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3/20/2012

I had to teach last night. Someone please tell us how the annual meeting went. By the way, I was told by one of the directors that the reason the board was considering voting the common property was because they were concerned that there might not be a quorum at the meeting. Apparently, they weren't sure that Friday Construction was going to show up.

3/6/2012

The Board has always had the right to vote the common properties in matters dealing with the covenants. They are "Successors or Assigns" in the ownership of these parcels. That occurred in the transfer agreement. I cannot see them voting in matter of by-laws. I mean why should they, they had the power to amend them from the outset. Previous boards never voted the common properties, realizing that doing so, regardless of the issue, was not going to allow you to amend the covenants. 85% of lot owners (With the LFPOA voting common properties) is an unattainable number.

I could be mistaken, but I, like the previous contributor, seem to remember this issue being taken to court where it was ruled that the board could not vote those common properties. This could become an issue, if somehow an amendment makes it to the membership that prevents the board from changing the by-laws as has happened in the past. Those common properties could possibly give the board the votes to overrule the will of the members intersted enough to cast a vote. It would not do that, if every member voted. Unfortunately, member participation in matters of importance to the community is sadly very low.

All that said, why would a board of directors vote the common properties at an annual meeting of the membership? That meeting is a member meeting carried on for the purpose of allowing the members to make decision pertaining to their association. It is not a meeting for the board to make decisions on matters that are assigned to a board. If the board votes the common properties, then that would mean that a member, who happens to have been elected to the board, has more than the one vote per member that the by-laws provide. Doesn't that reek of abuse?

3/5/2012

Mitch I read in the Forester where the Board is going to vote the common property at the next meeting. Please straighten me out on this as it is understanding through a court ruling that only a successor to Diamondhead could vote the common property. If this is true then the only groups eligable to effect this vote would have been Lake Forest Inc.,and Purcell. LFPOA is a purchaser and not a successor therefore they do not have the authority to cast those votes. Your thoughts please.

You are correct, I believe. However, it appears that the last couple of boards have not been too concerned about what they could do legally. Their approach seems to be "Let's do what we want and if anyone doesn't like it they can pit their lawyer against ours." Unfortunately, the member would be spending his own money, while the board has big pockets filled with membership money. It's interesting that on the one hand, the board seems to be doing so many things right, but on the other hand, they've done it with a "the end justifies the means" philosophy.

2/15/2012

Just one "qualified" candidate for the board position? YOu would think that they would send that info out in the proxy material.

I got it on the proxy yesterday and it did say only one candidate. However, don't you agree that it would have been nice to know the name of the one person in Lake Forest interested in serving his/her community? Also, since I just got it yesterday, does that mean the meeting is not until the 30th of March?

2/15/2012

OK, Just who are the candidates for the LFPOA Board of Directors?

Unless there has been another change to the by-laws, we are supposed to be notified by the board at least 30 days before the meeting.

1/25/2012

I have lived here since 1992, and it seems the bylaws of Lake Forest are becomming more and more passive. Particularly bad on Eagle Drive now are people who park their cars in the street. It's a short street with a 90 degree curve in it, so at times it can be like trying to traverse an obstacle course! In addition, people will park cars in the front yard, leave trash cans out front all the time and put debris out by the curb right after the city picks it up so it sits there for nearly a week. And I won't even get into the ones who never do any yard work. Can anyt hing be done about this? The whole neighborhood has really gone downhill since I first moved here. It seems like no one takes pride in their homes anymore. Thanks, Jeff

1/16/2012

WHY R THEY CUTTING DOWN BEAUTIFUL HEALTHY TREES. WE JUST WATCHED THEY CUT DOWN A BEAUTIFUL TREE THAT HAS HOUSED BIRDS AND SQUIRRELS SINCE WE HAVE LIVED HERE AND BEFORE THERE WAS A LAKE FOREST. ITS THIS FOR THE SAKE OF THE GOLF COURSE? WHAT A SHAME. THIS MAKES ME SICK! WE DID WE VOTE ON THIS OR WAS THIS ONE OF THOSE SECRET MEETINGS AGAIN?

12/27/2011

The board is seeking volunteers to fill vacancies.

12/21/2011

Yesterday morning I discovered that someone (obviously in the middle of the night) had taken a king-sized down pillow and deposited the contents all over the top and driver's side of my car which was parked in my driveway. A sticky adhesive was used to attach the feathers. It will take some time to remove the adhesive, if it comes off at all. I wanted to use this forum to ask parents of teens in the Lake Forest community to remind their "children" that this "prank" is called trespassing and vandalism. Hopefully, we have better mannered teens in our community and th is was perpetrated by outsiders. Not funny. Who thinks up this stuff?

12/12/2011

That post today is hilarious! These folks really think that subsidizing the operations at our amenities is a waste of money and dues? I have had several email discussions with Gene Ponder and his group. In each case, I come away feeling like they really do not understand the nature of the LFPOA. He has repeatedly shown his ignorance of the facts and a total lack of financial understanding in regard to the LFPOA accounting methoods and reporting. How he ever got elected to this board in the first place is beyond me. This "lawsuit" is laughable on its face. Do not waste your money on it, people.

12/12/2011

This came in yesterday. Lake Forest Class-Action Lawsuit Information Please know that your Old Weblord does not endorse the content in any manner. My apologies to the directors, whose motives are so distorted by the links found here. The presentation is so skewed toward the opinions of the writer, that if his attorney dares to show up in court with it, he will be eaten alive by LFPOA lawyer. Beware the word "Fact" as used in this piece. Fact: Santa Clause flies around the world sneaking into houses to do who knows what to children! You'll see what I mean. I found Gene's quote on the Guestbook page to be really interesting, although I have no idea what it means.

11/08/2011

Hi Mitch, I have a suggestion: >>>>Put important/urgent news ON the entrance billboard so that owners/residents are aware of situations that could directly effect them - especially financially.. If they KNOW about a situation, they can then take steps to get further information on their own. In particular, I think the possible 'proposed accessment' by the City of Daphne on our residents should be clearly made known to all owners...not just included within a lengthy news article in the newsletter. As you know, many residents don't read the newsletter all the time (if ever) - and thus may be completely unaware that the City is even considering this move - which I personally am STRONGLY OPPOSSED to. So many people are already hurting financially...this is a horrible time for the City to put another financial hardship (accessment) on folks.... I definitely think ALL roads within LF need to be resurfaced, but we do NOT need concrete curbs thruout...not only are they not necessary, they a lso present a traffic challenge - the only way around a truck parked in the road is to drive up on the median! Curbs make this more difficult! I have already called Marie Bidney about this suggestion and she said she would check into getting the info about the possible accessment on the billboard sign - but as of Monday afternoon, it was not up. Please do whatever you can to have this done, so that our residents can be fully informed. Thanks so much

11/04/2011

Did I miss the annual meeting? Oh..nevermind, we quit having those now that we have professional management.

10/10/2011

Relative to the improvements of streets, and there assessment to properties: This section should have significance if the idea of improving ONLY the Ridgewood and Bayview loop with curbing. It seems they would be hard-pressed to get further than 1,000 feet down Rolling Hill in either direction. Section 11-48-17 Manner of assessment of costs of improvements generally - Improvements of intersections of streets, alleys, etc. Where the intersections of streets, avenues, alleys or other highways are improved, the cost of improving any intersection or any part thereof may be assessed against the lots or parcels of land abutting on each of the streets, avenues, alleys or other highways so intersecting for a half block in each direction therefrom; provided, that for the purpose of computing assessments under this section, no block shall be considered as extending more than 1,000 feet from any intersection so improved.

10/06/2011

Seems that the plan to pave the streets in Lake Forest involves one plan to finish Bayview and Ridgewood with property taxes being raised $25 per month for 10 years. The other plan is for paving all streets in LF with property taxes being raised $55 per month for 10 years. Don't know about you but that is a big increase in property taxes. Can they do that without our permission?

10/06/2011

Tonight's dinner at the Yacht Club was catfish. It was absolutely delicious. It was the best catfish I've eaten in a very long time. I invite more members to come enjoy the delightful new menu and met our neighbors. The dinner presentation is very inviting. How special it was to enjoy a delightful dinner and the sunset at the same time.

10/05/2011

The meeting at the Yacht Club to present a possible solution for roadways in Lake Forest. A Public Assessment on your property. Would you want a lien of either $2400 or $6600 placed on your property to get roads like the ones just built in front of your house?

09/20/2011

"Lake Forest will be sued for By-law violations and illegal votes cast by Friday Construction...the votes do not add up. Shutting down Lake Forest will be the best thing ever for increasing property values. No IDIOT would pay a $400 transfer fee nor pay $572 per year to swim in 30 year old pools, play a crap-golf course and dock their boats at a Yacht Club without piers. $680,000 of unaccounted funds will be found out soon.".. This is the craziest thing I have heard, EVER! Best thing? Yes, let's all own undivided interests in the pools, common properties, Golf course and Tennis courts..that sit, unmaintained, falling down and a big eyesore in the neighborhood. That will certainly lead to an increase in values..I think I should quote Ron White about now.

09/06/2011

Lake Forest will be sued for By-law violations and illegal votes cast by Friday Construction...the votes do not add up. Shutting down Lake Forest will be the best thing ever for increasing property values. No IDIOT would pay a $400 transfer fee nor pay $572 per year to swim in 30 year old pools, play a crap-golf course and dock their boats at a Yacht Club without piers. $680,000 of unaccounted funds will be found out soon.

This is pretty much nonsense. Anyone contributing to a lawsuit based on it is throwing their money away.

09/06/2011

Have you seen the new Lake Forest official website? It looks very nice. It is a little light on content, but then it is just being set up, so that may take awhile. You can reach it from the link on our home page.

Regarding the recent contributions that have been discussed regarding the class action lawsuit issue, the story I get is that one of the current board members ran for office on one platform, while actually intending to act on an entirely different one after the election. The person reporting this to me gives the impression of sort of a wolf in sheep's clothing kind of thing. Ah, Lake Forest politics can be really fun to watch, when one is not in the crosshairs.

