Grapevine Archive

April 2007

4/30/2007

Lake Forest was well represented this weekend at the St.Jude's Kerri Castello Memorial Tennis Tournament held at the Mobile Tennis Center.  The Lake Forest team won their first match, lost their second in a squeaker, and won their third to finish in second place in their division.  The weekend was fun with good food, fellowship and tennis.  And, the whole thing was for a good cause in giving to St. Jude Hospital where no child is turned away regardless of ability to pay.  We look forward to participating again next year.

4/30/2007

Check out the User Fees page for current rates for golf, swim and tennis.

4/29/2007

I was just looking over the Lake Forest newsletter today and happened to read the minutes from a recent board meeting.  What struck me was the title of the minutes referred to them as being minutes of a meeting of the Lake Forest Board of Governors.  When did we get a Board of Governors?   I checked the by-laws and could find no reference to a Board of Governors.  I don't recall a vote of the membership changing the name of the body from Board of Directors to Board of Governors.   Did the board change it themselves in one of the monthly executive sessions?   Should we start reporting contributions as "From a governor . . ."?  

I saw a few yard sales this weekend.  Where was that community yard sale that I saw advertised as going on today?  Was it successful?  Do any of our readers plan to buy one of those $100 brick pavers for the entrances?  Nobody actually walks around those entrances do they?  How would anyone ever see your brick?

4/28/2007 From a director . . .

Ray, the flaw in your argument is that not every Board member voted for a dues increase. Not every Board member voted for an assessment. Not every Board member voted to charge for the pools. I have voted against all three, and to have you lump me in with other Board members is unfair. I asked those who voted in favor of the assessment, dues increase, and pool fees to go ahead and set up a Toll Booth at Windsor, Lawson, and Home Depot entrances. While we're at it, why not a toll to go over each bridge on Bayview? (I hope you can feel the sarcasm by now.....) Don't lump m e in with others on issues such as assessments, dues increase, and pool fees. Thanks. Clint Martin.

4/27/2007 From a director

Derrick is highly educated and trained in the use of chemicals and their effect. He has chosen the proper ones, of course. It is the best option for control at this time. I cannot see a screen at the spillway to catch fish. There is one other thing to consider. The consultant said that if we did a dredging operation in the next three to five years, it could result in the killing of the fish. Now, why would we want to spend so much and then get them killed when we dredge in this time frame. No promises here, just guarded optimism.

Let's hope for the best and let's hope it works.  When we dug the lake out in 1999, I don't recall there being a significant fish kill.

4/27/2007 Response to director's 4/25 contribution in support of F&B chairman

As with most statements that end with “ nothing personal “ or “no offense meant”, this statement of “the facts” is personal and offensive.

1.      It’s offensive because you’ve lumped me in with one of your own since only “slate” members or supporters are still left on the board.  The fact is I never missed a stated board meeting compared to Barrow who missed more than he attended.  The minutes of the meetings during my tenure would show that your “fact” of reports given is “none” is not substantiated. 

2.       A “report” does not consist of reading and misrepresenting (either intentionally or from ignorance} the financial condition of F&B.  Current “facts” are as of March 31, 2007 F&B has lost {$41,564} on pace for the year to lose {$166,256}.  {For those on the board that need the “financial session” I arrived at that number my multiplying the March YTD by 4 because it is the end of a forth of a year.}  Not sure how much more of the chairman’s “involvement” we can afford?  A more appropriate report would be to address the failed Health Department inspections, and tell the board what is specifically being done to correct the situation.  Blaming it on an “outside caterer” is unacceptable.  I didn’t report on this because I don’t recall any failed inspections to report on. Nor do I recall anyone addressing the board concerning room rental issues i.e.: room not ready when promised, police involvement of a private function, etc.  I’d also like a report on why, with the increased drink prices, the Bayview ran a nearly 60% liquor cost of goods?  Why is food cost excluding alcohol sales nearly 50%?  In my opinion that is a director and committee chairman’s position.  Involvement in day to day operations is micro-managing.  Why do we overpay this manager if the committee chairmen are going to try to run the department they chair?

3.      Finally, I have credibility issues with all of this board.  To misrepresent your position on assessments and the pools continues to amaze me.  Everyone on this current board told the shareholders they wouldn’t do either and they’ve done both.  If you had been doing your job as directors, which is oversight and setting policies and procedures last year, you wouldn’t have let the management run out of cash as you were warned would happen several times by Bob Underwood.

NOTHING PERSONAL

This contributor specifically asked that I put his name on this contribution.  I chose not to, although the identity of the person is pretty obvious from the content of the two messages.

4/26/2007

Got an e-mail today from our GM that they have bought the chemicals and plan to try to treat the lake grass/weeds the first week of May. Hopefully that will do some good. But, I still think the grass carp would have worked...longer term. The only catch was having to make some adjustments to the dam's spillway to keep the fish in the lake when they are too small.

Can we assume that the chemicals won't hurt the fish or anything else?  I'm not sure why we should make such an assumption.  Let's just hope whoever selected the chemicals knew what they were doing.  The carp certainly sounds like a safer solution.

4/25/2007 From a director. . .

One thing I can say is that board member Weller at least was giving a Food and Beverage Report. The last few years we had none from either Ray Drake or Gerald Barrow. You know that Weller is involved at least. She has been working on improving bookings and revenue. A far cry from previous committee chairs, in my opinion. Nothing personal Ray, but facts are facts.

4/25/2007

The GM did not save the 10,000 on insurance Derek's wife did. Her company upgraded our coverage and saved the money.

