Comments on: Jim Owens for the POA Board http://4kfee.com/every-thought-counts/jim-owens-for-the-poa-board/ What are your thoughts on the proposed fee? Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:40:34 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: Deas Nealy http://4kfee.com/every-thought-counts/jim-owens-for-the-poa-board/#comment-269 Deas Nealy Sun, 06 Jul 2008 13:24:55 +0000 http://4kfee.com/every-thought-counts/jim-owens-for-the-poa-board/#comment-269 I agree completely with the profit center. Our employees should have compensation based upon a profit incentive and customer service incentive. We asked if it was possible to seat a group last night inside. Total party was 10. The hostess laughed at us. So we ate outside where TOM was the only one helping us. He had 10 tables and did a great job. I think the rest of the staff sat and handled the 8 tables for the main dining room. I believe our tab was $200 for outside. It would have been $500 if we were "allowed" to sit there. A real restaurant owner would have accommodated our crowd ready to spend more money. I agree completely with the profit center. Our employees should have compensation based upon a profit incentive and customer service incentive.

We asked if it was possible to seat a group last night inside. Total party was 10. The hostess laughed at us. So we ate outside where TOM was the only one helping us. He had 10 tables and did a great job. I think the rest of the staff sat and handled the 8 tables for the main dining room. I believe our tab was $200 for outside. It would have been $500 if we were “allowed” to sit there. A real restaurant owner would have accommodated our crowd ready to spend more money.

]]> By: Don Wyeth http://4kfee.com/every-thought-counts/jim-owens-for-the-poa-board/#comment-266 Don Wyeth Sat, 05 Jul 2008 13:23:32 +0000 http://4kfee.com/every-thought-counts/jim-owens-for-the-poa-board/#comment-266 Guess that I am one from the old school where if you have something to say, you say it and sign it with your real name. For several years now, going back to at least 2002, I have suggested that ths community needs to institute a dining room minimum. This will force people to come and eat their dues so to speak. It can be a minimal fee of !5-20 dollars monthly and be accumulated in the calendar year so that part-timers can eat it all when they come and visit, whenever! In so doing, we can cut the $300,000 plus(?) loss and give the Sconti a budget they can count on. When people come to eat their fee , more than likely they will bring others and spend more. They might even enjoy the experience! Let's be real here! Any loss will be covered one way or another to offset the extra cost. Every club I ever belonged to that had a real dining room had a minimum for monthly dining. If our over-burdened directors feel that they want to run this POA as a corporation, then let's do it right. Every amenity will need to be a profit center. If the profit center is losing money then raise the rates or cut the expense. And let's see if we can't reduce costs of the over-all POA operation which seems to be on a flying leap over the cliff of over-spending. Guess that I am one from the old school where if you have something to say, you say it and sign it with your real name.
For several years now, going back to at least 2002, I have suggested that ths community needs to institute a dining room minimum. This will force people to come and eat their dues so to speak. It can be a minimal fee of !5-20 dollars monthly and be accumulated in the calendar year so that part-timers can eat it all when they come and visit, whenever! In so doing, we can cut the $300,000 plus(?) loss and give the Sconti a budget they can count on. When people
come to eat their fee , more than likely they will bring others and spend more. They might even enjoy the experience! Let’s be real here!
Any loss will be covered one way or another to offset the extra cost. Every club I ever belonged to that had a real dining room had a minimum for monthly dining.
If our over-burdened directors feel that they want to run this POA as a corporation, then let’s do it right. Every amenity will need to be a profit center. If the profit center is losing money then raise the rates or cut the expense.
And let’s see if we can’t reduce costs of the over-all POA operation which seems to be on a flying leap over the cliff of over-spending.

