Scottsboro Parks and Recreation Board Meeting - Goose Pond Colony Board Meeting

Tuesday evening was the monthly meeting of the Scottsboro Parks and Recreation Board or as it is commonly known as the Goose Pond Colony GPC) Board. GPC web site: http://goosepond.org/

The big story for GPC are the numerous renovation projects. The major project being the recently 3 renovated cabins. Story in Scottsboro's Daily Sentinel about the renovation project:  http://thedailysentinel.com/news/business/article_a7187808-59c9-11e1-9dad-001871e3ce6c.html More cabin and lodge improvements involve the outside electrical outlet installations for those who need to recharge their boat batteries.

The cabins are not the only renovation occuring at Scottsboro's crown jewel, Goose Pond Colony-Plantation Point. There are several other renovations ongoing at GPC which have been needed for some period of time.

Scottsboro Parks and Recreation Board

Campgrounds- The campground is undergoing renovation including the installation of WiFi for the campers. It was estimated the WiFi project should be complete in 4-6 weeks. The campground has been undergoing renovation for about 1 year now. Clearing, improving and adding spots, refurbishing the bath house and other projects. Lighting will soon be installed on the campground docks. The board approved the $1500.00 project last night. Of note was the $3500.00 savings which will be reflected by performing the task in house.

Marina- It was reported the repairs to the docks have been delayed due to the contractor having to order and back order parts. The lighting projects are underway. Dock 4 is complete and it was reported that docks 1-3 will begin soon. The forklift at the boat Dry Storage Facility will need to be renovated. Leaking seals, bakes and lift hydraulics was reported to be the problem. It was also reported the lift needs an overhaul; to repair the lift and overhaul could cost up to $89,000. A new forklift would cost approximately $270,000 according to the marina manager. A full report and exact estimate will be presented at March's board meeting. A modern outside lighting system has been installed at the marina dry storage facility which has already realized a significant savings but will also save money monthly in electrical costs.

Golf- It was reported that much has been accomplished to improve the golf courses during the winter months. A combined Club House and Pro Shop at Plantation Pointe. The double wide mobile home which was used as the Pro-Shop may be sold or used otherwise. Options are to be presented at the next board meeting. Renovation of the Cart Storage Facility is underway. Low bids have been received for materials and the construction will begin shortly. Fencing bid- $4250.00; Roof bid- $4267.00.  7 major Golf Tournaments are Scheduled. The Spring Fling will begin on  March 9 with practice. During this time Plantation Pointe will be open for the 9 days of the Spring Fling Tournament. Plantation Point is scheduled to open on March the 2nd weekend. The Goose Pond Colony Golf Course Snack Bar is open and running. "Stevarinos" leased the property. Current hours are from 9AM till 2PM. Once the weather warms and business increases it was reported the hours will be expanded.

Fishing- The Bait and Tackle shop is under new management which was effective Feb 1, 2012. There are many tournament events planned. (see schedule below) It was reported the food is great at the shop.

The Docks- Excellent food, a view and atmosphere which can only be found at this restaurant.

A Lavender Sunset, looking south down the mighty Tennessee River from GPC, Scottsboro, Alabama. (Photo by G. Morgan)

Other improvements includes a new radio system due to new federal requirements. The 12 new radios reportedly will cost $7900.00 per the bid. However, this will eliminate the annual tower cost of $3000.00. Signage will be added around the park directing people to the appropriate facility. It was reported this will cost approximately $400.00

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS-GOLF

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS-FISHING

FINANCIAL REPORT:  Per report- "In spite of revenues being down $19,000, 2.5%, after adjusting for facility improvement expenses the loss is down $55,000, 37%." Current year actual revenue is reported at $732,068; current year to date variable expenses are $708,846. Salaries, electricity, health insurance,  maintenance, fuel costs- marina fuel and park maintenance fuel,  and special projects improvements are the big variable expense items; current year to date fixed expenses (which includes the Plantation Pointe Bond Expense) are $233,735 - of that fixed expense total the Plantation Bond Expense, interest plus principle, is the big payout equaling $127,440.00, 54.5% of total fixed expenses. Other major fixed expenses include Marina Principle-$36,000; Cart Lease-$24,965; Complex Insurance-$15,835.00. Bottom Line- loss of $210,513, less special project improvements of approximately $118K equals loss of $92K as compared to last years adjusted loss of $147K.

