|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
||
|
December 2005 Grapevine 12/31/2005 PLEASE POST. THE ESILL CLASSES IN FAIRHOPE ARE OFFERING DULCIMER CLASSES UNDER JIM HAYS, INSTRUCTOR, IN FEBRUARY. FOR INFO CALL 990-9114.. JIM SAYS, IF YOU CAN COUNT TO 10, YOU CAN PLAY A DULCIMER. CALL HIM. HAVE SOME FUN! 12/30/2005 Sometime during the warmer months, this writer doesn't remember which one, there was a group of people on the Yacht Club deck enjoying themselves and the sunset. One of these people was Jim Ethington. He came into the YC and saw Bob Underwood sitting at one of the tall tables, Jim went over, genuflected and pretended to kiss Underwood's ring. The Board of Directors is searching for a person to fill a vacancy, do we need someone who has such allegiance to Mr. Underwood on the Board? This writer hopes not. Those in attendance at the annual meeting may well remember the attack speech Mr. Ethington gave, and also the dead quiet (no supportive applause) when he finished. 12/29/2005
12/29/2005
If Jake Bodiford considers being held accountable to the members for his actions as abuse, then it is probably a good thing he is not here. My personal issue with Jake was that he acted in a way that was clearly, in my opinion, NOT in the best interest of the membership of LFPOA. I wrote, before I was on the board, about my belief that his actions at the time were not in our best interest and that the then board should take appropriate action against him, including termination. If anyone has an issue with that opinion, I would be happy to provide them the documentation (much of which was hidden by the previous board) that is the basis of that opinion. I would even provide it to you to post on this forum, unedited, if you like.
As a member of the previous board, I am not aware of anything being "hidden" by that board. Certainly, I will be happy to post any "documentation" that would be of interest to the membership, as long as it is legal and accurate. In the statement above, the word "opinion' was used three times. We all have opinions. However, a board needs to act based on facts whenever possible. 12/29/2005 O.k. we've established that Jake got $10k passed by the board. Then how is it that a present board member from the slate of five told some seniors at the 19th hole that Jake got a $30,000 payout to leave! This story has circulated and people really are mad about it. I think the President needs to clarify to the members just what is/has been going on. We do not need irresponsible people on the board. Prove to us that you are not! Bob Underwood threw our money around with appraisals and fees to attorneys, his dollar figure on the appraised properties was ridiculous and obviously to all it was a scam! Who saw that a appraisal and how much was the fee? Let's put it out in the open! When will this waste stop? How many people have to send $37.50 a month for how many months to pay for these outlandish schemes. I understand Lake Forest picked up the bills for Underwood's mailings too when he was under the auspices of Y2K and other games. When the opposing group paid their own postage & costs. Look who won! I understand that in every subdivision there's always one person trying to bring the sd down. My biggest concern in Lake Forest is Daphne not taking care of us, the roads are in terrible condition and what is their excuse? My god, we are over 1/2 of their tax base and we are told we are going to get mulch for a walk in the medians & transplanted trees. It is so dangerous to take a walk. Have you walked the median lately? This is no place for a walking trail. People need to get a treadmill at home or just join a gym. Get real people. It's too hot most of the year to jog or walk in the heat! Not. recommended by any doctor either
As to the appraisals and fees, I don't recall the exact figure, but I would say it amounted to somewhere between twenty and thirty thousand dollars. The Board of Directors agreed to fund the study of Bob's restructuring proposal by the association's auditing firm, so that the members would have all the facts and not just Bob's opinion. Since part of his proposal involved selling the Yacht Club, the board also agreed to a survey and appraisal so that the membership would know what was at stake. The point here was that Bob was going to take his proposal to the membership regardless of what the Board of Directors wanted. Therefore, the board felt compelled to take the steps to insure that the membership knew what they were about to lose. The president at the time did support this expenditure. How does an expenditure of 20K - 30K compare to losing a Yacht Club, tennis courts, swimming pools and a nine hole golf course? Y2K was dissolved when Bob joined the Board of Directors. The mailings you referred to were on behalf of two board members, Bob Underwood and John Deloney, in support of their restructuring proposal. The association also sent out mailings on behalf of the other side, which included yours truly. Another group called the Committee to Save Lake Forest also did some mailings in opposition to the restructuring proposal and in support of a slate of candidates. The Committee to Save Lake Forest paid for their own mailings from contributions of members. Hopefully, all those kinds of "outlandish schemes" have come to an end. 12/29/2005 It seems there are many unassigned chairs with our board. What is going on? Not giving Brice a job is just play childish....these guys are worse than a bunch of women acting snobbish....shame on them.... 12/28/2005 I think Carol and Richard Hall need a special thanks because they were seen 2 different times with a golf cart picking up trash in our neighborhood and doing a wonderful job.
12/28/2005 (rumors are flying that you wrote a check to Jake for $10k before he left; consequently the note below) If you could not sign any checks last year that means that the rumor that is flying around saying you personally wrote a check from LFPOA for 10k is false, is that correct? Let's clear up these damaging rumors maybe put out by new board members that have a problem spreading news that is correct! (can we publish how much Jake got in the buyout?) neighbors say he was making $100k a year including free drinks and meals! Did he work hard, yes, I believe he did!
