reply

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "reply":
The minutes from the March 15th board meeting were published on the LA website last week and it addressed collection agencies. Too expensive for such a small population so "the attorney" (one on retainer or the 12' wide attorney--or one and the same?)will take on the project. By now, three months later, something should be in the works.


THANKS FOR THE INFO -- chipper

OPEN BOARD MEETING

REMINDER FOR MEMBERS:

OPEN BOARD MEETING SATURDAY AT 11:00 IN THE PAVILION

reply

chipper has left a new comment on your post "comment":
i have to agree with a lot that you have observed -- job descriptions and responsiblites for each job should be in writing--oversite for all employees should be a responsibility of the bod -- there are ample number of people on the bod to divide up the various functions and be assigned responsibility for a specific operation at la -- most bod members probablly are uncommitted and are treatng the post as some kind of honorary position with no real functions to oversee -- while the postions are unpaid they still are responsible for the operations at la and if they have no ability or capabilities to do these jobs they should resign and let other people take a turn at running la-- i'm sure this will not happen-- the only way to get real change on the bod is to get new qualified individuals to run for and get them elected-- this is a multiyear effort and a year round search for the right people -- but most members don't get interested until the get the ballots mailed to them --and they find one or two new individuals running with a selection of current board members who are up for reelection -- nothing is known about the new people and the sitting board members are well less than appealing --- as one commented at meet the candidates night that his one accomplishment on the board was to start the raffle that pays for the fireworks (like al gore's invention of the internet---yea)that must have been his outstanding accomplishment while on he board--- so i hope more people join us in this blog and let us know what they think and help in getting new people interested in running for open board seats---

the 12' wide procress with dingman township is dragging along-- i hope the people handing this matter are successful and la can get 12' wides--- new housing stock is always needed in any community and many trailers in la are due to be replaced and many people will do it when it is approved--- without a reinvestment by members in new housing stock will result in la becoming a run down, has been rv community -- sure don't want that

#241

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chipper has left a new comment on your post "comment":
i have to agree with a lot that you have observed -- job descriptions and responsiblites for each job should be in writing--oversite for all employees should be a responsibility of the bod -- there are ample number of people on the bod to divide up the various functions and be assigned responsibility for a specific operation at la -- most bod members probablly are uncommitted and are treatng the post as some kind of honorary position with no real functions to oversee -- while the postions are unpaid they still are responsible for the operations at la and if they have no ability or capabilities to do these jobs they should resign and let other people take a turn at running la-- i'm sure this will not happen-- the only way to get real change on the bod is to get new qualified individuals to run for and get them elected-- this is a multiyear effort and a year round search for the right people -- but most members don't get interested until the get the ballots mailed to them --and they find one or two new individuals running with a selection of current board members who are up for reelection -- nothing is known about the new people and the sitting board members are well less than appealing --- as one commented at meet the candidates night that his one accomplishment on the board was to start the raffle that pays for the fireworks (like al gore's invention of the internet---yea)that must have been his outstanding accomplishment while on he board--- so i hope more people join us in this blog and let us know what they think and help in getting new people interested in running for open board seats---
the 12' wide procress with dingman township is dragging along-- i hope the people handing this matter are successful and la can get 12' wides--- new housing stock is always needed in any community and many trailers in la are due to be replaced and many people will do it when it is approved--- without a reinvestment by members in new housing stock will result in la becoming a run down, has been rv community -- sure don't want that