Special Comment: In light of the recent Attorney Generals Opinion which was submitted as a result of a group of influential disgruntled golfers complaining about the reduced hours of operation of Plantation Point ( The hours were reduced to save money due to financial facts demonstrating that the Plantation Course was loosing money "head over heals." The home properties at the Points cost the Parks and recreation board $1 million dollars in sewer improvements.) the Attorney General suggested on 4 different occasions in the findings that parties cooperate with each other.

Trails End, on the Tennessee River, Goose Pond Colony (photo by G. Johnston for Garry Morgan)

It is this writers opinion the current problems originating for Goose Pond Colony are those problems created solely by selfish golfers, including one on the city council, and the unwise decision by a  previous city council to purchase the Plantation Pointe golf course several years previous. It also becomes apparent that the disgruntled golfers, including the one city council member, attempts a self centered power play in the attempts to take control of the complex. If a spirit of cooperation cannot be found the complex could suffer more damage due to negative publicity. I have been following the problems and successes of our park at Goose Pond and the Pointe for many years. The complex was on the edge of bankruptcy due to a severe financial loss as a result of mismanagement and misappropriation. Misappropriation which was never investigated due to the influential citizens involved. The current board should be commended on the most difficult task of pulling the complex out of a deep financial hole. To the current Scottsboro Parks and Recreation Board, thank you for a job well done.

Scottsboro Parks and Recreation Board Meeting and Audit Review, January 17, 2012, by George Anderson

The Goose Pond Colony/Plantation Pointe Board Meeting and Audit Review by George Anderson

All Goose Pond Colony Board members, except Mike Baggett-prior engagement conflict, were present;  Jim Olyniec presided.

 The audit for 2011 was presented by the Mr. James C.Smith, lead auditor from TUCKER, SMITH & ASSOCIATES P.C., the regular auditing firm for the board. Mr. Smith said that their audit was 'unqualified' or did not disclose any items they would have concluded that were not in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Procedures.  In other words, they gave the Goose Pond operations and management an 'attaboy' and said they were doing great.  Mr. Smith also praised the Board for their decision to curtail Plantation's ops and opined the decision should show big savings in 2012 since the course will only be open about 35% of the days the Colony  course is open.


Overall the 2011 audit showed:
Revenues decreased $42,946 (-1.4%) from 2010; Expenses decreased $150,614 (-5.2%) from2010;  $153,034 PROFIT (Increase in Net Assets) - resulting from lower expenses as compared to last year's $13,295 LOSS.

Ending Net Assets for 2011 increased 14.4% to $1,217,087 from 2010's $1,064,053

$29,690 LOSS for the Snack Bar at the Colony.  Board leased the Goose Pond Colony course Snack Bar to Stevarino's starting 1/1/2011.
TOTAL ASSETS on balance sheet decreased $195,930 (-3.2%) from 2010's $6,088,971 due mostly to recognition of depreciation of capital assets.
       
Cash available decreased $32,786 from 2010

80 golf carts purchased; 70 for the Colony, 10 for Plantation Pointe.

Copies of the audit are available to be purchased at the office.

