With over 100 residents in attendance at the Final Budget Hearing Saying "No" To The Proposed Increase, the CDD PASSED the 2007-2008 Budget, increasing expenses by over $400,000 (69.7%). Yes, your CDD bill will go up approx $184.42.Buget Vote:
Alex Diaz de Villegas - YES
Kimberly Felipe-Ochoa - YES
Curtis Cooper - YES
Eduardo Gonzalez - YES
Angel Garrote - NO
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66 comments:
you also forgot to say they stole the hard earned money of waterstone residents by not giving us a refund of the bonds.
total amount of NEW money the CDD gets to waste is now up to 1.2 MILLION!
This meeting was a joke. It was required by law and so the board did it. They never wanted to hear the homeowners opinion. The decision was already made. The fact is they only had seating for about 30 people so the other 70 had to stand crowded in the back of the room. They did not plan, want or need to hear anything. They gave each person 3 min to talk with no response to thier questions. This whole thing is a joke. We will now start to collect an additional $400,000 dollars of our money this year to pay for guards that as of now do not have a place to stay. Then we are going to refinance the bonds and use the ~$800,000 to pay to redo the entrance ways to install the required guard houses and gates. And in case you have not been paying attention due the way the bonds are structured waterstone phase I will actually being paying 85% of the new gates while waterstone II pays %15. And guess were most of the CDD board that voted yes lives. That's right waterstone II. Imagine that. Do not let this get you down. GET OFF YOUR BUTT and DO SOMETHING. If we get together and in November of 2008 we vote these idiots off the board and shutdown this project in midstream hopefully minimizing our loss. I told them at the board that the majority does not want this. The majority spoke and was ignored. It is now time for the majority to do something. How many votes to we need to remove board members now!!! LETS DO IT! If you are really interested in fixing this injustice then respond to this blog. send me an e-mail at DGSeilkop@hotmail.com. We must join forces and excercise our rights. If we truly are a majority (I believe we are) we can win this still. THE WAR HAS JUST BEGUN!!!
Mr. Seilkop,
100 people may be the majority of your community but not Waterstone.
Of course most people there complained or were against the increase. I have yet to see someone agree to pay more on taxes or more on their own home expenses but that's human nature. Some decissions have to be made for the interest of the community as whole and not for each individual situation. I did see a lot of the residents leave once they got their questions aswered. I'm not sure why you would be against something that is for the good of this community. You compare Waterstone II refund to Waterstone I. Are you aware Waterstone II residents pay almost $200.00 more annually to the CDD than those in Waterstone I. I don't hear any residents from Waterstone II trying to get Waterstone I residents to pay the same. It all balances out. Investing this money back into the community will make a difference on your property value. I heard someone mention that having a guarded entrance will not affect the market value of your home but everyone knows when you buy a home the bottom line decission is based on location. We need to make this community desireable to good families.
We have a good board in place. Let me tell you some facts about our chairman who you call an idiot.
He is the president of Portofino Oaks which by far is the best looking community in Waterstone. He is also the president of Waterstone II Master Association. Yes the club house. Within a few a couple of months residents were swimming in the pool. Both projects were as important to him as what he is currently working on for you(Waterstone residents). If he is trully an idiot than what will we call the others that replace him. Lets work to unite and make this community a better place.
considering that the mailing for the meeting date was purposely incorrect, causing schedule conflicts for us poor working folk, I think the 100-200 people that did show up is a good indication of how the community feels.
on top of that, a lot of the people were represented by a community representative. because it would be impossible to fit all 2269 homes into that little building they call a clubhouse....
To Anonymous,
You have completely missed the point. The 100 or so people were not all from my community but came from most of waterstone. And the MAJORITY of those people who are the voice of WATERSTONE did not want this passed. The board voted on YOUR side the MINORITY and passed this thing. This is not the way a DEMOCRACY works. The elected representatives, the CDD Board, is supposed to vote the will of the people. Not with the minority. I am also tired of you all saying it will improve the area. That is a blatant lie!! There are facts and statistics that show we have very close to the same crime rate per capita as Malibu Bay. The numbers were researched by another HOA president. The CDD only presented raw data. They did no comparison with other groups. Malibu Bay has HARD GATES we will only have soft gates. The facts as I see it, is the gates will do nothing for us to change crime in Waterstone. So then I ask why are we paying $800,000 up front plus $400,000 a year for something that nobody has proven will stop crime. If it stops one crime a year is it worth this money. SORRY I do not think so. If thats the case then why stop here. We could spend $1 million a year and stop 2 crimes a year. When would it stop. It is all about bang for the buck! I do not see it and the MAJORITY of homeowners do not see it. A few people do and that is their opinion convince me then! Show me the bang for the buck. Sway me to your side. DO NOT JUST VOTE AGAINST THE MAJORITY and say no you are all wrong and do not know anything, we are the CDD board and we know better than you what to do with your money. The CDD board says we will get an insurance discount, thay is a lie, an untruth, I spoke to several insurance companies and if you have a gated community you already get the discount. SO WHY DOES THE BOARD CONTINUE to use that as a selling point. I called the board idiots only out of passion and the complete lack of understanding of how members of our own community can sit infront of such overwhelming opposition and the vote yes. It was not meant to be personal. But taking our money when we do not agree is personal.
You say we need to not be divided. That is a stupid statement. If we did not have differing opinions in this country were would we be today. We, thank GOD are not cattle that give in to our leaders. This is the American way. Go read about the Boston Tea Party and the revolutionary war. The American people will fight back. So we will fight back. We will excercise our right as Americans to disagree with the board. To campaign against this board, to vote off this board and install a board that listens to the Majority. That is the American WAY!!
