When the BOD decided to charge a fee to open the bar , the D&E decided it was not a cost they could afford. I don't mind bringing my wine,it's cheaper,it tastes better and I don't want to stand in line.
Oh if only we could get back to the days when everyone respected each other and worked together to create a caring community. How did we become the place for opportunists and kingdom builders who lie, plot and scheme to have their special interests met at any cost to community. What caused people to become divided and nasty to each other? Why did so many who stepped up to serve end up leaving this community in despair and disgust? What evil has taken over that makes us want to bolt our doors and not speak the truth? Please, someone tell me why it is that this small community has to be so divided and mean? Why can't we all make a decision to remember to respect one another? Why not admit when we are wrong and have faith that others will forgive as we remember our own human fragilities. We don't need to lie and blame others, we are a work in progress and we can all find forgiveness in our hearts for each other. Lies and deceit have not worked so why not give truth a chance?
CONDO FEE INCREASE!!!!! Here we go again, as the BOD reviews the budget for the upcoming year they are looking at another condo fee increase, the last was just 2 years ago. One Director had the courage to question why 3 bids were not sought before renewing with Aramark in 2015 and why isn't the BOD looking at a manager who works for us and us alone? Please don't just say, we tried that, it is a new day and a changing community. Please encourage the BOD not to do this increase, we haven't even paid our $300 bridge assessment and we are being asked for more $. We are pricing out long term seniors who live on fixed incomes, so they are forced to sell in a down market. Did we really need to spend $15,000 or what ever it is to remodel the back office in the welcome center? Did we really need to remodel the Grill Room, do we really need to pay salaries to have the Residence Center, Pro shop, Grill and clusters of ground crews and bridge workers? Times are tough for all but the 1% in America, towns are going belly up, states are bankrupt and we need to take a good hard look at the black holes that just suck up money we need for our crumbling infrastructure (we had another man hole cave in and need immediate repair.) We had 3 do so one year, these are not cheap to repair. We have the internet to communicate, we could all vote for every major improvement and take ownership by getting involved, like the library runs wonderfully with volunteers, we could run the pro shop with golf committee volunteers if it really needs to be open all year. Since we are no longer selling alcohol at our events and enlarging the BYOB which has worked well for years, why renew our liquor license and why not drop the extra charge from Aramark for this service and close down that part of the contract with the Texas limited corp agreement Aramark has arranged. Surely that could save us $ and those who want to meet and drink at the Pro Shop can continue to do so. A great deal of $ was raised for the Village by volunteers doing fish fries, etc when we could use our kitchen. This is not a total put down of the BOD or Aramark, they have done some great things but we are facing hard times and just as we do with our personal budget, have to cut out the fluff and operate well on less. 2 of the Directors who are supporters of the condo fee increase have their house on the market and are leaving the village. These are just a few ideas and not put forth to be bickered about but only to say that there are many intelligent and capable owners who could really help the community by stepping up and suggesting ways to use our $ more responsibility and a plea to PLEASE do so. The time is NOW, the person is YOU!
It is not more bigness that should be our goal. We must attempt, rather, to bring people back to...the warmth of community, to the worth of individual effort and responsibility...and of individuals working together as a community, to better their lives and their children's future. Robert F. Kennedy
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Each of us must rededicate ourselves to serving the common good. We are a community. Our individual Fates are linked; our futures intertwined; and if we act in that knowledge and in that spirit together, as the Bible says: "We can move mountains." Jimmy Carter
To my knowledge renters are not allowed voting privileges and the board has the power to make the meetings open to owners only, but they haven’t done that in the 13 plus years that I’ve attended the meetings. As a matter of fact, I can recall that they have let renters speak on rental issues at the coffee meetings. I hope that helps answer your question. Joe
Joe, you wrote an interesting piece on LIV $ but left out a HUGE issue, lawsuits! How about a piece on ILLEGAL BUILDING ON COMMON PROPERTY and it's RISK to ALL Common Property Owners! According to our Building Committee Chair/BOD member, these structures are NOT covered under the LIV insurance policy so we ALL can be sued SEPERATELY !!!!!!! Or are we suppose to pay to insure PRIVATE use building on common property? I have enough insurance to pay! STOP ILLEGAL BUILDING ON COMMON PROPERTY!
Thanks Bud. Happy New Year to You and Vita! On a different note: At the many Potluck get dinners, has anyone else noticed the "Jumbos" filling their plastic containers with ham, other meats, pie, cookies, etc. before the others got to make a second pass? I think this rude or just plain stealing other peoples food. The best way to stop this is a medium size serving spoon up the old waszoo with two twists. The people that run the party's do a great job! Maybe it's just me?
I quit going to the potlucks for this very reason. The first time I ever attended one of these it was like a herd of cattle running for food and I was shocked. Wish I had a video. I agree the people running this are doing a great job.. Too bad some people starve all day so they can pig out on free food.. and they are the ones who usually bring enough for 2.
Hello Joey!! Is there a way to see if any new replies or posts have been added when you first get on the Blog? You must have some thing in your program?
The holiday pot lucks almost always have enough food for everyone, some dishes may go but there is always (so far) enough for a meal. Those events also have tables numbered and randomly picked so people don't rush the tables or have to stand in line forever. There are usually 100 +/- in attendance so perhaps that is why those events work so well. If you haven't attended a Thanksgiving, Christmas or Easter Pot Luck in the last 4 years, you should , the events are GREAT.
Dear Blog Master, How about a new Discussion called" LIV Votes 3/7/15 Question # 1: Should candidates for the Board have a basic background search and info disclosed to voters? According to current AARP Bulletin: a $10 monthly membership allows unlimited searches to many people-search websites.. Surely we should know who is spending our $ and setting policies. AND IT'S ALL PUBICALLY AVAILABLE AND LEGAL!! What do others think?
q#2:Should, as some stated at last coffee with Directors, any owner be allowed to be a Director without ANY "Boots on the Ground" time requirement? Skype or teleconference your vote without ANY real time on site? Your comments please.
Absolutely to background searches! We have been scammed far to many times by Directors and if some think we should have Directors who don't spend time living here we need even MORE info about the Directors. The Board President is in fact the CEO of a multimillion dollar piggy bank, if we are going to allow phantom Directors to text their votes we should at a minimum be checking them out!
We need a all new board this one has us in a hell of a mess . No one should be left on this board because it is going to cost us THOUSANDS of DOLLARS to fix this mess .Because of this board we are LOSING MONEY every day. WHO was it on the board that paid the contractor did everyone on the board know of the pay out.
Oh my, I wonder if we would have this mess if we had a full board of full timers, people who have to try to get to their mail, library, exercise room, laundry, pool, clubhouse, etc. with these conditions. It is interesting to see how upset people are ONLY when they get here, they were not concerned while they were not here! It is the same with rules, not here to be impacted by rule breakers-what do I care about enforcement. If this is NOT your Primary residence your investment and concern is not as great as it is for your permanent home,. Maybe it is time for candidates to be REQUIRED to have LIV as their permanent home and be here during some part of ALL seasons.
We didn't know of this mess my Dear Anonymous because there was not one thing in the mailer for months .about this mess or any thing that going on in this park. I DON:T KNOW ABOUT YOU I DON"T LIKE TO LOSE MONEY> This investment isn't good so let's fix it not say we don't care.
OK. Anonymous there is not thing in the news letter or the village Voice must be dead no one said anything in this Website. some one let us know please..
Exactly, the point the writer was making- you must be here to see things for yourself so how could you possibly be a Director when you can't see for yourself what is going on!
I don't want to be a Director and don't care at this time who lives wear this park is going down hill I want it fix then and only then I 'm going to think of wear a person lives. So you think we that are not hear year around should not have a news letter that tells us what is going on we don't have it . we pay just as much as you and you are going to want our money to get out of this mess. So don't just worry wear someone lives and lets first work to get this park to look like a place you want to be at
So who is to blame? BOD? Aramark? When was the last time the managers received a written evaluation? When something happens and the dots connect back to Aramark, a few BOD members jump in to rescue and deflect. I know some of you have been friends for years but really, when is the BOD going to hold peoples' feet to the fire and make some changes. We don't need more managers or workers we need SUPERVISION. So many times management says they didn't know of a violation! Really! They drive around in a golf cart looking at WHAT? They know no one will hold them responsible, write them up and fire them for repeatedly not doing their job. Why is this? Who on the BOD holds Aramark stock? Profit centers continue to loose $, no problem. Violations go uncited and unfined, no problem. Aramark has done nothing but create a community where anyone can do as they damn well want, they turn their head, say they didn't know and the BOD defends their irresponsible behavior. The BOD pres cuts people off, wants no questions, tables important issues and drives away to his real home somewhere. Another said, I plan to be here for spring break and I want this parking lot done, so I guess he doesn't care what those of us here need NOW. The investment for those who do not make this their permanent home is very low, we have seen this for years, absentee owners want to serve on committees and be on the BOD but their concern comes only when they are in residence. They are too busy to call in for meetings or have a conflict and poor connection and we all struggle to hear them, it didn't work before why will it work now. The BOD can't even manage to get a pa system for BOD meetings so residents can hear what's going on! It is this attitude of hands off management that is killing this community. This is not just a social, have fun place, it is a real community with real problems and needs real solutions. It is not a country club, golf community, Winter Texan only retreat or party place for summer residents where anything goes. Please check your egos and need for a social circle at the gate and come to enjoy a well run, viable residential community in a beautiful location. Pitch in, you don't need to be a BOD or community member to make a difference but you do need to care about the well being of ALL who live here and especially those who call this their only home and work hard to keep the lights on and welcome you back! So show your appreciation by obeying the rules and letting the powers that be know what you think in a respectful but forceful way. Don't take no for an answer when it comes to fiscal responsibility and enforcing the rules. We have the potential to be great but do we have the right people to make that happen?
Not I but we could ask for some of them to step down, can you make that happen? We need someone to recap how each of them voted, who signed the parking lot contract and demand they open up a search committee to find a city manager and dump Aramark. Would you be interested in that process?
So, what is our way out of this? No one currently on the BOD has shown the leadership to steer our ship to calmer waters and it appears because the good are struggling with the bad we continue to spiral down a black hole. So out with the bad and that should include Aramark and if not the whole company at least the managers and employees. But I submit that it is easier to start fresh as the arrogance of those involved has shown they do not care about LIV but only hanging on to their jobs so they have engaged in unholy alliances. Power corrupts and absolute power absolutely corrupts! Committees are formed but always heavy with BOD members who run their OWN agenda and over ride the few community members, they only want the illusion of a working committee and sign off. As with ALL committees here, appointed for life and nothing more than cliques trying to be powerful. So we need good, decent people who are not using a BOD position to further their own interests be that social or financial. People who are willing to come to meetings, listen to the people and do as the majority want, we can run POLLS on line just as Joe has done on this site, we CAN know the WILL of ALL the people, if we really want to do so.
Recent desperate attempts by BOD to suck up to the GOLF Committee which represents far less than 1% of LIV-they want to use $2800 of "THEIR" $ to do some project BUT BOD votes we should take our General Fund $ and share the costs!!!!!! What the hell folk, doesn't this PO anyone else!!!!!! "THEIR" $ comes from US + what they get from memberships, etc.- IT IS ALL OUR MONEY!
And what about the BOD voting to turn over to the GOLF Committee the proposal to relocate the Pro Shop to the Restaurant location thus eliminating all costs of operating it at it's current location and "perhaps" reducing the losses we all incur for it? Suck up again. Pitiful and not in the best interest of all owners, BOD continually forgets who they work for mostly because people don't remind them, "I just want to have fun at LIV", well are you having fun NOW! How is this mess working for you!
I'm saddened to see hateful comments directed at the golfers. This is one group that has consistently worked for the betterment of this village. I believe there is a lot of misconception about the money, so I will attempt to clear that up. All the memberships (we paid $400 for a golf membership for 6 months) and all the green fees go directly to the Board. The golf committee puts on scrambles and tournaments which collect an additional $2-$15 a person to play--that is the golf committee money. Most is paid back out to the winners, part is saved for improvements. We also have had numerous fundraisers (over $100,000 we paid for the cart paths). That is also the golf committees money.
They decided to HELP the village by paying 1/2 of the cost of retaining walls all over the course. These walls aren't for the golfers, but are necessary to keep the course viable. We did not ask the Board to pay half, we offered to pay half--big difference. Instead of the village paying for everything, they pay half--for maintenance.
The cart paths have made the grass grow and the mud flats disappear--don't you realize how this helps the village look better? All the flowering plants and trees have been donated and are weeded by volunteers. Remember, this is the only village amenity that pays a fee to use. Be happy it is still here, unlike the restaurant.
thanks Sue you beat me to it! lets examine some facts that anon didn't get right. he/she pays $252 a month association dues I pay, do to my golf course membership on his golf course, $277. he says golfers are less than 1%, for 2013, 2014 is not available as yet,91 memberships were sold, umm that comes to 9% . there were 0 memberships sold for the tennis courts, the pools, the bingo players, the quilters, the card players, etc.etc.
for several years now the golfers have played in an outing for cancer research, last year over $8000 was raised by the players and donated.
I could go on and on here but for what purpose,. we will continue to maintain our beautiful amenity that enhances the value of his property even though he seemingly does not appreciate it FORE !!!!
Very little it seems has been posted on LIV's website since December. I didn't see the last special meeting posted that happened a few weeks ago nor has there been any Minutes posted since October. Don't know why? To busy with rushing to get the parking lot done in under six months maybe.
You are right Bud, there should be no membership for golf, any OWNER in good standing should be able to play for free and have one free pass for their guest, like 4 wristbands for the pool, ALL others pay a fee. Same for tennis. Your math re the 91 people representing 9% of the community is somewhat flawed in my opinion, how did you arrive at that? And I believe the point the person you called anon was making is that be it 1% or 9%, it still represents a small % of the community supporting the golf course which prohibits them from walking or riding their bike on the paths. If golfers would stop treating it as their own property and acknowledge that it is common property perhaps people would feel differently about it. It appears the golf committee is ok with some people letting dogs run free on the course but doesn't want walkers! Although commendable to donate $ to cancer research, how about donating it to reduce the condo fees so people who live HERE can afford their cancer treatment.
Looked at rentals on our website and the 1 rental said not on water but the photos show it ON water!! Looks like 195 rental with 438 photos, or something like that. And many, many adds for Cougar Marine all over the place, who is the webmaster! No updated activities, old D&E events that are NOT scheduled. This community is not working! Management stinks and it is falling apart. :(
Open your eyes, Sue! Each of us must rededicate ourselves to serving the common good. We are a community. Our individual Fates are linked; our futures intertwined; and if we act in that knowledge and in that spirit together, as the Bible says: "We can move mountains." Jimmy Carter
"the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior" FROM, “A History of Outdoor Resorts/South Padre” by Jim Paul (copies available to read at our library):
Page 30, “To understand the mentality that exists…one must first be aware of the background of many lot owners. For the most part they are made up of successful people….There were some, of course, that had never held a responsible position and they still had a yearning to do so. This type of person always proved to be the most troublesome since they tended to be more abrasive and very seldom came up with constructive ideas. The history of the resort seems to indicate that dissidents tended to join together and attempt to find fault with any action taken by…resort manager or board of directors….this type tends to resent any type of an authority….” Page 37, last page, “It appears that the biggest threat to its (LIV) survival could come from some lot owners who have their own personal agendas.” This short history is an interesting read and offers some historical perspective to LIV.
