Saturday's Meeting started out with 25 new households joining. For a total of 326 households.
Ben Belanger, Vice-President resigned for personal reasons. Joe Cayer was voted in unanimously to replace him. David DeGagne now is moved into 1st alternate on the board. Peter Poole was elected as 2nd alternate to the board with 29 votes. The other totals were: Kathy Campbell 7, Roger Russo 19, Susan Hill 19.
The new proforma budget was explained and approved by 180 for and 1 against. It contained the new town sewer rates which had almost doubled. Therefore the new lot rent is expected to be at $415.00 and that assumes that interest rates won't change meaningfully from what they are by signing date, April 2nd.
The By-Laws were approved and passed as is.
Chris Clasby stated we will become the 86th co-op formed in New Hampshire.
A Conflict of Interest Form was approved. So anyone that does work for the park that lives here or is a friend or relative of someone in the park will have to disclose those relationships and that form will have to be on file with the co-op.
Then the really hot area of discussion was the Park Rules. After an hour of wrangling, so many had decided to leave, there were no longer enough members present to pass the amended rules. We we're 11 votes short. to have 51% approval. As a result the OLD PARK RULES (Lindenshire's) are still in effect.
So anyone that imagines that the amended rules are what will govern us, they are mistaken. New rules cannot be created until the next member meeting, likely in September, when we have our annual meeting.
The members that stayed to the very end we would like to commend them for doing so. The 40% or so that didn't bother coming to this convenient Saturday meeting, with plenty of notice, and the ones that got impatient and trickled out as the meeting went on are responsible for the failure of not passing the proposed new rules.
So to reiterate the results: Mark Kaufman's rules stand until a new member meeting is held. Hopefully most will learn the lesson of what happens when one doesn't care to participate.
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82 comments:
""the ones that got impatient and trickled out as the meeting went on are responsible for the failure of not passing the proposed new rules."
In regards to this quote, I am offended..I left at 1:15 for personal reasons, something called work. I alloted the required time stated on the memo. Perhaps you should be more kind to the people who made the effort to go at all. Unless, you want to work for me and pay my bills.
Sorry we could not make it to the meeting, wish i could have gone, I suffered a back injury and was unable to attend, i posted that on the original post for the meeting. I wanted to be there, but i couldnt, i cant sit long and i needed my husband home with me to keep my daughter out of my hair
Sorry the meeting didnt go as planned, i am sure there was fighting over the rules and stuff, but you said that come september, we will have another.
Vicki Chmiel
5 cedar street
Naturally there were people who had to leave for important reasons such as work etc. The comment obviously would not apply to people who left for legitimate reasons. There were however several people who left because of being impatient, because the were not happy with certain aspects of the rules, or thay thought the rules that were important to them were done and they didn't have to stay anylonger. They know who they are, and you should not feel offended if you do not fall into that category.
Well I stuck through it as did a large group of my neighbors. We are all upset about what went on today and the end of the meeting really caused some concerns for us. The elections for the "Alternate" were bull. The secretary pushed a man who had no interest in standing up for himself and she persuaded people to vote for him "because he's Richard's friend". That is crap! I think someone on the board needs to be able to speak freely without being encouraged to do so and people should make decisions based on THEIR thoughts, not what the Secretary thinks or because someone is buddies with a member of the board. Is the board trying to create a network of people who will easily and willingly agree with anything they say? What about that conflict of interest? Now we have Richard who works for the park, and is on the board. So he can't vote if he is involved in an issue over a certain amount of money but you can bet his friend will vote for what is in Richard's best interest. Lastly…I know the group of people that surrounded me voted for another person and there were a large number of us. If those ballots were counted truthfully, I think the votes would have been VERY close. Why weren't the ballots counted right there in public? Why were they taken and counted where only the board could see? I think this is ridiculous! This is a group of people who are seeking to lie out the perfect scenario for THEM! Not for the "COOP". I think there are too many secrets; there are conflicts that aren't being addressed. Why aren’t the board meetings open to the members? What goes on at these meetings? I hoped things were going to be handled honestly and that the board wasn’t going to try to use this to their advantage but I think that hope is gone! I'm really starting to regret this decision and will be thinking seriously of selling!
I got a question is it wrong to have a member of the board under the age of 50. There was a guy under 40 who was nominated. I happen to know that my whole row and the row of people behind me voted for him, and there was more than 25 there I'm sure there were others. Why is it the votes were not counted at the meeting where we were sure this election was not rigged? The board should be made up of people from different age groups to get the take from all sides not everyone here is over the age of 50 old people do not want the same things that people in our 30’s want.
But' having being at the meeting the secretary pushed her and Richards friend Peter on the members "He will be there for Richard " Then after being encourage by our so called secretary, Peter himself said I'll support Richard, yet another conflict of interest. What does supporting Richard have to do with being on the board. We need people to support us all not Richard and what he wants.A salaried employee on the board was and still is an unacceptable conflict of interest, many people believed this! The guy already gets paid and does work on the side i.e. Grass cutting, snow blowing, skirting the trailers now he gets on the board enough is enough.
It was amazing how upset certain board members get when a question was asked that they disagreed with. I know for a fact that the President herself has an outdoor cat “ For the record NOT ALLOWED Per current Park Rules” Should we not lead by example? Or is this a sign of things to come bend the rules when it fits a situation for what seems to be an already corrupt board?
I feel not much was accomplished today we still have conflicts of interest actually we have more, we still got the old rules, which when leaving I heard the new vice president say maybe we should keep our mouths shut and keep Kaufmanns rules “ Cause he don’t want dogs” That’s in his interest not ours. We still have a click group of friends on the board plus one new one. People put threw bylaws and other stuff just to get out of their cause of the length of time. Also why were board member spouses hanging around the front this was suspicious to me?
Feels like Water Gate Here Folks, Corruption all around it’s who you know !
Hello Commenter #4
There is nothing secret about the board meetings. The board members that were elected by you the members. They can be changed by the members; and will be up for re-election or replacement come September. Because we have been following a logical and legal process to buy this park and Mr. Kaufman initially with held certain useful information to us in calculating the costs to purchase and run the park, we were not at liberty to spread around guesses at what the rent was going to be. If anything appeared to be secret, it was so that all members get the same and accurate information at the same time. The is no advantage personally to being on the board, It's a lot of work for many. The only "advantage" is one gets to know the whole picture of what going on. We have to anticipate the effect anything will have on the park and it's members. And try to "steer" the decisions that will make for the overall quality of life in the park. There are a lot of units in here so it's quite unwieldy to manage this place. You are welcome to volunteer and recommend yourself to be on the board. The members will make an estimate of you and vote accordingly. As far as Mr. Poole getting the better part of the votes is concerned, that is how it worked out. We were being kicked out of the gym by the maintenance people, and the meeting was essentially falling apart, the decision to collect the voter cards was the best we could do under the circumstances. I myself voted for someone else, I didn't know Mr. Poole too well.
Since you're so suspicious, I recommend you get more involved. You'll feel better.
To the person & his neighbors that have some concerns regarding the end of the meeting today, step up to the plate & "volunteer" your time & become a board member. Since we are a co-op, we can make changes on the board. The board members are not permanent. They have volunteered their time & time & effort to bring this all together. The board members are doing the best they can but if you think you can do better, go for it.
To the person suspicious of board members spouses where did you expect the spouse to sit? Normally couples sit together at any function. Why should our meetings be any different? Also, it sounds like your group didn't sit close enough to the front? The suggestion was made to use the microphone if you wanted to be heard. Members that wanted to be heard did use the microphone. Also, there were several ladies that sat towards the front & they made sure they were heard, they weren't afraid to speak up. I appreciated that. It sounds like you need to volunteer your time & become a board member or sign up to be on a committee. Nothing wrong in that. The current board of directors that we the co-op voted in are volunteers, no one is getting paid. No money. Maybe by your being a board member, you will not call it corrupt. That is such an unfair comment to make. But it is your opinion..
