Despite having to stand in line for an hour just to check in at the recent special meeting of the Twin Lakes Homeowners Association, I was actually quite relieved to learn that a quorum was not obtained, thus delaying the vote.
After getting through the line and finding a seat, I read the ballot that was handed out and was really quite shocked at the language. It read:
“I vote that the dues assessment for the Twin Lakes Homeowners Association be increased by twenty-five dollars ($25) contingent of the board of directors completing what it determines to be an acceptable amenities agreement with the Twin Lakes Golf and Country Club within three months (emphasis added).”
At least one member of my household has been present at each of the town hall meetings and we have all read the various information packets sent to us by the HOA. We were told of the amenities we could expect in exchange for the mandatory hike in our dues. I cannot recall it ever being stated that they were still trying to come up with an “acceptable amenities agreement.”
In essence, the ballot presented at the Dec. 10 meeting, had it passed with a “yes” vote, would have had us all handing over $300 more a year for a deal that hasn’t even been settled. I keep reading letters about what a great opportunity we have to play golf and swim in their little pool (whether we want to or not), but evidently, that deal is not finalized and we could very well be just giving the country club a handout, with little or nothing in exchange.
Those who have asserted that this vote was thrown together in haste were right on track. As homeowners, we need to be casting our vote thoughtfully and with all the information. I can’t imagine anyone would be happy to find out they had voted “yes” and then three months down the road find out that the deal the HOA made with the club was nothing like what was represented to us.
I invite the board to please provide us with all the information and allow us to make an educated decision before calling the next meeting.
Sandy Clayton, Federal Way
