February 25, 2009 Regular Meeting
After the Pledge of Allegiance P. Sullivan gave what was considered a farewell speech.
Owners speaking on the issues relating to agenda items were for some reason asked to wait until the end of the meeting.
GM/Armando report was the usual fines, violations, and repairs. Outdoor pool was said to be open. Work started on bath house one. The bids on the roof were brought up.
Jan. 31st Minutes were approved.
Treasurer’s report – Director Steffensen read off the P&L. Director Hansen brought up for the second time the fact the board is putting different numbers in the minutes than what is disclosed at month end and feels that such is wrong. During this report Director Burke made a pointed remark towards Director Dodson.
Committee Reports
D&E- many parties were announced. Our GM said that one of the reasons for loss revenue from the restaurant is that they don’t sell enough to pay for the overtime wages.
Golf- P. Sullivan announces night golf raised $350 from tips which will turn into concrete. There will be club champion tourney. Concrete currently being poured between holes 1-10 donated I believe by Gary Stebbins.
TW update-Director Dodson again mentioned that the problems are being handled and they are becoming less. Director Dodson started to give Armando’s phone number to contact for problems in the future. Immediately our GM told her no Aramark employee is to handle anything pertaining to TW. Director Hansen asked the GM if he was saying he will not oversee the contracts of LIV and help to service the owners with problems. Director Dodson said she did not feel she should be a sole contact for service complaints. After Director Burke talked to the GM it was agreed upon a method similar to our previous cable company and management will forward complaints to the cable company.
Unfinished Business
Roof Bids- Motion passed to have Perry Roofing, the lowest bid, do our roofs at the Welcome and Activity Centers.
2009 Budget- There was a request by Director McBride to have a full time employee be added to the work force. Director Burke sided against it with saying that we have as per the Aramark contract. Director McBride said that the number of workers has not been getting the job done.
Berry Pools- Director McBride asks the board to consider cancelling the Berry contract and hire an experienced pool operator. Our GM appeared to have arranged a representative from Berry Pools there who gave a very good presentation but didn’t know the answers for many of our owners having hair loss and swim attire ruined. He did say he would look into it for answers.
There was no action to cancel their contract that is substancially increasing.
Rescind motion to transfer funds- was done and approved to wait until the end of the year.
Committees- It was talked about what committees to recommend to the new Board.
New Business
Replace Skid tractor-there was a long discussion on repair. Questions on whether to keep it and buy a new mower, repair or don’t repair and trade it in for more usable piece of equipment that has mower capability. When all was said and done, a motion to repair it for now and have the new board take care of it after obtaining three bids on the above. Our GM said twice that this skid tractor was a $56,000 piece of equipment. He said it shouldn't being given away.
Commercial dump area control-Director Burke wants to put contractors on a specific dumping time schedule along with having an Aramark employee monitoring their dumps.
Copier use in Office- motion passed to install an identification emblem to the copier glass that will show on each copy. This will show if out copier is used.
Electronic privacy policy-There was a motion passed to have owners that don’t wish to have their private information sold to whoever wants to pay $25, must fill out a form saying such at the Welcome Center.
Stop sign enforce for bicycles and golf carts- Director Burke wants everyone on a bicycle and golf cart to make a full stop at each stop sign. It was suggested to tell security and put a notation on channel 18.
General Manager/Aramark contract/ Code of conduct-Director Hansen questioned the GM’s statements that he made at his personal town hall meeting last Tuesday, in which he explained his side of the nepotism situation. One question was why he told owners that Les did not report directly to him, the GM. Director Hansen recited four different items in the Aramark contract with LIV that said Les reports to the GM, or that the GM oversees Les. Our GM said that I told my story Tuesday night, I not going to report it again. Director Hansen then asked why he (the gm) said he was not related to Les. Our GM said he didn’t say that. Director Hansen said you said the last time I checked I was not related. Our GM said that’s correct and I said I would look into it. He said he is not speaking any more, and that this is an Aramark policy, this is Aramark’s code, they’re dealing with it, and you let them deal with it. Then he said they have already dealt with it. P. Sullivan cut it off right there and was instantly interrupted by an owner talking about the lawsuit court order that Director Mulch and Reta Priest caused in suing six of our Directors, claiming that no director can terminate our GM. Director Hansen response was he was trying to get facts, not terminate. There was a quite loud and unruly howl of comments from these same ten or so people who displayed their riotous actions at previous meetings.
Owners speaking on agenda items
Lot 170 I couldn’t hear clearly enough because he didn’t step up to the mike.
Lot 319 said we are doing a wrongful termination. He started shouting very loud at Director Hansen and received the applause of these same ten or so people.
There was a question as to why the action of removing our GM was made public and not done in private. Director McBride said that during the executive meeting in April our GM wanted it to be addressed in public and that Director Burke said he had every right to do that. The Gm said that this was not true. He said said he was asked to come upstairs to resign and told his boss to have them do in public, that he was ot going to resign and wash it under the carpet.
Lot 305 was the one who interrupted the President and said to end this meeting and let the new Board handle it.
Other
Director Dodson mentioned a few items about TW and additional cameras from Security.
Director Burke said the cost difference between unlicensed Aramark and Securitas was higher because taxes were added twice to Aramark.
Lot? Owner asked why don't all the Directors provide documents to verify their educational backgrounds.
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Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
February 18th Coffee with the Directors
After the Pledge of Allegiance P Sullivan gave the floor to Selba Campbell who ask for every owner to register to vote.
VP Young then gave the floor to owner Becky Ray to explain election procedures.
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After the Pledge of Allegiance P Sullivan gave the floor to Selba Campbell who ask for every owner to register to vote.
VP Young then gave the floor to owner Becky Ray to explain election procedures.
Comments from the suggestion box
Lot? Complained of cold food at chicken night and on the buffet during a 40 plus breakfast get togeher that was scheduled at the Grill.
Lot 708 said the washrooms, women’s lounge area, indoor pool changing area's cleanup sign off sheet has not been posted or signed since Feb. 1st. Maintenance, trash area, and dumpster by the tennis courts are very unsightly. Why are these not being cleaned up? Armando who was sitting in for our absent GM said he would take care of it.
Lot 288 complained about the concrete forms that were laying in piles and look bad while killing the grass. Armando said it will be taken care of.
Lot 494 said that there were times no comment forms available this summer and if it is policy that the LIV copier and supplies are to be used by candidates seeking election? It was said there is no policy. It was also asked about seeing receipts for the recent items distributed.
Lot 494 said that last summer had complained about owner personal information being use such as names, addresses, and ph #. This was being divulged by the Village office and has again received mailing from this info by candidates running for the board. How are these individuals being provided with my name and address? Is it the policy of LIV to share owner information in an electronic form? Director Burke said like the last time this was brought up, anyone can buy this info from the office for $25.
Lot 249 complaint was pointed toward Director McBride because he didn’t give a response in writing back personally from his comment. He went on to say his negative opinions about the board and their harassment of management and Aramark this summer. Director McBride said he would mail him the same response that he had posted in the Library.
Lot 249 asked for the board to reconsider the decision not to financially help Mr. Freeland in a survey he is conducting. P. Sullivan said at Mr. Freeland’s request, this has been put on hold.
Lot 106 complained about lot 58 and 108 for their unsightliness and a few common ground items in need of repair.
Lot 586A complained about security letting them through with no sticker. Director Dodson said the security guard who did that has since been terminated.
Questions from the audience
Selba Campbell asked if security do rounds at night. Answer was yes.
Lot 638 asked questions about TW Internet service. Director Dodson said she is currently trying to get some answers. Director Burke said contrary to what Director Dodson had said that she knew of two men (high ups w/TW) named Trevino and Aguilar that said they could help with any of the problems with TW. Director Burke talked at length about how they said these two could help if we had a list of the problems and give the list to these two men. Director Dodson said that she and Armando have already been doing this for some time and if Director Burke wishes to take over this oversight, that would be just fine with her. She said Armando is taking down the complaints and faxing them to Xavier at ATW.
WORKSHOP
Budget items- Directors will have a week of review per Director Steffensen.
Director Hansen said he had a problem with the manager's salary staying the same when his responsibility is now less, referring to security now being ran by Securitas. Also spreading this salary now towards rental, restaurant, and golf course will show higher losses. Director Steffensen said he is on a salary that stays the same no matter what he does. Director Burke said this manager never received an increased for doing security so it should not be decrease. Director Dodson recalls that someone got a $7000 increase to wages somewhere when security became an unlicensed project by Aramark and will look into those exact fees. Director Burke seemed adamant that none of the managers received any increase in salaries.
A meeting was set on Tuesday the 24th at 10am to discuss more on the 2009 budget
Director Peterson wanted on the agenda to discuss what he feels is a problem that no one has a clue at what it cost our restaurant to make a hamburger for a customer and that our management has not had a health inspector in our restaurant for three years. Why?
Director Hansen wanted on the agenda to discuss the Tuesday’s the 17th town hall meeting that our GM held giving his explanations of being related another manager and why he stated in at a previous meeting he was not. He said that it needs to be put on record because it was a blatant lie and needs to be addressed.
Director Dodson said there will be items about changes to the using of the electronic owner information and more on TW.
Director McBride wants a review of certain ideas as how to keep from misusing of LIV’s copier machine. He also wants to discuss the use of Berry Pools and possibly going back to the way it was.
P. Sullivan said a $12,000 cost to replace a motor on a piece of golf course machinery as opposed to buying machine that can do more for $16,000. Director Steffensen asked how old is the equipment that is broke? The answer was 5 yrs. She then questioned the life expectancy of such equipment which brought up the reasons of why the ISIS maintenance information was never made available to members on the audit committee. P. Sullivan then tried to stop this conversation saying that it wasn’t relevant. Director Peterson said he thought it was because if maintenance is not being performed, then buying new equipment would not be advisable. The President stopped it there.
Director Burke wanted to talk about the commercial dumping and about bicycle/golf carts not stopping at stop signs.
Director Steffensen had annual report and budget, plus the allocation of $20,000.
Armando was asked about the bids on the roofs for the welcome center.
Director Hansen mentioned about the five CPL street lights that are still out.
An owner asked to speak about rental property and what is LIV’s responsibility when not going through the rental department. P. Sullivan indicated said that there is none?
Director Steffensen had a problem between the original and revised minutes. Director Steffensen went on to say that the minutes should read as the original. Director McBride said he edited the redundant comments, long conversations, and try to keep to motions made and who voted. Director Steffensen said that this was why Director Mulch was relieved of his position. Director Mulch made the remark that that when he was secretary he tried to be fair, but that you (referring to Sect. McBride) don’t know what the word fair means. Director McBride said anything that someone wishes to add, he would add it.
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Saturday, February 21, 2009
JUST A TIDBIT
It has been an interesting week. There was a letter sent to Aramark with information about our GM’s hiring practices. We had our Coffee with Directors that had the usual fireworks. A candidate running for the Board acted out of line towards an owner on lot 820. We’ve had thirteen candidates show up at a very thoughtful McAllen meeting. We were all captivated about this remarkable story our general manager gave to anyone on Tuesday night. To top it off we shouldn’t forget Reta Priest, our invalid recall leader and lawsuit happy person that’s costing our Village a ton of money. She was passing out for our GM at this meeting and the Coffee, an eight paragraph letter containing his political views. The dwindling GM supporters were upset that his epistle was rejected after he had tried to post it in our Village Newsletter.
Correct me if I am wrong but isn’t our GM’s political position supposed to be a neutral one? Are employees from Aramark allowed to use their positions to sway voters towards their political views? Is not the attempt to use our Village Newsletter at the expense of every owner a bit over the top?
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It has been an interesting week. There was a letter sent to Aramark with information about our GM’s hiring practices. We had our Coffee with Directors that had the usual fireworks. A candidate running for the Board acted out of line towards an owner on lot 820. We’ve had thirteen candidates show up at a very thoughtful McAllen meeting. We were all captivated about this remarkable story our general manager gave to anyone on Tuesday night. To top it off we shouldn’t forget Reta Priest, our invalid recall leader and lawsuit happy person that’s costing our Village a ton of money. She was passing out for our GM at this meeting and the Coffee, an eight paragraph letter containing his political views. The dwindling GM supporters were upset that his epistle was rejected after he had tried to post it in our Village Newsletter.
