WINTER NEWSLETTER, 2025

For the first time in many years, and possibly the first time ever at North Shore, there will be no increase in the annual assessment going into 2026 keeping monthly payments to $194 per homeowner. Despite rising costs of living, climbing insurance rates in Florida and other financial pressures, HOA monthly assessments will remain unchanged.

Among other things, the budget reflects the fact that maintaining strong relationships with our vendors continues to pay off. All vendors have worked closely with Community Association Manager Laurie Bihajlo to keep cost increases to an absolute minimum, helping the Association maintain financial stability.

The annual budget meeting was held on November 20, 2025, both in person in the Community Center social room and via Zoom. Four of the five Board members attended in person, along with two of the three Finance Committee members and approximately ten homeowners. One Board member and several homeowners participated via Zoom.

HOA President Dave Gordon called the meeting to order and then turned it over to Steve Smith, Treasurer of the HOA.

Steve reviewed the budget preparation process, explaining that Laurie prepared the draft budget with significant volunteer assistance from Finance Committee member Sarah Tombone, and input from HOA Finance Manager Michelle Sapienza, and additional support from the Treasurer. The Finance Committee subsequently held two workshops, during which they thoroughly reviewed the proposed budget, asked numerous questions, and ultimately agreed that it was well-suited to the community. The committee recommended the budget to the Board for consideration.

As outlined in the HOA bylaws, the Board is responsible for preparing and approving the annual budget. Homeowners are encouraged to ask questions and provide input, though they do not vote on budget approval. During the meeting, the Treasurer addressed several questions from both homeowners and Board members.

No changes were made to the Operating Budget, which passed unanimously by all five Board members. After minor amendments, the Reserve Fund Budget also passed unanimously.

As a result of the approved budget, there will be no increase in monthly assessments for 2026. The monthly assessment will remain $194 per homeowner.

An ongoing Duke Energy project to support the 10-story AdventHealth Hospital under construction at 10999 Narcoossee Road recently reached North Shore at Lake Hart, catching the HOA and residents by surprise. Unfortunately, neither one of the project’s stakeholders notified or coordinated with our community in advance, despite construction activity that directly impacts traffic flow, landscaping, sidewalks, our baseball field, and other HOA-owned property.

Residents and staff first became aware of the project on the very day construction vehicles appeared in front of the HOA office, along the main boulevard, and even within the baseball field. The HOA immediately contacted both AdventHealth and Duke Energy. Below is the information we have been able to confirm so far:

• In the North Shore area, the project runs from Moss Park Rd., along North Shore Golf Course Boulevard, to Kirby Smith Rd.
• The work consists of boring conduit and pulling electrical cables.
• Construction in North Shore is scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• The anticipated completion date for this stage of the project is the end of February

We are continuing to seek additional clarification and accountability from those responsible for this project and will make sure that any damage caused by the construction is repaired at no expense to our residents. While we fully support the development of a level 1 trauma center in our community and recognize the significant positive economic impact this hospital will bring to the area, we are deeply disappointed by the lack of communication with our more than 1,000 homeowners and its HOA.

The HOA has clearly and unequivocally communicated these concerns to both AdventHealth and Duke Energy. We will share further updates with the community as soon as additional information becomes available.

Compliance Policy Update

The North Shore at Lake Hart HOA has adopted updates to its Compliance Policy to provide greater clarity, consistency, and continued protection of our community’s appearance and property values. As part of this update, certain violation categories have been renamed, and the notification process has been streamlined.

Nuisance Violations

(Formerly “Immediate Violations”)

Nuisance Violations are items that are quick and easy to correct, including but not limited to:

• Trash and recycling containers left out
• Personal items visible from the street
• Lawn care and basic upkeep issues

Process:

• A Hearing Notice will be sent immediately upon observation.
• A $35 administrative fee will be assessed each time a Hearing Notice is issued.
• Nuisance Violations are not eligible for time extensions.

Maintenance Violations

(Formerly “14-Day Violations”)

Maintenance Violations involve ongoing or more involved upkeep matters, such as:

• Pressure washing driveways or sidewalks
• Trimming overgrown landscaping or removing weeds
• Repairing exterior surfaces
• General property maintenance concerns

Process:

• Homeowners will receive a 14-day cure period to resolve the issue.
• A time extension may be requested in writing within the cure period.
• If the issue remains unresolved after 14 days, a Hearing Notice will be issued

These updates are intended to promote uniform enforcement and encourage timely resolution of issues that affect neighborhood appearance, safety, and property values. Thank you for your cooperation in helping keep North Shore at Lake Hart a beautiful community. You can find the updated compliance policy at our website, at the bottom of the “Policy, Procedures, Rules & Regulations” section.

Looking Ahead: Community Projects for 2026

As the year comes to a close, we are pleased to share an overview of several projects planned for 2026 that will enhance our community amenities.

Playground Renovation
In preparation for the playground renovation, benches and play structures have been removed, excluding the swings, gazebo, and awnings. The playground is one of North Shore’s most-used amenities, and we are excited to bring this project to completion.

A playground task force is being formed to provide suggestions on design, equipment, and layout to the Board of Directors. This group will serve in an advisory role only. A workshop is planned for the first quarter of 2026. It is not too late to become part of this group. Residents interested in participating may email lbihajlo@accessdifference.com.

Community Entrance Updates
Plans are underway to refurbish community entrances, including gate rock columns and marquee signage. Design options are currently under review, with completion targeted by the end of 2026.

Fitness Center Improvements
Thank you to residents who shared feedback on the fitness center. While many expressed satisfaction with the current equipment, we plan to upgrade select pieces and make additional improvements, including repainting, new signage, and a new television during the first half of 2026. Residents interested in a workshop may email lbihajlo@accessdifference.com.

Roadway Maintenance
Preliminary feedback from engineers indicates that not all roads within North Shore require full repaving. Many streets can be maintained with patching and sealing, extending their lifespan by 5–7 years and saving the HOA significant costs. Additional details will be shared once the final Engineer’s Report is received.

Pool System Upgrade
The pool system has exceeded its expected lifespan, and plans are underway to upgrade it to current standards. Vendor quotes are being gathered, with the goal of having the pool operational before the hottest months return.

The Board of Directors and North Shore staff will continue to provide updates as these projects move forward. Thank you for your patience and ongoing support.

Sokol & Sokol Completes Audit of 2024 Financial Statements

Sokol & Sokol, an independent public accounting firm, recently completed the audit of North Shore at Lake Hart’s 2024 financial statements. As it has been the case for many consecutive years, the audit resulted in a “Clean Opinion”, confirming that the financial statements are fair and accurate with no discrepancies found.

In their Independent Auditor’s Report, Sokol & Sokol notes that management is responsible for preparing the financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). This includes designing, implementing, and maintaining internal controls to ensure the financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error.

The auditors concluded that, in their opinion, the 2024 financial statements fairly present the financial position of North Shore at Lake Hart Homeowners Association, Inc. as of December 31, 2024, including the results of operations and cash flows for the year.

The complete audited financial statements for 2024, including footnotes, supplementary information, and the Independent Auditor’s Report, are now available on the North Shore website for review or download.

Brief News Round Up

Summer Fun Makes a Splash at Community Luau

Christmas is a season of lights

And our residents truly outdid themselves,
brightening the neighborhood and bringing smiles to all who passed by.