THE WEDGEFIELD EXAMINER IS BACK AND READY TO PUBLISH. SOMETIMES, THE RESEARCH FOR AN ARTICLE TOUCHES LEADS INTO OTHER CRITICAL ISSUES, AND WHILE YOU SET THEM ASIDE TO CONTINUE ON THE TARGET, IT JUST MAKES YOU SAD THAT WE LIVE THIS WAY IN WEDGEFIELD

THE BOARD, HAVING NO PROBLEM REMOVING BOARD MEETING RECORDINGS, MINUTES AND THE FINANCIALS FROM THE WEBSITE, ATTACKING ANYONE WHO QUESTIONS, AND FAILING TO FOLLOW OUR GOVERNING DOCUMENTS, SHOULD JUST REMOVE THIS SIGN WITH EVERYTHING ELSE.  LEAVING THE PROMISE OF THOSE WORDS AT OUR FRONT GATE IS A TRAVESTY.

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Do you have information, or an opinion - agree, or not, you can email The Wedgefield Examiner at wedgefieldexaminerthe@yahoo.com.  We'll remove your name to protect the innocent, and publish it *.  P.S.  If you would like your name published, please note that on your email, otherwise we leave your name out.

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I hope to have the spoil site article out by the end of the day, Monday, Nov. 13.  I've had to do research from two sources over a period of several months.  As I reviewed the board's sanitized minutes, and compared them to the notes that I took while attending board meetings, I would inadvertently come in contact with other issues, and they all made me feel like there is no hope to ever turning this illegal - against our governing documents, against the promise Wedgefield once held, around.  Reviewing the board's actions, their favored committee members actions against neighbors, and the best interests of the entire community for their own self serving agenda is sickening, and defeating.  Yet, this is where we live.  The place we call home, and you just have to keep trucking, and trying to make a difference, but it is like trying to fight the mafia.

About a week ago, I posted a notice on the blog that I had a close family member who had been hospitalized and was home recovering, and I would not be posting on the blog again until yesterday, November 11th.  As stated earlier, the posting regarding the spoil site has been a lot of research, and disheartening.  Yet, I continue to take the time, because this is where I live - my home, and I refuse to allow dishonesty, and ruthless behavior by a board that is suppose to be protecting my home - my community, and not treat my community like the membership is too dumb to question.  So the blog continues.   What else keeps me going? 97 readers visited the blog yesterday, Nov. 11, hoping to see a new posting.  I get all kinds of phone calls and messages that I don't publish because the writers are concerned about how this board, and their neighbors will treat them.  Some of my messages are just plain private to prompt me to do what I do.  Today, I went through and grabbed pieces of a few, without exposing the writer, and these have never been published on the blog.  You'll see as you read them, that they understand just how bad this board is, and what they've done to Wedgefield.

1) I HOPE it doesn't come to this,......  I HOPE I'm wrong.   I don't have the energy to start over again so soon after we settled in.   We actually looked at houses on the market in ........ to see whats out there.

2) Just a thought:  Let's withhold payment of our annual assessment until such time as the WPA website is activated and the meeting minutes and financial statements become visible.  For whatever reason, the WPA wants us in the dark.  Money talks.

3) We are part time residents but Wedgefield is our primary residence.  We cannot attend most of the meetings but are very aware of all the controversy, thankfully to your blog.   

We cannot understand how a HOA board can withhold minutes from the meetings.  I thought it was a part of Roberts Rule of Order.  How does the board justify no publication of minutes?  

As a member of this group, we would like to find out what is happening each month.  We have asked if the Wragg was published in July and received no answer.  I call certain neighbors to get some info, but we would like to see the minutes.  Can you give me some info on this and if it is legal to withhold the minutes?  Thanks for your time and energy.  We appreciate all your efforts.  And be aware that we will vote for changes at the elections.

4) I noticed the sign for Tuesday board meeting is still out 

there.  Is there actually another meeting or did the cast of incompetents just neglect to bring the sign in?  If there is a meeting, is there an agenda somewhere telling us what the meeting will be about?

