Below are unofficial, community-member sourced meeting notes. These are notes only and are not a formal recording of Board decisions or Owner comments/discussions.
Rivercamps Board Meeting
October 10, 2024
Quorum Check and Proof of Notice
Board members in attendance were Marek Bakun (HOA board president), William Brock, Hunter Harman, Randy Plank and Herman Zacherl. Additional attendees include Brian Murphy (Burg Management) and Brandon Burg (HOA Attorney).
Approval of August 2, 2024 minutes
Meeting minutes were approved.
At the request of the HOA board president, the Jun 5, 2025 Meeting minutes were approved (again).
Owner Note: The April 1, 2024 meeting minutes are currently not approved. The minutes state that the Board voted to pause the Rebuild Project. No Board vote was taken at that meeting; the project was paused at the recommendation of Brandon Burg and discretion of Marek Bakun.
Financial Report
Brian Murphy presented the financial report. See meeting packet.
Following are the HOA fund balances:
Operating = $61,511.14
Reserve = $937,820.28
Riverhouse Insurance Claim Account = $3,582,591.81
Enhancement Fund = $366,512.56.
Brian reported approximately $35k in delinquencies as of Oct 1. Three properties will be sent an “intent to lien” notification.
Marek requested a draft 2025 budget prior to the next HOA meeting. The owner board members will schedule a budget workshop to assist Brian in developing the budget.
Brian reported that approximately $750k has been spent on Rebuild expenses this calendar year. Owner note: Approximately 900k has been spent from inception to date.
Manager Report - See meeting packet on TownSq.
Discussion included the details on the road gravel test on 100’ of Button Buck Trail, which is scheduled to be started on Oct. 15. Crushed concrete will be trialed as an alternative to the current rock.
https://www.rivercampsowners.com/2024/10/unpaved-road-material-tests.html
Brian confirmed that all irrigation system repairs were completed.
Committee Reports
Social:
The Halloween Trick or Treat event will be held Oct. 26 at the Boat Basin. There will be a food truck, hay rides, a spooky graveyard, treats, and a contest for the best decorated golf cart.
November 1st food truck: Rolling Cuban
December 7th: Annual Christmas Party at airport Hilton. More details to come; must RSVP.
Enhancement:
Requests for a second ice machine (not to exceed $5,000) and polywood bench ($423) were approved. The committee chair requested that the ice machine fund source (insurance money vs. enhancement fund) be considered.
Owner Comments: Verify available power at boat basin prior to installation of the new ice machine. Consider cost saving measures.
Please email rivercampsenhancementcommittee@gmail.com, or contact Brian Murphy, if you are interested in serving on this committee.
Firewise:
As approved at the August meeting, the Firewise mitigation along the west end of Preservation Drive safety corridor has started and will be ongoing. Residents are asked to use caution when driving/walking in this area as there will be machinery and debris.
Burg Management is working with the DEP to clarify questions regarding prescribed burns, environmental permitting, and prior work. Brian Murphy has the action item to respond to the DEP. The current permit owner is the developer, St. Joe company.
An Owner asked for clarification regarding the responsibility (developer or HOA) for prescribed burns and fire mitigation; no response was given. Marek stated that firewise action items are accounted for within the HOA budget.
Design Review Committee (DRC):
A motion was made and unanimously approved to increase the committee to 5 members. Mike Rose and Steven Rudd volunteered at the meeting and were approved. Please contact the committee chair, Shelton Stone, or Brian Murphy if you are interested in serving on this committee. Applicable experience (architectural, engineering, construction) is desired, but not a requirement.
Five projects were reviewed by the DRC at their last meeting. Three were approved; two were not approved due to insufficient information. Brandon Burg informed the DRC that as of July 1, 2024, state law required HOAs to explicitly identify why a project is denied. The committee chair confirmed that this is done in writing.
The DRC will work on recommending updates to the patterns book to the Board for approval. Shelton Stone proposed the hiring of an architect to advise the DRC. Discussion was had regarding the future plan for the DRC to handle new construction, to include build deposits. The discussions were tabled.
Owner Comments: An owner requested the contact information of the DRC committee chair so that he could discuss his project. The DRC chair stated he would call the owner that evening.
Covenants Committee:
The Covenants Committee’s rules and policies were posted on Aug 6 on Town Sq; also included in the meeting packet.
Committee requested collaboration with the DRC to ensure consistent and transparent processes [i.e. communication regarding DRC-approved/not approved projects]. Variances granted by the board will be documented in writing for historical and liability protection purposes.
Owner Comments: An owner requested clarification regarding a past project and variance. No variance was needed as the owner complied with county code requirements.
