Sales Information for Lakewood Cove
Lakewood Cove is the name for the 70 new townhomes being built between Tivoli Court and Lake Worth Rd at the Lake Worth gate.
According to the builder (Lennar), they will be selling in the $400’s.
Link to the Lennar brochure with pictures and floor plans:https://online.flippingbook.com/view/510441362/
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Some pictures of the construction as of Nov 2022
Susan, you make an excellent point! Most residents are unaware of this monthly expense we all pay. Why should we continue to contribute to this shared budget if we have no say in how it’s managed? It’s truly unheard of.
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This system needs a complete overhaul. Control must be shifted away from the shadow “FCO Executive Committee,” a small group of residents who currently make all the decisions in total secrecy, refusing to publish even the most basic minutes of their private meetings.
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The alarming part is that many residents don’t even realize that they’re paying monthly fees, and their boards and presidents simply hand the money over to this “executive committee” to use as they see fit. This lack of transparency and accountability must stop.
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Is this even legal?
I call on all residents to speak up and safeguard our money and reserves, urgently addressing the following issues:
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1. Protecting the Reserves: The FCO has already spent around $100,000 of the reserve funds—contributed by all the courts for special projects —to subsidize its own day-to-day operations over the past few years. What’s to stop them from spending the rest of it?
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2. Ensuring We Don’t Pay for Services We No Longer Use: Currently, about $150,000 of the FCO’s yearly expenses are shifted into the “shared budget”—again, to subsidize the FCO’s existence. Why should we continue paying for services we no longer use? Wasn’t that the point of leaving the FCO?
Preventing Misallocation of Surplus Funds: The FCO routinely transfers surplus funds from the shared budget—money left over from shared expenses we all pay into—into its own operating budget, once again to subsidize its existence.
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In effect, they are wasting YOUR money for their purposes, even after we’ve left the FCO. If the FCO continues to mismanage or divert funds from the reserves, there may not be enough money available when it’s truly needed to fix major issues like the deteriorating roads on Fountains Drive. Road repairs are costly, and if the reserve funds are depleted, the burden could fall back on residents in the form of special assessments or increased fees.
It’s time for transparency, accountability, and a fair system where every resident has a say in how our contributions are managed!
Trevi had no vote to stay with the FCO. The now former president of the Trevi court BOD took it upon himself to sign the contract without speaking to other board members or residents, since these actions came to light we have since voted to leave the FCO and the former tyrant and his henchmen have stepped down from their positions.
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Looking forward to a new era in Trevi without the selective enforcement, favoritism, and refusal to be progressive.
Glad to see that the Trevi Ct. Revolutionary is too “chicken” to use their own name. I became Pres. of Trevi Ct. when our former Pres. was impeached for lying to the BOD among other things.How about that same Pres. signing a 7 year contract extention with the washing machine company, whose performance is considerably less than stellar, without ever discussing it with the BOD.Let them without guilt cast the first stone!
WOW!!!
Susan S and Fountains Residents,
First, my reporting is based upon reliable sources and the fact is Trevi has opted out of the FCO PM Agreement beginning January 1, 2025.
Seven Associations have resigned representing 932 unit owners since 2021.
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The remainder of the report posted on September 9, 2024, is accurate.
The FCO meeting agenda for tomorrow does not specifically identify the resignations but I have been informed that the subject will be brought to the floor.
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The Fountains Reporter
Residents:
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The FCO Meeting has been changed to Wednesday September 18,2024.
Sources say they welcome this date change, being excited that more time to gather additional pertinent information and consensus opinions.
Residents are now very concerned and are asking questions previously seen as taboo, fearing being ostracized.
What a difference a day makes!
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The Fountains Reporter
What time is the meeting and where will it be held?
Grace and Residents
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The meeting will be held at Poulette Hall, A.K.A. Fountains Hall,
Time: Sep 18, 2024 03:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
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Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81391304541?pwd=OUD5Xfu45sg4JeGax74BLkguJ7OIaA.1
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Meeting ID: 813 9130 4541
Passcode: 436647
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The Fountains Reporter
At Tivoli’s BOD meeting on Monday, the board approved the extension of its contract with GRS.
Dennis,
Thank you for your contribution.
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Your reporting being ‘factual”, is contrary to FCO representatives suggesting that Tivoli, as late as last week, was returning to FCO Property Management in 2025.
FCO fantastical mis-representations only cause further loss of confidence in the weakening institution.
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The Fountains Reporter
Fountains Associations and Prospective BOD candidates.
You need to Know:
Compliance with Florida Statutes:
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Significant and complicated Changes in Florida Law that affect both Condo and HOA Associations took effect beginning in July of this year, 2024.
