Thursday, December 18, 2014
BOARD MEMBER MC MILLIN HAS NOW ADDED SIGNAGE AND MACHINARY TO HIS adjacent LOT
The sign on board member McMillin's lot, truly details the state of affairs his cohesive fellow board members have allowed his ADJACENT LOT to become. MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM BOARD MEMBER MC MILLIN, AND HIS COHESIVE BOARD MEMBERS. Potential buyers of 6 homes that are for sale, two of them listed for over a million dollars have to pass this mess.
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
A QUESTION IS GENERATED FROM THE HIGHLIGHTS OF LAST NIGHT'S WPA MEETING
REMEMBER, THIS IS THE SECOND ARTICLE POSTED TODAY.
Last night, a resident asked why anyone would pay their assessment by Feb. 1, if there weren't any penalties until March 1. I believe that it was Garrison who responded, and said they wouldn't be in good standing if they didn't pay their assessment by Feb. 1. It was later stated that the problem with not being in good standing was that you couldn't vote. Someone else added that residents really didn't have anything to vote on until Nov. Garrison had stated earlier, that he has two lots and pays double what most of us pay. McMillin has two lots, and DeMarchi may still have 2 or three lots. Garrison said it was nice to have the extra time, for a lot of people.
The only residents who have the opportunity to vote throughout the year, are board members. Will the board verify, prior to the February WPA Board Meeting, that ALL board members have paid their assessments? If they haven't, are they allowed to sit at the board table in February? WHY DON'T YOU ASK THEM?
Last night, a resident asked why anyone would pay their assessment by Feb. 1, if there weren't any penalties until March 1. I believe that it was Garrison who responded, and said they wouldn't be in good standing if they didn't pay their assessment by Feb. 1. It was later stated that the problem with not being in good standing was that you couldn't vote. Someone else added that residents really didn't have anything to vote on until Nov. Garrison had stated earlier, that he has two lots and pays double what most of us pay. McMillin has two lots, and DeMarchi may still have 2 or three lots. Garrison said it was nice to have the extra time, for a lot of people.
The only residents who have the opportunity to vote throughout the year, are board members. Will the board verify, prior to the February WPA Board Meeting, that ALL board members have paid their assessments? If they haven't, are they allowed to sit at the board table in February? WHY DON'T YOU ASK THEM?
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WPA DECEMBER 16 MONTHLY BOARD MEETING
The following information has been provided to the best of my ability, from my notes, taken during the December 16 WPA Board Meeting. Please verify for yourself, by listening to the tape of the meeting provided on The Wedgefield Times, or the WPA website.NOTE: I've had even less time for proofing. Please ignore any poor construction.
Highlights will be provided after the pictures. Why the pictures? Even after the meeting, we are left with the following items hanging, and when you get into the highlights, you'll note that a new issue has been added to the mix, it appears to sooth and accommodate Board Member McMillin. Board, is it really worth jerking the residents, and the integrity of the governing documents around for a man who is willing to do this to our community?
Highlights will be provided after the pictures. Why the pictures? Even after the meeting, we are left with the following items hanging, and when you get into the highlights, you'll note that a new issue has been added to the mix, it appears to sooth and accommodate Board Member McMillin. Board, is it really worth jerking the residents, and the integrity of the governing documents around for a man who is willing to do this to our community?
Board, is it really worth it, to insult Wedgefield's children, adults with standards and dignity, with McMillin's crude/rude display? Is it worth it to have this trash displayed to potential buyers who have to pass McMillin's home to view 6 homes that are for sale in Wedgefield? Where was the speaker last night, who spoke about the Wedgefield Examiner, and property values, last spring? Doesn't he care any more, or wasn't he asked to participate in speaking out against a real problem, because this dirt belongs to a board member? If you go to the December 16th Sun Times newspaper, page 1, there is an article "Legislators pre-file three HOA bills", I suggest that you send these pictures, and other concerns to the legislators mentioned, AND the writer Steve Jones. If you read the article, you'll note that Coastal Carolinas Association of Realtors is very involved, so you might want to share the pictures with them to.
Yes, McMillin gets to continue with this, because your board rejected the second reading of his burning policy, but didn't bother to say that until new policy was written, and approved, that we would revert to "no burning, no exceptions!" The board may be adding a new term to our governing documents regarding vacant building lots. The new term, which will be discussed to accommodate McMillin's tastelessness, is adjacent. McMillin is creating his burn fun park, on his vacant (not now) building lot, ADJACENT to his residence. Why, Garrison declared he himself, is in the same position. It will be up for discussion, haven only knows when, but it looks like another set up at our expense, for McMillin's demands, as was the change to burning.
Your board was so busy last night, preparing to accommodate McMillin, that they never brought up, the gate house fix/moldy mess. The gate house, a prime feature, as you enter the association, has been on and off the table, as your board brings up one scatter brained plan after another, since October 2013! Where's that resident speaker about property values, again???
MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
Seven board members attended the meeting. McMillin and Johnson were absent. Approximately, 12 members were in attendance.
*Treasurer's Report: We still have $63,000 in delinquent accounts. 2015 assessments will be sent out around Dec. 23. There will be no capital improvements for 2015.
*ARC Report: There were several approvals. It was noted that for the first time in several years, building plans have been approved for two spec homes.
*Legal Report: 6 foreclosures since Oct. 4 are paid in full. The fifth has been foreclosed on by the bank. Number 6 is proceeding.
The canal suit is still incomplete. They are waiting for the judge on some monetary decisions.
President Walton was approved as a Legal Committee Member.
The by-law change approved at the annual meeting has been recorded.
*Finance Committee: Peggy Phillips and Roger Armistead were approved as Finance Committee members. Yes, your board did approve R.A., former WPA treasurer, who put forth several by-law changes in the past, and quit the board the day after they weren't approved.
Community Liaison: The board received a letter from a resident who wants their canal assessment refunded. The attorney suggests that a letter be sent to residents explaining the situation.