Sue, interesting to see that the nay sayers to our posts do not want their identity known therefore negating any validity to their comments. what folly to say that the cancer rally money raised should be put into a fund where it could be wasted instead of used to continue the attempts to eliminate this human curse.
more thoughts on these posts,, it appears Frank Worthless words is at it again !! my percentage quotes are in question but anon is speaking for the majority? how do we know this, umm , person is even an owner? could be a resident of Laguna Heights reading this blog? the quote from Jim Pauls history is somewhat ironic in that he and Bud Doman were VERY instrumental in getting the golf course shaped up back in the 90's and here we are continuing their hard work. an old adage goes " never argue with a FOOL, people will not know the difference !!! so that's it for me you fool!!!
Apparently the FACTS posted above made someone nervous but they ARE ACTUAL expenses from LIV financials: Restaurant $65,235.80 Golf $104,112.09 $8.47 Golf leads the next closest competitor for MOST EXPENSIVE by almost $40,000. I for one appreciate the person who posted the FACTS and I don't care who they are or where they live, it is refreshing to have some FACTS in LIV rather than the endless, senseless, lies some like to put out. I found the same financial report on the LIV website, wish there were more recent ones posted. The TRUTH Shall set you free!!
I have sat back quietly and have read the Blog for many months now just shaking my head and I can no longer keep quiet. First of all, yes, everyone has the Freedom of Speech. You should be able to speak your mind, however, if you are making derogatory remarks about any one person or group of people, you should own your comments. Anyone can say anything anonymously, but it takes a real person to use their name. their real name. This isn't about golfers versus non golfers. It never was. Anonymous made it that way. I have a lot of friends that don't golf. I don't care that they don't golf and they don't care that I do. They are still friends. It's about living closely in a small community and getting along. It seems to me that there are those people whose main goal is to make everyone around them miserable. Couldn't their time be spent more productively? They are constantly complaining about one thing or another. People were speeding on the lettered lots, 3-4 people complained and instantly we have speed bumps. People just now speed on all the other roads. Should we put speed bumps on all the roads in the park? No, that would be a really dumb idea. The "majority" would not want that. We had some access places to the golf course they were for convenience as well as a safety access for paramedics. One person complained and the access points were taken away. Again, not the majority. Anonymous must not live on our street because the fire hydrant in front of our house has been wrapped in plastic and not working for I don't even know how long. Do they realize that if our house catches fire it would probably take out every house on the lettered lots. They are not just golfers, they are my friends and neighbors. Wouldn't you think that repairing a fire hydrant would be more important than speed bumps and golf course access points? Apparently anonymous doesn't think so. How can someone write a letter to the Board using a fake name and have them either consider acting on it. It's a community, they should not act on the voice of one or two or three, they are not the majority. As far as fundraisers go, how could you possibly be against a fundraiser that gives the proceeds to cancer research to help everyone, no matter where they live. If you have ever had cancer, as I have, or lost someone you love to cancer, as I have, you would not feel this way but if you still did, that's very sad. and by the way, we all live HERE. Even if we aren't here full time, we pay just as much in fees as the full timers, golfers or not. And again I say, it is not about golfers versus non golfers. We have had some great donations for our cancer rally from the quilters, the tennis players, the yoga group, the bingo players, the swimmers and the fishermen. Many of our volunteers don't even know how to golf. We all have the same goal, to raise money to find a cure for cancer for EVERYONE. As much effort as it takes to tear down the golfers and try to make life miserable for your neighbors whether they golf or not, it would make much more sense to do some good things to make this a better place to live. The "golfers" made over $8000.00 last year that was donated to cancer research, and they did so with a lot of help from non golfers. Not one of us gained anything by doing so, we did not have an agenda. We all only wanted to help people with cancer whether they live HERE or on the other side of the world. If you have something to say, please say it, but be brave enough to own it.
Please go back and read post from 2010 and 2012 and 2014 and read the last post the 15 TH. You are beating a dead horse. We have made little progress. They old dusty chairs of past board members are passing on. The task now is passed on to again people who want their glorious words and their own interest to prevail. The park is on a free fall. On the way it is accumulating old ideas old and new debt lack of funds. Take heed to the old dusty ones still left. Their way hasn't worked. Theydid give it a try! The old don't change with time, I don't believe the village will be deserted and become an unoccupied sinking island. I do beleve it is well on its way to look like the parking lot.. One step at a time.. People like Cowen are right in line to remove our troubles. The old dusty people will say.. "It was fun while it lasted".." I'm out! " I want no more or less then the people post in here..
So you live where there is a speed bump and don't like it. You might think differently if you were injured by a speeding or drunk driver or lost a loved one by the same means. YOUR OWN cancer spurred you to try and help perhaps those 3-4 people who asked for speed bumps have their own reasons. And you like accessing the golf course by private access ramps built on common ground. Perhaps someone was injured falling and driving on those ramps and that is why they complained and the BOD asked to have them removed because we all would be sued separately because the ramps are not covered by LIV insurance and illegally on COMMON ground, like everyone is suppose to do, no permit OR permission was requested for those ramps and those wonderful people came back the next year and put the ramps back openly violating the BOD ruling and the whole community. And why should the BOD allow something that is dangerous and have us all pay for the insurance of private use access on common property. Obviously YOU think it is a great idea! These are the people the community is tired of and unfortunately they are who people think of when they think of golfers. And you want to raise community $ to send away to cancer research rather than use it locally to help cancer victims here like SPI and MANY communities do because you don't want the BOD to help get it into the hands of people living here who might need help paying their condo fees or utilities, etc. while fighting cancer. OK Traci Walzer, we all know how YOU feel. Thanks for making it clear who you are and how you feel about this community. Some people might think keeping the community safe IS a good use of their time and do not appreciate your point of view that they should spend their time "more productively", be TRUELY honest, what you don't like is that some people have stepped forward for the good of the community and in so doing stepped on your toes!
Amen! As many have commented, no votes for anyone who has served! And I appreciate your comments even if you remain anonymous like 99.9% of the bloggers here! I don't get what the 3 people, Sue, Bud Sherry and Tracy Walzer, have their panties in a knot about with anonymous comments! THEY need to get a life!
Question-What is this proposed change to our declarations we are to vote on all about??????? Seems like we are currently owed a lot of $ from the rentals which were stolen from our revenues. We are promised by our declarations that if NOT owner rented, no 3rd party, we get to have the rental profit to operate our village! I want our $$$$!!!! Why would we vote to change this?
Please go back and read post from 2010 and 2012 and 2014 and read the last post the 15 TH. HUH??? can you copy and post, I don't know what this means. Thanks
Hey anonymous, rather than complain about good people like Sue, Bud Sherry, and Traci Walzer, why don't you start your own fundraiser for the causes that you believe in. I'm sure that people will gladly donate if your cause makes sense to them. But then you have to be willing to do something that the above mentioned people are always willing to do, WORK.
No one complained about the "good" people, it was the "good" people who complained about the ANONYMOUS people and someone stated they didn't understand why ANONYMOUS comments made them so crazy. The "good" people put their names on their posts and made it easy for others to mention their posts by name so folk could go back and read what they said about all the ANONYMOUS posters.Nice try at "spinning" the truth!
What Happens When a Homeowners Association Goes Bankrupt Most people familiar with homeowners’ associations (HOAs) relate to monthly assessments and board hearings and the occasional small fine for leaving a garbage can on the street too long after trash pickup day. However, HOAs are organizations that run on money, just like any business or government agency. And, when the money is mismanaged, HOAs can also go bankrupt as well. How Bankruptcy Can Occur HOA bankruptcies can occur due to mismanagement, internal theft in the form of embezzlement or fraud, or economically hard times. Theft remains the rarer of the two possibilities with bad board management decisions being the usual culprit. During lean times, numerous foreclosures can also sap an HOA of critical revenue streams as the number of paying members decreases.
Frequently, according the American Homeowners Resource Center, the first signs of problems with an HOA occur when it decides to start withholding financial information from its members and/or having closed meetings to discuss financial matters. When the HOA can’t disclose what’s happening with its funds, members should be worried.
The common occurrence involves overspending beyond the assessment revenue stream the HOA normally brings in. HOAs are funded by monthly fees charged to every homeowner in the particular HOA district. Once the district is filled to capacity with homes, the revenue can only grow if the fees are raised. If, however, the HOA incurs larger expenses then the amount of money paid in, it begins to take on debt. At some point, the debt becomes more than the HOA can manage, just like a poorly disciplined credit card account, and the HOA then faces the possibility of going into default on its liabilities.
Bankruptcy Filing Type For HOAs, the preferred bankruptcy filing is Chapter 11. Unlike Chapter 7 under the U.S. Code, which involves liquidation of assets to pay off creditors, Chapter 11 instead allows a reorganization of financial management. This begins with a freezing of all liabilities. Then the HOA discloses all assets and income streams to the bankruptcy court. Under the process the daily management is still retained by the HOA, while big decisions need court approval. Once a repayment plan is developed and approved, the HOA manages under the eye of a court trustee until it can function again outside of bankruptcy.
Courts and Cities Prefer Reorganization HOAs function as a pseudo government agency over a neighborhood area. It is agreed to by the residents when they buy into the HOA jurisdiction. When the HOA goes bankrupt, the default management would then likely go to the local city or county. This is not a favorable idea from a local government perspective since it means taking on a problem. The court isn’t interested in being an auction house for a board that has very few physical assets either. As a result, reorganization tends to be favored by the bankruptcy court and local government since it makes the problem of the bankrupt HOA go away.
Who Is in Charge When the HOA enters bankruptcy officially the bankruptcy court takes over. A court trustee handles management aspects, reporting and decision making. The trustee officer can compel action and can order the seizure of assets to make sure the court’s direction is followed.
Alternatives to Bankruptcy Realty Times points out that a well-managed HOA should never be allowed to get near the point it must consider bankruptcy as an option This includes performing HOA strategic planning, saving an HOA nest egg, borrowing carefully, and communicating finances with members. If exercised properly, the HOA should normally be able to function within its revenue stream without over-commitment.
Alternatively, members can also separately lobby for municipal penalties or legislation that incurs criminal damages for intentional bad management of an HOA’s finances. Such codes can be put into place in the form of city ordinances or county regulations.
I just got my voting package in... AND I am so happy for you JOEY! You have our vote. Always have! I have admired Annita. I worried she would changed being a board member like so many have.. She was a real leader . Just like I know you will.. Your honest.. smart. and have a calming presence..You have always been for LIV..The best..
It's time to cut our losses on the parking lot--he is not doing a competent job. The grade is wrong, more dirt needs to come out--ask anyone who does contracting work. Even some board members realize it's not being done correctly. He missed the date to have it 67% completed, so why are we not just moving on? Get an engineer in here, new bids, get the work done and sue him. Stop wasting our money!
Hello Anonymous, I am curious, what financial criteria exists that would make us believe our HOA would get a qualification for a chapter 11 proceeding?
The coffee with directors was a farce--why did they cut us off before the questions were asked? Couldn't handle the heat? Never saw them close a meeting so early before. Candidates were good, except for the guy that says I'm here to have fun and our board is good enough. No one who has been on the board before should get elected.
Why is there not one word is in our so called Long Island NEWS of our parking lot mess . If they aren't going to tell us the news then why spend the money on a so called News's letter .
Amen to that! Now what about a VERY important committee here-the ELECTION COMMITTEE-most here said last year's elections were the WORST ever-hope no one who worked it LAST year is on it this year! This Committee has the power to corrupt the results-big time. Joe, can you tell us who is on the committee?
This is done by the PRES of the BOD and we have seen it done before, he should be asked to step down and NEVER run again, he is the one ultimately to blame for all our woes! If he is Pres again we can count on the gradual slide downward he started, watch your property values continue to slide south and the whole mess get worse.
Your comment is right on, ANON 2/24 11:03PM, it is a waste of space to publish cards game scores and golf scores and not important info, take your concern to the BOD meeting this Sat.
Candidate Joe, who will be securing the vote counting process? I have heard it is one core group of people who continue to run the process, that when they ask for volunteers at the meeting they ONLY choose the people who are part of their group. It seems like it would be difficult for new people to enter the process when it is not opened to the whole community, people should put their name on paper and at the meeting draw names for the committee. We have so many problems here we need to assure something is being done appropriately and not by special interest groups.
Kay Sullivan is chairperson. Marianne Kobie, Phil Parkinson & Vita Sherry the active participants along with advisor Liz Detrick. I believe this is the best crew we will ever have to promote the elections. Give me a list of wanted participants that can do better. You can't, these are by far better than last year.
There are no answers to the many questions that would have been asked. A grave mistake was made choosing the company that would repair our parking lot. The board has to own up to that. Especially the president. I'm sorry would be nice and then make it right. Ignoring it will not make it go away.
A few points to ponder and questions for tomorrow's meeting: Why is it that every time there is a new Director(s) asking for TRANSPARENCY and ACCOUNTABILITY the rest of the Unethical group does the impossible to silence that person(S) and votes his-her/them OUT? What are you AFRAID of? if you have nothing to hide show US the Check books, who got paid and how much. You try to fix your incredible mismanagement and egotistical behavior with assessments and more assessments.. Don't you know there is some old folks (Some ill) living month by month on Social Security checks(less than 1000 dollars)? SHAME on you. IMMORAL to say the least Who is going to STOP all the freeloading going on at the Golf Shack (Free beers...Free hamburgers...free rounds of Golf...Huge DRUNKEN parties wednesday evenings week after week at US the OWNERS expense (just do an inventory on beer/snacks/burguers/water bottles PURCHASES versus SALES) ......what about the ILEGALL /Against the rules construction on common grounds ?(water under the bridge?), all the perks for a selected few that are PILFERING left and right.. in the meantime the Golf Course is losing 100,000 USD a year...and the Committee Director is running again ? are you serious? have the semi-decency that Pelletiere and Flora had and VACATE your position "PRONTO amigo "...
What's going on the Welcome Center? More construction? (1200 USD glass Doctor office doors?uh?) are you kidding me? Mary Stephenson who approved of that new luxurious unneeded personal bathroom? You are kissing to the RUDE same people that RUN DOWN the RENTAL POOL (From over 100 properties to 30) ...How much more are you spending 30,000 USD are you serious ...who are the contractors? what happen to competitive bidding? Was a permit applied for? (Cameron County) who is secretively signing the checks? Mary that is abusive of you...Hush Hush doesn't work anymore..is NOT your money! Face up! Show the Check books! in the meantime the Owner Lounge is a dump! Imagine what those 30,000 USD uneeded expense could have done for the Owners Lounge..OWNERS..get it? Security Shack remodelation another wishy washy project...who is getting the contracts? How much how we spent so far....? because there is no sign of improvements ... who got the contracts? Show US the checks NOW ... fishy fishy...
