February 29, 2024
Hi Autumn Lakes,
Here is some feedback from neighbors that are not pleased with the Board's lawncare decisions:
* I'm ok with fertilizer for our lawn but NOT preemergent weed control. It's poison folks. All over our neighborhood today! argh. Sad. Ya, I looked on the truck. Wanted to see what they were doing. They were poisoning the birds and bees and worms and anything else that might rely on us.
* Honestly, given our current funding and management CRISIS in Autumn Lakes, spending money on traditional “golf course”-style grass maintenance is unnecessary and contrary to the more eco-friendly lawn care many homeowners prefer. As Sue pointed out, we need to take care of the environment for the good of all bees, pollinators, birds and other wildlife. The current AL trustees do not listen to what homeowners want. VOTE FOR CHANGE and PROGRESS in May — not more of the same wasteful spending and poor management from the current Board.
* Poison in the lakes and around the lakes and now the grass. Environmental hazards. Where's the money coming from? We are so broke. We must balance the budget and cut out all these extras that are not needed. Now we know why the lawn guy was over on ALD at a person's condo so long the other day. Renegotiate all these contracts to protect AL. On the agenda.
* Sad sad sad. This Board cares nothing about nature. They are costing our HOA lots more money, to kill more things. They need to leave alone the nature that remains after already having poisoned our lakes. This treatment today is going straight into our lakes with the first rain. Killing even more nature.
Goodnight,
Mark
February 28, 2024
Hi neighbors and friends,
This cold weather today was a shock to my body after enjoying the warm weather yesterday. Thankfully it'll be back in the low 50s tomorrow so we can spend some time outside without our skin cracking from the freezing gusty wind.
We lost access to the TownSq app once we kicked SMG to the curb. Now that we have CPM as our property management company, CPM has provided each homeowner access to their website portal that is reachable at https://portal.cpmgateway.com . Login to that portal, then click the button labeled #1 (Back to Portal), then click the button labeled #2 (Documents). There, you will find the Autumn Lakes folders containing pertinent documents for HOA homeowners. This is the same portal where you can pay your Monthly Dues for a fee, and submit maintenance requests for your repairs or questions. Visit this portal and become familiar with the functionality that is available to you, and the forms and documents residing there for your reference. Contact the Board with any questions at AutumnLakesBoard@gmail.com.
Have a wonderful evening,
Mark
February 27, 2024
Hello Autumn Lakes,
Today we broke the record high temperature for February 27 set in 1981 that was 79 degrees. Today we reached 86 degrees as the warmest St. Louis February day ever. And tomorrow we are to have a high of 40 and a low of 25. Our St Louis climate is crazier than Psycho Shaw! Well, maybe not that crazy.
We received a response from CPM regarding the insurance questions posed to them. Of course, their response was incorrect and useless. They provided the same incorrect "insurance information" document that resides on their portal. The official Certificate of Insurance from our insurance provider still states that we have earthquake insurance despite the Board communicating that we do not. And, there is nothing in the official insurance policy prohibiting us from using deck grills or wood burning fireplaces. Someone has been lying to us--I don't know whether it is our shitty Board, CPM, and/or the insurance agency and broker. Clearly, our shitty Board needs to get their act together and respond with some clarity to our HOA membership with answers to the questions provided to CPM. Homeowners need to know what our personal liability is, and what insurance we may need in addition to the $25,000 Loss Assessment that the Board has communicated will cover our personal liability. Some homeowners are communicating that homeowners have "unlimited liability"--any damage exceeding the HOA Master Policy limits is that condo owner's responsibility to pay for. How can a homeowner be held responsible for paying for the exterior of their building that they do not own? Nobody seems to definitively know the personal liability limits of our homeowners. Our shitty Board needs to figure this out and communicate accordingly, and immediately, so that each homeowner can determine what personal insurance we need to cover our asses.
It is nearly March. Anyone wanting to participate in the May election must submit their Candidate Information Form by end of March to be eligible to participate in the May election with Jerris and myself. Psycho Shaw and Treasurer Farkas also must declare whether they will be seeking reelection by end of March to be eligible to participate in the election.
It appears that the thunderstorms may hit south of us tonight. We may escape this round of storms. Fingers crossed, especially since we may be inadequately insured for tornado destruction. We'll definitely receive some colder weather tonight and tomorrow. Stay inside, warm and safe.
Have a great night,
Mark
February 26, 2024
Good evening, Autumn Lakes,
It's official. Nobody fully understands our insurance situation. Nobody is able to definitively answer these questions:
1. Are we insured for earthquakes? Insurance company says yes. Board says no.
2. If we have a non-covered event (e.g. earthquake) and it completely destroys one building, what is each condo owner's personal liability if they live in that particular building? Is there any personal liability for other condo owners that do not live in that particular building?
3. If we have a total loss for a covered event (e.g. tornado demolishes a condo), what is that condo owner's personal liability?
4. The Board requested every condo owner obtain personal Loss Assessment coverage of $25,000. Is that the most a homeowner would ever have to pay for exterior damage to their own condo?
5. If someone else's building gets fully demolished by a covered event (e.g. tornado), are only the condo owners of that particular building responsible for paying for damage to their own building? Is their liability limited to only their $25,000 Loss Assessment?
6. In the Certificate of Insurance there are multiple deductibles listed (e.g. water deductible). Are these miscellaneous deductibles only relevant for the HOA, or is this over and above the $25,000 Loss Assessment that a condo owner must pay?
7. If the HOA Master Policy does not cover an event (e.g. earthquake), are we able to purchase supplemental personal insurance for that particular event?
8. How can condo owners be financially responsible for the external portions of their buildings, while the HOA owns these external portions of the buildings?
It would be nice if someone would clarify our insurance situation for our HOA homeowners. Nobody understands our personal and/or HOA liabilities, and we need to fully understand so we can ensure we have adequate personal insurance coverage for any event.
Severe thunderstorms are predicted for tomorrow night. Hunker down and pray that Autumn Lakes is spared from significant damage. Especially since we don't even know what we own or are financially responsible for in the event of a significant loss.
Good evening,
Mark
February 25, 2024
Hey friends and neighbors,
We are living on top of a honeycomb of sinkholes. And, our Board doesn't feel earthquake insurance to be worth spending "our" money on due to "their" poor overspending habits. Gambling with our property, that we would have to pay out of our own pockets for any damage to our buildings caused by earthquakes. Not pay a deductible since we are uninsured--pay for the ENTIRE repair. I submitted a ticket to CPM inquiring of our personal liability to external buildings. Crickets....
In 2022 our Board overspent our budget by $185,000. They won't share our Financial Statements so we don't know just how bad they overspent our budget for 2023. You should demand that they provide you a copy of our Financial Statements. The Board is legally obligated to provide them to you. Good luck though--our shitty Board refuses to provide them to us, despite it being OUR organization and OUR money being squandered by THEM. This Board needs to be fired!
Regards,
Mark
February 24, 2024
Hello Autumn Lakes,
One of our neighbors commented that his condo had been visited by Adam from CPM who inspected a reported problem with his building. We actually feel surprised and even excited when someone shows interest in repair requests after they were all ignored for years. We finally are receiving something from our (over)payments to these management companies, after not having received any building repairs since before the pandemic. I am speaking on behalf of other residents. Personally, SMG, CPM, and our Board, have done absolutely nothing regarding my property repair requests--all have been declined as "homeowner responsibility" or "deferred to be revisited later in the year". Discrimination and HOA property neglect, that ultimately will get paid for by this Board including new and former members, collectively and individually.
Have you noticed how bad the snow plows have mangled many of our asphalt driveways at the streets. Chunks of asphalt sitting along the street at the end of our neighborhood's driveways. Several areas with deep gouges and others with wider scrapes with asphalt chunks scattered around. Their blades were set to low and destroyed the asphalt especially at some of the street curbs. I hope this company is held responsible for fixing their mistakes or paying for someone else to repair their damage. The repairs should not be funded from our HOA monthly dues. This snow plow contractor did some really shoddy work and they need to be held accountable.
Don't forget--in several weeks we have the Indentures Town Hall that our $500/hour attorney has been preparing for. Please remember our new Autumn Lakes motto: "JUST VOTE NO". Vote NO to everything until we have a new Board. Then, the new Board can reevaluate our needs with fresh eyes and considering new ways of conducting business on behalf of our HOA. Until we have a new board--Just Vote NO! You will see our Picketing Committee engage to build awareness as we approach that meeting on March 13.
Have a great remainder of your weekend,
Mark
February 23, 2024
Good evening, Autumn Lakes,
It's been nice seeing so many people out walking these beautiful days, and several of our neighbors have expanded their families this winter by adopting a dog. Unfortunately, I've talked with 4 neighbors this week who lost their dogs this winter. Our furry animals are definitely part of our families, and I understand how much it hurts to lose one. There are several agencies in the area where you can adopt or foster a dog or cat. I have fostered through Five Acres Animal Shelter in St Charles, who I highly recommend. They will let you foster an animal for any amount of time--several days or weeks or months. They will also let you stop by and walk a dog or two on the path behind their building, or even take a pet for a day-outing. Please consider adopting or fostering. The animals love the attention, it gets them out of their cage and the building, it helps the employees and volunteers who work at the shelter, and it's good for your own mental wellbeing. You might even make a connection with the animal and decide to invite them into your family. I would be happy to share more info about Five Acres, if interested.
Enjoy your weekend!
Mark
February 22, 2024
Hi Friends & Neighbors,
AT&T is having major cellular and internet issues across the country today. Some other customers have also been impacted including T-Mobile. Reason unknown.
Here is my ticket information submitted to CPM yesterday regarding our new insurance policy and coverage:
Hello, is it true that my condo homeowner liability is not limited to my personal $25,000 Loss Assessment coverage that the Board requested I obtain? Some are saying that the insurance document on your portal is outdated and incorrect, that we do now have earthquake insurance, that the deck grill usage and fireplace exclusion is not valid in the actual insurance policy, and that we are not being provided current and accurate insurance status and information. I need clarification on ALL OF THE ABOVE please, and recommend this also be clarified to the homeowner community. Thanks.
Have a nice day!
Mark
February 21, 2024
Hello Autumn Lakes,
Our state government has punted the ball. The MO Attorney General does not have jurisdiction over service providers such as HOAs and SMG--only sellers of merchandise. Therefore, to rid ourselves of this Board will require voting them out, civil court cases against one or all of them, and/or criminal charges getting filed. I hope this makes you want to become a candidate to potentially join the Board in May. Vote out our President and VP/Treasurer in May. Read the MO AG response here:
https://www.autumnlakesuncensored.com/sitepad-data/uploads/2024/02/AG-Response.jpg
This was shared with us by Jerris:
The month of March is going to be busy. Please do not allow outsiders to change our lives. The change in bylaws, indentures, and rules should be influenced by the ones who live in AL. Not outsiders who have never lived here. We all have great ideas and should express them. We love here. We all have positive thoughts and suggestions which should be incorporated. Vote NO TO ANY CHANGES until all of us have our input expressed. You are very important, and your ideas are very important to all. We have a chance to rise up and make very positive changes for all residents in AL. We welcome past trustees to voice their ideas and help make this a wonderful place to continue to call home. Also make sure you place your own vote in everything going forward. You have that right and let's a participate in moving forward and upward working with all new and old trustees. Everyone has a voice and ideas. Working together in positive, forward-thinking ways make things come full circle for the better. Please do not hesitate to even join a committee for the good of all. We can do this together.
Have a great one!
Mark
February 20, 2024
Good morning, friends and neighbors,
I hope that many of you Autumn Lakes homeowners decide to run for a Board Seat. You have until end of March to submit your Candidate Information Form. 2 seats are open in May. With lots of us participating in the "election process" we will get to know each other, and our community will begin to learn about us. You may ultimately decide in May not to run, but the community will know who you are, you will be a shoe-in for Board Appointment beyond May, and/or certainly first in line to be selected by the new Board to be a Committee Lead or Committee Member. Please participate in the "election process" even if you decide not to run--we need good people for the Board and to support them.
Thanks you!
Mark
February 19, 2024
Good evening Autumn Lakes,
Such a beautiful day. Hopefully you got outside for some fresh air. I was surprised to see so many business vehicles in our neighborhood today, especially considering it was a holiday for many of us. Maybe that was the reason--many homeowners off work for the holiday with fix-it businesses not getting that luxury. And I imagine some of it may be attributed to the cold/snow spell we had (e.g. furnaces and water heaters needing repairs), and then the recent warm spell (e.g. leaky basements/roofs, preparing air conditioners for spring). In any event, there seemed to be lots more contractor activity in Autumn Lakes today. Old buildings, old appliances, always something needing to be fixed or replaced. Keep spending--it helps our local economy!
We are already one day closer to weekend. Don't forget to place your trash at the curb for Tuesday's pickup.
