Welcome to The Twilight Zone

                  A Reality Check from the Twilight Zone.

I can't believe what I am reading in the latest scribblings from the Presidents office about the cable contracts. They are so biased and twisted they look like someone from the Twilight Zone wrote them.
In this reality check the potus wonders where the information came from that ABB (Atlantic Broadband) is only rated at 1 out of five in customer satisfaction. That figure actually comes from the Consumer and Corporate Affairs. com The 3.8 out of 5 that is so glowingly referred to comes from the Miami based Better Business Bureau, and is based on a total of three customer reviews and 34 negative customer complaints. The one star out of five for Atlantic from Consumer and Corporate is based on reviews and complaints from the whole country.
Israel goes on to say that another attractive facet of ABB'S proposal is that they are going to wire the village with fiber optic cable. What is not mentioned is that we already have fiber optic cable. Israel writes about the old Comcast cable in the ground as though that's a bad thing. Actually the fiber optic cable doesn't degrade over time, it's plastic, it doesn't rust or corrode like copper cable,  the fiber optic cable we now have should last for a lot longer than you and  I.
 The disadvantage in the system is when the fiber optic is hooked to the existing co-axial cable in the buildings , there is a drop in speed due to the system being jammed with traffic from time to time. Unlike a full fiber optic system, which CV will not have in any of the proposals, the  co-axial cable signal  is split among the users in the building. a pesky situation if everyone is watching the superbowl and the picture freezes on forth and goal with ten seconds on the clock.
 The full advantage of fiber optic is not realized unless its wired right into your unit. That's not going to happen unless AT&T decide to do it.
There's another pitfall with Atlantic's plan. They intend to run a single Fiber optic cable from Miami to West Palm Beach. If and when there is a break in that single line, there's no back up or redundancy as they call it to get the service back up quickly. The "Old"  Comcast system is actually part of a grid. If one line breaks down, it's just a matter of switching to another until repairs are made..
Another misrepresentation is where Israel writes that ABB is a large company. Looking at the figures it's obvious this is not the case. ABB has about 1.5 million subscribers in twenty states. Comcast who are the second largest in the country have over 109 million subscribers making them almost a hundred times bigger that ABB.
   According to Bloomburg business profiles; Comcast has 159.000 employees while Atlantic Broadband has 662.

What's missing in the hyperbole published by Israel is any response to the analysis by Jack Adams who shows that the best deal as far as money is concerned is with Comcast.I suppose his analysis is floating around the twilight Zone too.
 Nor is there any response to the questionable clauses in the contract that we published both here on this blog and on our website.
 Another irksome situation about this whole thing. Israel is telling us he doesn't have a "redline" contract from Comcast. NOT SO ! Comcast provided UCO with a contract a few months ago . The only difference between then and now is the drop in Comcast's rates. Those figures could have easily been "redlined" and the contract could have been sent out to everyone. Israel should take a look around the twilight Zone of UCO and see if the Comcast contract is still around.
If it's not, then maybe the dog ate it or  it could have been transported into another dimension of The Twilight Zone.

Where's The Beef?

Here at the Messenger club, we don't have any particular beef with Atlantic Broadband, other than the lousy ratings put on the company by Internet and business reviewers, there' s not really any reason we should have.
It should be said that we are a bit leery about giving anyone, Comcast included, a ten year deal.
What we don't like is the contract proposal that they are offering. We expect any company to propose a contract that heavily favors their ambitions. So we can't really criticize them for that. But ... and it's a BIG but. What the heck is this administration doing in trying to foist it off on us ? We do take exception to that.
Reading the clauses in the Atlantic proposal gives us the shivers.
Giving them unbridled license to "adjust" rates ? I mean What the heck ! Who's minding the store ?  Does anyone think they would consider "adjusting" their rates to give us a break ?
Where's the performance clause ? I don't see any way to tell them to hit the road if we don't like their service. It is written in the contract that we can like it or lump it, once the contract is signed.There's no "out clause" which any good contract would have if  it was written by someone who knows what they are doing.
There's a bunch of other stuff in the contract we don't like . They can be seen on our website. You might want to take a look at them before approving the proposal. Click here if you're interested
The thing we are most pleased about in this whole issue is that David Israel's plans to impose mandatory WIFI on the village was scuttled when Comcast, at our suggestion, re-entered the fray and offered the residents cable TV with the option of internet service, which most(about 70%) of the village don't use and made that clear more than once in soundly defeating Israel's motions at the  delegates assembly. We were scolded and branded as liars when Ed Grossman announced that the Messenger Club had contacted Comcast reps and suggested that they come back to the table and offer that very option. The attempt at denying the Clubs involvement quickly changed to " tortuous interference" a phrase flung about with gay abandon by the CSI rep and quickly adopted by Potus David.
We heard Joy Vestal announce at the Broadband committee meeting that the whole staff at the paper were in favor of Atlantic's bid. Which strikes us as being a bit odd. Well.... not really... that crew are pretty well known for toeing the party  line, they all have seen what happens to anyone who doesn't.
 Someone. We're not sure who due to the poor quality of the recording of the meeting, asked how the straw vote at the assembly went from a near unanimous vote for Comcast, to a near 50/50 split between Comcast and Atlantic.  David Israel proudly announced it was because Atlantic offered a better deal. He didn't mention that it might have something to do with the voluminous propaganda campaign waged in the newspaper and on the village cable channel. Nor did he mention that Atlantic came back with a better deal due to their suddenly  having to compete with Comcast.
You can thank the Messenger Club for that, Potus  David was ready to announce that Atlantic was the "best deal " and get the contract ratified at the April assembly.
But you don't have to thank us....... we just want to make sure that CV gets the best deal .