12/27/2005 Well, checked for the "official" website again today and no way, when were these guys elected? Where is the website and how long can it take to make one, get a swift person to make it in two weeks would you believe? Maybe a month, that's gone and past! Our Communications man is not communicating! Tell me different, Mitch. It's January and no official website, so of course, we're all reading yours, you have loyal fans!
12/27/2006
12/27/2006
12/27/2005
12/26/2005
12/26/2005
We noticed that Steve Jernudd gave the Food & Beverage report. Who is chair of that committee? Why is there a delay in appointing a Greens Committee chairman? Noticed that Cruitt said that the person who set up the website was an "agent" of the LFPOA? That would be ye olde webmaster, who has never been a paid employee of Lake Forest and has never received any compensation from Lake Forest and who set up the website as a service to the community. Also, noticed that Cruitt submitted a sample of a potential ad for a new general manager. Someone better check the grammar. Victoria Phelps made some appropriate comments about "getting on with business". Maybe we should do one of those "first 100 days" analysis when the time comes. We've also heard that Victoria has a particular interest in the website, not this one but the "official" one. She should contribute to the Grapevine. Regarding the LFTA minutes, it is a sad day when Susan Green resigns from the board. She and her husband, Bill, have always been ones we could count on when work needed to be done. This couple may also be found prowling the medians with Roger Davidson, cleaning up trash. We need more people like them in our community. Anyone who likes to play a little tennis and would like to have some fun, should join the tennis players at the Battle of the Sexes. The guys are forced to play with handicaps such as only getting one serve or playing wrong handed. If you take your tennis really seriously, maybe you should sit this one out. By the way, the guys will win anyway. ;) 12/24/2005
12/24/2005 I can completely understand why Carl Kaufman has not received consideration for Board appointment. He is experienced, intelligent, has the good of the community at heart, is a long time resident and votes for his beliefs not led by the nose by present of past Board members attempting to accomplish their own self serving agendas. I do believe he also understands that when revenue goes up cost don't as a matter of course go down. I hope the five come to their collective senses and do not become the "failed five" and appoint Carl to the Board with dispatch.
12/24/2005 Mitch. While I wait on your book and movie, I got to say this, I got 20 dollars that says Jim Ethington is your next board member, will you take that bet...I DARE ya....LOL
12/24/2005
All I can say is when I read a statement like "It's time to act in the form of a suit against ALL responsible parties upstream." It is pretty clear to me what was said. Or does it depend on the definition of ALL? 12/23/2005 Mitch, first of all, I’d like to wish you and your family as well as your readers a Merry Christmas! I hope everyone has their shopping done! I’d like to respond to the Board member’s submission by saying that the problem lies not in allowing people to stand up and speak their minds but in the reaction of the board to the issues presented. This board consists of several new members who were not around or privy to Y2K and the substantial hardship it caused LFPOA both financially and internally. Henry Lawson was a party to that fiasco and separated himself AFTER it became a legal issue. Granted, everyone changes and I am one to give people the benefit of the doubt. Therefore, I am choosing to give Mr. Lawson a chance to prove that he realized the extent of the damage done by Y2K and can distance himself from that fiasco. I am worried, however, that Mr. Underwood is still a driving force behind Mr. Lawson and it has been rumored that they are big friends which causes one to wonder how much influence Underwood has on the board decisions. I do not believe that all the board members are under the persuasion of outside sources but I do feel they should investigate ALL comments thoroughly because regardless of what they believe, there are personal agendas afoot and they could easily be used as a pawn. I think that the personal agenda allegation against the board comes from the fact it does “appear” that one or more of the board members hates the old GM so badly that they are willing to cut their own throats and LF’s rather than implement any of his ways, even though he kept LF running in the black for years and years after years of RED! Just because you have a personal dislike of some one doesn’t mean the successful ways of that person should be discarded, that is not good business! It also appears that the board member is a bit disgruntled and should realize that the opinions of the members on this website are just that, opinions. Every one has one. Dear Board, please remember that as an elected group you are expected to rise above the petty responses and be an example. Just remember, any publicity is good publicity. If there are issues mentioned on this webpage, at least the issues are presented instead of talked about behind your backs. Take the opportunity to use the webpage for information and research and work toward resolving the issues instead of addressing them in a tacky manner not appropriate for our Board of Directors! As far as the “positive” things coming: I look forward as I am CERTAIN you do, Mitch, to see these things. We are all for Lake Forest or we wouldn’t be here. I would like to remind people who complain constantly about EVERY LITTLE THING that if you hate it so darn bad, perhaps you should move. After all, I hate that you live in a place that causes you to fret and be unhappy every single day of your life. I would wish for you happiness and if that means finding a neighborhood you like, then I think you should do so. In closing, I wish all a Merry Christmas and a wonderful and prosperous new year!
