Saturday, November 20, 2010

HOA President's Report, November 14, 2010

Presented by David Ross, HOA President
Board of Directors Meeting, November 14, 2010


November 14, 2010

We want to talk with you about bingo and a fellow board member, Paul Pontious.

Over the past few months we have all endured unjustified malicious and snide comments. But we take particular offense to the many comments wrongfully directed at Paul Pontious and other Board members.

These comments must stop.

Bingo Records

Most of you are aware that the Association assumed supervisory control over bingo financial record keeping January 1, 2010. Prior to that date, the bingo committee, chaired by Paul Pontious, was solely responsible for bingo records and finances. We have concluded that we will not involve ourselves in any further aspect of the bingo committee or its records for activities prior to January 1, 2010.

NO EVIDENCE OF ANY CRIMINAL ACT, FEES, FINES, COSTS, OR LIABILITY OF ANY SORT

What Paul Pontious did or did not do with his bingo records is entirely his personal business. To date there is no evidence that Paul Pontious:

  • committed any criminal act related to those records;
  • exposed the Association to any unwarranted fees, costs, or fines;
  • exposed the Association to an increased liability of any sort.

50-50: PAUL ACTED APPROPRIATELY WHEN HE STOPPED, AND TOOK VOLUNTEERS TO DINNER WITH 50-50 MONIES

Some of you are up in arms over Paul's conduct of 50-50. First, 50-50 is admittedly illegal, even though many Florida homeowner associations still conduct 50-50. To his credit, when Paul learned that 50-50 is illegal, he stopped it. Puzzled over what to do with remaining 50-50 funds, Paul used some of the 50-50 funds to buy a nice dinner for his bingo volunteers and, yes, a few Board members. But more importantly, he made a substantial charitable contribution with the 50-50 monies. To those of you who want to bark at him or us over these matters, please just stop.

NO JAIL AND TAX PROBLEMS

We are tired of hearing individuals suggesting Paul and others are going to jail. The claim that Paul and the Board will face tax problems as a result of Paul's conduct of 50-50 or bingo to date is unfounded. After careful review, we have every reason to disbelieve these claims. We regard those suggestions as unfounded by those individuals who would like us to referee personal squabbles with Paul Pontious. We decline that invitation and, frankly, hope that all sides tone down their rhetoric.

PONTIOUS’ VALUED SERVICE

While we, and the community, are justifiably troubled by Paul Pontious' antagonistic responses to these unwarranted malicious comments and to the expressed concerns of our Board members, we remind ourselves that it is understandable that he would react emotionally to such vicious personal attacks. We believe Paul has always acted consistently with his belief having only the best interests of this Community in mind. We support and value Paul Pontious' service as a current board member and former officer of this Association. We look forward to Paul Pontious' valuable help in our effort to amend our covenants.

DEWINKLER SUPPORT

We also want to express our confidence in the current chair of the Bingo Committee, Mr. John DeWinkler, and the many volunteers. Bingo is a valuable addition to our Community. We support their efforts to obtain their own 501(c)(3) designation in the very near future as we eventually terminate the Association's responsibility for bingo.

Thanks you for your attention.

D. Ross

S. Mattox

C. Hanson

J. Perez


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