An Open Letter to Amazing Grace and Mr. Rivera:
For the record, from November of 2010 until March of 2012 the Treasurer of record, duly accepted by the Delegates to safeguard the money, was none other than Mr. Ed Black. Within a very short period of time after he accepted this responsibility – April to July of 2011 – “contracts” had been signed by D. Israel – the President of UCO – authorizing the expenditure of $4,911,440.
Two or three weeks ago each of you posted comments referring to the commitments made relative to the road restoration project. A time line of the awarding of these “contracts” is as follows:
April 12, 2011 perimeter walkway $ 104,732
Signed by D Israel May 2, 2011
May 24, 2011 asphalt paving – phase 1 $ 2,085,000
Signed by D Israel June 1, 2011
July 11, 2011 asphalt paving – phase 2 $ 2,445,000
Signed by D Israel August 9, 2011
January 17, 2012 various work - 2102 parking lot $ 37,494
Signed by D Israel January 17, 2012
Plus miscellaneous costs i.e. permit fees, work done
and not included in quotations, etc. $ 84,573
GRAND TOTAL $ 4,756,799
With the exception of the last “contract” all three were signed by David Israel as President of UCO – there are no witness signatures – and the signature page is completely separate from the “contract”. The last “contract” continues on the second page – signature as stated above – no witnesses
Additional money spent during this time period was used to pay Triton Associates for catch basins (drains) at various locations in Century Village. There are two proposals, both signed on January 28, 2011 by David B. Israel as President. Again, the signature page in one instance is completely separate from the “proposal” which was apparently used in lieu of a formal contract.
On January 27, 2011, two separate “Construction Agreements” were signed by Rodger Carver as C.A.M. and David B. Israel as owner. Owner? Yes, David B. Israel is an owner, but that of a unit in Greenbrier. Surely he is not the owner of Century Village or United Civic Organization.
Payments were made as work progressed beginning February 10, 2011 and ending August 29, 2011 with additional work performed early in 2012 – total paid to this vendor - $192,135.
So, how does all of this add up? I find it necessary to repeat this - between January and July 2011 UCO committed to spending $4,911,440 and in January 2012 an addition $37,494. So, $4,948,934 to make repairs, and we still have flooded roads, cracked roads, uneven road surfaces in parking areas.
During Mr. Black’s tenure, and without any discussion with the Delegates, the first two contracts were awarded to M&M - $2,189,732. When heavy equipment was seen rolling into the Village and questions were being asked, only then was it revealed that these arrangements had been made.
Subsequently, Mr. Black approached the Delegates for permission to proceed with what is known as Phase II with the explanation that a great deal of money would be saved due to the fact that the equipment was on premises and re-mobilization of this heavy machinery would not be necessary – a potential savings of $500,000. And, the Delegates said OK. The quoted “savings” was never formally questioned and to this day there are many who feel it was vastly over-stated.
At the same meeting the Delegates also approved the acquisition of a line of credit - up to $1 million - that could be used in the event of a catastrophe such as a hurricane. Thousands of dollars were spent just to obtain this line of credit; the terms of which made it impossible to access. More money spent unnecessarily.
So, Grace and Mr. Rivera, the facts are quite clear. Responsibility for the depletion of the UCO reserve funds belongs to a select few. Namely, Mr. Israel and Mr. Black, and I would go so far as to suggest that the remaining elected officers who were charged with protecting the interests of ALL of the owners reneged on their responsibility. I am proud to say – I was NOT one of them.
Dorothy Tetro
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