Ownership of the Association transferred to Property Owners (Owners) in January of 2010 and the new Board appointed a General Manager to replace Mr. Glinton in June 2010. This document provides an overview of some the changes that have taken place under new management during the first 100 days.
Download 2010 interim income statement and budget here
People
The Association employs approximately 70 personnel in the following divisions:
- Security – Protects property and people
- Gardening – Maintains common areas and private gardens
- General Maintenance – Electrical, pool, painting, waste disposal, repairs
- Water & Sewerage – Maintains the water supply and sewerage system
- Administration – Day-to-day management and accounts
Management reorganized the personnel into clearly defined departments, each with their own Supervisors. A clear chain of command now ensures accountability within each department. During the reorganization process, certain staff have been repositioned to other departments or terminated for reasons of status, misconduct or redundancy.
All employees have received and signed the 28 page Employee Handbook which they are expected to abide by and new employees are hired under the following standards:
- Initial selection and first interview is conducted by the Supervisor
- If the candidate passes the first interview, their file is processed by our Security department who carries out thorough background checks and validates all the necessary supporting documents including:
- Passport / driver’s licence
- Police record (no more than 6 months old)
- Written references
- If the candidate is cleared by Security, they have a second interview with the General Manager in the presence the Supervisor
- If the candidate is successful, they are required to sign the following documents before commencing employment:
- Employee Handbook
- Job Description
- Employment Agreement
In order to ensure that personnel remain on property and available to perform their tasks, procedures have been implemented via the security department to control exit from the property via the main entrance. In addition radio handsets have been issued to Supervisors and a Progress Chaser patrols the grounds ensuring that outstanding tasks are followed through to completion and observing any inappropriate performance or behavior.
Technology
Tasks are self-created (internally by the Association) or generated by the Owners. A website was launched to help improve communication between the Association and it’s Owners. Apart from providing regular news and updates, the website is primarily used for the submission of any concerns that Owners may have. A task (hereinafter to referred to as “job”) is created by posting a concern at the website which opens a web based ‘job ticket’ and notifies the Administrator of it’s existence. The job ticket is distributed to the appropriate Supervisor and copied to the Progress Chaser. As a job progresses through each stage, updates are noted on the job ticket and the reporting party is notified of any changes to the job ticket status. The Progress Chaser follows up with the Supervisor on the job status and reports it back to the Administrator. The job ticket remains open until the job is confirmed as completed and is then closed.
The website is also used for the following purposes:
- Trimming requests
- Booking a pool for a function
- Providing feedback via an ongoing survey
- Permitting feedback on individual posts
Self-generated tasks are tracked using a different specialized project/task tracking system that does not require an exchange between the Association and it’s Owners. Examples may include projects such as the conversion of a lift station, which requires a number of steps involving different departments. The point of importance, however, is that however they are created the jobs and tasks are recognized, recorded, executed and concluded.
A biometric scanning system now ensures the accurate recording of property-based personnel’s time and attendance. Personnel are required to be at their place of work on time; therefore they must punch in earlier and punch out later. This has led to increased productivity by eliminating transit time on Association payroll. A small software upgrade will soon reduce the time taken to process payroll from hours to minutes.
The office has been equipped with a new server with integrated and remote (off site) backup. All administrative personnel can communicate via their own email address, which has helped the speed and efficiency by which matters can be dealt with. The main entrance is also equipped with a high-speed internet connection to further improve communications and productivity of that department as well as permit the transmission of time and attendance data to the main office.
Administration
We have amended some of the processes within the billing operation:
- Water meters are read quarterly and interim bills are made monthly, saving time for the Association and meter reading charges for the Owners
- The water charges are invoiced, instead of being added as a statement charge
- The invoices continue to be sent 15 days before the due date, but the statements will now be sent at the start of the month to serve as a reminder for payment
- The process to follow up with overdue payments has been redefined and we have observed immediate cashflow improvements
- A third party collections company has been engaged to take over unresolved accounts, their charges are added to the due balance and collected by them
As a result of these measures, receivables are down to $267,784 in July 2010, compared to $404,040 as at December 31, 2009.