4/25/2007

Mr. Clint Martin and Mr. John Peterson, Please consider this as thanks for your vote to remove the pool charges, we think that the charges are just not fair. To charge us for the use of the pools that hasn't been there in the past , and ask us for( more ) money for  Mr. lieb and Mr. Moss's improvement projects, Not to mention everything else. Thanks again for your vote.

4/24/2007

Not sure how many more of these nauseating nights I can take.

LFPOA meeting 4-23-2007

One of the few statements Henry’s ever made that I could agree with was when he said tonight “We all need a training session on financials” . This was in response to Martin’s inquiry as to how each committee chairman was reporting their committee’s financial status.  Martin was alluding to the misleading report by chairperson Weller.  She started out by saying “we forecast with better weather, income would pick up, “and we were right”  then F&B chairperson Weller proceeded to report the Yacht Club as positive $903.73 when, in fact, the financial shows a deficit of $5,548.49 of revenues to expenses at the yacht club.  The 19th hole she said was “slightly negative” at $967.20.  Fact is, revenues were only $10,172.77 and expenses (not including depreciation which none is shown for the 19th hole?) were over $13K for a deficit of revenues over expenses of $3,469.85  Totals for Food & Beverage are actually $20,227 in revenue and expenses of $30,724 for a deficit of revenues to expenses of ($10,496).  This supposedly is with the wonderful addition of some 12 functions totaling some $6,500 in additional revenues.  Guess the director reporting all the wonderful things going on might have been misled too?  To make that point January 2007 financial shows $21,558 F&B revenues, and only $26,499 expenses, not sure we can afford too many of these great “functions”. 

GM reported she “saved” the Assoc. $10,000 in premiums over last year's insurance by changing agencies.  Followed by a statement to Robison that the buildings are at Actual Cash Value.  It would be interesting to see if the policies are comparable, or did she lose replacement cost coverage for depreciated coverage?  If so, we probably have very little coverage beyond the quarter of a million dollar deductible.  She declined to report on the Health Department score at the Yacht Club as “the subject has already been well discussed”. 

Under New Business, Peterson brought up fees for use of the pools and moved they remove the fees for 2007.  The vote was: Peterson for, Martin for, Weller against, Robison against, Moss abstained and since Mosley and Bidney left early, Henry cast the deciding NO vote, causing the motion to lose 3 to 2.  Remember Moss, Weller, and Robison all campaigned on not charging for the pools.  Guess you can go back on your promises when you’ve got over 2 years left, or you promised it over a year ago. 

You’ll note there are only 8 members of the board since BT resigned, no mention of which of their “buds” they’ve decided on to fill the seat.  Maybe they plan on going the rest of the year with only 8? 

BT was there and addressed the board.  Seems he had rented one of the rooms for a wedding reception for $450.  The room had not been cleaned when they came at the appointed time to decorate, and he had found that the room had been rented the day before for $350.  On top of that they had a DJ there to go until midnight, but the Daphne police came at 11PM and made them leave.  Henry will conduct a full inquiry. 

Finally, as usual, an Executive Session on Employment Contracts and Legal Issues was held.

Thank you for that report.  We know what a chore it is for the contributor to attend these meetings and report to our readers.  We all appreciate it very much.  This writer also appreciates directors Peterson and Martin trying to remove that swim charge.  It is our opinion that the directors who voted against the measure showed a severe lack of vision.  They will be creating a great deal of discontent for a very small benefit.  Does anyone else have comments about last night's meeting?  Allow me a couple of observations.   Business in our club is not constant from month to month.  We have slow months and we have busy months.  Those months can be predicted fairly well from past experience.   The winter is never a good time for a golf, tennis and yacht club.  January is usually a slow month for our association in terms of revenue generated by use.  If the deficit for F&B for the month of January is as the contributor stated, (-$ 4,941), that would suggest that the total cost of offering F&B services for the year could actually be lower than it has in the past.   Did the GM actually mention when the Health Department score was "well discussed"?  I am impressed with Moss' show of leadership by his abstention.    Apparently the board was right in not reappointing him V.P.  Also, since Henry is in his third year on the board, it's probably too late to give him a training session on financials.

4/22/2007

I will say that this issue will be discussed at the board meeting as it has been in private. There are things that must be done in a food and beverage operation regardless of the hour, whether it will be open the next day, or how many hours one has worked. We must get these things done before leaving the place. Problem is that there are caterers that also use the facility. We cannot always control how they leave it. In this case, a caterer left a cutting board on the counter and the inspection was done when we were not even open. That was a big no no. Perhaps we should hold hard and fast to not allowing anyone to use outside catering for this reason.

4/22/2007

I haven't written in for a long time. But not only did we have a low health score at the yacht club but we made the evening news for it! And on a Thursday night just before the usual big crowd on Friday night.

4/22/2007

I hope to see everyone at the meeting on Monday at 6:00pm. There have been some really good contributions on this site in recent weeks (especially about the Yacht Club) and it would benefit us all if you would present your concerns to the Board. -Clint Martin, 458-8999.

