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Grapevine Archive July, 2007 |
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Grapevine Archive July, 2007 |
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| About Us | Clubs | Calendar of Events | Boating | Golf | Swimming | Tennis | Stables | Restaurants | ||
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7/29/2007 There are many trees that hang over (on both sides) Ridgewood Dr. between the intersection with Bayview (close to the Home Depot entrance) and the swimming pool. I drive a normal size pickup truck and they are low enough to catch my antenna as I go by. It would be nice if these trees could be cut. Thank You
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Mitch, Please offer out deepest heart felt condolences to the Holmes family for the loss of their son Jace this morning. |
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7/28/2007
http://blog.al.com/live/2007/07/daphne_high_student_killed.html |
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7/26/2007 The apartments are expanding to a total of 300 units. It is my understanding that the city did a traffic study and O.K.'d the project to move forward without construction of another street to exit/enter the apartments. Our L.F.P.O.A. does not own the property discussed, therefore, we cannot veto the project. The only way to voice your concerns is with the city council! It's a done deal at this point, I believe, the result is more traffic and speeding cars on Bayview to the Home Depot entrance -YUK !!!! |
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7/26/2007 The re-zoning request went before the Planning Commission in June. They recommended approval to the city council. The access issue for fire trucks has been addressed. Apparently, the proposed buildings are required to be sprinklered. A letter from the fire inspector acknowledges that a single access, meeting building code requirements was sufficient for the project. There will be no access across LFPOA property. The proposed area for re-zoning is 9.68 acres. The maximum units allowed would be 135. The site plan submitted to the city indicates 124 proposed units. There are 180 existing units. A traffic study was also performed by the developers. It indicated that the level of service for Lakefront Drive would not be downgraded with the new units. The same was said of the Lakefront-Bayview intersection and the Bayview-Hwy 90 intersection. These intersections currently have an A or A/B level of service. Level of service is graded from A to F, with A being very efficient traffic movement and F being very deficient. There is a letter from the developer indicating that improvements were being considered for the existing units as well, including exterior renovations and repaving of drives and parking areas. No indication was given on when those would occur. |
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7/26/2007 Hi Mitch, Two items. I am not sure what condos/apartments the board voted on. I am in Denver this week and couldn't attend. However, I had heard rumors about some new building/development on property at the end of Lake Shore Drive near the 6th green of the Lake Nine. There is a fairly large section of un-developed land in that area. Also, to the directors comments that the lake front residents should do more to take care of the lake behind their properties...what would he have us do? We are already good stewards of the lake keeping trash and other debris out. I have helped with cleaning trash out of the spill way area, etc. In the pictures that I submitted, there is water all the way to the lake line...fairly shallow and it's just full of lake weeks and grasses. It is not as though we can get in with a mower and mow the grass down. The only solution for now, until the lake is dredged, would be chemically treating it (as the GM is working on doing) or the grass carp (which the GM/board nixed). |
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7/26/2007 Second meeting in a row that the financial wasn't available until the day of the meeting? No board member seems to be concerned, I wonder why? 6 board members present-Absent was Robinson & Martin, Peterson has assumed the president's role with Lawson's resignation of that position. Nominations were opened for the vacant position of vice-president, Weller nominated Moss who declined. Moss then discussed Martin for the position ending with " I don't think he could do too much harm over the next 2 meetings". Don't recall who brought up Bidney's name, but she was asked if she would take the position and she reluctantly agreed, was nominated and passed. Under reports-Communications- Moss chastised 2 board members (not by name) and the rest of the LFPOA membership for not contributing to the Improvement Committee entrance project. Seems only 9 members have contributed, (the number is close didn't make a note as he spoke) In the general mis-manager's report it was mentioned something about the IRS and I think the state looking into something from 2004-2005? Nothing more said? Member comments-former bd member expressed her concerns over the re-zoning by the city to allow apartments to be built along Lakeside course down #1 fairway and up #9 fairway. At the last stated meeting Lawson was tasked with putting together a letter to the city counsel opposing the proposed re-zoning to R-3 multi-family. He read a long letter and requested all board members sign or at least agree to his submitting to the city council. ( I would recommend everyone go to the city of Daphne website to let your council person know that this is an unacceptable zoning change) One item Lawson failed to note in his letter was the issue of vandalism that currently takes place on LFPOA property, particularly to the Lakeside golf course. The city counsel vote on the re-zoning is August 20th, the planning commission has already recommended the change to the council. A large turnout might help move the vote to a NO. A surprising development concerning the current attorney, apparently he has resigned and is closing his practice. No reason was discussed other than a comment that he had found another calling? Architectural committee along with Peterson and mis-manager to also be on the committee. Finally, Bob Underwood spoke praising this board for moving in the right direction? Quite different from his sentiments recently expressed on this site.
