2019 Issue 6

NORTHDALE CIVIC ASSOCIATION COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER

NCA Deed Restriction Committee Report

When Merit Association conducts its property inspections and documents deed restriction violations, they are acting as a neutral thirdparty. They ascertain the condition of the property without personal knowledge of who lives in the home or the homeowner’s personal situation. It is imperative that the homeowner correspond with Merit if there are extenuating circumstances which prevent the homeowner from taking corrective action to correct the violation. Do not wait for the ‘final’ letter to arrive before reaching out to ask for an extension or help. It is important to have your request documented by sending an email to NCA@meritfl.com. Or, send snail mail to Merit Association at 3433 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. #301, Valrico, FL 33596. At the September NCA board meeting several homeowners that attended offered to provide assistance to property owners that are unable,

due to health or physical limitations, to do the corrective work themselves. Members of the NCA board have stepped in to pressure wash some properties when it was determined that the homeowner was very elderly and/or disabled and needed assistance. Help is out there, we just need to be apprised of the need.

The enhanced deed restriction enforcement campaign kicked off in early 2019 in the Gables I neighborhood. This test case area of 297 homes gave the NCA and Merit Association a feel for how extensive the labor and expense would be to expand throughout all of Northdale. As a 40-year old community showing its age, the evaluation we received was that we had a lot of work to do. In July Merit Association expanded the inspections to include all the villages that make up the Northdale community, about 2,400 homes in all.

The most common complaint residents are voicing is that the letters are not specific enough to identify exactly what corrective action they are expected to take. This

generally seems to apply to issues involving pressure wash or paint violations. Several times NCA board members have gone out to look at a home when the homeowner couldn’t ascertain what to do. In a few instances, mold or mildew was on the side or upper level of a home that the homeowner hadn’t noticed. However, in other cases, it was apparent that several different surfaces were in need of pressure washing to remove mold or mildew from the home, driveway, sidewalk, etc. When truly in doubt about what work is needed, send an email to Merit asking for a photo on their next inspection to document the problem. If we viewed our homes from the perspective of a potential buyer, we may see issues that we might otherwise ignore.

Thank you to the many homeowners that are supporting our efforts to improve the appearance of Northdale properties. We’ve seen improvements every month and Northdale is looking better every day!

Ann Frisbie Deed Restriction Committee Member

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

Please mark your calendars for these upcoming neighborhood events in December:

Bring your friends and family to enjoy the Holiday Tree Lighting and Movie in the Park event on Saturday, December 7th. We’ve partnered with the Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation Dept., and the Carrollwood Area Business Association (CABA) to bring you this free fun-filled evening for all ages. Event hours are 6:00 PM to 9:00 P.M. at Northdale Park, 15550 Spring Pine Drive. A performance by the Claywell Elementary School chorus and hand bell choir will be followed by the movie, Arthur Christmas. We suggest you bring a chair or blanket to relax and watch the movie under the stars. Please bring unwrapped new toys for the needy and place them under the tree.

Don’t miss out on a chance to win one of three prizes in this year’s NCA sponsored Northdale Holiday Lights Contest. NCA neighborhood representatives will be making selections for potential winners during the hours of 6 P.M. to 9 P.M. from December 14th through December 19th. The Final Judging night is Saturday, December 21st. The rules are simple: 1) Decorate the exterior of your home for the season; 2) you must be a current paid member of the NCA to be eligible to win; 3) Keep your holiday lights on! Good luck!

It was one year ago that the NCA announced that it was changing its fiscal year to run from January 1 to December 31 and was increasing the membership dues from $35 to $50 annual. I want to

thank all the homeowners that have supported us with their membership, recognized the value of this small investment in their community and our commitment to provide enhanced deed restriction enforcement. We are striving to uphold and elevate Northdale’s property values and well maintained homes are essential to reaching this goal. In order to continue this work, we’ll need your support in 2020.

I want to thank my fellow volunteers that serve on the NCA Board of Directors and give of their time and talent to serve the community throughout the year. I also want to express thanks to the staff at Northdale Park and the Bob Sierra YMCA that support the residents of Northdale and surrounding communities by offering programs that benefit all ages. It is a pleasure to work with both organizations.

The NCA Board meets on the third Tuesday of every month, except in December. I welcome you to come to a meeting and hear firsthand what we strive to do, and not base your information on hearsay. All meetings begin at 7 PM at Northdale Park Recreation Center in the Bill Castens Gymnasium conference room. They usually do not last more than one hour. Please like us on Facebook, so you can keep abreast of happenings in Northdale.