5) I will not be censored because someone sees facts as 
negativity. I will not be censored because the Board is in a volunteer status and yet refuses to do their job. These 
group pages would not be necessary if the Board would 
update its website which it promised at the last meeting . Mowing by the community would not be necessary it the 
Board were working with their community instead of sitting there claiming they cannot be held accountable and that 
they can give no advice or permission as to the grass 
cutting problem. I have seen people ridiculed and made fun 
of. I have even seen others direct the meeting from the 
audience after retiring from the Board previously.

6) Thanks for clearing that up, Madeline.  While I still hold 

that “board” in utter contempt, at least it isn’t quite as 

abhorrent as I thought.  Just such bad eggs.

7) BTW – the lady who was sitting behind me at the meeting walked right up to Bob Garrison after and told him he was making himself and the entire Board look bad by the way 

he (and they) treat you.  She was very adamant.  I was 

very proud of her.

8) Thank you, Madeline, for another batch of very informative 

blogs on your site.  The last one, in particular, I think is so helpful.  It’s easy to lose sight of which members really 

need to be ousted because it just seems as though the 

entire lot are so destructive.  But by pointing out exactly 

who and what needs to be done should resonate when 

people vote on the new board.  At least I hope so. 

9) You are 100% on point – we must take action.  However, 

how best to proceed?  I do like your suggestion that we 

hold a residents meeting and discuss what can be done to 

stop the decay and turn things around at Wedgefield.  

Would people come?  How to notify them?  We need a new Board and some forward thinking people to take charge.  

I just can’t believe that people would let things continue as 

they are at present – our homes are, for most of us, our 

biggest investment.

10) My husband and I moved into Wedgefield less than a year 
ago and are very disappointed in the current lack of maintenance that affects each and every homeowner there.
  We understand that it is absolutely pointless to try to get 
things changed as our board is firmly entrenched and 
running their own ship. 

  

A RESIDENT GOES TO THE MINUTES TO REVIEW CHANGES IN THE POLICY MANUAL. CLEVER RESIDENT, BECAUSE YOUR BOARD HAS BEEN HIDING THE MINUTES, BRING THEM OUT AGAIN WHEN THEY ARE QUESTIONED, ARE BLATANTLY FAILING TO POST CHANGES TO THE POLICY MANUAL BETWEEN FIRST AND SECOND READING, AS REQUIRED BY OUR BY-LAWS. WHY BECAUSE THEY HAVE NO GOVERNOR - WHERE'S OUR PRESIDENT? OH, REMEMBER, HE'S NOT THE ONE WHO RUNS THE BOARD!

YOUR BOARD SAYS "TRUST US TO FOLLOW THE GOVERNING DOCUMENTS. OUR VICE PRESIDENT - LEGAL CHAIR - COMPLIANCE CHAIR, TELLS US WE ARE DOING THE RIGHT THING, AND HE SAYS "YOU KNOW WHO RUNS THIS BOARD."  WE FOLLOW HIS LEAD EVEN IF WE DON'T PUBLISH CHANGES AS REQUIRED, MEET AND DON'T DISCUSS TO MUCH IN FRONT OF YOU, AND JUST KEEP PASSING A BUNCH OF STUFF TO FULFILL OUR AGENDA, WHICH PROBABLY ISN'T IN THE BEST INTEREST OF WEDGEFIELD, BECAUSE WE CAN - WE ARE COHESIVE, AND YOU KEEP ELECTING US!" 

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Do you have information, or an opinion - agree, or not, you can email The Wedgefield Examiner at wedgefieldexaminerthe@yahoo.com.  We'll remove your name to protect the innocent, and publish it *.  P.S.  If you would like your name published, please note that on your email, otherwise we leave your name out.

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Readers, I'm somewhat shut down until the 11th.  We've had a hospital stay, and a recovering patient in my house.  We're fine but the nurse - Ratchet - that's me, is tired.  I do check the email, and a resident reader - researcher spent a lot of time gathering information for this article.  Publishing their words, and investigative efforts is easy for me to get a posting up.  I thank the member for their effort.  As residents, we have so much information held from us.  Please take the time to read this resident's effort.  The picture, headline, and comments under the picture are mine, and the resident had no choice in my selection.

