The following is the Island Breeze article about the Cowen Group request to LMWD.


New development proposed near swing bridge
By CARL PHILLIPS Island Breeze

Known as the swing bridge, the structure could be a passageway to a new real estate development, one tentatively named “Palm Island”.
Expensive to maintain, the bridge is currently owned by the Long Island Village Owners’ Association. If the land were ever annexed by Port Isabel, the bridge could be sold to the city or to other private owners.
The new development planned for the property is on the southeast side of the road, just past the swing bridge on S. Garcia Street. The plan was revealed at the meeting Wednesday night, August 13, of the Laguna Madre Water District.
Palm Island is being developed by Cowen Island Properties, a limited partnership consisting of John Cowen, John Cowen Jr., Jeremy Ford and Ryan Harden.
The project is planned for the area to the east of Long Island Village, just across the street from Long Island’s offices.
According to developers, the purpose of the project is to “provide an active adult/second home resort lifestyle…whose physical structure will engender a sense of community that is able to support an evolution towards a self-sufficient village or town.”
They explain that Palm Island will offer residents a quality of life that a large segment of Laguna Madre real estate buyers can afford.
The development promises boat access and amenities, including direct deep water access to the Intracoastal Waterway to the Laguna Madre and the Gulf of Mexico.
Planned are 550 lots, with a sales price of $350,000 to $450,000 each. Fully developed, the total tax value would be in the neighborhood of $227.5 million dollars.
Over a period of 20 years tax revenues for Cameron County, the Point Isabel Independent School District, the Laguna Madre Water District, Cameron County Emergency and Texas Southmost College would total $38,397,340 at current tax rates.
This does not include the estimated $3,785,000 the water district would receive for 550 new water and sewer customers, nor nearly a million dollars in water and sewer tap fees the district would collect.
In return the developer is asking the water district to install and maintain, at district expense, a six-inch sewer line, a lift station and a domestic water line along the edge of the property.
The district is currently planning to lay a raw water line at the edge of the property to serve as an irrigation source for Long Island Village’s Golf Course. Cowen Island Properties pointed out that the lines they need could be laid at the same time, at a considerable savings.
Costs to the water district could amount to half a million dollars, depending on several factors. If the development proceeds as planned, Cowen Island points out, it would alleviate of lot of blowing dust problems that originate from the site of the proposed community.
Water district directors, wanting more information, tabled Cowen’s request for laying water and sewer lines at district expense.
Developers were unavailable for comment on Thursday Read more on this article...

MY PERSONAL OBSERVATION

There has been an interesting scenario developing within the past three weeks. Management’s opportunity to get a reprieve arrived with a Hurricane called Dolly. While management appeared to provide nothing resembling an effective hurricane plan, the free food seemed to buy a lot of support.
Dolly gave us its top north winds that Wednesday morning, avoiding the destructiveness created by its easterly tidal surge winds. When finally coming ashore north of us, we received Dolly's back winds coming from the northwest, west (being the strongest at over 100 mph), and southwest. Only pure luck kept this from being a very deadly and devastating storm.
The following is a short summation of events as I recall.
Monday, July 21st, Stage One was in effect. Supposedly this has us prepare for a possible tropical storm or hurricane within 72 hours.
Tuesday morning a hurricane warning was in effect with no mandatory evacuation. This was the last information posted on the marquis and channel 2.
At midnight I called our gate keepers to ask if Stage One had changed. I also asked about the bridge. They told me they had not been informed as to what Stage we were in and had no idea about the bridge, but offered to call me when they received word, to which I accepted and around 3:30 am I received that call. In a torrential rain storm these gatekeepers began their journey door to door notifying people about the bridge closing. I was told they had to use their personal vehicles to accomplish this, since their golf cart was useless in the storm. There were many people packed and set to leave, but were not notified. I know these gate keepers did their best, but the elements were blistering. The bridge locked down after 5am and Dolly was on the doorstep.
At 7 am I drove around taking photos and checked on a few people who stayed. I pulled into the Activity Center parking lot and was surprised to see the Rec. Hall lights on and vehicles parked near the door. I went back home to sit out the storm, but that was short lived. The 90 mph gusts from the north rocking my park model literally told me to check out the Rec. Hall. There I found three gate keepers and one owner. During the next six hours only a handful of people found shelter there. All took a chance it might be open. I’m sure we would have had a lot more people there if the opening had been made public.
After Dolly wrath left us on Wednesday, it was noticeably apparent no real plan was implemented? For days we had no generator power or comunications, limited and questionable water, sewage disposal backup, and no bridge. Information given by management was sketchy at best and differed. Only by word of mouth did we have a Saturday town hall meeting where we received again accurate and some inaccurate information. One of these accurate items was that owners were to be granted free dinner for the next five days by the grace of Aramark.
I attended the first of these and found it similar to a homeless shelter routine, where the price you pay for the meal is listening to a sermon. I was a little bothered that we had employees cooking, catering, and cleaning up after us when it would seem they really needed to be at home with their families, picking up the pieces left behind by the storm. If they needed the hours, they should have been directed to spend the time on Dolly cleanup and we should have taken care of ourselves about the free food. (just an opinion)
You can put "it is obvious" in front of the following.
First: who worked their tails off at cleaning up this place. The grounds crew along with housekeeping should get more than the lion’s share of credit for an outstanding effort.
Second: who made the boo-boo for not having generators ready to use.
Third: that there was a lack of having or following any predetermined procedural steps.
Fourth: that there was no thought to plan for communication venues.
Fifth: that someone dropped the ball for supervision of water, water contamination, or implementing a schedule for common water use.
Sixth: why people get so upset at what we are to believe? One day we are to believe (as stated in the Board Minutes) that things were done so poorly during Hurricane Emily because our general manager was new and inexperienced. Then at our most recent board meetings this same general manager is having us believe that he had been through four plus major hurricanes up north and knows what’s to be done? Which is true?

Agree or disagree, feel free to express yourself. Read more on this article...

Our August 4th Town hall meeting.

The August 4th town hall meeting basically only touched on three things. One was the introduction of a man from Aramark who is going to inspect our buildings and prioritize our plan of action. The second was the Ladies Kingfish Tournament will be held in our Rec.Hall on that Friday and Saturday. We are to supposedly to receive $1800 per day. The third is a good will gesture to the Port Isabel School District. This gesture is to allow them to hold their Teacher In-service at our Rec. Hall Facility and our Arts and Crafts Room at no cost to them for seven days in a row.(August 15-21).
Correction to the above being the Ladies Kingfish Tournament, it was to be the Men's Redfish Tournament. It doesn't matter since they used another facility and supposely didn't notify management. Read more on this article...

This is the comment box. If you want to make a comment on anything instead of a suggestion, please place it here. Please refrain from personal attacks and vulgar language. It will not be posted.

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Besides working to restore the area where I work, I seem to be having some technical problems with my computer and have had to use the libraries computer. I will post as soon as possible the events happening or had happened. Read more on this article...