It was stated that the board received one complaint about the Christmas decoration on William Screven (see above Santa picture). I've been told that there were several CALLS to the office. Residents, put your concerns in writing, or your board won't count you in the discussion, because they really don't want to do anything about a fellow board member, no matter what he is doing to our community. I understand your fear. If you write the board, and McMillin gets upset, they may allow him to retaliate, without concern for our community. My house number is painted on the mail box of his picture. I wrote the board to complain about conditions on what is now called his adjacent lot. Do I care about his obvious crude retaliation? Not one bit. I'm more concerned about or community, and will continue to question.
* Drainage Report: Al DeMarchi reported that the Wedgefield Drainage Project is nearly completed. It seems they haven't ordered enough sod. Three more units will be needed. Well, we've heard more than once before that it had been completed. Last month Garrison asked if they approved the funds requested, whether that would be the end of it???? In his usual cohesive form, Garrison didn't have any questions this month. Additionally, but as usual, we weren't informed about the cost of the additional sod, and approval wasn't sought for funds, or explanation provided.
DeMarchi also reported that DHEC and the Army Corp. of Engineers, had paid them a visit, because a resident had contacted them. Good.
Grounds Report: It was reported that there is more vandalism in the association. In fact, one of the cement benches has been broken. It will have to be replaced. I bet that happens in far less time then it is taking the board to fix the gate house. How much did all those benches cost, while they've been fooling around for a cheap, sometimes conflict of interest fix, on the gate house?
Diane Beason and Peggy Phillips were approved as members of the committee.
Compliance Report:
Garrison reported that all sections of the Policy Manual will be reviewed, again. A motion was made to correct the area of the manual that covers when late charges will be applied to assessments. The covenants call for assessments to be paid within 30 days. Despite the fact that technically assessments are over due on February 1, no late fees will be applied until March 1. Garrison went over the fact that this has been the history for several years. I feel that it is about time we stuck to our originating documents. Why, but I'm not surprised at anything anymore, do we assist delinquent behavior, and not award those who do the right thing?
Barb Nichols and Peggy Phillips were approved as committee members.
New Business:
Cline requested that the Compliance Committee take a look at signs. It was discussed that our paid staff person should be able to approve real estate, and other signs.
Resident Comments:
A resident wanted to know why the tractor parked on a vacant lot had to be removed, because the lot owner, owned the property ADJACENT to the lot. The discussion goes on, but first, the resident who asked the questions, is a dear friend of McMillin, who wants to use his ADJACENT lot for his foolishness. Garrison feeds into it, saying he himself has an ADJACENT lot situation. They'll look into it. I'm sure they will for their own benefit, rather than the integrity and the true spirit intended in our governing documents.
A resident questions the board on potential money loss in not applying late fees as of Feb. 1.
A resident discusses dumping occurring on vacant lots.
The meeting ends. Your homework: (1) Watch for the word ADJACENT in up coming meetings, because your board is probably about to change things to sooth McMillin. (2) Read the article in the Sun Times, and start writing letters, and by all means send pictures. (3) Get to the meetings, and ask questions during resident comments.
Friday, December 12, 2014
HOW LOW WILL BOARD MEMBER MILLLIN GO? BASED ON THE CALLS I RECEIVED THIS MORNING, LOW ENOUGH TO OFFEND FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN , AND TO INSULT MOST ADULTS. WHY WOULD HE DO THIS? MAYBE IT IS A MESSAGE TO FELLOW BOARD MEMBERS AND OUR GOVERNING DOCUMENTS.
HERE IS MC MILLIN'S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE TO OUR COMMUNITY, AND JUST MAYBE, TO THE BOARD, AND OUR GOVERNING DOCUMENTS . UPDATE:THIS BOARD MEMBER IS SO LOW, THE LOWEST ANY ONE CAN GET, THAT HE HAS CUSTOMIZED SANTA SH-TTING ON A HOUSE, WITH MY HOUSE NUMBER - 168! ASK THE BOARD TO REQUIRE A FELLOW BOARD MEMBER FOLLOW THE GOVERNING DOCUMENTS, AND YOU COULD BE NEXT.
I drove in late last night, and this offensive picture (quite large), was hanging off the side of McMillin's house facing his lot which contains his burning pots, chairs, wood pile, and trailers, highlighted by a spot light. I was tired and didn't really pay attention. At 8:00am this morning, my phone rang with the first call of objection. The caller stated we had children in our community, how could anyone think this was OK? I advised the caller that McMillin appears to be on a mission to do what he wants to do, when he wants to, and that it could appear your board is willing to split hairs, regarding our governing documents, to remain cohesive. Their - the caller's next move was up to them. The second caller said, "wasn't McMillin the guy that made the offensive sign, displayed outside the WPA office, "SHOW SANTA YOUR JUGS"? Yes, as I recall, he was. Your board allowed it. They would have to have noticed it. The third caller said, "I hope if a school bus driver picked up children, that they were smart enough to call the police". The last caller said, "Please post it on your blog, but cover Santa's bare behind, it is offensive." Can your BOARD MEMBER, MC MILLIN, hang a Christmas message to the community on his home like this? I don't believe there is anything in our governing documents that prohibits it. It may speak to his regard for the community at large. My advice, do what you need to do. Contact the board, and see how soon you get a response. Remember, some of you, just re-elected this champion of our community.
I, personally feel that this is his message to the board, and the governing documents, and that they may be reminding him, that he may be violating with his vacant lot, adjacent to his home. If it is a message to his fellow board members, they deserve it. Read Legal Chair/(NOW) COMPLIANCE CHAIR, GARRISON'S response to my complaints, posted on the blog, immediately following this article. Garrison admits that the two other violations that I wrote the board about twice, with pictures, have been taken care of. Wouldn't you think that your board would have talked to McMillin at the same time? The issue on John Green which involved another board member, has been resolved. Yet, with the situation at Mc Millin's, Garrison begins to split governing document hairs. Garrison says, "If the boat and trailer is indeed on the vacant (as in unbuilt) lot, it does indeed need to be moved in accordingly. I see no violation of the "burning pots' as they are clearly not being stored there per your letter, but rather have been in use. In any event, defining what shall be allowable relative to burning as related to covenant #7 is, as you know, under review by the board. I will tell you that I believe the proposed policy change now having had first reading is insufficient in definition and allowance and will suggest that it be reviewed and restructured, and that the present policy change up for second reading in December rejected."
