Thursday, April 30, 2009
Disposal of Trash
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Cabinets
Villas UPDATE
4131 PWD units - 102,202,302
4151 PWD unit - 301
4241 PWD units - 203,301
I should be able to sign off more at the end of the week.
Baywater UPDATE
Thank you for your patience,
Matthew Prince
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Memorandum from TerraMesa Resort Properties
To the owners, friends and staff members of the Terramesa Resorts,
The recent economic meltdown has affected many resorts. The properties of the Terramesa MDR Resorts LP are not immune from these unprecedented market forces. We are increasing our communications with our investors during this time of volatility as we navigate some significant challenges. We are persevering and will continue to do so on behalf of our property owners, equity investors, lenders, professionals, staff, vendors and the communities we so enjoy building together.
We invested in the Centex resorts at good price points and we believe these properties will survive the downturn and emerge with solid performance relative to other similar resorts. This said, it is not new information to recognize that the market for second homes is lagging. In spite of the market, our sales teams are still seeing activity and interest in the properties. As positive as this news is, the sales progress to date has not kept pace with the original business plan. We believe this is a short-term challenge that we can overcome. Specifically, we are working together to renegotiate with our senior and mezzanine lenders to restructure the loans underpinning our investments.
While our conversations with all lenders involved are collaborative and constructive, it is possible that some parties will take steps involving various types of notices and will probably involve their legal counsel. These negotiations will likely happen behind the scenes, but some may surface publicly. This, while alarming, is a normal step in the process of restructuring as the lenders retrench their positions. The banks and mezzanine lender have all indicated a willingness to work with us to restructure and move forward together. We, along with our investors and lenders, are committed to overcoming these challenges.
In light of the economic environment and slow sales, we will be implementing land development reductions in budgets and staffing over the next two to three weeks. It is important to note that we will be continuing to serve our owners with hospitality services and amenities. While we will be evaluating the hospitality budgets, we don’t currently anticipate making significant changes.
Our resort communities have proven to be unique and continue to be desired by discerning resort property owners in spite of the current economic conditions. We expect our resorts to continue to operate with excellence and we’ll share more information as we move forward.
Sincerely,
Terramesa Resort Properties
Update
I walked some of these units to day with Cotton and the flooring and trim companies to try and come up with a resolve for the gaps between the bottom of the base and the top of the carpet. I will keep everyone updated when we can figure out a resolution.
Also the storm last weekend was bad down here but as of today we seem to have stood up well against it. There is no reported damage.
Thank you,
Matthew Prince
Sunday, April 19, 2009
WGIPOA Meeting - April 18, 2009
WEST GALVESTON ISLAND PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION
AGENDA
April 18, 2009
Meeting at Moody Gardens Hotel – Vine Room
1. Call to order Jerry Mohn 9:00 AM
2. Establish Quorum Susan Gonzalez 9:01
3. Introductions Jerry Mohn 9:02
Officials/Corporate Sponsors
4. Approve 3/21/09 Minutes Jerry Mohn 9:06
5. Treasurers Report Marty Bilek 9:07
6. Gordon Morse – GARM report 9:11
7. UTMB Austin Meeting and HB 4586 9:16
8. Otie Zapp – Windstorm Insurance 9:21
Report
8. Karen Mahoney – District 6 Report 9:35
9. Brandon Wade – Deputy City Manager
“State of Galveston after Ike” 9:45
10. Other topics: 10:30
· CEPRA VI
· Ike Dike
· Bollards & Signs
· GLO Coastal Protection Plan
· ASBPA – Washington Summit/Texas Chapter
· Marquette/Anchor Bay
· Sargassum Synposium
11. Adjournment 11:00
Below is a recap of the most relevant discussion and comments that I could quickly capture with my note taking.
Several public servants were recognized including Karen Mahoney, Brandon Wade, and Joe Jaworski that voiced his support for the West End and announced that he was running for Mayor next year.
Gordon Morse gave the GARM report. Regarding Bollards he reported that the bollards will be installed in Pre-Ike locations and that the City of Galveston will amend the Beach Access Plan in approximately 3-4 weeks to reflect the current state of the beaches after Ike. Attendees stressed to him that more signs are needed to stop the vehicles that are driving on the beach.
Alice Melott, Real Estate Agent, reported there have been 27 single family sales. These sales have been within 3-7% of their listing price. There are 268 listings in the West End. She mentioned there have been low-ball offers, but these have been turned down.
HB4586 – UTMB Funding. A report was provided by J.D. Epstein which provided hope that funding is a good possibility now. If everything goes well the hospital will have 550-600 beds and we should have a Level 3 Trauma Center by summer and a Level 1 Trauma Center by next year.
