CRRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS OPEN SESSION - SEPTEMBER 8, 2026
Machine transcript (faster-whisper) prepared by an owner from CRRA's Zoom recording. Unofficial.
Contains recognition errors, especially proper names. Timestamps [h:mm:ss] refer to the recording.

[0:00:03] Good. You're going to have a busy day today, aren't you? Good morning, Coosawattee. So we have the other board members on Zoom? Yes. We have Nick. Yes, I'm here. Hey, Nick. And here he is. Yes, we have Nick and Graham. Okay. Good for Kurt. All right. Well, we're going to open the first 30 minutes here to the property owners comments. Do we have the list? Okay. And I'll keep time for you.
[0:00:52] thank you and you said you have to land to yes the first one is a mr. Roy Briggs
[0:01:37] just mr. Briggs when could you just state your address for for the notes
[0:01:43] minutes minutes and I ask everybody to do that
[0:01:49] 11 minutes in court. It's a lot of Eagle Mountain, 1270. Thank you. No problem. I'd like to welcome
[0:01:59] the members and the returning board members that haven't run for the last years.
[0:02:12] I've got a topic here that's probably not going to sit well with several people, but
[0:02:17] but it's gonna have some questions and concerns, I'm sure.
[0:02:25] I would like to know how we ended up
[0:02:28] with non-board member treasurer again.
[0:02:33] Even though we had a secret ballot
[0:02:37] and we had a duly elected member of the board
[0:02:42] that was willing to have that position,
[0:02:47] I can't imagine why it even went to an election.
[0:02:54] The former member that had it last year complained while I was talking to him to the meet and
[0:03:02] greet last year for this election.
[0:03:09] He complained about being so overworked and all that kind of stuff and it just didn't
[0:03:16] seem like he really enjoyed the job when I was talking to him.
[0:03:21] I've talked to many people about that job and many of the people I talked to didn't
[0:03:28] seem to think that that position was being handled in the correct manner.
[0:03:36] Um, I'm not, I'm not a financial guy and I'll say that right up in my, um, don't,
[0:03:48] I don't even know why we went to a boat.
[0:03:52] If you have a sitting board member that is interested in that job, that to
[0:03:58] me is a slap in the face to a guy that ran for the board and won his position.
[0:04:07] That, somebody needs to explain that to the residents of this community why you
[0:04:14] went around this. This does not make any sense to me and many people I've
[0:04:22] I've talked to. This just does not. The board made a bad decision allowing this position
[0:04:40] to be made in this decision. Somebody told me that it can be allowed by the bond look
[0:04:49] us because basically the bylaws and evidence are at least tall. I'm sorry I'm just informing
[0:05:01] president that we're at the three-minute mark. I wasn't interfering with you. Go ahead Mr. Briggs.
[0:05:10] Anyway this should be reversed and only be allowed when no sitting member of the board
[0:05:19] is interested in this position and that's what happened last year and last
[0:05:25] year's board was such a debacle with the first two presidents. It was just
[0:05:35] shameful. Thank God Bob Hazzard came in and took over at the end and called
[0:05:43] this place down is owed. It's to me, I personally think that to protect CRR's Kusawati for future
[0:06:06] financial problems like the money that seems to be missing from time to time almost every
[0:06:15] financial cycle. The reports should be displayed like when Susan Doerr was, I know Susan was around,
[0:06:33] she did a wonderful job, and Mr. Summersider worked very close with her. So I don't know what
[0:06:41] the problem was with not allowing him to take that position.
[0:06:45] So, I would thank you for this opportunity to express my thoughts and I would like this
[0:06:55] piece of paper read into the minutes and I think, Mr. President, you have a copy
[0:07:02] of this and if you would have it read into the minutes, I would appreciate it.
[0:07:07] Thank you for your time and I hope this gets settled in a way that we keep on
[0:07:15] the board and don't let outside people unless we absolutely have this thing
[0:07:25] breaks next on is David King David just introduce yourself to the to the
[0:07:42] audience and the board please morning I've got several lots in here but we'll
[0:07:47] go I'm here to talk about the permit situation we've been working on these
[0:07:54] permits for these 10 lots that we have since April and we've been told multiple
[0:07:59] times that we're at the approval point and they keep getting changed with these
[0:08:03] different packets and we've got all the packs that they changed over the
[0:08:07] past few months but these 10 I've got construction ones on and they talked
[0:08:13] to them the bank before we closed to the ARC committee. They told us that
[0:08:19] these were good to go and that we were good to get the loans on but
[0:08:22] then that's been since April and now we're almost into you know October and
[0:08:27] we still don't have the approval to go. We've gotten one which is 30 work
[0:08:30] report that we did get out of all the tents. We got nine left. It's the way
[0:08:35] to get purchase. So I just kind of want to bring this up and see if we
[0:08:38] can get a solution to get these passed or what we need to do to
[0:08:41] continue. We've been jumping through every hoop and everything. Sorry I've
[0:08:46] been a little sick. So but anyways that's all I got. Thank you. Thank
[0:08:51] you just so you know I brought that after we met to try and get some idea
[0:09:00] of what was happening here I did bring your nine to the management company into
[0:09:06] ARC and they've they've been kind of given some direction so we'll get back
[0:09:13] on that. Okay, thank you. The next one is George Fernandez.
[0:09:26] Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, good morning board members. I signed up to speak
[0:09:42] about ARC compliance. For five years I couldn't, my heart was sold. And I don't know what's
[0:09:51] happened last year but it's really taken a crap. That being truthful, so the
[0:09:59] problem we're having here is we have a lot of builders coming in here for
[0:10:03] low-money lots. We need to go back in history. This place has been bankrupt a
[0:10:10] couple times since it's been rolled into town whether you like them or not.
[0:10:14] These, this place has a bad end in these lots. For five years I've been saying we need to
[0:10:20] slow the trend down, it's not about shutting people out.
[0:10:25] It's about overbuilding and jumping pins
[0:10:28] or not having pins and bound them.
[0:10:31] And contractors are destroying the properties
[0:10:36] and begging for forgiveness.
[0:10:39] And we have not been able to stop it.
[0:10:42] The direction I think that ARC and compliance are going on
[0:10:46] is to stop it once and for all
[0:10:48] because you cannot build a house on the side of a cliff.
[0:10:53] And we're not gonna blow up the side of the cliff
[0:10:55] to allow you to build it, I don't believe it.
[0:10:57] As a resident, I won't allow it, okay?
[0:11:01] So that's what I have to say on that.
[0:11:04] And you know, to this young man, Roy,
[0:11:08] he has the pulse of the community also.
[0:11:11] We are the boots on the ground,
[0:11:13] we're not here on the internet,
[0:11:15] we're not from 404, thank you.
[0:11:18] Thank you, George.
[0:11:25] That concludes, unless anybody else has something to say,
[0:11:29] Amy has two written in comments for the board,
[0:11:34] if you wanna read those, Amy.
[0:11:36] Yeah, the first one is from Ron Rohn, EMC 661.
[0:11:41] He asked three related questions.
[0:11:43] Can you please release the results
[0:11:44] of the non-binding septic survey?
[0:11:47] Can you provide a timeline for the board
[0:11:48] to make a decision on a path forward
[0:11:50] for the septic options?
[0:11:52] And third, for those of us
[0:11:53] have not had any septic repair done.
[0:11:55] Is there anything that can be done proactively
[0:11:57] to possibly avoid clearing land on an emergency basis?
[0:12:04] Oh, and there's other comments.
[0:12:05] Sorry, I missed this one.
[0:12:06] It would be great if you could provide status updates
[0:12:08] in the weekly newsletter.
[0:12:11] Can you spell that person's name, please, Amy?
[0:12:13] R-O-A-N.
[0:12:18] Eagle Mountain 661?
[0:12:20] Uh, E-M-C.
[0:12:22] 661, okay.
[0:12:23] E-M-C.
[0:12:29] And the other one is from Tom Kenny,
[0:12:32] emc434 to the board of directors and board secretaries this statement is
[0:12:38] submitted on behalf of the Eagle Mountain Campground Alliance to advocate
[0:12:42] for government's integrity across the community. On August the 3rd, 2026 a
[0:12:47] formal written notice was delivered to this board detailing bylaw violations
[0:12:51] regarding the Eagle Mountain seats specifically. The failure to follow
[0:12:55] article 4 section 4 vacancy rules the issuance of a defective ballot and
[0:13:00] and uncertified election records.
[0:13:03] A follow-up notice was delivered on September the 6th,
[0:13:05] 2026, confirming that the cure period
[0:13:08] had lapsed without board remediation.
[0:13:11] When the board ignores its own bylaw requirements
[0:13:13] or mishandles an election for one section,
[0:13:15] it undermines government standards
[0:13:17] for every property owner in the resort.
[0:13:19] The entire Cusawati River Resort community
[0:13:21] deserves a board that follows its own governing documents.
[0:13:24] The alliance calls on the board
[0:13:26] to void the defective July election,
[0:13:29] take the required corrective actions,
[0:13:30] and schedule a properly noticed election.
[0:13:33] We request this statement, the August 3rd notice
[0:13:36] and the September 6th follow-up letter
[0:13:38] to be attached in full to the official meeting minutes.
[0:13:41] Respectfully submitted Tom Kenny, property owner
[0:13:44] and advocate Eagle Mountain Campground Alliance.
[0:13:53] That's it, that's all you have?
[0:13:54] That's it.
[0:13:56] Anybody else?
[0:13:57] Yes, sir.
[0:13:59] Mr. Fontaine, Fountain.
[0:14:01] So my law number is 953 Beaver Forest. I'm with Cahutta Custom Homes and we've been building in here for six years now.
[0:14:15] Never had any infractions at all. We currently have two that we're trying to get pushed through.
[0:14:22] It took us 28 days to get a driveway inspection, so we missed our first meeting.
[0:14:28] Then we get to, we get all the paperwork together, get to our second meeting, and we're told that they stopped all building and these clients that we have are pre-sales and they're currently paying interest on their construction loans that we're trying to get out of the ground.
[0:14:43] So I'm just here to see, especially with the same things that was prior builders, we're trying to figure out what's going to happen with this.
[0:14:53] That's really all I have to say.
[0:14:56] Okay.
[0:14:56] What's your first name, sir?
[0:14:57] Scott.
[0:14:58] Okay, nobody else, going once, twice, three times, so we can go ahead and ask Mr. Brent
[0:15:21] Chatham to officially start this meeting with the invocation of the relievers.
[0:15:27] Let us pray.
[0:15:31] Lord, I pray for your grace and all that we have and all that will come in this hour. Lord, we worship you and praise you. Lord, you do in our life and Lord this community and Lord I pray that you put your hand upon this community God, our nation God, and pray for peace Lord throughout all the land. Lord, and I pray for this meeting today Lord that you'll put your hand upon it, guide the mouths Lord, guide the actions Lord.
[0:15:59] Lord, I thank you for your salvation. I love God and I pray now, Father, that you bless us all.
[0:16:06] But more than that, Lord, that you bring us all together as one and we might be a blessing to them.
[0:16:12] And we'll give you the praise. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
[0:16:16] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands,
[0:16:28] one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
[0:16:33] for a moment for 9-11. Thank you for that. Thank you. Seems like a long time ago.
[0:17:11] Motion here to call the order and roll call. Mr. Secretary. Call the order via client 17.
[0:17:17] Nick Jackson here present. Ross McLaren present. Kurt DeVries present. Zoom. Zoom yes present
[0:17:35] on Zoom. Stone Seifer here. Mr. Graham Anthony present on Zoom. Gary Brown is here. Mike
[0:17:46] Padgett. President. Charlie Starling. President. Malaya Gaj. President. You have a quorum, Mr. President.
[0:18:04] We'll approve the August 25th, 2026 minutes. Good job with the agenda.
[0:18:10] Oh, no, I'm sorry. Yes, approve the minutes. I apologize. Agenda. Agenda should be in your
[0:18:35] packet but I've sent everybody the agenda as well right there I'm asking
[0:18:52] about the agenda today's agenda yes it's on the front page nothing under the
[0:18:59] agenda. There's no objections, we approve the minutes for the last meeting.
[0:19:54] I'll bring the minutes to the last meeting.
[0:19:56] Second.
[0:19:58] First and seconded.
[0:19:59] All in favor?
[0:20:00] Aye.
[0:20:02] Graham, Kurt, Nick?
[0:20:06] Aye.
[0:20:07] I agree.
[0:20:08] Aye.
[0:20:14] From Kurt.
[0:20:17] Okay.
[0:20:18] Next adopt the agenda for today's meeting and I just want to, it didn't go out
[0:20:22] to the homeowner.
[0:20:23] So unless Amy, did we miss that?
[0:20:26] It did not get out to the public.
[0:20:28] So let me just, let me just, so for the audience's understanding, today's agenda will be starting
[0:20:34] with item five, committee appointments.
[0:20:38] The next one will be our ARC building permits discussion, STR fee review discussion, go
[0:20:46] access update, the treasurer's report, the treasurer's report, general manager's
[0:20:57] remarks board member remarks and then we'll close I move we adopt the agenda I
[0:21:05] would like to add something to the agenda attendance attendance attendance
[0:21:16] on where do you want me to put that it don't matter let's put it at 8a then
[0:21:24] Thank you. That would be attendance as meeting attendance, attendance of audience. Residents.
[0:21:48] Any others? I'd like to add the collections. We'd make it at 9A? Sure. Okay. So everybody
[0:22:18] accepts this agenda? Yes, yes, yes. Okay, good. Approved. So first one's committee
[0:22:24] appointments. Everybody has an email, however I need to amend it. For the
[0:22:40] Finance Committee, it'll be Michael Padgett as Chair and Betty Reese, Bob
[0:22:51] McCall, Ann Stevens, Scott Shaw, Deborah, Alex Wade, Veraria, Lewis, Lea
[0:22:58] Godfrey and Greg Weidrich. That would be the finance committee recommendations.
[0:23:18] We already checked all those correct, Amy. Everything was good. The committees,
[0:23:24] the committees, the returning committees were all approved and there were some
[0:23:34] adjustments to the finance committee. If there's no objections we will set those committees
[0:23:49] as we have listed and make that part of the minutes as well. And make sure all the files
[0:23:56] are updated Amy with all the contact information. We still have a lot of open positions as
[0:24:07] as well, eh?
[0:24:10] For the finance committee?
[0:24:11] For some committees, yeah.
[0:24:14] Especially the communications committee needs people.
[0:24:17] Joe Redox does as well.
[0:24:18] STR committee as well.
[0:24:23] For the audience, I would strongly
[0:24:25] suggest that you spread the word
[0:24:27] that we need some help in some of these committees
[0:24:31] to get some more activity.
[0:24:32] We'll greatly help the board and us homeowners
[0:24:36] to move some of these issues forward.
[0:24:40] I strongly recommend if you have the time, get involved.
[0:24:49] Next one, ARC building permits.
[0:24:56] That's me.
[0:24:59] Basically, the architectural review committee
[0:25:03] has not approved nine building permits.
[0:25:07] It's not approved nine building permits,
[0:25:09] basically because we do not have staff
[0:25:11] to properly enforce our rules during the construction.