Maybe I am wrong and we are not the majority. Maybe I cannot get the votes and the board can. Then the process will work. We will see. I will not remain silent.
No need to get so angry! I agree people will have different views but that shouldnt make them your enemy. I think you are missing the point. People only get involved when they get affected individually. Go to the CDD meetings and see how the board has resolved many issues which have affected us all in a good and positive way. I'm not trying to change your opinion but attacking the board isn't the answer.
Do you mean the 100 to 200 people that were fed lies about the true Guard Entry plan. Making them believe that they are choosing security guards rather than Homestead Police when the plan was to work in conjuction with the Police. Of course I would have showed. Get the facts! Don't believe everything you read!!!
Mr. Tim Seilkop- Please tell where you get your facts? Many people that attended the budget meeting including myself felt too intimitated to speak. The board serves our community by volunteering their personal time. I feel they are trying to unite the community. Put yourself in thier shoes. Ask yourself how could YOU do a better job? Do U know I overheard one of the GMS managers say they could not get Homestead Police to work for the Clubhouse the night of the budget meeting. But Homestead Police did show up to the meeting. This tells me that Homestead Police supports what the board is trying to accomplish. Government takes time please don't be so quick to criticize if you dont have all facts.
"Get The Facts"....... It's kind of Impossible to "Get The Facts" when they are far and few. Unless someone has them in their back pocket and has forgotten to disclose "The Facts". Maybe putting the Plan on the New CDD website might be an idea...
What the people of Waterstone fail to recognize is that the man preaching integrity and honesty is a wolf in sheep's clothing. I have many friends in several communities in Waterstone I and II and have learned many interesting things over the past 2 years...
1. Our CDD president has made more enemies than friends in HIS OWN COMMUNITY. Hard to believe? Just ask around.
2. People outside Waterstone do not like him. People who work for this city despise him. You have to wonder why. Maybe his slanderous remarks when he thinks nobody is listening... he has gotten himself into trouble with this more than once.
3. He is stealing from his own community! He has used community power to run personal devices for 2 years. How is that a sign of good leadership? Follow by example, huh?
4. He lies to people to their face just to deny it in public. Not true? Ask Marbella Cove and Portofino Estates about their fence reimbursements. Ask some Portofino Oaks members about some of the fines that were "taken care of" by the president just to get the $1000 fine later.
Should I go on?
I have seen facts. I have seen the crime statistics from the CDD and others. They do not support a gate. Why do you tell me do get the facts. It sounds like you must have them all and made a sound decision. SO PLEASE!!! share the facts with us.
Your example of Homestead Police is funny. GMS said the police would not come. That is because the CDD has done things that have upset Homestead Police. Officer Patterson came only because he is a professional and it was the right thing to do. It had nothing to do with support of the board.
Also I do not hate any individual on the board. I applaud them for taking their time to work for the community. I have had little issue with their other projects that were done with existing funding. This is different. This is a %70 increase in operation/maintenance portion of the CDD assessment. %70 PERCENT INCREASE!!!! This should not be taken so lightly. Where does it stop? The majority does not support it!! I am not making personal attacks on the board. I always use the name "BOARD" even though one member voted against this. I am not trying to make it personal. I am trying to change our goverment leaders minds to side with the people on an issue. Gathering opposing votes is a method used to do so. Voting them off is a method to do so. If you do not agree with me that is fine. You have every right to your opinion. You should them educate me as to why I am wrong. Or educate yourself as to why I am right. But then we may never agree and that is life.
to whoever thought that Homestead police came out as a show of support is dearly mistaken.
Homestead police does NOT support this plan,
and if you think the reason they don't support this plan is because they are losing off duty
money on it you would be wrong again.
real, honest police officers know what security guards are, what they can and can not do.
real polices officers know what authority security guards have and do not have.
for example, the security guards the board wants to put in place has not authority to stop your
access to waterstone way, they have no authority to ask you for your license, and they have
no authority to even ask your name. so basically, the security guards are like a greeter that will cause
traffic backups because they need to open and close the gate and when they refuse to open the gate
to this public road, call the real police and I'm sure they will be happy to help you out.
by the way, when the board said they already approached the city and everything was approved
and when they said Homestead police was part of the deal
they lied.
ask the city and homestead police yourself.
and why does everyone keep saying "The Plan" when the board refused to show any plan, the board refused
show any documentation, and type of paperwork, the board refused to reference City Officials that have seen or approved this "Plan"
and to the person who feels the board "is trying to unite the community" are you blind?
200 or so representatives came to voice their opposition. This board is obviously not trying to unite the community
they are fighting a community that is already united against them, we are legally powerless to fight this board.
this board is a dictatorship with its puppets and shadows.
at least one person on that board doesn't fall under this
Let's see who has to GAIN from all this:
Homestead Officer Patterson: Coordinares the police security details that many communities currently pay THOUSANDS of dollars a month for!!!
Mr. Angel Garrotte:
Upset because the CDD won't give Portofino Estates money for the fence he put up and is looking to get as much attention as possible because he is running for the Waterstone seat for City Council.
Mr. Mark (Marbella Cove:
Upset because the CDD won't give his community money for the fence that he put up and is upset that the CDD does not want him on the Board. He is also upset that his police buddy (and I see them hanging out at Marbella Cove all the time)will have a difficult tim justifying the THOUSANDS of dollars that are spent on off-duty.