Profits and Losses (Losses) in parenthesis) for the Goose Pond Colony/Plantation Pointe complex for 2011 as shown in the audit.
Colony Golf Course               116,188
Colony Pro Shop                    (28,935)
Colony Snack Bar                   (29,690)
       Total                              57,563             

Plantation Golf Course            (88,480)
Plantation Pro Shop                 (14,106)
Plantation Snack Bar                  5,928
      Total                                (96,658) 

Swimming Pool                     (26,261)
Marina                                 272,259
Bait & Tackle                         13,011
Convention Center                (14,795)
Colony Club House                 (11,201)
Plantation Club House            (19,823)
Patio Restaurant                     (2,694)
Cottages                               304,953
Campground                          179,607
General and Administrative  (333,296)
Maintenance                        (169,711)

GRAND TOTAL                     $153,034

OTHER NEWS:
The Plantation Pointe course course may open either 2/17 or 3/17.  If 3/17/2012 it will be open for 10 days straight because Spring Fling is being played at the Colony. Thereafter - Fri, Sat, Sun - 3 days per week!!
       
The Board is going forward with their plan to move into the [Plantation Pointe] Clubhouse and close the Pro Shop building. Interior modifications are needed, but final details are still being discussed. The board approved $3000 to purchase gravel for the new cart path layout.
  
The first tournament is 2/7/2012;  the current plan is to hold 8-9 tournaments each year.  They pay no lease fees till May or June, then $500 per month + $1 per vehicle launching a boat and parking at the Bait and Tackle Shop.
 

Goose Pond Colony Board Meeting

The 3rd Tuesday at 4:30PM is the Scottsboro Parks and Recreation Board meeting, this one was no different except for the speeches of right wing golfers who proclaimed we will be drilling for more oil, there will be big changes come November 2012 and suggestions that board members resign. And of course, Bellefonte and the TVA will make everything all right.Yes, right wing extremism has afflicted the Plantation Point Golf Course.  For a moment I thought I heard Sara Palin stand up and shout, "drill baby drill, free clubs for all and beer in every cart!"

The right wing golfers did not stick around till the end, they missed the revelations about the budget and plans. The right wingers were more concerned about supper than Goose Pond Colony. They all marched out in a symbolic jester filing past the "Godfather" of Plantation Pointe, gathering their approval as they left.

However, I do agree that advertising is atrocious, a media advertising program is sorely needed. Not only for Goose Pond Colony and Plantation Pointe but Scottsboro events such as First Monday Trade Days and the availability of industrial property in the area.

             Click on the agenda image for an expanded view.

The GPC 2012 budget was approved, $3,003,474 is the projected income with projected expenditures of  $2,881,694.

The boat owners representative mentioned several serious and high risk safety related problems which he stated must be fixed. 1) Dock 3 has defective transition plate which is a walking hazard. It was stated this equipment must be fixed as it could cause an injury as a result of a trip-fall resulting in injury and a liability event. 2) Dock 3, lights are burned out at the docks end. 3) Docks were reported as lifted from their supports during the 2009 spring storm. It was reported that poles are bent and some supports may be off of the retaining collars. It was stated that a high wind could cause the docks to move or "wheel" around causing  severe damage not only to the docks but also to private property. It was also reported the hazards have been in existence for some period if time according to the boat owners representative. Employees are aware of the problems but have not resolved the issues.

Goose Pond Colony-Parks and Recreation Board

The Goose Pond Colony Parks and Recreation Board met Tuesday at 4:30 PM. Daily Sentinel's coverage of the meeting: http://thedailysentinel.com/news/article_24672d64-9d18-11e0-b8ed-001cc4c002e0.html

Agenda and my notes pictured above, click on image for an expanded view.

Several important issues were discussed at the Tuesday meeting including the status of Goose Pond's Plantation Course.

The bottom line, "rates must be raised." The Plantation Goose Pond Course will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The course will be closed Monday thru Thursday. The Board President Mike Baggett commented membership rates and fees must change to increase revenue. Mr. Baggett urged citizens not to play the blame game, work together to make the best of the situation.  The goal was stated, "keep a low impact on homeowners, keep property rates up." Comment: This is a problem, never should a municipal government entity be involved in homeowner property sales and direct involvement in home property values by virtue of a golf course mortgage. Maybe the city should purchase other property and maintain the sewer, water and streets. If they do it for influential citizens residing on a golf course why not poor citizens living in poor communities? There was an offer from a private citizen to purchase the failing golf course, the city refused to release the mortgage, some making allegations of ethics violations.  

