9/30/2006

Have you seen the outlandish claims of accomplishments the current slate has littered the subdivision with? "Began year with no cash reserves, saved over $150,000 of your money in 9 months".  In fact, when you compare 9-31-2006 to 9-31-2005 financials, there is a $38,000 decrease in the cash position. 

Many are just outright lies, such as clearing streambeds to lake, improving streambeds in co-operation with government.  To my knowledge and at the last meeting, Peterson reported that "the Government" hasn't even started their political year study promise, nor has there been any activity on any streambeds! 

Hired new General Manager - Forgot to mention that she was on the old slate and sat in on the discussions about other applicants and their submitted compensation packages, and voted on them then took the job herself.  Stating " I don't know anything about golf or food and beverage, but I'm the best qualified candidate."  If that doesn't smell of unethical conduct, I don't know  what does? 

Claiming responsibility for not doing a $50 assessment, which you just recently pointed out hadn't been done for last 3 years. 

"Placed insurance on Yacht Club protecting your assets.   The Yacht Club has always been insured for fire, wind, etc.  They got "Flood insurance" because FEMA or whoever controls flood insurance, re-evaluated the area at the Yacht Club and that made FLOOD INSURANCE premiums affordable again.  They're falsely insinuating that there hasn't been any kind of insurance on the Yacht Club building until this current bunch got control. 

Fixed spillway gate- took them a year! 

Here's one taking credit for the rise in property values when in fact that rise was due to Hurricane Katrina. What a crock! 

Crepe Myrtles in Medians-City put them there because they had to remove them from hwy 98 median, because they were a hazard if hit by a motorist. 

"Priority to reduce quarreling, negativity and mean-spiritedness at meetings"  The current President and VP are always right in the middle of that issue.  Remember the "this is just another 30 year old run down subdivision" a quote by VP Jim Moss. 

The last slate and this slate are pawns for Bob Underwood and John Deloney, the same ones who wanted to give away our amenities 2 years ago.  Bet they will be endorsed by Cruit's rag paper when he litters the subdivision with it right before the annual meeting.

One of the other "non-slate" candidates has reported that his signs are being vandalized or disappearing. 

This writer has long held the opinion that the guys behind the "slates" were ethically challenged and I am not referring to the fellows mentioned by the contributor.  The question is, "Are the individuals who allow themselves to be put on their little slate aware of it and, if they are, what does it say about them?"  Also, since three of the five members of this year's slate have never served on the board, how are they able to claim all these achievements?

9/30/2006

If anyone has a question as to why I'm running for the Board, please feel free to call me.  I may be able to answer some questions, so when you vote you'll be more informed. Thanks. Clint Martin 251-458-8999

9/30/2006

There are no projects on the course and all expenditures have been stopped.  There are no projects.

9/29/2006

A few days ago go we receive a submission concerned about missing hand rails at the Yacht Club and the safety hazard that they present.  We told the contributor that we would forward the message to the general manager.  Yesterday, the following message came in from the GM.

Thanks for the FYI about the Yacht Club rails.  Mrs. <member> mentioned them to me at the Yacht Club on Sunday, the 17th,  and I inquired about them Monday.  Kenneth fabricated some new ones and they have already been replaced.

On behalf of the contributor and the rest of our members we would like to thank Ms. Fassbender for the prompt response to this request.

9/29/2006  From a director . . .

Ten years ago the association regularly used Special Assessments to finance operations and maintenance. That practice did not die ten years ago, but just a couple. Also, the webmaster seems to have forgotten the $100,000 in cash that the board took and spent from Friday Construction just two years ago. This current board has no cash infusion like that, nor has it assessed any members. The fact is that the debt reduction is ongoing, the cash flow is stable, and projects are still being done. The lack of maintenance cited is really hurricane damage that has not been dealt with yet. The pools had a tremendous amo unt of work just this year. The Yacht Club was stained on the outside as planned, as well as all the repair work to the bulkhead and decks. At the Country Club, the railing outside the pro shop was becoming dangerous. It had to be removed and replaced. That was done, also. Ceiling tiles have been routinely replaced, even though the roof still needs work. There are projects being completed at the golf course as well. The fact is, this is a contrived idea that maintenance of the facilities is not occurring. The hard working employees responsible for maintenance are likely offended that this talk is even being mentioned. Kenneth has worked very hard to keep up with the buildings and grounds. He should be praised for his efforts instead of insulted. For the task he faces is incredible.

We are glad to hear that, according to the director, the persistent complaints of lack of maintenance are exaggerated.  Part of the perception may have resulted from Henry's persistent reports of dilapidated facilities.  For everyone's information, however, Kenneth is taking far more flak from some board members than he is from the membership.  It is not really fair when one considers just how many facilities one or two men are having to care for. 

As to his comments about previous financing of operations and maintenance, they show how selective use of incomplete information can be used to make a point.  For example, he points out that assessments were used by boards in the past.  That is true.  For twenty years, until three years ago, the association assessed the membership every year but one.  Those assessments brought in about $150,000 each year, which was used to subsidize operations.  What he fails to mention is that a dues increase three years ago enabled the boards to stop that practice.  That increase in dues replaced the assessment revenue and actually increased revenue just slightly.  For all those years, in the opinion of this writer, those assessments had been improperly used.  The assessment is meant for an emergency funding tool or a funding tool for capital improvements, not to subsidize operations. Regarding the $100,000 from Friday Construction, it was nice for the association to get it.  However, the annual revenue of this association is about $2,500,000.  A one time 100K windfall amounts to only a drop in the bucket.  So, while apparently the director hoped to present an impression that the previous boards had much more money than this one, that is just not true. 