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7/26/2007 The board voted to oppose a re-zoning request for an extension of Grande Pointe Apartments. Henry Lawson will present opposition to the City Council at a public hearing to be held August 20th.
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7/25/2007
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7/25/2007
It was back to "Point of Order! Point of Order!". Are you surprised?
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7/24/2007
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7/24/2007 Ok, so the lake is filling in. Tell us something you want the board to do about it. Spend hundreds of thousands dredging? That is not going to sit well with the thousands that do not live on it, is it? How about working to reduce sediments coming in with state and federal officials? Already doing that. How about working to find government funds to clean it up? Already doing that, too. What everyone has to realize is that there is no fast solution for Lake Forest on lake restoration or clean up. It truly would be better for these lake front owners to do their area on their own. Short of that, getting involved would be a help. We asked for volunteers to hold regular meetings, discuss the lake problems and solutions, and to help organize work efforts. Guess what, nobody committed, we could not even get the most frequent contributors about the lake to commit the time and energy needed. Is the board more committed than they are about it? Should they be? Now that I have that off my chest, I invite any member or lake front owner that has time to devote to doing something positive for the lake to call me. I will put your energy to good use. Leave a message at the Lake Forest Office if you are interested in helping. Call 626-0788 tell them you want to volunteer for the Lake Committee. |
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7/23/2007 LFPOA Board of Directors meeting Monday July 23 6:00PM at the 19th hole. |
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7/23/2007 Hi Mitch, I hope your trip went well. Some one had previously submitted pictures of a part of the lake after spraying. These taken today (Saturday 7/21 See Photos) show the dock behind my property on Lake Shore Drive. The lake line should be where the dock meets the shore...not 5 feet past the dock. It's time that they do something concrete about the lake before we become "Marsh Forest".
7/19/2007
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7/19/2007
Regarding your contribution this morning, allow me to tell you what I remember about it. During the heyday of the Reform Group, from around 1989 - 1991, Don Bowen, the president of the LFPOA at that time, used that common property to allow the Board of Directors to vote. He voted not only the common property, but also 45 lots that the association had in its inventory. Gary Armstrong, who was the attorney for the Reform Group, filed suit on their behalf. In circuit court, I believe it was Judge Reid's court, the votes on the common property were thrown out. The judge said that the board of directors did not pay dues on that common property, so they could not use it to vote on association matters. He did, however, allow the vote on the 45 lots. The association filed an appeal. The appeals court upheld the judge's decision on the common property issue, but overruled him on the issue of voting those 45 lots. As a result, the Board of Directors were not allowed any votes on association matters. They have this information at the clubhouse.
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7/19/2007 A little gossip is whirling around the Grapevine
Now, what is the suspected plan? It is believed by some that an item might be placed on the agenda of the annual meeting that would have the affect of changing the deal with the developer. Another suspicion is that there may be other actions regarding the by-laws or covenants on which Henry would like for the board to use that vote. First, let's talk about the idea that the board has the right to those votes. Ever since I heard that one, a memory has been trying to claw its way out of the deep recesses of my mind. You know. It's deja vu all over again. I seem to recall that the same tactic has been tried by a board in the past. This goes way, way back to sometime in the late eighties and I believe it had to do with an attempt to increase the dues. I also think it ended up in court and a judgment resulted, denying the right of the board to use that vote in such a manner. A lawyer friend of mine is doing a little checking for me, so hopefully I will be able to come back to you later with more concrete information. Now, let's try to analyze the merits of the two ideas a little. Bear in mind that we are talking about rumor here and there may be nothing to it. First, let's take the idea that we can change the deal with the developer.