Citizens, it is not the purpose of any government entity to "keep property rates up." This is another throwback of government sponsored socialism and dependance on government for personal and business solutions. Goose Pond Colony is a governmental entity, as a governmental entity why is it displaying preference to this specific area's residents? This creates all sorts of possible claims of discrimination involving financially depressed areas of Scottsboro due to social status and race.

The Scottsboro City Council has also expressed the same concerns for homeowners at the Plantation Goose Pond Course. The City Council of Scottsboro has used the mortgage on Plantation Point, which they hold, as a tool for manipulating the business decisions of the Goose Pond Colony Board.

Several citizens spoke in support of keeping the course a public entity and several spoke in support of the sale. Council Member Keith Smith was present and addressed several citizen comments.

Mr. Smith stated he pays for his golf play. Mr. Smith has expressed several ethics concerns relative to the proposed sale of the course and offer made by Mr. Croft. Mr. Smith also expressed concerns relative to the loan costs of Goose Pond Colony Loans when the Goose Pond Colony Board President is an officer of the First National Bank. Comment: Are these real ethics or legal problems or not? If they are problems they should be investigated, if they are not then this is just more political posturing in a state historically void of ethics.

Several years previous in order to save Goose Pond Colony from Bankruptcy and the City of Scottsboro either taking over the facility or defaulting on the loans, the City Financial Director was placed on the Goose Pond Colony Board  as Chairman by a previous City Council in violation of state law. The move was successful, the facility was saved from a sure failure.

Prior to the City's Financial Director managing the board several years previous, it was discovered property, goods and services were being given away or stolen. The incidents were reported but not prosecuted. The State Attorney General's Office commented, "we would need to have someone on tape stealing before we could prosecute."

Increasing business costs: The business statements reflect an increase in costs of operation due to many factors. Wages have increased by 23.7% since 2006; 2006 wage payments were $866,000, 2010 wage payments were $1,129,000. It was suggested by citizens that advertising was needed. Mr Baggett commented we cannot afford additional advertising, stating we (Goose Pond Colony) spend approximately $14,000 currently for annual advertising. The current financial statement dated May 31, 2011 states current advertising cost expenditures at $18,987, last years total advertising costs were $21,967.00. currently the board has overspent their advertising budget by 13.56% according to GPC financial documents.

There are advertising agreements for trade of services, the Huntsville Havoc, Stars and Hammers Sports Teams are involved in the agreements according to the Golf Course Manager. The sports teams mentioned play golf for free in turn the teams advertise for GPC in or on various mediums. The Goose Pond Board and the City Council of Scottsboro receive free services at GPC; city employees receive 30% discount according to statements made by the GPC Board

Total Revenues Year to Date are $1,857,869; total expenditures, variable and fixed year to date are $1,987,759; this reflects a current cash loss of $129,890 at 6 months into the calendar year. Depreciation expenses are listed as $207,597. Cash loss plus depreciation expense reflects a total of $337,487 six  month loss for mid year 2011. This reflects a 528.69% loss increase over last year at this time.

Goose Pond Colony Board Reports Serious Financial Losses

http://goosepond.org/

The Goose Pond Colony--Scottsboro Parks and Recreation Board.

Board Chairman and General Manager divulge bleak financial news at last nights board meeting.

Last night the Goose Pond Colony Park Board met and disclosed very sobering news. The Plantation Point Golf Course is creating a serious financial problem which may result in the loss of Goose Pond Colony, Plantation Point is a money looser. Plantation Point will have to be closed, sold or leased or there may not be a Goose Pond Colony for anyone to enjoy.