If you own rental property or have a property for sale you know you have been greatly AFFECTED speak up.
Parking Lot: Everybody that signed off on this project and checks with NO real contract and NO deadline is PERSONAL LIABLE for going against the rules...kickbacks? Falsh news: The current contractor will NOT be able to finish with the money due.....No way JOSE... and is leaving us a sunken parking lot...another future problem... is ARAMAK liable for future problems...? Change Lawyers...BOD....Auditors....Managers..the entire SOPRANO cast.
Every Penny spent from now on needs to be scrutinize...every check...every contract... no more hiring the same contractors over and over...fishy fishy...OPEN BOOKS
I missed the Saturday board meeting because of the Cancer Rally. What exactly was decided and who on the board voted in favor of keeping the current contractor? Joey?
Does anybody have the NAMES of the Board Directors that voted YES on the illustrious and magnificent idea of selling BEER next to the swimming pool? if you do please post. (another hush-hush VOTE without the owners input/say on a serious item)
All eight members voted to keep the current contractor and send him a letter giving him thirty days to complete the project or face litigation. The President didn't need to vote.
Motion for pool side beer made by Director Robert Champion, he has been lobbying for this for at least 2 meetings: voted YES- Flora Gunderson, Champion...who else Joe Long?
According to discussion after pool side beer was voted in, no one can bring their own alcohol during the hours the Grill is selling it AND should you enter the pool before the Grill starts to sell it, security is suppose to watch so you don't drink YOUR alcohol once the Grill sales start!!!!
Ok I'll do it!! Joey, I can't speak for the whole park, but I'm disappointed you didn't get on the BOD. Bob is a super good guy and we have to give the other Two a chance. I want thank the people who got beer and wine back at the pool!! If I were one of the persons who did not want beer at the pool, I would get mad and move out of the park!
1) Lawsuits against ARAMARK in recent news, thousands of articles ( Nationwide results) https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=lawsuit+vs+aramark&tbm=nws
2) Lawsuits against ARAMARK in recent news, 1200 articles (Texas related) https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=lawsuit+vs+aramark&tbm=nws Common wording: Incompetence, Low quality, Conflict of interest, Sub-contracting issues, Funds mismanagement, Discrimination against employees, Lack of Transparency.
3) Exactly: Which Non-profit Organizations received the $11,529 allegedly raised from the Golf events? Names please! How many of those fund$ are coming directly or indirectly from LIV resources? Were they repaid? Which Non-profit Tax payer ID has been used? OPEN BOOKS Now! Is LIV incurring any IRS/Fiscal liabilities?
4) Swimming Pool and Alcohol served under our responsability/liability? are you serious? Has the Insurance company issue an opinion on this? Our so called Lawyers?
Today: Street (Pavement) leading towards Maintenance dept...REMOVED! Gone! What...? perfectly good concrete gone, LIV Trucks trapped no way OUT, Managers missing, one disappeared, the other one: the one that is suppose to supervise the contractor (his buddy buddy) and his work went home early and is totally clueless... New construction contractors casuing damge to water lines, cable and phone lines (fixing at LIV expense) ...Aramark Job site supervision NONE. Here come summer renters, boats, cars, trailers with NO place to park! Gym and public bathrooms smells like mold and dirty feet! Mosquitos making people sick, Grass 1FT tall in some areas... BOD please get your act together 'no more bickering and special groups' for the better good.
Asking a witness to testify in a certain way, to lie, offering a witness a bribe (money, material goods, or some other benefit including job security) = FELONY In Texas, felonies are crimes punishable by terms that must be served in state prison or state jail. RICO = Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Federal crime Lawyers ready, bring it on Aramark employee and Lame Duck Director.
Hello LIV Owners and BOD, Fact: Contractor MISSED deadline one more time, again and again and again... Don't fall for his Charade: Pushing dirt back and forth and using a toy compactor.... (isn't obvious that he does this just before there is a meeting) Is starting to smell like a desperate attempt to cover-up what really happened to the $120,000... (aiding and abetting or acting as an accessory can usually be brought against anyone who helps in the commission of a crime) Why are some BOD having private discussions with ARAMARK mgrs.? without letting others know ...what is the discussion all about ?... fishy... fishy The goal is to finish the job with quality long lasting construction once and for all... I the how fast (job timing) is no longer an issue... The Maintenance main driveway needs to be replaced with heavy duty concrete for heavy duty traffic as it was before and NOT black top... Pay an engineer/consultant to issue a professional opinion/assessment Allow any of the 3 BOD experienced contractors to participate in the bidding... it doesn't matter who finishes this nightmare but how well is finished.
Can someone please update us as what transpired on today's meeting.? We understand the contractor was allowed to finish his mess? Please, say it isn't so? Was there a vote? who voted in favor of this lunatic decision... Can we sue the BOD? each individual director? why are the owners kept in the dark? the newsletter hs become an advertising junk outlet...where can we get information? we are so sadden, we went home after sadly witnessing the Village destruction... Please some help...please!
Its time to get connected LIV! All board members who are unable to be physically present for every meeting, need to be able to telecommute so important changes to the direction of LIV can be voted on.
Three Directors were absent at the Emergency Meeting. Directors Ramirez, Vasquez, Steffensen, Waller, and Champion approved to give the current contractor 30 days probably starting from April 7 and use a limestone base instead of caliche. This different base is better, around $16K more expensive, and is easily available (ex. unlimited loads a day) vs. caliche (ex. definitely only 1 load a day). It loads will now be dumped in the parking lot instead of a staging area which will save a ton of time. After this base is installed, rain will not be an issue. This last attempt before going to another contractor on the surface seems to be the most logical way to proceed at this moment and on May 7 we will know if it will save the Park somewhere around $150,000. 30 days more to save $150,000 in my book should be tried because what’s another month now. By the way, suing your own board is never a good idea. If they did wrong, vote them out. By the way, owners should give Director Waller a pat on the back; he has been the most productive at trying to solve this plane wreck.
Joey, Thank you for keeping us informed, by now many realize what great Director you could have been (too bad of the dirty misinformation door-to-door campaign launched against your candidature, they created fear among the elder residents, nobody should be their past) you have a clear and logical line of thinking even that I don't agree with everything you say. Janette, would you able to vote? and if so which way.(and that goes for the other absent directors) Since ARAMARK and some in the BOD are doing the impossible to keep us in the dark (even among themselves), My grandson suggested that you please start a group page in Facebook it's has a much more friendly format and most people are used to it, not to mention better notifications. Can a vote be taken to remove the current President? do we need a different lawyer to take Aramark to court? Thanks in advance. The Cheese heads.
Yes it should be tried to save $150,000, let's keep our fingers crossed and kudos to Directors Waller and Ramirez, finally directors with courage and passion and a will to make something happen! Also a thanks to Janette, to my knowledge the first Director to post here, it is good to know we have a director who reads the ONLY village blog! Please Directors, just ID as a Director, we don't HAVE to have your name but would like to interface with you regarding our issues. WOW so refreshing!
You bet! Make it happen, it is TIME!! PLEASE, no more garbled calls over the speaker phone, surely there is a relatively inexpensive way to distance participate, NOT FACEBOOK! It's been tried here and NOT successful. Why not a blog on the LIV web site? Where are our techies????
Thanks Cheese heads for outing the group who went door to door discrediting Joe so they could pave the way for their candidate, that special interest group is loosing their power so they are throwing dirt on everyone who isn't in their camp.
Looks like Bud Sherry has a BIG problem with you expressing your concerns, he has demanded you ID yourself in one of the other sections of this blog! Maybe you should tell him what you think of his demands! :)
Bravo Janette, There has to be a better way to be communicated, who is controlling the official Newsletter? and the official Facebook website? For those that complainting about people posting in an Anonymous way, must I remind you what happened to our friend Rita? that suffered an attack and threats in her very own home she was so cared that she sold her home and moved out a few months back...this after making a security report and Aramark and the In-security company broke the confidentiality she was promised...scary stuff folks.
When are you people going to PUT THE blame where THE blame goes,, ITS NOT ARAMARK. It's us the people in the sinking LIV, Eager to be blind and point fingers. READ WHAT ARAMARK'S DUTIES ARE.. And then look to the rest of the story! Look in the mirror,, See the reflection of our problems!
Scary stuff you say? If this poor Rita you’re referring to is the same Rita that sued our Board of Directors in 2008, costing our Park tens of thousands of dollars, just to keep Lyin Larry, she’s the scary stuff? If this Rita is the same Rita who became a physical part of a group who went out of their way to vilify others who didn’t agree or the same Rita closely associated with those who dug up as much personal trash as possible in order to demonize those they thought were enemies, creating such a great hate amongst owners that there are still some who can’t get over it. So if this is that scary stuff Rita, she deserves no-one’s sympathy. I am sure that many would agree that you should use someone else as an anonymous example.
Our jaw nearly hit the floor. Mgrs nowhere to be seen, employee supervision NONE, Repairs supervision to ensure the job is done well to specification NONE, Maint dept phone Unattended (nobody answers) , Reporting of water leaks and other problems going to DEAF ears (not logged no accountability), Trash everywhere grounds and canals, Landscape destroyed, Potholes repaired with dirt yep, Activities room' roof leaking in many places every time it rains causing damage to the structure(for years now), while you analyze their Duties do us a favor and report the following: 1) Activities roof leaks (years now), 2) Laundry room outside door area: Big drain Plugged by wall (now is a mosquito breeding nursery) water leak for months right across same area (edge of grass), Fallen palm resting on the fence as you exit the park right side before...every time we do laundry we get eaten alive by blood thirsty bugs security shack reported a year ago (fence now destroyed), tons of water leaks throughout the park huge waist and economic loss but who is counting? eg: ground Fawcett corner of conch and main drag leaking for years (golf course side) etc etc Owners lounge a dump while welcome center mgrs have luxurious offices now you look in the mirror, what do you see? We see 3 Million dollar in condo fees going up in smoke
"Success in almost any field depends more on energy and drive than it does on intelligence. This explains why we have so many stupid leaders." -Sloan Wilson
Is it us or the security patrolling is nowhere to be seen? I seen some driving like maniacs or totally distracted, my wife almost got run over once by someone driving like a devil while having ears covered with musical ear phones.... who forget dozens of robberies that were never solved....the rudeness experienced by some friends while visiting us at the welcome center and then at the security post seems to be the norm now... also what's up with the Aramark people driving the golf carts for not apparent reason than joy rides....? Patrolling: the act of walking or going around or through an area, building, etc., in order to make sure that it is safe LIV is out control!
exactly, you hit the nail in the head, same reasons many winter Texas renters are not coming back and a few decide to sell, quite a few Canadians we know left furious because of the park state of affairs, ask people that own rental property how is their morale and pocketbooks? Anon-Golfer.
I appreciate what Anon-Golfer had to say and you can put many names in to replace Rita if you like. Anyone who has lived here for a while can recall many who have left as fast as their feet could carry them, many were BOD members, which is REALLY scary, the threats and lies hurled at them were unbelievable! Who behaves like this? THUGS! Anon postings allow people to voice their concerns and not be the target of special interest groups for doing so. It is sad that many are intimidated by BULLIES, what is this middle school! But I can understand where they (anon) are coming from and I still want to hear their concerns. If the creator of this blog didn't want it so he wouldn't have set it up for anon posting. I wish people like Bud Sherry would respect his rules and stop harassing people who post anon but that is so typical of power hungry pathetic people. He seems clueless re his Unpopularity here, has had several Unsuccessful runs for the Board and last I heard can not even get on his beloved Golf Committee,(I may have just helped him get on if his illegal bridge building on common property didn't secure him a position, oh and SNAP, he is on the Building Committee!)) it is just sad to watch him grovel for approval of a group that dropped him from the "Boys who golf out" group, he somehow wormed his way back in after they dropped him, or maybe it is a different group. Too bad some have a distorted sense of reality but anyone who believes a word out of his mouth is in for a rude awakening. WE ARE ANON AND HERE, GET OVER IT!!
So don't you think it is TIME for a whole new management team and maybe like South Padre Island, it is time for a Concerned Owners Group, how about it Joe? I hear there is a SURVIVOR party in early may, maybe a good time to start a community action group.
After reading through the blog I have come to think that perhaps the whole parking lot fiasco is a blessing in disguise. It seems to have activated the community to look at all the many problems that exist in LIV and come out with their feelings and ideas. The harsher winter weather may have "helped" as folk hunkered inside and filled their time with the blog. Let's be honest, many come here for only the good times and care little about the full time community and what is left behind when their season ends and they head someplace else. Aside from their financial commitment few are concerned about the day to day issues here when they are not in residence. Absentee owners rarely email the BOD to read their comments and concerns, or even express them to the BOD. They are wrapped up in what they are doing in their home states and their vacation places are put on the back burner. But come THEIR season they want to know why this and that have not been taken care of and ready for them. But the parking lot has impacted fall, winter, spring break, la semana santa and spring visitors. So people are watching and considering their options for another winter escape place as the last 2 winters here have not been the weather they were use to, well there has not been this much rain in 20 years, I believe. But it is NOT freezing and everything is green and we really needed the rain, wouldn't Ca like to have it! So like any community we are in a time of flux but it is an opportunity for great and grand changes, a doing away with the old guard and perhaps opening an era of transparency, equality and fiscal responsibility. Now that many are concerned perhaps they will take their concerns and become community activists like Joe Long and others. Please try to find the courage to voice your concerns and maybe our community can become more tolerant of the views of others and work together. There is a gift in all events that may appear "bad", and it just might be that the parking lot has a gift for us. Keep an open mind and positive attitude but if you feel it is your time to move on, those left behind could choose to wish you well on your next adventure. I do!
To “we are anon and are here”, I was with you up to the time you started to call Bud a typical power hungry pathetic person and began the very same hearsay demonization about him that sentences previously thought such an act was so intolerable. Why couldn’t you just say that in my opinion Bud, your thinking is wrong and politely explain why and leave it at that?
wow! love your truthful and constructive attitude! All the park needs is a NEW management company. They can always hire/keep the best employees from the current contractor. Hire and independent auditor to see where are the 3 Million dollars going?
Pulling together as a community,Who and what is it truly all about,, There are a few voices some louder then others, some hang back and watch things unfold and take the credit,, Some get it done,,, For the ones with the loudest voice,, INTELLIGENT and being well informed should be at your side, A small group of people not armed with burning torches and a hangmans noose either. Pulling together with a small group is best. Armed with a camera, video and documented proof set out to cover the park corner to corner top to bottom, Noting the problems of our community and making others aware also, A large poster board placed in a well placed area for all to see and a voting box,, All pictures in phase one could be voted on and completed according to the number of votes the issued received , Sometime those one hundred and one peeves make a big difference. The more they are eliminated the better we feel. And also note we are a family some times we can join in and and play catch up!