Without the benefit of informed, proactive and diligent Property Management, uninformed Associations are falling out of compliance and will subject to very unfavorable consequences.
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On September 12,2024, Campbell Property Management has provided, “2024” Legislative Clarifications for Board Members and Managers authored by Jeffrey Rembaum Esq. of the firm Kaye Bender Rembaum.
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The link below will take the reader to their company website and with a single click on “read more” on this subject you will have up to date information essential for Associations to conform to State Statute.
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https://www.campbellpropertymanagement.com/blog/2024-legislative-clarifications-for-board-members-and-managers?utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9_PxZiHFjXBwgOViPZBbvi2Xo_dl6nFOfIbVzgB6Z2UkHA78RhSKAVg3580K6mg8knEznE4cYE65-fVm3eMX8tD6N0yZgXoeM2fw0f-PST9DQO7GQ&_hsmi=324588447&utm_content=324588447&utm_source=hs_email
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The Fountains Reporter
Friends of the Fountains
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“A BIG THANK YOU” to the reliable sources, introducing relevant information that can be responsibly shared with the Community.
So, Caring and Sharing is alive and well in the Fountains!
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Back to the NEWS!
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It has been reported that Brian Flores, FCO LCAM, A.K.A. “FCO Management LLC.” a Florida Corporation, has converted the FCO “Small Conference” room into his office, leaving some member Associations without an intimate meeting place and necessitating the use of Poulette Hall, A.K.A. Fountains Hall.
Inefficient at best, as staff time is spent to set up Poulette Hall. Lock and unlocking the room. Utility costs, i.e. Air-conditioning a huge space, lighting, clean-up, etc.
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Was this a contract accommodation with FCO Management LLC?
If so, it definitely provides more privacy for face to face meetings with the LCAM.
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Any performance criteria condition(s) in the contract?
FCO Inc. governance stated ‘The LCAM “is not an FCO employee”.
Reported is that this item will be brought to the floor at FCO Inc. meeting on September 18th.
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Faced with dwindling property management business revenue, reported is, across the board reductions in “FCO Inc.” expenses will be a subject for the remaining Associations to address when considering their 2025 annual budgets.
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The Fountains Reporter
Based upon your criticism of Brian Flores converting the “Conference Room” into his ofice at the peril of member associations not having an “intimate meeting place” as well as inefficient at best, as staff time is spent to set up Poulette Hall. Lock and unlocking the room. Utility costs, i.e. Air-conditioning a huge space, lighting, clean-up, etc.
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Intimate meeting place? Please mention when was the last time you could describe a BOD meeting as “intimate”.
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Staff time? If it’s a zoom meeting, that probably takes 10 minutes to set it up.
Lock and unlocking the room? Clock it next time—seconds at most.
Utility costs? The a/c is on continuously all the time! Lighting? Minimal at best.
Clean up? Please elucidate.
Much adoo about nothing!
Gemini,
Appreciate your readership and comments.
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First, reflect on the fact that I am only reporting not making the “News”.
Personally, my Association has used that location for decades which was convenient for direct access to the FCO staff when the need should arise. Normal attendance of meetings by residents was very few (intimate) and in my experience cordial. If you have had less that cordial experiences at your BOD meetings I suggest that you introduce your BOD to “Roberts Rules” and if adopted always helps bring efficiency and decorum to the floor.
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More to the point was the FCO Management LLC contract that was to engage a LCAM. Terms and conditions have not been shared as would any other $ 110,000-dollar contract.
“Flores is not an FCO employee” per Bernard Ciancanelli, President FCO.
At Wednesday’s FCO meeting Flores introduced himself as the FCO Executive Director. This was confirmed by Bernard Ciancanelli?
Flores spoke of his credentials & experience as a LCAM, working for major for-profit management companies in Florida.
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However, he did not stipulate any experience as an Executive Director of a Not-For-Profit corporation, which by the way requires a very different Knowledge and Skill set.
Much ado about nothing?????
Depending upon your perspective on how the FCO has operated, much ado about nothing may be acceptable.
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The Fountains Reporter
Re today’s FCO meeting:
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Kudos to Suzi and Eric Poll for their “illuminating” presentation re year-round lighting. Efforts to improve the curb appeal of our 50+ year old community is commendable.
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The 2025 budget vote was tabled due to some known unknowns, among them, the Courts who are exiting the FCO at year-end and determining insurance premium increases.
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Scott Harris reported on a recent Parcel E meeting with the FCO Executive Board, Concert and Ridgwood. He said Bryan Elliott flew in from Orlando and Jonathan Grebow, Ridgewood President, flew in from New Jersey. It was stated that this was the first positive meeting in recent memory.