One more point, there has already been plenty of time to have dealt with the hurricane damages from last year.

9/28/2006  From a Director . . .

Who has begun the unfounded rumor of dues increases? I have never heard a board member, in a meeting or privately, discuss the raising of dues. There has been no such discussion that included me about this issue. I would no think such a thing could be done, nor would be done. Now, let's get to the clubhouse. I think it is fair to say that the missing shingles and boards occurred before the current board took office. Secondly, there was no provision in place to repair them when the current board took office. Actually, there was damage to the Yacht Club, Country Club, Pool Buildings, and Stables whne the current board took office. In total, nearly every building or amenity had suffered damage. While there has been no estimate for the total destruction to buildings and property from the successive storms, it was fairly signigficant. We were told that the damage did not exceed the deductible of the insurance coverage so there was no claim. Obviously, the docks at the Yacht Club are uninsurable and the Yacht Club was uninsured at the time. That being said, the board probably should have retained a specialist to prepare a claim for us at the clubhouse. I have seen this done with many condos and other types of properties. Perhaps they could have found sufficient damage to warrant a claim. The decision to not make a claim meant that repairs would happen by our staff, or contractors at our expense. The staff has been hard at repairing and progress is not noticeable. There has been many things fixed and repaired. There is just still many more items outstanding. Some board members have suggested that the maintenance manager prepare a list of items and bid the scope on the country club to contractors to speed up the process. This has not happened. If it had, I am not sure where funding would come from. Looking at the pisture in total , it appears that after Katrina aspecial assessment was warranted for repairs of uninsured properties and properties that were damaged that failed to meet the threshold for an insurance claim. This would have provided for quicker repair and returm to use of the buildings and we would not be hearing about this issue. Perhaps, I will bring that up at the next board meeting. If readers are so concerned, perhaps they will be willing to fund these through a special assessment.

Members who have been patronizing the amenities for the last ten years need to join this discussion.  In almost a decade of serving the community, this writer has never heard the complaints about improperly maintained facilities that we have heard this year.  Quite the contrary, over the years, time after time, members came up to comment on how well the amenities looked.   I visited and inspected every amenity in Lake Forest during that time.  When  problems were found, they were reported to the general manager, who saw to it that they were resolved.  Two years ago, when the pool season started and the Ridgewood pool was not up to our standards, Jake was personally very embarrassed and immediately jumped to the job of getting it prepared.  This was the kind of manager he was.  So, this business that the director continues to report of amenities in disrepair is a mystery.  Also, the comments about Lake Forest cash flow are puzzling.  In that ten year period, we remodeled the 19th Hole, the Yacht Club, the locker rooms and much more.  We spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on irrigation systems, air conditioning systems, roofs, docks and more.  All the while, the overall debt of the association was reduced to the point that today our debt is about half of what it was ten years ago.  How did we become so cash strapped in less than a year of different management?  Granted, we did have a very experienced and capable manager during that period.  We did use smart credit to finance many of those major renovations.  Still, our total debt today is less than it was before we started.  How do you explain all this?

9/28/2006

I drive across the Bayview bridge frequently. I know that I am old and can't see as good as I once could. I seem to be missing all of the accomplishments that we have heard about being made to the lake. I see unsightly piles of silt and weeds. For me it is an embarrassment to our community. If I am wrong and these things have been removed, please let me know and I will just chalk it up to old age and hallucinating.

9/28/2006

I was unable to attend the meet the candidates forum. I have a few questions for the new slate of fate. I know that two of them are trying for a second term. Of the remaining three I would like to know how many monthly board meetings have they attended? Do they attend the monthly improvement meetings? Have they adopted any medians?  Do they belong to the womens club or garden club? Do they support our amenities by using them frequently? Was their decision to run their own idea or were they approached by Mike D. or George L. or any of last years slate? What kind of job performance do they think the current slate is doing? These are simple honest questions and I would appreciate some simple HONEST answers. Thank you

9/27/2006

What's going on at the club house?  Have the candidates running for office noticed?  Are you plotting to back Henry in "abandoning the club house" and tear it down, building new-with what money?  Where is the money going to come from?  Look around you folks, I see weeds growing up the chimney, highly visible from the parking lot, the approach to the pro shop from the outside nearest the putting green looks to be destroyed, rotten boards?  Is the railing down too?  Then walk around the building from the backside.  If you look up large holes are visible with missing boards /cedar shingles, next to the roofline.  How did that happen?  Katrina was over a year ago!  I wonder if birds aren't nesting inside?  It is Henry and the boards' duty to keep up the amenities, why isn't this addressed?  Henry talks of replacing the club house in the "Forester" but never at the meetings,,,,why not, Henry?  Of all the hypocrisy this is the worst I've ever seen!  Build a new club house?  We will need to soon. The board is letting this our club house fall down around our heads.  But let's discuss where the money is going to come from. A steel re-enforced building (how do you think it got through so many hurricanes?) takes time=labor & money to tear down....we're for it all if you do not raise our monthly fees to the $75 a month like rumored. I want to hear from a board member on this.

9/27/2006

9/26/2006 From a Director . . .