comment

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "con't open bod meeting":
One reason our dues are substantially increased each year is to cover the lost monies of deliquent owners. Some collection agencies are able to put a lien on the property thus affecting the owner's credit but they can't force payment. I think the only way money is received is when the property is sold whether it be by the owner or Sheriff or the owner coughs it up because of the credit rating change. This shouldn't be a big job for a reputible company. We're not talking tens of thousands of calls/letters like Master Card, maybe a few hundred? This seems like a good way to go. If not then let us know why.
Aren't bod's non-paying positions but the LA Manager a compensation job the same as office and maintenance workers? Who reviews the performance of this position? The BOD? What criteria is used to measure performance? Who has authority to hire and fire?
Perhaps the LA manager is spread too thin and the management structure needs a redesign. Project managers? One to handle administrative and one to handle maintenance. The attorney handling the 12' wide issue needs modivation or should be replaced with someone (more) aggressive. I'm guessing she isn't doing this for free and I find it hard to believe it takes over three months to set up meetings with the township. It seems to indicate this is a low level priority on her calendar as well as the LA management. From what I understand we're really close and if it's approved shortly she'll get some good PR, if it drags on not so much. We're asking for approval for something other communities in the state already have not a new landmark ordinance. The township is getting a nice chunk of change from LA as are the merchants and utility companies. All the new homes that will be ordered will certainly help the local economy as well as the manufacturing states. (the local vender has dozens of 12' wide homes, who's buying them? Why are we being penalized?)
Thanks for letting me vent and I hope to hear some good news from Saturday's meeting and our newly elected representatives.

con't open bod meeting

last year the bod were looking into getting a collection agency to collect member's delinquent past dues

did they?? they've had year --let's hope so -- see if we'll find out -- also if they have--- do they have any numbers indicating that this approach is effective -- like delinquent '07 numbers vs 08 delinquent numbers-- a yes answer will not do and a no is an even worse answer


member's lots being picked up by the association at sheriff's sales for back taxes -- how many are la sitting on --- are they being sold -- if necessary they should be sold at costs to get this inventory back into a dues generating mode -( i'm sure the on site realtor whats no part of this idea -- after all he's got a real sweetheart deal at la -- it favors him but not the members or the association) so i'll be looking for some direction on this issue and see whether the bod and the la management are working for the la community members interest or .........................


THE MEMBERS NEED TO ATTEND THIS OPEN BOARD MEETING IF POSSIBLE --THE CURRENT BOD AND LA MANAGER NEED TO KNOW THAT THE MEMBERS ARE GOING TO CALL THEM IN FOR THE PROBLEMS AT LA -- AND YES THERE ARE PROBLEMS-- but in many cases they only hear a few complaints at this and the other one or two open meetings and then they go about their monkey business as usual -- they get by with minimal input from the members except for those few that almost (wink) never leave and of course are the ones with the most consistent complaints -- that's what they hear and it unfortunately bears heavily on their decisions. this ignores many other member's concerns because as they say "out of sight-- out of mind" --- yet every member of this community is the same and should have the same review and consideration of their concerns and complaints---no member of an association is no more important or less important than the next member -- every one's equal -- (after all this is america).......hmmm -- heard that before

so if you can't attend check back here and i hope to review what was done at the bod board meeting and maybe others will also post their thoughts about what they gathered from this meeting--- together maybe we'll learn something

Note: this is predicated on our ability to hear the meeting proceeding -- considering the crappy sound system they've used in the past ----- more on this topic later

12 wide request

BigBass to me show details 9:14 PM (52 minutes ago) I can't make it to the open meeting this Sat. morning. Would someone mind asking about the status of 12 wides and post a response? It's been almost three months since we've heard anything. Any news on abandon lots and collection agencies recovering back dues?



HI BIG BASS:


THERE IS A LOT OF INTEREST IN THE 12' WIDE ISSUE-- my polls indicate that this is important to a lot of the community--- a recap of some of these polls follows:

past poll results

Q: should la membership be informed as to what dingman township is looking for to approve 12' wide trailers

A: yes --- 106; no --- 1

Q: if the la membership is to be informed what is the best method to do this

A: open is season meeting -- 9; mailing to members--5; both of the above --92

current polls results up to today

Q: what is the most important issue you have with la

A: annual fee ----12; 12' wide issue ---26; quality of life issues -- 36

Q: 12' wide issue is being

A: properly handled --- 3; not properly handled -- 56; dead in the water -- 13


as you can see this is a top identified issue with members and they what to be informed about the progress with dingman township and many feel that this issue is not being properly handled.

the chance for the bod to explain the progress on this issue should be presented at the 5-24 board meeting -- this could be an opportunity to reverse the negative feelings and perception about the handling of this important issue
---whether this will happens remains to be seen -- if the members aren't satisfied with what they hear then they need to let the bod and the la manager know of their dissatisfaction--- otherwise they'll keep their heads buried in the sand and it will die like other attempts at this issue-- the members need to listen carefully ...............

restrooms/showers

over the winter i had an opportunity to use the la restroom facilities -- i was impressed at how clean these facilities were maintained -- they are outdated and that makes it that much more difficult to do a good job but that is not the case here -- nice job -- congratulations -- chipper

#242

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Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "reply":
Think of what the community would look like of every owner had junk on the front of their property. Thank goodness the majority of owners are considerate of their neighbors and the community as a whole. And yes, it is my business, that junk brings down the value of MY property..."can't spell"?, how about my five year old constructs better sentences. This guy should be ashamed and embarrassed that note is on public display.

