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2.3.12 Venetian eSplash - meeting time and location updates
My apologies for the late notice for last night’s meeting to hear the presentations of two local pool management companies. We had difficulties finding a meeting space, and the pool house seemed a little too cold for comfort this time of year!
Pool Management Company Presentations—Part 2
Another two local pool management companies are being considered. We will be hearing their presentations on this Monday, February 6, at 7:30 PM, in the meeting room of the Decatur/DeKalb YMCA, 1100 Clairemont Avenue, Decatur 30030.
Board of Directors Meeting, February 13, 7:30 PM
The meeting place and time for the next Board of Directors meeting has changed. It will now be at 7:30 PM in the meeting room of the Decatur/DeKalb YMCA, 1100 Clairemont Avenue, Decatur 30030. The date is the same.
Submitted by Sophia Brothers Peterman, communications@venetianpools.org
posted 2/3/2012 8:28:07 AM
2.2.12 Venetian eSplash
February greetings! It is the heart of winter, but the diving board is being resurfaced and plans are being made to bring you a great Venetian pool season.
2012 Dues
Invoices will be mailed out during the first week of February. Annual dues are due March 15. Late payments will be accepted until April 1 with an additional $100 late fee.
Pool Management
We are very pleased that Jessica Berkowitz is returning in 2012 as the Venetian Pools swim team coach. Her teaching skills, stroke techniques, inspiring leadership, rapport with our children, and excellent knowledge of swim team strategy have propelled the Poolsharks through many, many winning seasons!
The Personnel Committee is evaluating the possible outsourcing of the pool staffing and management to a local pool management company. We thank Jessica for her help in this process. The Committee and the Board of Directors will have two sets of presentations by potential pool management companies. Members are welcome to attend, as well. The first set of presentations will be this evening, Thursday, February 2, at 7 PM at the Decatur First United Methodist Church, 300 East Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur 30030 (on the corner of Ponce and Commerce). The second set of presentations will be on Monday, Feb 6, with the time and location to be determined.
As a part of the bidding process, the pool management companies are required to give hiring priority to anyone in the Venetian Pools family who is interested, qualified and/or capable of being employed at the pool. Once a final decision regarding pool management is made, information regarding the hiring process will be distributed and placed on the Venetian Pools website.
Dates and Events
Get out your calendars and mark down these important Venetian Community Pools dates. The dates are also on the calendar on the website, www.venetianpools.org :
· Pool Workday: Saturday, April 14, 9 AM-1 PM
· Opening Day: May 19
· Practice Swim Meet: May 19, 9 AM-12 noon
· Camp:
o Session 1: June 4-15
o Session 2: June 18-29
· Swimathon to benefit CURE: June 23 9AM-12 noon
Decision from the Board of Directors Meeting, January 16
The following decision was made during the January VPCA Board of Directors Meeting. For the complete minutes of the meeting, contact communications@venetianpools.org .
· Additional swim practice in June: M, W, Th 4:45-6:15 PM (practice from 5-6 PM with time for changing the lap lanes)—extra fee will be assessed for those participating
o June 4, 6, 7, 11, 13, 14, 18, 20, 21, 25, 27 (these practices are noted on the website calendar)
o The lap lanes will be short with 3 lanes for swim team; 2 lanes for lap swimmers
Board of Directors Meeting, February 13, 7 PM
The next Board of Directors meeting is on Monday, February 13, at 7 PM, at 487 Burlington Road, NE, Atlanta 30307. Members are welcome. If you have something that you would like the VPCA Board of Directors to discuss, please send it to Flip Hager, president@venetianpools.org .
Submitted by Sophia Brothers Peterman, communications@venetianpools.org
posted 2/2/2012 7:23:15 AM
1.12.2012 Venetian eSplash
Happy New Year from the Venetian Pools Community Association!
