#68
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
comment + management
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "complaints + web page":
The aformentioned comment is correct in every aspect. What is taking the bod so long in selecting a manager? Are they waiting for a friend to come forward and award him the job? It has been almost 5 months without a manager and even if Gary was as bad as everybody said at least he was a body in place to make decisions, even if most of them were bad,and someone was watching the money, and spending it. What is the reason for not putting someone in place? With the recent storm and all the damage somebody should have been there to try to restore order. Did board members run up there and take charge? We all have our little properties and trailers at stake, for what they're worth, and if mis management causes major electrical, water, or sewer repairs to come forth we will be broke and then what, higher dues? It is a sad thing to say after being up there for over 10 years but I doubt, unless someone takes charge, we will not have another 5.
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "comment reply":
If everyone has your opinion of the board, I do as a 10 year property owner, why don't YOU start a grass roots group to get them out! Every board that has been in place since we bought up here has been been bad---bad---unbearable!!! So how do these people get elected?People are against a management company, well, if you look at the situation LA is in and after the storm and how the board and staff responded, a management company may be our only way to survive.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
it's a long way to january 20th
AND THE MONEY IS FLYING OUT THE WINDOW BUT YOU AND I AREN'T GETTING ANY
comment + seasonal operations
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "comment + seasonal operations":
I totally agree with using mostly seasonal staffing. I think though, some of the full time off-season employees should not be working a M-F schedule because property owners mainly go to LA only on the weekends during that time period. There should be some kind of weekend coverage. For example, Thanksgiving weekend is a four day weekend for a lot of people. If the weather stays relatively mild, quite a few might show up at LA sometime over that weekend. But will anyone be available if there is an emergency with the electric or water (which seems to be happening more often)? The office and maintenance will both be closed. It would be interesting to see a survey of what everyone thinks about staffing--what should be seasonal, full-time vs. part-time, weekends vs. weekday, etc.
You also made a very good point about activities. There is so much more that could be happening at LA, especially on the weekends and without costing property owners any added expense for admission to the activity. Maybe it's me, but it seems you have to pay to go to just about any activity that is provided by LA. The natural elements and features of the park are not being used to their fullest potential.
anon -- yes i agree that between labor day and the spring the most member usage is weekends and the thanksgiving holiday--- there should be a winter schedule off season schedule for the maintebance operations that covers 7 days a week-- office operations should be 8am to 12n everyday 7 days a week -- i come from a background of employment for which we were responsible to operate 365 days a year and 24 hours a day -- there had to always be coverage no matter what happened -- we always had several hundred people working on the off shifts and 5000 on the day shift -- we never closed so i know how you run a facility that is here for the members and not for the employees -- members come first and everyone else next -- that is not the practice here at la and that's wrong and should be corrected
hell i worked 15 years every weekend and holidays and had thursday off --the only day we closed in that 15 years was the day jfk was buried -- we closed--- it was great but you know that's the way our business ran and you just did what you had to do-- it was the job
yes activities here at la could be so much better without a lot of extra cost but with a little direction and planning and proper distribution of labor it could be better -- if the community members are engaged in activities they then are more interested in getting to la more frequently-- now it is only busy memorial day, 4tth of july, la day and labor day holidays -- that's pathetic that la is becoming a nothing in members lives -- we need an improvement!!!!!
comment + seasonal operations
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "staffing":
It seems like most of the property owners share the same views about staff during the off season. The position of manager, which is most critical, is overlooked and we keep a recreation director all year For what, organize dances for the Chipmunks and Turkeys? Come on people we are spending money like it's going out of style on these people. The office manager and asst. are necessary but the other positions are just draining the budget, but, no one on the board cares where the money goes because if they want more they will raise the dues again. This board is going to bankrupt us the way they are going with no one accountable of spending or management of the staff and until they hire a real manager, at this point we NEED a manager. Wake up other property owners and verse your opinions.