Correct me if I am wrong but isn’t our GM’s political position supposed to be a neutral one? Are employees from Aramark allowed to use their positions to sway voters towards their political views? Is not the attempt to use our Village Newsletter at the expense of every owner a bit over the top?
Sunday, February 15, 2009
FEBRUARY SUGGESTIONS We would love your suggestion that will improve our Village. Suggestions may be viewed by those visiting. We will renew the display each month. Anonymous are welcomed. So throw one in the box.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
THE WHEELS KEEP ON TURNING
How many ways can our GM explain the story about the purchase of tires and wheels? Let’s review this metamorphic story.
One of the agenda items from the August 20th Coffee/Workshop was to address if personal tires and wheels may have been purchased by our GM with his Aramark credit card. When the GM gave his explanation that on August 12th, 2008, his truck received a scheduled new paint job along with tires that were damaged from Hurricane Dolly and a set of wheels. He said he had paid for these in full out of his own pocket and made it clear that they were not on the credit card. He plainly gave the impression that they never had been. He displayed to the audience the copies of his checks and receipts that proved such?
How many ways can our GM explain the story about the purchase of tires and wheels? Let’s review this metamorphic story.
One of the agenda items from the August 20th Coffee/Workshop was to address if personal tires and wheels may have been purchased by our GM with his Aramark credit card. When the GM gave his explanation that on August 12th, 2008, his truck received a scheduled new paint job along with tires that were damaged from Hurricane Dolly and a set of wheels. He said he had paid for these in full out of his own pocket and made it clear that they were not on the credit card. He plainly gave the impression that they never had been. He displayed to the audience the copies of his checks and receipts that proved such?
Because of this apparent clarity of proof, the issue was laid to rest.
It resurfaced at the January’s Board meeting when the audit committee discovered the date and number on the receipt that our GM had previously waved at the audience months earlier didn’t seem to correspond with the dates and numbers on receipts given out from the office for that particular day. During the motion requesting the approval for the audit committee’s recommendations; Director Hansen said the recommendation towards the use of Aramark’s managerial credit cards was a little weak. He went on to say it appeared that the GM used the Aramark credit card for his August 12th purchase and paid it off on August 25th, just before it was to have been brought up to discuss as an agenda item. Our GM sat silent and gave no response.
Hours later, the recessed meeting resumed and was immediately interrupted by the general manager now wanting to give his explanation with demanding this to be put to bed. He said in one of the Town Hall meetings (?) after Hurricane Dolly, they (?) brought up and said that they (?) were going to present the paying for his damage tires to the board. He said he purchased these tires and wheels using his along with another manager’s company credit cards. He said he withheld any action on repaying this because the credit card receipt would not be due for thirty days and he was waiting for they (?) to get this purchase approved through our Board. He said that never came about, so before the thirty days was up, he on August 25th, went to the front office and paid the $558.61 balance. He said by mistake he was given a receipt with the same date that was on his purchase receipt.
One must now wonder with this story why there were no references to these events months ago. Who exactly is “THEY” suggesting to pay for these tires? To make this even weirder, after this was all said and done, our Board President said that he had signed a petty cash check and agreed to pay for these tires. He said this was done after the fact and couldn’t remember on what date. Why didn’t he bring this up earlier to shorten Director Hansen’s inquiry? Why didn’t the second director whose signature is required for the petty cash check say something?
Why was this strung out so immeasurably long? Why didn’t our Gm just explain this on August 20th to the parties interested? Why didn’t “THEY” who suggested paying for the tires just explain this on August 20th to those concerned? Why were all of the Directors not informed that we, the owners of LIV, paid for our GM’s tires and wheels? The more this onion gets peeled, the more this story changes. The more this story changes, the more it doesn’t make sense. Who did what, when, and where with our owner’s monies? We, as owners deserved to be correctly informed the first time around and not have to rely on an audit for straight answers. It was not made clear if the reimbursements check our President had signed included the $250 for the chrome wheels.
Director Hansen address this as an example of Aramark credit card misuse and just wanted better policies implemented to keep any future misuse similar to this from happening again. Regardless of what really happened, the company credit card should not have been used like this. When Director Hansen directly asked our GM are you supposed to use your Aramark credit card for personal use? The GM replied” I can do that”.
Do you feel management should be able to use company credit cards for their personal use?
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
JUST A TIDBIT
Aramark laborers, who had put in a tremendous work effort, had also enjoyed this generosity. Our GM said in one of his many dinner speeches that this is what we, Aramark, are all about.
The audit committee apparently found that Aramark charged our Village $1,700 for this food and beverage. As our GM said, that’s what they’re all about.
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Tuesday, February 03, 2009
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING 1/31/2009
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
OWNERS SPEAKING ON AGENDA ITEMS
Don Pelletier made a suggestion that future contracts have the manager’s signature on them also.
Director Mulch said he was ashamed with the way the board had handled the Security and Time Warner contracts. He said the security contract was completely controlled by Director Dodson’s committee and the Board was never brought in as a whole to discuss it. He said he was not allowed to see any of the bids, management was not allowed to have any impute but they will have to end up managing security. He said that it was arranged that the Board would control security instead of management. He said the contract was just a standard two page contract. In a nutshell he said it was vague and didn’t specify the exact duties to be performed. He said the only way to have the exact things you wanted to have security do was to bring in the Board and management. The same is said by him on the Time Warner contract. The manager never saw the contract. He complained management had no say but had to repair the problems.
Director Dodson’s response to both Don Pelletier and Director Mulch was that everyone was informed. Management was invited to all security meetings and only came to the last one. She said the Board approves these contracts after all were given the opportunity to review the contracts. She stated that she worked very hard on both and is not going to make any apologies when and if any member here who may have not received or lost their copies had to only asked her for another.
Director Burke said she did not see the Time Warner contract until after it was done and thought that Director Steffensen didn’t either.
PRESIDENTS REMARKS
Show of hands for the Saturday attendees that isn’t able to make Wed. meeting.
GM REPORT
There was nothing note worthy except pool and spa plastering is done and curing. Bathhouse one is going to be remodeled this week. Director Hansen asked about the treadmill down. Part on order was the response. Director McBride asked the GM about him saying there was no drain for the outdoor pool when there seems to be one and if that is in compliance. He said that is not a pump drain. He said it was an indicator drain showing that there is water underneath the pool when you drain it so it doesn’t pull the pool out of the ground. He said there is a new entrapment grate installed. Director McBride asked we were in compliance. Our GM said we are in complete compliance for all our pools and hot tubs.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
Nov.19th and Dec. 17th 2008 minutes were approved
TREASURER’S REPORT
Revenue Centers all lost for a total of $78,278 more in 2008 than in 2007.
Director Hansen’s had a concern of approving a different monthly revenue number in the minutes than what is in actual months end.
The Board tabled a decision of where to transfer $20,000 until the budget is approved.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Audit Committee – Director Steffensen said the two areas talked about were the Village Grill and Petty Cash.They have had 28 meetings toward four revenue areas since August. They have made a total of 51 recommendations and have 20 in place so far. She went on to explain numerous avenues and examples of the different items changed and looked at for the Village Grill.
Director Steffensen made a motion for the Board to accept the Audit Committee’s Village Grill recommendations. Approved
The Petty Cash became a topic of discussion after the explanation of numerous recommendations. When Director Steffensen made the motion for the Board to accept the Audit Committee’s Petty Cash recommendations.
Director Hansen stated that manager’s personal use recommendation on the credit card was a little weak. He said on August 12th our GM used his Aramark credit card to purchase tires and wheels for his vehicle. Because he only had a $500 limit, He then used another manager’s Aramark credit card for an additional $58.61 towards the purchase. Director Hansen said we brought this up at the Coffee with the Directors meeting on August 20th and put it on the agenda to discuss at the next regular board meeting. That meeting never came. He said later our GM had said he had paid for this out of his own pocket and it wasn’t personal use on that credit card. Director Hansen said he was then shown a receipt that the wheels and tires were paid for on August 12th and that the GM did not pay that back until August 25th, after it was brought up at a Board meeting. Director Hansen said he thought that was a clear abuse of his credit card.
There was a very long pause with no response from the GM or anyone, then P. Sullivan spoke up and said I don’t think we have to go any further than that, it has been brought to everyone’s attention.
Director Steffensen’s motion was then approved.
Director Dodson made a motion to recommend to the next Board that the audit committee stay intact. That was so noted.
D&E Committee – Director Dodson explained a tremendous number of activities, way too many to list here.
Safety Committee – Director McBride talked about the coming Hurricane season and touched on attending these meetings because they will be very informative. There were other comments about owners anchoring their possessions and empty their freezers. An updated insert will be sent in LIV newsletter.
Golf Committee – P. Sullivan said there is a new driving net. Director Peterson wanted everyone to thanked Kurt and Jenny from Marlin Construction for their donations of material and labor.
Management Committee – Director Burke said they have had two proposals from additional Management companies. They will try to have their report by the annual meeting.
Pool Committee – Director Steffensen said they have purchase 30 chairs at the cost of $3300. The chairs being replaced had a motion to be sold at $10 each on Monday Feb.2nd. Motion was approved.
Election Committee – Director McBride had Becky Ray speak who is one of five on this committee. She made a thorough presentation which fully explained our somewhat different and difficult election procedure. Candidate’s night is on March 2nd, 7pm at the Rec. Hall. They will have a question box located at the Activity Center from Feb 11th-25th from which it will receive question forms filled out by owners on subjects they would like the candidates to answer. She said all packets will be mailed because we are under the umbrella of the courts and there are changes in these packets, so read them carefully. Every ballot must be signed. No ballot will be made public. She said this election has been designated by the court to be handled by Long Chilton, LLP firm and will be extremely expensive.
Security Committee – Director Dodson said this committee is an ongoing committee that is not here to run security.
There was a 15 minute recess
UNFINISHED BUSINES
This started with our GM wanting to put something to bed. He said he had made arrangements before the hurricane to get his truck painted. He said that this arrangement was canceled due to the hurricane. He said that after the hurricane he had it painted. He said he had a receipt for that and a cancel check from his personal checking account for the $600 he put down. He said he also had a cancel check from his personal account of $650 for the balance of payment. He said he paid out of his own personal account for a paint job. He said after the hurricane in one of the Town Hall meetings, it was brought up that they were going to present paying for my tire damage to the board. He said he purchased the tires, got a receipt and put it on the credit card. He said he withheld the receipt because he knew the credit card receipt would not be due for thirty days, thus waiting to present this to the Board. He said it was never brought up so before thirty days was up, he went to the front office and paid $558.61 and here is the receipt. He said Erma when writting him the receipt, mistakenly put the same date that was on the purchase receipt of 8/12/2008. He again said he paid for this out of his own personal money and wants this to be put to bed and not brought up again.
Director Hansen plainly asked the GM, are you suppose to use the Aramark credit card for personal use, yes or no. The GM response was when he bought this the board had made the suggestion that they were going to pay for the tires. Director Hansen repeated his original question and wanted a yes or no. The GM’s answer was yes I can do that. Director Hansen then brought up the wheels which had been purchased along with the tires on the Aramark credit card that were items not damaged and were not suggested to be paid for by the board. The GM said I paid for them. Director Hansen said you paid for them on August 25th, five days after it was brought up in a Board meeting about the paint job and your tires. Our Gm said he was holding the receipt to see if the Board was going to pay for the tires. The receipt that showed our GM paid for the credit card charge was dated on August 12th and not on August 25th when he actually paid. Our GM said it was a mistake and didn’t know about it until yesterday. Director Hansen said you flashed this same receipt at a previous meeting and it certainly appears that someone is playing with the books. Our GM said you have made accusations about me all year. He said I did nothing wrong and I paid for everything myself. Director Hansen asked when Aramark is to do their Audit and wanted them to look into the GM’s use of the Aramark’s credit card. He also said the GM not only used his credit card but Armando’s card as well.
Our Board President interrupted all this to say that he had agreed to pay for the GM’ tires. He said he signed a petty cash check for the tires after the fact. He said he didn’t remember the date of it but was asked to consider that.
Time Warner- Director Dodson said if anyone's cable reception is a problem, provide her with your lot info. A question was asked about service charges. Owners are responsible from the outside hookup box to your TV. It was also expressed that any damage to the property by TW will be repaired.
Microphones- Director McBride said we are now using three new microphones.
Office Computer & LIV website – Director Steffensen said the office computers are on hold until financials. LIV website has received three quotes; Rio Tech-$3630+$60 per hr, Blue Starfish Design -$1990 + $25 per hr., and MCC studios at $14,400 + $125 per hr. Director Steffensen recommended Blue Starfish Design. Motion was made to use them and was approved.