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Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "reply to roland":
I cannot believe the comment that Roland made about "complaining about what is not your business". This has to be one of the most ludicrous comments I have read in a long while. How can anyone think that they do not have an obligation in the upkeep of their property? It's in the bylaws. If a child wanders unto their property and gets injured guess what, they will be sued. We all have an obligation to keep our sites neat, orderly, and visually pleasing, not only for the potential increase in resale value but to make it a better place that we all enjoy. If you do not have the decency to respect your neighbors, their children, and yourself, you should not be allowed to buy land anywhere in America.
Remember the commercials "Keep America Beautiful". These ran for a reason. You would never see a commercial titled "Mind your own business". Caring about our environment and our neighbors is what makes us human. Rude, uncaring people annoy me, especially the ones that can't spell...

la web page

back and looking great www.lakeadventure.net

reply to roland

hi roland - you do realize that it should not be necessary to explain why you have the gall to park and store rusted construction trailer with flat tires and equipment within the recreational community -- you are displaying complete disregard for your neighbors and other community members who take pride in this community and make exceptional efforts to maintain their properties in a manner that is commendable and in keeping with the community standards -- if the standards were based on the your standards we'd have to change the name to lake adventure salvage and disposal -- opps forget the disposal part -- unless you're thinking along the lines of this equipment rusting away as a method of disposal-- so yes i object and i point out this problem in the hope that la manangement and the bod will get off their rear ends and take action to prevent members from turning la into a junk yard - i guess so far the jury is still out on the actions of la management so we'll see -- i have a life and yes this is america but you should still have a little regard for other la members and the interests of the community - chipper

#243

roland replys

construction equipmentInboxX
Roland to me, Brian show details 10:09 PM Reply
If you have to complain about something what belongs to me and is on my property you should have the balls to stop at my place and talk to me . not to be sneaky and like a rat taking pictures and complaining about what is not your business. get a live and worry about your own lot. this is still America. post this reply on your website (what sucks anyway).........

comment reply

chipper has left a new comment on your post "comment reply":
they due seem to want to trumpet the fact that they are progressing on the capital projects -- i guess this helps reinforce the need for thr dues increase -- of course as seems to be the problem with their management style they wait until things get out of control (like electic brown outs, low water pressure and violations of the enviromental statures for the waste treatment system) before they take any action -- then the large bills rear up and bite them in the rear end -- the bod and the la manager need to be more proactive to control the functions at la and not work as a fire company putting out fires -- we'll see what they feed the member mushrooms at the open board meeting-- hope your hungry

#244

comment reply

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "comment reply":
When the electric and sewer gets fixed then you will hear about it. As far as the last meeting they didnt even order the electric wires last year LIKE THEY SAID they was going to do. You bring up situations to make it a better place. If you look at things as a negative that is your own personal issue. So right now dues went up and no electric and sewer upgrade so right now YOU WILL HEAR WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH THE MONEY LA MANAGEMENT? You pay you want things done and when they don't get done it is normal to complain about it. Pay your phone bill and have no dial tone and i want to hear you what you have to say.

comment reply

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "2008 badges":
there are some valid concerns by chipper, but how about also posting some positive comments, like the beautiful pool we have that has been refurbished for everyone to enjoy, and also some major work being done to the electric & sewer & water systems, they used to be the major complaints, most LA residents enjoy our community, but you only hear from the negitive ones

#245

la link & name?

well it appears that lake adventure.com and .net at taken by somebody else -- anyone know what's goin on? - you can reach lake adventure at http://www.lakeadventure.org/ -- it's the old web page --- looks like la is using another web site's name -- hmmm! --- anyone got any thoughts?