[0:25:16] If I could bring the board back, last year we had a number of concerns about people building
[0:25:26] in setbacks, people building actually on the wrong lot, we've had lawsuits related
[0:25:31] to all this, all because we weren't properly enforcing the rules and the board passed
[0:25:39] a very strict policy regarding setback variances, and basically send a message to the architectural
[0:25:49] review committee and the staff that we want the rules properly enforced.
[0:25:57] The bylaws allow us to withhold building permits for any reason, so the committee's
[0:26:06] reasoning here right now is lack of adequate staff to effectively do the inspection work.
[0:26:11] We have right now 185 open building permits, 157 open compliance violations that require
[0:26:20] continuous inspections as fines are levied.
[0:26:24] The Architectural Review Committee understands that withholding approval of the permit
[0:26:31] applications has significant impact to the developers, but the mission of the Architectural
[0:26:37] Review Committee is not the economic convenience of the builders. It is to protect the property
[0:26:48] values and in the community, the nature of our community based on. And so the current
[0:26:57] budget year has one and a half additional inspectors that are approved. However,
[0:27:04] haven't filled those positions yet because we haven't addressed the short
[0:27:07] fall from the, um, the S T a s short term, short term rental, um, suspension.
[0:27:19] The, uh, these two positions are budgeted as $16 an hour.
[0:27:24] Okay.
[0:27:25] Uh, one full time, one part time.
[0:27:27] So right now we have two people doing inspections full time and we have two
[0:27:33] administrative staff in the offices dealing with the paperwork. Not too long ago we had 10 people
[0:27:38] doing this work, but over time we've lost those people. Which led to a lot of the violations
[0:27:45] that we've had. So we've got a reputation that we have things done and then we, you know,
[0:27:58] that are in violation and we give variances after the fact which is a direct violation of
[0:28:03] our rules. So basically the the architectural review committee can only
[0:28:12] withhold building permits on a case-by-case basis. We don't have the
[0:28:18] authority to do any kind of a moratorium or anything, anything along
[0:28:24] that nature. We understand that withholding building permits, we
[0:28:28] generally each building permit is approximately $1,500 in impact fee
[0:28:33] revenue. So it's $100,000 in the current budget. Developers whose building permits have been
[0:28:44] not approved may appeal this decision to the board in executive session.
[0:28:50] The board may approve building permit applications reversing the architecture review committee's
[0:28:55] decisions. The board also may approve a moratorium on accepting new applications.
[0:29:00] So the options are no chance if we continue to approve building permits then it increases
[0:29:08] the workload, the quality of work on the staff will decline, we should expect poor
[0:29:14] performance errors, staff morale problems if we keep overloading them in the work.
[0:29:22] And I do need to mention that only recently we've got builders who are laying foundations
[0:29:27] into the setback that we've stopped. Builders clearing lots that they don't even own. We've
[0:29:33] got driveways being installed where they haven't been permitted. All those types of things
[0:29:38] are what our inspectors are out there to fund. Builders actually ignoring stop work
[0:29:45] orders. So the second option for the board is to establish a building moratorium for
[0:29:54] a fixed period until staff recommends that the workload is such that new building permits
[0:29:59] can be accepted or we have a building moratorium until the general manager can hire the one
[0:30:08] and a half full time additional inspectors provided in the budget and get them trained.
[0:30:15] Another option is determined by the board that I would throw out there is just we
[0:30:21] just allow the the Architectural Review Committee to approve these things on a
[0:30:24] case or not approve them on a case-by-case basis
[0:30:27] until the staff tells us they can handle some more building permits.
[0:30:32] So there is no recommendation from the Architectural Review Committee right
[0:30:37] now but we've just denied that we had nine building
[0:30:40] permits come to us. I understand we're going to have
[0:30:43] quite a few more tomorrow and what's direction would the
[0:30:49] board like to go. If I could make some comments here. Number one, I have looked into a few
[0:31:00] of the job sites and the builders have already progressed. I also looked into the rule changes
[0:31:11] and it appears to me that we are sending possibly a confusing message to some of these
[0:31:18] builders. It appears, and correct me if I'm wrong, but it appears to me that I've seen
[0:31:26] four different changes in the last year of the application process. Is that, can someone
[0:31:35] from the ARC answer that? I'm the ARC chairman, so I'll answer that. Yes, there have been,
[0:31:41] but they've been in reaction to the violations that we're seeing and trying to find ways to
[0:31:48] better process the permit applications so that we don't repeat the same kinds of errors that we've
[0:31:57] had in the past. I just caution when you are making changes to the to the rules and an applicant
[0:32:06] a builder a developer homeowner has already started the process it can really muddy the
[0:32:13] waters and work has started and looking at a couple lots right down from the
[0:32:20] water tower here the driveways has started the property has stumps removed
[0:32:27] we have tons of brush and debris we have been blessed that we haven't had
[0:32:33] any major storms in the last week and a half two weeks if we have stopped
[0:32:38] all that work, we're potentially making a bigger mess for the community and for
[0:32:46] the developer. If all that dirt that's loose sitting there is sitting, it's
[0:32:52] going to end up out on the road. They are required to put silt fencing up.
[0:32:57] They can't complete that silt fence installation until the stumps and
[0:33:03] everything are removed. I've gone to both job sites. The job sites are neat and
[0:33:11] orderly. They need to get what they have cleaned up. It is also my understanding
[0:33:19] that our staff has been out there along with Mr. Kirkland and also Art from
[0:33:25] the county and they were told to go ahead and continue getting that
[0:33:34] cleaned up to a point where they could get the silk fence and then the further
[0:33:40] approvals will come so that's what they were out there doing I would much
[0:33:45] rather and I'm just one person but I would much rather see that the
[0:33:49] property that's being cleared and and silk fence go up to protect what we're
[0:33:55] all saying could happen to the environment so I'm also gonna say
[0:34:00] that we need to come up with one set of rules. If they have already started the process with
[0:34:11] one set of rules, we should not be changing the rules midstream. That to me makes a
[0:34:20] disaster for everybody. So I'm going to propose to this board that if a builder
[0:34:30] has already started the process and it might be last year's process that we
[0:34:37] need to allow them to keep working on those new processes for all the new
[0:34:46] rules but we can't take the new rules and go back on something that they
[0:34:50] already started that's a moving target so I I mean I could change the
[0:34:56] rules today on something that was started last year,
[0:35:00] and say, no, you don't meet the rules anymore.
[0:35:03] Come on, guys.
[0:35:04] There is nobody that can handle that kind of disruption
[0:35:10] and confusing information.
[0:35:12] So I'm making a motion that if they had started the process
[0:35:19] months ago before the first rule change came,
[0:35:22] and they were working on the old rules,
[0:35:25] that those job sites are to continue.
[0:35:31] I think we can work with the developers
[0:35:34] to adhere to the new rules,
[0:35:38] but we shouldn't be stopping them in the midstream.
[0:35:42] Let's get these lots fixed.
[0:35:43] Let's get these houses built.
[0:35:46] That's just my opinion.
[0:35:48] I'm gonna open it to discussion.
[0:35:50] Well, you've made a motion.
[0:35:51] We probably ought to have a second to start the discussion.
[0:35:53] I'll second that.
[0:35:58] I've got discussion, Mr. President.
[0:36:01] safe or you're recognized. I'm extremely concerned about this. I served as ARC
[0:36:08] president or chairman in 24 and 25 and also compliance. In 24 we built 95 homes.
[0:36:17] This year we're at 22. We had three people that governed 95 new homes. The
[0:36:26] The next year we've done 61 with three people.
[0:36:31] We kept up.
[0:36:32] We've got 22 new homes this year and we've got four people that can't keep up.
[0:36:37] Somebody explained to me how that works.
[0:36:40] We increase our staff and we go behind.
[0:36:42] To me that's either a discipline or a training issue.
[0:36:46] If they can't keep up, train them how to.
[0:36:50] If they're unable to be trained, it's a disciplinary issue.
[0:36:56] The numbers don't add up.
[0:36:58] I mean, I see these numbers that come through and I'm like, we've got builders out here
[0:37:03] that build custom homes that's got money involved.
[0:37:07] They're liable.
[0:37:08] They take out an interest only loan and ARC shuts them down.
[0:37:14] This was a knee-jerk reaction.
[0:37:16] My phone lit up last Monday morning from a builder.
[0:37:19] What's going on?
[0:37:20] There's no issues, permit issues.
[0:37:24] I don't know.
[0:37:25] This is news to me.
[0:37:26] So I called Mr. Ross McLaren.
[0:37:28] going on I don't know news to me so he gets involved ARC shut it down
[0:37:35] unacceptable Gary unacceptable knee-jerk reactions cost us money we
[0:37:41] have to do better we're better than that guys like Padgett you know just
[0:37:52] because you build more houses and accept more accepting more builders
[0:37:58] coming in to do that I mean if the houses themselves and the lots themselves are
[0:38:02] buildable lots and they add to the neighborhood then I would be behind that
[0:38:07] but I do think that some of these houses are being built on lots that
[0:38:11] they shouldn't be built on so those things do need to be looked at that's
[0:38:15] that's all I got. I agree with that and oh I'm sorry I just want to make
[0:38:23] this one comment. I think the ARC has to formulate something that prior to
[0:38:32] prior to starting the process that there are a lot is reviewed, the plan is
[0:38:37] reviewed. I've gone through the entire building package and everything and
[0:38:42] I'm gonna be honest, I'm in this business and I'm looking at it and I'm
[0:38:46] I'm totally confused with it.
[0:38:49] I'm looking at the process of a permit being issued,
[0:38:57] in my opinion, with the wrong verbiage, which
[0:39:00] confuses the builder.
[0:39:03] They're color-coded.
[0:39:04] They're put in the job box or tagged on a tree.
[0:39:08] And then they're removed.
[0:39:09] And another one goes up.
[0:39:11] There's a step-by-step process.
[0:39:15] I've started myself just developing maybe something
[0:39:18] that's a little more streamlined
[0:39:19] so that ARC can make one time approval.
[0:39:25] I mean, literally I'm hearing that a lot is cleared,
[0:39:31] then they have to come back and reapply
[0:39:33] and for the building permit for the structure.
[0:39:37] There's something out of balance.
[0:39:40] Okay, ARC should look at the total package,
[0:39:43] make a decision,
[0:39:44] It should be either approved or disapproved
[0:39:48] before the first twig is broken.
[0:39:54] Now I'm just going off my prior life
[0:39:57] where I had had houses built.
[0:40:00] But at the end of the day, the motion is,
[0:40:05] unless there's any further discussion.
[0:40:08] The only thing I had to say is
[0:40:11] I was on the ARC committee
[0:40:12] and I was on compliance committee.
[0:40:15] And I can tell you that in one meeting,
[0:40:18] we had at least 35 that we had to go through
[0:40:23] and approve at whatever process they're in
[0:40:28] to approve or not approve and say,
[0:40:30] hey, you've got to go back and do this.
[0:40:32] I mean, 35 just in one meeting.
[0:40:35] 35 homes?
[0:40:36] Yes.
[0:40:39] And Leah, I mean, that's one of my issues is that
[0:40:43] I see a driveway, some clearing for a driveway that is being put in and then the building
[0:40:54] permit for the hold.
[0:40:56] We've already disrupted the property.
[0:40:58] What are we going to do after that?
[0:41:01] Say, oh, sorry, we're not going to approve your home, but now we have this vacant
[0:41:07] lot that's just going to, what, sit there and rot away, take all the vegetation out
[0:41:12] of it?
[0:41:13] We have enough problems with vegetation and so the process is not defined enough.
[0:41:20] So the process needs to be streamlined and it would take the burden off of the ARC if
[0:41:29] it was more streamlined.
[0:41:32] Mr. Stonecypher.
[0:41:33] Mr. President, as a former builder, as you, a lot of time, Mr. Fountain here,
[0:41:41] he can attest to this as well.
[0:41:43] They'll get the land, the lot, get a disturbance permit to clear the lot, put the sept again.
[0:41:51] They might not get a building permit for six months.
[0:41:54] It's a process and that's what we're disrupting.
[0:41:57] When we disrupt their process, it costs them money and we're liable.
[0:42:04] If we horn them, we're liable.
[0:42:09] We have to understand that.
[0:42:10] If we do something to hurt people, we're liable for it.
[0:42:13] It's not going to be accessed.
[0:42:14] They're gonna walk away free.
[0:42:16] It's us, it's Kusawate.
[0:42:20] Nick, Kurt, Graham, anything from your side?
[0:42:25] Yeah, hey, this is Graham.
[0:42:27] Just a couple of comments,
[0:42:30] as we've been discussing several things through this.
[0:42:34] First off, Gary, you had mentioned
[0:42:37] in your initial comments that hiring has been on a freeze.
[0:42:47] I'm not aware.
[0:42:48] I don't think the board is aware of a freeze for hiring.
[0:42:53] If I could get some more clarification
[0:42:55] from Ryan on that, please.
[0:43:00] No, it's not on a freeze, Graham.
[0:43:03] We actually, this year, put together a budget.
[0:43:06] We actually increased our staffing levels this year.
[0:43:11] And we took on some more responsibilities,
[0:43:13] which hence, I guess, took on the increase in staff.
[0:43:17] but we aren't necessarily on a freeze.
[0:43:21] And that is that one and a half FTE
[0:43:24] that Gary was talking about,
[0:43:26] like we could add onto that.
[0:43:29] To add into this, I think what the disconnect is,
[0:43:36] I wanna see Kusawati grow.
[0:43:38] I wanna see people in these lots, in these homes
[0:43:42] to essentially bring money to the community.
[0:43:46] I understand that, but I want to see it be done properly.
[0:43:50] I want to see the ARC and compliance committees or whatever, they monitor this entire community.
[0:44:02] We do have two staff members that kind of go out right now.
[0:44:05] We do have two that kind of retain in the office.
[0:44:08] So that's a four total is what we were talking about.
[0:44:13] The problem is, is they have, as Gary had mentioned,
[0:44:16] the compliance matters as well as these new homes.
[0:44:20] And when Leah, you're talking about 35 homes
[0:44:22] being approved in one fell swoop, let's say,
[0:44:25] or even in these cases like nine, 10,
[0:44:29] I understand that we wanna bring to the community,
[0:44:31] but we simply cannot put eyes to approve
[0:44:35] and make sure these things are being built properly.
[0:44:38] With a 5,500 acre community,
[0:44:40] you essentially have people building out of the setbacks
[0:44:43] in these different areas.
[0:44:44] And we don't find that out as a community until much later.
[0:44:48] Then we get tied up in litigation and lawsuits
[0:44:52] that are beyond our control.
[0:44:53] Yes, they can go back to these builders and tie them up,
[0:44:57] but who else gets tied up?
[0:44:58] And it is Kusawati.
[0:45:00] We also find builders that pull out,
[0:45:03] and we have erosion control issues
[0:45:05] that now Kusawati becomes responsible for.
[0:45:10] And so these are the things we're kind of looking at.
[0:45:12] Do I wanna bring revenues to community?
[0:45:14] Absolutely.
[0:45:15] But I wanna do it properly.
[0:45:17] And this isn't an access thing.
[0:45:20] This is something the staff is screaming on this.
[0:45:23] The committees are screaming on this.
[0:45:25] They wanna see this basically done properly.
[0:45:28] And I think the builders wanna see it done properly
[0:45:31] too, but we gotta give them the guidance.
[0:45:33] The reason we put a pause on this
[0:45:35] or to my understanding is that we need a good plan.