Otie Zapp reported on the seriousness of the Windstorm legislation that is currently being considered in Austin. The two main bills to be defeated are SB14 and HB4733. We need 11 Senators to vote against SB14 to stop it. Help is needed from all coastal legislators and residents. A good website for more information is http://www.cwictx.org/
Karen Mahoney District 6 briefly reported on the Long Term Recovery Plan and also commented on the first two Marquette plats that have been approved.
At this point in the meeting, the Board approved a contribution to Otie Zapp’s organization to assist in his efforts on the Windstorm legislation.
Brandon Wade, Deputy City Manager, City of Galveston reported on recovery efforts and the complexity of working with state and federal agencies. He reported that the federal process is a learning experience and that FEMA has an extensive list of funding exceptions. Concerning city revenue, real estate taxes are down about 15%, sales tax slightly up, water fund down 19%, and sewer revenue down 13%. The Capital Improvement Program has been halted until they can review their 6 month financials. The City has $51 million in projects, applied for $4 million in Hazard Mitigation projects, $28 million in housing buyouts, $2 million in Federal highway projects, applied for $267 million in Block Grants ($161 million in housing, $106 million in non-housing). The city has replaced 64 traffic signal controllers, but the Central City controller is only repaired and may go down again. There are 800 signs missing throughout the city. Bollards will be replaced at Pre-Ike positions, after which bollards parallel to the dunes may be installed to prevent driving across dunes. The city has picked up $25 million of debris which is 1.4 million cubic yards.
Regarding the house buyouts – if a house is bought then nothing can be constructed on the site including the Ike Dike.
Mr. Wade discussed conditions affecting several of the older West End subdivisions which have private roads, water, or sanitary sewer issues and his efforts in addressing their needs.
The illegal signs are to be removed from along the roadways within the next two weeks. He asked for emails to be sent to him in support in case he encounters complaints.
The Police Department has 20+ vacancies due to the hiring freeze. There are only 2 cars patrolling the West End. Mr. Wade reported that he may be able to start hiring after the 6 month financials are available.
At the conclusion of his presentation, I requested that he post on the city web site the Bollard Replacement schedule to show what has been completed to date and the timeline for the work remaining which includes Pointe West. He replied that he would talk to his staff to get this posted.
Mr. Wade added that all of the Bollards should all be installed by Memorial Day.
Mr. Wade took several questions from the attendees regarding specific issues in their subdivisions.
Jerry Mohn then adjourned the meeting.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Onsite Property Manager's Contact Information
GOLF CARTS
Also please review the spreadsheet posted on Wednesday for the owners that have codes and needed to get there locks changed. I will be calling these people if I have there contact info to let them know but if we do not have your contact info please contact me at the email listed below.
If you are an owner and have a golf cart parked in the garage of your building please email me at matthewprince@mrpandcompany.com (in the subject line please put GOLF CART)
Thank you,
Matthew Prince
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Hospitality Committee Meeting Recap
For those of you who may not be aware yet, the Pointe West Owners Association Board of Directors has established a committee to be a representation between the Pointe West property owners and the Terra mesa Hospitality Group. The primary goal of the committee is to develop an alliance and working relationship with the hospitality group to bring ideas, concerns, provide recommendations/solutions, and feedback from the Pointe West owners and to work with the hospitality group in achieving the highest possible level of services, amenities, and experiences to the Pointe West Resort. As a side note ... please remember that the Pointe West Hospitality program is a separate entity and is not subject to the oversight or direction of the Pointe West Owners Association.
Our first joint meeting was held on Saturday April 4, 2009 and the following is a general overview of that meeting. Please understand ... and bear with us ... this was our first meeting and we discussed in excess of 65 different individual issues so it is somewhat difficult to cover every detail of the meeting in this outline. Additionally, there were numerous items that the Hospitality Group will need to review and respond to our questions.
The hospitality committee is committed to establishing a strong and open communication link with owners so we hope that you will become an intrigal part of the committee by providing your input and response to our ongoing emails and blogs.
While it is inevitable that there will be different opinions and positions on issues that come up ... it is the responsibility of the Hospitality Committee to represent the general positions of Pointe West Owners and to present those positions to the Terra mesa Hospitality Group and to support Pointe West to work together and create a community that property owners, guests, and management alike will achieve a harmonious life style!