HERE IS THE UNEDITED RESIDENT LETTER:

When was the last time you got an updated policy manual from the board?  Mine is so old it looks as though it was produced on a manual typewriter and then printed on a mimeograph machine.    How are residents supposed to follow or KNOW the rules when the policy books we are provided are outdated?   Some would recommend that you go to the HOA website.  But is the site updated?  And isn't the site the very thing that the Grand Poobah, Bob Garrison himself would like to get rid of?    

In the past 3 years the following policy changes were implemented by our board.  Were YOU aware of all these changes?  Do you agree with them?  Looks like a lot of changes in a short period of time.   Time to start attending board meetings to see what else they are doing with your policies and money?????

I'm posting XIV Welcome Committee, Section 1.03, #4 first for your entertainment pleasure.    The board removed the complimentary lunch or "appropriate gift" afforded to new residents of Wedgefield........ REALLY!!!!!  Motioned by the Grand Poobah himself; followed by his people.    What's next, banning those pesky trick or treaters from entering the plantation???

2nd reading: XIV Welcome Committee,Section 1.03, #4- REMOVE “New Residents will be provided a complimentary lunch or appropriate gift.” in its entirety. Motion by Bob Garrison, 2nd by Janine and passed by 8 ayes.

January 2015 

Old Business: 2nd reading: Policy addition Section VIII- 5.02.02-YEARLY ASSESSMENTS .

To Add: 5.02.02- “A grace period with regard to late fees from February 2 to the last day of February shall be extended to all owners’ accounts without incurring late fees, provided there are no prior assessments due on that property.”

April 2015: 

Old Business: 2nd reading and vote for the Policy changes were discussed.

1. Section V- Covenant #7; Outside Burning Motion is to add  to Section V, Item #3 to read as follows:

3. COVENANT #7 OUTSIDE BURNING (Rev. 4/21/15)

Relating to Covenant #7 (noxious or offensive activity) as pertaining to outside burning, the following restrictions and definitions shall apply:

1) Open burning of trash or yard debris shall be prohibited at all times. Trash will be defined as garbage, paper products, Styrofoam or any similar materials. Yard debris will include leaves, branches, clippings or outdoor dead plant materials.

2) Contained fires in firepits, burn barrels or pots used for recreational purposes or cooking, outdoor fireplaces and grills shall be permitted. (Yeehaw!!!! let's add burn barrels or pots. How aesthetically beautiful. That should add to the value of our neighborhoods).

Also this section will be re-numbered as Section 3 and the previous Section 3 will be re-numbered as Section 4-FINES FOR NONCOMPLIANCE WITH RESTRICTIONS. Motion was made by Bob Garrison, 2nd

by John Walton, motion passed with 6 ayes.

2. Appendix V-1- Temporary Sign Application. A motion was made by Bob Garrison, 2nd by Adam Anderson to change the wording on the signature line to read as “Realtor or Owner as applicable” from “Realtor” only. Motion passed with 6 ayes.

3. Section VI- Communications: Item 2: Scope and Reporting.

A motion was made by Bob Garrison, 2nd by Keith Johnson to delete the “Yard of the Month” requirement as it not being done anymore. Motion passed with 6 ayes.

4. Section VI- Communications: Item 2.01.03.b A motion was made by Bob Garrison, 2nd by Keith Johnson; to replace the word “will” be published to “may” be published.

Motion passed with 6 ayes.

5. Section VI- Communications: 2.04; Community Events.

A motion was made by Bob Garrison, 2nd by Keith Johnson to edit items 2-5 to read as:

2. Remove “scheduled the Saturday before Easter at 10:00 am”

3. Remove “held the first Saturday in May”

4. Remove “held on July 4th”

5. Change “decorating and cleanup” to “events:”

Motion passed with 6 ayes.

June 2015: 

2nd reading- Policy Manual- Section II-A motion was made by Bob Garrison to accept all changes that were proposed and attached in last month’s meeting. Bob listed all proposed changes by Section. 2nd by Al DeMarchi. Discussion proceeded with several board members concerns on Section 6.01 & 11.01.03. Jacky Walton concerns were that 2 board members should be notified of expenditures. Inge Ebert

concerns were that the amounts for Section 6.01 are too high and should be reduced. Bob explained that contractors will not come in for such a low amount.