Just tell me who to make the pay off to so I can get my way please
I'd run for the Board but' since it seems the elections are rigged it would be a mute point.
seeing that the rent will be going up why didn't we let morgan buy it? and the guy who kept talking about being out on compensation i here he will be on a commitee, we need back ground checks on people we are going to sell to how about the people on the commities checked out. and the who you know comment i feel if you are on the board or commities you will get what you want
You people are crazy, there are two people on the board who are in their 30s, and there was one in his 20s who had stepped down for personal reasons, so I dont think age is a factor at all. It was possible for anybody to be a board member, but there were only a few people who were brave and commited enough to our community to do so, and I think they all should be commended for the hours spend every week working on this project.
"This is a group of people who are seeking to lie out the perfect scenario for THEM! Not for the "COOP"."
Tell me... what are the benefits to being on the coop board? Spending hours upon hours every week, busting your hump to help the park, that you could be spending enjoying yourself with your family. Staying up all night worrying about hundreds of people, and how your going to make everyone happy. These people do not get paid, they do not have any benefits. They have no absolute control over anything or anyone. The future of this park is up to everyone, not the board. It is up to all the members to come together, be respectful of one another, and make this the best damn coop ever! Sure there are always going to be a few conspiracy theory nut jobs out there. But really they should get the facts... rather than run their mouths anonymously trying to start trouble.
Bill
to the person who said why didn't we let morgan buy the park. our rent will be 415 mth with no profit? how much do you think morgan would have charged?? investors don't buy property for no profit.
to the one who wants to know who to pay off. its easy 326 members they are the ones who vote.
to the one who thinks the elections are rigged. well if you voted then your apart of it, because every person on the board was voted by the members. I didn't vote for some of them but i don't think its rigged. and i beleive they are doing their best for our park.
We have a huge park with 393? trailers, we are going to disagree on a lot of things but keep in mind we all want mostly the same thing a great park to raise our kids and the lowest rent we can get. No matter what rules get approved someone will not like them thats life. Vote for what you think is best for our park and hope the rest agree but if they don't you cant say its rigged? its that the other members didn't agree with you.
Can someone on the board post the actual vote count from the cards so everyone can see for themselves who won and by how much??
here is an idea on how to use the size of our park. can we bargain with the oil and propane companys for a discount park rate for next heating season????
Paul White
58 Hilton Ave
In response to the last poster. I totally agree with you. We should have sold to Morgan at least then there was only one person to deceive us. I also agree with the 5th poster myself and people sitting with me voted for the younger gentlemen nominated by the board member Dave there was at least 8 - 10 of us. We need a public recount. Peter is to old and Whiskers friend I also agree another conflict of interest. I firmly believe the Secretary was unprofessional in pushing him the way she did that was a disgrace.
In response to poster #3 I to am now seriously considering selling this is ridiculous. We need a majority vote to set rules but not a majority vote to elect our board. We did a hand count for everything accept the alternate even the vice president was elected via hand raise. THAT Alternate Election Was FIXED. Why else did you count the votes in private? Also I have lived in another coop as well as a condo complex in both cases the Board Meeting were once a month and open to all members. “NO SECRET AGENDAS”
As for Richard and his buddy on the board both are conflicts of interest and should be dealt with my friend is an attorney and says this is wrong. As for $125,000 for payroll for 3 people, the secretary, and maintenance gets paid better here than in the Boston Ritz.
On a positive note the interpetours did an excellent job.
who ever responded to my message,"why didn't we just sell to Morgan?" yes it is 415. now come September what 15. more dollars then next year how much? not even Kauffman went up 65. a year, so we are goining from 335. now 415. then what 430.? hmmmmmmmm our best intrest huh?
ell me... what are the benefits to being on the coop board?
For starters you decide who gets in our park, you have access to info I might not want you having you know where our money goes and now because people got blind sided you can raise our rent at will, you decide what equipment we get should I continue ?
Perhaps we could drop the attitude and be adults. Many people had legitimate reasons for leaving at 1pm, myself included. I had to attend a seminar to which I had paid $3800 for and had been scheduled since December. My husband and I came to the meeting expecting and planning to be there the alloted time. I even stood up and suggested that we plan another meeting just for the park rules as I had forseen this very problem. No one was on board. Oh well. My point is that some of us made the effort to attend and had the meeting been presided over in a professional manner and time constraints observed, then we could have accomplished our goals. To have an attitude with anyone residing in the park, especially the people who gave up their Saturday morning to attend, goes against the "good conduct rules" that we are supposed to observe at every meeting. We are very disappointed in the attitude and actions of our Board of Directors and this will make us seriously rethink our vote when election time comes around.
Eric/Heather Hillman
88 Hilton Ave
Apparently you do not understand how a coop works. The rent cannot go up next year unless the members as a whole agree that it needs to be increased. It it a not for profit organization, there for come the end of the fiscal year if their are extra funds in the account the members will have to decide together what to do with it. You could decide to pave some roads with it, get some of the drainage issues everyone complains about fixed, or you could decide to have it devided evenly amoung all the menmers and returned to you. If you think it would be better to pay more to a single owner who is going to keep anything over and above operation costs, and do things a cheaply as possible if anything at all to increase his profit margine then I am sure there are places like that available. But you would have to be crazy.
After reading some of these comments, it seems that alot of you missed the meeting in December when those in attendance voted in the board of directors. I was there & watched it unfold. Only ONE person VOLUNTEERED to be president. So, she was voted in by majority rule. Regarding the treasurer, NO ONE wanted to hold that position. I wonder why?? The current treasurer didn't want it either but he got nominated & NO ONE stood up to oppose his nomination. It sounds like the suspicious ones forgot to stand up in December & oppose these board of directors. The board of directors were all strangers to one another. The only one everybody knew was Richard. They had to meet & learn to work together. SO, it sounds to me that there is alot of potential for the new permanent board of directors to step in & take over the handling of responsibilities. To the pay off person, sounds like you missed the December meeting also. September will be here soon & everybody will be able to make needed nominations, needed replacements & congratulations on helping our park run smoothly. Look forward to meeting you all & voting you in for the permanent positions.
Apparently you do not understand how a coop works. The rent cannot go up next year unless the members as a whole agree that it needs to be increased.
Apparently you did NOT listen yesterday the Board all by themselves can raise the rent if they see fit. Check your by-laws that is a joke I opposed it yesterday and still do today. I do NOT like my future in their hands. By the way where is my other post I posted hours ago B4 you now they are censoring my thoughts, and comments that figures !
Quote..."For starters you decide who gets in our park, you have access to info I might not want you having you know where our money goes and now because people got blind sided you can raise our rent at will, you decide what equipment we get should I continue ? "
Do you want convicts, and dead beats moving into the park? These are rules for everyones good. If you fall into one of those categories than your lucky and should not complain. Your personal info will likely be viewed by Sandy in the office as always. It's not like the whole board is doing to sit and go through the records of every resident for fun. The equiptment decision is voted on by a commitee that has nothing to do with the rest of the board members. Richard (Wiskers) who has been taking care of us for over 30 years is on the commitee. He knows best what is needed, and he has been great. He could have said he wants a brand new dump truck etc. The committe is working to gether as a team to find decent used equiptment at a good price to keep our cost down, and evaluating the need of each peice of equiptment, and weather an occasional rental would be better. The board meetings are always open, but you have to remember the meetings are held in board members houses so you can't fit 392 members in there. If you think that it should cost over $1,000 per board member meeting which are held twice a week sometimes during this interim period, to rent space for everyone. Then you should bring it to a vote of the members, and then vote to raise the lot rent accordingly to pay for it. The secretary keeps the minutes of every meeting so it is not a secret.