What do you get for $450,000.00

That's a good question..... CSI, the consulting firm working to negotiate a new cable contract stands to put close to that amount in their corporate pocket once a new contract is finally settled.
The burning question that should be on everyone's mind is : What did CSI do to earn that much money ?
Better yet :we should ask:what should they have done to earn all that money?
 UCO and The "team" who are working so hard on our behalf to achieve a good deal on the contract are missing the boat.
How's that? you might ask. CSI and UCO have been working on this deal for about two years. CSI reps have been busy running back and forth with papers and questions, and a few answers now and then. They have been at all the Broadband meetings and seem to be quite knowledgeable about the intricacies of cable TV and Internet and all that stuff.
Two years later and we still don't have a contract ! How can that be? 
Here's the way I see what happened.
UCO went to CSI and said"GET US A CONTRACT"
 CSI goes to the cable providers and says "GIVE US A PROPOSAL"
 Of course the companies supply the committee with their proposals but the committee  think they can do better.
 So UCO says " GET US A BETTER PROPOSAL"
 CSI runs back and forth to their connections and says " "THEY WANT A BETTER DEAL" .
Again the companies sharpen up their pencils and come back with better deals. More stuff and rosier promises.
BUT STILL NO CONTRACT! The proposals are shot full of holes and the committee doesn't like them so they send them to lawyers then sit at endless meetings devising strategies.

There is a better way.

 It should have went like this: 

UCO hires CSI and says" For all the money we are paying you, we want you to draw up a contract that we can put in front of the cable companies" " You guys are supposed to be the experts, you claim you know all about how all this stuff works " "So draw up a contract and we'll get one of these companies to sign it"

"We don't mind paying you for your services" " But you earn your pay  by saving us some money"

Doing it this way would avoid all the running back and forth and changing the deals. Not only that; Century Village would be in the drivers seat and be dictating the terms.
For all the money we are supposed to pay CSI for their services you would think it would be a simple matter for them to draw up a contract that works for us. If CSI was to be paid a commission on the savings they produce it would give them the incentive to get tough in negotiations,
You might also think that someone. ANYONE, on the committee would have thought of doing it this way.
.
It's just another example of the wrong headed, incompetent  thinking that goes on in the UCO administration.
It's not the first time . Remember the "best deal ever" with the security contract that was a complete disgrace. It finally failed leaving a bunch of committee members with egg on their faces and scrambling to find another " best deal yet". I don't even want to think about the horrible one page contract that engaged a paving company to do a $5,000,000.00 job. I guess the paving company drew up that contract too.

CSI ?...... They are getting well paid  to run around shuffling papers and mumbling platitudes. As for doing a real consulting job ....... NOT !
Paying all that money out to hire someone to  ask cable companies for contract proposals speaks volumes about the incompetence of this administration. Any former businessman would have cleaned this up long ago without having to resort to hiring super expensive consultants to do what could be done with a couple of phone calls and letters. But that is not about to happen, anyone worth their salt either wouldn't put up with Israel's nonsense or already tried and were thrown under the bus.
That leaves Century Village in a position where hiring expensive(and unneeded) consultants becomes the order of the day.

Cost analysis. Atlantic vs Comcast

Donald, David, et al,
 Attached are the numbers just run comparing Atlantic Broadband VS Comcast 7/15/17 THRU 6/30/27.
Regarding Atlantic Broadband,the only way to compare apples to apples is to use the Comcast numbers for the first two years of a hypothetical Atlantic Broadband contract because those current Comcast cost would continue in effect until 7/15/19
.Calculation eliminates the last two years of an Atlantic Broadband contract (total of $8,559,650) as again only way to compare apples to apples.  It would be extremely more favorable to eliminate the last two expensive years of 2028  and 2029 in any new TV bulk agreement.
 Unless made an error somewhere, only arguable numbers seem to be first the broadcasting fee and second the estimated savings to some individuals currently paying Comcast for services over and above the current bulk agreement with Comcast.
 Analysis indicates an incredibly close net excess cost for Comcast vs Atlantic Broadband in the amount of $278,153 for the subject ten year period.
 Also, the gateway fee of $450 per unit offered by Atlantic Broadband  is $785,400 higher than the $350 per unit offered by Comcast.  This difference is included in the total net difference of $ 278,153 with Comcast being more expensive by that net amount.

