“WHO’S MINDING THE STORE?”
Or should we say “what does it take to run Burnt Store Marina?”
Burnt Store Marina is an unincorporated, established community with approximately 1920 residences covering 600 acres with various housing. Section 22 HOA is the Master Association and has a fiduciary responsibility to act in the best interest of the association, manage community assets, and ensure the well-being of all residents. They collect annual fees through Alliant Property Management to cover maintenance of all the common areas, roads, infrastructure, repairs, irrigation and access management. There are 47 Sub-Associations of single homes, duplexes, tri-plexes, four-plexes and high-rise condominiums, which have their own HOA with Boards of Directors that collect operating fees from their residents. Each HOA manager acts as a liaison between the board members, handling inquiries, sharing critical updates and building transparent communication. There are certain areas in our community that are in Section 23. These properties do not pay for maintenance in the community, and on amenities, or Section 22 assessments. They do pay for use of the roads and Entry Management. We are unique in so many ways, a gated community that has businesses, and a Marina open to the public. You can realistically state, that we are a “small city” here in Burnt Store Marina.
An enormous amount of time, money, energy and most of all, “volunteers” are needed to organize and operate what goes on within these gates.
BSM is governed by a Board consisting of 7 members, President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer and 3 Directors, which are elected by the residents. Each Board member actually wears many hats, as they are involved in every aspect of running this community. Many are liaisons to other groups and amenities that make up BSM. They meet with these groups/amenities on a daily/monthly basis depending on the need. HOAs operate under governing documents, by-laws, covenants, conditions, restrictions and community guidelines.
Alliant Property Management is a management company that is pivotal in assisting PGI Section 22 Board Members in handling day-to-day operations. They’re responsible for implementing decisions and policies established by the Board of Directors. They guide and assist the Board with the development of policies and procedures, performance of their obligations, keep records of affairs of the Association, maintain records, registers of owners, officers and directors, accounting services, mailings of delinquencies, monthly financial reports and meeting notices.
Through Alliant, there is a Manager that aids and assists the Board with many of these procedures. The Manager attends all meetings and supports administrative functions and facilitates clear communication between leadership and residents. He schedules meetings, prepares agenda, documents, and minutes. He is responsible for seeing there is compliance with state and federal regulations, as well as organizing elections to ensure a fair and compliant voting process, with a smooth transition to leadership.
Each Section 22 Board of Director has insight into what is going on throughout the community by attending weekly workshops. There are discussions on various issues, and projects currently being dealt with. Decisions are based on need, legal aspects, by-laws and what is best for the community now and in the future. There are times when a consultation with an attorney is necessary.
The Board works very closely with a team of knowledgeable groups made up of “volunteers” to keep us up and running. All of these groups have a Board Liaison that they meet with to discuss needs and problems that may arise. These groups are:
Entry Management – they work with Platinum Group Security and our access personnel to make sure the gates and gatehouses are operated and maintained. Entry Management maintains resident information, as well as documentation for renter access, bar code registry applications, and installation and aid with any traffic situations where needed.
ARC – The Architectural Review Committee, which receives applications for all new construction, pool/spa installation, significant landscaping changes or external modifications to existing structures. ARC will review and ensure properties adhere to established guidelines. All work must be approved before projects can be implemented.
Landscaping – provides insight, policy, direction and approval for all landscaping/irrigation control initiatives and projects, and maintains properties to a certain standard.
Infrastructure – Research, vetting and hiring qualified vendors for services such as landscaping and maintenance. This includes negotiating contracts, and ensuring vendors meet community expectations. They supervise maintenance and improvement projects to ensure timely completion, adherence to quality standards and budget compliance. There is upkeep of amenities such as pools, clubhouses, and common areas, ensuring they remain safe and enjoyable for residents. Let’s not forget managing urgent repairs and coordinating responses to unexpected issues like storm damage, ensuring swift action to minimize disruption.
Communications – provides oversight direction and approval on BSM communication with The Beacon Newspaper and BSM Section 22 Website. Their obligations include a Website Liaison, Resident Directory, and The Beacon Editorial Committee.
Amenities – PGI Section 22 purchased all amenities in 2020 with a loan that I covered by an assessment. This assessment was voted on by 75% of the community to purchase these amenities, so that this community would have control over what happens to them, and keep them as an asset for all homeowners. In about September 2026 this loan will be paid.
Irrigation – another committee run by volunteers, who are responsible for all ongoing irrigation functionality, maintenance and invoicing of all Sub-Associations. The heart of this system is a pump house on the south side of the Osprey 5 pond. The pump house pumps water from the adjacent pond, and distributes it through pipe to our community. Their goals are to ensure the quality of the water supply at all times. Two additional wells are being drilled to meet the needs of the community, #1 behind Osprey 1 green and #2 behind the restroom on Osprey 5.
Burnt Store Marina CC – Linkside Café – the golf course of 27 holes and the restaurant are managed by Troon Management. Troon is recognized as the world-wide leader in golf and club management services. There are golf memberships and social memberships for Activities at Burnt Store Marina Country Club, not to mention many fun events.
Fitness, Racquet & Pool Club – The club caters to the community by providing exercise equipment, classes, tennis, pickleball, and the pool. Memberships are available to residents in the community.
The Barking Lot – A dog park run by volunteers using a fob system for members to access. There is a separate gated area for small dogs and large dogs. They are in the process of building a shade structure to keep everyone cool.
The Board has also hired a developer and long-range planning company to assess all land within our gates for any further expansion of amenities or needs. Several Board members are exploring these ideas for future community possibilities.
Occasionally there are legal issues that must be dealt with, and the board works with a legal firm for assistance and handling of anything that comes up.
So, as you can see, this just touches on a few things that the PGI Section 22 Board oversees on a daily basis to keep this community running, and maintained to a standard that all residents can be proud to be a part of. PGI Section 22 is “Minding the Store” (and I don’t know how much sleep they get), but they are here for you. Just remember a well-managed HOA is the backbone of a thriving sustainable community. This ensures stability, compliance and an enhanced quality of life for all.
