THREE ARTICLES WERE ADDED ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 24TH.

DON'T FORGET TO RSVP FOR THE NOVEMBER 10TH FORUM - SEE ARTICLE BELOW

IT IS TIME TO VOTE FOR THE BOARD VACANCIES. THE WEDGEFIELD EXAMINER HAS ALWAYS PUBLISHED HER THOUGHTS ON HOW TO FILL OUT THE PROXY, OR BALLOT. THIS YEAR IS NO DIFFERENT

Earlier today, I published a notice that I was taking a vacation from the blog, to enjoy family.  When the annual meeting packet arrived, I decided that I better open up the blog, and write my annual opinion on voting.

This year, almost more than ever before, your vote, and who you vote for, could change the course for Wedgefield.  Every one of our property values is decreasing by the day.  My home isn't for sale, but I've signed up to follow my property value on Zillow.  The notices keep coming, announcing another drop in value.  Today, a resident told me that a real estate agent stated that potential buyers, who had made an appointment to view a particular property in Wedgefield, had told the agent to turn around, they no longer wanted to view the properties, when they saw the conditions here.  This happened with several of the agents clients.  The golf course, part of the PUD is closed, and the overgrown mess leads potential buyers up Wedgefield Rd, and to our front gate, wraps itself around many of our homes, and twists through our interior roads.  Our canals are silted, and there is an illegal plan, approved by this board behind our backs, to dredge.  We have had a series of grounds maintenance contracts, and the management of them by this board, that have left us with poor general maintenance, and unbuilt grassy lots overgrown as high as 5 feet.  Our board continues to hold closed meetings, blocking us from observing them working on key issues.  They separate us, and pit us against each other - "no you can't attend the canal lot owners meeting", "no you can't attend the closed meeting with the potential golf course buyer".   The board speaks for us without asking us, whether you live on the canals, or golf course.  It is time they quit surmising what we want, and that they work with the governing documents rather than insult them, and serve us in the open, legally, and ethically.

Jacky Walton, Bob Garrison, and Keith Johnson, have not served in the best interests of Wedgefield.  All three of them, met with the Water Amenities Committee on May 12th, and promised the canal lot owners up to $135,000 of our assessment dollars, and never took a public vote from the board table, and never even mentioned they had met, at the May, and June WPA meetings.  Keith Johnson serves as ARC Chair, ARC is failing to take complaints of violation seriously, and enforce our governing documents, and Wedgefield is deteriorating!  As president, Jacky Walton names all the Committee Chairs, and he has sat back, and watched poor performance of chairs, who violate our governing documents, insulting any who question - in public, and at times just by ignoring the questioner.  Bob Garrison has chaired legal, and compliance, and has failed us through a long chain of hiring, and firing attorneys, failing to get opinions in writing, and verbally insulted, and laughed at anyone - from the board table, who questions his opinions on the law.

Peggy Phillips has served on the current board for only a few months - this time!  Last time she served on the board, she, and five of her cohorts resigned, after 3 of their friends on the board were not re-elected.  She contributed to a lawsuit against the new .board, trying to deal with the mess they had left on the board table.   The following is provided from the December 16, 2008 approved WPA BOARD MINUTES - President's Report:  
"The past month and a half has not been without challenges. As you know three of the board resigned at last months meeting. Ron Pietkewicz, Calvin Foxwell and Rick Buono. And now, just last Friday, both Len Aberle and Carol Zieske resigned. Peggy Phillips had resigned on December 9th

This left your current board at some disadvantage, but we welcome the

challenge. You will see and hear that committee assignments have changed, and that some are doing double and triple duty. We will continue to do our best for the good of the plantation and keep you informed"

Now, it is time to fill out your ballot.  Residents, don't waste this opportunity.  Last year, I actually had residents tell me that they didn't vote.  In some cases, they told me that they didn't trust the election committee, and the board to keep how they voted private, and they were afraid of the ramifications of voting their honest vote.  Others, wasted their vote writing in Micky Mouse.  Things are going down hill in Wedgefield too fast, not to stop the bleeding, and at least try and make a difference.

Fill out your proxy, and mail it in, even if you are going to the annual meeting.  The best laid plans, often get interrupted, and we don't get there.  Don't waste this opportunity.  There is a spot on the proxy to appoint a proxy above your vote, to vote in your behalf in the event that a vote comes up from the floor at the meeting.  This year, unless you note otherwise, CANDIDATE, BOB GARRISON will vote in your behalf!  Why?  He isn't the board secretary, Janine Cline is.  This looks shaky.  In that area of the proxy, you can name someone who is a member, and you know will be attending.  If something comes from the floor, they will vote in your behalf.

I, Madeline Y. Claveloux, am on the ballot this year.  I hope you will vote for me.  I'm dedicated to following our governing documents.  I'm dedicated to full disclosure, and discussion at the board table.  In fact I promise to question - not fight, at the board table to bring hidden agendas, and facts forward for you to hear.  I am not afraid of the wrath of board members like board member, Garrison, who has a long history of abusing board members who question.  I will do everything possible to get rid of closed meetings, and conduct WPA business out in the open.  I will review requests for proposal, bids, and contracts, and bring to the board table, and question anything that is less than sound business, and contracting processes.  Most of all, I'm genuinely concerned about the conditions on the canals, condo area, and golf course.  Wedgefield needs to be whole again.