anon -- i think la should operate on a seasonal basis with full time staffing with seasonal part time help being on board from may through labor day -- after labor day la should go out of season staffing with reduced operating schedules and reduced staffing to reflect the community usage - a considerable amount of payroll could be reduced during the out of season operations -- this reduction could be used to enhance the in season staffing to pump up the summer activities schedules-- get activities that expand on the la features and add some new activity features to reflect the interests of people today --expanded activities could be scheduled for weekends all summer -- they could be expanded water features such as canoe racing. kayak racing, inflatables racing, water polo, enhanced sports such as pick up games for volley ball. basketball, t ball games, softball games, mountain bike races, tennis clinics and pick up games, summer weekend sport clinics for various youth groups -- this would be in addition to the other activities that la has had in other seasons -- the biggest and best being the wildly successful dolphins swim team activity--
additional people would be necessary for these activities but there are plenty of people that can be hired part time and seasonal in teaching fields, sports programs and outdoor activity programs to staff these operations throughout the summer-- this would then be more relevant activities schedules for the entire family with men and their children having a selection of la sponsored activities-- the expansion of la activities should get more members involved in la and that would be good for the entire community
la needs to be more interesting to the whole family not just kids, seniors, and the dolphins program (the dolphins program is an excellent model for what can happen when la offers programs that the members are interested in and want to participate with their children)
#69
Monday, November 10, 2008
Sunday, November 9, 2008
comment reply
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "staffing":
4 staff members and 1 rec director FULL TIME, M-F in the OFF-season????? I learn something new all the time on this blog! They have got to be kidding!!! Why do we need all this personnel when there is virtually nobody at Lake Adventure November through March? You can use billing and lockbox processing services for your bookkeeping and money handling. You basically need someone to handle the phones and assist the general manager (if you had one). And we don't have a full time year-round recreation program! The summer program is practically the same thing every year - you just need someone to change the dates, change a few trips, make reservations and oversee the rec staff during the summer. All this extra personnel should be seasonal! (Sorry, you'll probably hear from "the husband" again!)
anon -- it is not about individuals or individual's jobs - it's a bigger issue than any one job - it's about whether la should operate as a year round operation or a seasonal operation-- since less than 5% of the members that visit la come between labor day and mid may it is difficult to justify having ft employees out of season -- the finances of la are going to take A VERY BAD HIT VERY SHORTLY-- there is no reason to believe that la will avoid the financial meltdown occurring everywhere else, local and state governments, all kinds of companies and individuals not being able to get credit, soaring unemployment and mortgage foreclosures-- it is only beginning and la will soon see have drastically this will affect it's ability of operate--the bod is the stewards of the member finances and if they fail they could be liable for mismanagement of assoc finances-- failure to act to get control of discretionary spending is their responsibility and so far they aren't performing very effectively--- at no time is this about specific positions or individuals -- it's about managing la so that it survives the biggest financial crisis in the history of this assoc--- that means managing the payroll, operations, facilities and other costs to adjust to the realities of the time at hand-- the welfare of the assoc is paramount and all others issues should be on the table for consideration in reducing costs
Saturday, November 8, 2008
comment reply
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "earth day":
Looking for all of the Minutes from the board meetings. Could someone help me as i think i am doing something wrong. I click on this site and somehow missing a few date's from the meetings. Do they post all of them or just a select few? Thanks
anon -- the meeting minutes are at the la web page www.lakeadventure.net -- click on board of directors; subcatagory meeting minutes, and the past several meeting minutes are listed there
open bod meeting notes
OPEN BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
SATURDAY, AUGUST 16th, 2008
The meeting was called to order at 11:00am by the President, Arthur Berkey, who asked all to stand and Pledge Allegiance to the Flag.
The Board introduced themselves as follows: Arthur Berkey, President, Lenny Masucci, Vice-President, Alfredo Siaba, Secretary, Ed Rohs, Treasurer, Alfonso Alaimo, Member, Tom Annunziata, Member and Marietta Richard, Member.
Berkey announced to all that the Dolphins Swim Team won First Place for the second year in a row! A presentation was made by Carol & Joe Lopez, along with Courtney Lopez and Michael Orlando, Swim Team Co-Coaches. An article was read from the Pike County Dispatch honoring the Swim Team. Courtney presented the Board with the First Place Trophy and asked permission for it to be displayed in the Clubhouse.
Berkey, on behalf of the Board and Community thanked Carol & Joe, Courtney & Michael and the whole swim team for an excellent job. Berkey also thanked Jim Martin, who is always there to help the team.
President’s Comments – Berkey thanked the Budget Committee for their many weeks of hard work, and is hoping to have the Budget done at the next closed meeting in September, and if everything goes well, will have a special meeting with the community on Octoberfest weekend.
