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Cooler Heads At 2nd Meeting

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By LAURA KINSLER, The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 3, 2007

CORY LAKE ISLES - Just when it looked like the neighborhood's transition from developer to resident control could swirl out of control, a calm fell over Cory Lake Isles last week.

The three resident district supervisors held their second community workshop Sept. 26. The first workshop was a raucous affair, with more than 50 residents demanding the board terminate its management contract with developer and board chairman Gene Thomason.

A smaller group turned out for the follow-up workshop and prioritized the community's greatest needs. They shared ideas, asked questions and got answers.

'I think we've turned a corner,' Supervisor Suzanne Manzi said. 'Now, it's up to us to deliver.'

The group had no trouble deciding which area of concern should rank first: financial oversight for the community and Cory Lakes Ltd., Thomason's company that supplies landscaping, maintenance and security services for the 1,000-home gated community.

Several residents expressed concerns because Thomason, who controlled the community development district board for years, never created a reserve fund for repairs. Homeowners are afraid they will be on the hook for costly repairs to streets and other infrastructure.
Manzi said she expects the board of supervisors to vote in October to conduct a 'remaining useful life study' of the community facilities, including landscaping and recreational equipment. The board also will begin a study to determine how best to start a reserve fund.

'We know there are things you're going to have to do in five years, and there's things we'll have to do in 10 years, and there's some things we want to do now,' Manzi said. 'We should be negotiating with Gene now to do that before the transition.'

District Supervisor Roger Brown is compiling a maintenance 'to do' list that includes every faulty sprinkler head, broken curb and dead plant.

Homeowner Doug Dunbar questioned how the board would get Thomason to make repairs before his seat comes up for election in November 2008. 'Why would he fund something now?' he asked. 'Is he Santa Claus or just benevolent?'

John Daugirda, who has worked as district manager since its inception, said Cory Lake Isles is unlike any CDD he has worked with because the developer lives in the neighborhood and has an emotional attachment to it. 'This is a unique situation,' he said.

The board holds its next meeting 9 a.m. Oct. 17 at the community's Beach Club.

Reporter Laura Kinsler can be reached at (813) 865-4844 or lkinsler@tampatrib.com.

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