Paul, I'm very disappointed in your post above, and several of the others you've posted on this website. What's gotten into you? You've known all the board members for quite a while. As someone who has promoted "telling someone to their face" in your posts, I'd think that you'd take the opportunity to express your reservations in person. But I suppose it's easier to post here than look someone in the eye.
Had you taken the opportunity to do that, here are some things you would have learned:
1. The community's insurance increased substantially in the last year. Additionally, revenues were down due to non-payment from some of our members. While we're pursuing all options as to those folks, I hope you'd agree that foreclosure should be a last resort. So under those circumstances, there was no choice but to raise the fees. We didn't do that lightly. Our management company presented us with data from comparable communities and I can assure you that our increase was well under what most communities charged. Our fees remain far less than most, which is something I'm proud of.
2. There was a thorough discussion of the basketball hoop issue in the last year. The input from our attorney was that the restrictions you want are essentially unenforceable.
3. Rob, Sunni and I met with a contractor to discuss the berm and lake issues. We're awaiting a report from that contractor. We discussed several optons to make our lake compliant with SWFWMD regulations and to make sure that the berm area is secure. I personally discussed both the legal implications of our options, and the engineering employed, with the contractor as both fall within my field of expertise.
4. As to the newsletters, as Jackie pointed out you volunteered to be on that committee. If you feel there isn't leadership there, it's on you. If you applied half the energy it took in blasting the board members into putting a newsletter together, there would be one you'd be satisfied with. Likewise, if you'd spent your time coming to meetings and speaking with board members instead of badmouthing them here, you would have had your answers already.
5. No one likes to get violation letters. I've gotten them too. Had you simply asked, you would know that our management company conducts periodic "drive bys" to determine violations. If a car is parked in the driveway and it's covering a stain, the inspector can't see the stain. One thing the board has implemented is a review process so that the letters aren't automatic. I personally take a look at the violations when I get a list to make sure they're legitimate and that there aren't any mistakes.
6. This website has been promoted. I don't know why few have posted. Perhaps you've read the pulse of the community incorrectly.
Paul, your posts have a very simplistic view of what you perceive to be problems in our neighborhood. HOAs are governed by very specific statutes. Although it would be satisfying, there isn't a "magic wand" we can wave to do what you want. You also need to be aware that we speak with many residents in our community, not just you. The things you're concerned about have not been raised, at least to me, by them. Please understand that it's my role to serve the entire community, not just those who post here. Your posts entitle you to neither more nor less weight than anyone else's opinion.
I haven't seen you at a meeting since the last annual meeting. I'd suggest to you that it's unfair to lash out at honest, hard-working people who are investing their precious time for free without doing some research. Some of your posts, in my opinion, imply that the board is either corrupt or incompetent. That's offensive and flatly incorrect. Over the years I have disagreed with the board often, but I respect their service and believe that people of good faith can disagree without one side being corrupt or stupid. I wish you'd adopt the same philosophy.
One last note: you vaguely reference "the truth" coming out, presumably by your hand. I urge you to more carefully research your claims and assertions before you make them. It's much easier to come up with gripes and start flame wars than to actually look into them and get your answers. I'd think it would serve your readers better to have a source of information they could rely on rather than useless speculation, conjecture, and bald accusations. And yes, it is about attending meetings, if you don't take other steps to get informed.
Dave Gould
Vice President