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Bravo to the audience member who questioned Harris very effectively on why there continues to be a lack of transparency with regard to these meetings which do ultimately impact all Fountains residents and why negotiations are being conducted in private, without benefit of any meeting minutes being posted. Harris denied any negotiations were taking place and stated that all will be revealed in the next week or two — stay tuned.
Mrs Columbo
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Thank you!
Here are a few additional items that may be of interest
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At the September 18, 2024 FCO BOD meeting, Brian Flores, LCAM while introducing himself to those present, announced that he is also the FCO Executive Director.
Bernard Ciancanelli, FCO President, (Zooming) confirmed that Flores is the new ED and thanked him for his supportive efforts during his absence.
Flores provided significant details about his LCAM experiences working for large property management companies but did not provide any information as an ED for any not-for-profit organization requiring a very different skill set.
This was evident when he was unable to confirm financial accounting questions and needed to seek legal opinion.
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Flores stated that he will be implementing cost saving initiatives that have been missed in the past, i.e. payroll services (-$40k P/M) and moving all operational FCO monies to a banking institution that provides suffocated cost-free user applications to the resident.
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Interestingly this was the first criticism ever of past ED performance.
Paraphrasing Brian, just because it has not been done correctly in the past, does not mean that it should not be done correctly now.
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Bernard Ciancanelli, FCO President, stated that he held no animosity to the Associations that elected to move to other Property Management beginning, January 1, 2024 and wished them well.
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Following the Presidents report, Scott Harris, V.P. FCO & President of Versailles, although not on the agenda, took the opportunity to update the audience on continuing talks with Concert/Ridgewood regarding the development of Parcel “E”.
When questioned by a resident in attendance about secret negotiations, Scott immediately said that no FCO negotiations were taking place but Versailles, Luxemburg and Plaza courts were in talks with the developer.
The concerned resident believed that any development plans need to be shared with the entire community, specifically noting negative impacts.
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The FCO BOD was asked to approve the proposed FCO 2025 budget but following discussion and questions, it was tabled until they could meet again in early October and make appropriate changes.
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The most focus and time was dedicated to changes in landscape lighting of the North and South entry gates.
Annual “Holiday” lighting will be replaced with permanent landscape Lighting owned by the FCO for an initial cost equivalent to the previous three-year lighting contract.
Favorable terms and conditions from the company with maintenance will be favorable to the FCO.
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The Fountains Reporter
Fountains Community
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“EXTRA, EXTRA, READ ALL ABOUT IT”
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Cathy Widdoes, President of Luxemburg Court and Secretary of the FCO BOD, Confirmed, via FCO info e-mail, that the FCO has been secretly “Negotiating” with Concert for a “Cooperative Agreement on Parcel E “which the FCO adamantly denied as late as last Wednesday, at the 9.18.24, meeting. Bernard Ciancanelli, President, Scott Harris, Vice President and Brian Flores Executive Director/LCAM denied any FCO “negotiations” were taking place.
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The FCO in order to remain viable will need to increase service charges to the Associations who have opted out of PM in 2025. Charging enhanced fees for security, road maintenance and resident bar code access as a 2025 FCO budget supplement.
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“From the desk of Cathy Widdoes, FCO Secretary, and President of Luxemburg Court” (sanctioned by FCO Leadership).
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Widdoes Quote: “Concert is still offering the community some benefits and property in exchange for cooperation from the community. These dealings and negotiations go through the FCO on our behalf because they represent the entire community. OUTSIDE MANAGEMENT WILL NOT BE NEGOTIATING ON OUR BEHALF, NOR WILL THEY CARE WHAT CONCERT IS DOING OR NOT DOING.”
“The FCO also has the right to charge any fee schedule they deem necessary for managing services provided to any entity that is not an FCO member. They have not exercised this right as of yet. However, with the recent last-minute court pull outs, they will do whatever is necessary to remain in business, like any other company would. Remember, they control the shared expense community services, so non-FCO members could end up paying more for these services than they do now. There goes some of the proposed, if not all, of the savings.” End of Quote!
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Factually the single largest Fountains Associations beneficiary from the proposed Cooperative Agreement “property exchange”, would be, you guessed it, Luxemburg.
The Courts that left in 2021, clearly stated that Cost was not the compelling reason for their resignation from the FCO. Then reported was FCO BOD dysfunction, unaccountability, asserted breach of contract, unacceptable maintenance, “Lack of Transparency,” etc. which in 2024 still appears prevalent.
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Reported is that the Eight Associations, 932 units will see this FCO message as punitive, for them electing to use outside property management.
