Ed McCrane, Emergency Management Chief will give an overview of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training to prepare us for the 2012 hurricane season. This training is a community project which in time of emergency will help our community to take and follow the necessary steps needed to be prepared in the event of an emergency.

The position of Vice President is up for renewal, and we need nominations, or someone to step forward to help the leadership team move forward to better our association.

We need volunteers for our quarterly park clean up to be held in June, so please be thinking of a date which will work for everyone.

For our June meeting, we are looking at another meet n greet BBQ instead of our regular meeting. We ask for everyone their input for what they want/expect from our association, so please bring your ideas!

We look forward to your participation, and encourage you to invite your neighbors, whether owners or renter’s to attend, as we need all to be involved.

Nora Patterson, Sarasota County Commissioner
Vick French, Sarasota County Neighborhood Grants Coordinator
Sgt Dan. Tutko, Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office
Lt. Pezzella, Sarasota County Sheriff Office

Meeting was held in the recreation center of Bee Ridge Park .
Meeting started @ 6:36p.m. with 17 attendees

President Todd Verity opened the meeting by introducing the Leadership team in attendance as well as our County Officials.

Vicky French gave a brief sewer project update. Project bids have been pushed back to May 2012; Homeowners should be notified by the end of June 2012 when project will begin.

President Verity addressed the association regarding nominations are now due for Secretary and Treasurer per Association bylaws . President Verity asked if anyone was interested in becoming a member of the Leadership team. I, as Secretary have agreed to continue on at this time. Rue Smith has agreed to continue as Association Treasurer.

Treasurers Report
No report available, Rue Smith out due to prior commitment.

Sheriff’s Report
Sgt. Dan Tutko gave the Sheriff’s report. Sgt. Tutko gave an update on the “Shafer” house, 3211 Jamaica St. Ms. Shafer failed to meet compliance set forth by the “trust” overseeing the property therefore Ms. Shafer was given until April 1st. to vacate the premises or legal action will be taken. Sgt. Tutko introduced the association to a “Crime mapping” website on the internet. Sgt. Tutko gave a brief in-service, explaining how to maneuver around the site. The website is a tool used to monitor criminal activity in your area, by putting in your zip code. To access this web site go to crimemapping.com or you can access it through the Sheriff’s Office Website.

Commissioner Nora Patterson spoke about recent auto burglaries and that the Sheriff’s Office response time was being questioned. Lt. Pezzella responded by assuring everyone that they get to the call as quickly as possible and explained the amount of time spent on other calls ie; assist other agencies, deaths etc. Both the Sgt and Lt. stressed to importance of always locking your vehicles. Do not leave valuables inside, not even in the trunk, leave them at home. When home ,leave doors and windows locked and be cautious when answering doors when the person/s are not familiar to you.

President Verity addressed that this time of year is when you will begin to encounter venous snakes. If you should come across a venomous snake, contact animal control or the Sheriff Office. Do not attempt to handle it yourself.

The next scheduled Park Clean up is due to be held in June, date and time TBA.

President Verity asked for any questions or concerns

Next meeting of the BRPNA is scheduled for May 7th, 2012 @ 6:30 p.m.

The meeting was adjourned @ 7:06 p.m.

Don’t forget to attend the Monthly Meeting on Monday, April 2nd at 6:30 p.m. in the
Community Center at Bee Ridge Park!

Hope to see everyone there!

A community organic vegetable and herb garden at Bee Ridge Park is opening soon.
Bee Ridge Growers is seeking a neighborhood grant from Sarasota County Government to fund the
opening of the garden. We will know in late June if we have been approved for the grant.

The garden will be located at the northeast corner of the park where the horseshoe pits
are currently.
Several gardeners have already expressed an interest in participating.
Volunteers are also needed to help with labor in establishing the garden.

Garden Membership is open to all Sarasota County residents.
Various gardening plot sizes are available. The minimal annual fee will correspond to your plot size.

For more information or to request a membership application please send an email to Edie Duff-Loesch at sniderloes@aol.com

Vick French, Sarasota County Neighborhood Grants Coordinator
Sgt Joe Giasone, Sarasota County Sheriff’s Dept.
Dep. Vince Riva, Sarasota County Sheriff Office, Crimes Prevention Division

Meeting was held in the recreation center of Bee Ridge Park .
Meeting started @ 6:30p.m. with 16 attendees

President Todd Verity opened the meeting by introducing the Leadership team in attendance as well as our County Officials

President Verity introduced Dep. Riva of the Sarasota County Crime Prevention unit to discuss re establishing our Citizens Patrol. Dep. Riva discussed the benefit of the patrol in crime deterrence.
Our association is in possession of magnetic Patrol signs for the vehicle on patrol at the time, a log book for name, date and time of your patrol, a flashlight and cell phone to contact 911 if necessary. Each patrol requires 2 people and each patrol commits to 2 hours per month. Dep. Riva discussed the difference between the citizens patrol and a neighborhood watch program. Our neighborhood is very large and that would make it difficult in forming a watch program. Being aware of the activity in your neighborhood and reporting suspicious activity should be practiced daily.

