March 2010

Re-surfacing of the roads will take place mid March
Owners and Guests are advised to leave the roads clear on selected dates.
For a schedule of those dates, select here
For a smooth and quick operation, all cooperation is appreciated

March 2010

Updates to the Cable channel TV
Orlando telephone have taken on the operation of the TV cable network and the following channels have been added to the existing listings:
Fox News
BBC America

March 2010

Paradise Island Tiki Blue take on the management of the Tiki bar
Revised opening hours are 11.00am. - 9.00pm., with 'happy hours' 5.00pm - 7.00pm each day. Karaoke on Friday evenings and DJ on Saturdays
Additional programmes for themed evenings are being planned.

   Support your Tiki Bar
 
More details to follow in the April edition of the Terra Verde Connections.

October 2009

We are pleased to announce 4 new members of the Resort team
Mandi, Mark, Michelle and Brittany have joined the Clubhouse team

For more details, see the October issue of Terra Verde Connections

July 2009

With effect 1st. July, the following changes have taken place to the Villas board -
Denise Gola and Denis Kennedy have stepped down from their positions on the board and we would like to take this opportunity to thank both Denise and Denis for all their hard work and contributions to the board and the operations of Terra Verde.
Paul Wallace, who purchased at Terra Verde just over a year ago, and Trevor Hunt, who has owned at Terra Verde since phase1, have joined the Villas board and we also take this opportunity to welcome Paul and Trevor to the board.

June 2009

We are pleased to announce 2 new members of the Resort team
 
Maryruth has joined the Tiki bar team and Derek has joined the front desk team

For more details, see the June issue of Terra Verde Connections

January 2009

Firstly, we're pleased to announce that Paul Nash has volunteered to step in to fill the Villas Board vacancy, recently created by the resignation of George Fernicola. Many of you will know Paul well, not least for the great work he already does for us on our websites. We welcome Paul with open arms and will also always be happy to consider nominations from any other owner who feels they have something to contribute.

Next, to let you know that the HOA Board have made a New Year resolution not to participate in forum debates on HOA business, as this medium is not really the ideal vehicle for serious issues/concerns to be raised by owners and responded to by the Board. Accordingly, owners looking to make a suggestion or direct a question to the HOA, should no longer use the forum pages but instead send an email, which can be considered and discussed by the appropriate Board members, prior to a response being made. To facilitate this, a quick contact link for questions & queries has been created on the Notice Board section of the forum, and the "BOD" tag has been removed from user names, so that Board members may continue to contribute to general forum discussions, in their capacity as homeowners.
Owners may also contact the HOA, using the link within the owner's section of this site

December 2008

 
A DVD Rental Machine has now been installed
next to the ATM

October 2008

New Security System to become opertational 3rd. Nov.
 
The heart of the system is a high grade CCTV network, on which we have had expert advice and this is already doing its job very efficiently. The other components of the new system i.e. swipecard operation and staffing, are less fixed and will be reviewed regularly. Adjustments will be made as necessary, in the light of experience and owner, guest and MC feedback will be invaluable to this modification/improvement process. At the outset the essential elements of our system are as follows:

1. What the system consists of
Cameras - The Resort has had 10 all-weather digital cameras installed in various areas around the clubhouse and gatehouse.
Swipe-box - At the front gate there is a proximity card reader where persons with a card issued by our front desk can gain access to the Resort throughout their stay, without having to communicate with the desk.
Intercom - The front gate system has a wireless intercom system installed; this allows two-way communication between the gate and front desk.

2. What the system does
All 10 zones are recording 24/7, with the feeds being saved digitally for 30 days. It provides playback ability for all zones, day or night, in all weather conditions, with zoom features and the ability to playback in slow motion.
From the desk we will be able to communicate with persons at the gate through the wireless intercom system whilst viewing them onscreen and will also have the ability to open the entrance gate. At the front-desk we will be able to program access cards for guests/homeowners, which will be good from day of arrival until departure.

3. How the system will operate on Terra Verde
We shall operate a simple swipe card system, whereby those holding a valid card will be able to pass this across the equipment on a post at the gatehouse. This will automatically open the gate for a single vehicle to pass and will require no intervention from gatehouse or front-desk staff. We shall, in due course, look at ways of creating a “fast lane” for cardholders.
Anyone arriving without a valid pass will be required to provide information to gain entry. During the night-shift, the procedure will be as now i.e. the gatehouse staff will attend. During the daytime, this will entail pressing an intercom button to make contact with our clubhouse front-desk staff, who will ask appropriate questions, take note of the vehicle tag and call the driver to the front-desk for registration, if appropriate. Other visitors will be called to the front-desk or directed to their destination property.