The “hand shake” accommodation, 2021 FCO President Ben Geller touted, “you pay you get” was applied to the initial 468 units that resigned from the FCO which provided them with bar code access, security, and a road maintenance component, all “assessed” by the FCO.
This accommodation has a three-year precedent standing and by all accounts the legal doctrine of Estoppel will prevail.
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Potentially, with no written agreement the Associations may elect to suspend any further payment to the FCO on or about, January 1, 2025.
Reported is that the 932 units can find a work around for security and bar code access and even skip road maintenance payments on roads owned by concert/FCC, not the FCO.
Talks of demanding return of reserve funds from the FCO for roads owned by Concert/FCC, have also been reported.
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The question remains, can a unified contingent of 932 units strike their own Cooperative Agreement with CGP, Ridgewood and FCC?
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More to follow!!!
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The Fountains Reporter
To The Fountains Reporter:
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Thank you so much for your diligent reportage. No doubt your latest dispatch confirms what many Unit Owners have suspected.
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When a business (the FCO) knows it’s losing a customer, a good business person will do just about anything to retain that customer.
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Another thing a good business person does when they’ve lost a customer is be gracious and wish them well.
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Based on my information, the FCO made no little to no effort to retain their customer in the past (Tivoli, D’Este, Gefion) or in the present (the Atriums, Milan 1 & 2, Esedra and Trevi). In both instances, threats and retribution prevail.
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The Courts who have already exited and the Courts who will be exiting, should and will pay exactly the same per door charges to the FCO as the Lakeshore Community does. Not a penny more.
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The first time two courts (Esedra and Gefion) attempted to opt out, Scott Harris, then FCO President, sent a letter to Esedra and Gefion Unit Owners, threatening to shut off bar codes and cable service, access to The Fountains, etc. He had no legal right to do so and Gefion and Esedra caved in. But not without paying stiff fines voted on and assessed by the majority of the FCO Presidents as punishment.
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I’ll see if I can find that letter for a future posting.
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Bottom line: The Courts who are choosing to leave are making a business decision. It should not be viewed as anything but. Like Bernie said at the September 18 FCO meeting, “it is their right to do so.” End of story.
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Oh, one more thing … Regarding the Parcel E meeting: if no negotiations have been taking place, why did the Concert and Ridgwood executives fly in for that meeting? Surely if they were just kicking around ideas, couldn’t they have just had an old fashioned Zoom meeting?
Mrs. Columbo and The Fountains Reporter,
Thank you for your accurate and timely updates once again.
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It’s clear that the FCO has overstepped its authority, revealing its true colors yet again. This only confirms that the courts that have already left made the right decision in distancing themselves from this corrupt organization, which can’t provide quality services and instead uses threats and deception to keep its clients in line.
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Fhe FCO thinks it can charge the courts that have left around *** 33% MORE *** than those that have stayed for exactly the same services. In the original budget proposed on September 18th, it was $58 per door for all courts. Now, less than 10 days later, they have changed the numbers to $49 for courts that stayed and $65 for courts that left. This translates into almost *** $35,000 in GAINS for Luxemburg Court *** compared to similar courts using other property management services. Why would anyone agree to pay so much more than their neighbor across the street for identical services?
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On what basis did FCO suddenly come up with this absurd punitive measure? If they can impose some arbitrary 33% surcharge today, and some courts agree to pay it, what’s to stop the FCO from CHARGING ALL the expenses to the COURTS THAT HAVE LEFT next year, allowing their remaining members to enjoy services for free, just as they do for Concert Golf members who pay nothing? Once you open this door, it’s impossible to close it again. I’m sure the courts that have left know this and will only agree to pay the same $49 as those who stayed. Will be a nice budget shortfall for the FCO then…
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Moreover, the FCO’s actions are likely illegal on many levels. By doing this, the non-profit FCO would essentially be making a profit for its members by charging non-members more than its expenses! Maybe the courts that have left should just start their own nonprofit L-FCO and hire their own roaming security company and PAY NOTHING TO FCO and demand that FCO pay them. What cost savings it will be!
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Furthermore, there is no written agreement between the FCO and the courts that have left, but the verbal agreement was that all would pay the same. If the FCO charges more, they would be violating this contractual agreement and the established 3-year precedent, which could bring in an expensive lawsuit, and they may end up with nothing at all. The FCO seems to forget that they have ZERO authority over the courts that have left, just like they have none over Concert Golf, which is why FCO can’t get Concert to pay for anything at all.
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Cathy and Scott may think FCO can charge whatever they want, but we can pay whatever we want, too! The courts that have left have continued paying because we want to contribute to the community we live in, but we will not be BLACKMAILED into being overcharged TO SUBSIDIZE FCO’s incompetence and profligate spending. Do we really want to start this war, especially in the middle of your “non-negotiations” with Concert?