There are a number of initiatives that will help in solving our lake problem. One such item is currently being developed by Baldwin County and several municipalities. This issue is a Stormwater Utility fund. What this will do is create a stormwater board, similar to a government agency. This board will levy a tax on the citizens or impact fees on developers. The funds will then be used to improve stormwater management facilities and stormwater control facilities. They will have the means to create what are known as "regional stormwater treatment facilities". What these will do is act to clean up stormwater befo re it hits our streams and bays. The monies will provide for acquisition and development of such facilities. It has been suggested that one ideal facility would be the Lake Forest Lake. Think of what a great job the lake could do, if properly maintained and dredged, to clean up water entering D'Olive Bay. Then, a quasi-governmental board would have the money to properly maintain, and build such a facility. When this issue comes up, you can expect the Lake chairman and the watershed group to work with these people to find solutions to the D'Olive Bay issues. I suspect that the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program will encourage such action. It just seems logical and most cost effective to have the Lake Forest lake do what it has been doing better by removing silt and allowing for annual removal through a government agency such as one that can be created should this issue move through the legislature. I know the additional tax will be a problem, but impact fees and such should not be a hindrance. Let's all hope that Mr. Davis, our representative, would make this aspect of stormwater management a priority in Daphne. He can really help Lake Forest and Mobile Bay by placing our lake in such a program of water quality management. After all, isn't it already the regional stormwater facility for D'Olive and Tiawassee Creeks? It makes good sense and will be a better use of funds than building another one. This is one man's opinion, anyway.

9/27/2006

9/26/2006  From a director . . .

Your contributor is very quick to talk about Mr. Green's. Mr. Prosch's, and Mr. Cocke's work at the structure to clean debris so the gate would shut.  Aren't these some of the same folks who were responsible for the gate being unable to close in the first place?  For people to act emboldened to take care of problems created by one of them's neglect is laughable.  Why was the debris in the way?  Why was such an extrme measure required to clear it?  The answer is simply that there was no attempt to maintain it all along by the "then Lake Person".   Had proper measures been taken over the years, the lake would have been able to drain quickly, as it can now.  Also, you will soon see a rebuilt structure there that will aid even more the maintenance of that area.  Again, let the facts be clear.  Years of neglect necessitated the action that was taken.  It was extreme for sure. But today, the lake and the surrounding properties are better for it.  Those gentleman are thanked, once again, for their efforts and work.  With proper maintenance, the effort these guys had to take will not be necessary again, that is, unless the lake and its oversight is placed back under the ones that neglected it.

The gate has been opened and closed a number of times over the years.  What problem was created this time is not clear. 

The director has made it clear over the months that this board is relying on government action to help with a solution to this problem.  We have tried working with those same entities many times.  However, this time there may be a difference because, State Representative Randy Davis seems to have taken this problem to task.  We have never had that kind of support from any representative before, so this writer is slightly more optimistic, only slightly.  When we have talked to government representatives in the past, they made it clear that a silt filled, private lake belonging to a country club does not rank too high in their list of priorities.  We do know from the lake chairman that there will be a watershed study, that is supposed to be starting about now.  It has also been reported that the study will take a couple of years.  Based on the lake chairman's previous statements, it is obvious that the association plans to do nothing substantial until that study is complete.  The study is not concentrated on the Lake Forest lake problem.  In fact, it may barely address the lake at all.   It will be looking at greater problems, at least as far as the government is concerned,  throughout the watershed.  Apparently our board is hoping that the study will suggest that measures taken to clean up the lake will aid in solving those greater watershed problems.  We have suggested that in the past.  No one ever bought the argument.  Maybe the study will help sway them.  If it does, then the current slate can actually claim "progress".  If it does not, then three more years will have been wasted.  However, it will not be the first time that a board has waited in hope of aid from the City, County or State.  Let us hope that this time, we are more successful. 

9/24/2006

As regards the Yacht Club repairs - I have noticed that there are no hand rails for the entrance to the eating area. This is a safety issue - why are there no handrails? This would be a simple repair.

Thank you.  I'll pass the information on to the LFPOA office. 

9/23/2006

I should clarify. The reconstruction at the Yacht Club that is still underway has to do with the docks and grounds. The building itself is operational. You know, we will host the Dauphin Island Race in 2007. I am hoping that we can restore a good bit of the docks before then. Also, the marina has done quite well with the limited spaces. I would like to see the docks rebuilt from hurricane damage and yet there is really not enough money to do this. Should the board consider a special assessment for this purpose? Wouldn't that really be justified? Let them know your thoughts.

The association should keep all of its amenities in top form and suitable for reasonable use.  However, the extent to which that is done obviously depends on the resources that are available.  We have repaired and rebuilt the docks a number of times over the years.  I believe it was Dock A that was completely restored a couple of years ago and turned into a great fishing pier.  Last year's hurricane took that one out.  I don't recall that the dock work was all that expensive.  Jake can probably give us a pretty accurate figure.  I'll ask him.   I seem to recall that it was less than ten thousand to build dock A, for example.  I can't imagine that our finances have gotten all that bad in just a year, regardless of increased fuel and insurance cost.  The repairs certainly would not seem be so expensive that an assessment would be necessary.   It could be that a little advanced planning and budgeting will be required, but that is something that should be done no matter how flush we are.  Hopefully, our general manager will be able to make that facility suitable for the race by the time it starts. 

9/23/2006  From a director . . .

