The following is the first in a series of Board responses addressing recent Facebook posts and emails circulating within the community. This bulletin provides information regarding four radar cameras purchased in May 2025 following approval by the Finance Committee and the Board at their April meetings.
Recent communications have incorrectly referenced a “special assessment reserve fund.” No special assessment has been levied to fund the radar cameras. In 2022, the membership voted to amend the Master Covenants and Restrictions to require the payment of a capital contribution at the time of home sales. These capital contribution funds are the sole source of funding for the radar cameras, as well as other capital projects completed in 2025, including a fire suppression system at the pump stations ($53.2K), waterway aeration ($31.1K), design engineering and stormwater modeling to obtain quotes for the Players Park parking expansion ($24.8K), bringing power to Palmera Park to support lighting and a new pump ($2.8K), and the installation of a sidewalk bench ($1.1K). As intended by the covenant amendment, no special assessment has been levied to fund any 2025 projects or prior capital projects completed in 2024 and 2023.
The capital contribution fund is separate and distinct from the Association’s two reserve budgets. These reserve budgets are specifically established for the major repair and replacement of existing general infrastructure and stormwater management assets. Reserve funds are not normally used to pay for new capital improvements. Accordingly, the capital contribution fund is the appropriate and lawful source of funding for new capital improvements, including the radar cameras.
For background, in 2011 the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office (SJSO) began requiring all community associations to obtain a traffic engineering certification as a condition to having a traffic enforcement agreement with them. This requirement resulted in the termination of the Association’s then existing traffic enforcement agreement, as the master association and the sub-associations would have been required to make significant and costly roadway modifications. Such improvements were cost prohibitive, and because each sub-association is a separate legal entity, there was no practical way for the master association to mandate such changes. As a result, the Board previously purchased a Traffic Hawk system from International Security Networks as an alternative method to help deter speeding within the community.
The Traffic Hawk system operated for several years but became inoperable in 2024, prompting the Controlled Access Committee to obtain bids for its replacement. After soliciting two bids—ranging from $44,000 to $54,000, plus ongoing monthly operating costs—the existing four radar cameras were recommended by First Coast Security, Sawgrass Country Club master association, and other similarly sized communities in South Florida as a better and more cost-effective option.
The radar cameras do not fine residents. Fines may be imposed only after statutorily required notices and hearings have occurred. The purpose of the radar cameras is not to collect fines, but rather to gather speed data and promote safer driving within the community. One camera has already been installed as recommended by the Association’s professional consultants, one will be placed on a mobile trailer, and two additional cameras are pending installation.
The total cost for the four cameras, including tax, funded from the capital contribution account was $31,326.98. First Coast Security is covering additional expenses including bringing power to the cameras, purchasing poles, and providing one mobile trailer mount. All Board members in attendance were given the opportunity to state their position, and the proposal to purchase the cameras was passed by a majority of Board members. Currently there are no discussions to purchase any additional cameras.
As has always been the case, all member recommendations and suggestions have been given thoughtful consideration. While all members are encouraged to communicate with the Board, it should be noted that when inquiries are made that question or challenge Board actions, the Board is obligated to seek guidance from legal counsel to ensure compliance with governing documents and applicable law. These legal reviews result in significant expense to the Association.
Members are encouraged to attend Board meetings, where there is an opportunity to speak on matters considered by the Board. Additionally, within the next few months, the annual election process will begin, and all statutorily eligible members may nominate themselves as candidates for the Board of Directors.
The Board remains committed to serving the best interests of the community as a whole. However, as with any large group, it is not possible to please all members at all times.
Thank you for your attention to this bulletin.