The people on the board did not even know each other before all this so it is unlikely that they have developed a secret society at this point. Besides at the next member meeting we will be voting for some new board members anyway, because they are going to be rotated out as time goes on to be sure things are kept fair. But you may still want to wear that aluminum foil hat to protect your brain from the boards mind altering lasers.
I am not a board member or a commitee member, but I have takin the time to get the facts. These people are just like everyone else trying to work together. If you have questions is issues you just need to ask for clarity.
Re: "By the way where is my other post I posted hours ago B4 you now they are censoring my thoughts, and comments that figures !"
Well since you didn't post who you are I can't help you much. Every single comment left has been allowed to go through.
So far today the comment posters have left comment posts under 3 different blog entries. So whatever entry you were reading when you decided to post, that is the one it's listed under, i can't change where it ends up.
So far the entries for the last 24 hours have been largely gripes and complaints to and about the board and the meeting.
We did accomplish a lot at the meeting. The main thing is we moved forward to purchase the park. Everything is on track for that to happen. We will have benefit of stable rent; subject to inflation costs on maintenance of course. Possibly as low as 1% a year what's that,... like $5? I think we could handle that.
This whole process has been a learning experience for all. The board is made up of fellow tenants like yourselves. They have been learning and trying to be as professional as they can. They are after all volunteers, and don't get paid. Some have spent their own money on some things and not asked for reimbursement. I think they deserve a measure of respect for what they've accomplished. It's a tremendous burden to deal with dozens of people complaining about their one pet peeve. And dealing with all kinds of rumors and erroneous ideas about what's happening. Sometimes it's been a thankless job. I applaud them and will applaud the new ones that step up and do the same this coming year.
I attended the meeting on the 24th and stayed to the end. I was a long meeting and many people had questions. I agree with a previous post that time constraints need to be observed in a more professional manner. At the beginning of the meeting people asked questions are were answered in a professional manner, but once one of the board member's representative started making rude remarks to the crowd, questions started getting out of control and things did not make sense anymore. It may be the reason why people left?? Remember treat people the way you want to be treated, this goes for public speaking as well. Please lets work together and have a great future in our community.
Well you’re not even a Board Member and you think you know so much. I know what and where I posted it did not get through because it was truth. As for your aluminum comment maybe you should get a life ad keep your fourth grade comments to yourself and try to act like and adult or is that to big a task for you.
How do the board members not know each other some of them live a few houses away from one another give me a break? Secret elections Richard & Peter have been friends for 10 years. Also Richard had served is for 30 years yep plowing out driveways with Kaufmanns truck and charging residents cutting lawns, doing skirting plus pulling in a salary good deal. Do you forget he is just a maintenance man not God and being honest a half way decent one at best but’ hey now he has is 10 year long buddy to support him and his wages and his wants and needs that sounds fair. Are you really that naive or just blind? A total conflict of interest paid employees have no business on the board.
Of course Bill would support the board it’s his wife and neighbors. Speaking of Bill his wife is our president correct? Well they have an outdoor CAT against the Park Rules in affect now and against the new proposed rules? Like another poster wrote lead by example. How do you trust one to enforce the rules when they bend or break them for their own benefit to you this might be trivial but’ to me and obviously other a blatant disrespect for us all. I for one am tired of cats craping in my yard and scratching my brand new car. you people are worried about dogs what about all the rude people who let their cats out starting with our fearless leader.
As for Sandy seeing our info. She spends half her time either outside the office smoking or down Hilton Ave gossiping with that old lady Helen who tells everyone what’s going on yep another stunningly great decision. Take them and the other maintenance guy and give them $125,000 wow what a deal for us.
So Chris stated that most of the items in the top section of our budget would drop substantially if not to zero so I’m assuming since the figures will change we WILL be getting lower park rents right? Also why are we not getting interest on our buy in money for the coop I work for a bank at the time we leave the coop we should get our money back plus interest stand agreement. Where is that money going? Where does the extra money that non-coop people pay? You people gave the board the right to raise our rent as they see fit that should work out fine $5.00 my ass our increase is the biggest anyone has ever seen this is a joke. As for your criminal record response are you a dip stick Not everyone with a record is a bad person but you can bet your butt anyone the board is friends or related to will get in hell they bend the rules already it all starts with cats and private meetings.
In closing some of us are not happy about moving forward with the purchase of the park. I don’t like a group of people that are friends and hide meeting and hold private secret closed only to the board member elections being responsible for my home I have invested allot of my time and money here for my kids to grow up and it’s all going to hell.
re" the post in RED LETTERS:
The kaufman rules are in effect only until Kaufman turns the park over to us.
rumor: I hear of a thrift shop some time??????????? the board has their own plans
I (Anita) thought one day not while i am president I would love to open a little thrift shop with all proceeds going to help our neighbors in the park. Maybe for the woman that just lost her husband and needs help with a lot rent or two so she could get on her feet. Or the person that fell off a ladder and is still waiting for workman's comp to kick in. We all live week to week and something like this could devestate a family. We all throw things in the dumpster that could easily be anothers treasure. Maybe we (meaning all of us) could volunteer time to work the little shop. I meant no harm by mentioning this idea to anyone. I thought "wouldn't it be great to pull together and help one another" I have not presented anything to the board for anything official. i thought in a couple of years i would bring a plan infront of the membership. This is after i am long gone from the board. i also thought it may cut down on our dumpster cost. This was my idea and my idea alone. No conspiracy here. Just someone that is always thinking of ideas to help people. Sorry if this bothered anyone.
Anita Jordan
alls i can say is OH BOY. I didnt make the meeting because of my back problem, and judging by some of these posts, i am glad i wasnt there. I mean, why fight about everything, we are a community, and we should all be sticking together. We all voted on the board members back in december, if anyone had a problem back then with who we voted for, they should have spoken up at that time. We can always vote on them again at some point.
We need to remember one thing, this is our "home". We need to keep it that way. There are alot of hostile posts (at least that is how i am reading them) on here. Noone said that this was going to be an easy transition!!
I had a very dam good reason for not going to the meeting...but i will be at the next one come hell or high water.
Vicki
I went to the meeting and I stayed to the end. I think the committee people are brave people. Why can't people have some trust in the committee. They are for us, they are not the other ones. We are all in this together. The meeting would have moved along faster if people read their packets before the meeting because a lot of the questions being asked could have been answered if you just read your packet before the meeting. In a few years this immature behavior will be in the past and you will be glad we went co-op. In less then 5 years other park rents will excede ours so give the committee members a break. We need to all work together. Instead of complaining about everything get involved with helping. For the people who said the committee members were rude and they should have acted more professional well they are not professionals they are just like us. The way that some people were rude to them I don't blame them for speaking that way, I would have too. We are all adults so can't we try to act like adults? You would think that we are at war. This co-op is a very good thing. It's new to everyone. Everyone should just calm down. It's going to take time for things to adjust.
