Newsletter - Nosara Civic Association

Another year has flown by and it is again time for the renewal of NCA membership dues and community assessments. The NCA receives the vast majority of its income from membership dues, community service assessments and donations. Membership to the NCA is $50 per year for one and $85 per year for two. By being a member you are showing your support for our community. Your annual voluntary community service/environmental/legal assessment ($125 for the first lot and $25 each other lot) is used to continue the long-standing commitment to our quality of life in our day-to-day responsibilities. If you choose to be a business member of the NCA, your company will be included as reference points on our soon to come map, your advertising will be included with our welcome pamphlet and you will be further helping our community. Remember our mission.

The mission of the Nosara Civic Association is to preserve the total environment of the Beaches of Nosara by protecting against improper use of its assets, careless pollution and irresponsible development. The NCA promotes an understanding of the environment and careful community development through advocacy, conflict resolution and dissemination of information.

This mission encompasses protection of the entire environment, as dictated by the by-laws of the association, against improper use of the areas assets through careless pollution and irresponsible development. We consider the flora and fauna major factors in our total quality of life, which is what has attracted the majority of us to the area.

We also recognize the need to protect individual properties from squatters, noise and light pollution and development concerns as they affect neighbors and the natural resources, as well as protecting the 175 hectáreas of “Parklands”. At times, this includes involvement in legal actions. We remain vigilant and realize we must be prepared for any future legal issues that may arise.

Lastly, the NCA cooperates in the maintenance of the airport, police assistance, assistance for the garbage dump, emergency road maintenance and provides humanitarian aid.

One does not need to be a property owner to become a member of the NCA, just someone who loves Nosara. Don’t forget the benefit of the discounted group rate for medical insurance that members receive.

Your prompt payment of the enclosed is appreciated, as is your support for Nosara.
(NCA INFO MEETING JANUARY 10, 2006 9:00 AM)

ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING

The Annual General Assembly Meeting of the NCA will be held January 24, 2006 at 9:00 am at the NCA office, located in the Amigos’ building being used by the NCA and the water company. Please mark your calendars and plan on attending. The main item on the agenda will be the election of a new Board of Directors of the NCA for a one year term. If you are unable to attend the meeting and will be in Nosara some time before this date, you can give your proxy to another member. Proxies are available at the office or from any current board member. If you are outside of Costa Rica, you must have a proxy notarized by a Costa Rican Consulate. Any member in good standing is more than welcome to run for the board, so don’t forget to join now.

Even though the current board’s term is not over until April 2006, thanks are extended to those that have served.

The NCA is in the process of creating its own website. This will include a history of the “project” and Nosara, photos, up-to-date information through a community bulletin board, a Nosara map, links to member businesses (with addition opportunities to advertise), board members and the tide charts, local phone book and much more.

On August 16, 2005 there was an Extraordinary General Meeting held and the following issues were voted on by majority vote. 1. Agnes Pinheiro was elected the new vocal of the NCA, replacing Blain Perry who moved to the states. 2. There was a proposal to change article 26 of the NCA by-laws, which would permit an officer of the board to run for the same position for more than two consecutive years. This change did NOT pass.

Michael Sandweg, long time employee of and contractor for the NCA, passed away in September.

Will Scarlett, a pioneer in Nosara, also passed away in October. Will and Ann were some of the first to have a house built in “las huacas” and Will was an avid supporter of the NCA and a great host.

Local newspaper “The Voice of Nosara”, published by Liza Vogt, has shut down. Lisa is moving to Tamarindo. We thank her and her “staff” of volunteers for their informative publication over the years. It will be missed. Hopefully someone will want to continue. Good luck Liza.

The Libería Labor Court judge handed down its decision regarding the Michael Sandweg labor suit appeal (claiming $350,000 for labor benefits) against the NCA. The judge has denied Michael’s appeal and ruled in favor of the NCA, which means that Michael, or really the firm the NCA contracted with, is required to pay 15% of this claim in legal fees to the NCA. In labor cases, the accuser is allowed a second appeal, so this may take another year to finally be settled.

The criminal case against Michael has been dropped.
The claim by Richmond Phipps of 47 properties, including five existing homes and seven NCA “Parklands”, has still not gone to trial. She has charged ten individuals with fraud against the National Registry, a criminal charge.

The dedication of the new building for the David Kitson Memorial Library will be January 21, 2006. The library is incredible and an asset to the community.

Nosara, like the rest of the world, has known the powers of Mother Nature. September and October have been very wet and have caused much flooding in the town of Nosara, resulting in the evacuation of many homeowners in town. There are families that have been “living” at the Tropicana Bar for over a month. Many families lost everything. 36.61” of rain in September and 36.46” (back-yard measuring) in October. The road to Nicoya has been impassable two times this rainy season, the roads are “horrible” and there is still more rain to come. If you would like to contribute to the “flood fund”, please contact Bobbi Johnson, bobbij@racsa.co.cr. There are many in need. The government is helping a bit.

The Board of Directors wishes to thank the 297 members of the NCA for their support for our association and our community. Below are the current “business” members of the NCA. It is time to renew your membership. Also, thank you to the current board for all their hard work and dedication.

CAFÉ DE PARÍS
CASA TORTUGA
CASITA ROMÁNTICA
CONCH TICO REALTY
GECKO ARCHITECTURE
GIARDINO TROPICALE
GILDED IGUANA
HARBOR REEF LODGE
KELCO GLOBAL (CORKY’S SURF SCHOOL)
LAGARTA LODGE
LA VENTANA
NOSARA BEACH VILLAS
NOSARA HOME RENTALS
NOSARA REAL ESTATE
NOSARA TRAVEL INSTITUTE
NOSARA YOGA
PACIFIC LEGAL
PATOS CLUB
PLAYAS DE NOSARA COMMUNITY SCHOOL
RANCHO SUIZO
TIM SIVITER DEV
VISTA DEL MAR LODGE
WANDERLUST REALTY


Again, thanks for your support.
Annual General Membership meeting JANUARY 24,  2006 9:00 am

              

        THE NCA CARES -- SO SHOULD YOU!