4/22/2007

Apparently the only director still on the site is Peterson, so this is directed to him. You've spun your usual, now address the very direct questions poised below. I am of the same opinion as another submitter, you know it was wrong to hire your crony when she didn't have the credentials to qualify for the job, why did you put the Assoc in jeopardy? It's one thing to sit around in an office and compare quotes on things such as insurance, and quite another to be out and about seeing what's really going on in the neighborhood and the amenities. Spin these if you can? 1. Did they borrow $65,000, which had nothing to do with the hurricane?, yes 2. Did they add an assessment, which we hadn't had in many years? yes 3. Did they start charging for the pools, which they all promised not to do? yes 4. How many good employees have left because of the situation? I've heard many. A positive future cannot be shaped with mismanagement. Not pointing it out is wrong. And finally, you have a lot of nerve suggesting that anyone not talk anything but positive about Lake Forest after you and your ilk caused such a media issue over something that had been handled and done with. How do you explain {spin} that one?

4/20/2007

This health rating issue is a disgrace.  This is now 3 times in just over 4 months.  The person in charge of food should be fired to set an example that the LFPOA won't stand for this.   This is a serious matter.  In a normal company, it would 2 strikes and out.  3 just can not be tolerated.      

Bob Underwood

4/20/2007

Congratulations to our general mgr. !! Our health rating score at the yacht club is lower than Waffle House !

Hey!!!!!      I like the Waffle House!

4/20/2007  From a director . .

Mitch, It is a chore to maintain my presence here. It is against the wishes of many directors and friends for me to even contribute. But I figure that if it weren't for me, the site would not have any credible information on it. So I consider it a service. Thanks for the props, LOL.

You're welcome.  On part of this one, we agree.  It is a service.  It's hard to go wrong by hearing all sides of an issue.

4/19/2007

We think that the Lieb foundation, should give John Peterson a plastic Badge of honor, because of his remarkable position as Senior Grapevine Heckler ;)

To be fair, some of our contributors heckle the director and his crew on a pretty regular basis too.  ;)  I have to give him credit for hanging in there and returning fire.

4/19/2007 

I see the anonymous contributor will once again speak ignorantly about Lake Forest and its current management. The facts show that there is improvement in the management since the General Manager's arrival. Sure, there are issues where she has to learn aspects of the business. But there are many areas where the oversight and operations are improving. The board will be given reports on these areas. Insurance savings, paying on time to avoid late charges, and paying old balances on credit accounts that went unpaid for years are just a few things that are being corrected by the new manager. Also, has anyone noticed the number of events being help in the facilities. Bookings continue to build and that does nothing but help the bottom line. The staff has an awful lot to do with it, and we appreciate all their efforts. Responsibility and accountability are growing in all departments. Many departments are earning more and spending less than budgeted. Read the financials and the committee reports. Contrary to your contributor's statements, things are looking up for our association. Thanks for the opportunity to give an opinion of one "in the know", instead of out of touch. -John Peterson

I guess this is the new strategy of the slate, discredit the contributors because Mitch won't tell us who they are.  We look forward to seeing those "facts that show there is improvement".

4/18/2007

Because of the storms this past Saturday, I cancelled the Vessel Safety Checks that were schedule to be conducted at Lake Forest's Marina.  I did this for the safety of the boaters and the USCGA members who would have participated.

I have spoken with the Harbor Master (Chris) and rescheduled the Vessel Safety Checks for Saturday 5/5 from 1:00 - 4:00.  I would greatly appreciate this being re-published on the Lake Forest website(s).  If there are any questions, feel free to contact me.

Regards,

Bob Trachsler

USCGA Flotilla 36 Public Affairs

626-4507

4/18/2007

Baldwin Register, April 16, 2007, HEALTH RATINGS.  Lake Forest Yacht Club, 3 Yacht Club Drive, Daphne, 78.  “Health inspections are conducted on a quarterly basis with those scoring below 85 inspected monthly.”  In fairness to the staff at the Bayview Lounge and 19th hole, they scored 94 and 90 respectively.

Seems the mis-manager got one thing right when she said “ I don’t know anything about Food and Beverage or Golf, but I’m the best person for the job”  and it’s not that she’s the best person for the job.  Since she doesn’t know anything about Food and Beverage it would appears she’s decided to let the Baldwin County Health Department do her job for her by inspecting the Yacht Club monthly now.  As usual, I would anticipate the excuses to be forthcoming, and this will be someone else’s fault.  That someone better look out, they will be in for a good chewing as is this mis-manager’s tendency to handle staff.

The Webmaster's view of Lake Forest management is well known by those who read this site.  Obviously, since last fall, it has not been very favorable for reasons much more serious than one low health rating.  However, in the case of the health ratings report mentioned in this contribution, we need to consider that it is the same general manager for facilities that scored in the 90's as it is for the Yacht Club that made the 78.  Certainly, the responsibility eventually lies with management, but there are other circumstances that probably should be considered.  Do the facilities have different staff? Yes, they do and the reality is that the staff of a facility have much more short term impact on the rating than the general manager.  Also, health ratings are influenced by factors that we might not even consider.  For example, a couple of years ago, the F&B manager showed me some structural problems at the Yacht Club that, while trivial in nature, could cost an inspection some points.  These included a few cracked tiles in the floor and a small leak in the cooler.  The former GM considered the problems too small to be of concern and too expensive to deal with at that time.  So, he was willing to make a 95 instead of a 100 on a health department report.  I know that he would not have been satisfied with a 78.  However, I doubt that the current GM will be either, so we should expect some corrections soon.   The only troubling thing about this is that we were nailed on a health inspection last fall or last summer and now it happens again. 