Community becomes even more powerful when it includes the entire community. When all members of the community pull together for a united cause, the power becomes unlimited. The change, or transformation, that occurs from the entire community is something greater than just what a small group of the community or an individual can achieve. Get out of this BOX and do something constructive not destructive
Thank you I have never asked to be on the Golf comm. nor have I ever been excluded from golfing at any time. I have talked to Joey in the past about why he allows anon posts and his explanation was " if I required people to sign their name I wouldn't have any posts" . I appreciate your kind words and the fact that nasty person insists I am unpopular here is just an example of why anon allows people like her/him to be heard . this, umm ,person does not have the intestinal fortitude to face me and make accusations. I was requested to be on the building comm by the then chairman Don because that is my back ground and I will remain on til a qualified replacement is found. need to go now , my ride to golf will be here soon.
We are so glad to have found this page, thanks Mr Joey. Somebody already has asked but since nobody answered here it goes again: a) what is the due process to request a change of BOD leadership? enough (incompetency) is enough! b) We also are so surprised that it seems that this page is where even Directors are getting their information... (go back to a)...) c) What was all that screaming coming from maintenance garage yesterday? it appeared someone was screaming at the employees mean words in Spanish it sounded so abusive and so loud that we could hear it at the Golf gazebo, it was pretty disturbing, we go there to relax we left traumatized.. We don't need more lawsuits. I hope the Directors that read this page investigate.
Thank you Bud for your comment and I hope this will end the back and forth that appears to have much to do with you and the person who chooses to be anonymous and little to do with the more important concerns about our Village. I also agree totally with “April, 8, 2015 11:41 am”. But there’s one thing I have to say when being quoted and that it please be in the full context of what I say. I have tried to be very careful and clear on what I say about this blog and your quote about me is not quite accurate. My same and somewhat canned answer to a reason of why I allow anonymous comments is that I feel very few people in our Park would put their name on a comment in fear of personal reprisal and Bud to this date that unfortunately is still the case.
This is taken from Bylaw Article IV Directors, in order to answer your question “a”. Section 2,-Removal of Directors. At any duly convened regular or special meeting, anyone or more of the Directors may be removed with or without cause by the affirmative vote of the Voting Members casting not less than a majority of the total of members in the Association, and a successor may then and there be elected to fill the vacancy thus created. Should the membership fail to elect said successor, the Board of Directors may fill the vacancy.
Thank you Sir, out of curiosity is the position of BOD' President considered a Director? in other words the above rule applies to such a position? A neighbor asked me for the blog address, I couldn't remember being so long I just said try to find it in Googgle, not sure how to make others aware of this invaluable Blog?... the only means of communications to us. any ideas? How about in the newsletter...? who is in control of it anyway?
Yes, he is a director and yes, this law applies to him. He is the Village CEO and chairman in all meetings except the Annual Meeting and the informal Coffee get together. He is not allowed to make any motions at a meeting and can only vote as a tie breaker. Director Steffensen is in control of the Newsletter and my gut tells me they wouldn't be interested in advertising this blog. Word of mouth has worked quite well so far so I'm going to stick with that for now.
Interesting! Thanks. I like the "Concerned LIV Owners" group idea posted above, independent from the current BOD and with his own set of lawyers. Someone has to protect our rights since the BOD can't and Aramark running Amok (understatement) both entities are exposing us to an array of liabilities, has anybody wonder what will happen to LIV property valuations if the word gets out about the huge MESS? and we are not talking about the parking lot but the whole enchilada, hopefully we will have the parking lot in less than 30 days after nearly 8 months! Hooray! Questions to any contractor reading this: Is it us or the center of the Parking lot looks like a sunken bowl? it was promised the parking lot would be left exactly to the previous height not one hair less... as someone suggested with huge tide fluctuations (from real low to real high = seen it above decks) can the bay water come out of those new drains as the level could be below bay level (mean tide) if they sink the ship, look at the lakes sometimes they are almost dry sometimes they are to the top and they sit far back than the parking lot... Advice. Please tell your friends about this page/blog, sadly our winter friends left but they want to stay informed and this is when the above entities take advantage to do as they please, as hardly anybody is watching... seen it to many times year after year..
This Blog has power: We noticed a couple of the reported issues were fixed (after years/months from previous reports), the 2 year old Dead Palm was removed sadly by now it has destroyed the fence so we are incurring on extra expenses, activities room roof still leaking in both corners (by ping a pong tables, look up) walls and structure damaged (This has been reported for at least 2 years) what gives...? Mosquitos are making people with low immune systems sick, do something about it! they transmit diseases. Attn Building Committee: What on earth is going on lot 194 and 299 (new construction as we speak) it appears they will build on common ground, OUR Landscape is gone, Contractors of both are favorite buddies with Aramark mgr that rubber stamps their applications, of of this contractors has dug dip holes inches from the street...why? You chastise and harass some contractors but yet some can get away with anything... Code violations will only get worse (out of control) if you don't do something about it, you can include some and exclude some, think about it. Follow the bylaws and rules. Period! Committee Please take a look.
I read your comments and will answer on the last part.
I visited the two construction sites you are concerned about and can answer you this way.
both of these owners came to the building committee for approval of their plans for the lots. I am not at all aware of any collusion between them and the members of the committee. when I went to the sites today at, 11 April 2015 at 3:30 pm , I did not observe any infringement on common elements. There is, which is part of ANY construction site, dirt from the excavation on their neighbors property, which I am sure the owner/contractor, will level and reseed as necessary to make all happy. If you would like to have me accompany you to the site and explain my findings I am at 638 Sand Dollar. Thank youi Bud
Thank you kindly for your reply, I could swear one of this residential dwellings will be just 2 feet or less from the street and the other one seem to be eating away from the easement/common ground between houses but you know better, hopefully you and the other Directors/Contractors (3 or 4) can apply your expertise, energy and "know how" watching after LIV owners' best interest, insuring the parking lot is finished exactly to specifications and with the quality necessary for long term durability and NOT just a quick "mickey mouse" fix.
You are welcome. The only area I am familiar with that has common ground between lots is at lot A and lot 595. The LOT has been and is a thorn to us all ! but I think it will be done . HOPEFULLY
Hello, is this where we can report a problem? as someone pointed before nobody answers the maintenance department phone anymore, we called 4 times today, anyhow there is a huge Red ant infestation problem around the Tennis Court Area (bench) and the gazebo behind it we noticed this for the last 2 weeks, these are the dangerous kind of West Texas size Red ants that could send someone to the hospital, their bite is extremely painful and toxic. Also what's going on with the parking lot? has people given up..., the red sand caliche stopped 2 loads and that was it, today the dirt was dry, what is the excuse now Aramarck?
If it deals with the Village, with proper language, and doesn't seem to personally attack an individual, have at it. If you believe something is dangerous though, call security and maintenance. Those two loads are Arkansas limestone having a little clay. After dropping these loads off, the contractor went back to the pits to find on more loads because scales had broke.
Thank you, I guess since Maintenance doesn't answer the phone we'll call security from now on, let's hope someone not so rude answers.(it seems they forget who they work for) The parking lot: no comment other than 20 days or so left. Hope to see you as a Director soon, as well as hoping the LIV Owner Association finally taking control of the Newsletter... rightfully ours, that is be the best venue that will keep all owners informed (No more darkness, behind the door deals, and obscure quasi-leadership) our Winter Texans (some Directors) and Upper Valley members will appreciate that and it's only fair, good to hear the Directors working together towards this goal. (we don't need classifieds we need pertinent crucial information) Sad to see The Rental pool going from hundreds to 30 or so (correct me if wrong) "how much revenue is been lost?" property valuations going down more people willing to sell than buy?... "Houston we have a problem"... 2 questions: If we see someone driving under the influence (intoxicated) or drinking while driving any vehicule (cars, LIV trucks, personal golf cart) who do we call? as Security has no power whatsoever in the matter, do we call 911 or the sheriff? we don't need a "loss of life/accident" this summer nor another lawsuit. Is there a particular place to find any pending/current LIV litigations? settlements? awards? fines? Thanks again.
What ARAMARK doesn't share with the residents (even when they are obligated, they get ALL our mail and notices/alerts), this alert was sent in October and updated again on 4/15/2015 : 1) Mandatory Language for a Maximum Contaminant Level Violation The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has notified the LAGUNA MADRE WATER DISTRICT water system that the drinking water being supplied to customers had exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for total trihalomethanes. Trihalomethanes are a group of volatile organic compounds that are formed when chlorine, added to the water during the treatment process for disinfection, reacts with naturally-occurring organic matter in the water.
Some people who drink water containing trihalomethanes in excess of the MCL over many years may experience problems with their liver, kidney, or central nervous systems, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
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Please share this information with all people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly
Please share with your friends and the elderly. Read the entire notice here: http://www.lmwd.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=N_YyNP32XxM%3d&tabid=40&mid=507
************************************* 2) WATER CONSERVATION “STAGE 2 ” CONTINUES DUE TO WATER SHORTAGE CONDITIONS Laguna Madre Water District would like to remind its customers that we continue to be on Stage 2 of our Water Conservation Plan. ...we continue to conserve water by adhering to the following water use restrictions
1. Landscape irrigation/watering your lawn will only be permitted from 7:00 p.m. through 9:00 a.m. on the following designated days: c. Wednesday & Saturday – Port Isabel (LIV) Who is going to pay the fines as is not been enforced?
Exactly what was The white truck property of LIV doing in South Padre at 2 PM yesterday?(driven by one of ARAMARK managers) If you are going to be loitering around during working hours use your own vehicles. This is not the first time we see Aramark employees doing their own personal errands (During working hours) using our resources. Enough is enough! When will the leak by Laundry room door and nasty Big drain plugged/clogged (same area) will be fixed? it has become a nursery for mosquitos reported over and over...
How rude! You expect a 70 year old woman to be a plumber? We pay our condo fees month after month, without a miss. You must be an 'Aramarck-has to-GO' lover.
To the Director that took the initiative and ask them to fix the problem after 2 years of leaking and being plugged, thank you very much for protecting our interests! This blog is doing wonders.
The Park is infested with fleas red ants and bugs, the situation is so bad that fleas are jumping on people's clothing right by the Gazebo area by our Sea Cottage, this while ARAMARK and the BOD decides what to do... How is it that Aramark has used Orkin to treat their offices on a weekly basis for years and years even worse at OUR EXPENSE! is ORKIN not good for us? and yes LIV pays for it.... Bilking: for their so called PEST control services ARAMARK have billed LIV for providing a FAKE service of which they don't have any authorization/licensing' to do so.... highly illegal and immoral! I hope the BOD demands a full refund every dollar every penny starting the first day ARAMARK set a foot in this park... What does our lawyers what to say about that?
You don't sound very edjamakated? In the last 2 sentences a couple of words are missing! A lone time ago a very smart man said "kill all the lawyers" As far as the fleas and red ants, I have a friend in Packerland, up North, that ships special bugs to me by the case, which I release in that area, late at night! When my "little friends" bite you: your hair turns gray you gain 50 pounds you wear glasses full time you even become more crabby than normal your house is always dusty A case feel out of my cart and I never found it! Let me know if you see it. Thank you to the Packer People Never give up-never surrender
Hello people, On regards to the parking Lot all we can say is: "I can't believe is NOT Butter! the wholes, tire marks, boat trailers sinking and potholes on the making evidence that once again we got DUPED ($140,000 for 2 inches of asphalt when standard is 4 or more and no final coating applied and NO warranty given) where are the BOD members allegedly expert contractors? the latest Assessment wasn't even explained nor an apology from the BOD given... just straight to the throat asking for money? good luck with the Big assessments coming... destroyed streets repaving, cleaning of canals (due 10 years ago) etc etc, expect some very angry owners coming back this Autumm will see which members face up? and which ones cowardly run? The Restaurant...WHY? last weekend was totally empty? who decide to open it, there is 6 weeks left before School starts and things really slow down? A lot of cooking going on and NO customers seen, what happens to the leftovers? like hundreds of dollars worth of Barbercua? is this yet again a Losses launder operation? New activities center ROOF yet another scam...who 'single handed' decided to point finger and annoinbt his friend contractor? what happen to competitive bidding and warranties? Lastly which Director's 'PERSONAL Golf Cart' was worked on this last Thursday 'all day long' by Aramark employee (on our time)with our resources...highly unethical! you know who you are and you need to resign! as well as the Aramark mgr that allowed it know for kissing up to certain people... Director wives need to stay away from LIV official businesses....seriously! same little group... Lastly when is the BOD Leadership change? isn't obvious currently leadership has NO SKILLS, don't be worried about political correctness people want a real qualified leader regardless of color or race.... JOSE (real name) gotta go! you are exposing us to more liabilities= lawsuits!
146 comments:
Thank you, I put the site in the left column so it can easily be accessed.
bring your own alcohol to the rec center! what's up with that??
When the BOD decided to charge a fee to open the bar , the D&E decided it was not a cost they could afford. I don't mind bringing my wine,it's cheaper,it tastes better and I don't want to stand in line.
I am happy with the D&E decision. We just get more fees in the village and less for our money.. Aramark just gets richer.
I'm happy with the decision . Aramark gets enough of our money. We don't need Aramark to party and have a good time.
It's all about the licencees to serve alcohol.. some people just cant shut their mouths..
Someone needs a hug.
Aramark needs to go!
Right on!
Aramark needs to go!
I agree!
Oh if only we could get back to the days when everyone respected each other and worked together to create a caring community. How did we become the place for opportunists and kingdom builders who lie, plot and scheme to have their special interests met at any cost to community. What caused people to become divided and nasty to each other? Why did so many who stepped up to serve end up leaving this community in despair and disgust? What evil has taken over that makes us want to bolt our doors and not speak the truth? Please, someone tell me why it is that this small community has to be so divided and mean? Why can't we all make a decision to remember to respect one another? Why not admit when we are wrong and have faith that others will forgive as we remember our own human fragilities. We don't need to lie and blame others, we are a work in progress and we can all find forgiveness in our hearts for each other. Lies and deceit have not worked so why not give truth a chance?
CONDO FEE INCREASE!!!!! Here we go again, as the BOD reviews the budget for the upcoming year they are looking at another condo fee increase, the last was just 2 years ago. One Director had the courage to question why 3 bids were not sought before renewing with Aramark in 2015 and why isn't the BOD looking at a manager who works for us and us alone? Please don't just say, we tried that, it is a new day and a changing community. Please encourage the BOD not to do this increase, we haven't even paid our $300 bridge assessment and we are being asked for more $. We are pricing out long term seniors who live on fixed incomes, so they are forced to sell in a down market. Did we really need to spend $15,000 or what ever it is to remodel the back office in the welcome center? Did we really need to remodel the Grill Room, do we really need to pay salaries to have the Residence Center, Pro shop, Grill and clusters of ground crews and bridge workers? Times are tough for all but the 1% in America, towns are going belly up, states are bankrupt and we need to take a good hard look at the black holes that just suck up money we need for our crumbling infrastructure (we had another man hole cave in and need immediate repair.) We had 3 do so one year, these are not cheap to repair. We have the internet to communicate, we could all vote for every major improvement and take ownership by getting involved, like the library runs wonderfully with volunteers, we could run the pro shop with golf committee volunteers if it really needs to be open all year. Since we are no longer selling alcohol at our events and enlarging the BYOB which has worked well for years, why renew our liquor license and why not drop the extra charge from Aramark for this service and close down that part of the contract with the Texas limited corp agreement Aramark has arranged. Surely that could save us $ and those who want to meet and drink at the Pro Shop can continue to do so. A great deal of $ was raised for the Village by volunteers doing fish fries, etc when we could use our kitchen. This is not a total put down of the BOD or Aramark, they have done some great things but we are facing hard times and just as we do with our personal budget, have to cut out the fluff and operate well on less. 2 of the Directors who are supporters of the condo fee increase have their house on the market and are leaving the village. These are just a few ideas and not put forth to be bickered about but only to say that there are many intelligent and capable owners who could really help the community by stepping up and suggesting ways to use our $ more responsibility and a plea to PLEASE do so. The time is NOW, the person is YOU!