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At Monday's Scottsboro City Council Work Session a presentation was presented by the Plantation Point homeowners representative. http://arklite.blogspot.com/2010/11/scottsboro-city-council-work-session.html Related Story from the Daily Sentinel. "Council vows to support Plantation Point homeowners:" http://thedailysentinel.com/news/article_7629c91e-f1c8-11df-a8a3-001cc4c002e0.html

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Questions arise. The question now is will the city council take responsibility for a failed Goose Pond Colony in their support of the home owners? Will the City Council back off and stop with the political posturing and realize the facts of the situation?" It would seem some Scottsboro Council members are catering to "special interests" to make themselves look good at the expense of the City as a whole. This would not be the first time this has occurred, such as with the old Goose Pond Aluminum Plant Industrial Site.

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Here are the loss figures for Plantation Point since 2007. 2007-$221,576; 2008- $157,579; 2009- $234,086; 2010- $269,728; 2011 projected loss-$346,581 Total 5 year loss with the projected 2011 figures is in excess of $1.2 million.

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It was reported total repairs and updates needed to Goose Pond Colony is near $3 million.

Goose Pond Colony (GPC) Board Meeting, Scottsboro Parks and Recreation Board.

Boat Owners were apparently not affected by the recent utility rate increase for the campground.

Campers are upset about a monthly $50.00 Utility rate increase approved in October's Meeting. Lot rent varies from approximately $281.00 per month to $419.00 per month. The spot rentals do not include the rate increase. Approximately 40 persons attended the 4:30PM Board Meeting. The Board Chairman, Mike Bagget commented that area campgrounds had been contacted and Goose Pond Colony was in the bottom or below middle group of campground rental costs. Many of the campers in attendance disagreed, stating that Goose Pond Colony is one of the more expensive. Mr. Baggett stated the campers would be notified around the 1st of December if the rate increase will be implemented. Several of the campers stated they would be leaving the Park if the rates increased. One lady commented that the campers are a close "family type" of group and that it upsets them to see a rate increase of this magnitude causing many campers to leave.

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Tough situation for the Board. Mr. Baggett pointed out the $5 million dollar debt looms over the head of the current board. It was pointed out that the current board is doing all they can do to maintain the facility and to pay down the debt. The current board appears to be making a decent effort to resolve long standing problems. The Park Board and the Park Managers are demonstrating caring, professional management in the Daily Operations of the Park. The Gross income for the current period was listed as $283K; expenditures are listed at $277.1 The Park Manager stated the annual audit was ongoing.

Scottsboro Parks & Recreation Board Meeting

Better known as the Goose Pond Colony Park Board. Their monthly meeting is on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Notice is posted on the front door to the Park Office.

Old Business: 1) Golf Pro hire: Ryan Patterson was hired, it was reported he was the Pro for Huntsville Country Club, was employed there for 9 years and served as pro for several other courses around the country. 2) Pro Shop Inventory, $2100 credit given for returned golf balls. Nike Clubs on consignment from Nike were returned. Sales were good and many items are reduced in price by 15%. It was reported that an inventory system will be implemented for the Pro Shop. 3) Plantation Point Pool & Fence issue is not resolved. Apparently no one can seem to locate an agreement between the Scottsboro Park and Recreation Board and the Home Owners Association as to responsibilities. 4) Traffic Control Discussion concerning Goose Pond Docks, acceleration lane to be installed on road. It was stated that funding of turn lane will be less than $2400.00, the board voted to approve the construction.

New Business: 1) Special Projects Review, $209,000 was allocated with $166,000 expended. The deck area around the swimming pool was approved for repair. Many other repairs are in the process of completion or have been recently completed. 2) General Manager Report. a. Surplus property list was given to the Board. GPC Manager, Lyle Sosebee, stated the surplus items would be sold on GovDeals.com. b. Electrical rate increase will be realized due to rate increases and increased numbers of campers in campground. c. Swimming Pool Schedule, repairs should be complete by May 15. It was mentioned that the pool cement liner will need to be replaced next year, estimated cost will be $18,000. There was also a discussion concerning a low diving board and insurance costs involving a diving board. d. Spring Fling Golf Tournament was very successful. Many names were mentioned in appreciation for assisting in the event. 3) Financial Report: comments were made, looks good, ahead of last years statement. 4) Manager Reports: most areas were covered during the meeting. It was stated by the director of Course Maintenance & Greens Keeper that the course is in good shape, greens good, fertilizer has been spread.

