the new ALPOA BoD ~~ and their email addresses
-------------------------------------------
Here's the 08/09 ALPOA Board of Directors and email addresses...
President -- Joe Murtha joemurtha@juno.com
Vice-president -- Marv Josaitis marvjosaitis@comcast.net
Treasurer -- Pat Arnone fgarnon@verizon.net
Secretary -- Grace Athey glathey@verizon.net
Member -- Judith Becker jdb105@verizon.net
Member -- Dennis Schiffbauer dennis.ronnie@verizon.net
Member -- Carl Donald no email address
I look forward to a successful year with our new BoD.
Here's the 08/09 ALPOA Board of Directors and email addresses...
President -- Joe Murtha joemurtha@juno.com
Vice-president -- Marv Josaitis marvjosaitis@comcast.net
Treasurer -- Pat Arnone fgarnon@verizon.net
Secretary -- Grace Athey glathey@verizon.net
Member -- Judith Becker jdb105@verizon.net
Member -- Dennis Schiffbauer dennis.ronnie@verizon.net
Member -- Carl Donald no email address
I look forward to a successful year with our new BoD.
HEY, you're supposed to be on vacation!
Reply to this
Thanks again Diana for being on top of things. I tried the official website earlier and the info had not been updated. We've used your info to update our records. Thanks again.
Reply to this
To all property owners: I welcome your emails. In order for me to sort out spam from legitimate emails, please put ALPOA in some part of the subject line. I usually read my emails several times a day and will promise to get back to you in an expedient way, unless I am away from home and don't have access to emails.
Thanks to all of you who have supported my candidacy. I will do my very best not to disappoint you. And, along the same line, please tell me about your suggestions for improvements.
Reply to this
Hey shadowcatcher... good catch! So many PO's reached out to me this weekend and told me how much the blog means to them that I decided to delay that vacation. Just today, the blog had had over 500 visitors. Thanks all!
Reply to this
Thanks so much for keeping the PO's informed in such an expedient manner! I truly appreciate seeing the input of other Board members. This is such a wonderful way of reaching all PO's in a timely manner. This community does consist of permanent and part-time owners. This is a wonderful way of keeping all of us informed in real time. Diana, thank you for all of your hard work for providing this service to us.
Reply to this
Four days and counting since the annual election. The Alpine website still has not been updated with the new board members, or their email adresses. How much longer?
Good thing they are posted here.
Reply to this
Alpinite~ some one is listening.... the alpine website is now updated with the info.
Reply to this
Dear friends,
Just a note to remind everyone that the Alpine BOD has an "open board meeting" at the lodge this coming Saturday, July 19, at 10:00 am. I encourage everyone who can attend to do so. I would encourage those unable to attend to email your suggested priorities to the BOD. Let's show our support for 1)fiscal conversatism, 2)a sound business plan, and 3)limiting lake access to property owners and their guests. And let's all do it with a smile!
Reply to this
Funny how the brain works, or in this case didn't work...obviousl what I meanst to write was "fiscal conservatism". My bad, as the kids say!
Reply to this
Michael, thanks for your support and for reminding everyone of this coming Saturday's open Board of Directors' meeting. I'm very happy to report that the new Board is off and running in a positive, business like fashion. Our new president, Joe Murtha, runs an efficient and task oriented meeting. His style compliments my style, and I'm sure that of the other 5 BoD members. In addition, our treasurer, Pat Arnone, has accomplished many important steps to save us money and will have newly styled financial reports to share with us Saturday. We look forward to many property owners attending, and hope that includes many new owners as well.
Reply to this
Judith,
I think there is a note of excitement in the air about our future. I believe this board has the opportunity to do something great! But I am also not naive. I know difficult and painful choices are ahead of us. If we really want to turn the financial corner and get our financial house in order, we have to be willing to sacrifice over the short-term. I would respectfully challenge you and your fellow board members to "think big". I recommend that the BOD undertake a three-year plan of austere cost reductions that will allow us to be mortgage-free at the end of the term. If we have to go without a pool and even a restuarant for a three years, so be it. The assessment dollars that would otherwise have to go toward underwriting continued losses in those two areas alone, should be enough to allow us to become mortgage free and even put some money in the bank. The wonderful people who comprise the majority of our Alpine family understand sacrifice. They are, after all, a part of "the greatest generation". If the BOD will have the courage to ask the Alpine family to deny themselves a new pool and even a nice restuarant for a short while, we can get to where we need to be financially. To me, it is a question of leadership. I respectfully ask the BOD to step up as leaders and ask us all to share in this sacrifice!
Reply to this
I certainly hope that any "sacrifice" refers to a change in our amenities and not an increase in assessments.