The Dumpster problem was cleared, and it was possibly medical waste. Samples of our drinking water came back with a positive ecoli reading. New samples taken the next day proved that the water was safe.
Maintenance has been out cleaning out culverts on common property; however, the property owner is responsible to keep their culverts clear. If you are up on a hill and we get torrential rains and your culvert is clogged, the water will wash away your neighbors landscaping, and cause tremendous damage.
Treasurer’s Report – Rohs informed the people that as of the end of July, 1581 lots either paid in full or paid their first half dues, out of 1746 billable lots, making the total collection rate at 90.5%. The total operating funds are $1,048,082.42. The reserve funds are $1,767,423.68, for a total of $2,858,586.10. Rohs stated that the Budget Committee was increased from 7 members to 14 members, with 9 new members who blended with the old timers. As the liaison of the committee, and after setting his guidelines, and informed them that there would be no dues increase this year; he was amazed at how well the committee worked. They also found ways to cut areas and have a surplus. The committee received a round of applause.
Question & Answer Period
Sal Ventola, Lot 1773 – he requested on July 19th to have the employee’s individual pay, and as of this day has not been given an answer. He also requests to view any documents that been sent to Dingmans Township regarding the 12 wides. He also questioned why the pool is not covered with the solar covers. When he questioned someone from recreation, he was told that the reels were bent. He feels that this should be repaired and the covers be used to preserve some of the heat, therefore saving on the propane bill.
Ben Johnson, Lot 155 it has been about 30 days since the manager’s dismissal, and has the Board made a decision on his replacement. Berkey stated there are a few candidates that the Board will review this afternoon. Some of the requirements for the manager are: college degree, previous experience in property management, positive customer relations, understands blueprints, delegate authority, and most importantly, control costs. It seems that we already have that person on board, Joe Birrell, and is he being considered for the job. Berkey stated that the Board will review all applicants and they will choose the most qualified for the job. Rohs stated that the Boards fiduciary responsibility is to take their time and choose the right person, and this is not something that you rush into. Ben asked when the summer was over who was going to take charge.
Toni Johnson, Lot 155 &156 – doesn’t think its right to cut the question & answer period, as there is a lot of trouble in here that all these people are not aware of, and all they know is that they have friends that they don’t want hurt. The Community is in deep trouble with the sewer, water and electric. Gary made a mess of the place. The Board needs to take action now.
Lot 960 Mrs. Mahoney,(mother of property owner)– Problem with electric and maintenance came and ran new line thru the culvert ditch. The ditch got filled in with rock and dirt. She spoke with Gary, Joe and Marietta who said they were going to look into it. Her culvert is no longer a culvert. Christine Court has been regraded and every time it rains the water washes away her property. There is now a hole in her property and her sewage drain is exposed. Maintenance once again came out and they taped it closed. When the next lot is occupied, there is a stench, and her lot fills with water. Berkey stated that it would be looked at.
Lot 1276 – Bob Gallo – laundry room is in sad shape, along with the bathroom, machines have no pressure, etc. and what is in the works, and the overall status if the sewer project. Berkey stated that he agrees about the laundry room, money is being held back from the vendor. During the off season, the Board will make a decision and take action regarding the laundry room. As far as the sewer project goes, the engineers were in the morning meeting, and a project has been put on hold, laterals are being searched for leaks using the camera and jetter truck, 3 pumping stations are in the process of being redone. Berkey stated this is an on going problem.
Lot 1903 – Jim Martin – the reel to the pool cover was fixed. The Board cannot hire a friend as the manager, and there are too many back door meetings. When the new manager is appointed, the community should know who voted for and against. Berkey stated it will be posted.
Lot 710 – Donna Grzybowski – Board members are holding meetings all over property, in the screen room, and doesn’t think this is appropriate. Grzybowski asked Richard if she is a member of the CCLA. Richard stated when she was running for the Board she stated she was a member. She also recluses herself from any discussion at the meetings regarding the CCLA. Grzybowski stated that the CCLA was suing LACA. Grzybowski stated that Richard should either leave the CCLA or resign from the Board and the Community should hold a recall election because it is a conflict of interest. Richard stated that the CCLA are many great people of the community and they realize that you cannot sue yourself, and that was never their intention. All they wanted was information that should be open to all members of the community regarding the financials and contracts under Stevens reign.