[0:45:40] We do not have good plans in place right now.
[0:45:43] They're too confusing.
[0:45:45] They're too open to interpretation.
[0:45:48] And this isn't to take money out of the hands
[0:45:50] of the builders.
[0:45:52] This isn't to take money out of the hands of Kusawati.
[0:45:55] But if we don't do this
[0:45:57] or we don't make a change right now,
[0:45:59] then ultimately we are gonna be taking money
[0:46:02] out of Kusawati's hands
[0:46:03] because we're gonna be stuck with the litigations.
[0:46:05] We're gonna be stuck with the different issues involved
[0:46:09] this, people having to tear down certain homes or whatever it may be, we've had people that come in
[0:46:18] didn't even know that they buy a home that's out of a setback. Well, now they become legally
[0:46:23] responsible for that home. They take ownership of it and we find like the corners of their homes
[0:46:29] like over into the setbacks. That's what we want to address. I am not here, this is not
[0:46:35] again an access thing. This is a kusawati problem that we need to address and make sure we're doing
[0:46:41] properly. So I wanted to let everybody know that again we aren't here I mean the last thing we
[0:46:48] want to do is take revenues away because we know we need to grow these revenues.
[0:46:53] We know the the str thing which will be mentioned later and discussed with this board
[0:46:59] that's revenue coming out of our association. We're trying to prevent that and so again
[0:47:05] this isn't a moratorium to, you know, cause dissension amongst the ranks. This is to make
[0:47:12] sure we're doing this properly for Kusawati. So I'll just leave it at that. Okay. So thank you,
[0:47:19] Ryan. So basically there is no hiring freeze currently. No, right? No, we wanted to evaluate,
[0:47:31] we wanted to sit back and see now that we've entered the first couple months into this new
[0:47:37] fiscal year but no there was no hiring freeze correct and so at our last board meeting that
[0:47:44] was an ask where where we are with our current hiring where we are with open positions has
[0:47:52] that been completed has that been disseminated to the board we sent out the the budget
[0:48:00] graham to you all as board members because that was a request on there and in the
[0:48:05] the salaries tab, it has the positions and actually has the people that are filled into
[0:48:15] those roles and so forth. But yes, that was disseminated.
[0:48:20] Could you give me the date of that? I don't recall seeing it.
[0:48:23] It's in the file folder that I sent to the board with contracts and board packets
[0:48:29] and those kind of things. Graham.
[0:48:33] Okay.
[0:48:36] Can I just say is that the file that we got Graham that that we can't open yeah, okay
[0:48:43] Yeah, so we don't have those we could not open those that file
[0:48:46] I tried several different ways, so I've not been able to see any of that information
[0:48:50] Okay, I'm sorry. Let me let me fix that
[0:48:53] Thank you
[0:48:54] and then I
[0:48:56] Guess that's all I have I would just say that any any comments that we may have as a board with regards to
[0:49:04] Personnel matters
[0:49:06] Those are what I would consider confidential matters and those should be discussed in executive
[0:49:13] session with regards to performance.
[0:49:18] That's my personal opinion.
[0:49:23] Thank you.
[0:49:25] Thank you, Graham.
[0:49:26] Again, go ahead, Gary.
[0:49:32] To recap, your motion is the board instructs the ARC
[0:49:38] to allow developers who have,
[0:49:41] with current land disturbance and driveway permits
[0:49:44] to continue their projects.
[0:49:46] That is correct.
[0:49:47] Would you entertain a amendment to that motion
[0:49:53] that the board instructs the general manager
[0:49:55] to hire the one and a half
[0:49:57] additional building inspectors right away.
[0:50:02] Based on the workload of the number of houses that is currently being built, what is the
[0:50:19] total number of permits currently?
[0:50:21] You said 185 building permits?
[0:50:23] Yes, and that would include decks and additions and all those types of things, but they
[0:50:28] all have to be inspected and ensured that they're not in setbacks.
[0:50:34] And then you've got the same people are also doing all the compliance inspections
[0:50:38] where we're levying fines as we have to go out and inspect
[0:50:42] and make sure that the conditions still exist
[0:50:45] to continue to levy fines.
[0:50:50] Again, the process is, you know,
[0:50:53] when somebody comes in to get a building permit
[0:50:57] for a debt, I would have expected that the setbacks
[0:51:01] were looked at before ARC even approved it.
[0:51:05] Well, you have to make sure they build it
[0:51:07] and not go into the setback.
[0:51:09] that's the that's the issue.
[0:51:16] Mr President, I totally do not understand how we can go from a staff of
[0:51:22] three doing 95 homes accurately, and they want to hire another one and a
[0:51:32] half to go to five or six. Where they done accurately, though, at the time,
[0:51:39] I mean, I just don't understand. You don't fix a problem by loading it up
[0:51:42] with people. You don't hire people to fix your problems. Mr. President, I'm just totally
[0:51:51] confused with this.
[0:51:52] The processes are not organized correctly. I can see that. I mean, going through what
[0:52:03] happens day to day, I mean, I don't rye with these.
[0:52:06] Edward Jones.
[0:52:07] Amy?
[0:52:10] Amy get just one comment
[0:52:13] It's her back with Richard was that they were not doing weekly checks on the properties
[0:52:18] They are currently now doing weekly checks on every open permit and packet
[0:52:24] the
[0:52:27] That is one of my one of that is one of my things that I have already spoke to Dave Kirkland about
[0:52:34] the weekly checks
[0:52:37] We get a set of blueprints
[0:52:40] ARC approves it, they go out to the job site, the builder lays out a foundation, pins it
[0:52:51] off and they call in and ask for a check.
[0:53:01] They then dig the hole, they put the footings in, they call in, they get a check.
[0:53:08] We already have the blueprint.
[0:53:10] the footings are in, it should already have been, before they even dug the hole, we should have
[0:53:14] already known that it's within setbacks. When the footings go in, it's okay. We're not the building
[0:53:22] inspector. We are there to just make sure that the placement of the residence with all the decks
[0:53:28] and amenities on the home are in the right position, okay? But that's already been approved.
[0:53:38] we only need one look at it that's just my opinion I know we had the one issue
[0:53:44] with the county that they made them we had was staked out and we approved it
[0:53:50] because it wasn't in the setbacks but when they came out to do the septic
[0:53:53] approval they had to move the house because of the septic and they didn't
[0:53:56] tell us so when they built the house and we went out for final
[0:53:59] inspection then the house is now in the setback but it wasn't nobody told
[0:54:04] us. The county and the builder knew, but Kusawati wasn't informed that the change had been made.
[0:54:11] Mr. President, in defense of our staff, they've been asked to be stricter with these things.
[0:54:22] They have to go out and look at them more, because just like Amy said, builders start
[0:54:27] a project and then they adjust their project. They, you know, and that's how we got into
[0:54:32] lawsuits that we've experienced over the last year is our lack of oversight that people end up
[0:54:39] building the house into actually the next lot because we're not out there looking at.
[0:54:45] And so that's how we get into all these problems with construction and we don't need
[0:54:52] those problems. We need to be enforcing it. And by the way, from my understanding too,
[0:55:02] when we had our own patrol, patrol did a lot of the inspections of existing
[0:55:08] compliance issues and those types of things. But once we lost control, we lost
[0:55:14] that staffing to do that kind of work. Well, Mr. Brown, I understand what you're
[0:55:20] talking about and Ms. Henderson, the job you're talking about where the
[0:55:24] safety issue. I was involved with that. That was a tragedy. I called downtown
[0:55:34] planning and zoning to find out how they let this happen. It was called a
[0:55:40] engineer job and a lot of people and this happens all over. They won't even
[0:55:48] come to us. They will get an engineer to sign off. That way they bypass the
[0:55:53] county inspections. That's the one you're talking about. Our hands were tied. We didn't know nothing
[0:55:58] about it. But you can't hire one and a half people because of one issue. That's my problem.
[0:56:05] We've got more staff now than we've ever had in ARC. Do the job, guys.
[0:56:11] I would challenge that because we've had several issues where we've had to be giving
[0:56:21] variances in violation of our rules, because the house is already built, the house is already
[0:56:28] there.
[0:56:29] And this is why we have inspectors to prevent that from occurring.
[0:56:34] And I'll just recall you, Ross, that your frustration over how come we keep having
[0:56:41] all these variances come to us because we didn't have anybody out looking at
[0:56:45] this.
[0:56:46] And that's part of the problem.
[0:56:48] to what Mr. McLaren was talking about, once that footer is laid in place and our team
[0:56:56] goes out and views it, measures it, they shouldn't have to go back until the final.
[0:57:02] They don't need to go out there and see if the OSB is nailed up.
[0:57:06] That's just redundant work that doesn't need to happen.
[0:57:09] There's no longer a weekly inspection.
[0:57:11] Once the footing's in, their job is done until the end.
[0:57:16] They're just making work.
[0:57:17] Yeah.
[0:57:18] not building inspectors for site location. Exactly. Thank you. The building inspector
[0:57:26] is either the architect or the engineer and or the county if the county has a permit
[0:57:32] on the job. Correct. So that would lighten the ARC's workload tremendously if all
[0:57:41] they do is determine that the hole is dug and the footings are in the correct position.
[0:57:46] Thank you. I would I would propose that this Graham, I would propose that if we if if we're
[0:57:52] going to go in that route, which is which it sounds like it's the right way to go.
[0:57:57] Once once we've approved those footings, if they get shifted for any particular reason
[0:58:01] and we find that out at final inspection, there is a massive and I mean massive fine
[0:58:06] to the contractor or the homeowner. We're not the homeowner to the contractor for
[0:58:12] Putting in footers or moving them after we've inspected them and not informing us prior to any additional work
[0:58:21] I think this I think there's a simple solution to that in the permanent process
[0:58:25] graham
[0:58:26] That they sign that that they are ultimately responsible for it. I agree with that
[0:58:32] But I don't think that they purposely
[0:58:37] Put footings in and they definitely don't put footings in to go ahead and then start moving footings
[0:58:41] Well, I don't I don't think they do either but it's it's happened
[0:58:44] right so we want to make sure it doesn't happen correct the way to do that is you
[0:58:50] find fine to compliance if you know they sign up for it if it's if it's
[0:58:56] wrong when we come back out there to do the final inspection then then it's
[0:58:59] going to be a heavy hefty fine well we can present I would say let's go
[0:59:09] back to the motion again if they have already started the application
[0:59:14] When was the last change? We passed a we passed a change last year trying to and
[0:59:28] I don't I don't remember exactly when we made that change but it was last
[0:59:34] year we did some adjustments to the process to make it easier. Sandy go
[0:59:41] ahead. Okay when they apply and they're in that process they stay in
[0:59:46] that process if we change they're still in that process they don't go to the new process
[1:00:02] like if they apply for a house last month and it changed tomorrow they would stay in that process
[1:00:09] so what is it why is it why does it stop there was a change from june to july correct me if i'm
[1:00:16] wrong and they stayed in that process yes but those that were applied after that like in
[1:00:23] July I think it was correct are the ones that are of the discussion right now
[1:00:29] site location and driveway that's it yeah the only thing that changed is if
[1:00:47] they don't get to do land disturbance on that first application because we
[1:00:54] have to ensure that the driveways are done properly that's why we were
[1:00:58] chasing along when I first started, all the way from 2024, 2025. We were chasing owners
[1:01:06] for pre-driveway inspections. They didn't always remember to come to us, the builders
[1:01:10] or slash builder contractor, whoever. So we had to enforce that by having them get
[1:01:16] the first permit. We allowed them to clear their law, get their driveway installed,
[1:01:21] install their septic. We worked it out with county that all we would need was
[1:01:25] was their septic, because they didn't see the need
[1:01:28] of getting the land disturbance
[1:01:29] if it comes with the new house.
[1:01:31] We worked it out.
[1:01:32] Well, unfortunately, what changed in that was
[1:01:35] they were clearing the wrong lot,
[1:01:36] so we had to put a stop to it by only changing
[1:01:39] that they get a pre-driveway inspection,
[1:01:41] no breaking ground.
[1:01:43] Once they got all the information
[1:01:44] they need to know about driveways,
[1:01:46] then they can apply for the new house.
[1:01:49] Anyone that's in a driveway land disturbance,
[1:01:52] they're still in that process,
[1:01:53] but if they haven't passed that driveway inspection
[1:01:56] for what they've already done and everything like that,
[1:01:59] they have to make those corrections
[1:02:01] before they can apply for the new house.
[1:02:04] Now, everything else going forward
[1:02:07] is all in just the two-step process
[1:02:09] of applying for the driveway site location only,
[1:02:13] then applying for the new house.
[1:02:17] So that's the only thing that's changed.
[1:02:23] And our workload, when I took on this job,
[1:02:27] We had 10 on the compliance list.
[1:02:30] That's it, 10 violations.
[1:02:32] We have more than 150 something now.
[1:02:35] We have way more procedures now
[1:02:37] than we did when I first started.
[1:02:40] Way more procedures.
[1:02:41] It's a problem.
[1:02:43] That's the exact problem.
[1:02:46] It's too many procedures.
[1:02:47] Sandy, do you think it's necessary
[1:02:48] for you to go look at a job site every week?
[1:02:54] I don't think it's necessary
[1:02:55] that I go look at a job site.
[1:02:57] Not steps, not replacement of steps,
[1:03:03] not a retaining wall, and not a fence.
[1:03:05] No, I don't think I need to go look at that.
[1:03:08] But the new house process,
[1:03:10] yes, I need to go look at it every week.
[1:03:12] Because yes, unfortunately, things do change,
[1:03:15] regardless of what they planned on from the beginning,
[1:03:17] what was approved, things do change, they do move.
[1:03:20] We've noticed that on and on, going on,
[1:03:23] in the past four years I've been here,
[1:03:25] whether they plan for it to happen or not,
[1:03:27] And then the variances were approved back on the day
[1:03:30] after the fact.
[1:03:32] Right now, we're trying to stop that.
[1:03:34] We're trying to make it to where they follow the rules
[1:03:36] from the very beginning all the way to the end.
[1:03:39] Sandy, I just, help me understand,
[1:03:42] back when I was chairman and president,
[1:03:45] I stopped the weekly visits
[1:03:47] because when you go out and they're framing,
[1:03:49] all you're gonna do is walk, yeah, they're framing.
[1:03:51] Well, after they're framing-
[1:03:52] I don't know, I'm not an inspector.
[1:03:54] It doesn't go after they're framing.
[1:03:54] If you go out and they're putting OSBs, I'd know.
[1:03:57] Yeah, after they start their framing, I don't go back out.
[1:04:00] So why do you need to go every week?
[1:04:01] That's what I don't understand.
[1:04:03] I do.
[1:04:03] You're not an inspector.
[1:04:05] I go out every week until the framing starts.
[1:04:08] Unless that footprint changes,
[1:04:11] you're useless on the job site.
[1:04:13] We won't know if it changed,
[1:04:15] if they don't come and tell us that it changed.
[1:04:17] That's why it's our job to go out there and be proactive.
[1:04:21] This was also part of one of my proposals
[1:04:23] and I'm rewriting some of the building process.
[1:04:31] The builder stakes the property out, you go out,
[1:04:35] you see the driveway, you see the foundation,
[1:04:37] you see the septic.
[1:04:40] The builder, you go out, you look at these stakes.
