I just got off the phone with the deed compliance office.

[Talk Host]

There is a guy who lets his black lab run every morning around the Calumet area without a leash. He lets it run anywhere it wants to go, even up onto the golf course fairways. He just walks along and looks at it. One morning I shook my finger at him in a "naughty, naughty" gesture. He scrunched up his face and jabbed his index finger back toward me in a menacing fashion

I called the deed compliance office this morning. Their response was that I have to follow the guy home and get his address and call them back. I explained that I should not be put in the position of being a detective. I said, that I don't know how this guy would react if I began to follow him. I said I think he could charge me with stalking. The lady I was talking to said that I would have to "follow him in a discreet manner, so he wouldn't see me." I'm afraid I almost laughed in her ear.

I told them that he is out with the dog every day at the same time in the same area, can't the Villages neighborhood watch take care of it. The answer was "NO."

Here are the options as I see them:

He can continue to hold himself above everybody else and be allowed to do it. That's selective enforcement and therefor everybody can do it.

The dog it going to bite somebody.

The dog it going to get run over by a car.

None of the above is particularly appealing.

[JohnN]

Seems there ought to be a way to escalate issues of rules not being enforced.
You have a very valid issue.

[Reggie]

Try calling the Community Watch they may be able to help you.

[Best Mom]

Two guys were breaking into my neighbor's house who are up North. This was the end of May. I quick called neighborhood watch. They did nothing as it was shift change so no one could come for an hour!!!She would not call the police. Time was running out so I put my pug on a lease and went outside where he got to barking and scared them off. I did follow up and that is another long story but I was so scared for so long and the watch is useless!
Add that to my finding out this morning that the Villages cut the position of the exterminator and our pool is full of rats. >:(

[chelsea24]

Jan, I don't know all the levels to go through, but I certainly wouldn't follow him home yourself. He's already made an angry gesture at you. I would probably call the Village Watch, they were really on the ball with my neighbors problem. And if that didn't work I would call the Sheriff's office directly and ask for advice. They you're at least armed with "When I spoke to the sheriff, etc. . . " if you have to call some of these places back again.

Another thing I might do (but could be a woman thing) is have a friend or two follow him to his house because he'd already spotted my face! I call it a woman thing because most GF's come to each other's aide quicker than men! LOL Now, don't pounce on me guys! :o

[English Ivy]

I picked up a list of Villages phones numbers to call for variety of different scenarios. It lists the numbers for Animal Control in Sumter, Lake and Marion Counties and indicates they should be called for all pet concerns such as stray dogs, owners not picking up after their dogs, etc. Talk Host, I believe you're in Marion County. That number is 694-0078. I would call them. If anyone is interested in getting this phone number list, I got it at the Villages Customer Service Office on Wedgewood.

Mcelheny, why didn't you call 911 if you saw someone breaking into your neighbor's home?

[samhass]

Your pool is full of rats? Are they swimming in the pool? IS it your personal pool or a community pool? If it's a community pool I can't believe no one else has reported this.

As for the break in, that is a criminal act and the Sheriffs Dept should have been called immediately. I wouldn't risk harm to myself or my animal over a suspected robbery. If they are armed, you and your pug could both be shot to death.





Two guys were breaking into my neighbor's house who are up North. This was the end of May. I quick called neighborhood watch. They did nothing as it was shift change so no one could come for an hour!!!She would not call the police. Time was running out so I put my pug on a lease and went outside where he got to barking and scared them off. I did follow up and that is another long story but I was so scared for so long and the watch is useless!
Add that to my finding out this morning that the Villages cut the position of the exterminator and our pool is full of rats. >:(

[Best Mom]

i did call 911. Others have reported and they have set out bait. Not in pool ...around the pool and this public pool had never had rats before this year gotta go

[Talk Host]

It sure didn't take long for this thread to be hijacked. ???

[handieman]

I'm no detective Jan however I might approach this problem with this idea. Take some pictures of the dog running free and try to include the lack of proximity of the man to the dog. Take the pictures to the next meeting of (help me here) deed compliance directors?? Maybe the the local Village elders. Whatever their called, back home we called them Code Enforcement Officers. If this doesn't bring results then go to the next higher level. Noncompliance with deed restrictions and covenants can only lead to a breakdown of the very structure we love about the Villages. I'm very patient with non compliance type of people till it effects me directly then the hair raises on the back of my neck. Don't let this slide Jan and good luck
Handie :joke:

[Muncle]

i did call 911. Others have reported and they have set out bait. Not in pool ...around the pool and this public pool had never had rats before this year gotta go

Sorry to continue with the hijacking, but did they set out the bait for the rats or the burglars? I know it works for both, but just curious.