09/06/2011

What idiot (I prefer this word, but if this is too strong, change it to person) would start a class action suit? Wouldn't this be sueing ourselves? If it was successuful what would happen to our amenities, property values, and covenants in Lake Forest and all the progress that has been accomplished? For a little bit money, they would lose an awful lot.

Did anyone think we would really all live happily ever after?

09/06/2011

Should be interesting??? What is interesting is that a current board member is supporting this action and a "voluntary opt-out plan" or something like that. Of course, it is for the improvement of the community. When non-users are on the board, we should expect them to want to remove all amenities that are not self-sustaining...a laughable philosophy for a homeowner's association..

The opt-out issue has already been ruled on in court many years ago, when the property owners first took over the amenities. It's not likely that another court would overturn that decision.

09/06/2011

Class-Action Lawsuit: Join now and collect your illegal dues, charges, and assessments increases from 2009 illegal by-law changes. $50 attorney retainer contribution. You should receive your $126.00 judgment returned to you. Most importantly we, as a community, will put an end to the illegal actions taken by Board Members. Contact money4nothing@hotmail.com. First & Last Name, street address, lot #, membership #, telephone and email address.

This should be interesting. Suggestion,though, while money4nothing for a contact may sound great to us Dire Straits fans, I doubt that it instills much confidence in an audience for whom this is intended.

08/11/2011

Looks like more uncontrolled development North of I-10 to add to the flooding and pollution woes. Surely the New Horizon/Academy Sports development can't be in the best interest of Lake Forest Residents but Ron Scott seems to think so. We have started a petition to try and change the council's decision... http://baldwinwatchdog.com/2011/08/petition-to-the-city-of-daphne

08/03/2011

I have no idea what the board plans in the by-laws, but will read the revisions. It appears that their decisions could come without any recourse for up to three years. I guess with that kind of leeway, most anything could happen. Having spoken to some in management, I do feel better about the future. When they begin discussions about real improvements, I may even begin to interject.

Every board thinks it is doing the right thing and this one is no exception. However, not all boards get it right and some have been downright incompetent. This group is making changes to the by-laws thinking that the actions will help them and future boards function better. Unfortunately, they have no idea how bad future boards might be. If they did, they might have second thoughts about this five year term idea

08/02/2011

I just read over the revised by-laws that were provided by the Board of Directors. Everyone knows that the old Weblord is generous about giving his opinons. We should also know that they are just opinions and everyone has them. So, let me throw this one out for what it is worth. The new by-laws do a pretty good job of taking all authority away from the membership. They totally take away the membership's right to change the by-laws without Board approval, not the other way around, and they increase a director's term to five years making it really difficult to put a new board together to address member dissatisfaction. Article 6.6 now says "Any proposed amendment to the By-laws of the Corporation shall be presented to the Board of Directors at least 90 calendar days prior to a proposed vote. Upon approval for consideration by a majority of the Board of Directors, the proposed amendment shall be presented to the voters" So much for your right to change the by-laws, they are now gone. In a way this is similar to our United States Constitution in that the citizens don't get a shot at it without permission of the Congress. That's why we're never going to see a balanced budget amendment. It would pass in a heartbeat, if it made it to the citizens. Now the question is "what do you think about this?" Are we going to be angry that the Board of Directors has taken such liberties? I don't see why. The last board is the one that set the whole thing up by rescinding a five year old action that none of them were actually a party to. We should remember that at least for now, directors are members too and they are subject to the same rules as the rest of us. That should give us some assurance, right? Of course, with this authority I suppose they could do the same thing that Congress has done by reportedly exempting themselves from rules imposed on the population. That five year term idea is really a smart one. It completely protects the board from kneejerk reactions of the membership. I, frankly, haven't decided whether I like this change or not. This is so exciting. How much do you think we should start paying our directors? Do you think that topic won't be coming up? With five year terms, don't you think we should be providing them with retirement? Boy, I'm glad I won't have to be making such decisions. Thank goodness, we will have a Board of Directors to make them for us. What do you think?

07/31/2011

from the minutes " More play is coming from advertising and snow birds." Snowbirds come in the winter, not the heat of the summer

07/31/2011

I would like to suggest that the sunken boat at the docks be removed. The docks badly need repairs. If it is not going to be repaired, it would be nice to have all the pillons removed.

07/21/2011

Surprising that there's no comments about this board changing their terms to 5 years without a vote of the membership? In Press Register article this week.

07/08/2011

Golf Lake Forest for only $20 on Wednesday and Thursday through the month of July!  Don't miss this opportunity to check out the Eastern Shore's hidden gem.

07/08/2011

I believe I have received information regarding the removal of Golf Professionals in the ProShop and office personnel that was reported in a recent contribution.  The golf professional in question was the former acting general manager.  The gentleman who is currently serving as the golf pro was, as I understand it, covering the responsibilities as golf pro, while the other person was acting as GM.  So, to say "a removal of golf professional" would probably need to be considered in that light. The general manager was replaced and he did not return to his position as golf pro.  Lake Forest still has the golf professional that they have had for several years.  As to the loss of office personnel, I am told that the person in question was the former comptroller.  As was indicated in the contract with Vision, their plan from the beginning was to move those responsibilities to their corporate office.  So, to say there was a reduction office personnel is true.  However, I'm not sure it necessarily means a reduction in service.

07/05/2011

I enjoy getting the E-News from Lake Forest. I also enjoy reading the Lake Forester on-line. There is one issue that seems to bother me. We have heard how much better we are doing and that we are operating with a balanced budget. Why do we not see financials printed in the newspaper anymore? They should at least attach one to the E-News for us to see. Do they still hand them out at the stated meetings? I guess I may have to attend to see one.

07/01/2011

Lake Forest Yacht and Country Club E-News

07/01/2011

I will congratulate the Vision management on the cost savings they have instituted. They are managing by the pocketbook! The service at several facilities has suffered. So, we can applaud the cost saving measures that have been implemented...removal of PGA Golf professionals in our pro shop, removal of lifeguards at all pools, and reduction of personnel in the office. Each of these has reduced the service level of our facilities at the same time. Until we receive the same level of service we had, at a reduced cost, or even the same cost, have they really accomplished that much?

I share your concern about not having lifeguards at the pools, although I have been told repeatedly over the years that these teens were usually busier socializing than lifeguarding.  However, please explain your observations that Vision has reduced office staff and PGA Golf professionals.  I am not aware of those.

06/30/2011

Below you will find an announcement from Lake Forest.  Below the announcement you will find links to reports provided by management.  Please look them over.  For the record, your old weblord is very impressed with the way things have been going in our community since the current board took over and the Vision bunch was contracted to run the place.  It sort of reminds me of Lake Forest six or seven years ago, except without the strife.  Allow me to offer my thanks and congratulations.

06/30/2011

Mid-Year Progress Report

Mid-Year Events Agenda

Mid-Year President's Report

06/30/2011

I missed the Yacht Club "Ribbon Cutting". How was the event and how was attendance?

06/21/2001

Announcement from Lake Forest

06/21/2011

I have visited the Fairhope pool. This is a very nice facility with modern, fun things for the kids to play in. I pay $5.00 a visit and do not mind. The person who has grandkids here, you may want to drive there and enjoy a few hours.

06/21/2011

Gus? Is that you? Perhaps you should realize that some folks enjoy being close to a vibrant commercial area. If 120 foot high signs create commerce and enough money for the city to build ball fields, it is worth it. Quit trying to kill the goose that lays the golden egg.

6/20/2011

Any uproar from LF residents on the new sign ordinance and Interstate Corridor Business District? It looks like you folks might be getting 120ft high signs on your front porch...!

None that I have heard.

6/1/2011

What is the deal with the pool passes.  I have been to the office four times.  First time closed.  Second time closed, third time out of passes, fourth time passes have not come in yet. What kind of a circus is this?  I have my grand kids for two days and the first day no passes, if tomorrow is no passes that means three days, no passes this is crazy I pay Lake Forest dues for what?  We don"t play golf, tennis or ride horses and we quit going to the yacht club because it looks like a dump so what's left?  I would like to take my grand kids to the pool, how can i get a pool  PASS?

05/27/2011

Just curious.. How are the pools without lifeguards?

05/11/2011

E~News

05/10/2011

    I just received some terribly sad news today.  Debbie Waite, the former manager of the Yacht Club, passed away on Saturday.  She was a very sweet lady and will be greatly missed.

04/25/2011

Enjoyed a drink and sunset at the Yacht Club Wednesday afternoon. It is worth the trip across 98.
 

04/25/2011

    Your old weblord sat in on the stated board meeting last week.  The board seemed to work very well together.  Most contributed to the discussions very nicely and it was an enjoyable meeting to watch.  Among the business discussed was the road project, a report of which you will find in the next contribution.  Also discussed was some repairs that are about to be made to the Yacht Club deck and the finances, which one board member said were on track with the budget.  They also mentioned that they had a committee ready to present modifications to the by-laws.  I look forward to seeing what they have to present.  I'm sure you do too.  Several members spoke.  Some had useful things to say.  Some didn't.  One spoke of a City of Montgomery ordinance that banned citizens from parking in their yards.  He suggested that he would present the same idea to the City of Daphne.  I wonder how people with several kids of driving age and multiple cars would be able to deal with an ordinance like that on Lake Forest's quarter-acre lots.  I doubt that the proponents of such an ordinance care.

4/25/2011

New update on road project.
 

03/28/2011

    Now this is an example of class! Roll Tide! War Eagle!

03/28/2011

I see in the paper that the City of Daphne has agreed to some road improvements.  Oh me, is the old weblord going to have to start eating some of his words? Not just yet.