]]> By: Alley_Cat http://4kfee.com/every-thought-counts/jim-owens-for-the-poa-board/#comment-251 Alley_Cat Tue, 24 Jun 2008 01:33:48 +0000 http://4kfee.com/every-thought-counts/jim-owens-for-the-poa-board/#comment-251 Bear, if Just Asking is Bob or someone close to him or some other boardmember I tip my hat for the postings. We need the dialogue. We especially need the dialogue to foster support of the amenities. They will need everyone's support. It would be great to erase the Food and Beverage deficit the community has carried for years and years. That instead would go nicely to reserves. On a positive note it is good to see the POA states that no food minimums will be instututed and that only once a month will the facility be closed for outside functions. Let's hope they post those dates online as they become available. I think I read that the bar will always be open even when they have an outside function. Keep engaging the folks 'Just Asking' Bear, if Just Asking is Bob or someone close to him or some other boardmember I tip my hat for the postings. We need the dialogue.

We especially need the dialogue to foster support of the amenities. They will need everyone’s support. It would be great to erase the Food and Beverage deficit the community has carried for years and years.

That instead would go nicely to reserves.

On a positive note it is good to see the POA states that no food minimums will be instututed and that only once a month will the facility be closed for outside functions. Let’s hope they post those dates online as they become available. I think I read that the bar will always be open even when they have an outside function.

Keep engaging the folks ‘Just Asking’

]]> By: Alley_Cat http://4kfee.com/every-thought-counts/jim-owens-for-the-poa-board/#comment-250 Alley_Cat Mon, 23 Jun 2008 19:53:27 +0000 http://4kfee.com/every-thought-counts/jim-owens-for-the-poa-board/#comment-250 Nuts...I understand, take it as a compliment to your simple sensibilities. I did see you out at lunch today...think that was you with your wife...I didn't want to disturb you but know you struck a chord with me and many others of what I feel is becoming the 'silent majority'. I'll send the paprazzi next time!! If I articulated anything not accurate in my response to the debt correction response by 'just asking' my apologies to all. I wasn't intending to speak on your behalf. I thought I read you correctly...one debt figure is BIG and the other debt number in your original column is BIGGER. I wouldn't 'puff my chest out' that our projected debt only being $8,650,000 is a good thing. I also hate to see this sizing up that ANY candidate for the board be stigmatized as anti-Bob or anti-Board. That isn't how I read this undertow vibe. It's a let's be sensible, calm and take a breath. I sense more of a 'circling of the wagons' by the Board and Smoke Signals. Now is not a time to be head strong. Jim, best of luck...ya know if you aren't one of the lucky ones to sell you may have plenty of time to serve another term...just a joke, a little joke my realtor friends!! But seriously I hope you will continue writing and if Smoke Signals chooses not to publish your insights please pop by here or any other subsequent site and post. disclosure: I have no affiliation with this site other than sincere gratitude for some good soul's efforts. Nuts…I understand, take it as a compliment to your simple sensibilities. I did see you out at lunch today…think that was you with your wife…I didn’t want to disturb you but know you struck a chord with me and many others of what I feel is becoming the ’silent majority’. I’ll send the paprazzi next time!!

If I articulated anything not accurate in my response to the debt correction response by ‘just asking’ my apologies to all. I wasn’t intending to speak on your behalf. I thought I read you correctly…one debt figure is BIG and the other debt number in your original column is BIGGER. I wouldn’t ‘puff my chest out’ that our projected debt only being $8,650,000 is a good thing.

I also hate to see this sizing up that ANY candidate for the board be stigmatized as anti-Bob or anti-Board. That isn’t how I read this undertow vibe. It’s a let’s be sensible, calm and take a breath.

I sense more of a ‘circling of the wagons’ by the Board and Smoke Signals. Now is not a time to be head strong.

Jim, best of luck…ya know if you aren’t one of the lucky ones to sell you may have plenty of time to serve another term…just a joke, a little joke my realtor friends!! But seriously I hope you will continue writing and if Smoke Signals chooses not to publish your insights please pop by here or any other subsequent site and post.

disclosure: I have no affiliation with this site other than sincere gratitude for some good soul’s efforts.