COMMENT ON WHAT YOU FEEL HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST PROBLEM OR BENEFIT SINCE OUR BOARD REQUESTED THE REPLACEMENT OF OUR GENERAL MANAGER. BLOG POLICY APPLIES. Read more on this article...

OUR VILLAGE HURRICANE UPDATE

1:00 a.m. Wednesday morning.
Our Village started stage one last Monday. This basically meant preparation and voluntary evacuation. Tuesday the hurricane watch changed to a warning and the grounds crew boarded up common building windows and patrolled the area for potential projectile items to secure. Channel 2 first posted the watch and then this warning and said to monitor the news and be prepared to evacuate. We’ve had a little rain but it’s not raining now. Winds are at best breezy. I just got off the phone with the Gate Keepers and was told as far as they know its still stage one with voluntary evacuation. They had not received any information about the swing bridge closing and offered to call me when they do. I accepted and will post that when called. These poor guys are up there without a working TV or radio in that gate keepers building. It appears there are many who are staying here to ride this hurricane out. More later.

At 3:20 a.m.
I was called by one of our gate keepers that they are closing the swing bridge. He mentioned that he was preceeding to let everyone know. It is windy, but not raining. More later.

At 6:30 a.m.
It is blowing pretty hard. My park model is shaking. As soon as it gets light out I'll try to look around. The weather channel said it is going to get worse. Oh well.

At 8:00 a.m.
I cruised the area and took the photos below. The weather channel said the worse is still yet to come. It's blowing real hard now. Amazingly the power is still on. It will be a catagory 2 hurricane within the hour and the eye bands will hit us with the highest winds. It does appear they have the Rec. Hall open for those who wish to go there. It also appears our G.M. is there. Will continue later if the power stays on and I don't get blown away. Read more on this article...

Do we or do we not have renters in our Village?

This is addressing the Rental Department to which we Village owners subsidize. In our last Board meeting our general manager twice mentioned he didn’t know why rental numbers were down but guessed it was due to gas prices. Twice Director Steffensen said based on the number of renter wristbands sold to use our cement pond, the Village renter numbers were not down; they were just not going through our rental department.
This leads me and others to ask the following questions. Do we have a general manager on top of this department? Does he know and plan for the future situations and implement new policies for such? Are he and Aramark not being paid to run this Rental Department as if it were a business instead of a babysitting job? Should not our general manager be at least knowledgeable at the approximate number of renters entering our Village? Did we hear past excuses for 2005, 2006, and 2007?
Did not the majority of the 2006 Rental Program Committee determined our rental department should be closed until Director Burke explained her dubious findings to the board that showed our Village would lose twice as much money if this closing were to occur?
Does not our Declaration clearly state that our rental department is to have exclusive rights. Whose job was it to make certain this was adhering to?
To add, our Village was on KGBT 4 Action News twice yesterday. They interviewed a lady whose family’s 4th of July holiday was ruined solely from the actions of LIV’s rental department. Our management chose not to explain their side to channel 4, but instead told them to leave.
Do you wish to express yourself?

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I wonderin if thar's catfish in our cement pond?

It should be to nobody’s surprise that yesterday, July 15, 2008; our outdoor pool once again was closed due to water problems. Two weeks ago it was closed down when it was pond scum green and tested to have absolutely no chorine for water sanitation. A week ago we had five days of heavy rain so there were no bathers and lots of fresh water. On my day off from work yesterday I wanted to enjoy our facility and noticed the water was not looking quite right. I tested it before jumping in and I’m glad I did. No chorine registered again. I dropped the idea of using the pool and went to use the outdoor hot tub. Well it didn’t look right either. I found out the filtration pump was not operating. Not to make a fuss I went to use the indoor facility and while the water appeared ok, the tiles bordering the pool and spas had a thick dark filmy crud line. I called maintenance after using the indoor facility and turned in the problems about the outdoor facility. After an hour and a half without a response I decided to bothered our pools monitor. To her credit she immediately left the pool area towards maintenance to solve the situations. Within fifteen minutes we had Armando’s assistant Gino and Tony the plumber there. That was followed soon after with the appearance of Armando and the general manager. They close the outdoor pool until its water correction.
I went today and the outdoor pool and hot tub were opened and the water appeared considerably better. A person swimming in the outdoor pool asked the pool monitor if anyone had turned in that one of the pool lights was dangling out of its socket. The monitor told this person that she had told them (maintenance) several times, and promptly left to find Leo who works pool cleanup and light maintenance. This guy does work hard. Within 25 minutes the light, which had been out of its socket for well over month, was reattached. I think after seeing what our monitor can accomplish, I'd might hire her to manage the pool facility.
I feel we should question management on why we are paying Berry Pools nearly a grand each month for the last year to assure us the proper combination of pool chemicals are being administered and that they are on top of this by supposedly monitoring the chemical readings every two hours that should avoid these continuous dangerous situations. What’s your thought?

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Hey Pa! I'm gonna take me a dip in the cement pond!

We seem to now have our own cement pond right here in our Village. Last Monday, June 30th, the water in the outdoor pool once again got cloudy and by Tuesday it was pond scum green. Our Board of Directors was sold on the idea to give Berry Pools $10,000 a year to do what our management seemed incapable of doing, and this still happens. Berry's original proposal said they would monitor the water at two hour intervals.

It will be interesting to hear what caused the problem.
I hope this information that was put on the "pool close" sign posted on the activity center’s front door was not the same person in charge of our Village pools. Even the worse pool tech knows you don’t adjust the PH with shock.

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A PROBLEM SOLVED

It appears the Directors won’t mouse around with our Meeting Minutes. Director Mulch came up with a simple remedy at the last Board meeting. He’ll e-mail the minutes to each B-member and they in turn will e-mail back any corrections. This will eliminate the repeated editing and copying that Director Mulch had to do. This was a great idea on his part. This also keeps from eliminating any of the content spoken at our Board meetings which was the original thought to do. I'm sure every owner who reads the minutes in the LIV newsletter will be delighted to hear that nothing has been changed. They can still stay abreast of the happenings in our Village.