Have a great short week!
Mark
February 18, 2024
Hey Neighbors,
Hopefully you had a nice weekend despite the snowfall and windy/cold weather. Much of the snow and ice has already melted, and the remainder should melt tomorrow with the temperature predicted to be 53 degrees. Highs in the 50s and 60s all week. Yes!
At least 2 driveways were damaged by the snow crews and will need to be repaired by an asphalt contractor. I was certain to create yet another CPM Ticket to get my own driveway/garage gap filled with asphalt. This hazardous-situation repair was initially reported when I moved here about 1.5 years ago and has been ignored despite being acknowledged. SMG, and now CPM, at our shitty Board's direction, keep postponing (i.e. denying) this HOA repair. This continual denial is illegal discrimination against me considering that everyone else in Autumn Lakes got their driveways addressed last summer, and Psycho Shaw had conveyed to me in writing that mine would be fixed by end of summer 2023. My latest follow-ups with CPM and the Board were responded to that my situation will be revisited later this year. This Board and CPM will be hearing from my lawyer real soon if they don't address my driveway in this round of asphalt repairs. The list of Board illegalities is growing by the day. If you are also being discriminated against by this Board or CPM, then please reach-out to me and we'll work through your matter together to get you some resolution. Don't let these people take advantage of you--you are a homeowner with HOA rights.
Don't forget that tomorrow is President's Day. No USPS mail service, but we do have Republic pickups on Monday and Tuesday per their regular schedule despite the holiday.
Have a great week!
Mark
February 17, 2024
Good morning, Autumn Lakes,
The Board must really hate the idea of conducting a Financial Audit since they changed their position on snow removal yesterday. One of the Board Members had already shoveled her own driveway, so clearly, they were not planning to request the service for us. But, there must have been enough homeowner backlash that we awakened today to find our driveways and entrance walks shoveled and salted. Great job everyone for speaking up and representing yourselves to the Board! I guess we are now back to not being able to afford the Financial Audit. We do have $77,200 budgeted for snow removal this year, of which $22,000 was not spent in January so that savings could be reallocated towards the Financial Audit. See budget below.
It is still slick out in there in many spots. Stay inside today if you can. Definitely avoid walking on the sidewalks that did not get scraped. The street is also slippery in spots.
Happy weekend,
Mark
February 16, 2024
Hi Autumn Lakes!
Wow--lots of snow! Where is the snow crew to scrape your driveway and sidewalk? We are paying 28% additional HOA Dues this year. And for what? Request snow removal assistance or guidance at:
314-960-6620
shahsmithautumnlakestrustee@gmail.com
Stay dry and warm, and see some homeowner input below.
Mark
February 15, 2024,
Hello neighbors and friends,
Hopefully you had a nice Valentines Day yesterday. I spent the evening with my son and dog. Nothing too exciting but it was nice to have Nick with us for the night.
Wentzville School District has already cancelled classes on Friday as of 8pm due to anticipated inclement weather. Be careful if you must be on the roads in the morning or early afternoon. It sounds like it could be messy.
Have a great night,
Mark
February 14, 2024
Happy Valentines Day, Friends and Neighbors,
Posing a simple question to you. Are our HOA buildings insured for earthquake damage? We were told in our January HOA Meeting that we are not insured, and this was reiterated in the January Gazette Newsletter. However, our current Certificate of Insurance documents being issued to homeowners reflect that we do have earthquake coverage. It would be a waste of money for homeowners to increase their Loss Assessment coverage for HOA Master Policy earthquake deductibles if the Master Policy excludes earthquake coverage. If we had an earthquake today that swallowed our buildings, are we covered by insurance, or must each homeowner pay a Special Assessment to rebuild their condo (i.e. each homeowner writes the Board a huge check to cover the entire cost to rebuild)? Inquiring minds want to know. See below.
Have a good one,
Mark
February 13, 2024
Good evening, Autumn Lakes,
I am very pleased that today Jerris Collins-Ruth submitted her Candidate Information Form to officially become a candidate for our HOA Board election in May. The link to her form can be found below.
Jerris has lived in Autumn Lakes for 20 years. She is a full-time realtor for 32 years and a volunteer for many non-profit entities. She's worked with many HOAs through the years and has been closely studying our HOA governing documents for the last 8 months. You probably have seen her Autumn Lakes YouTube video that remains available on this website's Home page.
Jerris is looking to balance our Autumn Lakes budget, more tightly manage our expenses, revisit all contractor contracts, leverage her extensive non-profit experience to find cost savings, ensure CPM is operating effectively and efficiently per their contract, improve how homeowners are treated by the Board and our contractors/vendors, modernize our HOA operations, address our deficient Reserves and how those funds are to be spent, improve the Work Order process, and more.
Jerris' Candidate Information Form:
https://www.autumnlakesuncensored.com/sitepad-data/uploads/2024/02/jerris_candidate_information_form2024..jpg
I look forward to running in this election alongside Jerris. She and I are seeking at least 3 additional candidates to participate in the election process alongside us. Having five candidates will enable us to have several people on standby to be appointed to the Board to replace other departing Board Members. There is always churn amongst the Board, and your participating as a candidate will get you/us introduced to the community at the same time for these (2) or future Board Seats. We welcome as many candidates as are willing to work with us to lead the improvement of our community. Please welcome Jerris as a candidate.
Have a great night,
Mark
February 12, 2024
Hello Autumn Lakes Homeowners,
Why does the Board feel that a Financial Audit is “not a good use of
our funds”?
An HOA audit can help maintain the financial health of a
community. It can help ensure that the association's financial records and
operations are accurate, compliant, and transparent. Here are some reasons why
an HOA audit should be conducted:
* Evaluate
budgets
* Assess
fees
* Prevent
fraud and misuse
* Provide
valuable data
* Help
catch minor issues
* Assure
property owners and managers provide
the highest level of assurance
* Help
homeowners trust the HOA's internal controls and financial representation
HOA audits are based on a financial reporting framework
known as Generally Accepted Accounting Practices (GAAP). A CPA offers an audit,
which means that material misstatement risk is low.
Some recommend auditing financials every two years. If
there's a board turnover, you can hand clean, audited financials to the next
board.
Regardless of whether an audit is legally required, all HOAs
need to be audited periodically. Audits ensure that current board members
understand the financial decisions made by their predecessors. This provides
valuable insight that can help them make better choices for the HOA’s future
direction.
Read the excerpt below taken from our January Gazette newsletter. It is not only SMG that we should be concerned about--our Board made ALL of our HOA's spending decisions, not our property management company. Demand an audit of our shitty Board by emailing them at AutumnLakesBoard@gmail.com. Also see below for my Request submitted to CPM.
Best regards,
Mark
February 11, 2024
Hey fellow homeowners,
We have a Reserves Study for $10,000-$15,000 to justify us being Special Assessed for thousands more dollars for the Board to spend. We pay another $10-15k for an Indentures Modification for the Board to obtain more flexible spending authority and power stolen from homeowners. But the Board won't authorize a Financial Audit to confirm that our financials and spending have been appropriate --hmmmm, wonder why not?? Because there is nothing in it "for them" except to be called-out for financial malpractice, potential embezzlement, likely contractor kickbacks, and whatever other financial malfeasance they have been up to instead of spending on property upkeep. This is also consistent with their not allowing us homeowners access to our own HOA financial statements to review our HOA financial condition and how our own HOA money has been spent. Is this appropriate Board behavior? I promise you NOT! Don't you think that with no building improvements since before the pandemic that our Reserves/savings would reflect that? Then why are we looking at a Special Assessment and paying 28% more this year? Someone please explain this to all of us.
Have a nice day,
Mark
February 10, 2024
Dear Autumn Lakes Homeowners,
I honestly am
fearful for some of you, primarily the elderly and the retired persons that
cannot afford to move elsewhere if/when things hit rock bottom in Autumn Lakes.
Our situation can potentially get worse, and soon.
This Board
is looking to modify our governing documents. Cost $10,000-$15,000. This
includes a review and changes to our Indentures and our Bylaws that have been
filed at the courthouse for the past 45 years. Other than a rental provision,
these documents have not been modified since their original creation about 45
years ago. Our existing Board Members disregard our governing documents when
making decisions so why should any of us support their proposal to modify these
documents to meet THEIR needs? They want
to change these governing documents containing the rules for managing our HOA.
Why should we allow them to modify these documents when they haven’t respected them,
or us, by adhering to the rules contained in them. We should not! We should VOTE
NO at the upcoming Town Hall meeting in March. We should not grant this
existing Board any additional powers to the detriment of us homeowners.
This Board
has engaged a consultant to perform a Reserves Study. Cost $10,000-$15,000. Primary
purposes of a Reserves Study is to identify what needs to be fixed and how much
money is required to fix it. We already know what needs to be fixed because SMG
performed a detailed inspection of the exterior of each unit and documented
their findings in a thick binder that our Board carried to each meeting. The
Board stopped carrying the Binder to the meetings when they made the conscious
decision to ignore the binder. Ignore our maintenance requirements. Ignore our
repairs. Now, they want to pay a bunch of money to an expensive consultant to tell
us what we already know from that binder. Our buildings are old and decaying,
and we cannot afford to fix them. Therefore, we are going to need a Special
Assessment to replenish our depleted Reserves Accounts. What does this mean for
you? This Board is going to require you to write them a big check to replace
the money that was incorrectly spent through the years on operating expenses
instead of building improvement projects. This Board has squandered our funds for
many years while ignoring our properties, and they soon will be asking us to bail
them out from their financial mismanagement. They will ask us to write them a
big check for thousands of dollars to pay to fix what should already have been
fixed from the many prior years of dues payments that you have already paid. We
should all plan to VOTE NO for the Special Assessment at the Town Hall meeting that
has not yet been scheduled for this spring/summer. They are undeserving, after
having overspent our HOA savings for many years on things other than property
improvement. We should not pay this existing Board one more dime.
To recap,
this existing Board is undeserving of being granted any additional powers to
the detriment of us homeowners, nor any additional spending flexibility on
behalf of us homeowners. This existing Board has neglected our buildings and
mismanaged our funds for many years—they are undeserving of being bailed-out by
us homeowners for their property neglect and financial malpractice. Therefore,
we should plan to VOTE NO for any proposed Governing Documents Modifications.
We should also VOTE NO for any Special Assessment resulting from the Reserves
Study. Just VOTE NO for anything this existing Board is asking of you. This
existing Board needs to be replaced, and then the new Board can revisit our
governing documents, develop a plan for fixing our buildings, and determine how
our HOA is going to fund the necessary repairs. If our existing Board knew how
to do these things they already would have done them, or would have prevented
us from getting into this terrible situation in the first place. They are certainly
undeserving of more power to the detriment of us homeowners, and are undeserving
of a homeowner financial bailout via a Special Assessment. Just VOTE NO! Replace this Board and let them determine a
better plan.
Sincerely,
Mark
February 9, 2024
Hello Autumn Lakes,
I have so many examples of this Board disregarding our governing documents, ignoring the rules when they don't suit themselves. And they want us to pay $15,000 or some huge amount for an attorney to modify our governing documents after 45 years to better suit their own needs. They want to take our decision-making powers and give it to themselves. Make it easier for them to spend our money. Remove our homeowner rights and give themselves more power over us, our property, our Dues, our Reserves/Savings. They are about to impose a Special Assessment and want more ability to spend it on our behalf. Yet another example below of them ignoring our Indentures. They reappointed Retta to the Board. Retta lives in the same building as Psycho Shaw. Indentures violation! Let's just remove that paragraph from the Indentures since we ignore it anyway. It is only $15,000 to hire an attorney to do it. What else can be changed to better meet this Board's needs? See the Indentures excerpt below.
I had a nice afternoon of picketing in my driveway. Some facetime with our neighbors before the showers and cold front moves in later tonight. Thanks to those of you that stopped by to inquire, that waved and honked, that expressed concern over our HOA costs and deteriorating buildings. It is nice to know that you care about our community, and for recognizing my efforts to attempt to improve this place for us all. Our Board must resign!
Enjoy your weekend,
Mark
February 8, 2024
Hi Friends and Neighbors,
How about this weather? And they are predicting snow on Monday. Gotta love Missouri.
We are finishing our 6th week of the new year having CPM as our property management company. Have all of your requested repairs been completed? Mine were all rejected and/or deferred--discrimination. I hope you have had more favorable actions from this Board and CPM. Personally, I am getting NOTHING for my additional 28% Dues this year.
Madonna provided me the censored Zoom recording from the January meeting. It was finally sent after having already received the censored, past-due Gazette, so I haven't bothered to review the recording. The Board already said they won't be including the Owners Forum portion of the meeting, so I'm not too interested in reviewing the censored/edited version. Provide us the unedited version--if you are cherry-picking who is provided the recording then why edit it at all? Just more censorship--homeowner privacy is not a valid excuse for editing the distributed version. Contact the Board if you want the link to the censored Zoom recording at AutumnLakesBoard@gmail.com.
