Recap - January 12 - Virtual Meet and Greet with Eric

So while the first virtual meet and greet was a bit quiet, that doesn’t mean there are not questions to answer! Feel free to use the link above or reach out to me at eric@ericforcroa.org.

Recap of Key Questions

Safety and Security

Many questions tonight focused on Safety and Security, which is not surprising coming off of the meeting last night.

I am sensitive to some of the topics discussed as they relate to security procedures, and this is a public blog, so some answers are a bit censored for those reasons.

We spent approximately $70,000 on APEX Security in 2023, which is coverage 3 days a week for a select number of amenities
There are cameras in place at many parks and playground and are recording 24 hours a day
License Plate Reader (LPR) cameras are in place in the community and are paid for by the CCDD which the Sheriff’s Office can access

Playground Status

I summarized the current state of the playground replacement for both Spring Park and Longmeadow. Right now, it is with a vendor hired by Grand Manors to assist in the creation of an RFP to replace the playground at Spring Park, and replace the turf/safety surface at Longmeadow.

I strongly feel that this is an opportunity to not only replace equipment but enhance the offerings. I feel that the existing equipment is value-engineered to the point that it is reducing the amenity offerings overall of the playground. The equipment that was previously purchased was from a non-named manufacturer, with a questionable warranty and service history.

This is our opportunity to use a proper, nationally known manufacturer that produces high-quality equipment that we are used to in Celebration. The amenity should be one that we are proud to showcase, and not hide behind an orange fence.

Here are some renderings of equipment in the 120k-180k range, which is in line with what the original reserve cost was expected to be.

The next scheduled Virtual Meet and Greet with Eric is on Saturday, January 20th at 10:00 am.

Here are some additional questions I have seen floating around social media

How do you plan to enhance communication and involvement among Celebration residents, ensuring their voices are heard and considered in the decision-making process?

Communication is a topic that comes up every election cycle, and it is a topic that requires relentless improvement.

I feel it is important to engage with residents on platforms that they are comfortable with. Here are a few highlights of where I feel could be successful.

Continue Live Streaming of CROA Board Meetings and Allow Owner’s Comments via Teleconference
Utilize My Celebration mobile app for push notifications, survey’s, and alerts of upcoming meetings and events
Implement a Net Promoter Score (NPS) tracking metric, and survey residents at interaction points with Management, Committees, and the Board itself.

In the context of your focus on the betterment of our town, what specific initiatives or projects do you envision to maintain and enhance the unique charm of Celebration, and how would you involve the community in shaping these efforts?

Maintenance of Existing Community Amenities and Assets
Ensure Consistency and Stability of our Relationship with Management & Vendors
Protect and Enhance Homeowner Value for Residents of Celebration

These are the core tenants that I feel should drive the responsibility of the CROA Board to the residents of Celebration.

As a candidate for the CROA Board, what steps would you take to ensure that the board functions efficiently, fostering collaboration and utilizing the diverse talents of its members for the benefit of the community?

Celebration emphasizes a community-oriented neighborhood where the board, committees, and residents work together to maintain high standards and services appealing to diverse families.

To achieve this, I would propose the following steps:

Leverage Advisory Groups and Committees: Utilize and respect the recommendations and insights of the existing structure of advisory groups and committees, such as the Master Plan Advisory Group, Communications Advisory Group, Dog Park Committee, and others.
Streamline Communication: Direct Management to establish and enforce Service Level Agreements for departments that engage with residents. Implement Net Promoter Scoring (NPS) at communication and interaction touchpoints to evaluate success and identify areas for improvement.
Encourage Resident Involvement: Continue to foster a transparent environment where residents feel encouraged to provide feedback and participate in community decisions, aligning with Celebration’s goal of being a community-oriented neighborhood.

By adopting these approaches, I aim to contribute to a board that not only functions efficiently but also resonates with the values and aspirations of the Celebration community.

Regarding the abandoned movie theater in Celebration, how do you propose addressing its current state and revitalizing it, aligning with your vision for the betterment of Celebration and community involvement?

There have been multiple community efforts to re-use the theater space in Downtown Celebration.

CROA does not have direct control over the theater, as a board member, I would focus on encouraging community-driven efforts to engage with key stakeholders and exploring creative solutions to revitalize the theater space for the benefit of the Celebration community outside of the Homeowner’s Association.