After the meeting was adjourned I made inquiry concerning the financial statement. This is the half way point in the current fiscal year. I requested specific figures as to income and expenses. The following is provided: Total income was $923,295; total expenses were $1,047,661, this leaves a net income of -(negative) $124,365.

Goose Pond Colony (GPC) Board Meeting

Another full house (first picture) for the monthly Parks and Recreation Board of Scottsboro (2nd picture) meeting today at the GPC office at 4:30PM. Normally the meeting is on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 4:30PM, it was moved to today. Roger Linville, Board member, was absent.

Old Business: 1) Audit Review and presentation by Todd Shirey. There were no material findings, $450,000 was paid to decrease the debt, there was (net or gross?) income of $223,000 for the previous fiscal year. The auditors comment of the overall condition and management of the facility, impressive. 2) Campground Rental Policy approved. The camp ground may not be used as a permanent residence. Permanent residents present at this time have until June 1, 2008 to find a permanent residence. 25% of camping spaces will be maintained for short term camping, 2 weeks, camp ground management may extend for 2 weeks pending availability. 3) Camp ground rules were approved. The Board expressed complete trust in the manager of the campground to enforce all rules and policies. 4) General Manager Position. The Board received 95 resumes from applicants across 10 states. The selection was narrowed to 20, then 10, then the top 6. Out of the top 6 Mr. Lyle Sosebee was selected as the Goose Pond Colony General Manager (I apologize for the original misspelling of his name.). Mr Sosesbee is a 1991 graduate of Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science in Business. Mr. Sosesbee has been a Wal-Mart Manager and a private business owner. Mrs. Sosesbee is employed by the Jackson County Health Care Authority. Mr. Sosebee will begin his duties on March 1, 2008. (third picture is Mr. Sosebee) 5) Golf Professional Position, 7 applications have been received, it was decided by the board that Mr. Sosebee will select the Golf Pro after March 1.

New Business: 1) The Docks Restaurant (4th picture) Lease contract was approved for extension until May, 2009 at current contract rates. 2) Termite Control Contract for The Docks Restaurant was awarded to Cook's Pest Control, cost will be $2334.00 for first year and $700 for each subsequent year. Contract is a year to year contract. 3) Special Projects Review: a. Reported there were $45,000 uncommitted in this account. b. There will be renovation and improvement of 2 pull thru camper spots costing $1100.00 each. c. Further Discussion on Water Fountains for GPC golf course, fountains on the course will cost $800.00 each. Approval was granted to purchase the fountains prior to The Spring Fling Golf Tournament. d. Ventilation Hoods for The Docks Restaurant should be installed by March 13. 4) Financial Report: $62,000 profit as of Jan 31, 2008, $82,000 ahead of last years finances. Kudos given to Department Managers for outstanding performance. 4) Manager Reports: a. Cabin renovation proceeding, suggestion by Administrative Assistant to donate old bed covers and drapes to the Rosalie Community for the disaster victims, approved by board. b. Pro shop inventory being brought under control. $3,000 sales credit from supplier, $3,000 sales from shop, $2-3,000 to be returned to Nike for credit. c. Swimming area repairs to be accomplished, wood decking and indoor outdoor carpet will be installed. $2,500.00 cost. d. Discussion concerning pool fence at Plantation Point. Board attorney will check on responsibility for repair, Home Owners Association or GPC Board. e. Walkway bridges and restrooms under going renovation and will be complete shortly. f. Bunkers being reconditioned at Plantation Point. g. Pump for sewage system at Plantation Point tested and working. h. Traffic Control discussion concerning resolution to traffic tie-ups during fishing tournaments.