#246

STILL RAININ

THE PLANET MARS

yea i guess it will continue for a while --have to cancel my trip up to la this weekend -- have more work to do here -- but this should be the end of this project and i'll be able to get to la on a more regular schedule

i posted a link to the new free program from microsoft -- worldwide telescope -- this is really an amazing accomplishment for microsoft and it's FREE -- check it out while you wait for the rain to stop -- you'll marvel at the unbelievable images of the universe

web address:http://www.worldwidetelescope.org/

april showers

it looks like april showers are arriving in may -- oh well -- i missed a few weeks due to some work but i'm heading up to la this weekend -- weather doesn't look too bad --we'll see

#251

MOTHER'S DAY

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

TO ALL THE LA COMMUNITY MOTHERS

COME ON GIVE HER A KISS!

#254

SUNDAY IS MY MOM'S DAY!

#255

MOM'S DAY

WE'RE ON OUR WAY TO VISIT MOM!

MOTHER'S DAY

DON'T FORGET!

#257

comment

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "junk vehicles reply":
I can't put up a clothesline in the back of my trailer but this type of junk is allowed?

yea -- it makes you wonder some times where their coming from- chipper

#259

junk vehicles reply

peggy -- thanks for the clarification -- now only if la manager gary stevens and the bod would review the by laws maybe they too would understand this issue -- i still say both trailers and the construction equipment on the one and the hot rod on the other don't belong parked at la -- let's see if they do anything

12 wides were briefly mentioned -- same story as on the la web page --in the hands of the lawyers and etc. and etc. -- don't hold your breath on this issue --- chipper

Peggy Snow to me show details 6:47 PM (1 hour ago) Reply
Found this in the by-laws 6.1b. As long as vehicle has current registration it is allowed, but read the next paragraph under Maintenance of Campsite on page 18. (b) A motor operated vehicle is deemed to be an abandoned or junked motor vehicle if is remains within the premises of the development known as Lake Adventure for more than four (4) weeks in such a condition that, for the duration of said period, the vehicle is either: 1. unable to move under its own power; or 2. without current inspection sticker or similar certification of the state in which the vehicle is registered; or license plates; or 3. is not currently registered in any state.Maintenance of Campsite(c) All personal property on a campsite shall be maintained in good condition so as not to become unsightly. Unless in actual use, personal property items, including tents, shall not be left on a campsite during the period between December first and the following April first. Also found this for the 12' wide question under Definitions on page 3. According to the by-laws there is no width restriction only total square footage. The 12' wides on sale are just under 400 square foot. Was this issue discussed at the Meet the Candidates??? (b) Park Model: A vehicular unit, mounted on wheels, of such size or weight as to require a special highway movement permit when drawn by a motorized vehicle designed and constructed to provide temporary living quarters for recreational, camping or travel use and of a size no more that four hundred (400) square feet. (AMENDED 10/2006)

response to la management falling asleep

Anonymous said...
Hi Chipper,I agree with you on this. If we let this continue, why would any family purchase at LA? I'm curious on the response you received when you pointed this out to LA management. Did they even respond? I notice you indicated that this mess is breaking the rules; where can I check this? Perhaps if we point this out to Gary and call him out on this he will be forced to take action.
April 27, 2008 1:34 PM
chipper said...
well at the meet the candidates night i was informed that if these are licensed vehicles that they are allowed at la-- i'm willing to bet neither of these trailers are legally licensed-- of course the managaement at la would rather ignor the problem than address it or maybe something else is going on-- anyone need their lot leveled, stone spread or rocks moved around?
May 4, 2008 8:51 PM

#260

poll results

queestion: when do you make your first visit to la?
answers:

March -- 13 votes;..... april --18 votes; ... may--18 votes;.... june --22 votes;.. later --9 votes

question: do you go to another location for the winter?
answers:....... yes ----19 votes; ....... no -----59 votes

question: if you go to another location for winter is it
answers:... florida -- 10 votes; ....carolinas --9 votes; ....nome, alaska-- 0 votes; ..other--51 votes

well it looks like a lot of people come to la in the early spring months -- it really is a nice time to visit and of course it allows you to get a head start on getting your site ready for the summer