VPCA Board of Directors Meeting, January 16, at 7 PM
The next VPCA Board of Directors meeting will be held this Monday, January 16, at 7 PM at 487 Burlington Road, NE, Atlanta 30307. The 2012 budget will be one of the agenda items. If you would like to add something to the agenda, please contact Flip Hager, president@venetianpools.org
Future meeting dates and locations are on the calendar at the Venetian Pools website. Be sure to bookmark the website: www.venetianpools.org
Decisions from the VPCA Board of Directors Meeting, December 12:
· $25,000 approved for Buildings and Grounds projects, starting at the top priorities and those things that need to begin now
· $20,000 of the available cash at end of year will be put into a restricted account for emergencies/equipment replacement
· Next meeting Monday, January 16, 7-9 P.M., at 487 Burlington Road, NE, Atlanta 30307
For the draft meeting minutes, contact Sophia Brothers Peterman, communications@venetianpools.org
Sign-Up for the Volunteers and Events Committee
The Volunteers and Events Committee is looking for members who like planning and partying! Sign-up now to help organize favorite social events from years past and maybe add in a few new ones, too. Contact Lucie André, events-volunteers@venetianpools.org
Calling All Creative Types and Computer Whizzes
The Public Relations and Communications Committee is working on upgrading the Venetian Pools website. Have you ever wished the website offered another feature or had a different layout? Now is the time to contact Sophia Brothers Peterman, communications@venetianpools.org, to help make it happen. This committee will also be working on the upgrade of the parking lot sign on Scott Boulevard.
Submitted by Sophia Brothers Peterman, communications@venetianpools.org
posted 1/11/2012 9:09:49 PM
12.8.2011 Venetian eSplash
Brrrr! It’s beginning to feel a lot like winter! Even though you can see your breath outside, there is still plenty happening with the Venetian Pools Community Association.
VPCA Board of Directors Meeting, December 12, at 7 PM
The next VPCA Board of Directors Meeting will be held this Monday, December 12, at 7 PM in the meeting room at the Decatur/DeKalb YMCA, 1100 Clairemont Avenue, Decatur 30030. If you have something that you would like the VPCA Board of Directors to discuss, please send it to Flip Hager, president@venetianpools.org .
Future meeting dates and locations are on the calendar on the Venetian Pools website. Be sure to bookmark the website: www.venetianpools.org
Decisions from the VPCA Board of Directors Meeting, November 14
The following were decisions made during the November VPCA Board of Directors Meeting. For the complete minutes of the meeting, contact communications@venetianpools.org .
Decisions:
· Jane Blackmon has resigned. It was decided that Jim Heffner, who had the next highest number of votes, will replace the remaining 10 months. He will be able to run for a full term at the end of summer 2012.
· Cheryl Graves will be the Chair of the Membership committee. She will also serve on the Personnel committee.
· The Board of Directors approved a bonus (per her 2011 employment contract) for Jessica’s work as pool manager during the 2011 season.
Membership Committee Sign-Up
Calling all those interested in being on the Membership committee! Are you a people person? Is Judge Judy your role model and heroine? The Membership Committee may be calling your name! It establishes the rules and regulations governing the conduct of all members and creates the policies needed to enforce them, including the method and means for conducting hearings relative to suspension or termination of Membership. It also makes recommendations regarding the initiation fees and yearly dues. Contact Cheryl Graves, vicepresident@venetianpools.org , to sign up.
Submitted by Sophia Brothers Peterman, communications@venetianpools.com
posted 12/8/2011 6:34:52 PM
11.6.2011 eSplash
Yes, leaves are falling but there is still lots going on with the Venetian Pools Community Association.
VPCA Board of Directors Member Change
We are sorry to announce that Jane Blackmon has resigned from the VPCA Board of Directors due to increased responsibilities at work. We are grateful to Jane for her service on the Board of Directors. Jim Heffner, who ran for the Board of Directors this summer, will join the Board of Directors. Several of the Committee Chair positions will shift due to this change.
VPCA Board of Directors Meeting, November 14, at 7 PM
The next VPCA Board of Directors Meeting will be held on Monday, November 14, at 7 PM at Sophia Brothers Peterman’s home, 487 Burlington Road, NE, Atlanta, GA 30307. If you have something that you would like the VPCA Board of Directors to discuss, please send it to Flip Hager, president@venetianpools.org .