03/18/2011

ATTENTION ALL LAKE FOREST RESIDENTS

Monday, March 21, 2011 The Daphne City Council is making a decision regarding your Lake Forest Roads

WE NEED YOUR VOICE

Please be at City Hall at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, March 21st!

03/17/2011

I am also hearing little complaints about management. This is likely a good way to do business. Hopefully, we can find a way to invest in our properties and produce a more desirable and modern amenity package.

03/09/2011

    I don't know about you folks, but the Old Weblord is pleased as punch that we are getting so little action on the Grapevine.  No complaining about conditions.  No complaining about services. No Weblord screeching "Bad management! Bad management!" This all must be a good sign that things are looking up under the new management team.  My wife and I had dinner at the Yacht Club last night and I was pleasantly surprised.  They had a buffet with Shrimp Creole, although I think they were just joking about the shrimp.  It was very good, though.  There was also a beef, a salad, rice, and mixed vegetables, all for $7.95.  The only thing missing was dessert and what can you expect for $7.95?  It was still a great deal.  It was quiet and peaceful, which is a double-edged sword since it indicates that there weren't many people there.  The food was good and we could eat without so much as a hint of the stale cigarette smoke of days gone by.  You should check the place out.

03/03/2011

• BURNING OF TREE DEBRIS AND/OR TRASH

Please remember that burning of yard debris and/or trash is not permitted in Lake Forest. The smoke created by burning is noxious and offensive to others, which is a violation of our restrictive covenants.

 

If you would like to report a neighbor burning, please first contact the Daphne Fire Department at 621-2815, then contact the Architectural Dept. at 621-4721.

• ATTENTION PET OWNERS!

Over the past month, I've received several reports of pet owners allowing their animals to defecat03/09/2011e in their neighbors yards. As you can imagine, this is a real nuisance to these residents.

 

The Architectural Department would like to remind all pet owners to be good neighbors by not allowing your pets to run loose around the neighborhood. And, while walking your pet, please remove any "droppings" left on another’s property. This includes the area between the street and the sidewalk, and all public areas.

 

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping Lake Forest a great place to call home!

02/23/2011

I HAVE A ROADSTER CAR. I SEE MANY OTHER ROADSTERS IN L.F. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A CLUB STARTED IN LAKE FOREST. WE COULD MEET FOR A MEAL AND PLAN EVENTS. WE JUST NEED LEADERSHIP TO GET IT STARTED.

02/23/2011

    Apparently things are looking up in Lake Forest under our new management team.  I'm told that the association showed a $25,000 excess revenue/expenses last month.

02/15/2011

I wish that the association would issue citations for those people who park on the medians between the roads throughout the subdivision. Not only does it make the subdivision look trashy, but it kills the grass that our fees go towards. I also think that the association should issue citations for people who park in the front of their houses in their yards, or who park halfway in the street and halfway in their yards, i.e. the back ends of their cars sticking out into the street. This presents a hazard, especially in curves.

    Unfortunately, the association does not have the authority to issue citations.  What they can do, however, is report the violations to the Daphne police, who do.

02/08/2011

If you have questions about the interchange and the watershed, there is a public meeting at Trojan Hall at Daphne High School Thursday at 6:30 pm. Rep. Randy Davis will be there to answer your questions.

    Did anything of interest happen at the one last week at the special board meeting?

02/01/2011

    Here is a piece of information for everyone.  One of the purposes of the interchange project is to ease traffic problems around that highly congested area.  Those of us who have ever been backed up at I10 on either highway 98 or highway 181 know about the congestion.  Imagine what it will be like 10 years from now.  It is also related to efforts to establish medical facilities along highway 90.  A significant side benefit is to mitigate the damage to the watershed caused by the rapid growth of the population in the area.  That includes damage done to the Lake Forest lake over the last 30 years. Three entities, the City of Daphne, the City of Spanish Fort, and the Baldwin County Commission all agreed to fund their share of the interchange project.  The City of Spanish Fort has actually completed their part, which amounts at this point to a road to nowhere.  The other two entities have reneged on their promise. 

02/01/2011

    Representative Randy Davis will be here Thursday night to inform everyone of what is actually at stake regarding the interchange project.  See the notice on the home page.  I wish I could get home from work in time to attend.  Be prepared for people who do not live in Lake Forest being there to disrupt the meeting.

01/27/2011

    I'd like to have some new digital pictures for the website.  If you happened to have taken any recently, please send me some and I'll see about posting them.

01/24/2011

According to Al Secretary State web page: 067-189 Lake Forest POA (official) Corporation last annual report 1999

01/24/2011

re "Not sure if everyone got the same flier I did, but there is an important public meeting 1/19/11 at City Hall concerning the interchange & particularly Lake Forest Lake. County engineer will be there" Did Lake Forest residents get official notification of the meeting? If so, nobody else in the city did - we had to hear it as third hand gossip. If you are interested, the full content of the ethics complaint is now available on the BaldwinWatchdog web site. All the best

    I took the time to read the entire complaint on the above website.  Over 115 pages of this 130 page complaint had nothing to do with the interchange project whatsoever.  It was a complaint by a vendor that he didn't get a fair shake at grant money related to the oil spill for projects in Fairhope.  Then, at page 115 it seems that arguments against the interchange project were tacked on to this complaint in an attempt to smear by association.  One document reported a proposed agreement on the County Commission to abandon the interchange project.  It was stated that Senator Pittman and Representative Davis argued against the idea.  The point apparently being that, since the senator was supposedly a "dirty dog" on the Fairhope deal, he must be the same on this one.  Bear in mind, that at this point, the senator has not been found to have been a dirty dog on either of them.  Now, I don't know Senator Pittman well, but I do know Representative Davis.  He has proven himself to be a very effective and ethical State Representative over the years.  He has been working on this and related projects for years, long before Bob James ever even looked like he might become a commissioner.  I can just bet that his disagreement with the plan to cancel the interchange was related to the fact that he was acquiring funds from the State for this project in his district and some of the commissioners are trying to divert it to south Baldwin, another representative's district.  That has happened before and I can tell you that Representative Davis doesn't play games.  He won't let them get away with that without a fight.  This is mostly conjecture on my part, but it comes with knowledge of prior events that make it at least as plausible as the stuff being put forward by the opponents of the interchange.  Those last few pages also include several pages from my friend, former Daphne Mayor Harry Brown in which Harry is taking shots at Commissioner James because of his support for current Daphne Mayor Fred Small.  Certainly we can understand a certain amount of ill will in a case like this, but the point of all this is that nothing in this ethics complaint, including Harry's quote, have anything whatsoever to do with the merits of the interchange project; nothing!  Herein lies my problem with this whole contribution.  The contributor is using an ethics complaint pure and simply as a way to discredit the parties involved in the interchange project.  The fact is that everyone involved has some kind of stake.  Lake Forest has a stake in seeing the project go forward.

01/20/2011

Mitch, I think one thing should be cleared up about the prior letter about the service road. That letter was written prior to the improvements to stormwater management in the plans and the stream restoration and lake dredging components being included in the project. It was the LFPOA's efforts that moved the county and state to develop revised plans and environmental mitigation that included these measures. At one point, the board was discussing writing a letter of no objection due to these things being inserted in the project requirements. So let's be clear. The initial roadway included none of the safeguards that are in place now, nor did it include stream restoration or lake dredging as components. Once these items became a component of the project, the LFPOA should be considering support for it.

01/20/2011

After spending the better part of five years working to resolve sediment issues for the LFPOA, I find it unfathomable that they would consider opposing a measure that by all intents and purposes would lead to less sediment and substantial sediment removal from our lake. These two actions are completely in line with the Watershed Management Plan and provide the balance necessary for developing the economic base while offsetting previous damage. I have recently told the board that I could no longer work on the association's behalf regarding the lake. For them to consider this seriously, assures me that I made the right decision. I also find it amazing that Henry Lawson is more concerned about homeowners in Timbercreek than our lakefront owners here. Isn't this really the basis of the opposition? Doesn't Chester and the other vocal opponents live adjacent to the golf course under consideration for development if the service road happens? I find it amazing that our so-called leadership in the LFPOA would concern themselves with anything other than things that would benefit the members and owners of Lake Forest. Thanks, John Peterson

01/19/2011

    I happened to be reading over the LFPOA minutes for November, when I came across the following:

A motion was made to suspend the rules for Mr. Chester McConnell with the Audubon Society to address the board regarding the I-10 exchange. Mr. McConnell requested that the POA write a letter to Congressman Bonner letting him know we are against development of this road that would run from the Bass Pro Shop to the Malbis intersection.

Henry Lawson complimented the new board members on the election; he said that the residents are behind them. He commented on the new committees. Mr. Lawson said that he appreciates Mr. McConnell coming here tonight to give information on what is going on with the I-10 exchange, Mr. Lawson agrees that we do not need a 4th road access.

Clint Martin said he just wanted to follow up on what Mr. McConnell said, we have already written the letter in opposition to the road, Mr. McConnell has been an Environmental Engineer for 30 – 40 years and knows what he is talking about. Mr. Martin said he wants to encourage the board to write the letter to Congressman Bonner opposing the road and in support of the public hearing on this matter.

  According to recent reports, part of that project include measures that would assist Lake Forest in resolving some of our problems with the silting of the lake.  Right off the bat, I'm for it.  I do not know Mr. McConnell and, therefore, cannot vouch for his credentials. However, we have had so-called "experts" talk to us in the past, who had an agenda that was contrary to the best interests of Lake Forest.  I'll be the first to admit that there could be other issues about this that I am not aware of.  However, I have a few points to mention.  That exchange is on the north side of Interstate 10 and has little, if any, effect on Lake Forest other than to make it convenient for Lake Forest residents to move between the two shopping centers without having to get on the interstate.  The association should be writing no letters in opposition.  According to presentations made to the County Commission, some of the dirt for that project WOULD BE COMING OUT OF THE LAKE FOREST LAKE!  Finally, if Henry says we do not need a 4th road access, then we probably do.