4/15/2007

Because of time constraints of my job, I am only able to read the web site about once a week to catch up on the news I could never find out about through the official sources. This is why I might be considered a little late replying to Mr. John Peterson's post a few days ago. Even though I have only written maybe three times total, I am compelled to write a response to his entry. Mr. Peterson said you have, "No need to present attacks or negative positions...". By pointing out how management is stumbling and failing because of lack of any experience in running such a large club can not be considered an, " attack", but an obligation by anyone who knows of the situation to point it out to the members who are paying with their money though increased costs and assessments for this incompetence. He is using buzz phrases such as, "continuous rants of mismanagement is not very productive,...and shape a positive future". I deal with facts and figures in my job. Lets look at the facts, 1. Did they borrow $65,000, which had nothing to do with the hurricane?, yes 2. Did they add an assessment, which we hadn't had in many years? yes 3. Did they start charging for the pools, which they all promised not to do? yes 4. How many good employees have left because of the situation? I've heard many. A positive future cannot be shaped with mismanagement. Not pointing it out is wrong. The residents, new and old, need to know if an employee is being protected and needs to be replaced. Lake Forest residents deserve better. Not talking about mistakes does not get them corrected. The truth must be bro ught out, not covered up, or put on a spin. Getting on the board, getting your pals to vote you into the highest paid job your group can award you is wrong. When will the board step up to the plate and fix the situation by hiring a club manager with a spotless record and many years of experience dealing with employees and finances successfully? Through his contributions, it is evident that Mr. Peterson is a good man who wants the best for Lake Forest. I feel he knows things should be changed. It is not wrong to make a mistake, but it is wrong not to correct it. We, the residents and future residents, will all pay the price. Do the right thing, board. We're counting on you.

4/13/2007 From a director . . .

I would anticipate the survey being sent in late May or June. It will be announced in the Lake Forester and posted on the official website, www.lakeforestycc.com , the ONLY place for accurate Lake Forest Information.

Thanks for the info.  We also enjoyed your "ONLY place for accurate information" shot.  Of course, we know it was just a good natured jab.  You may certainly feel free to correct misinformation on our website any time you think you find it.  As you know, we have a link to the official site right here on our own Home Page.  So, every week or so our members can check it out and maybe find something new.  As a matter of fact, I tried to check it this morning.  It must have been down for maintenance, but it was back up after lunch.  It sure seems to have a lot of material with your guys patting each other on the back, but, otherwise, it is a very attractive website.  Naturally, you can count on your friends at www.lfpoa.com to continue supporting the "official" one. ;)

4/13/2007

Regarding the posting here from 4/7/07. I agree that the Yacht Club could use something "new". It seems like it is the very same people singing the same songs every Friday for Karaoke. and frankly, I haven't gone in a while because even Jerry doing Elvis has lost it's luster. Maybe mix in live entertainment once in a while. And additional hours on Saturday/Sunday would get me in for sure. Nothing like enjoying the deck on a nice warm afternoon...or a cold one watching football (college or pro) on the weekend. Of course, if they did get good live music...something would have to be done to actually have a dance floor to dance on.

4/12/2007 From a director . . .

The membership will certainly have an opinion, and the board will hear that opinion shortly. It will not be at the Grapevine, or any other website. It will come to you, delivered and ready with questions we all want answered. It is the survey of members. The board has contracted for a survey of every member we have. It will be interesting to hear the members' views and then react to them. The results will be there for everyone. When yours comes, make sure you take the time to fill it out and add your personal thoughts on the association, amenities, and management. Thank you and I anticipate all of you sending yours in. We want all viewpoints -John Peterson

That is great news!  Thank you.  I am sure we will all be looking forward to seeing the survey.  We may even discuss it right here on the Grapevine.  Do you have any idea when it will be arriving?

4/11/2007

I received a message today that said, "there are just a handful of you instigators left".  He was talking about yours truly.  He also said, "if you can find it in your heart to change your hateful ways, we'd all be better off", also talking about me.  Here is a fact that the person should know.  Most people do not write letters to the editor, sound offs, or messages to the Grapevine.  That does not mean that they are happy campers.  So, if he thinks there are only a handful of instigators around, he may be in for a surprise.  Secondly, I believe that everyone who contributes to this website wants the best for Lake Forest.  That includes the directors who write in from time to time.  Everyone may not agree with those presently in power and they may make that clear.  But, that does not mean they want anything but well being for our community.  This just happens to be the only forum that allows free and uncensored contributions.  And, finally, the person should read my words on the Grapevine and his and see if he can judge who is being hateful.

4/11/2007

(Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. )  Mr. Peterson, If by some chance you don't know what this is, It is The First Amendment to the Constitution, written by James Madison, first went into effect in Virginia in 1787.  

4/10/2007

I suggest both directors stop reading this site. It appears it's ok for them to be critical of the webmaster and contributor, but no one is supposed to be critical of this inept board and the general mis-manager that has run off many of the good staff that was left, couldn't manage the cash flow last year resulting in an assessment for the first time in many years, AND returned to charging for the pools for the first time in many years. And, by the way, both the assessment and the charging for the pools were campaign pledges that both "slates" promised not to do. Then to top that off, I get in my bill a request to donate to the entrance fund and who's in charge of that project? None other that the charged domestic abuser Lieb!!!! And you wonder why this inept, misleading, micro-managing board is the subject of less than flattering discussion? Take a good look in the mirror in the morning.

4/10/2007

We should try to understand where Clint Martin is coming from...he's part of a Board that made big promises and not only didn't come through on them, but actually did a backslide by getting us into more debt, charging for pools, hiring an inexperienced GM, and the list goes on and on. So, he has no answer for the criticism, therefore he just lashes out against the website in general.  I have to question Clint's motives for even wanting on the Board. Was it to improve LF (if so he's done a poor job) or was it to expand his call list of new acquaintances from which to solicit insurance policies? I say so because I've already gotten a few of those calls from Clint Martin myself!