Grzybowski then questioned the Treasurer, Rohs. She asked if the new budget took into account paying back the sewer loan, with no dues increases. Rohs stated yes. She then questioned why Rohs was not at the Budget Committee meeting but attended the swim meet even though he had no children swimming. Isn’t the Budget your priority? When she was the Treasurer, she had children who swam, and she missed them because of these meetings. How committed are you? Rohs stated thank you to Donna and that he appreciated her comments. Rohs stated that he committed to the swim team. There were only supposed to be 2 meetings, but the third one conflicted with his prior commitment. Rohs stated he decided to attend the swim meet and represent Lake Adventure.
Lot 486 – Tony Cucuolo – Too many people are wandering around other people’s property. Her wood was taken from her property. In May she witnessed her neighbor’s property being vandalized and she called Security and they told her they were too busy checking in visitors at the time.
Lot 1701 – Maureen Blue – Informed the audience she has over 30 years experience as an executive administrator and has some concerns. The Committee applications should be revised to ask for qualifications so the right people can be chosen. Also questioned who is on the committee to choose the new property manager. Berkey stated the Board. She wanted to know the criteria. Mrs. Blue questioned who on the Board has the experience in interviewing, hiring and firing, and selecting the right individual for the job.
Annunziata stated he had his own business, was head custodian of school district where he was in charge of the budget and the hiring and firing of custodians, and did inspections of their jobs.
Siaba stated he had his own trucking repair business where he hired workers, contractors, was a union delegate and shop steward.
Rohs has worked many years in Social Work, where he has interviewed, hired and fired and reviewed contracts.
Berkey has been in construction for 30 years. He was not in charge of hiring, but letting people go when the work was done. He feels that common sense comes into play when looking for the right person.
Masucci has a Bachelor of Science degree, a master degree from Montclair State, was head of the Department of Special Technology where he had 4 people under him. Formerly owned a construction company.
Richard was formerly an office manager and a sales manager and was responsible for hiring and firing staff. Ran construction business with her husband for 30 years. Dealt with contractors and bids for the jobs.
Alaimo works for Con Ed. Is a shop steward and does interview people for jobs. Took a course on how to interview. Handles 12 million in budget for company.
Mrs. Blue requests that a committee be formed to assist the Board with their decision.
Meri Hedricks – Lot 821 – stated that the Budget committee worked very hard to figure out line by line as close to the actual as possible. If there is a committee to help hire the community manager it should be done the same way as the budget committee worked. Also stated that if there is a board member not able to vote, then what good is that member.
Lot 1435 – Mr. Peregrin lateral was done across the street, and his property was damaged…his wall and 911 sign destroyed. When outside contractor are in LACA, someone should be overseeing them so this does NOT happen. He suggests that the grass cutters be given rakes so they can clear the culverts so water can flow.
1259 – Felicia Campasano – there needs to be a speed bump in the middle of Creekview/Big Bass. People are cutting down too many trees, painting boulders, etc. Joe Birrell stated that he has instituted a tree cutting ban. Wants a 12 wide and she was told that the Board was not allowing them in. Berkey stated that the proposal was unrealistic for LACA and it needed to be changed.
Toni Johnson – Lot 156 – wanted to know who was running the park with no manager. Berkey stated that all department heads are running their departments.
875 & 1291 – Mr. Adamczyk long range planning for the handicapped, possible a lift for the pool.
Pete Maletta – Lot 1982 – is also very upset on all the trees that have been cut down throughout the whole park. People that remove too many trees should have their utilities turned off.
Ray McCormack – Lot 955 – was late because he didn’t know there was a meeting. Something needs to be done to address the excessive use of lights on properties not in use, etc.
Berkey read the qualifications advertised for the Community Manager position: $45 to 50,000. Three years as a manager, assistant manager or supervisor in an RV Campground Recreational Community and/or year round residential community, good interpersonal relationship skills, knowledge of budget, accounts payable and receivable,
Electric, water, sewage treatment plant, recreational planning, security, knowledge in construction and property management, DEP regulations and having a good relationship with Township officials a plus. High school diploma. Duties: Under the general supervision of the Board of Directors the manager would be responsible for the day to day operation of Lake Adventure, provide administrative leadership, implement policy,
Budget, disbursement of funds, etc.