Al suggested re-wording 6.01 that another board member approves along with the Treasurer. Bob doesn’t object to the change but suggests a form be made up that requires another signature from a board member. It was also suggested that if the Treasurer is out of town can another executive member confirm the funds are available. Bob stated that some of these expenditures can be planned ahead of time. John Walton suggested that Water Amenities be included in 6.01. Bob stated that yes, he should be included and that it was an oversight.

Larry McMillin took offensive at not being able for his committee to freely spend his budget. He stated that this is too complicated to chase after board members to get reimbursed. Jacky stated that the 2 signature policy is good business practice.

Section 5.01.01, 5.01.03, 6.02, 7.01, 7.02, 11.01, 11.01.01, 11.02, 11.02.01, 11.03, 11.03.01, 11.04, 11.04.01, 11.04.02, 11.04.03 passed with 8 ayes.

Section II; Appendix II-I: #9 & Office Building Rental Application 3 Bullet points removed, motion passed with 8 ayes.

Sections 6.01 & 11.01.03 will be tabled until next month’s meeting for further editing.

August 2015:

Legal: Bob reported that 2 Bylaw changes and 1 Covenant change submitted for the ballot at this year’s Annual Meeting. He stated that these have been forwarded to the Board Attorney for review and consideration not in terms of him advising if they are good ideas or not but whether they conflict with or variance with any existing things where they would not be able to be enforced.

Bob then read these proposals:

1. Article VIII, OFFICERS, Section 5, be changed from "The Treasurer shall have custody of all property of the Association including funds, securities and evidence of indebtedness.  He/she shall keep the books of the Association in accordance with good accounting practices and shall perform other duties incident to the office of Treasurer as may be required by the Board."

to "The Treasurer shall have custody of all property of the Association including funds, securities and evidence of indebtedness.  He/she shall along with the Board contract the service of a Certified Public Accountant to keep the books of the Association in accordance with good accounting practices and shall perform other duties incident to the Office of Treasurer as may be required by the Board."

2. Addition- No WPA controlled funds may be used to pay for any type of maintenance or construction to the state owned canals located at Wedgefield without a majority vote by the entire WPA membership. ***** Pay attention to this one folks... Let's see if this is changed in the new few months.

3. Covenant #26 Change- IT IS UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED that the conditions, restrictions and limitations are made solely for the benefit of the grantor and grantee herein, and may be changed at any time by mutual consent in writing of the parties hereto, their heirs, successors and assigns. Change to the following: IT IS UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED that the conditions, restrictions and limitations are made solely for the benefit of the grantor and grantee herein, and may be changed by a 60% vote of eligible voters (total of all members in good standing) at an annual meeting at which a quorum is present. Voting may be done in person, by proxy, or by mail-in ballot.

Old Business: 1st reading:

Bob Garrison made a motion to accept the following as a first reading to the policy manual, 2nd by John Walton. Vote will be taken at September meeting.

Welcome Committee: Section 14;1.05- The Committee may mail sympathy or condolence cards to the families of WPA members who pass away upon receipt of notice of the members passing.

September 2015:

Compliance: 2nd reading of Policy Change- XIV Welcome Committee- To add Section 1.05-Condolences.“The Committee may mail sympathy or condolence cards to the families of WPA members who pass away upon receipt of notice of the members’passing.” A motion was made by Bob Garrison, 2nd by Al DeMarchi, Motion passed with 8 ayes and 1 nay by Al DeMarchi.

October 2015:

2nd reading ARC Policy Section III, 4.02.18-Storage Sheds, Line #3- Change Maximum height of 9 feet measured to the midpoint of the roof slope to be maximum height of 12’ measured from grade to the top of the roof. Motion by Bob Garrison, 2nd by Janine Cline and passed with 8 ayes.

2nd reading:

XIV Welcome Committee, Section 1.03, #4-REMOVE“New residents will be provided a complimentary lunch or appropriate gift.” in its entirety. Motion by Bob Garrison, 2nd by Janine and passed by 8 ayes.