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DIRECTORS MEETING 6/25/2008

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

ROLL CALL

OWNERS SPEAKING: Jose Guerra at lot #779 had concerns about the comment of having so many Spanish channels LIV’s cable TV. He said the Hispanic owners are people and their money is just as green. Mr. Guerra had questions about our general manager’s evaluation meetings. Our president started to explain but was interrupted by the director Burke who laid her lengthy interpretation of the procedures of the evaluation process. Mr. Guerra’s third concern was about owners using LIV equipment and argued why only one owner is allowed to use Park equipment. The fourth concern was directors using the July cancellation of the board meeting as a way of manipulating by-law rules.
OWNERS SPEAKING: Betty Woodward lot #226, who lived in LIV for 28 years, gave our general manager praise and asked if we are trying to become a volunteer run park, This lead to a couple of the directors commenting and then having our president state there will be a future committee formed to look into the next management contract and see if we can get some good deals with concessions from Aramark, and also explore other avenues. We will look at dollar for dollar, service for service. He said the two who we have ready to serve on this committee are Director Burke and Director Steffensen. This started a series of board members questioning President Sullivan. Director Burke appeared more than just ready to serve. She seemed already in charge when stating that she would like to have Director Steffensen on the committee along with people from our Village. She recommend to the board to have four Village volunteers not associated with the board. Director Dodson requested having the board to first vote for this committee and then vote to who is to be on such a committee. The President seemed dismissive towards her request so Director Dodson volunteered to be on the committee. Director Burke immediately voiced stridently her displeasure by such an offer, quoting a list of reasons. The chairman was summoned that Director Burke was out of order. This ended without being finalized.
PRESIDENT’S REMARKS: Our president read a letter which was not read at the Coffee w/ Directors meeting. This owner wrote that a director had lied to him and wished for him to resign. If he did not, the owner would take legal action against that director for fraud. This owner also added that others should be recalled including the one reading this letter. He made a negative comment about another director’s background and more. If our president mentioned this person’s name, I didn’t hear it.
GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORT: Our G.M. talked for over twenty minutes before he did Armando’s report because he was being checked out at the hospital. Later Armando called to say he was OK. He also covered for Les who was not present because his car was broken down in Donna. Our general manager said the rentals were down and could only guess it was due to gas prices. He said last year we did real well. Director Steffensen informed him that she believes we had plenty of renters but they're not going through the Rental Dept. Our general manager agreed and said that it seems to be getting more and more like that.
**He said while he had the stage, our general manager wanted to make something very clear to the board. He explained it was said from the previous meeting there were no managers on duty Memorial Day weekend. He said that was not quite true. He explained he was here. He said Armando was also here day and night. He said there was an incident which proved that all three managers were here on that weekend. He repeated by saying he was there a half a day on Sunday and Armando was there the whole weekend. He said I will assure you we will always have a manager on location here and especially on holiday weekends. He said he didn’t know where this information came from, but the fact was that all three of us were there. Director McBride spoke up and said that this originated from him because the hot tub was closed down and he wanted some information about it. He went to both the Welcome and Activity centers and was told there were no managers on duty. This started questions from other directors asking about what time did this happen, who told him and so forth. When it became apparent that no Manager at that time was actually on duty, our general manager interrupted and wished to clarify what he had made clear earlier in saying there is no manager really on duty, per say, on the weekends, but we are on call.
**The general manager said that the Dept. of Public Safety came out on three different occasions to visit our gate attendants and found no problems. It was asked if the gate attendants were given a name in which to identify any of these three DPS representatives and our general manager said no.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Was approved.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Director Steffensen as usual did a great job expressing her report. Every Center (Village Grill, golf course, rental, and laundry) except the newsletter was down a total of about $34,000 from last year.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
D&E: Director Dodson said July 12th Karaoke will have one dollar root beer floats. At the end of July there will be a HIT PARADE.
GOLF: President Sullivan said using the golf carts for shade was great and the honor system for after 5pm golf has been good.
POOL COMMITTEE: Director Steffensen said from May 15th through June 15th we had 830 renters who acquired wrist bands for the use of our pools and spas. Again she expressed this shows that we had a large amount of renters here. She said the gazebo hot dog get together was a success and will soon have another.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Status of Licensed Security Company Meeting: Director Dodson said letters were sent to 14 Licensed Security Companies ranging from Brownsville to McAllen. Director Burke intervened and said there was a letter that a member of the Security Committee asked to be read. This letter complained about me giving my input which was requested by Director Dodson. My intention was only to help and not hurt anyone’s feelings. It appeared that Director Burke and another director had a problem with not having the opportunity to give their contributions. The dialogue from Director Burke seemed quite odious. Director Dodson finished by asking the two remaining Security Committee members if they were completely satisfied with what the committee had accomplished. Both responded without hesitation with a yes. President Sullivan addressed this issue as to be resolved later.
Status of Time Warner: Director Dodson said our attorney is in the process doing the contract with Time Warner.
Other: Director Burke said she had issues of board members violating the motion made with regarding the evaluation committee. Director Burke said Director McBride violated a passed motion by sending negative comments to Mr. Polo at Aramark without first submitting them to the board. Director McBride’s rebuttal was he never bypassed the board. He always turned in every item as instructed, including the ones passed on to Mr. Polo. Director Burke said the evaluation committee had never received these comments. This went on for some time until it was found that these comments were given to the Board President, and from a mix up there they were not passed on to the evaluation committee. The Board President was asked if members of the board were not allowed to communicate with Aramark. Director Burke started quoting the evaluation motion that was passed when President Sullivan intervene by restating the original question and said he did not know of any reason why a director can not talk to Aramark.. Director Burke said why have evaluation committees, if board members are going to undermine its content. Director McBride said that Mr. Polo from Aramark had told board members that he had never known of any complaints. Director McBride felt he should be advised of situations and informing him has nothing to do with the board’s evaluation process or would undermine it.
**Our general manager spoke up and wanted to know why he had not seen the 2007 evaluation. He asked why Director Young had not attended the evaluation meeting. He asked why Director Dodson was attending. He declared that Director Dodson was to be Director Mulch’s alternate. He said he wanted to know where he stood. President Sullivan said the 2007 evaluation was delayed because you Larry would not accept Director Young’s evaluation and Director Young would not rescind his opinions. President Sullivan gave our general manager choices on how his evaluation was to be calculated. Several directors immediately said they had a problem with that. Director McBride asked the president if our general manager is evaluating himself and why is he even present during the initial evaluation discussion? Our general manager growl it’s against the law to have an evaluation without the employee being there. Director Burke elucidated that Director Dodson’s was Director Mulch’s alternate. Director Burke then volunteered to be the alternate for Director Young on the evaluation committee to even out in her opinion the pros and cons. Director Dodson made this statement. I was asked to sit in for Mr. Young here, not aware I was making any kind of problem. She said she is still on the fence and does not know how the evaluation is turning out. Director Dodson said she resents being categorized as being pro or con on any subject and said she walks right down the middle to see the full picture. She said she is not pro and she is not con. She tries to see things clearly and be as fair as possible for the betterment of this park. Director Burke argued that point immediately. President Sullivan said even though Director Burke’s feelings may be slanted, he thought she would look at the evaluation objectively.
**I had a hard time at following what Director Mulch was reading at the beginning but it appeared to reflect procedures that were not being followed by directors in the use of management and employees. This was to include their micro managing and that the new board members were being divisive. He commented their differences have seemed to put us in a crisis and wished both sides put down these differences so as to deal with the more important issues facing our park. Director McBride said he and the other new board members were elected because the majority of people saw different things that needed to be changed. We brought those as motions to this board with respect and have not tried to micro manage. I hope that’s not what is considered divisive. We have sat down and discussed issues that were brought to the table and I have supported you on this board. I believe we are not being divisive and should at the very least be given a chance. Director Mulch said we have members on the board who are not acting like board members and I have proof they are not acting like board members. They should start acting like board members instead of going off on their own little way. That’s it!
**Director Dodson said I am glad you used the word we so as to include all board members. I’m getting sick of hearing how bad the four new board members are doing. We are actively doing many things in trying to better our park. Providing a new cable network, a committee for new security, improving our golf course, and evaluation of our current management? We have only been appointed for four months. I feel it’s not right for these board members to bombard us at every meeting about what we have done that was so wrong. Not to mention the “no name” hate mail received from a few owners to whom I feel sorry for. She said it takes all nine of the board members to want to work together. It was asked how this hate mail gets back to the private mail boxes.
**Our general manager said if you want to make a motion to have your mail delivered to your door, we’ll do that.
**Director Dodson said there was a past motion already In effect to have any unauthorized mail requiring a signature. One senior board member said that was five years ago. There was a question if Director’s Young phone number and address were correct in the directory.
NEW BUSSINESS
Employee Fuel Cost Crisis: Director Steffensen said this is to affect 41 hourly Aramark employees. A 50 cents raise would result paying $3,280 a month plus a labor burden of $618 a month totaling $3,898. Six months would equal $29,382. This would result with a $58,782.increase for 2009 and would raise everything across the board. A gas credit was suggested for about half as much with a two month later evaluation. Director Burke made a motion to provide for the months of July and August the 41 hourly employees would receive a $50 a month gas credit. There was some discussion, a lecture by Director Burke about her opinion on economics, with some disapproval from owners in the audience saying this is treating the employees like they are children.
**Our general manager wanted to know where this idea of giving employees more money came from. He stated that no employee approached him on wanting more money because of gas. Our Board President said the idea came to him when talking with an employee at Whataburger in Brownsville. Again our general manager said nobody asked him about a raise. We were again blessed with two more short economic lectures from Director Burke and what she thought her paramount duties to the park were. In the end the motion was changed to be a HEB credit to also include food. It was approved.
Cancelling July Board Meeting: Director McBride made a motion to cancel the July regular board meeting. After Director Burke requested and received a list of which directors will be here that July month, it was approved.
Fence Removal and Replacement: Director Burke made a motion to notify Mr. Freeland that LIV wishes not to remove the current fence, and if he removes it, he must replace it with a same or better one. It was approved.
Audit Committee: Have five members on the committee. The committee will meet with management one day each month for four months starting in August. It will audit one center per month.
Golf Cart Control: Director Mulch wanted to have it written that carts can only be operated by or accompanied by a person with a valid license. The cart will not be allowed to accommodate more passengers than it can seat. No standing on the back or sides will be allowed. This form is to be given to our patrol staff to show this is a rule to the cart operator when enforced. Director Mulch made the motion to accept this and it was passed.
“Suggestion Box Records”: Director McBride made a motion to email the records to the membership. A motion was also that the minutes be email for review to make it easier for corrections. Both were passed.
Safety Committee: Director McBride made a motion to form a safety committee. It was approved by the Board President without the motion.
Board Action-Emergency Modular Housing: Director Sullivan asking to give the board special powers to allow modular homes in case of a disaster. This ended with having our attorney to look at our current by-laws, plus researching what new park models hurricane ratings are and what may be future requirements?
Other: Bids for bath house one is still open. Drop off at welcome centers. These will have three individual bathrooms in the bath house. Director Burke made a motion to set a time limit on bids and other qualifications too quick for me to get. It was approved.
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CHANGE