Who brought the published burning policy - "no burning - no exceptions", up for change in October? Mc Millin, because he already had invitations out to attend his bon fire, in his burning pots, on his vacant lot, for November 1st. The board can't make a policy change, without two readings. The second reading is going to be held in December. Yet, Mc Millin burned many times in November, and your board says the pots aren't stored on the vacant lot, they are in use. He'll live by any policy he wants, when he wants. Remember, Board Member Cline, said "nothing was to be left on vacant lots," from the board table during the annual meeting.
As to Garrison's written comments about boat and trailer. He is maybe, intentionally confused. I never complained about a boat and trailer, and I sent pictures TWICE, as to exactly what was on the lot. There was no question. Special treatment for a defiant fellow board member? My advice if you have a vacant lot, is set up chairs, fire pit, and anything else you want. Go sit in the chairs off and on, and move your trailer a little this way, and a little that way, and you should not only be home free, but have the advantages that BOARD MEMBER MC MILLIN has. Why not? This is his Christmas message to our community.
Thursday, December 11, 2014
I RECECIVE SOME ANSWERS REGARDING BURNING, VACANT LOTS, ETC., FROM THE WPA'S NEW COMPLIANCE CHAIR, - GARRISON
It has been a long day, and I've been out all day, so comments will follow in the next day or so. Here's the word from the WPA's new Compliance Chair - GARRISON. I guess our president decided, since he names the chairs, that the same individual chairing legal, can also chair compliance, without conflict of proper monitoring. Here is the response. PLEASE NOTE: The correspondence arrived in one full page, and a few lines on a second page. I've trimmed the top of the front page, and pasted the few lines from the second page on the bottom. The original should be on file in the correspondence book at the WPA office, for your inspection.
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
A RESIDENT WRITES THE WEDGEFIELD EXAMINER ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION CHRISTMAS TREE AND TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE NEW FEATURE ADDED TO MY FRONT YARD. COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS TO THE WRITER ARE INCLUDED
The following email was sent to The Wedgefield Examiner, wedgefieldexaminerthe@yahoo.com . As always, I have removed the resident's name.
COMMENTS
The Wedgefield Examiner has not discussed the ridiculous Wedgefield Christmas tree, despite the fact that four people have called me about it. The calls varied. The first, asked, " have you seen that little tree, or missed it because it is so small?" The second long term, law abiding resident wanted to know if I would help him/her, send a message to the board. They were going to prepare a huge card which stated, similar to your car side mirror - "THE OBJECT MAY APPEAR SMALLER THAN IT IS." I wouldn't cooperate in placing the card in the circle after dark. The third caller said, "who in their right mind, would place a WHITE tree out there? Haven't they noticed the dingy, formerly white angel in front of the gate house?" The last caller said that it made the place look like the trailer park we have become accustom to. Their cleaning lady, who has worked in Wedgefield for years, has begun to talk about the rapid deterioration. My advice to all, write the board. I have left this issue alone. It is a matter of taste, and with every other mess that exists here - tastelessness, mismanagement of our association and assets, and failure to follow our governing documents, it is the least of our problems. I did drive over and take a picture for the blog. Comments regarding the statement about my property, follow after the picture.
In regard to my yard being a mess, it stays. I'd suggest that you dare to write the board and actually receive an answer. If you drove by my house, you passed board member McMillin's new burning recreation, and storage area. Please do the fair thing, and complain about him. I just joined the recreation/fire club, because I'm tired of fighting with a board who won't hold their own fellow board members, to our governing documents. Drive by often, and note that board member McMillin, seems to be thumbing his nose at attractiveness, property values, AND our governing documents, and is quietly supported by his fellow board members. Go ahead, and write about me. To my knowledge, I haven't broken any of our governing documents. He has. His is the bigger issue. He was told by fellow board member Cline, during the Wedgefield annual meeting, that there wasn't suppose to be anything left on vacant lots. Some of his stuff has been sitting there for over 6 weeks. I wrote the board twice, with pictures as advised by Cline, and twice have been told that the issue has been turned over to Compliance Chair/Treasurer DeMarchi, and ARC Chair Johnson. I'm still waiting for an answer. Where's your board president, and the rest of the board? It appears to be that they are right at McMillin's side, because he added another utility trailer to the vacant lot, in the last two day! Will I write the board? No, hell will freeze over and the devil dance on it, before I receive a legal, ethical answer. If you write, ask that the entire board be copied, and note special attention to DeMarchi, Johnson, and Cline. Why Cline? She seemed to have the right answer during the annual meeting, but goes along with her cohesive board buddies, as it relates to following and enforcing, our governing documents.
ADDED INFO:
The junk look here is invasive, and grows. Several months ago, I was working on a project for the blog, and for whatever reason, took another resident with pen and paper with me, and drove down every street in Wedgefield. As we drove, I had my sidekick list every street, and note how many trailers, boats, etc. were on each street. Do you know who had the most stuff in their yards? Canal lot owners, particularly Water Amenities Committee and board members. Some had 4 boats and trailers, and one had FIVE. A few of these, don't even own all the boats parked here, there, and everywhere in their yard. I've learned first hand over the years here, that in some cases, our residents are parking non resident friends/family boats, that can't be parked where they live due to their HOA restrictions, yet, certain residents in Wedgefield will allow them here! How can this be allowed, when we have condo residents, who can't park their boats in their yards, due to our restrictions? Some of the boats were old, others have crab traps, pails, blue traps, etc., damaging the look of our association. Why not take a drive and take a look at that?
In the mean time, this stays in my yard.