Those participating in the April 4 meeting included:
Pointe West Committee Members
Heather Belcher, Neerja Bhardwaj, Gene Fairbrother, Susan Gleghorn, Elizabeth James, Tom McKinley, Daniel Merchant
POA Board Members
Joe Castillo, Elizabeth Heckathorn
Terra Mesa Hospitality Group
Natthan Birkett
Terra Mesa Development Group, LLC
Tim Welsh
Property Management Representative
Deborah Bowers
Meeting overview notes
The Hospitality Committee, along with representatives of the POA Board, the Terra mesa Hospitality Group, and the Property Management Company met on Saturday, April 4th to review suggestions for improving the Pointe West Club and Hospitality services. While there are many items that were reviewed and discussed, the primary focus was on those items that would not require additional costs either through the club operations or ultimately passed on to property owners in the form of increased dues. Below, by category, is a summary of various items that came out of Saturday’s meeting.
Services and Amenities
- The Club is working with a group of individuals to create a services and sundry store in the front office area. This added amenity would provide an outlet for packaged food items, toiletries, magazines, etc. Additionally, the hospitality group is investigating developing relationships with providers that will come to Pointe West offering services such as massages, grocery delivery, nails, hair care and other services which might add to the amenities of the resort.
Beach
- While there has been a substantial enhancement in the quality of beach cleanliness, the hospitality department was asked to evaluate the possibility of having their employees make daily rounds to pick up trash on the beach and keep it in a more pristine appearance ... even though the ultimate responsibility for beach cleanliness is through the Pointe West POA.
- The hospitality department has explored options to have beach furniture available for rent however; providers are generally not very receptive to contracting at the west end of the island unless there is a high usage factor. Therefore, the Club has ordered 20 new chairs for the beach which should suffice for the beachgoer demand. As demand increases, more chairs may be procured.
- The volleyball court will be replaced once the bollards are in place.
Beach Club and Pool Area
- Pool towels ... while a seemingly minor issue; pool towels have become a very costly item, which ultimately gets passed on to owners in our club dues or paid via the developer through deficit funding to the club. Considerable discussion was involved in trying to come up with ways and options to decrease this cost area (in excess of $79,000 per year for replacement, laundering, and transportation of towels). From the discussion and suggestions the hospitality group is going to reevaluate how pool towels and the towel station is managed to decrease this expense area.
- Since Ike, one of the major challenges for the hospitality group is finding employees and staff for the summer season. With a current staff of 12, Pointe West will need to increase to 30 to 34 full time associates over the next 60 days ... a challenge for them due to the lack of island people looking for hourly-seasonal type work. Again, this was an area of discussion in bringing up ideas for ways to find qualified staffing.
- The access to pool facilities for adults and smoking issues were discussed. A couple of items agreed on were adult only hot tub hours being implemented from 6:30 am – 9 am and 7:30 pm – 9 pm. Also, that confirming the pool area is non-smoking and that this policy would be enforced by the pool staff.
- There was also an issue brought up as to the feasibility of heating the club pool. While it will be investigated, there is no natural gas (the most efficient heating method) yet available on the west end and previous estimates indicate costs would well exceed $30,000 per year plus the cost of purchasing the heating unit.
- General appearance and maintenance of the club was addressed and some items noted included beach club deck being painted, rusted light fixtures and railing being painted.
- Owner and guest communications were discussed in that it was felt by some that it was difficult to really know what functions were taking place at the club. The cork board at the beach club has been updated, and will be on an ongoing basis. There was also discussion on utilizing the new hospitality website to better promote what is happening at Pointe West.
- One of the key ... and lengthy issues ... addressed was the potential for establishing a daily resort fee. As this has been a very critical issue in the past, considerable discussion was addressed to this topic. The general concept discussed would be that “IF” a fee were instituted it would not affect owners but would be charged to renters in the range of $15 per day per unit (note per unit – not per person). A key part of the discussion was that if a fee were put in place that it would have to be a value added fee in that it would need to provide for enhanced club services, inclusion of what are now fee added amenities such as no charges for use of bikes, kayaks, chairs, etc. Again ... there is no final determination on this issue and the hospitality group has agreed to submit back to the hospitality committee a review of “IF” they were to institute a resort fee how it would be offset by the enhancing of services and other amenities.
Bay Water
- General discussions on how to keep this area more tidy and enticing to users. Such items as having staff visit the Baywater pool several times per day to make sure the pool is ready for guests, remove any chairs from the pool if needed, making sure lights and fans are off in the refreshment building, periodic clean-ups and proper securing of the area at the end of the day.
Club – Hospitality desk - Food and Beverage Facilities
- There was considerable discussion on the club facilities including maintaining hours of operations that were reasonable for a resort facility while still being able to maintain a reasonable staffing cost based not only on season but also owner/rental occupancy (which is subsidized by either owner dues or paid by developer subsidy).