..................

It was announced in our last Coffee Meeting that a future motion will be made by Director Mulch to change what is to be recorded into our Board meeting minutes. This next week’s regular meeting motion may ask to eliminate all that is said and record only the motions and their results. It may lack opinions, discussions, questions, and possibly who seconded any motion. Director Mulch is problemed with the constant revising of the minutes and does not wish to keep a verbatim record of the proceedings. I don’t blame him for being frustrated and aggree with him there's a need to help simplify the minutes a little. But let’s not forget that these records of our board meetings that govern our Village will be read in large part by absent members of our Association, so these minutes should best illustrate the actions taken, particularly if reviewed many years later.

I do have a suggestion. I believe if you pass a motion to put a time limit on a director's speech, discussion, debate, opinion, and so forth, it may help to shorten the intended gist of that director’s statement along with shortening the meetings.
What do you think? Any suggestions?

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WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE A COMMENT ABOUT THIS LAST JUNE'S DIRECTORS MEETING?

COMMENTS


This is the comment box. If you want to make a comment on anything instead of a suggestion, please place it here. Please refrain from personal attacks and vulgar language. It will not be posted.

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COFFEE WITH THE DIRECTORS June 18th, 2008

After the Pledge of Allegiance, the suggestion box items were read.
Lot #696 comment was to let management manage and for everyone to get a life.
Lot #738, I could not hear most of the comment except the part they were proud to live here.
Becky Ray at Lot #284 asked for our gatekeepers to enforce the parks fireworks rules from now past the Fourth of July. There was some discussion on it. Issue is pending for further thought.
Mr. Risinger at Lot #281 asked to reconsider the board's cable decision on Time Warner to Dish Network.
Lot #27 had negative comments on the new fence around south end of bridge.
Lot #554 made a comment on how dirty the outdoor pool was. It was said that management hired another new employee who has been doing a good job as of late.
Lot #262 had a complaint of children driving golf carts and running wild way after curfew. It was said as of late a better job has been done on catching children driving carts.
Lot #249 suggested our three new directors who are named on the petition resign.
Lot #O asked about HD channels from Time Warner. The answer was zero but could get HD for $7.95 more. A second comment was about having a problem on acquiring new pool bracelets. Director Steffensen gave a sincere apology and said this rarely happens.
Larry from Lot #142 made a positive comment about the pool monitors.
From the floor Mr. Risinger wanted information on the lock procedures for the new bridge fence and if management will be enforcing on keeping the outsiders from fishing. That started a long discussion on why the fence was put there in the first place. It was basically for liability reasons.
Larry from Lot #142 said the owners should try to be the examples of showing respect.
An owner asked what distance from the seawall does an owner have? The answer was 21 feet.
Our board president announced Director Peterson was not in attendance due to the death of his mother.
Hurricane stickers were a topic of discussion. In short it was said to get them in Port Isabel. They are good for years. You will not be able to enter LIV until our manager says you can after an evacuation. There will be a phone # and e-mail available to owners.
An owner said numerous golf carts are not tied down. This started discussions about fines, flower pots flying, tornadoes and so forth.
An owner asked why the tie down rules appear to be only in the building rules instead of elsewhere, so as to be more notable? The response was, it is.
That’s it.