December 2015:

New Business Section 2, 6.01 and 11.01.03 needs to read President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, ARC chairperson, Legal chairperson, Finance chairperson, Communication chair person, Welcome Committee chairperson, Drainage chairperson, Water Amenities chairperson, Roads chairperson, Condo Liaison chairperson, Grounds chairperson and Compliance chairperson have the right to make purchases up to $500 without prior approval from the board provided adequate funds are available in the budget and approved by an Executive Board member prior to the purchase.

January 2016:

Old  Business –Section 2,

6.01 and 11.01.03 needs to read President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, ARC chairperson, Legal chairperson, Finance chairperson, Communication chair person, Welcome Committee chairperson, Drainage chairperson, Water Amenities chairperson, Roads chairperson, Condo Liaison chairperson, Grounds chairperson and Compliance chairperson have the right to make purchases up to $500 without prior approval from the board provided adequate funds are available in the budget and is approved by an Executive Board member prior to the purchase. Bob made a motion, Al DeMarchi 2nd and passed with 8 ayes

March 2016:

Old Business –Section VIII, 7.03.02, Proposed: When funds are received, any monies will pay all late fees, fines, penalties, lot maintenance fees, and any other levied charges prior to the funds being credited toward the annual assessment. If enough funds are not received to cover these fees, fines, penalties, or levied charges plus the annual assessment, the account will be placed in arrears and will not be in good standing. It will be subject to late fees and the approved steps to collect all monies owed to the Association will apply.

March 2017:

New Business: Keith Johnson has proposed a change to the ARC, Section III, item 2.05. First Reading of that change

May 2017:

New Business: Keith would like to propose a first reading on ARC Section 3, 2.05, called tree removal so we are trying to clarify as to what requires a deposit and what doesn’t. We would like to change it to read: “the following projects do not require deposits, but do require ARC approval: exterior color change, satellite equipment, irrigation well, pet area w/o pad, recreational equipment, and small tree removal no larger than 8” four feet from grade (not lot clearing. Rev.)”

June 2017:

New Business: Second reading of proposed change to ARC Section 3, 2.05, called tree removal so we are trying to clarify as to what requires a deposit and what doesn’t. We would like to change it to read: “the following projects do not require deposits, but do require ARC approval: exterior color change, satellite equipment, irrigation well, pet area w/o pad, recreational equipment, and small tree removal no larger than 8”, four feet from grade (not lot clearing. Rev.)” Keith made the motion, Bob seconded it. Janine questioned what exactly does 8 “ four feet from grade mean? The proposed change to include the words “in diameter” and the proposed change was pushed back to first reading with second reading scheduled for the July Board meeting.

July 2017:

Old Business: Second reading for the amendment to the ARC rules. Keith made a motion to Amend Section III, 2.05 to add ….and large tree removal. Adding also in the following paragraph…and small tree removal no larger than 8” in diameter four feet from grade (not lot clearing). John seconded the motion and motion carried. Second reading of Amendment to Section VIII adding 7.03.05 Peggy made a motion to add 7.03.05 The application of monies received on any delinquent account shall be the responsibility of the Treasurer, who, after consultation with the President, Finance Committee, and Legal Committee, shall determine the distribution of said funds. (Rev. 7/18/17) Seconded by Bob, motion carried.

November 2017: Residents will be voting on whether to eliminate an Accountant from a contracting position allowing the bookkeeper to take the primary role overseeing the HOA books.

THE WEDGEFIELD EXAMINER WILL RESUME PUBLICATION ON OCTOBER 11TH. I HAVE A CLOSE FAMILY MEMBER WHO HAS BEEN IN THE HOSPITAL HERE IN GEORGETOWN, AND WAS JUST RELEASED TODAY. SEE YOU SOON!

TWO NEW ARTICLES WERE ADDED TODAY, NOVEMBER 3! WE HAVE TO REPORT SOME DOCUMENTED SMELLY ITEMS, AND A RESIDENT WRITES THE BLOG INVITING YOU TO A PARKING LOT PARTY WHILE THE MCMILLIN PARKING LOT IS BUILT. WILL THE BOARD PROVIDE HOT DOGS AND DRINKS? BRING YOUR CHAIRS!