 In my opinion, based solely on the bulk TV deal, Comcast is very much superior because:

 1)  While customer service is not appreciated by many at either Atlantic Broadband or Comcast, the services of Comcast are much more well known by our residents and when the service is functioning IMHO it is excellent.   Atlantic Broadband (even if consolidated with Cogeco its Canadian parent company) is a  significantly smaller company than Comcast so its financial viability is more speculative.
 2)  It would be extremely more favorable to eliminate the last two expensive years of 2028 and 2029 from any new TV bulk agreement so that also favors Comcast.
 An award to Comcast in effect results in an extension of eight years over their current in effect contract while an award to Atlantic Broadband will result in a new contract in effect until 6/30/2029. With technology changing so rapidly it is not in the best interests of CV-WPB to have a ten year contract all the way out until 2029.
 3)  Comcast's proposal does not involve any build out  or construction issues so its contract can become effective 7/15/17 without any of those additional risks which would be applicable if the contract would be awarded to Atlantic Broadband.  Atlantic Broadband's proposal includes the laying of new fiber to each building in Century Village -WPB.  They have also indicated that their fiber network currently only comes as far north as Boca Raton and that they plan on extending their fiber all the way to West Palm Beach so they can service additional communities.   There is certainly no guarantee they can meet the 7/15/19 time frame.
 4)  The enhanced services under the proposed Comcast contract can be effective as early as 7/15/17 while services from Atlantic Broadband can not be effective until 7/15/19.
 5)  The $278,153 difference in the costs of a Comcast contract over and above an Atlantic Broadband contract do not warrant the assumption of the additional risks inherent in an award to Atlantic Broadband.
 6)  Per the Atlantic Broadband proposal, Atlantic Broadband will only offer their TIVO 6 cable box to CV residents who purchase broadband services from Atlantic Broadband while Comcast has indicated that they will offer their X1 box to all residents under the bulk agreement regardless of whether or not broadband services are purchased from Comcast.  This analysis does not include any adjustment in the increased cost of Atlantic Broadband's services should a resident have to pay for a TIVO 6 over and above the bulk agreement.  However, if such a calculation were included the amount would undoubtedly wipe out the current $278,153 Atlantic Broadband cost advantage multiple times over the length of the entire contract period.
 If you should notice any errors and/ or omissions please bring them to my attention for review and possible revision.  We all want the most accurate data being presented to the CV unit owners, they deserve the most accurate information.
 Thank you,
Jack Adams
Member, Executive Board
Member, Bid Committee

The June edition of the CV Messenger is online now.

                                        click here to read the latest news

FIBER OPTICS OR COPPER CABLE WHATS THE DIFFERENCE ?

AT&T is looking at  rewiring the whole village with fiber optic cable that will come right into your unit and hook up directly to your TV or Computer.
Right now we do have fiber optic cable connected to distribution nodes located strategically around the village. Co-axial copper cable leads from the nodes to a connection on the outside of your building which then is distributed to the condo  units through co-axial.
The difference is mainly in internet speed.  The existing co-axial cable is shared by all the condos in the buildings.when multiple users are online at the same time , the speed drops. Though you may think you have 100 megs of bandwidth. that is not the case when the incoming 100 megs is shared.
The Fiber optic cable system  doesn't share bandwidth, resulting in continuous 100 megs ( or whatever bandwidth you have) no matter how many are using it in your system . The benefits are obvious, and when you think about Internet TV  and live streaming of TV programs through the Internet, sharing bandwidth with co-axial cable  may not be such a great idea.
AT&T is contemplating rewiring a new fiber optic system . Atlantic proposes keeping the same old wiring system except they say the will replace the co-axial that runs between their new fiber optic distribution nodes and your building with fiber optic cable.You're still going to have the same old shared co-axial cable  inside your building.
The most  ridiculous aspect in the debate is that we are going to have two functioning systems in every building  if AT&T decides to upgrade and Atlantic gets the contract.

This is contrary to what we are being told !

A clause in the proposed Atlantic Broadband contract states ;
 Owner (UCO) agrees that Company has an exclusive right to provide the Services to the Premises during the term of this Agreement and any renewals and that Owner (UCO) will not grant, or allow others to grant, any easement, right-of-way, license or other right of access for the purpose of delivering bulk cable television, bulk pay television, bulk internet, or any other bulk television services for delivery of the Bulk Services during the term of this Agreement. This shall not limit the ability of Owner during the term to grant any easement, right-of-way, license or other right of access for the purpose of delivering bulk cable television, bulk pay television, bulk internet, or any other bulk television services to a subsequent provider of Bulk Services who shall provide Services at the expiration of the term of the Agreement.
This reads that an association cannot negotiate a bulk service rate for the named services which includes Internet access. 
We have been told that anyone wanting to contract their own internet service provider will be free to do so. What is not being said is that residents are to be prevented from getting a bulk rate , which as we understand  AT&T is offering or is going to offer individual buildings and associations once they complete the rewiring they are working on right now.  The AT&T rewiring is an issue that should be brought forth, We have been led to believe that Atlantic broadband is supposed to be doing that. Why would they rewire fiber optic cable when AT&T is already doing it ?
Why the last paragraph stating that CV is free to seek bulk prices on services once the proposed contract expires is a non starter. Once the contract expires Atlantic has no say in what CV does.
It's another unacceptable clause in the proposal . There are many others that are spelled out in detail  thatcan be read in an article published on our website Click here to read the full story

A new player in the cable contract

AN URGENT LETTER TO ALL OFFICERS, AND EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS OF UCO.