4/10/2007

When I heard that director Bryce Cocke had resigned from the board, I sent him a note asking why.  The following was his reply.

When they passed the expenditure for the consultant for $25,000 with only two dissenting votes I decided that I would not let my name be associated with the mess that I feel they are on the path to do. That vote convinced me that I could not and would not participate with that kind of waste of the members money.

4/10/2007

OK, some things can be improved in the community.  There is no denying that.  But, having ridden through a number of brand new subdivisions over the last few weeks, one thing in particular stands out.  Man!  Lake Forest is a beautiful subdivision!!  When you start shopping and see all the small houses selling in all the treeless pastures for all that money, you have be struck by the unmistakable fact that we have absolutely one of the loveliest communities around and one of the best home owning deals.  If you watched that cable program recently that featured a couple house shopping in Daphne, you saw something astounding!.  One of the selling features of the house they bought was that the subdivision offered A pool and A half of a basketball court for the kids and the membership fee was $350 a year! 

4/8/2007 From a director . . .

Perhaps you should evaluate the criteria for posting on the Grapevine. There is no need to present attacks or negative posts. We are trying to shape a positive future for our subdivision and these continuous rants of mismanagement and ignorance is not very productive. Not only that, when read by potential home buyers or business interests trying to help us, it causes concern and a negative response. To make it plain, if you are bashing our association, you are not helping it. Sure, we as board members can take it, but the association is the thing that is hurt. That much is very clear. I would ask that the contributors promote the positive. Thanks, John Peterson

The policy on publishing contributions to The Grapevine is clearly stated in the opening statement on this page.  It is very doubtful that the association is being hurt by anything that has appeared here. 

4/8/2007

I was pleased to see this "professional" assessment of the condition and future of the lake. "If however there is no chance of dredging for 5 years, they would definitely help to control the weeds now & be able to complete a full useful life cycle (eat less when they get older). Without doing this in this situation, the east end & borders of the lake will fill in & be unnavigable & ugly." Portions of the lake (southern) are already "unnavigable" and "ugly" . The dollar amount indicated does not seem that steep to get the beauty of the lake back. I am also glad that the newspaper article about the grass carp got people thinking about fixes for this Lake Forest amenity.

4/7/2007

The manner in which the Yacht Club is being run is contributing to the losses which occur at the facility. The following examples are provided:

1. The temperature that the Yacht Club is kept results in increased costs and causes the patrons to be uncomfortable. It is often necessary to wear a jacket while in the Yacht Club in both the winter and the summer. During the winter, cold air is pumped in. During the summer, the air conditioning is set too low to be comfortable if you are dressed in shorts and a golf shirt. If the manager came out the Yacht Club, she would see the wait staff dressed in jackets. Members would be in sweaters or jackets or sitting with their arms crossed because of the temperature.

2. The Yacht Club is not promoted to the membership and few efforts are taken to increase patronage. The same members use the Yacht Club week in and week out. Attempts to get new members to use the facility need to be taken. For example, coupons to buy one entrée, get one free could be sent to 10% of the membership each month to get more members to try the Yacht Club. During the summer months, the Yacht Club could open on the weekends before 4:00 so the boaters could get lunch. During football season, the Yacht Club could be open before 4:00 for games on Saturday and/or Sunday. Asking members to come out and watch the Sunday football game which starts at 3:00 when the Yacht Club opens at 4:00 is not very smart. These are just suggestions. Other ideas to get more members to use the Yacht Club exist and should be tried. Some will work and some will fail. Doing nothing only results in the same old results.

3. The staffing can be more efficiently used. On most Friday nights, there are 4 waiting staff (counting Debbie Waite) at the club. There are usually less than 40 people at the Yacht Club and there often fewer than 10 members present. The staff can be seen standing around with nothing to do for extended periods of time. The manager can come out on any Friday night and see this for herself.

4. Something other than Karaoke every Friday night could be provided for entertainment. Karaoke two Fridays a month and something else the other two Fridays would provide the opportunity to get additional members who don’t like Karaoke out to the club. Last summer, there were numerous young couples and families out at the club on Friday nights who left just before the Karaoke started because they didn’t care for that type of entertainment.

4/7/2007 From a director . . .

I see that the contributor did not like my response for his request that the LFPOA clean the entire lake so he can launch his canoe. Let's see, just where is his canoe launching on my priority list?? Despite his anger and resentment, I will continue to encourage his participation in discussions and lake meetings. There is hope in the dredging area, but it is a distant one, years, not months. The carp issue is one that I appreciate the work of your contributor and have asked for his help in that area. I also have asked him to attend and help set up the beginnings of the Lake Committee regular meetings. It is ti me to do this. Soon, we will announce both on the official website and here in the blog pages, these coming meetings. As far as the lake meetings. I am hoping for them to be well run and cordial. I would ask that everyone leave their hostility at the house. I will be having guests that could be turned off by vocal, "in your face" criticism of them and others. More news on this on the way as it develops.-John Peterson

4/7/2007

I would like to thank Clint Martin for his Non-existent contributions to our community, It lets us know to NOT vote for him again.

