Park updates, Snowbirds and the RA!

It's my favorite time of year - Fall! A perfect time to reflect and embrace the change in season (and temps)! 

It is also a great time to update you on what we are working on:

• We've finished the "stainless steel" upgrades to the pier! Expensive, but when dealing with saltwater, its the only way to go!
• We've finished the drainage projects around the Clubhouse, and boy that too is nice!
• The "compound" fencing improvements are in process, and a new larger area cleared for even more boat and RV storage.
• Next on the agenda is the waterfront pool renovations below, and they are going to be TOP SHELF! 
  • All new pool gutters and tile - out with the old, cracked, and pieced together tiles, and in with a new and modern look!
  • All new pool fencing - out with the chain link and in with a beautiful modern look!
• Look around. NEW HOMES are going in everywhere, and Terra Mar's property values are LOVING it! According to the Volusia County Tax Assessor - the average price of real estate appreciated 8% last year.

It is also that time of year to welcome home our snowbird Residents - welcome back to your winter home! We hope you've had a great summer and bring down your friends and family from "up North" along with some cooler temps that make wintering in Terra Mar such a great place to be! 

​With the snowbirds return comes another FUN SEASON of Resident Association (RA) SOCIAL ACTIVITIES! 

Because of the RA, it can not be said enough how lucky we all are to have so many amazing volunteers creating fun activities for everyone to enjoy! There will be Holiday meals, social get-togethers, BINGO, kids events, outside the community events, and much more for everyone to enjoy. The Bocce group and shuffleboard groups will also kick it into high gear. Come on down and meet your neighbors and get acquainted with some new friends.

Unfortunately, it seems that the return of RA "meetings" brings inevitable questions and confusions.  Therefore, the following FAQ is intended to help people separate what the RA does and what the RA does not do:

Q - What is the RA?
A - It is a Social Group made up of Residents who live in Terra Mar Village organized as a "not for profit corporation."

Q - What is the purpose of the RA?
A - The purpose is to organize activities and promote community involvement that is FUN!

Q - Does the RA have anything to do with running the Park?
A - No, the RA has nothing to do with running the Park. 

Q - Does the RA handle any financial matters for Terra Mar Village?
A - No, the RA has nothing to do with any financial matters of TMV.

Q - Can the RA demand, influence, change, or modify Park rules or common areas?
A - No, the RA is not involved in Park rules or the common areas of TMV.

Q - Some people say the RA is a "conduit" between homeowners and the Park?
A - NO. The RA is not a "conduit" and does not represent the Park, Home Owners, or any Resident of the Park.

Q - Does the RA represent the "legal voice" of the Home Owners, Residents, or the Management of Terra Mar Village?
A - NO. The RA can not represent the Residents or Management of TMV.

Q - Do Terra Mar Village Home Owners have to join the RA?
A - NO. The RA is purely a group of volunteers.

Q - Do the RA and Management cooperate on Social activities and other non-business related projects.
A - YES. Many of the year's social events are the product of cooperation. 

Q - I have questions about my business relationship with Terra Mar Village. Things like my bill, the amenities, ongoing repairs, and general maintenance, any upcoming renovation plans, park rules, selling my house, buying a home, can I put in a shed, trim a tree, my dog, etc.  Can the RA aswer these questions for the Park's managment?
A - NO. The RA can not answer these questions. 

Q - Can the RA someday become a (real) HOA and, therefore, become "the voice" of all homeowners?
A - Absolutely! However, there is a very particular legal protocol that has not been accomplished and documented in writing.

Q - Let's make-believe that the RA may someday becomes a legal HOA. Would that allow the RA to tell the Park what to do? Can a real HOA take over and run the Park?
A - NO. A Mobile Home Park HOA is not like a residential subdivision or condo HOA. The Park is not owned by an HOA. Therefore, the first thing that would have to happen is that the Residents would have to form a legal HOA under FS723, the second step would be for the HOA to purchase the Park. This is the only way for the HOA to control and own Terra Mar Village.

Q - What would it take for Terra Mar Village to become a Resident's owned Park?
A - The Resident's would have to buy the Park.

Q - Is Terra Mar for sale?
A - No, TMV is not for sale.

Q- Sometimes the RA seems to represent that they are more than a Social group. It holds general meetings, elections, and appoints board members and officers.  Having elections, officers, and board members with different opinions, saying different things, can be very confusing. Do these "elections" hold any power or influence over the Park?
A - NO. The RA's elected board has no special powers or influence over the Park.

Q - Setting the election process aside.  At many "general meetings" a small group of people seem to talk about, target, and focus on Terra Mar Village business topics .  These people usually complain and make demands about things that have nothing to do with Social activities. Why does this happen?
A - No one knows precisely.  One issue is that certain RA "board members" (not all, but some) from time to time seem to lose their identity and forget their purpose. Another is that some of the constant complainers are the same people each year, and they have likely already got their answers from Managment and simply don't like the answers received.  When this happens, it can be confusing and distruptive, especially to new people, and that is one of the reasons this FAQ exists.

It is my hope the RA stays true to their mission statement.  I hope these explanations help. I have always been a huge promoter and supporter of the RA.  I applaud the RA, because I love what they do.  

As always, Diane, Jerry, Patty, and myself welcome your thoughts and input. Please feel free to call the office or write: [email protected]

As 2019 comes to end and the Holidays roar alive with goodwill and good cheer - I extend my gratitude and good wishes to all.

​See you around the village,
-KJW-