I just have 1 question. Why have the sewer rates doubled since buying the park?
are you people really this blind. sure we could have let Morgan purchase the park, if this happened do you really think that the rent was going to stay the same. I highly doubt it since if a single person bought this park there is NO rent cap
for the state of NH so could go up on the rent whenever and how ever much he wanted. As for all the people who left early, sure some had to work but you have to think of what comes first, i am sure most any job would understand. I had to work to but I feel that its more important to find out what is going to happen where all of our families live, maybe some don't feel that way. as far as the board goes we are the ones who voted them in, and no one had a problem then. the board is trying to do the best that they can with the time that they had to pull all of this together, KUDOS to them for volunteering all of their time with no pay. I know that i had concerns at first but guess what i spoke with them and they explained things to me, thats what they are there for. There are 392 homes in the park do you really think everyone is going to agree on everything. i felt and still feel the rules were made in the best interest of the residents and what we all want. to those who say that Richard shouldn't be on the board, why not. He has been here longer that most, and knows the ins and outs of the park. You all know when you need a tree cut, hole filled, or trash brought to the dumpster, who the one that most call, yep that right Richard. He has been here and will be here for the resident, shouldn't we be there for him and the rest of the board. so to recap if you left early don't blame anyone but yourselves for things not getting done. so lets all stop the whining and complaining and come together and try and get this all done in September.
no one anwsered my questions and comment from this morning... and yes i have seen richard aka whiskers. taking the banking off from neighbors yards.. but never mine.... leaving notes at peoples houses but not inforncing them... people with trash, garbage. carparts. etc.... why are some treated different than others.. I feel he and his position is a total conflict of interest......... some people that have been here for many years feel all laws are grandfathered in wheather it is late with rent.. garbage unlicensed vehicles.etc, and they seem to get special attention..... and please don't tell me i am imaginaging things. i have seen this with my own eyes..... call a special meeting and lets get the park rules voted on......... I would love a 12x12 shed as i pay well over 100.00 per month for a storage unit.... but because of the position they have put in my neighbors new mobile homes i don't feel this will be possible,,,,,,, i have no..... none. nada..... back yard... only room for my propane tanks and maybe 4 feet left over.... i have very little of my side property i had when i moved in left...... and i pay the same as everyone else.... now is that fair????????...... would really appreciate this being anwsered........as the first one was not.........
as a resident of Wayland Cir.. i see when the gates are locked and when they are not... I would like to see that we have posted hours of when the gate will be open. Some people do not get off work til 4:00 pm or later and i feel we would have access to the dumster at least a half a day on Sat. Please consider this suggestion as we have seen the gates locked during the week as early as 3:30 pm...Also the voting on noise after 10:00 pm to 8:00 am
. should include the maintenance except during the snow season.... as we have heard the heavy equip. going down our road as early as 6:30 am..... daily....... during spring summer and fall..those of you who do not live close to maintenance are probably not aware of this....
at first meeting we were informed we only needed to elect the board to get things started. and when we acquire the park as a co op we would elect official members. which was fast just to have someone on the board... also we were told the name was just picked and we would vote on a name once we were approved for a loan..... after attending saturday meeting i saw nothing that changed either of these subjects..... so who picked the name?????
as a member after reading all these comment l think this is a bunch of crap,we are suppose to be a coop,but think it is going to be just a few people,come on lets get together...
The sewer bill
As many of you know the town of Exeter has been having water issues and has to do many repairs to the water treatment plant. They had to work on their infrastructure. Of course the whole town-people needs to help pay for this and the only way is to raise the price. This can be confirmed by calling the town hall and asking to speak to someone in that department.
Anita...I like your idea of a thrift shop, but in the park its not a good idea, we cant have businesses in here. Personally, i would love to give things to people who need them rather than throw it away. We just put in all new appliances, i hated tossing the old fridge, it worked fine. If you know of anyone who needs a gas stove, my old one comes out tomorrow (tuesday), it needs a good cleaning, but it works.
Heres an idea that you can think of, come spring, why not have a community yard sale and let some of the proceeds go to the neighbors who need help, we can set it up by the mail boxes. Its a thought.
I know this is not the place to talk about things like that, but its nice to change the subject once and a while, and with some of the posts, maybe changeing the subject right now isnt a bad idea. If it is, im sorry.
I dont like people fighting, especially when we are all pretty much neighbors. I live here, lived here for 3 years, i am a "go with the flow" type of person. Dont get me wrong, I do care about the rent, the rules, etc...but there is no need to argue over them. We all voted YES to becoming a coop, lets make it work.
Vicki
I think Anitas idea with the thrift shop is brilliant. The shop will not belong to her or any individual person, it will belong to the co-op, run by volunteers, not paid employees, and %100 of its proceeds will go to the co-op. Everytime I have been to the dumpsters I have seen things that I couln't believe were being thrown away. The shop would not only bring in revenue for the co-op, but could also save thousands annually in dumpster costs. It is good for the environment too. Sounds like a win win situation to me. The board is doing an awsome job! Keep up the good work. This will all come together for us, and people will be glad this happened.
Please do not keep assuming we all voted for us to go Coop we did not. But' the majority won.
Thrift Shops & Yard Sales come on this is not the Salvation Army you will have junk everywhere plus additional traffic we on Hilton Ave do NOT need more of that. Since the mail boxes got moved in the afternoon it's a pain in the butt just to get down our street people parked everywhere, sitting in the road or in front of the mail boxes reading their mail. Come on GO HOME for that show some respect.
If people keep having negative thoughts towards the process of becoming a CO-OP, its never going to work. The meetings should NOT have to be full of argueing or yelling. The majority won by voting yes to becoming what we are trying to become. We need to make this work. If we continue fighting about issues, then nothing will get done. I think the Board is doing an awesome job also. They have spent hours upon hours trying to get this off the ground and i give them kudos for it. The offered thier time and effort to help make this go smoothly, they are doing the best they can with what they have, GIVE THEM A BREAK! We are all new to this, we can get it done, peacefully ( i hope )
The people in here complaining about the board, going co-op, they didn't get heard, everything is a conspiracy, etc... are the same people that keep taking the subject off track in the meetings which leads to the delays that always cause rushing. Some folks also just enjoy complaining and arguing and it is very easy to see who you are based on your posts here. You are doing the same thing here that you are at the meetings. It is time to grow up and act like adults. I can't get over some of what is being said here and it has me wondering where some of you went for the meetings we have had?
The meeting of the 24th definitely got out of hand near the end but that was not the fault of the board members. It was the fault of those who attended and asked the same question 40 times in 40 different ways. People constantly jumped around all over the place and it was very hard to get the topic at hand discussed and clarified. Even when it was explained clearly it would be rehashed again and again because people didn't listen or they just wanted to argue it in perpetuity. People get tired of that and it leads to arguing, people leaving, or people just wanting to get things done so "rushing" occurs. At the end it was chaos because everyone had enough and was leaving. There was nothing the board could do. That is OUR fault not theirs.
This has happened at EVERY meeting so far. Keep the subject at hand on track until it is dealt with. Leave other questions or concerns out until the proper time for those arise. If I had one criticism of the way things were run it would be this. Too much leeway is given to ramblers and pot stirrers. People asking about things not currently being discussed should be directed to ask the question at the proper time and NOT allowed to have the floor. This isn't silencing people or their rights but it sure will speed the meetings up.
People attending the meeting need to be QUIET and LISTEN during the discussions as well. Continually going over the same topic after it had been settled, jumping forward and back the rest of the time, and just plain not paying attention definitely lead to the time over run. The reason the gentleman board member was starting to get rude with some people asking questions, as some have put it, was because things were getting out of control. The questions had already been asked time and again, or frankly the questions were about individual needs/wants and had nothing to do with the park rules or bylaws we were discussing, so he was trying to get things back on track and moving along. He should be applauded for his efforts not chastised. He was never actually rude either. He just showed some of the frustration so many of us felt over how things were stagnating and bogging down.
I also want to comment on something that was brought up earlier. About things being "rushed through without time for questions". I am the one who stood up halfway through the bylaws discussion and made the motion to vote on the bylaws as proposed and as amended to that point. I did so because we were just going over the same things time and time again and even at that point( approx noon-12:15 )people were already leaving. I spent a good portion of the rest of the meeting trying to keep people there so we would have enough votes to get this done. It was NOT the board who rushed anything through! I am the one who made that motion and got the bylaws "rushed through".
Thankfully I did or we would all still be there arguing over it or arguing about some neighbors shed or home being 2" higher. I only wish I had done the same on the park rules so we at least could have removed Kaufman's rules. Now we are stuck with them until September or hopefully a meeting before then.