Have a great one,
Mark
February 7, 2024
Dear neighbors,
I know that some of you have problems with your toilets running or cycling all day and night. This causes lots of water to be wasted and is very expensive to our HOA. Please replace the gaskets in your toilet tank which costs less than $5. Take a photo of the inside of your toilet tank and bring it to Branneky Hardware for assistance--they are helpful, just describe the sound to them. If your toilet makes sounds then it is draining water into the sewer, and the HOA pays for that water loss. Our HOA water bill is one of our largest expenses and largely attributed to leaky toilets. Please call a plumber ASAP--the toilet will not fix itself. Contact AAA Home Services to make an appointment at https://www.aaastl.com or call (314)310-3570, (636)249-1292
On Wednesday, March 13 at 7pm at the clubhouse, please plan to attend this important Town Hall meeting for a legal review of our governing documents, described as:
The purpose is to discuss the AL governing documents, the findings and recommendations from the attorney. At the town hall the board will take a ‘straw poll of the attendees to see if they agree that revising the governing documents should be pursued. If so, at the March HOA meeting, all interested owners will be invited to join a task force for owner review and recommendations. Once the Task Force has made their recommendations, the requested changes will be forwarded to the association lawyer, for legal review. Any changes will be voted on by all the owners.
By the end of March, anyone interested in potentially becoming a Board Member must declare their interest. If you miss the March deadline then you cannot participate in the election. Jerris and I will both be running in the election, and we're seeking several others to run alongside us. She and I will be supportive of anyone wishing to participate--we need people that care about improving this community and that are open-minded to change. The old ways of doing things are not working. Please reachout to the Board, or to Jerris and me, with any questions or to discuss next steps. Jerris and I can be reached at: Jerris@autumnlakesuncensored.com, Mark@autumnlakesuncensored.com. The Board can be reached at autumnlakesboard@gmail.com
Have a great remainder of your week,
Mark
February 6, 2024
TRUSTEE CHANGE
On
January 30, Butch Rhomberg asked to step down as a Trustee.
Retta
Morcom agreed to return at the board's unanimous request to complete the
vacated term (2025). The Board sends a BIG THANK YOU to
Butch for offering his service to help during last year.
UPCOMING
EVENTS
TOWN HALL MEETING
LEGAL REVIEW OF GOVERNING DOCUMENTS
A town
hall meeting will be held at the Clubhouse on Wednesday, March 13th at
7:00pm. The purpose is to discuss the AL governing documents, the findings and recommendations from the attorney.
At the town hall the board will take a ‘straw poll of the attendees to see if they agree that revising the governing documents
should be pursued. If so, at the March HOA meeting, all interested owners will be invited to join a task force for owner review and
recommendations. Once the Task Force has made their recommendations, the
requested changes will be forwarded to the association lawyer, for legal
review. Any changes will be voted on by all the owners.
NEXT ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETING
The
next Autumn Lakes Association meeting will be on Wednesday,March 20th at 7
pm at the Clubhouse.
Zoom
info will be provided closer to the meeting.
BOARD ELECTIONS COMING UP
Interested
in getting involved? Consider running for one of the two openings on the
Board. Things to know:
Candidate forms will be available at the March
20th meeting and from CPM after the meeting.
Interested
owners should contact a board member for a description of duties and
expectations.
Elections will be held at the Annual meeting in May.
There are 2 spots open: One two-year term and one three-year term.
LADIES LUNCHEON
This
event is planned for April 14th. More details will be
forthcoming. Mark your calendars!
MEET THE CANDIDATES
There
will be a candidate forum for owners to meet and ask questions of the
candidates on Sunday, April 21st at 1:00 pm in the Clubhouse.
Autumn Lakes Officers - January 2024
Butch Rhomberg resigned his trustee position in January.
Shah Smith - President
Laura Farkas - Vice President
Pam Bell - Secretary (appointed)
Madonna Esposito - Trustee
Retta Morcom - Trustee (appointed)
Master
Insurance Policies
The Master Property Insurance Policy is
in place. The Unit Owner Insurance Requirements & Association
Master Policy Summary is available on this website under the More...
tab. The Summary lists the Master Policy coverage and HO6 policy
requirements.
Owners
can email Daniel & Henry at JRcois@danielandhenry.com for a
certificate for their unit that may be requested by mortgage companies.
Have
you signed up on the CPM Community Portal yet?
CPM
and Autumn Lakes are using CPM's Community Portal. Have you setup your
account yet?
The Community Portal is found at portal.cpmgateway.com
Once you have an account on the Community Portal you can submit work orders,
see your financial records, make online payments, review Autumn Lakes
newsletters, rules and financials, and submit Architecture Requests or
Landscape Requests.
If you would like your Autumn Lakes newsletter emailed, you need to setup
your account on Community Portal and provide your email address.
CPM sent out letters with the account numbers and registration ids used
when you setup access to the portal, You can call CPM Customer
Service or email customerservice@cpmgateway.com to request help setting up
your Community Portal online access.
Most of the Autumn Lakes forms, rules, newsletters and other documents will
be loaded on the portal. This is still in progress.
You can call CPM Customer Service at 636-227-8688 or email them at customerservice@cpmgateway.com with
questions or problems.
February 5, 2024
Good morning Autumn Lakes,
Have you had an opportunity to
read the latest Gazette Newsletter? It includes the censored content shared at
the January HOA Meeting. Here are some
items I found interesting, or appalling:
- Butch/Melvin retired from the
Board already. Retta replaced him. Butch had previously been on the Board, as
had Retta. Same old blood recycling through this Board, year after year. Stale
ideas, burned-out Board Members limping along. They all need to be replaced.
Elect Jerris and me in May and we'll watch the remaining Board Members topple.
Then, true change and real HOA improvements can happen.
- CPM claims they haven't received
the 2022 and 2023 financials from SMG to publish to us. They will eventually be published to the CPM portal, so they say.
- Homeowners can use the CPM
website to reserve the Clubhouse. By the way, it appears that we lose money on
every clubhouse rental due to payment to our homeowner that manages the
reservations, payments to the cleaners, and other related costs. Definitely not
making much, if any, profit by renting it out.
- CPM claims only 11-12 work
orders remain incomplete, including those transitioned from SMG. Several
homeowners including myself have received notifications from the Board/SMG that
our repairs are not covered by the HOA. Keep costs low by denying claims. These
people definitely are not here to appease homeowners. We have waited years for
repairs just to be told "denied, not an HOA problem" when clearly it
is HOA responsibility. Also, review of the Financial details shows that Psycho
Shaw's cronies are about the only people getting work orders and repairs
completed. Discrimination--this Board will pay, bigtime.
- The Indentures and other
governing documents are being reviewed by the attorney and an upcoming Town
Hall will be conducted on the topic. JUST VOTE NO! Extremely important.
- Reserve Advisors has been hired
to perform the Reserves Study and recommend special assessment amount. An
upcoming Town Hall will also be conducted on the topic. JUST VOTE NO!
Extremely important.
- Reminder of no snow removal
until/unless it reaches 3 inches at Lambert. There will be no mulching at the
condos, no trees planted, no pool monitor. I imagine we'll continue to see
fresh mulch and flowers planted at the front entrance and clubhouse to sell
more condos. The facade.
- $20,000 paid for new furnace for
lower level of clubhouse.
- Landscape Committee is
discussing:
* Lawn Groomers suggested that some
steep areas should not be mowed every week (it continues the problem with
ridges and LG had a mower fall down a hill last year)
* Lawn Groomers also suggested that some
areas that are badly eroding might be better handled by planting plants in
those areas that could reduce the erosion problems
* We didn’t have any plants at the AL
entrance last year and the group should decide what or if we should plant those
beds this spring.
- We remain uninsured for
earthquake damage, the Board "recognized how much of a fee increase would
be needed for 2024 and decided it wasn’t the right time to add earthquake
insurance". This Board is gambling with our properties and money.
- Why does the Board feel they can
unilaterally make all the important decisions on our behalf? Their response,
"The owners vote for board members to make the best decisions for the good
of the subdivision.". Good--I feel
better about it now...NOT! Don't trust this Board with my property and money.
- The Board has decided not to
have a financial audit. In their opinions, not worthwhile. Keep the skeletons
hidden.
- Supposedly, CPM will be posting
each month's financial statements on their portal. We'll see.
- To request the recording for any
HOA Zoom Meetings, email AutumnLakesBoard@gmail.com. They ignored my request
(discrimination) but maybe they will respond to you. Please forward me the link
once you receive it, and I won't disclose how I got it.
- The Board perceives that HOA
insurance rates are climbing rather than falling. Don't always believe what
this Board conveys. Proven lies and misdirection. Do not trust these people
regarding ANYTHING!
- The work scheduled to be
completed along i270 behind the maintenance garage incurred a hiccup. The
city/state must revisit the topic.
- BOARD ELECTION INFORMATION
Interested in getting
involved? Consider running for one of
the two openings on the Board. Things to know:
* Candidate forms will be available at
the meeting and from CPM after the March 20th meeting.
* Interested owners should contact a
board member for a description of duties and expectations.
* There will be a candidate forum for
owners to meet and ask questions of the candidates on April 21st at 1:00pm in
the Clubhouse.
* Elections will be held at the Annual
meeting in May. There are 2 spots open:
One two-year term and one three-year term.
- TOWN HALL – GOVERNING DOCUMENTS
A town hall will be held at the
Clubhouse on Wednesday, March 13, starting at 7:00pm. The purpose is to discuss the AL governing
documents, the findings and recommendations from the attorney. At the town hall
the board will take a ‘straw poll’ of the attendees to see if they agree that
revising the governing documents should be pursued. If so, at the March HOA meeting, all
interested owners will be invited to join a task force for owner review and
recommendations. Once the Task Force has made their recommendations, the
requested changes will be forwarded to the association lawyer, for legal
review. Any changes will be voted on by
the ownership.
UPCOMING EVENTS
* Town Hall Meeting: A town hall will be held at the Clubhouse on
Wednesday, March 13, starting at
7:00pm. The purpose is to discuss the AL governing documents, the findings and recommendations from the attorney.
* Next Board Meeting: The next meeting is scheduled for March 20,
2024, and will be held at the
clubhouse and available via
Zoom. The meeting will start @
7:00pm. Check the AL website:
AutumnLakesSTL.com for the link to
the Zoom meeting.
* Ladies Luncheon: This event is planned for April 14,
2024. More details will be
forthcoming. Mark
your calendars!
Fun times,
Mark
February 4, 2024
Hi Autumn Lakes neighbors and friends,
I spent a considerable amount of time outside this weekend and throughout our neighborhood. Picketing against this HOA Board in my driveway each day, and walking the loop with Crash several times daily. I spoke to many neighbors and even met some new ones. I shared with everyone that would listen to me, my views on this neighborhood's Board of Trustees and how they have allowed our buildings to rot while squandering our funds and raising our monthly dues 28%, and with only our driveways having been touched since before the pandemic began. Many of our repair requests now getting declined as not being the HOA's responsibility. We pay 28% more Dues this year and we continue to receive even less for our money. This Board continues to refuse our requests for a financial audit to explain where our money has gone. We still don't have our January Gazette Newsletter containing our Budget-to-Actual spending amounts for 2023. The Board and SMG continue to ignore my request for the January HOA Meeting Zoom link to be able to replay. Lots of discrimination and censorship all over the place--that is a constant for sure. One common theme that I hear from homeowners is that they are considering moving once interest rates decline, and that they most certainly will not be considering Psycho Shaw as their Realtor. People have learned that this Board cannot be trusted, with plenty of evidence to support it. Just ask the MO Attorney General who has received all of it for their review and action.
I hope you had a nice weekend. We are to have more mild temperatures next week so hopefully I will see even more of you outside and walking. Exercise is good.
Best regards,
Mark
February 3, 2024
Hi Friends & Neighbors,
Crash and I walked 3 miles today and he has gone to bed early, and I will soon be following. Lots of fresh air today wore us both out.
I started my first fermentation today in preparation for the hot sauce. The shipment is delayed with my fresno and habanero peppers, so this first batch contains jalapenos, carrots, garlic, onion. It will ferment in jars for about a month before I add some lime juice and blend it into hot sauce. I'll kickoff several more batches middle of next week once I've received the pepper shipment from California. Since it takes at least a month to ferment I plan to have several batches bubbling for varying durations, the others longer than a month. Some people ferment for years.