Mr.Alex Diaz:How does he personally gain from this? Oh wait, that's right, HE DOESN'T!!
DO THE REAL HOMEWORK!!! There are MANY special interset here....
I was one of those that Mark knocked on the door the day of the budget meeting. They told me this was a CDD vs. Homestaed Police issue, but I quickly learned this was a political ploy yo get me tot he budget meeting. It was our fault for believing these people without doing some research first. I am sick of ALL the politics and power struggles. There are MANY facts out there, but I think maybe it's so political right now that no one wants to state the obvious.
Waterstone residents should be more upset that we pay $3,000,000+ to Homestead and then they want extra money to hang out in each individual community. Where is the fairness in that?
To whoever Anonymous is, I Did Not knock on Anyones Door.... Period. I also NEVER EVER, EVER said this was a CDD vs Homestead Police Issue.
so whoever Anonymous is, is currently not telling the truth.
also, I have nothing to Gain because the Fence issue and the Security Issue are two separate items.
yes it is true that I was upset because I was misled for many months regarding the money for the fence, which I have put behind me. I have nothing to gain. I also have nothing to gain from being on the CDD except to better represent my residents. I do not receive a dime from homestead police for the off duty that Marbella Cove pays for,
I have no special interest. Unless you count the many thanks I get from my residents.
what I do is listen to the homeowners in Marbella Cove, than I represent their voice. IF you could be so kind to identify yourself, I am willing to listen to you. but I don't even think you Live inside Marbella Cove because you lied about me knocking on peoples doors.
btw, not that many communities have off duty police, so you should do your homework too.
also, people keep on saying over and over again we pay $3,000,000 to City of Homestead. But how much of that goes to Police? You shouldn't be angry at the Police for this situation.
Honestly, What research have you done, please show me?
So Mr. Anonymous,
You speak of integrity and honesty; well let's analyze who the wolf in sheep clothing is here. Maybe if the minority took the time to find out actual facts rather then following the leader, then the sheep would go on recognized. And just a clue, your buddy, Mr.Seilkop believes he’s the majority, Estates and Coves does not speak for Waterstone and there were no 100-200 people at the meeting but instead 85 people. Is that is what you call your majority? I don’t think you’ve got enough to cover all 2,200 members of this community. Just like you I’ve gotten to know many many people in Waterstone I and II and I hear the opposite of what you all say, and this from other communities as I donot base everything solely on Estates and Cove. Of course, the people who I have come to know are the educated, open minded and non ignorant ones unlike Mr. anonymous. You also speak of the enemies that the president has made in his own community. I’d like a detailed list of the names of the people in Oaks that as you say do not like him, because I myself live in Portofino Oaks and have not heard of such a thing. The only enemies that Alex could have made in his community are those who have personal issues that they OBVIOUSLY can’t seem to get over. Alex is not to blame for your own family problems and frustrations. You find it difficult to include your name in this blog, nice way of showing skills of integrity and honesty. Seems to me like he’s not the one with the enemies in Oaks. But, I am open minded and so I have taken your advise and I asked around Oaks and it wasn’t much of a surprise, but I found but two who disliked him there, but hey, I don’t know, maybe the MANY you speak of our out of town. The next thing Mr. Anonymous writes is that people outside of Waterstone do not like Alex and people in the city despise him. I agree, people outside of Waterstone don’t like him, but let’s go more specific, minority does not like him, people from Marbella cove and Portofino Estates do not like him. If the sources behind the mixed information explained the true facts or took the time to get them, then I am sure, this SMALL minority would know better. People in the city ?? Yeah, I’m sure you are referring to the ones who were fed the lies about Alex “trying to make Waterstone its own city”, how ridiculous. So his slandering remarks have gotten him in trouble before you say, maybe you are confused with your own experiences. This next part is REALLY INTERESTING considering that there is no possible way he could have stole from his community. See, like a functional board, Oaks board members have worked together through there decisions and if you knew the way the board worked, you’d know all decisions are done in a quorum and all the numbers are seen and shared by all members, but somehow I’m convinced you know EXACTLY HOW THEY WORK.I don’t think should bring up leadership skills, because you are obviously lacking them. If you feel he as a leader is doing something wrong, then maybe you should use YOUR LEADERSHIP SKILLS to help him, rather than betray someone whose LEADERSHIP has brought Oaks were it is today, YOU definitely didn’t bring us here. And once again you talk about Marbella Cove and Portofino Estates, is there any other community you can mention? We all know the Lord Farquaad mini master minds behind the lies and what a coincidence they all seem to come from Marbella Cove and Portofino Estates. If these are the friends you say you’ve made, I think you may need new ones. So you say that fines in Oaks were taken care of just to collect them in the end? I‘d like the proof behind that, and if you didn’t like the way the system for fines worked, then you should have come up with a better one. You are not competent enough to do that, bought you got your masters in criticism and cowardness just like the others. If you need some attention, go beg for it elsewhere. Really, consider letting your frustrations go or working them out at home because you shouldn’t be making these things personal. Maybe you had no attention as a child? I guess the world will never know
Should I go on?
Best regards to you as you sure need it.
P.S. Mr. Anonymous, Good job at putting yourself out there or “hiding your identity”. So pathetic
One more thing, maybe I should not blame you for your lack of knowledge as it is probably not you who keeps yourself locked up but someone else who wears the pants for you.
Truly yours,
Portofino Oaks Resident
Hi Ed!
you are the only one that uses lord farquaad to talk about Angel. (and since you know the exact # of people at the meeting)
Angel, please take anonymous off.
and there were more than 85 people, we just didn't sign in our names on the sign in sheet, because the crowds were too large.