4/7/2007

In regards to Clint's accusations about contributions to this website, he either hasn't spoken to the residents in Lake Forest who have a clue about the Association and the misfits who are running it or he hasn't been listening.  Hundreds of residents?  When does Mr. Martin find the time and by the way he hasn't spoken to me in the last six months.  I know what happens when people sign their name to their contributions and I'm glad that this website offers comments anonymously.  The former GM and past Board's did do a fine job in managing the the LFPOA and it's time that Mr. Martin and the current Board of Directors face that fact.  At least the former GM was educated and qualilfied in Club Management and finance.  There may have been members that didn't care for the former GM or the former Boards but they did take care of the business at Lake Forest.  It's time that the current Board of Directors wake up and realize that they are not performing a community service and that serving as a director is not a popularity contest, it's a job.  Under the former management and Board we were no longer assessed $50 and the pools were free.  Now, my family has paid the assessment for last year and my kids will have to pay to swim this year.  The Board needs to hire a qualified GM, stop paying for "studies" and put the money back into the association.  Stop with the assessments and give the pools back to the community.  Hundreds of people.....yeah right.

4/6/2007  Website Criticism From a director . . .

Anyone who believes a word that is written anonymously is buying into false information. This has gotten past the point of ridiculous, and I still can't comprehend why any adult human being would not own up to their words. Funny how during slow times of this website, there always seems to be a contribution that trickles in that is right in line with the Webmaster's point of view. Hmmmmmm....After speaking with hundreds of residents face-to-face over the past 6 months, I haven't found one that agrees with a word the Webmaster has to say. But on this site, they all seem to agree that he ran the Club like a well-oiled machine, and the former GM managed the place better than Jack Welch could have ever done. Now that's a mystery!! -Clint Martin, 458-8999.

This one is a HOOT!!  Sometimes I think I should pay for contributions, because some of them are just too much fun! 

Clint has talked with hundreds of members in the last six months!  HUNDREDS!!!  And, not a single one of them agrees with anything I say!  NOTHING!!  NADA!   ZILCH!  Why do my readers keep coming back?  The website has had over 36,000 hits, so obviously you keep returning.  Why?  How can I manage to always be so wrong?  One would think that after thirty years of working within the association as a member and ten years as a director and president, that I would have learned something!  NO!  I haven't gotten anything right!  No one Clint talks to agrees with a WORD that I say!  I am crushed! 

4/6/2007

  The webmaster probably should respond to a couple of Clint's charges in the previous contribution.  First, anything written by the webmaster, this writer, has the in front of it.  And, I believe that everyone knows that I am not shy about telling the reader what I think, so I don't know why he would think that I am seeding the website with the other contributions.  He has accused me of that one before in private communications.  I do not write your stuff.  I have on occasion taken a contribution over the phone and typed it for the contributor, but that is it. 

As to the anonymous thing, it states very clearly at the top of this page that anonymous contributions will not be printed.  I know who the contributors are.  I just will not print their names, because I know from personal experience how vindictive some of our neighbors can be and this includes some of Clint's supporters.  Former directors like Ed Kirby, Carol Hall and others have had to deal with serious abuse as well, while only trying to serve our community.  I will not allow my contributors to be subjected to that.  I have explained that to Clint before, but apparently he has not understood me.    If a member has asked that his or her name be printed, I have, although I think I may stop.  There have also been a couple of exceptions to this no-anonymous policy.   I have had a couple of employees make contributions, but withhold their names.  They have made it clear that they were concerned about their jobs, which is understandable.  However, I have only printed those contributions when I have been able to confirm the information with other known sources.  Clint just cannot believe that everyone in Lake Forest may not agree with him.

4/6/2007  Contribution Regarding Lake

Ok...maybe I am unable to decipher one board member's comments and/or the GM's comments from the other...including personal e-mails between them both. On one hand they claim all of this progress that is being made...and then they state continued needs for more study. As we wait for more study...the lake keeps silting up. Maybe they would like us to be able to walk over to Jubilee Center (across the lake) to shop. The real kicker came today when I received a personal e-mail that implied that the lake front home owners should personally pay to get the lake dredged..."just as any homeowner would mow their grass" the e-mail stated. I still have the survey stakes in my yard, I do maintain my yard - and I know my property doesn't extend into the lake. Do the golf-course-front homeowners have to mow the golf course? I know there are financial priorities that have to be dealt with...I can live with that. But, this isn't a new problem and I don't see much if anything budgeted to the lake itself. I wonder if any of the board members or the GM have been to the lake behind Lake Shore Drive...if you haven't...come on over...I'll buy you a beer and let you see what a mess it has become. The board member(s) and GM know who I am.

  I received an earlier message from this contributor, while he was extremely upset by the director's Email.  This one was submitted after he had calmed down a bit.  The contributor specifically stated that I could print his name.  But, since anonymous contributions seem to get Clint's goat so much, I don't believe I will. ;)

4/6/2007 Contribution Regarding Lake

Had a great meeting with P.J. Waters about the grass carp. So knowledgeable!

Briefly for now, my conclusion is that if there is any decent prospect for dredging in the next 2-3 years, we should wait until afterwards to intro the grass carp for weed maintenance. We have heavy weed infestation & would need minimum 25 carp per acre X 70 acres X $5 ($8 for sterile) per carp is $8,750. It would take a year for measurable results & dredging would endanger them (big fish, low oxygen), not to mention remove the weeds better than the carp. After dredging we would need much less carp to control the weeds. Cost less.

If however there is no chance of dredging for 5 years, they would definitely help to control the weeds now & be able to complete a full useful life cycle (eat less when they get older). Without doing this in this situation, the east end & borders of the lake will fill in & be unnavigable & ugly.