Goodnight,
Mark
February 2, 2024
Hello Autumn Lakes,
This afternoon I talked to a couple additional people that may be interested in running for the Board. I am hoping to recruit a handful of candidates to be considered. The community can become familiar with these people through the election process. If they/we don't get elected to the Board in May then we have people to lead committees or participate on committees. Individuals can become "Board Members in Training" by participating on committees, preparing themselves for the next election or possible appointment as new Board Members as current Board Members depart for whatever reason. Refreshing to finally talk to people getting excited about helping to improve this community. Hopefully several additional candidates also raise their hands to be considered. The more the merrier!
I have begun a new hobby. I'm going to make homemade hot sauce. I am learning fermentation techniques and plan to begin fermenting my first batch of hot peppers tomorrow. Fresno peppers (2 lbs) and habaneros (1 lb) for this initial batch. Fermentation takes about a month to complete before I can then blend-in fruits to make various flavors/varieties (e.g. blueberries, mango, pineapple). Sweet, but I anticipate fairly spicy too. There are multiple techniques and definitely some art involved, and hopefully batch #1 is edible (and tasty!) after waiting at least a month before ready to eat it. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Maybe the peppers batch will yield enough hot sauce that I can share some with those of you that also enjoy spicy.
My son and I may not have an opportunity to tryout his new snowblower this season. Not that I mind too much--50s in February feels quite nice. I already have a couple tulips peeking through the top of their mulch. This crazy climate we live in.
Have a great weekend,
Mark
February 1, 2024
Happy February 1st!
Have you sent your HOA Dues to CPM for this new month? Avoid Late Fees.
End of March is the deadline to declare your intent to run alongside Jerris and me in the May HOA Board election. Please consider it. We need more participation from homeowners.
The meteorologists are forecasting beautiful weather today and this week. I plan to sit in my driveway with picket signs. Wave and honk if you see Crash and me, or please join us! You can select your own sign(s) to raise.
By the way, Autumn Lakes is NOT insured for earthquake damage. We pay for any resulting damages ourselves via Special Assessment or HOA Reserves/savings if we have any at the time. The likely plan would be to write the Board a big check for the cost of the HOA repairs. Not good! We pay 28% more dues this year and what do we get for it? The United States experiences around 20,000 earthquakes annually. More often than not, they go unnoticed. However, experts warn that the nation could see around 16 “major” earthquakes in any given year. Read this article for more info:
https://www.facebook.com/100051199184130/posts/928174152232549/?mibextid=Nif5oz
I hope you can get outside today and enjoy the beautiful weather. Stop by and say hi, and select your own picket sign(s) to wave at our Board Members and other passers-by on Autumn Trace Drive this week and weekend. Express your dissatisfaction with the way our HOA is being run and how our funds are being squandered. Don't sit silently while being taken advantage of by our pathetic Board.
Have a nice day!
Mark
January 31, 2024
Good evening, Autumn Lakes,
Hopefully you spent some time outside today. It is to be in the low 60s tomorrow, and in the 50s for the next week. Also, every night above freezing. Loving it!
Where is our January Gazette Newsletter? If CPM and this Board won't publish the Zoom recordings for those homeowners that missed the meeting or were arrested for attempting to attend (discrimination and harassment) who requested the Zoom link and were denied it (discrimination and censorship), you might think they would at least expedite our censored newsletter so that it gets published in the same month that the meeting occurred. I think the November Gazette was published in January. Pathetic. If these people don't care to do their jobs then they should please just step aside and let someone else get the job done, already. They are burned-out and clearly don't give a shit about anything but themselves. Just step aside and let individuals that care about our community and neighbors takeover.
I saw a couple Lawn Groomers trucks on the premises today picking up sticks. Wonder how much that cost us? 2 vehicles, with 2 guys in one vehicle and 3 in the other. Maybe more vehicles and workers that I didn't see. Our 28% dues increase this year. And we get at least 5 contract workers picking up sticks. Have your Work Requests from the past 2 years been completed yet? Both of mine were not--one was rejected and the other deferred indefinitely (discrimination, harassment). What are we paying $150,000 monthly for, other than stick gathering and our wonderful new insurance prohibiting us from using our deck grills and woodburning fireplaces? This Board sucks, and CPM isn't doing anything to help us!
Good evening,
Mark
January 30, 2024
Good Day, friends and neighbors,
I have received several questions as to why I care so much about attending HOA Meetings in person, as opposed to just attending meetings by Zoom. That is a valid question. Several reasons. Honestly, I would prefer NOT to attend in person. I don't need to "see" the Board--in fact, I find them appauling and the sight of their faces sicken me. Several reasons that come to mind:
1. Pam Bell being the Board Secretary and Zoom Moderator banned me from a Zoom Meeting that was in progress. I have a screenprint from when it occurred. Once banned, we cannot rejoin the meeting. Yes--the judge also has heard this evidence--discrimination and censorship that will be addressed in my civil lawsuit against this Board and its individuals.
2. The Board does not allow or respond to questions from Zoom participants--at best, it is listen-only.
3. Sometimes the Zoom session doesn't even work due to whatever reasons they claim--technical issue, internet issue, nobody knowing how to use it, no laptop, lies, lies, and more lies. Unreliable solution, incompetent Board members.
4. This Board also doesn't share the Zoom recordings after the meetings, even upon request of CPM, so there is no way to obtain the uncensored information discussed in the meeting.
5. In the next couple months we will be having special meetings and some having votes: Indentures Modifications, Reserve Study, Special Assessments, Election Candidate Meet & Greet, Board Impeachment Vote, etc. These meetings we should all be in attendance to vote and to ask/hear questions realtime without the threat of censorship or failing Zoom calls.
6. Attending HOA Meetings is our legal right. It is NOT a privilege but rather granted to each of us by law. They cannot prevent us from attending in person. But, they can prevent us from participating on Zoom, and they have and will.
An unrelated topic--tomorrow is the last day of January. Don't forget to send your February HOA Dues to CPM rather than to SMG. Avoid late fees--we already pay enough to this Board; avoid paying any extra to these people who squander our funds!
Have a great day,
Mark
January 29, 2024
Hello Autumn Lakes,
How about today's beautiful weather this afternoon?! Crash and I enjoyed a couple long walks and visits with several friends along the way that we hadn't seen all weekend due to the cold and rainy weather. I don't so much mind walking in the cold but when its rainy it becomes a bit too much for me--quickly outside to do our bizness then back inside. This afternoon was a blessing to get some fresh air and sunshine. Vitamin D.
This morning Laura Fisher and I attended court in Clayton to address our Board prohibiting me from attending HOA meetings--more discrimination for my civil lawsuit, thank you. Psycho Shaw was ordered by the judge for all future meetings that she must reserve a chair for me 50 feet from where she is sitting. I already have homeowner volunteers offering to sit with me wherever I get stationed. I certainly love some of my neighbors! They more than offset the losers on the Board with their very few cronies.
Enjoy your evening,
Mark
January 28, 2024
Hello Autumn Lakes Neighbors and Friends,
Tomorrow morning is my court hearing with Psycho Shaw in Clayton. This hearing is at my request. At our January HOA Meeting Psycho Shaw had me arrested before our HOA Meeting had even begun. I hadn't even sat down before she started yelling across the room, "you can't be here!". Laura Fisher tried to talk her off the ledge but she wasn't interested in hearing any reasoning--read Laura's recap below. Please listen to this 2-minute audio clip at the link below--I included some additional audio from the Judge from the 2nd hearing so please listen again. I think the judge was quite clear on this matter at our previous 2 hearings. Psycho Shaw is bringing an attorney tomorrow to explain to the judge that she must have forgotten what he told her because of her dementia. I hate to be insensitive, but should someone with dementia be President of our HOA and responsible for our $150,000 monthly dues and spend? I think not--everyone reaches a point in their life when it is time to retire. Psycho Shaw's retirement day is long past due.
Just click the PLAY button below.
Have a great night,
Mark
January 27, 2024
Autumn Lakes Neighbors,
Please find my 19-minute video update below.
Enjoy your weekend,
Mark
January 26, 2024
January 25, 2024
Hi Autumn Lakes,
What happened to the 4-inch binder that our dumbass Board President bragged about having received from SMG for free, that normally would have cost over $2000 for SMG to produce for their clients? She carried it to each HOA Meeting bragging that it was so great that she knew exactly everything that needed to be repaired. That binder listed all of the repairs that were needed for each unit address including photos and descriptions. This Board has known for nearly 2 years what needs repairing, but they ignored that binder and those repairs because of 4 reasons: (1) they squandered our Reserves and cannot afford to fix everything, (2) they are incapable of developing a project plan including repair priorities and planned execution, (3) they are incapable of managing the bid process to determine what contractors should be hired for each type of project, and (4) they are incapable of executing a project plan and managing contractor performance. Why does this Board now feel the need to pay $10,000 for a professional to conduct a "Reserves Study" to identify what needs to be repaired when they already have the 4 inch dusty binder from SMG? Oh yeah, because our Board doesn't have the balls to tell us that they squandered all of our Reserves and now require us to write them a check for more money to perform all the repairs identified by the Reserves Study. They are outsourcing all of their project management responsibilities of being a Board Member. What does this Board actually do besides causing homeowners grief? If our lazyass Board members would summarize the gutter repairs, the roof repairs, the siding repairs, the lake repairs, the clubhouse repairs, etc., and put each grouping of repairs out for bid, then we'd end up with the same results as the Reserve Study without paying $10,000 for a professional to do their job. What am I missing here--why do our homeowners continue to allow this Board to squander our funds and abuse us with their overreach? I guess we get what we deserve.
Have a good one,
Mark
January 24, 2024
Good evening, friends and neighbors,
Did you realize that the Reserves Study to determine the amount of the Special Assessment is going to cost us about $10,000 this year? The Indentures Study is going to cost us about $11,000 this year? Did you realize this money will be spent on these Studies before we have an opportunity to vote on them? This is about $70 per homeowner despite both efforts potentially getting rejected by homeowner vote, but the money will already be spent. Does this sound fair that we each must pay this money before voting on the Special Assessment and Indentures Modification? Why are we putting the cart before the horse--these two efforts should be voted upon by homeowners before the Board is allowed to move forward. Both of these efforts are significant decisions and amounts of money, and per our Indentures mandate a vote. Look it up!
We were told by the Board that it would have cost each homeowner about $360 per year ($30/month) to keep our deck grills and woodburning fireplaces. This would further be reduced to $24 monthly if we didn't have to pay for the Reserves Study and Indentures Study, that will become moot if we homeowners vote "NO" for both efforts. Personally, I don't want to pay this Board one additional dollar for them to squander from the Special Assessment. And, I don't want to modify the Indentures to give this Board any additional power or spending flexibility/authority. I plan to vote "NO" for both initiatives as long as this Board is in power. We shelf both efforts until a new Board is empowered. Sorry Board, but you have failed us time and time again, so why should we reward you with even more of our hard-earned money to squander and grant you even more power to abuse us homeowners? Don't think so! We already are paying $137,000 each month for operating expenses and an additional $13,000 each month toward future Reserves capital projects. It makes me nauseous that this Board gets to squander this much money each month and there is nothing that we can do about it except to vote these Board Members OUT!
Have a great night,
Mark
January 23, 2024
Hello Autumn Lakes,
I hope you enjoyed the milder temperatures today. The ground was soggy and muddy but most of the snow has melted. It was nice to get outside with Crash and walk a few laps, chat with neighbors that also have been inside the past few days due to the cold and messy weather. I saw several roof tiles laying in yards and sidewalks--I recommend everyone does a brief inspection of your property. Call CPM or visit their website if you find any wind or water damage needing to be addressed. By the way, we're approaching the end of the 1st month of the year--has the Board or CPM repaired anything that you've submited Requests for? One of my Requests was rejected and the other was deferred. I'm 0 for 2 with CPM. CPM told me that the Board is making all of the decisions (same as with SMG) and to contact them with any gripes--CPM is just the messenger.
Please pickup your dog poop! It is disgusting when dogs poop on the sidewalk, and the rest of us must then dance around it. Just pick it up--pick it up the next time you are walking your dog if you forgot to bring baggies. The problem is with larger dogs, between the lower lake spillway towards the bottom of the hill near Autumn Lakes Court--several incidents along that stretch of Autumn Lakes Drive along i270 and the Maintenance Garage. Nobody wants to pickup someone else's dog crap. I'm no vet or scientist, but it appears to be several different dogs by the size and color of the evidence. Thanks for the consideration--we walkers and our dogs appreciate the common courtesy.
Has anyone received the Zoom recording from last week's HOA Meeting? If so, please paste the link into the Contact form of this website to share it. Nobody I've talked to has received it. Typical Board censorship.
Has anyone received the 2022 or 2023 yearend financial statements? If so, please send us a note via the Contact form. I've heard that the financials are available to us if we make an appointment with CPM to view them in some locked room in the basement of their facility. Leave your phone and other electronic devices at home and be prepared for a cavity search beforehand and afterwards. I mean, seriously?? More Board censorship.