Board of Directors Workshop

Agendas to be covered at next meeting

Director McBride agendas were fire safety,recording of the coffee w/directors comments, and providing a copier for owners.
Director Steffensen has reports for the pool and audit committees.
President Sullivan said we have to raise the hourly payroll about a dollar an hour because of gas prices. It was then noted that a 50 cents raise would cost the Village $42,640 annually. It was tossed around and will be a finalized in the next weeks meeting. Modular housing was brought up as a subject on home replacements in case of a hurricane to review.
Director Mulch wished to shorten the process on the Board’s minutes and their corrections. It was also suggested only to record the motions that pass and not the conversations and opinions on how and why they were passed. What was done and not what was said. A director said my opinion or anyone's opinions should not be recorded in the minutes.
Director's Burke said her agenda is to act on our gated fence which sits on Mr. Freeland’s property. It appears that the board will give him their response in writing to keep an existing contract tight. Read more on this article...

Special Meeting posted June 16th, 2008

The Special meeting on Saturday June 14, 2008, was an “it’s time to do something” get-together. We had our attorney in attendance who expressed incorporation as the best direction she could foresee. We had Mr. Freeland who expressed the re-routing of the Intercostals as the best direction. The talk of amending the Bridge Declaration was said to be limited but opened for suggestions. The solution wanted was one which our Village doesn’t get stuck for more than their fair share of the bridge bill. Which solution aids our Village the best to pay for our current money pit swing bridge and its soon to be eventual replacement, should start now while we, the Village, have the majority rule in this area. At this meeting, a committee was formed to pursue the best solutions and lay the foundation to start the ball rolling. This committee is represented by Director Burke, Selba Campbell, Mr. Freeland, and Director Young. Their finding, recommendations, and eventual actions of the board in this matter will be posted as presented to Village owners. Do you have any suggestions on amendment changes or current policies that may help in this matter? Speak freely. Read more on this article...

A TIDBIT Posted 6/13/08

The subject of changing to a licensed security is currently being addressed by the board. It appears the opposition towards change in our existing Aramark ran unlicensed gatekeeper staff has come from the general manager’s supporters? These supporters have conveyed that our Village may have legal issues about breaking this Aramark contract without having good enough reasons, plus they say all we get with a licensed security company is a bigger bill.

Since only a select few may know for sure that our Village only spends $187,660 for our current concierge’s service, how can we know which is a bigger bill? Those summer renters that will run roughshod through our Village because our caretakers will not, because now they cannot, enforce rule policies. Are we able to know after that which the bigger bill is? It won’t be long before we are sued due to someone letting their guard down because of our park creating this security illusion and a jury hears cost was the only concern our Village had. I bet then we’ll know which the bigger bill is. Would you like to give your opinion?

As for breaking the Aramark contract, I was told there is no provision that says we have to give a reason. Even if there is a provision about contract termination, do you think that Aramark would really get upset for cancelling it? Our general manager has repeatedly stated that Aramark is only making $6000 a year off of this. They should be delighted to have this potential liability monkey off their back. Quite frankly, should not we, the owners, be the ones upset for our general manager and Aramark giving our Village a 14 month security license run-a-round that seems to have put us in this situation. Did they do what they originally said they would do for our Village? Should not we be the ones upset for signing this unlicensed doorkeeper contract that was to give our Village not only the same provisions we had before, but even more for less money? Did we get what they said we were to receive?

What do you think?

Read more on this article...

HOW LOW CAN YOU GO?

The gloves seemed to have come off and the hits just keep on coming from certain inimical people in this small petition group.
We had an Aramark employee who represented himself as head of security and said he was instructed to delivered large envelopes containing documents. These documents described the court proceedings of a long ago disconsolate divorce and a nobody’s business illness that our newly elected director Jim Peterson had experienced. This Aramark employee who again I must say described himself as security, visited every director’s home and wanted signatures for these packets of trash. If they were not at home, they somehow were placed in the director’s SECURED mail box. This harridan who drilled the Aramark employee conveniently failed to give him HER name, but from his description it's very obvious who SHE was.
The cover letter to the directors said” these court documents are public information. The responsibility lies upon those who hold the position of the board of director to protect the LIV owners.” That’s all fine and well, but the intent for this malicious attack on Director Peterson's past personal troubles and physical problems goes way beyond the conduct we owners should tolerate in our Village.
Our board president sternly asked our general manager as to who authorized this employee to deliver such documents; the reply he received was simply, not me because I was in Harlingen. Our general manager did go on to say it is not uncommon that these employees are used to deliver paperwork and that in his opinion since this was public information, it was not slanderous.

WHAT ACTION DO YOU FELL SHOULD BE TAKEN? Read more on this article...

