This would be nice. There is one board member at Ocean Pointe who is a member of these forums and has quite possibly been on the BOD from the beginning. I’ve been aware of her for at least 15 years as she was also on an owners Yahoo group. In fact, she was the single reason I left that group and is the primary reason I don’t participate often on the pinned forum on this site. I may read it sometimes but don’t usually feel the need to participate.
Their is to much control by Marriott with to little control by the members who actually pay the fees. I understand Marriott will have their minimum standards to maintain any resort with their name on the building. However, we own at three different resorts and I have yet to be included in any decision making for how the resort spends my money.
The BOD member at Ocean Pointe did include the members on the Yahoo group on some of the decision making, but that appears to be that persons own agenda, not the boards. At any rate, it appeared it was only that select group. When I disagreed, let’s just say the conversation didn’t take a respectful turn and the tone turned adversarial. A discussion often includes different views and, while we might disagree, there is no reason to be disrespectful. I have always appreciated the BOD’s ability to keep the resort looking beautiful and well maintained. I do, however, take issue with a few items. One of which we see on this thread. A lack of good communication with owners and gathering good owner input.
At the time my concern was the addition of several amenities that would require a larger cash reserve to maintain. Ocean Pointe already had, if I recall correctly, a history of 4-5% MF increases. My concern was future affordability for owners at the resort. I know my personal income hasn’t increased at the rate our MF’s have increased and, my concern was adding items that, while very nice, would add unnecessary burden in future costs to the owners without the owners having a say in the changes.
Mother Marriott may very well have mandated these additions. Unfortunately I may never know as I was essentially shouted down by the BOD member. I have pretty thick skin, but if getting a nasty response to what I considered a legitimate concern was the result….. life is too short. I can disagree with someone and still be friends. I won’t tolerate being spoken to in a disrespectful manner and have learned it’s easier to disengage with that person than stand a fight. To that end I’ve learned the block feature on TUG keeps my B/P a little lower when another member seems intent on attacking anything I say or post. I have enough real issues on my plate. TUG is a luxury.