I saw some guy with a gray vehicle (I think Chevy) and trailer messing around at the RV Lot with a bunch of bags of something. I then saw him at the Clubhouse with his vehicle and trailer. Dark haired guy with beard. Bumper sticker on the rear of his vehicle. I don't know whether he is CPM. Anybody have any dealings with this guy? See something, hear something, say something. I'm telling YOU.
I thought we are in the midst of an insurance crisis which is why we cannot use deck grills or woodburning fireplaces? Some of the largest insurance companies are making a killing--see several highlights below.
Have a great evening,
Mark
January 22, 2024
Good evening, Autumn Lakes friends and neighbors,
Did you get outside this morning to slide around on the ice? It was fun but a bit scary at times. Not too bad on the crunchy grass but dangerous on the sidewalks and driveways. Salt was spread on the condo driveways last night but it became frozen beneath the sheet of ice this morning. Why didn't the Board notify us that salt was to be spread so we could remove vehicles from our driveways beforehand? The salt was good to see but our Board's communication protocol sucks. I believe the Board hosted a Communications Forum last year so that they could formulate processes and discuss Best Practices on what/when/how we get notified by them. That forum seems to have been a complete waste of our homeowners' time, a farce. I am certainly glad I didn't attend that 3-hour session last year. Such as waste--just another dog and pony show by our shitty Board so that we would think that they were listening to us, that we would think that they really cared about what we think and want and need. Nope. Nada.
Has anyone asked our Board President for the results of her latest cognitive test? I had planned to ask the question at the January meeting but I was escorted out by the police before I could ask. I now must wait until the March meeting to ask that important question. She is responsible for running the Board (into the ground) and our $1.7 million annual budget, and however much money we have remaining in our Reserves accounts, and however much money in our Special Assessment, and however much bank loans that the Board decides to obtain on our behalf. I believe we have the right to know whether the leader of our Board is mentally fit for the job before our remaining funds get squandered by her and the Board. It is very expensive having our $500/hour attorney firm reviewing and developing proposed new Indentures, Bylaws, Covenants, Rules, etc. Pissing away our funds on attorneys that should be used for repairing our decaying buildings. Shame on this Board! One of our homeowners was told that our financials will never be distributed to we homeowners for review--we must make an appointment at CPM to review our financials in their office. More censorship by this Board with the assistance of CPM. So disappointing that the same games the Board played with SMG are still being played, now by CPM. Pathetic behavior by this Board.
This week should be above freezing so let's get outside and take a look around our neighborhood. Let's see what is being repaired by CPM. Let's speak to our elderly neighbors to ensure they understand the current state of Autumn Lakes, explain why our Dues have increased 28% this year, explain the Indentures Modifications and that the Board is seeking to transfer more power from homeowners to themselves, explain the purpose of the Reserves Study and the resulting Special Assessment that we will be responsible for paying. Spread the word to our neighbors.
Don't forget that our President and VP/Treasurer must declare by end of March whether they are running for reelection in May. We need homeowners to replace them. I have already declared my candidacy. We need someone else to run alongside me, not against me but with me. That homeowner and I will be running against these 2 long-term Board Members--the President about 9 years in office, and the VP/Treasurer about 24 years in office. They both have expired, as well as their terms in office--both now need to go elsewhere. Please consider running for a Board seat with me--you must declare your candidacy by end of March.
Have a great evening,
Mark
January 21, 2024
Hello Autumn Lakes,
Laura Fisher shared the Facebook post below. Our neighbor, Jerris Ruth, reached out to her network of friends and colleagues as to availability of a wheelchair ramp to be used at our Clubhouse. We have homeowners and residents unable to attend meetings and events in the upstairs portion of the Clubhouse, and these are very expensive to purchase and install. Jerris found someone willing to donate a new ramp to our HOA. The ramp requires an extension to meet our configuration needs. Jerris managed to also find the extension, and the post below explains her efforts to procure and transport it. This ramp donation saved our HOA about $10,000 in the ramp, parts, and labor, just to procure and transport it to our neighborhood from out of state. This is a perfect example of a homeowner contributing time and resources to our HOA for the betterment of our community. Everyone can help in one way or another--contribute fund or materials for a cause, offer to help install this ramp in our Clubhouse, serve on the Board, service on a committee, offer to assist a Committee. There is something for everyone here. Great job, Jerris! I nominate Jerris for an honorary appointment to the Board. She is the type of person that I want (and we need) managing our HOA--a kind, generous, thoughtful, creative, and intelligent person. We need more Jerris'es around here.
Did you know that one of our Board Members (Pam Bell) issued an Order of Protection against Jerris last year that was later rescinded as being a false claim. Did you know that another of our Board Members (Shah Smith) is making troubles for Jerris in the realty community? Did you know that another of our Board Members (Butch Romberg) who is leading the Indentures Modification Committee won't allow Jerris on the committee and without providing justification for the refusal? Did you know that another of our Board Members (Laura Farkas) won't provide Jerris our financial statements despite Jerris having led many HOAs and nonprofit entities through the years? This is how our Board treats people, even homeowners doing good deeds for our community. Shame on them all!
Enjoy the remainder of your weekend before the ice hits Monday morning.
Mark
January 20, 2024
Good evening, neighbors and friends,
It looks like freezing rain Monday morning. You might plan to work from home or avoid appointments for a few hours until it thaws. I wouldn't be surprised if some schools close because of it. I know my son is hopeful.
Last summer I got new tires from NTB by Walmart. They were running a promotion where some of their services were included free for the life of the tires, including their Road Hazard policy, Lifetime Rotate & Balance, and Lifetime Wheel Alignment. I had a nail in my tire last week so I got that patched and also my 6,000 mile rotate/balance/alignment. That was about $300 worth of labor for free, or included in the original cost of my tires. Just a couple more rounds of these services and I've recovered the cost of my tires. You might look into these types of deals the next time you need tires.
A couple weeks ago Crash was having intestinal issues so I removed all rawhide products from his diet just in case the chemicals were bothering him or he was having difficulties digesting them. He is a chewer, so I got him Bully Sticks that he loves and they last awhile to chew on. All natural and easily digestible. Later, I researched them to see what they were made from since they had a funky smell. Bull penis. Nice.
Stay warm,
Mark
January 19, 2024
Wow, it was cold outside in the wind today! Days like this I understand why some people hire dogwalkers. Even Crash was running to return inside after our short walks.
Nothing much new to report by me. The morning of January 29th the judge and I will meet with Psycho Shaw to determine why she had the police escort me from the HOA Meeting after he told her on multiple occasions that I have the legal right to attend HOA meetings. I hope she lies to him, as she does to everyone, so that she gets sanctioned and jailed. Witnesses are joining me to ensure she explains her story as it actually unfolded on Wednesday. It is sometimes difficult having dementia to accurately remember facts. The judge will question her cognitive ability while ascertaining why she disregarded his clear guidance on multiple occasions. Join us in Clayton at 9am to observe and possibly participate--I can always use more witnesses in my camp! Bring some popcorn.
Have a great weekend!
Mark
January 18, 2024
I told you that I would share evidence that our HOA President and Board are once again abusing their Board Member power and also abusing the legal system. Also, further harassment of me that will be dealt with in civil court against all of these individuals and the Board in its entirety. This audio was conveyed by the judge to our 4 Board members at the November hearing. Click the link below, or click the PLAY button below to listen.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zMdgOVelAKb9gkgb0RTHU9vczSwIV6DN/view?usp=sharing
January 17, 2024
Dear Autumn Lakes,
We have been applying pressure on this HOA Board and tonight was evidence that they are cracking. Shah was disgruntled by the Order of Protection court proceedings in that the judge conveyed on record that I have the legal right to attend HOA Meetings, in the same regard that we all have the legal right to visit the Courthouse. Four of our shitty Board Members were in court to hear the judge convey this multiple times. Our HOA President is a cheater. She breaks the rules for her own gain, to further her own interests--but, we already knew this. She does this all the time with HOA Indentures and Rules violations--just look at her illegal vehical signage that she still refuses to remove. Shah knew the police would be unaware of the legalities of my being able to attend the HOA Meeting, so she called the police to have me arrested because I was in attendance at the meeting. She said some bunk about having made some agreement with the judge outside of court for me to attend by Zoom. The way Orders of Protection work, is that the judge orders what I am "not" to do--he does not convey what I "am allowed" to do because that would be everything else that is not prohibited. Therefore, all the police had to reference was the Order stating that I was not to be within 50 feet of her (they estimated 30 feet) without any consideration of my legal right to attend the meeting by law. Shah is a cheater--and she has abused our legal system on many occasions. If you already listened to the court recording that I posted on Facebook ALU on December 4, then you already understand all of this having heard the judge discuss exactly this. I will post excerpts of that recording tomorrow, here, for your listening pleasure. I have already referred the matter to my attorney to address everything with St Louis County court and Maryland Heights court. And we'll watch Shah hopefully get sanctioned by the court for her behavior (i.e. harassment, that will also be addressed in civil court against her and this Board). Again, she has resorted to cheating, so the pressure that we are all placing on her is working. Keep applying the pressure! We are winning! More on this tomorrow.
Additionally, tonight I announced that I am again running for a Board Seat at the May election. I will continue to march forward in replacing/repairing this Board for the betterment of our community. Who is with me?
Have a great night,
Mark
January 16, 2024
HOA Meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, at the Clubhouse and on Zoom at 7pm.
Snow Removal Contract, see below - per the Gazette Newsletter, November 2023
January 15, 2024
Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day! Martin Luther King Jr. fought for the rights and dignity of all people, and his legacy inspires us to continue working towards a more just and equitable Autumn Lakes neighborhood and community. By honoring his memory and ideals on this day, we can reaffirm our commitment to creating a better future for us all.
For many, today includes time off from school or work to enjoy the experience of togetherness with our family and friends. Others must return to work to support our community--and we thank you. Regardless, I hope everyone is able to find some time today to celebrate this inspirational leader on this special day and remember the positive impact he has had on our world.
Have a nice day and week,
Mark
January 14, 2024
Hello Autumn Lakes,
Just checking-in with you. I never see anybody outside, just an occasional car or truck driving by. Crash and my walks are brief and short. We get out there, do our business, then quickly back inside. I imagine you are doing the same.
Our shitty Board finally published our November newsletter. Link below:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Lf4S5hUbtzBr21R6WbAz27eisT6mQ3Ly/view?usp=drive_link
Stay warm,
Mark
January 13, 2024
Good evening, friends and neighbors,
Tonight Nick is attending his first night-party. He's attended many daytime parties with his friends, sleepovers with his buddies, but this birthday party is from 5pm-midnight at a girl's house. I dropped him at her house in Foristell and will pickup at midnight or earlier if he wants to leave. Hopefully I'll get to hear some scoop. He's fairly quiet about stuff like this. Roads were bad with blowing snow and poor visibility--hopefully the snow will have stopped by the time I head back out to get him. About 45 minutes from here to there.
When I arrived home from dropping-off Nick, I took Crash for a walk. He didn't want the walk to end so soon, so instead of coming inside when I let him off the leash, he decided he wanted to play chase in the front yard. And then he decided he wanted to take a walk without me. Thankfully I had some treats in my pocket and was able to coax him to me so I could grab him and carry him home. Into his crate he went--in timeout for a little while. He didn't get his miles of walks with me today so he was going to take one anyway. Too cold out there for those kinds of games. Hopefully you have been able to stay inside today.
Have a great night!
Mark
January 12, 2024
Hello Autumn Lakes Neighbors,
Have you been outside lately? I took Crash for a walk and he nearly blew away. We both chased my hat that tumbled from my bald head. It reminds me of the old movie, The Thing. Craziness out here! Extremely dangerous--stay inside!
Don't forget that our next HOA Meeting is Wednesday. Bring your questions. No guarantees that the Zoom transmission will work. Very unlikely that the Board will publish a recording of the meeting later--they never do. They only capture recordings for their own internal purposes as preparations in covering their asses against lawsuits. The Gazette and Minutes are always censored and barely resemble the facts anyway--attend to hear the only truth. I fully expect at this upcoming meeting to hear the Board say, "we've been too busy with other things and have accomplished nothing for you", but of course stated in their own stupid words. If they are distracted and unable to fulfill their responsibilities as Board Members, then they should retire/resign and simply walk away. Do your job, Board, or quit--retire your damn ole crusty selves who hate this community anyway!
Homeowners, please do plan to be in attendance Wednesday to represent your family and your ownership interests in this HOA association in which you pay for a membership to belong. Speak up if you care about your deteriorating living conditions and your god forsaken rights as homeowners and citizens of this community. Tell this Board how much they suck and that they need to just walk away and let others with a passion for rebuilding our buildings, properties, and community, to take over as new Board Members. We have new Board Members in waiting, but they won't engage until/unless our current President and VP/Treasurer are both GONE. Tell them both to just quit already.