[1:04:43] You agree, it's in the right spot.
[1:04:46] The builder starts construction, okay?
[1:04:50] He calls you and says,
[1:04:52] we're gonna dig the hole on Monday.
[1:04:55] problem you don't call us and tell us that's my new process the builder says
[1:04:59] calls the building department gives you 24 hours notice I'm gonna start digging
[1:05:04] this hole on Monday you go out there they dig the hole they call you and
[1:05:10] say I'm pouring the footing at that point Kusawai is audited exactly they
[1:05:17] call in they schedule your the appointment you give them 20 they give
[1:05:21] you 24 hours notice that this is going to happen, then you're free to do whatever you have to do.
[1:05:27] At the end of the day, they know when they're going to dig a hole.
[1:05:33] And if they can't follow a simple process like that, well, then that's their problem.
[1:05:39] But at the end of the day, it's very simple. They pin off the whole property, flags,
[1:05:45] engineer and site the plan. Here's the drawing, you know, and we have the process
[1:05:50] where we have an engineered site plan now,
[1:05:53] part of the package, they pin it off.
[1:05:56] You say, yes, that's right.
[1:05:57] When you go back to see their whole dug,
[1:06:01] it's a quick couple of measurements.
[1:06:02] Yeah, it's exactly where I said it was gonna be.
[1:06:06] We're done.
[1:06:07] Okay, what happens if they don't call?
[1:06:08] What's our stance when they don't do that?
[1:06:12] It'd be like any other municipality.
[1:06:15] They don't call and you show up,
[1:06:18] just hypothetically show up
[1:06:20] and they didn't call for an inspection.
[1:06:25] I come from Massachusetts, very strict building rules.
[1:06:29] The permit when issued has all of the site plan,
[1:06:35] the driveway, the septic, and at each step,
[1:06:38] someone comes in and they say, oh, septic's in.
[1:06:41] Okay, it's approved building-wise,
[1:06:44] check it's in the right location, the right elevations.
[1:06:47] They check it, they date it, they initial it.
[1:06:50] He can move to the next step.
[1:06:52] We need the same process.
[1:06:55] You drive by, you flip the box open, you do your inspection, you initial it.
[1:06:59] Boom.
[1:06:59] He moves to the next process.
[1:07:01] He has to call in to get that inspection.
[1:07:04] You have 24 hours to respond to it.
[1:07:07] If he doesn't call in for that inspection and he skips over it, well,
[1:07:13] then you get the red card.
[1:07:15] Stop work.
[1:07:18] Ah, that's got to stop work.
[1:07:19] We're on now and they're just continuing to work.
[1:07:22] They, I explained that to you a little bit earlier in my opening statement.
[1:07:25] these these these these these lots have already been cleared cleared and stumps are hanging in
[1:07:33] and driveways they've been cleared without a permit that's with the new process no they
[1:07:41] was in that process when they filled out that paper for site location and driveway location
[1:07:49] they were in that process they were to come back and get the building permit they did
[1:07:54] When I saw when I saw some of these permits the actual description line of
[1:08:01] what was to be done is blank. We are not going to use they and us and who at
[1:08:10] one at one point a an official document such as that is to be filled
[1:08:18] out in its entirety. Those permits had stamped approval dates on it. I don't
[1:08:24] want blanks I want descriptive I want to know what the description is so when
[1:08:33] somebody is handed a permit says building permit and there's nothing in
[1:08:38] the job description of what the building permit is I'm gonna assume I
[1:08:43] saw our date on it it looks to me like it has a year year expiration date
[1:08:51] stamped on it everything to me that looks like a building permit to me
[1:08:55] That's why that land got stripped and I'm talking about the street right down here orbit orbit
[1:09:01] I saw those permits. They were not completed. That's unexcusable in my my mind
[1:09:08] So I'm kind of I'm at my end of the discussion. I am
[1:09:14] I'm gonna say that any lots that are right now currently in work. These guys got loans
[1:09:21] I
[1:09:23] I don't want to see this get destroyed if we have some horrible winter storms or storms in the fall coming up.
[1:09:29] I'm making the motion that we go ahead and get these jobs rolling.
[1:09:35] Mr. President, I would like to really defend the staff.
[1:09:40] They have a very difficult job.
[1:09:43] And also, in my experience with code enforcement, most all builders will call in and do everything,
[1:09:53] but there's a percentage that won't.
[1:09:55] You know, they're just careless and they don't do it.
[1:09:59] And they get a stop work order.
[1:10:02] Well, but that's the point.
[1:10:03] You have to have staff to find these things and get these things done.
[1:10:09] And we don't have the staff to do that.
[1:10:11] I just want to make one more statement.
[1:10:14] I'm not up here accusing the staff of doing things
[1:10:18] and that they're wasting their time.
[1:10:20] They have been guided by their management staff
[1:10:26] on how to do things.
[1:10:29] I think the process can be super streamlined
[1:10:34] and that would alleviate a whole bunch of problems.
[1:10:37] Okay, so that's where I'm at with it.
[1:10:42] I wanna see where this motion goes.
[1:10:45] I don't think it's fair to right now
[1:10:48] because we're in such turmoil internally.
[1:10:51] I don't think it's time for us to start stopping bank loans
[1:10:55] and houses being built.
[1:10:57] Of course, come on, that's all revenue for the community.
[1:11:01] Mr. President, one thing I'd like to say
[1:11:03] is we need to release our builders
[1:11:05] that follow our process, let them go to work,
[1:11:09] and take Kuswadi out of liability.
[1:11:14] That's my motion.
[1:11:15] The motion is the board instructs the ARC to allow developers with land disturbance
[1:11:21] and driveway permits to continue work.
[1:11:24] That's correct.
[1:11:26] I ask to modify that to also include instructing the general manager to fill the position
[1:11:33] that has been budgeted for ARC.
[1:11:37] I'll let that amendment go.
[1:11:39] that person I would say takes over the 157 compliance issues, trash in the yard, unregistered
[1:11:49] vehicles, and let the professional staff that we already have handle the builders directly.
[1:11:57] So the new person, we don't have a training issue and anything that because it's very
[1:12:03] simple to tell, hire somebody to check on trash and abandoned vehicles and whatnot.
[1:12:10] And it takes a lot longer to train somebody how to do the building side.
[1:12:14] But that's, that's a good point, Mr. President. But I think we ought to allow the general
[1:12:19] manager and the, and his assistant for ops and to figure out how best to use these
[1:12:25] people. I don't think we ought to handcuff them by giving them a specific assignment
[1:12:31] the people. But I think we ought to just put the extra person and a half on the staff and get moving.
[1:12:38] I'll accept that. Okay thank you. I'll take it as a second.
[1:12:44] Let the record stand and I am completely against the extra people.
[1:12:49] If the second didn't approve it I don't think that we can. I'll second.
[1:12:54] My second is then? Yeah. Okay. I think it'll be good. I'll just hand for it. Thank you.
[1:13:13] trust the motion the motion is the board instructs the architectural review
[1:13:21] committee to allow developers with land disturbance
[1:13:26] and driveway permits to continue their work through the building
[1:13:30] permit process okay um but and also to instruct the
[1:13:36] general manager to fill the one and a half
[1:13:40] inspector positions that we currently have on in the budget
[1:13:44] Is that continuing the work to completion until the house is built?
[1:13:48] Yes that would be to continue the work to completion until the house is built.
[1:13:59] Well they're going to get a building permit in other words they'll have to
[1:14:02] go through the process but the ARC is being instructed to
[1:14:05] give them the permit if they've already received a driveway permit or
[1:14:09] the land disturbance permit. Now the process the motion is
[1:14:18] to allow to have to require the ARC to approve the building permits
[1:14:23] until they complete the house if they've already started the project
[1:14:27] they've completed marilyn just so you know we have
[1:14:31] tons of i won't say tons but we have several
[1:14:36] that driveways already been started land's been cleared
[1:14:39] we can't let this sit it becomes a bigger hassle
[1:14:43] it's just that we're continue and and if the permit is for
[1:14:51] uh land disturbance and driveway how does
[1:14:54] does that mean that that structure itself is also approved with additional permit?
[1:15:00] No they would have to come back with a permit but they're they're required to
[1:15:05] the ARC will be required to complete the process okay now if they come in with an
[1:15:11] inadequate building permit then they'll have to come back and reapply but the the point is
[1:15:16] if they've started a project they get to bring it to completion. Let's take a vote
[1:15:23] No more discussion?
[1:15:27] Want to just do it by voice vote?
[1:15:29] Yeah.
[1:15:34] Oh, I'm the guy who has to do the voice vote.
[1:15:36] I'm sorry.
[1:15:39] Nick Jackson.
[1:15:43] Agree from Nick.
[1:15:47] Ross McLaren.
[1:15:48] Agreed.
[1:15:49] Herb DeVries.
[1:15:52] Agreed.
[1:15:53] Richard Stonecypher.
[1:15:56] No.
[1:15:59] Graham Anthony.
[1:16:00] Agree.
[1:16:04] Gary Brown votes yes.
[1:16:06] Mike Padgett.
[1:16:07] Agree.
[1:16:08] So that motion passes.
[1:16:17] I would like to bring up another thing before we leave this topic.
[1:16:26] What does the board expect the ARC to do with new building permits that, in other
[1:16:36] words, if somebody wants to come in brand new and start a process, do we give them
[1:16:40] the land disturbance clearance and the driveway permit or do we tell them no
[1:16:46] until we slow down some of this stuff maybe you might I need to think about
[1:16:58] that I need to review the process I think we need to sit and see the whole
[1:17:04] process spelled right out okay so that we're all clear every one of us is
[1:17:08] clear this is just my perception of how unclear the process is I have
[1:17:15] have drafted a small process based on municipality processes. So I'll get that to you, Gary.
[1:17:30] And I think your team can see where I'm headed with it. It will actually lighten your load
[1:17:36] as well.
[1:17:37] I would like to make a motion that the board instructs the ARC not to issue any
[1:17:46] new driveway permits or land clearing disturbance permits that start any new projects and for
[1:17:56] the next month until we can figure some more things out September September this is September
[1:18:03] 8th so October 8th you better be ready to go on the 8th is that our next meeting as well
[1:18:17] no it's 14th is our meeting 14th yeah then let's do the 14th let's do the 14th
[1:18:38] okay the motion is to the board is to instruct the ARC not to approve any new construction
[1:18:50] related permits for the next month while we review this process. Mr. Brown, just
[1:18:59] to clarify that's new homes. We need a second for the motion. Brand new walk-in
[1:19:06] permits. Anything that's not started. Good, I agree that. Well I need a
[1:19:12] second. Second. Let's do a vote. Okay the vote on that motion. Nick Jackson. Yes
[1:19:31] from Nick Ross McLaren yes hurt the breeze yes Richard sunset yes Graham
[1:19:42] Anthony yes Gary Brown votes yes Mike Padgett yes
[1:19:47] early starling yes Leia Godfrey yes motion passes okay that closes the ARC
[1:19:58] building permits for the moment I would like just say real quickly as
[1:20:04] A. R. C. Chairman. I do appreciate the business like way the board has approached this issue.
[1:20:11] Next. Moving on, I would say actually I want to
[1:20:21] stay right on that topic for one second. And just as a general comment, and this
[1:20:28] really goes out to anybody building the house, we're not here to hurt you. We're
[1:20:35] We're here to protect the environment,
[1:20:37] protect the community.
[1:20:39] And we've had a lot of obstacles.
[1:20:44] I want the builders to know that we're here
[1:20:46] to work with you.
[1:20:47] Our team is here to work with you.
[1:20:50] If you have questions before you do something,
[1:20:53] pick up the telephone.
[1:20:54] It's better to ask before doing.
[1:20:58] It makes your life easier.
[1:20:59] It makes our life easier.
[1:21:01] Okay.
[1:21:03] Ron, so I would like to thank Sandy,
[1:21:05] our employees for actually stepping up
[1:21:08] and explaining things so that we all understand
[1:21:11] exactly what she does and what our department does.
[1:21:16] Thank you.
[1:21:17] Sandy and Julia.
[1:21:18] We're gonna make your jobs easier.
[1:21:21] I'm looking forward to it.
[1:21:22] It will happen.
[1:21:24] All right, moving on, STR fee review,
[1:21:28] still in review.
[1:21:30] Nick, I'm literally gonna give you till October 13th
[1:21:34] to deliver the full package.
[1:21:37] We've gotten a lot of feedback
[1:21:38] from residents, management staff, the STR committee.
[1:21:43] So just be prepared.
[1:21:46] I know you need some more time
[1:21:48] and there's a lot of documentation floating around.
[1:21:51] So I'm just gonna set it at today
[1:21:54] that October 13th meeting,
[1:21:56] we need something to vote on, okay?
[1:22:00] Sounds good.
[1:22:01] I think one question is like the line
[1:22:04] little bit blurry as to you know the str fee versus the the gate amenity you know fees so do you want
[1:22:12] something together to kind of include both or like are these two separate things because that's
[1:22:16] where the the it's getting a little bit murky in my in my world and in talking with the members
[1:22:22] of the board uh this is um you can group it all as one and we will use this as the gate fee
[1:22:31] as the as the topic STR gate fee topic all right sounds good thank you
[1:22:41] go access update who's got that Amy give it to us okay and remember I sat in
[1:22:55] the meeting so you say good morning I wanted to give everyone a clear update
[1:23:02] on the gate system project while the replacement became necessary what work
[1:23:07] has been completed, what unexpected challenges we've encountered, and what property owners
[1:23:12] can expect as we move forward to the final transition to Go Access.
[1:23:16] This has been much more involved than simply removing one gate arm and installing another.
[1:23:20] Each entrance depends on pavement, underground loops, wiring, electrical, telephone, internet
[1:23:26] connection, software, emergency access equipment, and the physical gate hardware all working
[1:23:31] together.
[1:23:32] The purpose of the update is to explain where we started,
[1:23:36] what we have learned, and where we're going next.
[1:23:39] The decision to replace the gate system
[1:23:41] was not made simply because we wanted newer technology.
[1:23:44] The existing gate hardware
[1:23:45] had reached the end of its useful life.
[1:23:47] We were experiencing more frequent equipment failures,
[1:23:50] and the larger concern was that replacement parts
[1:23:52] were no longer available.
[1:23:53] Even when a problem could be diagnosed,
[1:23:55] we could not be confident that the necessary parts
[1:23:58] would be available for a lasting repair.
[1:24:00] Continuing to rely on old equipment
[1:24:03] was no longer sustainable a full replacement became necessary to preserve reliable and secure
[1:24:07] access to the community. Before installation of the new equipment even began we were already
[1:24:14] dealing with access loop failures of eco mountain gates. Those failures caused the gate arms
[1:24:19] to open unexpectedly and at times remain open for extended periods. The access loops are
[1:24:25] installed beneath the roadway and communicate with the gate equipment. If those loops are
[1:24:29] failing even brand new gate hardware cannot operate as reliably as it should. Rather than
[1:24:34] replace only the known failed loops and risk repeating the same work elsewhere, the decision
[1:24:39] was made to replace the loops at all four gates on both entrance and exit lanes. That required
[1:24:45] new asphalts in every affected lane before the new loops could be cut and installed. This
[1:24:50] extended the scope, but it was necessary. We did not want to install a new gate system on top
[1:24:55] of components we already knew were unreliable. As with many large products projects at
[1:25:02] at Kusawadi, we discovered conditions that could not have been fully anticipated during
[1:25:06] the original planning process. The gate system depends on infrastructure, roads, pavement,
[1:25:11] loops, hardware, software, wiring, electrical, telephone, and internet, and any problem
[1:25:16] with any one piece can affect the entire project. During the project, we encountered
[1:25:22] existing wiring and communication problems, hardware and software issues, road and pavement
[1:25:27] work, a lightning strike at one gate, and an unexpected conflict involving the newly
[1:25:32] installed SOS emergency access component.