]]> By: Jim Owens http://4kfee.com/every-thought-counts/jim-owens-for-the-poa-board/#comment-249 Jim Owens Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:38:32 +0000 http://4kfee.com/every-thought-counts/jim-owens-for-the-poa-board/#comment-249 In response to those few who urged me to run for the POA Board, I thank you for your confidence. My age and effort to sell my home and move from Big Canoe make running for the Board out of the question. My record while serving on the Board from 1998-2000 is open for all to see and decide. The results of the Bob Crouch leadership record has yet to be determined by subsequent history which judges us all--ready or not. The following PS which constitutes my apology for my error to my readers and the POA will appear in my July column. Mr. Crouch knew about my apology when he sent his message to you about my error. The expected 2008 debt(furnished by the POA) of $8,865,994 still constitutes record debt according to the POA response document. Mr. Crouch chose not to call me about the error, but reported it to our editor. " P.S. to July Article for Smoke Signals It is important that I call to the attention of the readers of my June article in Smoke Signals entitled "Stop, Look and Listen" an inadverdent error. Just above my picture at the top of that column you will find the following sentence: "Long term debt will soon top $15 million." The predicted long term number of $15 million is substantially overstated. Sandy Filkowski, CFO of the POA, expects the long term debt of the POA as of December 31,2008, to be $8,865,994. That number includes the permanent loan on the Sconti complex construction. I appreciate Sandy's help and apologize to the POA and my readers for my error. The point of my article was not the amount of the long term debt of the POA at a given date in the future, but rather the adverse economic environment in which we now find ourselves. My error was caused by my erroneous use of the projected cost of the Sconti complex, rather than the long term debt aspect of that project. I have been writing about community related subjects for many years, and this is the first time I have received any reaction from the POA, Again, my apoligies to all." In response to those few who urged me to run for the POA Board, I thank you for your confidence. My age and effort to sell my home and move from Big Canoe make running for the Board out of the question. My record while serving on the Board from 1998-2000 is open for all to see and decide. The results of the Bob Crouch leadership record has yet to be determined by subsequent history which judges us all–ready or not. The following PS which constitutes my apology for my error to my readers and the POA will appear in my July column. Mr. Crouch knew about my apology when he sent his message to you about my error. The expected 2008 debt(furnished by the POA) of $8,865,994 still constitutes record debt according to the POA response document. Mr. Crouch chose not to call me about the error, but reported it to our editor.
” P.S. to July Article for Smoke Signals
It is important that I call to the attention of the readers of my June article in Smoke Signals entitled “Stop, Look and Listen” an inadverdent error. Just above my picture at the top of that column you will find the following sentence: “Long term debt will soon top $15 million.” The predicted long term number of $15 million is substantially overstated. Sandy Filkowski, CFO of the POA, expects the long term debt of the POA as of December 31,2008, to be $8,865,994. That number includes the permanent loan on the Sconti complex construction. I appreciate Sandy’s help and apologize to the POA and my readers for my error.
The point of my article was not the amount of the long term debt of the POA at a given date in the future, but rather the adverse economic environment in which we now find ourselves. My error was caused by my erroneous use of the projected cost of the Sconti complex, rather than the long term debt aspect of that project. I have been writing about community related subjects for many years, and this is the first time I have received any reaction from the POA, Again, my apoligies to all.”

]]> By: Big Bear http://4kfee.com/every-thought-counts/jim-owens-for-the-poa-board/#comment-246 Big Bear Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:02:26 +0000 http://4kfee.com/every-thought-counts/jim-owens-for-the-poa-board/#comment-246 President “Just Asking” is already on the POA Board. President “Just Asking” is already on the POA Board.