So, if the source's suspicions are correct and someone has any idea of trying to bring such a matter up for a vote of the membership, the chairman has an obligation to rule such a motion out of order. Not doing so would almost certainly guarantee a messy and expensive lawsuit over breech of contract, which the association would lose. Now, what about the other idea that perhaps the board can vote the common property on matters pertaining to by-laws and covenants. As for the by-laws, such a vote would probably be interpreted as conflicting with the will of the membership. If the majority of the members vote one way on a issue and the block votes of the common property by the board went contrary to that majority, it would probably be tossed out in court. As for changing, renewing or extending the covenants, those can be changed by a vote of 85% of the property owners "as computed by acreage". The LFPOA owns quite a few acres. So does Friday Construction. So do some apartment owners and so does the City of Daphne. I own 1/4 acre. That is probably what most of you own. It would seem to me that the board would have a right to vote that acreage on our behalf, if such a vote on renewing or extending the covenants were to ever come up. In fact, I would suggest that they would have an obligation to do so for the sake of our community. It would still be very difficult to reach that 85% number. Well, so much for the rumor mill. Continue to send in your contributions. I will publish them when I get back from the wedding. |
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7/18/2007
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7/17/2007 To date, the survey has been sent in by 817 respondents. That is 26% of those mailed. Good job members! Send the surveys in, we are nearly out of time. Tabulation and compilation of a report is only a few weeks away. We will soon see just how the members feel.
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7/17/2007 GyroSpace, Inc. of Daphne, will be appearing on Good Morning America next Tuesday, July 24. Local resident, Don Prosch, will be demonstrating how the GyroGym can be utilized as a form of therapeutic exercise & hostess Robin Roberts will try the GyroGym herself. |
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7/17/2007 The board did approve the acceptance of retention ponds for the new areas being developed. The problem that Henry Lawson had was he did not agree with the decision. He would have liked to have revisited the existing developer's agreement that Friday made with Purcell and the LFPOA, including damage deposits and transfer fee changes. The letter was prepared to meet wording that the City of Daphne requires in order to satisfy the maintenance responsibility of the retention ponds. To be fair to Henry, he did not prepare the letter. He resigned after the board directed him to sign a letter that he felt had language that had him involved in negotiations with Friday Construction, when he had refused to have such discussions or negotiations to resolve the issue. It could be said that Henry's actions directly lead to delays in new home construction within Lake Forest. We all should recognize that new construction in Lake Forest, meeting today's standards, will improve our values immensely. To work to slow down or impede this is a disservice to our community. The board recognized this and voted to get the building going by accepting what is a very equitable process for acceptance. 80% paying dues to the association BEFORE we maintain the ponds. The other aspect is an inspection of the ponds by the city staff and our people before acceptance. The ponds will have to be in good working order for us to take them. |
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7/17/2007 I was a little surprised by your contribution today. Road work has been going on for at least a month on the Montclair side of the neighborhood. They are rebuilding the worst sections. Clint Martin |
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7/17/2007 The street work is underway. There is a rebuilt area on Ridgewood Drive near the Donna Circle intersection, or Greenwood. This area was totally rebuilt and is now ready for an overlay. There will be other areas rebuilt in a similar fashion along Ridgewood and Bayview Drives.
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7/16/2007 I was at the special meeting on Thursday 7-5-07. None of what's being said about Henry resigning happened during that meeting prior to adjournment of the meeting. There were 6 of the 8 present with Bidney and Martin absent. Scholarships for the coming school year was first on the agenda. They've selected 4 of the 5 and will make the decision on the 5th with the presentation of the scholarships at the next meeting. Not very timely it would seem to me. Next item was lots to be taken over by LFPOA. Seems there are 4 lots that are acceptable, (worth having) and it was voted to accept them for past dues or just because someone didn't want it anymore. Finally the retention ponds came up. It seemed to me that Friday had sent two letters to the board, one of them Henry denied he had written but was represented as being from him and agreeing to LFPOA taking over the retention ponds when the City of Daphne accepted the streets. Not having access to the actual letters, this is only what I could ascertain from the discussion. Mosley made the motion to accept the letters which included Friday's giving Lake Forest lot 13 unit 7 on the lake for consideration of accepting responsibility for maintaining the retention ponds. Lot of discussion about the ponds and their construction and if the City would be sure they were properly constructed, etc. Discussion from Weller and Henry was that they would like to inform Friday Const that they want to work with him, but would rather not take responsibility for these ponds until the areas that the ponds are built for are "75%" built out. Seemed to me that Lawson and Weller had been left out of the previously made decision by the other four as the vote was 4-2 in favor with Lawson and Weller dissenting. Henry was visibly upset but no other business was transacted and the meeting was adjourned and I immediately left so don't know what transpired from that point on. There were only 3 people in attendance in the audience.
