High Point board ratifies bylaws change banning outside open burning, hears county ban on gating public roads

The High Point Community Property Owners, Inc. Board of Directors on April 29 approved a change to its governing documents that prohibits outside open burning and confirmed a county advisory that public roads may not be gated.

Jean Albano, the association secretary, told the board the bylaws committee had completed its 2025 work and that the committee’s recommended wording will be sent to the association’s lawyer so the change can appear on the December 2025 ballot. Albano reported the new rule as follows: "There is to be NO OUTSIDE OPEN BURNING." The motion to adopt the change was moved and approved without recorded opposition.

The board also reviewed written guidance from Hernando County. An email from Laura A. Borgesi, Hernando County traffic engineer, states that Florida law and county policy do not permit installing security gates across publicly owned and maintained roads unless homeowners’ associations accept ownership and maintenance of the roadways and convert them to private roads. Borgesi cited Florida Statutes sections 316.2045 and 861.01 and noted section 316.008(w) addresses municipal installation of security gates on public roads. Board members discussed the county clarification while noting the association cannot independently gate public roads.

Other routine business during the meeting included approval of prior meeting minutes and ratification of several administrative items. The board approved sending the proposed bylaws language to counsel and scheduled related steps ahead of the December ballot.

The meeting concluded with announcements about regular fire-whistle testing and a reminder that the July 4 parade will be held only if community volunteers sign up. The next board meeting is rescheduled for May 20 because of the Memorial Day holiday.