It has just come under our attention that NorthSky Communications has at this moment completed a survey for AT&T to install Fiber-Optic  Wiring to our village at NO COST TO US. We were also informed that AT&T will offer Bulk Service to individual associations; they have done this in other developments.

Regarding this new development, it is imperative that we do not rush into any contract with Atlantic Broadband. There are too many questions that need to be answered before we commit to a 10-year contract. I beg every Officer and executive board member of UCO to make a motion to postpone the cable vote until we have more information. If you do not do this, and we do not have a quorum, we will be chained to Atlantic Broadband for ten years.

YOU MUST REMEMBER; YOU ARE IN OFFICE TO REPRESENT THE RESIDENTS, NOT

SPECIAL INTERESTS.

Olga Wolkenstein

The Century Village Messenger Club

THE ACTORS STUDIO OF CENTURY VILLAGE WANTS YOU !

Actors, writers, directors or anyone  aspiring to be any of the above are invited to join in the fun every Monday night at 7pm. in the main clubhouse. Workshops will continue in the off season and auditions and rehearsals for the upcoming season will start soon.
NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED ! Check out this short video and see for yourself
Click here to see the video

ONLINE VOTING 

Florida allows electronic voting for Condominiums owners who can now vote on the internet as long as the procedures are followed to verify just who is voting and as long as the condo owner consents in writing . The voting is not just for the election of officers, it's also for just about any voting for business too. 

Online voting is an idea who's time has come. Especially for Century Village and  the 60,000 Florida condo associations who have struggled with doing business due to the absence of owners during the off season. Sending ballots by mail to far flung places and awaiting their return is not only a hassle, it's expensive and time consuming too.

Becker and Poliakoff, a prominent law firm in South Florida,are among the first to  offer condo associations a secure online voting system for Home owner associations that meets the States requirements.

The implementation of a proposed bylaw giving each and every owner in Century Village a vote, and the ease of voting on the internet would put a much needed new face on our elections. 

  

Ain't it the truth ?

From: a concerned resident who wishes to remain anonymous

re: UCO committees

The long established traditions set here at CV years ago have brought 

us famously to where we are today and we can continue as we deserve

to be lead by good people.

Voting is a serious privilege and those that are elected to the UCO Board

especially represent each of us.  Each member is a positive part 

of solutions to some issues and continual improvement.  Each helps

energize all of us residents in forming a good and well planned  

community in these later years of our lives.

It doesn't sound right here at CV when we hear people talking about

how certain newly elected/formed committees at UCO are refused/

disbanded/turned away.  Refusing to accept the role of elected members 

is contrary and negative.  Furthermore, only allowing those

"same former committees" to speak and not hearing new thoughts

is not fair play.  Let's re-look at ourselves and re-consider being

considerate of each other and helping our causes.

Sheffield O 

Reliable sources report that the legal team for  WPRF are dismayed that some of the residents of the building who are named as a party to their lawsuit against Donald Kelly, the owner of multiple units in the building, sided with Kelly in the recent recall of Frank Bonaro, the (ex) President of the association.The recall and subsequent installation of a new President of Kelly's choosing puts the lawsuit in a whole new perspective. 

It's a small wonder that the legal team is dismayed. It is going to be hard to explain the support for Kelly by the very people named as litigants in the lawsuit, and the perceived support by UCO  due to the assistance of UCO VP, Ed Black, who  attended at least one of the meetings and counseled the residents on how to accomplish Kelly's goal of removing Frank Bonaro from his position as President of the association. 

There's a concern about the plans for the disposition of the doorway fee that UCO is going to be receiving when the cable contract is finally ratified. It amounts to several million dollars whichever company the village decides to engage.
Where does that money go? and what is the best way to handle it ? The last time CV got a large gateway fee was when Comcast got the contract eight years ago. George Lowenstein, the President at the time, put the money in a reserve account and used it to lower the fees that residents pay every month. The advantage of doing that was not only the lowering of monthly bills, but it also avoided paying taxes on it as the money was returned to the residents over time. It was a pretty cool way to handle it. The budget for the year , which defined the financial obligations of the village was accepted in the usual way, then each month money was taken from the reserve account set up by George and used to keep condo fees lower than they would have been without it.
David Israel's intentions to add it to the slush fund of money that UCO maintains leaves the disposition of the money open for UCO to use it for whatever they like without restriction or assent from the residents, and will put us in the position of having to pay taxes on it. There's no mention of using it to keep condo fees down.
Just how the doorway fee is to be used should be clarified by the delegates.