They’re being no further business to discuss, meeting adjourned at 12:20pm/
Respectfully Submitted,
Alfredo Siaba
Secretary
AS/cad
RAIN --- RAIN --- RAIN
yes it's raining all day here at la -- mild temps but almost continuous showers -- won't get any leaves cleaned up today -- tom'w may be sunny and we'll try to get some cleanup done then --- still waiting for estimates to repair my screen house -- hopefully this be resolved by next week and i'll be able to clean up the damage and fix the rest-- many people were around over the last few days working on the damaged structures, clearing trees and limbs and fixing any damage to the trailers-- still better here at la than the 4' snow blizzard in the dakotas --see what sunday brings
comment reply
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "staffing":
about staffing do the members realize that we have more staffing in the office than security guards.
one securty guard in off season but 4 staff members and 1 rec.director monday to friday.
if they have that much work to do and i doubt it why don't some of them work weekends.
in off season how many members are there monday to friday.
i feel that the money for salaries and health benefits. could be used in better ways. like new electric. i agree there should be someone there. why not just the sect. she seems to be doing most of the work
and the most 1 other person. the rest should be seasonal jobs
anon -- the entire la operations should be reviewed and the operations and staffing should reflect the usage by members -- this usage is the 12 weeks of the summer when 95% of the members who come to la arrive--this is predominately a seasonal operation when full staffing is justified -- the rest of the year ( about 40 weeks ) should be on a out of season staffing and operational mode-- this would substantially reduce the operating cost for la and in light of the current financial climate would be a step in the right direction
#73
Friday, November 7, 2008
staffing
yes the staffing at la is questionable and the bod and past management and bod allow this community to be staffed full time year round-- this is mismanagement of the assoc funds --
la is a seasonal community with 95% of the members arriving between mid may thru labor day-- approx 12 weeks but we have full time staffing year round --- WHY????--why do we pay for 40 weeks of ft staffing when they have no work load??? because the bod and past management don't have any incentive to save money and no one wants to make the tough decisions-- the members allow this to continue and until they say stop-- it will go on
with the tough financial situation at hand i believe the defaults on dues will greatly increase and then the bod will dip into the la reserve (a small reserve that won't go far when the cash stops flowing)-- now the credit markets are so tight gm, ford, chrysler can't raise or borrow money -- what chance do you think la will get a loan to carry it over a rough patch---NONE--yet the bod allows mismanagement of la funds
back to staffing -- yes in the winter m-f you have several ft people working in the office -- can someone tell me what they could possibly be doing -- l have worked 40 years in facility management positions and i can tell you there is not enough work to justify operating with this staffing level-- they are there because they're there and tradition is this is how la does things-- well someone better wise up because the rooster will come home to roost and when la is chained shut at the gate it will be too late-- this bod is again unable to manage la finances, assets, employees, or just about anything else -- they need to hire a capable manager, get the hell out of the way and let la be properly operated-- then they can run for the bod and tell the members what a great job they're doing for the members and get reelected forever
comment reply
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "comment":
THATS INTERESTING I THINK THEY MIGHT WANT TO LET THE WORKERS IN THE OFFICE KNOW I WAS TOLD TO WRITE A LETTER,BETTER YET WHY NOT POST IT IN THE FLYER THAT IS GIVEN OUT.JUST A NOTHER EXAMPLE OF HOW THINGS ARE RUN HERE RON66BLUEASPEN
Posted by Anonymous to LAKE ADVENTURE RV COMMUNITY BLOG OF THE POCONO MOUNTAINS PENNSYLVANIA at November 7, 2008 7:15 AM
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "complaints + web page":
During the mild and warm weather months, the majority of non-retired people who go up to Lake Adventure go on the weekends or on their vacations. Retired people might be there anytime between May and October. Off season though, almost ALL people just go up on the weekends. In light of all the problems with the electric, water, the effects of the recent snow storm, and no accessible management either on or off site - wouldn't it be wiser to have some kind of authority present on the WEEKENDS? How can you remain open with no one working? The office is closed Saturday & Sundays, maintenance is only working Saturdays through Thanksgiving, and security is limited in staff and authority. What good is having all this staff work weekdays in the off-season when most people who go to Lake Adventure will be there on the weekends??? This is a catastrophe waiting to happen.