HERE'S MC MILLIN'S NEWEST ADDITION AND HIS BEATIFUL POT
Monday, December 8, 2014
WELCOME TO WEDGEFIELD'S WILLIAM SCREVEN CAMPFIRE PARK # 2. WHEN YOUR BOARD WON'T ENFORCE OUR GOVERNING DOCUMENT REQUIREMENTS ON A FELLOW BOARD MEMBER, AND YOUR BOARD'S COMPLIANCE CHAIR & ARC CHAIR WON'T ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT VIOLATIONS, IT IS TIME TO QUIT FIGHTING AND JOIN THEM. THE WEDGEFIELD EXAMINER WELCOMES YOU TO A WEDGEFIELD BOARD LEVEL EVENING FIRE. WHAT? YOU READ IN THE WEDGEFIELD WRAGG, "NO BURNING, NO EXCEPTIONS"? IT JUST ISN'T SO. THE BOARD BURNER, MC MILLIN BROUGHT FIRES TO THE BOARD TABLE IN OCTOBER, SO HE COULD HOLD HIS FIRST BURN ON NOVEMBER 1ST. DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF. BUILD YOUR OWN SPECIAL PLACE, OR STOP ON BY IF OUR FIRE IS GOING. HERE ARE PICTURES OF JUST WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT. CAN'T STOP IN? DRIVE BY BOTH THESE BEAUTIES ON WILLIAM SCREVEN. - JUST MORE OF THE ATMOSPHERE SET BY YOUR BOARD'S WEDGEFIELD VERSION OF JELLY STONE PARK.
STOP BY AND ENJOY THE FIRE IN THIS COMFORTABLE SETTING.
THE BEER, WINE, AND SODA ARE A CHILLIN, AND YOU CAN GRAB A FISH POLE, AND CAST RIGHT FROM YOUR FIRE SIDE SEAT! WE HAVE A CATCH AND RELEASE PROGRAM, DUE TO THE SILTING, AND GRAVEL AND CEMENT DUMPING, FROM THE WEDGEFIELD DRAINAGE PROJECT.
FEEL THE HEAT OF THE FIRE FROM THE COZY RECLINER!
ISN'T THAT A GREAT FIRE PIT DESIGN? IT SURE BEATS YOUR BOARD'S CURRENT LEVEL OF APPARENT APPROVAL!
LIKE THE TOUCH OF COLOR THIS OLD ORANGE FISHING PAIL ADDS? I GOT THE IDEA FROM THE DISPLAY WITH "FOR SALE" SIGNS, HANGING OFF TWO BOATS, AT A BOARD MEMBER'S HOME ON JOHN GREEN.
FLOWERS ADD THE PERFECT TOUCH
Thursday, December 4, 2014
THE WPA BOARD'S COMMUNITY LIAISON, ANSWERS MY LETTER REGARDING POSSIBLE BOARD MEMBER VIOLATIONS - NOT! IS IT BECAUSE IT IS SOME OF THEIR OWN? IT HAS GONE ON FOR TOO LONG. WE ARE LEFT WITH THIS MESS
Community Liaison, Anderson sent the following response, on December 3, to my letter (published on the blog), dated November 29th. Quick response? Not really, I got the same response to the same problem, pictures included, to a letter I wrote on November 17th. Over the weekend, I'll set up my own front yard fire pit, and appropriate camp ground features. If it is good enough for the board, that claims they are interested in sticking to our governing documents, and maintaining our property values, it ought to be good enough for me. Yesterday, as I spoke to a representative in the governor's office about another association issue, she asked if I had asked the board for certain information regarding that issue. I responded that we had a president, who under his long administration, had allowed one of his board Community Liaisons, go for almost a whole year, without answering resident questions. I further explained that if you had concerns and put them in writing, if you were not a favored resident, you were stalled until you gave up, or just continued writing, and then I mentioned this issue - an apparent failure of this cohesive board, to address possible violations of their own fellow board members. Where's PRESIDENT WALTON????????
ANDERSON'S RESPONSE:
WE ARE LEFT WITH THIS MESS FROM THE BOARD "BURNER", ON A VACANT LOT ON WILLIAM SCREVEN, WHERE'S COMPLAINCE CHAIR DEMARCHI, AND ARC CHAIR ANDERSON? THESE PROBLEMS WERE BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE BOARD DURING THE ANNUAL MEETING, ON NOVEMBER 15TH! AT THE TIME, BOARD MEMBER CLINE, SAID THERE WAS NOT TO BE ANYTHING LEFT ON VACANT LOTS.
WE STILL HAVE THE "SIGNED" USED BOAT LOT, IN THE FRONT YARD OF THIS BOARD MEMBER, ON JOHN GREEN
Saturday, November 29, 2014
UP NEXT: THE WEDGEFIELD DRAINAGE PROJECT. THE EQUIPMENT HAS BEEN HERE FOR AT LEAST 3 DAYS. DE MARCHI SAID THE CONTRACT CALLED FOR THE WORK TO BE DONE BY THE END OF NOVEMBER. ISN'T THAT A SUNDAY? GARRISON WANTED ASSURANCE THAT THIS STAGE WOULD BE THE END. I DON'T THINK SO. THE BOARD IS HIDING SOMETHING. THAT'S WHY THEY CALLED A MEETING ON NOVEMBER 21ST, AND CHANGED THE PLANS THEY HAD APPROVED DURING THE OCTOBER MEETING. CAN THEY EVER DEVELOP A REAL PLAN????
TWO NEW ARTICLES WERE ADDED TODAY
Friday, November 28, 2014
THE GATE HOUSE - THE SECOND PART OF THE WPA NOVEMBER 21ST OPEN BOARD MEETING. WE CALLED IT THE GATE HOUSE FIX WHEN THE BOARD AWARDED A CONTRACT TO THE WPA PRESIDENT'S BUSINESS. TODAY, YOUR BOARD'S PROCUREMENT AND CONTRACTING METHODS CAN ONLY BE CALLED AN UNETHICAL MESS, AND WITH THE STATE OF OUR GATE HOUSE, IT CAN ONLY BE CALLED THE GATE HOUSE MESS!
The Wedgefield Examiner attended the WPA November 21st Open Board Meeting. The following information has been provided by my notes, to the best of my ability. Verify the information for yourself, by going to the WPA website. The board's tape of the meeting should be posted. All comments will be printed in red and identified as such.
Eight of the nine board members were present at the meeting. John Walton was absent. Originally, the agenda for the meeting was posted on the WPA website, as The Wedgefield Drainage Project. At the last minute, the gate house was added to the agenda on the website. The Wedgefield Drainage Project was discussed in the first part of the meeting, and a article was posted on the blog regarding the project, earlier.