Old Business
Rebuild Update: A short update on the construction project was given by Parker Bomar on behalf of the Rebuild Committee. https://www.rivercampsowners.com/2024/10/rebuild-committee-october-updates-and.html
Mediation Update: Brandon Burg stated that the Legal Group and HOA mediation agreement is not finalized, but progress is being made. No update was made regarding the HOA claims against other parties.
Short Term Rental Survey: Brandon Burg shared that St. Joe has declined to amend the community charter to restrict rentals to a duration of 6 months or greater. Note: An overwhelming percentage of owners had voted in favor of this proposal in a TownSq survey.
A motion was made and unanimously carried for the Board to amend the governing documents in regards to short term rentals. A formal owner vote will be taken at the annual meeting (Dec 14). More information to come.
New Business
Preservation Drive repair update: A proposal to repair the sides of Preservation Drive was submitted. The work would add asphalt to eroded areas, including preparation with structural, compacted road base material. All board members voted to approve the proposal at a cost of $23,500. Owner comments were made regarding longevity of road repairs.
Fall bush hogging: A proposal to bush hog the common areas and all lots that have been bush hogged in the past 3 years was submitted and tabled, to be discussed with Landscaping estimates (d, below).
Maintenance building estimate: A proposal was submitted for a pole barn for the HOA tractor/equipment. The discussion was tabled pending clarification on a site and utility costs.
Landscaping estimates: Four new landscaping company proposals were submitted for consideration. Three of the four proposals were for landscaping services only; one proposal included landscaping services, ditch maintenance, bush hogging, wildfire mitigation, and ecological restoration of common areas. All board members voted in favor of the all encompassing proposal at a cost of $192,000. It is estimated that this will result in yearly savings. The current contractor will be given 90 day notice.
Pond vendor estimates: Due to ongoing issues with the current pond management company (including a recent mass fish death after pond servicing), two proposals were submitted from new vendors. One vendor, Estate Management, included maintenance on aerators and detailed water quality reports. All board members voted in favor of hiring this company, pending a new quote aligned with the one submitted 6 months prior, at an estimated cost of $810/month. .
Consideration of Enforcement Policy: Brandon Burg presented an updated enforcement policy that is in agreement with the latest Florida HOA laws. Adoption of the policy was approved by all board members. The goal is to seek compliance with neighborhood policies, rather than fines enforcement, and to ensure consistent procedures and objective criteria. Respective roles of the Covenants Committee and Management were discussed; Management is responsible for enforcement. Brandon Burg clarified that the policy states owners must be notified of offenses both by mail and practically, i.e. via email or TownSq messages.
Burg Management Non-Renewal: Marek shared that the current management company has been given a non-renewal notice with option to bid on the 2025 contract. The Board has solicited information from other companies, such as RCAM. The new property management firm will be selected in the November meeting, to ensure a smooth transition.
Upcoming Meetings:
November Board Meeting: November 13 or 14 afternoon, pending space availability
Annual Meeting: Saturday, Dec 14, 10:00 am, Airport Hilton
Owners Comments
West End Mailboxes were discussed. New owners do not have a mailbox in the neighborhood. Brian Murphy stated this is the responsibility of St Joe and not the HOA. Marek said he would talk to someone at St Joe.
Questions regarding the financials were discussed. An owner stated that the packet was incomplete (missing income statement for the Operating Fund, incomplete balance sheet, account errors). Ongoing flood insurance costs for the Riverhouse complex were discussed and will be investigated.
An owner thanked several residents for their volunteer work on bridge repairs. All attendees at the meeting gave their thanks by a round of applause.
An owner wanted confirmation that the fence around the construction site had been purchased instead of the monthly rental. This was confirmed. It was asked if a project schedule of the construction project could be shared. A rebuild committee member responded that this was not possible due to ongoing changes; however, more frequent updates will be shared.
An owner asked how maintenance requests should be submitted as he did not see any progress on his requests. It was stated that a requirement for the new property management firm is to provide updates on the maintenance items to the requester and monthly maintenance lists would be posted online for all owners to review.
An owner asked the board to approve his rejected DRC submission for a 26’x26’ detached garage. The Board deferred to the DRC. The DRC chairman said he would contact the owner that night to discuss.
An owner asked the HOA president why the Riverhouse Complex insurance was insufficient. No response was given.
An owner asked what chemicals were being used as part of the landscaping services and requested that the use of chemicals be reduced. The new landscape contract includes an expectation to minimize chemicals; if required, application will be done by a qualified operator.
An owner asked if the builder deposits paid for construction of new homes could be used to hire an architect for the DRC and mitigate damage caused by builders. This would require board approval.