Citizen Presentation: Representative from the Marina Boat Owners Association (marina, 5th picture) questioned the Board on issues of Special Projects vs. Maintenance Funds. Mike Baggett, Chairman of the GPC Board had the following to say due to questioning by the representative on priorities and spending policy. " It has taken years to improve the facility due to past neglect. All money is going into maintenance and fixing what has been broke. I wish we could spend money on enhancements, we can't as we are fixing what is broke and maintaining what we have. This board will not borrow any more money."

Goose Pond Colony (GPC) Board Meeting

Tonight was the monthly business meeting. Normally the GPC Board meeting is the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Last week an information and discussion meeting was held concerning Camp Ground Policy.

Old Business: 1) Marina courtesy vehicle discussion. 2) Update on audit will be presented at February's monthly meeting on the 19th.

New Business: 1) General Manager job announcement closed this past Friday. There were 95 applications. It was suggested that the interviews for the position be recorded for reference in the hiring process. 2) Golf Pro Job Description was discussed and accepted. Also approved and discussed was advertising for the position. It was stated that PGA guidelines and network will be utilized for advertising. The position requires a Class A Professional certification. 3) Special Projects review and discussion. a) Both bath houses in the Campground are being remodeled. b) GPC Golf Course bathroom, on the course, is also scheduled to be remodeled, $750 was approved for that project. c) $2100 was approved for installation of a sewer pump at Plantation Point Golf Course rest room. Considerable work will need to be accomplished including 68o feet of trenching. d) Discussion concerning The Docks Restaurant, a kitchen hood and ventilation system costing $18,362 will need to be installed to bring the restaurant up to code specifications. e) Discussion concerning installation of water fountains on the GPC course. Evidently there are water coolers currently on the course. There was concern expressed over contamination of the water in the coolers. f) Lighting was discussed at Plantation Point and GPC. g) Discussion concerning the need for a bucket truck. Currently maintenance personnel are borrowing a truck from the city when needed. 4) Camp Ground policy meeting discussion. 5) Contract and Lease Policy approved. 6) Spring Fling Tournament and Discussion update, the tournament will be March 13, 14 and 15; Thursday thru Saturday. Practice for tournament will be 11 and 12 March. The course will be closed for the tournament 13-15 March. 7) December Financial Report demonstrated a $39,000 profit. Mr. Mike Baggett, Board Chairman, commented, "...everyone is performing well, we are ahead of budget..." It was also reported that the golf course Pro Shop at the GPC course is overstocked in inventory. Decembers inventory was at $54,000 up from Septembers $39,000. It was stated that the inventory should be at approximately $10,000. Over a period of time the inventory will be reduced. 8) In the Managers Report Golf Carts were discussed. The current golf cart contract expires in January 2009. Comment was made that batteries for electric carts have doubled since the last contract from approximately $400 for the battery setup to approximately $800 for the same batteries. Salesmen will be present at February's meeting for displaying new carts. 9) One citizen spoke expressing his thanks for allowing campground occupants to express thier concerns over upcoming policy changes and requested that the Board remember campers concerns over camp ground policy.

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.

More on Goosepond Colony (GPC)

At the last GPC Board meeting Mr Parker Edmiston was present at that board meeting. Mr. Edmiston stated he was representing one or more clients concerning non-payment of wages. In todays Daily Sentinel, Mr. Edmiston has an ad listing, over the comic strips, requesting witnesses for "off the clock" workers of the Goosepond Colony Municipal Corporation.

I have also confirmed through 3 seperate sources that a severence pay package has been authorized for payment to Mr. Chandler. Mr. Chandler resigned on Nov 30th, he was the Manager of GPC. This severence pay package has not been discussed at any open meeting of GPC. It is a violation of Alabama's Open Meeting Laws for decisions of the board to be made in an executive session or outside of the open meeting.