[1:25:35] Each issue had to be investigated individually.
[1:25:37] In some cases, completed work had to be adjusted or reconfigured before installation
[1:25:42] could safely and reliably continue.
[1:25:44] The project has taken longer than originally hoped, but the additional time has allowed
[1:25:47] us to identify and correct underlying issues instead of leaving them in place for the
[1:25:52] next failure.
[1:25:53] On top of that, once we began the installation, another major issue was the number of gate strikes we had.
[1:26:01] The new gate arm lowers much faster than the previous gate arm at 1.3 seconds for it to go down.
[1:26:09] Any unauthorized vehicle, if you're trying to piggyback, it's going to cause a problem because it's coming down fast and you will get caught.
[1:26:18] They're designed for one person at a time.
[1:26:22] So you pull up, the gate art goes up,
[1:26:24] you go through, the gate art comes down.
[1:26:26] Next person does the same thing.
[1:26:28] Not that, this isn't the Peach Pass
[1:26:30] is the way I like to put it to everybody.
[1:26:32] We don't hit it at 65 when we go.
[1:26:35] You have to stop.
[1:26:36] Amy, can I just, I just want to say one thing.
[1:26:39] So I worked directly with the installers
[1:26:43] to find out exactly that settings on it.
[1:26:46] I just want to let everybody know
[1:26:48] that when your back bumper crosses that gate,
[1:26:51] 18 inches and one point so many seconds later,
[1:26:55] that gate closes.
[1:26:57] So if you're trying to piggyback
[1:26:59] to get on tight on the other person,
[1:27:02] you're not gonna ever make it.
[1:27:04] And the 18 inches is only for
[1:27:08] if you were hauling a trailer,
[1:27:10] that's why, because it allows it to extend open.
[1:27:13] So if you tell everybody,
[1:27:15] Cause a lot of people have called me and asked me,
[1:27:16] why is it closing so quick?
[1:27:19] That bumper of that first car that had permission
[1:27:21] to go through, the gates closed 18 inches past that.
[1:27:25] Bang.
[1:27:26] So the guy behind you, you better give him some room.
[1:27:30] Okay.
[1:27:32] We had over 30 gate strikes in the first few weeks
[1:27:34] while this happened.
[1:27:35] And every time there was a gate strike,
[1:27:37] we had to pull the installers off of
[1:27:39] what they were working on to take them over
[1:27:41] and have them fix the component that had been damaged
[1:27:44] by the gate strike.
[1:27:45] The other thing that we noticed is that many,
[1:27:49] and I'm gonna say probably mostly,
[1:27:50] you watch most of them, Ross, you can attest to this,
[1:27:53] that most of the gate strikes that happened,
[1:27:55] people didn't even put on their brakes
[1:27:57] after the gate arm had hit their vehicle.
[1:27:59] They just kept right on driving.
[1:28:01] And so that is one of those
[1:28:05] where it leads us to believe unauthorized entry,
[1:28:08] because we had potentially had turned off their rear
[1:28:11] for an on payment, or they could have just decided
[1:28:14] they were coming in that day whether they wanted to or not and so that really
[1:28:20] slowed down the progress that we were making and that's why those signs and
[1:28:24] the fines have been increased if we can locate the property owner and or
[1:28:30] the company that it is involved with the property owner will receive a fine
[1:28:34] for their guest and or contractor and or the company will depending upon who
[1:28:40] it is that hits the gate strike so I just want everybody to know that we are
[1:28:43] are actively trying to recover our money from those gate
[1:28:47] strikes, but it is difficult sometimes.
[1:28:51] So yes, we're working with that.
[1:28:53] And hopefully, as we move to the other components
[1:28:55] that we're going to be installing,
[1:28:57] that will help us do better and be
[1:29:00] able to identify those folks.
[1:29:03] And then currently at this stage,
[1:29:06] we have dwelling line and go access are running in tandem.
[1:29:09] While they're running in tandem,
[1:29:11] we are making sure that we're working out the issues.
[1:29:13] because when the data came over from Dwelling Live,
[1:29:16] most of that data had, there were some errors
[1:29:18] and we need to fix those.
[1:29:19] And so we're working through some issues with Go Access
[1:29:22] to get their platform the way we want it
[1:29:24] so that it will read the readers correctly,
[1:29:27] it will have the correct information.
[1:29:28] So we're working in the background
[1:29:31] to trying to get all of the contractors
[1:29:33] in the right places
[1:29:34] and make sure all of their information is up to date.
[1:29:37] So that will help us move forward smoother
[1:29:40] when we get there.
[1:29:42] The next phase, as we go into phase two, will be installing the LPR cameras.
[1:29:49] If you don't know what LPR is, that's our license plate reader cameras.
[1:29:53] This will allow us to expedient the property owners access to the property.
[1:30:00] The long range readers are still going to work.
[1:30:02] That's not changing because they can work what you got in your card.
[1:30:05] That's not going away.
[1:30:07] But we do know that these readers are first generation readers.
[1:30:10] So eventually if something happens they may not make the little boxes that sit out there and read those long-range readers
[1:30:17] So we need to come up with another plan
[1:30:19] The license plate reader is an option. We're going to be installing some
[1:30:25] The like the license plate reader cameras at the beginning of the gates so that we can take the picture
[1:30:31] They'll be mounted some will be mounted in the center, which we have to extend out the
[1:30:35] We also have some boring other gates because the items can't be extended due to space,
[1:30:48] so we're going to have to put them on the outside.
[1:30:50] So there's a lot of work that needs to happen here with these license plate cameras.
[1:30:55] So we'll get those installed and then we can move on to the next phase of the project.
[1:31:04] the final transition where you will actually start using the Go Access app,
[1:31:07] we'll send out a notification about it, you will get it downloaded, and I want to
[1:31:12] let everybody know once we get to that point, property owners will be able to
[1:31:17] enter three ways. Long-range reader, license plate reader, or you can also
[1:31:23] use a proximity detector that will be on your phone that's associated
[1:31:26] with the app. So you can have that in your car, have it activated, and you can
[1:31:30] enter that way as well. So that way the property owners should be smooth
[1:31:33] say they come in through the gates. For your guests, you do need to still put them on your guest list
[1:31:40] and then you can give them the QR code and it can be if it's a temporary guest then they can use
[1:31:45] that for the time that they're here visiting, doing work at your property, those kind of things.
[1:31:49] There will be a directory that they can actually call you from the gate and you'll be able to
[1:31:54] push a button and let them in or of course central and the gates will still be there for
[1:31:59] assistance for the for the guests who are arriving on property. So this is like
[1:32:04] this is a totally like big project, lots of pieces. Ross can attest to all the
[1:32:10] pieces that we've talked about. We just set a meeting with No Access to Conquest on the
[1:32:14] install. We want to make it easier for people to get into the property but
[1:32:18] we also wanted to know who was here so that that way we have better
[1:32:22] control over the folks coming and going from Kusawati. There is one thing
[1:32:27] as I do want to mention, as we complete the remaining work, we do ask for your cooperation
[1:32:34] and understanding of every property owner, resident, guest, and contractor who uses
[1:32:38] our entrances. There will be times when those crews are going to be back out there
[1:32:41] working in or near the travel lane. We ask that you slow down, pause, use another
[1:32:47] lane, follow temporary instructions so that you can get through the gates easily. We
[1:32:53] We understand brief delays can be somewhat frustrating
[1:32:56] for folks, but we do ask,
[1:32:58] please don't cuss out the contractors and the gate staff
[1:33:02] if you are delayed for a little bit.
[1:33:04] It is not necessary.
[1:33:06] We're all human beings,
[1:33:08] but it's really disheartening
[1:33:10] when you have contractors to contact you
[1:33:12] and tell you that they haven't cussed out by 10 folks
[1:33:14] while they were out there trying to upgrade
[1:33:16] the software and hardware as a better product.
[1:33:20] So anyway, if everyone would please
[1:33:22] have a little patience and a little kindness, we will get this going and moving forward and get us
[1:33:27] our gate system up and running. The one good thing with the Go Access I want to say is that
[1:33:45] there will be a help button on the keypads and that help button will actually link you directly
[1:33:52] to-go access 24-7-300. So if you pull up to a kiosk to get in and then you cannot figure it out,
[1:34:03] you can hit the help button and a live person is going to come on and be able to assist you
[1:34:07] getting in. So that's also another benefit. That's a service that comes with the program.
[1:34:14] Mr. President, this is a good time too. I should have done this earlier in the meeting,
[1:34:20] But to add to the minutes and to inform the property owners that we did have a, took
[1:34:28] action without a meeting, we had an email vote to increase the fines for specifically
[1:34:35] any damage to the gates, the buildings, the associated equipment, fines 500 bucks and
[1:34:44] There's a $1,500 repair fee minimum to get the contractor out.
[1:34:53] That's his quoted price.
[1:34:55] To get them to come is $1,500.
[1:35:00] Folks, the video that I've seen, it's crazy.
[1:35:04] It's crazy.
[1:35:05] People actually pull up.
[1:35:06] They don't have access.
[1:35:07] They get out, and they don't even use any of the equipment.
[1:35:09] They just get out and grab the arm,
[1:35:11] and they rip it off and throw it beside it.
[1:35:14] Literally have video of this.
[1:35:17] Have people getting out the antennas
[1:35:19] that read the QR on the Windows RFID.
[1:35:24] They're literally getting out
[1:35:25] and moving it to wherever they want.
[1:35:27] These are calibrated.
[1:35:31] It makes no sense.
[1:35:32] We literally have one,
[1:35:34] or actually two videos I watched.
[1:35:36] You can see the person actually sitting
[1:35:39] just outside the lane.
[1:35:41] And as that car that has access goes through, they gun it,
[1:35:47] almost took out Ellington Road gate house,
[1:35:49] almost took it out, fish tailing through the gate.
[1:35:53] And of course, knocked the gate on and off.
[1:35:57] You're gonna get charged if you damage the gate.
[1:36:00] We gotta stop.
[1:36:02] And maybe it's just me,
[1:36:03] maybe because I wear my glasses more on my head
[1:36:05] than I do on my eyes.
[1:36:07] but the sign that was put up at Legion for the fines, where it's located at, you
[1:36:17] can't really see it. Now, if you're a visitor or say your reader doesn't work,
[1:36:27] then you could see it in that lane, but as somebody with a reader that
[1:36:31] works, you cannot really see that fine sign. We'll look into the adjustable.
[1:36:37] Like I said, it may just be me because I don't wear my glasses.
[1:36:42] So, I mean talking, you know, at the end of the day, talking with the sheriff's
[1:36:45] department, talking with the installers, look at if you damage property in a
[1:36:50] motor vehicle. We all went to driving school, we all
[1:36:53] have our driver's license, we all had to pass the test.
[1:36:56] You damage someone's property with your automobile you're supposed to
[1:36:59] stop identify. It is a misdemeanor charge
[1:37:02] if you fail to report damage to a property.
[1:37:06] We're not playing sheriff said just send them there send them the plate number we have and he will pay a visit
[1:37:14] That's why it's up. We're going to slow it down
[1:37:18] Um, I think we're done on that one
[1:37:20] 8a was for attendance of residents
[1:37:25] Richard
[1:37:27] Yeah, I sent an email to all the board of directors on something we could do to
[1:37:32] Up our attendance
[1:37:34] Right now everybody here. We've got to know we know by first name
[1:37:37] we need more involvement with our residents.
[1:37:41] Nobody can disagree with that.
[1:37:42] During our annual meeting,
[1:37:44] we may have 100, 150 people show up.
[1:37:48] Here we've got, what, 20, 22?
[1:37:53] So I come up with an idea
[1:37:54] and Mr. Brown told me to bring it out and open.
[1:37:56] Let's talk about it.
[1:37:58] And actually Jan done something Saturday night,
[1:38:02] picked it on the porch
[1:38:02] and if y'all missed it, you really missed it.
[1:38:05] Outstanding band.
[1:38:07] the Board of Directors, Claire, myself, Mr. Brown, Mr. Claren, Shirley, Sarlin, Mr. Padgett.
[1:38:15] We all sat at the table, had a good time, and I think, and I'm going to get with Amy, if you will, or Mr. Murray,
[1:38:24] I think it would be an idea just to kick around to rent tables, because she gave one away with a ticket, and it was great.
[1:38:34] So she might could rent a table. So run that buyer. I'm just throwing out that just hit me
[1:38:41] just now. But what I'm coming up with is she drew tickets for several things. The table was one
[1:38:47] of them, a free table to set up front, watch the band, eat your dinner. My thought is,
[1:38:54] and it's of course, it's money involved, but with a $12 million budget, I'm just talking
[1:39:00] maybe $1,500 a year is what I run by the board is I was over at Walmart and I cook on smoker
[1:39:10] a lot and a Blackstone. They had a Blackstone griddle for 97 bucks. Give tickets away when
[1:39:16] you come through the door. When you leave, you take it with you, whoever gets the
[1:39:19] ticket. You could do Longhorn $100, limit it to $100. Longhorn, Walmart, gift cards
[1:39:30] might, you'll know within three or four months if it works but don't can't. But at the annual
[1:39:35] meeting give away a $500 gift card to Walmart. Give some people something to go buy groceries
[1:39:40] with. It's a benefit to the residents and that's the key where I'm going with this.
[1:39:45] It ain't for us, it's for you. As board members we get free goodies and stuff and
[1:39:53] y'all do too, but something to twist their arm to get them here, more participation. The
[1:39:58] The more people that get involved, the more we get done.
[1:40:01] And that's the key.
[1:40:03] So I'm throwing this out there to the board
[1:40:06] and I'll make the motion if someone's,
[1:40:09] and if I'm out and left field,
[1:40:11] I'm out and left field guys.
[1:40:12] So I'll make the motion that we limit it
[1:40:15] to $100 per meeting.
[1:40:19] 22 people.
[1:40:20] I got a good chance of winning.
[1:40:22] Yeah.
[1:40:22] I'll teach you well.
[1:40:24] So this is our poll, is that what you're saying?
[1:40:26] Yes.
[1:40:27] That's a, it's like a raffle ticket.
[1:40:30] Raffle to attend.
[1:40:31] Based on the attendance.
[1:40:33] We come to these meetings because we live here and we care about them.
[1:40:41] And I want to hear things firsthand.
[1:40:45] I have a quick go on the Facebook page because I just can't take the negativity and I don't care about the bullshit.
[1:40:54] That's how annoyed I am with the negativity there.
[1:40:59] So I don't do that anymore.
[1:41:01] But this is why we come to these meetings, so we can hear firsthand and be able to ask
[1:41:07] questions if we have them.
[1:41:09] My opinion, I could care less about a wrap or the free donuts.
[1:41:16] I come because I care.