Vote for Virginia (Ginny) Sheckells!  She appears to bring great experience to the table.  Give her a chance.  Her experience indicates that she knows the commitment to a board, and stays with it.  

We know how Jacky Walton, Bob Garrison, Keith Johnson, and Peggy Phillips have failed us - YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND FOR SURE TOMORROW!  Even though there are four board slots, only vote for two.  Don't build the numbers for Jacky Walton, Bob Garrison, Keith Johnson, and Peggy Phillips.  PUT A BIG "NO", by their names!

SO, HERE IS YOUR BALLOT:

Jacky Walton   NO

Madeline Y. Claveloux   YES

Bob Garrison  NO

Keith Johnson  NO

Peggy Phillips  NO

Virginia (Ginnie) Sheckells  YES

WRITE NO AFTER THEIR NAMES!  IT IS IMPORTANT.  VICE PRESIDENT/COMPLIANCE/LEGAL CHAIR GARRISON HAS SAID THIS VOTE WILL BE A REFERENDUM ON DREDGING, IT IS TIME IT IS A REFERENDUM ON WHAT IS GOOD FOR ALL OF WEDGEFIELD, NO MATTER WHERE YOU RESIDE!

THE WEDGEFIELD EXAMINER IS ON VACATION UNTIL NOVEMBER 1ST. THE EVENT ON NOVEMBER 10 IS MOVING RIGHT ALONG. CONTINUE TO EMAIL YOUR RESERVATIONS. SEE DETAILS IN THE ARTICLE IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THIS ONE.

YOU ARE INVITED TO: "A WEDGEFIELD RESIDENT FORUM - DISCUSSIONS TO OUTLINE POSITIVE OUTCOMES FOR WEDGEFIELD", NOVEMBER 10, 2016, 7:00 PM, HELD AT THE WPA OFFICE

Wedgefield residents, this event is not a project of The Wedgefield Examiner.  It is being promoted on the blog, as a means of getting the word out.  As a active member of the association, I have been asked to help facilitate setting it up, by a number of residents who want the opportunity to discuss how members can move forward in a positive, unified, group whether you live on the golf course, canals, or in the condo area to outline positive outcomes for Wedgefield.

Your cost of admittance? 
* Come with a positive, inclusive attitude, prepared to discuss what you want to maintain in Wedgefield's future.

*Be prepared to listen to others, who may have a different picture for Wedgefield's future. 

*Be prepared to offer suggestions as to how we might meet the goals that begin to be outlined, as we move through the outline process.

*If you feel you must bring up something from the past, prepare yourself to discuss it in positive terms, as a lesson to be considered as we move forward, rather than presented as a fault, and to lay blame.

*Prepare yourself to volunteer to work with people - neighbors in the association, that you might not have worked with in the past, regardless of prior allegiances.  We are preparing to move forward as unified neighbors for Wedgefield.

*Understand, that there won't be platform speakers pushing a certain view.  In fact, everyone, one at a time, in organized fashion, will have the opportunity to speak, and help us move forward.  

*Understand, that this isn't a discussion about the board.  In fact, they are welcome to attend  in the role of a general member of the association.

*No one may speak about the upcoming election.  This is our opportunity to meet, and discuss our goals for Wedgefield's future.

In general, it is time that we speak openly to our neighbors, and hear each other.  Anyone who wishes to speak, and we encourage it, will be provided a "timed" opportunity, so that there is time for everyone to have a voice.

Please share this event with your neighbors.

SPACE IS LIMITED.  TO RSVP EMAIL:  mclaveloux@sc.rr.com.

ADDED ONE DAY LATER, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22ND.  RESERVATIONS ARE COMING IN.  PLEASE MAKE YOURS ASAP SO THAT WE CAN DETERMINE SPACE.

A RESIDENT WRITES THE BLOG - IT IS TIME FOR A MEETING

Here is the letter, with name removed.  If you have comments, you can send them to wedgefieldexaminerthe@yahoo.com.  As always, I'll remove your name.

Thank you for your update with regard to the Board and golf meetings.  Unfortunately, I was out of town that day so was unable to attend either.  I agree with your statement that the residents need to have a meeting, sooner rather than later, to discuss plans for Wedgefield.  I suspect there would be a good gathering and that really all we need is some sort of organization.  It is a shame that something needs to be done outside the system that is already in place and should be working for us – our WPA Board – but since we obviously can’t count on them since they arbitrarily told the individual who is interested in purchasing the golf course that WE have no interest in participating (no one asked me), we obviously need to do something on our own.  Please let me know how I can assist in the process of trying to rally the troops.  I feel confident people would respond, they just don’t know where to turn since the people who are supposed to be working for us are not.

TWO NEW ARTICLES WERE POSTED ON OCTOBER 20

TWO THREATS TO WEDGEFIELD RESIDENTS

Residents, two notices of crime in Wedgefield came out at the board meeting that we all should be aware of.