SOMETHING SMELLS IN WEDGEFIELD, AND IT ISN'T A LOCAL COMPANY! IT IS TIME TO VOTE AGAIN, AND YOU NEED TO REMEMBER A FEW OF WEDGEFIELD'S SMELLIER FACTS BROUGHT TO YOU BY YOUR BOARD

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Do you have information, or an opinion - agree, or not, you can email The Wedgefield Examiner at wedgefieldexaminerthe@yahoo.com.  We'll remove your name to protect the innocent, and publish it *.  P.S.  If you would like your name published, please note that on your email, otherwise we leave your name out.

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Readers, the article regarding the spoil site is in development.  While I was going through documented information to assemble the posting, I came across the January 2010 letter from then board president, Karl Gettmann, accompanied by a 2 page letter to all residents written by board attorney of record, Tom Winslow titled "WEDGEFIELD ASSESSMENT ESCROW ACCOUNT LETTER".  The letters will be provided immediately following my comments.  Why print it now?  I do it for two reasons.  The first, we are about to vote again, and a key player then - McMillin, is running again.  You'll see how he blatantly says one thing then, and another thing now.  It truly sets the stage of his performance as a board member.  

The second reason, Garrison as in "you know who runs this board", and his governance under his own rules - not the governing documents, his sneaky agenda is what leads his charge, and it isn't in the best interests of Wedgefield.  Who is responsible for this happening?  Every board member who currently sits at that board table, and continued by their long run of 6-9 years in office - president Walton, Garrison, McMillin, Cline, Phillips (who has been in and out of office and resigned at one point when new people came on board, and she didn't have the backing of her former play mates. She and five of her friends on the board resigned within a month.), John Walton, Anderson, Johnson, and Ebert.  Elimination of board members through the election process, is the cleanest way to bring new board members to the table to serve in the best interests of our entire community, rather than just those selected to benefit from an illegal (against our governing documents) agenda.  There are three seats open.  Don't re-election McMillin.  Don't elect his canal friend Vasey, who just wants to be part of our unfairly run ARC, and doesn't know about those governing documents.  Elect Downs and Williams.  Vote for two only, or write someone in.  Vote no on your boards by-law amendment.

Back to the rest of the story.  As you review the documents presented below, you'll note that that the WPA president, and the board attorney of record, Winslow, are writing you about a letter that Bob Garrison sent to every Wedgefield member, encouraging them to financially starve the association, by putting their assessment funds in an escrow account.  Wait, McMillin was on the board then.  At that time issues such as this one, would have brought full legal opinion to every board member - no one kept out of hearing what was asked of the attorney, and his response.  McMillin then throughly understood Garrison's agenda.  So, obviously Garrison's advice to every member was that you could protest board action, and put your money in escrow.  As recent as two years ago, a resident on the canals, concerned with the ARC/board's neglect of a lot near him, wrote the board with his intention to put his assessment in an escrow account, and hold it until the board acted and showed a long term commitment to following the governing documents.  Previously Garrison had told all residents told this kind of action against a board was OK.   Garrison snarked at the board table when his board's feet were being held to the fire, and informed us that the board could put a lien on the resident's house, etc.  McMillin was at the board table in 2010, and again this time, why does he, and the rest of the board blindly follow Garrison, who on this alone, shows that he will say and twist at any given time to keep his game going, because he counts on McMillin, and the rest of your board to blindly follow while he feeds them their pet projects like the parking lot, to keep them in line to benefit themselves and not us.

The 2010 letter is one more indication of what existed in regard to dredging, and Garrison type moves against a board, and McMillin was on the board at the time.  Garrison and McMillin have buddied up and again we are working on dredging.  It is time for a few facts on dredging and McMillin:

*McMillin was on the board and voted for the last dredging, and for the assessments, and loans to finance it, full discussions with the board attorney.