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7/16/2007
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Isn't the new west entrance pretty....."Here's your sign"
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7/15/2007
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7/14/2007
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7/14/2007 Blue Gill Alabama Idol Contest Just to let you know, Hunter went to the semi-finals last night and did a wonderful job in the competition. As a result she will now go to the finals on July 19th at the Blue gill at 7:00pm. As always, try to come and see her sing. I'm amazed at all the young people in our area with wonderful talent. See photos. |
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7/13/2007
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7/12/2007 As the photographer, I don't think that the sludge in the lake pictures has anything to do with the weed spraying on the lake at all. It all appeared after our recent storms when floods swept through peoples yards bringing yard debris including clippings, branches, basketballs, & anything else in the waters path. |
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7/11/2007 We, as the parents of Hunter Beasley, would like to invite everyone to join us at the BlueGill Restaurant for the semi-finals of the Alabama Idol contest hosted by Lite Mix 99.9 on Thursday July 12th @ 7:00 pm. Everyone's support of our own Lake Forest teen would be welcomed and greatly appreciated. Roger and Martha Davidson |
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7/11/2007 Business After Hours will be held this Thursday, July 12th, from 5:00-6:00 at the Bayview Lounge inside the Clubhouse. Tripp Pittman, a candidate for State Senate (and if elected, will represent a vast majority of the Lake Forest area) will be there to introduce himself and answer any questions. So even if you're retired or have no interest in Business After Hours, this event is for everyone. Residents and Non-residents alike are invited. You can call me at 458-8999 with any questions. -Clint Martin |
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7/11/2007
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7/11/2007 The new lake pictures show evidence of the weed spraying that has taken place. The "sludge" spoken about is nothing more dead vegetation from that spraying operation. This will continue until the vegetation and remnants of it are gone. It is a sore sight for sure, but in the end it will make the lake better. |
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7/10/2007 |
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7/10/2007 The gazebo & pier idea next to the bridge is fantastic & a great way to allow more Lake Foresters to have access to it for fishing & boating. Anybody against that is against Lake Forest & it's residents. The lake is loaded with fish, under fished & under utilized. It would only make sense after that end was dredged though. Is there any prospect of Friday Construction helping with that?
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7/10/2007 I think the board should give a lot more thought to accepting the "maintenance" of these catch ponds. I would suspect that down the line a lot more is involved than cutting the grass. We have enough trouble with the pond on #17 golf hole without adding more. (this in no way defends the board's or the board president's failure to follow proper procedure) |
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7/9/2007 The statement, if accurate, from Henry is absurd. Isn't the board's purpose and ultimately its existence to make decisions for the good and benefit of the entire membership and community? How can one board member think that his/her personal agenda outranks that of the membership's elected representatives? Maybe Governor is a better title than Director since the entire group can't come up with any direction. Can someone explain the relationship with Friday Construction? What powers would they posses to call any special meeting to toss the directionally challenged? We as a community should have done this already.
