POA Board Meeting

This was the last POA board meeting for Teri Jackson and Paul Day. Both were singled out by fellow board members for the good job they have done during their tenure. Outgoing board president, Mike Misch, said both Day and Jackson were "excellent board members." Jerry Kosoglow and Jim Owens were sworn in as the newest board members. Both Kosoglow and Owens have wives serving on POA committees. Both women have been asked to temporarily step down from committee service until the Board can amend by-laws forbidding the service on a POA committee of a spouse of a standing POA board member.
Director Jeff Atkins announced the selection of three at-large members for the Chamber’s newly formed advertising and promotions committee. Lee Ann Branch supplied the names of the new committee members, Joyce Benning, Katherine Winslow and Jim Harlow.
Bob Brandt’s quote of the meeting was from Rosemary Clooney, "You can’t be appreciative and unhappy at the same time."
The new board president and vice president elections were held, Bill Linam will serve as president and Mike Misch will serve as vice president, reversing their pervious roles.
General manager Dave Johnston presented a financial contingency plan to help reallocate funds to keep the Village in the black. Some of his suggestions included restructuring a bond fund from a restricted account to an unrestricted account, cancelling the fourth of July fireworks celebration and continuing the hiring freeze.
He did have some good news. The implementation of geothermal at the fitness center and the Balboa club has saved the POA $40,000 in electricity and propane costs.
The cancellation of the fourth of July fireworks display would save the POA an additional $40,000.
He also suggested delaying capital improvements at the DeSoto Games Area and replacement of some POA building roofs and vehicles.
An item brought up for delay was street maintenance above the recent assessment increase. Outgoing Board director Paul Day voiced his unwillingness to cut or delay and street maintenance.
Bill Linam suggested the cutting street maintenance option move to the end of the list. Hesaid, "it should only be done when all other avenues of reduction have been exhausted."
There will be a working board meeting next Wednesday at 9 a.m. at the Ouachita room at the Ponce de Leon Center.

Fresh Start

Now that I am no longer with the Voice, I have time on my hands to create the type of paper I would love to read. One overflowing with the latest news, the funny police reports and up to date arts and entertainment previews and reviews. Sorry, if you are looking for sports, I can't help you.
I will endeavor to create a product that will tell you what is going on in Hot Springs Village right now, not what happened last week but what is happening right now.
Currently, the Village is wrapping up its 40th anniversary celebration. Tonight is the Teen Party at the DeSoto Family Recreation Area for 7th grade through 12th grade at 6 p.m. The party is $5.
For adults there is the Ruby Celebration Hop at the Coronado Community Center beginning at 7 p.m. The dance is $3.