CHANGE

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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?

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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...