MCA sends out TMCC Advice on Homeowner Voting

NOTE: This post was created by Joe Moore during his 2023 MCA Board member campaign.

I would like to respond to a political email message written by Phil Boyle, President, Board of Governors, The Meadows Country Club and sent to many Meadows homeowners on or about January 24, 2023.

In the text he made the following points and I quote:

“Only 3 of the 5 candidates running for the board have declared themselves to be supportive and committed to the cooperative and constructive relationship both boards have maintained the past four years.”

“We cannot afford as a community to regress from the positivity we have achieved, both in relationships and results.”

“We have successfully stabilized the Club and we have enhanced the value and attraction of this community as a place to live and recreate.”

“The Renaissance Access Plan has provided important annual funds ($600,000) to the club while affording residents access to the fitness center, pool, dining and social activities all at a relatively modest cost.”

“It is important for the success of this venture that both the MCA Board and the Club Board consist of persons who share the vision and will work positivity together to continue that success.”

Mr. Boyle makes it clear that only homeowners who “share the vision” are welcome on either board. So, what is the vision? The Renaissance Plan defines our vision, “To be known as a well-maintained, welcoming, safe community with up-to-date housing, activities, and services designed to meet the needs of all residents.” That sounds pretty good, sign me up, I’m all in!

However, in my opinion, Mr. Boyle’s vision is something different. A vision where the MCA Board is completely homogeneous with no differing opinions on spending money. During the past 4 years, our board has voted unanimously 100% of the time on every financial issue involving TMCC.

Will this vision be destroyed if we dare add two people who may raise concerns about how money is being spent? The only thing Ken Ludwig and I can do is ask questions and make comments and on occasion, change the vote from 9-0 to 7-2. Consider the following financial decisions that have been approved unanimously with our homogeneous board that works so very well together.

After buying TMCC property for $6 million in 2018, we ended the year with a debt of $2,285 million, which most people would agree was money well spent.

Then our board raised assessments and built the 17th street entrance sign for $267,000. Our debt grew to $3.174 million (increasing cash balance to a safe level).

Then our board raised assessments again and completely remodeled the Meadows golf course. Our debt grew to $4.212 million. The justification for this spending was to enable TMCC to grow golf memberships and improve profitability. Information to evaluate our investment is not available since TMCC is a private corporation. But remember, we don’t need outsiders who might as questions.

Then our board raised assessments again and spent $4 million to build a community center while adding outside dining and improving decking near the pool area of TMCC. Our debt grew to $8 million, which is where it is today. Does anyone know our spending plans for the next few years? I don’t!

It is a fact that that businesses fail mainly because consumers are not willing to buy the products being offered for a variety of reasons. They didn’t fail because their products weren’t good, they failed because the market changed and their boards would not accept those changes because they were “homogenous.” Diversity of opinion is always healthy. That is why organizations have boards. Don’t be fooled by Mr. Boyle’s mis-guided plea.