1)  Four young males have been seen at times,  just hanging out together, and roughly treating common area property.  It was stated that the youth live in Wedgefield.  A resident on King George reported that they were seen frequently in their area, and felt that they could be responsible for theft of property out of the back of a truck, and the removal, and stealing of a trailer hitch.  Watch out for your property - lock doors, sheds, cars, etc.

To the families of these young people, it should be noted that as the resident from the King George area spoke, he said that a group of neighbors were on the lookout for these youth.  He said that he sits on a local law enforcement council, and the authorities would be contacted, but that he and the neighbors were prepared to handle it, and then said something somewhat threatening, as to the condition the youth might be in, when the authorities arrived.  Board member, Garrison said something about wanting no part of hearing that.  I don't blame him.  Residents, please be observant, but don't take the law into your own hands - my not so humble opinion.

2)  The office computer was electronically hi-jacked, and the systems held for $1,800 in ransom money.  Rightfully so, the board refused, and our systems were ruined.  Board members were contacted to approve the purchase of a new computer, and efforts are in progress to recoup the electronic files.  While this happens off site, and not in our back yards, it is something that could strike our homes through our computers.  Just be on alert for your own computers, and take the steps necessary to protect them the best that you can.  I believe the board had as many safe guards in place as is prudent, and yet this crime visited our WPA office.

THE GOLF COURSE MEETING HELD ON OCTOBER 18TH APPEARS TO LEAVE SOME RESIDENTS CONFUSED AND CONCERNED. WHAT HAPPENED? WHAT DO SOME RESIDENTS THINK WE SHOULD DO NEXT?

You are always welcome to write to the blog - agree, or disagree, and The Wedgefield Examiner will remove your name, and publish your comments, as sent. wedgefieldexaminerthe@yahoo.com. 

The information provided has come from members who attended the golf course meeting.  I did not attend.  I wanted to be at the WPA board meeting, held the same evening.

Yesterday, I talked to six residents who had attended.  I'm providing the following information to the best of my ability.  If you feel that I got something wrong, please email the blog wedgefieldexaminerthe@yahoo.com.  I'll be happy to remove your name, and publish the information, as sent.

About 200 people attended.  Some were couples, and there is only one membership per household, or lot.

The meeting was called by Mitch Thompkins, a local businessman, who has years of experience with golf course management.  He has interest in buying the golf course.  He explained that he met with the WPA board, and they have no interest in being involved in a purchase.  He was prepared to discuss the golf course, but did not have discussion figures on the pool, tennis courts, Plantation House, or golf cart paths. He spoke of the expense involved of cleaning up the course, and expense in maintaining, etc.

Now, we get to the confusing parts.  According to what I heard there were two plans. 1) The membership buys the golf course.  2) He, and the WPA membership buy the golf course, and the ownership be split - 49% membership, and 51% to him.  At points in discussion with the people I spoke to $500 per year, per member (577) seemed to be a common point. 

One person added, that the audience was asked to raise their hands if they were interested in purchase, and about 50% raised their hands.

It was noted that somewhere in the discussion process that someone mentioned the canals, and there was an uproar to the point that the speaker threatened to shut the meeting down, and said they knew there were problems there, but they weren't there to discuss those. 

When I asked what the outcome was, no one could give me an answer.  Basically, people didn't know what was next.

I've told you that the information provided above was second hand.  I wasn't able to attend, so I'm left with what I find reliable information brought to me by some who did.  As I talked to people they felt decisions needed to be made.  When asked, what exactly the decisions would be, and what power they had to make them, they didn't know.

I appreciate the time, and effort put forth by Mr. Thompkins, but I wonder why he went to the effort, after the board had told him that they had no interest in buying the course.  Based on what I heard, from an administrative/governance standpoint - you, and I have no decisions to make.  The power decision was made by the board.  They, and only them, have the power to budget, and assess, to make it happen.  Please understand that this isn't bad attitude, it is genuine concern.  I lay the bad outcome, confusion - no resolution, at the feet of the board, who failed to provide a forum for members to discuss how to save part of the heart of Wedgefield, and the original structure of the PUD.  

At some point real soon, members need to meet to discuss all of Wedgefield concerns - GOLF COURSE - CANALS - CONDO AREA, to save Wedgefield from the declining spin we are in.

PLEASE NOTE: SEVERAL ARTICLES WERE POSTED TODAY - OCTOBER 19, 2016

Please note:  sometimes in my hurry to get articles up on the blog, I forget to add the note that you are always welcome to write to the blog - agree, or disagree, and The Wedgefield Examiner will remove your name, and publish your comments, as sent.

A REPORT ON INFORMATION THAT STRAGGLED IN, AFTER QUESTIONING, OR THERE WOULD BE NO ANSWERS, DURING THE OCTOBER 2016 WPA BOARD MEETING. IT ISN'T ABOUT THE CANALS, OR THE GOLF COURSE, BUT IT IS SO REPRESENTATIVE OF HOW THIS DEPLORABLE BOARD OPERATES, THAT I HAVE TO TAKE THE TIME. IT PROBABLY WILL BE LONG, BUT TO MAKE THE POINT, IT APPEARS NECESSARY.

