new lodge for alpine?
Posted by diana - birches garden at 5/16/2008 11:45 AM and is filed under ALPOA,Discussions,Lodge discussion 
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We all know there have been discussions about options for repair or rebuilding of the lodge. But it looks like plans are already taking shape.
The following was submitted by another PO...
AL was 'in the spotlight' in April's issue of The Lake-Front, a monthly publication from Deep Creek. Many things were mentioned and it was a very good story. And that's good for the community. But what struck me was near the end of the story, the comment that "plans are also underway to build a brand new lodge".
Now you all know how I like to keep up with the news, so I checked out the AL website for the meeting agenda for the board. On May 8, on the agenda was a discussion about the architect's draft for the community building's floor plans. I hope the board is anxious to share this info with PO's.
To go back a few months... the board approved 14K to get several plans from the architects. I believe the plans were to be modular by design, meaning we'd build what was affordable and could easily add to later on. In other words, if we could spend 1M, what could we get. If we could spend 2M, what would we get... etc. So, it'll be interesting to see the different plans provided by the architects.
So it looks like a new lodge is getting closer each day. There hasn't been any open forums lately, perhaps they will start again when these new plans are revealed. I'm sure everyone will love to add some input.
This will be one of the most important decisions this community will face in the near future. It is very important to provide an open discussion with all po's to get the best for everyone. Considering this will be a lengthy process, there's no reason for anyone to be kept in the dark.
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We all know there have been discussions about options for repair or rebuilding of the lodge. But it looks like plans are already taking shape.
The following was submitted by another PO...
AL was 'in the spotlight' in April's issue of The Lake-Front, a monthly publication from Deep Creek. Many things were mentioned and it was a very good story. And that's good for the community. But what struck me was near the end of the story, the comment that "plans are also underway to build a brand new lodge".
Now you all know how I like to keep up with the news, so I checked out the AL website for the meeting agenda for the board. On May 8, on the agenda was a discussion about the architect's draft for the community building's floor plans. I hope the board is anxious to share this info with PO's.
To go back a few months... the board approved 14K to get several plans from the architects. I believe the plans were to be modular by design, meaning we'd build what was affordable and could easily add to later on. In other words, if we could spend 1M, what could we get. If we could spend 2M, what would we get... etc. So, it'll be interesting to see the different plans provided by the architects.
So it looks like a new lodge is getting closer each day. There hasn't been any open forums lately, perhaps they will start again when these new plans are revealed. I'm sure everyone will love to add some input.
This will be one of the most important decisions this community will face in the near future. It is very important to provide an open discussion with all po's to get the best for everyone. Considering this will be a lengthy process, there's no reason for anyone to be kept in the dark.
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Diana,
I would not have thought that this would become an issue until after the election. Could it be that they really are proceeding? Could it be that they are going to make a commitement that will break the bank and our community? It will be interesting what comes out at this weekend meeting...keep us posted and we will see you next weekend.
Dennis Sarno
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I am disturbed, to put it lightly, that there is a presumption out there that a decision to build a new lodge has already been made. Altough I don't have a problem with exploring a modular type building plan, it is, to me, like putting the cart before the horse.
First of all, wasn't there supposed to be input from all property owners as to what they would like to have done regarding the lodge? And weren't we supposed to have a number of viable options to consider? And isn't it important to have a good idea of what we could/can afford? (And how much this might cost us in increased assessments?)
So, to announce that plans are under way to build a "new" lodge strikes me as someone or group has preempted the property owners involvement, and made a decision which could/will impact all of us without our having any say in the matter! I'm thinking 'taxation without representation'!
If this is the case, I will do everything I can to intercept this action until it can be done in a proper and fair way. How do you feel about this? Please let me know.
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Surprise, surprise, surprise guess what we are getting for Christmas - maybe a new Lodge? Oops, is the secret out? And to boot, we will get to pay for our own present. I hate it when that happens. Wonder, if we can return it if we don't like it! ROTFL!!!!!
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The question: "Will we have a new lodge" may have already been decided" for the membership of Alpine Lake.
Here is the message: Your input is not needed, we will decide what is best for you and the community, just go home and continue to pay up.
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I have just come the May open ALPOA board meeting. During the meeting, President Loring Young made a brief remark in his monthly statement about the lodge, the architect's rendering and that this would be available for all to see at the annual meeting. (His letter will be published in the June issue of the Newsletter.) At the end of the meeting, I remarked about the statement from Jim Wilson in the Lake-Front magazine, "plans are under way to build a new lodge." I also mentioned the fact that the architect was charged to draw up plans only on a new building as recommended by the Lodge Ad Hoc committee. I said that it sounded like the decision had already been made, and asked the board to comment. Well, to say the least, the discussion became a bit 'hot'. Mr. Young emphasized that no decision had been made, that the board was taking the discussion regarding the future of the lodge slowly and carefully to be sure to consider all alternatives. I said that it didn't look that way. Then, Joe Murtha, the voice of reason, clarified the board's position by stating that much work had already been done to look at alternatives, and that an update on all that work would be available for all property owners to examine at the annual meeting. He was very clear that no decision to take any particular direction had been made. Marv Josaitis then interjected the information that he and two other board members who will be continuing after June, (Grace Athey and Pat Arnone) we be working deligently to analyze what money will be available to ALPOA to take any action.
So, as of now, we can all breathe a sigh of relief that the lodge issue is still undecided and that all options will be communicated to property owners so we/they can make an informed choice.