                              We could use some help !

We would like to invite residents of Century Village to join our group . Together we can make a difference and keep Century village honest and keep it working the way it is meant to work. Get in touch by responding here or by calling us or just simply drop in . We welcome new faces and fresh ideas.

Under the articles of incorporation and the bylaws, UCO is bound to have a Treasurer as part of the executive. Since the unfortunate passing of Howard O'Brien, UCO has been without a treasurer which is a contravention of the bylaws.
There was no mention of the situation at the last delegates assembly and no mention of any activity or attempts to find a willing candidate to fill the position.
There are some CV residents who could fill the position and do a good job, One former Treasurer, when asked why he hasn't stepped forward,declared;" I don't agree with the current administrations policy of co-mingling accounts " In other words; putting all the money into one slush fund instead of separating it into designated accounts is not the way he managed the finances and he is not willing to manage them under the current system.  Another prime prospect said" It's too easy to abuse the system when there isn't a clear system of management"  . "It might be easy for the executive to just dip into the slush fund and use the money at their discretion, but it's not a good accounting practice and I really don't want anything to do with it".
What a sad state of affairs !

THE CASE OF THE DISAPPEARING PETITION.

Over one year ago I submitted a signed petition which I gave to the advisory committee for ONE VOTE in the UCO elections.  At the following delegate assembly, David Israel said he would take the petition under advisement. More than one year later, I am still waiting for an answer. David Israel buried the petition.  He does not want ONE VOTE because he cannot control all the residents in the village, but he can control the majority of the delegates.  He meets with ten or more each week, feeds them breakfast and when their belly is full, he expects they will kneel at his feet.

I recently submitted another petition which Anita Buchannan, the chair of the advisory committee said she will consider AFTER the committee is finished changing the bylaws. I protested because the past protocol was for a petition to be vetted immediately and begin the process of eventually being voted on by the delegates. As I protested, David interfered and his maniacal other persona erupted like a volcano. After a while, the disruption was settled.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE PETITION IS ANYBODY’S GUESS?

Olga Wolkenstein

The Donald Foster story:

David Israel hired Donald Foster as our CAM.  He had NO experience or qualifications but was hired because he was a close friend of Ed Black. Approximately one month ago I tripped on a small hole at the entrance of the walkway to the UCO office. I told Donald Foster about it and let him know it was a hazard. Almost one month later, the hole was not filled. When I saw Donald Foster after the last delegate meeting, I wanted to know why the hole was not filled.  When he started to give me some cock and bull excuse, I called him a *&*$#*$.  

After that, the hole was repaired. Who said it wasn't nice to cuss?
Olga Wolkenstein

CENTURY VILLAGE WPB FIGHTING FOR IT’s FUTURE
If you don't want to lose your gated community ,and if you don't want a monster development on the golf course,and you don't want the developer to turn over the soil full of toxins like arsenic , and you don't want the surrounding neighborhood to have easy access to our homes, and you don't want your home values to fall because of lack of security,  then read on and I'll tell you what you need to do. We need  the residents to sign a petition .  Just give us a call and we will meet you anywhere in the village. The petition states that we are asking
( SOUTH FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT) SFWMD TO  HEAR OUR COMPLAINTS AS TO WHY THEY GAVE REFLECTION BAY A PERMIT TO USE OUR LAKES AND DAM.   USING OUR DAM(weir) COULD CAUSE FLOODING IN MANY FIRST FLOOR UNITS!!!!  Why you ask, BECAUSE OUR DAM(weir) HAS LIMITED CAPACITY.  IT WILL NOT BE ABLE TO HANDLE THE ADDITIONAL VOLUME.!!!!!.  SFWMD HAS ASKED US FOR NAMES OF RESIDENTS REQUESTING THIS HEARING.
WE ARE FIGHTING FOR OUR LIFESTYLE, YOURS AND MINE. SO PLEASE READ AND HELP. WATER DRAINAGE IS VERY IMPORTANT AND WE BELIEVE SFWMD MUST TAKE OUR SAFETY UNDER ADVISEMENT AS THEY MAKE THEIR DECISION.THIS IS THE STORY!!    Call us.    WE ARE PRPC FIGHTING FOR YOUR LIFE STYLE               AND REMEMBER THE OUTCOME OF GREAT BATTLES COULD HINGE ON RESOLVE!!!!!!!!!Call Sandy 845-264-2932 Call Marcia 561-640-4258 Call Esther 561-640-6944
Thanks
Sandy Cohen..member PRPC 11 years

This can't happen here..... Can it?

The Florida Senate gave final approval to a bill that imposes criminal penalties on condominium violations such as electoral fraud, theft of funds and conflicts of interests — all significant problems.

Hialeah Republican Senator . René Garca, said " the reforms will help all Florida residents with similar problems.”

García, in a speech from the  Senate floor said ,   fraud and other abuses in Florida  condo associations is  out of control and declared that some homeowners’ associations had turned into “mini dictatorships” or “totalitarian regimes.”