An owner asked Brian to post all meeting notices on TownSq and not just the entry barn window in a timely manner. Brian said he would do this.
The meeting was adjourned.
Quorum Check and Proof of Notice
Board members in attendance were Marek Bakun (HOA board president), William Brock, Hunter Harman, Randy Plank and Herman Zacherl. Additional attendees include Brian Murphy (Burg Management) and Brandon Burg (HOA Attorney).
Approval of August 2, 2024 minutes
Meeting minutes were approved.
At the request of the HOA board president, the Jun 5, 2025 Meeting minutes were approved (again).
Owner Note: The April 1, 2024 meeting minutes are currently not approved. The minutes state that the Board voted to pause the Rebuild Project. No Board vote was taken at that meeting; the project was paused at the recommendation of Brandon Burg and discretion of Marek Bakun.
Financial Report
Brian Murphy presented the financial report. See meeting packet.
Following are the HOA fund balances:
Operating = $61,511.14
Reserve = $937,820.28
Riverhouse Insurance Claim Account = $3,582,591.81
Enhancement Fund = $366,512.56.
Brian reported approximately $35k in delinquencies as of Oct 1. Three properties will be sent an “intent to lien” notification.
Marek requested a draft 2025 budget prior to the next HOA meeting. The owner board members will schedule a budget workshop to assist Brian in developing the budget.
Brian reported that approximately $750k has been spent on Rebuild expenses this calendar year. Owner note: Approximately 900k has been spent from inception to date.
Manager Report - See meeting packet on TownSq.
Discussion included the details on the road gravel test on 100’ of Button Buck Trail, which is scheduled to be started on Oct. 15. Crushed concrete will be trialed as an alternative to the current rock.
https://www.rivercampsowners.com/2024/10/unpaved-road-material-tests.html
Brian confirmed that all irrigation system repairs were completed.
Committee Reports
Social:
The Halloween Trick or Treat event will be held Oct. 26 at the Boat Basin. There will be a food truck, hay rides, a spooky graveyard, treats, and a contest for the best decorated golf cart.
November 1st food truck: Rolling Cuban
December 7th: Annual Christmas Party at airport Hilton. More details to come; must RSVP.
Enhancement:
Requests for a second ice machine (not to exceed $5,000) and polywood bench ($423) were approved. The committee chair requested that the ice machine fund source (insurance money vs. enhancement fund) be considered.
Owner Comments: Verify available power at boat basin prior to installation of the new ice machine. Consider cost saving measures.
Please email rivercampsenhancementcommittee@gmail.com, or contact Brian Murphy, if you are interested in serving on this committee.
Firewise:
As approved at the August meeting, the Firewise mitigation along the west end of Preservation Drive safety corridor has started and will be ongoing. Residents are asked to use caution when driving/walking in this area as there will be machinery and debris.
Burg Management is working with the DEP to clarify questions regarding prescribed burns, environmental permitting, and prior work. Brian Murphy has the action item to respond to the DEP. The current permit owner is the developer, St. Joe company.
An Owner asked for clarification regarding the responsibility (developer or HOA) for prescribed burns and fire mitigation; no response was given. Marek stated that firewise action items are accounted for within the HOA budget.
Design Review Committee (DRC):
A motion was made and unanimously approved to increase the committee to 5 members. Mike Rose and Steven Rudd volunteered at the meeting and were approved. Please contact the committee chair, Shelton Stone, or Brian Murphy if you are interested in serving on this committee. Applicable experience (architectural, engineering, construction) is desired, but not a requirement.
Five projects were reviewed by the DRC at their last meeting. Three were approved; two were not approved due to insufficient information. Brandon Burg informed the DRC that as of July 1, 2024, state law required HOAs to explicitly identify why a project is denied. The committee chair confirmed that this is done in writing.
The DRC will work on recommending updates to the patterns book to the Board for approval. Shelton Stone proposed the hiring of an architect to advise the DRC. Discussion was had regarding the future plan for the DRC to handle new construction, to include build deposits. The discussions were tabled.
Owner Comments: An owner requested the contact information of the DRC committee chair so that he could discuss his project. The DRC chair stated he would call the owner that evening.
Covenants Committee:
The Covenants Committee’s rules and policies were posted on Aug 6 on Town Sq; also included in the meeting packet.
Committee requested collaboration with the DRC to ensure consistent and transparent processes [i.e. communication regarding DRC-approved/not approved projects]. Variances granted by the board will be documented in writing for historical and liability protection purposes.
Owner Comments: An owner requested clarification regarding a past project and variance. No variance was needed as the owner complied with county code requirements.