12/23/2005 I just now had a chance to look at the amenity survey results. It is interesting that the one amenity that I truly love...the Yacht Club, had such resounding support. Yes, the pier areas need work, but the club and staff are great. I'd also like to point out that they sold out the New Years Eve party well in advance. How many other amenities get that kind of support and use? For those that don't go there and haven't had a chance to meet Debbie and the rest of the staff...get out there and use this great facility. 12/23/2005 From the Lake Chairman: When I read that what we need to do is sue the upstream parties and anybody who has property that drains to our lake, it is quite disturbing. I , like many of your readers, own property that likely has contributed to the silt in the lake. Most of the lots in Lake Forest have done so. Are we going to sue our own members, also? Would it surprise that reader that the federal government told the developers that the lake would fill in in twenty-five to thirty years? Does that surprise you? Do they really think that with design evidence that said it was going to happen you could really g et very far in court? We all want progress and restoration for the lake. It will not happen because of litigation. It will happen as part of a cohesive effort between several political levels and our citizens. As time is afforded the new board and lake chairman, you will hear of efforts taken for the lake. There are several areas we need to address. Obviously restoration is one. What good is restoration without limiting sediment impacts? It would be a temporary and futile effort. What about flooding? How do we address that issue? Can we reasonably expect, as our watershed is developed, flooding to subside on its own? I think you see that the answer is not as simple as spending six million dollars. I can tell you, without a doubt, that people are working to, and wanting to,help us. In the coming months, you will see great strides in setting up a consortium of local, state, and federal officials whose sole aim will be to improve the D'Olive Creek watershed and our lake. Your President, Henry Lawson, and others have already begun the work of assembling this consortium. You will be hearing of these efforts and the promise of REAL progress on this issue in the coming months
Hopefully this "consortium of local, state, and federal officials whose sole aim will be to improve the D'Olive Creek watershed and our lake" will have more success than the one that John Deloney put together three or four years ago.
"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it".
12/23/2005 Comment regarding website from member: Improvements Very nice and well done, our main source for information on Lake Forest activities 12/22/2005 Hello, I'm trying to get up a group of people from Lake Forest/Daphne who play the dulcimer/guitar or other like instrument and meet regularly to play together...I met one other person who plays dulcimer. This course has been taught by ESILL in Fairhope for 12 years. Where are you dulcimer players hiding? Let's meet! If interested- Email me at FARM9093@bellsouth.net; M. Thompson 12/22/2005
Mitch, While you may think that it would bother the current board for people to stand up and speak their mind about things. It absolutely does not. In fact, for the last few meetings much of that has occurred. We have heard from Ray Drake about our appointing an Executive Committee for the web page study. Were we angry, no, apparently we agreed it may not have been a good vehicle for the purpose and promptly changed the form. We have also heard other complaints about the releasing of the attorney for you. Unfortunately, it has nothing to do with political agendas, but only the purpose of the indemnification clause. Our understanding of that clause is different from yours and the former boards'. I think the election tells us what the majority of members think, don't you? It is clear that positive things are moving forward and will continue to do so. Keep an eye out for positive news on median improvements, web page services, lake news, and other good things. People can choose how to act and react. People can work together for improving this community or bicker. I think that the new board has chosen their path. I would suggest that each of your readers, and yourself, consider theirs. If you want to be involved in improving Lake Forest, what is a better way to do it? The answer will become apparent to you as you watch, from the outside, all the good things that happen. The choice is yours to make, but the results are the same for Lake Forest, no matter what you choose. Lake Forest is moving towards better days, get involved and help positively or get out of the way. 12/22/2005 The LAKE- Just finished reading the Baldwin section of the Mobile Register. Front page top right article concerning Spanish Fort cliffs that are sliding. It seems from the article that the $2 million grant for repairs will not be used to help dredge the LAKE, as it has been determined that the soil isn't conducive to drain as needed? We can continue to talk or we can take action. We should have all the evidence we need from the soil samples taken from the LAKE showing where the soil came from-upstream Timber Creek, Eastern Shore Centre, County Rd 13 Extension to Hwy 90, etc., etc. The politicians will continue to politic without action. By the way, they're supposed to be working for us, but politics haven't gotten any results for years. It's time to act in the form of a suit against ALL responsible parties upstream. This is a $6 million dollar problem that others are responsible for and the Alabama Law is clear as to downstream issues. 6 million is the estimated cost to put the LAKE back to the condition it was in before the irresponsible responsible parties filled it up with their upstream runoff. The Lake Forest members who live on the LAKE deserve better. 12/22/2005
The board will be appointing a ninth board member soon. In the first meeting the new board had, members to the committee were appointed and the vacancy was to be placed in the Spectrum. As far as I know responses to this ad are given time. Was there a deadline for the submission of resumes? I think the board will likely move to appoint someone soon. 12/21/2005
12/21/2005
12/20/2005
12/21/2005