Once again, your board does not have three bids. They have two. Mc Millin, mentions the fact that 3 were contacted, and they only got two bids. President Walton says that it is desirable to have three bids, because your board would like to insure that costs are reasonable????? Once again, as your board did earlier in the meeting regarding the Wedgefield Drainage Project, they make a motion, to proceed with less than three bids, because they are under $3,000. Garrison wants to know for the record, that bona fide attempts were made. Someone says the one bid, DeMarchi's old bosses bid, is only good for 45 days. DeMarchi says, he talked to him in the last few days, and he'll extend the time period.
McMillin says that he spoke out against this project in the past. He says the gate house has water damage, and mold. They proceed through the bids. It appears the specs provided to the contractors, are in stages, and require the contractor bid on each stage. The prices are reviewed. One of the contractors is DeMarchi's old boss. Anderson says the pricing on at least one bid is ridiculous. Some board members ask to see the specs provided to the contractors. Johnson even asks if the same scope of work was provided to every contractor.
Garrison asks DeMarchi, regarding the bid from his former boss, whether that bidder owns lots here, and is in arrears on his assessments????? DeMarchi says that he doesn't, a partnership owns the lots, that they are trying to collect on. Garrison asks DeMarchi, if his former boss is one of the partners???? DeMarchi fesses up and says he is a partner. Garrison says he doesn't want to be awarding contracts to a party that they are trying to collect assessments on.
Ebert wants to know what we are going to be using the gate house for. Some one says they won't be manning it. Ebert wants to know if they should tear it down????? Garrison says it is part of the landscape. McMillin says due to the roof, as he sees it, it has structural defects. Someone says they bet the work is expensive and MAYBE THEY SHOULD DO IT IN HOUSE!!!!!!!. Johnson says there should be a SCOPE OF WORK THEY CAN ALL AGREE ON?????? Some begin to suggest we do this. Others suggest we do that. Cline says they need to decide what we are getting bids on. Garrison says they need to reject both bids. McMillin seconds it. Johnson says he is willing to look at it with a couple of people. DeMarchi wants to know what Johnson objects to in the specs????? Garrison says in the least they should get the windows in. Doors and door jams come into the discussion.
At one point McMillin says water has been running down the inside wall for about three years. They mention mold in the walls, and mold under the carpeting. McMillin wants to prop up a wall and replace the original wood with treated wood. Some say that doesn't have to be done. McMillin says he'll get volunteers to do it. DeMarchi jabs someone verbally saying that they let it go for about 4 years.
In the end there is no settlement on our poor condition gate house. President Walton pounds the gaveland closes the meeting, AND DOESN'T EVEN OPEN IT UP TO RESIDENT COMMENTS, as he usually does.
COMMENTS:
First, the gatehouse and associated brick walls, are the beauty in the entrance to Wedgefield. If the gate house were to be neglected to the point that tearing it down, or letting it deteriorate to the point that some on the board have (long timers), it is a disgrace. We are almost to the point that the TV show Myrtle Manor, should be contacting us to film here. How can your board allow cement benches, fountains, and some of their other ridiculous projects, mismanage an ASSET to this degree, without anyone saying THIS IS A PROBLEM? There is far more than one problem, and many others, with this cohesive, know it all board.
They lack any kind of planning, let alone solid planning. They lack any kind of solid, professional procurement of vendors, spec development, real sealed bids, or awarding of contract process. Everyone of these board members fail in their duty of honest review of information, prior to a vote. Remember, they were sending the specs around the table the night of the meeting, written it appears, by DeMarchi. Who at that board table is a licensed commercial contractor in the state of SC? I don't believe that we have such a person on that board.
How can the bids be truly sealed, when DeMarchi has obviously talked to his former boss? How can the bids be sealed, when they vote in advance to the supposed opening of the bids, to move forward, because someone knows the bids - 2, are under $3,000?
They keep putting out bids in stages. Some list all the stages and ask that the bidder bid on each stage. Others, they just put out this little bit, and later, that little bit. It all looks like they can't get bidders, because they abuse them. You abuse good credible bidders, keep them from bidding, because you allow it without question.
Remember, this project was awarded to President Walton, in conflict of a document every one on the board signed. It was urgent, 13 months ago. After President Walton gave the contract back, because after months of denying it, every board member who voted to give him the contract, was in conflict of interest, according to a document they all signed, as stated by our board attorney. Your board paid him (President Walton) for the windows he bought for the gate house and stored them, for months. Now, we are so poorly managed that we get to the board table and find out that once again, DeMarchi's OLD boss is bidding (He was the highest bidder when President Walton was awarded the contract.), and his partnership group, is so in arrears in assessments, that the board is taking dramatic steps to collect. YOUR BOARD TREASURER, is involved!!! Garrison, as Legal Chair, is no hero in this, when he asks if the bidder is the same guy that owes so much. He has played this snake like, winding game too often! Go back to the dock, and conflict of interest board meetings and listen to what he does when others question. This board appears to be afraid of each other, or lacks the ability to figure out how to get out of a card board box, let alone administer our association. I forget myself, they are counting on residents being the IDIOTS, that DeMarchi says he is tired of legistating for. Now, they are thinking about putting VOLUNTEERS in a mold infested building???? Hope the insurance company doesn't get wind of this.
NEXT THE BOARD MEMBER WITH THE VACANT LOT VIOLATION, HAS NOT ONLY, NOT CLEANED UP THE LOT, HE HAS ADDED MORE FURNITURE FOR HIS BON FIRES. YOU REMEMBER THE "NO BURNING, NO EXCEPTIONS" BOARD - EXCEPT IF IT IS ONE OF THEIR OWN???? REMEMBER, BOARD MEMBER CLINE SAID TAKE PICTURES AT THE ANNUAL MEETING. I WROTE THE BOARD AND IT WAS TURNED OVER TO ARC (JOHNSON), AND LET'S LOOK AT GIVING A CONTRACT TO MY EX BOSS, (COMPLIANCE) DE MARCHI!!!!!
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Monday, November 24, 2014
YES, YOUR BOARD IS STILL FAILING TO SELF REGULATE, WHILE SOME ON THE BOARD BREAK OUR GOVERNING DOCUMENTS. IS THAT BECAUSE AS DeMarchi CALLED US, WE ARE IDIOTS, AND PROBABLY WON'T NOTICE? TODAY, IT IS JUST THE PICTURES. TOMORROW, OR SOON, IT COULD BE A LETTER TO A NEWSPAPER EDITORIAL, WITH PICTURES!