Fountains Community
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Welcome to attend the 10:00 A.M meeting of the FCO BOD tomorrow morning, Tuesday October 2, 2024.
Here is the Agenda. Note Discuss & Adopt the 2025 Budget & “Suspension of Reserve Contributions in 2025.
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TO: FCO Board of Directors
FROM: Bernard Ciancanelli, President, F.C.O.
The following is the agenda for the Regular Meeting of the F.C.O. Board of Directors to be held on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. in Poulette Hall and via Zoom.
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The agenda of the Meeting will be as follows:
1. Roll call
2. Manager’s Report ……………………. Brian Flores
3. President’s Report…………………… Bernard Ciancanelli
A. Vote to Suspend Reserve Contributions for 2025.
B. Discuss & Adopt the 2025 FCO Budget.
4. Treasurer’s Report ………………….. Alan Gardner
5. Committee Reports:
–1. Security/Grievance ……………………Ben Geller
–2. Landscaping………………….. Suzi Poll, Tracy Siemsen
–3. Maintenance ………………………… Scott Harris
–4. Gate Committee………………………..Richard Heyman
–5. POA ……………………………….. Richard Heyman
–6. Hurricane Preparedness……………….. Robert Lipp
6. Old Business
7. New Business
8. Good and Welfare
9. Adjournment
Unit Owners are welcome to attend.
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The Fountains Reporter
Fountains Residents
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“Early to bed and early to rise”
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The Tuesday, October 1,2024, FCO meeting at 10:00 a.m. (Unit Owners welcome to attend) scheduled so that Cathy Widdoes, FCO Secretary & President of Luxemburg Court could attend, (she was nowhere to be found) again proved the inability of the remaining eleven (11) member representatives of governing board to face the reality that by passing the FCO budget that subjects Associations who have opted out of their 2025 PM Agreements to higher fees than Associations that have remained “Loyal” to the FCO, who are being rewarded with lower fees, is a “formula for disaster.”
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Steve Jordan, FCO representative for the Atriums, speaking as part of an eight (8) Member Association Coalition, sent a clear message that a reaction to the BOD approving the proposed budget could be the Partnership without the benefit of any agreement with the FCO after January 1, 2025, may suspend any and all payments to the FCO and independently obtain security, and Bar code entry access.
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After stating this possibility, Brian Flores, FCO ED/CAM considered this a threat of losing over $ 728,213.91 dollars in annual revenue to the FCO.
Jordan replied that “to the contrary “this was a response to losing bar codes and security if not accepting the FCO take it or leave it.
Jordan also stated that the 932- unit coalition leadership wanted to do their fair share in maintaining the character of the Fountains Community but they would not be coerced into paying a higher fee.
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Bernard Ciancanelli, President of the FCO, chastised the five Associations opting out for 2025 for not waiting another year for Brian Flores to right the ship.
He stated that by them leaving, they were placing a burden on the remaining loyal member associations to fund FCO operations.
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Jordan & Flores jousted back & forth about essential reductions in the FCO operating budget and State & Federal legal points of subjecting customers to excessive pricing.
Other than Flores stating that three (3) unspecified FCO staff members will be cut in 2025, no other specifics than outsourcing payroll and reducing banking fees was discussed.
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However, the FCO, in conjunction with a new agreement with the Concert/FCC, notified them (60-day notice per Terms & Conditions of the current Agreement) they would no longer rent Craft Hall. This is projected as a $20,000-dollar per year savings.
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Interestingly, the FCO did not poll the Fountains Community prior to notifying Concert/FCC of this action.
But Concert’s willingness to “raze” the structure, remove the debris and transfer ownership to Luxemburg has long been on the table as part of the Proposed Parcel E Cooperative Agreement.
Luxemburg gains vacant common property and the Community loses Craft Hall.
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Oh! FCO will be sending out a notice to the community asking if anyone wants any of the contents. If not, off to the dump.
Again, accepting no responsibility for the current state of affairs, other than it was a mistake for the FCO to not recognize the shortfalls of Debbie Poulette.
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Some discussion of fees being collected from Parcel D, Lennar Agreement occurred and how fees for security and road maintenance would be impacted by the amount FCO is charging non-member Associations who have opted out. Ben Geller, Previous FCO President, who was part of the initial agreement struck with Zimmerman and assumed by Lennar, I understand the agreement stated that they will only pay the same amount as FCO Association Members. The current prorated amount they pay will only changed at the point they sell out 91% ( projected to be 05.2024) at which they go to 100% of the Associations fees..
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Brian Flores repeatedly trashed the Fountains Network Blog as posting lies for those wanting to eliminate the FCO.