Now, it has come to the attention of the Grapevine that at the last meeting they voted to rescind the previous board’s decision not to include member comments in the minutes of that board’s meetings. How petty is that! Every board has a right to determine how the minutes of their own meetings will be presented. If this group wants to let the comments of every malcontent in Lake Forest, who wants stand up and postulate on the evils of the board or the association, to be included in their minutes, they certainly can. But, they cannot alter the decisions of a previous board. Those meetings were of the previous Board of Directors, not this one. For this board to alter those minutes is absolutely inappropriate and probably not legal. Would they like for the opposition to start using the “abusive member comments” technique to disrupt their meetings and fuel someone else’s agenda. They don’t know what it is like. This writer has heard that some of them get red in the face simply when a member asks a question. Heaven help them if they ever have to take some real heat. Fortunately, the opposition has more class. The real question here is “Why?” What did it accomplish? Nothing productive is the answer to that one. It’s an incredibly trivial issue to most of us. Of course, the motion was presented by President Henry Lawson. That comes as no surprise. He thrives on busywork. Henry spent the entire year last year undermining the efforts of the board on behalf of his mentor and for his own personal agenda. No one can bog down a meeting as well as he can. No one can waste as much time discussing trivia as he can. This little vote accomplished nothing but allow a couple of small minds one more shot at their predecessors and waste everyone's time at the meeting. If this is a taste of their mindset, then the “new breeze blowing over Lake Forest” is just hot air. You won’t see the little wink and smile at this end of this one. This is dead serious. Does this piece offend you “Slate of Five?” It should. It would offend me if I had voted on something like this and had been called on it. Do something about it! It is still early. Use your own good sense. You’re in big trouble, if you are allowing the president to think for you. Did you really want to help the community, when you ran for the Board of Directors? Do you actually have any new ideas? The members would like to hear them. Why allow someone to pull you into a trivial little cheap shot like this one? When the “Slate of Five” won the board seats, many people were saying, “Woe is us.” I tried to reassure them by saying that sooner or later they will catch on to Henry. Did I give you too much credit? Let’s hope not. Mitch Davis Webmaster/Owner of this site, longtime resident and former board member 12/20/2005
12/20/2005 Is the board dragging it's feet on choosing a 9th member? Carl Kauffman has put his name in and is an experienced past board member, what is the problem? Did Lake Forest change attorneys? Why not announce the new attys name? This board is not becoming the hot slate of five we thought we voted in....I see everything is going to be about the same in Lake Forest,,,,not much being done, lots of talk.... Merry Christmas anyway!
Of course, a few nice words from your old webmaster may have killed his nomination, but let's hope not 12/20/2005
JOB POSTING: General Manager: Lake Forest Property Owners Association. Looking for full time manager to operate and administrate. (Golf Course, Tennis Courts, Swimming Pools, Yacht Club and Marina). Send resume to lakeforestcc@bellsouth.net.Compensation based on experience. Position available immediately. 12/20/2005
12/19/2005 Comment from a board member. One final note on the action to waive the reinstatement fee. That fee was ALL that was waived. The requirement to join and pay dues was not waived. LFPOA is receiving the required dues from this person and from this property. 12/19/2005 The 'vine info on the meeting makes it seem really bland - did anything of substance get voted on or any comments from the membership? What have your heard on filling the vacancy, the scholarship, if it is going to be awarded this year needs to be out in January so May 1 is a viable deadline. I filled the survey out and on seeing comments it was fairly limited. I wonder if we could do one up better and have it in the monthly statement so people could mail it back with their check?
12/18/2005
12/18/2005 Mitch, I read your recap of the Board Meeting and am baffled not with your report but with the statement "when revenues go up costs go down", daaa. My three .year old grandson understands economics 101 better than that. I am actually (bet you never thought you would hear me say this) speechless. I believe that a frontal lobotomy is in order or at least a head transplant.
12/18/2005 Submission from a Board member. In regard to the Public Lake meeting: The meeting will likely be held in February, so that it can be announced in the Spectrum early in that month. It was not decided on in time for the January Spectrum deadline. The Lake Chairman looks forward to meeting with interested persons and discussing what he is learning about the lake situation with them and share his thoughts on possible short and long term efforts for relief. It will be informative and maybe even enlightening to some. 12/18/2005 Submission from a Board member. In resolving the fee dispute, the issue was brought to the board by the GM. It did require a waiver of the required reinstatement fee of property previously opted out. This fee is generally collected by the title company when a lot closes and is assessed to the seller. In this case, the LFPOA staff had made the determination, by address, that the property was not subject to the fee. Subsequently, the sale was closed without collecting the fee. It was later determined that the address given was incorrect. The fee was waived until a subsequent sale but is still assessed on the lot. The GM can NEVER waive this fee, so he brought it to the board.
Thank
you to the board member who made the submission to explain the issue to
our members.
12/17/2005 Member reports on the December stated Board meeting. Nothing too earth shaking at LFPOA Board meeting. Kudos to Steve Jernuud for getting flood insurance on the Yacht Club for only $2600 per year. Seems by previous boards dropping coverage, and the re-zoning of risk, the property went from a high risk to a minimal risk, causing the premium to drop precipitously from the previous premium amount of over $20,000 per year. If the previous board had continued with flood insurance then the zoning would have stayed the same and the premium would have stayed very high and escalating. Nice job Steve. Board had directed Steve to determine costs associated with developing the original lfpoa web page. Steve determined it was $2000 initially and $1000 for maintenance for 10 months which was then dropped. Estimated cost for the new website is under $2000. GM search- still advertising have about 20 applications. Under New Business from the discussion it appears acting GM is not allowed to make decision resolving or negotiate settlements of fees disputes. Seems an address mixup caused a title company not to collect the transfer fee on a home sale with 2 addresses but actually in Lake Forest. New owner requested relief from the transfer fee due to the multiple mix ups. Easy one to handle, and should be within the purview of the GM. Policy is that the GM should handle and document what took place. By-Laws direct Board of Directors to set policy and procedures with the GM acting on those policies and procedures on a day to day basis. It'll be a long year, if the board wants to look at every issue of this nature and make those decisions.