[1:41:18] My personal opinion is that giving stuff away is not going to make anybody care
[1:41:24] about showing up, whether they want to complain about the time, whether they
[1:41:30] want to complain about the day, whatever it is, people are finding an excuse.
[1:41:35] You're not going to tell me that out of 3,500 people or whoever the county is that live here,
[1:41:42] that every month I see the same faces except for the older people. I see the same residents
[1:41:48] here every month. That's not changed since we moved here a year ago and we missed maybe
[1:41:55] two meetings because we were at down. Mr. President, we need a second for the motion to
[1:42:00] to continue the discussion.
[1:42:02] Thank you.
[1:42:04] I'll second it.
[1:42:05] It's been seconded.
[1:42:06] Thank you, Gary.
[1:42:09] I mean, we can try.
[1:42:19] The only thing is if we only have the same faces here,
[1:42:27] if you get the ticket, if you get the ticket every week,
[1:42:31] I'm just gonna ask you to pass it to your neighbor.
[1:42:35] So there's some fairness.
[1:42:36] We spread some of the, if we're gonna do that,
[1:42:38] Maybe you share it with one of the health, okay?
[1:42:42] You see what I'm saying?
[1:42:45] I was gonna ask in discussion if I could, Mr. President.
[1:42:49] Yeah.
[1:42:51] Perhaps because there is a limited number of people here
[1:42:55] and the chance of winning a gift card or whatever
[1:42:59] is pretty high for the same people.
[1:43:02] Maybe we ought to run it as a 50-50 raffle
[1:43:06] and pick a worthy charity,
[1:43:09] And I was gonna suggest maybe we consider
[1:43:12] the Sheriff's Office has an Explorer post.
[1:43:15] And they just came out saying they need some donations
[1:43:17] to run this for youth, you know, junior cost of thing.
[1:43:23] Look for other ideas before we vote on it.
[1:43:25] Pardon?
[1:43:26] I think we should explore other ideas.
[1:43:28] What's that?
[1:43:31] Sorry, it wouldn't cost us anything.
[1:43:33] Roll the tickets.
[1:43:34] And if we, you know, just accumulated that,
[1:43:38] or 50% until we had enough money to donate to the sheriff
[1:43:42] and somebody walks out of here with 20 bucks
[1:43:44] or whatever it is.
[1:43:46] And then we're not out any money to do that.
[1:43:49] The idea is to try to get the community in here
[1:43:54] so that the property owners so that we know
[1:43:57] what they want and they get educated on what's going on.
[1:44:01] That's the idea is how do we get
[1:44:03] the property owners into it.
[1:44:06] I just suggested 50-50 might be as effective to start out with,
[1:44:12] but it's just throwing that out.
[1:44:15] Right now, the motion is to do $100 a month for a gift.
[1:44:22] It doesn't really bother me.
[1:44:25] Shirley?
[1:44:28] How many property owners are on Zoom?
[1:44:33] Melissa, how many you got on Zoom?
[1:44:35] 20 people.
[1:44:37] So we have basically 11 in the audience here,
[1:44:40] and 20 people. So we're doing really good. That's 35. Yeah. I don't know, guys, maybe
[1:44:48] further discussion. Maybe further discussion. Let's just do further discussion on it.
[1:44:56] All right. You want to table this next month? Treasurer's report.
[1:45:04] All right. I've got several things, but I'll make these very quick. First and foremost,
[1:45:13] I test the finance committee and actually put together an education script for developing a format that is extremely simple, but it's all salient points since you have some information, and then you go away smarter rather than dumb.
[1:45:40] So this is our new format and I'm going to retrieve this and I have comments from any of you that would like to see more of it.
[1:45:50] Here we go. First slide. Total income. I'm going to let you read these and can you read these too.
[1:45:59] Please bring them in. You're too fast. You're too fast.
[1:46:03] Here's the headline. Here you go. What's the financial deficit?
[1:46:07] Oh, okay. Cash is strong, running under budget, and we've got a little hiccup of our STR add-in fees, which we are addressing.
[1:46:20] Next slide.
[1:46:24] You need to slow down so you can read the folks' points.
[1:46:27] I hope we have these posted so that you can go back to that last one.
[1:46:32] Why are we so short, Paul?
[1:46:35] And that's going to be the result of the board suspending our SPR elections while we try to decide what is appropriate.
[1:46:46] And that's a fairly significant number.
[1:46:57] Next, please. Oh, total income.
[1:47:01] Total income is below budget slide from July.
[1:47:07] This kind of action.
[1:47:09] Our administrative expenses on plan. Roll it up please. Listen, expenses are under budget.
[1:47:26] Our contract costs on plan. We are again under budget.
[1:47:36] Repair of maintenance plans. Again, we're doing a good job.
[1:47:44] How is our cash and reserve position trending?
[1:47:50] As you all know, we've got our cash May, June, and March up through April.
[1:47:58] We're on plan
[1:48:02] Reserves remain fully funded. How are our investment position?
[1:48:20] funds are safely
[1:48:22] safely insured deposits and CDs and
[1:48:29] This is money that we should
[1:48:31] don't leave on the table. So and we are divided and we reserve accounts in our operating accounts
[1:48:41] and and we continue to evolve to see if it's more appropriate being spent properly.
[1:48:53] Next one, are our sounds a cost on plan? Yeah we are we are actually running under budget
[1:49:03] Okay, so add-in fee income is not on target.
[1:49:17] Income shortfalls over $131,000 as of July.
[1:49:24] And growing impacts is being delivered from the finance committee
[1:49:31] so that we can address these issues.
[1:49:35] Next, what are we watching for?
[1:49:40] What's being developed in items to watch there?
[1:49:44] Finance committee?
[1:49:47] Kaylee involved.
[1:49:49] She had a question.
[1:49:53] You are one of the developers here, so I'm pleased your comments are valuable.
[1:49:57] Some of these slides aren't good.
[1:50:02] They're not final.
[1:50:04] They're a little bit thicker, but this captures mostly data.
[1:50:10] as a personal opinion, but our finance committee
[1:50:16] is active and engaging and valuable.
[1:50:19] A year in financial statements,
[1:50:21] Dave, you're paying attention to mine,
[1:50:23] we'll talk a little bit about that in a minute.
[1:50:26] And our collections is,
[1:50:28] we're doing well with our collections,
[1:50:31] but Mike, finance David's got something,
[1:50:40] I'll let you read the bottom of it.
[1:50:43] And remember, as I have from day one,
[1:50:47] I've got my email address out there,
[1:50:49] I like what I'm answering.
[1:50:52] This is not a place where I want to see this.
[1:50:56] I work for the board, I'll provide it for you.
[1:51:05] Please, I'll take feedback on this,
[1:51:07] not at this setting, but board members,
[1:51:09] I hope this better meets the requirements you have.
[1:51:14] But let's refine this and continue to improve on this.
[1:51:18] I'll go ahead and sit down for the reminder.
[1:51:21] Yes.
[1:51:21] please make sure and like much clearer than it's been in the past. Great job. The committee
[1:51:32] has done a good job. Hey, this is Kurt on Zoom. I just have a question. Are the financials
[1:51:38] posted on our website for May, June, July and August yet? Not August. August won't
[1:51:44] close out for a few more days. May June July I believe are all posted. I haven't
[1:51:55] I haven't seen them so. The last one we got was June 30th. I think June I
[1:52:01] don't think July. Yeah okay yeah in July we were like up to the last
[1:52:07] couple of days before we got here so that may still be in arrears. All
[1:52:12] All right, so you're saying May and June are on,
[1:52:14] but July and August are not.
[1:52:16] Oops, Amy's giving me a head check here.
[1:52:18] Not on Bantica, they're not.
[1:52:20] Let me reach out to Gina on those.
[1:52:23] Mr. Darrow, I've got a question.
[1:52:25] Yes.
[1:52:31] Okay, so is there an answer on that or not?
[1:52:35] Or we're waiting?
[1:52:36] She was saying that they weren't posted on Bantica
[1:52:39] for some reason, so she's reaching out to Gina
[1:52:41] to make sure, that was Amy, Kurt.
[1:52:45] Okay, okay, thanks.
[1:52:48] Mr. Darrow, I've got a question, outstanding presentation
[1:52:53] here, whoever done it, you or Mr. Padgett.
[1:52:56] But I'm still confused, and please help me understand this.
[1:53:00] I approached the board last February.
[1:53:03] Our revenue and expenses were a negative $934,000.
[1:53:11] And you said that that would level out.
[1:53:13] Those expenses were caused.
[1:53:16] Let me, I'll kind of address that in a later segment,
[1:53:19] but I understood that.
[1:53:23] I think we answered that a couple of times,
[1:53:25] but let me go through the rest of my presentation.
[1:53:29] And I think there is nothing nefarious.
[1:53:32] No money is lost,
[1:53:34] but our counting has been so,
[1:53:39] in such disrepair,
[1:53:41] probably going back to 21, 22.
[1:53:45] And as we have repaired these things,
[1:53:47] it's creating these big shifts.
[1:53:49] Money's not going out the door,
[1:53:51] but it is being properly accounted for.
[1:53:54] This is year to date, so that means this year.
[1:53:57] Yes.
[1:53:58] And we're a million dollars negative.
[1:54:01] And it's a perception, Mr. Darrow,
[1:54:04] that we're losing money.
[1:54:06] But when you look at this, it's pretty good.
[1:54:09] Yeah, it is.
[1:54:12] I'm just confused.
[1:54:13] So you're the...
[1:54:14] I think let's do this.
[1:54:16] Please, I invite you, not next week.
[1:54:19] I'm going to take my first vacation in two years.
[1:54:22] But let's sit down and let's talk through this.
[1:54:25] Because if you're unclear about this,
[1:54:29] I think it will serve us better
[1:54:31] when we can sit down around the table
[1:54:33] and we can kind of explain all the changes
[1:54:36] and that have happened.
[1:54:37] But I want to assure everybody we
[1:54:40] are within our budget guidelines
[1:54:43] And there's nothing that is involved.
[1:54:51] You had Durgan, all these people trying to do their thing
[1:54:56] as well, not Durgan, but all the committees
[1:55:00] and it's not the committees, they execute, right?
[1:55:04] They just, you know, they can make recommendations
[1:55:08] and all that, but there be an action to do this shit.
[1:55:11] Point of order, please.
[1:55:13] Point of order.
[1:55:15] Technical difficulty, technical difficulty.
[1:55:20] This is not open comment form, please.
[1:55:22] Point of order.
[1:55:24] Graham, there you got a technical glitch here.
[1:55:26] Thank you.
[1:55:32] Please, you have my email address.
[1:55:35] If you've got issues, concerns,
[1:55:37] I make myself available for all questions.
[1:55:43] Is it possible that we share those slides?
[1:55:51] Yes, I was going to have Amy post these slides somewhere so the public in general has access to these and can refer back to these things.
[1:56:00] Because the slide that showed the finances through July is coming right off of the spreadsheet.
[1:56:11] And for sheet it has plus it's available.
[1:56:20] Agreed.
[1:56:21] Marilyn, let's work on that to make sure that we do get this a complete dissemination
[1:56:26] so people can look at it, study it, raise questions, ask, then answer, and we can
[1:56:35] just continue to improve this product.
[1:56:37] Are we ready to move on to the next subject?
[1:56:46] Okay, here we go.
[1:56:49] As directed by a policy passed last year,
[1:56:54] the finance committee is tasked
[1:56:57] with going through analysis of our water rates.
[1:57:02] Now, our water rates beginning,
[1:57:06] when did the water system get installed? 22?
[1:57:10] And there's been kind of a haphazard approach
[1:57:14] what that rate should be. And going back through, it was hard to find any
[1:57:19] documented or any scientific process to getting an accurate
[1:57:25] determination. Now understand this, our water system is self-contained, so to
[1:57:32] say. There's no benefit to the community that comes out of this. We
[1:57:36] don't get a... the community in general does not make any money off the
[1:57:40] water system. The way it's designed is for us to collect and administer the
[1:57:47] money to meet the requirements to have that system in place. Now as we went
[1:57:53] back and we've gone back a couple of years and we're going
[1:57:59] back to the inception, we've looked at I think there was about 38 line
[1:58:05] items that were used in determining what this water rate should be we looked at
[1:58:11] every one of those things is it appropriate that you know are we
[1:58:16] properly accounting for our direct and hard expenses in these whole scenario
[1:58:23] things that we went through and as a result of that we saw we saw that for
[1:58:31] these for this year or for this budget year and last year that we have been
[1:58:35] deficient in our water rate charges to meet the costs associated with
[1:58:41] maintaining that system and and all that being and you have a nice
[1:58:47] dissertation that the committee has the board has had on this but the
[1:58:52] recommendation is that we will increase the water rate by by two
[1:58:59] dollars and 32 cents and that goes from a current charge of 38 39 to 40 71 and
[1:59:09] that won't be implemented until the December billing cycle the increase
[1:59:14] will help us recover the losses that the community has the shortfalls of
[1:59:19] community has sustained and and we will be looking back further to make
[1:59:25] sure that we do run this as a net zero. So with that being said, it is a
[1:59:31] recommendation that that the board consider this for approval.
[1:59:37] This needs to be investigated more. Sorry, I think that this raising of
[1:59:48] water needs to be investigated more. I have talked with Betty and Betty and Sidney
[1:59:53] some things on this water being raised and some of the shortfall which I had
[2:00:01] asked was where we have people that are in collections in legal that we are not
[2:00:11] getting their part of their work. That amount when I asked if Gina had
[2:00:22] when I'd asked about that Gina had said that the reason that it wasn't getting
[2:00:29] to the attorney was because it was not in Bantiga and this is amounts that
[2:00:38] people our water bill is continuously every month whether they go and they
[2:00:46] lock that water or not you still have that water now our water has went
[2:00:51] from $28 to $40 in three or four years. I think there needs to be a little bit more investigation
[2:01:03] before it is jumped up again. I agree. Is everybody paying?
[2:01:19] Well, if no, I think the short answer is no. We are always going to have an element of bad
[2:01:27] debt. That bad debt has to be accounted for as an additional cost. It becomes an additional
[2:01:36] burden to everybody else. But if we collect past two water bills, that revenue goes
[2:01:44] back into the water system. It doesn't go back into collected amounts.
[2:01:51] Why should I have to, why should any property owner that is up on their water have to pay
[2:01:59] for somebody else that's not paying for theirs?
[2:02:01] I 100% agree with that.
[2:02:04] We cannot be charging more for the delinquency of others.
[2:02:09] Okay.
[2:02:11] Let's, I think.
[2:02:13] It's not even, it's not bottle shutting them off, but it's, it's, that is.
[2:02:17] uh uh there's a portion of bad debt that is put into that calculation but
[2:02:23] and i don't i know that much i don't know if we are over that
[2:02:27] percentage on the the bad debt um if that could be what they're
[2:02:31] contributing it to i'm not sure i mean do investigate it
[2:02:37] let's for one quick example frank week maybe i shouldn't say
[2:02:44] that name sorry if i wasn't supposed to
[2:02:48] but I don't know how long that his water had been cut up,
[2:02:54] how many locks that he wrote to turn his water back on,
[2:02:59] but regardless, he still had that water bill every month because of the USDA law.
[2:03:06] Okay, we all know that it's going, that the attorney had signed off on it and
[2:03:11] and it's actually went through the legal and all that.
