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Fountains etc
Thanks Brad and Lynn for your comments. As a board member I know how hard the folks on the board and committees have worked on researching and implementing decisions throughout the year.None are taken lightly and obviously the best interests of the Enclave residents are what guides us.We always aim to get feedback from as many residents as possible.
I think that the fact that dues have not risen and the amount of work we have done in the 10 months or so that we have taken over the association shows the dedication of those involved.
Unfortunately we can never please everyone all the time like the gate 24/7 issue. Although if you talked to the people who had just got stuff stolen from their garage or a neighbour who had their front door kicked in during broad daylight such extra safety could not have come soon enough.
We welcome more people to get involved attend meetings and shape the community. Any resident can talk to a board member and get their viewss aired and a lot have done so during the year.
We look forward to seeing you at future meetings.
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Fountains are a great addition
First, I will reiterate what a few others have said on this subject, that being that I appreciate all of the comments that have been (and will be) posted, regardless of the opinions expressed.
Second, I personally think the fountain looks GREAT!! A great deal of time and energy were spent by several individuals in researching the fountain, and I believe that effort has paid off.
Third, as a member of the board, and the association's treasurer, I feel safe in saying that when the board voted to approve the purchase and installation of the fountain, it did so after careful consideration of all aspects of the project. I believe the board acted prudently in carrying out its fiduciary and fiscal responsibilities to the association and all of the homeowners.
I personally voted to approve the project because I felt it would enhance the asthetics of our lakes, an aspect of our development that I believe distinguishes us from other neighborhoods in our area.
I also felt that the fountain would be something that EVERY resident would have the opportunity to enjoy (since everyone would see the fountain upon entering the development), and that therefore the fountain was a good choice for one of the first major capital expenditures approved by the board.
In voting to approve the project, I also gave great weight to the fact that the fountain could be purchased, installed and operated on a go-forward basis without requiring any increase in our current level of homeowner dues ($480 per year) - the level of dues for which every resident should have been made aware before they purchased their house in our development. I felt that the up-front cost of the fountain was reasonable, and I also considered the fact that after purchasing the fountain, we would still have funds available for other projects that are in various stages of investigation and for which the board might decide in the future to implement, while still leaving a cushion for unplanned emergency expenditures. I will point out that the ongoing cost for operation of the fountain - i.e. electricity - is less than the $300 per month amount noted in Brad Spicer's posting - see the Oct 6 posting of mburditt in the ''Fountain in the Lake'' section).
I acknowledge that not everyone will agree with some, or all, of my points of view.
Finally, I also feel safe in saying that the board will always value any constructive input or critiques.
Regards.
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Keep it at one
I completely agree with Brad on all counts. Also, like Brad, I realize that if I had only been getting on this website and paying attention, I would have known about the planned fountain a long time ago and given my input back then. I will try to be better from now on. BUT I VOTE BY ALL MEANS, NO SECOND FOUNTAIN! It is pretty, but one fountain is plenty ostentatious enough! Our beautiful, serene little lake is like Melrose Place now! And, how horrible is it going to be when things start going wrong that are NOT covered by the $200+ monthly fee?
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Thanks for the Thoughts
My first reaction to Brad Spicer's feelings about the fountain in the pond is to say ''thank you'' -- not for opposing its installation (I voted for the project), but for acknowledging the good faith and efforts of our many neighbors who thoroughly investigated and implemented the project, and for extending the challenge, for himself and others, to becoming more involved and participating in the tough decisions the Board must make, hopefully for the benefit of all. I sincerely believe that there will always be ways that the HOA can do its job better. People have two choices when they disagree with its actions: silently stew, or offer constructive criticism (I think ''gross misappropriation of funds'' is a bit strong, but I don't think Brad is implying the criminal or deceitful connotations that term implies). Brad's suggestion that expenditures above a certain level be posted for notice and comment is an excellent suggestion (I believe five of the 166 residences commented on the matter of a future fountain in the second pond, so the response rate may never be great, but the input should be solicited).
I'm proud of the hard work of the almost dozen folks on the Landscaping Committee, and the members of the Board, and hope everyone understands they are all doing the best for the good of the community, and certainly well-intentioned. If there have been any failures in leadership or communication, that has been my failure, not theirs. But, I think we've done a pretty good job.
Jim Jones
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