Sincerely,

Ann Frisbie

WHAT IS THE NCA?

The Northdale Civic Association is a volunteer organization whose mission is to make Northdale a better place to live and increase property values by enforcing the deed restrictions to which each homeowner is legally subject.

The NCA is also the organized voice of Northdale, and represents residents when issues affecting Northdale are raised by Hillsborough County, the State of Florida and other governing bodies. The NCA issues this Newsletter and organizes the following events and programs: Welcome Wagon, Easter Egg Hunt, Community Garage Sales, Family Fun Festival, Northdale Pumpkin Run, Holiday Decorating Contest, Meet the Candidates, and the Northdale OWLS (Older, Wiser, Lively, Seniors). Board meetings are open to the public and held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month except December.

HOW TO JOIN THE NCA

Forms are available in each edition of the Northdale Newsletter. There are forms online at www.northdale.org.

HOW TO JOIN THE BOARD

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP IS ONLY $50.00. All members are eligible to run for NCA Board positions in elections held each January. Elections for those positions are made by the sitting board at the monthly board meetings. The dates of those meetings are posted in the Community Calendar.

NCA BOARD OFFICERS

President: Ann Frisbie – Golf Club Estates I - 813-968-8460

Vice President: Tom Murray – Gables I - 781-760-7959

Secretary: Chelsea Walkenhorst – Golf Club Estates II - 615-513-8026

Treasurer: Bill Castens – The Woodlands - 813-833-0102

NCA BOARD DIRECTORS

Robert Demeo – Golf Club Estates III - 813-546-0873

Nelson Marcano – Bay/Levitt - 813-732-9998

Martha Hughes – Fox Hollow - 813-477-0924

Robert Mantler – Claywell - 813-843-2137

Julie Collins – The Hammocks - 813-244-2659

Raymond Powell – Silverhill - 813-264-6157

Claude Siler-Nixon – Gables III - 813-362-4667

James Salgado – Country Mill, Brentwood Park & Fairway Villas - 813-610-2115

Jessica Watterson – Gables II - 630-569-2479

DEED RESTRICTION VIOLATIONS

Residents may request an investigation of a Deed Restriction violation. Complaints must be in writing and submitted online to Merit Management Association-Perfected (“Merit”). Merit conducts periodic neighborhood inspections and will act on their findings when necessary.

To request an investigation of a possible Deed Restriction violation, go to the NCA website, www.northdale.org. On the left side of the Main Page, click on “Deed Restrictions”. Page down and select the “Online Complaint Form,” and fill it out with all pertinent information. You will be able to include a photo. Your form will be received by Merit.

When a violation occurs, Merit will send a letter to the homeowner(s) with a request to correct the problem(s).

If a homeowner has not corrected their violation(s) they’ll receive a second letter from Merit. Merit will complete a third inspection. If the deed restriction violation(s) remain after the third letter, legal action will be pursued. The resident will be notified of this step in a fourth letter.

Deed Restrictions for the “Villages” that make up Northdale can be found on the Northdale website. Select “Deed Restrictions” from the Main Page and click on the picture of the entrance to your “Village” (e.g. Gables 1). The Deed Restrictions will be displayed and can be printed for your records.

The NCA will not become involved in conflicts between neighbors, animal problems or landscape issues due to drought.

November 5

OWLS Monthly Meeting & Pot-Luck Lunch

11:00 AM

Northdale Park Bill Castens Gymnasium

November 12 NSTD Meeting

7:00 PM Northdale Park BCG Conference Room

November 19 NCA Board Meeting 7:00 PM Northdale Park BCG Conference Room

December 3

OWLS Monthly Meeting & Pot-Luck Lunch 11:00 AM

Northdale Park Bill Castens Gymnasium

December 7 Holiday Movie in the Park & Tree Lighting

6 PM Northdale Park

December 10 NSTD Meeting

7:00 PM Northdale Park BCG Conference Room

December 17 No NCA Board Meeting

December 21

Northdale Holiday Lights Contest Final Selection of Winners

6 – 9 PM

January 7

OWLS Monthly Meeting & Pot-Luck Lunch 11:00 AM

Northdale Park Bill Castens Gymnasium

Happy Thanksgiving

Monthly Meetings on 1st Tues

11 AM @ Northdale Park

Our Mission is to create a growing network of co-ed seniors, to provide social activities, local events, travel, entertainment and educational seminars in common interest groups as ways to safely enjoy our lives.