Nope, wrong again !!!seems like you can't get ANY of your facts straight.good guess though, yeah Angel, take anonymous of sense you obviously cant handle the heat.You pick point every comment you want on this log right, so might as well remove this one. Didn't know Ed lived in Oaks? must have happened overnight. So only 85 signed in, goes to show the support you got backing you up.
Anyway, we forgive you for this one , no worries :)
Best of luck
P.Oaks Resident
only 85 signed in? they must have ran out of paper because around 200 people showed up.
then you should have done a head count
I did. but i lost count after 150.
Only gots 10 fingers and toes us poor dumb folk and all.
If we wanted to know what the majority of the community thought and wanted to do something then why don't we, the residents do something on our own.
We need to get in touch with EVERY member of Waterstone by mail with a simple letter and survey in which to gauge community feelings on certain issues. If it is really true that the majority does not want this increase than there should be no reason we cannot get a petition together to try and stop the CDD from going against the wishes of the community. This is a democratic way of going about this because arguing agmonst ourselves annonymously on a blog is not it.
If anyone is interested than email me at russell@alarmandelectronics.com and lets do something together.
Mr. Anonymous,
For a short period of time, I personally thought you were a bit smart, but it obviously explains itself as to why you were "morally" forced to isolate "your selves" from the community's participation. Being book smart as you claimed to be, will probably never do any good for you since you must listen to someone without any education & morals. There is no way, that you as an "individual", could have ever done, what Alex has done for this ENTIRE community. Cut it out, be more mature, stop the false accusations, you should know better that a person at his level would not be stupid enough to steal a few bucks from here to jeopardize his career. This is the sad thing, that I see here...You know that the 85 or 200 people (as many as you want to believe were present)truly doesn't represent "Waterstone" as a whole. The majority of the residents who are happy with what the board has done for this community must feel they don't need to show up to the meetings because everything is running smoothly and besides why would educated adults want to show up to a circus of disgruntled residents stirred up by a few clueless individuals. The minority that shows up are the unhappy, uncivilized, who need to complaint because they have gotten fines or do not want to pay more because they're either property owners who don't care or real estate agents, such as Angel who only cares about his pocket and not the safety or well being of community residents.
People were there to oppose the gate deal and it is unbelievable how God, misteriously works to reveal signs. Just look at the accident that occured that same night, someone lost control of their vehicle and when it crossed the side walk it took one of the poles and this could have killed someone who could have been walking along the sidewalk. The gates may have prevented that driver from coming into our community because this person may have not lived here or wanted to avoid the gates because he may have been drunk and security may have alerted the police that will be patroling Waterstone. I am sure residents here would not be speeding or driving in such manner to cause such an accident.
This goes for Angel...
In my opinion, real estate agents should not be board members, it is a total conflict of interest! All of the improvements that the CDD has done, we know that incurred money, thus; the association fees go up a bit and now you're probably having a harder time trying to explain to your prospective buyers how much the association would cost them. Of course, people around looking to buy homes could be like the kind of 85 who showed up to the meeting and they would be more turned off and walk away, killing your deal! It is clear that this would "only" affect your pocket! This is why you're so much involved and appeared in front of people like the hero of Waterstone and your nothing but the wolf in sheep's clothing. :-) You know I'm right, probably made you smile, got your number!
Proud to live in Waterstone - Portofino Oaks and I do not need to state my name because what's above is more important!
Alex and the Board - Keep up the good work, the good people of Waterstone are behind you!
We need 16 of YOU for each one of the subdivisions within Waterstone.
To the communities that are behind: You should put your energy and focus in cleaning up your issues like, unauthorized tenants, multiple violations, etc. Tip: You should approach, the board of Oaks to seek advise on how they have done it. I am sure, they're proud of what they've accomplished in two years and would be happy to help others make this a great place to live!
This is ludicrous when the fate of the community is decided by 5 people. Democracy has basically gone done the tubes. Putting security in is complete asinine. Security would have NO AUTHORITY to stop anyone. And I am sure as hell not going to register my self or my family to be monitored in my every move.
This is to the anonymous person that said that if soft gates were in it would of stopped that person from hitting the light pole that is completely idiotic statement. People speed through Waterstone all the time, once they get through the entrance they will speed away! you apparently don't notice that.
The only person on the CDD board that shows any intellect and common sense is Angel. Alex is a wanna be dictator and the rest are just puppets following his lead.
Portofino Oaks Resident.
Let's see, all of the security experts in Waterstone keep saying that a security guards can't stop anyone. I'm sure all of our security experts have taken the time to look at the hundreds of other soft gates in Florida. Maybe the security guard can't stop you from coming in, but he/she also does not have to press that button that opens the gate for you. One of the good things about having a warm body there is that they have descretion.
If I were a guard and someone pulled up to my gate all drunk, I would say, "Why don't you wait here for the Homestead officer?" Sure it's possible that he may drive away, but at least he's not hitting one of OUR pedestrians on Waterstone Way. But in the end, we should all be soooooo safe with the number of security experts we have here at Waterstone!!!!
Mr. A, I hope you don't register your car. You keep going through that visitor lane every time. That ought to show em'!!
Try doing your homework.
Softgate = public access required
Hardgate = private property, access restricted.
Softgate = security guard MUST push the button to let you in.
Hardgate = security guard does NOT have to push button to let you in.
A major issue that everyone seems to forget.
the CDD did not ask permission to install softgates
the CDD did not get approval from the City of Homestead to install softgates.