*McMillin was so concerned about the likes of Garrison's crew, who sued the board, staged protests like the 3 Bob's letter to withhold assessments, and their nasty moves within the resident audience during board meetings, their abuse of fellow board members as they gained seats on the board, that he - McMillin countersued, and included Garrison in the countersuit!

*During depositions for the countersuit McMillin made claims of the harm to his, and his community that Garrison's group had caused.

*McMillin in the last few years, has made claims to new residents that he was the leader of the last dredge!

*In the last year and a half, McMillin has now told people the last dredge was done wrong, and he and this board would do it right, and it will be the best dredge ever!  

*McMillin taken all the current illegal moves, under the guidance of "you know who runs this board", trusty Garrison.

*McMillin wouldn't allow golf course lot owners, condo owners, etc. to attend a canal lot owner meeting where your board promised up to $135,000 our assessment funds to dredging - under Garrison's plan, when McMillin and Garrison's ilk on the board would not do anything for all of Wedgefield in regard to the golf course - "we didn't own it", and yet they committed all this money to canals they don't own!

*McMillin claims fame to the last dredging, to the new dredging, and walks on faces and integrity of the very people who worked side by side with him, sometimes taking on far more responsibility than he did, on the last dredging, and now claims - really it was all done wrong!  Additionally, he has sat back in his board seat, and silently watched Garrison abuse the very people who worked with him for the last dredging, just to stay in the limelight, and cow tow to Garrison.  You want to go to parties at his house, attend boat club as one of McMillin's favored, or maybe have him volunteer to do work in your home, and don't want to lose his favor?  Go ahead, but get him off the board while we can,  through the ballot!  Do you know that many are afraid to vote, because they can't vote according to what is right, because they are afraid of the hand select group your board has count the ballots will report it to these guys?????  Take the chance and if your vote is revealed, report it to the board, and to the blog, I'll print it.  

Right now, every board member at that table is complicit in these actions.  Take them off the board, election after election.  What about Anderson, and John Walton?  Let's hope that they are up on the ballot next year.  Those two weren't on the board for the last dredging vote, but they watched first resident Garrison, and then board member Garrison go after supporters of the last dredging, and they were so sure that it was done legally, that they worked against people like Garrison.  When then board member Garrison and friends went after two innocent female  board members publicly from the board table - threatening to remove them, telling them they were going to prison for seven and a half years, the John Walton then - went with me to the sheriff's office to see if these board jesters had even filed the most elementary of reports.  That board with Garrison hissing at the women at meetings, shut up after John Walton helped me gather information, an fact to shut the Garrison's type part of the board up.  During the discovery of the last dredging lawsuits, each side had to provide donor lists for the other.  I didn't need the list, but for verification to you, Anderson made contributions to the side suing Garrison!  Same applies to most on your water amenities committee.  When did it change? When did they climb into Garrison's web?  When they wanted a second dock on the landing!  When they wanted to dredge again, and they saw Garrison as having all the power.  When Larry wanted his parking lot, and to many other things to mention.  They cover up for each other, stay silent, meet outside the board table, ignore the governing documents, and bring you along, with your clubs, and keep building on Garrison's web.  READ THE PROMISED DOCUMENTS, AFTER THE WEB.

RESIDENT WRITES THE WEDGEFIELD EXAMINER AND SUGGESTS YOU "PONDER SOME INFORMATION BEFORE YOU VOTE"

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Do you have information, or an opinion - agree, or not, you can email The Wedgefield Examiner at wedgefieldexaminerthe@yahoo.com.  We'll remove your name to protect the innocent, and publish it *.  P.S.  If you would like your name published, please note that on your email, otherwise we leave your name out.