WHEN WILL YOU ASK YOUR BOARD TO STAND ON PRINCIPLE, GOOD SOUND GOVERNANCE, TO BENEFIT ALL OF WEDGEFIELD?

The report I am about to give defies the WPA governing documents, sound contracting and business practices, and should be insulting to any member who ever trusted ANYONE on this board to act in the best interests of ANYONE, let alone 577 property owners!  In fact, the whole story didn't come out in a report, the true facts - as much as anyone can get from this board, came out through resident questioning, during the resident question and comment section of the WPA meeting.  I'm providing the information to the best of my ability.  I can't even send you to the WPA website to listen to the tape of the meeting, because your board, in it's secrecy appear to be afraid of their own words, because they quit publishing the meeting tapes almost a year ago!  So, if you want to verify, ask someone else who attended.

This posting centers around the grounds contractor, and the Hurricane Matthew clean up contractor selection, and yet another sort of closed meeting.  Garrison reports that there was a closed meeting due to the fact that the most recent paid staff secretary has left, and her new replacement had been hired - that's another story, later on.  Garrison also reports that the grounds landscaper contractor (now down to one person), had quit, but, and I quote Garrison, "we were fixin to send him packing anyway."  Later, regarding this subject, we're told that the replacement for the now one man contractor, Southern Lawns, has been replaced by Howard Lawn Care.  We aren't told what process the board went through to select this contractor.  It should be noted that during an ARC report the board begins to discuss removal of trees from the storm.  Otherwise, to my observation, we don't get any real discussion about storm clean up, selection of the vendor, etc.  WHY?  This is pretty important to all of us.

Finally, during the resident question and comment section of the meeting, I ask some questions about the clean up, and contractor selections.   Howard Lawn Care was someone that grounds chair McMillin found.  We don't know through what process, or why the meeting on October 4, had to be closed to us, to handle this.  Howard Lawn Care is an interim contractor who will work for the same monthly amount that Southern Lawns was working for, until it is time to contract again.  Why?  They must have signed a contract with Howard Lawn Care.  Later, it is said that Howard Lawn Care is doing the storm clean up.  When asked how, and what the terms were, Garrison stated that Howard Lawn Care called on the section of the grounds contract that said the contractor had first refusal for storm clean up, as stated in the contract.  Yes, I know there is a clause in the contract, but under these interim circumstances with no public meeting, and the debris that was left in this association?

I state that I have seen the contractor picking up the storm debris, and that it appears that he has a fairly small truck, and utility trailer, and there are large piles of debris waiting in yards.  Garrison says he has a wood chipper.  I acknowledge that I've seen the wood chipper, and it doesn't appear that it would handle more than small to medium size limbs, and there has been some major tree damage, and some residents have large rounds, from cut up trees.  Garrison says that he has a front loader, and can load those pieces unto a trailer, and the board may have to look at bringing someone like S & W in (contractor for ice storm clean up a few years ago). I'm going to continue with the story, because it only gets worse.

Another resident stands up and asks the board how long it takes the wood chip from that chipper to dissolve.  She states she wants to know, because she has been back on the utility company property, and Howard Lawn Care is dumping the wood chipper debris, back behind the gate that McMillin had put in a few years ago (he claimed at the time that it would be a great place to store the bulk landscaping materials that he could get such a great deal on if he bought in bulk - compost, pine straw, etc).  Another member privately tells me that he has seen the chipper debris, and trailer loaded with it, go back there several times, himself.

COMMENTS:

First, I'll remind you that this in general, is how your board conducts our business - no real information to residents - closed meetings to cover their disgraceful business, no real contracting or standard business practice whether it is the canals, general maintenance - what so ever, and not one of the current board of nine says "what in the "H" is going on here?"  They sit quietly by, no question about governing documents, and no one represents us, or our Wedgefield properties.

We have to go back a little to make this particular mess clear.  Southern Lawns, the most recent grounds contractor, came sneaking into conversations at the board table about two years ago.  It was formed by a couple of men who broke away from Great Lawns, the grounds contractor at the time.  McMillin spoke of Southern Lawns glowingly in a few meetings when he had had some small projects.  Low, and behold, the Great Lawns contractor suddenly begins to get bad reviews from McMillin.  It is time to put out a request for proposal for a new two year cycle of the grounds contract.  The request for proposal appears to be legit, and Great Lawns loses the contract, and Southern Lawns - newly organized wins.  Great Lawns still has a few months on the old contract to finish.  Suddenly, we are told that they are gone, and Southern Lawns will have to start early, and great reports start to come from McMillin on their performance.  Later there is an issue of contracting on another matter, and McMillin says from the board table, "let's do to them, what I did to Great Lawns", and president Walton says, "don't talk about that".