01/19/2011

Must be temporary site maintenance, worked fine at http://www.lakeforestpoa.com/

    Thanks.  There must have been a change in their web address, because we had the address as http://lakeforestycc.com.  The link has been corrected.

01/18/2010

MITCH, SHOULD YOU DESIRE TO RESPOND FURTHER TO THE GUY THAT APPEARS TO BELIEVE YOU ARE THE RECIPIENT OF LF REVENUES: OUR GREENS ARE NOT DEAD ONLY DORMANT FOR THE WINTER. WE WERE ADVISED BY CHAMPION GRASS NOT TO PLANT WINTER GRASS SINCE THEY ARE STILL YOUNG GREENS

    He seemed a upset.  I am curious, though, about the paint on the street.

01/18/2010

Does Lake Forest have a website anymore?? I clicked on your link and it does not direct me to their site.

    I don't know.  After receiving your message, I also checked and was unable to get to it.

01/14/2010

This is ############ AND I took my mother to the yacht club and had to walk around in the dark looking for a handicap ramp, finally i found a little ass ramp that was unmarked due to lack of paint and the there was a little sign in the dark with a car parked in front of the ramp and the sign. The medians look like ####, there is paint spilled all over the roads in front of my house, the golf course had dead greens, and the medians look trashy. Until i get all this fixed you will never see a penny from me because all the money we put into lake forest probably gopes to your retirement or your kids college funds, but not Lake Forest. I would also like to me mailed an audit of the monthly income and where the money is disrtibuted.

    Your message has been forwarded to the LFPOA offices

01/14/2010

DID THEY WIN? I WAS WATCHING LAWRENCE WELK RE-RUNS. :>) JUST KIDDIN' HAPPY FOR THEM, THE SEC AND THE STATE!

    It was a great night for all of us!

01/12/2011

Congratulations to the Auburn Tigers!

2010 National Champions!

12/10/2010

Just for info - I've only been in the USA for 2 and a half years but I do consider my community to be all of the surrounding areas, not just a sub-division or any other label that anyone cares to use. Obviously what affects me directly will get my most attention but I always keep an eye out for anything that doesn't look quite right or that smells of money driven politics. If I were a Lake Forest resident I would be concerned about Allen Cox's threat; if we (TimberCreek residents) don't back down over the service road he is going to build hundreds of low cost (low quality) houses next to us. You know what that means - more acres covered in impervious concrete and tarmac sending even more bad news into the Lake and estuary. Even if we agree to disagree on the road, I'm sure you wouldn't want that?

   Sounds like an idle threat with no real likelihood.  It's not likely that we'll see anyone building many houses of any kind with the market as it is now.

12/10/2010

Re: dredging the lake. I have no problem at all with them (Baldwin County) doing that - as long as they have the budget from the tax payer's dollars. If they then find the dredgings are suitable for building, hooray - use it for one of the turn lanes outside schools in the county or any of the other 60+ scheduled road projects that are in the budget. What I don't understand is how BJ can get away with linking these two projects and at the same time ticking the "no previous action" box on the County Commission agenda item for the Service Road. There has been lots of action - including the Commission voting to scrap the road. I'm a huge fan of all of Baldwin County and try to get involved in everything, not just the service road; if you need help campaigning to get the lake cleaned then I'll do what I can, but please - don't let the politicians divide and conquor us through their back (closed) door dealings.

   I'm sure that you are sincere in your offer, but this is not new to Lake Forest.  We have been struggling with this silting problem for many, many years.  I personally have been involved for over 15 years.  Bryce Cocke, another of our friends has worked hard on it for around 20.  The position of our neighboring subdivisions has always been "that's your problem and we aren't going to help pay for it."  There is no way that this writer is going to argue against James' proposal.  If it is any consolation to you, the vast majority of our property owners are uninformed and will probably buy into your argument.

12/09/2010

Hopefully she will soon understand the term "pay for it" as she continues to fly home to Calif. on a large private airplane.

12/09/2010 The conservatives have got it wrong.  It's not your money.

   There was one of those interesting sound bites on the news the other day, that seems to reveal the real difference in the political philosophy of conservatives and progressives.  Mrs. Pelosi was commenting on the issue being dealt with at the time of extending the Bush tax cuts.  Mrs. Pelosi said that the Republicans wanted to continue that tax break for the richest in America "without paying for it".  Think about that for a moment.  When you pay for something, doesn't that usually mean you have received a service?  For example, under the Medicare program our citizens receive a number of services for which we pay taxes.  That certainly seems to follow the "pay for service" model.  Does Mrs. Pelosi mean that by not taxing those people, the federal government is somehow providing them with a service?  To believe that, wouldn't you have to believe that the money people earn really doesn't belong to them.  It belongs to the government.  Therefore, if they get to keep some of that money through a tax cut, then the feds would be providing them with a service. See?  All this time, you people have been thinking that the money you work for belongs to you.  Silly folks.

12/06/2010

What committee does the new "sargent at arms" belong to, and why does this board need one? I don't recall this ever being a "position" in the past. There are lots of inferences to be drawn from having an active Daphne police office in this new "position".

   * Within many organizations, the sergeant at arms plays a vital role as to how a particular organization is prepared for various meetings and activities, with their primary responsibility being to maintain order within an organization at all times.

Meetings

In any organization, the sergeant at arms will ensure all bylaws and traditions are respected by everyone. During these meetings, it is the responsibility of this person to make certain parliamentary procedures are followed, and to call to order as well as adjourn all meetings.

Provide Support to the President

The sergeant at arms will always support the president by making sure he has all materials needed before the meeting. This means any outside materials or any additional support that will be needed by the organization will fall upon the sergeant at arms.

Welcome Members and Guests

The sergeant at arms is the largest supporter of any organization where he will always provide motivation and enthusiasm to members and new guests. This means he shows up to various functions early and is there to greet everyone who comes to any event.

Enforce the Rules

It is the sergeant at arms' responsibility to enforce the rules. This means any infractions or violations of the organization's policies must be reported to the conduct committee for further action.

Must Carry out Orders from President

Within any organization, there must be loyalty and discipline. The sergeant at arms is there to instill this loyalty and discipline by carrying out any requests or orders made by the president of an organization.

* Courtesy of www.ehow.com.

12/06/2010

A couple of things: What is LF's position on the Bowling Alley? I see it is on the agenda for the council to change their zoning to allow it to be built. Personally I think that it is a dangerous precedent to change a zone just to suit one developer; if they do that they'll have to do it for Allen Cox and his TimberCreek Land Co cronies as well. Remember, they are the ones that are suing our city for refusing to sub-divide the TimberCreek golf course, thus rendering the sale illegal. Speaking of which - the I-10 service road... What economic development? There are hundreds of acres vacant around the area. Have you been to Jubilee Square recently? The only stores that stand any chance of a boost from the road are in Spanish Fort so Daphne can kiss even more sales tax goodbye. Please don't let Bob James fool you. By adding the tax payer's dredging of a private lake to the project he is trying to play neighbor against neighbor. If Baldwin County has money to spare let them spend it on school teacher's salaries so that the next generation has a clue how to run a business, city, county and country.

   I don't know that Lake Forest has a position on the bowling alley.  It is outside the boundaries of the subdivision.  The problem with something like that is that, if the bowling alley for which the zoning change was made should fail, then the city would have a rezoned parcel that may not fit with their growth plans.  As for the "private lake" issue, this lake has served the entire eastern shore as a catch basin for runoff from development outside of the subdivision as well as within the subdivision for forty years.  Yet, the local property owners association has been forced to bear the entire financial burden of maintenance without any assistance from those outside entities, who in recent years have done the most to contribute to the erosion problem.  In fact, for the most part, those outside entities have taken the "nose in the air" position that it is a private lake and they don't have do to anything to help with the problem. So, more power to Bob James and his service road, if it is going to finally provide help for the erosion problem.  Furthermore, because of that, if it is not completed, Lake Forest residents should vote out every council person, whose district includes part of the subdivision.

12/03/2010

   Check Christmas party message on home page.

11/23/2010

Well I am going to have to say congratulations although I am not sure if you won it or we gave it to you. I really thought I had matured to the point where I was over a football loss in about an hour; however, this may have set me back about 30 years. I now hope Auburn wins it all and Newton gets the Heisman, even though I do not like his grandstanding. Roll Tide

11/23/2010

WAR D---Eagle

11/23/2010

I wouldn't crow to soon.

   When it comes to the Iron Bowl, crowing runs 365 days a year!

11/23/2010

If it wasn't you, it had to be somebody else sending E-mails from their tractor!

   I learned to plow behind a mule, thank you.  Her name was Old Beck.  Of course, I was just a little fellow working with his paw paw.  Boy, those tractors really are nice, though.

11/22/2010

We might as well get the week started right: BEAT BAMA!

   That wasn't me!  Heh, heh, heh.

11/22/2010

Mitch, I couldn't agree with you more regarding Daphne. We are lucky if we even get a pot hole filled. Our medians cry for curbing which would greatly reduce run off into the storm sewer which in turn helps to fill the lake, bay, etc.. It is a sorry sight as well. The garbage was picked up by Watts Sanitation prior to Inc. who did an excellent job for a few bucks a month. (I think they put him out of business.)

   Ah, yes, Vodie Watts.  Our garbage pick up service was between $7 & $8 a month and our water and sewer was $10 - $15 a month.  Then, the City of Daphne took over.