“Bring on Cold Weather and Santa Will Eventually Play!”

Nov 2, Sat – Northdale 5K Pumpkin Run & Family Walk – Bring Grandkids!

Nov 5, Tues – Catered 4Rivers Smoked Turkey & Food Drive for Community Food Pantry

Nov 13, Wed – Lunch Bunch at Carrabba’s Italian Grill (Separate Checks).

Nov 14, Thurs – Mystery Trip to ?? - Includes Fine Dining Experience.

Nov 16, Sun - Carrollwood Players: Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenager Blockader!

Nov 18 – 21 -- Callaway Gardens, Lake Lanier & Stetson Mansion Christmas Light Tour.

Nov 20, Wed – Myakka River State Park boat ride & tram tours!

Dec 3, Tues – Holiday Extravaganza presented by Harvey & Edythe Lyon & Chorus.

Dec 4, Wed – Yuletide Shows & Millions of Twinkling Lights at Busch Gardens!

Dec 5, Thurs – - Tampa Bay Lightning hockey vs. Minnesota Wild – GO BOLTS!

Dec 7, Sat – Holiday Tree Lighting with Movie In-The-Park – Bring toy for GiGi Kids!

Dec 8, Sun - Carrollwood Players: “A Christmas Carole”, a Charles Dickins traditional!

Dec 11, Wed – Holiday High Tea – Hats & Teatime Attire Optional – Glitz Welcomed!

Dec 13, Fri – Gingerbread House Decorating – Ugly holiday sweaters encouraged!

Dec 14, Sat – Show Palace Dinner Theater: A Holiday Musical.

Dec 17, Tues – 2nd High Tea – Hats & Teatime Attire Optional – Glitz Welcomed!

Dec 31, Tues – 9 pm til Ball Drops -- NEW YEARS EVE PARTY IN THE GYM AT THE PARK

Jan 11-16, Sat thru Thurs – Line Dance Cruise to Cozumel w stop at Grand Cayman.

Jan 17, Fri -- Annual Health & Crime Prevention Safety Fair (free shredding)

For other scheduled events and more, see Owls website at: www.NorthdaleOWLS.com

Got Questions? Talk to any member of the OWLS, or contact Bill Castens at (813) 833-0102

NORTHDALE SPECIAL TAX DISTRICT

It is with great sadness that I wish to inform the Northdale community of the passing of Nancy Stearns. Nancy gave a great deal of her time to many causes that benefit Northdale and the surrounding area. Most recently, Nancy was President of the Northdale Special Taxing District Board. She will certainly be missed.

It has taken a while but, the walls on the Northdale Boulevard Extension have all been painted. The vines, removed to complete the painting, will need time to grow back. In addition, all trees in common areas have been trimmed and thinned. This will help to reduce the number of fallen branches and debris in the event of high winds or strong storms.

The next project the Northdale Special Tax District will undertake involves the wall between Braesgate and Dawnview Drives. Major repairs will be completed on that section. The starting date for this project will be announced once all of the permits have been cleared by the county. Potentially, there could be traffic delays.

Like many of you, NSTD board members follow local social media sites. There have been posts, and their responses, regarding maintenance issues that can occur in any neighborhood. If a Northdale resident is concerned about the upkeep of COMMON SPACES, such as the entrances to Northdale, the walls or the grassy areas along Northdale Boulevard, these are the responsibility of the Northdale Special Taxing District. The specifics of Deed Restrictions are managed by the Northdale Civic Association. Finally, if there is a problem with roads, such as potholes, and sidewalks, concerned citizens need to go online and file a complaint with Hillsborough County.

Finally, if anyone of you is interested in the workings of the Northdale Special Taxing District and its Board, please know that you are welcomed and encouraged to attend the meetings. (There is a very concise description and explanation of the Special Taxing District in the bimonthly Newsletter.) The NSTD Board meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 7:00 in the Bill Castens Gymnasium Conference Room. If you have questions, this is the best place to have them answered.

TomMurray President

NORTHDALE SPECIAL TAX DISTRICT

WHAT is the NSTD?

The Northdale Special Taxing District is a Hillsborough County dependent tax district. The District was originally set-up under a State ordinance, but in 1992 was adopted under County ordinance #92-35. The County collects the taxes for the District and provides the ordinance or regulations that give authority to the District. Funds are derived from the County non-ad valorem tax of $130 per residential unit. Residents in single family homes, along with apartments and condominiums are assessed $130. Also, all properties within Northdale boundaries including businesses and other non-profit groups are taxed based on an equitable per residential unit basis.