Earlier this year, Southern Lawns completed the first year of their two year contract, which is renewable for second year, with consent by both parties.  During a WPA board meeting, McMillin, not only proposed renewal of the contract, but proposed a raise in the contract.  McMillin went on to say that while there had been problems, "they finally know who the boss is."  At that time, Southern lawns had been the grounds contractor in the condo area.  I was told by a condo regime board member that the condo group was very upset with the poor performance of Southern Lawns, and they were working with Jacky Walton, who also serves on condo boards, to get rid of them.  Residents, your board, more than a few knew when they voted to give this contractor a renewal, and a raise that there was a problem with this vendor.  Why?  You tell me .  This is more of each and everyone of the current nine, just raising their hands, and voting yes for each other, regardless of whether it is good for Wedgefield, or not.  

This is what is happening in every facet of this board's work - the secret meetings, the disregard for sound request for proposal, sound contracting, and honest oversight.  This is what is being offered to you in the canal dredging proposal mess, ARC adherence, the golf course issues, etc.  One speaks, and they all agree, and don't question, or vote for the good of Wedgefield. 

P.S.  There is no plan "B" for the storm clean up, and plan "A" is extremely questionable. 

  

THE CANAL DREDGING REPORT - OCTOBER 2016 WPA BOARD MEETING

Residents of Wedgefield, particularly undecided canal lot owners, I don't have to take a lot of unnecessary time to write this report, because it is short, and not so sweet - your board, and this honest (?), open because the community accepts our illegal proposal board and committee, has gone back to hiding under the comfortable, board table!  The report is one line.  They are continuing with phase one, and collecting voluntary funds from the canal lot owners for the preliminary studies.  When this board is in cover up of their actions mode, and things aren't going their way, they go back to don't tell, don't talk about it!  It may have bit them in the butt when the committee reported in September, that only 31 out of 79 canal lot owners had paid their first voluntary $400.  This month, no numbers were reported.  In the interim, the committee sent committee, and board member, Anderson on attack at me, with half truths, and accusations of my wanting to spoil things for the canal lot owners.  Not true, I want it done legally, and ethically, and a plan made for all of Wedgefield including the golf course lot owners.  It is just selfish for the canal lot owners to ask for this financial attention, rather than develop a plan for all of Wedgefield, when you can't give your property away, because we are all in a dire community mess. 

A QUICK, BUT SERIOUS QUESTION

The board has reported the following regarding the proposed illegal dredging, and the community's acceptance of their illegal plan.  "There have been NO meetings with residents opposed to it last time. My comment was derived from the fact that as Community Liaison I have not seen ONE negative letter about the idea of dredging or our plan. What was the public outcry like in 2009 when you were on the board?"
"We have been openly discussing canal dredging for about 6 months now and haven't really heard any negative feedback from the residents most staunchly opposed to it last time."

Yet, three people who attended last night's golf course meeting spoke with me this morning, and stated that the canals were mentioned during last night's discussion, and there was quite a negative uproar. Now, I was unable to be in two places at the same time, but I am reporting what I was told. Let me reiterate, that I want the canals dredged, but not under this illegal, constructed by distortions of the truth and legal documents plan, and at a time when we all need to be concerned about all of Wedgefield - golf course included, and develop a plan.

So here is my question. If you were one of those people who were upset by the very mention of the canals last night, WHY HAVEN'T YOU WRITTEN THE BOARD, OR STOOD UP DURING THE RESIDENT COMMENT SECTION OF THE WPA MONTHLY BOARD MEETINGS, ASKED QUESTIONS, OR STATED YOUR CONCERNS? Your board keeps claiming that their illegal, hidden for a long time plan, is just dandy with you. I don't want to pit canal people against golf course people. I want us to stand up to this board, make them do their job, and help save all of Wedgefield - legally, ethically, and above board. They need to stop hiding truth from us, and help our community.

Write the board, attention, board member, Anderson, and tell the board just what you think about the dredging, and their ridiculous behavior regarding the golf course.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19TH - ARTICLES BY END OF DAY ON HIGHLIGHTS OF THE OCTOBER 2016 BOARD MEETING.

WPA OCTOBER BOARD MEETING IS BEING HELD ABOUT THE SAME TIME THE GOLF MEETING IS

I wish the board could have helped us out here.  Both meetings are important.  When the golf meeting had to be rescheduled because of the storm, the board could have moved the monthly meeting with notice, even by just one day.

I'm very interested in what the potential buyer of the golf course has to say.  I believe that I have attended five of these type of meetings in my almost 13 years in Wedgefield.  I'm attending the regular monthly WPA board meeting because I can't trust that someone will be there to tape the meeting, and post it.  The board, after years of posting the tapes, quit posting them almost a year ago.  

Maybe the individuals in your house can split up, and one attend each meeting.

Both meetings are important.  Please don't ignore them.

THE GOLF COURSE MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE TONIGHT

The following was provided on FaceBook last night.  Remember, it is today.

Attention Wedgefield residents!The meeting concerning the golf course WILL BE held tomorrow night, Tuesday the 18th at First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall at 6:30. There seems to have been some concern about cancelling the meeting because the sign at the guard shack had been removed. THE MEETING WILL BE HELD AS PLANNED! Please Share!