11/17/2010

   It's hard to imagine there being worse political representation in a town than we have in the City of Daphne.  Furthermore, Lake Forest has always been on the short end of the stick, when it comes to having our interests represented on the city council.  The other night, the council voted to deny their share of the funds to that new I-10 service road, a project that would have included some provisions to address the runoff that has plagued the D'Olive Creek, the Lake Forest lake, and Mobile Bay for years.  This is just more of the same.  You may recall a few years ago when the council decided to divert money planned for Lake Forest streets to their beautiful new City Hall in downtown Daphne.  They thought it was a facility that all of Daphne could be proud of.  Yep, why don't all of us in Lake Forest bounce our way over there and look at it a couple of times a year!  Earlier this year our former LFPOA president was praising them for the street work that they are promising to do in Lake Forest soon.  Please, please, please don't hold your breath!  I'd hate to lose some of my friends in Lake Forest.  This type of behavior has been going on since the day Lake Forest was annexed by the City of Daphne.  Lake Forest is nothing more than a cash cow for this town.  If past performance is any indication, people in Lake Forest will never see more than some superficial service from Daphne.  That is except for the garbage and sewer service that you pay a premium price for.  Whose fault is this?  It is the residents of Lake Forest, themselves, who are to blame.  They have never stepped forward and voted their own self interests and they continue to pay for it.  Do you think we will ever wise up?  Maybe we can dump Daphne and move to Spanish Fort.  They couldn't be any worse.

11/16/2010

11/16/2010

Thank you Mitch. You have reviewed the information in a fair manner concerning the service road. I cannot understand the Council's voice of opposition. Surely they recognize that the added economic benefit to our city is worthy of consideration. Consider that this will jumpstart the development of the Hwy 90 and County 13 intersection as the interchange and service road are completed. It will also increase economic opportunities along the service road. I agree that it is a no brainer to support this roadway project. Its development will spur a new tax base of considerable proportions. These new taxes. over the y ears, will improve the quality of life for all of Daphne. It is disappointing to see the short-sightedness of some council members.

11/15/2010

   I watched part of the Baldwin County Commission show on cable last night and saw some of the presentation regarding the new service road along I-10 and the erosion control measures that they plan to implement.  It strikes this writer as a no-brainer for Lake Forest.  As much as I would like to support the contributor from Timber Creek, I cannot.  Much of the silt that is in our lake came from their subdivision.  Lake Forest needs to support this project.

11/15/2010

The improvement of our amenities is well underway.  Thanks to our new professional management, golf, tennis, swimming, yacht and marina, stables and playgrounds are improving and much more is yet to be noticed.  Gene Ponder chairs the Membership and Recreation Committee and has requested your suggestions.  Notify Gene by email, phone or office drop box suggestions.  Attending the stated board meeting next Thursday is a great opportunity to make public suggestions to continue to improve our community and all of it's amenities.

11/11/2010

Just in case you haven’t noticed… 

http://blog.savetimbercreekgolf.com/2010/11/07/i10-service-road--coming-to-your-neighborhood.aspx

 I hope the good folks of Lake Forest will join us and fight this.  The destruction of the wetlands North of I-10 will only make things worse for the Lake and Mobile Bay.

 If you manage to get to the meeting on Wednesday come and say “hi” – I’ll probably be the only person in the room with an English accent..!

 All the best

 Ian.

11/09/2010

Daphne Baseball wants to thank the members who supported the Golf Tournament. We appreciate the Lake Forest Golf Shop and their efforts to make the tournament a success. We had a great time and much fun throughout.

11/09/2010

I met Simon Coulls of Vision Management. He seems to grasp very well the issues at Lake Forest and the challenges that face him and Vision. I sincerely hope that they can establish a confidence in management that no board or GM has been able to in the 20 years I have lived here.  I am concerned that when they tell the membership that more revenue is needed, they will be thrown into the same pile as previous "mis-managers".

   Those mentioned were not thrown in a pile because they reported that they needed revenue.  They were thrown in the pile because of their mismanagment.

11/02/2010

Our first step towards getting our community to utilize our amenities is to do the following:

1. Email them constantly.

2. Flyers at their door steps.

3. Target phone call members for certain events.

4. Offer their children something to do.

5. Give them OWNERSHIP of their community.

We can do this. We can save and rebuild Lake Forest. If your children are not involved in Golf, Tennis, Swimming, Fishing, Boating...Get them involved. Use our amenities. Make it a point to eat at the Yacht Club at least once every week or two. Invite your friends to play golf with you right here. Get excited!

11/1/2010

Mitch, I have given notice to the board that I will no longer be able to continue my service to the association in regards to the lake. I have spent the better part of five years working with various agencies and we have made great progress. Through the involvement of Rep. Randy Davis, Mayor Small and his staff, and the Mobile Bay NEP, we now have a plan of action, the Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan. This plan has already been put into action by the many agencies and governments that can support it. I would hope that someone can pick up this cause and represent our association in this worthy endeavor. It was an honor and privilege to serve the community in this way. -John Peterson

11/1/2010

Oh! Excuse me, I thought I was in touch with The Grapevine not sound off where all you Auburn types cry about Alabama records, games, etc., etc. However, since YOU brought it up, check with me Nov. 27th. I might also mention at least now you and John can now agree on something.

   Heh, heh, heh.  I don't know what you're talking about.  Heh, heh, heh.

10/29/2010

Mitch, My wife and I attended the beer tasting at the Yacht Club last night at $10/person. We enjoyed the taste of five different foreign beers served to our table with a different small dish of food which each beer would compliment. It was outstanding! Totally enjoyable! There was a nice crowd but room for more. The bottom line is the Yacht Club has been very pro-active in the past few months and it is just what the doctor ordered. We need to support it, not only will our club finances benefit but I think you will enjoy the outing as well at a very reasonable cost. This unbiased opinion is that of a golfer - not a boater.

   I agree completely!  By the way, do you know who is ranked number one in the BCS poll?

10/29/2010

I have always supported the idea of improving our community. I will willingly pay more to do it and especially under professional management without micro-managing directors. How much more???  Let Vision decide.

   Vision cannot decide.  Vision can only recommend.

10/29/2010

Okay, due to the developer's vote, the board can amend the by-laws. We should discuss which by-laws, if any, they should change. Obviously there are two that will be reviewed, just from a funding perspective. The by-laws for setting dues and the by-law for special assessments. The dues setting authority can be changed and the limit of $50.00 on a Special Assessment could also be considered. Could we see one or both of these changed?

   Hopefully not without a great deal of thoughtful consideration and discussion, without which the developer might be compelled to react.  It came as a surprise to many, including your old weblord, that Friday Construction opted to vote against the amendment to Section 6.6.  Having had numerous conversations in years past with the general manager of that company, I know that he does not want to be perceived as meddling in Lake Forest business.  He has told me before that he does not want to be the "King of Lake Forest".  He voted against that amendment because he, like I, felt that the board of directors should have the ability to adjust dues in order to secure the future of the community.  We also agree that time is running out for the association with the expiration of the covenants and it is critical that the board and management turn attitudes around in Lake Forest.  I realize that this may be blasphemy to many of my golfing, boating and tennis playing friends, but most members of Lake Forest don't do any of those things and, therefore, get little benefit from membership.  The standard comment in the past by amenity users to amenity non-users was "you knew what you were getting into when you agreed to buy your lot, so quit complaining."  Don't be surprised in twelve years when most of them respond the same way as they are resigning their memberships.  I just hope we have a board with a long term vision.  If the board and management prove to be irresponsible with their authority to change the by-laws, don't be surprised the the developer calls a special meeting to put a stop to it.

10/28/2010

Lake Forest under new management has a plan to pay-off debt, reform operations, and rebuild our community. Every single home owner is concerned about the value of thier homes. We are in the absolute best location on the Eastern Shore and by working together we can be the envy of Baldwin County.

10/26/2010

Time is running out and space is limited. Pleae help the Daphne High School Baseball program by playing in the fifth annual golf tournament. LFPOA members should know that this event helps our association with golf revenue. Do your part to help them be a success.

10/26/2010

There appears to be some collusion with Friday Construction to amend the by-laws. The last time I remember them voting was in 2003 to assist in increasing dues. Maybe the new management company needed help to make sure the capital plan would work? Very interesting times we are in.

   In 2003 Purcell was the developer, not Friday Construction.  Having talked with the GM of Friday a number of times, I doubt that there was collusion.

10/25/2010

After looking at the By-Laws can you please explain how you can have a Full Voting Member yet not pay dues? Looks pretty black and white in the By-Laws

   In the late seventies the Lake Forest Property Owners Association opted to buy the amenities and all the common property from the developer, who at that time was Purcell Corporation.  That left the developer with only the undeveloped lots in Lake Forest.  As part of the sales agreement between Purcell and the association, the developer was exempted from paying dues and maintenance fees on the undeveloped lots.  However, also according to the sales agreement, the developer retained its right to vote for directors and amendments to the by-laws.  In 2003 as part of a settlement to a legal action brought by Bob Underwood and friends, Purcell agreed to give up its right to vote for directors.  But, it did not give up its right to vote for amendments to the by-laws.  Another factor in the settlement was that Purcell wanted to sell the undeveloped lots to Friday Construction.  As part of these negotiations, all of the rights and conditions of the original sale were passed to Friday Construction.  All of this has already been tested in court.

10/25/2010

   Well, well, well!  It looks like the developer has stepped up to the plate!  In the recent election, Friday Construction executed its right to vote on the by-laws and voted against the amendments to sections 5.1 and 6.6.  I really can't say that I disagree with either of those votes.  On the other hand, the vote against section 6.6 puts the developer in an uncomfortable situation.  The membership voted in the amendment to section 2.4 to deny the board of directors the right to increase dues.  However, by voting against the amendment to 6.6, the developer has given the board of directors the right to change the by-laws.  So, if the board of directors choses to exercise their power to change the by-laws and changes section 2.4 back, then that puts Friday Construction in the position of having caused dues increases that they, themselves, don't have to pay.  Oh boy, I'll bet some people are going to have a fit about that one!  Oh well, as the joker once said, "To make an omelet, you have to break a few eggs." 