Investigations into rampant fraud and abuse in Florida condos was exposed in an article published in The Miami herald entitled condo nightmares  click here to see the article

The bill, first opposed by lawyers representing condo associations was finally approved with an amendment making it a felony to withold information from condo owners if it's done to cover up a crime.

▪ Associations with 150 or more units will be compelled to  publish financial reports on a web page, accessible with passwords. If it’s proven that documents were denied to owners in order to hide fraud, those responsible could face felony charges under a clause that takes effect in July 2018.

▪ Directors will be limited to eight years on the board of homeowners associations. But they will be able to continue in office if they win a super-majority of the votes from owners in subsequent elections.

▪ Directors are forbidden from receiving payments from the association or hiring their relatives. Currently, directors can be paid for services such as cleaning, painting and repairs as long as all other directors are informed of the arrangement.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/real-estate-news/article147952959.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/real-estate-news/article147952959.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/real-estate-news/article147952959.html#storylink=cpy

WHAT HAPPENS IF ATLANTIC BROADBAND ISN'T READY TO GO WHEN THE COMCAST CONTRACT EXPIRES IN JUNE OF 2019?

David Israel told everyone that there's no way Comcast would cut off our cable TV if Atlantic broadband isn't ready .

That's sort of  true. Comcast wouldn't do that.

According to Comcast Executives : What they would do is continue service but  make everyone pay retail prices instead of the bulk price we enjoy right now. Your association won't be getting the bill. You will be getting it.and you will be responsible to pay it. That means you and everyone else will have to recover the money from Atlantic Broadband. Just how they plan to do that is not clear, but it looks like a logistical nightmare.

 Not only that : If we switch to Atlantic, everyone has to take  their Comcast box back to their office. Comcast won't be picking them up. We should instruct Atlantic to take them back after they switch their gear for Comcast's. 

Atlantic says they will pick up the tab in the interim  if they aren't ready to go. Whether or not they know they will be paying retail price or are basing that declaration on the bulk price should be made clear in their contract proposal.

David Israel is talking about rebuilding the culvert under the road that leads to the abandoned golf course. Why would he do that ? The culvert supplies or drains Waldman's property. We don't need it . why should we pay for it. If Waldman wants to keep getting water that we pay for , he should be responsible to provide the means to do it.

At the may delegates assembly Olga Wolkenstein tried to get some answers as to why the advisory committee would not consider her suggestions for amendments to the bylaws. Of course Israel gloated while telling Olga that the bylaws demand twenty five signatures for each and every proposal. Unless a member of the committee brings them to the table. in which case the committee is bound to discuss and consider them. Keep in mind that the committee was gutted by Israel recently, leaving his chosen apostles in charge.Olga maintained that she was simply making suggestions, not offering proposals. Her plaints fell on deaf ears as evidenced by the denial from Israel and a committee member who staunchly supported Israel's position.
Why would a committee supposedly investigating and updating our bylaws refuse to consider Olga's suggestions. They sat around the table discussing whether or not to raise the number of signatures needed to propose an amendment from the current twenty five to over a hundred. That would effectively prevent anyone from venturing a proposal. You can bet your bottom dollar that any committee member who  would bring Olga's suggestions to the table would be quickly dismissed.
Got a suggestion for improving the bylaws? keep them to yourself unless you want to run around and get twenty five signatures for each and every suggestion, or possibly having to get over a hundred . It would be an exercise in futility if David Israel doesn't like them or doesn't like the person making them as is the state of affairs that exist in the committee meetings at UCO.
Century Village should have  concern  that  David Israel and his "team" are  not acting in the best interests of the village by refusing to consider Olga's suggestions. There can be no doubt that at least some of her suggestions are worthy of consideration and at the bare minimum should be examined by the committee before rejecting them.

       The May delegates assembly was one for the books.