Northdale Special Taxing District Board of Trustees

Tom Murray President

Earl Albright Vice President

Bill Castens Treasurer

The District is responsible for maintaining the common areas throughout Northdale. These areas include the main entrances coming into Northdale, landscaping in common areas alongside roadways and medians, neighborhood entrances, the outer surface of the block walls and along the roadside. The District also maintains selected lakes and wetland areas along the main roadways in Northdale.

Don Hachey Secretary

Angel Bustelo

Frank Giordano

Ray Klaus

Earl Albright

Contact Information

The District is governed by a Board of nine trustees who are elected by the public or appointed by the Board. Board members must be registered voters and reside in Northdale. The trustees receive no compensation for their work. The board has hired an administrator to complete many of the day-to-day details of the District. The administrator is a sub-contracted (paid) position.

813 381-5435

Northdale Special Tax District

3433 Lithia Pinecrest Rd #301

Valrico, Fl 33596

Although the District does maintain the common areas in Northdale, there are many areas that the District does not control. The District does not maintain roads, street lighting, street signs or utility lines. Also, the District does not maintain private property or enforce deed restrictions. Deed restrictions are enforced by the Northdale Civic Association (NCA). The District and the Civic Association are two different and separate bodies. The District is a public governmental body and the Civic Association is a private association of Northdale residents. Only the Civic Association has authority to issue deed restriction warnings.

rick@thefloridasolutions group.com

Tax District Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7PM at Northdale Park, Bill Castens Gymnasium Conference Room.

The next meetings will be held:

Although separate, the District and the Northdale Civic Association work to achieve the same goal of making Northdale a great place to live.

November 12, 2019

December 10, 2019

SLAM Showcase

All K-5 students are either hearing or reading from Florida nominated book lists: SSYRA, SSYRA Jr. and FRA Children’s Book Award. They will submit an artistic design or a book trailer on January 10th for the SLAM Showcase on January 30tht. The public is invited to come see the showcase between 5:00-7:00pm. If you are a videographer and are interested in being a judge, please contact Mrs. Kline at Deborah.kline@sdhc.k12.fl.us.

Veteran’s Day Assembly

If you are a veteran please contact Laura Bickler, Claywell Guidance Counselor, to let her know that you would like to attend our ceremony on Friday November 8th. It will take place under the covered court from 8:15-9:30. Any Claywell parent who is a Boy Scout or Girl Scout leader or co-leader may contribute as well. There is no school November 11th due to the Veteran’s Day holiday.

Read for the Record

All students in grades PreK-1 will hear the same book read to them on November 7th. The book is called Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora. You can meet Ms. Mora at the Saunders Public library on

November 2nd from 10:00-1:00.

Fourth Graders Research!

In November Mrs. Kline is teaching the 4th grade students how to conduct research and take notes on Florida tribes. She can’t wait to see their final projects!

Great American Teach-In

Please consider being a speaker at Claywell to share your career or hobby on November 21st. Contact Deborah Kugler at Deborah.kugler@sdhc.k12.fl.us if you are interested by November 1st.

Claywell Fall Break: Nov. 25-29

Tropicana Speech Contest

Students in grades 4 and 5 will compete at school on December 6th. This contest helps take away that number one fear that most adults have, public speaking. Let’s wish them luck!

Toot! Toot! The Polar Express is rolling into Claywell Mrs. Kline will share the classic story by Chris Van Allsburg called The Polar Express. Kindergarten students will “board” the train, listen to the story, and then indulge in hot chocolate with marshmallows all while wearing their pj’s and robe. This event will take place on December 18th.

Congratulations to resident Carla Schumann for being the winner of the newsletter/advertiser contest! Carla was rewarded with $25.00 for using Fast Eddy Lawn Care. Thank you Glenn for supporting your community newsletter!

All you have to do is use an advertiser in this issue! Yes, it’s that easy! When you need something done in your home, or any services available in this newsletter call on the advertisers that give your community a free newsletter! Your community does not pay for your newsletter. The advertisers in this newsletter pay to print and mail each issue.

Email IKarepublishing@gmail.com and tell us the company you used, your full name, address and phone number. Upon verifying the information, we will select a winning name at random each month. You will be supporting your community newsletter and possibly winning $25.00!