4. How the new passes will be distributed to various user groups
Resident owners, long-term tenants, resort staff, management companies and their named delegates will be required to register at the office and will be issued with blank swipe cards, which will be renewable quarterly. ($5 refundable deposit per card).
Visiting owners & guests will be required to register on arrival (or shortly after) and will be issued with swipecards, printed with adverts, which will remain valid for the duration of their stay. ($10 deposit per card will be refunded on return of the card on departure).
Regular contractors will be required to pre-register at the office and may be issued, at the GM’s discretion, with a blank monthly pass. ($5 refundable deposit per card).
No passes will be issued to occasional or one-off visitors (business or social), who will be required to speak with a member of staff in order to gain entry. Our staff reserve the right to deny entry to any person who fails to satisfy them as to their credentials or legitimate reason for entry.

5. Who will operate the system
Our own front-desk team will operate the entry system via camera and intercom but the decision has been taken, at least for the time being, to retain a professional security guard presence at the gate during overnight hours.
To accommodate the changes, clubhouse operating hours have been extended by one hour in the evening, to 8am to 10pm and our staff will be on the premises from 7am to 11 pm. Contract gate security staff will operate from the hours of 10.30pm to 7.30am. The half hour overlap in the morning and late evening allows time for opening and locking up the clubhouse, as well taking care of any urgent housekeeping issues.
Whilst visitors and vendors arriving at the front gate will be given advice on how to proceed, owners are requested to familiarize themselves with the above and to ensure, as far as possible, that their guests and management companies are aware of the procedures. A simple user guide is attached, which you may wish to provide for your guests ahead of their arrival.

Terra Verde Masters Board

August 2008

New Business centre installed

A new business centre has now been installed and is operational. The centre includes two state of the Art PC's and a printer. These replace of old PC's that were beyond economical repair. There is a small charge of 20 cents per minute for use of the PC's and 20 cents per page for printing. Guests and homeowners are able to pay using cash or credit card. The new equipment is already being put to good use and taking 50 to 70 dollars per day. The HOA recieve 25% of the takings in commission. The free wireless hotspot will continue to be provided for owners and guests, free of charge. See additional pic here.

New arrivals at Terra Verde

Our General Manager Adam Radler has been extremely busy over and working hard to improve Terra Verde over the past couple of months with several of the initiatives coming to fruition.
Here are some of the latest arrival at Terra Verde:

July 2008
Greater Quality, Greater Service, Greater Outdoors

Homeowners will be aware that the Board of Directors have appointed Greater Outdoors Lawn Care Inc to look after Terra Verde’s landscaping and irrigation for the next 12 months.
Greater Outdoors are a well established local company and a 22 year track record. Greater Outdoors started at Terra Verde on 1st July and are already making a positive impact at the resort.
The company pride themselves on professional grounds management and are equipped to handle landscaping related issues promptly, efficiently, and courteously.

4th May 2008
Board Of Directors Announcement

"As one of the longest serving Board members, we sadly say goodbye and thanks to Ian Mason, who is resigning from both the Manors and Masters Boards. Ian's energy helped to take our HOA through some difficult times over the past couple of years and despite the pressures of running his own business on the coast, his commitment to our cause has been unceasing. Ian leaves with our thanks and best wishes for the future.

On a happier note, we are pleased to announce that a young man by the name of Adam Radler has agreed to take up the position as our new Resort Manager and is currently enjoying the luxury of a short handover period with Anneke, who leaves with our best wishes on 9th May 2008.

Adam is a 27 year old, local, married man, whose background is predominantly in the management & systems / maintenance side of the hospitality industry, mainly with Marriott and Renaissance Hotels.With these Groups, Adam also gained some good budgetary control, team scheduling and front-of-house experience, all of which should stand him in good stead in his new role for us.

Over the past two years he has been part of a consultant team working on the high profile Fisher Island Resort project in Miami. He is eagerly looking forward to taking the reins of a smaller, but possibly equally challenging, project at Terra Verde.

We're certain that Adam will soon hear from owners with queries and concerns but it would be very welcome if some just dropped into the clubhouse to introduce themselves and to say hello.

Terra Verde Homeowners Association
Board of Directors

25th April 2008
New Palms for Villas Owners

"Following the successful planting of the new palm trees for the Manors the Villas BOD have ordered 28 Queen Palms to replace the dead trees outside the townhomes. The new palms will again be provided and planted by A Quality Plant under the supervision of Andi Zeilinski. Planting is scheduled for the end of of April. Look out for photos of the palm on the website once they have been planted".