[2:03:16] How much of that water was actually
[2:03:20] in the total amount of our loss?
[2:03:22] Because I don't think all of it was.
[2:03:25] Let's, we've got a lot of questions
[2:03:27] and I will accept the fact that there's not
[2:03:31] this further exploration, but I would also
[2:03:35] maybe to create greater efficiency with our board
[2:03:39] when we bring this back up,
[2:03:41] that we get a group from the board, two or three,
[2:03:45] that can sit around the table
[2:03:47] so we can fully explore all these concerns that you have.
[2:03:53] And then we can repropose a solution.
[2:03:59] Then we've got systemic problems within our water.
[2:04:03] Bad debt is obviously one of them.
[2:04:05] But this is a, we've got the numbers to back up what we have.
[2:04:14] I'm not here to present those specifically.
[2:04:17] I think we need to get a small subgroup to look at this and be able to come back and
[2:04:21] say we have reviewed this, we have confidence in it.
[2:04:24] So if it's okay, we will table this.
[2:04:28] We will, Ross, you mentioned concerns, Leah, you mentioned concerns.
[2:04:34] you have something Mike? I was just going to say that the finance committee put together a brief
[2:04:41] for everyone so everybody understands all the numbers. Let's do that. Agree. Okay. That's
[2:04:48] the value of our finance committee. Thank you. Okay. There are 640 campground owners that are
[2:04:57] paying their water bill and there are 58 people on the shutoff list. But even on the shutoff
[2:05:03] off they're still due yeah they still have to pay okay they still have to pay
[2:05:08] but when they don't pay yep yeah this is kind of an accounting issue so let's
[2:05:13] take this to let's take this to a smaller group let's hammer out your
[2:05:17] concerns and let's come back come back with the proposal at a later date
[2:05:22] and not next week yeah you're off the hook I would I would also like to
[2:05:27] to propose that we make a motion or a recommendation from the board that we
[2:05:34] set up some kind of a town hall meeting for those in the campground so that we
[2:05:39] can explain the bill, explain the cost to them so that everybody has a good
[2:05:43] understanding of what those are and you know have that obviously after
[2:05:48] we've had the finance committee support their numbers. Thank you. Okay so the
[2:05:59] The next thing I want to address then is our audit.
[2:06:05] Our audit we have, we will, we're expecting that in October we will have our first audit
[2:06:12] in three years.
[2:06:16] I want to do this tactfully and respectfully, but our accounting and our reporting has
[2:06:28] been a failure since 2122.
[2:06:33] We have not abide, we do not abide by a gap,
[2:06:37] haven't historically.
[2:06:40] And as a result, our financial reports and what have you
[2:06:48] are greatly in disrepair.
[2:06:50] We will invest probably a good 2,000 hours
[2:06:54] to straighten out the mistakes that have accrued.
[2:06:58] Now I'm not picking on any one person.
[2:07:00] There were three different treasurers within this timeframe.
[2:07:04] So this is not to indict any individual.
[2:07:10] So as we get to the point of correcting these things, it puts a bit of chaos in
[2:07:20] our reports to where you don't know where this $800,000 or $1 million went and the
[2:07:26] like.
[2:07:27] discovered anything nefarious. Okay, there's no money that has been walking out the door.
[2:07:35] But with these corrections, it creates some chaos and confusion. That's filtered into
[2:07:41] our last budget, which has used some of these old assumptions, and even that will
[2:07:45] be revised. But every failure has a value. It serves as a bad example. And if we don't
[2:07:57] leverage these bad examples, we lose the lesson. And quite honestly, this isn't a failure of
[2:08:04] individuals who were tasked with that responsibility. But when that first audit came,
[2:08:13] timeline came, and the audit wasn't delivered, there comes a point in time where
[2:08:21] the board has to tell the treasurer, you've got to discharge your responsibilities,
[2:08:27] you've got to meet this obligation. And so what I'm telling this board is that over several years,
[2:08:36] it's not a failure of the treasurer, it's a failure of the board to compel
[2:08:42] the treasurer to produce what they are required to produce. So
[2:08:47] take that with a grain of salt. We said, you know, the board saw that we weren't meeting
[2:08:54] requirements and at that point in time they should have acted to compel. So that's all I want to say
[2:09:01] about the audit. We hopefully will have during the month of October the final audit repairs.
[2:09:07] We're 95-98% through. We're still picking through a few nitpick items but we are
[2:09:15] really close to delivering our first audit in many years. As I mentioned our budget is
[2:09:20] is based on the old numbers and the way it was set up, and so as we go through comparing
[2:09:28] our actuals with our budget, we really have to understand that we've got to really manipulate
[2:09:35] to get these things to match up.
[2:09:38] Now, I also want to bring up something that our finance committee through the
[2:09:45] the treasurer has put together.
[2:09:49] You have it in your packet.
[2:09:50] We've put together an investment practice and procedures
[2:09:55] so that we keep our money gainfully employed.
[2:09:58] I'll let you review that,
[2:09:59] but this is very important
[2:10:00] to keeping our passive income opportunities
[2:10:04] fully leveraged.
[2:10:07] And there is one other thing
[2:10:10] that I think is very important,
[2:10:12] And it's something that finance committee through Mike and I
[2:10:17] are working on.
[2:10:18] The treasurer has an immense number of responsibilities
[2:10:22] on their umbrella.
[2:10:23] A lot of these can be assigned.
[2:10:26] And this is something also that I
[2:10:27] think the board can probably put
[2:10:30] into practice in other areas.
[2:10:32] But as I see certain things that
[2:10:34] require the finance committee's participation that
[2:10:38] fall under my umbrella, I want
[2:10:42] create an assignment of specific duties between myself
[2:10:45] and the finance committee so that they know that they are tasked
[2:10:50] with certain things under under my umbrella and for my review
[2:10:55] because if we don't start to create these assignments what
[2:11:00] will happen is that many of these things we're going to talk about and
[2:11:03] say yeah we need to do this and it dies right there and i don't
[2:11:08] want that to happen going forward i want to i want to be
[2:11:11] able to create those those lines of responsibility so that we have we have
[2:11:16] follow-through on so many of these things that are coming up now that's I
[2:11:22] promise to keep myself fairly direct and to the point so at this point
[2:11:30] please if there are any questions either here or after the fact I would
[2:11:35] I welcome them Mr. Treasurer you're you're saying that the board should
[2:11:42] just accept this as information on how you're going to be investing the money.
[2:11:48] Information. Okay. So we don't have to take any action.
[2:11:51] You have to take no action. I just wanted to inform you
[2:11:54] and give you some assurances that we are approaching this thing
[2:11:58] in a very structured, organized fashion. Yes, sir.
[2:12:02] Mr. Treasurer, I got involved back in early 23, 24, 25
[2:12:11] and we was trying to get an audit. You know Marvin Chance, I'm sure. But 21 we had an issue
[2:12:22] and we were trying to get 22 audited and 23 and he couldn't do the audit because the numbers was
[2:12:30] wrong. I called him personally and asked him, Marvin, what's the deal here? We've got to
[2:12:36] have an audit. We need to know where we stand. He said, Richard, the numbers are wrong.
[2:12:39] I'm not going to give you an audit. I'm not going to make something up."
[2:12:43] And I said, well, where do we go? He said,
[2:12:46] go where you want to. I'm out. He walked away.
[2:12:50] Miss Dora got involved. That was under Sundberg.
[2:12:54] Miss Dora got involved as treasurer. She twisted his arm and everybody knows
[2:12:59] she's... when she gets involved, she gets
[2:13:02] involved. He threw his hands up again. This
[2:13:05] was in 24. He said, the numbers are wrong. I'm
[2:13:09] not giving you a false audit. When the numbers are right, we went to our counsel, can we
[2:13:16] not bring a judgment against him to do an audit? And Mr. Coulter said, we have to
[2:13:23] get another auditor to file a false claim against an auditor. You know, that's not
[2:13:31] going to happen. So that's for now. Do this. Bless you.
[2:13:37] I appreciate your interest, your focus on this, but the failures, again, I don't want
[2:13:45] to pick on any individual. Yes, it is hard. Our numbers were wrong. We acknowledge that.
[2:13:52] We came into this and we said, you know, what do we have to do to fix this? We're
[2:13:59] investing over 2,000 hours, man hours, to make, to correct this, but because it was hard to do,
[2:14:10] it didn't get done. This has been very difficult, very hard process to go through,
[2:14:16] but our numbers will be right. That's what we want, and that's my concern about this is
[2:14:23] In my tenure, it was wrong. We couldn't do it. The guy
[2:14:29] wouldn't do it. He walked away. It's not the auditor's responsibility for
[2:14:33] our numbers to be in a form for them to be able to audit. Yeah, if I were an
[2:14:39] auditor too, I probably would have said, you got to fix your
[2:14:44] work product before you bring it to me. And that's where we failed. It was
[2:14:48] our our accounting in-house that was in such a poor state that an auditor could
[2:14:56] not provide an audit. We have we've gone through all the steps necessary and
[2:15:03] we're digging all the way back multiple multiple years. We're having to
[2:15:08] restate financial statements all the way back to 21 to bring them within gap
[2:15:14] compliance and I'll give you I'll give you a quick example over the last four
[2:15:19] years we have not capitalized we have not taken as capital expenditures over
[2:15:30] seven million dollars of expenses that should have been capitalized and
[2:15:38] then put on a depreciation schedule it hasn't happened in the last four
[2:15:42] years. Since our review of surpluses has to be voted on by the board to be put into our capital
[2:15:54] reserve and that's based on an audit. We haven't gone through that process since 2022. We're having
[2:16:02] to go back and repair, to Mr. Briggs's point too, yes this has been a daunting, daunting task
[2:16:11] but because it's hard doesn't mean we throw our hands up and say no let's go
[2:16:17] because that's what's happened over the last four years that's what happened
[2:16:22] our numbers our numbers are going to be correct they are going to be audit
[2:16:27] worthy we're going to have a clean slate from from the point in time that
[2:16:32] that audit is as perfected we have reengaged with access management who
[2:16:38] been shut out in this process over these years. We and we are looking at deeper issues to ensure
[2:16:46] that our fundamentals are well taken care of going forward. So it's not just repairing
[2:16:54] old stuff, we're building a framework so that we don't fall in disrepair in the future.
[2:17:02] Let me just thank them when I'm done. I want to thank the finance committee and thank
[2:17:05] Mr. Darrell. Finance committee is really critical. I had pulled it out back then. It's that difficult.
[2:17:12] So thank you. I know what it's like. Just Mr. Treasurer, I'd like to just remind the board
[2:17:18] that last year we passed a job description for a full-time treasurer and I don't think we budget
[2:17:26] enough money for a full-time treasurer so that the finance committee has been searching for
[2:17:31] for somebody to be like an assistant treasurer.
[2:17:36] I would also like to preface it by saying
[2:17:38] you're the eighth treasurer that we've had since 2020.
[2:17:42] But that constant turnover of treasurers
[2:17:45] comes to the issues that you're talking about.
[2:17:47] So that to me the solution is
[2:17:50] we need a professional treasurer.
[2:17:52] But right now can we resurrect the,
[2:17:55] I think the finance committee had brought a issue,
[2:17:58] brought a proposal to the board
[2:18:00] to hire a assistant treasurer
[2:18:04] to start doing some of this work
[2:18:06] and creating more consistency in how we do the work.
[2:18:09] Can we start, can we bring that back to the board
[2:18:12] and let's see if we can move that ahead?
[2:18:14] Let me add a few comments
[2:18:15] and I know Mike's been keenly involved with this as well.
[2:18:21] Part of our problem when we addressed the need
[2:18:24] for that comp due to full-time treasurer and what have you
[2:18:27] because the treasurer had absorbed all these responsibilities and we had no help from a
[2:18:39] finance committee. Treasurers come and go. The finance committee has some continuity to it.
[2:18:46] There's our continuity right there. The treasurer is responsible, but that doesn't mean
[2:18:53] on so many tasks, doesn't mean they have to do it. But they have to be able to assign
[2:18:59] those things out and then oversee the completion of these things. I want to revisit that requirement
[2:19:08] to see if there is a solution that makes the finance committee our continuity point
[2:19:15] so that a treasurer can step in and go to the finance committee and say teach me this job,
[2:19:23] you know, as I transition into these responsibilities. So let's, let's have that discussion maybe
[2:19:31] in more of a roundtable at another time. I also have some other concerns that I want
[2:19:38] to bring in to bring to you in a smaller group that I think will also alleviate
[2:19:43] maybe the need to employ at cost to the association to get the benefits we're looking
[2:19:50] for. Let's take that to a smaller group where we can kind of talk through these. We may in the end
[2:19:56] decide that we do want to have somebody more full-time, but I think we were also looking
[2:20:02] for some sort of independence so that we had our self-auditing function within. Let's take
[2:20:09] this to a smaller table, smaller group, and determine what our needs and requirements are.
[2:20:14] see if I can fix these at no no more expense to the association to provide
[2:20:21] and assure you that we have this continuity. Mr. President, can I suggest that we discuss
[2:20:29] this in executive session at next month's meeting with the as just basically the board and we can
[2:20:37] have a candid discussion about how we move ahead on this. Yep, no problem. October,
[2:20:43] to that that's perfect and we can we can start the discussion if you want
[2:20:49] everybody's got email but you know my position I mean you were the first one
[2:20:55] that brought it up okay thank you Frank yeah oh this is great this is
[2:21:07] wonderful this is something that it's going to be so valuable like
[2:21:12] Padgett 9A on the collections. All right everybody so finally I'm gonna bring
[2:21:19] some good news to the table that everybody should be very excited about.