Treasurers ReportNo report available, Rue Smith out due to illness.

Sheriff’s Report

Sgt Joe Giasone introduced himself to the association and gave a brief Sheriff’s report. The association was informed that “Morgan Shaffer” of 3211 Jamaica has been placed in a treatment facility by her trustees and the illegal activity at that location should dissipate. Sgt Giasone discussed the role of the Sheriff office within our community and the importance of working with them Sgt. Giasone works 3p.m. to 3a.m. and handed out his card for anyone who wants to contact him.

The park clean up was held on February 25th. Association member Don Collins Scout Master for troop 50 brought his boy scouts to assist with the clean up, 34 bags of garbage/ debri was removed from the park.

Association members Edie Duff Loesch and Shana Marvin gave a presentation of the proposed plans for the Bee Ridge Park Community Garden. A drawing of the garden and its location was shown. Ms. Marvin & Ms. Loesch discuss the benefits of a community garden. A petition required as part of the grant petition was passed around for signatures as well as a volunteer sheet.

President Verity asked for any questions or concerns

The meeting was adjourned @ 7:45 p.m.

Meeting was held in the recreation center of Bee Ridge Park .
Meeting started @ 6:30p.m. with 25 attendees

President Todd Verity opened the meeting by having the Leadership team, introduce themselves to the attending members. President Verity Discussed forming a bylaws committee before our next scheduled meeting. Association members Steve Hepfer and Brent Frye volunteered to sit on the committee.

President Verity discussed new sign verbage and Treasurer Rue Smith gave the cost of the new sign “Floaters” @ $ 18.00 each. The associated voted to proceed with the purchase.

The next park clean up is scheduled for Feb. 25, 2012 10 a.m. to 12 noon with a BBQ to follow.

Vickie French spoke about the community garden grant project ie: location of the garden, grant process etc. She will hold another grant workshop on Sunday Feb. 12,2012 from 3-5 p.m. This workshop will be held at the Bee Ridge Park community room.

President Verity approached the association about looking at alternatives to the “Citizens Patrol” such as forming block patrols.

Sheriff’s Report

Sgt Dan Tutko gave a brief Sheriff’s report. Our neighborhood has a new Sgt. Who transferred from Venice. The Sgt. Will be rotating with Sgt. Tutko. Sgt Tutko discussed recent car and residential burglaries. These continue to be a problem. The most recent car burglaries involved 2 juveniles who were caught and confessed to the crimes. Sgt. Tutko stressed the importance of locking your vehicles .
,windows and doors. Do not leave personal items in the vehicle as they attract attention. If you see suspicious activity, contact the Sheriff office.

President Verity discussed the possibility of having park clean ups after Softball games that would include selling hotdogs, chips and drinks to earn money for the association.

President Verity asked members for any further questions or concerns.

The meeting was adjourned @ 7:35 p.m.

Meeting was held in the recreation center of Bee Ridge Park .
Meeting started @ 6:35p.m. with 26 attendees

President Todd Verity opened the meeting by having the Leadership team, introduce themselves to the attending members. President Verity introduced Commissioner Patterson who briefly updated the association on current County Business regarding Search for a new County Administrator. She invited all to attend 1 of 2 “meet the candidates”, one meeting will be held in South County, and another meeting will be held in North County. The new speed signs have been ordered and the new lights for the park should be up and running by spring. Commissioner Patterson pledged her continued support to our association.

Bill Payne, VP of Arrow Plumbing was introduced by President Verity to discuss the sewer hookup project. Mr. Payne discussed the paperwork and steps involved regarding the financing process with the county and the plumber, etc. Mr. Payne prefers to visit each job site and estimate it. Sarasota County offers a $1000.00 credit if hook up, tank filled and crushed within 90 days. All fee’s must be paid in advance. You can get an extension on the 90 days by contacting the County. All info can be found online by contacting Sarasota County Sewer Project. A homeowner has the right to pull their own permit and run their own line, a license is only required for filling and crushing the tank.
Old Business
Rue Smith, Treasurer gave a report. We currently have a balance of $219.00.

Sheriff’s Report
Sgt Bridgit Leonard gave a brief Sheriff’s report. There have been few incidences since our last meeting; report of an unlocked vehicle and a residential burglary attempt. Sgt Leonard spoke about the woman who was car jacked at gun point at Ashton Post office and stressed the importance of always being aware of your surroundings.

President Verity spoke about forming a committee to investigate the Community garden project for the spring.

Steve Tamilio, Citizens Patrol Coordinator addressed the Association about re establishing the Citizens Patrol and the requirements of all those who patrol ( 2 hours a month per patrol member) We will discuss further at the December 5, 2011 meeting.

Our quarterly park cleanup is scheduled for November 19, 2011 from 9-12 With a BBQ to follow.

December 3, 2011 BRPNA will host it’s annual Yard Sale. Tables are $10.00 each.

The meeting was adjourned @ 7:30 p.m.