At future meetings some rules need to be implemented to stop all these delays that have happened at every other meeting so far. I think if a more structured forum is held it will move things along at a faster rate and a benefit would be more people could voice their concerns.
1 - only co-op residents can speak
2 - if you wish to ask a question you need to do so via the microphone at the podium. No more sitting in the crowd where you can't be heard( unless you are handicapped and can't make it to the podium ). It is hard for Chris or a board member to address your question accurately when they can't hear you. When co-op members can't hear you they don't always know what has been asked.
3 - only questions about the topic at hand( for example park rules; pets )may be discussed at one time. If pets are being discussed no topics about cars, rent, sewer, etc... can be brought up. Discuss a topic until it is settled and then move on. This doesn't keep your question from being asked but rather it makes sure there will be time for it to be asked.
4 - ONE question at a time unless it is a follow up to or is related to your 1st question.
5 - people need to be quiet and listen. That includes me :-)
While I was a bit surprised at how strongly worded the comments were from the board about this being "our fault" that the park rules stay the same I have to say it is an accurate statement. People were leaving BEFORE noon time and before the bylaws discussion was even ended. Many people came and stayed only long enough to hear what the rent would be and then they started leaving. That is a fact folks.
We need to have all co-op members arrive and stay until the business at hand is done. End of story. If you have to leave for work or some previous obligation that can't be delayed, and the meeting is running over, okay but otherwise stay. That has to be how it works or we will never get anything done around here. I have a bad back myself and it was torture sitting on those bleachers but I stayed because I want to see this co-op succeed and Mark Kaufman and all of his draconian rules and ways of doing things GO AWAY!
I don't agree with every rule or decision that has been done/made so far by this board. I sure do thank the fine folks on said board however who have put so much of their time and efforts into what is clearly turning out to be a thankless job that puts a massive bull's-eye on their chest. I also will agree with what has been said about the rent. If you think $415 is bad as a co-op you should imagine what it would have been if the man from NY bought the park. Any person that actually believes the rent would have been cheaper if the man from NY bought the park is deluding themselves.
I apologize for the length of this but some things needed setting straight. With almost 400 homes here we certainly will not agree on everything. However, to accuse board members of holding secret meetings or having hidden agendas is infantile and unfounded. Anyone suggesting such a thing should be ashamed of themselves. They certainly are not trying to get their "friends" on the board either. It is more a case of getting ANYONE to fill spots because no one seems to want to do it. Maybe some of you folks on here complaining so much would be better served helping out rather than complaining anonymously through a computer.
I have offered what help I can since this all started and will continue to do so. Unfortunately being self employed with crazy and unpredictable hours, and having to take care of my 82 year old Dad who is not well, my plate is too full to serve on the board. I can't make the good faith commitment of time that would be needed. I will still help out when I can. Other's should do the same. Find small ways you can help rather than just complain or try to tear down all we have accomplished so far. Remember these our neighbors doing this on their own time. They pay the same rent we do and live under the same rules. There is no conspiracy or hidden agenda. That kind of talk needs to stop.
I have lived in the park for over 30 years( since I was 9 actually )and I have seen the rules and park evolve, some good most bad, during that time. I lived here before Mark Kaufman and thankfully I am seeing him finally leave. We have a chance to make this a better place to live and have at least some control over the finances. The rent increase will be $75 for us as my Dad will lose his $10 senior discount but it will be worth it in the long run. Let's not blow it all with petty arguing and totally off the wall accusations and charges. Let's stick to facts please.
Regards to all.
Scott Haight
43 Hilton Ave
I apologize for the length of this but some things needed setting straight. With almost 400 homes here we certainly will not agree on everything. However, to accuse board members of holding secret meetings or having hidden agendas is infantile and unfounded. Anyone suggesting such a thing should be ashamed of themselves.
Exactly who do you think you are? I have a right to my opinion. How do you know those topics are unfounded you don’t so pipe down. You should be ashamed of yourself if your going to trying to put our thoughts down at least try to use proper grammar I feel dumber for having read that.
From Don W ,
Unfortunately we got whacked with
a sewer tax bill that caused a increase to our operating expenses.
The Good news is we can , as a community of 392 homes , reduce our
consumption by practicing some conservation.
Simply put , Reducing our operating
costs can reduce our rents$$$.
It's up to all of us, we can keep the money in our pockets or send it Down the Drain.Literally.
Thank you to all who attended
Saturdays Meeting .
scott looks like you have time on your hands, run for the board and you are one person don't speak for everyone!!!!!!!!!
Maybe we should establish a variable lot fee depending on size of lot. Why should we all pay the same lot fee? Some of us have doublewides. Some of us can only park one car not two side by side. Some of us can only park two vehicles in the driveway end to end with some hanging over the grass. Some of us have very little land. Some of us have NO land at all. Why should we subsidize those who can park three cars or more? AND, what happens when we can have trailers in our driveways - no room so I guess we just have to keep paying storage on our trailers since we don't have enough room for both a car and a trailer. How is that fair? We can't fit two cars in the driveway, but the neighbor can easily fit two cars and a trailer. And we all pay the same lot fee...We say variable fees per lot size
SCOTT your speaking for me and I think you would be great for the board. I would vote for you. Thanks for being brave and signing your name!
scott looks like you have time on your hands, run for the board and you are one person don't speak for everyone!!!!!!!!!
Well said . . .
"Exactly who do you think you are? I have a right to my opinion. How do you know those topics are unfounded you don’t so pipe down. You should be ashamed of yourself if your going to trying to put our thoughts down at least try to use proper grammar I feel dumber for having read that."
You need to proof read your own work... "going to trying" What is that? You forgot a question mark after unfounded. Where is the comma after "you don't"? There should have been a period after yourself, and the letter i in "if" should have been capitalized. There is another missing comma after down. Also, last time I checked dumber was still not a word. I don't care if you check my grammar because I am not English major.
But if you have that many mistakes in one paragraph, you obviously aren't either. Now I feel smarter-er. : )
What Scott said was right on the mark though. People just keep misinterpreting, and twisting things. Of course your thoughts are important, but there is a right and wrong time to bring them up. The moderator was their just to help get through the rules. It was not his job to answer random questions, or listen to individual complaints. He doesn’t live here nor is he a board member.
HHHHMMMMMM... did you or did you not choose what home you wished to purchase? We can't agree on park you rules and you want us to figure out a way to decide who pays what for lot rent based on size of lot...hahahahahahah
Regarding lot fee size, I object. I came into this park, because I am of lower income. We all bought our homes, knowing how much land we would have, and how many cars we could park. Why should I be penalized because I can park two cars(by the way, I only have one). I also pay taxes on my home, isnt this enough?
And how would we determine who pays what? Who would make these decisions? It was everyone's personal choice to move into whatever home, with whatever size land and driveways. Dont punish the rest of us just because our choice.
It's really sad that it has come to this. I just moved here and can't believe all that is going on here. We need to work together so all of us, ALL of us, can live peacefully and perhaps save something for our children or retirement.
I know this is democracy and there will be debating and perhaps arguing, but the word slinging should stop, for our own good, otherwise, we are going to be one miserable Coop.....
Peace to all.
how the hell are we suposed to make this work if we are all argueing about things? enough is enough. instead of bad mouthing the board, who in my eyes are doing a great job with what they have to go on, why dont we all come together as a community rather than be like this??
I see people are reading what they want into things here just as they hear what they want at the meetings.
I am not suggesting anyone's opinions or voice be silenced. I NEVER said that. Actually my suggestions are to the contrary and intended to make sure in the future everyone gets heard. Not just a few who keep going over the same thing again and again and again however. I want everyone to be heard on the subject at hand that wants to be. However, with the way the meetings have gone to this point that hasn't happened.
A small group of people always become hung up on one issue, or want to harp endlessly on something that only effects THEM. Generally it is completely unrelated to the actual topic at hand and it delays the entire meeting. It was very costly this last time.