Old Business
Rebuild Update: A short update on the construction project was given by Parker Bomar on behalf of the Rebuild Committee. https://www.rivercampsowners.com/2024/10/rebuild-committee-october-updates-and.html
Mediation Update: Brandon Burg stated that the Legal Group and HOA mediation agreement is not finalized, but progress is being made. No update was made regarding the HOA claims against other parties.
Short Term Rental Survey: Brandon Burg shared that St. Joe has declined to amend the community charter to restrict rentals to a duration of 6 months or greater. Note: An overwhelming percentage of owners had voted in favor of this proposal in a TownSq survey.
A motion was made and unanimously carried for the Board to amend the governing documents in regards to short term rentals. A formal owner vote will be taken at the annual meeting (Dec 14). More information to come.
New Business
Preservation Drive repair update: A proposal to repair the sides of Preservation Drive was submitted. The work would add asphalt to eroded areas, including preparation with structural, compacted road base material. All board members voted to approve the proposal at a cost of $23,500. Owner comments were made regarding longevity of road repairs.
Fall bush hogging: A proposal to bush hog the common areas and all lots that have been bush hogged in the past 3 years was submitted and tabled, to be discussed with Landscaping estimates (d, below).
Maintenance building estimate: A proposal was submitted for a pole barn for the HOA tractor/equipment. The discussion was tabled pending clarification on a site and utility costs.
Landscaping estimates: Four new landscaping company proposals were submitted for consideration. Three of the four proposals were for landscaping services only; one proposal included landscaping services, ditch maintenance, bush hogging, wildfire mitigation, and ecological restoration of common areas. All board members voted in favor of the all encompassing proposal at a cost of $192,000. It is estimated that this will result in yearly savings. The current contractor will be given 90 day notice.
Pond vendor estimates: Due to ongoing issues with the current pond management company (including a recent mass fish death after pond servicing), two proposals were submitted from new vendors. One vendor, Estate Management, included maintenance on aerators and detailed water quality reports. All board members voted in favor of hiring this company, pending a new quote aligned with the one submitted 6 months prior, at an estimated cost of $810/month. .
Consideration of Enforcement Policy: Brandon Burg presented an updated enforcement policy that is in agreement with the latest Florida HOA laws. Adoption of the policy was approved by all board members. The goal is to seek compliance with neighborhood policies, rather than fines enforcement, and to ensure consistent procedures and objective criteria. Respective roles of the Covenants Committee and Management were discussed; Management is responsible for enforcement. Brandon Burg clarified that the policy states owners must be notified of offenses both by mail and practically, i.e. via email or TownSq messages.
Burg Management Non-Renewal: Marek shared that the current management company has been given a non-renewal notice with option to bid on the 2025 contract. The Board has solicited information from other companies, such as RCAM. The new property management firm will be selected in the November meeting, to ensure a smooth transition.
Upcoming Meetings:
November Board Meeting: November 13 or 14 afternoon, pending space availability
Annual Meeting: Saturday, Dec 14, 10:00 am, Airport Hilton
Owners Comments
West End Mailboxes were discussed. New owners do not have a mailbox in the neighborhood. Brian Murphy stated this is the responsibility of St Joe and not the HOA. Marek said he would talk to someone at St Joe.
Questions regarding the financials were discussed. An owner stated that the packet was incomplete (missing income statement for the Operating Fund, incomplete balance sheet, account errors). Ongoing flood insurance costs for the Riverhouse complex were discussed and will be investigated.
An owner thanked several residents for their volunteer work on bridge repairs. All attendees at the meeting gave their thanks by a round of applause.
An owner wanted confirmation that the fence around the construction site had been purchased instead of the monthly rental. This was confirmed. It was asked if a project schedule of the construction project could be shared. A rebuild committee member responded that this was not possible due to ongoing changes; however, more frequent updates will be shared.
An owner asked how maintenance requests should be submitted as he did not see any progress on his requests. It was stated that a requirement for the new property management firm is to provide updates on the maintenance items to the requester and monthly maintenance lists would be posted online for all owners to review.
An owner asked the board to approve his rejected DRC submission for a 26’x26’ detached garage. The Board deferred to the DRC. The DRC chairman said he would contact the owner that night to discuss.
An owner asked the HOA president why the Riverhouse Complex insurance was insufficient. No response was given.
An owner asked what chemicals were being used as part of the landscaping services and requested that the use of chemicals be reduced. The new landscape contract includes an expectation to minimize chemicals; if required, application will be done by a qualified operator.
An owner asked if the builder deposits paid for construction of new homes could be used to hire an architect for the DRC and mitigate damage caused by builders. This would require board approval.
An owner asked Brian to post all meeting notices on TownSq and not just the entry barn window in a timely manner. Brian said he would do this.
The meeting was adjourned.