Tighter controls have been implemented on purchases:
- All goods and services ordered require a signed Purchase Order
- Incoming bills are first matched with a Purchase Order, signed by the General Manager before they are posted on to the ledger
- The use of petty cash is discouraged
- Routine payment runs have been established – bills approved Tuesday, posted Wednesday and due bills processed for payment Thursday
We have started the process of measuring all the homes in Sandyport to ascertain the accurate total square footage in order to determine the correct cost per square foot. The exercise should be complete by November 2010.
There are still a large number of share certificates either awaiting collection or awaiting preparation. We are engaged in an on-going process of contacting Owners to either arrange to collect their certificates or to deliver their details so that certificates may be prepared.
Sandyport branded uniforms have been ordered for all maintenance and gardening personnel.
There are some notices yet to be posted on the website:
- Speeding
- Procedure for entering security in the evening (and the number for the service entrance)
- Warning about pets and the rodent bait stations
- Hurricane preparedness guide
Reports
The 2009 accounts have been reviewed and published on the website.
The 2010 interim accounts and budget are available here.
The following reporting mechanisms have been implemented:
- Sewerage system daily inspections
- Gardening inspections
- Electrical requirements checklists
A fixed asset and parts register has been prepared, detailing the many pieces of equipment and materials previously unrecorded.
The boat register has been fully updated.
Security has a detailed list of contractors and their workers presently constructing in Sandyport.
Gardening
The maintenance, treatment and fertilization of the main entrance landscaping has been outsourced to Gardens Nursery.
The gardening operation is now under a management contract with a landscaping company. The Association provides the tools and manpower, the management contract is structured to improve the overall appearance of the properties and common areas whilst keeping the costs controlled.
We have invested over $20,000 in a landscaping truck, trailer and commercial grade equipment to enable the gardening crew to work more efficiently. In addition we are now providing them with on location water and ice.
Much of the clearing of the lots in Phase V has been carried out. The remaining lots within the property are soon to be cleared and all debris removed.
We have taken the decision and notified Owners that we do not service vegetation above 6’ for reasons of safety.
Many of the blind spots caused by vegetation have been cleared.
General Maintenance
The expansion of the rodent pest control solution was overdue. We have appointed an alternative pest control company and increased the coverage by 300%. Dog traps have been set and a notice advising Owners posted to the website.
The bridges and garbage areas were recently painted. The security booth by the canal has been renovated and is due to have a replacement air conditioning unit installed. The security booth at the main entrance now has a functioning backup generator and is now fully air-conditioned.
Some of the tennis court fences were in need of repair and sections have been replaced. The resurfacing of the tennis courts is pending available budget.
Replacement street signs have been ordered and are expected imminently.
A new staff and storage facility is being constructed by the ‘satellite side’ of the property for the safekeeping of gardening tools and convenience facility for the gardening crew.
The slips at Sand Dollar Island are now numbered. The dock area will be renovated when the budget permits. Quotes are presently being obtained for wood, concrete and pea gravel solutions.
The pool maintenance has been outsourced to a third party contractor. Our maintenance crew performs daily checks and clears any debris. The contractor maintains the pools twice a week.
The painting schedule (for homes) has been accelerated and we have lowered the costs by purchasing Devoe Paints.
Other minor improvements:
- The reconstruction of the curb at the main entrance
- Installation of gate closers by the pools
- Installation of new pool signs
- Remedy drain problem at Governors Cay – this involved trenching from the main road to the canal, installing the drain and landscaping the damaged area
- We have taken over the responsibility (from a group of dedicated Owners) of the maintenance and cleaning for the playground located by the sewer plant – there have been many small improvements recommended by the group that we have implemented for the sake of safety and appearance. The key lock is due to be replaced with a key code lock for easier control of access
- Pyramids have been placed along the empty lot between Sandyport Drive and Happy Lane to deter motorists from using it as a short cut
Other improvements pending budget approval:
- Replacement of the canal barrier
- Replacement of the security office by Tamberley School
- Resurfacing of the swimming pools
There are some vines wrapped around BEC power lines. BEC have confirmed those lines are dormant and due for dismantling.
Security
Our Head of Security was on the evening shift for over a decade, she is now on the daytime shift where she has proven to be more productive.
We explored the possibility of outsourcing our security requirements to a third party. We decided against this and instead are planning to improve the training of our officers.