I think we're at a point that the costs of building in AL (assessments and water/sewer) is discouraging potential buyers.
Reply to this
We are in absolute agreement!
Reply to this
WOW - Kudos to the new Board. I just received my password to the financials online. Great job - you sure didn't waste any time! What a difference a few changes in management can make.
Thank you all so much!
Reply to this
This message is to the Board. I'm just wondering if there is anything in the works regarding the restaurant. I realize this is a bit early for the new board to make any major decisions, but if there is any information on this they could share that would be great.
Also, are they looking at the fees and dues. Sales have just about stopped.
Of course the economy and gas prices and real estate bust are the biggest culprits. However, I spoke with a local real estate agent who did say that potential buyers are at times scared away when they learn of the exorbitant fees imposed upon buyers by Alpine Lake which were begun a few years ago.
Thanks and I appreciate any information and feedback.
Reply to this
Chris, I'm going to respond about both issues, but maybe can't completely satisfy all your questions.
Our general manager is always watching the gains and losses at the restaurant. Because we already have many functions booked at the restaurant for this season, no real dramatic changes can be made now. However, the BoD will be sharing some significant cost savings measures after the big high season has ended. I think those plans will help in reducing losses in a big way.
As for fees and dues, this issue will be reviewed by the board at a time when all fees and dues are examined. However, do not look for assessment fees to go down. If you look at the assessment/membership fees at other similar communities, you will see that ours are not out of line. All of us would like to live here at the same costs of 10 years ago, but it just isn't going to happen. The real question is: Is our assessment money being well spent? I can answer "yes!" Please look at this month's Treasurer's report in the Newsletter.
If you have any other questions or concerns, please let us know.
Reply to this
Thanks Judith for the prompt reply. I cannot tell you how glad I am that you won!
I would like for the Board to look closely at the 1,000 fee for a first time buyer and the additional 300.00 fee for each property to be included with the yearly dues when acquiring a lot (possibly more with a home - I'm unsure of that). Those fees, in my opinion, need be removed. They were begun just a few years ago when sales were through the roof. I know of no other community who imposes these types of fees in addition to yearly dues.
I look forward to seeing your plan on cost reduction with the restaurant.
Thanks for your help.
Reply to this
Restaurant - YEAH - IF staff had performance standards, they should be fired. Last year food services and bar lost $213K. This year they are on a path to $200K. Mangement HAS to look outside the box to: (1) attract golfers to stay for beer, fun and food when they come off the course (vs. closing the restaurant from 2 - 5 PM. (2) Impose controls on the bar with an inventory of what is poured, what is registered on the cash regester and what is left in the bottles at the end of the day.
Reply to this
We all enjoy having the convenience of a restaurant at Alpine. We patronized the restaurant last weekend and plan to do so again this weekend....but that is $200K that could go toward debt retirement! I still believe "debt retirement" ought to be the primary goal of this Board.
Reply to this
To all who have not had a chance to review our two recent Treasurer's reports, she is paying an additional $50K annually towards the principle on the mortgage. On this schedule she predicts we will be paying off our mortgage (I think she said) two years earlier. In addition, any additional savings ALPOA can gain will be put in a reserve fund for emergencies. She is doing a good job, and I know the entire Board is looking for every reasonable way to save money as well as plan for a new pool and prepare for the resolution of the lodge situation. Please do stay informed of the financial reports. Yes, there are still losses....but you will see steps being taken to reduce those....but a complete correction is just not going to happen over night. Please be patient and supportive. Thanks.
Reply to this
Judith,
I "am" supportive of the Board. I am just offering my encouragement to the Board to "do more" to get us out of debt! I am thankful for the annual savings of $50k, but at that rate how many years will it be before we pay off the present mortgage? I just don't think we can afford any additional debt for a new pool or a new lodge "before" the present morgage is paid in full. This was my position before the election and it is my position now.
Your friend,
Michael Trammell
Reply to this
Dear Mike,
Your right on target.Lets get out of this debt hanging over us. the word is debt retirement, debt retirement, debt retirement.I too have eaten the last two weeks at the resturant with alot of guest.But lets get this old lodge paid off.
Reply to this
New Board member, Carl Donald had his first Saturday morning meeting over Labor Day weekend. Those who came, mostly part timers, got to express some thoughts and it was a GOOD MEETING. There were also 3 other board members in attendance which is good. NOW we have to see if anything comes of the concerns that were expressed.
Reply to this
Bob - That is certainly good news. What concerns were expressed at the meeting?
Thanks.
