Lake Forest - Daphne, AL

11/23/2005

Concerning the pools, as of the end of September the operational deficits at the pools were $68,000. Now considering that Lake Forest makes up nearly half of Daphne's approximate 18,000 population that only leaves 9000 people outside of Lake Forest less the good folks of Timber Creek who have their own pools less the people who are not interested in going to pools at all and it leaves a small number to make up the deficit much less generate any additional income for the other amenities. And as with the other amenities, I believe it is illegal for a non-profit private club to sell the rights to a single amenity, that is why we have the non-owner memberships. Sorry, but unless I've missed something the pools are not the answer. I would also like to point out that since making 2 of the 3 pools no fee they get more use and enjoyment from the membership than any other amenity that we have. I would suggest that all 3 be no fee next year, as the one fee pool gets very little use, while the other 2 can become overcrowded at times.

To the newcomer to the area, the statement about the unwillingness to pay a nominal amount for the fee pool goes to the reality of Lake Forest. According to the 2000 Census the demographics of Lake Forest are:

Avg household size 2.43
Avg household income $61,069
Median household income $55,392
44% of the households make less than $50,000 per year

Respectfully, from your willingness to increase your own fees and dues, I have to surmise you are most likely outside of these demographics. I understand everyone making comparisons to what they think are similar situations but I would suggest to you that the demographics of Lake Forest do not support increased dues and fees. With only about 150 annual golf memberships, and the over $200,000 in delinquent maintenance fees, the argument against increased dues and fees is further substantiated. Please refer to the Webmaster's description in the F&B discussion page of how the original developer promoted the subdivision, and the difficult times that ensued after the developer sold the amenities to the LFPOA. Then realize that, according to Census figures, Lake Forest grew from 1990 to 2000 by 43.63% and that currently approximately 1 in 5 households are rentals. This growth has substantially changed the makeup of Lake Forest, and in my humble opinion has not been addressed by any LF Bd of Directors. Meaning, just as I am hypothesizing why there is so little use of the amenities by the members, so have many past and present Boards done the same. Albeit, I have done some research to support my opinions, and would suggest that the current Board invest some time and minimum expense to see what the members actually do outside of Lake Forest to see if there are things we could implement cost effectively that would improve participation by the members. Preferably new ideas as opposed to ideas that have proven not to work in the past, and have been very expense failures. A good anonymous survey in a monthly billing with a separate unidentifiable envelop for returning would be a good way to collect information that would allow Lake Forest to better serve it's membership. Questions such as: How many in your household, ages, etc.? What type of entertainment do you enjoy? How often do you eat out a month? What types of eating establishments do you frequent. Do you belong to the YMCA, Daphne Physical Fitness Center in the Civic Center ($12 per month), or any other fitness type establishment? How often do you frequent the 19th hole, yacht club, Bayview Lounge, etc?

As far as the condition of the amenities, for their age and occasional neglect over the years (not recently) they appear fine. However, in terms of operational usefulness and energy efficiency(as of the end of Sept 05 utilities for all facilities were at $163.000), they are a typical architectural nightmare, good looks no functionality. This goes for both the clubhouse and the yacht club buildings. You are absolutely correct in your assessment of the need for "first class facilities" to raise property values. These type facilities are achievable, and a very feasible idea is out there, but due a lack of ability to reach a large number of the otherwise disinterested members, recent past events by the dissenting few, and the vocal few who resist change of any kind, the idea has not progressed like it should. If you care to hear the details let the Webmaster know and I can forward them to you. Glad you're enjoying your decision to live in the largest and prettiest neighborhood in Alabama.