FOXFIRE UPDATE (March 27, 2010)

Dear Foxfire Members,

The vote on Davis Blvd Gate and Guardhouse project met a resounding defeat only approximately one third of the membership voted to support this project.  It seems reasonable to assume that with a 2 to 1 defeat, the issue would be dead for the foreseeable future.  That does not appear to be the case.

Mr. Lee Hollenbeck our president, feels that the membership vote against the project was a bad decision; and he stated this at the February annual meeting.

At the March forum, Mr.Hollenbeck announced the boards plans to spend up to $197,000 on almost the same Davis Blvd. entrance project we voted down in December.  According to Mr. Hollenbeck, you voted against an assessment and not the gate project.  The gate/guardhouse project totaled $371,000 based on the ADHOC committee and the Board's own figures.  However, if it is done in parts that do not exceed their $300,000 limit per year, it can be done without your vote of approval.  It appears to me the Board is preparing to do exactly that.  At the February board meeting, Tom Helms stated "build the damn guardhouse and tel them (the member/owners) about it later'.  This explains why the Board has voted to  widen the curbs and gates this summer. The existing curbing and gate width has served us well since Foxfire became a gated community over 10 years ago, accommodating all types of heavy construction equipment used for the new clubhouse and golf course renovations as well as the ill fated streets resurfacing.  Widening the existing gates will not effect the traffic or have a significant impact on access to our community.  There are 931 members/owners in Foxfire and each of us is entitled to have our voice heard.  It is the responsibility of the board to allow for each member to voice input whenever possible.  The Davis Blvd. gate project currently being pushed by the Board should not be discretionary spending and should be put to a vote for the members to decide, not the 7 board members and the house committee.  The tail has wagged the dog long enough.  It is time for your imput! I believe most members are in favor of some type of entrance beautification:  signs, barrier arms, lights, etc., But, to spend almost $200,000 and tear up our curbs and gates when it isn't necessary doesn't make sense.  The gates are not at the end of their useful life as we were told by  the ADHOC gate committee.  I have statements from gate contractors that estimate our existing gates remaining useful life is 8 to 10 years.  The Board must begin to practice fiscal responsibility instead of raiding our wallets every time they get a wild idea put in front of them by some well meaning committee.  They need to be made aware of their fiduciary responsibilities to us.   (see Foxfire pg 2)