As reported at the Stated meeting last night. The material for the spillway repair is fabricated and will be installed within a week. Mr. Green is correct the he, Don Prosch, and Brice Cocke did a tremendous job for the lake in their assistance with the cleaning around the gate. He did not recognize that I had helped with that cleaning. For the record, the Lake Person, as he says, spent at least one afternoon clearing debris from the gate to drain the lake batter. I did this alone and without a camera to send in the evidence. It was helpful, but not a great big deal. I threw several logs and sticks up on the d am in this process. My goal was to drain the lake quicker to make it easier for it to be cleaned. As for the Daphne Fire and Rescue promise, that was offered to me and when I showed up to see what they had done, they had not made it there. That was something offered and accepted. Also, I have always thanked Mr. Green and his friends for their efforts and work in cleaning around the gate. The control valve issue is quite different. They, he and Brice, have a different opinion about what we should have there. My understanding through this matter was that our maintenance staff had a local machinist fabricating a gear box and drive wheel. To date, I have seen no such device, only contraptions that, though may work, lack durability and capacity. They have yet to show me a device that appears satisfactory or durable enough to be permanently affixed. Besides, the idea of lowering the lake does not appeal to me. I have stated many times that the level will only be adjusted at the request of Emergency Management Director for the City of Daphne or for planned maintenance, approved by the board. The importance of the device is not high. With limited use and potential for vandalism or tampering, it needs to be well thought out. I encourage Mr. Green and everyone t o participate in this coming annual meeting. Perhaps he should place his name up for a board position and push his agenda himself. There has been more progress with the lake in the last year than in any time in the past. Brice still is working to achieve progress. Others are as well. There have been several contacts concerning dredging proposals. Brice currently is working on one and I have met with at least two others. We are hopeful that it can be worked out that contractors will dredge portions of the lake for the material, one that can be used in construction fill. We will keep working on this as well as working with the state agencies to find solutions. Though Mr. Green feels nothing is being accomplished, the facts show quite a different picture. I have politely asked for his patience in all these areas, and do so again. The Lake Person, John Peterson

9/23/2006 -This one is in response to a contribution yesterday regarding lake issues

9/23/2006  A report on Thursday's Stated Meeting

9/22/2006

We had a submission today in support of the "Slate".  It was very critical of perceived negativity on the part of this site's contributors and mildly critical of the webmaster.  Unfortunately, it was anonymous.  As is clearly stated at the very top of this page and as has been reported numerous times in the past, I will not publish anonymous contributions. 

9/22/2006

9/22/2006 From a director . . .

I think it is time that the truth about the distribution process for the "Slate of Five" candidates occurred. You have stated that these flyers were put out with the assistance of someone who publishes a local paper. That is dead wrong. The information distributed in Lake Forest that gave information on the Slate of Five was done by those persons, the slate itself. As a member of the first slate, I personally drove Lake Forest and placed the materials and signs. I also walked my neighborhood to gain support. I spoke to my neighbors about our goals and gained their support and their proxies. The signs were paid for by the slate as well. Each member donated a portion of the money and with the help of supporters, purchased the signs and paid for printing. I am certain that is the case with the new slate. There is not one instance where the LFPOA incurred costs for the slate, other than by placing their name on the proxy ballot mailed out as required. So let's be clear. The original slate cared enough about Lake Forest to spend their own money and step in to make a change. This year's slate cares enough to spend their time and money to step in and help Lake Forest. These people do this for everyone else, not themselves. They will donate time and effort to bring Lake Forest to new heights. I applaud all who give of their time selflessly for the betterment of the community. Unfortunately, there can only be five elected. It is selfless giving that will improve our community. There is no other agenda out there folks.

Thank you very much for correcting the rumor about the local publisher.  That one has been bouncing around all year.  It is encouraging to know that it is not true.

9/22/2006

We received a request from board candidate, Carl Kauffman, to publish his platform for this year's election.  Click on his name to check it out.  Also, if any other candidate would like to have such a document published on this site, we will be happy to oblige.

9/22/2006 From a director . . .

I take issue with Mr. Cocke's assertion that the slate has voted together on every issue except one. As a slate member, I personally voted against several items brought up by Henry or other members of the board. I would also point out that the original slate has been in office for close to a year and yet the "hidden agenda" he claims is still hidden. Why would a hidden agenda not be pushed with clear control of the board? What would stop us? The fact is that the only agenda out there is one for improving Lake Forest. Improving the looks, the operation, the facilities, and the image of Lake Forest; and there is no hiding that agenda. It has been seen again and again.

I think the "hidden agenda" that people are talking about deal with issues that might cause concern for large majority of the property owners , such as trying to finance a new Country Club or selling a Yacht Club and so on.  This is not to say that this writer believes that anything like that is afoot.  The problem is the perception that seems to have stemmed from the many "Executive Sessions".   People wonder why this year's board has to go into secret session so often, when those are normally limited to discussions involving the good name of someone.  So, some worry that maybe something else is going on.  Hopefully, it is not.  It has also been reported that the officers meet in private without the rest of the board.  That reduces member confidence.

9/22/2006

(Hidden agenda's), Think about this.  Would there even be a need for such a special interest group, such as this, if there wasn't hidden agendas?

One does have to wonder if the members of the new "Slate" are independent and do not plan to vote as a block, why would they need to be a part of a "Slate"? 