There is a proper time and place for every discussion. I am only suggesting/asking that people stick to what is being discussed and stop taking things off track all the time so we can actually get the things done at the meetings that we need to. All this "other stuff" can be addressed and remedied later. Let us get the important stuff done, which needs to be, actually DONE!
Every co-op member's opinion and suggestions are valid. However, they should be heard at the proper time. That is all I am suggesting. If anyone felt I was saying something different then I apologize as it was not my intent.
Discussing point B while we are on Point X is counter productive and cost us getting our park rules passed on the 24th. Sorry if that offends anyone but it is what happened. It has happened at every meeting I have attended so far and I only missed the very 1st one.
I will not apologize either for my comments about the accusations thrown at board members by a few people on here. Those comments are 100% out of line! They are unfounded and uncalled for. Where is YOUR proof of said accusations? Just sour grapes by a few who feel they didn't get their way or are opposed to the co-op and have been since day 1. Very cowardly. The personal attacks against me that followed my post only further back up my point.
Actually I don't have tons of time to sit here and make comments or argue with people. However, this is our home and this issue is very important so I am making time. We all need to make time until this is done. I will repeat what I said before and that is if you are so unhappy with how things have gone then do something constructive instead of posting your vitriolic rhetoric here anonymously.
Attacking board members or other co-op members behind the anonymity of a computer screen lends no credence to your cause or views. At least have the courage of your convictions and post your name. How is anyone supposed to take you serious if you are afraid to say who you are? You might not even be a resident here for all we know.
My grammar and spelling are just fine as well thank you.
Regards,
Scott Haight
43 Hilton Ave
I agree with Scott, I've read all the posts thus far and it appears a few people who obviously are against the CO-OP for whatever reason, appear to be trying to bring everyone else down. The name-calling and accusations NEED to stop.
The issue of variable lot rent based on lot size is very silly. I can certainly understand being upset because your lot has dimished in size over the years, or having to pay a storage fee for a storage unit because you don't have enough room inside or in your shed to store your items. However prior to making your home purchase I'm sure like all of us you were informed that EVERYONE pays the same lot rent regardless of land size, also given a copy of the park rules, a showing of the home, a chance to hold an inspection etc. before passing papers and closing on your home. Those issues should have been considered before purchasing said home.
My husband and I viewed allot of homes here in the park before making an offer and purchasing the home we now live in. Many we were shown were single wide’s we decided that a single wide just wouldn't work for us and asked to be ONLY shown double wide’s or modified single wide’s etc.. We considered many things before making an offer and purchasing our home. There are a some houses that have more land than we do although it would be nice to have a larger yard I'm not complaining because we have a smaller one this is the home WE purchased of our own free will no one MADE us purchase it or forced us to live here.
I too do not care for Kaufmanns rules; I think it is time for a change, a change that would benefit us ALL as a whole not a select. few. The issue of pets for example my family would LOVE a dog I grew up with dogs my whole life and want one desperately. I know under the current rules they are allowed, however I feel that not allowing the dog outside on your own property is unfair to an animal, and because I do not drive is not a possibity for my family at this time. Under the new proposed rules (that unfortunately could not be passed because of a shortage of 11 members to have a majority) it is fairer to an animal. I know not everyone is going to agree and that’s understandable, personally I'd love a Golden Retriever however I'm not opposing the rule just because it doesn’t suit my personal preference.
Those arguing because a prospective new tenant will have to go through an application process as well as a background check should consider that rule would help to protect. those still living inside the park. I know not everyone with a criminal record is a horrible person. However, I certainly do not want someone convicted of rape or child molestation living next to me or anywhere near me, nor do I want drug dealers as neighbors.
Those complaining because not everyone wanted us to become a CO-OP, well I'm sorry at the first meeting that was held were more information was provided about the sale and our right to form a CO-OP and attempt to purchase the park we had a vote and out of those who attended everyone voted and only two (2) people opposed. The majority won and since then the board members who VOLUNTEER their time and energy have worked VERY hard to make this happen and considered us as a whole not a select. few, and drafted rules and bylaws in our (as a whole) best interest, and also have had to follow the law. If someone is upset that we have formed a CO-OP I'm sorry, maybe you should've attended the meeting and opposed it in the beginning don't complain now. I know not everyone could attend due to legitimate reasons however, those who simply could care less and now are complaining because they didn't/don't get there way that is just too bad. I was nine months pregnant, exhausted, had to find a baby sitter for my other children etc. However, I felt attending the meeting was important my husband and I attended and voted.
I cannot get over how some people are acting. Letters up at the mail boxes complaining (again your right to do so) people complaining over trivial things, the name of the CO-OP it's not what I'd of picked either but I think there are other issues more important to me than the name of our park. People complaining because someone sits up at the mail box reading there mail what difference does it make if it's read at the mail box or at home or in someone’s car as long as after they're done they don't discard it on the street/boxes? Maybe someone was waiting for an important letter and anxious to read it? Maybe someone walked to the mailbox and then stopped to rest and read their mail or enjoy the day Again I think there are more important issues at hand. Like for instance those who speed down Hilton Ave and the other streets, where small children are at play. It will be a sad day when someone kills someone here in the park due to reckless driving.
I also feel people should give the board members a break. I do not know all of them personally. However, I do know our president and her family. Anita was the ONLY person who stepped up to volunteer to take the position NO one else volunteered. We as a whole voted her in. She has spent endless hours on the phone, in person, with insurance companies, banks, lawyers etc. She has also done newspaper and T.V. interviews trying to get the word out about the sale of our park and what we could come together and do in order to make a difference. Not to mention the countless residence who have shown up to her front door UNANNOUNCED all hours of the day/days of the week to complain about anything and everything under the sun. People thinking they have the right to go to HER home and that of her family and be just plain rude causing a scene in front of her children. No one should have to put up with that. Still given all that headache, drama, and stress. She still has our best interest at heart. Not my personal interest or hers or any one people or select. group of people but us as a whole.
I can understand the board members not wanting to hold another meeting anytime soon to settle the park rules. Why should they give up more hours of their time to be abused and have all hell breaks loose? However, I also feel it needs to be addressed and hope the next time around (hopefully prior to September) that we can act like ADULTS, and follow Scott's advice regarding another meeting and get the rules settled one way or another. Those who are upset with the current board members and their decisions, feel free when time comes up for new elections to run if you think you can do a better job. I am sure the current board members would love to be done with the stress of it all and enjoy their free time.
Those complaining about the increase in rent, are foolish if they think that Morgan wouldn't of increased the rent maybe not so much at first this is true but who's to say how high it would've gone up. Remember Morgan, Kaufman are out to PROFIT a CO-OP is NOT. In addition, you must consider the fact that the budget is based on MANY things including budgeting in the money it costs to cover the lot rent of those who simply chose NOT to pay their rent for the past few months. I wish those seriously delinquent on their rent that their names and addresses could be posted, those people are making our lot rent go up. (True their not the ONLY factor but they ARE A FACTOR). I know unforeseen circumstances arise and it is hard to make ends meet and pay all the bills each month for some (ourselves included), however we always pay our rent. There are some living here that just because they know the park is for sale who refuse to pay their rent, and that is unfair Furthermore if Morgan purchased our park that has to say what would have happened? What if he decided it would be more profitable to redevelop the land. If you read, the information provided or researched it you would know that they would not have to purchase your home. It would be up to the homeowner to move it or lose it with only 18 months notice. I am sure many of the homes in this park could not even withstand a move or even afford to move their home and place it on new land somewhere.
I know there is currently a petition going around collecting signatures asking the board to hold another meeting before September to vote on the RULES ONLY. I have signed that petition and hope that another meeting is held, and that this time the residents who attend act civilly to one another and keep things in perspective and that one way or another rules are passed.