Employees will get Christmas bonus' after all. Good for them. Financials discussed, haven't seen yet, but apparently good November keeping expenses down, before depreciation positive $45K approx. Cash on hand $71K. Profound statement of the night "When revenues go up, costs go down." Don't know what that means for sure and doubt if Henry did either when he made it. Board members received 06 budget for review.
"When revenues go up, costs go down?" Huh? Do you suppose he meant that if revenues go up and expenses remain the same, then deficits go down? The president needs to let the finance chairman explain the books. Great news about the Christmas bonuses. During Lake committee report, seems Chairman Peterson has shelved the $22K idea of an electrically controlled actuator in favor of getting the manual controls safe to access by Kenneth. As well as getting some type of catch at the outlet to keep debris from entering the outlet and fouling the controls. Peterson mentioned holding a public Lake meeting some time in January. Member comments, new resident had bad meal experience at Yacht Club. Stated her family wanted to use the amenities, but conditions unacceptable. Another new member having difficulty at the stables? Might be more to this one than was brought out by the member. The President seemed a little rude with his comment to the member that "there are 2 sides to every story, and they wanted to hear the other side", the new member took offense wondering if he didn't believe her? Final comment was by long time member stating that the Board needed to stop "micro managing" the employees. Suggesting that Board members need to be talking to GM rather than directly to employees. Jim Moss agreed that there had been "hic ups" in that regard, and they were working to correct the situation. About an hour and a qtr meeting time.
12/16/2005 Check out the winners of the Garden Club Christmas Decoration Contest. 12/16/2005 Regarding the lake issue, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. There is a lawyer willing to take this on a contingency basis and file against all upstream parties. He should be given the go ahead asap since nothing else has worked. Probably would strengthen the case to dismiss LFPOA from the current suit. (See Lake Discussion) 12/15/2005
12/15/2005 Concerning the Lake: It is prudent that a thorough review of the history of the Lake Forest lake take place. There are years of data and communications to review. Also, it must be considered that Lake Forest is in litigation at the present time concerning the lake. These things would indicate that the less officially said about the lake, the better. It is easy to see the problems the LFPOA has with the lake. To continually dwell on that without participating or contributing to a viable solution is a true waste of energy. All members of Lake Forest have an interest in the lake. As to the City Council taking act ion on a request to take the lake. I can say that the new Lake Chairman has not requested the city to take the lake or take any specific action in its regard.The board might be interested in knowing just who is pushing for action without authority to do so.It could be, coincidentally, that the City Council is finally deciding to act on something done years or months ago. Could this be an attempt to "help" the new board?
12/15/2005 TRY THIS ON FOR SIZE - NOTHING LIKE SHOOTING YOURSELF IN THE FOOT. PEOPLE ARE RUSHING TO BUY IN BALDWIN COUNTY, BUT WHEN ASKED WHERE BY THE REALTOR THEIR FIRST REPLY IS "ANYWHERE BUT LAKE FOREST." THIS WAS TOLD TO MY SON WHO IS CONSIDERING MOVING HERE FROM FL. BY HIS CLOSE FRIEND WHO IS THE OWNER OF A MAJOR REAL ESTATE BUSINESS. THIS, I THINK, IS A DIRECT RESULT OF ALL THE CONFLICT STIRRED UP BY A BUNCH WHOSE AGENDA I HAVE CAN'T FIGURE TO THIS DAY!!
12/15/2005 Hi, I am a relatively new resident (August 2005) and bought in Lake Forest for a number of reasons, but mostly for the amenities. H owever, with miles of roads in Lake Forest, I have yet to find many of the great things we have available. Might it be possible to put a better map on this website showing the locations and/or signs in the community pointing to the pools etc (such as the one on Country Club Drive). Thanks...BTW, love living here!
12/15/2005 I think there needs to be a new LFPOA, Lake Front Property Owners Ass. Seriously, we are so taken for granted, yet our lives are the most affected in potentially devastating ways & in other "lifestyle" ways & even moreso in ways that directly affect our property values. If I wanted to sell my house now & any intelligent buyer were to realize that the lake was filling in in front of my eyes every day with no clear solution, it probably would not sell, certainly not for what it is worth as "lakefront property." The new LFPOA deserves a plan of action & a timetable & regular updates on the progress by the new lake chairman or they should find someone else to do the job that needs to be done. We should be informed ahead of time if possible of any lowering of the lake. Just because we have no more hurricanes or major storms now, is no reason not to be actively seeking solutions to the lake's problems. The first matter to be done is the new valve & actuator installation. It should be done asap. If the lake needs to be lowered to do this, do it now while the weather is cooler & not next summer when we want to use the lake more for recreational purposes. If there is any reason that this is not being pursued now, we want to know why not? Who composed the survey?
