Our Secretary, Dana Tenaglia, began by reading the 2010 minutes. Then she discussed the pros and cons to having the annual spring party in the neighborhood or to continue having the party at the Garden Club. It was a unanimous decision to keep the spring party at the Garden Club. We also discussed catering the party as done in previous years or doing a potluck with food provided by the neighbors. Last year the money provided from ticket sales to the party was $1692 and the total party cost was $3,000. The additional expense went to entertainment for the adults and children and the cost of the building. The vote was made to have the party catered with a preference toward a barbeque style dinner.

Tom Garofalo brought the next item of discussion as a call for volunteers. He mentioned the need for volunteers to help with the overseeing our median lighting. We have warranties on the lighting for one year but the sub contractors need to be told when the lights are out.

If anyone comes to your door with solicitation, you should turn it in to the city. Many people get permits, like girl scouts and boy scouts. If this is in question, ask them if they have a permit. If anyone comes to your door asking for a donation, this does not require a permit. If they come to your door to make an appointment to come by at a future date to provide a service or sell you something, this does not require a permit.

Bob Peterson, a block captain, discussed the issue of large dogs that tend to be a problem when

you are walking or jogging. Google the Pinellas county animal service and input your complaint. It takes two complaints to make a change. This comes from the county and not the city.

Melissa Insoft, gave a brief Treasure’s report. We have approximately $20,000 in reserves. We have received 120 houses in dues at this point.

The blood mobile came into the neighborhood with great success in 2009. We need at least 10 people to make it worthwhile. We motioned to have them return this year.

The meeting was motioned and seconded to adjourn.

Officer Scott King spoke about the safety of our neighborhood. He mentioned that our problems that occurred were due to negligence. Lock your home doors and keep your car doors locked. It’s often times teenagers, if they get a little change and sunglasses, a little jewelry…they are happy. Keep your doors locked to help prevent you being another statistic. We have only had two auto burglaries this year, both occurred to unlocked cars. With the price of gold high, thieves are targeting jewelry to melt down so that it is no longer identifiable. Thieves first look in the master bedroom. The best protection is a safe bolted down to the floor. Mark Williams is our district 3 crime prevention officer.

Mike Vold spoke regarding code enforcement. He mentioned for all our neighbors to watch for code violations and call in to report if any should occur. The main violations are from RVs or boats in the driveway too long during prohibited times, weekly rentals and unpermitted work being done. If work is done without a permit, we cannot be sure it is done to code. This needs to be done to protect our neighborhood's home values. Code enforcement does occasional drive-bys but they will check on all complaints. Please be aware of what's going on around you to help code enforcement keep our neighborhood nice. If you have a code violation to report, call 727-893-7373.

We were fortunate again this year to have Herb Polson, our city councilman, speak again about city events. He was very complimentary to all our successful neighborhood events and our low annual crime report. (two auto burglaries and 39 alarms sounding). It's similar to many neighborhoods’ weekly crime report. He also discussed the building on the NE corner of Park St and Central Ave. Due to the fact that it has been designated a historical property, the exterior of the building cannot be changed. Having it demolished is another issue due to the historical designation. A shortage of funds has slowed down progress to the construction. It is currently sealed. He mentioned that he believes YCEA is the most active neighborhood in St. Petersburg. Our newsletter is phenomenal, our holiday events are well attended and he hopes to judge the car and motorcycle show again this year.

Big thanks to all of our very involved neighbors who help keep Yacht Club Estates exceptional.

Dana Tenaglia-Secretary