Fire Hydrant- Director McBride said he talked to the Fire Marshall and made arrangements to test the hydrants. He said there was no real record in the minutes of these fire hydrant bids. He said I won’t bring it up again.
Bath Houses – Director McBride said the signoff sheets are not being signed as frequently as before and feels that the cleaning of the areas are slipping a bit. After a three minute orientation from the GM about the sheets being torn off and trashed, Director McBride said that this was not the problem he was concerned with. It was that the areas are not being clean.
Major Improvement fund for 2009 - Director Steffensen said we borrowed $18,000 out of the operating capital to pay cost towards the sewer line removal and wants to replace it back in to operating capital. There was a long discussion of if this is where the money should be relocated.
NEW BUSSINESS
Allocation of $2000 to Bridge Board for the channel depth certification – P. Sullivan said they will not make such an allocation.
Aramark Contract, Utilities + one year contract-Director Hansen wished to have utilities work by Aramark employees better defined. He also wishes to have a one year instead of multiple contracts for Aramark only since they are already established and because it does not benefit our Village at all having multi-year contracts with them at this time. This was not approved.
Berry Pool Contract Agreement – Director Burke was not discussed.
Pool Consultant – Director McBride had the GM tell everyone the consultant after supposedly a quick look is doing this work for free.
Forming Standing Committees - Director Hansen had numerous category committees he wished to have assembled. It’s under advisement.
Benches at the Bridge, Sand dollar, and the letter lots – P. Sullivan said they are still being decided as to the exact locations and will purchase two more.
Counter Suing Arroyo Cable – Director Hansen thought such would help get rid of their cable equipment they have abandoned and possibly help the current litigation case.
Property minus utilities-Director McBride wanted it noted that the Board will back up management in calling law enforcement when people steal electricity from a neighboring lot.
LIV Questionnaire – Director Hansen ended up saying this questionnaire will more than likely be sent as an insert with our newsletter and will not be in the electoral owner packets.
Saturday Board meetings- Director McBride ended up having Saturday Coffee and Regular Meetings happening every three months at 9am.
Burr Clover – Director McBride asked for management to apply weed killer.
Pickle Ball – Director Dodson has obtained the approval from the Board for Pickle Ball to be played on our tennis courts.
ADJOURMENT
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
OWNERS SPEAKING ON AGENDA ITEMS
Don Pelletier made a suggestion that future contracts have the manager’s signature on them also.
Director Mulch said he was ashamed with the way the board had handled the Security and Time Warner contracts. He said the security contract was completely controlled by Director Dodson’s committee and the Board was never brought in as a whole to discuss it. He said he was not allowed to see any of the bids, management was not allowed to have any impute but they will have to end up managing security. He said that it was arranged that the Board would control security instead of management. He said the contract was just a standard two page contract. In a nutshell he said it was vague and didn’t specify the exact duties to be performed. He said the only way to have the exact things you wanted to have security do was to bring in the Board and management. The same is said by him on the Time Warner contract. The manager never saw the contract. He complained management had no say but had to repair the problems.
Director Dodson’s response to both Don Pelletier and Director Mulch was that everyone was informed. Management was invited to all security meetings and only came to the last one. She said the Board approves these contracts after all were given the opportunity to review the contracts. She stated that she worked very hard on both and is not going to make any apologies when and if any member here who may have not received or lost their copies had to only asked her for another.
Director Burke said she did not see the Time Warner contract until after it was done and thought that Director Steffensen didn’t either.
PRESIDENTS REMARKS
Show of hands for the Saturday attendees that isn’t able to make Wed. meeting.
GM REPORT
There was nothing note worthy except pool and spa plastering is done and curing. Bathhouse one is going to be remodeled this week. Director Hansen asked about the treadmill down. Part on order was the response. Director McBride asked the GM about him saying there was no drain for the outdoor pool when there seems to be one and if that is in compliance. He said that is not a pump drain. He said it was an indicator drain showing that there is water underneath the pool when you drain it so it doesn’t pull the pool out of the ground. He said there is a new entrapment grate installed. Director McBride asked we were in compliance. Our GM said we are in complete compliance for all our pools and hot tubs.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
Nov.19th and Dec. 17th 2008 minutes were approved
TREASURER’S REPORT
Revenue Centers all lost for a total of $78,278 more in 2008 than in 2007.
Director Hansen’s had a concern of approving a different monthly revenue number in the minutes than what is in actual months end.
The Board tabled a decision of where to transfer $20,000 until the budget is approved.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Audit Committee – Director Steffensen said the two areas talked about were the Village Grill and Petty Cash.They have had 28 meetings toward four revenue areas since August. They have made a total of 51 recommendations and have 20 in place so far. She went on to explain numerous avenues and examples of the different items changed and looked at for the Village Grill.
Director Steffensen made a motion for the Board to accept the Audit Committee’s Village Grill recommendations. Approved
The Petty Cash became a topic of discussion after the explanation of numerous recommendations. When Director Steffensen made the motion for the Board to accept the Audit Committee’s Petty Cash recommendations.
Director Hansen stated that manager’s personal use recommendation on the credit card was a little weak. He said on August 12th our GM used his Aramark credit card to purchase tires and wheels for his vehicle. Because he only had a $500 limit, He then used another manager’s Aramark credit card for an additional $58.61 towards the purchase. Director Hansen said we brought this up at the Coffee with the Directors meeting on August 20th and put it on the agenda to discuss at the next regular board meeting. That meeting never came. He said later our GM had said he had paid for this out of his own pocket and it wasn’t personal use on that credit card. Director Hansen said he was then shown a receipt that the wheels and tires were paid for on August 12th and that the GM did not pay that back until August 25th, after it was brought up at a Board meeting. Director Hansen said he thought that was a clear abuse of his credit card.
There was a very long pause with no response from the GM or anyone, then P. Sullivan spoke up and said I don’t think we have to go any further than that, it has been brought to everyone’s attention.
Director Steffensen’s motion was then approved.
Director Dodson made a motion to recommend to the next Board that the audit committee stay intact. That was so noted.
D&E Committee – Director Dodson explained a tremendous number of activities, way too many to list here.
Safety Committee – Director McBride talked about the coming Hurricane season and touched on attending these meetings because they will be very informative. There were other comments about owners anchoring their possessions and empty their freezers. An updated insert will be sent in LIV newsletter.
Golf Committee – P. Sullivan said there is a new driving net. Director Peterson wanted everyone to thanked Kurt and Jenny from Marlin Construction for their donations of material and labor.
Management Committee – Director Burke said they have had two proposals from additional Management companies. They will try to have their report by the annual meeting.
Pool Committee – Director Steffensen said they have purchase 30 chairs at the cost of $3300. The chairs being replaced had a motion to be sold at $10 each on Monday Feb.2nd. Motion was approved.
Election Committee – Director McBride had Becky Ray speak who is one of five on this committee. She made a thorough presentation which fully explained our somewhat different and difficult election procedure. Candidate’s night is on March 2nd, 7pm at the Rec. Hall. They will have a question box located at the Activity Center from Feb 11th-25th from which it will receive question forms filled out by owners on subjects they would like the candidates to answer. She said all packets will be mailed because we are under the umbrella of the courts and there are changes in these packets, so read them carefully. Every ballot must be signed. No ballot will be made public. She said this election has been designated by the court to be handled by Long Chilton, LLP firm and will be extremely expensive.
Security Committee – Director Dodson said this committee is an ongoing committee that is not here to run security.
There was a 15 minute recess
UNFINISHED BUSINES
This started with our GM wanting to put something to bed. He said he had made arrangements before the hurricane to get his truck painted. He said that this arrangement was canceled due to the hurricane. He said that after the hurricane he had it painted. He said he had a receipt for that and a cancel check from his personal checking account for the $600 he put down. He said he also had a cancel check from his personal account of $650 for the balance of payment. He said he paid out of his own personal account for a paint job. He said after the hurricane in one of the Town Hall meetings, it was brought up that they were going to present paying for my tire damage to the board. He said he purchased the tires, got a receipt and put it on the credit card. He said he withheld the receipt because he knew the credit card receipt would not be due for thirty days, thus waiting to present this to the Board. He said it was never brought up so before thirty days was up, he went to the front office and paid $558.61 and here is the receipt. He said Erma when writting him the receipt, mistakenly put the same date that was on the purchase receipt of 8/12/2008. He again said he paid for this out of his own personal money and wants this to be put to bed and not brought up again.
Director Hansen plainly asked the GM, are you suppose to use the Aramark credit card for personal use, yes or no. The GM response was when he bought this the board had made the suggestion that they were going to pay for the tires. Director Hansen repeated his original question and wanted a yes or no. The GM’s answer was yes I can do that. Director Hansen then brought up the wheels which had been purchased along with the tires on the Aramark credit card that were items not damaged and were not suggested to be paid for by the board. The GM said I paid for them. Director Hansen said you paid for them on August 25th, five days after it was brought up in a Board meeting about the paint job and your tires. Our Gm said he was holding the receipt to see if the Board was going to pay for the tires. The receipt that showed our GM paid for the credit card charge was dated on August 12th and not on August 25th when he actually paid. Our GM said it was a mistake and didn’t know about it until yesterday. Director Hansen said you flashed this same receipt at a previous meeting and it certainly appears that someone is playing with the books. Our GM said you have made accusations about me all year. He said I did nothing wrong and I paid for everything myself. Director Hansen asked when Aramark is to do their Audit and wanted them to look into the GM’s use of the Aramark’s credit card. He also said the GM not only used his credit card but Armando’s card as well.
Our Board President interrupted all this to say that he had agreed to pay for the GM’ tires. He said he signed a petty cash check for the tires after the fact. He said he didn’t remember the date of it but was asked to consider that.
Time Warner- Director Dodson said if anyone's cable reception is a problem, provide her with your lot info. A question was asked about service charges. Owners are responsible from the outside hookup box to your TV. It was also expressed that any damage to the property by TW will be repaired.
Microphones- Director McBride said we are now using three new microphones.
Office Computer & LIV website – Director Steffensen said the office computers are on hold until financials. LIV website has received three quotes; Rio Tech-$3630+$60 per hr, Blue Starfish Design -$1990 + $25 per hr., and MCC studios at $14,400 + $125 per hr. Director Steffensen recommended Blue Starfish Design. Motion was made to use them and was approved.
Fire Hydrant- Director McBride said he talked to the Fire Marshall and made arrangements to test the hydrants. He said there was no real record in the minutes of these fire hydrant bids. He said I won’t bring it up again.
Bath Houses – Director McBride said the signoff sheets are not being signed as frequently as before and feels that the cleaning of the areas are slipping a bit. After a three minute orientation from the GM about the sheets being torn off and trashed, Director McBride said that this was not the problem he was concerned with. It was that the areas are not being clean.
Major Improvement fund for 2009 - Director Steffensen said we borrowed $18,000 out of the operating capital to pay cost towards the sewer line removal and wants to replace it back in to operating capital. There was a long discussion of if this is where the money should be relocated.
NEW BUSSINESS
Allocation of $2000 to Bridge Board for the channel depth certification – P. Sullivan said they will not make such an allocation.
Aramark Contract, Utilities + one year contract-Director Hansen wished to have utilities work by Aramark employees better defined. He also wishes to have a one year instead of multiple contracts for Aramark only since they are already established and because it does not benefit our Village at all having multi-year contracts with them at this time. This was not approved.
Berry Pool Contract Agreement – Director Burke was not discussed.
Pool Consultant – Director McBride had the GM tell everyone the consultant after supposedly a quick look is doing this work for free.
Forming Standing Committees - Director Hansen had numerous category committees he wished to have assembled. It’s under advisement.
Benches at the Bridge, Sand dollar, and the letter lots – P. Sullivan said they are still being decided as to the exact locations and will purchase two more.
Counter Suing Arroyo Cable – Director Hansen thought such would help get rid of their cable equipment they have abandoned and possibly help the current litigation case.
Property minus utilities-Director McBride wanted it noted that the Board will back up management in calling law enforcement when people steal electricity from a neighboring lot.
LIV Questionnaire – Director Hansen ended up saying this questionnaire will more than likely be sent as an insert with our newsletter and will not be in the electoral owner packets.
Saturday Board meetings- Director McBride ended up having Saturday Coffee and Regular Meetings happening every three months at 9am.