[JohnN]

handie, I agree it should be escalated, but it's just shameful one has to do that.
It means people aren't doing their jobs and don't care. Now Jan is having to put forth some extra time and effort (and expense too) in doing all this stuff when his phone call should have been sufficient.

I'm displeased with the dog guy - and the enforcement folks.

[barb1191]

Has anyone ever thought of contacting the organization that is a great advocate for the peeps in TV, as well as exposing these issues? Yes, the POA!! If you want someone to support your issues and stand by you until resolve, can't think of a better partner than the POA.

Some say they gripe and whine too much, however, they make themselves heard and do something about it. They are there to support YOU in whatever the cause. They are action oriented, and, similar to TOTV, are non-existent to the developer.

barb

[Peggy D]

Jan,

What about calling the SPCA? Is there one close to TV?

I know they would be interested in a dog running loose.

[Talk Host]

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/talkofthevillages/7226_whitecollarcrime_tooncopycopy1.jpg

[Talk Host]

It would be soooooo much better if we could keep the threads on topic. Pleeeeeze don't highjack threads. Start a new one. :bow:

[redwitch]

Maybe we could do a doggy convoy. You tell us the time and we could all show up in our golf carts, do the "naughty naughty" at him and follow him home all the while taking pictures. His arm would get tired waving that magic middle finger. hehe If nothing else, I bet he'd end up going a different route.

[ConeyIsBabe]

If I may ask .............. what is this Village Watch? Is it volunteers ? or paid employees? Just curious. However, if they are paid employees - their service is very disappointing !

[Talk Host]

If I may ask .............. what is this Village Watch? Is it volunteers ? or paid employees? Just curious. However, if they are paid employees - their service is very disappointing !


They are paid employees of the Villages. I do know that one of their responsibilities is to observe and report any little ceramic bunnies that may be on the front porch. My wife got a written citation from the Villages for having an 8 inch white ceramic bunny next to a bush. It was clearly a violation of deed restrictions. She'll be out in 2 more years.

[gemorc]

The Villages is operated just like any other corporation in a downturn economy. The first thing you cut is customer service. Many of the service operations in The Villages, have suffered from a reduction in manpower. It is expected that the remaining personnel cover for the missing and maintain their own job descriptions. Sounds good on paper but we all know how well it works. Many of the services performed in the past, and expected by many of us, were eliminated completely. We should accept that the services we received in the past will no longer be provided or downsized completely.

[784caroline]

Back home in N Va the community we live in (3000 homes) has fairly strict by-laws but when it comes to barking dogs or other issues involving animals they tell you to call the police or animal control...they want nothing to do with family pets.

[samhass]

Jan, Do you visit with her? If so, she may know someone in the pokey that can help you with your problem. 1rnfl 1rnfl






They are paid employees of the Villages. I do know that one of their responsibilities is to observe and report any little ceramic bunnies that may be on the front porch. My wife got a written citation from the Villages for having an 8 inch white ceramic bunny next to a bush. It was clearly a violation of deed restrictions. She'll be out in 2 more years.

[barb1191]

Maybe we could do a doggy convoy. You tell us the time and we could all show up in our golf carts, do the "naughty naughty" at him and follow him home all the while taking pictures. His arm would get tired waving that magic middle finger. hehe If nothing else, I bet he'd end up going a different route.


RW..... You have a great suggestion there. Sure would put him in his place and doubt that Jan would ever have to deal with him again.... Go for it. Get the "TOTV PEEPS WATCH" after the critter. ....barb

[Hancle704]

I don't believe that The Neighborhood Watch or whatever they are called now, have any police powers. Lease laws are enforced by County or Local Police through their Animal Control Officer's if they have these laws on their books. Call 911 if you spot a possible criminal activity (IE, house break in or, suspicious vehicles) crime prevention works best if neighbors watch out for their neighbors.

If you spot any rats(4 legged variety) around neighborhood pools just make a call to Village District Office. if you don't get a favorable response, then take it directly to Janet Tutt, District Administrator. A digital photo or one taken on your mobile phone will work wonders if you send it to Ms Tutt's Office.

[llaran]

HOW CAN DEED RESTRICTIONS BE ENFORCED? I DON'T THINK THE SHERIFF CAN ACT BECAUSE IT'S NOT A COUNTY LAW. ONE OF THE NEWS CNANNELS HAD A REPORT ABOUT THIS SUBJECT BUT I FORGOT TO WATCH.