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Wedgefield Examiner,

As voting day nears, residents should ponder the following information before casting their votes:

1.  With persistence Larry McMillan got his way.   The board voted to allow him to reconfigure the parking lot  to accommodate his driving deficiencies.   Larry has difficulty backing his truck up without driving on the grass or making several maneuvers.   During his presentation, Larry proposed eliminating the  handicapped spot to enhance his plan because in the past several years, he's failed to see any disabled residents use them. (Wow!!  Larry obviously never heard of the ADA).     This project initially was going to cost residents $2500, but Larry misread the bid quote and mistakenly took the number 8 for a 3.   His oopsy went unfazed and was approved by the members of the board for an additional $500.00.    So if you have nothing scheduled for Monday, November 20th, bring your lawn chair to the HOA office and watch as Larry's parking lot is installed.   Admission is only $3000 of your assessment money.     
2. While the board is willing to waste $3000 on a parking lot that NO ONE has complained about except the whiner Warry, Bob Garrison made a motion to remove the policy that provides residents with updated annual phone directories.  This is despite the fact that for several years, with this year being the exception, they were of NO cost to the HOA.   The printer sold advertising to pay the full freight of the books.  The board stood in line and voted along side  Bob to get rid of the waste of energy directories that benefit YOU.   You probably won't see another directory after this year, so hang on to them.
3. Last year a week before the election, the board members up for re-election joined a large group of residents to help clean up the golf course after Hurricane Matthew.   Most of them postured on heavy equipment while the residents did the heavy lifting of tree trunks and the like.    This year there will be more posturing as the golf course cleanup is scheduled for November 4th.  Don't let this display of manipulation suck you in.  Where were these board members this summer when residents were volunteering their time and money to mow the golf course and Butch Williams assumed the role of both board president and vice president to organize and oversee a community mowing program?  I guess it was too hot out to campaign in June, July, and August. 
4. The board is getting ready for another canal dredge.  They held a meeting exclusively for canal owners to discuss the plan.  Other residents need not attend, it's none of your business.  15% of our annual assessments go to the canal reserves.  As of July 31, 2017, there was $140,379.16 in reserves.   (There has been no updated figure since this date).    Think about it, what have we non-canal lot owners gotten this year?  Stop signs?  NO, Anderson's brain is still smoking from mulling that one over.   Speed bumps?  NO, they are dragging this issue out to a community vote (a voting process that is staffed with a few committee members knee deep in conflicts of interest).     Clearing of common drainage ditches?   I don't think so.    HOA funds utilized to mow the golf course and keep it looking aesthetically pleasing?   HELL NO, let them eat crow.   How about something as cheap and simple as new holiday decorations?  NAH!, we can get another decade of use out of those faded plastic pumpkins and who says the wooing scarecrows never get old?    But guarantee, the dredging will get done.    Is the board skimping on us to please a few?  The board tries to tell you that the canals are maintained for  the enjoyment of the community.   If we are going to pay for this "enjoyment," how about boating parties on the canals?    I'm all in.     Remember, if McMillan and Vasey get on the board, the majority of the members will be canal owners.  
5. During the Candidate's Night Meet and Greet, Steve Vasey was unable to answer a few questions because he naturally assumed he would be heading up the ARC and anything else was irrelevant to his role.   It's possible that he never read the by-laws, policies, or covenants based on his (lack of) performance.   He says doing the job of the ARC will be easy because of his work experience in the construction field.  But how is someone this unprepared going to perform on the job?     Is he an extension of what is wrong with our current board?.... you may not be afforded the same privileges as others.     How will his project approvals change the landscape of Wedgefield, will it add value to our community, and will they fall within the regulations based on his comprehension of the policies?  
6. Bob Garrison wants to remove the policy that mandates the hiring of a CPA to oversee the HOA bookkeeping.  He wants to save the $150.00 a month they are paying a CPA currently on contract.    During the July board meeting, Bob introduced Wedgefield's new bookkeeper (and his personal friend of several years) to attending residents.   He apparently believes that this hire is sufficiently meeting the accounting needs of the community.    With ALL due respect to this bookkeeper and with NO accusations whatsoever being passed regarding her work performance or qualifications, this move only raises questions, whether warranted or not.  So why is Bob so arrogant that he believes he can get away with skimping on us again and manipulating important policies of this magnitude?  

You don't have to vote for 3 candidates just because there are 3 open seats.   You can do a write in.  Or just vote for 1 or 2.... or 3 if you have confidence in the current board and their performance.   But please don't just blindly fill out your ballot without looking at all the candidates carefully and the issues that could have a negative impact on the future of our community.    But most important, VOTE!!!  It's important that everyone participates in this election cycle.