Whispering Pines Homeowners Association

Communication with Members of the Community

Feb 10, 2005

We need to move forward and take advantage of today's technology to save time and money, and make operating this Association more efficient. We can accomplish this through use of computers, but don't worry if you don't have a computer, we will still continue to communicate with you by telephone or mail.

According to our financial reports for January through September 2004, the Association spent $3,455.33 for office supplies ($1,414.44 copies, $312.88 envelopes and labels, and $1,728.21 postage). We can do better than that by using email, fax, and our website.

1. Email and Fax: As required by Chapter 720, the Association currently maintains a roster of members, their mailing addresses, and parcel identification. The revision to Chapter 720, effective July 1, 2004 also requires the Association to maintain electronic addresses and numbers designated by members for receiving electronic transmission. Someone has estimated that about 75 percent of our members have access to computers, so if we go into electronic transmission of information, just imagine what we can save on office supplies during the year. Unit owners must consent for the Association to use the electronic addresses and numbers, and the Association must remove the addresses and numbers when that consent is revoked. The Association will mail each owner a consent form along with the 2005 coupon book. In the near future, we hope to have an assistant administrator for our website and we can then have all Association documents, forms, and other information posted on the website. The Association fax number is the same as the telephone number, and it's here for you to use, so if you need to send or receive us a fax, just call and let us know.

2. Website: As we reported in a newsletter last year, local sponsors have underwritten Neighborhood Link, and it is free. It does not, and will not ever cost us anything. We can post newsletters, minutes of meetings, event schedules, and disseminate information on zoning issues and other topics that impact our community. In addition to getting information to you in a time-conserving and efficient way, you can enter into a neighborhood debate from the comfort of your home. This Web Site connects you with city and county officials, local police, and government agencies. If you are at work or home, on the West Coast, in a foreign country, or out to sea, as long as you have access to a computer, you can stay informed about what is going on in Jacksonville and Whispering Pines.