We’ll cover the nicer aspects first. This was the most well attended meeting I can remember and I thank you all for that.
There was a fair amount of discussion on the roads plans and funding with the explanation the road fund itself has reserves of almost $800,000.00. The point that was difficult to explain was the regular reserve fund, which is carrying over $1,843,275. The road reserves are strictly for the roads but the yearly capital projects reserve contribution goes into the regular reserve account which will be tapped for roads as needed as well as other necessary projects. It simply doesn’t carry the specific designation but will be used as needed and the road fund will be used first when the project starts. Currently we are fixing the worst areas but a comprehensive ongoing plan is being worked out to avoid overspending so things are progressing well, fixing the worst roads first on a continuing basis.
Our total cash on hand is now about $3,581,450 so we are looking good plus we are coming in under budget again so far this year by about $76,000. This means tight controls are in place and the finance committee, board, and management are working diligently to control all costs associated with our association. The question came up asking where did the funds go from last year’s under budget savings. The money is sitting securely in the reserves where it should be.
Lake quality is another question raised since the lake still at this late date has some algae and appears dirty. There is no solid answer but with the dredging continuing it is surmised that is probably the culprit. The dredger had some mechanical problems again but is now back at work so this can be finished this fall and we can look for a much improved lake quality next year. The work is in the final finger at this time.
The CC&Rs mailing was again discussed. The mailing date is still not set in stone but with the dissention about the changes there is consideration about trying to pass the CC&Rs separately from the bylaws. The bylaws need only a 30% P.O. vote to pass and the CC&Rs need 50% plus one. It is still up in the air. A state law recently passed indicating the board members can no longer get paid for their work. These folks spend a lot of time on their duties and deserve some compensation for their time. It was $50.00 per month and it is only fair they get that so hopefully something will pass allowing that in our bylaws. My opinion only.
Now for by far the most irritating part of the meeting. I mentioned a couple days ago one of the original pro-incorporation people got a proposal on the agenda to put the question in with the board election ballots this year to see if the P.O.s have an interest in pursuing incorporation. Remember this is after total rejection last Monday in court on the incorporation issue. Well, that proposal was tabled due to lack of support after about a thirty minute very spirited battle but get this. Earlier in the meeting when audience input was not allowed there was a report by Kathy (board member) on strategic planning. She said they could not go on without knowing if we are going to incorporate. She asked for the question to go out with the CC&R ballot to all the P.O.s for their feelings so they could continue the planning. Only six members of the board were there and they agreed with the exception of Rich Witt the board needed to know the wishes of the P.O.s. Rich felt the planning could go on and was a liquid plan anyway with changes coming no matter what. The matter passed without allowed input from the attendees. You be the judge of what was behind this.
I can only assume the board voted the way they think is correct for the community as I have indicated many times before but they are dead wrong this time. They have just lit the fuse for the next phase of solid dissent with no cooling off period. The pro-inc side lost solidly and correctly in court. My personal feeling is when the CC&Rs are mailed throw them directly in the trash as I intend to do so there is no mistake. They are dangerous, indecipherable documents anyway and this just muddies the waters more.
Three mailings will go out begging for returns. Let them go begging or if you must mail them in vote no on every issue and read the incorporation document if you mail it in to be sure there is not surreptitious, confusing wording where a no vote means a yes. It has happened before in outside elections with wording like are you against incorporation. Anything is possible at this point of desperation by some.
A few more minor actions were taken but these is the highlights. You will be hearing more as the mailings go out so keep in touch. The battle continues and this door needs to be slammed firmly and decisively once and for all.
This is simply my compilation of meeting actions from notes. Watch the newsletter for the finalized minutes to assure accuracy.
Ken Dillenburg