26th March 2008
New Palm Trees for the Manors
 
The Manors Board has successfully negotiated with A Quality Plant Inc. for the supply of new palm trees to replace those that have died.

Queen palms have been selected as the hardiest and most economical replacement. Trees will be guaranteed for 12 months carried out in one day and was supervise by Andi Zielinski. The vendors have said that the old palms were planted too deep and this is most likely why they died.

March 6, 2008
Dear Fellow Terra Verde Homeowner,

As you may be aware, effective April 1st 2008 our Homeowners Association is taking all of our billing and accounting in-house and from that date, Community Management Professionals (CMP) will no longer be billing or accepting payments on our behalf. In preparation for the transition, we will be sending out statements of account to all homeowners over the next few days, well ahead of the Q2 April 1st due date.

We are pleased to inform you that we will not be changing banks but we are required to open new accounts, with Smartstreet (the community association division of RBC Centura Bank).   This may have immediate implications for you, and may require you to take action in one or two areas but the payment options that you will have at your disposal WILL NOT CHANGE, so you will still have a number of payment options available to you.  Please look below at the method you currently use, and note the changes that you will need to make:

1.  ACH (Recurring Automatic Direct Debit)

Ø  If you previously signed a form authorizing your checking account to be debited to pay your assessments, this pre-authorized debit WILL BE CANCELLED on 3/31/08 because CMP will no longer be activating or accepting the auto debit.

Ø  If you wish to continue to pay by this convenient method, please simply complete and return the attached ACH form (a separate form is required for each payment i.e. Masters and Villas or Manors) as soon as possible to the address below, so that the transition for you will be seamless.

http://www.terraverdehoa.com/documents/onlineforms/ACH_homeowner_sign_up_form.do c - Downlonad the form here.

2.  Online Payment Service by eCheck or credit card (One time and Recurring Options are available)


Ø  If you previously went to Smartstreet's website at www.smartstreet.org and selected "Pay Assessments," and then set up a "Recurring Assessment Payment," you will need to log into your account and cancel this payment schedule.  If you do not cancel this payment schedule, your payment will be rejected and will not be accepted by CMP because they will no longer be managing our HOA.

Ø  If you wish to continue to pay by this method, you must wait until after April 1st to set up a new payment schedule, because if you do it before April 1st, the payment will go to CMP who no longer manages our HOA.

Ø  You may set up a one time or recurring payment using eCheck, MasterCard, American Express or Discover by going to   www.smartstreet.org and select "Pay Assessments," choose either "One time Assessment for credit card" or "eCheck," or click on "Register" under "Recurring Assessment Payment" to set up a recurring payment schedule.

o    If you would like to set up a recurring assessment payment, you will need to obtain a login.  This can be easily done by clicking on "Register" and completing the form.

o    Select your homeowner's association and follow the instructions on the screen.

o    Note:  There is a $9.95 transaction fee if you pay via a credit card.  

3.  Your bank's Online Bill Pay

Ø  If you currently pay your assessment using your bank's online bill pay, you must log into your online banking cancel your payments and set up new bill payment schedules.  Please be sure to complete your bill pay setup for both of your associations as follows:

o    Payee:  Terra Verde Resort Masters Association*

o    Address:  PO Box 105007

o    City:  Atlanta

o    State:  GA

o    Zip:  30348-5007

o    Account:  Your Terra Verde Street name & House number

*Repeat steps inserting Payee: Manors at the Terra Verde Resort Association or  

Terra Verde Resort Villas Association

4.  Lockbox Service

Ø  If you currently mail a check in, this option is still open to you but please consider the real benefits to our HOA, both financial and administrative, in setting up one of the automated payment methods described above. We would urge you to assist us in reducing our costs and increasing our efficiency by adopting one of these methods from hereon. Should you decide to do so, please note that when your statement arrives with you it will be for information only, unless you have past due balances or fees owing that need to be dealt with separately.  

Ø  Any checks should be made payable to Terra Verde HOA (Masters/Manors or Villas) and include your Terra Verde Street and House number on the back, before mailing to:

Conrad Ferguson
Terra Verde HOA
109 Madiera Beach Blvd
Kissimmee FL 34746

Your co-operation in this important transition is very much appreciated and if you wish to discuss any aspect of the above before deciding what to do, please feel free to contact our Accounts Manager, Conrad Ferguson,  ( phone: 407 574 7011 or email terraverdehoa@yahoo.com ) who will be happy to assist.  

With Best regards,  

Your Board of Directors