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MAY 28TH, 2008

After the Pledge of Allegiance our board president asked the audience if there were any comments pertaining to our agendas. Owner from lot #170 made a comment that the discussion on modular housing should be done in the fall when owners are here. Our president agreed and said the intent was for review and there will be no motions on this issue now or this summer. The owners have their say.
The president said Aurora, our Village office employee, recently lost both her mother and grandmother. We wish to give her our condolences.
Our president said sea cottage #52 asked for their request on a variance or change in the building rules be withdrawn so as not to create any turmoil within our park. That request was accepted.
Our president asked director McBride to withdraw the motion to replace our G.M. because of the ongoing evaluation of our G.M.
Director Burke said she would forego the motion of table.
Director McBride before doing this wanted to make a statement. He said there were no secret meetings prior to the letter which was never sent to Aramark. This letter was composed by our board president and not by Peterson, Hansen, or me. He said my motion to replace our G.M. was at the request of our board president. The accusation list, as so it was name, was a list made up by yet another different director. The handful of remaining items that were said about me was untrue. He said this will not interfere with my decision making when Aramark’s service contract is up and when looking at other companies. He will make sure that Aramark fulfills their contract. He won’t be intimidated by this when comes to the welfare of the Village. He withdrew by saying the motion is the floors because the board had seconded it.
Our president stated the board is still proceeding with the 90 day evaluation.
Our president had a question about clarification on the park’s responsibility for the restrictions to the equalization channels repairs after the work is done.
Our president said if you feel you are being tax unfairly, he has a name and number to give you.
Our president said there will be a town hall meeting Thursday May 29th to meet and discuss issues pertaining to the Cowen group development and their request for access through our Village.
The general manager gave his report. In no time there was a dispute about lawn equipment. Our general manager even started out basically saying Director Peterson was interfering with the chain of command about a deck that was ordered for a mower. Director Peterson denied interfering.
Armando gave his report and our general manager said this is a detail report that we use to do but the board said to give them a summary. If this board wants to have this long detail report, it’s no problem. Director Dodson asked if they could do an inventory report the same way. Larry’s answer was too long to print, but I think it was yes.
Les had nothing to report except that rentals were down about 50% this holiday and blamed it on the gas. Larry said all the rentals were down this year and it was due to gas.
Director McBride questioned why there aren’t two full time employees for the golf course as per Aramark’s contract? The general manager’s response was there is. When corrected by director McBride that one was part time, Larry D. said you’re right and we are advertising for that open position. When asked where are you advertising? Our general manager looked confuse and asked Armando. Armando asked Mary from the office, are we advertising in the newspaper, or the Texas workforce? She had that same look as our general manager had on his face and with that, Armando said in the Texas workforce. That is where we are advertising.
Eric Moss lot 414 asked why we lost Mr. Franco from security. Larry said he self terminated by not showing up for three days. Larry admitted no employee could get a security license if working only here.
Director Mulch wanted approval of last months meeting. Director Dodson said she would like to go on record today saying there were no secret meetings held in reference to last months statements of the contrary. Director Burke said that what my statement was and Director Dodson said that’s true, but that was for last month and this statement I want in the minutes for this month. The minutes were approved.
Mary Steffensen gave the Treasurer and P & L. report. Nothing out of normal other than Village was down about $12,000 because of cost of goods.
Golf committee has changed the rules for the handicap flag and driving too close. They added a new rule that non handicap carts from June thru October can be driven because of the heat. Director Burke spent the next thirty minutes on why everyone can’t use the course to bird watch or any other activity after hours. She argued that we pay for this, so why not? It was going good and even the president said, I don’t know why, until Director McBride said there are no after hours. The course is open from dawn until dark, and sometimes they play after dark. There was a question to clarify the handicap rule which started yet another 20 minute orientation by director Burke on the handicap laws and how they apply. It was easily settled by making it a rule if a person proves they’re handicap, they can get a get a temporary ok.
Mary Steffensen explained the scanner that was the first choice is still the best deal and wanted to table it until October since it is not on the budget. It was tabled.
Director Peterson gave his report on the cost and type of sand for the golf course. Basically sand and silicone mixed is desired and wants the board to ok this by fall.
A motion was approved that Time Warner will be our Village’s future cable network. This would have 82 channels at $10.95 per month (HD @ $7.95 more). We will be obligated to a 10 year contract with a 5% max increase per year. They will lay new state of the art cable which may take up to 5 months. They will have a 24-36 hour service completion after notification. To note, if they increased the maximum 5% each year for the next ten years, it still would cost about the same as what Arroyo would be charging us starting today. Arroyo would only provide 46 channels in the amount of $16.57 a month that would go up after two years with no improvement on their existing cables. They would provide us HD in that price with those same cables along with a five year contract.
As was asked of him to research and evaluate, Director Peterson was criticized by Director Burke for recommending purchasing use equipment that would speed up the grass cutting time of our employees. Director Burke seemed totally against it. The conversation carried on until the talk seemed to air numerous criticisms. Director Peterson criticize management on giving him the run around when trying to obtain maintenance records on certain equipment to help his assessment and management criticized Director Peterson on asking employees for this maintenance information. Director Burke then seemed bent on making a lengthy speech about policies towards employees. It started to become silly in the way she was ranting. Director Dodson finally put a brake on Director Burke’s chatter by asking her just one question. The question was if the board president asks a director to pursue research on a subject, should this request have to wait until the next month board meeting, which was basically what director Burke was inferring the board members should do. This went on for over 40 minutes of verbal exchanges between these two. Armando even got into a heated exchange with Director Peterson. Finally it went to a motion to wait to purchase such equipment until it can fit into the budget. Motion passed.
Director Mulch made a motion to handover to our general manager the rough outline of remodeling the bathhouses and request that he get three bids. Motion passed
Director McBride asked our general manager why management wasn’t following up the everyday cleaning of the common areas as the board had required. The general manager’s response was he thought it was once a week that was requested. Director McBride said it was every day until its thought not necessary by the board. Director McBride asked where he at was near to the purchase of a public copy machine as requested on March 26th. The general manager said I had not purchased it yet.
Director Mulch stressed concern about the fire extinguishers in the bath houses being stolen or used to vandalize property.
Director Burke spoke at length on the fence description and legalities of the bridge south side fence which was the same as in the bridge board article, made a motion to spend $2100 out of the budget for this.
Director Dodson made a motion on security. It was two motions actually. One to get bids from licensed security companies and the second was giving Aramark a cancellation notice. She talked about the illusion we are giving everyone with our unlicensed gate keepers and the powers they do not have. She gave out this list of can’t do items. It appears they can’t lawfully function to protect us. It was agreed that we first get the bids from other security companies before giving any notice to Aramark. Our board president expressed concerns on the legal issues of breaking Aramark’s contract. Director Dodson said this was an open end amendment to the original Aramark contract and had no expiration date. Director Burke again started her opposition. She asked what services have Aramark not provided that was in the contract. Director Dodson said they were not license and was interrupted by Director Burke with saying we all were aware they do not have a license. Director Dodson continue saying they were not licensed. We were told that they would do what a licensed company would do and that’s not has happened. Director Burke said Aramark’s legal department had gotten with the Dept. of Public Safety and found they could do certain services. She did not go in to what those services were. Director Burke continued with saying we can not terminate this contract for that. She loudly said I want you to tell what services are not being provided in this contract. Director Dodson calmly said I do not have to tell you anything. Director Dodson said she feels at this time the previous board was wrong and wants to attempt to correct it. Director Burke started up again and was cut short by Director Dodson who asked the president for a vote on her motion to seek bids by licensed security companies for the purpose of replacing unlicensed Aramark. The motion passed. There were two non board owners that will be part of a committee to put together what our new licensed security must provide to our Village.
The owner of sea cottage #52 thanked the board for their time towards his request on a variance, but in the essence of unity and peace he would like it withdraw as it was recognized at the start of the meeting.
Director Hansen had comments on trash pickup via an email.
Lastly, there were some negative comments again about the pool facility. Read more on this article...

VILLAGE UPDATE ON NEW FIVE DIGIT ADDRESSES

Director McBride gave Villagers some good news. The five digit address change will only affect the welcome center and restaurant (because of their liquor license). Your address will remain as before with no changes.

Read more on this article...

COFFEE WITH THE DIRECTORS MAY 21st, 2008

There were many who thought this meeting was going to be some heated debate over the manager’s evaluation or this absurd petition. To their surprise neither came about. There were over twenty submissions in the suggestion box with a handful not read forwarded to the evaluation committee. I recall it was not the first time that a group of Village suggestions with similar context was not read at a coffee meeting. Approximately a year and a half ago, after reading one of over a dozen owner complaints concerning our management not maintaining our pool facilities, the then Vice President Pelletier past them on to Mr. Demalade.

I will give a brief narrative of the suggestion box comments that were read at this meeting.

Lot I. Gloria Fish asked why we have spent money to replace the pools facility’s seemingly undamaged blue shower wall tiles when this facility is in need of more important items. She also suggested installing handicap user friendly steps during the bottom repair of the outdoor pool.

Lot 558 asked how many signatures are required to sign a legal contract obligating our Village. Director Burke said one after a passed motion from the board.