Burr Clover – Director McBride asked for management to apply weed killer.
Pickle Ball – Director Dodson has obtained the approval from the Board for Pickle Ball to be played on our tennis courts.
ADJOURMENT
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Saturday, January 31, 2009
A TIDBITThe candidates for the nine Director positions are as follows.
Richard Hansen, Virginia Martin, Annita White , Don Halback , Eddie Montalva, Joe Long, Jose Guerra, Martha Nell Dodson, Don Pelletier, Bill Gagan, Ed McBride, Tom Bergsma, Ted Burns, Shirley Ritten, Mary Steffensen, Pat Burke, and Robert Wilson.
Friday, January 30, 2009
JANUARY SUGGESTIONS We would love your suggestion that will improve our Village. Suggestions may be viewed by those visiting. We will renew the display each month. Anonymous are welcomed. So throw one in the box.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
WATER MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
The Board is debating on whether to continue with Berry Pools maintaining control of our pool and spas water chemistry. It’s who you talk to as to whether it has been worth the expense. Although the water has not turned cloudy and green as many times as before, there have been some new problems with body hair loss and garment color change.
Our last Board thought this service might serve better and lessen the many complaints. Management seemed unable to master the pool operation, especially in the water chemistry area. This was taken out of their hands with using this system that monitors and adjusts automatically.
When this service was originally presented I got the impression that if the water system had any problem; Berry Pools would see to it immediately. They instead appear to rely on our Village to identify chemical or mechanical problems and wait to be contacted.
Management initially said that this system would save our Village 30% towards the chemical costs. That has never been shown to have happened.
At first I thought this was a good idea since having unknowable pool operators being trained by management with questionable experience. Now after seeing we have some of the same problems with a few new ones, I have grown somewhat reluctant.
What we will receive for $17,940 a year.
1. Our Village gets to use 4 controllers, 2 power base chlorinators, and 3 suction feeders that will regulate the chemicals in the water for both pools and each spa. This equipment will be owned and maintained solely by Berry Pools.
2. This system should have a “call out alarm conditions” to 4 pager numbers or e-mail addresses. If it does Berry Pool’s contract says it still depends upon on verbal notification from the customer of mechanical or chemical problems.
3. The monthly fee apparently does not include chemicals used and the Village will have to pay market price for them. That seems to mean our Village pays full retail price and not wholesale.
4. Berry Pools makes the decision on how frequently they need to visit our Village for the proper operation of their equipment. They are supposed to keep the chemical feeders filled.
5. The BP contract makes our Village agree to let them add 18% finance charge if Aramark pays our bill late.
6. Berry Pools will receive chemical data at two hours intervals for 30 days so LIV may have a copy at month’s end.
That’s pretty much it.
Overall we get the use of their equipment to keep the chemicals in our water stabilized and recorded. If called, they will fix or adjust any problem with said equipment at no charge, unless it was cause from property negligence, vandalism, pool draining, faulty electric, inadequate circulations, or an Act of God. This does not include such things as our pumps, heaters, filters, and everything else. This for only $17,940 a year plus market price for their chemicals.
What’s interesting is this $17,940 Berry Pools receives as a service charge, is more than what Aramark has paid any previous pool operator to maintain the entire operation of the facilities. Add in the current pool operator's wages and you are well over $30,000 a year.
Aramark’s contract says they are to provide us with personnel and management to
1. Check and maintain pool water quality-pH and chlorine.
2. Check water temperature of spas and indoor and adjust as needed keep Berry Pools and
3. Check and adjust the pool equipment.
If the Board decides to spend this extra $17,940 a year to do management’s job for them, shouldn’t our Village get reimbursed? If our Board elects to do away with Berry Pools, shouldn't we demand that management and their staff perform to their contractual duties?
This was approved to apparently help a bad situation and get this pool monkey off the backs of management and the old Board at the cost of the owners. It would be interesting to compare last year’s chemical cost to that of three years ago.
Should we keep them?
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Tuesday, January 27, 2009
January 21, 2009 COFFEE W/ DIRECTORS
Pledge of Allegiance
VP Young reading from the suggestion box
SC 85 asked about cluster mail boxes with the numbers corresponding to the lots. Director Burke commented that there is also a possibility of a rural route for our Village. Director Hansen commented on our current problems. Someone from the audience mentioned there was a certified post office person that resides in our park. An owner complained about all the problems she has gone through and said please don’t change a thing or it will be all messed up again.
Lot 288 commented on the non participation of our management with helping with the Time Warner installation. Director Burke was quick to say management didn’t receive a copy of the contract until nine days ago and then asked if the construction plans was done as it requested in the TW contract. She asked if Director Dodson had followed up with this since she was handling the contract. Director Dodson said she only helped to negotiate the contract and nothing beyond that except take calls. Director Dodson also said she put a copy of the contract on our GM’s desk personally. The GM denies ever receiving one. The GM did interrupt to say he verbally gave the layout of the Village to the TW engineer. He inferred that he did get all the location of the lines flagged. He mentioned that it was not in his contract to do that. He said he worked with them day and night. Director Dodson said she had a problem when our GM had told owners he had nothing to do with TW and if you have a problem her. She expects management to address problem calls. She also said once policy is approved, management is suppose to follow up with it and that has not happened. There was a back and forth about what Aramark’s contract with this and questions of who is responsible for the follow through with a TW situation.. Our GM gave our owners a history lesson of how he many times went outside the scope of the contract to do things. He took twenty minutes talking about how he has helped doing this and that. He then yelled at Jim Peterson for saying something which started this back and forth verbage.
Lot 28 thanked Director Dodson for her effort with TW and wanted people to look at this positively. He said things should be more documented. He said if this is done it would make people more accountable.
Lot ? Asked when TW is going to connect the TV in the exercise room. Answer was it is to be the last connection.
Lot 380 said that certain Board members are supposed to represent owners and not Aramark. It was asked for the ones doing this to quit it.
Lot 333 said their trailer was taken on a different day than scheduled and the appliances that were to be removed, wasn’t. The GM gave the permission to remove the trailer on a weekend after the office supposedly told the owner it had wait until Monday. The owner said he had rescheduled the appliance removal and cleanup for Monday. Owner also had a complaint about a neighbor using his electricity from his outdoor box when they stayed.
Lot R Owner said please consider some new park benches around the Village. Bud Sherry said you buy them and I’ll put them together. One Owner who I didn’t get his name said he would donate one.
Lot 171 said he had concerns about TW installations not being completed with various other questions. Director Dodson answered the questions one at a time.
Lot 617 had a problem with TW finding him as a customer in their system. The Rep. said that until they are completely done and does a final system test, it will not show up as an acct.
There was a short discussion about reclaimed water.
From the audience a man asked if the Board is keeping up with the various lawsuits and if so, how?
Lot 597 asks a question about having the State take over our swing bridge. Still working towards it was the short version answer.
Lot ? Someone asked about a parking lot for the boat trailers. The reply was that is a previous issue if ever done, has to have enough room for all 1024 lots.
There were questions about running for the Board and using teleconferencing.
Lot 853 told everyone to go to the Bridge Board meetings.
Lot 249 made a comment about the President’s statements in January’s newsletter saying they were one way communications, negative, selective, expressing a personal agenda, and seemed to be straight out of this blog.
Lot 28 asked if the manager Les Heier was related in any way to our GM. Our GM said no.
Lot? Someone made the comment to have someone working at the activity office 8 hrs a day.
Lot 525 thanked Annita White at the activity office for being so friendly to everyone. She has moved to another job.
Lot 120 complained that new $20 bills used in our laundry’s coin machine doesn’t work.
Lot 679 announce the Blood mobile will be here Feb. 10th from 8am-12
Annita White thanked everyone and explained her future job as a music director.
It was announced that on the 28th at 7pm Hello Dolly speaker forum will be held.
Work Shop
Agenda about LIV’s contribution towards paying half of a certified survey to reroute the intercostals waterway costing approximately $2000 was made. This was discussed at length.
Agenda for bench sites was made.
Agenda for three new Board Meeting microphones
Director Steffensen wishes to have on the agenda I believe the Revenue and expense projections for our legal and major improvement fund.
GM said he obtained a consultant by the name of Bob Hendricks from a company called Zebra International to layout our pool facility problems. It was asked how much will he cost. The GM didn’t know.
Director Hansen wanted on the agenda to talk about having various committees such as finance, Insurance, building and grounds.
Director Hansen wanted Aramark’s contract to have more clarification on management’s responsibility towards utilities. He also wanted to keep to a one year contract.
There was a question about a counter suit against Arroyo Cable for the removal of their equipment.
Director Peterson wanted on the agenda to talk about ways to make our Restaurant and Rental dept. from losing so much money or possibly eliminating both of them. Director Burke’s reply was ambiguous but definitely argumentative toward him when she wanted to include all the amenities.
Director Hansen wanted the Berry Pool contract on the agenda. The cost is now up to $1495 a month plus supplies.
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Pledge of Allegiance
VP Young reading from the suggestion box
SC 85 asked about cluster mail boxes with the numbers corresponding to the lots. Director Burke commented that there is also a possibility of a rural route for our Village. Director Hansen commented on our current problems. Someone from the audience mentioned there was a certified post office person that resides in our park. An owner complained about all the problems she has gone through and said please don’t change a thing or it will be all messed up again.
Lot 288 commented on the non participation of our management with helping with the Time Warner installation. Director Burke was quick to say management didn’t receive a copy of the contract until nine days ago and then asked if the construction plans was done as it requested in the TW contract. She asked if Director Dodson had followed up with this since she was handling the contract. Director Dodson said she only helped to negotiate the contract and nothing beyond that except take calls. Director Dodson also said she put a copy of the contract on our GM’s desk personally. The GM denies ever receiving one. The GM did interrupt to say he verbally gave the layout of the Village to the TW engineer. He inferred that he did get all the location of the lines flagged. He mentioned that it was not in his contract to do that. He said he worked with them day and night. Director Dodson said she had a problem when our GM had told owners he had nothing to do with TW and if you have a problem her. She expects management to address problem calls. She also said once policy is approved, management is suppose to follow up with it and that has not happened. There was a back and forth about what Aramark’s contract with this and questions of who is responsible for the follow through with a TW situation.. Our GM gave our owners a history lesson of how he many times went outside the scope of the contract to do things. He took twenty minutes talking about how he has helped doing this and that. He then yelled at Jim Peterson for saying something which started this back and forth verbage.
Lot 28 thanked Director Dodson for her effort with TW and wanted people to look at this positively. He said things should be more documented. He said if this is done it would make people more accountable.
Lot ? Asked when TW is going to connect the TV in the exercise room. Answer was it is to be the last connection.
Lot 380 said that certain Board members are supposed to represent owners and not Aramark. It was asked for the ones doing this to quit it.
Lot 333 said their trailer was taken on a different day than scheduled and the appliances that were to be removed, wasn’t. The GM gave the permission to remove the trailer on a weekend after the office supposedly told the owner it had wait until Monday. The owner said he had rescheduled the appliance removal and cleanup for Monday. Owner also had a complaint about a neighbor using his electricity from his outdoor box when they stayed.
Lot R Owner said please consider some new park benches around the Village. Bud Sherry said you buy them and I’ll put them together. One Owner who I didn’t get his name said he would donate one.
Lot 171 said he had concerns about TW installations not being completed with various other questions. Director Dodson answered the questions one at a time.
Lot 617 had a problem with TW finding him as a customer in their system. The Rep. said that until they are completely done and does a final system test, it will not show up as an acct.
There was a short discussion about reclaimed water.
From the audience a man asked if the Board is keeping up with the various lawsuits and if so, how?
Lot 597 asks a question about having the State take over our swing bridge. Still working towards it was the short version answer.
Lot ? Someone asked about a parking lot for the boat trailers. The reply was that is a previous issue if ever done, has to have enough room for all 1024 lots.
There were questions about running for the Board and using teleconferencing.
Lot 853 told everyone to go to the Bridge Board meetings.
Lot 249 made a comment about the President’s statements in January’s newsletter saying they were one way communications, negative, selective, expressing a personal agenda, and seemed to be straight out of this blog.
Lot 28 asked if the manager Les Heier was related in any way to our GM. Our GM said no.
Lot? Someone made the comment to have someone working at the activity office 8 hrs a day.
Lot 525 thanked Annita White at the activity office for being so friendly to everyone. She has moved to another job.