It is not more bigness that should be our goal. We must attempt, rather, to bring people back to...the warmth of community, to the worth of individual effort and responsibility...and of individuals working together as a community, to better their lives and their children's future. Robert F. Kennedy
* * * * * *
Each of us must rededicate ourselves to serving the common good. We are a community. Our individual Fates are linked; our futures intertwined; and if we act in that knowledge and in that spirit together, as the Bible says: "We can move mountains." Jimmy Carter
Joe, is there anything you know of that prohibits a full time RENTER from attending our BOD meetings?
Thanks
To my knowledge renters are not allowed voting privileges and the board has the power to make the meetings open to owners only, but they haven’t done that in the 13 plus years that I’ve attended the meetings. As a matter of fact, I can recall that they have let renters speak on rental issues at the coffee meetings. I hope that helps answer your question. Joe
Thanks Joe!
Joe, you wrote an interesting piece on LIV $ but left out a HUGE issue, lawsuits! How about a piece on ILLEGAL BUILDING ON COMMON PROPERTY and it's RISK to ALL Common Property Owners! According to our Building Committee Chair/BOD member, these structures are NOT covered under the LIV insurance policy so we ALL can be sued SEPERATELY !!!!!!! Or are we suppose to pay to insure PRIVATE use building on common property? I have enough insurance to pay! STOP ILLEGAL BUILDING ON COMMON PROPERTY!
AMEN! CAN'T BELIEVE THE BOD IS PUTTING US ALL AT RISK AND NOT STOPPING THIS ILLEGAL AND DANGEROUS ACTIVITY!
What is being built on Common ground?
Yes I also want to know what is being built?. Have they got the parking lot done yet???
What happened to the bad and ugly?? Still waiting
Sorry it took so long.
Happy New Year! 1/1/2015 gas is $199.9 at walmart in San Benito !!!!! have a GREAT YEAR !
Thanks Bud. Happy New Year to You and Vita!
On a different note:
At the many Potluck get dinners, has anyone else noticed the "Jumbos" filling their plastic containers with ham, other meats, pie, cookies, etc. before the others got to make a second pass?
I think this rude or just plain stealing other peoples food.
The best way to stop this is a medium size serving spoon up the old waszoo with two twists.
The people that run the party's do a great job!
Maybe it's just me?
I quit going to the potlucks for this very reason. The first time I ever attended one of these it was like a herd of cattle running for food and I was shocked. Wish I had a video. I agree the people running this are doing a great job.. Too bad some people starve all day so they can pig out on free food.. and they are the ones who usually bring enough for 2.
Hello Joey!!
Is there a way to see if any new replies or posts have been added when you first get on the Blog?
You must have some thing in your program?
At this moment I believe not but I'll see if there's something out there that I can add.
The holiday pot lucks almost always have enough food for everyone, some dishes may go but there is always (so far) enough for a meal. Those events also have tables numbered and randomly picked so people don't rush the tables or have to stand in line forever. There are usually 100 +/- in attendance so perhaps that is why those events work so well. If you haven't attended a Thanksgiving, Christmas or Easter Pot Luck in the last 4 years, you should , the events are GREAT.
Dear Blog Master,
How about a new Discussion called"
LIV Votes 3/7/15
Question # 1: Should candidates for the Board have a basic background search and info disclosed to voters?
According to current AARP Bulletin: a $10 monthly membership allows unlimited searches to many people-search websites.. Surely we should know who is spending our $ and setting policies. AND IT'S ALL PUBICALLY AVAILABLE AND LEGAL!! What do others think?
q#2:Should, as some stated at last coffee with Directors, any owner be allowed to be a Director without ANY "Boots on the Ground" time requirement? Skype or teleconference your vote without ANY real time on site? Your comments please.
Absolutely to background searches! We have been scammed far to many times by Directors and if some think we should have Directors who don't spend time living here we need even MORE info about the Directors. The Board President is in fact the CEO of a multimillion dollar piggy bank, if we are going to allow phantom Directors to text their votes we should at a minimum be checking them out!
We need a all new board this one has us in a hell of a mess . No one should be left on this board because it is going to cost us THOUSANDS of DOLLARS to fix this mess .Because of this board we are LOSING MONEY every day. WHO was it on the board that paid the contractor did everyone on the board know of the pay out.
Oh my, I wonder if we would have this mess if we had a full board of full timers, people who have to try to get to their mail, library, exercise room, laundry, pool, clubhouse, etc. with these conditions. It is interesting to see how upset people are ONLY when they get here, they were not concerned while they were not here! It is the same with rules, not here to be impacted by rule breakers-what do I care about enforcement. If this is NOT your Primary residence your investment and concern is not as great as it is for your permanent home,. Maybe it is time for candidates to be REQUIRED to have LIV as their permanent home and be here during some part of ALL seasons.
We didn't know of this mess my Dear Anonymous because there was not one thing in the mailer for months .about this mess or any thing that going on in this park. I DON:T KNOW ABOUT YOU I DON"T LIKE TO LOSE MONEY> This investment isn't good so let's fix it not say we don't care.
OK. Anonymous there is not thing in the news letter or the village Voice must be dead no one said anything in this Website. some one let us know please..
Exactly, the point the writer was making- you must be here to see things for yourself so how could you possibly be a Director when you can't see for yourself what is going on!
Who would be interested in suing the Board over the parking lot fiasco?
I don't want to be a Director and don't care at this time who lives wear this park is going down hill I want it fix then and only then I 'm going to think of wear a person lives. So you think we that are not hear year around should not have a news letter that tells us what is going on we don't have it . we pay just as much as you and you are going to want our money to get out of this mess. So don't just worry wear someone lives and lets first work to get this park to look like a place you want to be at
So who is to blame? BOD? Aramark? When was the last time the managers received a written evaluation? When something happens and the dots connect back to Aramark, a few BOD members jump in to rescue and deflect. I know some of you have been friends for years but really, when is the BOD going to hold peoples' feet to the fire and make some changes. We don't need more managers or workers we need SUPERVISION. So many times management says they didn't know of a violation! Really! They drive around in a golf cart looking at WHAT? They know no one will hold them responsible, write them up and fire them for repeatedly not doing their job. Why is this? Who on the BOD holds Aramark stock? Profit centers continue to loose $, no problem. Violations go uncited and unfined, no problem. Aramark has done nothing but create a community where anyone can do as they damn well want, they turn their head, say they didn't know and the BOD defends their irresponsible behavior. The BOD pres cuts people off, wants no questions, tables important issues and drives away to his real home somewhere. Another said, I plan to be here for spring break and I want this parking lot done, so I guess he doesn't care what those of us here need NOW. The investment for those who do not make this their permanent home is very low, we have seen this for years, absentee owners want to serve on committees and be on the BOD but their concern comes only when they are in residence. They are too busy to call in for meetings or have a conflict and poor connection and we all struggle to hear them, it didn't work before why will it work now. The BOD can't even manage to get a pa system for BOD meetings so residents can hear what's going on! It is this attitude of hands off management that is killing this community. This is not just a social, have fun place, it is a real community with real problems and needs real solutions. It is not a country club, golf community, Winter Texan only retreat or party place for summer residents where anything goes. Please check your egos and need for a social circle at the gate and come to enjoy a well run, viable residential community in a beautiful location. Pitch in, you don't need to be a BOD or community member to make a difference but you do need to care about the well being of ALL who live here and especially those who call this their only home and work hard to keep the lights on and welcome you back! So show your appreciation by obeying the rules and letting the powers that be know what you think in a respectful but forceful way. Don't take no for an answer when it comes to fiscal responsibility and enforcing the rules. We have the potential to be great but do we have the right people to make that happen?
nice one!
Not I but we could ask for some of them to step down, can you make that happen? We need someone to recap how each of them voted, who signed the parking lot contract and demand they open up a search committee to find a city manager and dump Aramark. Would you be interested in that process?
So, what is our way out of this? No one currently on the BOD has shown the leadership to steer our ship to calmer waters and it appears because the good are struggling with the bad we continue to spiral down a black hole. So out with the bad and that should include Aramark and if not the whole company at least the managers and employees. But I submit that it is easier to start fresh as the arrogance of those involved has shown they do not care about LIV but only hanging on to their jobs so they have engaged in unholy alliances. Power corrupts and absolute power absolutely corrupts! Committees are formed but always heavy with BOD members who run their OWN agenda and over ride the few community members, they only want the illusion of a working committee and sign off. As with ALL committees here, appointed for life and nothing more than cliques trying to be powerful.
So we need good, decent people who are not using a BOD position to further their own interests be that social or financial. People who are willing to come to meetings, listen to the people and do as the majority want, we can run POLLS on line just as Joe has done on this site, we CAN know the WILL of ALL the people, if we really want to do so.
Recent desperate attempts by BOD to suck up to the GOLF Committee which represents far less than 1% of LIV-they want to use $2800 of "THEIR" $ to do some project BUT BOD votes we should take our General Fund $ and share the costs!!!!!! What the hell folk, doesn't this PO anyone else!!!!!! "THEIR" $ comes from US + what they get from memberships, etc.- IT IS ALL OUR MONEY!
And what about the BOD voting to turn over to the GOLF Committee the proposal to relocate the Pro Shop to the Restaurant location thus eliminating all costs of operating it at it's current location and "perhaps" reducing the losses we all incur for it? Suck up again. Pitiful and not in the best interest of all owners, BOD continually forgets who they work for mostly because people don't remind them, "I just want to have fun at LIV", well are you having fun NOW! How is this mess working for you!
It's like putting a fox in charge of protecting the hen house!!!
I'm saddened to see hateful comments directed at the golfers. This is one group that has consistently worked for the betterment of this village. I believe there is a lot of misconception about the money, so I will attempt to clear that up. All the memberships (we paid $400 for a golf membership for 6 months) and all the green fees go directly to the Board. The golf committee puts on scrambles and tournaments which collect an additional $2-$15 a person to play--that is the golf committee money. Most is paid back out to the winners, part is saved for improvements. We also have had numerous fundraisers (over $100,000 we paid for the cart paths). That is also the golf committees money.
They decided to HELP the village by paying 1/2 of the cost of retaining walls all over the course. These walls aren't for the golfers, but are necessary to keep the course viable. We did not ask the Board to pay half, we offered to pay half--big difference. Instead of the village paying for everything, they pay half--for maintenance.
The cart paths have made the grass grow and the mud flats disappear--don't you realize how this helps the village look better? All the flowering plants and trees have been donated and are weeded by volunteers. Remember, this is the only village amenity that pays a fee to use. Be happy it is still here, unlike the restaurant.
thanks Sue you beat me to it!
lets examine some facts that anon didn't get right.
he/she pays $252 a month association dues I pay, do to my golf course membership on his golf course, $277.
he says golfers are less than 1%, for 2013, 2014 is not available as yet,91 memberships were sold, umm that comes to 9% . there were 0 memberships sold for the tennis courts, the pools, the bingo players, the quilters, the card players, etc.etc.
for several years now the golfers have played in an outing for cancer research, last year over $8000 was raised by the players and donated.
I could go on and on here but for what purpose,. we will continue to maintain our beautiful amenity that enhances the value of his property even though he seemingly does not appreciate it FORE !!!!
Happy to see you running for the Board, Joey...you have my vote! I will not be voting for anyone who has been on the Board--they put us in this mess!
We are for you Joey from Iowa we also well not vote for anyone who got us in this mess.
Did they stop putting the newsletter on line??
Did we stop publishing the newsletter on line?
Very little it seems has been posted on LIV's website since December. I didn't see the last special meeting posted that happened a few weeks ago nor has there been any Minutes posted since October. Don't know why? To busy with rushing to get the parking lot done in under six months maybe.
You are right Bud, there should be no membership for golf, any OWNER in good standing should be able to play for free and have one free pass for their guest, like 4 wristbands for the pool, ALL others pay a fee. Same for tennis. Your math re the 91 people representing 9% of the community is somewhat flawed in my opinion, how did you arrive at that? And I believe the point the person you called anon was making is that be it 1% or 9%, it still represents a small % of the community supporting the golf course which prohibits them from walking or riding their bike on the paths. If golfers would stop treating it as their own property and acknowledge that it is common property perhaps people would feel differently about it. It appears the golf committee is ok with some people letting dogs run free on the course but doesn't want walkers! Although commendable to donate $ to cancer research, how about donating it to reduce the condo fees so people who live HERE can afford their cancer treatment.
Sue, you appear to be somewhat unaware of the reality that there are many people in LIV that have done far more for the community as a whole then the golfers who do for their own benefit. I am sorry to burst your bubble but the reality is that the golfers have caused more problems for the community than they have solved. Their constant whining for $ and attention and special privilege has caused the BOD and community to waste time that could be spent in better ways. The community does NOT appreciate the inconsiderate demand for a pro shop employee year around so 5 or 6 people can meet for private happy hour and plot how to alienate the BOD and community and let their dogs run free right next to "NO DOGS ALLOWED" signs! Those who control the course break their own rules. Do you honestly believe the community HASN'T paid far more for the course than its fund raisers have contributed? The vast majority of owners are tired of your demands and inconsiderate behaviors and admittedly it is because of a few BUT if you REALLY want to help the community, get ride of them and perhaps memberships will go up rather than down. And as your home is on the golf course I can see why you want us all to pay for the landscaping and care of YOUR backyard. The restaurant needed to go, a huge $ drain and hopefully it will only open as the new pro shop/café that can at least pay for itself. The golf course would make a wonderful multi-use green space but you probably don't want ALL of the community walking past your back porch.
Looked at rentals on our website and the 1 rental said not on water but the photos show it ON water!! Looks like 195 rental with 438 photos, or something like that. And many, many adds for Cougar Marine all over the place, who is the webmaster! No updated activities, old D&E events that are NOT scheduled. This community is not working! Management stinks and it is falling apart. :(
Open your eyes, Sue!
Each of us must rededicate ourselves to serving the common good. We are a community. Our individual Fates are linked; our futures intertwined; and if we act in that knowledge and in that spirit together, as the Bible says: "We can move mountains." Jimmy Carter
"the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior"
FROM, “A History of Outdoor Resorts/South Padre” by Jim Paul (copies available to read at our library):
Page 30, “To understand the mentality that exists…one must first be aware of the background of many lot owners. For the most part they are made up of successful people….There were some, of course, that had never held a responsible position and they still had a yearning to do so. This type of person always proved to be the most troublesome since they tended to be more abrasive and very seldom came up with constructive ideas. The history of the resort seems to indicate that dissidents tended to join together and attempt to find fault with any action taken by…resort manager or board of directors….this type tends to resent any type of an authority….”