9/22/2006

9/21/2006

9/21/2006

I received my colorful postcard asking for five votes. I thought it was interesting that former, and current appointed, board member, Willie Robison, was part of the five. Could it be that his interest in serving the community was a factor? Or does he now walk in "lock step" with the "powers that be"? Seems that the "slate" is nothing more than one group's opinion about who would best serve Lake Forest, nothing more. Now, concerning progress from the previous slate. It is important to note that the board, including the slate, has appointed a new general manager. After being turned down by one candidate, they placed Mrs. Fassbender in the office. She truly has helped this association. Other items of interest this year are the lake accomplishments. Through meetings with city, state and federal officials, ADEM is set to begin a watershed study for the lake's watershed. This two-year program will give evidence to funding agencies that will justify public money expenditures aimed at improving or restoring our lake. The Improvement Committee continues to develop plans for improving the entrances. This is being done with cooperation from the City of Daphne. The median program is in full force and many of the slate of five have adopted medians in their neighborhood. Architectural enforcement is being maintained at a high level. Karen Bowman has full board support for her efforts and this board ha s been stern on any requests to deviate. Reconstruction of the Yacht Club is still underway. There are serious issues there with the bulkhead collapsing again. The piers are slowly being restored as we can afford to work on them. The Yacht Club has increased in usage with live music on Sundays and now even a Sunday Buffet of Prime Rib and seafood that has been very successful. This board has been fortunate to see that home values in Lake Forest had a marked increase. Our property values went up as strong as we have ever seen. New homes are being built and new areas being developed. This board has also been hit with some hard times. The insurance premium increase of $60,000 has had an impact on our budgets. The high costs of fuel has caused the chemical and maintenance costs at the golf course to escalate. They have invested capital in the pool filters and pump systems. The pool water was as clear and clean as ever. Our members could enjoy these for free at every pool for the first time. There was no pool that required members to pay to use. This board has voted to repair the spillway/gate structure at the dam. There will be new grates and even handrials on that structure to allow for easier and safer cleaning and prevent shopping carts from being tossed into it. There was also a significant cleaning effort accomplished on that valve, or slide gate. This effort, through volunteers, board members and staff, has the gate and the area around it as clean as ever. This has been a tough year financially, though. With insurance and fuel going up, the money for projects was way down. This board had no extra funds available through the sale of lots or special deals with Friday construction to spend as other boards have. This board has operated on the dues and user fees only. There are so many areas that need attention, it will be hard to keep up. The maintenance budget was kept at levels of the last years. Maintenance is continuing on all the facilties. There have been reviews and inspections of the country club building. You will soon hear of problems in that building that will take real dollars to address. Concerns over mold growth, roof leaks and rotten structural components will highlight that discussion. We should be prepared to face these problems head on and deal with them to the betterment of the association. In all, the board has made some progress, but not enough. There are some that still want to revisit old issues rather than move forward. Hopefully, with another year and good board members being elected, the LFPOA will stay strong and the community can improve in other areas.

Reconstruction of the Yacht Club is still underway?  It's been over a year since the last hurricane!

9/21/2006.

We did not get the mailer either. I wonder if it was intentionally not mailed to certain individuals. Also, I would be very interested in knowing who paid the postage. If it was charged to Lake Forest I think there should be an investigation into the use of the Association's money. After all between printing and mailing costs we're talking about as much as a thousand dollars.

9/21/2006

I saw my first "Slate" signs tonight.  They are very attractive, not the homemade kind that we usually see in the property owners campaigns.  These look like they cost someone some money.  I noticed that there were two of them in the same yard.  Interestingly, I've noticed two signs at the same time in this yard almost every year.  Last year it had two of last year's "Slate" signs .  The year before that it had two of  the "Vote Yes to the Restructuring Plan" signs.  Yes, this member is good about putting out signs.  Rumor has it that our neighborhood newspaper publisher will be assisting in distributing their literature again this year.  You may recall this person.  A couple of years ago our former general manager wrote off several thousand dollars worth of delinquent dues for him in hopes that he would straighten up and fly right from then on.  I wonder if he's current now.  Yep, the new "Slate" has some interesting support.   My guess is they will be successful again this year.  For a non-paying position on a community association board, most candidates are not going to spend a bunch of money to get the job.  Especially when we consider that it is a job that has gotten so much bad press over the years.  That's really too bad.  We could lose out on some very fine directors.  Well, who's to day that at least some of the candidates on this year's slate might not do a good job?  There's just something sickening about how they are doing it and who is behind them.

9/20/2006

RE; the proxy issue for voting; this could be clearer or simplified even more. I know many people who over the years have checked yes and then checked their choice of who they wanted in office thinking they were giving the proxy for those candidates they selected. Re: the subject of candidates running together in a slate; I feel each candidate should run on their own merit and not hide in a pack.

9/20/2006

Are we going to have the early (Trick or Treaters) at the entrances, Taking our Proxys / votes this year? Shouldn't they dress like a clown and give the kids candy too?

9/20/2006

Yesterday a number of our folks received a very colorful letter promoting 2007's Slate of Five.  I didn't get one.  Go figure.  They listed five candidates, who want "to keep the progress going".   It would be really interesting to hear examples of exactly what progress that has been.  In years past, the president has presented to the membership a very specific list of accomplishments, a very long list.  What can this group tell us about their progress?  They beseeched us not to "go back to the days of old".  I suppose they were talking about the days when members were given more privileges, amenities were maintained well, and the association's debt was reduced.  Whatever they are talking about, one question does seem to stand out.  Most of the people on the new "Slate" have never served the association in any capacity.  In fact, you can count the times a couple of them have attended a stated board meeting on one hand.  How, then, have they been a part of any progress?  Or, does it simply mean that if we elect them, they will do what they are told by the promoters of the "Slate"?  Don't you think that the right thing to do would be to look at the credentials of all the candidates and vote for the ones that you think will do the best job?  Some of those might even be part of the "Slate".

9/19/2006

We received an interesting message through the Grapevine from one of this year's "Slate". Bear in mind that we actually haven't seen this year's "Slate", but we have been assured it exists.   Anyway, the message was that even though they have agreed to be promoted as the "Slate", the group actually does not have a joint agenda.  In fact, they have only met once and really don't even know each other.  The question, then, is why allow yourself to be promoted as a member of the group anyway.  The idea behind a "Slate" is that they will think the same and agree to vote the same.   That is the way the last "Slate" functioned.  Apparently, this year's "Slate" is just a way for the promoters to show that they can put any group in there that they want and a way for the individual members to get some campaign support.  The problem that most of us have with a "Slate" is that it discourages a diversity of ideas.  And, it also undermines the efforts of good people who are running independently on their own values.  We need people who want to use their own best judgment for the benefit of the community.  And it is through differences in that judgment that options are offered and the best ones are selected.  Hopefully, the membership will vote on the individual and not the "Slate".  We don't need a Board of Directors who march in lock step to the manipulations of a puppet master.  We need people who bring intelligence and judgment to the table to take Lake Forest into the future.  Besides, the current pair of puppet masters are not of very  high character anyway.

