Channel Resident Association

Communication #015: Frequently Asked Questions

Apr 26, 2009

Summary

?¨ Residents have enhanced the FAQ has been assembled and published to assist all residents via the neighborhood website



What You Need To Know

?¨ What is the difference between the Channel Resident Association, a condominium or home owners associations?


Condominium and Home owner associations are responsible for the governance and maintenance of their respective properties. The Channel District Association, being a civic association, is responsible for the civic health and well-being of the Channel District and concerns itself with both civic impacts and interests including education, recreational space, public spaces, streetscapes, transportation, police protection, taxation, special assessment, etc.



?¨ What is the difference between the Channel Resident Association and Special District(s) / Special Improvement District(s). What are the other governing bodies other then City, County or State impacting/taxing our neighborhood?



The Channel Resident Association is a civic association that mitigates impacts generated by Special Districts upon the neighborhood by partnering with City and County government. Special Districts, Special Improvement Districts, etc. are mandated at State level, of which the Channel District is impacted by multiple. In regards to Special Districts, the State of Florida defines a Special District as the following: means a local unit of special purpose, as opposed to general-purpose, government within a limited boundary, created by general law, special act, local ordinance, or by rule of the Governor and Cabinet. The special purpose or purposes of special districts are implemented by specialized functions and related prescribed powers. For the purpose of s. 196.199(1), special districts shall be treated as municipalities.




?¨ Who belongs to the Channel Resident Association?



All residents of Channel District, whether they own or rent, home or business is located within the defined boundaries of the Channel District, inclusive of all non-resident owners of property. All residents are automatically members of the Channel Resident Association.





?¨ How is the Channel Resident Association referenced?



The Channel Resident Association is referred to by its name; Channel Resident Association, and known as a community conduit enabling residents to receive information, be engaged with the aim to ensure a healthy and sustainable future for the Channel District. This is how the Channel Resident Association is able to successfully communicate with all "bodies of impact" on our neighborhood, as residents represent themselves.



Some governing bodies and agencies do not have organized civic registration, such as Hillsborough County. Others have single registration per geographic area, such as the City of Tampa. Then there is multiple registration per a geographic are, this being the State of Florida. The Special District(s) and other government formed bodies impacting the sustainable future of the Channel District have closed board, where Channel District health and sustainability is reliant upon the City, County and State codes and the boards relationships with the government, as it was City, County and State that generated the "Special District(s) and other government formed bodies" of impact and the City, County and State assuring theses "Special District(s) and other government formed bodies" there funding. As the Channel Resident Association is a conduit, any and all residents sitting on any Board do not represent the neighborhood, they represent themselves. It is the direction of the board that they sit on, that in good faith, as a whole, the board acts in the best interest of the overall health, well-being and sustainable future for the citizens.



Both the City of Tampa and the State of Florida , for registration purposes to eliminate registry confusion, may not allow a civic association to register under its name and will assign it another, for registration purposes. Thus while a civic association may be known by all as one name "A", the city registry could have the association name as a different tile "AB" and the State as a third different title, "ABBA", yet both City and State all have the same people as key contact points for the association.



Presently all government and civic registries have Scott Humphries listed as Channel Resident Association's key contact, regardless possible name alterations of the Channel Resident Association on the registry posting.







?¨ Does it cost anything to belong to the Channel Resident Association?



At present there are no membership dues, but contributions (which are non-tax deductible) are always welcome.





?¨ How does the Channel Resident Association represent me?



The Channel Resident Association is a point of contact for government bodies, agency boards, visitors and other neighborhoods. The Channel District Association acts as a conduit between 1) Channel District Residents and 2) all other parties, on a multitude of issues of importance/impact to the Channel District and its residents.



?¨ When does the Channel Resident Association meet?



Town Hall meetings are throughout the year, posted one year in advance, of which the calendar year is November 1 to October 31.



For 2008/2009 all Town Halls are being held at 6:30 PM at the Florida Aquarium- 701 Channelside Drive, the Classrooms.



Focus meetings are schedules as frequently as weekly and meet at various locals and times throughout the community.





?¨ My condominium association refused my variance request. Can I appeal my case to the Channel Resident Association?



No, the Channel District Association specifically prohibits the association from interfering with the governance of the individual condominium associations.





?¨ How do I get attention for an issue that I believe affects the Channel District community?



Speak to an active member or send an e-mail to the Channel Resident Association. All e-mails will be considered for publication. However, the Channel Resident Association Communication Committee reserves the right to refuse or edit letters, depending on content, expression, and length.



?¨ How can I become a delegate to City of Tampa or Hillsborough County civic organizations?



As the Channel Resident Association is a conduit, any and all residents sitting on any Board do not represent the neighborhood, the residents represents themselves. It is the direction of the board that they sit on, that in good faith, as a whole, the board acts in the best interest of the overall health, well-being and sustainable future for the citizens. The Channel Resident Association appoints delegates and alternates to all civic organizations when formal representation has been requested, of which the representation is that of a civic conduit for the overall health, wellbeing and sustainable future of the Channel District. Let the association know you're interested in being a delegate conduit.



?¨ How can I learn about the history of the Channel District?



Tampa Bay History Center provides information on the history of Tampa Bay, inclusive of the Channel District, as does the local library.





Action Required

?¨ If you have any additional FAQ you would like to have added, please contact the Communication Committee


If you have questions, please contact : Scott Humphries, scott.humphries@floridamoves.com