Page 37, last page, “It appears that the biggest threat to its (LIV) survival could come from some lot owners who have their own personal agendas.”
This short history is an interesting read and offers some historical perspective to LIV.
Maintenance Fee Breakdown
Summary of Expenses 2012 Actual vs. 2013 Budget
Actual 2012 per mo. Budget 2013 per mo.
+/-
2013
Lease/Maint.. Equipt.* $10,008.82 $0.81 $20,500.00 $1.67 $0.85
Telephone/cell* $16,933.66 $1.38 $16,260.00 $1.32 ($0.05)
Uniforms* $7,679.76 $0.62 $8,100.00 $0.66 $0.03
Legal $30,583.50 $2.49 $25,000.00 $2.03 ($0.45)
Audit/Other Professional Services* $31,636.23 $2.57 $35,250.00 $2.87 $0.29
BOD/Owners Meetings $3,998.14 $0.33 $5,000.00 $0.41 $0.08
Restaurant $65,235.80 $5.31 $47,894.61 $3.90 ($1.41)
Golf $104,112.09 $8.47 $85,053.51 $6.92 ($1.55)
Rental Property $44,780.05 $3.64 $43,784.93 $3.56 ($0.08)
Laundry $4,013.37 $0.33 $4,286.58 $0.35 $0.02
Newsletter -$1,640.58 -$0.13 -$1,184.00 -$0.10 $0.04
Pools*** $62,430.44 $5.08 $73,145.05 $5.95 $0.87
All Other Expenses* $2,921.26 $0.24 $2,900.00 $0.24 ($0.00)
WE ARE ALL PAYING A LOT FOR THE GOLF COURSE!!!!
Sue, interesting to see that the nay sayers to our posts do not want their identity known therefore negating any validity to their comments. what folly to say that the cancer rally money raised should be put into a fund where it could be wasted instead of used to continue the attempts to eliminate this human curse.
more thoughts on these posts,, it appears Frank Worthless words is at it again !! my percentage quotes are in question but anon is speaking for the majority? how do we know this, umm , person is even an owner? could be a resident of Laguna Heights reading this blog? the quote from Jim Pauls history is somewhat ironic in that he and Bud Doman were VERY instrumental in getting the golf course shaped up back in the 90's and here we are continuing their hard work. an old adage goes " never argue with a FOOL, people will not know the difference !!! so that's it for me you fool!!!
Apparently the FACTS posted above made someone nervous but they ARE ACTUAL expenses from LIV financials:
Restaurant $65,235.80
Golf $104,112.09 $8.47
Golf leads the next closest competitor for MOST EXPENSIVE by almost $40,000.
I for one appreciate the person who posted the FACTS and I don't care who they are or where they live, it is refreshing to have some FACTS in LIV rather than the endless, senseless, lies some like to put out. I found the same financial report on the LIV website, wish there were more recent ones posted. The TRUTH Shall set you free!!
I have sat back quietly and have read the Blog for many months now just shaking my head and I can no longer keep quiet. First of all, yes, everyone has the Freedom of Speech. You should be able to speak your mind, however, if you are making derogatory remarks about any one person or group of people, you should own your comments. Anyone can say anything anonymously, but it takes a real person to use their name. their real name. This isn't about golfers versus non golfers. It never was. Anonymous made it that way. I have a lot of friends that don't golf. I don't care that they don't golf and they don't care that I do. They are still friends. It's about living closely in a small community and getting along. It seems to me that there are those people whose main goal is to make everyone around them miserable. Couldn't their time be spent more productively? They are constantly complaining about one thing or another. People were speeding on the lettered lots, 3-4 people complained and instantly we have speed bumps. People just now speed on all the other roads. Should we put speed bumps on all the roads in the park? No, that would be a really dumb idea. The "majority" would not want that. We had some access places to the golf course they were for convenience as well as a safety access for paramedics. One person complained and the access points were taken away. Again, not the majority. Anonymous must not live on our street because the fire hydrant in front of our house has been wrapped in plastic and not working for I don't even know how long. Do they realize that if our house catches fire it would probably take out every house on the lettered lots. They are not just golfers, they are my friends and neighbors. Wouldn't you think that repairing a fire hydrant would be more important than speed bumps and golf course access points? Apparently anonymous doesn't think so. How can someone write a letter to the Board using a fake name and have them either consider acting on it. It's a community, they should not act on the voice of one or two or three, they are not the majority. As far as fundraisers go, how could you possibly be against a fundraiser that gives the proceeds to cancer research to help everyone, no matter where they live. If you have ever had cancer, as I have, or lost someone you love to cancer, as I have, you would not feel this way but if you still did, that's very sad. and by the way, we all live HERE. Even if we aren't here full time, we pay just as much in fees as the full timers, golfers or not. And again I say, it is not about golfers versus non golfers. We have had some great donations for our cancer rally from the quilters, the tennis players, the yoga group, the bingo players, the swimmers and the fishermen. Many of our volunteers don't even know how to golf. We all have the same goal, to raise money to find a cure for cancer for EVERYONE. As much effort as it takes to tear down the golfers and try to make life miserable for your neighbors whether they golf or not, it would make much more sense to do some good things to make this a better place to live. The "golfers" made over $8000.00 last year that was donated to cancer research, and they did so with a lot of help from non golfers. Not one of us gained anything by doing so, we did not have an agenda. We all only wanted to help people with cancer whether they live HERE or on the other side of the world. If you have something to say, please say it, but be brave enough to own it.
Please go back and read post from 2010 and 2012 and 2014 and read the last post the 15 TH. You are beating a dead horse. We have made little progress. They old dusty chairs of past board members are passing on. The task now is passed on to again people who want their glorious words and their own interest to prevail. The park is on a free fall. On the way it is accumulating old ideas old and new debt lack of funds. Take heed to the old dusty ones still left. Their way hasn't worked. Theydid give it a try! The old don't change with time, I don't believe the village will be deserted and become an unoccupied sinking island. I do beleve it is well on its way to look like the parking lot.. One step at a time.. People like Cowen are right in line to remove our troubles. The old dusty people will say.. "It was fun while it lasted".." I'm out! " I want no more or less then the people post in here..
So you live where there is a speed bump and don't like it. You might think differently if you were injured by a speeding or drunk driver or lost a loved one by the same means. YOUR OWN cancer spurred you to try and help perhaps those 3-4 people who asked for speed bumps have their own reasons. And you like accessing the golf course by private access ramps built on common ground. Perhaps someone was injured falling and driving on those ramps and that is why they complained and the BOD asked to have them removed because we all would be sued separately because the ramps are not covered by LIV insurance and illegally on COMMON ground, like everyone is suppose to do, no permit OR permission was requested for those ramps and those wonderful people came back the next year and put the ramps back openly violating the BOD ruling and the whole community. And why should the BOD allow something that is dangerous and have us all pay for the insurance of private use access on common property. Obviously YOU think it is a great idea! These are the people the community is tired of and unfortunately they are who people think of when they think of golfers. And you want to raise community $ to send away to cancer research rather than use it locally to help cancer victims here like SPI and MANY communities do because you don't want the BOD to help get it into the hands of people living here who might need help paying their condo fees or utilities, etc. while fighting cancer. OK Traci Walzer, we all know how YOU feel. Thanks for making it clear who you are and how you feel about this community. Some people might think keeping the community safe IS a good use of their time and do not appreciate your point of view that they should spend their time "more productively", be TRUELY honest, what you don't like is that some people have stepped forward for the good of the community and in so doing stepped on your toes!
Amen! As many have commented, no votes for anyone who has served! And I appreciate your comments even if you remain anonymous like 99.9% of the bloggers here! I don't get what the 3 people, Sue, Bud Sherry and Tracy Walzer, have their panties in a knot about with anonymous comments! THEY need to get a life!
Question-What is this proposed change to our declarations we are to vote on all about??????? Seems like we are currently owed a lot of $ from the rentals which were stolen from our revenues. We are promised by our declarations that if NOT owner rented, no 3rd party, we get to have the rental profit to operate our village! I want our $$$$!!!! Why would we vote to change this?
Please go back and read post from 2010 and 2012 and 2014 and read the last post the 15 TH.
HUH??? can you copy and post, I don't know what this means. Thanks
Hey anonymous, rather than complain about good people like Sue, Bud Sherry, and Traci Walzer, why don't you start your own fundraiser for the causes that you believe in. I'm sure that people will gladly donate if your cause makes sense to them. But then you have to be willing to do something that the above mentioned people are always willing to do, WORK.
H.S. anon rides again!
No one complained about the "good" people, it was the "good" people who complained about the ANONYMOUS people and someone stated they didn't understand why ANONYMOUS comments made them so crazy. The "good" people put their names on their posts and made it easy for others to mention their posts by name so folk could go back and read what they said about all the ANONYMOUS posters.Nice try at "spinning" the truth!
What Happens When a Homeowners Association Goes Bankrupt
Most people familiar with homeowners’ associations (HOAs) relate to monthly assessments and board hearings and the occasional small fine for leaving a garbage can on the street too long after trash pickup day. However, HOAs are organizations that run on money, just like any business or government agency. And, when the money is mismanaged, HOAs can also go bankrupt as well.
How Bankruptcy Can Occur
HOA bankruptcies can occur due to mismanagement, internal theft in the form of embezzlement or fraud, or economically hard times. Theft remains the rarer of the two possibilities with bad board management decisions being the usual culprit. During lean times, numerous foreclosures can also sap an HOA of critical revenue streams as the number of paying members decreases.
Frequently, according the American Homeowners Resource Center, the first signs of problems with an HOA occur when it decides to start withholding financial information from its members and/or having closed meetings to discuss financial matters. When the HOA can’t disclose what’s happening with its funds, members should be worried.
The common occurrence involves overspending beyond the assessment revenue stream the HOA normally brings in. HOAs are funded by monthly fees charged to every homeowner in the particular HOA district. Once the district is filled to capacity with homes, the revenue can only grow if the fees are raised. If, however, the HOA incurs larger expenses then the amount of money paid in, it begins to take on debt. At some point, the debt becomes more than the HOA can manage, just like a poorly disciplined credit card account, and the HOA then faces the possibility of going into default on its liabilities.
Bankruptcy Filing Type
For HOAs, the preferred bankruptcy filing is Chapter 11. Unlike Chapter 7 under the U.S. Code, which involves liquidation of assets to pay off creditors, Chapter 11 instead allows a reorganization of financial management. This begins with a freezing of all liabilities. Then the HOA discloses all assets and income streams to the bankruptcy court. Under the process the daily management is still retained by the HOA, while big decisions need court approval. Once a repayment plan is developed and approved, the HOA manages under the eye of a court trustee until it can function again outside of bankruptcy.
Courts and Cities Prefer Reorganization
HOAs function as a pseudo government agency over a neighborhood area. It is agreed to by the residents when they buy into the HOA jurisdiction. When the HOA goes bankrupt, the default management would then likely go to the local city or county. This is not a favorable idea from a local government perspective since it means taking on a problem. The court isn’t interested in being an auction house for a board that has very few physical assets either. As a result, reorganization tends to be favored by the bankruptcy court and local government since it makes the problem of the bankrupt HOA go away.
Who Is in Charge
When the HOA enters bankruptcy officially the bankruptcy court takes over. A court trustee handles management aspects, reporting and decision making. The trustee officer can compel action and can order the seizure of assets to make sure the court’s direction is followed.
Alternatives to Bankruptcy
Realty Times points out that a well-managed HOA should never be allowed to get near the point it must consider bankruptcy as an option This includes performing HOA strategic planning, saving an HOA nest egg, borrowing carefully, and communicating finances with members. If exercised properly, the HOA should normally be able to function within its revenue stream without over-commitment.
Alternatively, members can also separately lobby for municipal penalties or legislation that incurs criminal damages for intentional bad management of an HOA’s finances. Such codes can be put into place in the form of city ordinances or county regulations.
Page #9 NOTE 4 http://www.longislandvillage.com/auditreport2013.pdf
Very interesting Bankruptcy info, Thanks Anonymous!
I just got my voting package in... AND I am so happy for you JOEY! You have our vote. Always have! I have admired Annita. I worried she would changed being a board member like so many have.. She was a real leader . Just like I know you will.. Your honest.. smart. and have a calming presence..You have always been for LIV..The best..
It's time to cut our losses on the parking lot--he is not doing a competent job. The grade is wrong, more dirt needs to come out--ask anyone who does contracting work. Even some board members realize it's not being done correctly. He missed the date to have it 67% completed, so why are we not just moving on? Get an engineer in here, new bids, get the work done and sue him. Stop wasting our money!
Hello Anonymous, I am curious, what financial criteria exists that would make us believe our HOA would get a qualification for a chapter 11 proceeding?
The coffee with directors was a farce--why did they cut us off before the questions were asked? Couldn't handle the heat? Never saw them close a meeting so early before. Candidates were good, except for the guy that says I'm here to have fun and our board is good enough. No one who has been on the board before should get elected.
Hello Marc, are you new here? If so, welcome!
Why is there not one word is in our so called Long Island NEWS of our parking lot mess . If they aren't going to tell us the news then why spend the money on a so called News's letter .
Amen to that! Now what about a VERY important committee here-the ELECTION COMMITTEE-most here said last year's elections were the WORST ever-hope no one who worked it LAST year is on it this year! This Committee has the power to corrupt the results-big time. Joe, can you tell us who is on the committee?
This is done by the PRES of the BOD and we have seen it done before, he should be asked to step down and NEVER run again, he is the one ultimately to blame for all our woes! If he is Pres again we can count on the gradual slide downward he started, watch your property values continue to slide south and the whole mess get worse.
Your comment is right on, ANON 2/24 11:03PM, it is a waste of space to publish cards game scores and golf scores and not important info, take your concern to the BOD meeting this Sat.
Candidate Joe, who will be securing the vote counting process? I have heard it is one core group of people who continue to run the process, that when they ask for volunteers at the meeting they ONLY choose the people who are part of their group. It seems like it would be difficult for new people to enter the process when it is not opened to the whole community, people should put their name on paper and at the meeting draw names for the committee. We have so many problems here we need to assure something is being done appropriately and not by special interest groups.
Kay Sullivan is chairperson. Marianne Kobie, Phil Parkinson & Vita Sherry the active participants along with advisor Liz Detrick. I believe this is the best crew we will ever have to promote the elections. Give me a list of wanted participants that can do better. You can't, these are by far better than last year.
There are no answers to the many questions that would have been asked.
A grave mistake was made choosing the company that would repair our parking lot. The board has to own up to that. Especially the president. I'm sorry would be nice and then make it right. Ignoring it will not make it go away.
Thank you, I am new to this forum / blog, but not to our community.
A few points to ponder and questions for tomorrow's meeting:
Why is it that every time there is a new Director(s) asking for TRANSPARENCY and ACCOUNTABILITY the rest of the Unethical group does the impossible to silence that person(S) and votes his-her/them OUT? What are you AFRAID of? if you have nothing to hide show US the Check books, who got paid and how much.