Be safe,
Mark
January 11, 2024
Good day, neighbors!
Remember, we are not insured for earthquakes. We do have tornado coverage for any building or property damage. Tornados can also occur in the winter--today, there are alerts for south of here. Be certain that your personal condo insurance is sufficient to cover your belongings and everything inside your home. And your personal "Loss Assessment" coverage is also super-important. What is Loss Assessment?
Loss assessment coverage is an optional endorsement that you can add onto your homeowner insurance or condo insurance policy. It helps protect you if you live in a shared community, like a condo or homeowners association (HOA), where you're responsible for a portion of damage or loss in a common area from tornados. However, this does not even come into play with earthquake damage--those repairs are paid from our HOA Reserves (if we have any), a Special Assessment, and/or bank loan. The Board would ask us to write them a check to fix the buildings in the event of earthquake damage. The Board would likely also get a bank loan, so we could expect our monthly dues to also increase.
Have a wonderful day,
Mark
January 10, 2024
Hello everyone,
1 week until the next HOA Meeting--Wednesday, January 17, 7pm at the Clubhouse. Although the Board conveyed in the Gazette newsletter that the meeting will be on Zoom, I would not count on it. The Board has claimed this in the past--once the internet had a problem, another time there was a technical issue, another time a Zoom problem, and I don't recall them ever publishing a link to any of their Zoom recorded meetings.
Our current Board President and VP/Treasurer must declare by end of March whether they plan to run for re-election in May. Let's fill the room on Wednesday and ask the difficult questions about this Board's performance the past two+ years--our buildings are falling apart and we're out of money (assumption since we haven't received any financials in 2+ years), the need for a 28% Dues increase despite no repairs having been performed, the upcoming Special Assessment recommendation from the Reserves Study, and the habitual overspending of budget eating our Reserves/savings. If you care about this place, then please plan to attend in person on Wednesday and voice your concerns about the place where you and your family live. Please don't sit quietly and accept the Board's homeowner abuse/discrimination, property neglect, and financial malpractice. Speak up!
Goodnight,
Mark
January 9, 2024
Good evening, Autumn Lakes,
Hopefully you made it home safely this evening before the snow began. The temp has been above freezing all day and evening so the roads are wet but not frozen. Temps are to drop below freezing around midnight and remain there through morning rush-hour until around 11am. Stay home tomorrow morning if you are able to.
I hope your January Dues payment was successfully processed by CPM. I heard from someone today that their draft had been successfully processed. The payment that I initiated by my bank hasn't yet been applied to my CPM account--mine was to be mailed to their Phoenix office. I plan to give CPM until the middle of the month to apply my payment before I begin making inquiry phone calls. It certainly is nice when calling CPM for someone to actually answer the phone. No phone system routing us around the country...press 1 for this, press 2 for that, press 3 if you don't know. CPM actually has a capable person on the other end of the phone to greet us and to attempt to address our matters. Refreshing.
With us being a "nonprofit entity", I feel that it is inappropriate that our Board is using the services of a $500/hour attorney to represent our HOA business. That billing rate may be appropriate for a "for-profit entity", but this is not us. Any legal fees exceeding what we have budgeted gets pulled from our Reserves account. That Reserves money is "reserved" for building repairs and to improve our community. Have you seen the annual amounts spent on legal fees for 2022 and 2023, or the annual legal fees budgeted for 2024? Call or email the Board at AutumnLakesBoard@gmail.com if you want to discuss with them how they are spending "our" money--how they are spending our 28% increase in dues this year. Our Board should be questioned about their spending habits at our January 17 HOA Meeting. They are spending "our" money as if we are a profit-generating entity. We are not that. We are designed to break-even--our annual dues are allocated to specific things and with any unspent moneys "reserved" for future needs such as lake dredging or earthquake repairs. If we overspend our budget, then that money comes from our Reserves from prior years that has been tagged for specific repairs and maintenance and other special projects to benefit us all (e.g. repair the pool, resurface the courts, replace our roofs and siding, renovate the clubhouse, repair our fireplaces and brickwork, fill sinkholes, repair condo collapsing foundations, etc). Our Reserves are NOT for paying a $500/hour attorney when we should be able to manage our HOA business affairs with someone appropriately priced for nonprofit entities. Do you agree, or is it just me that is upset that we are paying 28% more than last year because this Board cannot live within their own budget??? And with an impending Special Assessment for thousands of additional dollars per homeowner that we must all pay because the Board's budget overspending has eaten our Reserves and therefore we're basically cash-broke. Don't get me started....
Have a great night,
Mark
January 8, 2024
Hello neighbors & friends,
I just took Crash for a quick walk around 8:30pm. Our driveways are slippery with the slushy sleet accumulating on the newly waterproofed/cellophaned pavement. You might choose to wait until morning to takeout your trash bins when hopefully the ice has melted. Republic Services hasn't announced any pickup delays or postponements.
Fresh snowfalls cause work and school Snow Days when we get to unexpectedly stay home. Some people use these opportunities to fire-up their wood burning fireplaces along with the bonus family time. Reminder--that is now a no-no. We have elderly and less informed neighbors that may not understand the new insurance restrictions and related fines being imposed by our Board. Please politely notify your neighbors if you smell or see smoke so they don't get fined. See below for the insurance-related rule changes and consequent fines.
Stay safe, and avoid any fines--we already pay this Board enough of our hard-earned money.
Mark
January 7, 2024
Hi Friends and Neighbors,
Hopefully you had a nice weekend despite the cold cloudy weather. I like to see fresh snow and happy once it melts. It certainly didn't stick around long this time.
Wednesday after next is our next HOA meeting. I want to know about the Special Assessment--has the Reserves Study been completed, how much did the Reserve Study cost us, what firm did we hire to perform it, when will the results be shared with us, how much did they recommend that each homeowner contribute via Special Assessment, did they provide a comprehensive list of required property repairs, did they provide a project plan with timeline to implement the comprehensive list of required property repairs, how much is our Board seeking from each homeowner via Special Assessment, will the HOA be seeking bank financing (i.e. large loan) in addition to the Special Assessment, when is the Special Assessment Town Hall to further discuss the finding and plan, when is the Special Assessment Ownership Vote, what is the "money/repairs plan" if the vote is no, what is the "money/repairs Plan" if the vote is yes, on what date will the Special Assessment be declared requiring current owners to eventually pay, will the Special Assessment be lump-sum due by homeowners or will it be payable over a period of months--over how many months, and is interest charged to the homeowner if payable over multiple months?
At the next HOA meeting I also want to know about the Indentures Modification Study--who is on the committee, why has Jerris Ruth and Laura Fisher been excluded from the committee, what is the process that the Board will follow to study the indentures and to propose changes, the process that the Board will follow to seek ownership input on the proposed changes and incorporate into the Indentures document under consideration, the voting process to gain homeowner approval of the proposed document under consideration? Who is the attorney representing this Indentures Modification that will be filing it with the State, and what amount is being charged by this attorney to represent us (i.e. estimated hours and his hourly rate)?
At the next HOA meeting I also want our Treasurer/VP to be prepared for once to provide hardcopies and to present to our owners our HOA's detailed financial statements/status for years ending 2022 and 2023. I am also interested in receiving the 2024 final budget statements. We already had been told that we overspent 2022 by $185,000 but has that amount changed due to any restatement of our 2022 yearend financial statements? How much did we overspend our 2023 budget? What amount do we have in Reserves and what repair/maintenance items have the Reserves been allocated to? When is our financial audit--what years will it cover, what accountant or firm have we hired, and how much will the audit cost us (i.e. estimated hours and hourly rate)?
That is enough for tonight. Don't forget to stock-up on bread, milk, eggs, and other essentials before the next storm. Isn't this what people tend to buy before every big storm--everyone plans to make french toast? Hopefully you can remain inside Monday and Tuesday during the next storm.
Stay safe, dry, warm!
Mark
January 6, 2024
Good evening, Autumn Lakes,
Not much of a snowstorm last night. I don't think we'll be as fortunate for the next storm arriving early next week. Sounds like it could be significant for some cities.
The new Maryland Heights Chic-Fil-A on Dorsett is scheduled to open next week. Another store is being built in Creve Coeur. Opening a Chick-fil-A franchise costs between $342,990 and $1,982,225, including a $10,000 franchise fee, but unlike most other franchisors, Chick-fil-A covers all opening expenses, meaning franchisees are on the hook only for that $10,000. That's because, unlike other franchises, Chick-fil-A actually purchases the real estate and all of the equipment required to open the business, and then leases them to you via monthly rent payments. Sounds like a good deal to open a new store and having to only pay $10,000 and the monthly rent. The remainder of the cash you get to keep. Long lines of cars winding through the parking lot, and even more lines inside. Everyone seems to love chicken!
How long should you leave up your Christmas tree? Most people don’t know that the 12 days of Christmas (yes, from the popular Christmas carol) actually start on Christmas Day. They end on Jan. 6, which is the Feast of Epiphany, the date marking when the Three Kings arrived to deliver their gifts to the newborn Jesus. That’s why, according to Christian tradition, the Christmas season ends on Jan. 6, and that’s when you should take down your tree and other decorations. In fact, some believe it’s bad luck to leave them up past that date.
Enjoy the remainder of your Saturday!
Mark
January 5, 2024
Hello Autumn Lakes,
Snowfall is arriving tonight. Park in the garage or street if you need the snow crew to be able to scrape your driveway. The crews will not engage unless/until snowfall reaches 3 inches at Lambert Airport. Sidewalks are not included in the snow removal contract this year. Thanks, Board, for removing sidewalk scraping from our amenities this year, while also increasing our HOA Dues by 28% monthly, ugh...
By the way, how much and when is our Special Assessment? Is our HOA also taking-out a bank loan to cover our delinquent property repairs and insurance, etc.? The Board had better be prepared to share "informative" information at the January 17 HOA Meeting--we will be asking some very difficult questions at that time, including the reason that Jerris Ruth and Laura Fisher cannot be invited to join the secret Indentures Modification Study Group (Committee). Bias is discrimination and is illegal.
Have you read the November Gazette that eventually was published in December? Contact the Board if you didn't receive it. They can be reached at AutumnLakesBoard@gmail.com
Winter has arrived--stay dry and warm, remain inside if you can! Distracted and bad drivers out there with their cell phones in their hands behind the wheel--this is illegal. Not good putting the rest of us at risk while also violating Missouri law.
Have a nice weekend,
Mark
January 4, 2024
Good evening, neighbors and friends,
Some randomness tonight. I read that Costco's food court is replacing their twisted churros with their version of the Crumble double chocolate chunk cookie for $2.49 and only 750 calories per serving, served warm, all butter, bittersweet & semi sweet chocolate. Thick, large, extremely dense and loaded with chocolate. Wonder how many servings in this cookie? If you are a churro fan, some of their stores are selling on their shelves some churro chocolate bark that supposedly is great. Probably good that I shop at Sam's instead.
Snow is in the near-term forecast. Today I completed assembly of the trailer and picked-up Nick's new Christmas gift snowblower. We are still working on our business plan. He's not thrilled by the entire idea but seeing the snowblower he now realizes it is reality. Less time behind his screens, and more time behind a shovel and the snowblower earning some money and gaining some work experience. Now we need some snow.
I finished my IT project last month so I'm looking for my next gig. My resume is polished and posted to several job boards. I'm getting responses but nothing that I'm that excited about. I'm not hungry enough yet. Maybe I'll quit IT and become a professional snow blower with Nick.
Less than 2 weeks until our Wednesday HOA Meeting, January 17 at the Clubhouse and on Zoom. Since we have kicked SMG to the curb, we should have our monthly and yearend financials for 2022 and 2023. We haven't had any since 2 years and it will be interesting to see how our 2024 Budget compares to our 2023 Actuals. In 2022 supposedly we overspent budget by about $185,000. No idea how much we overspent our 2023 budget. We should learn on January 17.
Someone was told that the new secret Indentures Study Group or Committee, whatever it's being called, has not yet formed. If it hasn't been formed then why are Jerris Ruth and Laura Fisher being excluded from it? Shouldn't all views be represented, and if someone is volunteering to participate is it not their right as homeowners to be invited to join? Why exclude them? Bias. Discrimination is illegal.
Some homeowners have requested the November Gazette be mailed to them. Crickets. No Board response to their requests. It wasn't posted to TownSq. It wasn't posted to the AL website. It wasn't posted to the CPM portal. The only place I've seen it is behind the glass at the front entrance sign. Censorship in Gazette articles, and wider censorship by not making the Gazette available to all homeowners. I believe TownSq is now dead to us since SMG is history as of December 31.
Whomever is letting their large dog poop on the sidewalk--enough already. Pick it up please.
Enough random topics for this day. Have a good one!
Mark
January 3, 2024
Most important activity in Autumn Lakes history!!!
