[Muncle]

This is a quarterly meeting to address specific questions. I think a recent issue of the Village Voice asked for inputon the questions. Undoubtedly, some of the answers won't satisfy some folks, but here they are.

VHA REGIONAL DIRECTORS AND NEIGHBORHOOD REPRESENTATIVES QUESTIONS/ ANSWERS:
CENTER DISTRICT AND DEVELOPER’S REPRESENTATIVES

1. The new Customer Service Number has been a very positive move and is very much appreciated. From our perspective we believe it has been very successful. Are there plans for additional changes that will further facilitate accessing assistance from the Center District or Center District services?
Thank you from Janet Tutt for the acknowledgement, they are also pleased with the reception and effectiveness of the new customer service center and number (753-4508). More changes are coming and new ideas are welcome. The District is re-visiting the possibility of accepting charge cards to pay amenity and utility fees – the major hurdle has been the cost charged by the credit card companies.

2. The annual traffic study was to be conducted during February. Are there any results that can be reported at this time and if not when will the results be available? A related question is what is the status of Sumter County’s recommendation for traffic on Morse Boulevard North of CR 466?

3. It is has been suggested that Buena Vista and El Camino Real are two roads that should have 45 mph speed limits. The complaint is that 35 mph is “torture on the average driver” and 45 mph is quite safe on these roads. It is also being suggested that Morse Boulevard south of CR 466 should also have a 45 mph speed limit. Would someone please comment on this?

4. The intersection of Parr Drive and Buena Vista crossing over to Laurel Manor Drive is very dangerous. Is there anything that can be done to make this a safer intersection (not withstanding the previous question)?

This answer applies to questions 2-3-4: The traffic study is conducted by The Villages for the respective counties. All the roads and traffic signs, lights, etc. in Sumter County are the responsibility of Sumter County. In Marion County, Buena Vista is the responsibility of Marion County; all other roads are CDD #4’s responsibility. In the Lady Lake portion of The Villages it is the Town’s responsibility in the other portions of Lake County it is Lake County’s responsibility to maintain the roads.The results of the traffic study will be used by the appropriate County. It is up to them to release the results of the study. We were reminded that the roads are NOT the responsibility of the Center Districts, the Developer or the VHA. It is often counter-productive to pursue traffic related issues through these groups rather than with the respective counties. It was suggested that, in the case of County roads, questions or calls be directed to the County Administrator in the appropriate County.
In the case of Sumter County, the County Commission meets in The Villages at least once a month at the Colony Cottage Recreation Center. This is an opportunity to address concerns to the Commissioners. Meeting times are listed in the Daily Sun and in The Voice.
With respect to the issue of increasing the speed limit it was suggested that this would not necessarily be a good idea. It was pointed out that in Daytona Beach, a town with a similar population to our community, traffic congestion is a problem; it is much easier and faster to get around in The Villages than it is in Daytona Beach. Increasing the speed limit above 35 mph would not only compromise safety it would prevent LSV from travelling on these roads.

5. Several people have favorably commented on the new stripping and reflectors in the Golf Cart tunnels. Thank you for addressing this issue and for installing the reflectors on the nose of the islands on the Golf Cart path that runs along CR 466. However, on a related issue some people have complained that the cart tunnels are not being cleaned out frequently enough. What are the procedures for cleaning these tunnels and who do we contact if we see a tunnel that is not being properly maintained or kept clean?
At present tunnel cleaning and maintenance is done in response to work orders that are issued on an as needed basis. As the number of tunnels has increased significantly, the Center District is investigating putting these on a regular schedule of cleaning. If there is a particular tunnel that needs cleaning or repair it was suggested that we call Customer Service at 753-4508 and report the issue along with the tunnel number.

6. It was pointed out that the tunnel along Wedgewood Lane leading to the Wal-Mart is not numbered. Can this please be corrected?
This will be corrected.

7. What are the procedures for lost and found articles and most importantly how can we work together to more effectively communicate this information to the residents? It was pointed out that an article in the Daily Sun or in the Voice is a one-time event and if people miss seeing the article the information is lost.
Information is printed in the Recreation Guide, which is available at all Regional Recreation Centers and it is listed on the web-site (www.districtgov.org). Essentially the procedure is that all items found north of CR 466 are ultimately brought to Hacienda Center and south of CR 466 they are brought to Laurel Manor. Many items are turned-in at the Sales Office and after a few days these are also brought to the appropriate Recreation Center if they are not claimed.
8. There is trailer parked at Chula Vista that has a supply of ‘pine-straw’. Apparently this trailer has been in the parking lot for several weeks and this is unsightly and is occupying several parking spaces. What can be done about getting this trailer moved?
It has been removed.

9. There are concerns that in-area passes are not fair. According to the complaint, children and grand-children living in the tri-county area can get in-area passes while someone’s brother or other close relative living in the tri-county area can’t even get a guest passes. If this is correct, what can be done to make the qualifications for in-area and guest IDs more equitable?
The current policy was agreed to by a focus group about one-year ago. Any suggestions for changes should be brought to the RAC or the soon to be established AAC for consideration. There are pros and cons to the current policy of in-area guest passes and these could be reviewed by the new AAC; the recommendations of the AAC will guide the Recreation Department in this matter.

10. The frequency of train traffic along the CSX lines at the northern edge of The Villages, in Marion County, has increased significantly as has the frequency of the trains’ warning blast. The frequency of the trains is expected to increase even further. The noise disrupts sleep and the community tranquility. Apparently the Federal Railroad Administration has a procedure that can give communities some relief if flashing lights and gates are in place. Since most of the crossings along CR 42 already have crossing gates does the Center District have any suggestions or offers of support to help get the blowing of the trains’ warning blast stopped in those areas that are close to the residential property (primarily along CR 42 near The Villages)?
This is a matter for CSX and Marion County. The District offered no suggestions nor assistance at this time.