Decisions from the VPCA Board of Directors Meeting, October 11
The following were decisions made during the October VPCA Board of Directors Meeting. Please note that the Committee Chair positions may change pending discussion during the November 14 meeting. For the complete minutes of the meeting, contact communications@venetianpools.org .
Decisions:
· New officers and chairs:
o President—Philip Hager
o Vice-President—Cheryl Graves (will serve on Membership, Facilities / Grounds committees)
o Treasurer / Finance—Angie Witz
o Secretary / Communications—Sophia Brothers Peterman
o Membership—Jane Blackmon
o Activities—John Dean
o Personnel—Adam Levy
o Volunteers / Events—Lucie André
o Facilities / Grounds—Matt Moore
· Social Chair was changed to Volunteers / Events
VPCA Committees Need You!
Where do you fit in? Although summer seems a distant memory or a faint future glimmer, Venetian Pools needs you right now as plans and decisions are made to bring you another great year. Find a committee to match your interests and send an e-mail (to the associated address or to communications@venetianpools.org ) today! If you are part of a family, be sure to share this with your spouse/partner.
Ways and Means (treasurer@venetianpools.org ):
Do you have a head for numbers? Does a balance sheet make your heart sing? The Financial Committee may be the one for you! It determines the financial feasibility of VPCA projects and undertakings referred to it by the Board of Directors and makes recommendations with appropriate documentation back to the Board concerning those projects and undertakings.
Public Relations and Communications (communications@venetianpools.org ):
Are you someone who loves to keep everyone “in the know”? Have you never met a bulletin board that you haven’t wanted to fill? You may find satisfaction as a member of the Communications Committee! It establishes programs and budgets for disseminating information to the VPCA Membership, various segments of the community, or the public at large about our membership, programs, activities and facilities. This includes signage, advertising, maintaining an historical record, press releases, printing and disseminating communications.
Buildings and Grounds (grounds@venetianpools.org ):
Are you someone who knows how to handle a hammer? Do you have a special touch with planting containers? Help build the Buildings and Grounds Committee! It works with the maintenance of the buildings, grounds, facilities and equipment of VPCA and submits recommendations, proposals, and budgets to the Board of Directors. This year the Committee would like to have a master gardener who can guide the maintenance and improvement of our current plantings while minimizing, if not eliminating, invasive species. Also this year the Committee would like to have someone who has expertise in estimating the potential costs of a wide range of repairs or improvements, including those associated with buildings and parking areas.
Programs and Activities (activities@venetianpools.org ):
Do you crave those swim meet hot dogs? Does a rousing camp song perk you up better than a cup of joe? Join in the fun of the Activities Committee! It establishes programs and activities, including the Swim Team and the Summer Camp, for the benefit and enjoyment of VPCA members.
Membership (boardmembership@venetianpools.org ):
Are you a people person? Is Judge Judy your role model and heroine? The Membership Committee may be calling your name! It establishes the rules and regulations governing the conduct of all members and creates the policies needed to enforce them, including the method and means for conducting hearings relative to suspension or termination of Membership. It also makes recommendations regarding the initiation fees and yearly dues.
Volunteers and Events (events-volunteers@venetianpools.org ):
Do you love a party? Do you love to help out but don’t know how? Volunteer for the Volunteers and Events Committee for a good time and the good feeling of getting things done! This new committee will ensure that everyone can play a part in making this a great VPCA season. It will organize favorite social events from years past and, if there is interest, a few new things, too. It will also support other committees by organizing and providing needed people power.
Personnel (personnel@venetianpools.org ):
Is “Management” your middle name? Do you have your household running like a finely tuned machine? Employ your talents on the Personnel Committee! It determines the personnel needs of VPCA, including the number and type of personnel positions, job descriptions, recommended salaries and policies regarding salary increases, and, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors, fulfills such needs.
Submitted by Sophia Brothers Peterman, communications@venetianpools.com
posted 11/6/2011 5:32:36 PM
Venetian is now Closed for the 2011 Season
We look forward to seeing you next year!
posted 11/2/2011 7:18:09 PM
Incoming Board candidates' bios are in....