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FCO BOD ACTIONS:
FCO approved proposed 2025 budget.
FCO suspend Small Claims & Deductibles Contribution 2025, $ 20.000-Dollars.
Current balance $ 61,603.00 can be transferred at the pleasure of the FCO.
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The Fountains Reporter
The new FCO manager, Brian, was visibly upset with the multiple posts on this blog during today’s FCO budget meeting. He claims that it’s filled with misinformation, yet he hasn’t offered any alternative explanations. It seems they would rather have no information out there at all—controlling the narrative becomes easier that way. Brian is welcome to post any corrections here and engage in an open dialogue.
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– How do you tell who’s telling the truth?
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– The one who tries to silence the other is usually the one lying.
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Brian took offense at Susan’s basic math regarding the 33% difference between $49 for courts that stayed and $65 for those that left. Somehow, he seems to believe this is only a 2% difference.
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Moreover, he failed to provide any coherent explanation for this massive surcharge, further underscoring the predatory, unfair, and retaliatory practices of the FCO – just as Susan was saying.
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Welcome to the new boss—worse than the old one.
The Fountains Reporter,
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Thank you for your summary—your notes are far more timely and informative than the official FCO minutes. Contrary to Brian’s claims, no misinformation was found in your detailed report!
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However, I believe Brian may have misinformed the community when he said that the Lennar Parcel D residents will be paying more, just like the courts that have left, unless they join the FCO. Perhaps he is simply misinformed himself? Has anyone confirmed this with Concert or Ridgewood? I doubt they would appreciate this, especially as they look to develop and sell Parcel E, knowing that future costs could be randomly decided by Brian or the FCO.
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Perhaps Brian can share the part of the agreement with Parcel D where it states that FCO can charge any amount they want? My understanding is that the formula ensures everyone pays the same per door. The formula I’ve seen looks rather simple:
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(Security + Access Road Maintenance expenses in the current FCO budget / (existing number of units + new completed homes conveyed to homeowners)). In 2021, this equated to $44.00 per unit.
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If this isn’t correct, perhaps someone from the FCO could share the correct agreement and the formula?
So my question is does the stand your ground statute apply to a out of control Tivoli Court President that takes a chain saw out of the hands of a landscaper and moves forward towards a female resident in a threatening manner?
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A disturbing the peace notice was sent out by the Palm Beach County Crime notification service about a disturbance on Tivoli Court near the 4100 building.
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The rumor going around is that the president of Tivoli Court lost his balance tripping into the vice president while holding a heavy chain saw which he admitted he didn’t know how to use.
In the almost two years of the present Tivoli Court Board they have they been harassing multiple residents resulting in multiple calls to security and frequent calls to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s office.
Many elderly Tivoli residents are fearful of speaking out against the actions of the present Tivoli terroristic board.
One resident has a pending civil lawsuit against the present Tivoli Board members that has been in litigation for more than one year.
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Very sad.
Hannibal on Tivoli
There is video of what transpired. The president was given the chainsaw to cut the bush. Her and husband pushed him to the ground. There was no disturbing the peace notice sent out. The rumor going around about him losing his balance is false. He was pushed. The board is not harassing residents. Obviously the person that wrote this has been misinformed and they are more than welcome to contact a board member and the view he video.
Courtney,
As everyone knows, the President of Tivoli is not a landscaper and lacks both the right and the experience to be operating a chainsaw. It’s a long, heavy and dangerous piece of machinery that should only be used by licensed professionals with proper experience. It also requires significant physical strength to handle safely, which few 80-year-olds possess. This is common knowledge.
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From your account, it sounds like you were present during the incident. Can you clarify a few things for the record so everyone understands the situation clearly?
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Are you saying that the landscapers insisted Dennis take over their job?
Who were the multiple people you mentioned defending themselves, who you stated pushed him to the ground?
Are you saying the police were not called, and no arrests were made? Why?
Thank you for providing clarity on these points.
Number one names our no being used. Number two who ever is giving you information is. incorrect. The couple that lives in the townhouse have been blocking the landscapers for a year from trimming bushes on common property. They again blocked our landscapers from doing their job. Our president knows how to operate that machinery and was given to him by the landscapers that are fed up these people. Watch the video. It speaks volumes.
The police were called and no arrests were made. Please don’t ever call me a liar withour knowing the facts.
How do you know the facts? Were you present during the incident?
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If you weren’t there, you can’t know what truly happened. Why are you presenting as fact something you have no direct knowledge of?