YOUR BOARD STILL HASN'T CORRECTED, SOME OF THEIR COHESIVE BOARD MEMBERS, WHO HAVE VIOLATED OUR GOVERNING DOCUMENTS. IF THE BOARD SENDS YOU COLLECTION NOTICES ON YOUR ASSESSMENTS, OR ANYTHING ELSE, TELL THEM YOU AREN''T CLEANING UP YOUR ACT, UNTIL THEY CLEAN UP THEIRS. REMEMBER, IT WOULD BE LIKE THE POT CALLING THE KETTLE BLACK, AND THIS TIME THE KETTLE IS IN ONE OF THE BOARD MEMBER'S LOTS. HERE IS THE VERY POT TO WRITE TO THEM ABOUT. IT IS IN BOARD MEMBER MC MILLIN'S VACANT LOT.
Sunday, November 23, 2014
YES, IT IS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23, A NEW PICTURE HAS BEEN ADDED, THESE PICTURES WILL APPEAR UNTIL ARC AND COMPLIANCE GET THEIR FELLOW BOARD MEMBERS TO CLEAN UP THEIR OWN VIOLATIONS
STAY TUNED AS FAVORITISM TRUMPS GOOD GOVERNANCE IN WEDGEFIELD
BOARD MEMBER #1 - WILLIAM SCREVEN - CLOSE UP OF JUST ONE OF TWO OF THESE BEAUTIES - Board Member Cline, stated herself, at the Annual Meeting, that nothing could sit on vacant lots. That was before her fellow board member, announced it was his lot, while sitting near her at the board table.
BOARD MEMBER # 2 - John Green - This appears to violate # 11 of the Covenants
YOUR BOARD HAS IGNORED THIS SITUATION FOR MONTHS - Wedgefield Rd. Most of this cohesive board drive past this to get to the office. Didn't Compliance Chair DeMarchi, notice this?
Saturday, November 22, 2014
A REPORT ON THE BOARD'S NOVEMBER 21ST, OPEN BOARD MEETING LEADS TO MORE QUESTIONS THAN ANSWERS. THE PROJECT IS MORE EXPENSIVE THAN YOU WERE EVER TOLD, OR CAN BE TRACKED IN THE OFFICIAL MINUTES. IT COULD APPEAR THAT YOUR BOARD IS COVERING UP SOME THINGS
The Wedgefield Examiner will relate the details of the WPA November 21st, Open Board Meeting to the best of my ability. Please verify the information by going to the WPA website and listening to the tape of the meeting when it is put up. Notes of the meeting where taken to the best of my ability. COMMENTS WILL BE PRINTED IN RED AND NOTED AS SUCH.
The board posted a sign near the front gate, and a message on the WPA website, announcing the meeting. The initial posting on the website stated that the agenda was the Wedgefield Drainage Project. Later, the gate house was added to the agenda on the website.
The meeting was called to order by President Walton at 7:00 PM. Board members in attendance were: President Walton, Ebert, Cline, DeMarchi, McMillin, Garrison, Johnson, and Anderson. John Walton was absent.
DeMarchi starts out saying that scope of work had been sent to 3 contractors, but that they only had one bid. The board then began to talk about the fact that if the bid was under $3,000, that they could make a motion to waive the requirement of 3 bids. Garrison asked whether multiple attempts had been made to secure 3 bids. DeMarchi said the only reason the bidding contractor had agreed to bid, was that he was already in the area. A motion was made and passed to waive the requirement of three bids.
COMMENTS: First, the board never tells us why we are there for yet another change of plans on the Wedgefield Drainage Project. This is important for a number of reasons. Remember, this time DeMarchi is bringing the project to the table, again, after he has declared it completed, at least twice. Last month, McMillin, brought some half baked plan to the table calling it the Canal Project, that resulted in the board approving up to $2,500 to remove the stuff from the canal, bring in top soil, level/grade, and sod - with volunteers. That was suppose to finish this project once and for all. What really prompted the President to call this meeting? Do you really think that board members sat around the week before Thanksgiving, and said, "you know fellow board members, we who claim to have all expertise, and money saving knowledge, ought to rethink this?" Listen, DeMarchi says, "he's tired of legislating for IDIOTS who break the rules", obviously on their own, they would just charge forward as they have been. I happened to know that some have written DHEC and the Army Corp. of Engineers about this project, and their genuine concerns for lack of engineering, and the environment of our canals. I haven't heard that they've received answers, but your board didn't just pull this new plan of action out of a magical hat, for no reason. We have a right to know. My suggestion would be, that you write the board immediately, and ask them whether they have had anyone from DHEC, the Army Corp. of Engineers, or any other governmental agency, contact the board, since the October 2014 Board Meeting regarding this project, and if so, ask that they detail the type of contact, and if written, that they provide you with a copy. It is about time that they acknowledged the problems with THEIR PLANNING, OR LACK OF, for us - idiots. If you have written authorities, and haven't heard from them, send a copy of your correspondence and a cover letter, to a higher authority, until you get a response.
We'll head back to the meeting. A motion is made, seconded by Ebert, to approve the bid of $1,900.00. It is stated that DHEC will allow removal of no more than 25 yards out of the canal. The vendor would remove the material, haul it away, bring in top soil, and level ,and grade it. No one at the board table asks why we are doing this, versus what was approved in October. Cline says it seems reasonable. Garrison asks how much we've spent in total on this project? Someone asks how much was allocated to the project? DeMarchi says he doesn't know exactly how much we have spent, but suggests that it is less than $28,000, and probably around $24,000. Go to the tape, but my scribbling indicates that DeMarchi says that either $34,000, or $36,000, had been allocated to it. Garrison asks if this is really going to be the end of the project? DeMarchi says it should be, as long as they get the sod, which isn't included in the bid. Garrison comes back again saying things like it has gone on and on. He mentions one bulk head and then another was added, and he would like it to be over, and completed. He then asks if he is being told that this will be the end? McMillin jumps in saying he believes the sod cutting season may be over by the time the vendor does this project. DeMarchi has claimed that it will be done in November, and that the contractor will probably start on Monday. They talk a little more about sod. McMillin agrees to check with the sod vendor on Monday, because DeMarchi does not believe the sod cutting season is over. They don't add the cost of the sod to the motion.