Reply to this
To All: I don't have the complete list, but here are some of the topics raised:
Security, maintenance, golf (and golf course), communications,traffic, restaurant, lodge, pool, adjoining land owners, etc. Carl Donald will bring all those comments to a future BoD work/study meeting and the BoD will decide what actions will/can be taken now or in the future. The good news is that the event was well attended and that there will be monthly "village meetings" chaired by Carl in our future. If you have concerns or comments, please plan to attend. Best of all, if you have constructive suggestions on how to solve problems, those would be especially appreciated.
Reply to this
The next meeting will be Oct 4. I would expect that Carl will have something in FWIW about time. Or if he has to change it.
Reply to this
To All,
The change to our BOD has done wonders for our community. Now that the work has begun there are a couple of issues that I would prioritize to insure that stay on track and move forward collectively.
1. I would not anticipate or support a change in assessments now due to the fact that we need that money to support cash flow requirements while other issues are addressed.
2. Immediately eliminate ANY AND ALL associated cost that would prove to be a negative to any new potential property owner. I would even propose that we consider a program that gives new homeowners 6-12 months free assessments for the first year or give them 50% discount on their 1st year. There are other ideas if you don't like this one however, keep in mind, things are very tight and getting new property owners is really our key to success of our community. For those of you that know the term ROI (return on investment) what do you think the payback time is for a new property owner not having to pay full assessments for their 1st year?
3. As soon as the activities for commercial bookings have been completed I would close the restaurant and provide improved food service through the winter either at the boat house or the lounge. If you wish to open for Thanksgiving and New Years…have it catered and include the ACTUAL COST in the tickets.
4. Like it or not the pool issue needs no immediate attention and all energy should be diverted to a 3-5 year plan that does include a marketing plan, business plan and a strategic plan to insure positive community growth.
In closing, I would be mindful of absorbing or creating any debit until a prospectus has been completed on every function of our community. While doing so, we must use capacity planning models to insure activity thresholds are identified, cost is accurately stated and projected revenue defined. That way, we know before hand what the cost to the community is if we don’t meet these requirements. The restaurant is a perfect example of not meeting capacity requirements, therefore, we lose money.
We wish Judith and the new BOD well and we look forward to positive gains both financially and community growth.
Best Regards,
Dennis Sarno
Reply to this
Dittos, my friend Dennis! We desperately need the "financial belt-tightening" you propose! This board to date has done a commendable job. I am not speaking about our BOD when I say this, but the temptation confronting every board of directors is to forget whose money they are spending...to get progressively more and more comfortable spending other people's money. I join you, Dennis, in encouraging our Board to do "even more" to reduce spending and reduce our mortgage debt!
Reply to this
P.S. I say "Dennis Sarno" for next year's Board!
Reply to this
I would like every property owner to know that each and every BoD member is paying close attention to the financials and working diligently to both reduce losses (especially in the restaurant) and prepare for the future in a fiscally responsible way. I would invite all of you to take the opportunity to both read what our Treasurer reports regarding finances and to speak to her in person about the actions she is taking to carefully manage and plan our finances. She is extremely competent. And best of all, she seeks out professional help when she needs it. Much has already been done to reign in unnecessary spending and losses. There is much more to do. However, believe me when I say that that is the topic at the forefront of your BoDs' radar screen. Just give us the time to take the appropriate actions. None of this can be done yesterday. And, by the way, thanks for your support, good wishes and suggestions. I for one really appreciate it.
Reply to this
Dear Dennis,
Well said.I sure hope the new board will look at your ideas. I recently bought a lot in Alpine at the state auction for back taxes. The state of West Va is not going to tax me for 2 years because the original owner could come back and pay the taxes and I would lose the land. Yes I would get my money back. But Alpine shouldn't be getting assessments either. My point is I like for new folk, [not me] to get a break on assessments.
Reply to this
Mikes words are so swell.Here in town we have no money. In the coal days Terra Alta was a happening place. Today because of our past mayors spending we have little to show. Kudos to Mike and the Dennis.Where can I go to get my tooth filled. do you have office hours?
Reply to this
Thanks for the support and kind words. The new BOD will do fine if they stay on target and spend the next 4 months analyzing and developing a real plan for our community. Speaking from experience and having the opportunity to manage change for 8 different plant locations in the US it is real tempting to just start changing things. Having spent time with Judith as my running mate I am 100% confident that she will not let the new BOD get bogged down with issues that are symptoms of a larger problem. We as a community have to sit tight and wait for their updates, plans and communications and, above all, provide them a window of time to make the necessary recommendations.
Someone mentioned Terra Alta was once a busy town, guess what, with the government looking for solutions to energy and, as far as I know, WV has one on the largest coal reserves in the US and if I were in a leadership role for this town I would be staying up nights to see how I could make that dog hunt and restore Terra Alta to a prosperous community. Sorry, I could not resist.
Dennis Sarno
Reply to this