But the CDD still raised our taxes to pay for this project.
don't you think the CDD should have gotten approval first before raising our taxes to pay for a project that the City of Homestead has already denied twice?
Doesn't anyone want to know why Alex was outside talking to the City of Homestead 5 minutes before the meeting started. Why was he asking her what was required for the CDD to get the softgates? shouldn't he have asked weeks before?
you're suppose to look before you leap, but the CDD leaped first with it's eyes closed.
but that is ok, because Alex already asked the lawyers if they can use the money for other projects.
I'll sit back and say I told you so when the softgates get denied for again.......
I am amazed. Some of these BLOGS are killing me. Lets try not to make it personal. I know emotions are high. Lets discuss the facts. They may only be the facts as we know them and we may have the wrong facts. This is one of the major problems is the lack of facts.
If a major company (the CDD) was going to start a multimillion dollar project (Complete redesigne of the entrances and building of a new gate system) they do research. Then they put together briefings and handouts etc. And teach everyone the facts. This has not happened. The board of directors made a decision to TAKE more money for a project that has not been justified, has not been FULLY researched. (I know they have looked into it, but it is not FULLY researched) All along I have been asking to be shown the facts of why we need this gate system. I have gotten no answer. The CDD ignores the question! Why? Is it out of disrespect? Is it because they do not have an answer? I do not know! I only asked to have my questions answered before a 70% increase of my "Tax" is made. I do not think that is a lot to ask. The presentation by the board said, "We are putting in gates because we need them". Where is the need? Why? The facts provided by the board and other do not support the NEED. So why are we spending???? Please answer this question!!!
Is it to stop speeders? Use speed bumps. They are cheaper and do not cost $400,000 dollars a year.
Is it to stop crime? Looking at the statistics we are already statistically equal with Malibu Bay and they have a hard gate.
Is it to stop illegal renters? How would a soft gate ever do that? GMS the management company for the CDD has stated the guards CANNOT legaly ask for your driver liscense. I have the e-mail to prove this fact! They can only write down your liscense plate number.(We all know I could not steal one of those in the Publix parking lot before coming in)
My point is I do not see the purpose of spending the money, MY MONEY, YOUR MONEY. Just because Alex has decided that I need this. SHOW ME WHY PLEASE!!!!!!!!! I will be able to sleep better if I just know why!!!!!!!!!
Most intelligent people would ask the source the why’s or how’s of this project instead of posting the questions or making assumptions on an unofficial blog.
Do you think maybe if you actually took the time to sit down with the management or a board member, that maybe, just maybe, you would get some answers to your questions? Oh no, that's right, you really don't want answers; you just want to sit back and criticize those who hold the right answers!!! By the way, you are incorrect. Malibu Bay does enjoy much less crime than Waterstone since they activated their gates. You need to check the stats for yourself instead of relying on people with hidden agendas to provide them for you.
first, lets see if you even know the date the gates for malibu were active? why did you post any data or stats, oh yeah, because don't know, your just a lemming.
second, why should everyone pay for the idiots in all the other communities that refuse to put their damn gates down or refuse to evict crap people!
second, the CDD board refuses to release information. point.
ask the CDD a question, they won't answer.
answer my question, why did ALEX choose 5 minutes before the meeting starting to ask homestead what was required to put in the softgates?
of course he will deny it, but you can ask the city yourself.
ANSWER THAT!!!!!!
WATERSTONEWAY.COM IS GREAT!!!
ANYONE CAN WRITE WHATEVER THEY WANT. EVEN IF ITS NOT TRUE!!!! THIS IS SO GREAT FOR OUR COMMUNITY TO GET ALL THE LIES ON ONE WEBSITE!!!!
THE CDD SHOULD RAISE THE BUDGET AGAIN TO BUY THESE CRY BABIES CANDY ALL YEAR ROUND. I THINK SOUR APPLE WOULD BE THE MOST APPROPRIATE FLAVOR...
Mr. Seilkop,
Postings all those questions on this blog isn't goint to get you answers or at least correct answers. If you continue to believe every thing you have read on those many false emails and this blog, you will make a fool out of yourself. Contact your CDD board of supervisors to get the answers. Do not rely on this ridiculous website where everyone seems to know it all, but yet every time I read the worst it gets. I was at the CDD meeting and I know I was not the only one that heard that they hired an engineer to do a study. Is that what you want to see? Why? Are you a security gates or traffic expert? Don't be upset because you didn't get the answers you wanted at the meeting. An agenda was being followed. It was not personal.
Now maybe someone can try to answer or give me their individual opinion on why the City would not appprove these gates? Traffic? I dont think so!!! How do you know?
Do you want Waterstone to fail and not become the best Community is meant to be?
Please don't do us any favors, just sit back and let the Community leaders lead us to become the best place to live.
Waterstone II resident
I will be attending whatever meetings need to be attended to vote this idiots off of the board. What kind of board is this that doesn't listen to what their people want. We have contacted an attorney to see if there is anything that can be done not only about this increase but about our lack of a refund on the bonds. We all know our extra $185 isn't going to be going to the security. They'll use or should I say waste the $$ on whatever they want. Lets listen to tim and show support for a better board and stop this project in November. We all cared enough to vote on here and some of us showed up to the meeting.
AGAIN:
BOO HOO, BOO, HOO
GET OVER IT ALREADY!!!!
I'M GOING TO GUESS THESE GUYS DID NOT HAVE MANY FRIENDS GROWING UP.....
