|
The CLC prepared the following article
for a recent addition of “Magnolia Living”.
ARTICLE FOR MAGNOLIA LIVING
COMMUNITY LIAISON COMMITTEE UPDATE
Effective July 1, 2011, the Magnolia Point Community Association
(“MPCA”) and Magnolia Golf Management LLC (“MGM”),
the operator of the Magnolia Point Golf and Country Club,
entered into a Use Agreement whereby the MGM makes all its
non-Golf Course facilities (i.e., the Clubhouse, Pool, Tennis
Courts, and Playground) available to all MPCA members. In
exchange, the MPCA pays the MGM $37.00 per month for each
lot (subject to collection of that $37.00 from the lot owner).
This Agreement was entered into because the Club had indicated
that it was in financial difficulties and faced the possibility
of closure or abandonment. The MPCA Board of Directors recognized
that either event would severely and negatively impact property
values within the Community. After lengthy and detailed study
by a committee of homeowners, the Board determined that entering
into the Use Agreement in an effort to avoid such consequences
would be of “significant benefit” to the property
owners of Magnolia Point.
As a result of the Use Agreement, all Magnolia Point lot owners
now enjoy the same access to the Club’s non-golf facilities
as Members of the Club. However, the latter have charge account
privileges and may receive discount pricing on food and beverages,
as well as golf shop merchandise. All lot owners can become
Club Members by filling out a Membership application with
the Club. Social Club Members do not pay any dues to the Club,
nor is there a minimum purchase of food and beverages requirement.
The Agreement provided that the MPCA would establish a Community
Liaison Committee (the “CLC”) which would “.
. . act as the voice of the community and represent the community’s
best interest by coordinating the wishes of the community,
first to the [MPCA]’s Board of Directors, and then to
ownership and management of the [MPG&CC].”
The CLC is chaired by Russ Kendall; its other members are
Sandy Riddle (Secretary), Tom Abbate, Duncan Hamner, Jack
Phillips, and Jim Gillespie. It meets on the second Friday
of each month at the Clubhouse. The CLC has established excellent
communications and working relationships with the MGM and
its new management contractor, BillyCasper Golf, as well as
with First Coast Association Management LLC.
Working with homeowners Bob Tague and Joanie Braatz, the CLC
has set up a sub-site within the Magnolia Point Community
website where the CLC can post news and developments, and
also where individual homeowners can post comments and questions
to the CLC. Although none have been posted so far, the CLC
encourages all Members to utilize it if they have any questions,
suggestions, or concerns about the Use Agreement
Here is a list of improvements the Club has made since the
Use Agreement took effect:
· The Clubhouse Building has been power washed
· New Pool Fence
· New Pool furniture
· New Pool guard rail
· All new paper towel, soap and TP dispensers in all
restrooms
· New menus in restaurant
· Irrigation system fixed around the main clubhouse
· Additional ice machine acquired for F&B department
· Repaired the wall & window seal in the card room
· Upgraded the tennis court
· Grassed in front of building and other areas
· Pressure washed the gazebo & playground building
In addition, the Club has scheduled, or has already accomplished
the following:
· Carpet cleaning will be completed within 30 days
· Painting of the main entry way, door and safety rails
· Replacement of brass "kick boards" on main
door and restroom doors
· Replace pine straw with approved material under children's
play area
· Fix lights in parking lot
Other improvements planned in the near future
include:
· New "steam table" for kitchen...(will improve
speed of food service)
· New PA system in main dining room for big events
· Landscaping around main clubhouse
· New dishes/silverware/glasses in restaurant
· Lighting the magnolia trees coming up clubhouse Drive.
· Repair the back wall
On the financial side, only a small number
of lot owners are in arrears with respect to the $37.00 @
month “Use Fee,” and all of them are also in arrears
with respect to the regular assessment.
Leaders of both MPCA and MGM view the Use Agreement as successful
and a plus for the Community. Joe Chao, President of the MPCA
Board of Directors, said, “I am most pleased with the
results of the Use Agreement so far. I think it has had a
very positive impact on the Community. It is abundantly clear
to me that the Club is committed to improving all its facilities,
and to improving service to members of the MPCA. The increased
revenue under the Use Agreement facilitates that commitment.
Those improvements have led to increased use of the facilities
by MPCA members. Both results strengthen the continued viability
of the Golf Course and Country Club. Most real estate professionals
agree that the continued viability of the Club has a positive
effect on real estate values in Magnolia Point. In short,
I believe that the Use Agreement results in a “win –
win” situation, benefitting both parties. I look forward
to its continued success”
Van Royal, Vice President of MGM said, “The Club greatly
appreciates the support from the Members of the Community
represented by the Use Fee, and is striving to improve its
facilities and service to them. Our goal is to make Magnolia
Point Golf and Country Club a focal point of the Community
which will encourage people to want to live here. We have
already made several improvements, and will make more as circumstances
permit. We welcome suggestions from the Members, either through
the CLC or directly to our management staff."
BACK TO TOP OF PAGE
|