Now what's really going to be interesting is to see what kind of action the board of directors will take.  I've heard recently that some even think it may be time to rewrite the by-laws.  What do you think about that idea?  What needs to happen is for the management to get the association's finances back under control.  Then, they have to start working toward two goals.  First, they have to start changing the attitudes of so many members, who just don't think membership in the association is doing anything for them.  Second, they have to begin the process of making the amenities self-sustaining within a little over twelve years, when the covenants expire.  How difficult the second goal will be depends on how successful they are with the first.

10/22/2010

Election Results

10/22/2010

To the person who wrote in about "wind/hurricane" insurance . . . you should read the Oct. 20, 2010 article in the Mobile Press Register regarding the Rand Corporation's "Gulf States Policy Institute" report . . . go to www.rand.org to find the report. It is very interesting and offers a Federal government solution to this problem - a solution that I've spoken about to our state representatives, although they don't like the idea of the Federal government stepping in. However, the state government isn't doing anything (nor will they due to our state representatives who live north of us and pay 1/3 to 1/2 the premiums that we do) about insurance rates and coverage.

   The study by the RAND Institute for Civil Justice provided by the Gulf States Policy Institute may be read here.

10/22/2010

When I read the recent contributions here and all the discussion regarding professional management, dues increases, the future of amenities, etc., I see a group of people who are significantly interested in the future of their property values here in Lake Forest, and I certainly share that interest. While I agree that these issues are important with regard to our property values, there is very little discussion about the 400lb gorilla in the room, that being the tragedy that is homeowner's insurance costs in this area. I see the people in Lake Forest falling into three groups: 1) renters, who enjoy blissful ignorance with regard to this issue, 2) those who have yet to be dropped by their "listed" carrier (look out, it may be coming soon, minimally in form of more significant rate increases by your listed carrier) and 3) those who have been dropped and have experienced the joys of their options: Geovera or the "beach pool". Geovera: Did you know that Geovera is owned by a group of investors ultimately based Bermuda and the Cayman Islands? Hey, I’m a cynic, I’m sure these guys will come through for us if the worst were to happen. ;) Beach Pool: Did you know that they currently insure over $3 billion in assets and have less than $600 million in reserves? Know who backs that up? The state of Alabama, who can barely pay its own bills, continues to slash education budgets, and takes over three months to pay income tax refunds. But I digress. The rates to insure a property in Lake Forest, because it is less than five miles from the BEACH (that's right, the shoreline of Mobile Bay is the BEACH...enjoy your beach house living) are no less than a fleecing of the property owners here. This alone has done/is doing far more damage to our property values than anything any silly board or management company could do. From personal experience, I know how difficult it is to commit to contacting our representatives and expressing our outrage, but something must be done. At a minimum, please read Jason Horn’s letter to Senator Shelby regarding this situation. Link: http://hhii.us/Page3more1.html. Mr. Horn is an independent insurance agent here in Daphne and appears to be seriously interested in addressing the insurance situation in the Alabama coastal counties.

10/20/2010

   Although the final tally is not on the official website yet, I have found that the so-called reform group won the election.  I don't recall Hannibal, Face, and Mr. T ever losing, so what has happened to the A-Team?

10/20/2010

Even the proposed amendment leaves the term "charges" unrestricted in their levy. Yet, the members are still obligated to pay dues charges and assessments. Dues are limited, and assessments are limited..charges are left to the supposition that they mean something. The key is the remaining verbiage.."..imposed by the association." Just what is a charge imposed by the association?? The most familiar is the Tax Escrow Charge that has been billed and paid since the weblord was a director. So, can there be other "charges" .."imposed by the association" that may be levied?? I am sure Vision is comfortable with this and are sure the board can impose the needed revenue increases through charges members are obligated to pay, in strict accordance with the by-laws. Does clear it up?

   Ah yes, it does sound like a familiar logic of recent boards.  It'll be interesting to hear the reaction of the membership to any such action.

10/20/2010

Section 2.4. Dues, Charges and Assessments. Members of the Association shall be obligated to pay dues, charges and assessments imposed by the Association. Note: Pursuant to a motion made in a special meeting on October 4th, 2009 a maximum cap of 3% can be issued by the Board of Directors as determined at the Annual Meeting.

   The amendment that just passed supersedes that October motion.

10/19/2010

It is very simple. The by-laws read that a member shall pay all dues, charges, and assessments placed by the BOD. The capital reserve will be implemented using a "Amenity Preservation Charge". At least, if I was in their shoes, that is what I would look to do.

   I am familiar with your approach to things like this, but I cannot find the line you just quoted in the by-laws.  I can find the line in the newly passed amendments that says "The Board of Directors has no authority to increase dues."

10/19/2010

   Well, I attended the annual membership meeting last night.  I missed most of you.  Shame!  The new general manager from Vision spoke and he made a good impression, at least on this observer.  Your old weblord even spoke.  The new GM, Simon, talked in some detail about their plans for dues increases over the next few years and my curiosity just got the better of me.  So, I asked him how he planned to handle those dues increases when, effective today when the votes are counted, dues increases can only be raised by a vote of the membership.  He said in that case they wouldn't have them.  However, he said that a board of directors was elected to make decisions like that and, therefore, the membership should allow them the power.  I pointed out that while that may be true, they would not have the power.  I began thinking about the issue and wondering how Simon and the board may be expected to deal with it.  It occurs to me that last year the board voted to increase the dues and to implement an annual automatic dues adjustment of something like 3%.  This year's board rescinded that motion, but then reinstated the dues increase part a little later.  I don't recall whether they reinstated the automatic annual adjustment.  Assuming they did, the changes to the by-laws today should terminate that automatic adjustment and future dues increases should require a membership vote.  But, will they?

I also found it interesting that almost all of the candidates for the board from all slates indicated that they looked forward to working with Vision.

10/19/2010

Just a reminder: The annual "Chili Cook-off" will be held this coming Sunday, October 24th on the deck at the Yacht Club. Sponsored by the Lake Forest Yacht Club, Inc. (The Boaters Asso.)  Judging will begin at 2:00 and will include 1st, 2nd & 3rd prizes. A "Peoples Choice Award" will also be given. Registration is free, bring a crock pot full, hot and ready to eat.  Just want to eat?: $5.00 adults/ $3.00 -12 and under. Call Verne Boland, 626-5559 or Kathy Anderson, 626-2724 for more information. Hope to see you there!!

10/19/2010

My understanding is that this great "vial of secrecy" your talking about isn't so secret at all.  My understanding is (this is third party info - I couldn't make the Meet Vision Meeting), but I was told that Simon of vision told the crowd that they could go to the office at will and review the contract.  I'm told he said the only "limitation" on this is that the people that view it must sign a confidentiality agreement ~ not to publish, speak, reprint the info in the contract as it is sensitive to their particular business operation.  If this is in fact true - then what' s the problem? Go to the office and read it for yourself!  Seems easy and reasonable to me.  If this is true the the information really isn't so secret, at least to the members of our community.  Everything I just said may or may not be true. I heard that from third parties that attended to meeting.  If anyone knows otherwise please let us all know.

10/18/2010

Yes, dozens..but did I say they were all qualified applicants? realistically, the affordability issue seems to have taken the forefront. As I said, not all decision were received well.

10/18/2010

First, I want to thank Bryan Frater for being one board member informing the residents of the actions of the board. It is not enough to say, "we hired them" and "so what". I think it is a shame that this board has operated under the veil of secrecy in this action. If they are hiding, what are they hiding from? It seems that an argument can be made that professional management is needed. The issue is the process, much as Bryan has said so. In my years on the board, our efforts were to keep the membership informed, aware, and actually a participant in decisions being considered by the board. Did everyone agree with all decisions? Absolutely not; but they were kept informed. Obviously, there were issues that had to discussed in private relative to litigation and personnel. I recall the GM search we had. We sifted through dozens of applications to find something that would hopefully work for Lake Forest. Things that guided that effort included experience, knowledge, and affordability. I recall looking at one great resume from an individual, but having to discard it because the association at the time could not afford $140,000+ in salary and benefits. Hind sight is always 20/20. professional management might should have been an option back then. If so, I do believe that we would have advertised nationally for proposals from management companies and decided the best fit by resume and interview. The process here was much different. I think the board cheated our members with the selection process. Well, it's over now, so we need to elect folks who will not be secretive and operate whimsically like this. I believe that to be the A-Team. Thanks,-John Peterson

   You "sifted through dozens of applications" and then selected Toni?  Wow!

10/18/2010

Mrs. Hampton has actively been recruiting returning for the past few months both returning board members and George Lieb's slate of candidates for the position of president.

   There's nothing wrong with that.  I did the same thing once upon a time, although at this point, I don't know why.

10/15/2010

   After getting in a little exercise at the gym last night I decided to stop by the Yacht Club to see what was going on.  I was very pleasantly surprised to see quite a few people enjoying the end of that fish fry dinner that they offer on Thursday nights. It's great to see members taking advantage of one of our remaining amenities.  Granted, at $6.50 a plate, the club is probably not making any money, but as long as the Thursday night event is not actually losing money, it is a good thing.  After all, that is what a community like ours is all about.  It is a place that offers its members recreational opportunities at a reasonable cost as a benefit of membership.