- There was commitment by the hospitality department to update the after hours recording to provide an after hours phone transfer or number to security. Also for the creation of specific after hour policy for common issues that owners and renters might have for how security would handle these issues.
Rental Program
- There was considerable discussion on the various issues dealing with enhancing the Terra mesa Hospitality rental program but due to time restrictions it was not possible to cover all the areas. For that reason, the hospitality group will be addressing each of the various questions and items brought up in a separate report back to the hospitality committee which we will update owners when we have it.
General Property Social Activities
- There was some discussion of the different type of social activities that the Club offers owners, guests, and renters alike. The general discussion was that the hospitality group should look for new items, such as art shows, pot-luck suppers, game nights, and to basically stick with core social activities that receive the most participation. Past social events, including talent shows and bingo, have not received any participation and are only an added expense to club operations.
- Plans have been made by Pointe West Hospitality to have an Owners’ Social event on September 5, 2009 ... Details will come out from Hospitality as the date is closer.
Recap
The above is a “brief” overview of the meeting this past Saturday and we will update Pointe West owners with more information over the upcoming weeks. Our purpose in this general overview is to keep to our commitment to be responsive and communitive to the owners of Pointe West and timeliness of getting this information to you.
As we have more information to provide and as we meet with the hospitality group we will be disseminating that information to you.
We are also in the process of incorporating a committee section in the Pointe West owners’ website currently under development where there will be a central communication center for providing your input and getting information on what is happening within the Pointe West community.
In the mean time ... we as a committee appreciate any input that you have on how we can serve your needs and represent you. Please provide any questions, ideas, or issues you would like to bring up to one of the members of the hospitality committee. While we have several individuals who make Pointe West their primary residence who will be able to help keep all of us up to date on what is happening ... it will take all of us working as a community to make Pointe West what we all want it to be.
Thank you,
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
WGIPOA Meeting- April 18, 2009
4210 Silver Reef PBW#1, Galveston, TX 77554
TEL: 409-737-5768 FAX: 409-737-5951
Email: mohn@msn.com
To: West Galveston Island Property
Owners Association Members
____________________________
April 15, 2009
MINUTES: The March 21, 2009, meeting minutes are on our website at, www.wgipoa.com
MEETING: The next meeting will be on April 18, beginning at 8:30 AM for coffee and donuts and 9:00 AM for the meeting at the Moody Gardens Hotel in the Vine Room (first floor).
PROGRAM: Brandon Wade, Deputy City Manger of the City of Galveston, will give the “State of Galveston Island since Ike”. Brandon will also give current updates on FEMA, debris removal, buy outs, infrastructure, and more.
Sea Turtles Donation: The HEART (Help Endangered Animals – Ridley Turtles) organization needs your help to protect the endangered Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle.
HEART is a 501©3 charitable organization and donations are tax deductible. Visit the website at: http://www.ridleyturtles.org/ and please make a donation and to:
HEART, P.O. Box 681231, Houston, Texas 77268-1231
Upcoming Events:
Ongoing: Join the American Shore & Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA) and automatically become a member of the Texas Chapter. See www.asbpa.org and www.texasasbpa.org for details.
April 25, 2009 Galveston Bay Foundation “Marsh Mania”
Location: Snake Island Cove, Galveston Island; Activity: seagrass planting, trash/debris pick-up; Age requirement: +18
Location: Isla del Sol, Galveston Island; Activity: cordgrass planting, registration, cookingContact: vmintzer@galvbay.org or call 281-332-3381 ext. 207
April 28- 29, 2009: Sargassum symposium 2009 announcement for registration and call for papers. See http://www.sargassum.org for registration info. This event will be held in the conference room on the campus of the University of Texas Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas, Texas.
April 29-30, 2009: Texas Bays and Estuaries Meeting. See http://www.utmsi.utexas.edu/tbem. This both events will be held in the conference room on the campus of the University of Texas Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas, Texas.
June 4-5, 2009: “Texas Coastal Conference” by the Texas General Land Office (GLO), on Galveston Island at the Galveston Convention Center. Go to: www.texascoastalconnection.com
Sept. 16-18, 2009: Florida Shore & Beach Preservation Association (FSBPA) Annual Meeting, Amelia, Island Plantation, Amelia Island, FL.
Oct. 14-16, 2009: American Shore & beach Preservation Association (ASBPA) National Coastal Conference at the Trade Winds Island Resort, St. Petersburg Beach, FL
Thank you for your support and we hope to see you on April 18 at the Moody Gardens Hotel in the Vine Room, starting at 8:30 for coffee and donuts and at 9:00 AM for the meeting.