9/19/2006

About that Proxy: If your vote is picked up at the entrances, It is so easy to check the yes portion of that proxy with the same color ink or pencil.I guess you just have to pray your Proxy is not altered.

It may be that we are being just a wee bit paranoid.  Granted, with all the "Executive Sessions" this year, it may be difficult to completely trust the powers that be.  But, every board has had its detractors and those detractors always thought the board was up to no good.  I doubt that most of the board would agree to the unethical use of the proxy.

9/18/2006

The Proxy Discussion page has been modified to make it easier to read.  Join in the discussion.

9/18/2006

9/18/2006

A discussion board has been created for the proxy that we received this weekend.  Take a look at it and join in the discussion.

9/16/2006

My proxy came in today.  All I can say is WOW!  It is obvious to this writer that most of that is from our boy, Henry.  Only he can complicate things so much.  One of the reasons, supposedly, that he and the former president, yours truly, did not get along was that the president did not support Henry when he was running for the Board of Directors.  Well, folks, there was a reason for that.  Having seen Henry in action at earlier committee meetings, it was clear to the prez that this guy could complicate things so much that nothing could ever be accomplished.  Of course, Henry proved that last year when he completely shut down the board week after week and most of these amendments reinforce that position.  In fact, I suspect we will find that most of them are not only unnecessary, but illegal.  Most of our members will probably just look at all of it and decide to simply vote NO right down the line.  Shoot!  One of them is ours!   I will try to set up a discussion page this weekend, so that everyone can air their opinions. 

9/15/2006

Everyone seems concerned about the food and beverage cost and how much we are losing, but what about our golf course. I would guess we are losing thousands of dollars on this adventure. When will they try and make a profit on the most expensive amenity?

Lake Forest is in the Recreational Community business.  Its business is to provide and maintain amenities for the enjoyment of its membership.  Lake Forest has been operating at an excess of revenue over expenses for years.  The Recreational Community business of Lake Forest is not losing money and has not for over a decade.  In fact, it was well on its way to being a debt free and profitable association with a balance sheet that was very heavy on the asset side when this writer last looked.  As you may recall, we were able to stop a movement to give away many of those assets just a couple of years ago.  Now, some of the expense areas of such a business are the amenities that it provides.  The goal is to keep the cost of those expense areas, such as golf, tennis and food & beverage, as low as they can and still keep the quality up so that our members, who pay around $400 a year to be a part of the club, may enjoy them.  Why else would anyone want to be a member of such an organization.  The goal is to have such a diverse product offering that there is something of quality for everyone.  If the association neglects part of its product offering by devoting all of its resources to another, then its management is not operating as it should.  If the association does not work to improve part of its product offering, such as Food & Beverage, then its management is not operating as it should.

9/14/2006

At the Meet the Candidates meeting the other night, one of the candidates thanks George Lieb for asking her to run for the board.  It's sort of sad to see the caliber of people who are pulling the strings behind the Lake Forest Board of Directors these days.  I've heard that they intend to mount another of those "slate of candidates" kind of things, so that they can pack the board and get rid of all points of view but their own.  I also heard that another guy, Lake Forest's biggest deadbeat, will be helping them distribute their stuff again this year.  I guess they will just eliminate all stated meetings next year and just have Executive Sessions.

9/14/2006  From a Director . . .

Got a report on the second week of Sundays at the Yacht Club. It was even better than the first week. We had a total of eighty dinners purchased. The revenue actually produced a net profit from that operation, including labor. The thing to be looking at in the coming weeks/months will be the food and beverage net operation. Hopefully, we can see a decrease in losses on the horizon.

9/13/2006

The Calendar link from the Home Page has been updated.  Notice the menus for the Yacht Club Sundays.  This is a very nice effort on the part of the LFPOA management to provide more service to our members.  We need to support that effort by telling our friends and patronizing the club ourselves.  Otherwise, we cannot really complain that the cost of F&B goes up this year.  Bear in mind that unless we are assessed because the costs of operations have exceeded revenues, we really have no reason to complain about how much F & B costs.  The management has every right to try different ways to serve our membership within the limits of her revenue sources.   It is only if those attempts get out of control and cause a deficit that we might criticize.  Just because we may not  patronize the facilities is no reason for management to allow them to go idle.  In fact, that would be irresponsible.  We purchased in Lake Forest and knew that we had a huge pool of amenities and benefits to choose from.  Nowhere does it say that we are required to use them all.  Furthermore, if we bought homes here with no intention of using the amenities, then that is our choice.  We should not complain about them.  Also, the pool hours have been extended. 

9/11/2006

Today is the fifth anniversary of the horrible attack on the United States by some who's sense of values and "right and wrong", we will never be able to understand.  We are talking about people for whom murdering their fellow human beings is an act honoring God.  They say that they will never stop until our society is destroyed, because we do not think and worship the same as they.  Unfortunately, as usual many of our political types have been using the current administration's approach to dealing with this as fuel for their own political gain.  It would seem appropriate that politicians who are critical would offer an alternative, yet so far all we seem to hear is criticism.

