Statement by Jared Wise to the CROA Board of Directors

at the February 22, 2023 Board Meeting

Regarding Agenda Item B3, Lot D Proposal

Hi, my name is Jared Wise.

First, I want to disclose that I am running for the CROA board of directors. And while my statements here are a solid example of how I will serve our community, I am speaking as a concerned resident of Celebration.

My comments here aren’t about pickleball. They are about financial responsibility.

I urge the board of directors to immediately table Action Item B3 for the following reasons:

Reason # 1

The competitive bids are not provided for review. It is completely unclear based on the documentation in this board packet what the undertaking would be for this proposal. In fact, we can’t even tell if Poli’s bid is indeed the least expensive, as the proposal information is not available in the board packet to review and compare numbers. Contingencies, consulting fees, and reserve impacts also aren’t provided.

Historically, all board packets have included the vendor proposals, including this month for the other consent agenda items. Yet somehow this one is dramatically lacking in detail and clarity of scope.

Reason #2

Bids were only received by CROA this past Friday, so there hasn’t been proper time to review. The fact that this item even appearing on an agenda when you yourself have had less than a week to digest it is unprofessional and irresponsible.

Reason #3

I think everyone here would like to know who wrote the two-page synopsis. It is not an unbiased opinion. A professionally prepared report would include both pros and cons of the project, evaluating a variety of eventualities.

Instead it’s simply a repetitive essay on reaching reasons that this project should be fast-tracked. There is a serious lack of standard construction practices in how this project is developing and that needs to be resolved prior to proceeding.

While I respect CALIC Group as an owner’s rep and construction management firm, it is in their financial interest for the project to continue. In construction terms, they are not considered an impartial party at this stage of the project.

Reason #4

This month’s board packet includes fifteen pages for a Founders Day Laser Show worth $13,000. That is three times the documentation for a project 153 times smaller.

This shows there has been no due diligence on the part of this board.

Finally, and most importantly, reason #5

Section 3.17 paragraph U of the CROA Bylaws clearly states that all capital projects with a cost of $250,000 or more shall result in a Board presentation to the community of total project costs including acquisition, development, and outfitting costs, a contingency for cost overruns, reserve impact, and future operating cost.

It’s unfortunate that I have to read this to you to in a forum like this, but here we are. And NONE of these requirements are included. So proceeding with this vote is an absolute violation of the community bylaws, and places each of you in jeopardy of your fiduciary responsibility to the community and compliance with the laws of the state of Florida.

With all that said, I recommend the board immediately table Action Item B3 to allow more time for a professional and proper review of the details of this massive expenditure.