LAKE FOREST PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION

STATED BOARD MEETING

February 17, 2005


Members Present:  Sarah Coxwell, Mitch Davis, Henry Lawson, B.T.  Cocke,

Ray Drake, Carl Kauffman, Ed Kirby and Willie Robison

Members Absent:  Robert Underwood

Staff Present:  Jake Bodiford & Steve Jernudd

The President, Mitch Davis called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.

  1. Introduction of Teen Club Management:  The chairman introduced and recognized the three teenagers for managing the club in what he termed a successful manner since assuming responsibility under an agreement signed in May.  He noted they have staged events and dances with bands that filled the parking lot with cars and building with persons 17 – 20 years of age.  Law enforcement is aware of activities and no problems have been reported.  When questioned, their spokesman Andrew Davis said rules existed.  The parking lot is patrolled and no smoking or drinking is allowed.  Adult chaperones are not present and patrons are allowed to enter, leave and reenter without restriction.

  1. Minutes for Approval:  Ed Kirby made a motion to accept minutes of the Stated Board Meeting of January 20, 2005, Carl Kauffman seconded and the motion carried with Willie Robison abstaining.

A question was posed asking why Minutes of the Executive Session held on that date were not included in the regular minutes.  The General Manager expressed concern over a lack of documentation of his contract.  It was explained Executive Session Minutes were a separate part of business and would be approved in another Executive Session.  Henry Lawson made a move to go into Executive Session to approve those minutes at the conclusion of the Stated Board Meeting.  Ed Kirby seconded and the motion carried.

  1. Old Business: 

Hold Harmless Clause:  The city, in response to our request has issued a draft letter covering installation of a gate barring access to the dam.  Action:  Pending.

Stables Contract:  Clauses covering insurance, payment of utilities, liability and reimbursement were discussed.  Ed Kirby made a motion to renew the contract, B.T. Cocke seconded it and the motion carried.

Nominating Committee:  Carl Kauffman, Chairman, nominated Ed Kirby and Hal Pierce.  Henry Lawson nominated Toni Fassbender.  Carl Kauffman made a motion to accept the slate, Henry Lawson seconded and the motion carried with the stipulation to verify the membership of Hal Pierce.

Delinquent Accounts:  Following discussion the subject was tabled (Lay on the Table) by the Chairman.

4.      New Business: 

Teen Club:  Following discussion concerning liability inherent in lack of chaperones, age of operators and insurance costs, B.T. Cocke made a motion to continue operations with monitoring and appropriated follow-up.  Ed Kirby seconded the motion.  B.T. Cocke, Ed Kirby, Sarah Coxwell and Mitch Davis voted yes, Willie Robison, Ray Drake, Henry Lawson and Carl Kauffman voted no, the motion failed.  After further conversation, B.T. Cocke made a motion to continue operations with monitoring and obtaining a legal interpretation.  The motion was seconded by Ed Kirby and carried 7 to 1.

Henry Lawson raised a Point of Information and asked whether monitoring and legal interpretation will come before the board at the next meeting.  The Chairman in consultation with the General Manager noted a legal opinion would be obtained as soon as possible.  The Chairman noted he will personally monitor the operation and invited other members to do likewise.

  1. Committee Reports: 

Architectural:  Sarah Coxwell reported a total of 78 violations and correction of 32 for the past month.  Violations cited included:  fences (17), boats (16), trailers (12) and lot appearance/trash (9).  Copy of full report is on file.

Building and Grounds:  Ed Kirby reported:  Dock Repair:  A Dock finished, B Dock patching is finished and C Dock completed to site of old pavilion/gazebo.  Discussion of converting D Dock to a fishing dock and planking of the destroyed pavilion/gazebo resulted in a motion by B.T. Cocke to only re-plank the old pavilion/gazebo area on Dock C, the motion was seconded by Ed Kirby and passed after assurances that sufficient money had been budgeted to complete the project within the budget limit of the General Manager.  Boats sunk during Ivan have been re-floated and/or scheduled for removal this month.