You try to fix your incredible mismanagement and egotistical behavior with assessments and more assessments.. Don't you know there is some old folks (Some ill) living month by month on Social Security checks(less than 1000 dollars)? SHAME on you. IMMORAL to say the least
Who is going to STOP all the freeloading going on at the Golf Shack (Free beers...Free hamburgers...free rounds of Golf...Huge DRUNKEN parties wednesday evenings week after week at US the OWNERS expense (just do an inventory on beer/snacks/burguers/water bottles PURCHASES versus SALES) ......what about the ILEGALL /Against the rules construction on common grounds ?(water under the bridge?), all the perks for a selected few that are PILFERING left and right.. in the meantime the Golf Course is losing 100,000 USD a year...and the Committee Director is running again ? are you serious? have the semi-decency that Pelletiere and Flora had and VACATE your position "PRONTO amigo "...
What's going on the Welcome Center? More construction? (1200 USD glass Doctor office doors?uh?) are you kidding me? Mary Stephenson who approved of that new luxurious unneeded personal bathroom? You are kissing to the RUDE same people that RUN DOWN the RENTAL POOL (From over 100 properties to 30) ...How much more are you spending 30,000 USD are you serious ...who are the contractors? what happen to competitive bidding? Was a permit applied for? (Cameron County) who is secretively signing the checks? Mary that is abusive of you...Hush Hush doesn't work anymore..is NOT your money! Face up! Show the Check books! in the meantime the Owner Lounge is a dump! Imagine what those 30,000 USD uneeded expense could have done for the Owners Lounge..OWNERS..get it?
Security Shack remodelation another wishy washy project...who is getting the contracts? How much how we spent so far....? because there is no sign of improvements ... who got the contracts? Show US the checks NOW ... fishy fishy...
If you own rental property or have a property for sale you know you have been greatly AFFECTED speak up.
Parking Lot: Everybody that signed off on this project and checks with NO real contract and NO deadline is PERSONAL LIABLE for going against the rules...kickbacks? Falsh news: The current contractor will NOT be able to finish with the money due.....No way JOSE... and is leaving us a sunken parking lot...another future problem... is ARAMAK liable for future problems...?
Change Lawyers...BOD....Auditors....Managers..the entire SOPRANO cast.
Every Penny spent from now on needs to be scrutinize...every check...every contract... no more hiring the same contractors over and over...fishy fishy...OPEN BOOKS
Will we have to wait until May to get the March newsletter posted online? This village is falling apart and no one seems to care,
I missed the Saturday board meeting because of the Cancer Rally. What exactly was decided and who on the board voted in favor of keeping the current contractor? Joey?
Does anybody have the NAMES of the Board Directors that voted YES on the illustrious and magnificent idea of selling BEER next to the swimming pool? if you do please post.
(another hush-hush VOTE without the owners input/say on a serious item)
All eight members voted to keep the current contractor and send him a letter giving him thirty days to complete the project or face litigation. The President didn't need to vote.
Motion for pool side beer made by Director Robert Champion, he has been lobbying for this for at least 2 meetings: voted YES- Flora Gunderson, Champion...who else Joe Long?
Directors Ramirez, Waller, and Pelletier.
According to discussion after pool side beer was voted in, no one can bring their own alcohol during the hours the Grill is selling it AND should you enter the pool before the Grill starts to sell it, security is suppose to watch so you don't drink YOUR alcohol once the Grill sales start!!!!
Ok I'll do it!!
Joey, I can't speak for the whole park, but I'm disappointed you didn't get on the BOD. Bob is a super good guy and we have to give the other Two a chance.
I want thank the people who got beer and wine back at the pool!!
If I were one of the persons who did not want beer at the pool, I would get mad and move out of the park!
1) Lawsuits against ARAMARK in recent news, thousands of articles ( Nationwide results)
https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=lawsuit+vs+aramark&tbm=nws
2) Lawsuits against ARAMARK in recent news, 1200 articles (Texas related)
https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=lawsuit+vs+aramark&tbm=nws
Common wording: Incompetence, Low quality, Conflict of interest, Sub-contracting issues, Funds mismanagement, Discrimination against employees, Lack of Transparency.
3) Exactly: Which Non-profit Organizations received the $11,529 allegedly raised from the Golf events? Names please!
How many of those fund$ are coming directly or indirectly from LIV resources? Were they repaid?
Which Non-profit Tax payer ID has been used?
OPEN BOOKS Now!
Is LIV incurring any IRS/Fiscal liabilities?
4) Swimming Pool and Alcohol served under our responsability/liability? are you serious?
Has the Insurance company issue an opinion on this? Our so called Lawyers?
Today: Street (Pavement) leading towards Maintenance dept...REMOVED! Gone! What...?
perfectly good concrete gone, LIV Trucks trapped no way OUT, Managers missing, one disappeared, the other one: the one that is suppose to supervise the contractor (his buddy buddy) and his work went home early and is totally clueless...
New construction contractors casuing damge to water lines, cable and phone lines (fixing at LIV expense) ...Aramark Job site supervision NONE.
Here come summer renters, boats, cars, trailers with NO place to park!
Gym and public bathrooms smells like mold and dirty feet!
Mosquitos making people sick, Grass 1FT tall in some areas...
BOD please get your act together 'no more bickering and special groups' for the better good.
Asking a witness to testify in a certain way, to lie, offering a witness a bribe (money, material goods, or some other benefit including job security) = FELONY
In Texas, felonies are crimes punishable by terms that must be served in state prison or state jail.
RICO = Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization
Federal crime
Lawyers ready, bring it on Aramark employee and Lame Duck Director.
Hello LIV Owners and BOD,
Fact: Contractor MISSED deadline one more time, again and again and again...
Don't fall for his Charade: Pushing dirt back and forth and using a toy compactor.... (isn't obvious that he does this just before there is a meeting)
Is starting to smell like a desperate attempt to cover-up what really happened to the $120,000...
(aiding and abetting or acting as an accessory can usually be brought against anyone who helps in the commission of a crime)
Why are some BOD having private discussions with ARAMARK mgrs.? without letting others know ...what is the discussion all about ?... fishy... fishy
The goal is to finish the job with quality long lasting construction once and for all... I the how fast (job timing) is no longer an issue...
The Maintenance main driveway needs to be replaced with heavy duty concrete for heavy duty traffic as it was before and NOT black top...
Pay an engineer/consultant to issue a professional opinion/assessment
Allow any of the 3 BOD experienced contractors to participate in the bidding... it doesn't matter who finishes this nightmare but how well is finished.
Can someone please update us as what transpired on today's meeting.?
We understand the contractor was allowed to finish his mess?
Please, say it isn't so?
Was there a vote? who voted in favor of this lunatic decision...
Can we sue the BOD? each individual director?
why are the owners kept in the dark? the newsletter hs become an advertising junk outlet...where can we get information?
we are so sadden,
we went home after sadly witnessing the Village destruction...
Please some help...please!
Owners from Iowa.
Its time to get connected LIV! All board members who are unable to be physically present for every meeting, need to be able to telecommute so important changes to the direction of LIV can be voted on.
Three Directors were absent at the Emergency Meeting. Directors Ramirez, Vasquez, Steffensen, Waller, and Champion approved to give the current contractor 30 days probably starting from April 7 and use a limestone base instead of caliche. This different base is better, around $16K more expensive, and is easily available (ex. unlimited loads a day) vs. caliche (ex. definitely only 1 load a day). It loads will now be dumped in the parking lot instead of a staging area which will save a ton of time. After this base is installed, rain will not be an issue. This last attempt before going to another contractor on the surface seems to be the most logical way to proceed at this moment and on May 7 we will know if it will save the Park somewhere around $150,000. 30 days more to save $150,000 in my book should be tried because what’s another month now. By the way, suing your own board is never a good idea. If they did wrong, vote them out. By the way, owners should give Director Waller a pat on the back; he has been the most productive at trying to solve this plane wreck.
Joey, Thank you for keeping us informed, by now many realize what great Director you could have been (too bad of the dirty misinformation door-to-door campaign launched against your candidature, they created fear among the elder residents, nobody should be their past) you have a clear and logical line of thinking even that I don't agree with everything you say.
Janette, would you able to vote? and if so which way.(and that goes for the other absent directors)
Since ARAMARK and some in the BOD are doing the impossible to keep us in the dark (even among themselves), My grandson suggested that you please start a group page in Facebook it's has a much more friendly format and most people are used to it, not to mention better notifications.
Can a vote be taken to remove the current President? do we need a different lawyer to take Aramark to court? Thanks in advance.
The Cheese heads.
Yes it should be tried to save $150,000, let's keep our fingers crossed and kudos to Directors Waller and Ramirez, finally directors with courage and passion and a will to make something happen! Also a thanks to Janette, to my knowledge the first Director to post here, it is good to know we have a director who reads the ONLY village blog! Please Directors, just ID as a Director, we don't HAVE to have your name but would like to interface with you regarding our issues. WOW so refreshing!
You bet! Make it happen, it is TIME!! PLEASE, no more garbled calls over the speaker phone, surely there is a relatively inexpensive way to distance participate, NOT FACEBOOK! It's been tried here and NOT successful. Why not a blog on the LIV web site? Where are our techies????
Thanks Cheese heads for outing the group who went door to door discrediting Joe so they could pave the way for their candidate, that special interest group is loosing their power so they are throwing dirt on everyone who isn't in their camp.
Looks like Bud Sherry has a BIG problem with you expressing your concerns, he has demanded you ID yourself in one of the other sections of this blog! Maybe you should tell him what you think of his demands! :)
Bravo Janette, There has to be a better way to be communicated, who is controlling the official Newsletter? and the official Facebook website?
For those that complainting about people posting in an Anonymous way, must I remind you what happened to our friend Rita? that suffered an attack and threats in her very own home she was so cared that she sold her home and moved out a few months back...this after making a security report and Aramark and the In-security company broke the confidentiality she was promised...scary stuff folks.
Happy Easter friends!
signed: Anon-Golfer
When are you people going to PUT THE blame where THE blame goes,, ITS NOT ARAMARK. It's us the people in the sinking LIV, Eager to be blind and point fingers. READ WHAT ARAMARK'S DUTIES ARE.. And then look to the rest of the story! Look in the mirror,, See the reflection of our problems!
Scary stuff you say? If this poor Rita you’re referring to is the same Rita that sued our Board of Directors in 2008, costing our Park tens of thousands of dollars, just to keep Lyin Larry, she’s the scary stuff? If this Rita is the same Rita who became a physical part of a group who went out of their way to vilify others who didn’t agree or the same Rita closely associated with those who dug up as much personal trash as possible in order to demonize those they thought were enemies, creating such a great hate amongst owners that there are still some who can’t get over it. So if this is that scary stuff Rita, she deserves no-one’s sympathy. I am sure that many would agree that you should use someone else as an anonymous example.
Our jaw nearly hit the floor.
Mgrs nowhere to be seen, employee supervision NONE, Repairs supervision to ensure the job is done well to specification NONE, Maint dept phone Unattended (nobody answers) , Reporting of water leaks and other problems going to DEAF ears (not logged no accountability), Trash everywhere grounds and canals, Landscape destroyed, Potholes repaired with dirt yep, Activities room' roof leaking in many places every time it rains causing damage to the structure(for years now), while you analyze their Duties do us a favor and report the following: 1) Activities roof leaks (years now), 2) Laundry room outside door area: Big drain Plugged by wall (now is a mosquito breeding nursery) water leak for months right across same area (edge of grass), Fallen palm resting on the fence as you exit the park right side before...every time we do laundry we get eaten alive by blood thirsty bugs security shack reported a year ago (fence now destroyed), tons of water leaks throughout the park huge waist and economic loss but who is counting? eg: ground Fawcett corner of conch and main drag leaking for years (golf course side) etc etc Owners lounge a dump while welcome center mgrs have luxurious offices
now you look in the mirror, what do you see?
We see 3 Million dollar in condo fees going up in smoke
"Success in almost any field depends more on energy and drive than it does on intelligence. This explains why we have so many stupid leaders."
-Sloan Wilson
Is it us or the security patrolling is nowhere to be seen?
I seen some driving like maniacs or totally distracted, my wife almost got run over once by someone driving like a devil while having ears covered with musical ear phones.... who forget dozens of robberies that were never solved....the rudeness experienced by some friends while visiting us at the welcome center and then at the security post seems to be the norm now...
also what's up with the Aramark people driving the golf carts for not apparent reason than joy rides....?
Patrolling: the act of walking or going around or through an area, building, etc., in order to make sure that it is safe
LIV is out control!
Grrr do you hear yourself? Imagine 500 people like you! Maybe thats why no ones around!
to the last commentator:
exactly, you hit the nail in the head, same reasons many winter Texas renters are not coming back and a few decide to sell, quite a few Canadians we know left furious because of the park state of affairs, ask people that own rental property how is their morale and pocketbooks?
Anon-Golfer.
I appreciate what Anon-Golfer had to say and you can put many names in to replace Rita if you like. Anyone who has lived here for a while can recall many who have left as fast as their feet could carry them, many were BOD members, which is REALLY scary, the threats and lies hurled at them were unbelievable! Who behaves like this? THUGS! Anon postings allow people to voice their concerns and not be the target of special interest groups for doing so. It is sad that many are intimidated by BULLIES, what is this middle school! But I can understand where they (anon) are coming from and I still want to hear their concerns. If the creator of this blog didn't want it so he wouldn't have set it up for anon posting. I wish people like Bud Sherry would respect his rules and stop harassing people who post anon but that is so typical of power hungry pathetic people. He seems clueless re his Unpopularity here, has had several Unsuccessful runs for the Board and last I heard can not even get on his beloved Golf Committee,(I may have just helped him get on if his illegal bridge building on common property didn't secure him a position, oh and SNAP, he is on the Building Committee!)) it is just sad to watch him grovel for approval of a group that dropped him from the "Boys who golf out" group, he somehow wormed his way back in after they dropped him, or maybe it is a different group. Too bad some have a distorted sense of reality but anyone who believes a word out of his mouth is in for a rude awakening.
WE ARE ANON AND HERE, GET OVER IT!!
So don't you think it is TIME for a whole new management team and maybe like South Padre Island, it is time for a Concerned Owners Group, how about it Joe? I hear there is a SURVIVOR party in early may, maybe a good time to start a community action group.
After reading through the blog I have come to think that perhaps the whole parking lot fiasco is a blessing in disguise. It seems to have activated the community to look at all the many problems that exist in LIV and come out with their feelings and ideas. The harsher winter weather may have "helped" as folk hunkered inside and filled their time with the blog. Let's be honest, many come here for only the good times and care little about the full time community and what is left behind when their season ends and they head someplace else. Aside from their financial commitment few are concerned about the day to day issues here when they are not in residence. Absentee owners rarely email the BOD to read their comments and concerns, or even express them to the BOD. They are wrapped up in what they are doing in their home states and their vacation places are put on the back burner. But come THEIR season they want to know why this and that have not been taken care of and ready for them. But the parking lot has impacted fall, winter, spring break, la semana santa and spring visitors. So people are watching and considering their options for another winter escape place as the last 2 winters here have not been the weather they were use to, well there has not been this much rain in 20 years, I believe. But it is NOT freezing and everything is green and we really needed the rain, wouldn't Ca like to have it! So like any community we are in a time of flux but it is an opportunity for great and grand changes, a doing away with the old guard and perhaps opening an era of transparency, equality and fiscal responsibility. Now that many are concerned perhaps they will take their concerns and become community activists like Joe Long and others. Please try to find the courage to voice your concerns and maybe our community can become more tolerant of the views of others and work together. There is a gift in all events that may appear "bad", and it just might be that the parking lot has a gift for us. Keep an open mind and positive attitude but if you feel it is your time to move on, those left behind could choose to wish you well on your next adventure. I do!