#73
Thursday, November 6, 2008
fema
hey you guys must have fema running you storm rescue plan . sounds like you had a good time. i'm in sunny arizona this week -- days are 80 to 90 degrees -- hard to take -- huh????? enjoy
contractor+inspector
---- to me
I HIRED A CONTRACTOR TO PUT A HARD TOP ON MY EXISTING SCREENHOUSE. I FILED A PERMIT WITH L.A. AND THE CONTRACTOR FILED ONE WITH THE TOWN. THE TOWN REJECTED IT AND NOW MY SCREENHOUSE COLLAPSED FROM YHE SNOW. THE CONTRACTOR WHO IS MAC HOSE CONSTUCTION SAID HE HAS NEVER DEALT WITH SUCH TERRIBLE PEOPLE IN ALL HIS 30 YEARS IN BUSINESS. HE WENT TO THE TOWN HALL ON TUES. NOV 4 BECAUSE A MAN NAMED SEAN WHO IS HANDLING THE PERMITS TOLD HIM TO COME IN. WHEN HE GOT THERE HE FOUND OUT THE PERMIT WAS DENIED. THE CONTRACTOR TOLD THIS SEAN THAT ABOUT 75 SCREEN HOUSES HAD COME DOWN BECAUSE OF THE SNOW STORM AND HIS ANSWER WAS GOOD THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN PUT UP BY CODE. MY QUESTION IS ISN'T THERE ANYTHING WE CAN DO ABOUT HIM? MAYBE SOMEBODY HAS TO INFORM SOMEONE HOW MUCH MONEY IS SPENT IN THE SURROUNDING AREA BY LAKE ADVENTURE PEOPLE HARDWARE STORES,MR. ZS, RESTAURANTS, AND MANY OTHER PLACES. IS THERE ANY WAY WE CAN GET SOME HELP?
THANK YOU
(name withheld upon request)
LOT ----
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
complaints + web page
it appears that many members were dissatisfied with the way the recent storm disruption to the operations at la were handled by la management(?) -- i think everyone realizes that the storm was a regional wide event and la couldn't be held responsible for these events BUT -- but -- but
the lack of contingency plans for emergencies was evident -- there appears to be no plan in the event off a community wide shut down of community electric and water supplies -- no generator backups for water well pumps --
no designated facility for emergency shelter in the event of an accident -- a shelter that again should have emergency generator for minimal lighting and heat --
no community support from the office administration -- again the office is closed due to a lack of electric and heat and therefore no one comes to work-- this is unacceptable
today backup generators are available and the pricing while still rather expensive are not out of the realm of possibility -- key areas and services should have backup and the office staff should be on a emergency mode to provide basic services
again there is no plans for emergencies and no contingency to continue la operations when something happens --
there is no qualified management in place and that is not good for the community
the web page is nice but is not informative, relevant or up to date -- again communications is a management function and it is not present at la
this bod is not managing la properly-- as a matter of fact no one is managing la!!!!
comment
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "comment":
Has the BOD ever looked to outside assistance in hiring a new manager? How about the Community Associations Institute (www.caionline.org/about/designations.cfm)? There's a Pennsylvania chapter (www.cai-padelval.org/index.php).
#75
comment
Anonymous said...
I certainly hope that if there are some property owners with community association/development experience, they will consider running for the Board this year. We desperately need it. That doesn't mean business owners--I was a business owner for over twelve years, and I know I'm not qualified to run a COMMUNITY. Sure there needs to be some business sense involved, but it takes a lot more than that. Perhaps the Board of Directors Application needs to be revised with a question specifically asking if the applicant has any community association governing experience (other than LA committees), especially outside of Lake Adventure.
November 5, 2008 9:56 AM
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "comment":
Regarding the LA website: Why doesn't each board member have an email address with a link to it below his or her name on the Board of Directors page? It's been stated that you cannot leave a phone message with the administration office for any of them and writing a letter is too slow a process in emergencies (that's why it's referred to as "snail" mail). They obviously cannot be at LA all the time. What better way for communication, especially when the website is not kept current.
comment
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "comment":
all i ever heard was if you change the board things would be better well so far the board has been changed except for one and he was voted by the bod not to be president just a member of the board AND AS EVERYONE CAN SEE LACA IS FALLING APART WITH THE NEW BOD.
three of the old board were not voted in and one was vote to be a member.
there were very involved and were for the community. not for themselves.
they were DONNA GRYZBOWSKY i prob spelled her name wrong but you know who i mean JIM LEOPOLE a lawyer with license in new york and penn.real estate lic. ALLEN PANZER. who was always at the clubhouse to see what was going on and answer questions. TOM ANNUNZIATA who by the way is retired and would not have been considered an absentee bod. he would make sure the board was kept informed with emails every day he may not have been a yes man but of all the bod he cared he would listen may not agree but he was a good president.