11. Some seasonal residents, or others who just travel for months at a time, want to know why they must pay for trash pick-up when they are away. Some explain that “up north” when they are away for more than 3 weeks at a time they can suspend trash pick-up and then do not have to pay for the service. Can something similar be done here in The Villages?

12. We have had more than a few complaints that residents have seen the regular trash collection crew collect the ‘recycle’ bags and throw them in with the regular trash. If we have to pay extra for the special bags and we have to pay extra for the recycling why are the crews doing this?
On a related issue, some residents do not want to participate in recycling and do not want to pay the $1.49 per month. They feel that recycling makes money and they don’t understand why we have to pay extra for this unwanted service. Can you please comment on this?

13. It seems the garbage trucks that pick-up on Golden Grove in the Village of Sabal Chase are backing up the truck rather than using the cul-de-sac to turn around in. When the Neighborhood Representative called the utility to ask about this she was told it was “none of your damn business”. This response is clearly not acceptable and we are asking what can be done about the attitude of the CSR and the issue that was being asked about?
The following response applies to items 11-12-13: There are 45 people collecting the trash and there is training to be sure they put the appropriate materials in the appropriate trucks. This is improving as the crews get more experience with the new system. The Customer Service department is also undergoing continual training in responding to customer’s calls; obviously the story related above is not acceptable.
The trucks used in The Villages are specially designed to be small enough to turn around in all the cul-de-sacs to avoid the need to back-up. The situation described will be reviewed with the company handling the trash collection.
If seasonal residents or others who are away for extended times did not pay for trash collection when they are not here, the other residents would have to pay more to cover the costs. The current system spreads the costs equally among all homeowners. The trucks have to drive the same distance and with the same crews even if they are passing homes with no trash; this is the major cost of trash collection.
The Villages has always been environmentally conscious and has worked very hard to find an affordable way to do recycling in the community. With the advent of the new local transfer station in Wildwood and the recycling center in the Orlando area this became possible. The cost is minimal considering that the recycled material has to be hauled to a separate location and separate trucks are required for the pick-up.
For cosmetic and convenience reasons, The Villages has always operated without the use of trash bins. For the same reason, they are not using recycle bins. This way, once the trash and the recycle materials are collected there aren’t any bins or containers left in the neighborhood.

14. Are there plans to consolidate the numbered CDD’s in the future into a single CDD or single government entity?
The simple answer is no. The way our CDD governments work the people are closer to their government officials. There are several inter-local agreements in place so that economies of scale can be used where appropriate and especially where it saves time and money.

15. There is a rumor that the Developer has recently purchased more land along CR 466 or has recently exercised an option on an additional 10,000 acres. Is there any truth to this rumor and if so can you comment on the plans for this land?
There is no truth to the rumor that The Villages of Lake-Sumter Inc., has recently exercised an option on an additional 10,000 acres. The work going on across the road from the Hope Lutheran Church is land mitigation only. This was previously a peat mining operation that has moved out and the land is being reclaimed.

16. Some residents have observed that the roof pitch of many of the new homes is different than what was used in the past. Is the roof pitch being changed and if so is it purely cosmetic or are their other reasons for the change?
Changes have been made in some of the new home designs; this is for cosmetic reasons only.

17. There is a growing and persistent rumor that Tierra Del Sol Restaurant is about to close and that this is something the Developer would like to see happen so that they can sell the property to the Center District to make money? A similar rumor keeps surfacing relating to the Orange Blossom Restaurant. Would you please comment on the situation regarding both of these restaurants?
The developer is a home builder and a commercial landlord. Therefore, they want all the commercial businesses to be successful and to continue to pay rent. The owners of Orange Blossom Gardens have recently signed a new 5 year lease. Tierra Del Sol continues to be a viable, successful business as far as anyone knows. They have recently renovated the interior of the dining room to permit live entertainment and dancing.

18. One of the issues that appeared on the Sumter 2030 survey was the issue of water limitations for the growth of Sumter County. Are there any water limitations that are or are expected to limit the future development of The Villages, either residential or commercial development? Do you anticipate any future restrictions on development plans due to water or other resource issues?
At present water supply is adequate for the continued development of the community and as long as everyone continues to do their part and conserve water we should be okay but nobody knows what the future holds. Last year was an unusually dry year and the state and water management districts instituted water restrictions.
The state has mandated new tiered water rates that will be coming into effect in the near future. There was a recent article in the Daily Sun describing the new tiered water rate system. The expectation is that there will be no significant in change in the water charges for people who are responsible consumers; on the other hand there will be higher costs for those who do not conserve.

19. Are there any new developments or commercial developments that anyone would like to comment on?
Ground breaking is scheduled in May for a new intermediate care hospital located on CR472 – Rainey Trail. The Promise Health Care Hospital is designed for those people who no longer require traditional hospital stay but are not able to return home. It is designed for stays of from 3 to 30 days. It will be golf cart accessible and is located inside The Villages.
Groundbreaking for the new VA Clinic is tentatively scheduled for mid-June. The final date will be announced shortly in the Daily Sun. This new facility will eliminate the need for many veterans to travel to Gainesville, Jacksonville or Tampa for services; many of these services will be available right here in The Villages facility. The new VA Clinic will be located east of the Public Shopping Center (Mulberry Shopping Center) on CR 42; it will be golf cart accessible for Village Residents. Once construction starts on the new facility it should help Crossman and Sembler attract new merchants to the existing shopping center.