On June 30th, I visited the office at my appointed time, to review the correspondence file, from Jan. through current date. I also attend almost all board meetings, or listen to the tapes of the few meetings I have missed. After my review of the file, I was left with questions, and a few observations.
HERE'S WHAT WAS IN THE FILE:
January
*Finance questions
*Request for a street light on Governor Johnson
*Request for a street light on King George
*Problems with tight circle on Ballard Place (picture of damage enclosed).
February
*Finance Questions
*Finance Questions
April:
*Discrepancies in financial reports
*Concerns, with picture, regarding a yard on King George
*Pot hole condition on Swamp Fox. Would like considered in next round of road repairs
*Complaint about fencing that doesn't meet governing document specs.
June
*Suggestion to use security cameras, description of some of the safety concerns
*My letter to the board, that has been published on this blog.
For most of these letters, a response was attached, or a note from the appropriate board member to the Community Liaison, stating a decision. For instance, McMillin said "no", to the two lighting requests, mentioning expense. Anderson, Community Liaison, writes that he will bring the suggestion of security cameras, up at the next meeting. I had a partial response from Anderson, regarding my letter, with notice, that he would send my questions, on to DeMarchi, regarding our loss of the additional accountant/bookkeeper. DeMarchi, has not responded. Additionally, Anderson did not completely answer my questions about the gate house, and I've had no response from McMillin. Surprise, surprise, that these two have not responded. Will Anderson report at the July meeting, that my letter was answered?
What wasn't in the files? Why ask? During recent board meetings, we heard that there were complaints regarding speed near the gatehouse, and 6-7 drainage complaints that necessitated work. Review of the file, indicates that not ONE resident wrote the board regarding either of these topics.
Twice, in the last year - year and one half, we have had board members bring speed bumps at the front gate, to the board table, each saying that they had numerous complaints. Yet, they aren't in writing, and your board makes CLAIMS of complaints, when they want a pet project, and to spend our money.
The subject of DeMarchi's drainage projects, if looked at thoroughly, does cause questions. First, there were no complaints, that have been verified - none in writing! What is one of the first things that we learn in business, and in life? Document, document! Not here! Think that is being too hard on this board? Let's just follow the drainage subject. Many of us, have had to pay for our own drainage. Yet, in the past, it could appear that if you live in DeMarchi's neighborhood, it is at our expense. Doubtful? Let's follow the board's own official record - the approved minutes. Quotes from the minutes will be underlined.
March 2015
"Al reported that there are 7 drainage problems that have been identified within the plantation for which the WPA may have responsibility. This will require a review by the entire board, bid specs and bids from possible contractors. This will require approval and participation of the property owners adjacent to the proposed problem area."
April 2015
"No Report"
May 2015
"The drainage problems discussed at the April meeting will be pursued by various contractors."
At one point in all this, at a meeting I attended, DeMarchi mentions calls and drainage complaints, after the rains. You've had the chance to review the official, approved minutes, now, WHEN DID YOUR BOARD, "review by the entire board, bid specs and bids from possible contractors. This will require approval and participation of the property owners adjacent to the proposed problem area." It wasn't in my life time, because I checked the official record, and there wasn't any additional open board meetings, to cover this subject, which may indicate more of this board's back washing, approvals, and failing to follow through and report!
Take this one step further, because your board won't answer, when they want to just proceed with their own, often times, individually driven agenda. Back to the gate house. At the end of the May board meeting, during resident comments, a resident, not me, asked for an update on the gate house repairs. The following statement/answer appears in the approved May minutes. "It was stated that without Larry being at the meeting this will be discussed next month," I attended the June meeting, and it wasn't discussed at all!
Board members, McMillin and DeMarchi, I'm waiting for the same quick answers to my legitimate WRITTEN QUESTIONS, that you give to friends of board members. I won't hold my breath, based on what we've seen in the official minutes, your approved minutes, today. Residents, perhaps it is time that you wrote the board, documented their somewhat suspicious behaviors, and demanded some answers.
