REPLY

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "skipped dues crunch home assos.":
I thought I read the attorney was going to send letters threatening to put a lien on the property? Given LA's financial obligations a collection agency may be too costly but losing thousands in lost dues may be worth the cost. I was interested in a few lots on the For Sale by Owners list and it turns out many want out and are years behind on dues with no intention of paying up. If they sell they would actually owe money at closing so they're asking unreasonable prices.At least the realtor gets some turn around. Was the 12' wide attorney at the meeting? She said at least another year or more? What was her reason? According to March minutes she replied to the township ordinance changes and was setting up a face to face meeting. That was almost three months ago. I believe she's from E Stroudsburg, not local or even our county. Wonder why LA didn't go with a local attorney that would have some connections with the township ? You're right, she's out of her league on this issue and LA should look for a replacement. Another year of fixing roof leaks and making floor repairs. I hate to buy a new one that will have the same problems.

hornet reply

fromhockeyboynorth@aim.com
dateTue, May 27, 2008 at 4:54 PMsubjectHornet/Waspmailed-byaim.com
hide details 4:54 PM (23 minutes ago) Reply
You ever see a bald face hornet in LA in the past? I killed one in my screen room and after researching it i saw the queen has venom!!!!

hornets

Anonymous said...
I had this black and white bee in my screen room and killed it. After researching it i found it to be a Bald Face Hornet. I am sure of what it is after seeing pictures of it, my question is are the hornets common for LA as i have never seen one there before?
May 27, 2008 4:29 PM

skipped dues crunch home assos.

the usatoday has an article regarding skipped dues that are putting a crunch on home owners assos.--- this is an article you should read--- the link is

http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/housing/2008-05-26-condo-fee_N.htm





there has been at both meet the candidates night and the open bod meeting questions regarding the ability of some members to pay their dues and also questions in regards to members who are delinquent in paying their dues -- this is going to be AN ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE CAREFULLY ADDRESSED by this bod--- everything from how the payments may be made easier for some who are having difficulty with the current payment schedule to increased efforts to collect chronic delinquent past dues from those members who just aren't paying-- the asso. should not have to carry anyone-- yet being realistic we are in a difficult financial time and every method possible must be looked at to insure that la is adequately funded -- assos. do go bankrupt in these situations and la must tread carefully



some members may need monthly payment schedules for a limited time-- but with this also comes a need to have a backup plan in place to more strongly pursue these members if they don't maintain their modified payment schedules



chronic delinquent member dues need to be more aggressively pursued-- most cases these people are just not responsible and need extraordinary methods to collect the dues (many inherited these properties from a family member and have little to no interest in the property or the community)-- so if a collection agency is the first method in recovering these dues then that is what should be done-- second if after a specified period this fails to get the fees paid then a lien should be placed on the property--when this property has sufficient liens against it then la should move to acquire this property with the purpose of reselling it asap so as to return it to a income generating property-- (i've had a response to this idea that we don't have enough accounts to interest any collection agency--- that's crap -- for the right fee and the right company they will do this--- even answering services offer this service -- how hard can this be -- of course you have to want to do it and since no one in house has the gumption to do it we'll need an outside service)



yes all this takes more work and perhaps more legal expenses but the welfare of the community is more important than the additional workload for the office staff or additional legal costs (to minimize the legal cost and to be effective try hiring a real attorney -- the one handing the 12' wide issue is already over her head and much like g. bush see sees that issue goin into the next year and beyond????? god help us!)



rough financial time means real careful planning is required ---la has a lot of large financial obligations in the upgrades to the utilities that are required to satisfy the government and they can't be delayed -- that leaves la with the possibilities of cuts in staffing, services and etc. if it's financial situation deteriorates



no one wants to see that happen to la!

bod meeting

BigBass to me show details 12:02 PM (44 minutes ago) Reply
Did anyone attend the board meeting Sat morning? Any info on 12' wide issue? Back dues collections?

END!

end of a perfect weekend holiday----la never looked so busy --people were doin everything from swimming, walking, biking, to cleaning up their sites-- the weather was outstanding -- no one could have ask for a better 3 day holiday-- great

#238

awning supplier

kay home products is the company that supplies many screen room enclosure here at la -- last august '07 i ordered and received a replacement roof for my screen room - i didn't open it until april '08 -- i found out i had the wrong size and it didn't work -- i called them and they allowed me to return the roof for credit and they sent me the correct replacement roof -- they were very helpful and sure were cooperative with this matter--


i'm listing their web address below -- i also have it in my links list on the right side of the chippers blog page:

http://www.kayhomeproducts.com/

contractor

heard about this company that does all kinds of service-- don't know anything about them but they may offer some services of interest to community members

http://www.allaboutimproving.com/index.htm

holiday con'ts

another great day filled with hordes of other community members--- place really jumpin --music playing, fires goin, kids on the hayrides-- they sure like those road bumps -- only kids would like them, motorcycles and yes more dogs --really has been a surprise with number of people here-- maybe this is hint that the '08 season could be big-- tom'w is lookin fine too--enjoy

#239

saturday

WHAT A START!

well the summer season has arrived at la ----- near mobs everywhere -- people all over the community, kids riding bikes, playing ball, and just having fun-- people walking, with and without dogs, dogs barking (especially mine) everywhere-- the polar bears where in the pool and quite a few people sunning poolside-- the club house was jumping, toy bingo had a great crowd of kids with their parents--- had a hot dog and pepsi at the snack bar-- really good looking loaves of rye bread for sale as well as milk and oj -- hope they do well with the food sales -- sure beats running to lords valley---i think the crowd really looks as big as it was for 4th july of last year -- good start to the season

the la community is a good choice for the family to take a vacation-- near all metro areas and you can get here for less that a tank of gas-- even with gas as expensive as it is you can't go anywhere for less than it costs to get here (actually have you seen the air fares and air flight delays lately -- not goin far with that transportation option) and you probably burn more gas in traffic jams on a daily basis than it takes to get to la (Psst-- i may get a job writing travel ad copy)

so you must plan your next trip to la--- the next biggie holiday is the 4th of july -- so begin planning now if not before then ---

See ya!

welcome to the new bod

welcome and congratulations to the new board of directors--- and with a new president arthur berkey at the helm i'm sure the bod will be ready to work for the betterment of the community interests and guide la to all that it can be in the future.



the bod election only had 650 votes cast--- that not very many community members voting-- hopefully more people will get involved until next year's election so that as many members as possible are represented with their votes and their choices for the bod -- engaged members are interested members and that's good for la (we need a get out the vote effort?)

i think only one bod candidate was on the ballot for the first time this year-- while he didn't make it--- i hope that he and others will step forward and run in the next election cycle-- newbies must become known to the community and once people become familiar with the individual i'm sure they will do better in future elections ( after all look at sen. robert casey-- he ran for everything except dogcatcher before he was elected-- yea!)

i really do thank everyone who ran for the bod-- i'm a firm believer in the democratic principal of election of your representatives and those that ran should be congratulated-- enuf -chipper

activities

the lake adventure flyer that is at the gate was a special for the memorial day weekend--- it contained a very well organized and informative extra page devoted to the weekend recreation events---for members it was a helpful addition to refer to and see what was happening throughout the weekend holidays--good presentation and let's hope we see additional efforts like this to get la community families more engaged---- happy people make happy campers !(that's real corny?)

#240

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

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

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

reply

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.

reply

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/