JAMES MADISON QUOTE - 1822

"A popular government without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a Prologue to a Farce or a Tragedy; or, perhaps both. Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power knowledge gives."

SCOTTSBORO WEATHER - SUN & MOON RISE

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Goose Pond Colony Board Meeting




Last night the monthly meeting of the Goose Pond Colony (GPC) Board of Directors meeting was held as an information session. No votes were taken, I was informed by Mr. Olyniece, Vice Chairman, that the next business meeting will be, Tuesday, January 22, 2008.


There were 51 persons in attendance last night. The only issue was Campground Rules. It was stated that this session was to solicit ideas and opinions from community citizens and campers concerning the policies and rules of the Camp Ground. Goose Pond Colony has been lacking in comprehensive Rules and Policies. The current Board is working toward formulating and initiating policies and procedures for GPC.


The main issue of the Campground policy discussions were length of stay. All in attendance suggested that there be space set aside for long term campers as well as short term. Many suggested that current long term campers be "grandfathered" into any policy.


There is a total of 117 lots of which 22 are waterfront lots. Currently 12 waterfront lots are open. Within the Campground 8 lots have sewage connections. There are plans to expand sewage connections in the campground. There is a total of 36 vacant lots. Mr. Olyniece mentioned that there is a "Master Plan" being developed for the GPC complex which includes future development.


It was stated that the Campground Policy would be finalized for a vote at the February meeting. Long term campers provide considerable revenue for GPC. A lakeside lot goes for about $400 per month. Over a year period the 10 lots that are rented for the long term brings in approximately $40,000.


This can be a win win situation for everyone concerned. The solution should be obvious, allow long term campers to stay. If they are going to stay long term then they must be required to obtain a PreFab Home License sticker from the County Department of Revenue at the Jackson County Courthouse. The Board should consider allowing long term camper stays as this provides year round revenue. A percentage of the camp spots could be set aside for long term camping. The current fill of lots would be the ideal way to determine long term and short term campground availability.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Question regarding GPC Meeting and your comment as follows:

"If they are going to stay long term then they must be required to obtain a PreFab Home License sticker from the County Department of Revenue at the Jackson County Courthouse."

Is this the Board's recommendation? Your recommendation? Or City/County Ordinance already in effect? Seems reasonable but is unclear. Could you elaborate. Thanks

Garry said...

Thanks for your comment and question. There is a requirement that Mobile Homes or Campers that are residences have a Tax Sticker displayed on the residence. This is not the Boards recommendation it is state law. Living in a mobile home myself, setup on another's property, I am required to pay annual tax on my property. If the prefab living structure is owned by another, the owner is required to pay tax on the mobile home or camper.

Anonymous said...

Goose Pond Colony campground should not be used for a quasi-residential use. The original intent and purpose of Goose Pond was to promote recreational activities for the citizens of Scottsboro and Jackson County. We don't need another County Park slum!!!!

Anonymous said...

I don't agree with allowing long-term camping at Goose Pond Colony. GPC should not create quasi-residential use for their campground. The original purpose of Goose Pond Colony was to promote recreational opportunities for Scottsboro and Jackson County citizens. Who wants to go camping next to trashy people living in trashy trailers. We don't need another County Park slum!!!!

Garry said...

You make your point but I did not see any "trashy trailers." There are requirements of permanent mobile structures in accordance with state law that must be met. I'm wondering if the board is aware of those requirements or if their attorney has checked into the requirements of state law concerning permanent mobile structures. If you remove this source of revenue it very well may sink GPC. I think the neglect and problems go that far. Although the current board is attempting to resolve the current issues of the park through policy implementation. I don't think they are spending enough time nor effort in meeting their responsibilities. There needs to be weekly work sessions if not twice a week sessions until 1 a manager is hired and 2 all policies are implemented. Policy formulation and implementation should not be a long drawn out process. GPC's response to a lack of a manager or ass't manager has been to assign Board Members "liaison" positions. An over extension of a board members responsibilities.