I observed it all. You did not
Courtney, only four people were present during this incident: myself—Yelena Sennett, my husband Henry, Dennis (the President of Tivoli), and Robin (the VP of Tivoli). Based on your account, if you claim you were present, you must be Robin. Otherwise, you couldn’t have been there.
and I absolutely didnt’ push anybody to the ground.
Fountains Community
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The good news is that FCO ED/CAM, Brian Flores, has found the Fountains Community Blog to be a source that a significant number of the Community depend on.
The bad news is that he, as well as legacy FCO BOD members, publicly denounce the publication as being a platform for dissidents, especially when posts run contrary to the FCO narratives.
Remarkably the FCO has itself, on occasion, used this messaging platform.
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Moving on!
This reporter makes every reasonable attempt to confirm information by using reliable sources.
Conveniently Mr. Flores continually refers to e-mails he has uncovered from Debbie Poulette, Previous FCO ED/CAM/Controller/Agent to support a direction or position yet has openly stated that because it was done wrong in the past doesn’t mean that it should not be corrected now.
Kudos Brian!
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To be fair, this reporter, also has access to retired FCO ED Poulette e-mails and other FCO documents should the need arise.
Next:
Is it wrong for Associations to question a surcharge when the FCO accounting staff is being paid a regular salary? What additional cost to the FCO justifies the additional charge?
Is it wrong for Associations to question why the FCO Maintenance LLC contract for $ 110,000-dollars (Flores’ Company) is not being renegotiated down with the reduction of 464 more units, bring the total managed units down to 835?
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I believe that only three (3) of the remaining eleven (11) FCO Member Associations voted against the 2025 budget, understanding the divisive implications that were exposed during the meeting. Note beginning January 1, 2025, seven (7) Southern Courts will control all votes of the FCO
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It took guts to go against the flow after FCO President Bernard Ciancanelli twice angularly chastising the Associations who have opted out.
So much for, I hold no animosity against those leaving the FCO and wish them well. What a difference since the September 18th FCO meeting.
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Basically, the same old FCO approach, only a different day.
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It has been reported that change in FCO legacy governance is long over do and should happen sooner than later. Possibly before 2025?
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Thank you, to those who contribute to the solutions not to the problems.
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Happy New Year “5785” to our Jewish Community Membership
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The Fountains Reporter
To The Fountains Reporter, Please note that Brian Flores’ company is:
FCO MANAGEMENT LLC (not “FCO Maintenance LLC)
Thank you!
Lady MacBeth,
Thank you. This reporter makes best efforts to report truthfully.
I have found spell check can be the best friend or worst enemy.
Timely messaging may lead to unintentional errors.
In this case the substance is the most important to deliver.
Your readership is most rewarding.
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The Fountains Reporter
This post was a result of “The Fountains Reporter” responding to a question posed by the Fountains Network Administrator
Good afternoon.
The Financial Institution that will be handling the Operating Cash Accounts ( already being used by the first three Courts that went with GRS) will provide to date financial information to any resident with a click of a button at no additional cost.
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This has been available for years but never used by the FCO just like leaving A million+-dollars in separate savings accounts when higher yielding CD’s were readily available.
Persons made themselves indispensable by keeping leadership in the dark on numerous operational and insurance efficiencies.
Provide Monthly Financial Statements in a form acceptable to the Association(s), i.e.
Balance Sheet
-Equity Report
-Income and Expense Statement
-Aged Owner Balances
-Prepaid Owner Assessments
-Aged Accounts Payable Cash Disbursements
-General Ledger
– Bank Reconciliation
-Bank Statements
-Supporting Schedules
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Electronic voting is another example of savings, i.e. staff time, postage, office supplies, etc., again never adopted by the FCO.
Outsourcing payroll alone (previously done by hand) will see significant operational savings.
Fountains Community
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The coalition of eight Associations representing 932 units within the confines of what was once the Fountains Gated Community, came into being as a result of what has been repeatedly described as dysfunctional, unresponsive, and “Lost” in the past, FCO practices.
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The common need, setting aside personnel interests and identifying a spokesperson who could convey their position, this coalition has become a force to be reckoned with not only by the FCO but CGP and the Joint Venture of Concert/Ridgewood.
Setting aside the financial implications for the FCO, no longer being perceived as the “Master Negotiators” for the Community, provides the coalition a significant opportunity
to influence the future of the entire community.
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For 1,
460+ days the combined intellect of the FCO BOD, well paid legal counsel, Executive Director(s), Community Association Manager(s) (LCAM), and now a company, FCO Management LLC., It has unable to “Pen” a written Agreement with the first three Associations who resigned.
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Conversely, over the course of seventeen days, between June 11th and 28th,1775, in between meetings and other governmental affairs, Thomas Jefferson penned the Declaration of Independence under the advisement of Adams and Franklin who only made some minor changes.