Well, it's the new year. Our Board said early this year they would be forming an Indentures Study Group or Committee to review our Indentures and determine what needs to be changed after the past 45 or so years. Why must this happen now? Why must THIS Board control the process? If the Indentures were good enough for our Treasurer/VP while being on the Board the past 23 years, and good enough for our President while being on the Board the past 9 years, then why must our Indentures be changed when their tenures are coming to an end THIS YEAR? Both of their Board seats are up for reelection in May, so they must both declare by end of March whether they plan to run again. Why are they deciding right now to modify our Indentures when they are about to leave the Board? Why are they choosing now to close the loopholes that they have been abusing for many years? Why are they choosing now to grant themselves additional power? Why are they choosing now to provide themselves more flexibility in how our HOA funds can be spent? Who have they appointed to this secret Indentures Committee? Why are they disallowing Jerris and Laura Fisher from joining this Indentures Committee? Why must the Committee and its members be kept secret, same as was the Property Management Search Committee? Will this Board allow us members to vote on each individual "clause to be changed" or just vote upon the final version without an opportunity for our input to be incorporated? Will this Board even allow us to vote upon it, or will they jam it down our throats and file it at the courthouse without our input? Our Indentures is our "book of laws" that we run our community by. Why is this Board seeking to change our laws when they are the ones that have been breaking our laws the entire time they have been running our Board? Ask them these questions. Why now? Why by THIS Board? Our Indentures have been sufficient for the past 45 years. Why change them NOW??
excerpt from Gazette Newsletter, November 2023
January 2, 2024
Hello Neighbors,
Many from our neighborhood are back to the office today. A fresh new year. Nothing much different on the job this year. Maybe a different health insurance carrier, maybe you pay more each month for that insurance, your annual deductible restarts so you bundle-up before going outside to avoid getting sick, watching every step to avoid trips and falls. Avoid the doctor. Everything is expensive there, and there are also lots of sick people sitting around looking at their watches. Stay healthy, and be safe this year!
January 1, 2024
Happy New Year, Autumn Lakes!
I hope everyone had a safe and exciting or relaxing transition to the new year--whatever you were seeking. Mine wasn't that exciting but it was good in that way. I did some mild baking, visited several friends, walked and played with my doggy Crash, and was asleep before 10:30pm. Ha! I'm old--embarrassed to admit how unexciting I have become. I was a wild child in my younger years, and I guess I managed to work most of that out of my system. A good thing. I blame it on fatherhood.
Did you give or get any special Christmas gifts this year? I'll share some of my experiences with this. The best gift I gave myself. Actually, my parents gifted me an expensive Roomba iRobit 5+ that didn't meet my needs. I exchanged it for what I really needed which is a much less expensive rechargeable and interchangeable-parts mini vacuum system. I can quickly grab it for dog hair and spills/messes that is easy to use on stair steps and with no cords (we live in a townhouse having 2 staircases). It is exactly what I needed--see photo below. Thanks mom and dad!
I gifted my parents a wifi and app-enabled meat thermometer and a 25-pound uncooked brisket. Yes--I placed the large slab of thawed meat in plastic bags in a carton and wrapped it with Christmas paper, placed under the tree with the other gifts. This brisket was the largest they had at Sam's. Of course, it wouldn't fit in my parents' fridge on Christmas morning so we had to season it after the gift exchange, stab it with the new meat thermometer, and directly into the oven for 9 or so hours at 200 degrees. She precisely followed the phone app's instructions that came with the thermometer. It turned out perfect. Yesterday, mom packed me some of their ample leftovers that I plan to enjoy today for my New Year dinner.
The big gift. I gifted my son a nice snow blower so he can earn some money this winter before turning 16 in April. He'll be seeking a car for his birthday. I imagine his mom and I will work out some financial arrangement to make that happen, but Nick will be financially contributing one way or another (to build character). This snow blower will lead to his first taste of being a businessman. Unfortunately, it will also require me getting cold and wet to provide the necessary training and oversight. There are plenty of homes in Autumn Lakes to practice on. Maybe I can offer our Board his services to plow the 1-mile sidewalk extending around Autumn Lakes since that is not covered in our snow contract the next 3 years--maybe offer them a discounted price from what was offered by our vendor. My son will likely come knocking on your door if we get less than 3 inches of snow since that's the accumulation requirement before our Board authorizes our new snow contractor to scrape our front porches, entrance paths, and driveways. Our snow contractor will NEVER scrape our sidewalks, so maybe that's the business for my son. Lots of opportunity if the snow is just under 3 inches since then the driveway scraping is us homeowners' responsibility. If the snow exceeds 3 inches, then my son will need to exit Autumn Lakes into nearby communities that require his snow removal services. This week we will assemble the new trailer hitch hauler so we can then pick up the blower from the store and then also assemble that. We are still working on our business plan--pricing model, storage, de-icer or salt applications, what to wear, fuel and oil requirements, maintenance requirements, how to use the damn thing. Baby steps for us both... I hope YOU gave or received some good gifts, too!
Happy New Year!
Mark
December 31, 2023
Happy New Year Eve, Autumn Lakes,
2023 was a great year for many, but a difficult year for many others. The year ends with some heartache for several of our neighbors and friends.
Laura, Tom, and Alison Fisher, unexpectedly had to put-down Lily due to a painful medical condition--Lily was a sweet 16-year-old Cavachon, a beloved companion to the Fisher family for many years. A cute photo of Lily.
Jerris and Mark Ruth have a dear friend in Illinoi whose son was killed in a mechanical accident. Another abrupt and unexpected end to a loved one's life.
Loss of loved ones is always difficult for the family and friends left behind, often with amplified feelings of grief when the loss occurs during the holiday season. Life is short, and we should all strive to live it to the fullest. We never know when our friends and family will depart us, nor when we will meet our own demise. Let's hope and pray for 2024 to be a great year for us all.
December 30, 2023
Good evening, friends and neighbors,
I hope you are having a good weekend while wrapping up the end of the year. Just another day before we flip our calendars to 2024. I am ready. See below for some local venues where you might like to celebrate your New Years Eve. Enjoy whatever you decide to do on your final night of 2023!
December 29, 2023
Hello Autumn Lakes,
Several have asked for updates. Crash's intestinal problems are much improved--thanks for your well wishes and guidance/recommendations. The meds and bland foods did the trick!
The Attorney General continues to review our cases against both SMG and the Board. I wouldn't expect anything to happen fast. The government....
Don't forget to pay CPM for your 28% increased January HOA fees, and cancel any recurring payments being sent monthly to SMG. Don't forget to pay your property taxes. Don't forget to do anything that must be done in December before yearend--today is your last business day of the year.
Have a wonderful final 2023 weekend--be safe, dry, warm, and happy!
Mark
December 28, 2023
Good morning, friends and neighbors,
Don't forget to pay CPM on January 1st. Don't pay SMG or you may never see that money again. Below, is the link to the CPM portal for payments and to submit your repairs/maintenance requests. I recommend that if you have any repairs that you resubmit your request directly to CPM--don't count on SMG/Board providing accurate information to CPM. Request your repair again, this time directly to CPM using the link below:
https://portal.cpmgateway.com/home_v2/Login
Have a great day!
Mark
December 27, 2023
Hello, Autumn Lakes,
A dreary cold rainy snowy day. And it hasn't been winter for even a week. I got spoiled to the warm weather last weekend.
Crash is doing a bit better today having meds onboard. Not out of the woods yet, but definitely some improvement. His playfulness has returned. He can definitely be a handful. He wants to eat everything he finds. And if not eating it, then rolling around on top of it (e.g. earthworms). Yuck.
Have a great night,
Mark
December 26, 2023
Good evening, friends & neighbors!
I know of 2 other dogs in our neighborhood that recently have had bad diarrhea for multiple days. I don't know whether it is that nationwide virus or maybe some local virus, or just a coincidence amongst our dogs. Anyway, Crash had it bad for the past week. I closely monitored his foods, ensured he was avoiding geese/rabbit/deer poops, removed rawhide bones from his diet, put him on rice/chicken bland diet, no treats. Nothing was working. I took him to the vet today who put him on a couple prescriptions for his belly and intestines. One dose of each seems to be working. He hasn't had any episodes since mid-afternoon when I gave him the meds. Something had his guts inflamed. The vet said if the meds don't work then to bring him back for a fecal exam. Maybe not needed. The true test will be whether we get through the night undisturbed, but he is much improved after that first dose. I'll keep him on the meds for a couple days beyond the end of symptoms.
I visited several stores on Christmas Eve. They were all packed with customers. I visited Walmart and several other stores this morning and everywhere was quiet. It was so much more pleasant today. Lots of bakery items on sale at Walmart following Christmas. Stock-up, fill your freezer while everything is half-price.
Last summer I was shopping for new tires and visited NTB near Walmart. Their prices were comparable, but they also included lifetime tire rotation and wheel alignment with my set of 4 tires. If you rotate/alignment a couple times per year, then that servicing offsets the cost of the tires over their lifetime. I am about to get them serviced for the first time later this week, free! (well, prepaid, so not actually free--a great deal though).
Less than a week to pay your home/condo/vehicle property taxes. Don't forget and incur a penalty. I was able to pay online and there was no transaction fee using my bank account routing/account numbers (i.e. direct debit).
This is all that I can think of. Have a great night!
Mark
December 25, 2023
Merry Christmas, Autumn Lakes!
I hope those of you celebrating Christmas or other holidays this long weekend had a great time and enjoyed the couple days of nice weather outside with friends and family, likely everyone inside today. My son and I celebrated Christmas with my parents this morning in OFallon, MO. We had our gift exchange and then a nice brunch that my mom prepared for us. My parents are so generous and hospitable. The remainder of my long weekend was mostly rest and relaxation.
Just a reminder. Republic Services will be collecting yard waste tomorrow/Tuesday. Trash and recycling will be Wednesday. All collection services delayed by 1 day.
We may get a little rain Tuesday night. Wednesday: Rain...mixing with snow in the afternoon. Chance of rain 80%. Snow Wednesday evening will give way to lingering snow showers overnight. Chance of snow 70%. It sounds like mostly wetness with above-freezing weather.
New Years Eve is Sunday, with New Years Day on Monday. Just one more week of 2023 before a fresh beginning to 2024. I think 2024 is going to be a great transition year for Autumn Lakes. A new property management company (CPM) with our newly assigned and experienced manager, likely an entirely new Board of Trustees once our insurers force Board resignations, we hope to have our 2023 Financials closed-out for the year by SMG and those imbeciles kicked to the curb, and then 2024 having full financial and Board transparency. 2024 is going to be a great new year for Autumn Lakes.
Have a nice short week before the next holiday weekend, locate your snow boots just in case, and stay dry and warm. Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all!
Mark
December 24, 2023
Filings against both the HOA Board of Trustees and SMG. Merry Christmas, assholes! <smg & board>
December 23, 2023
December 22, 2023
Good morning, Autumn Lakes,
I was trying to keep my food down while reading the highly censored November Gazette Newsletter. Contact the Board if you didn't receive your Gazette--AutumnLakesBoard@gmail.com. I'll highlight several points of interest from this month's edition (actually, last month's edition that was published a month late):
- Laura Farkas claims to not be our Treasurer; however, don't be fooled by that title not sitting beside her name in the Gazette and the Board's official webpage. She very much is our Treasurer for the past 100 years (23 or so years, actually), as nobody else on the Board knows anything about our financials. Nor does Laura, but it is her role to interface with SMG and to attempt to reconcile accounts and close the books. When shit hits the financial fan it will be her face that gets splashed upon. The Board will throw her under the bus.
- SMG will be out of the office through the holidays (not that we'll notice any difference). Their EMERGENCY SERVICES number is 314-968-7850. Try not to call that number or we get charged some absurd amount of money for waking them up during the holidays. If a true emergency, that would be the number--however, I'd recommend you call 911 first, then wakeup your favorite Board Member and then call SMG, in that sequence.
- Supposedly we now have property insurance but nobody that I have talked with has seen an official Insurance Certificate. Last time I looked it hadn't been posted to our website. Several homeowners have requested the certificate from the Broker's office but they haven't responded. We do not have earthquake insurance, most definitely. Any other insurance is questionable since we cannot get our hands on an official Certificate of Insurance (COI) to prove that we are currently covered. If you have a recent COI, please post it to the ALU Facebook group. Regardless of whether we have coverage, we are prohibited from using our woodburning fireplaces and deck/patio grills, or you put yourself at risk for paying 100% of the cost for us to get a new policy if we get cancelled or revisited by insurance inspectors who could increase our premiums due to anything that YOU have done to impact that coverage. This could cost your family $100,000 or more.