You could say that I fell on a sword at this meeting regarding this issue. I made some board members very angry. I'm sorry they reacted that way. I had every right to raise the issue and ask for comments and clarification. So, I may have taken a hit or two by doing so. But, even if it causes people to dislike me or not want to vote for me, I felt it was important to get a final answer. I'll have to wait and see what the fall out is. And isn't it a shame that property owners feel intimidated to raise important questions or issues to the board at these meetings? You hardly ever hear anyone bringing up controversial issues. Stay tuned.
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Speaking of the board meeting Judith, I just recently heard that the art group at Alpine Lake was responsible for the face lift of the room where the monthly meetings are held. Which, by the way, looks great. I was told that the Alpine Lake Art Group FOOTED THE BILL for the supplies, paint, fabric, and that really neat hanging system for the room. Well, if what I have heard is true, MAY I EXTEND SOME WELL DESERVED KUDOS. I am sure many of the membership would extend the same if they were aware of what the group has done for Alpine Lake.
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Dear Anonymous, Thanks for the kudos but the thanks go to all of the Art Group people who, over the last 3 years, have worked so hard to earn most of that money. They hand painted Christmas ornaments, candles, rocks and other items to sell at the annual Octoberfest. In addition, a few members of the Quilters helped Ann Nelson and Sue Riley make the window dressings. So, to all who have helped, along with their spouses who also gave a lot of time and effort, I forward on your thanks. We are very proud of the improvement to the room and the opportunity to showcase our artwork, which will change periodically. Also, please watch for some needlework hangings from the Quilting group.
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We've witnessed anger from the board at previous meetings and were quite shocked.
Ego and power can do funny things to otherwise good people.
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I wish Judith would name the Board members who acted out inapropriately.
I also think we need to look closely at the candidates. It seems that there are at least 2 candidates who are very supportive of the "old guard" and their decisions. And they are not Judith or either of the Dennis(s).
We are in trouble if these 2 are voted in. Community members need to regain control of AL by voting in Board members who will work in the best interest of and in conjunction with community members
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I wasn't present at the meeting, but I can only guess it again was ***, ***** & *****. Oh, I forgot the 8th Board Member ****!
EDITED TO REMOVE NAMES (even thought they were not the real names)
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I don't know what or whom this refers to but it's not appropriate. I wasn't at the meeting and don't know any board members, but having worked with elected "boards" my entire adult life, I have learned this: Divided boards are usually the most productive. The membership benefits from the clash of opposing viewpoints. If anger is the product of the clash between two sets of strongly held beliefs, that's good. If anger is a stepping stone to vindictive personal attacks, that's not good. The clash here is over what is to be done about the lodge and how it is to be done. Board members must park their personal egos in the hall. Board members are the representatives of the PO's and it is up to the PO's to get informed, be open minded, and hold our reps to a high standard of diligence and civil discourse.
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Mr. Martin,
I could not agree with you more however, I am under the impression that being open minded has not been one of our better attributes. I have been a property owner since 1995 and I know that there have been many things accomplish since then...some good...some bad. The one behavior that appears much too often, either by perception or realty, is that the Board does not work for the PO's all of the time.
Unfortunately, this past year is a testament to this statement, specifically on the lodge issue. Who appointed the AD HOC committee and what was the criteria to be appointed? Was there a screening of perspective members to make sure that they had experience and have been involved and managed a project of this nature and size? Was there a specific agenda to follow and who made up that agenda? When opposition was posed and new ideas were presented, what was done with this information? I could go on however, the point is, after all the voiced and written concerns the Board is still moving forward with the lodge, what does that tell you?
I am not so naive to think that this is over and that we will get a chance to vote on anything, on the contrary, I think unless we elect some individuals with a new business perspective on how the board does business (working with and for the PO's & financial planning) we will continue to go deeper in debt and we will end up paying for whatever.
I believe that there are at least 2 other candidates that will oppose the norm and try to do what the majority of the community needs, wants and can afford. I also believe that we could bring the budget back in line and support controlled growth financially. Having been a "Change Agent" for most of my career we need to understand that there will be short term issues, some pleasant and some not so pleasant, to deal with if we are going to see a real benefit from a new generation of board members. I would suggest better publications, power point presentation on Saturday open meetings to communicate a real vision, new opportunities with feedback to PO’s.
Regardless, strong opposition within the Board is good and without it you will be left with more of the same……..status quo!
Best Regards,
Dennis Sarno
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Good word Dennis!
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Don't you think this blog ought to be password protected like those of other resort communities like the woods resort (thewoodsresort.com)? By airing our laundry to the public we might be inadvertently discouraging future property owners.
Thank you.
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Password protected or not, potential owners need to be aware that there are flaws and that the current property owners are bringing issues before the BOD and GM. It is healthy to have accountability, and it sure beats having your eyes wide shut or your head in the sand.
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Mr. Mento- your point is well taken. And I will respond first by saying that the folks who write articles and contribute comments have a desire to make alpine a better place. There is no doubt in my mind.
There are many great stories about the people of alpine, things to do, events in the area, and so on. We've tried to keep people up to date as best we can. There's weather, traffic & roads info available.
And yes, there are some topics that are a little touchy. But that's where some of the best ideas come from. I really enjoy the discussions we have concerning alpine... not to tear it apart but try to make it better!
Some of the 'laundry' may simply be information not available to most property owners. Perhaps, in the future, when the new official website has all the PO info available along with a discussion forum that is password protected, this blog will no longer be necessary in its current form.
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