Incoming Board candidates' bios are in....Click HERE to read more!
posted 11/2/2011 6:44:05 PM
New Membership policies and Fees
After much deliberation, and on recommendations from our Ways and Means Committee, the Venetian Pools Board of Directors has made several changes to the membership structure and initiation fees for the 2011 season.
An Amendment to the Bylaws reduces the number of different membership classifications. The new annual membership structure will have two, rather than five catagories: Family or Individual membership. The Family Annual Membership fee for 2011 will be $550.00 per membership; the Individual Annual Membership fee will be $350.00 per membership. The consolidation and rate change will help significantly with the growth of our Capital Fund.
Another aspect that will affect our future membership is the increase in the Initiation Fee. We have changed the policy on the initiation fee for 2011 so that every incoming member as of the 2011 season will pay an initiation fee of $1800.00, regardless of the type of membership. All memberships pay for equal availability of the pool, and therefore should pay the same initiation fee. These increased initiation fees will also be directed to the Capital Fund.
The Capital Expenditure Fund has been instituted so we can replace and rebuild many of the amenities at Venetian Pools. Over the last year, you have seen improvements or replacements to the shower rooms, repairs to the sewer system, a new pool filter, and new deck tables and chairs. The Board of Directors has additional plans for the next phase, including new gutters and plaster for the pool, a new access control system, removal of landscaping problem areas, and more creature comforts for members.
In the longer term, we would like to invest in more accessible parking and improved facilities for grilling/cooking/entertaining. We want Venetian to remain a haven for members and a neighborhood hot spot, but we cannot do this without extensive replacement and rebuilding of infrastructure that is, in some cases, more than 25 years old. We will continue to grow the Capital Fund to accommodate the maintenance and improvements that keep Venetian Pools a special community gem.
If you have questions or comments about the 2011 season membership, please address them to Jane Blackmon (Membership Chair) at boardmembership@venetianpools.org.
posted 11/2/2011 6:43:44 PM
Financial Update and Capital Review
Financially, 2010 was an extremely pivotal year for Venetian. Thankfully, previous years had created a substantial amount of cash reserves and we were able to fund the following items within the first six months of the year.
· $28,000 on capital improvements, including pump and backwash valve replacement, balance tank repairs, and an engineering assessment on the dance hall;
· $ 7,000 in repairs on the snack bar, plumbing in the locker rooms, and repainting the office;
· $10,000 in new pool deck furniture and umbrellas
· January 2011, Primary Sand Filter Replacement
We have also now asked our Summer Camp, Swim Team, and Extended Swim sectors to prepare a budget for 2011. This is the first time the budgets for these activities would be rolled into the overall Venetian budget and is simply to help ensure each area covers the expenses related to that activity with the revenue charged.
Facilities / Capital Review/Debt
As referenced above, in late 2010 we realized that our 20 year old filter was in dire need of replacement. It was originally installed in 1991 and was corroding. Through several meetings with the Ways & Means Committee (myself, Lexie Parker, Flip Hagar, Todd Hill, David Cherry, Bo Vaden, Jane Blackmon) we both worked on reconfiguring our membership revenues, and discussed a reconfiguration of the debt.
The component most complicated in this scenario is that with the pump replacement and filter VPCA had now funded roughly 76K of capital improvements with cash reserves, leaving virtually no cash reserves to cover items that may come up throughout the season. With useful lives of up to 20 years, we felt the debt should be restructured to recoup some of those cash reserves. And, being a non-profit entity, our revenue stream was mostly to cover operating expenses.
We successfully renegotiated our loan with Fidelity Bank, with a 5 year term and fixed rate. Another reason this was necessary was due to the fact the previous loan was at a floating rate. With interest rates moving back up, we were concerned to leave the loan at a floating rate.
With the debt reconfigured and the streamlining of our initiation fees, we were able to recoup the filter and pump cash outflows. Our 2011 budget supports placing 70K in restricted cash account for use in future years for capital needs. Additionally, we plan to place a portion of the net initiation fees in this restricted account, as well.