Sandra Greenberg
20 Morton St
I know this is not the proper forum, however I was wondering if there could be another topic for the blog added. I for one am tired of all the petty arguing, as I am sure most are as well.
I think that some of the comments (most actually) were well thought out and excellent ideas. The idea of a community wide yard sale would be wonderful and have a portion of the proceeds going to those in our park that are truly in need. Anita’s idea of one day the possibility of a thrift store opening would be great as well.
I wonder if a topic for items people have that they are looking to get rid of but are still useable and may be a dream come true or help another family out could be started. I know that Yahoo groups has an Exeter area free cycle webpage but the few times I have posted or attempted to contact someone about an item I have not had much luck. Besides many times people are posting from other towns and it is not a possibility for our family.
I do not see the harm in it, and I think it could possibly benefit many people. Not to mention cut down on the items being hauled to the dumpster, or help clean out someone’s shed/yard etc.
Also maybe people who have large items they are trying to sell could post it on a designated area of the blog as well. It could help get more exposure for someone trying to sell something and possibly do away with the item being left with a sign in front of someone’s home (or in addition to and then have it sold faster).
I know that personally I have some items that I am just not going to use but really do not want to throw out knowing someone else could use them. However I can’t get to places I’d like to go that I could donate them it’d be much easier if someone here in the park was in need of the item(s) to just walk it over or have them pick it up. In addition, my family has some items in our shed that my husband would love to try to sell but are too heavy and time consuming to try to sell/ship online. I am sure we are not the only ones who have items to give away and/or sell. To have another avenue to accomplish this would possibly help a lot of people in our own community and also cut down on the parks dumpster use and therefore help save some money as well even if it is a small amount in the grand scheme of things, I’m sure every little bit helps.
Sandra Greenberg
20 Morton St.
For those people who have a positive approach to the new coop:
Please don't let the negative comments sway your opinions. From what I have read, it appears that it is only one or two individuals who are posting all the negative comments, because they say the same things over and over. Anyone who posts on this blog should have the courage and guts to post their name at the end of their message, positive or negative.
IF YOUR GOING TO SAY IT, STAND BEHIND IT..... Otherwise it's not even worth reading.
John Balser
29 Cherry St.
Exeter River Coop.
Regarding variable lot fees and the comment as to whether I chose to buy when I purchased my mobilehome, yes, I chose it, but since then other trailers have been added/moved and concrete slabs have been put down and the excess water ends up in my backyard making it a swamp.
I also bought with the knowledge that I was paying lot rent. Now that I will be paying a lot fee as a member of a Coop I do not expect to be subsidizing others taxes/lot fees.
Very good thoughts from both Scott and Sandra. There are alot of negative thoughts on this blog about the CO-OP and the board, its nice to see that there are people with nice things to say.
I was also wondering about a different blog topic for things that we dont use. Title it "Up for Grabs" or something like that. I know there are people here in the park that need things that some of us dont use. Like i said in an earlier post, i felt so bad tossing a working fridge at the dump because i knew there would be people that could have used it. However, there is a stove sitting on my deck that works, I just had a new one put in, feel free to take it...it needs a good cleaning. :)
Not everyone is being negative about the co-op, there are some people that would like to have a new meeting sooner than september. I had a gentleman come to my door today looking for a signature on a petition to have another soon. I signed it. We need to fix this soon or we will all just end up hateing our neighbors, and i for one dont want to see that.
Whats going to happen next? I mean, if some of you are so mad at certain board members...and they have kids...and you have kids...and they play together, are you going to make them stop playing together because you dont like the parents? I dont know if i worded that right, but who knows.
Everyone is so quick to jump off the handle at how things are getting handled and its not right.
And your both are right...scott and sandra, the lot fees does not have anything to do with the size of the lot. I have a good size yard, my neighbor does not and we both pay the same thing...everyone does. I think the only thing that everyone pays a different amount on is the taxes. You both made other very good points...WOOHOOO to you :)
Certain people say that the board has thier own agenda...how do you figure? they are doing the best they can with what time they have. If you had any problems with the people on the board, you should have not voted to have them on it. They are trying to make this a better place and some of you are turning it into a "she said this, he said that, why is this , why is that?" scenerio. Are we adults or children?
People are complaining about the park rent going up. You cant rent an apartment for under 1000.00 these days, so 415.00 is EXCELLENT.
As far as the rules, the only one i saw that was different was the pet rule, unless i missed something. I too want a dog, a small dog and dont want to wait till september to find out if we can let them out.
So, if the nice gentleman comes by your house (stupid me didnt ask a name, but i have seen him around here), please sign what he has, we need to have a meeting before september to clear this all up.
Vicki
5 cedar street
Has anyone thought about the overall picture???
We are paying a lot rent of $350 - which is an increase of $15 per month for 2007 - when the Cooperative gets funded and we are under the Cooperative, the rent will be a minimum of $415 a month and a maximum, this year, of $430. a month, plus a membership fee of $400. If you choose not to join the Cooperative, then your lot rent will be $100 more than that. How can this be possible, legal and beneficial? In Lindenshire Mobilehome Park we all own our mobilehomes, they are not rentals. Therefore it is not like you can just give your notice and move out.
Being defined as a low to moderate income Cooperative and with the assistance of the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund (which is being compensated $78,000) whose objective is to "help" low income individuals, then how can this kind of a rent increase be allowed - this is approximately a 20% increase if you are a member and much more if you are not. How are people supposed to be able to maintain their homes. I would think that if Morgan Acquisitions had purchased this, he would have had regulations as to how much of an increase he could charge; why would the Cooperative be different.
Why are we, the members of the Coop, being informed of when the Board of Directors have meetings? I understand there is a meeting tonight, Tuesday, March 27th? Thought there weren't secret meetings?
What is the matter with you fellow co-op members? Who do you think is paying for the renting of the school gym & sign language interpreter? Who do you think pays for the postage & office supplies? WE DO! We don't need another meeting until September. Money is tight for us, we need our money. We can't afford to be spending money at someone's whims. Everyone knew about the meeting on the 24th. Some chose not to show up & some had to leave & some had to gripe about everything. Those members that griped about everything made it difficult for those that had to get to work. Okay, the new park rules didn't go through for now. So what, vote on them in September & maybe everyone will show up....NPC
My lot size is not the same as when i purchased...... otherwise i would not say anything.... they had small old mobile homes on both sides.. they have put brand new ones now and are both larger... i had back yard.....space between me and neighbors now it is gone... That is the only reason i had made a comment..... if anyone one wants to check it out write back i will give address and you can come and see for yourself.....
I think going co-op was our only option. No one wants to pay more rent. We would all be paying more than $415 plus co-op plus more money if someone else bought this park. I think Anita's idea is a good one. I will help and be a supporter of a thrift store. I have every Friday off and some Sat. We need to work together on the co-op. How about starting now!!!! It's our park and our money. Choose wisely.
Louise Frotten
5 Hilton Ave.
If the committee needs any help I will help.
*****Regarding variable lot fees and the comment as to whether I chose to buy when I purchased my mobilehome, yes, I chose it, but since then other trailers have been added/moved and concrete slabs have been put down and the excess water ends up in my backyard making it a swamp.
I also bought with the knowledge that I was paying lot rent. Now that I will be paying a lot fee as a member of a Coop I do not expect to be subsidizing others taxes/lot fees.*********
In regards to this blog, my double wide has been here for a while, has not been moved. Seems like you have few issues and I sympathize, but perhaps someone with power will help you and your concern will not fall on deaf ears.
However, it was my belief that we pay taxes on our dwelling, is this correct? At least for now. Not sure how this will change. But I do not expect anyone to subsidize my unit whatsoever. I work and pay my taxes. We all signed up for the same thing.