[Talk Host]

HOW CAN DEED RESTRICTIONS BE ENFORCED? I DON'T THINK THE SHERIFF CAN ACT BECAUSE IT'S NOT A COUNTY LAW. ONE OF THE NEWS CNANNELS HAD A REPORT ABOUT THIS SUBJECT BUT I FORGOT TO WATCH.


I have the same question. For example, it is a violation to have have a political sign in your front yard. If you put on there and refuse to remove it, what are they going to do, what can they do?

[Boomer]

I have the same question. For example, it is a violation to have have a political sign in your front yard. If you put on there and refuse to remove it, what are they going to do, what can they do?


It seems like deed restrictions are only really as good as the ability to enforce them.

There are some deed restrictions that are a lot like that Invisible Fence thing people have for their dog. There's a battery in the dog's collar. The ads say that the collar gives a "gentle correction" if the dog tries to leave the yard. Once they are trained, most dogs agree to staying in the yard. Maybe because they like it in the yard. Maybe because their people are in the yard. Or maybe because they don't want to risk that "gentle correction." First it's a beep. And then it's a quick zap. But that's pretty much all that collar's got. Kind of like a lot of deed restrictions.

Every once in awhile, there is a pushy dog. And that dog does not care about the "gentle correction." That's a dog that just wants to do what he wants to do. And sometimes that pushy dog finds out that the battery in its collar is actually dead. No more beep. No more zap. Nothing.

And then that pushy dog is out there all the time. Running up and down the street. Doing whatever he wants to do. People chasing him. Yelling at the dog to get back in the yard. Trying to get all the neighbors to chase and yell, too.

Yep. Lots of deed restrictions are like those invisible fences.

I sure don't know anything about how those deed restrictions are enforced in TV. But I do know that everybody seems to like it there. And Villagers understand the deed restrictions and the need to have them. Villagers seem to agree to those deed restrictions. Most Villagers anyway.

Boomer

[chacam]

I believe The VIllages can be sued for not enforcing deed restrictions. And home owners can be sued by The Villages for violations.

[Boomer]

I believe The VIllages can be sued for not enforcing deed restrictions. And home owners can be sued by The Villages for violations.


chacam,

I'm guessing you're right.

In my neck of the woods, here in Ohio, deed restrictions started out as nothing much more than a gentlemen's agreement. As the area developed further, deed restrictions got more serious.

In fact, I can remember hearing people saying stuff like, "Oh my! Did you hear that those people who are moving into those new houses over on the old Whoever Farm on Whatever Road have written into their deed restrictions that they can sue each other over them. Oh my! How not neighborly of them."

TV is a sophisticated development. Surely the enforcement is somehow in those deed restrictions. I have wondered from afar. I am interested in knowing.

Boomer

[chacam]

There is indeed an enforcement clause in the declaration of restrictions. It spells out the rights and duties of the home owners as well as the Developer.

And it also includes a lot of other inforrmation that owners should be familiar with. Including dogs.

[Boomer]

Thanks chacam,

I am glad those deed restrictions have some teeth. That's important.

Boomer

[Talk Host]

There is indeed an enforcement clause in the declaration of restrictions. It spells out the rights and duties of the home owners as well as the Developer.

And it also includes a lot of other inforrmation that owners should be familiar with. Including dogs.


Can you be specific? What can the Villages do if the restrictions are violated. Such as a political sign in your yard.

[chacam]

It states in it's entirety:
"All owners shall have the right and duty to prosecute in proceedings at law or in equity against any person or persons violating or attempting to violate any covenants, or reservations, either to prevent him or them from so doing, or to recover damages or any property charges for such violation. The cost of such proceedings, including a reasonable attourney's fee, shall be paid by the party losing said suit. In addition, the Developer shall also have the right but not the duty to enforce any such covenants, conditions or reservations as though Developer were the Owner of the Homesite, including the right to recover reasonable attorney's fees and costs."

Pretty simple and straightforward, huh ? ?

I guess a political sign could be considered a lawn ornament and are prohibited, as well as the little bunny.

Read your covenants.

[llaran]

I live on a street where there were 3 burglaries and my neighbor had a alarm system installed; he can not have the alarm system sign outside, he had to put in a window.

[Happy62]

Take a picture of him and post it totv... someone will recognized him and blow the whistle.............. :bigthumbsup:

[collie1228]

Talk Host, I'm sorry that I can't help you with the problem, but I can commiserate with you. I'm a dog owner who NEVER allows his dog off leash or out of the fenced yard. That's because I respect your right not to have to deal with dogs. You shouldn't have to. But your comment about the bunny on the lanai is hilarious. I'm still sitting here with a grin on my face. Thanks for the levity!