- The Board signed a 3-year contract with a snow removal contractor. We must not have gotten a great deal since the Board declined sidewalk scraping the next 3 years. We dogwalkers and fitness enthusiasts will be sharing the snowy and icy roads with the rest of you drivers. If my dog or I get hit, then we know who to sue and it won't be the snow removal company. Move your car out of the driveway or off the street if you want those areas scraped by the contractor (i.e. park in your garage or on McKelvey or at the Library, etc.). This year the Board overspent $32,000 on snow services which got funded from our savings/Reserves that had been allocated for other purposes such as building repairs. Sucks when we don't adhere to our budget!
- Janet Lynch from CPM is our Community Association Member (CAM). That is who we gripe to beginning January 1. She's been with CPM 10+ years. Adam will be our onsite maintenance person. The Board said they chose CPM due to cost. They cost more than SMG. Go figure....
- The Board claims that Nutty Pam Bell's legal fees for her Order of Protection against me will not be paid by the HOA (i.e. by all of you/us). Nutty Pam Bell will pay her own attorney fees from her own pocket. And, she lost in court. That must really suck for her. An expensive lesson.
- Your "vinyl" siding should now be clean and everyone's gutters powerblown clear of leaves and debris.
- In first quarter of 2024 we should receive the results of our HOA Reserves Study, including how much extra we all must pay (e.g. in this author's opinion, funded by a $7000 Special Assessment upon each of condo, or potentially a bank loan that the HOA finances from a bank, or a combination of the two approaches to refill our depleted Reserves accounts so that we can afford big-ticket items such as new roofs, new gutters, new siding, earthquake repairs, lake dredging or toxic cleanups, etc.). Homeowners should get an opportunity to vote on this, otherwise our Picketing Committee stands-up.
- The Board wants to give themselves more power by modifying our Indentures filed at the courthouse. Homeowners should get an opportunity to vote on this too, otherwise our Picketing Committee stands-up.
- Our Treasurer claims we have $750,000 cash in the bank. Our Treasurer doesn't know the total amount of bills that haven't yet been paid. So, our Treasurer has no clue what our Operating Cash and Reserves balances are. We are flying blind. But, don't worry, the Board claims we are doing fine.
- Don't forget to pay CPM instead of SMG. You have their webpage information to setup your payment(s) for January and the rest of 2024. You can also submit maintenance requests on that website. Don't call or email CPM until January 1. SMG is still on the hook through end of December.
- The Board conveyed that we homeowners are not entitled to weigh-in on big decisions such as insurance, per our governing documents. This author disagrees, per my interpretation of our Indentures wording. The Board claims including homeowners in major decisions would create a "dangerous bottleneck where nothing would get done". However, they claim they will allow homeowners to vote on the Special Assessment and Indentures Modification. Sounds to me that they are talking out of both sides of their mouths. I don't trust them further than I can throw them, and I have a bad back.
There was other nonsense in the newsletter but nothing of any particular importance to me. Share your own thoughts and opinions in our ALU Facebook Group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/934156747971923
Have a spectacular Friday and weekend ahead! Low 60s and partly sunny Saturday and Sunday.
Mark
December 21, 2023
Good morning, dear neighbors,
All of our petitions have been shipped to the MO Attorney General's (AG) investigative team in Jefferson City. You may still forward us any remaining petitions and we will include them in our next shipment. The ball remains in the AG's court with their investigative team. So, we must wait a bit longer. I would imagine the Board is now scrambling to clean-up their mess, which is a good thing. This is all that we have ever asked of them, and such a shame that they have forced us to proceed against them legally. They should just do their elected jobs, and if unwilling or incapable, then resign. They understand this, but they have motives to stay in-power making this ordeal worthwhile for them. Clearly their motives are not to improve our community. What might their motives be? Follow the money. $1.7 million to be assessed in 2024 HOA Dues, plus an estimated $2 million from the Special Assessment (estimated $7000 per condo). The AG will sort it out for us. They will subpoena Board Members' personal bank records and tax returns, and will trace individual financial transactions back to where they originated. The investigation will look into former Board President Richard Ornberg to see if there is evidence as to why he resigned the Board and darted to Florida so quickly. They will subpoena banking records of our current and former contractors/suppliers/vendors and AMC/SMG property management companies, and trace transactions from their financials and banks to our Board's personal and business bank statements--this will uncover any payments that may not have been recorded in Board Member bank accounts and tax returns to identify tax fraud and other collusive business arrangements. It is a financial puzzle that the AG's professional investigators will piece together for us. These AG investigation activities, along with our financial audit, will confirm that our books are clean and that our Board is clean. And/or, identify any issues.
Have you seen our new vehicle magnets? Keep your eyes peeled for them around Autumn Lakes and Maryland Heights. Our logo designer and our printing vendor did an excellent job with them! It's nice that the Board now allows car vehicle signage per their Rules Clarification stated in the September Gazette Newsletter--see below. Disgusting that the Board feels they can simply post an article in the Gazette that contradicts and is to supersede our Indentures and Bylaws filed at the courthouse. This was an inappropriate rules clarification--just another example of what the AG will be investigating of this Board.
Have a great day!
Mark
December 20, 2023
Good morning, Autumn Lakes,
This morning we will be collecting any remaining petitions from anyone unable to submit them to us electronically. Noon cutoff today--they will then be shipped to Jefferson City. I must admit that I am disappointed by the low number of petitions submitted, for whatever the reasons. Maybe Autumn Lakes isn't worth fighting for. We should just let it collapse into a sinkhole along with the Board.
The weather should be warmer the remainder of the week. Mid to upper 50s through Christmas. Try to get outside for some fresh air between rain showers. Snow and ice will soon be here.
Thanks to those of you that submitted a petition yesterday. I truly appreciate your desire to improve this place. It is YOU that give me the strength to fight a bit longer for us all. Even for those undeserving of our efforts. Have a great day!
Mark
December 19, 2023
Dear Homeowners,
It is very important that you sign this petition so that we can put a stop to our Board's improper behavior. Information and instructions can be found at the link below. Let's put an end to this madness.
https://www.autumnlakesuncensored.com/blog/petition/
December 18, 2023
Good morning, Autumn Lakes! I thought I'd share a list off the top of my head of Board misdeeds. I will also create a separate Blog with this list, and will add additional as I think of them. Pathethic Board behavior--we all deserve so much better, especially considering how much we will be paying next year with our 28% dues increase and Special Assessment.
· Applied chemicals to lakes and shoreline
- · No record retention policy--no HOA publication or archival of Minutes, Votes, Fines, HOA information
- · Loss of all property records prior to year 2022
- · Work Order Requests submitted by homeowners ignored
- · Favoritism and Bias towards homeowners in Work Order completion
- · Served personal interests of realtor/President and realty clients to the detriment of HOA membership
- · Used their positions and decision-making authority for personal gain
- · Received incentives/compensation for performing elected duties
- · Favoritism and bias in rules and violations enforcement · No HOA membership input or voting on signification decisions
- · Financials mismanagement
- · Failure to maintain adequate Reserves balances
- · Falsifying Seller Disclosure Certificates regarding planned capital expenditures
- · Failure to maintain adequate insurance coverage; obtained new policy excluding usage of woodburning fireplaces and deck/patio grills
Have a great day!
Mark
· Restricting access to meetings, not publishing Zoom meeting recordings, disallowing members to present at meetings, disallowing members from adding agenda topics to HOA meetings
· Not allowing new committees to be formed, formation of Secret Committees, disallowing volunteering homeowners from joining committees
· Removal of large/old healthy HOA common area trees
· Would not receive nor consider petitions having 51% homeowner signatures
· No publication of financials nor reporting balances at HOA Meetings
December 17, 2023
Good morning, Autumn Lakes! Thursday is the first day of winter. Winter this year is Thursday, December 21, 2023, through Tuesday, March 19, 2024. Let's hope and pray for a mild winter. Every snowstorm exceeding 3 inches accumulation at Lambert Airport will trigger our snow crew to visit Autumn Lakes delivering an enormous invoice upon completion. This is big money to our HOA that quickly eats our lunch, like $30,000 per scraping, $15,000 for shoveling our walks and driveways, and $15,000 for salt application. The contract costs per our new snow removal contract were quoted by the Board at the November HOA Meeting but we have not received the November Gazette with Meeting Minutes to quote from here. Where is our November Gazette with our HOA Financial Summary? More censorship, obviously.
I am confident this Board will resign very soon. Their hands are going to be full defending their actions to the authorities. We will then need a full roster of "interim" Board Members to step-in until the May election. In May we will have Board Elections to fill all five Board Seats, or at least the seats for our President and Vice President / Treasurer (2 or 3 officer positions). I propose that we split the roles of Vice President and Treasurer so that we have different Board Members in each, instead of combined--we need someone with "financials aptitude" as Treasurer that differs from the VP role that closely supports the President. We will need new Committee Leads that act collaboratively--that have positive attitudes and lots of enthusiasm and energy, and with many committee members to support them in performing the committee responsibilities. Additional committees will be established, more than we have today. "Fixing" Autumn Lakes will require many hands to move us forward. Those of us currently "promoting" these changes will not necessarily be the individuals "implementing" the necessary changes. It will soon be time for others (i.e. not me) to step-up for the next phase of the Autumn Lakes recovery and renewal process. We/I can still be advisors to the new Board and Committees, but we need you and others to drive Autumn Lakes forward. There will be lots to do, and something for everyone who is willing to help--small one-time tasks, recurring tasks and activities, leadership roles--something for anyone and everyone. This Board's Day of reckoning is approaching and once they resign, we will need fresh talent. I hope you will consider lending a hand to your community.
Have a wonderful day!
Mark
December 16, 2023
Welcome to my first Daily Blog post.
Today is a rainy dreary day--the kind of day that Sue and Sadie like. I hope you are enjoying it. We need the rain but not necessarily on a weekend as we prepare for our holiday events. Bah, humbug! <thanks for the Christmas card and photo, Butch >
CPM Replaces SMG January 1
As we enjoy the holiday season, there remains discomfort in Autumn Lakes for the new year ahead. Yes--we have CPM (Community Property Management) replacing SMG, but CPM is still controlled by our Board. CPM is not "empowered"--they take direction from our Board, the same as SMG did. The same Board is running the show so don't expect any New Year Magic to suddenly occur with CPM onboard. Hopefully CPM will teach our inept Board something about HOA management and leadership. Don't forget to pay CPM January 1 instead of SMG.
28% HOA Dues Increase
We will be incurring a 28% monthly HOA dues increase. The Board weasel'd their way around our Indentures to increase our dues above CPI. As usual, when the Indentures, Bylaws, Covenants, Restrictions, Rules, do not meet their needs then they misinterpret or disregard the intent of the rule. This is why they are seeking to modify our Indentures to give themselves more power and eliminate the need to circumvent rules by modifying the rules to meet their own inappropriate needs. Vote NO. Do not give this Board additional power. For them to get additional power means they are taking this power from us, as Owners of this HOA. They are here to work for us and all major decisions, per our Indentures, require a vote. Did we get to vote for SMG? No. Did we get to vote for CMG? No. Did we get to vote for a 28% dues increase? No.
Special Assessment Estimate
We have a Special Assessment arriving early next year. I anticipate $7,000 per condo owner. This amounts to $2,000,000 additional funds for this Board to squander. Yes--this is 2 million dollars extra cash in the hands of our incompetent Board to further squander. My estimates/calculations below:
Upcoming Votes: Indentures Modification and Special Assessment
We have two upcoming votes in early 2024. First vote is for our HOA Owners to vote upon this Special Assessment. My position is to VOTE NO while this HOA Board remains. This Board has squandered our funds for 20 years and depleted our Reserves. Why would we give them even more of our money to do the same. The second vote is for the Indentures Modifications. My position is to VOTE NO while this HOA Board remains. Why would we grant this Board additional powers and spending flexibility when they have proven that they cannot be trusted. Just VOTE NO until this Board has been fully replaced and we can start fresh. New Board Members have been identified to fully replace all five existing Board Members--these new Board Members will NOT work beside our current President and Vice President / Treasurer. We must replace the entire Board to kill the dysfunction.
Insurance Update - No Earthquake Insurance
We still don't have our new Insurance Certificate published to the Autumn Lakes website. We definitely do NOT have Earthquake coverage--if an earthquake swallows us then our Reserves and Special Assessments must pay for the repairs and replacements. Owners pay for it all -- no insurance coverage. Additionally, don't expect our insurance to cover anything except for catastrophe such as a tornado. Our deductibles are way too high for us to use our insurance but for a catastrophe. Expect our Reserves and Special Assessments to pay for most damage--owners must pay for it all.
Board Misconduct
Our Board's day of reckoning is coming! Rest assured. Silence does not mean inaction. Quite the contrary. Wheels are turning. Stay tuned.
Please email me or click the Contact link at the top of this website if you would like to submit a blog Article for publication for our neighbors to read. Have a great day--hopefully inside, safe, dry, warm. Happy Holidays!
Mark