We would need to screen in the overflow currently draining the lake & keep it clear, plus be sure to lower the level in case of flooding so they won't follow the current over the spillway into the bay. No Alabama law prevents us from using non-sterile carp (other states do) & PJ thinks the bay's salinity would kill the carp, but LF would look better if it did not let them escape into the bay. They need miles of fresh running water to reproduce.

Interesting facts:

• They have no teeth & suck in soft weeds.

• They are friendly & fun to watch & feed once in a while.

• Difficult to catch with a hook, but a great fight, & I have a recipe for Grass Carp Marinade, but I'm not telling anyone the best bait.

• We would need 8" carp to start out so the bass would not eat them.

• Bass breed when the red clover comes out (recently) so if you catch a big fat one now, throw it back.

• Round -up is illegal & lethal to fish so don't use it.

• Chemical weed kill is possible, but much more expensive & dangerous.

• Post dredging it is critical to test the water & balance the alkalinity.

4/5/2007

I have heard that the board agreed to hire one of the consultants, but such was not reported by any of those members who attended the meeting.  So, I contacted one of them and asked if he knew about it.  I received the following answer.

 There were a couple of votes I recall.  One was a 3 to 3 tie and Henry couldn't figure out what to do on that, but I don't remember the issue.  The one BT's talking about, Henry inquired from each one his or her vote.  I actually think Henry voted against because they were only going to ask the board members what they thought the membership wanted rather than doing focus groups as originally proposed, because they wouldn't spend the money for the whole proposal.  Big flaw I see is no minimum % of survey returns to get an accurate picture from the membership.  I would predict the results will be slanted towards the views of the few who normally respond to this type survey.  Most of them believe they are going to get the results they want.  Probably in for a big surprise.

Mitch, on a separate issue from the consultant but related.  Mosley stated that the consultant fee would be paid from the $87K received from the turn in of the golf carts in April or May.  Willie stated he thought that that money should go to the golf course.  This is the beginnings of the old amenities power struggles from the past.  It's sad that these board members don't understand the financials any better than they do.  The golf course already has a budget as do all of the other amenities.  However if you look at the financials, overall everything is under budget.  Sounds good, but it means that they aren't spending their budgeted funds on essentials or the budgets are inaccurate.  Probably some of both.  An example is the 17th hole cart path has deteriorated to the extent of being dangerous.  They couldn't find 3 estimates, but had one for less than the mis-manager's authority, but she took it to the board instead of just getting it done like a true manager would.  Generally, one would conclude from the micro-management, that there is little confidence in the management.  In fact the management doesn't have confidence in what she's doing.  Management by committee never works.

I'm not sure I follow the comment about "only ask the board members what they thought the membership wanted".  If that is the case, why have the consultant at all?  Just have the directors agree on what they want and try to do it. 

As for the second issue, I keep hearing comments on the street along the lines of "how long is going to take them to figure out that they have a problem?"  Another comment was "I guess it'll take another assessment to give them the idea that their manager doesn't know how to manage."  Revenue of the association is not earmarked.  In spite of what Willie may think, the money should be spent where it is needed most.  As to spending that chunk on the study, if it is a study, I had hoped that they would use most of it to pay off the loan that was taken out last November, when management came up short.  As to being under budget, assuming that the contributor's report is correct, so what?  When one thinks that it is good management to withhold maintenance, so that one can tell everyone that we have plenty of excess money, one is incompetent.  How hard is it to look at historical numbers and get some idea of near future cash flow requirements?  Not hard.  Don't be surprised to see the board start circling their wagons.  It is not easy to say, "maybe we made a mistake."  I know, because as a director I had to do it several times myself over the years.

4/4/2007 From a director. . .

The issue of agency action is really misunderstood in regard to the lake. The action that has been sought in the past is a remediation, or restoration of the lake. The problem is that there are not many programs, if any at all, set up to do that in state or federal governments. What we have successfully done is work with MBNEP and these agencies to find programs that can be of help to us and get this help. We MUST work within the confines of government regulations and funding opportunities. We, but mostly these agencies, are doing just that. There have been problems in that regard. There was an announcement in the paper about ADEM providing the watershed assessment. Well, in Montgomery, something went on and it was not funded properly. Other agencies saw this and stepped up to the plate and got it done, though ADEM did not directly fund it. Why did that happen? It is a direct result of the watershed meetings regularly held at our country club. These meetings bring so many agencies together and we regularly discuss our lake's watershed, its problems, and its future. These folks drive from as far as Montgomery to attend these meetings. With each meeting there is more information disclosed about our watershed that was unknown to us. We are having another meeting in April and I will share more information. As Lake Chairman, I share verbally with the board some of these things, but it is difficult to write regular reports or stories for our newsletter, with my busy schedule. I will make an effort to share more of this type information in the newsletter.

4/3/2007 From a director. . .