This is from memory and some details may be a little off. The rights of the developer are defined in a couple of documents. One is the original sales contract that was signed when the property owners bought the amenities from the original developer and the other is a settlement of a lawsuit from a few years ago. The first document gives them the right to one vote on association business for every quarter acre of property that they own within the subdivision and a couple of miles around it. That included the right to vote for directors, bylaws changes and so on. The second changed some of the requirements regarding fees paid to the association when the developer sells property and eliminated the developer's ability to vote for directors. The developer continues to have the right to vote on by-laws changes and other business. It was estimated that they held something over 1,300 votes a few years ago. The by-laws state "Section 3.2. Special Meetings. A special meeting of the members of the Corporation may be called at any time by the Board of Directors, the President, Vice President or by persons holding at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the votes eligible to be cast in any such meeting, except as otherwise provided by statute or in the Articles of Incorporation or any amendment thereto." With something around 3000 lots in Lake Forest plus the developer's 1300 votes for a total of less than 4500 votes, that 1300 would give them the 25% they would need to call that special meeting. However, I doubt that any developer would exercise such a right. It would be a poor public relations move and probably be more expensive than it would be worth. Friday Construction inherited those rights when they bought out the original developer. It is pointed out in another contribution today, "Friday Construction doesn't give anything away that doesn't benefit them". That is true for all parties including the association. The proposal regarding the lake lot will benefit the developer for sure. However, no board would agree to it, if it did not benefit the association as well. That lot and improvements seem to represent a pretty decent benefit for the association. To my knowledge, the association has never made any concessions to a developer that did not benefit the membership in some way or other. |
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7/9/2007 I agree that Henry Lawson is way out of line on the issue of the lot next to the Bayview Bridge. However, I'm not so sure if I would have been for the issue either. Lake Forest will probably end up cutting the grass around the new retention ponds no matter what happens just to keep the area looking good. A gazebo by the Bayview Bridge would be very attractive and could be used for neighborhood get togethers and family picnics. BUT a fishing pier?? That area is nothing but a mud flat and certainly not a great place to fish. The pier would have to go out a long, long way to be feasible for fishing. But if they made a LONG pier with a T on the end I could see the point to it. And thinking in the long term who will maintain the pier out in the muck? Just looking ahead. Friday Construction doesn't give anything away that doesn't benefit them.
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7/8/2007 I never thought I would say this. This board makes Mitch Davis and Ed Kirby look good! Bob Underwood |
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7/8/2007 One of the items that was brought up at the special meeting was a request from Friday Construction. They are being required by the city to build retention ponds in their development areas in Lake Forest. Mike Commisky, the general manager for Friday, has asked that the association agree to cut the grass around the ponds after they are built. In return, Friday Construction agrees to give the lot on the lake next to the Bayview bridge to the association. In addition, they will build a gazebo on the lot and a fishing pier. The board voted four to two in favor of the proposal. Voting against the measure were Henry Lawson and Sherrie Weller. After the meeting, Henry said that he would not sign the order to implement the measure, thereby overruling the board. The president has no right to contradict a decision of the board. He does not have veto power. The vice president should sign the order and the board should remove Henry from office for cause. If they refuse to do that, Friday Construction should call for a special meeting to toss the whole bunch. The past several boards have encouraged the development of those undeveloped areas. They have tried promote the development of the areas in order to bring in more dues paying members and amenity users. Now it seems that the board doesn't care whether we see that new development prosper or not.
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7/6/2007
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7/6/2007 To the person who likes to use the word "time". If everyone did things in "our own time", we would wait forever for things to get done. Sorry that you have had medical problems. But you still have an obligation to follow the rules. And to say "stay off my street". Sorry, but it's not yours. Please enjoy those bright lights. We will put them out... "in our own time". |
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7/5/2007
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7/4/2007
It's important to note that at this point, no lawsuit has been filed by the association. Hopefully, some of the smarter heads on the board will prevail and they will stop this nonsense. Can you imagine what a judge would think about this? Other than the Grapevine, I have written almost every word on this site; taken most of the pictures and actually created most of the design. How would they explain that I offered to sell them the website when I left the board and they refused it? I am almost giddy just thinking about it! They have their own website. Rather than worry about ours, they should work on making theirs better. Do you think they can spell FRIVOLOUS LAWSUIT? If that should come to pass and surely it will not, I will absolutely file my own lawsuit for being subjected to such harassment. That is a promise! This is a continuation of the personal attacks from my time on the board. This is just what we need, more bad press caused by incompetent management! What a class act!!! |
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7/4/2007 From a Director Special Meeting Thursday at 7:00 pm Agenda includes: Scholarships, Property Issues, Retention Ponds, Grande Pointe Apartments, Voting Changes |
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7/3/2007
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7/3/2007 I guess we will not know then if comments are from a director, as if that carried any special privilege, or a member. That sounds fine with me. Those directors get carried away reading their own words. |
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7/3/2007
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7/1/2007
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7/1/2007 I agree with the retired businessman. Your "sound off" is the best way to express concerns while remaining anonymous and keeping down prejudice remarks and acts toward the individual. My "company" also uses anonymous suggestions sheets. It's great to be allowed to say what's on your mind without being reprimanded. As for some of the properties not being kept up to par, sometimes there are reasons. My house has wood that has been replaced and hasn't been painted and needs landscaping work. I've had two surgeries in the last six months and my husband works out of the country six months of the year. It will all get done...but in our time. In the mean time, I just hope the picky people stay off my street. As for kudos and complaints, the new entrance at Windsor will be beautiful, I'm sure, but in the meantime, the lights are blinding, especially when exiting. Thanks for have a venting space :) |
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7/1/2007 Mitch, in regard to the number of stores closing, I think most are the small privately owned variety. The area is not yet ready or I should say capable of supporting the supply. I really feel for those who have invested their hard earned money in such. Your large department, nationally owned, etc. have at least a five year plan and anticipate the loss and can bear it until the region fully develops. In other words, I would not suggest the opening of a small store at present.