]]> By: Alley_Cat http://4kfee.com/every-thought-counts/jim-owens-for-the-poa-board/#comment-245 Alley_Cat Sun, 22 Jun 2008 23:10:01 +0000 http://4kfee.com/every-thought-counts/jim-owens-for-the-poa-board/#comment-245 Just Asking...thank you very much for the clarification. If the Sandy number was in his column, personally it would not change a thing for me. The context of the article wouldn't have changed either. $8,650,0000 for a communitity association is still a BIG number. We are a not-for-profit, expense driven concern. We are a retirement community, many either a part of the greatest generation or a product thereof. Paying as we go and not putting the burden on others would seem to be the sensible thing to do. Personally I am FOR the need for reserves. From what I read so is Mr. Owens. No matter the debt number Jim speaks a sensibility that has seemed to escape this board...slow down, take a breath, let the dust settle from these latest expansion/improvements. This would be a good time for a full fledge independent audit of the associations financial position. Why won't the Board embrace this...this is a no brainer for anyone with nothing to hide. Officers and directors insurance doesn't protect you from everything. An independent audit sure covers your tail end. We spend enough on attorneys, why not the peace of mind of an independent audit?? If these fellow resident board members had the genuine concern for their neighbors, they should draw from a past experience where they held a legal fuduciary responsibilty and exercise it now in Big Canoe. If their past experience hasn't included this as a businessman, a citizen or a neighbor now would be an excellent time to gain such a christian-like experience. Just Asking a sincere thank you the clarification. The community needs accuracy and transparency. You write "It would be resonsible [responsible] for those who do not like the direction that Big Canoe is heading to have representatives run for the Board" for which I wouldn't argue. But isn't the hypocrisy laughable that what those concerned property owners are yearning for is someone who isn't afraid of operating in the "sunshine" - openess, transparency, fairness, sensibility and honesty. Run 'Just Asking' Run!! Run 'Jim Owens' Run!! Just Asking…thank you very much for the clarification. If the Sandy number was in his column, personally it would not change a thing for me. The context of the article wouldn’t have changed either.

$8,650,0000 for a communitity association is still a BIG number. We are a not-for-profit, expense driven concern. We are a retirement community, many either a part of the greatest generation or a product thereof. Paying as we go and not putting the burden on others would seem to be the sensible thing to do.

Personally I am FOR the need for reserves. From what I read so is Mr. Owens. No matter the debt number Jim speaks a sensibility that has seemed to escape this board…slow down, take a breath, let the dust settle from these latest expansion/improvements. This would be a good time for a full fledge independent audit of the associations financial position.

Why won’t the Board embrace this…this is a no brainer for anyone with nothing to hide. Officers and directors insurance doesn’t protect you from everything. An independent audit sure covers your tail end.

We spend enough on attorneys, why not the peace of mind of an independent audit?? If these fellow resident board members had the genuine concern for their neighbors, they should draw from a past experience where they held a legal fuduciary responsibilty and exercise it now in Big Canoe. If their past experience hasn’t included this as a businessman, a citizen or a neighbor now would be an excellent time to gain such a christian-like experience.

Just Asking a sincere thank you the clarification. The community needs accuracy and transparency. You write “It would be resonsible [responsible] for those who do not like the direction that Big Canoe is heading to have representatives run for the Board” for which I wouldn’t argue. But isn’t the hypocrisy laughable that what those concerned property owners are yearning for is someone who isn’t afraid of operating in the “sunshine” - openess, transparency, fairness, sensibility and honesty.

Run ‘Just Asking’ Run!!

Run ‘Jim Owens’ Run!!