This writer has no idea whether the country's present course of action is the best one or not.  However, it does not seem reasonable to think that we can protect our society by simply placing guards at the airports and docks and avoid dealing directly with the culprits, themselves.  On the other hand, it would also seem likely that their movement is doomed to collapse on itself because their customs seem so brutal towards their own people.  No other animal on the planet could be as cruel toward its own as the human beings who made up the Taliban.  Yet, those are the only customs those people know.  This may explain reports that the governments run by that form of theocracy will not allow their citizen's free access to news from outside sources including the Internet.  It would certainly seem obvious to this writer that if they were allowed to hear the Word of Jesus Christ, those citizens would soon come to realize that God has something better in mind for them.

There is no answer in this piece, only a request.  Please take a moment to ask God heal the wounds of those directly hurt by the attack on September 11, 2001 and ask Him to show us the way to end the murder and suffering being caused by Osama and his supporters.

9/11/2006

Tomorrow night, Tuesday 6:30, is the "Meet the Candidates" event at the Yacht Club.  Be sure to go by and thank them for their willingness to participate in the community's affairs.

9/11/2006

I agree with the previous comments about Mr. Kirby.  Ed Kirby seems to be a sensible man and from what I have seen, has been a very good board member.  If he didn't do his job for the city that he is required to do, then why would he do what is best for Lake Forest?  His means of livelihood has to come first.  As for the slate of five, I'd like to see the slate wiped clean.

9/11/2006

If you thought the rumblings etc were bad with Jour old accountant, it was minor to the rumblings with Toni as the G.M. Their are a lot of people who are not happy and thinking of leaving, all they need is the offer and they are gone. Toni does not have a clue, and talk about micro managing.

9/11/2006

I have heard that two of our most radical members - L... and D.B... - are planning to offer us a new SLATE OF FIVE for the upcoming election.  These were two of the most anti-Lake Forest people during the last election.  If they can achieve the same results as last year we will be doomed.  Two of last year’s SLATE failed to do their elected duty, one misses most of the meetings, and another resigned to take another ;) job.  This reduces their influence and they are afraid that reason will overcome.  Last winter the SLATE selected a dark horse candidate to fill a vacancy.  This person went to one meeting and resigned.  It was reported that she said she only took the position to be able to list it on her resume.  This person had been closely associated with one of the duo alluded to above. It also was reported that the local lawn-litter purveyor will again supply bags and delivery resources for these people to toss pre-selected ballots in people’s yards.  Those with no knowledge of what is afoot may simply sign, and return these ballots.  It is imperative that right thinking residents talk to their neighbors and support independent candidates that will not be part of an evil empire. At last year’s meeting, one of the above members was reported to turn in a large stack of these pre-filled ballots, thereby effectively “stuffing” the box.  Again talk to your friends and neighbors to vote responsibly and not take the pre-filled ballot at face value.

9/11/2006

Both Henry and Toni were at the Sunday luncheon as was Dubose and Ethington - also Kirby was there.  Some of the recent anti-Kirby posts are typical of the shoot the messenger mindset.  He did not make the sign laws only is he to enforce them!  I enjoyed the "Old Forester" reference since every time Moss talks to someone he invariably invites them over to his house for alcohol.

9/9/2006

I really like and agree with the comments about Ed Kirby running for another term on the board. I would like to add that a “write in” ballot for Roger Davidson would be another very good member of our board. Roger has done a lot for Lake Forest recently with his “Adopt a median” program. Undoubtedly we have some members out there that are not aware that concept was ENTIRELY Roger’s idea. I’ve heard rumors that his idea has been advertised as “the slate of five’s” idea. That is absolutely inaccurate. Roger got a map from Riviera Utilities and numbered all the medians himself and started that very wonderful idea. I know this to be true as I was personally at the original improvement committee meeting when it was adopted. I was also the very first member to sign up for it.

9/9/2006

I read your page's endorsement of Ed Kirby. While I agree that he is a fine man and serves his community. It should be pointed out that as Code Enforcement Officer of the City of Daphne, Ed has written to the LFPOA and told us to remove the sign to the Yacht Club in 90 days. His claim was it was non conforming and had to be removed. Brice Cocke contested the idea while Henry was willingly going along with the removal. I found it quite disturbing that Ed Kirby would even write a letter to the LFPOA concerning signs.  His action, although within his duties as Code Enforcement Officer, clearly are not in the interest of the LFPOA. The membership should be aware that Ed Kirby has his position and will, at times, act without regard to the costs to the LFPOA. To replace that sign, if we even can, will cost the association a good penny. Is it time for a new sign there? Doesn't matter. The city, through Ed Kirby, says take it down.

I am not sure what to think of this one.  A few years ago Lake Forest put up some directional signs around the subdivision, because it was so difficult for visitors and new residents to find their way around to the different amenities.  Ed was a member of the board, I was president and Jake Bodiford was general manager.  One day Ed mentioned that those signs were a violation of the sign ordinance.  Since it was his responsibility as Code Enforcement Officer to enforce the ordinance, he thought that he was going to have to cite us for the violation.  I remember suggesting that an officer worth his salt might consider how attractive those signs were and how much they benefited the city by helping visitors to Daphne find their way around the maze of roads in Lake Forest.   He said he would have to investigate the ordinance to see if there was any wiggle room.  Nothing more was said about it for a long time.  I believe he just decided that there were some higher priority problems that he needed to deal with.  Then, last year the opposition decided that they were going to get rid of the president, general manager and others regardless of how low they would have to reach to do it.  So, they started a smear campaign to beat all smear campaigns.  This included contacting the president's employer demanding that he be fired.  They did the same thing to Kirby.  One of the issues they brought up to the mayor was that Ed was supposed to be enforcing the sign ordinance and he had not done so in Lake Forest with those directional signs.  Bear in mind that these were people who claimed to be working for Lake Forest.  So, the mayor brought the issue up to Ed.  Ed pointed out that the signs were attractive and very helpful to visitors.  He also pointed out that the City was considering the same kind of signs around other parts of Daphne.  To his credit, the mayor considered the argument and agreed and together they submitted a revision to the city council, which improved the sign ordinance in a number of ways including allowing for directional signs like ours. 