Some of the people writing on this blog are seriously ridiculous. I really never thought there could be so many ignorant people in one community. I guess we do,this blog can really give you a good laugh if you want one. TO ALL CDD BOARD MEMBERS PLEASE, PLEASE KEEP DOING THE GREAT WORK YOU ALL DO. IT IS REALLY APPRECIATED. And for the anonymous person would decided to call the majority IDIOTS, please do spend the extra coffee money you all have to the lawyer you guys hired. Thats serioulsy amusing. Talking about not wanting to spend more money, hell get a lawyer as you did and spend a few more extra bucks HA, HA.
And yes I am a waterstone II homeowner. Good night and way to go for the majority of the people in waterstone who wants the best for their family and community.
I do not think that ALex is liked in Portifino Oaks. The past board election had around 20 homeowners try to vote him off. Who "asked around" must not asked the 100 houses in Oaks but only their 2 next door neighbor. Maybe its time to "ask around" more.
First of all have if you counted the homes in PfOaks there is 92 not 100 and if you were at the meeting you know for a fact that Alex is well liked in his community because if not he would not have been President again. I think all of you should stop talking so much trash and really get a life....
How much are you willing to spend to get your $20.00 refund from the refinancing of the bonds. Give me a break hire an attorney to collect $1.66 a month. No, thanks.
WATERSTONEWAY.COM IS GREAT!!!
ANYONE CAN WRITE WHATEVER THEY WANT. EVEN IF ITS NOT TRUE!!!! THIS IS SO GREAT FOR OUR COMMUNITY TO GET ALL THE LIES ON ONE WEBSITE!!!!
THE CDD SHOULD RAISE THE BUDGET AGAIN TO BUY THESE CRY BABIES CANDY ALL YEAR ROUND. I THINK SOUR APPLE WOULD BE THE MOST APPROPRIATE FLAVOR...
Maybe people need to really understand the facts and think for once. I can probably say for most of us living in Waterstone, we are all for having security and protecting our investments (our houses) and family. I think the problem is the way the CDD presented it to the homeowners at the meeting. If we were told exact or even close to exact costs (construction and all), the traffic survey was explained, details on the city of homesteads comments on whether it can be done, where the guard shacks would be placed in distance from the main road, etc.. etc.. people would've had a different reaction. The problem was it was a dog and pony show and people's questions went unanswered which made things more frustrating for all. The only reason the CDD had this meeting was because they had too since it was an increase in budget. If the budget was already there and they just wanted to shift money then they could've done it without making it a "public hearing". If the CDD had better reviewed things and had all information in place prior to the meeting people might have been more open and not as hostile. Alex himself said the CDD has lacked communication with the residents of Waterstone. They've made many decisions without getting homeowner feedback and comments which I certainly don't agree with. I'm not in agreement for approving things without hard facts and just going with guesstimates. The CDD needs to realize if they want the vocal support they need to be open to suggestions and comments AND LISTEN. You can't expect people to be happy and go with paying more money before presenting all the details. Again, if that was done I'm sure the reactions and comments would be different.
I agree! But the reason everyone is in attack mode is due to the false information getting passed around. If we don't have the details than why are peolple throwing out made up numbers. Is that really fair to the CDD board.
If everyone showed up with a clean slate to the meeting we would not have seen the shouting and emotions that took place that day. But we all know a lot of us were fed lies and were taken advantage from those few who have a personal problem against the CDD (Alex) and this is affecting the residents of the Waterstone in a negative way.
I challenge those few to try to work with the board to resolve their issues and keep their personal problems out of the picture. Show us you really care about this community instead of creating your own agenda on how to make the CDD fail which will only affect the Waterstone families.
If you want to be informed all you have to do is read the minutes or contact a REAL BOARD MEMBER to get answers to your questions. You want to be spoon fed all this information as if these volunteers haven't all dedicated enough hours in the day to the improvements they have already done.
If you took the time to read the minutes, you would know that the board had the option to hold the budget meeting at 1pm if they wanted to, but they chose unanimously to hold it at 6pm so that the residents could attend. If this was a dog and pony show like you say, then they could have easily held the meeting at 1pm and avoided confronting such ignorant people as the ones that are misinformed and writing ridiculous messages on this blog at countless hours of the day.READ!! and then you will sound more knowledgeable, then you will sound less ignorant to others.
Re: The previous post..
Are the minutes going to answer the exact cost of the project? What Homestead has said it needs to do the project? What the traffic survey answers are? All the things that maybe SHOULD HAVE BEEN EXPLAINED TO EVERYONE OR AT LEAST HAD PROPER INFO ON??? I don't see those in any minutes.. only guesstimates.
Why don't you READ the message better and you'll understand too. I never mentioned the 1pm or 6pm theory. The reason I say a dog and pony show is because no matter how many people would've objected to it, they would've passed it anyways.
Most people would've been all for the project if we had the facts to begin with. Why don't you pay the $400,000 on behalf of everyone since you are so quick approve decisions without really knowing if it can be done. Hell, why don't you give me $400,000 since you have no problem giving money away without knowing all the facts. I'm developing something that you should invest in but I won't give you all the details until I have your money! Oh and if I can't do it, tough crap cause I'm keeping the money anyways.
No. Contact the management company for your questions. What it will show is all the time that is spent handling other everyday issues that board does not get the credit that they deserve. 5 hour long meetings trying to keep the district running. No one mentions that because they don't care. Maybe we should post a blog to appreciate everthing else the board has worked on. Sounds boring right. No money involved. The volunteer time spent is ignored!!!