[2:21:22] When I joined the finance committee, I don't even know, it's probably five or six months ago,
[2:21:29] yeah, I told them that I wanted to work on the hardest jobs. The hardest
[2:21:35] jobs were collections, all the things that we've had trouble with over the
[2:21:40] past 20 years. Collections, documents, which was brought up earlier this morning, and the
[2:21:48] villas. So the first task that we had was to go after change the collections. So we
[2:21:55] basically just wiped the slate clean. And we went and we're working with access management
[2:22:02] for the past three months to explore the best in class from around the country,
[2:22:08] other large neighborhoods to figure out exactly what they're doing and and what
[2:22:13] works what doesn't work and so we've put together quite a complex
[2:22:18] collections process that's going to be almost all automatic so we're gonna run
[2:22:25] everything through Access Management System, Vantica and what that does is
[2:22:30] it basically triggers what was happening in the past was basically they
[2:22:36] were sending out one notice that you're late the first notice and then they were
[2:22:41] sending on another one that says if you don't pay that was 30 days later if you
[2:22:45] don't pay then we're gonna send you collections you're gonna go to a
[2:22:49] lawyer so that was all that was really being done in the past so what
[2:22:53] we did was we we broke it down into about ten different steps instead of
[2:22:58] just the two so and we added a lot of things as far as reminders go
[2:23:04] along the way. So we also, well I can't get into too much because of a contract,
[2:23:10] it's contract negotiations, but essentially what we've done is we've
[2:23:15] made this process a lot more effective. It's going to be less expensive for the
[2:23:20] neighborhood and with a lot fewer legal fees. So we're going to be able
[2:23:25] to take take advantage of improved visibility all the way through the
[2:23:31] process. So I think that, I think what we've come up with is great. We've added a few things like
[2:23:37] a click to pay on the invoices. So before it was like just mail your check. So now you can
[2:23:46] actually, you have a link, you can go in and click to pay, make things easier. We put more
[2:23:52] reminders and we're pushing the legal out because a lot of times after that second notice,
[2:24:00] it was just going straight to the lawyer, which caused a lot of burden for a lot of the
[2:24:06] homeowners that were already having problems and then you start stacking legal on top of that as
[2:24:12] well. So I'm really excited about it. We've made a lot of changes and since it does involve the
[2:24:20] active contract negotiations, I think that we should move this part to the executive session
[2:24:28] have a more detailed discussion. I look forward to hearing that. Great work. This is a tremendous
[2:24:36] benefit. Historically, it's been kind of a dump and run. We have a problem. We throw it out to
[2:24:42] somebody. We have no follow-up except for a bulk number. So this is going to give so much
[2:24:49] clarity, so much procedure to how we approach these things. Mike's done it. I don't even
[2:24:56] want to guess how many hours you've put into this. But he's put in so much effort to try to make this
[2:25:03] right. It doesn't mean this is going to be perfect, but this is light years ahead of where we have
[2:25:07] been. And we will continue to refine these things as we roll them out, we test them for a while,
[2:25:14] we see what's working, and if things are not working like they are, we tweak it, we keep
[2:25:19] ongoing. This is I think probably the first ever comprehensive procedure that
[2:25:26] we've had in this massive problem. Thank you Mike. Thank you Mike. General
[2:25:36] Manager. Good morning all. I'd like to begin by thanking our board members for
[2:25:42] their continued service and commitment to Kusawati. We have a lot of
[2:25:46] important issues as you've seen today. We begin this new board year and I look
[2:25:53] forward to working together to address these challenges and make meaningful
[2:25:57] improvements throughout the community. I want to recognize the staff who's
[2:26:01] been very instrumental in some of these as well. As we move beyond Labor
[2:26:07] Day our summer operations are beginning to wind down and we
[2:26:10] transitioned into our fall schedule. Foxhound pool will close today, September 8th, which
[2:26:19] obviously the day after Labor Day. Riverside pool will remain open during the rec center
[2:26:24] enclosure project to ensure that our owners continue to have access to a swimming facility
[2:26:30] while this important work is underway. We do have the enclosure that's going to
[2:26:35] be worked on beginning this week in hopes that maybe we can better protect that area
[2:26:41] as well as reduce expenditures as far as chemicals go. The rec center pool enclosure
[2:26:48] project is scheduled to begin this week. During construction, owners may experience
[2:26:53] temporary closures of the indoor pool and surrounding outdoor areas as necessary to
[2:26:58] safely complete the work. We'll remain in communication with the community and
[2:27:02] and provide updates regarding access
[2:27:04] and anticipated reopening as the project progresses.
[2:27:08] We understand that these closures may be an inconvenience.
[2:27:11] We appreciate everyone's patience
[2:27:13] and understanding while we do this,
[2:27:15] our team will be working diligently
[2:27:17] with the contractor to complete the project
[2:27:19] and reopen the rec center pool as soon as possible.
[2:27:22] In the meantime, Riverside pool will remain available
[2:27:25] for use to accommodate owners
[2:27:27] who may be displaced by the construction.
[2:27:29] we will remain flexible with the Riverside pool closure date based on the
[2:27:34] progress of the enclosure repairs and the needs of our owners. Once the
[2:27:38] enclosure is completed all related work is finished in the rec center pool
[2:27:43] and surrounding areas are ready to reopen for normal use. We will
[2:27:47] determine an appropriate date to close Riverside for the season. That
[2:27:52] decision will be communicated to the community in advance. Following the
[2:27:56] seasonal closure the outdoor pools will be standardized and will protect them
[2:28:01] during the colder months which will reopen in 27. The repaired enclosure will
[2:28:08] provide better protection for our indoor pools surrounding facilities. It'll
[2:28:13] give us better efficiency and savings in chemical usage and the investment
[2:28:17] will preserve the facility and provide a better year-round swimming
[2:28:20] experience for our owners. It'll also be a better protection for our
[2:28:27] renovation of the pool area when we do that this next year for the
[2:28:32] rec center in 27 for our capital. Some of the capital
[2:28:38] projects we've been diving into for 2026 paving as you
[2:28:43] all saw probably coming up here our 26
[2:28:46] capital paving projects have officially begun.
[2:28:49] Many of you have noticed that the work taking place
[2:28:51] as you arrived at the water tower this morning,
[2:28:54] we are paving the immediate area adjacent to the water tower
[2:28:57] as well as the roads and areas surrounding the villas
[2:29:00] is a much needed improvement
[2:29:02] that will address deteriorating pavement
[2:29:04] and enhance both the appearance and ability
[2:29:07] of this important area for our community up here.
[2:29:10] The project is part of our ongoing commitment
[2:29:12] to investing in Kusawadi's infrastructure
[2:29:15] and addressing longstanding maintenance needs.
[2:29:19] Another capital projects that we're working on currently are the emergency generators as part of our 26 capital improvements
[2:29:27] We've put in much-needed emergency generators
[2:29:31] Installed at the Miller house in the rec center. We still have propane installation, which is ongoing
[2:29:37] And just about finished these generators will provide an important improvement to our emergency
[2:29:43] Preparedness by allowing these facilities to remain operational during power outages
[2:29:47] and bad weather. Previously the rec center's generator capacity was limited to
[2:29:53] supplying power only to the pool pumps and heaters. The new generator is
[2:29:57] designed to provide power to the entire rec center allowing the facility
[2:30:01] continue operation during a power failure rather than being limited to
[2:30:05] essential pool equipment. The Miller house is also undergoing a generator
[2:30:13] as well. It'll give us emergency backup power for that facility and maintain operations
[2:30:19] for our staff who utilize that facility as well as if we decide to use these areas for
[2:30:28] a winter shelter as well. Our rows and grounds maintenance and storm recovery continues.
[2:30:35] Rows and grounds team continues to make improvements throughout the community including
[2:30:39] the ongoing use of the asphalt millings, which you all have seen, to our gravel roads. This
[2:30:45] process has been very valuable for our community. We are using it in replacement of our dust
[2:30:52] control agent that we had that was extremely expensive. They've also been working our
[2:30:58] team very closely on the storm damage that we've had throughout the community for this
[2:31:04] summer. It includes removing fallen trees, debris, addressing damaged areas and
[2:31:10] restoring our roads and common areas to a safe and presentable condition. With
[2:31:15] the size of our terrain, Kusawati storm recovery is an ongoing effort and
[2:31:20] we appreciate everyone's patience as it is not not a quick item and we
[2:31:27] only have a certain number of staff members to make that happen. So we are
[2:31:32] on top of it please know that but it does take us a little bit longer to respond because of all the
[2:31:38] different things going out throughout the community. Another important priority is the
[2:31:44] drainage infrastructure around Kusawati. We're continuing to inspect and clean drainage dishes
[2:31:49] and culverts finding debris all through these culverts. Maintaining these systems are
[2:31:55] essential to directing storm water away from our roads and facilities and reducing the erosion
[2:32:00] factor around here helping prevent future washouts. We'll continue to monitor these
[2:32:05] areas but we also need the cooperation of the community as well to kind of help us
[2:32:11] with their respective areas. The gate and access security that Amy had talked about,
[2:32:19] that's an ongoing effort and a continuation of our capital item as well. We are trying
[2:32:27] to replace our dwelling live system import over information from our dwelling live into
[2:32:32] our go access that transition of information is proving to be a difficult one because
[2:32:41] it is information that's been kind of like not complete for so long and we're trying
[2:32:48] to complete it and make sure we have a good picture there of people their information
[2:32:55] in there and so that we can go back in and look at it accordingly. We've also encountered
[2:33:02] during this process of putting in the gate systems and also putting in the go access
[2:33:09] system throughout campus. We've had challenges involving the gate strikes as Ross had mentioned.
[2:33:16] We have vandalism. We have an aging infrastructure that we're finding more and more repairs
[2:33:22] are necessary. The team still remains focused on this and will continue until we get through
[2:33:28] this. You know, we'll improve the overall experience hopefully for everybody coming
[2:33:36] and going, but it is a different system. And I think people are starting to get to
[2:33:41] know these systems, but they are a lot faster and they are causing come down on
[2:33:47] vehicles. But now you have to understand that you cannot piggyback and this will provide a better
[2:33:54] security for the community. I also wanted to address there's been recent concerns regarding
[2:34:00] the misuse of our bathhouse facilities. The conditions have been reported. We have some
[2:34:06] unacceptable use of them. We need to take our concerns seriously and our board staff will
[2:34:16] We'll continue to monitor the areas, investigate, report
[2:34:19] innocence, and review camera footage
[2:34:21] when sufficient information is available to narrow our search
[2:34:24] down so we can figure out who the culprits are.
[2:34:28] Access control locks are going to be installed in this Go
[2:34:32] Access system at Ogden, First Street, and Fishtrap Parks.
[2:34:36] As the new platform becomes fully operational,
[2:34:40] our goal is to provide account link access,
[2:34:43] improve entry records and temporary access options
[2:34:47] for authorized campers in the area.
[2:34:50] These improvements should help us
[2:34:51] better protect the facilities
[2:34:53] and identify those responsible for misuse.
[2:34:56] In the meantime, we'll continue working
[2:34:58] with the board on practical measures
[2:35:00] to improve inspections, cleanliness,
[2:35:02] and the security while preserving reasonable access
[2:35:05] for owners and campers who depend on these facilities.
[2:35:08] community amenities and events or currently the barn has continued to provide a wonderful
[2:35:17] place for our community for events such as the picking on the porch. We have plans on
[2:35:23] utilizing this facility for the upcoming fall festivities. We've demonstrated the
[2:35:30] value of investing in these facilities by bringing this and owners together down there.
[2:35:36] continue working on improvement improvements in that area and expand opportunities to community
[2:35:43] to the community use while remaining mindful of the association's resources. These amenities
[2:35:49] and events are important part of what makes Kusawati special and I appreciate the staff
[2:35:54] volunteers and community members who have made these possible. We have we had a wonderful
[2:35:59] labor day this past weekend and great attendance and I want to thank everybody of those of
[2:36:07] you who did attend that event. I thought it was a great event. Looking ahead, you know,
[2:36:13] as we move forward in this year, you know, we'll remain focused on maintaining facilities
[2:36:18] and prioritizing our expenditures to support the association's long-term needs. Our staff
[2:36:26] and management team will continue working with the board and finance committee to improve
[2:36:30] processes, monitor costs and ensure that our resources are being effective. There's still
[2:36:38] great work to do this year. We are knocking out a lot in a small time period while the
[2:36:44] weather is good. We will be hitting the winter months ahead of us and I just ask
[2:36:49] everyone to be prepared just as we will be prepared on
[2:36:56] salting the roads those sort of things but
[2:36:58] also please don't get out on the roads if it does become a winter storm
[2:37:03] unless you absolutely have to just to be on the safe side
[2:37:07] but thank you again to everyone our employees our staff our volunteers
[2:37:12] committee members board members
[2:37:16] rough position to be in, but I think we're approaching a lot of issues that were not
[2:37:21] addressed before, so thank you, and I look forward to this upcoming year, so.
[2:37:27] Thank you, Ryan. Board member remarks. Let's start on Zoom. Nick, anything?
[2:37:36] No, nothing additional from me. Thanks, everybody.
[2:37:40] Kurt?
[2:37:42] Nothing additional. I guess we'll discuss them in private.
[2:37:46] Graham?
[2:37:46] them? No, I'm good. Appreciate everybody's help. Richard? I'm good. Leah? I'm good. I
[2:37:56] do have something. Three minutes. I'm not going to be giving that. Could the staff
[2:38:02] look at seeing if there's something available from the sheriff regarding an activity report
[2:38:08] to Kusawaddy that could be included in the weekly update or something? So people
[2:38:16] or, you know, it would be generic, like, you know, on 5th and Road, there was a disturbance
[2:38:24] or, you know, whatever it is, and then just keep community aware.
[2:38:31] Absolutely.
[2:38:33] Shirley?
[2:38:35] Uh-oh.
[2:38:36] Yeah.
[2:38:38] What happened?
[2:38:39] Do you want to have anything to say?
[2:38:41] No.
[2:38:42] Mike?
[2:38:43] I would just like to say to the community that I hope that everybody does start getting
[2:38:48] involved with some of these these committees that are starting up the
[2:38:52] finance committee we've got some really good people on the finance committee you
[2:38:56] know the the committee is getting to the point where I think we're at about a
[2:39:00] max of a ten but I do welcome other people to come in and help us we're
[2:39:05] gonna be starting work groups to address different areas and then bring
[2:39:10] that back as and I know the documents and we're also gonna be starting a
[2:39:15] Villas Committee so if everybody if everybody could get involved that would
[2:39:20] be great just invite everybody to the committee. Frank? All right just real
[2:39:29] quick short our budget process begins this month and our first actions are
[2:39:36] going to be and we put this together shortly is is reaching out to the
[2:39:42] board to get their comments, their focuses, their interests so that we can
[2:39:49] create kind of a comprehensive list as we start to go through this. The other
[2:39:53] thing I would ask is that there are so many things that I'm not on the board
[2:39:58] which is a good thing and I can explain why that is but every time
[2:40:03] you bring up something that has a financial component to it we need to
[2:40:07] make sure we flag those things because we need to go through our analysis our
[2:40:14] assessments so that we can start to account for things in our upcoming
[2:40:19] budget so that's all I've got to say okay the only thing from myself is
[2:40:28] wow what a first two weeks my phone hasn't stopped ringing my emails
[2:40:35] haven't started coming. My text messages are blowing up. I just cannot believe how many
[2:40:41] issues come up during a day in this community. And I welcome them because we have been out on
[2:40:49] them. We've folded them to each other and the team is working. I can't do it all and I'm
[2:40:56] asking the team to do it and they are getting on it. And same with the team members of Access.
[2:41:02] I can make phone calls to any one of them and and they get right on it. So I
[2:41:07] appreciate that. One thing I will say when I wake up Monday morning to a to a
[2:41:15] text message from facilities and Melissa if you want to put that up
[2:41:22] when I wake up to this in the morning I'm gonna tell this community
[2:41:27] straight up that will be the end of it our our crews do not deserve that and us
[2:41:37] as homeowners do not deserve that so the next time I get out woken up to
[2:41:43] that photograph I will call for every bath house in this entire subdivision to
[2:41:49] be permanently locked down because if you can't treat the property that we
[2:41:55] supply to you we're not gonna supply it and that's where I'm gonna leave
[2:42:01] So, I would say go out, tell your neighbors, see this photograph, think about what you've
[2:42:09] seen and when the doors are closed, don't ask questions because that's disgusting.
[2:42:19] Well said Ross, well said.
[2:42:21] That was savagery.
[2:42:22] Correct.
[2:42:24] So, at that point, folks, I'm going to close the meeting, I'm sorry it's such
[2:42:28] on a nasty note, but I was not happy. So we can call this closed. This next meeting will
[2:42:38] be six o'clock p.m. at the water tower. And that is October 13th, 2006. So as requested,
[2:42:48] we are going to start shifting some meetings around. Okay. Thank you, everybody. We're
[2:42:58] They're adjourned at 1143.