David
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« on: September 16, 2009, 01:16:04 PM » |
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Hello everyone, below is the latest "President's Message" as posted on the Mystillwaterlakes site. I believe it was very well written and Ron should be proud to be able to claim he actually wrote it.
As usual, I've included icing to the cake in Red Text.
Presidents Message: Ron Kluge Thousands of Americans just like you embark on Community Association ownership every year. (Unaware of the deception and corruption that goes on in many of these said Community Associations.) They dream of a carefree lifestyle, social opportunities, well manicured surroundings. (…Let’s not forget; maintained roads and sewer system.) SLCA has a pool, (better said…a hole in the ground that somewhat retains water, with an estimated cost to replace and/or repair of $45,000.00) basketball court, lakes for boating and fishing, an updated clubhouse, (yeah…a clubhouse in which we have a $200K+ loan on…supposedly to fix the roads with) play areas for young children and active committees. ("RE-active committees---case in point-President's Message...HELLO??) What could possibly darken this sunny relationship? (Let us count the ways…)
Sunny days may turn cloudy for new members who are not well informed on “Community Association living“. (See first paragraph—first sentence above.) Members may become frustrated when (their money is not used for what it is supposed to be used for) their expectations are not quickly met, or rumors instill mistrust of the Association. (Sorry! NO rumors here, nothing but facts!) They may see the Association as “overbearing, and meddlesome with rules and regulations”. Action by the Board or management can lead to an adversarial relationship where owners, resentful of rules, fees, forget that the Association is in fact THEM! (Well this statement sure is a cloud to darken a sunny relationship…or better said, “A cloud to do as it's name implies---“CLOUD”. A fall on the sidewalk or street can become an opportunity to cash in on frivolous and disproportionate lawsuits. (…and a hole in that sidewalk can become an opportunity to divert road’s fees to something else) The “Association” appears only as the source of a big payout. (DING!, DING!, DING!---so where is our money going?) A suit against the Association is a suit against one’s self. (cough!, cough!, CLOUD, cough!) Higher insurance premiums, added costs, can even result in bringing the Association a step closer to becoming uninsurable. (Actually—the “Frivolous” lawsuits initiated by the board is what is doing just that!) (a $9,000.00 legal budget has turned into close to a $60,000.00 legal spending of OUR money----FACT, right Matt?) SLCA ownership means you as a member and property owner, must adjust to the form of ownership of living within the Community. (Fun fact—Communism is spelled with a Capital “C”. Just thought I’d share that) “Educate oneself”. Be realistic in your expectations of SLCA. Contribute your time as a member of a committee. SHARE YOUR TIME AND EXPERTISE! Decide to contribute and not just complain. Propose realistic improvement you feel is needed in the Community (Hmmm? Let’s start with a new board) by attending or joining committee meetings. Help find ways to improve the Association. (…did I mention, “a new board?”) Help by identifying and reporting potential or actual problems quickly to Appletree Management, or the Board. Try to know what is going on in the community. (Try REALLY hard—cause this board won’t tell you) Help the Board and management negotiate disputes if possible. Learn where the Association and your insurance responsibilities begin and end. Maintain your property; be proud of how it looks to others. (Yeah!...how long did it take for the front entrance wall to be repaired. Definitely something to be proud of) Remember, your property appearance, reflects SLCA and the people who live here. Understand all covenants, restrictions and rules of SLCA. (...with emphasis on, "...of SLCA)
Vote on all issues, be involved!!! Work with your Board, Committees, and management, not against them. Express your concerns to the Board, Committees, and management in writing. Look and work in favor of community goals, not your own agenda. And remember, SLCA operates on money collected. Try to tender all payments on time, as much as possible. (…or the highly skilled management company will find a way to get it from you.) I think with education and knowledge of community living, you will better understand we are in this TOGETHER. We are all responsible for each other’s actions. (…and this is what I have inferred countless times to all the “fiduciaries” on the board) Report violations of Rules and Regulations to management or security. Report any and all dangerous conditions or concerning actions observed to Security or management immediately. Your Board and Management are always ready to listen. (As long as you are in good standing; however, if you talk to your plants, they will listen too, and similarly to our board—they will give off carbon dioxide in return.)
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