The majority of Waterstone was not represented at the meeting. The few poeple that were there were given false information and
coached. There were less than 100 people there and 20 spoke and some had nothing to do with the CDD. They were there because the were upset the club house in Waterstone I is still not open. Not a CDD issue. Is that the majority you are referring to.
Here we go back and forth all over again. You know we are all trying to make waterstone a great community to live in but part of the problem is this right here. Everyone wants to argue and complain but nobody wants to actually do anything to fix any of teh issues we all feel so strongly about. Hell, no one will even leave their real name so that others might contact you to come up with a solution. Look I don't agree with everything the CDD has done but I understand that debating facts like how many people actually showed up to a meeting will do absolutely nothing.
Until we all can come together and have intelligent conversations that will actually get something done we might as well take down this blog becaus it is the cause of alot of this false information everyone keeps talking about.
russell@alarmandelectronics.com
No offense, but I don't feel like leaving my name. It's not about who said what. It's about what is going on.
I agree that we are all a community but at the same point we are divided. It's unfortunate that only 100 people out of the 2269 homes attended the meeting. Obviously, these are the concerned or "involved" homeowners that do CARE about Waterstone. Yes, there were a few people there that tried discussing topics that had nothing to do with the gate issue, but most did and expressed the same points.
Give us the facts and maybe then we can all come together and be in agreement. I don't envy any of the CDD members for the position their in, but they volunteered cause no one else would (some wanted to but weren't allowed) and in the end this is what they need to deal with.
At no point in my previous posts did I say the CDD members suck or insult them personally. I just don't agree with the way they handled the issue and others that have been approved.
Some people are going to agree and some won't.. That's life.
Its okay to disagree. But lets do it in a civilized and constructive way.
WATERSTONEWAY.COM IS GREAT!!!
ANYONE CAN WRITE WHATEVER THEY WANT. EVEN IF ITS NOT TRUE!!!! THIS IS SO GREAT FOR OUR COMMUNITY TO GET ALL THE LIES ON ONE WEBSITE!!!!
THE CDD SHOULD RAISE THE BUDGET AGAIN TO BUY THESE CRY BABIES CANDY ALL YEAR ROUND. I THINK SOUR APPLE WOULD BE THE MOST APPROPRIATE FLAVOR...
Mr. Jones,
There is nothing to fix. The CDD members are trying to keep our families safe, our property values strong, and our community looking great. I don't see a problem with that. What do people expect them to do, sit like the developers did and not better the community.
The true problem is the false information getting passed around which has broken this community apart. Hwre are two examples:
CDD approves $400K budget increase with the majority saying "NO"
They "stole" the hard earned money of the Waterstone residents by not giving a refund on the refinance of the bonds.
These messages on this blog are the issue people are so upset and confused. If you don't have the facts as we all seem to know that we don't, then why post false information on this site?
Why not begin posting all current information on the new website for the CDD so we can begin learning? This could be key for the arguing and mis-information to stop.
I agree that the CDD is trying to do good by helping the community in whatever way it can but personally I do not think that raising our CDD assessment is the way to do it. We have to live within our means and not just raise "taxes" when we want something else.
This is almost the exact situation that the whole state is upset about right now with property taxes. Local governments keep raising taxes to cover new programs and jobs and now we are in a position where many Floridians can not afford their tax bill.
Let me know if I’m incorrect here but the CDD was created to finance the construction of the infrastructure for Waterstone. Because of that it's primary goal should be paying back those loans which it inherited as quickly as possible, not incurring more homeowner debt.
There are issues such as maintaining easements and common areas which I understand the CDD needs to do as well but that should be the extent as to what the CDD takes care of, everything else should fall under the master association. Think about it like this: if your HOA wanted to add security guards at your gates would they go to the CDD or would they decide themselves?
Your theorys are great, but I know that our master HOAs only cover the clubhouses. The common areas (including the entry ways) ARE the CDD's responsibilities.
When the govenment raises our taxes for schools, how does that benifit those without children? When the government raises taxes on roadway improvements, how does that benifit those who do not drive. I could go on and on, but the fact is that this "tax" benifits EVERY single soul within Waterstone, so that's a "tax" I can live with. Thank you CDD. I'm glad someone is finally looking out for us!!!
You know what you people keep saying what the CDD board is doing is going to raise the property value of our homes by putting in the soft gates and that is completely FALSE!!!!!!
I have spoken with several appraisers and real estate agents and putting soft gates does not raise the value of our homes it is an attractive nuisance.
They also have to realize the amount of houses being foreclosed on in Waterstone. They are not going to get their moneys worth and therefore having to go into reserves to put in what was not paid.
The people on the CDD board are crooked and thieves especially Mr. Alex Diaz. Just ask him why he wants security guards instead of police.
Their was a budget made of police and security and the police are far more inexpensive. Their is ALLOT of details that the people of Waterstone don't know that the board is not saying.
It cost roughly 11.00 per hour to hire security guards. $25.00 per hour to hire off duty police which in no way they would be able to control the community with 3 means of entry.
Your highest selling point is market value. If you are not in a marketable area your property will not sell. You can't tell me someone would not rather purchase a home in a gated community. Foreclousures are everywhere not just Waterstone.
Your right taxes for schools do not help people without children just as taxes for roadway improvements do not help those without cars. But just because this "tax" will effect everyone who pays it does not justify it and such an agruement is pointless. Look, I am all for better security for all of Waterstone I just don't think this is neccesarily the best way to do it for the entire community. Especially when we have other opintions that will not cost the community so much money.