Regarding your statement of a "new" LFPOA, the current association on the whole has done a good job for more than a decade. However, Lake Forest is vast and complex and there are several problems at any given time. So, which problem gets addressed first by the board? You've heard the term "It's the squeaky wheel that gets the grease?" Well, that saying applies here. Every other amenity has its own political action committee. Golf has the MGA and others. Boating has LFYC, Inc, the Eastern Shore Sportsmen and others. Tennis has the Lake Forest Tennis Association. Where's the PAC for the lake? Some years ago there was a Lake Committee and I don't mean that board committee. It was an independent committee made up of property owners who lived on the lake. They convinced a board member to take an interest in their problem. He was B.T. Cocke. That group came to board meetings. The key word there was "group". They stated their case. Sometimes they got ugly. But, that wheel squeaked. Former president, Bob Segalla, arranged to shut down a pointless corporation, Architectural Committee, Inc. and arranged for around $25,000 that was in the defunct corporation to be set aside for the lake. In 1999 the association spent that money and more on the lake. Maybe that's what you need. A PAC that squeaks, screams and maybe just gets downright ugly.
12/14/2005 MITCH, I ENJOY YOUR WEB SITE AND READ IT DAILY. I HAVE A LOT OF RESPECT FOR YOU AND APPRECIATE THE NON-VINDICTIVE WAY YOU HAVE HANDLED THE ENTIRE SITUATION ON THE WEB. JUST A COUPLE OF POINTS: ON THE CALENDAR OF EVENTS a) THERE IS NO MORE MEN'S GOLF LEAGUE ON WED'S. b) THE HAT GAME ON FRIDAYS, WITH THE LOSS OF DAY LIGHT SAVINGS TIME, NOW STARTS AT 12:30 P.M. THIS GUY R.D. MUST THINK EVERYONE VALUES HIS OPINION - HE'S "EDUCATING" ME EVERYWHERE I TURN!!
12/14/2005 Why is there no mention of THE Lake in the survey and no mention of progress on the problems of the lake by the new lake chairman? There are 9 questions each on the survey for the golf & yacht club amenities, & not one frigging question about THE lake. THE Lake is the only amenity I moved to Lake Forest for. THE lake is the only amenity that can destroy peoples' homes, yet in a survey of Lake Forest amenities, it is not even mentioned once. Do we have to wait until it floods again before it becomes a topic? Is there any progress on installing the new actuator valve, so THE lake residents & flora/fauna enjoy a consistent water table, without fear of flooding. Is there anything being done to reduce the flow of silt into THE lake? Will the new lake chairman please give us an update on his progress & let us know why he was selected to that position?
12/14/2005 Thanks for keeping the facts straight on things as best you can. Interesting what preconceived notions people have of the new board and their "agenda". I do not recall "getting rid" of anybody as being a goal of the "Slate of Five". Seems they just want Lake Forest to be improved to me. 12/13/2005 Why not separate other charges from the billing for dues? with dues billed once yearly with a coupon book and monthly charges (only if any) are billed as used. It has been a year since I have had charges billed to my account at LF. That would have saved your Assn. (in one year) $3 in mailings. Alone this is insignificant but all together - it adds up and IS significant. I was referring to just a notice of my bill online. Just sending a notice of bill due online.
12/13/2005 Just received the unsolicited monthly county "free newspaper". (It's free because no one would buy it.) Everything must be going as planned, as there was not one word about Lake Forest in it? First time I ever recall that happening. Appears the malcontents have things going just the way they want them- got rid of Mitch, Jake, Jay Ross, and the auditor. Who or what's next?
12/13/2005
12/12/2005 A new survey has been put out there to gather some information about member attitudes. Check it out. 12/12/2005 You might want to add a link to various e-mails. I would suggest the Mayor of Daphne, the GM of the LFPOA, the County Commissioners, and similar useful tools to speak your opinions to the "powers that be"
12/12/2005
12/12/2005
12/12/2005 Have you noticed the work that is being done on the pools? It's great to see work being done on any amenity. However, since there is still work to be done on the other amenities from the hurricanes, it seems a little odd that they should be working on the pools with swim season not starting until May. Of course, some swim team parents were important to the election of the Slate of Five, so this may represent a little political payback. Do you suppose that this is how the association will operate for a while under the new president? Maybe we're reverting to a "taking care of number one" mentality on the Lake Forest board. You can bet the previous president did not agree with that approach.
12/11/2005 I would like to see the covenants (is that what they are called?) posted. I have wanted to put up an antennae for my TV, but I have heard it is against the rules. I would like to actually be able to see what the rules are so I will know I'm not breaking them. As for the suggesting of everyone going to the same mail box.... I live on Ridgewood and I can't see having any other mail box except for one I can open on both sides to avoid getting hit on the curve/hill I live on. Also, it would save a great deal of money if were not billed monthly and just either given a yearly coupon or billed online only. Have a great day.
12/11/2005 The Garden Club judges the decorations at Christmas time and always has....this year we have eliminated the "Religious" category, but all the other categories stay. We simply did not have enough competition to judge in the last few years! $20 to the winner! We will be out Monday night at first dark, so turn your lights on early....a GC member!
12/10/2005 The Christmas Decorating Contest says that winners will be selected from five categories, but then only list four. What is the fifth category? Thanks.
