Golf and trails were the topics at the POA's Coffee and Questions session on Tuesday. Once a month, General Manager Tom Judson, along with representatives of golf operations, answers questions from members.
Attendance at the regularly scheduled sessions varies from three or four to about 20 residents. Last month, when Judson was presenting the proposal for an assessment increase, the crowd filled the common area outside the Country Club's restaurant space. With the assessment election postponed, about 10 residents were present on Tuesday.
One couple who described themselves as trail users were concerned about the proximity of the new trails to backyards in her neighborhood.
None of the trails use private property, Judson said, but there are places where common property is either very narrow or very steep and the trails may be located close to backyards.
The trails are being designed by the nonprofit NWA Trail Blazers and the representative of that group, Erin Rushing, can help individuals with specific concerns, Judson said. When the same group was working on the east side trails, Rushing helped ensure residents with privacy concerns were protected by moving the trails or planting hedges for privacy. Judson said he would provide the contact information for residents with concerns.
When the member said he had seen people camping in the woods near the trails, Judson pointed out that is illegal and the police should be notified.
Another member wanted to know why his golf group is never scheduled to play at the Country Club.
Scheduling large groups that use shotgun starts is difficult, Judson said. During a shotgun start, all the golfers spread out over 18 tees and begin at the same time. That means maintenance has no opportunity to finish their work since the entire course is in use.
During a traditional start, maintenance can continue to mow ahead of the first group.
Darryl Muldoon, golf operation director, said his staff is working on the problem and he believes that a new mower may help the maintenance staff complete work in time for a shotgun start.
Another member complained that members pay more for golf than guests. The member rate for 18 holes is less than the guest rate, but if you add in the monthly assessment, members are charged more.
Judson explained that pricing golf is a complicated issue. The current guest rate is as high as the market will allow, he said, and the POA needs the guest golfers. He reminded his audience that golf, like most POA amenities, is subsidized by assessment dollars. The fees paid by guests lower the amount needed from assessment funds by about one million dollars each year.
Lowering the member's fee is also problematic, he said. Because the POA has not been able to raise the monthly assessments, fees have been increased as costs have risen. Without the increased fees, golf courses would have to close.
Judson agreed when a member pointed out that the courses are not used to capacity, but closing a course is also a problem. People who own homes on a golf course will protest and possibly sue, he said, since their property values would be affected.
The POA keeps members up to date with several optional newsletters, Judson reminded the group, including ones that focus on golf, lakes and recreation. There is also a general newsletter that is emailed weekly. Any member can sign up for the newsletters on the POA webpage, bellavistapoa.com.
The next Coffee and Questions is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 13, in the Country Club boardroom.
General News on 10/17/2018