Also, what about the fact that we have heard little to nothing from the CDD for sometime(which is how it should be, seen but not heard) and now, when we do, we have a $400,000 increase. Doesn't that worry anyone else? The CDD has been in its current form for how long exactly and they are already increasing their budget. What's to stop them next year from wanting something else and increasing our CDD assesment again? Nothing - but we are all OK with that aparently.
"Its to better the community and make it safer so its OK" seems to be the rational supporters are standing behind. However, if thats the case then lets go ahead and spend a million or even two million. I tell you what, lets spend 5 million that way we can all live in the perfect community. At what point will we say "hey were spending too much here" Remember its easy to spend "O"ther "P"eople's "M"oney which is exactly what the CDD is doing.
To the last Mr. Anonymous You said that Mr. Alex Diaz and the rest of the CDD board are crooks. If you know that for a fact PLEASE show us proof if not put a sock in it and stop talking crap. I've come to know Mr. Diaz and which by the way I was one of the one's who didn't like him at first. I ran into him at the clubhouse and got alot of my questions answered and quickly I realized that everything I was told was false. Thank you Mr. Diaz for everything youv'e done and are doing. I was at that budget meeting myself and nor Mr. Diaz or any of the other board members said at any given time that there was only going to be security guards. OF COARSE were going to have POLICE service
too. Like someone else said if you want certain questions answered you should contact the board so you can get your information straight. To the CDD members who read this blog keep up the great work. I myself know about a good fifty to sixty people that back you and the rest of the board up, and I'm sure those people have people that back you up as well. PLEASE don't let thse people get to you guys, like someone else said earlier about the candies SOUR APPLE flavor would be the best choice.
Good Night.
WATERSTONE II RESIDENT.
THE CDD WILL NOT GET ADDITIONAL POLICE SERVICES WITH THIS $400,000 INCREASE.
THIS IS A LIE THAT CONTINUES TO BE STATED BY ALEX.
THE CDD DID NOT APPROACH HOMESTEAD CITY POLICE.
IT IS A LIE.
ASK CHIEF ROLLE. THEY ARE TRYING TO APPROACH THE CITY NOW, BUT THIS IS AFTER THE FACT.
NO PLAN WAS SUBMITTED TO HOMESTEAD POLICE, AS A MATTER OF FACT THE CDD HASN'T EVEN FINALIZED ANYTHING YET!
HOMESTEAD POLICE DEPT.
305-247-1535
ASK THE CDD MANAGEMENT COMPANY FOR THE PLANS WHEN YOU GET IT POST IT HERE. OTHERWISE STOP SPREADING LIES.
GSM PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
954-721-8681
Sounds like someone has a personal agenda to hurt the Waterstone residents. We all know the plan is not finalized. It may even get tweaked a little more and maybe we will get two officers instead of one. Who knows maybe this will work even better. If we can only think positive and constructively it would really make a difference.
It sounds like Mr. Mark Reyes and Officer Patterson are making sure that paying extra money $$$$$$$ for off-duty officers is the ONLY way to go. Is this why they keep trying to block this plan from happening???
Special intrests and agendas....gota love em'
Lets not get Officer Patterson involved in all this. He has done a lot to clean up our community. We should be thankful to him for all his efforts. I just hope he understands that this is not a plan that involves choosing security guards over Homestead P.D. The CDD is trying to secure the community by guarding all our entrances. Hopefully they'll be able to work together and to come to an agreement. As far as I know most communities will continue to use off duty officers when ever needed. No one is running Homestead P.D. out of Waterstone. Maybe this is what Mark is trying to make them believe.
The CDD has been running for around 4 years. 4 years without an increase but what did we get in return. Nothing!!!! Paying to the CDD for 4 years with our "hard earn money" and we didn't see a thing in return. Now that really sounds fair!!!!!
Stop complaining a see your "hard earned money" paid to the CDD put to good use. So what if they are spending a little more. People continue to use the 400K total but your individual dues are $184.42 annualy unless someone is planning to pay for all of us......
As long as they are putting my portion to good use, its okay with me.
Clarification is obvious required.
I have never stated that the CDD plan is to Run Homestead Police out of Waterstone. That makes no sense at all, nor do they have the Authority to do that.
Waterstone is a community inside the City of Homestead. City of Homestead Police serve our needs because we are a part of the City.
Homestead Police will NEVER leave Waterstone.
As a matter of Fact, I want Homestead Police presence in Waterstone more, Which is the reason why I will continue to work with Ofc Patterson to bring in a Satellite Police Office at NO additional Charge to the Residents.
I am not making any money off of this.
I just hope that the slander and liable that has been thrown out does not discourage Homestead Police from this Offer that is being extended on behalf of Waterstone 1
-Mark Reyes
Now we are getting somewhere! Mark is trying to get us an officer, the CDD is trying to get another.
Two officers is Waterstone, and 3 guarded entrances all for the same price. Even better!!!!
I do wish to work out an agreement in which Homestead Police Utilizes the satellite station as much as possible.
But everything has been in the early stages due to the delay on the Waterstone 1 Clubhouse.
However, we Did just recently get the CO and turnover should be occurring by the end of August, as time moves forward, hopefully everything will fall into place.
-Mark Reyes
There's an Idea!!! Let's ALL unify and work together to get the police officers that Waterstone deserves. In the end, we should all care enough about our community to put personal conflicts aside.
After reading all of this information I have one thing to say all of you men need to grow up and stop acting like a bunch of babies. Get over and move on. Work together not apart. Help each other. That's the problem you all have an ego and it's been tarnished.
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