10/15/2010

Vision’s financial proposal is truly a mess. My best interpretation is that they presented a cash analysis even though our books are accrual. An early report projected a cash profit of $460,000. The reason for this interruption as being cash, is that the total amount was used to pay off debt and spend on capital improvements. Thinking from an accrual prospective, I pointed out that there was no allowance for bad debt. This was finally incorporated and they reduced income to $406,000, which they still considered as cash and allocated as mentioned above. The problem is that in accrual accounting, bad debt changers the bottom line, but is not a cash item and there should not have been a cash reduction. A mix up. Point one A major flaw was that total dues billing, correct in accrual, but not in cash, is being considered as income. Reality is that about 8% of billing is not realized. This is about $140,000 per year. Throw in the $15K not realized from the special assessment. Their cash profit of $460K is now $305K. After many e-mails, they finally admitted this. Operating expenses. I could contest their proposed savings of $25K by going to quarterly billing. There number is made up of both mailing and payroll expenses. Since payroll is done in house, there is no payroll expense. Granted there would be postage and paper savings, but I believe that this is offset by their charge of $2.50 per coupon book and their charge for paper supplies and associated postage. See appendix A. Another projected savings was eliminating the bad debt expense of$30K. Again this is a none cash item and should not be treated as a cash expense reduction. By their consideration of it as an expense reduction, it therefore inflated their income number. One could argue that their cash projection could be reduced by another $55K. The following fall under the title of conjecture. Golf income is projected to grow by 28% or $160K. I truly hope this is correct, but in this market an $80K income increase would be wonderful. The 19th hole revenue is projected to almost double and grow by$70K due to increased golf play. The troubling part is that while income grew, their expenses total declined by $8K. How could this be? There explanation is that expenses should be 95% of income. Because this is a goal, does not mean it is an absolute. I am willing to give them the income projection, but since F&B costs are 50% then expenses should increase by $35K. All of this is another $115K. To help pay for their fee, they eliminated the maintenance department. Everything is now to be farmed out. I quess this includes such mundane things as changing filters and light bulbs. In our very old facility there are countless things that go bad and are serviced or fixed in house. Their maintenance budget increases by $12K. I suppose one could add the maintenance payroll savings to this total. I would expect the annual cost for these new contracts will be substantially larger than the savings . There was no projection for these costs. Included in their income is over $200K that will be realized because of the dues increase regardless of who is the manager. I could go on, but I will leave it to the reader as too how much of this they want to consider. None of this was discussed by the board in any detail. I tried to bring this up at a workshop, but putting it gently, I was shouted down. Their rational was that they already knew it. How gullible do they think we are? Perhaps the real answer is what the vice president and soon to be president said, “So what” As mentioned before, this was a fait accomplit a long time ago. Bryan Frater

10/15/2010

Is Marie Bidney making plans to be the new LFPOA prez?

   I don't know if Marie is considering the idea.  However, I think all the kidding about the "Dragon Lady" is referring to Mary Ann Hampton.  She also seems like a pretty nice guy to your old weblord.

10/15/2010

DRAGON LADY! Come on Now ~ R.S. isn't a lady at all, though, he is a bit whiny and ornery! :---> Sensing unnecessary fear in the air. Lighten up and have some fun!

   For our readers who check us out just for fun and may not know all the players, I believe this contributor is referring to Ray Sturch, a director of the association.  I could be wrong.  Ray seems likes a pretty nice guy to your old weblord, though.

10/15/2010

A typo error in yesterday's e-mail re Vision The sentence should read: How can you ever increase usage "without utilizing" marketing and incentives?

10/15/2010

Of the people on the board, the one who has lived here the shortest period and has used the facilities less than anyone should be President. Watch how it happens. My goodness, George Lieb has become something he railed against five years ago without even being on the board.

   In the opinion of your old weblord, George's motives have always been self-serving.  You just didn't know it.

10/14/2010

Rumor has it The Dragon Lady is planning her coronation as President of the LFPOA. Who is that?

   Dragon Lady?  That's not very nice.  I like her already! 

10/14/2010

10/14/2010

As a member of the first such slate, I can tell you that the goals have been changed. Our slate ran on retain, maintain and improve. The most recent slates have been resolved to "NO DUES INCREASE" motto, regardless of what the evidence says is needed. The slate that contained Martin, in fact, ran against dues and he openly supported shutting down amenities and selling properties. So now the motto is "support professional management". A great concept, except that they will find themselves woefully short of funds for improvement, even with professional management. The Vision capital plan will not create the investment income due to several revenue issues that will come up. One such issue is a true cash flow analysis of the association was not done in producing the plan. The other is the By-Law Amendments you list. Why that was even considered is complete insanity and will result in tying the hands of management. Perhaps that was the plan all along.

10/12/2010

Most folks who know about this issue of the "contract secrecy" also know that the Vision Agreement, the one that has the confidentiality agreement regarding it, has never been published.  Any publication was done prior to the confidentiality agreement.  Now, there was such an agreement for Hampton Golf's proposal to the board. That proposal has not been published.  SO STOP LYING!!!  The contributor should really get his facts straight before opening his mouth.  But, then again, as a supporter of the so-called reformers, should we really expect honesty? I mean, this reform group is claiming that we do not know where our money is going, that 95% of dues goes to salaries, and that they would not do a dues increase. All of which were and are flat out lies. It is one thing to rally the neighborhood for the cause and get people of integrity in office.  It is another to misrepresent to the folks what you are about. The A-Team has been straight up about what they want. They will get my support.

   One interesting note about the so-called "reform group" is that every director that has been elected to the board for the last five years has been sponsored by that very same group, slate, or whatever you choose to call it.  This includes the current and former directors who are now endorsing the slate called the A-Team.  What's up?  Are we having a family spat?

10/12/2010

   It's interesting that all the conversation on the Grapevine is regarding that Vision Management bunch, but no one has commented on the amendments to the by-laws.  It will be the result of the vote on those amendments that will determine what Vision can and cannot do with regards to dues, fees, etc.  The amendments to Section 2.4 and to Section 6.6, if passed, will pretty much cripple Vision's 5 year plan.  That sure sounds like something that people might want to talk about. 

Frankly, that is the only part of the Vision deal that should be of concern to the members.  The issue of management in general is a no brainer to this writer.  Any management will be better than what we have had for the last five years.  This is not meant as a reflection on any of the employees of the association.  The fact is, as is often the case with property owners associations, since Jake Bodiford left, we have had directors trying to run the place.  This is not new.  The same situation existed before Jake got here.  For some reason, old retired guys who used to run a hardware store, or work for the government often seem to think that they are experts on managing everything.  In our case, you can add car dealership administrative assistants.  But, that's another story.  To some extent as was pointed out by a previous contributor, men and women who understand general management principles may very well be able to handle the job.  Unfortunately, none of  those guys have been on the board in a while.  For one thing, people who understand those principles also know to stay the heck out of management's way.  If Vision is a real honest-to-goodness management company, then they won't have it any other way.

10/12/2010

Here's a thought, which can of course be argued by either "side".  Perhaps if the A-Team hadn't posted (confidential portions) of the pending contract up on their web site weeks ago maybe all of this wouldn't be on lock down....just say'n.  Remember at that time the process was still in negotiation and the document that was posted was absolutely confidential.  One of the board members released the pending contract to their cronies on the A-Team, which they stupidly published. This then allowed the other companies that were also "bidding" on the deal to see Vision's proposal ~ that's not nice in the business world!  All of that may (or may not) have lead to the "private confidentiality agreements" signed by the current board.

   I didn't know other companies were bidding on the contract.  Do you know who they were?

10/12/2010

If the post card that you received was NOT sent through the US Mail then that is breaking Federal Law to put anything in a mail box that is not sent through the US Mail.

10/11/2010

Maybe the Vision agreement is not so secret. The Vision management team has cleared it all up with the email I received (sarcasm intended). I look forward to going Tuesday and questioning the Vision team.

10/11/2010

   We received this message from Vision Management, the group that has taken over managing the amenities.

10/11/2010

What's up with the postcard in my mailbox??  How can Kirby, Ponder and Kersey vote to keep the Vision contract secret?? (Like the "secret meeting" it was signed by the LFPOA directors??) This sounds like a big lie only a very few would believe (like the other guys running) I cast my vote to Mr. Kirby, Mr. Ponder, and Mr. Kersey. What a waste of $$ for the postcards and the landfill!!!

   Not sure what you're talking about.  I haven't seen this postcard.  The people you mentioned could not vote for anything related to LFPOA.  They are not on the board.

10/06/2010

It seems the Vision transition is under way. I see a new face running around with our staff. I understand it is Simon Coulls. He is getting the lay of the land and has met with the Lake Forest Improvement Committee and got a taste of that group of dedicated Lake Forest people. Since I do not get LFIC e-mails, I was not invited. It seems that is becoming an exclusive group. I do not know if that is their choice or everyone else's. In any case, the next few months will be interesting. There is Mary Ann Hampton, the heir apparent to the Presidency of the LFPOA, unless you see the A-Team in. Mary Ann is the puppet. Who was that puppetmaster, again?

10/06/2010

   In order to encourage discussion (or tick some people off), depending on one's perception, I thought I would put the proposed amendments to the by-laws out here for us to talk about.  I will start the ball rolling by giving my own opinion first and then ask our readers to chime in with theirs.  So, here we go.

Proposed change to Section 2.4.

Section 2.4 Dues, Charges and Assessments. Members of the Association shall be obligated to pay dues, charges and assessments imposed by the Association.

Annual increases in dues must be approved by the members of the Association at the annual meeting.  The Board of Directors has no authority to increase dues.  The power of authority of the Board of Directors is limited to one (1) assessment annual, if deemed necessary for the preservation of the Association.  This assessment cannot exceed $50.00 per members annually.

   Oh boy, let me just irritate everyone right off the bat!  I'm a little surprised that the board allowed this one to make it to the proxy in the first place.  They could have blocked it with their Section 5.3. Powers. The powers of the Corporation shall be vested in and exercised by or under the authority of its Board of Directors to the full extent allowed by Law.  The action that took away the ability for a board to raise dues has been the single most harmful action to Lake Forest in its history.  In the early 80s, rather than coming up with an equitable and workable method of implementing dues increases, the board simply took the power away from the board and made it dependent on a vote of the whole membership.  Fact:  taxpayers and association members will almost never vote for an increase in taxes or dues .  As our readers know, I was very critical of the action taken by the board a couple of years ago to change the by-laws by what I viewed as an improper method.  However, since it was done and since I agree that there is a need for some sort of dues increasing mechanism, I was ready to accept the proposal made by last year's board for dues increases.  I also realize that directors are members too and will not raise dues on themselves, unless they really think it is necessary.  For that reason, I intend to vote against this one.  However, I am also under no illusions.  This sucker is going to pass by a landslide.