Now we have bod following the workers asking questions of them all the time how can they do there work
remember they only have one vote but you have seven people that dont get along where L A C A IS CONCERENED
I DONT UNDERSTAND HOW THEY CAN BE MEMBERS OF C C L A and be on the board. As far as i know there are 2 bod members that admit they are members of CCLA and someothers that are not as honest as them. As far as i am concerned either you are for the board and work together or they are not.
i hope the people are not suckered in when they vote this year the 150dollars reduction of dues is for only this year and will be going up next year. looks like the bod members are looking for votes.there are several people who are running for the board that are ccla members. who started this anyway who was so bright to feel that they know everything.I never trusted some one that knows everything and what is good for everyone
if you figure out what you as members get for your dues. it is not expensive
#76
comment
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "comment":
all i ever heard was if you change the board things would be better well so far the board has been changed except for one and he was voted by the bod not to be president just a member of the board AND AS EVERYONE CAN SEE LACA IS FALLING APART WITH THE NEW BOD.
three of the old board were not voted in and one was vote to be a member.
there were very involved and were for the community. not for themselves.
they were DONNA GRYZBOWSKY i prob spelled her name wrong but you know who i mean JIM LEOPOLE a lawyer with license in new york and penn.real estate lic. ALLEN PANZER. who was always at the clubhouse to see what was going on and answer questions. TOM ANNUNZIATA who by the way is retired and would not have been considered an absentee bod. he would make sure the board was kept informed with emails every day he may not have been a yes man but of all the bod he cared he would listen may not agree but he was a good president.
Now we have bod following the workers asking questions of them all the time how can they do there work
remember they only have one vote but you have seven people that dont get along where L A C A IS CONCERENED
I DONT UNDERSTAND HOW THEY CAN BE MEMBERS OF C C L A and be on the board. As far as i know there are 2 bod members that admit they are members of CCLA and someothers that are not as honest as them. As far as i am concerned either you are for the board and work together or they are not.
i hope the people are not suckered in when they vote this year the 150dollars reduction of dues is for only this year and will be going up next year. looks like the bod members are looking for votes.there are several people who are running for the board that are ccla members. who started this anyway who was so bright to feel that they know everything.I never trusted some one that knows everything and what is good for everyone
if you figure out what you as members get for your dues. it is not expensive
#76
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
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Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "IMPORTANT OBSERVATION !!!!":
Has anyone heard anything about the hiring of a manager? It seems with the occurance of a surprise, and early, snowstorm the board would've realized the need for one to make decisions on how to handle the situation. Guess they will come up to LA and take care of it themselves.
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "comment":
I couldn't agree more--if it weren't for your blog, property owners wouldn't know ANYTHING that is going on at LA! Everyone should spread the word about it.
The "official" LA website is totally useless. NOTHING is updated. Just look at the photo gallery--pictures from 2006 and 2007? Did we skip 2008 at LA? It's soon time for 2009! Not only is it lacking info for property owners, the LA site is not a very good showcase to prospective buyers who want to find out about LA. Who keeps up this site anyway? Certainly not doing a good job.
For instance, when were the bylaws changed to allow hard top awnings and screen rooms??? I was shocked to read and hear that they are allowed now. Not according to the bylaws which you can find on the LA website!
Also--we pay so-o-o-o much more in dues than Eagle Lake (they were 12 or 1300 last year there) and they seem to have better amenities, better activities, better management in general (www.eaglelakeca.com). Eagle Lake was built by the same developers as LA and is only a few years younger than our camp. I would think they have had to renovate water, sewage and electric at some point also. Maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea to take Apple Management on board to run LA. My family has been at LA since the late 70's and its management has gone downhill drastically since 2000. I don't know if it's because of the GM or the people we keep electing on the BOD but somethings got to change and real soon. We have to hire a person or a group with PROFESSIONAL community management experience! So what if we hire a company to do the job--at least the job will be done and the right way! You can still have your BOD.