The biggest issue facing the delegates was to vote on a motion to accept Atlantic Broadband's contract. Though we heard assurances from the David Israel that the vote is not final and that the contract would be put before the delegates for approval at a later date, the way the whole thing was conducted was strange to say the least.
Normally a contract would be finalized and put before the delegates for a vote and either accepted or rejected on it's merits.
There is no final contract yet, David  Israel avowed that the contract is still in negotiations and there are some serious issues that need ironed out.But the motion passed on a  vote that was questioned by some delegates as to authenticity. It specifically states that the assembly approves the deal with Atlantic Broadband, giving David Israel the right to sign a contract  despite his statements that it's not final and another vote would be taken before signing up.
The concern is that David Israel has a history of saying one thing then doing another. For example: We remember his agreeing at a delegates assembly  to allow a forensic audit of UCO's books, avoiding a motion and a vote, then later  refusing to allow access to the volunteers who came to conduct it. Behavior like this is reason enough to mistrust Israel's word on anything.
It's disturbing to witness delegates going along with the whole thing, They voted to accept a contract that is still under negotiation. Does that make any sense to anyone?
Taking a vote on an unfinished contract  makes even less sense. I suppose the delegates were lulled into trusting that David Israel would follow through on his promises of another vote and all that, which is ridiculous, there's no good reason to make a motion, take a vote and inform everyone the vote doesn't really matter as another vote will be coming soon.
It doesn't matter to David Israel what anyone  said. What matters is what gets put into the record and the results of the vote
Bottom line ? The delegates just gave Israel the authority to sign a contract with Atlantic Broadband.
Negotiations?...... They're over.
Why would Atlantic negotiate anything when they have it in the bag?
 Israel's explanation that he wants to use the vote as leverage in further negotiations with Comcast  is another ridiculous premise. Israel and his "team" have been negotiating this for two years. Comcast already said they have gone as far as they are going to go. It's become glaringly obvious that "team Dave" support the Atlantic Broadband proposal and are really not interested in trying to negotiate anything else with anyone else.
There is some concern that if Atlantic isn't ready to assume the service when Comcast's contract expires the village could be without cable TV and Internet until they are ready.Atlantic estimated that it would take a couple of years to build their infrastructure, and time is getting short.  Israel says that Comcast will provide service in the interim....... Really ?.....  It's doubtful Comcast would consider going along with that . Would you ? Did anyone ask Comcast if they are prepared to provide service while Atlantic gets their act together? CSI who are engaged in the negotiations could have easily asked Comcast about it  before the vote. But they didn't. Why not ?
We can only hope that Atlantic Broadband will deliver the great service they promise, but judging by the ratings posted by accredited rating organizations putting Atlantic at or near the bottom when it comes to delivering customer satisfaction, Century Village may be in for a disappointment.

                           NO MANDATORY WIFI !

WHEW !!!! That was close. But once again the will of the people reigns. Century Village doesn't want it or need it much to the chagrin of the elephant in the room. Thanks to The Messengers for bringing Comcast back to the table with a deal that gives us the option .

NO NEW SURFACING OF THE TENNIS COURTS YET

 The Tennis courts are desperately in need of major repairs and have been neglected with no real answer and no real movement to do the final fix, which is going to include major restructuring of the subsurface. It's been going on for years and has been described as an accident waiting to happen due to the cracks and potholes that WPRF has patched up in a band aid approach that has so far cost thousands.
The tennis club is fuming and frustrated ,They've  been told that there's just not enough money and nothing was budgeted to do the job.
I suppose that's true. But what about all the money spent on sprucing up the landscaping around the clubhouse  and painting of a mural at the bottom of the swimming pool. ? Heck! The money UCO spends on bagels and donuts would have been a start. Let's not forget the six grand they just spent so the guards could have Ipads to tote around. Then there's the money needed to program the Ipads too .
It's hard to tell what to believe. David Israel and the team loudly and proudly proclaimed they have three million in the bank. Why couldn't they use some of that to fix the crumbling tennis courts?
OH I FORGOT ! They are going to need it to fix the  crappy paving job they did on the roads.

WE SHOULD SEND A BILL FOR ALL OUR WATER GOING TO WALDMAN'S GOLF COURSE.

The waterways on the old golf course are connected  by a series of canals that are all part of the Century Village waterway system.. Those ponds have been getting refilled for years  by water that Century Village buys from the reclamation plant owned by the County of Palm Beach. .

The big question : WHY IS UCO ALLOWING THIS TO HAPPEN ? You can bet that the amount of water that has flowed into Mr Waldman's property for the last few years amounts to millions of gallons. WHY ISN"T HE SENT A BILL FOR IT ?

WHY HAS THERE BEEN NO DEAL MADE ?

WHAT HAPPENS IF WALDMAN FINALLY BUILDS HIS REFLECTION BAY PROJECT..?

IT HAS AN EVEN BIGGER LAKE PLANNED . 

That means even more water to supply his lake. Does UCO plan to keep twiddling their thumbs while the residents keep paying for the water to fill it and keep it filled.?

 

This is very interesting. The numbers for the cable proposals are crunched, putting a whole new perspective on the deal. 

Donald, David, et al,

 Attached are the numbers just run comparing Atlantic Broadband VS Comcast 7/15/17 THRU 6/30/27. 

Regarding Atlantic Broadband,the only way to compare apples to apples is to use the Comcast numbers for the first two years of a hypothetical Atlantic Broadband contract because those current Comcast cost would continue in effect until 7/15/19.Calculation eliminates the last two years of an Atlantic Broadband contract (total of $8,559,650) as again only way to compare apples to apples.  It would be extremely more favorable to eliminate the last two expensive years of 2028  and 2029 in any new TV bulk agreement. 

 Unless made an error somewhere, only arguable numbers seem to be first the broadcasting fee and second the estimated savings to some individuals currently paying Comcast for services over and above the current bulk agreement with Comcast.

 Analysis indicates an incredibly close net excess cost for Comcast vs Atlantic Broadband in the amount of $278,153 for the subject ten year period. Also, the gateway fee of $450 per unit offered by Atlantic Broadband  is $785,400 higher than the $350 per unit offered by Comcast.  This difference is included in the total net difference of $ 278,153 with Comcast being more expensive by that net amount.  