As Lake Chairman, I feel it necessary to respond to recent discussions concerning grass carp being used in the lake. That issue is being looked at with our General Manager at this time. If Don would coordinate efforts with us, things would move faster. Since, these discussions and actions have been unilateral on his and others parts, the board and lake chairman have little knowledge of what they are wanting or doing. I would suggest that Don coordinate his efforts more closely with the LFPOA staff and the lake chairman. As to creating an entire new committee of citizens, without board input? I have no problem with that. But please, do not claim that nothing is being done or accomplished concerning the lake issue. That is blatantly wrong. There is so much getting done that no one wants to discuss. Let me highlight several areas of real progress. 1. City of Daphne is serious about sediment. The city has had a paid person, a sediment officer, patrolling for blatant disregard for erosion control. There has been stepped up enforcement in areas around D'Olive Creek. I speak to the sediment officer regularly concerning activities in this watershed, and she is on top of it. 2. State agencies are working to study intensely our problem. Since I took over the lake chairmanship, ADEM and other state agencies have begun studying the D'Olive Creek watershed. They are currently studying the water quality of D'Olive Creek and its tributaries. There is also a sediment load study being done to tell us how much comes into our lake and where the primary sources are. This information will be used by state and local governments to target specific improvements that will decrease the sediment loads and develop a watershed management plan. 3. City of Daphne is aware of and concerned with our problems. Both the Daphne Planning Commission and Mayor have been working on ways to provide sediment control up stream from our lake. They are currently studying areas between HWY 90 and I-10 to be used for sediment traps and retention areas that will be maintained by the city. These areas are specifically targeting tributaries to D'Olive Creek and will provide a reduction of sediment from current and future development. 4. The Baldwin County Stormwater Cooperative is fast becoming a reality. This cooperative is currently receiving political support from the cities of Baldwin County, the County Government and the legislative delegation. This cooperative will create for urban areas in Baldwin County a stormwater utility. This utility will receive a fee from each landowner based on their impacts to the watersheds. The more paving and buildings, the more a person will pay. The fees will then be used for stormwater management in the county. A majority of monies will be put into a capital improvment fund. This could become the mechanism that funds our dredging. There is still much work to be done to get this approved in the legislature, but it is going strong. 5. The board continues to consider lake improvements. Me and other board members are discussing the opportunities available to fund a dredging project. The problem is that a lack of available funds for this is clear. I am currently working with the Mobile Bay NEP to look for grant funding for this project. It is possible that grants could be made available that would match dollars from local sources. We would hope that local sources would be the City of Daphne, Baldwin County, and the LFPOA. Unfortunately, the Stormwater Cooperative is taking much of everyone's time trying to get to the legislature this year. Hopefully, in an April meeting time will be available to discuss funding options for these grants. I would consider the above listed things as significant in dealing with our lake problem. Sure, they are not all done by our lake committee chairman or the LFPOA. But is it really necessary for the LFPOA to devote resources to these actions? The reality is that if we were to dredge the lake at this time, it would not accomplish a long term fix. When there is evidence of sediment reduction to a manageable level we can begin discussing removing what is there and maintenance removal each year. I think everyone wants to see the lake restored. I can find noone who is recommending dredging right now. A couple of points we need to consider: With a watershed assessment and sediment load study in hand, we will have sufficient data to clearly present to the federal government our case for funding. Our chances of funding improve dramatically when we have these studies complete. These studies will also show the areas that are contributing and could offer an opinion about specific responsible parties to sediment problems. This will be valuable information, especially when the parties are well outside our subdivision. We will continue to let the state and federal government fund our studies and give us the information we need to push for help. We have wasted many years on this issue and have created much animosity among these agencies with hostile words and actions. At this time, we are enjoying cooperation and support from many agencies. This has lead to increased enforcement and protection. Sure, we recognize that none of this is actually helping the view of the lake or its condition, right now. We need to give the time to these people to create the case for you to get the work funded. It will take time and effort. I hope this lets everyone know what is going on around us. The fact that this is all happening without spending association money is significant in itself. We will have real results in time and the lake will get the attention it deserves from everyone, not just the landowners or the LFPOA.

For the record, there is one individual who has pushed the envelope in terms of aggressiveness when it comes to dealing with those various agencies.  And, to be fair that aggressiveness can easily be blamed on the lack of response of those agencies over the years to pleas for help with the problem of erosion and the lake.  Most of the time, the individual was not speaking for the Lake Forest Property Owners Association, but for another committee of concerned citizens.  We were just lumped in with them because it was our lake and we agreed with their position that something needed to be done.  We have repeatedly heard the excuse of animosity for justifying a lack of performance over the years on the part of ANY responsible government agency.  However, the official representatives of the LFPOA have been consistent over the years in dealing and writing about this issue in a professional and polite manner, just as the director and his group have tried to do.  Let's just hope that this time they have been results.

4/3/2007

Hello Mitch, just found a letter from Chandler K. Standard, Atty., mailed to all occupants of Lake Forest dated August 27, 2001. Relating to the Y2K group of course, he seemed to be under the assumption that he was representing "a large percent of Lake Forest residences" as quoted in the letter. It seems that Purcell Co. went to the Federal Court and sued the Y2K comt. and "certain named individuals for defamation and interference in their business relationships with the LFPOA." Now this is serious stuff! Just wondered if this was dropped before fines were issued....we know who the certain named individuals were. I know the Feds do not fool around with frivolous cases! Do you remember this and what became of it! It should be public knowledge once it gets into the Federal courtrooms, I believe! Just Wondering! We've come a long way from that problem, but now we are in a worse mess, I believe! Tell us what you think of it all!

The suit was settled between all parties.  The LFPOA was also a defendant in that case, even though the association had not provoked it by any action whatsoever.  As part of the settlement Purcell Corporation received certain changes to their contract.  This included the ability to sell up to ten lots to another developer without being required to pay the $750 per lot transfer fee to the association.  Also, in order to get Y2K to drop their suit, the LFPOA agreed to pay $5,000 of their legal fees.  Our former general manager was furious over that one.  However, the Board of Directors at that time were so tired of the whole Y2K thing that they agreed anyway just to see it all come to an end. These agreements ended all suits in relation to the Y2K and the committee was ended by its founder.