Lot 120 complained that new $20 bills used in our laundry’s coin machine doesn’t work.
Lot 679 announce the Blood mobile will be here Feb. 10th from 8am-12
Annita White thanked everyone and explained her future job as a music director.
It was announced that on the 28th at 7pm Hello Dolly speaker forum will be held.
Work Shop
Agenda about LIV’s contribution towards paying half of a certified survey to reroute the intercostals waterway costing approximately $2000 was made. This was discussed at length.
Agenda for bench sites was made.
Agenda for three new Board Meeting microphones
Director Steffensen wishes to have on the agenda I believe the Revenue and expense projections for our legal and major improvement fund.
GM said he obtained a consultant by the name of Bob Hendricks from a company called Zebra International to layout our pool facility problems. It was asked how much will he cost. The GM didn’t know.
Director Hansen wanted on the agenda to talk about having various committees such as finance, Insurance, building and grounds.
Director Hansen wanted Aramark’s contract to have more clarification on management’s responsibility towards utilities. He also wanted to keep to a one year contract.
There was a question about a counter suit against Arroyo Cable for the removal of their equipment.
Director Peterson wanted on the agenda to talk about ways to make our Restaurant and Rental dept. from losing so much money or possibly eliminating both of them. Director Burke’s reply was ambiguous but definitely argumentative toward him when she wanted to include all the amenities.
Director Hansen wanted the Berry Pool contract on the agenda. The cost is now up to $1495 a month plus supplies.
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Thursday, January 22, 2009
THE MANAGER’S REPORT
Below we have the general manager’s fire hydrant report taken from our Village Newsletter for January. It seems to read that change orders and one of three bids supposedly reviewed for this fire hydrant relocation were approved by the Board before this work was ever started. It implies that Director Dodson voided the check to pay the contractor because she had misunderstood this.
(Manager’s report)
The Fire Hydrant is complete. Landscaped around it. Did excavation and meets standards of fire plugs. Larry continued to give history of how he had received three bids, the Board voted for the $6,000 bid, which was the low bid. The bid was for moving the fire plug and adding a new plug valve. Bid was made on what bidder could see. If something comes up that is unforeseen then that has to be added. To meet standards of fireplugs, risers had to be ordered and labor was additional. That was an additional$1,000 (labor included). So a check was made for $7,000 which Dir. Young signed without question and then the check was sent to Dir. Dodson who voided the check because the Board had only voted on paying $6,000, the original price. Now GM is asking for the Board’s approval to pay for the extra materials and labor to bring the fire plug up to standard.
This summation appears dissimilar in the way this chain of events actually unfolded and left out some important elements which should be mentioned. The following is a more accurate synopsis.
During our 9/4/2008 rescheduled Regular Board meeting, Director McBride said he thought there may be a safety issue on a recent relocation of a fire hydrant. He also asked why this fire hydrant was out of commission for 10 months when it only had to be relocated across the street from its old spot. It was decided to discuss this further at the next Board Workshop.
Due to the lawsuit, this next Workshop didn’t happen until 10/15/2008 where Director McBride reiterated his concerns about the hydrant height and relocation cost. Our GM explained that the Port Isabel’s Fire Marshall didn’t have a problem with the hydrant, but this being out of his jurisdiction; he of course wouldn’t approve it. The GM said many of Port Isabel’s fire hydrants are as low as this one. The only action our GM wanted to do about this was to dig around it some more. Director McBride insisted that our Village is paying for a correct installation, not an improper one. The GM said he did not see how he would be able to get this contractor back in without information about the required Fire Department’s height standards in which to prove to him that he improperly installed it.
At first this seemed to make a lot of sense until the minutes for the June 28th, 2006 Regular Board Meeting revealed that our GM reported “#12. Fire Hydrants at Sea Cottages have been brought to the Fire Departments required height.” One would think if he knew then the requirements, should not he know them now? If one of the GM’s responsibilities is to oversee work done in our Village, should he not have known this hydrant was not at its proper height immediately and made the contractor aware to do it right?
At the 10/22/2008 Board meeting Director McBride provided the national and local fire hydrant height requirements off the internet, with pictures. The GM seemed to ignore this to say he had just talked to the contractor and he is coming out to correct this situation at no charge to LIV what-so-ever.
(Manager’s report)
Dir. Dodson said that the Board had been told at the last board meeting that the company would honor the $6,000 amount. Then she was presented with a check in the amount of $7,000 for signature ($1,000 more) so she voided the check in the interest of the resort.
After the fire hydrant was finally installed correctly, the contractor’s check was made out by the management staff and apparently delivered to Directors Young and Dodson by mistake for signatures. It had two invoices with one thought to showing the exact opposite of what our GM had stated. Director Dodson voided this check to insure it was not paid until she, the Board, and owners had an explanation.
This explanation came at the following 11/19/2008 Director’s meeting when our GM gave everyone in attendance a long lesson about how contractors only bid on what they see and their use of change orders. He said there was a change order to raise this fire hydrant to its proper height and this of course added to the cost.
To my knowledge, this was the first time change orders have ever been mentioned in a Board meeting. He made no endeavor to explain his previous proclamation that the contractor was to do this at no charge.
(Manager’s report)
Now GM is asking for the Board's approval to pay for the extra materials and labor to bring the fire plug up to standard. Dir.
McBride reported that the company had overcharged. South Padre Island company charges under $4,000. He said that if Larry had asked for people who do this in the Port Isabel, South Padre Island area, it would have been for a considerable less amount of money. Larry replied that the 6" valve was moved across the street and the Board did approve the bid.
Or did they?
The only mention in the minutes about this hydrant was found on November 21st, 2007. Armando said “Water leak at Lot 27. Fixed. Fire hydrant not working.” That’s it.
If our previous Board did approve this $6000 open end bid to put in a new valve and relocate this fire hydrant, they would have made a motion and given an approval for such at a scheduled board meeting. Without question this would have been recorded in the minutes.
To this date, there is no other record found in the minutes to indicate three bids were ever reviewed as our GM claims, much less having one bid receiving a motion for approval. To my knowledge no previous LIV Boards have ever approved an open ended bid without the maximum amount of overage at least being specified.
(Manager’s report)
Dir. McBride mentioned that he could not find a motion on item anywhere in the minutes.
Dir. Hansen commented, as a follow up, that he was unable to find a bid. Could GM provide before this board. Pres. Sullivan requested that Sec. Mulch provide minutes that will show that $6,000 was approved by Board.
Wouldn’t owner’s best interests be served with the assurance that this expenditure had a Board approval? Should we be fools in believing it was approved but nobody knows just exactly when or where, along with it somehow was not recorded in the minutes? Directors on the Board have requested documentation showing when it was approved. Are they going to be ignored?
Owners are also deserving of a very good explanation as to why our GM so clearly said in a board meeting right to their faces that there would be no charge to LIV what so ever while quietly slapping our Village with a $1000 invoice and having to eventually force feed us with this ridiculous change order story after this money took notice, check stopped, and required some answers?
Are owners once again being told one thing only to find out it’s another? Is this to become a permanent reoccurring theme within our Village? Is this happening because accountability cannot be effectively enforced?
This summer six of our Board members had tried to promote accountability and were frequently taunted by a small group of owners with moans, verbal abuses, heckling, smear tactics, and let's not forget an invalid director recall. It was topped off by these currently pending lawsuits against these same directors which have all but tied their hands on enforcing what little management accountability there was.
Which brings me to this last concern? If management wanted our Village to pay $1000 for work which ended up being negotiated for 35% less, why wasn’t it negotiated from the start? Is this the procedure for all Village transactions? This makes one wonder just how wisely our Village money is really being spent and if the Village’s best interest are being served?
A person cannot help but feel that they’ve been hosed about this hydrant relocation venture?
When is all this crap going to end and management accountability really begin?
Read more on this article...
Below we have the general manager’s fire hydrant report taken from our Village Newsletter for January. It seems to read that change orders and one of three bids supposedly reviewed for this fire hydrant relocation were approved by the Board before this work was ever started. It implies that Director Dodson voided the check to pay the contractor because she had misunderstood this.
(Manager’s report)
The Fire Hydrant is complete. Landscaped around it. Did excavation and meets standards of fire plugs. Larry continued to give history of how he had received three bids, the Board voted for the $6,000 bid, which was the low bid. The bid was for moving the fire plug and adding a new plug valve. Bid was made on what bidder could see. If something comes up that is unforeseen then that has to be added. To meet standards of fireplugs, risers had to be ordered and labor was additional. That was an additional$1,000 (labor included). So a check was made for $7,000 which Dir. Young signed without question and then the check was sent to Dir. Dodson who voided the check because the Board had only voted on paying $6,000, the original price. Now GM is asking for the Board’s approval to pay for the extra materials and labor to bring the fire plug up to standard.
This summation appears dissimilar in the way this chain of events actually unfolded and left out some important elements which should be mentioned. The following is a more accurate synopsis.
During our 9/4/2008 rescheduled Regular Board meeting, Director McBride said he thought there may be a safety issue on a recent relocation of a fire hydrant. He also asked why this fire hydrant was out of commission for 10 months when it only had to be relocated across the street from its old spot. It was decided to discuss this further at the next Board Workshop.
Due to the lawsuit, this next Workshop didn’t happen until 10/15/2008 where Director McBride reiterated his concerns about the hydrant height and relocation cost. Our GM explained that the Port Isabel’s Fire Marshall didn’t have a problem with the hydrant, but this being out of his jurisdiction; he of course wouldn’t approve it. The GM said many of Port Isabel’s fire hydrants are as low as this one. The only action our GM wanted to do about this was to dig around it some more. Director McBride insisted that our Village is paying for a correct installation, not an improper one. The GM said he did not see how he would be able to get this contractor back in without information about the required Fire Department’s height standards in which to prove to him that he improperly installed it.
At first this seemed to make a lot of sense until the minutes for the June 28th, 2006 Regular Board Meeting revealed that our GM reported “#12. Fire Hydrants at Sea Cottages have been brought to the Fire Departments required height.” One would think if he knew then the requirements, should not he know them now? If one of the GM’s responsibilities is to oversee work done in our Village, should he not have known this hydrant was not at its proper height immediately and made the contractor aware to do it right?
At the 10/22/2008 Board meeting Director McBride provided the national and local fire hydrant height requirements off the internet, with pictures. The GM seemed to ignore this to say he had just talked to the contractor and he is coming out to correct this situation at no charge to LIV what-so-ever.
(Manager’s report)
Dir. Dodson said that the Board had been told at the last board meeting that the company would honor the $6,000 amount. Then she was presented with a check in the amount of $7,000 for signature ($1,000 more) so she voided the check in the interest of the resort.
After the fire hydrant was finally installed correctly, the contractor’s check was made out by the management staff and apparently delivered to Directors Young and Dodson by mistake for signatures. It had two invoices with one thought to showing the exact opposite of what our GM had stated. Director Dodson voided this check to insure it was not paid until she, the Board, and owners had an explanation.
This explanation came at the following 11/19/2008 Director’s meeting when our GM gave everyone in attendance a long lesson about how contractors only bid on what they see and their use of change orders. He said there was a change order to raise this fire hydrant to its proper height and this of course added to the cost.
To my knowledge, this was the first time change orders have ever been mentioned in a Board meeting. He made no endeavor to explain his previous proclamation that the contractor was to do this at no charge.
(Manager’s report)
Now GM is asking for the Board's approval to pay for the extra materials and labor to bring the fire plug up to standard. Dir.
McBride reported that the company had overcharged. South Padre Island company charges under $4,000. He said that if Larry had asked for people who do this in the Port Isabel, South Padre Island area, it would have been for a considerable less amount of money. Larry replied that the 6" valve was moved across the street and the Board did approve the bid.
Or did they?
The only mention in the minutes about this hydrant was found on November 21st, 2007. Armando said “Water leak at Lot 27. Fixed. Fire hydrant not working.” That’s it.
If our previous Board did approve this $6000 open end bid to put in a new valve and relocate this fire hydrant, they would have made a motion and given an approval for such at a scheduled board meeting. Without question this would have been recorded in the minutes.
To this date, there is no other record found in the minutes to indicate three bids were ever reviewed as our GM claims, much less having one bid receiving a motion for approval. To my knowledge no previous LIV Boards have ever approved an open ended bid without the maximum amount of overage at least being specified.
