About that Chimneys renovation and the visual deception . . .

A collaboration by: Wayne A. Huey and Patricia Cross

With almost two months elapsed since the Big Canoe board blindsided the community with the shocking revelation that they would be spending an unbelievable $1.25 million to renovate the Chimneys for meeting space, the outpouring of concern and questions have continued. And even more disturbing is discovery of the complete misrepresentation of the present condition of the facility coupled with the planned gutting and destruction of much of the historical character of the building. Continue reading “About that Chimneys renovation and the visual deception . . .”

Fill in the blanks . . .

It appears that leadership’s self-applause regarding the savings found in two capital projects budgeted for 2022 warrants mention. Kudos to all involved for actually “rebidding” the beach club extension and marina seawall projects resulting in an overwhelming savings of $800k.  For example, the $617k marina seawall, previously questioned by this writer, AskThePOA#5614 (1) has now been reduced a whopping 67% to only $205k. And although it is unknown how or why a disparity this large could have taken place, it is certainly appreciated that leadership opted to take another look. Continue reading “Fill in the blanks . . .”

What if . . .

Has each member of our Board of Directors considered that potential purchasers of property might turn away from a community such as Big Canoe with such an outrageous level of debt? That is the question just recently posed to the board with the President responding that “all involved determined it was in the best interest of owners both present and future.” Maybe, but not actually. Continue reading “What if . . .”

Speechless . . .

Not one of our better times, the first month of 2022 has been filled with unfortunate events and broken promises as the level of secrecy and non-transparency exhibited by our board of directors continues to escalate to new levels. And while just weeks ago, this writer tried to envision the next fifty years of Big Canoe, (1) we now know that for the next eighteen years, we will be burdened with debt. Continue reading “Speechless . . .”

Always needing more . . .

In a special January 4th board meeting, the POA directors voted on a $500 increase (20%) to the $2,500 capital contribution fee (CCF) which is the maximum annual increase allowed per the governing document. According to the fourth amendment to the general declaration of covenants which was approved by property owners last year, these fees “will be deposited and held as part of the Board Designated Master Plan Fund . . . “ . Continue reading “Always needing more . . .”

All for naught . . .

As we celebrate the past fifty years of Big Canoe that have been so good to so many, the 2021 board of directors has simultaneously sought to position us for the next fifty years fraught with broken promises, flawed budgets, unfunded capital plans and an evermore spin and twist on what should be some of the most basic understandings of truth. Continue reading “All for naught . . .”

An update to a consideration of the consequences . . .

The ballot package has now arrived complete with the final legal wording of the eight proposed bylaw changes. As a word of caution, the enclosed “Voter Guide” that has been previously distributed throughout various media does not summarize all significant changes found in the legal document. Further, perusal of the documents now finds that two additional amendments also contain language that is in conflict with our existing covenants. Given this new information, an update to the previous post on this site (1) is now warranted. Continue reading “An update to a consideration of the consequences . . .”

A consideration of consequences . . .

As the holiday season quickly approaches, yet another election is upon us that will also include eight proposed changes to the association bylaws. According to the minutes of the October 4th closed door board work session, (1) members of the board voted unanimously to approve “the final wording of these changes” to our governing documents. Subsequently, the “Big Canoe POA Voter Guide: Proposed Bylaws Amendments” was published throughout various media followed by a brief discussion at the October 28th meeting of the board of directors. Continue reading “A consideration of consequences . . .”

A betrayal of trust . . .

As was expected, the revision and consolidation of Board policies 152 and 153 eliminating the property owner approval requirement for all maintenance or replacement capital projects exceeding $1 million was approved unanimously by this board on September 30th. What was not expected was the statement that there had been little property owner opposition to the proposed change. (1) Continue reading “A betrayal of trust . . .”

Mission accomplished . . .

Flashback. It’s time to wake up and take a moment to reflect back on December 2019, and the outrage felt by this community regarding the “significant drafting error” found in the previously proposed capital contribution fee amendment that would have eliminated Article VI, Section 13 of our covenants regarding the restricted “Capital Reserve Fund”. (1) (2) (3) Further, consider that this is exactly what is taking place now, only in a craftier manner. Systematically chipping away, bit by bit, piece by piece, little by little. Continue reading “Mission accomplished . . .”