Now, without any agreement and relying on legally enforcing the doctrine of Estoppel, five more Associations are faced with “you pay, you get” are subject to the whims of the FCO in what they will be assessed for the same service package, i.e. adopted 2025 Budget.
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Rest assured the FCO governance is undoubtedly forced into rethinking how they will be dealing with the coalition.
The good news is the coalition structure will require the FCO to approach the unified group differently.
My educated guess would be to quickly send a softer message back through the spokesperson, that they are prepared to revisit the approved 2025 budget.
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The question remains what compelling reason is there for the Associations that already approved the 2025 budget, to Amend it when their “Loyalty” payment was going to be less?
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Fountains “News Content” is being created every day.
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The Fountains Reporter
Sitemonitor,
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Thank you for bringing up payroll outsourcing. This was actually suggested around three years ago by another CAM who was hired to replace Debbie. However, the Board of Directors of the FCO—or perhaps just the President and/or the Executive Committee, without consulting the full Board—didn’t want to implement it. I don’t recall this being brought up for discussion by the Board.
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The suggestion to streamline maintenance was also raised with the FCO three years ago when the three courts wanted to leave, but it was similarly ignored.
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Now, FCO is heralding these cost savings, but it’s too little, too late. FCO had 3 years to change but didn’t even try. It seems that additional courts have since recognized the FCO’s resistance to change and felt that leaving was the best option under the circumstances.
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The FCO has cycled through four or five CAMs by now, and it appears they only took action when they were forced to, as more courts left, leaving them no choice but to take a hard look at their expenses.
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It wasn’t really warranted for FCO President Bernard Ciancanelli to twice angularly chastise the associations that have opted out, as The Fountains Reporter stated, given FCO’s history and inability to change.
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The job of each court’s board, their legal fiduciary obligation, is to act in the best interests of their residents—not FCO and its staff, however much they may be appreciated. And they are.
The Fountains Community
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The new coalition has accomplished what the FCO has considered unattainable and now fears as a threat to their “control” and possibly existence (October 1, 2024 FCO BOD Meeting).
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The coalition of 932 units, consisting of approx..2,000 residents, representing between $ 600K and $ 723K of annual revenue, is solidified.
The coalition will experience enhanced PM services, from day one, January 1, 2025, that the FCO does not provide.
The “Loyal Eleven (11) Member Associations” apparently will be patient for another year as the FCO attempts to implement a fully undisclosed business strategy.
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Reported from reliable sources is that rather than concentrating on the reason for their existence, Property Management, the FCO has become intoxicated with the power they exerted over the Associations, keeping them hostage to a failing enterprise.
FCO Governance pronounced themselves “The Fountains Power Brokers and Master Negotiators”.
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Some say, in this role they have failed miserably.
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The Fountains Reporter
Fountains Community
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Much talk about the revenue coming into the FCO Coffers from the Agreement originally struck between Concert Fountains Properties LLC., Lynx Zuckerman LLC. and the Fountains Condominium Operations, Inc.
In Witness thereof, on October 4, 2021, signed: Ben Geller, President
The parties have executed this agreement. (now thereafter assumed by Lennar, Page 9. Item 14, Successors and Assigns).
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Fantastic, but!
Lynx Zuckerman LLC. and Concert Fountains Properties LLC. were led to believe, by the FCO, Representing and Warranted that “All Associations and Additional Association had ‘Ratified and Agreed to the terms of the Agreement, page 9. Ratification, Item 13, both parties executed the Agreement.
For those unfamiliar with the term Ratification. The action of signing or giving formal consent to a treaty, contract, or agreement, making it officially valid.
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To date, the Fountains Reporter and the reputable confidential sources, have been unable to confirm Ratification by any of the Associations listed on Exhibit B, page 14 of the Agreement.
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Knowing that the FCO monitors the Fountains Residents Network Blog, i.e. Brian Flores, FCO ED/CAM, et al, hopefully they be able to confirm that nineteen (19+1) BOD’ ratified this agreement prior to execution.
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To prematurely suggest what the potential consequences could be, minus ratifications, would be only conjecture at this point, least of which may be this FCO revenue stream evaporating if and when Lennar should choose.
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More News to come!
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The Fountains Reporter
To our Fountains Reporter:
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To clarify, if I am reading your last post correctly, Lynx Zuckerman originally purchased then resold the parcel to Lennar?
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And the agreement you refer to might be the Agreement that would have made Lakeshore the “20th Court”? Meaning that Lakeshore would contribute their proportional share of annual expenses?
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Do I sense correctly that something was misrepresented by the FCO?
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I eagerly await your reply …
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Many thanks!