(Manager’s report)
Dir. McBride mentioned that he could not find a motion on item anywhere in the minutes.
Dir. Hansen commented, as a follow up, that he was unable to find a bid. Could GM provide before this board. Pres. Sullivan requested that Sec. Mulch provide minutes that will show that $6,000 was approved by Board.
Wouldn’t owner’s best interests be served with the assurance that this expenditure had a Board approval? Should we be fools in believing it was approved but nobody knows just exactly when or where, along with it somehow was not recorded in the minutes? Directors on the Board have requested documentation showing when it was approved. Are they going to be ignored?
Owners are also deserving of a very good explanation as to why our GM so clearly said in a board meeting right to their faces that there would be no charge to LIV what so ever while quietly slapping our Village with a $1000 invoice and having to eventually force feed us with this ridiculous change order story after this money took notice, check stopped, and required some answers?
Are owners once again being told one thing only to find out it’s another? Is this to become a permanent reoccurring theme within our Village? Is this happening because accountability cannot be effectively enforced?
This summer six of our Board members had tried to promote accountability and were frequently taunted by a small group of owners with moans, verbal abuses, heckling, smear tactics, and let's not forget an invalid director recall. It was topped off by these currently pending lawsuits against these same directors which have all but tied their hands on enforcing what little management accountability there was.
Which brings me to this last concern? If management wanted our Village to pay $1000 for work which ended up being negotiated for 35% less, why wasn’t it negotiated from the start? Is this the procedure for all Village transactions? This makes one wonder just how wisely our Village money is really being spent and if the Village’s best interest are being served?
A person cannot help but feel that they’ve been hosed about this hydrant relocation venture?
When is all this crap going to end and management accountability really begin?
Read more on this article...
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
A TIDBIT
Good news!
The new Hayward WGX1048E VGB drain covers have been installed for the indoor pool and hot tubs. I hope our management has figured out what
to install for the second level of entrapment protection for the pool. The hot tubs may need the second also.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO TO BECOME COMPLIANT
• On all drains, install a NEW ASME/ANSI A112.19.8 performance standard anti-vortex or anti-entrapment cover (currently being developed)
• On all pools or spas that have single drains that are not unblockable OR two main drains measuring less than 36” apart (three-feet from center to center ) per pump must have at least one additional level of entrapment protection (See above)
Read more on this article...
TIME WARNER MEETING
We had our Time Warner sales rep. here Tuesday answering questions. He started out on the wrong foot by being an hour late. He didn’t have any bundling prices to hand out because there seems to be none since we already have the $49.99 Standard Service (Basic and Expanded Basic Service) being taken out of our condo fees at under $11. Don’t take this wrong because as you can see our Standard Service being paid in our condo fees is so low, any item at its price below which makes up a bundle still appears lower that their packaged bundle special prices for this area.
Services
Analog Cable Packages Cost Per Month
Basic Service $22.00
Standard Service (Basic and Expanded Basic Service) $49.99
It is my understanding that this is what we pay in our condo fees
Digital Cable Package (HD) Cost Per Month
Standard Service, Digital Basic, 48 CD-Quality Music
Choice Channels, Free on Demand, access to Video On
Demand, access to Pay-Per-View & the On-Screen
Interactive Program Guide
$51.99
This was said to be available to us for $15 a month.
The rest below seems to be the price for what you want to add.
Digital Premium Services Cost Per Month
Digital HBO Multiplex (15 screens)* $14.99
Digital Cinemax Multiplex (12 screens) $9.99
Digital Showtime Multiplex (14 screens)* $14.99
Digital TMC Multiplex (4 screens) $9.99
Digital Starz! Multiplex (10 screens)¨ $12.95
Double Feature -Choice of 2 Premiums $24.99
(Excludes Cinemax and TMC together)
Movie Mogul (All Premiums) $39.99
*Includes screens of HDTV, which require High Definition
Receiver, available from Time Warner Cable
¨Starz! On Demand not yet available
Below is the site to show what programs you get for what package or service
http://www.timewarnercable.com/MediaLibrary/4/53/Content%20Management/Products%20And%20Services/documents/RGV%20FINAL.pdf
Digital Services Cost Per Month
Navigator (Includes on-screen guide, Music Choice) $4.00
Digital Cable $6.99
Movie Service $6.99
Mas Canales $6.99
Sports Service $6.99
High Definition Service* $6.99
Sports/HD* Package $11.99
Family Choice $12.99
All Access TV Tier (Includes Movie Service, Sports Service
and HD* Service)
$17.99
Digital Video Recorder Service (DVR) $9.99
High Definition DVR Recorder Service (HD DVR)* $9.99
Digital Additional Outlet Fee $1.50
*Includes screens of HDTV, which require High Definition
Receiver, available from Time Warner Cable
Video On Demand Cost
Premiums On Demand* $6.95
New Releases $4.99 each
New Releases in HD $5.99 each
Library Title $1.99 each & up
Adult Programming $11.99 each & up
*Must subscribe to matching premium multiplex to receive
Premiums On Demand
Equipment Cost Per Month
Addressable Receiver $7.68
Non-addressable Converter $.55
Remote $.31
CableCard $2.99
High-Speed Online Services Cost Per Month
High-Speed Online Service $44.99
Wireless Home Networking* $9.99
Road Runner Turbo (Add-on)* $9.95
*Price is additional to regular High Speed Online monthly rate.
Digital Home Phone Services Cost Per Month
Unlimited local and long distance throughout Texas, across the U.S.,
Canada, Puerto Rico and most U.S. territories; Caller ID, Call Waiting, Call
Waiting ID and Call Forwarding
Digital Home Phone Service $44.99
Digital In State Phone Texas $39.99
Digital Local Phone $34.99
Digital Home Phone Service Voice Mail $3.95
Unpublished Phone Number $5.50
International OnePrice Calling Plan* (Add-On) $19.95
*International OnePrice Calling plan is available to customers who
subscribe to any Digital Phone calling plan and Digital Cable
and/or Road Runner High Speed Online. Up to 1,000 minutes
allowed per month on calling Plan to over 100 countries.
Service Protection Plan Cost Per Month
Total Home SPP (Video/HSD/Digital Home Phone) $4.95
Installation One-time Charge
Video Installation $39.99
High Speed Online Installation $39.99
Digital Phone Installation $39.99
Truck Roll $39.99
Installation of Unwired Homes (New Unwired Homes) $59.99
Port Number Fee $20.00
Activate and certify existing wired outlet – same trip $15.99
Additional Outlet (at install) $19.99
Additional Outlet (separate trip) $39.99
Addressable Change of Service $1.99
Transfer within serviceable area $19.99
Wireless Home Networking Installation $49.99
Additional Computer Wireless Home Networking
Installation
$49.99
Wall Fish $49.99
Fees One-time Charge
Field Collection Fee $15.00
NSF Fee $30.00
PPV Movie or Event Convenience Fee $5.00
Late Payment Fee (30 days) $2.95
Late Payment Fee (45 days) additional $2.00
Early Equipment Return Fee $15.00
In Person Transaction Fee $2.00
Call Center Payment Fee $2.00
Unreturned Equipment Fees One-time Charge
Non-Addressable Converter $100.00
Addressable Analog Converter $200.00
Digital Receiver $200.00
DVR-Enabled Receiver $350.00
HD DVR-Enabled Receiver $450.00
High Definition Receiver $450.00
Remote Control $20.00
Cable Modem $100.00
Phone Modem $200.00
CableCARDTM $100.00
Wireless USB Adapter/NIC Card $35.00
Dongle $50.00
USB Cord/Ethernet Card/Component Wires $50.00
Modem’s Power Pack $15.00
Read more on this article...
We had our Time Warner sales rep. here Tuesday answering questions. He started out on the wrong foot by being an hour late. He didn’t have any bundling prices to hand out because there seems to be none since we already have the $49.99 Standard Service (Basic and Expanded Basic Service) being taken out of our condo fees at under $11. Don’t take this wrong because as you can see our Standard Service being paid in our condo fees is so low, any item at its price below which makes up a bundle still appears lower that their packaged bundle special prices for this area.
Services
Analog Cable Packages Cost Per Month
Basic Service $22.00
Standard Service (Basic and Expanded Basic Service) $49.99
It is my understanding that this is what we pay in our condo fees
Digital Cable Package (HD) Cost Per Month
Standard Service, Digital Basic, 48 CD-Quality Music
Choice Channels, Free on Demand, access to Video On
Demand, access to Pay-Per-View & the On-Screen
Interactive Program Guide
$51.99
This was said to be available to us for $15 a month.
The rest below seems to be the price for what you want to add.
Digital Premium Services Cost Per Month
Digital HBO Multiplex (15 screens)* $14.99
Digital Cinemax Multiplex (12 screens) $9.99
Digital Showtime Multiplex (14 screens)* $14.99
Digital TMC Multiplex (4 screens) $9.99
Digital Starz! Multiplex (10 screens)¨ $12.95
Double Feature -Choice of 2 Premiums $24.99
(Excludes Cinemax and TMC together)
Movie Mogul (All Premiums) $39.99
*Includes screens of HDTV, which require High Definition
Receiver, available from Time Warner Cable
¨Starz! On Demand not yet available
Below is the site to show what programs you get for what package or service
http://www.timewarnercable.com/MediaLibrary/4/53/Content%20Management/Products%20And%20Services/documents/RGV%20FINAL.pdf
Digital Services Cost Per Month
Navigator (Includes on-screen guide, Music Choice) $4.00
Digital Cable $6.99
Movie Service $6.99
Mas Canales $6.99
Sports Service $6.99
High Definition Service* $6.99
Sports/HD* Package $11.99
Family Choice $12.99
All Access TV Tier (Includes Movie Service, Sports Service
and HD* Service)
$17.99
Digital Video Recorder Service (DVR) $9.99
High Definition DVR Recorder Service (HD DVR)* $9.99
Digital Additional Outlet Fee $1.50
*Includes screens of HDTV, which require High Definition
Receiver, available from Time Warner Cable
Video On Demand Cost
Premiums On Demand* $6.95
New Releases $4.99 each
New Releases in HD $5.99 each
Library Title $1.99 each & up
Adult Programming $11.99 each & up
*Must subscribe to matching premium multiplex to receive
Premiums On Demand
Equipment Cost Per Month
Addressable Receiver $7.68
Non-addressable Converter $.55
Remote $.31
CableCard $2.99
High-Speed Online Services Cost Per Month
High-Speed Online Service $44.99
Wireless Home Networking* $9.99
Road Runner Turbo (Add-on)* $9.95
*Price is additional to regular High Speed Online monthly rate.
Digital Home Phone Services Cost Per Month
Unlimited local and long distance throughout Texas, across the U.S.,
Canada, Puerto Rico and most U.S. territories; Caller ID, Call Waiting, Call
Waiting ID and Call Forwarding
Digital Home Phone Service $44.99
Digital In State Phone Texas $39.99
Digital Local Phone $34.99
Digital Home Phone Service Voice Mail $3.95
Unpublished Phone Number $5.50
International OnePrice Calling Plan* (Add-On) $19.95
*International OnePrice Calling plan is available to customers who
subscribe to any Digital Phone calling plan and Digital Cable
and/or Road Runner High Speed Online. Up to 1,000 minutes
allowed per month on calling Plan to over 100 countries.
Service Protection Plan Cost Per Month
Total Home SPP (Video/HSD/Digital Home Phone) $4.95
Installation One-time Charge
Video Installation $39.99
High Speed Online Installation $39.99
Digital Phone Installation $39.99
Truck Roll $39.99
Installation of Unwired Homes (New Unwired Homes) $59.99
Port Number Fee $20.00
Activate and certify existing wired outlet – same trip $15.99
Additional Outlet (at install) $19.99
Additional Outlet (separate trip) $39.99
Addressable Change of Service $1.99
Transfer within serviceable area $19.99
Wireless Home Networking Installation $49.99
Additional Computer Wireless Home Networking
Installation
$49.99
Wall Fish $49.99
Fees One-time Charge
Field Collection Fee $15.00
NSF Fee $30.00
PPV Movie or Event Convenience Fee $5.00
Late Payment Fee (30 days) $2.95
Late Payment Fee (45 days) additional $2.00
Early Equipment Return Fee $15.00
In Person Transaction Fee $2.00
Call Center Payment Fee $2.00
Unreturned Equipment Fees One-time Charge
Non-Addressable Converter $100.00
Addressable Analog Converter $200.00
Digital Receiver $200.00
DVR-Enabled Receiver $350.00
HD DVR-Enabled Receiver $450.00
High Definition Receiver $450.00
Remote Control $20.00
Cable Modem $100.00
Phone Modem $200.00
CableCARDTM $100.00
Wireless USB Adapter/NIC Card $35.00
Dongle $50.00
USB Cord/Ethernet Card/Component Wires $50.00
Modem’s Power Pack $15.00
Read more on this article...