Jerry A. Mohn
President
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Update
We had a set back in the schedule due to funding but that has been rectified as of late last week and we are going to do everything we can to make up that time lost.
Thank you for your continued patience,
Matthew R. Prince
Cage's
From the information that I have gathered these are the directions for this process.
Cage clean out does not mean to remove all of your contents from within them they are your storage units and it is OK to use them for this purpose. What is being asked is that if you have anything that you are not planning on keeping and/or items damaged by the storm or debris within your cage that these things are cleared and that the remaining items be washed off.
Once you have completed this task please call CCMC or email them to let them know that you have completed this so they can document. The contact for CCMC is Joyce and her info is email: jmcgarrigle@ccmcnet.com phone: 409-515-1900
I understand that allot of you cannot make it down here to do this yourselves here is an email address and phone number for A.C.S. a service that can help you with this. Phone: 281-508-1873 ask for Amy Velimirovich and the email is foramy@rocketmail.com
Thank you and I hope this helps,
Matthew R. Prince
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
New Onsite Property Manager
Joyce currently reside in Tiki Island and owns a weekend home across the San Luis Pass Bridge in Treasure Island. She has an extreme fondness for the west end of the island and is very familiar with the Gulf Coast and all it has to offer.
Joyce looks forward to meeting and working with all our homeowner at Pointe West. Next time you are at Pointe West, pop your head in at the Beach Club and say hello.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Condominium Association Insurance Funding
The current insurance payment reflects only a portion of the claim that was submitted in December 2008. The insurance carrier did not agree to cover all the hurricane damage costs claimed in the December 2008 submittal. Several meetings have occurred and various additional submittals have been submitted in an effort to settle the final claim. In order to obtain final resolution the insurance company and the condominium association representatives will be in a series of meetings this week to address the outstanding items.
Once the final insurance settlement is agreed to by all parties the associations will review all hurricane related costs and insurance disbursement to determine the final condominium association assessments. We anticipate the final assessment to be sent out late Summer 2009.
Information
Thank you,
Matthew R. Prince
Friday, April 3, 2009
Pointe West Beach Closure
Cottage Grading Underway
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Update on POA Repairs


Pointe West Hospitality Committee
Over the past several weeks the committee has been preparing for the first meeting with Hospitality and Terramesa representatives. It is set to occur April 4, 2009 at the Pointe West Beach Club, at which time the committee will present the charter and several ideas that the committed has already developed. We look forward to a productive relationship with the Hospitality group and to receiving suggestions from homeowners. The complete list of the committee members and the charter are as follows:
Name Capacity
Heather Belcher Committee - Member
Neerja Bhardwaj Committee - Member
Gene Fairbrother Committee - Chair
Susan Gleghorn Committee - Member
Elizabeth James Committee - Member
Tom McKinley Committee - Member
Daniel Merchant Committee - Member
Tim Welsh Terramesa Resorts
Joe Castillo POA Board or Directors
Elizabeth Heckathorn POA Board or Directors
Natthan Birkett Hospitality Facilities General Manager
Deborah Bowers Property Management Representative
Hospitality Committee Charter
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
The purpose of the Hospitality Committee is to advise and make recommendations to the Club with the intent of maximizing membership satisfaction with respect to rental program initiatives and amenity appearance and maintenance operations.
MEMBERSHIP AND MEETINGS
Committee members shall be limited to Association members in good standing. The committee members will elect one member to act as the committee chairperson. The requirements for membership shall be determined and approved by the Pointe West Property Owners Board of Directors. The Committee shall meet monthly, and as necessary, to fulfill the requirements of the functions and assignments as set forth herein. The onsite property manager shall keep notes and send out required meeting notices.
SCOPE AND RESPONSIBILITY
Shall consider a wide spectrum of programs, annual events, signature programs and activities to involve as many members and club staff as possible, while working within the Club budget.
Establish set schedule for community and amenity inspection that identifies areas that need service, maintenance or repairs. Inspections to be provided to Club for review.
Identify and propose club staff service optimization and improvements.
Identify and propose external marketing and owner participation initiatives that will increase rental program traffic.
Identify and propose club restrictions for those members that have delinquent POA accounts.
Identify and propose potential cost saving opportunities for the club operations.
Attend monthly committee meetings.
Provide information regarding programs, events and activities, to be published in the community newsletter and website.
Provide written minutes of all meetings to the chairperson for presentation to the POA Board of Directors.
RESTRICTED FUNCTIONS
Members of this committee do not have authority to give direction and/or instructions to contractors, management or employees. Members shall not seek bids for services or any other matter without direction from the Terramesa Hospitality Group, LLC.