]]> By: Just Asking http://4kfee.com/every-thought-counts/jim-owens-for-the-poa-board/#comment-244 Just Asking Sun, 22 Jun 2008 19:37:25 +0000 http://4kfee.com/every-thought-counts/jim-owens-for-the-poa-board/#comment-244 It would be resonsible for those who do not like the direction that Big Canoe is heading to have representatives run for the Board. Those that choose to run should do their homework first. There is no $15M long term debt. Ed. Note: According to POA Financial Director Sandy Filkowski, the statement in Jim Owens column (above) "Long term debt in Big Canoe will soon top $15 million", is incorrect., Filkowski states the correct figure is not $15M but $8.865M. Further, she responds, " The Association had current Debt due to Wachovia in the amount of $2,729,427 at December 31, 2007. This was debt on the Fitness Center and an old Golf Course loan. In addition to that there was $901,925 due to the Developer for the Wildcat Pool and the land purchased for the Clubhouse project. Finally, I made the first draw request for the Clubhouse in December of 2007 in the amount of $750,000 bringing the total long term debt at December 31, 2007 to $4,381,352. During 2008 there will be principal payments made on the Wachovia Fitness Center and Old Golf Course notes reducing that balance to an estimated $2,450,031. The Developer will receive the third payment on the notes due to him in December of 2008 bringing the remaining balance to $450,963. Finally, the construction loan draws for the Clubhouse will be completed and Permanent Financing will be put in place by early September 2008. Based on current estimates a total of $6,000,000 will be borrowed for the Clubhouse construction. I have estimated the principal payments of $35,000 will be made on that loan during the last three months of 2008 bringing the estimated debt outstanding on the Clubhouse to $5,965,000 at December 31, 2008. You [Jim Owens] asked how much we have drawn down on the Clubhouse as of May 31, 2008. We have drawn down $4,390,832. That amount is included in the long-term debt on the balance sheet at 5/31/2008 which reflects a total long-term debt of $7,892,273. All of this information has been shared with the Property Owners over the last several months so it is important that the message regarding our long-term debt be accurate and consisten It would be resonsible for those who do not like the direction that Big Canoe is heading to have representatives run for the Board.

Those that choose to run should do their homework first.

There is no $15M long term debt.

Ed. Note: According to POA Financial Director Sandy Filkowski, the statement in Jim Owens column (above) “Long term debt in Big Canoe will soon top $15 million”, is incorrect., Filkowski states the correct figure is not $15M but $8.865M.

Further, she responds, ” The Association had current Debt due to Wachovia in the amount of $2,729,427 at December 31, 2007. This was debt on the Fitness Center and an old Golf Course loan. In addition to that there was $901,925 due to the Developer for the Wildcat Pool and the land purchased for the Clubhouse project. Finally, I made the first draw request for the Clubhouse in December of 2007 in the amount of $750,000 bringing the total long term debt at December 31, 2007 to $4,381,352.

During 2008 there will be principal payments made on the Wachovia Fitness Center and Old Golf Course notes reducing that balance to an estimated $2,450,031. The Developer will receive the third payment on the notes due to him in December of 2008 bringing the remaining balance to $450,963. Finally, the construction loan draws for the Clubhouse will be completed and Permanent Financing will be put in place by early September 2008. Based on current estimates a total of $6,000,000 will be borrowed for the Clubhouse construction. I have estimated the principal payments of $35,000 will be made on that loan during the last three months of 2008 bringing the estimated debt outstanding on the Clubhouse to $5,965,000 at December 31, 2008.

You [Jim Owens] asked how much we have drawn down on the Clubhouse as of May 31, 2008. We have drawn down $4,390,832. That amount is included in the long-term debt on the balance sheet at 5/31/2008 which reflects a total long-term debt of $7,892,273.

All of this information has been shared with the Property Owners over the last several months so it is important that the message regarding our long-term debt be accurate and consisten

]]> By: Deas Nealy http://4kfee.com/every-thought-counts/jim-owens-for-the-poa-board/#comment-233 Deas Nealy Sun, 22 Jun 2008 12:18:41 +0000 http://4kfee.com/every-thought-counts/jim-owens-for-the-poa-board/#comment-233 I concur. Jim if you have time please run! I will support you. In addition, I would support a fee to be paid to each board member as compensation for all the work. Although that fee would have strings. If would be based on performance standards and fiscal responsibility. Jim, we all know being on the board is usually a thankless experience but your passion and wisdom would be a nice addition. I concur. Jim if you have time please run! I will support you. In addition, I would support a fee to be paid to each board member as compensation for all the work. Although that fee would have strings. If would be based on performance standards and fiscal responsibility. Jim, we all know being on the board is usually a thankless experience but your passion and wisdom would be a nice addition.

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