To “we are anon and are here”,
I was with you up to the time you started to call Bud a typical power hungry pathetic person and began the very same hearsay demonization about him that sentences previously thought such an act was so intolerable. Why couldn’t you just say that in my opinion Bud, your thinking is wrong and politely explain why and leave it at that?
Well said !!!
wow!
love your truthful and constructive attitude!
All the park needs is a NEW management company.
They can always hire/keep the best employees from the current contractor.
Hire and independent auditor to see where are the 3 Million dollars going?
Pulling together as a community,Who and what is it truly all about,,
There are a few voices some louder then others, some hang back and watch things unfold and take the credit,, Some get it done,,, For the ones with the loudest voice,, INTELLIGENT and being well informed should be at your side, A small group of people not armed with burning torches and a hangmans noose either. Pulling together with a small group is best. Armed with a camera, video and documented proof set out to cover the park corner to corner top to bottom, Noting the problems of our community and making others aware also,
A large poster board placed in a well placed area for all to see and a voting box,, All pictures in phase one could be voted on and completed according to the number of votes the issued received , Sometime those one hundred and one peeves make a big difference. The more they are eliminated the better we feel. And also note we are a family some times we can join in and and play catch up!
Community becomes even more powerful when it includes the entire community. When all members of the community pull together for a united cause, the power becomes unlimited. The change, or transformation, that occurs from the entire community is something greater than just what a small group of the community or an individual can achieve. Get out of this BOX and do something constructive not destructive
Re: April, 8 ,2015 11:41 am
Thank you
I have never asked to be on the Golf comm. nor have I ever been excluded from golfing at any time. I have talked to Joey in the past about why he allows anon posts and his explanation was " if I required people to sign their name I wouldn't have any posts" . I appreciate your kind words and the fact that nasty person insists I am unpopular here is just an example of why anon allows people like her/him to be heard . this, umm ,person does not have the intestinal fortitude to face me and make accusations. I was requested to be on the building comm by the then chairman Don because that is my back ground and I will remain on til a qualified replacement is found. need to go now , my ride to golf will be here soon.
We are so glad to have found this page, thanks Mr Joey.
Somebody already has asked but since nobody answered here it goes again: a) what is the due process to request a change of BOD leadership? enough (incompetency) is enough!
b) We also are so surprised that it seems that this page is where even Directors are getting their information... (go back to a)...)
c) What was all that screaming coming from maintenance garage yesterday? it appeared someone was screaming at the employees mean words in Spanish it sounded so abusive and so loud that we could hear it at the Golf gazebo, it was pretty disturbing, we go there to relax we left traumatized..
We don't need more lawsuits.
I hope the Directors that read this page investigate.
Thank you Bud for your comment and I hope this will end the back and forth that appears to have much to do with you and the person who chooses to be anonymous and little to do with the more important concerns about our Village. I also agree totally with “April, 8, 2015 11:41 am”. But there’s one thing I have to say when being quoted and that it please be in the full context of what I say. I have tried to be very careful and clear on what I say about this blog and your quote about me is not quite accurate. My same and somewhat canned answer to a reason of why I allow anonymous comments is that I feel very few people in our Park would put their name on a comment in fear of personal reprisal and Bud to this date that unfortunately is still the case.
This is taken from Bylaw Article IV Directors, in order to answer your question “a”.
Section 2,-Removal of Directors. At any duly convened regular or special meeting, anyone or more of the Directors may be removed with or without cause by the affirmative vote of the Voting Members casting not less than a majority of the total of members in the Association, and a successor may then and there be elected to fill the vacancy thus created.
Should the membership fail to elect said successor, the Board of
Directors may fill the vacancy.
Thank you Sir, out of curiosity is the position of BOD' President considered a Director? in other words the above rule applies to such a position?
A neighbor asked me for the blog address, I couldn't remember being so long I just said try to find it in Googgle, not sure how to make others aware of this invaluable Blog?... the only means of communications to us. any ideas? How about in the newsletter...? who is in control of it anyway?
Yes, he is a director and yes, this law applies to him. He is the Village CEO and chairman in all meetings except the Annual Meeting and the informal Coffee get together. He is not allowed to make any motions at a meeting and can only vote as a tie breaker.
Director Steffensen is in control of the Newsletter and my gut tells me they wouldn't be interested in advertising this blog. Word of mouth has worked quite well so far so I'm going to stick with that for now.
Interesting!
Thanks.
I like the "Concerned LIV Owners" group idea posted above, independent from the current BOD and with his own set of lawyers.
Someone has to protect our rights since the BOD can't and Aramark running Amok (understatement) both entities are exposing us to an array of liabilities, has anybody wonder what will happen to LIV property valuations if the word gets out about the huge MESS? and we are not talking about the parking lot but the whole enchilada, hopefully we will have the parking lot in less than 30 days after nearly 8 months! Hooray!
Questions to any contractor reading this: Is it us or the center of the Parking lot looks like a sunken bowl? it was promised the parking lot would be left exactly to the previous height not one hair less... as someone suggested with huge tide fluctuations (from real low to real high = seen it above decks) can the bay water come out of those new drains as the level could be below bay level (mean tide) if they sink the ship, look at the lakes sometimes they are almost dry sometimes they are to the top and they sit far back than the parking lot...
Advice.
Please tell your friends about this page/blog, sadly our winter friends left but they want to stay informed and this is when the above entities take advantage to do as they please, as hardly anybody is watching... seen it to many times year after year..
This Blog has power:
We noticed a couple of the reported issues were fixed (after years/months from previous reports), the 2 year old Dead Palm was removed sadly by now it has destroyed the fence so we are incurring on extra expenses, activities room roof still leaking in both corners (by ping a pong tables, look up) walls and structure damaged (This has been reported for at least 2 years) what gives...?
Mosquitos are making people with low immune systems sick, do something about it! they transmit diseases.
Attn Building Committee:
What on earth is going on lot 194 and 299 (new construction as we speak) it appears they will build on common ground, OUR Landscape is gone, Contractors of both are favorite buddies with Aramark mgr that rubber stamps their applications, of of this contractors has dug dip holes inches from the street...why?
You chastise and harass some contractors but yet some can get away with anything...
Code violations will only get worse (out of control) if you don't do something about it, you can include some and exclude some, think about it.
Follow the bylaws and rules. Period!
Committee Please take a look.
Re: April 11 2015 9 am
I read your comments and will answer on the last part.
I visited the two construction sites you are concerned about and can answer you this way.
both of these owners came to the building committee for approval of their plans for the lots. I am not at all aware of any collusion between them and the members of the committee.
when I went to the sites today at, 11 April 2015 at 3:30 pm , I did not observe any infringement on common elements. There is, which is part of ANY construction site, dirt from the excavation on their neighbors property, which I am sure the owner/contractor, will level and reseed as necessary to make all happy.
If you would like to have me accompany you to the site and explain my findings I am at 638 Sand Dollar. Thank youi Bud
Thank you kindly for your reply, I could swear one of this residential dwellings will be just 2 feet or less from the street and the other one seem to be eating away from the easement/common ground between houses but you know better, hopefully you and the other Directors/Contractors (3 or 4) can apply your expertise, energy and "know how" watching after LIV owners' best interest, insuring the parking lot is finished exactly to specifications and with the quality necessary for long term durability and NOT just a quick "mickey mouse" fix.
You are welcome. The only area I am familiar with that has common ground between lots is at lot A and lot 595. The LOT has been and is a thorn to us all ! but I think it will be done . HOPEFULLY
Hello,
is this where we can report a problem? as someone pointed before nobody answers the maintenance department phone anymore, we called 4 times today, anyhow there is a huge Red ant infestation problem around the Tennis Court Area (bench) and the gazebo behind it we noticed this for the last 2 weeks, these are the dangerous kind of West Texas size Red ants that could send someone to the hospital, their bite is extremely painful and toxic.
Also what's going on with the parking lot? has people given up..., the red sand caliche stopped 2 loads and that was it, today the dirt was dry, what is the excuse now Aramarck?
If it deals with the Village, with proper language, and doesn't seem to personally attack an individual, have at it. If you believe something is dangerous though, call security and maintenance. Those two loads are Arkansas limestone having a little clay. After dropping these loads off, the contractor went back to the pits to find on more loads because scales had broke.
Thank you, I guess since Maintenance doesn't answer the phone we'll call security from now on, let's hope someone not so rude answers.(it seems they forget who they work for)
The parking lot: no comment other than 20 days or so left.
Hope to see you as a Director soon, as well as hoping the LIV Owner Association finally taking control of the Newsletter... rightfully ours, that is be the best venue that will keep all owners informed (No more darkness, behind the door deals, and obscure quasi-leadership) our Winter Texans (some Directors) and Upper Valley members will appreciate that and it's only fair, good to hear the Directors working together towards this goal. (we don't need classifieds we need pertinent crucial information)
Sad to see The Rental pool going from hundreds to 30 or so (correct me if wrong) "how much revenue is been lost?" property valuations going down more people willing to sell than buy?... "Houston we have a problem"...
2 questions:
If we see someone driving under the influence (intoxicated) or drinking while driving any vehicule (cars, LIV trucks, personal golf cart) who do we call? as Security has no power whatsoever in the matter, do we call 911 or the sheriff? we don't need a "loss of life/accident" this summer nor another lawsuit.
Is there a particular place to find any pending/current LIV litigations? settlements? awards? fines? Thanks again.
What ARAMARK doesn't share with the residents (even when they are obligated, they get ALL our mail and notices/alerts), this alert was sent in October and updated again on 4/15/2015 :
1)
Mandatory Language for a Maximum Contaminant Level Violation
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has notified the LAGUNA MADRE WATER DISTRICT water system that the drinking water being supplied to customers had exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for total trihalomethanes.
Trihalomethanes are a group of volatile organic compounds that are formed when chlorine, added to the water during the treatment process for disinfection, reacts with naturally-occurring organic matter in the water.
Some people who drink water containing trihalomethanes in excess of the MCL over many years may experience problems with their liver, kidney, or central nervous systems, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
.
Please share this information with all people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly
Please share with your friends and the elderly.
Read the entire notice here:
http://www.lmwd.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=N_YyNP32XxM%3d&tabid=40&mid=507
*************************************
2) WATER CONSERVATION “STAGE 2 ” CONTINUES DUE TO WATER SHORTAGE CONDITIONS
Laguna Madre Water District would like to remind its customers that we continue to be on Stage 2 of our Water Conservation Plan. ...we continue to conserve water by adhering to the following water use restrictions
1. Landscape irrigation/watering your lawn will only be permitted from 7:00 p.m. through 9:00 a.m. on the following designated days:
c. Wednesday & Saturday – Port Isabel (LIV)
Who is going to pay the fines as is not been enforced?
Exactly what was The white truck property of LIV doing in South Padre at 2 PM yesterday?(driven by one of ARAMARK managers)
If you are going to be loitering around during working hours use your own vehicles.
This is not the first time we see Aramark employees doing their own personal errands (During working hours) using our resources.
Enough is enough!
When will the leak by Laundry room door and nasty Big drain plugged/clogged (same area) will be fixed? it has become a nursery for mosquitos
reported over and over...
Get a wrench a bottle of bleach and go fix it! So many whiners!
How rude! You expect a 70 year old woman to be a plumber? We pay our condo fees month after month, without a miss.
You must be an 'Aramarck-has to-GO' lover.
To the Director that took the initiative and ask them to fix the problem after 2 years of leaking and being plugged, thank you very much for protecting our interests!
This blog is doing wonders.
The Park is infested with fleas red ants and bugs, the situation is so bad that fleas are jumping on people's clothing right by the Gazebo area by our Sea Cottage, this while ARAMARK and the BOD decides what to do...
How is it that Aramark has used Orkin to treat their offices on a weekly basis for years and years even worse at OUR EXPENSE! is ORKIN not good for us? and yes LIV pays for it....
Bilking: for their so called PEST control services ARAMARK have billed LIV for providing a FAKE service of which they don't have any authorization/licensing' to do so.... highly illegal and immoral!
I hope the BOD demands a full refund every dollar every penny starting the first day ARAMARK set a foot in this park...
What does our lawyers what to say about that?
The BOD needs a true leader...Now!
You don't sound very edjamakated?
In the last 2 sentences a couple of words are missing!
A lone time ago a very smart man said "kill all the lawyers"
As far as the fleas and red ants, I have a friend in Packerland, up North, that ships special bugs to me by the case, which I release in that area, late at night!
When my "little friends" bite you:
your hair turns gray
you gain 50 pounds
you wear glasses full time
you even become more crabby than normal
your house is always dusty
A case feel out of my cart and I never found it!
Let me know if you see it.
Thank you to the Packer People
Never give up-never surrender
'edjamakated'?
What on earth does that means?
Do I need a Hillbilly dictionary because is not on the regular dictionary?
I don't know where you live.
But you are sick puppy!
I do know you lost more than one case.
on sand dollar
west clam
etc.
Hello people,
On regards to the parking Lot all we can say is: "I can't believe is NOT Butter! the wholes, tire marks, boat trailers sinking and potholes on the making evidence that once again we got DUPED ($140,000 for 2 inches of asphalt when standard is 4 or more and no final coating applied and NO warranty given)
where are the BOD members allegedly expert contractors?
the latest Assessment wasn't even explained nor an apology from the BOD given... just straight to the throat asking for money? good luck with the Big assessments coming... destroyed streets repaving, cleaning of canals (due 10 years ago) etc etc, expect some very angry owners coming back this Autumm will see which members face up? and which ones cowardly run?
The Restaurant...WHY? last weekend was totally empty? who decide to open it, there is 6 weeks left before School starts and things really slow down? A lot of cooking going on and NO customers seen, what happens to the leftovers? like hundreds of dollars worth of Barbercua? is this yet again a Losses launder operation?
New activities center ROOF yet another scam...who 'single handed' decided to point finger and annoinbt his friend contractor? what happen to competitive bidding and warranties?
Lastly which Director's 'PERSONAL Golf Cart' was worked on this last Thursday 'all day long' by Aramark employee (on our time)with our resources...highly unethical! you know who you are and you need to resign! as well as the Aramark mgr that allowed it know for kissing up to certain people...
Director wives need to stay away from LIV official businesses....seriously! same little group...
Lastly when is the BOD Leadership change? isn't obvious currently leadership has NO SKILLS, don't be worried about political correctness people want a real qualified leader regardless of color or race.... JOSE (real name) gotta go! you are exposing us to more liabilities= lawsuits!
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