Dear Friends,
This Holiday Season will be like no other that we have ever had in Venetian Isles.  So many of our neighbors are still unable to live in their homes and are making the really difficult decisions of repair, raise or re-build new.  As I discussed in the November President’s Letter, the VIHA Board is trying to make changes to facilitate the “three R’s” that many in VI are faced with.
The Architectural Review Committee (“ARC”) is ready to assist you with timely review and approval of your plans or suggesting changes to make sure they are compliant with current Deed Restrictions.  Please contact any of the ARC members if you have a question regarding your repair or renovation projects after reviewing the materials posted on our website at http://www.ourvi.org/architectural-review.html
The VIHA Annual Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at Lutheran Church of the Cross.  A “social” starts at 6:30pm with the actual meeting starting at 7:00pm. A Zoom option will be available for those who cannot attend in person.  The link will be sent out in advance of the meeting.  The agenda will include the following topics:

• Election of VIHA Board Members for 2025;
  Discussion of proposed additional Deed Restrictions (“DR”) and revisions to certain current DRs, which may include:
  
• o  DR 3 - revising the placement of buildings or structures on cul-de-sac lots if approved by the City;
  

o  DR 8 - approval of non-corrosive metal roofing materials;
o  DR 10 – clarification that garages are required, need to been closed and must be at least 400 sq. ft.;
o  DR 42 - revising the required navigable width of waterways from 80’ to 50’ facilitating the placement of docks within far North and South ends of the interior canals;
o  DR 50 - Allow voting on future VIHA matters via “electronic” means:

•  A presentation by Modern Movers (www.modernmovers.com) on the process and considerations for raising an existing home;
  

• Presentations by invited guests.
  

We strongly encourage you to attend the Annual Meeting.  We need your input, we need your ideas, and we need your support of the DR revisions when ballots are distributed to property owners, especially since many of the proposed changes will help your neighbors who need to repair or rebuild as a result of the hurricanes.  Remember, we need 66.7%approval on any DR addition/amendment, so your vote is crucial.
Also, if you are on social media, I’d encourage you to “like” the “Venetian Isles of St. Petersburg, FL” page on Facebook.  This page is supported by VI residents Jeff and Claire Copeland.
As I mentioned last month, the traditional seawall candle lighting on December 24 starting at 5:30pm will be limited to Grand Canal Boulevard.
I hope everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the holiday season despite some of the challenges many of us are still facing as we rebuild.  I wish you all a you all a happy, healthy 2025!
Sincerely,
Rich Scanlon
VIHA President
[email protected]

November 22, 2024

Dear Friends,
On November 19, the VIHA Board convened to discuss the steps necessary to help our community recover from the flooding and devastation caused by two recent hurricanes.  While the Board doesn’t have all the answers, we recognize that rebuilding will take time given that so many homes in our neighborhood suffered significant damage.  Our focus is on serving as a resource and facilitating a smoother rebuilding process. This includes:
1. Expediting building and renovation approvals through the Architectural Review Committee.
2. Considering amendments to certain Deed Restrictions (DRs) to accommodate updated building techniques requested by property owners who are rebuilding and repairing their homes.

Highlights from the November 19 Board Meeting:

Annual Meeting Date: The VIHA Annual Meeting is scheduled for January22, 2025.  Board Elections will take place at this meeting. If you are interested in joining the Board, please contact me or another Board member for more information about responsibilities and the nomination process. Our new City Councilman, Mike Harting, has been invited to the meeting to introduce himself to the community.

Home Elevation Presentation: Modern Movers (www.modernmovers.com), specialists in home elevation, gave a brief presentation. Board member Mark Scribano is currently working with them to raise his own house. Representatives will attend the VIHA Annual Meeting in January to share insights with the community.

Aluminum Roofing Materials: A group of residents requested the Board consider amending the DRs to allow aluminum roofing, an alternative to the current metal “barrel tile” products currently permitted.

DR Amendments Under Consideration:
• Allowing aluminum roofing materials.
• Implementing electronic balloting for DR revisions and Board elections.
• Revisiting the previously defeated DR amendment to lower the approval threshold for new or amended DRs to 60%.
• Other proposed amendments will be presented at the Annual Meeting.

Christmas Eve Seawall Candles: This year, candle lighting will be limited to the Grand Canal Boulevard. Unfortunately, the Hospitality Committee will not be selling candles and bags.

Annual Dues: Despite increased operating expenses related to storm damage and insurance, annual dues will remain at $200 per property for2025.

Debris Removal Updates from the City:
• Homeowners must separate debris into appropriate piles without using plastic trash bags (Vegetative Debris, Fencing Material, Electronics, Appliances and building materials /furniture). It will take multiple sweeps for the City to collect everything, however, they are aiming to complete the removal by early January to qualify for FEMA reimbursement.
• Debris that fits into a regular trash can will be collected on normal pick-up days.
• The City has not yet confirmed how they will handle large numbers of trash bags left at the curb; regular collection will not pick up the bags unless they are placed in a trash can.

Drain Fly Infestation: Many homes areexperiencing an issue with persistent “drain flies,” which are likely comingfrom the sewer system. Our exterminator recommends closing drains when not inuse. If anyone has additional solutions, please share them with me and I will communicate them out.
We strongly encourage you to attend the Annual Meeting on January 22, 2025, at Lutheran Church of the Cross. A Zoom option will be available for those who cannot attend in person.  We need your input, we need your ideas and we need your support of the DR revisions when those get rolled out, especially since they may help your neighbors who need to rebuild.  Remember, we need 66.7% approval on any DR addition/amendment so your vote is crucial.
Thank you for your support. Together, we will navigate this recovery process.


Sincerely,
Rich Scanlon
VIHA President
[email protected]