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6/30/2007 I am puzzled by the demands of a member a day or so ago on the website. A lot of his ideas in the posting are thoughtful and even though they have been proposed before, show that this contributor is trying to brainstorm to benefit Lake Forest. He or she (but it must be a he, way too much testrostrone) should understand that one has to play by the rules of the website. The contributor said things like," post your name and we might make progress, speak up and identify yourself and turn the place around." Posting a name and a correlation with progress is inconsistent and unsubstantiated. The opposite is true. In fact, when consultants come in to revamp and improve operations in companies, the employees are specifically asked to list suggestions for improvement on blank pieces of paper without signing names. One person will read the the suggestions aloud. This way no one will have any prejudice against or for an idea because of the person who suggested it. This is one of the most common problem solving techniques of the professional world. I think it was ill advised of the gentleman to threaten the readers (me) with the grade school statement, "don't let the Weblord act like your Daddy". I for one appreciate the Weblord trying to use to above technique to get the residents to recognize problems, brainstorm, make recommendation, get involved and take action WITHOUT taking shots at each other! This website provides a near perfect forum for this purpose. Cyberspace is safer for this venue than a roomful of faces. Attacks on lay members is last thing we need. Weblord please think twice or even three times before you ever post another name. It usually only causes ill will and problems. I do hope the contributor will read this in the positive spirit it was meant, reevaluate, and continue with his thoughtful contributions. Intelligent, flexible, and compromising people change their minds. These are the people who do make a difference! With mutual respect and acceptance, progress has a chance. Signed, Retired no name businessman
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6/30/2007
I noticed something else, too. In almost every shopping center it seems that businesses are closing and there are many empty storefronts. Yet, across the interstate the new Bass Pro shop shopping center is in full construction. And, the place is huge!! I'm looking forward to seeing all the new businesses that must be coming in, but you have to wonder why the old ones are closing. Has someone over estimated the population base for business over here? Let's hope not, because it is really nice not to have to drive across the bay to shop. I have one more observation from today. People talk about some of the houses in Lake Forest not being properly cared for. Well, guess what. I drove down some of the streets off of Main including Captain O'neal Drive, where one of the realty websites has a house for sale for a piddling $3,900,000. All one needs to do is take a turn down some of the streets coming into that one and one will find plenty of rundown properties. This is more a case of age than anything else. At least in Lake Forest, we have a department working to enforce our covenants as was pointed out in a contribution last night. Some of the folks living on those other streets in Daphne must wish they had something like that too.
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At one time a
member, Roger Davidson, was working hard and free to keep our medians
looking nice. Unfortunately, Roger bowed out when another group,
the Improvement Committee, started taking credit for his work. We
haven't seen much median maintenance taking place since then.
Another fellow tried to take the spotlight for it, but apparently found
that it was just too much work. Had Roger still been working on
those medians, I bet he would have been more than happy to trim a few of
those low tree limbs. However, now your best bet would be to call
the Public Works Department at the City of Daphne. ;-)
7/28/2007
7/15/2007