Proposed change of Section 5.1

Section 5.1 Composition.  The Board of Directors of the Corporation shall consist of nine members who shall be Full Voting Members of the Corporation, in good standing, and shall be elected by the members of the Corporation at the annual meeting of the membership.  To be eligible for election to the Board of Directors, a candidate must have been a resident property owner for at least (4) four years prior to declaring that candidacy.

   A twit who has lived here for four years is still a twit.  An intelligent person with good analytical and decision-making skills should still be able to use those, even if he or she just moved in yesterday.  I don't agree that living here and believing what you hear around the clubhouse or on The Grapevine somehow makes you a better director.  I will be voting against this one.

Proposed change of Section 5.2

Section 5.2. Term of Office.  The term of office for Directors shall be for a three year period, commencing with their election at the Annual Meeting of the members.  Those directors presently seated who, who were elected for longer terms will serve until their terms expire.  Any director elected to fill an unexpired term shall serve only until the next Annual Meeting of the Association at which time the remainder of the unexpired term shall be filled as provide in Section 5.11.  Any director may serve two consecutive three year terms.  If an directors were elected to fill unexpired term(s) and are elected at the next Annual Meeting, they may still serve two full three year terms.  Directors whose term expires in either 2011 or 2012 must wait one year after the expiration of their term before seeking election to the board.

   Very poorly written, waste of ink and pointless.  I'm voting no.

Section 5.25 Reads:

Section 5.25 Re-Election Any director of the association who has served a full three (3) year term in office shall not be eligible for re-election to the Board of Directors for one year.

Proposed change of Section 2.25.  Delete the entire section

   I agree.  Good directors are hard to find.  If we get one, we certainly want to keep him or her if the membership agrees.  I will be voting for this one. 

Section 5.9 Reads:

Section 5.9 Vacancies. If any vacancy occurs on the Board of Directors, it may be filled by a majority vote of the remaining directors.  However, the individual so elected shall serve only until the next Annual Meeting of the Association.  See Section 5.11.

Proposed Change of Section 5.9

Section 5.9 Vacancies.  If any vacancy occurs on the Board of Directors prior to June 1, the unexpired position will immediately be offered to the person with the next highest number of votes at the previous annual meeting.  If that person declines, or the vacancy occurs after May 31, then the Board of Directors will follow the directives of Section 5.10.  However, the individual so elected shall serve only until the next annual meeting of the association.  See Section 5.11.

    Who is to say that the person with the "next highest number of votes" would be wanted by the membership?  If the membership wanted him or her, he or she would have gotten the highest number of votes.  The members of the board were elected by the membership.  What's wrong with allowing them to find someone of good quality to fill the remainder of the year?  Obviously, the membership thought those directors, that they elected, had good judgment.  This amendment just complicates the by-laws in my opinion.  I'll be voting against this one.

Section 6.6 Reads:

Section 6.6 Amendments.  Any proposed amendment to the by-laws of the corporation must be presented to the voters 30 calendar days prior to a vote, after which the by-laws of the corporation may be altered, amended, or repealed, in any particular, and any new by-laws not inconsistent with any provision of the Certificate of Incorporation or any provision of law, may be adopted by (1) the affirmation vote of the majority of the membership present or represented by proxy at a duly called membership meeting.  The notice of any such meeting shall include the form of the proposed alteration or repeal or the proposed new by-laws or a summary thereof, or (2) by a vote of the majority of the Board of Directors at any meeting thereof; provide, however, the Board of Directors may not alter, amend, or repeal any by-law establishing the number of directors, the time or place of stockholders' meetings or what constitutes a quorum at such stockholders' meetings.

Proposed Change of Section 6.6

Section 6.6 Amendments.  A proposed amendment to the by-laws of the corporation must be presented to the voters 30 days prior to a vote, then the by-laws of the corporation may be altered, amended, or repealed, in any particular, and any new by-laws, not inconsistent with any provision of the Certificate of Incorporation or any provision of law, may be adopted by the affirmation vote of a majority of the votes eligible to be voted at a meeting of the membership given at an annual meeting or at any special meeting of the membership.

   Too bad.  He had a chance to correct the action of the board a few years ago that gave them the right to amend the by-laws, but he had to change the line that said "the affirmation vote of the majority of the membership present or represented by proxy" and replace it with "the affirmation vote of a majority of the votes eligible to be voted at a meeting of the membership given at an annual meeting or at any special meeting of the membership."  That modified line re-introduces an ambiguity that always caused problems at annual meetings.  What does it mean to say "majority of the votes eligible to be voted?"  Any time an issue came into dispute, we always had members who claimed that meant everyone who had the right to vote in Lake Forest.  That means you would need a majority vote of all 3000 members and the developer's 1350 votes.  That means a change to the by-laws would require 2176 affirmative votes.  That will never happen.  We are lucky to get 1000 total votes on anything in Lake Forest.  What usually ended up happening was that the board would take the position that the line meant "the affirmation vote of the majority of the membership present or represented by proxy" and listen to the opponents threaten to sue.  In spite of this, if you want to vote for the amendment to Section 2.4, you will have to vote for this one too.

Proposed amendments to the declarations of restrictions, conditions, easements, covenants, agreements, liens and charges:

   I'll not be voting on any of these because they are a waste of time and have no affect on the covenants anyway.  Let me quote section XIX of the covenants regarding amendments.

"Any or all of the provisions of these restrictions, conditions, easements, covenants, liens and charges may be annulled, amended or modified at any time by the consent of the owner or owners of record of eighty-five percent (85%) of the property (computed by acreage) encompassed within the Lake Forest Development. The property encompassed within the Lake Forest Development is defined, for the purpose of this paragraph only, as the lots described in the aforesaid plat and all property adjacent thereto or within, two miles thereof which was in the past, is now, or may at the time of such amendment be owned by Lake Forest, Inc., or its assigns"

   I am not even sure that all of the lots in Lake Forest amount to 85% of the area defined and I can guarantee you that even if this only meant 85% of the Lake Forest members, you will never be able to get that many to vote for anything.  These entries on the proxy for the last few years have just been a waste of ink.  We should all get over it.  The covenants are going to expire in 2023.

10/04/1010

I would like to know just how much [the liars & cheaters club, the six board members that voted to hire Vision] will be seen to face the general membership. We already know that Cline Martin will not be around to face anyone. For them to be in such a hurry to get this contract signed is a perception that there is something that they are hiding. What it is we don't know as of now but it will sooner or later come out & when it does i would hope that they grab there ass with both hands and hold on because they will be in deep trouble. A law suite may be in order. If you think that we are going to just let this just go by the wayside, you are crazy. Mr. George Lieb is behind all of this & if you vote for the people that he supports you will be part of the group to take LFPOA down the tubes. I hope that you will use common sense & vote for Mr. Steve Scarcliff, Dr.Joe Jablecki, Mr.Reb Bailey.

10/01/2010

As a curious outsider and former Lake Forest resident I would be most appreciative if Mr Martin could list for your readers just what has been accomplished during his tenure.  The contract for which he is so  proud has not yet been time tested. Certainly there have been some Board oversights in the past but to incriminate all who have unselfishly donated their time over the past 30 years is somewhat myopic.  

10/01/2010

The Vision Contract will be kept private..LOL

10/01/2010

"A minority committee of the LFPOA board (Clint Martin, Maryann Hampton, Jim Moss and Marie Bidney) went behind closed doors immediately after the September stated meeting to amend the draft Vision contract. According to Simon Coulls of Vision, the contract was finalized Friday evening 9-30-10 and signed today 10-1-2010 behind closed doors. Mr. Simon informs us the contract is confidential and will not be shared with the members. Many of the board members are also in the dark as Clint Martin has not shared details of the contract with all board members. Instead of advising the entire board of contract terms and conditions he used his executive power to sign a document he will no longer be responsible for. This secretive contract manipulation coupled with Clint's recent email deferring his power to his Vice President from now on should raise the ire of many Lake Forest members".

   The president in my opinion is supposed to implement the will of the board, not use "executive power" to do anything.  However, if the board voted in open meeting to have the president initiate the contract with Vision, then it really shouldn't make any difference when or where he does so.  The only exception to that is if there were changes made to the contract. Then the entire board should vote on those changes.  That is, of course, unless the board in its original motion authorized the president or an executive committee to make those changes and proceed without further board approval.  When the contributor says "minority committee" is he really referring to an "executive committee"?  An executive committee can sign such a contract without presenting it to the board.  While a contract may be confidential from the membership, it cannot be confidential from the Board of Directors in the opinion of your old Weblord.

10/01/2010

Is it just me or do others find similiar traits, methods, etc. between Mr . Martin and our BOD and Obama and our Congress?

10/01/2010

Here is a memo that the Lake Forest president sent to the board members..

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Board Members, 

I will be showing up tomorrow to sign off on the Vision Contract. I will be at Meet the Candidates. I will be at the Annual Meeting. Other than that, I'm done. It's been four LONG years and quite frankly I am spent. I will defer all of anything that has to do with Lake Forest to our Vice President, from here on out. I am proud of what we accomplished this past year. I truly believe we are on the path to end the insanity we have been operating under for the last 30+ years. 

I wish you all the success in the future. I am moving on. 

Clint Martin

  30+ years of insanity?  Clint doesn't seem to give anyone else much credit, does he.

---

10/01/2010

WELL, I SEE WHERE OUR BOARD PRESIDENT IS TRYING TO TAKE SOME CREDIT FOR THE ROADS IN L.F. GETTING REPAVED AND THE LAKE BEING CLEANED UP.    NOW I KNOW, IT WASN'T AL GORE THAT INVENTED THE INTERNET, IT WAS CLINT MARTIN.  WHO KNEW. 

GO "A" TEAM

  I missed that one.  It appears from his piece in the newsletter that he is giving credit to the City Council.  If the information is true, "About time!" is all I can say.