However, to spruce up the place, a bit, we did order and receive roughly 25K of new furniture for this season, to go along with the furniture purchased in 2010. We will continue to phase in additional furniture as the budget permits.
Future Capital Planning
Our primary pool, baby pool, pump house, and bath houses were created in 1991 from previous structures on the property. Most of the equipment and infrastructure is now 20 years old and in need of replacement. The board is developing a capital plan to help us prioritize the best uses of our association’s current and future expected capital. Here is a summary of capital items we are either monitoring for or planning on replacing / upgrading over the next few years:
· Gutter Replacement Since our main pool walls have settled in certain areas, our existing gutter system is not only drastically inefficient, it is functionally obsolete. Prior to replastering the pool’s floor and walls for the next decade, a replacement of the existing gutter system is being reviewed;
· Pool Floor & Wall Replastering Our existing plaster, installed in 2001, is beginning to fail. The pool’s floor and walls will need to be replastered in the next 2-3 years;
· Playground & Parking We are also beginning to explore options to better utilize the property located behind the bath houses- some options include expanding the playscape areas and/or the parking lot;
The gutter replacement and replastering will likely be done simultaneously, as we have learned it would be in our best interest, both structurally and financially. These capital improvements require a lot of time, effort and funding.
Please know that both the Ways & Means Committee and the Board are working hard to ensure the best possible experience at Venetian, both on things you can see (furniture, plants, etc) and things behind the scenes (plumbing, filter and pumps). All are important and contribute to the overall experience at the pool.
posted 11/2/2011 6:41:18 PM
Link to Pool Survey
The VPCA Board of Directors is conducting this survey to better understand the needs and interests of the general pool membership. This information will be used by the Board to consider whether changes to the pool operations can provide a more enjoyable experience for VPCA members. This survey should take no more than 10 minutes. Your feedback is extremely valuable. Thank you.
Please use the following link to the 12 quick and easy pool survey.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/N9LSKJD
The survey will be open until August 7th.
If you have any questions please contact social@venetianpools.org
Thanks again for your participation!
posted 7/24/2011 1:07:11 PM
Safety Review Update
Safety Review Update
August 2010
Pool managers, staff & Board reviewed safety procedures and infrastructure at Venetian to enhance safety of members, guests & staff at the Pool. Staff consulted with Red Cross and other specialists in the process.
Overall, the review of safety procedures and infrastructure was positive, but we did find some actions to enhance safety at the Pool.
· Implemented a new walking pattern when guards rotate stations
o guards will now walk-along lap lane 1 and scan the bottom of the pool during their rotation, every 20-30 minutes
· Run sprinklers to cool water at night when ambient air temperature is lower
o noise from sprinklers during operating hours masks sound of guard whistles
o sprinklers also cause disturbance in water at pool surface which can make it more difficult for guards to view bottom of pool
· Guard scanning zones for each stand have been reviewed with staff
o reinforced by a laminated chart that defines guard scanning zones & responsibilities (chart posted in office)
o scanning zones adjusted to number and location of guards
o will monitor and gain guard feedback as to effectiveness & ways to improve
· Members asked to not move tables/umbrellas closer to pool edge
o guards may ask members to move tables if view blocked
· Lay Responder CPR Charts purchased and will be posted in locker rooms, etc
· Sign will be purchased and posted noting location of AED on Pool grounds
· NO PARKING - EMERGENCY VEHICLE stencil will be laid in parking lot pavement in front of drive-in gates to Pool
· Members with medical conditions can notify guard staff when swimming. Guard will pass info on to next guard at shift change. This is a voluntary practice for members
CPR/AED Layperson Demonstration
· Offered for members on Saturday, August 21 from 9:30 to 11:00 AM
o members will have a chance to sit in guard chairs at 9:30 AM to view visibility of surface & deep areas of pool and to view guard scanning zones
As a Pool community, we always need to be alert in watching out for the safety of each other as well as supporting our guarding staff
Additional ideas, questions or concerns, contact Pool Manager at manager@venetianpools.org
posted 8/5/2010 7:08:37 AM