darville (CL). Dick Phillips (OVA), Don Himes (RPonc.), Ian Phillips (PP), Ian Fair (SD), Jay Odem (Suncrest), Mark Moran (TH), Bruce Neadross (Cot’s), David Phillips (HB), Jim Friedrich (A1), Chuck Bragg (A2), Tom McCarthy (A3), Ralph Massenburg (A4); Keith Rusby (A5), Jackie Gignillat (BH), Ron Wilson, M.D. (Hodges), Lee Roach (Brig.V), Henry Quintana, TL)
Ed Whitcraft proposed Shantell Cooper as Secretary. Ed Whitcraft was proposed as President and Treasurer.
Betsy Bracey moved that all the proposed names be approved for election for an additional year. Mrs. Barbara Hadley seconded that motion, and it was passed unanimously.
Mr. Whitcraft added that next year will be his last year as President of TCPOA..
Other business and any special announcements
From the Floor
Mrs. Anne Albury thanked everyone for their speeches and said they did a good job; but she wanted to mention that in all the speeches, no mention of Treasure Cay Limited was made. She thinks they should be recognized for some contributions like donating the land for the Emergency Services.
Banyan Beach Club
A representative from Sand Dollar addressed the meeting and asked for help in taking some action on Banyan Beach Club which is derelict. It is a hazard to residents (particularly the children) living near it, and it is a hazard to guests and tourists passing by and through it. They have attempted without success to convince Craig Roberts to demolish or renovate it. They were requesting the members to help him put more pressure on the person(s) responsible for Banyan Beach Club to do something with it.
Ed Whitcraft said that Treasure Cay Ltd. alone had the legal responsibility and to enforce the existing rules which prohibit such a situation.
Mr. Fred Zulauf responded that Mr. Craig Roberts and Mr. Ossie Parker are in charge of Banyan Beach Club and they want to do something with the place but there is one particular owner of Banyan Beach Club who refuses to co-operate. They have offered him ½ million dollars to leave but he refuses. Their hands are tied.
The Security Gate
Bob from the audience asked if the Security Gate could become a security check point where incoming and outgoing cars have to stop and be checked, therefore making Treasure Cay a gated Community?
Ed Whitcraft said it is not allowed in the Bahamas.
Adjournment
Mr. Al Shew moved for the meeting to be adjourned. Mrs. Bracey seconded. There was unanimous agreement.