Lot 597 said thanks to management for their great job on repairing her sprinklers and added the pool has too much chlorine.

Lot 229 the director read this was from Rita Priest. This comment says she doesn’t dare leave the park in fear of these directors. She wrote they were underhanded, can’t be trusted and not fair-minded.

Richard Kolu requested the golf course be named after Jim Peterson with a certificate of appreciation.

Lot 678, Bud Sherry asked about Director McBride having an illegal meeting with the Cowen Group at a bar/restaurant called the Icehouse. The board response was they (Director McBride and President Sullivan) met at the Icehouse location to pick up some paperwork from the Cowen Group. The Cowen Group office was located right across the street of this place and both board members thought this was a convenient way for all since the Icehouse was on the way back from a round of golf played in Brownsville. It was no meeting.

Some owners asked some general questions about the Cowen Group issue which is currently in its infancy.

Lot 339, Rick Cole made a comment about Time Warner Cable bid. This started an hour and twenty minute long discussion on what the bids were and what they contained. These are still not firm so I will not provide that info yet.

Lot 143 had a complaint about the cleanliness of the indoor pool. That person also wrote it could use a power wash.

Lot 251 made the comment people should go through the chain of command in solving their problems.

Lot 440 suggested all lots be numbered plus the indoor common ground facilities should be monitored for A/C temperature settings. An owner from the crowd responded to this comment by saying this week the arts and crafts room was freezing when she and others entered for their schedule activity.

Lot 249 said the board should read Jim Paul’s book about the history of our Village.

Lot 835 had a complaint. After following the building rules to the letter and being flat turned down when they asked for management’s permission to attach a stone like bottom trim to her unit, is now seeing numerous such trims being allowed and wants to know why. It is being addressed.


DIRECTOR’S WORKSHOP

There was a long discussion about set back rules for a south end sea cottage that wants to build a storage room on their lower deck. Director Mulch said this subject has been brought up four times previously and voted down each time. It was said to approve this would require a rule change instead of a variance.

There was a brief discussion on the managing of keys for the dock gate.

Director Dodson brought up the need to review our security situation. She mentioned many of the concerns which were covered in earlier articles dated 3/09/ 2008 and 4/09/2008 in this blog. Director Burke, whose instrumental insert in our LIV newsletter and helped solidify awarding Aramark our gatekeeper’s contract, repeatedly said our Village can’t break the security contract without a valid reason due to possible litigation. Director Burke and Director Dodson threw jabs back and forth on this issue. It woke everyone up.
Larry DeMalade jumped into this issue by saying the board came to him and asked him if he would manage security. As before he restated the only reason Aramark decline getting the security license was because the State of Texas was charging Aramark a $20,000 fee by being an out of State Corporation. He said Aramark was profiting only $6000 and it would not be practical for Aramark to pay an additional $20,000 and lose money. I raised my hand and asked Mr. DeMalade to clarify this $20,000 charge. Director Burke immediately spoke for him saying it was a franchise tax. I asked why this franchise tax, which past in 2006 and effective 2008, took Aramark over ten months later to realize its effect. I got no response. I then asked why this franchise tax that charges 1% on generated security revenues of $187,660 came up to be $20,000. I received no intelligible answer. I finally asked would not Aramark be charged this same franchise tax with or without a security license when receiving this $187,660 revenue for managing our gate keepers. I received still no lucid answer. Mr. DeMalade at last said in Aramark’s letter that he received there were actually two reasons for not obtaining this security license. One was this $20,000 charge. The second reason was the Aramark VIP in charge would not sign personally for the security license contract. Mr. DeMalade stated the liability risk to him for this $6000 profit was not worth it. Director Dodson said continued effort will be done towards this issue.

Discussion about the swing bridge fence was briefly discussed.

Mr. Pelletier talked about his drafting ideas for our three bathhouses that seem very practical on the surface. It seems to have put a lot of work into this. The board will review it further.

Director McBride discussed the servicing of our fire hydrants.

Director Peterson talked on the subject of modular homes that was tabled last month and received some intense opposition from a couple. It appears there is some fear of possible subsidized housing entering our park because these homes are wind rated by HUD. Director Dodson said she had research and found that if every owner is being charge a condominium fee that covers our amenities, such an owner would not qualify for that subsidy. He also brought up the need and cost of two used pieces of golf equipment for ground maintenance. Director Steffensen said these are not in the budget. Read more on this article...

BRIDGE BOARD MEETING 5/19/2008

After the pledge of allegiance, the minutes for last April’s meeting were approved. This was a little different board meeting in so far as having John R. Freeland and a quorum of board members in attendance.
Tom Cain who runs these meetings does a very job. He’s informative and to the point. The first item discussed was Essex insurance company dropping the bridge’s insurance coverage due to the two lawsuits initiated by two Village owners. One lawsuit had a jury ruled in our favor and the other is pending. It’s odd that the same attorney is representing both plaintiffs. This lawyer is currently appealing that jury verdict. It will be known soon if he’s successful.
Tom Cain said it was very difficult to find an insurance carrier that was willing to insure our bridge. Scottsdale Insurance Company has graced us with their acceptance, but it comes with a price. Before the lawsuits the bridge paid around $8000 a month. Now the new premium is a little over $12,000 a month. That figures about $40 a month out of each lot owner’s pocket. This seems not bad considering our bridge rating and two recent lawsuits by two Village owners.

Here’s a little background I found.
Scottsdale Insurance Company Description
Scottsdale Insurance Company insures the riskier parts of life, the universe, and everything. The property/casualty insurer specializes in excess and surplus insurance lines (E&S) -- insurance coverage for higher-risk individuals and businesses including alarm contractors, bars, exterminators, and tree trimmers. The company also offers such niche products as pet insurance, professional liability, and products for public entities (cities, towns, counties). E&S providers are not allowed to advertise directly to consumers, so Scottsdale Insurance relies upon wholesale general agents, brokers, and managers sell its products through local agents. The company is a subsidiary of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.
nce company.

It was said if there comes a time insurance coverage is not obtainable, the bridge will be closed.
The board’s next topic was the perimeter fence on the south end of the bridge. Our new insurance carrier had recommended we do it. There was a small debate about upset Village owners not being able to fish near the bridge as they have in previous years. On the other hand it was said when South Point fenced their area for liability reasons, the people came here to fish.
It was also pointed out that in recent evenings this area seemed to take on an almost carnival like atmosphere due to the large number of non-village parents who fish while letting their children play. There were even at times tents put up to sleep overnight.
The cost of the fence is $7100. This fence would run to the end of our bridge’s property lines, which is approximately 200’ west and 300’ east. It will be 8’ tall. We will have one 20’ dock access gate on the west side along with a 5’east side gate. Those will cost $2100.
There were numerous items addressed that could save on expenditures. An example was lowering the commercial electric kilowatt per hour from 23 cents to 15 cents and changing peak hour costs with a new electricity provider. Another example was to attempt to become tax exempt.
Mr. Freeland’s appearance seemed to focus on the intercostals channel turn and the barges we let through our bridge. There was a recent photo taken of a three wide barge barely squeezing through our swing bridge. Apparently the rules state the barges must be single wide. The picture will be used as a means to hopefully make them obey the rules or the bridge board may ask the coast guard for their enforcement assistance. Interesting to note that in 2005, 48% of all barges that passed through our swing bridge were carrying a flammable liquid cargo. Since then there has been a pipeline built to ease that percentage somewhat.
The next bridge board meeting will be in September. The outcome of how the insurance increase will be budgeted and the results of the lawsuit appeal will be published as soon as I find out. Read more on this article...

