Increase in assessment to use swimming pool aggravates Lake Lindero residents

By Lori Porter Acorn Staff Writer

At a recent Lake Lindero Homeowners Association meeting, it was standing room only as many residents—upset over a recent letter which informed them of an additional fee—were given a chance to voice their dissatisfaction to the association’s boardmembers and to a representative from Golf Projects Lindero (GPL).

The unwelcome notification which came to homeowners in a May letter was from GPL, the property management organization that oversees the golf course, clubhouse and other common area facilities at Lake Lindero Country Club.

The letter from GPL said that it had requested from the association’s boardmembers an increase of $15 per month in assessment fees. GPL’s letter also said that boardmembers were told that if the fee increase were denied that GPL would have no other alternative but to introduce a "pool use fee" for homeowners.

GPL’s letter also noted that there hasn’t been an increase in 10 years. Lindero homeowners currently pay $82 per month. GPL also argued that the HOA has grown financially from a weak position to a strong one and that GPL costs have gone up without reimbursement. Additionally the letter stated that the management agreement between the association and GPL acknowledges that monthly fees are—and continue to be—the source of GPL’s revenue, therefore giving GPL the right to increase them.

However, according to HOA president Terry Miller, "The agreement contemplates that GPL’s revenue will come from the use fees (paid by nonmember users of our facilities)."

GPL informed homeowners that after much discussion, the HOA board had declined GPL’s request for an assessment increase, resulting in GPL’s decision to establish a pool use fee of $300 per season for homeowners.

GPL’s letter included a response form in which homeowners were asked to check one of two boxes. One was an agreement to pay the $300 in six monthly installments of $50 beginning July 1. The other choice said that the homeowner didn’t intend to use the Lindero Country Club swimming pool and instructed GPL to not bill them.

On May 28, homeowners got a second letter from GPL, which said that some members had responded that they use the pool—but only infrequently. To remedy the dilemma regarding frequent vs. infrequent pool users, GPL said it would establish a daily use fee of $10 per adult and $5 per child under 16 years old. Homeowners were once again given a choice between the $300 seasonal fee or paying the user fees when going to the pool.

The call for more money to residents from GPL aggravated both homeowners and the board of directors of the HOA.

Miller’s letter to residents also said, "The board is very disappointed with GPL, as we believe that this particular use fee is a violation of our CC&Rs."

Regarding the agreement made between GPL and Lake Lindero HOA, Miller explained that the agreement requires GPL to be responsible for any and all operational and maintenance expenses of the association. The only major expense the HOA remained responsible for was special services such as dredging the lake.

According to Miller, the board has taken action to stop GPL from charging a pool use fee. Additionally, he said, the board may be required to take legal action if GPL declines to agree.

The situation remained unresolved.