Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Guardhouse Renovation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Loch Lomond HOA presses for guardhouse renovations; council outlines ordinance path for capital work
Summary
Loch Lomond HOA president told the Town of Miami Lakes special taxing district workshop that the Loch Lomond guardhouse needs cosmetic and functional upgrades; staff said limited repairs could be funded from contingency while a full renovation would follow the town's ordinance process.
At the Oct. 16 special taxing district workshop, Loch Lomond HOA president Patrick Kunkel told the council that the guardhouse has not been renovated in more than 30 years and described electrical issues, worn paint, cramped lanes, and a visible trash area. He said previous homeowner petitions had not produced an approved plan and urged the town to consider renovations to make the entrance more functional and presentable.
Patrick Kunkel, president of the Loch Lomond HOA, said interior improvements such as a drop ceiling, lighting and a screened garbage enclosure would make the guardhouse more functional. "Based on the condition of that guardhouse, the tiny is of, it's almost like whatever I try to get done, it, overlaps what needs to be done and probably can't wait for a process to take place," Kunkel said.
JP, a town staff member, described options ranging from limited immediate repairs funded from contingency to a full renovation. He noted one electrical issue flagged at a prior meeting had been fixed and that minor improvements could be undertaken quickly; a full renovation or addition of a bathroom would require larger funds and procurement steps.
Council discussion reviewed the town's ordinance governing special taxing districts. Staff explained that when a special taxing district has a mandatory homeowners association, the HOA board may submit a letter of intent (LOI) to the town to initiate amendments or capital projects; if there is no mandatory HOA, a petition from 10% of homeowners can serve as the LOI. Councilmembers noted that larger capital improvements, such as lane widening, are capital projects that may require 50%+1 homeowner approval or a formal assessment process, and that funding could come from a contingency, budget appropriation or a one‑time assessment if residents approve.
JP said staff can bring options to a future council meeting (for example: do lowest‑cost repairs only; replace doors/windows; or pursue full renovation and lane widening) with budgets and permitting implications. Councilmembers encouraged the HOA to hold a meeting, confirm the board's preferred option and submit an LOI if they wish to pursue a capital project.