Thursday, January 08, 2009
HOT TUB RUB
For three weeks I’ve wanted to use the outdoor hot tub. As a precaution on Christmas Eve I tested the water before using it and was glad I did. I found the PH level way too low and didn't risk it. On New Year’s Eve I was back only to right away notice the outdoor hot tub water was starting to turn green. The water was not hot, read zero on chlorine/bromine with a PH reading off the scale low. I tested the indoor hot tub and found both the chlorine/bromine and PH levels also off the scale high. I didn’t dare use either. Yesterday I once again tried the outdoor hot tub and guess what? It again read zero on chlorine/bromine with the PH level way too low. The indoor hot tub read high but usable. A Village couple who said they had lost their body hair using the pool and hot tubs asked me to test the indoor pool. I did and it tested OK.
I find it alarming that we pay over a thousand dollars a month for Berry Pool to do our management’s job to keep what I experience these last three weeks from happening. I noticed one of the drain covers totally missing in the outdoor hot tub along one broken in each the indoor hot tub and pool. We were told by our GM the pool facility was in Federal Law compliance to the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. Obviously it is not. With these drain covers broken and missing, we aren’t even in the easy compliance of the Texas state codes. To make things worse there seems to be no one here who you can really address this problem to? These years of consistent pool problems make management appear inept to solve anything and the answer I get from a senior director is that’s why we have insurance.
Texas Administrative Code
TITLE 25
HEALTH SERVICES
PART 1
DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES
CHAPTER 265
GENERAL SANITATION
SUBCHAPTER L
STANDARDS FOR PUBLIC POOLS AND SPAS
RULE §265.190
Suction Outlets and Return Inlets at Post-10/01/99 and Pre-10/01/99 Pools and Spas
(a) Suction outlets for post-10/01/99 and pre-10/01/99 pools and spas. Any suction outlet system for a post-10/01/99 or pre-10/01/99 pool or spa circulation or filtration system, booster system, automatic cleaning system, solar system, water feature, etc., must be designed to protect against a suction entrapment, evisceration or hair entrapment/entanglement hazard and must comply with this section. Drain covers and grates do not need to be flush with the floor. For the purpose of this section, skimmers are not considered to be suction outlets.
(b) Closure of post-10/01/99 and pre-10/01/99 pools and spas if the suction outlet is defective. If the owner or operator of a post-10/01/99 or pre-10/01/99 pool or spa knows or should have known in the exercise of ordinary care that a cover or grate of a suction outlet (including a vacuum outlet) is missing, broken, or loose, the pool or spa must be closed immediately and the pump(s) must be shut off. The pool or spa must remain closed until a proper repair or replacement has been accomplished. The pool or spa shall not be opened unless all covers or grates are securely installed according to subsection (c)(5) of this section and subsection (g) of this section. Suction outlets must have cover(s) complying with subsection (c)(1) of this section or grate(s) complying with subsection (c)(2) of this section, as well as covers for vacuum outlets complying with subsection (g) of this section.
This situation needs to be addressed before someone becomes ill or injured. The Federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act and as this Texas state code above call for closure of the pools and hot tubs until the time that they are in compliance. This seems to be a poor position to put our Village in for someone who might be looking to sue somebody.
Read more on this article...
For three weeks I’ve wanted to use the outdoor hot tub. As a precaution on Christmas Eve I tested the water before using it and was glad I did. I found the PH level way too low and didn't risk it. On New Year’s Eve I was back only to right away notice the outdoor hot tub water was starting to turn green. The water was not hot, read zero on chlorine/bromine with a PH reading off the scale low. I tested the indoor hot tub and found both the chlorine/bromine and PH levels also off the scale high. I didn’t dare use either. Yesterday I once again tried the outdoor hot tub and guess what? It again read zero on chlorine/bromine with the PH level way too low. The indoor hot tub read high but usable. A Village couple who said they had lost their body hair using the pool and hot tubs asked me to test the indoor pool. I did and it tested OK.
I find it alarming that we pay over a thousand dollars a month for Berry Pool to do our management’s job to keep what I experience these last three weeks from happening. I noticed one of the drain covers totally missing in the outdoor hot tub along one broken in each the indoor hot tub and pool. We were told by our GM the pool facility was in Federal Law compliance to the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. Obviously it is not. With these drain covers broken and missing, we aren’t even in the easy compliance of the Texas state codes. To make things worse there seems to be no one here who you can really address this problem to? These years of consistent pool problems make management appear inept to solve anything and the answer I get from a senior director is that’s why we have insurance.
Texas Administrative Code
TITLE 25
HEALTH SERVICES
PART 1
DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES
CHAPTER 265
GENERAL SANITATION
SUBCHAPTER L
STANDARDS FOR PUBLIC POOLS AND SPAS
RULE §265.190
Suction Outlets and Return Inlets at Post-10/01/99 and Pre-10/01/99 Pools and Spas
(a) Suction outlets for post-10/01/99 and pre-10/01/99 pools and spas. Any suction outlet system for a post-10/01/99 or pre-10/01/99 pool or spa circulation or filtration system, booster system, automatic cleaning system, solar system, water feature, etc., must be designed to protect against a suction entrapment, evisceration or hair entrapment/entanglement hazard and must comply with this section. Drain covers and grates do not need to be flush with the floor. For the purpose of this section, skimmers are not considered to be suction outlets.
(b) Closure of post-10/01/99 and pre-10/01/99 pools and spas if the suction outlet is defective. If the owner or operator of a post-10/01/99 or pre-10/01/99 pool or spa knows or should have known in the exercise of ordinary care that a cover or grate of a suction outlet (including a vacuum outlet) is missing, broken, or loose, the pool or spa must be closed immediately and the pump(s) must be shut off. The pool or spa must remain closed until a proper repair or replacement has been accomplished. The pool or spa shall not be opened unless all covers or grates are securely installed according to subsection (c)(5) of this section and subsection (g) of this section. Suction outlets must have cover(s) complying with subsection (c)(1) of this section or grate(s) complying with subsection (c)(2) of this section, as well as covers for vacuum outlets complying with subsection (g) of this section.
This situation needs to be addressed before someone becomes ill or injured. The Federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act and as this Texas state code above call for closure of the pools and hot tubs until the time that they are in compliance. This seems to be a poor position to put our Village in for someone who might be looking to sue somebody.
Read more on this article...
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
COMPLIANCEAt December’s Director’s meeting our general manager stated the pool facility was in compliance with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. The deadline to comply with this year old Federal act designed to lower the needless drowning deaths of children was December 19, 2008.
Our GM said our pools and hot tubs were in compliance.
Under current law, the maximum penalty for one or more related violations is $1.825 million. Congress is considering legislation that would increase this penalty to $10 million plus.
Our GM said our pools and hot tubs were in compliance.
By December 20, 2008, all pools, whether it has single or multiple drains, needs new anti-entrapment drain covers that must comply with ASME/ANSI A112.19.8 performance standard. Your public pool or spa that has a single drain must have at least one additional level of entrapment protection.
Our GM said our pools and hot tubs were in compliance.
Are they really?
The above photographs taken on December 30, 2008 would beg to differ that anything is in compliance. Shown are what appears to be the same Hayward Circular 8”x8” drain covers our pool facility has had for years, including the broken cover in our indoor pool that is not in compliance to even the current Texas codes. Apparently no additional anti-entrapment devices have been installed either.
Is this yet another reason as to why our Board has tried so diligently to make our GM more accountable? Should not Aramark be made aware of such events so as to help towards this GM’s accountability? How much longer is our Village to tolerate not being given accurate information?
Something needs to be done before our facility becomes a statistic along with hundreds of others in having a child drown from entrapment. Let’s help to save a child’s life.
A concerned Villager has graciously provided several websites about this important Federal Law.
http://www.pooloperationmanagement.com/vgbact.htm
http://www.attorneyatlaw.com/tag/virginia-graeme-baker-pool-and-spa-safety-act/
http://www.idph.state.ia.us/eh/common/pdf/env/cpsc_interpretations.pdf
http://www.cpsc.gov/pssa.pdf
Are they really?
The above photographs taken on December 30, 2008 would beg to differ that anything is in compliance. Shown are what appears to be the same Hayward Circular 8”x8” drain covers our pool facility has had for years, including the broken cover in our indoor pool that is not in compliance to even the current Texas codes. Apparently no additional anti-entrapment devices have been installed either.
Is this yet another reason as to why our Board has tried so diligently to make our GM more accountable? Should not Aramark be made aware of such events so as to help towards this GM’s accountability? How much longer is our Village to tolerate not being given accurate information?
Something needs to be done before our facility becomes a statistic along with hundreds of others in having a child drown from entrapment. Let’s help to save a child’s life.
A concerned Villager has graciously provided several websites about this important Federal Law.
http://www.pooloperationmanagement.com/vgbact.htm
http://www.attorneyatlaw.com/tag/virginia-graeme-baker-pool-and-spa-safety-act/
http://www.idph.state.ia.us/eh/common/pdf/env/cpsc_interpretations.pdf
http://www.cpsc.gov/pssa.pdf
Monday, December 29, 2008
DECEMBER SUGGESTIONS Part II. We would love your suggestion that will improve our Village. Suggestions may be viewed by those visiting. We will renew the display each month. Anonymous are welcomed. So throw one in the box.
Read more on this article...
DECEMBER SUGGESTIONS
We would love your suggestion that will improve our Village. Suggestions may be viewed by those visiting. We will renew the display each month. Anonymous are welcomed. So throw one in the box.
Read more on this article...
We would love your suggestion that will improve our Village. Suggestions may be viewed by those visiting. We will renew the display each month. Anonymous are welcomed. So throw one in the box.
Monday, December 22, 2008
December 17, 2008 Board of Directors Meeting
No owners spoke on today’s agendas.
GM Report
The GM gave a rundown on late fees, permits, and the usual. Our GM had concerns about Arroyo not repairing their cable. He showed printouts of the pool chemicals and said Berry’s system is doing what it’s supposed to do. Mary Steffensen asked about a new Federal law on the drains. The GM said the outdoor pool has no drain; we have to pump the water out. He said the indoor pool and all the hot tub covers meets these requirements. Director Dodson said Armando gets these readings every Friday if anyone wants to see them. The impeller on our big brass pump was replaced for over $600. He talked about the bath house construction and drains for lots 40-50. Our GM wanted everyone to thank Randy Morrin at lot 349 for his donation to make new no wake signs. Someone in the audience said this man’s last name was Morris. I would have to believe Morrin is correct since our GM went to the effort to spell it for everyone. Our GM said he got the new TV for the Rec. Hall and ordered the wind screens for the tennis courts.
Armando’s Report
Routine verbiage about work orders but did say he had all the stuff removed around the basketball court area. He also said he had ordered the signs for the activity and restaurant. Our Village is blessed with a new regional manager taking over Bob Polo position.
Approval of November 19 Minutes
A delay has happened due to the transition of the filling of a new Secretary. Director Burke wanted the August minutes approved. These Minutes had been delayed so as to verify the true answers of an owner from the direct questioning of our directors. (The Board took a short 15 minute recess after the Safety Agenda later in the meeting to review the August minutes one more time for its revised authenticity. When the recess was over there still was a lengthy back and forth dialogue. The corrected August minutes were then approved)
Treasurer’s Report
Director Steffensen’s monthly report had more information showing area’s that have been of interest lately. For example account totals at each bank were all under 250K and fully protected. The profit and loss was the usual. Our Gm said our $144,000 hurricane insurance check was made out wrong and had to be sent back. Director Hansen expressed concern about the Nov. treasurer’s report given and put into the minutes are different than what are actual month ends and thought the figures should be the same.
Audit Committee
Mary Steffensen said they were auditing the Village Grill and should have their recommendations finished soon.
D&E
Director Dodson talked about the New Year’s Eve dinner/dance on the 31st. The Gm said I’m having a dinner for my employees in the owners lounge at 1pm Friday.