12/10/2005 I read the board members' comments about legal fees. Good grief. Our current attorney only charges the LFPOA half of his normal hourly fee and the going rate for most attorneys is much higher than his. The legal fees are also in part due to vindictive members lashing out with personal vendettas against the board and using LF as a forum to reek havoc. Ben Cruitt is a fine example. He refuses to abide by the very covenants he wishes LF to defend. I do not understand how he can get up and speak at board meetings ESPECIALLY about attorneys and / or legal fees. I hope the Board knows not to take his ramblings as anything more than an attempt to gain a new attorney that won't go after him with the same fervor as our present one. I wonder if the board remembers that. To respond to the fuss about the prior general manager: it is pretty simple to contact other country clubs nationwide and find out what salaries and benefit packages they have for comparison. PS... maybe such an opinion is why we have so many applicants for the present job.
12/10/2005 " Where's the new manager, why is the board so slow finding someone? What about the 9th board member, is it true that two people showed up to volunteer to serve? The spectrum article said anyone that wants to serve step forward, two? What is wrong with this picture." On the $200 mailbox, you've got to be kidding, if 44% of the people in Lake Forest make under $50,000 a year before taxes, where does a fancy mailbox of iron work in their budget? T. Werner says it was not her idea, that someone else suggested it and she just writes the articles. I really would rather put that money toward anything else but a fancy mailbox that could be destroyed anytime by kids (happens all the time across the U.S.) or a vehicle gone astray." keep up the good work....i do think that our communications brd mbr should take a computer course!
12/09/2005 The Women's Club page has been updated. 12/09/2005
12/09/2005 I think there should be good things said about Mr. Ed kirby board of director, and Mr Ken Eslava, director of public works. These men are working on getting the neighborhood watch up and running for Lake Forest. This information came to me this morning from Capt. David Wilson Daphne police dept. Ken Eslava is a heck of a nice guy and a good man. After all, if it wasn't for the director of public works, we wouldn't be making as much progress as we have. And, I've always respected Mr. Ed Kirby because when he says he will check into something ( HE DOES ) Just good all around good people. 12/09/2005 Who are the two candidates for board seats? I don't see where this president has appointed a nominating committee chair (or members) to submit a nominee to the board. We must go by the by-laws!
12/09/2005 As I read about Jakes big fat 110,000 total package, I was shocked at how low a it was. Call around. Get the compensation reports from the associations of the superintendent, the pro, the club managers. That is dirt cheap for a gm responsible for that much. I offer up a few examples. I will leave the course names out, but one could guess.
This does not include profit sharing. Heck, we all know Scott left for a considerable amount of money to go to Timber Creek.
12/09/2005 Along with your website survey, which may reach only a limited audience, the Spectrum idea is a good one. John should arrange to place the survey in with the monthly bill. That way, it should reach every member. Also it appears strange to me that a Board Member would request someone else to do a job which they are responsible for. If you do it, you might run the risk of some of your detractors questioning its validity.
I have detractors? ;) 12/08/2005 In all my time of living I have never seen a more concerned good hearted hard working person as Ellen Ludlow. She does her Magic with the Garden club, and we all know we need the garden club. In the last Garden club meeting Sweet Ellen took on a major project, to beautify and landscape areas around the old country club and swimming pool. Again, its hard to put into words of how much our community needs people like Ellen
12/08/2005
About finances for Lake Forest. In discussing the last two years expenses versus revenues one should consider the tremendous increase given to the General manager by the board. Not only was he paid handsomely, he also got a retirement bonus of $10,000. His package this past year cost us in excess of $110,000. The other area of concern is the expense for legal help. Lake Forest will spend roughly $80,000.00 in legal expenses for the 2005 year. Hopefully, the coming year will see some decrease in these areas and we can again achieve a positive revenue after depreciation. There are other areas that will need attention from the new board. Efficiency should be gained with the new computer system. Does this mean less people? Or does it mean we can ease the burden of legal and other professional services paid for by the association? Let's hope that the hurricanes stay away and the golf course has a full year. That alone would lessen the operating deficit. Just some thoughts.
This person is correct on several points. The general manager had a contract through 2006, which he had agreed to complete. He offered to retire earlier, if the board wished. The Board of Directors voted to accept his early retirement and pay him a farewell bonus for years of outstanding service to the community. The former general manager took over an organization that was on the verge of collapse and turned around completely. Lake Forest is the success it is today, mainly because of the efforts and excellent management of that man. He was paid fairly for the responsibility he accepted. The dollar figure the contributor mentioned represented the GM's total compensation, which included health insurance, vehicle expense, vacation time, retirement and so on. Lake Forest has annual revenues of about two and a half million dollars and has assets worth millions. The general manager is responsible for two restaurants, one lounge, a twenty-seven hole golf course, Yacht Club, Racquet Club and more. A person capable of running a system like that must be compensated appropriately. The last general manager was here for over a decade and his compensation had reached that point after years of excellent performance. As to the other factors mentioned above, hopefully he is correct that some of those costs will be reduced. Unfortunately, boards have been hoping the same thing for years. Maybe Lake Forest can function peacefully for a few years without turmoil. By the way, some of the legal expenses mentioned were paid for collecting delinquent accounts for which the attorney receives a percentage, which is common in collections. For more information and/or opinions on Lake Forest finances, check out the Finance Discussion. 12/08/2005 RUMORS ARE FLYING ABOUT THE BOARD RAISING THE $37.50 PER MONTH, IS IT TRUE? I KNOW THEY RAISED GOLF,ETC, AND PEOPLE SUGTD THAT TENNIS PLAYERS ARE NOT PAYING ANYTHING, THEY ARE, AREN'T THEY? AS FAR AS FINE DINING, A BOARD MBR TOLD ME IT'S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN. PEOPLE NEED TO GET OVER THAT IDEA, DON'T YOU THINK? I THINK WE OUGHT TO TAKE CARE OF OUR EMPLOYEES. WHO ELSE WOULD WORK LIKE THEY DO, FOR THAT LITTLE MONEY? GIVE THEM THEIR BONUS. DON'T STEAL FROM THEM, MANY CONSIDER THAT MONEY IN THEIR BUDGET FOR CHRISTMAS. C'MON DON'T CHEAT YOUR EMPLOYEES.....