We are reviewing upgrading the transportation for security with new golf carts and possibly a patrol car.
There are certain upgrades for the CCTV system required pending budget availability.
We are in the process of costing out and assessing the viability of implementing a barcode scanning system for the automated entry of registered vehicles via the middle gate at the front entrance. The service would require Owners to pay separately for the service, so a vote will be carried out when the costs are known.
Water & Sewerage
The main sewerage plant is fed the sewerage through a network of drains and lift stations. The lift stations each contain 2 pumps that alternate to ensure that sewerage pumps to the plant. Of the 6 lift stations that the Association is responsible for, 5 use one system and 1 uses a different system. The latter has recently failed and we are using the opportunity to convert it (at a cost of about $20,000) so that all lift stations operate using similar pumping equipment. We presently own 2 failed pumps that may be refurbished and used as backup pumps for future failures whilst we await delivery of replacements.
Management is concerned about the overall condition of the sewerage system. We are therefore in the process of putting in place a management contract to oversee the maintenance of the lift stations and the sewer plant. Part of this process involves ensuring that all equipment is brought up to the necessary standard before the management contract can take effect. The details have yet to be confirmed by the proposed management company.
There is a grey water system that can distribute the treated water throughout the development. The cost to repair this may be extensive therefore the decision has been to defer the project for the time being.
To reduce the noise level at the sewer plant, a sound booth is being built around the blowers.
Since water is a net loss to the Association, it would be advantageous to both the Owners and the Association if Water & Sewage Corp. were to take over the water billing within Sandyport. We have tried but they are reluctant. At present we purchase at the higher commercial rate and do not recover the costs charged albeit that the rate is higher than the standard rate published by Water & Sewerage. The water provided in common areas for pools can explain some losses but others may be due to leaks in the system. In order to determine this we have embarked upon an exercise of isolating and pressure testing different parts of the development. We have not yet identified any leaks but the work is ongoing.
A final note
This document is not intended to be exhaustive, it is to provide the Association’s Owners some insight as to what we have been doing or planning. The Association is owned by the Owners, for the benefit of the Owners. This Management has been put in place by the Board of Directors to carry out the wishes of the Owners as a group. With the continued input of the Owners, we will be able to improve Sandyport.
Starting August 16th, 2010 we shall commence with the measuring of homes for the purposes of assessing the correct maintenance charges applicable for each home. We have instructed Licensed Architects, Douglas Minns, to proceed with the work at an agreed fee of $60 per home which will appear on the next maintenance bill. For security purposes the surveyors will be in possession of a Letter of Authorisation from the Association which they may present on request. Owners are encouraged to remain vigilant and contact security if they have any concerns.
For reasons of safety, the Association is not responsible for providing trimming services above those that can be provided at ground level without additional equipment. We would like Owners to be advised that trimming services are limited to heights of 6′ to prevent employee accidents while using a ladder. Owners with vegetation above this height should notify management and may arrange for it to be trimmed down to 6′ or should employ their own staff to maintain above the 6′ threshold.
Since ownership of the Association was transferred to the Property Owners, we have started the process of issuing the share certificates. Each property entitles the Owner to one share in the Association however in many cases we do not have all of the information required to enable us to issue the share certificate.
We have set up various traps to help humanely capture stray pets (specifically dogs). We would like residents to take care and ensure that their pets are not able to roam freely as they may be caught in one of the traps and ultimately end up in the care of the Humane Society.
Lawns that are discolored, slow-growing, or have invading weeds or other pest problems may not be properly fertilized. Fertilizer is important for healthy, vigorous plant growth and development. Because many of the required nutrients for turfgrass are found naturally in the soil, fertilization practices focus on the supply of three primary nutrients — nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Nitrogen is the only nutrient that turfgrass needs on a regular basis. Lawns may occasionally be deficient in iron, and fertilizers containing iron may be supplemented. As nitrogen is applied, both root and shoot growth increases. If too much nitrogen is applied too frequently, shoots will continue to grow yet root growth will slow, leaving the turf vulnerable to problems.
We would like to advise that we are planning to trim the hedges at the intersections where they are creating blind spots. If you have any concerns in this regard, please contact Mrs. Johnson at the office.