Swim & Racquet Club (Teen Center) – Renovation to remove walls and partitions to treat mold and mildew problems is underway and is expected to be complete the first week of March.

Communications:  Carl Kauffman reported increased web site activity (8084 hits) and encouraged members to check the menus and prices at the club.  Progress is underway to refine the scholarship program for graduating High School Seniors living within Lake Forest.  Final details and call for applicants will be published in the Spectrum and posted on the web.  A shrimp & crawfish boil is scheduled at the Yacht Club on March 20, 2005.  A Casino Trip (with freebies) is also planned for March.  Refer to the web site or call 626-0788 for reservations/details.  The Chairman approved B.T. Cocke’s request to serve on the scholarship committee.  Written report is on file.

Finance:  Sarah Coxwell’s report was accepted as presented.  (Copy enclosed)

Food & Beverage:  Ray Drake noted Super Bowl Party, Valentine Dinner/Dance and planned Seafood Boil are examples of efforts underway to increase participation and profits for the association.

Greens:  Willie Robison’s report (copy enclosed) detailed concerns expressed by Ladies, Men and Senior golf association representatives.  Many concerns have been corrected or action is underway.  The Green’s Committee will meet quarterly.  Issues arising in the interim period should be shared with Willie, Steve and/or Derrick to ensure open lines of communication.  Look for details on a forthcoming golf “volunteer” workday.

Recreation:  Henry Lawson passed.  The Chairman commented on beautification efforts underway at the Tennis Center.

Yacht Club/Marina & Lake:  B. T. Cocke reported ADEM has sent a certified letter to Spanish Fort Dirt Pit citing them for silting the lake.  Action/Information on this subject will be shared.  He also noted he is working with the Recreation and Preservation Committee.  Samples of water entering the lake have been requested.  A third party contractor will conduct testing of samples.  Details and possible costs will be shared with the board.

GENERAL MANAGERS REPORT:  Jake Bodiford’s report reiterated points previously cited.  He noted Chris Bailey has been hired as the new Harbor Master.  Mike Baker who transferred to golf maintenance is no longer employed with the association.  He commented, that of the 16 liens filed in January for delinquent accounts, 5 were paid in full within 10 days of notification.  He noted once the rehab at the Swim & Racquet Club is complete, finishing may slow down due to a lack of personnel but teen operators have volunteered to assist.  He termed the Valentine Party a success and expressed an opinion “No Shows” should be charged for failing to honor their reservations. 

    Member Comments: 

John Adams noted under Alabama law parents are responsible for the acts of minor children until they reach the age of 19; consequently, he is concerned over the associations liability inherent in the age of the operators and lack of adult supervision at the teen club.  He asked whether the General Manager was aware of lighting requirements for pilings at the yacht club and the General Manager replied affirmatively.  He expressed dissatisfaction with liberal reductions of debt citing an example of over 50% on one account.

Toni Fassbender questioned the logic of the board in not realizing or attempting to make a profit out of leasing the stables under a contract subsidized by the association.  Past history was cited as justification.  She also questioned the authority and rationale for charging some persons or organization for use of facilities while excusing others, namely the stables and teen club.  She also cited a past personal experience wherein her husband had volunteered his services to teach a Tai Chi class at no cost but the General Manager demanded a fee for room rental.  It was pointed out the General Manager retains authority and that space for functions/activities for the benefit of the association will be provided on a space available basis.  Rooms available include those at the main Clubhouse and Swim & Racquet Club. 

Henry Lawson raised a question concerning signatory authority for the agreement between the operators of the teen club and association.  The original agreement signed only by the minor operators of the teen club and the association had been amended as of today to include the signatures of parents. 

8.Adjourn: 

Carl Kauffman made a motion to adjourn; it was seconded by Ed Kirby and carried.  The meeting adjourned at 8:52 p.m.