12/07/2005
12/07/2005
What? have you looked at the new website, are they trying to duplicate google? my god, what are they thinking we need a local website, not one that gives me apartments in Canada....somebody does not know computers, and I think that's our communications man! I can't look at any website like that, it's going to cost us a fortune to pay that guy, unless you give me a year's of golfing free!
12/07/2005
As a new board member (yes, some do stay abreast of comments and thoughts from members), I would like to see some polling from your site. Can you take questions and ask for votes? I see this many times on web sites throughout the region. Well, if you can, I think a couple of interesting questions would be: Should all Lake Forest's facilities become non-smoking? Does the membership want to retain all amenity properties, regardless of their cost to maintain or upgrade? C) Do you think the facilities at Lake Forest are ... A)in Poor condition B)in fair condition C)in good condition D)in great condition Did you buy in Lake Forest for.. A) the amenities B) the location C) the price D) the value. I think your site can lead to great discussion and insight. If you can do these surveys, good luck. I will watch with interest.. These are a few questions that your readers should consider.
12/06/2005
Wondering where all the monies will come from for the "projects" rumored. Financially difficult year cash flow wise due to storms, etc. but next year doesn't forecast any more favorably.
In order to stimulate discussion, this writer has written a piece discussing his view of Lake Forest finances and, in particular, discusses the concept of depreciation, which seems to leave some members wondering. Take a look at a Discussion of Lake Forest Finances and feel free to submit your own view. 12/05/2005
12/05/2005 It would be nice to have some live music once or twice per month at the yacht club or C.C.. The every Friday night karaoke gets old after awhile for listeners, it's always the same want to be singers, but can't, or a couple of excellent performers singing the same music week after week. We are going to a venue for New Years with a professional band for the same price as the "Scareoke" party! I want to start the new year out with something NEW !! 12/04/2005
12/04/2005
12/03/2005
12/03/2005
12/03/2005
It is truly a bright new day for Lake Forest For those of you who are computer savvy, the existing www.lfpoa.com Internet web site is NO LONGER the official web page for the Lake Forest Property Owners Association. We do beg you pardon for you inconvenience while our new web page, www.lakeforestyachtandcountryclub.com is under construction. We have some GREAT new features planned, which will totally BLOW your minds! They'll be NEW! They'll be FUN! They'll be USER FRIENDLY! Most of all, THEY'LL BE FREE, to all of you who enjoy using your computers. Imagine the responses you'll receive once you let all our neighbors along the Gulf Coast know our web page address.
12/03/2005
Tomasina Werner wrote a couple of nice pieces including one on "A New Image for Lake Forest". Tomasina was also featured in an article by Anne Talton. In fact, Tomasina wrote at least three pieces for this month's paper and she invited teenagers to contribute as well. Perhaps she is serving on the Communications Committee this time. Good work, Tomasina. Keep it up. Roger and Martha Davidson also wrote some good stories about making the community more beautiful. Be sure to check out your monthly Spectrum as well as the old faithful www.lfpoa.com. 12/02/2005 Please list the social events on the calendar. ie... dances and dinners that are planned for Christmas and New Year's Eve. I look to the Web page for information on the time, menu, reservation requirments, and place for social events that have been planned for the holidays but none are listed. Please add these events to the calandar. Thanks for a great job.
12/02/2005 The Haunted Country Club was on Halloween. My whole crew dressed up. It was sooooo much fun! There were children and adults alike! The lobby was decorated and semi-spooky for the little tiny ones and they just brought them in and gave them candy. The next age group were offered just a little bit of fright in the main dining room and the thrill seekers of all ages got the full tour..... a trip through the Haunted Country Club! There were some screamers and one adult couple RAN out and didn't even want their candy.... they said they loved it! Next year I hope they improve it. Maybe a story of the REAL hauntings around that old building might get them anxious before the tour! 12/01/2005
12/01/2005
12/01/2005
12/01/2005
More of the membership needs to take just a little time to drop in on Board meetings occasionally. This is your community and the Board can take actions that cannot be reversed, so don't let something surprise you. That happened at the annual meeting when only a handful of people tried to toss a sitting member of the Board. The bad guys use our own apathy as their best weapon. We have too good a thing going in Lake Forest to idly sit by and allow it to slip away. Right now there are around thirty people out of three thousand members who are attending the Board meetings and all of those except for ten or twelve are family members of the Board itself. This does not indicate a healthy interest on the part of Lake Forest.
|