The issue of that Yacht Club sign being in conflict with the sign ordinance has been around for years.  That sign has been there since long before the dirt it is sitting on was a part of the City of Daphne.  It would seem that it would be grandfathered in some how.  However, we shouldn't be surprised to find that there is some pressure being placed on Ed about that sign now.  Regardless, it is not reasonable for anyone to assume that an officer of the law who also serves as a voluntary, unpaid member of the board of a community association would place the wishes of that group over his responsibility to his employer, the city.  On the flip side, his relationship with both entities has greatly benefited each of them over the years by allowing for a clear understanding of issues that might otherwise have resulted in conflict.  This issue aside, Ed Kirby is a quality individual, who has worked hard for Lake Forest and deserves to be re-elected.

9/8/2006

Yesterday, a contribution came in acknowledging the service that Ed Kirby has performed for this community.  I would like to add my agreement to that sentiment.  I have had the opportunity to work with Ed over the years and have always found him to be a reasonable and intelligent member of the Board of Directors.  We can count on Ed to consider the needs of all members and all amenities in any decision that he faces.  He does not have tunnel vision when it comes to protecting and supporting the various groups and amenities that we have in Lake Forest.  He absolutely deserves the support of the membership as he has made the decision to continue to serve Lake Forest.

9/7/2006

I would just like to say how relieved this property owner is that Ed Kirby has decided to run again for the LFPOA board.  He has shown that he is a man with integrity.  He is respected by the city officials of Daphne and the community of Lake Forest. He makes decisions based on fact and common sense.  He thinks before he speaks.  He supports ALL of the amenities, not just one or two. I was not surprised to read that he was the only board member at the Yacht club on Sunday.  I also was not surprised to read that he came to offer his help if needed.  This is just the kind of person he is.  We need him to remain on the board. H e is experienced, honest and level headed.  The only bad thing I can say is that it's to bad we don't have more like him.

9/7/2006

Just curious ! What is the net for Sunday after expenses (labor, food and beverage) are removed from the $1300 figure---what's the bottom line-did we break even?????

This writer cannot say for sure.  The Sunday dinner time span is one in which the club was not normally open, so you have to figure that all the wages of the people involved have to be factored into the cost of the events.  Then, there would be the cost of goods taken away from the $1,300, which would have to be at least 40%.  So, the bottom line would have to be slim no matter how you shake it.  It really doesn't matter that there may not be a huge profit.  If it does just break even, then the general manager will be accomplishing what she wants and that is to provide service at the amenity for our members.  When Jake tried these kinds of things in the past, he just didn't get enough support from the membership. 

Another point to consider is that they are using the same pool of employees to deliver these special events.  If we consider that there is a limited number of hours in a week that we can expect an employee to work, then it stands to reason that the time spent at the Sunday lunch must be taking away from time spent elsewhere.   So, either we are reducing the quality of service at other times, which have been our normal bread & butter, or we are hiring more people.  If we are hiring more people, then oops, there goes the cost of F&B again. 

I noticed on the informational sign as you enter the subdivision that this week they plan to offer prime rib and seafood.  That is an expensive offering.  If the members don't show up, that will be some high cost overage to dispose of.  As it happens, I believe that the readers of this site are the ones who can usually be counted on to come out for events like this.  What needs to happen is to somehow bring out the rest of the members.  Otherwise, the F&B costs this year will be much higher than normal.  We have already been told that the "Breakfasts at the 19th Hole" are not doing well.  If the Sunday dinners don't do well, we are in for some ugly financial numbers for Food & Beverage at the end of the year.  That would be a shame.  The general manager and board should be applauded for trying to deliver a quality product.  Unfortunately, the attempt is not new.  We've done it before in exactly the same way.  I've not seen them try anything new in terms for bringing out the membership.  That is the key.  If you eat out for Sunday lunch, then you ought to give our own Yacht Club a try this week.

9/6/2006  From a director . . .

The numbers are accurate. The Sunday at the Yacht Club yielded seventy-two dinners. There was also a great deal of beverage sales as well. With bar drinks included the sales for the day was roughly $1300 or so.

9/5/2006

There is an Improvement Committee meeting at the 19th Hole tonight at 6:30.

9/5/2006

Sunday was the first day that the association was offering Sunday lunch at the Yacht Club from 11 - 2.  This was the idea of the new general manager.  The turn out was pretty good.  There appeared to be about 70 members there and the food was excellent.  The event was well received by all who were there.  The interesting thing about it was that the new general manager did not go.  The president wasn't there.  In fact, the only director that showed up was Ed Kirby.  He told someone that the main reason he went was to help out, if Debbie found herself swamped.

9/1/2006

We think (The Lake Forester) should have been named (The Old Forester).

9/1/2006

The US Coast Guard Auxiliary's America's Boating Course for September 30th is filling up fairly quickly. If you want to take this class, or have kids that will soon be needing to get that Vessel (V) endorsement to their driver's license...call Tom Klope at 990-5112 soon. The certificate for passing the course will count the same as taking the test at the motor vehicles dept office...and the course completion might save you some $'s on your boating insurance.

9/1/2006

Most golf tournaments at our club cost $25. This is in addition to any green fees or cart fees you may need to pay. In total, for me, the cost would be $60. Typically, a "Rally for Cure" project is raising money for the American Cancer Society.

Thanks.  All those golfers out there ought to join in if there are any positions left.