If my lot rent goes to 415, thats fine. You know what, I came from a small apt here in Exeter, paying $1000 plus utilities.
So, Im grateful that its been lowered at all.
I hope everything gets resolved and we can stand together and become a coop that has dignity.
Things need to be worked out. But lets give the board members a chance. I do not know any of them.
Perhaps we can not focus on the problem and be part of the solution. Let's care about each other and allow others to have mistakes in the process.
"Why are we, the members of the Coop, being informed of when the Board of Directors have meetings? I understand there is a meeting tonight, Tuesday, March 27th? Thought there weren't secret meetings?"...
Think of it this way, if your managers at work have a meeting, the employees are not there. Its almost the same thing. The board can have meetings to go over things that need to be shown to us members. Theres nothing hidden there. if you read the other topics, the things discussed at that meeting are posted. Nothing is being hidden.
Im with Louise, if the commitee needs help, let me know. I told Russell that too when he stopped by the other day. I am also a notary for NH, and i am usually home. Anything that will help us get through this easily and SMOOTHLY will be a good thing
Vicki
5 cedar st
I think the board has done a great job. I have kept an open mind about this whole coop. After reading all of these posts I feel like I am in second grade again.(That just MY opinion)
We are going to be a community so why can't we all try to get along and keep an open mind.
Jennifer
"Why are we, the members of the Coop, being informed of when the Board of Directors have meetings? I understand there is a meeting tonight, Tuesday, March 27th? Thought there weren't secret meetings?"...
Think of it this way, if your managers at work have a meeting, the employees are not there. Its almost the same thing. The board can have meetings to go over things that need to be shown to us members. Theres nothing hidden there. if you read the other topics, the things discussed at that meeting are posted. Nothing is being hidden.
Most Coop's and condo complexex make their meeting open to the public for these reasons, kinda common sense. I do not know any of the board members I did not vote for them. I missed the 1st few meetings cause my street got no info. I trusy myself and my judgement I want to know 1st hand what is being said.
Well if it is that important to you, why don't you offer to let the board hold their meeting in your house? Then you can invite everyone who wants to attend. You have to remember the meeting is held in a mobile home. There is limited space.
I don't think you realize exactly how the co-op works. If you ask one of the board members they can explain it to you, and you will realize that it is set up so there can not be any secret agendas.
Also, most Co-op and condo associations do not have over 300 members!
Doy uo live in a bubble tons of condo complex have that many people.
Well, in the beginning, we were all told that once we co CO-OP, we would be the largest one in the state of new hampshire.
Why are people so dam negative!!!!
Results of the Mbrshp Mtg., I attended the meeting and I was very disappointed, 1st., It started late, and lasted longer than stated. Piss poor prior planning. The issues of the Park Rules centered on DOGS,they are not the problem. I've lived here for 7 yrs.,and I have rarely seen a loose dog, if I have it didn't belong here. The problem is CATS!!! They are all over the neighborhood and they're LOOSE. Owners have been seen letting them out w/o being on a leash, no Tags showing vaccinations, AND taking craps on everyones property but their own, and the owners aren't cleaning it up. Give me a break!! I like animals, especially cats, but,not when they come from across the street to crap under my home.
We are all learning , even the board. We have learned and we a growing from it. Calling it PRIOR PISS POOR PLANNING is just hurtful for people that a volunteering their time. Please come forward with your name so you can help plan and carry out the next event. I am truly tired of wearing the dart board for the coop.
Anita Jordan
As a new arrival here at the park, I am so disappointed in the name calling and low tolerance threshold for people being human.
"piss poor planning" is very hurtful and I can't imagine how Anita feels.
I am so sorry Anita for the treatment you are receiving. I dont know you, but I will pray for you and the other board members to get through this.
These inconsiderate and condemning individuals need to stop using the board as a scapegoat and need to focus on their own issues in their lives. It's so easy to condemn others without looking at our own faults.
I didnt realize there were some individuals that were so unappreciative.
I understand there is frustration and of course, with so many people, there will be disagreements, but the put downs and insults are getting out of hand.
If we all can't work together, then why the heck are we becoming a coop?...Grow up people, and lets work towards a solution. Stop the pettiness..it may cost us our park.
I TOTALLY agree with the "PISS POOR PLANNING" being UNCALLED for!!
Anita, I am so sorry that you have to go through all this, its not fair to you. You are doing an excellent job in my eyes. You are informative with what information you receive. This is all new to us and the board is doing the best they can. Its not going to be easy, but if we come together as a community, rather than a bunch of children, we can get it done, but stop saying hurtful things!!!!
I See that I hit a nerve w/PPPP, however, that was not my issue! The issue was the CATS. BUT, if the shoe fits, wear it!! As for leaving my name, sorry, it would only single me out as you have single out others. As for becoming a board member, I work for a living and can't be there. Now, can the issue about the Cats be addressed????
Well I can definitely agree with the poster about the cats, there are so many on my street I repeatedly watch several of my neighbors letting them out with no regard to others. I’ve had cats get under my home and destroy my insulation that I now have to pay to have fixed. My brand new vehicles have been scratched from cats jumping on them to sleep. And I’ve stepped in cat feces several times. Everyone is so hung up on dogs but cats are a real issue. I have a 7year old cat he never leaves my house, 1) because it is a rule, 2) because I can’t follow him around to clean up after him. Why should you people have to clean up after my animal?
As for poor planning. I was there. Many people got out of hand with the same questions over & over again, that is what took up our time. How can you even try to hold Anita responsible for over 300 people who can’t listen, or for people who didn’t care enough to show up? She is in the middle of a Hornets nest and trying to do the right thing. There is no way all of us will ever agree on all issues no matter who is on the board.
I have been reading this for several weeks though this is my 1st post. I wasn’t going to post but things have gotten out of hand and I wanted to say though I don’t agree with everything about the coop, I am still supportive of it and the people who are trying to make this work. I was nominated for an alternate for the Board but I was not chosen, because the majority did not vote me in. This does not mean everything about the board is rigged. I have no idea how this whole coop will work out, it is a learning experience and it will never work if people don’t stop bickering about EVERY single thing. For all of our sakes, I hope we can get to a place where we can move forward with the coop and MAKE this work! This is just MY opinion, doesn’t mean I am right but we all have a voice and I wanted people to see that although there are things I don’t agree with I don’t need to bash anyone or make unnecessary negative comments.
Roger Russo
32 Hilton Ave.
poor Anita I was watching her face as people spoke, like she was better that all of us, and as far some of the ignorant people speaking who are on the board learn to speak better and not like we idiots!!!!!!!!!!!
I am singled out every day. I am not scared to sign my name to anything. I run a business which is a job, raise three children and I still found time to help in the community. I will no longer respond to anyone that will not sign their name. If you won't back what you say. I will no longer listen. YOU ARE COPPING OUT!
Anita Jordan
If I was running this blog I would not let anything go that wasn't signed, but since I am not I can only refuse to respond.
Good for you Anita! There is NO reason for some of the post on here.
Vicki
Just adopt the rules Kaufman had. If we don't this park will go to you know where. I just also want to state as a coop and new people move in, we as a coop have to let them know pedophiles are in the park. (look on the NH website you find it) As for the board Kudos, keep doing what you are doing, and don't worry about what others say I didn't see anyone else step up when it was needed to make a plan. As for cats let them run around, they keep the mice away. As for dogs, keep them in the house, on your property, or don't have one, i have a young child and i dont want dogs roaming around. I left the meeting early because people kept talking about things already discussed, it was rediculous, and i also work full time, and wanted to spend valuable time with my child, instead of listening to the bickering. And i will not attend another meeting, as they don't go anywhere. KEEP THE SAME RULES WE HAVE HAD FOR 10 YEARS I HAVE BEEN HERE. KUDOS TO THE BOARD, HANG IN THERE.
Heidi
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