Garrison asks if everyone is in agreement that something washed into the canals. DeMarchi goes back to his previous vague attempts at claiming that it was in there already. Someone disagrees. Someone says that Ryan Campbell put gravel in there. Garrison wants to know what the vendor does with the stuff he is to haul away. Cline asks something about more being washed away. DeMarchi says that it should stay. Johnson says something about the project taking a couple of tries to get it right, but it could have cost more with engineering.(???????) Ebert wants to know if the vendor has a permit to cart the stuff away, and where they are taking it? Someone says that they don't know. McMillin says that when they drag that stuff out that it is going to be wet. He wants to know if the vendor will let it sit up here, because it could leak mud and water, as it is being hauled out of here. DeMarchi says something about if the vendor is hauling it, and if it drips, he might be fined - that's possible.
In the end, the board approves this bid.
COMMENTS:
Residents, DeMarchi is Treasurer, Compliance Chair, and Drainage Chair. I suggest you write him and get some answers. Why? First, he appears to have poor regard for the intelligence of some, if not all residents -"legislating for idiots". He also appears to have high regard for himself at the same time. He's an expert at everything from drainage, to accounting, and everything else. Second, if he is such an expert, such a great legislator, why weren't the residents ever told up front, how much he had allocated to this expensive project, without engineering, and proper planning and bidding? WHY DON'T HIS PUBLISHED NUMBERS REGARDING THIS PROJECT, ADD UP?
I'll do the math for you, on the premise that our official approved minutes, should indicate in the least, expense related motions. Therefore, you as a resident, could track how much was spent on this expensive, fault ridden, project, or any project. You can go to the WPA website, and follow the figures presented below, through the Drainage Report section of the minutes, each month. I cut and pasted the Drainage Reports in a article entitled, "More of the October Grounds Report. Why Did The Almost Two Year Wedgefield Drainage Project, Directed By Drainage Chair DeMarchi, Become The Canal Project, Directed By Grounds Chair McMillin?", published on November 9, 2014. You can review the Drainage Report figures there. HERE ARE THE FIGURES AND THE DATE THEY APPEARED IN THE MINUTES.
June/2013, $650.00, Earthworks
November/2013 $9,870.00, J.C. Landscaping
December/2013, $100.00, for grass seed
April/2014, $1,750.00 Marine Towing
April/2014, $300.00, for fill dirt
TOTAL APPROVED IN THE MINUTES = $11,670.00 (Note, even if you add in the $2,500 that was approved in October 2014, which they changed at the Open Board Meeting, it would all only total $15,170.00. How did we get to an approved amount of less than $28,000 but more than $24,000? Write and ask the board. NOTE: I'll remind you again, that I have provided all the above information to the best of my ability, having attended the Open Board Meeting, and used the approved WPA Minutes, and I've asked you, to verify the information for yourself, from the tape of the meeting, and the minutes.
I attend a lot of the meetings, and listen to the tapes and transcribe them. Another red flag went up when this board motioned to get past the fact that they didn't have three bids, but it was under $3,000. I don't recall them doing that in the past. It is just one more item to consider, when you evaluate how we may be being jerked around. There have been more than a few times when they didn't have three bidders.
I really question this board's procurement and contracting practices, and their failure to use engineering services. Go to the tape and listen to board member Johnson's - we didn't use engineering, it took a few tries, but I think we did OK. I am so concerned that I'm going to write the board, and suggest that they develop a new committee, or sub committee, that would develop a standard for requests for proposals, document the credentials of the board member or individual writing the scope of work, or specs, document attempts at securing bids, receive the bids, and hold them - un opened, for the meeting they are to be voted on. I'm so sincere, that should the board accept the recommendation, I will volunteer to sit on the committee - if I'm approved (fat chance), and I'll even sign the confidentiality agreement, for that volunteer job only!
In the meantime if you've written authorities regarding this project, send it to higher authority. If you're a resident, question the board, as advised above.
I went to the Wedgefield Drainage Project today, and took more pictures, with a measuring tape. While the board argues the silting has stopped, and I don't believe it, nothing was said at the board table that would fix these dangerous holes - caused by silting, or not.
The board posted a sign near the front gate, and a message on the WPA website, announcing the meeting. The initial posting on the website stated that the agenda was the Wedgefield Drainage Project. Later, the gate house was added to the agenda on the website.
The meeting was called to order by President Walton at 7:00 PM. Board members in attendance were: President Walton, Ebert, Cline, DeMarchi, McMillin, Garrison, Johnson, and Anderson. John Walton was absent.
DeMarchi starts out saying that scope of work had been sent to 3 contractors, but that they only had one bid. The board then began to talk about the fact that if the bid was under $3,000, that they could make a motion to waive the requirement of 3 bids. Garrison asked whether multiple attempts had been made to secure 3 bids. DeMarchi said the only reason the bidding contractor had agreed to bid, was that he was already in the area. A motion was made and passed to waive the requirement of three bids.
COMMENTS: First, the board never tells us why we are there for yet another change of plans on the Wedgefield Drainage Project. This is important for a number of reasons. Remember, this time DeMarchi is bringing the project to the table, again, after he has declared it completed, at least twice. Last month, McMillin, brought some half baked plan to the table calling it the Canal Project, that resulted in the board approving up to $2,500 to remove the stuff from the canal, bring in top soil, level/grade, and sod - with volunteers. That was suppose to finish this project once and for all. What really prompted the President to call this meeting? Do you really think that board members sat around the week before Thanksgiving, and said, "you know fellow board members, we who claim to have all expertise, and money saving knowledge, ought to rethink this?" Listen, DeMarchi says, "he's tired of legislating for IDIOTS who break the rules", obviously on their own, they would just charge forward as they have been. I happened to know that some have written DHEC and the Army Corp. of Engineers about this project, and their genuine concerns for lack of engineering, and the environment of our canals. I haven't heard that they've received answers, but your board didn't just pull this new plan of action out of a magical hat, for no reason. We have a right to know. My suggestion would be, that you write the board immediately, and ask them whether they have had anyone from DHEC, the Army Corp. of Engineers, or any other governmental agency, contact the board, since the October 2014 Board Meeting regarding this project, and if so, ask that they detail the type of contact, and if written, that they provide you with a copy. It is about time that they acknowledged the problems with THEIR PLANNING, OR LACK OF, for us - idiots. If you have written authorities, and haven't heard from them, send a copy of your correspondence and a cover letter, to a higher authority, until you get a response.