19 members get away for the winter -- snowbirds that is good -- but most of us are stuck here in the ne. or other-- florida and the carolinas is a favorite destination -- nobody goes to nome, alaska -- i wonder why?

poll results

question was:

SHOULD LA ALLOW FOR SALE SIGNS ON YOUR PROPERTY?

answers:

YES -----62 votes .....................NO -------8 votes

the by laws do not allow signs -- this should be changed --

when someone wants to sell their property they should have as many options as possible -- when they reach this point it is better for the community to have the property change hands then to have a property left unattended and start to look shabby due to neglect from the disinterested owners and maybe even go into default of the annual dues and property taxes resulting a long protracted period until the property is sold at sheriffs sale

the other issue is that this rule was probably set up to protect the on site realtor at the inception of la--it still has that same effect and makes it more difficult to market la property-- other realtors handle la property -- as a matter of fact i see other off site realtor's ads in the real estate publications all the time ( i have never seen an ad for the on site realtor in any publication )

another place that carries la property is the http://www.craigslist.org/about/sites.html--off site realtors have la property listed all the time -- this is also a place where you can post your own ad for free-- you can post it in multiple major east coast cities

it's in the best interest to the la community to make selling a property easier -- even to a point of upgrading the la website to allow members to post ads and photos --

of course i doubt this will happen -- the bod and la management are more interested in protecting certain other interests than the la community interests

poll results

the question was:

SHOULD LA PROMOTE A SPECIAL SATURDAY FOR SPRING CLEAN UP DAY?

the answers were: YES 68 votes ------ NO 2 votes

GETTING PEOPLE INVOLVED WITH LA EARLY IN THE SEASON IS A GOOD IDEA -- A SPRING CLEAN UP DAY COULD BE A WAY TO GET PEOPLE TO CLEAN UP THE LOTS, REMOVE LEAVES, STICKS, WEEDS; OLD DECK FURNITURE THEY DON'T WANT SINCE THEY HAVE NEW FURNITURE; TOYS, BIKES AND OTHER PLAY THINGS THEIR KIDS DON'T USE ANYMORE SINCE THEY GREW OUT OF THEM; FURNITURE FROM THEIR TRAILERS THEY WANT TO DISCARD-- ALL THIS STUFF THAT HAS BEEN PILING UP AROUND THEIR TRAILERS AND SHEDS --

la should help by have a schedule to collect leaves - these leaves can be collected and piled up by the roadside and la maintenance could come around the next week with a truck mounted vacuum and collect and discard the leaves ( yes at the meet the candidate night this idea was pooh poohed-- just another example of what is wrong with the attitude of the current board-- they just can't see how to things like this can be done-- not much imagination on their part) --

perhaps a truck and a few men could be utilized on this saturday to collect bulk material that needs to go to the dumpster -- nothing heavy and it would have to be outside a trailer in the front of the property ( a fee could be developed to cover these costs of this service for people who don't have a vehicle to haul items)

in most cases the junk that is accumulating on properties is a result that most people have no method to haul junk or their age limits their ability to accomplish this without help -- and i think most people would be willing to pay a nominal fee to get this service --

now i know that the answer from the la management and the bod is that this can't be done -- they have lots of reasons for not doing things -- what they don't have is an alternative method to accomplish these things-- it easier to just ignore the problems-- the status quo is how they see everything

so here is the situation those voting in the poll overwhelming want a clean up day -- i wonder if it has even a chance with this management-- i doubt it!
--

MEET THE CANDIDATES

well the meeting was quite interesting -- lots of questions and comments but very few answers by the candidates -- there seems to be a lack of communications with these candidates -- a lot can't be done because........you name it and they said it -- it made the presidential candidates sound great -- but as always this is not a presidential race and we must choose from the list of candidates before us -- i know who i'm not voting for -- but i'll hold my selection private and hope for the best

in the future i believe more people should consider running for the board -- a turnover in the bod ranks is not a bad idea -- it allows new ideas and new approaches to be explored -- things change and la could use some new direction -- but that requires a change in the majority of the bod members and that requires several cycles of voting for new candidates by the community members -- i think this should be something the community members should think about between now and next year's elections


#261