Madeline and Wedgefield Neighbors,
Shirley Peterson will be accepting resumes for board
positions. I'm asking all able residents to call her and
seriously inquire about a run for the board. At this point,
it's a call to duty and we need all the help we can get.
I'm sure there will be more information in the upcoming
Wragg which is due to come out at the end of this month.
But have a serious discussion about this with your
neighbors and friends. We need members who care
about our community and its' future.
Here's where we're at folks.... some highlights of the board meeting.
Jacky started the meeting by scolding residents about under-aged children; some as young as 8 for driving golf carts throughout the community. He alluded to the fact that he may have addressed this with the culprits, but it wasn't clear to me. I agree, this is a safety issue and have witnessed an increase in this activity. Jeannine stated she would put a notice in the Wragg reminding parents of this policy regarding golf carts. Jacky wants it in BIG red letters, although he doesn't think this will help. He foresees a child getting hurt in the future. So let's wait for a serious incident to rectify this issue instead of the board doing their job, (oh excuse me doing that volunteer thing). It's this type of response that has some residents ignoring the covenants of the community and not maintaining their properties. They know that Jacky will flap his gums, wag his finger and retreat.
Bob thanked the residents mowers and Butch's mowing group for taking on the challenge of maintaining the golf course, (and stepping up when the board chose to dance around the issue). The grounds do look great and this is a big undertaking. Butch for Prez?
Spectrum just completing installing "high speed internet" in the HOA office. Up til now, they were operating on a "dial up".... yes that's what I said, a "dial up" system. It took the board a decade to figure out the system was out of date... well, as I recall, it actually took a hurricane to screw up their computer system which snowballed into the revelation that the internet system was antiquated.
Tonight a board member brought up "new business." He requested that the board look into getting a credit card to do business as most companies require a credit card or Paypal for transactions. (Another one of those revelations?) The board is currently using their personal credit cards, then getting reimbursed which is their process. Let's think about this... where can we get ourselves one of them there credit cards they asked? This is a puzzle of the jigsaw kind. But wait....Bob thinks maybe they can get a debit card at the bank? But noooo, we don't want a debit card. You're getting warmer Bob..... you can actually and easily get a "credit card" from one of the several banks associated with the HOA.... you know, South State Bank, TD Bank, or South Atlantic.
This issue is serious folks. The parents of a child who was hit and dragged by a car in Wedgefield brought up the problem of speeding in our community. Thankfully the child is okay. Our VP bellowed, "What do you want the board to do about it?" REALLY? This discussion went back and forth with some residents sharing ideas and resolutions and the board acting pretty disinterested and in my opinion, insensitive. I saw no sign they wanted to seriously address with this issue. Not an ounce of sympathy, an I'm sorry, or how is your child doing? The concern was voiced and that was the end of it. And .....sadly there was more anger expressed about the theft of 69 cent Memorial Day flags than the horror of a child getting hit by a car.
Inge reported that the condos are dealing with pool "trespassing" issues again this summer. Noted with no response or possible resolution to the problem whatsoever. (Guess I know where I'm swimming this summer). NEXT!!!
The board plans to further discuss the hiring of a Bookkeeper for 2-3 hours a week to help with the finances... you know things like paying bills and writing out checks. The Bookkeeper will work with the Treasurer and Secretary. They will work under a yearly contract with a 30 day escape clause should they not meet expectations. (Throw in a bonus of being scrutinized, oops I mean supervised by the board and sign me up). The board will interview the applicants. ...another REALLY? I don't have much faith anyone on that board has the skills to professionally interview a job applicant. But I'm willing to suggest a very good question. What is online banking?
A resident asked about the sale of the golf course and you would think he asked the members of the board when they last had a healthy bowel movement because on cue they jumped down his throat and one bellowed "it's none of our business." Wow!!! No need to get your knickers in a twist. Well, some of the residents had information to share which cued Jeannie to snark to her fellow members that we could all stay behind and discuss this among ourselves after the meeting...(she had one foot out the door and the other one waiting).
The next meeting is July 18th. I suggest people start attending to see for themselves who is representing us and making decisions on our behalf. It's time to replace this board. I know my message sounds cynical, but I just can't accept the manner in which these members conduct themselves or react to residents. If you can't find humor in the situation, it will only depress you. Issues are identified, but resolutions aren't in their job....(oops said that word again), volunteer duty description. It's very clear to me they are just going through the motions and just simply need a nudge to move on. I fail to see a single ounce of enthusiasm, respect for the residents, or any level of initiative or motivation left in this crew. Come and determine for yourself.