 In my opinion, based solely on the bulk TV deal, Comcast is very much superior because:

 1)  While customer service is not appreciated by many at either Atlantic Broadband or Comcast, the services of Comcast are much more well known by our residents and when the service is functioning IMHO it is excellent.   Atlantic Broadband (even if consolidated with Cogeco its Canadian parent company) is a  significantly smaller company than Comcast so its financial viability is more speculative.

 2)  It would be extremely more favorable to eliminate the last two expensive years of 2028 and 2029 from any new TV bulk agreement so that also favors Comcast.  An award to Comcast in effect results in an extension of eight years over their current in effect contract while an award to Atlantic Broadband will result in a new contract in effect until 6/30/2029. With technology changing so rapidly it is not in the best interests of CV-WPB to have a ten year contract all the way out until 2029.

 3)  Comcast's proposal does not involve any build out  or construction issues so its contract can become effective 7/15/17 without any of those additional risks which would be applicable if the contract would be awarded to Atlantic Broadband.  Atlantic Broadband's proposal includes the laying of new fiber to each building in Century Village -WPB.  They have also indicated that their fiber network currently only comes as far north as Boca Raton and that they plan on extending their fiber all the way to West Palm Beach so they can service additional communities.   There is certainly no guarantee they can meet the 7/15/19 time frame.

 4)  The enhanced services under the proposed Comcast contract can be effective as early as 7/15/17 while services from Atlantic Broadband can not be effective until 7/15/19.

 5)  The $278,153 difference in the costs of a Comcast contract over and above an Atlantic Broadband contract do not warrant the assumption of the additional risks inherent in an award to Atlantic Broadband.

 6)  Per the Atlantic Broadband proposal, Atlantic Broadband will only offer their TIVO 6 cable box to CV residents who purchase broadband services from Atlantic Broadband while Comcast has indicated that they will offer their X1 box to all residents under the bulk agreement regardless of whether or not broadband services are purchased from Comcast.  This analysis does not include any adjustment in the increased cost of Atlantic Broadband's services should a resident have to pay for a TIVO 6 over and above the bulk agreement.  However, if such a calculation were included the amount would undoubtedly wipe out the current $278,153 Atlantic Broadband cost advantage multiple times over the length of the entire contract period.

 If you should notice any errors and/ or omissions please bring them to my attention for review and possible revision.  We all want the most accurate data being presented to the CV unit owners, they deserve the most accurate information.

 Thank you,

Jack Adams

Member, Executive Board

Member, Bid Committee

REALLY !!!!!
Eva Rachesky published an article in the paper that says she is going to start towing cars who are parked in unauthorized parking spots in the clubhouse parking lot.
That's nice, isn't it. For over 40 years the parking lot has been in use there never was a need to tow anyone away. Times are changing, more and more seniors are driving and the parking lot quickly fills up with cars at some of the events in the clubhouse.Towing cars is not the answer. WPRF needs to look for another way . .

The West Palm Beach Century Village has a decision to make that will affect the residents and the country for years to come.

The administration, led by Century Village President;  David Israel, is vigorously pursuing and promoting a Canadian cable service provider as the best choice for the village for renewing their cable TV provider's contract. It's a ten year multi million dollar deal that will see huge profits and jobs leave the country if the residents follow the leaders suggestions..

Despite David Israel's glowing support for Donald Trump, his bombast pales and fades into ignominy when one considers that he is more interested in saving a couple of bucks and crowing about another "best deal ever" than joining Trump's initiative to revive the American economy. .

Both proposals contain attractive perks and promises of improved technology and better, faster service.The Canadian proposal offers service at a lower monthly rate that amounts to a few dollars a month for the 7854 condo owners who make Century village their home..

The question before Century Village is not just about a few dollars it's also a moral dilemma.

 President  Trump initiative to revive our faltering economy proclaims:  America and Americans first. The campaign slogan cries . BUY AMERICAN and HIRE AMERICAN. apparently David Israel didn't hear that one.

We all know the benefits of buying American products and using American services. Most Americans are affected by the loss of jobs and profits being drained by foreign interests. 

Trump’s campaign to turn our economy around depends on the co-operation of the American people. Without it  we are going to continue in the downward spiral in our economy, and that’s going to have a major impact on not only us, but on the generations to come.

Every expenditure, large and small, has a ripple effect that resounds in many ways, More jobs and profits for American companies and citizens means a greater spread of our tax dollars across a much wider base. It also means   fewer people dependent on social services that we all pay for in one way or another. 

Century Village's  decision on awarding a cable contract should not just be based on whether they can save a couple of dollars a month. Consideration should be given to the far reaching implications of those profits and jobs  being carried off to foreign lands.

That’s the question facing Century Village. The outcome will demonstrate who they are and what they believe in. 

We received a question on our face book page inquiring why none of the Century Villages have a LBGT group that meet for social activities. That's a good question. It's a part of life that is pretty much ignored by CV"ers. It's going to take someone to grab the initiative and start a group. Maybe it's an idea who's time has come .