Golf report
President Sullivan said all but a $1000 of the donated funds are spent on the concrete and construction.
Time Warner
Director Dodson said the bundles should be out shortly. Other items were said in which I can’t say due to a continued request. Our channel 2 will be changed to another number TBA. A man from the audience tried to argue the current actions of Time Warner and was told it was not up for discussion.
Pool Committee
Director Steffensen said 30 new chairs are to be ordered in three colors. They said the old chairs will be sold to repair the tables.
Safety
Director McBride wished to look into alternate evacuation routes for hurricanes or chemical spills.
A 15 MINUTES RECESS
(August minutes were approved as stated above)
Unfinished business
1. Microphones: lapel microphones will be tried again
2. Computers: still being researched to find someone who can even do the LIV website the way we want. The price for new computers and which ones to buy are still in question.
3. A motion from Director Burke was made to accept the $30846.00 bid to plaster the bottom of our outdoor pool from All Valley Plaster Pools and was seconded. It was approved.
Other
There was a question on the where abouts of the recall ballots. President said this issue is null and void.
Bathhouses were said of being misused by contract workers and there was a discussion of what was to be done. It was decided to be further reviewed.
New Business
1. Interest for bank accounts: Director Hansen asked to have a goal of raising the interest income from the minuscule $2000 to $25,000.
2. Major Improvements: Director Steffensen asked the Board to keep the 2009 major improvement fund at or lower the projection. This was discussed at some length ( at least one hour) covering all the items in the report. There was a motion to pour new concrete around the shuffle board area when the helicopter pad sidewalk is being done to save on cost . It was seconded and approved by verbal vote.
3. Election committee: Director McBride and Director Burke will make up this committee. No other names were said yet. They touched on certain subjects that each wanted. A motion was made and seconded that this process is acceptable. It was verbally approved.
4. Owner questionnaire: A five page questionnaire was asked to be reviewed and corrected if need be by the Board. It is planned at this point to be sent out with the annual owners meeting packet.
5. Pass for entry: A motion was made and seconded for a multi time pass will be given to non owners who wish to use our Restaurant. It was approved.
6. Motion was made to reimburse the $10,000 deductible and $500 worth of expenses the six sued directors had to pay out of their pockets. This was argued repeatedly over and over again by Director Burke expense reimbursement should wait until the lawsuit is over. Motion was seconded and approved.
7. Wheel chair ramp: Variance for Mrs. Boling’s ramp was approved.
8. There were various announcements of scheduled activities and the meeting was called adjourn. Read more on this article...
No owners spoke on today’s agendas.
GM Report
The GM gave a rundown on late fees, permits, and the usual. Our GM had concerns about Arroyo not repairing their cable. He showed printouts of the pool chemicals and said Berry’s system is doing what it’s supposed to do. Mary Steffensen asked about a new Federal law on the drains. The GM said the outdoor pool has no drain; we have to pump the water out. He said the indoor pool and all the hot tub covers meets these requirements. Director Dodson said Armando gets these readings every Friday if anyone wants to see them. The impeller on our big brass pump was replaced for over $600. He talked about the bath house construction and drains for lots 40-50. Our GM wanted everyone to thank Randy Morrin at lot 349 for his donation to make new no wake signs. Someone in the audience said this man’s last name was Morris. I would have to believe Morrin is correct since our GM went to the effort to spell it for everyone. Our GM said he got the new TV for the Rec. Hall and ordered the wind screens for the tennis courts.
Armando’s Report
Routine verbiage about work orders but did say he had all the stuff removed around the basketball court area. He also said he had ordered the signs for the activity and restaurant. Our Village is blessed with a new regional manager taking over Bob Polo position.
Approval of November 19 Minutes
A delay has happened due to the transition of the filling of a new Secretary. Director Burke wanted the August minutes approved. These Minutes had been delayed so as to verify the true answers of an owner from the direct questioning of our directors. (The Board took a short 15 minute recess after the Safety Agenda later in the meeting to review the August minutes one more time for its revised authenticity. When the recess was over there still was a lengthy back and forth dialogue. The corrected August minutes were then approved)
Treasurer’s Report
Director Steffensen’s monthly report had more information showing area’s that have been of interest lately. For example account totals at each bank were all under 250K and fully protected. The profit and loss was the usual. Our Gm said our $144,000 hurricane insurance check was made out wrong and had to be sent back. Director Hansen expressed concern about the Nov. treasurer’s report given and put into the minutes are different than what are actual month ends and thought the figures should be the same.
Audit Committee
Mary Steffensen said they were auditing the Village Grill and should have their recommendations finished soon.
D&E
Director Dodson talked about the New Year’s Eve dinner/dance on the 31st. The Gm said I’m having a dinner for my employees in the owners lounge at 1pm Friday.
Golf report
President Sullivan said all but a $1000 of the donated funds are spent on the concrete and construction.
Time Warner
Director Dodson said the bundles should be out shortly. Other items were said in which I can’t say due to a continued request. Our channel 2 will be changed to another number TBA. A man from the audience tried to argue the current actions of Time Warner and was told it was not up for discussion.
Pool Committee
Director Steffensen said 30 new chairs are to be ordered in three colors. They said the old chairs will be sold to repair the tables.
Safety
Director McBride wished to look into alternate evacuation routes for hurricanes or chemical spills.
A 15 MINUTES RECESS
(August minutes were approved as stated above)
Unfinished business
1. Microphones: lapel microphones will be tried again
2. Computers: still being researched to find someone who can even do the LIV website the way we want. The price for new computers and which ones to buy are still in question.
3. A motion from Director Burke was made to accept the $30846.00 bid to plaster the bottom of our outdoor pool from All Valley Plaster Pools and was seconded. It was approved.
Other
There was a question on the where abouts of the recall ballots. President said this issue is null and void.
Bathhouses were said of being misused by contract workers and there was a discussion of what was to be done. It was decided to be further reviewed.
New Business
1. Interest for bank accounts: Director Hansen asked to have a goal of raising the interest income from the minuscule $2000 to $25,000.
2. Major Improvements: Director Steffensen asked the Board to keep the 2009 major improvement fund at or lower the projection. This was discussed at some length ( at least one hour) covering all the items in the report. There was a motion to pour new concrete around the shuffle board area when the helicopter pad sidewalk is being done to save on cost . It was seconded and approved by verbal vote.
3. Election committee: Director McBride and Director Burke will make up this committee. No other names were said yet. They touched on certain subjects that each wanted. A motion was made and seconded that this process is acceptable. It was verbally approved.
4. Owner questionnaire: A five page questionnaire was asked to be reviewed and corrected if need be by the Board. It is planned at this point to be sent out with the annual owners meeting packet.
5. Pass for entry: A motion was made and seconded for a multi time pass will be given to non owners who wish to use our Restaurant. It was approved.
6. Motion was made to reimburse the $10,000 deductible and $500 worth of expenses the six sued directors had to pay out of their pockets. This was argued repeatedly over and over again by Director Burke expense reimbursement should wait until the lawsuit is over. Motion was seconded and approved.
7. Wheel chair ramp: Variance for Mrs. Boling’s ramp was approved.
8. There were various announcements of scheduled activities and the meeting was called adjourn. Read more on this article...
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
December 10th Coffee with the Directors
President opened with a warning to the audience towards the use of bad conduct
Director Hansen wanted to address the audience and was recognized by our VP. He apologized for his actions at the town hall meeting.
From the suggestion box
Lot 249 asked that an independent party collect the ballots and proxies at the annual meeting. VP Young said this has already been arranged and will be done that way.
Lot 158 asked if the Board operates under Condominium Act section 82. We felt the board is in violation and want the owners to stay after to request funds for legal counsel to clarify this manner. VP Young said he assume were while looking at the members of the Board. Director Burke spoke right up and said in an apparent snide tone, don’t look at me, I’m not your attorney. Director McBride said we do and the last meeting to which this is addressing was done proper. We had our attorney there to make sure it was done proper. That meeting was one that the Board had asked Director Mulch to step down as Secretary.
Lot 107 complained of a lot which has not been touched since the hurricane. It was said it smells and looks terrible. Armando, who subs for our GM taking a stress test, said contacts are still being made and everyone still has until February’s cutoff date to verify the start of repairs.
Lot R complained about the use of the basketball court area to dump loads of dirt and park equipment. After a short discussion Armando said he would take care of it.
Lot 155 complained that the Board was not listening to the people and are not following the court order. The President made a comment on this and nicely said this person is entitled to his own opinion.
Owners Speaking
Our President Sullivan talked about wanting to use the parking area next to the welcome center for boat trailers. A man asked him to include car trailers. This continued for quite a while with Director Burke giving everyone a history on Mr. Freeland actions towards LIV residents parking on his land. This was to continue at the workshop.
Lot 161 asked a question about the current lawsuit court order. The president answered it. Director Burke corrected our President on a minor subject and continued with saying that the Board was acting according to the court order but not toward the spirit of the order. She stated her opinions on what she said were four reasons in which the Board Secretary was replaced. Her rendition of this meeting lasted for over twenty minutes. When she was done Director Hansen said that the majority simply lost confidence in Director Mulch. The President said he considered this matter done and wanted to move on. There was some vocal opposition to that from a few of the same people who have been previously disruptive.
Don Pelletier explained a previous Board tried to make that same area a boat trailer parking lot and the reasons they why they couldn’t. He also thanked everyone at the cocktail party for all the children’s gifts and money.
Lot 285 brought up by-laws pertaining to first term eligibilities of Directors. The Board President cleared any questions as to appointing first year Director McBride to replace Director Mulch. He stated the by-laws say a first term Director cannot hold the President’s or Vice President’s position. Director Burke intervened with saying that the board added to this by-law at some point back to include the Secretary’s position. It was ask politely for her to provide proof of her statement and was left at that.
Lot 129 asked for Time Warner information. Director Dodson said that Jan 1st is still the start time and the bundle pricing will be available near this start time. There were many other minor questions throughout the entire meeting by owners who didn’t identify themselves or their residence number.
Lot 556 asked if there can be an easier way for outside people who participate with regular owner group activities to get into the park to dine at the Village Grill. This issue was discussed in great length and asked to continue at the workshop.
A man who didn’t give his lot number questioned our Time Warner contract and had a problem with the restaurant constantly losing money. Several Directors commented about the amenities and losses. This lasted for a while with no apparent outcome.
Lot 28 recommended that our Board should negotiate harder with Time Warner. He said the new Board members will have to run this place as a business and hard negotiations are a part of that..
Lot? Said we need more restaurant signs to guide people as to where it’s located.
Lot 638 wanted to congratulate Director Dodson for her fine job towards Time Warner.
Lot 96 said several times in a row the restaurant’s Sunday buffet food was cold and her husband will not return. She complained about the water being turned off and the lack of communication from management of when it is to be resolved.
Reta Priest did not give her name or lot number. She seemed to intentionally ignored addresssing her question to President Sullivan with pointedly asking Director Burke where our Village stood with the Arroyo Cable lawsuit. After the President gave Director Burke the go ahead and to shorten up Directors Burkes answers, she said we feel we are in a good position and it’s currently in an answer and discovery stage.
Lot 617 said the restaurant is great, everyone should try it.
Lot SC95 said 6 or 7 years ago when there was a $50 grand loss, he offered to take over the restaurant for $1 so owners wouldn’t have such high losses and was told that they just make the books look like there are losses. They said no.
Director Mulch reminded everyone of the employees Christmas Party Friday Dec.12th .
There were various short notifications of other parties and acknowledgements and the meeting ended.
The Workshop
There was a lengthy discussion of making it easier to enter the park to use the Village Grill.
It was announced the no wake signs were paid for from an anonymous owner.
The Board talked about new restaurant signs and their locations.
The Board members talked about giving away this and that to try to drum up more restaurant business when Director Peterson said he thought before we start giving away anything, we should find out what our food costs are. He said no one has yet been able to tell him what it cost us to make a simple hamburger, fries and drink. He said no one knows. This stirred up the board and the owners in the audience.
Director Hansen said he would like to provide a questionnaire to the owners with the annual meeting packet.
The parking lot for boat trailers was discussed at great length but rendered to further review due to the legality of charging owners for common ground use and or not being able to provide all the owners the use for free..
Director Peterson to the table the pool bottom issue with a bid of $3500 to patch the outdoor pool instead of re-plastering for $31,000 to $60,000. He said they would acid wash it for a little more. It was discussed and appeared not well accepted. Read more on this article...
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