Buried in the sand ( just my opinion)

If you and your friends wish to be rude, scream, and verbally attack certain directors at our board meetings, you may do so. Afterwards if you yearn to create your own petition containing eleven invalid reasons to impeach certain directors, feel free. If you desire to thrust this petition out and make it appear a legitimate Village emergency so an owner feels compelled to vote, have it your own way. If you hanker to sway an owner’s vote by only giving them your worthless reasons on such a petition, go for it. If you crave to have all your solicited votes from this petition be sent to no name addresses so you can pick and choose which ones suit you the best, no problem. If you even have a yen to get the Village’s Channel 2 telecast to gladly participate with your petition as to make it appear even more Village and management sponsored, please, be our guest.

If you have the hunger to do any of these above, you’ll have competition. There’s a small group that has already put this charade to work. Since this group is well connected with a board member and the general manager, nobody is speaking out about it for fear of reprisals. Does everyone from this petition group think that every Village owner will keep their heads buried in the sand, swallow their gobble-lee-gook hook, line, and sinker, and say nothing? Once again it shows that a certain few in our Village feel they can do as they please with impunity.

Read more on this article...

THE EVALUATION CONTINUES

There seems to be a change in the Board’s 90 day evaluation of our general manager. The mindset now is to also fill out a 2007 evaluation that could have some old board members participate in the answers, plus include the general manager’s old evaluations which have been found for 2004, 2005, and 2006.

I erred in the previous article by saying that the evaluation form was from Aramark. The form being used was made up by a previous board of directors. I was told its original purpose was to support the board decisions for managerial pay raises.


This evaluation form (displayed in “news bulletin updates” at http://longislandvillage.com/) has 21 general manager’s functions or responsibilities for the committee to appraise via multiple choice.


One is for outstanding. Two is for satisfactory. Three is for satisfactory, but needs some improvement and four is for not satisfactory and needs improvement.


I looked at a Aramark’s foods and resort management services contract. In it they express three operational areas: Business Services, Hospitality Services, and Facility Services. In short and as accurate as possible, the general manager is in charge of the business and financial functions of the association, plus supervises the managers assigned to Hospitality and Facilities.



These assigned managers are responsible to meet Aramark requirements. They report to and are the full responsibility of the on site general manager. The general manager reports directly to the board president or to board of directors collectively. The general manager is responsible to the district manager of Aramark for ensuring that the Aramark corporate requirements are fulfilled. (The job descriptions below might have altered slightly, but changes in the responsibilities for the general manager would not have diminished. In fact, they should have increase.)


Aramark’s general manager’s job description and responsibilities are as follows.
In charge of Business Services personnel functions:
1. Accounts receivable clerk with 24 responsibilities.
2. Accounts payable clerk / acct. supervisor with 30 responsibilities.
3. Payroll clerk / administrative asst. with 25 responsibilities.


Supervision of Hospitality Services Manager on areas with specific functions and responsibilities:
1. Kitchen workers with 15 responsibilities.
2. Servers with 16 responsibilities.
3. F & B director with 16 responsibilities.
4. Office Centers-Front desk clerk with 51 responsibilities.
5. Front gate-Gate attendant with 8 responsibilities.
6. Pro Shop-Pro shop clerk with 12 responsibilities.


Supervision of Facility Services Manager on areas with specific functions and responsibilities:
1. House keeping with 32 responsibilities
2. General maintenance with 8 responsibilities.
3. Pool & spa cleaning/maintenance with 15 responsibilities.
4. Miniature golf with 2 responsibilities.
5. Tennis courts with 5 responsibilities.
6. Shuffleboard court / basketball court with 4 responsibilities.
7. Repair and renovation of common areas with 6 responsibilities.
8. Heat, A/C, and minor electrical have 2 responsibilities.
9. Water and sewer systems with 2 responsibilities.
10. Common grounds and areas with 14 responsibilities.
11. Golf course with 23 responsibilities.
12. Private yards with 3 responsibilities.
13. Roads with 3 responsibilities.


Our current general manager is responsible for over 300 of these specific functions that are spelled out contractually in running our Village.

A previous board felt these were important enough to individually be on the contract so as to be enforceable.

Should not these same numerous responsibilities be little more relevant to his performance than evaluation form #14 ( issuing rental damage refunds and commission checks in a timely manner) . It's interesting that both would seem to hold equal weight in an evaluation.

Can one accurately evaluate our general manager's performance with this scant evaluation form. We find a few questions containing responsibility for hundreds of functions on a daily basis, while the rest have minimal responsibilities and most of those report on a weekly, monthly, annual, or when needed basis?

It even appears debatable on which multiple choice answer is a passing grade.

Should our board rethink this evaluation?

After looking at the boards evaluation form, please comment with evaluation questions you feel should be graded. Read more on this article...

Kiss and make up

Friday’s special board meeting May 2nd , 2008

Ten days after the riot meeting, the supporters of our general manager got their wish. Our board of directors mandated a committee to evaluate our general manager for the following 90 days and will then decide if he stays or gets the boot. This four person committee will be directors Mulch, Steffensen, Young, and President Sullivan.

Forgive me for saying it, but this evaluation appears more like 90 days probation. Within this three month period the committee will be using an evaluation form presumably that Aramark has provided since their inception.

I have never seen this evaluation form that Aramark provides to know what questions are on it. I am sure the management is knowledgeable of its contents.

I hope this short 90 days evaluation is not being done just to satisfy everyone that an attempt was made. This quacks like that duck so far when you add to the mix not reviewing his full tenure and of appointing an even number person committee which sounds a bit odd not to insure a majority result on the evaluation.

It won’t ruin my day if our general manager stays or goes. The pity is in letting a handful of owners and one board member who acted at times like spoiled little children, inferring whatever sounded good in the attempt to get their own way, and then end up actually getting it. They appear to have seized control of the steering wheel and throttle of our Village.

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We owners elected our directors and gave them the power to hire or replace any employee. We must now ask ourselves if that power still remains.

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As Our Village evolves, are we getting the best people to manage our changing needs? Have we become so crystallized that our board of directors just can’t say we need a change because we can do better and the owners of Long Island Village deserve the best to manage our park? This is not to say our current general manager isn’t the best, but is he?

Should not that be the evaluation we seek?

Read more on this article...