We'll head back to the meeting. A motion is made, seconded by Ebert, to approve the bid of $1,900.00. It is stated that DHEC will allow removal of no more than 25 yards out of the canal. The vendor would remove the material, haul it away, bring in top soil, and level ,and grade it. No one at the board table asks why we are doing this, versus what was approved in October. Cline says it seems reasonable. Garrison asks how much we've spent in total on this project? Someone asks how much was allocated to the project? DeMarchi says he doesn't know exactly how much we have spent, but suggests that it is less than $28,000, and probably around $24,000. Go to the tape, but my scribbling indicates that DeMarchi says that either $34,000, or $36,000, had been allocated to it. Garrison asks if this is really going to be the end of the project? DeMarchi says it should be, as long as they get the sod, which isn't included in the bid. Garrison comes back again saying things like it has gone on and on. He mentions one bulk head and then another was added, and he would like it to be over, and completed. He then asks if he is being told that this will be the end? McMillin jumps in saying he believes the sod cutting season may be over by the time the vendor does this project. DeMarchi has claimed that it will be done in November, and that the contractor will probably start on Monday. They talk a little more about sod. McMillin agrees to check with the sod vendor on Monday, because DeMarchi does not believe the sod cutting season is over. They don't add the cost of the sod to the motion.
Garrison asks if everyone is in agreement that something washed into the canals. DeMarchi goes back to his previous vague attempts at claiming that it was in there already. Someone disagrees. Someone says that Ryan Campbell put gravel in there. Garrison wants to know what the vendor does with the stuff he is to haul away. Cline asks something about more being washed away. DeMarchi says that it should stay. Johnson says something about the project taking a couple of tries to get it right, but it could have cost more with engineering.(???????) Ebert wants to know if the vendor has a permit to cart the stuff away, and where they are taking it? Someone says that they don't know. McMillin says that when they drag that stuff out that it is going to be wet. He wants to know if the vendor will let it sit up here, because it could leak mud and water, as it is being hauled out of here. DeMarchi says something about if the vendor is hauling it, and if it drips, he might be fined - that's possible.
In the end, the board approves this bid.
COMMENTS:
Residents, DeMarchi is Treasurer, Compliance Chair, and Drainage Chair. I suggest you write him and get some answers. Why? First, he appears to have poor regard for the intelligence of some, if not all residents -"legislating for idiots". He also appears to have high regard for himself at the same time. He's an expert at everything from drainage, to accounting, and everything else. Second, if he is such an expert, such a great legislator, why weren't the residents ever told up front, how much he had allocated to this expensive project, without engineering, and proper planning and bidding? WHY DON'T HIS PUBLISHED NUMBERS REGARDING THIS PROJECT, ADD UP?
I'll do the math for you, on the premise that our official approved minutes, should indicate in the least, expense related motions. Therefore, you as a resident, could track how much was spent on this expensive, fault ridden, project, or any project. You can go to the WPA website, and follow the figures presented below, through the Drainage Report section of the minutes, each month. I cut and pasted the Drainage Reports in a article entitled, "More of the October Grounds Report. Why Did The Almost Two Year Wedgefield Drainage Project, Directed By Drainage Chair DeMarchi, Become The Canal Project, Directed By Grounds Chair McMillin?", published on November 9, 2014. You can review the Drainage Report figures there. HERE ARE THE FIGURES AND THE DATE THEY APPEARED IN THE MINUTES.
June/2013, $650.00, Earthworks
November/2013 $9,870.00, J.C. Landscaping
December/2013, $100.00, for grass seed
April/2014, $1,750.00 Marine Towing
April/2014, $300.00, for fill dirt
TOTAL APPROVED IN THE MINUTES = $11,670.00 (Note, even if you add in the $2,500 that was approved in October 2014, which they changed at the Open Board Meeting, it would all only total $15,170.00. How did we get to an approved amount of less than $28,000 but more than $24,000? Write and ask the board. NOTE: I'll remind you again, that I have provided all the above information to the best of my ability, having attended the Open Board Meeting, and used the approved WPA Minutes, and I've asked you, to verify the information for yourself, from the tape of the meeting, and the minutes.
I attend a lot of the meetings, and listen to the tapes and transcribe them. Another red flag went up when this board motioned to get past the fact that they didn't have three bids, but it was under $3,000. I don't recall them doing that in the past. It is just one more item to consider, when you evaluate how we may be being jerked around. There have been more than a few times when they didn't have three bidders.
I really question this board's procurement and contracting practices, and their failure to use engineering services. Go to the tape and listen to board member Johnson's - we didn't use engineering, it took a few tries, but I think we did OK. I am so concerned that I'm going to write the board, and suggest that they develop a new committee, or sub committee, that would develop a standard for requests for proposals, document the credentials of the board member or individual writing the scope of work, or specs, document attempts at securing bids, receive the bids, and hold them - un opened, for the meeting they are to be voted on. I'm so sincere, that should the board accept the recommendation, I will volunteer to sit on the committee - if I'm approved (fat chance), and I'll even sign the confidentiality agreement, for that volunteer job only!
In the meantime if you've written authorities regarding this project, send it to higher authority. If you're a resident, question the board, as advised above.
I went to the Wedgefield Drainage Project today, and took more pictures, with a measuring tape. While the board argues the silting has stopped, and I don't believe it, nothing was said at the board table that would fix these dangerous holes - caused by silting, or not.
3 PICTURES OF HOLE # 1
Hole # 1 = about 16 inches wide - minimum
Hole # 1 = about 9 inches wide - minimum
Hole # 1 = about 29 inches deep at the very least
2 PICTURES OF HOLE # 2
Hole # 2 = about 32 inches deep, actually deeper but tape gets caught
Hole # 2 = a running distance of about 26 inches
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