Monday, November 3, 2008
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Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "comment":
hey thanks for all the info.if it wasnt for your blog we would have no idea the damage at la.tried calling the office for two days no answer,finally got thru tried to leave a message for a boardmember to contact me and was told that they donot leave messages for them and the donot have a voicemail setup,they told me to write a letter,thanks for the help.i also looked on the website for storm damage info and found nothing,but decided to check out trails ends and eagle lake and found info on damage and elect. outage well i guess when you pay alot more for your dues you receive better infomation, my mistake we pay more in dues.i will suggest that they hire you to update there site,its obvious there is no one providing any important infomation to us when we need it,once again thanks for your site RON 66BLUEASPEN
#77
VOTE TOMORROW !!!!!!
Sunday, November 2, 2008
power outage + storm damage
the storm caused a regional power failure and the power was out at la for quite a bit of time -- this outage caused the water supply pumps to shut down and the water supply at la failed -- this can create a few problems for the members
if you didn't do the following you may have problems
if you didn't shut off your water hydrant and you don't have a back flow check valve on your supply line your water may have been siphoned out when the community water system failed and if you didn't shut off the electric to your hot water tank you may have burned out the tank heating element
the heating elements can be changed by a appliance repairman or a rv service man -- this is much cheaper than a new tank
when you have this done you should have a in line back flow check valve installed on your water supply line -- also at this service call have a in line pressure valve installed-- some are both a back flow valve and a pressure valve in combination
power loss also can cause you food in your freezer to spoil -- ice cream is particularly affected by this but others may have defrosted -- so you will have to decide what to do in this case
none of these utility failures were the fault of la and in no way was la negligent -- this was an unusual weather event that cause a regional problem for everyone through out the pocono mountain region
hope everything works out for you -- i know how it feels since i have had all the above happen to me -- not good!!
#78
Saturday, November 1, 2008
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Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "comment reply":
There's a saying "talk is cheap" but in our case it costs over $1900 a year. There were a lot of promises during election that are not happening. Good point that the BOD let the PM go and changed attorneys without a succession plan. Who is working with the attorney on the 12' wide issue? Since we don't have a property manager I suspect no one will during the winter so another year lost. Getting 12' wides approved was a campaign promise. I need a new trailer as do many of my neighbors and I hate to spend tens of thousands on another tip out. I have to think long and hard if I want to keep giving dues to a place that is fast becoming the laughing stock of the RV communities. Still no PM, why not? From what I've seen happening to the economy people are looking for jobs so either the standards of some of the board members are too high or in order to have applicants meet those standards more money needs to be offered. As to the community web site, I get more information here than there. By the way, thanks Chipper for all the snow damage, insurance and contractor information. Without this site we'd all be like mushrooms living in the dark. This is the information age with our generation linked to the Internet and the LA website needs to accomodate the need to share information. If they aren't going to keep us posted on what's going on then this site should be a bullet on their menu so owners have a place to go to express their opinions.
anon--your right --- new housing is important to any community and a drive around la will tell you that there are plenty of trailers have have been allowed to deteriorate and replacing them is important to the overall welfare of the community-- they're derelict trailers and probably many of these owners of these trailers are no longer paying their dues-- so la gets a double whammy -- ugly unkempt properties and loss of the fees -- there are way to many of these and that will drive down the value of every one's property--investing in new housing requires la to get the ordinances changed-- a lawyer is needed to accomplish this action-- so far the membership hasn't seen any action on this matter-- not good
the selection of a person for manager is complicated by the process and structure the bod has in place for this task -- 7 people with 7 agendas and 7 set of qualifications--- no consensus between them, qualifications that weigh heavy on matters that are incidental to running la and much less on the need to find someone to operate la in a professional manner-- they are hung up on matters that are at best 5% of the responsibility of operating a community-- 95% of what is important to running a
operation like la is lost on them--- they just can't see that--- another issue is that none of these people know how to or are displaying any knowledge of the process of drawing up job dessciptions, qualifying candidates or interviewing candidates-- they are amateurish at best and dysfunctional at worst--- not much to work with here
my blog has been operating for 2 years and quite frankly i am unhappy that too few people even bother to read it or comment or send me anything at all -- i know that getting the members aware of the blog is difficult and word of mouth is the way most people find out about it--- i would hope that members would email their friends and help get the word out about this blog -- this blog is for the la members to have a place to communicate with each other and post their good - bad and ugly comments about la--- surely not everyone can be drinking the bod kool aid-- some must have some issues they'd like to post -- so let's see what happens and maybe by spring more people will check out and join the blog
#79
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