Category: Newsletter

Dear Members,

Since we are not having our annual general meeting this year, please vote for our board by sending a response directly to this email.

Please reply by writing:

“YES” to vote for the slate listed or

“NO” to vote against the slate.

Thanks in advance for your participation.

Proposed Board for 2021

Corinne Collins – President

Lucas Azar – Vice President & Membership

Gale Patron – Police Liaison

Maureen Pelham – Secretary & Member Liaison

Glenn Patron – Treasurer

Sean Reichert – Member at Large

Jo-Ann Forster – Member at Large

Sam Dobrow – Website/Tech

Annette La Greco – Member at Large

Matt Dillon – Membership

Matthew Yale – Membership

Stephanie Zielinski – Communications

 

 

Police Report (Message from Gale Patron, Police Liaison)

The Utopia Security Police functioned successfully during 2020 and there were no incidents of deep concern.   It is a tight, well managed patrol overseen by Lt. Andres Valdes.

However, Utopia has been significantly impacted by Miami Police salary increases, enforced to meet parity with the county pay structure.

This change has increased our payroll substantially (57% over the last 4 years), with the holiday pay rate (time and a half) ranging from $76-$88 per hour for our patrols.

In order to help offset this cost, the board has focused its efforts on membership growth and neighborhood awareness.

Membership Report (Message from Lucas Azar)

In spite of the challenges we faced in 2020 due to the pandemic, our association welcomed 13 new members, many of whom recently moved into the neighborhood.  These new families continue to be the main source of new membership for Utopia. Our membership committee is constantly monitoring the sales of homes within our boundaries in order to continue introducing them to our association and its benefits.  We currently have 131 members and 1 group membership for homes within the De Garmo Lane community.

This past year, we embarked on an additional marketing initiative that was an outreach mail campaign to non-members living within the Utopia boundary.  Through this outreach program, we were able to obtain additional membership, which is a great addition to our standard forms of promotion.

As always, we thank our existing membership base for their support and ask that they continue our efforts in referring Utopia’s services to their neighbors who have not yet joined as members.

Dear Utopia Members,

Every January, we hold our annual members meeting to update you on the association, and for you to vote on the upcoming year’s board of directors.

Due to COVID-19 public health advisories, we will not be holding an in person meeting this year.  Instead, we will be sending you all the pertinent association information, as well as, giving you the opportunity to vote on the board slate for 2021.

So, be on the lookout during the week of January 25^th for a packet in the US mail, as well as, an email inviting you to vote for the board.

As always, we appreciate your steadfast membership and support of our neighborhood patrols.

Your,

Utopia Homeowners Security Association

 

 

Dear Utopia Neighbors,

There have been complaints of drivers rolling through the stop sign at Poinciana and Braganza. Our patrol commander let the city know and there will be city police (not our patrol) monitoring this intersection issuing tickets.  Please don’t be one of them!  Also, our commander reminds us to bring in delivered packages, as soon as possible, and keep your cars locked.

These and other safety best practices are listed below.  Please, take a moment to review them.

We know this year has been challenging. We appreciate you and want to thank you for helping make our community a better, more secure place to live. We look forward to seeing you all in 2021.

However you celebrate, we wish you and your family a very Happy Holiday Season!

Utopia HOSA

Holiday Everyday Home Safety Tips

 1. Bring in mail and packages as soon as possible

If you’re traveling, ask a neighbor to collect your mail and/or place a hold on your delivery

2.  Keep travel plans offline & social media

3.  Break down boxes from new purchases (televisions, electronics) or place them in your trash bin

4.  Use a timer for your lights & lock your car (even if you have a gate)

5.  Notify Utopia patrol!

Let the patrol know if you’re out of town or traveling so they can monitor your home for activity