RESIDENT WHO WAITS 11 MONTHS FOR BOARD TO FOLLOW OUR GOVERNING DOCUMENTS, FINALLY GETS AN ANSWER

The Wedgefield Examiner has been provided a copy of the letter from the board.  I have retyped it, to make it easier to read.

HERE IT IS:
Mr. (resident's name),

Pursuant to your request for a written response to your numerous complaints regarding Lot 225, allow this letter to serve as the board's answer to your request.

1).  Regarding the shed, ARC has found that the shed was not within the boundary of the resident's property after survey was conducted by the resident at resident's expense.  Resident has indicated in writing her intent to have shed removed from the property.  It should be noted that ARC did not require shed be removed, as no other violation beyond inappropriate placement was noted.  Your contention of "eye sore" is subjective, and in ARC's view, shed falls with general guidelines.  Your view certainty is not blocked by the shed, so any reference to that relative to you is meaningless.  In any event, as resident has decided to get rid of the shed, the point moot.

2).  Regarding the uncovered LP tank.  Resident moved tank from side to back of building thinking this would suffice.  Resident has been advised that is not sufficient, that tank must be screened by lattice, shrubbery, or the like.  ARC is following up to see this is accomplished.  ARC agrees that LP tank currently is in violation of rules and regulation.

President,
Jacky Walton

COMMENTS - THE WEDGEFIELD EXAMINER'S
I'll remind you that the response comments are mine.  I've followed this board charade for 11 months.  Yes, it did take your board 11 months to answer this resident.  I thank the resident for standing up for Wedgefield, and requiring action according to our governing documents, all the while being ridiculed from the board table.  Most of the resolution happened by accident, or through research, going door to door to neighbors, and the persistence of the resident who registered the complaints on DEC 3, 2015  -  rather than by responsible action of this board.  

Prior, to the September WPA board meeting, our resident delivered a letter to the board regarding these issues, signed by 10 property owners.  Did they received a snarky response like this from the board?

*"Regarding the shed, ARC has found that the shed was not within the boundary of the resident's property after survey was conducted by the resident at resident's expense."  Please, our resident walked the property, went to the county offices and got the lot specs, and was told by president Walton that the shed sat within the property boundaries.

*"It should be noted that ARC did not require shed be removed, as no other violation beyond inappropriate placement was noted."
This board is so corrupt, and intimidated, by each other, that they won't stand up, and speak for what they, as individual board members told the resident, when he was being laughed at during board meetings BY Garrison!  On July 18th, the resident wrote the following to the board.  "On two separate happenstance, informal meetings with Board members DeMarchi, and McMillin, I was ADVISED by DeMarchi that the shed DID NOT meet architectural requirements and by McMillin that the building itself was never permitted."  DeMarchi and McMillin appear to talk out of one side of their mouth when Garrison isn't present, and stay silent at the board table when he is - gutless!  This whole board has flagrant disregard for our governing documents.  By the way, before any of them start their chorus of "they are old, and outdated", I will remind them all of two things. 1)  You signed a pledge to uphold them, and govern under them!  Your signature obviously carries as little truth as your word!  2)  The policy manual guides placement on property of sheds.  You, as a board, Garrison in particular, have reviewed, and rewritten the policy manual twice in the last five years, and still - you won't stand behind it!  Section 4.02.18 - Storage Sheds, # 5 of the Policy Manual:  "Should be placed AS CLOSE to the house as possible"  I have been to the location.  The complaining resident has taken pictures.  This is a relatively good size lot for Wedgefield.  There was plenty of room to place the shed much closer to the house.  This shed was placed at an extreme far corner - to such a degree that it partially sat on the golf course!

*"Your contention of "eye sore" is subjective, and in ARC's view, shed falls with general guidelines." Everything is "subjective" when it comes to this board, because they blatantly do what they want, even when they have rewritten the rules!  The complaining resident stated in writing to the board, "I have since held conversations with residents adjacent to lot 225, and been allowed to TAKE PICTURES.  The view, their view, of their asset - the golf course is being blocked by the shed.  (PICTURES PROVIDED)."  We'll  go back to the Policy Manual, Section 4.02.18 - Storage Sheds, # 5: "Should be placed as close to the house as possible to avoid possible BLOCKING of neighbors view and/or creating and EYESORE for the neighbors."  How ridiculous is it, when you use their own WORDS, and guidelines, and the board ignores your correspondence for months - didn't even report from the board table that they received the first of 3 letters, then when you question during a board meeting - some board members stay silent and won't speak up as to what they said to you, but they will sit by while the board legal chair laughs at you?  IT IS BAD!  IT IS WEDGEFIELD'S GOVERNANCE BY THIS BOARD.  What is worse, is that residents who chimed in with their concern, often didn't want their name used, appear to be silent, because they don't want your Wedgefield board treating them in public, and obviously in writing - like they treated this resident, and so many more.  The fine for this behavior?  Wedgefield's decline, and decay!

I appreciate the resident doing the work, and standing up for Wedgefield, when the board gets abusive!

P.S.  President Walton, you should be ashamed of this piece of correspondence!  It demonstrates just how low you will go.  It appears like so many other things that you will put your name on anything.  We all have a writing style, and writings can quickly be identified as ours, or not.  This appears to be written by someone else on the board.

PSS:  Sometimes if you wait for justice, it happens all by itself - divine intervention.  The shed was crushed by a large tree during the storm.  Please understand that I do not wish harm on the property of any other resident.  Due to no action of the board, nature solved the problem.

THAT'S JUST THE WAY IT IS!

DOES OUR BOARD HAVE A PLAN FOR STORM CLEAN UP BEYOND A HOMEMADE SIGN THAT SAYS GET YOUR DEBRIS TO THE CURB A.S.A.P? IF THEY DO, WHEN DID THEY MEET, HOW DID THEY SELECT A CONTRACTOR, AND HOW MUCH IS IT GOING TO COST?

Hurricane Matthew has caused some level of destruction to every property owner in Wedgefield.   As you drive through the association you see debris piled.  This is a named hurricane with advanced notice.  Our governing documents allow for clean up expenditure in a named storm.  The requirements for expenditure remain the same, particularly because it will be a large expense.  In the past, the board held an open meeting, had evaluated the volume of debris, sought bids, and awarded a contract.  Has any of this happened? Why don't we have a posting on the board website advising us how to proceed?  It appears the board must know something -get your debris to the curb - A.S.A.P.

I'm not suggesting that we should expect equipment picking up today.  Contractors are very busy.  It will take time to "get in line", but are "we in line" anywhere?  If so, how did we get there?  Was the process legal, and ethical?  Why isn't our board talking to us? 

STORM MATTHEW HAS LEFT ME WITH A BIG "WHAT IF" QUESTION ABOUT THE PROPOSED ILLEGAL CANAL DREDGING

In previous articles regarding the canal dredging, not knowing when we would have a hurricane, I stated that we were one storm away, with no plan B, from being right back where we are today.  It didn't take long and Hurricane Matthew arrived in our community.  Had we dredged under this illegal, one more dredge plan - no look to the future, we'd be all done.  Board member Anderson ridiculed my questions, and his documented answers show how illegal the actions of this board are.  Let's recap a few key points - all in Anderson's words - DIRECT QUOTES FROM HIS WRITINGS:

1) "The permit expires in 2018 and then it's over. Done! It will never be dredged again if we fail."
2) "If this plan fails, there is no plan B. It’s over, and your water access behind your home will be no more." "Our plan gets this done in 18 months and give us 10-15 years of usable enjoyment out of the canals. "
3) "And yes, there has been no vote to spend that money, just money placed in reserve." *From the printed handout provided at the August Canal Lot Owners Meeting:  “We did this on May 12^th 2016. We met with the president and vice president of the WPA to gather their ideas and support for the project.”  Later:

 “The WPA currently has $115,000 earmarked for dredging and by next year that number will be in the $135,000 range.  Once we have our funding in place the WPA will contribute their funding earmarked for dredging and then enter into a contract to dredge the canals.”

4) "There have been NO meetings with residents opposed to it last time. My comment was derived from the fact that as Community Liaison I have not seen ONE negative letter about the idea of dredging or our plan. What was the public outcry like in 2009 when you were on the board?"
"We have been openly discussing canal dredging for about 6 months now and haven't really heard any negative feedback from the residents most staunchly opposed to it last time."

Members, I'm not going to dump any more documentation in this article. The Wedgefield Examiner has provided that over the last two months. This whole concept dredge is illegal. The $135,000 has been committed without a vote - 31 canal lot residents have paid their $400 based on the promise of the $135,000 - it is committed, and published as such in the committee's own documents. There have not been open discussions about the dredging, I've provided you the minutes. As to board member Anderson's role as community liaison, and no letters opposing, that is nothing more than back door politics. I've served as community liaison during the last dredging. Those opposed, as those who supported it, organized letter writing campaigns to the board. Garrison finally has this whole association just where this group wants us, and they won't be writing, because he has brought us to this point. It isn't good for Wedgefield, and this crooked board has brought us to this point, and it is killing Wedgefield.

If you are a canal lot owner, and you haven't paid your $400 - don't. If you have paid your $400, ask for it back in writing. This whole scheme is illegal, your committee, and board are not only talking out of both sides of their mouths - it is just plain illegal, and if the canals had been dredged under this illegal plan two weeks ago, it would have all been done for naught - no 10-15 years of enjoyment, and no plan "B". Write and tell the committee, and board that you want the permit extended, and a real plan for Wedgefield. The bigger problem here, is that this is the way our board is handling all of our business!

SUPPORTING CORRUPT GOVERNANCE ON ANY LEVEL IS.......

A MEMBER HAS A QUESTION ABOUT THE WPA ELECTION COMMITTEE

Recently, a WPA member contacted The Wedgefield Examiner, and asked if it was legal to have a husband, and wife serve on the Election Committee, when they only owned one lot.  I know that it has been done before, but is it legal?  Why not just contact the board?  Time is of the essence, as the annual meeting is next month, and if you are a concerned member, and ask questions, and have fallen on the board's black ball list, you risk ridicule, could have to wait months for an answer, and then it might not coincide with those "outdated" governing documents.  Let's use those corner stones of our governance, and try and answer the question.  I don't believe it is legal to have a husband and wife who own one lot serve on the committee.

BYLAWS:

Section 2: Membership: Every person or entity who is an owner of any lot or condominium apartment, which is subjected by these By-Laws to assessment, shall be a member of The Association. Membership shall commence at the time oflegal acquisition of the property. Membership shall be appurtenant to and may not be separated from ownership of any lot or condominium apartment, which is subject to assessment.

Section 3: Voting Rights:  In the event a lot or condominium apartment is owned by two or more persons or entities, then the vote attributable to such lot or condominium apartment shall be exercised as the owners mutually determine, but in no event shall more than one vote be cast with respect to any such lot or condominium apartment. The vote cast shal I represent the vote of all the owners of that lot or

condominium apartment. 

POLICY MANUAL :

0. ELECTION COMMITTEE
   The Election Committee is composed of a chairperson (the WPA Secretary) and eight or more WPA members with the following stipulations:
   
• .  The Committee should be representative of the entire WPA.
  
• .  Each Committee member must be a WPA member in good standing.
  
• .  Each Committee member must be appointed by the Committee Chairperson and approved by the Board at the August board meeting.
  
• .  No member of the Election Committee, nor any member of their family, may appear on the ballot.
  
• .  In the event, the Secretary is running for the Board, the other Board members must appoint an alternate Chairperson.
  
• .  Each member of the Election Committee should sign a Confidentiality Agreement and should agree to keep all information pertaining to the election confidential.
  The Election Committee is responsible for two functions associated with the Annual Election: 
  
1. The bylaws tell us that for all technical purposes, there is only one member per property.  There is only one vote per property.  If for instance, there was a petition to remove a board member, even if a husband, and wife, each signed it, only one signature could be counted to meet the standard.  A husband and wife, who own one property, couldn't have both running for board, only one could.  It would appear that in the case of the Election Committee, which has great responsibility, that a membership, could only be called into use by one of the parties.  That's my not so humble opinion based on the governing documents.  
2. 
   
3. Isn't it awful that residents no longer feel that they can write the board, and get a legal response?  

WPA BOARD HOLDS ANOTHER CLOSED MEETING OCTOBER 6. WHY? COULD WE HAVE A LITTLE JUSTICE HERE?

Your WPA do what we want, ignore what we want to, board has a sign out again announcing another closed meeting.  Again, I've checked the official WPA website, and there is no announcement of who called the meeting, or what the subject of the meeting is.  Last time, just a few weeks ago, same scenario - I published the requirements of our governing documents for such meetings, a board attorney of record letter to president Walton telling him not to hold such meetings, and a email from Garrison to board members reminding them of the legal opinion, and the posting requirements.  They just don't feel that they need to follow anything, and it is a good part of the reason that Wedgefield is deteriorating quickly.


HERE ARE SOME KEY POINTS FROM A RECENT LOCAL ARTICLE ABOUT HOA BOARDS WHO FAIL TO OPERATE IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE ASSOCIATION (Copyright 2016 WMBF News. All rights reserved.):

*"A homeowners association can be a make or break the issue between a good community and a community that has a high turnover in its population."

*"And what’s sad is hearing their stories about how they were so excited to be down in Myrtle Beach, that they’ve had to deal with the horror of their HOA, that they, personally, do not want to be in Myrtle Beach.”

*"On a rainy weekday afternoon, several homeowners huddled in the backseat of the minivan  of a disabled resident. They were outside in the rain because they were not allowed inside a homeowners association meeting.

“They said the meeting was closed. And it’s like, the meetings are open,” Harrington said. “And they said ‘No, these meetings are closed. You can only enter if you have received an invitation.’”

According to a bill introduced by Sen. Darrell Jackson on Jan. 11, 2011, “A meeting of the board of directors, including a subcommittee or other committee of, must be open to all members of record.”

*"Perhaps what is most frustrating for these members of the community, though, isn’t how they are being treated by their homeowners association; it’s that they don’t feel they have any course of action to take other than hiring an attorney."

*"All of these frustrations are not solitary. The Coastal Carolina Association of Realtors receives hundreds of complaints regarding HOAs. Some of them were about the same HOA, but many are different.

For Johnson, the problem is that there is no enforcement. "

WEDGEFIELD WILL CONTINUE TO BE ON A DOWNWARD SLIDE, WHEN THE BOARD CONTINUES TO IGNORE OUR GOVERNING DOCUMENTS, AND HIDE THE TRUTH FROM US

WHERE WILL WEDGEFIELD BE IF YOU CONTINUE TO LET THIS BOARD IGNORE ARC, COMPLIANCE, AND OPEN HONEST GOVERNANCE? PICTURES DON'T LIE. WE'LL BE RIGHT WHERE WE ARE TODAY. SOMETHING HAS TO CHANGE, AND IT HAS TO BE LEGAL, AND BENEFIT ALL OF WEDGEFIELD