Article Courtesy of The Charlotte Sun

By Steve Reilly

Published March 17, 2010

GARDENS OF GULF COVE -- Pat Conlin-Houle, Dian Hershberger and Mary Ann Rathbun would like to see change in the Gardens of Gulf Cove Property Owners Association.

They are hoping to be the ones bringing that change to the association board and will soon find out if they can.

The association is scheduled to hold its election at its annual meeting, scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday at the association, 6464 Coniston St. in the Gardens of Gulf Cove. 

"It's a done deal, but there will be a good turnout," Conlin-Houle predicted. Like other associations, Gardens of Gulf Cove property owners can send in their votes early by proxy.

Hershberger said, "What we are concerned about now is that the voting is correct. There have been some irregularities in the past."

The three women are running against three incumbent association directors; John "Jack" Arlinghaus, the president; Marlene Schroer, the secretary; and George MacNeil, a director. Association directors serve three-year terms.

Conlin-Houle, Hershberger and Rathbun say they want greater transparency regarding board actions and greater fiscal constraint, especially in light of the present recession.

"We hope to get at least two of us on the board so we can make a difference," Rathbun said. Both she and Conlin-Houle have served prior terms on the association board but resigned.

The association includes 983 property owners who pay a $275 annual assessment plus an additional $25 special assessment to cover an insurance deductible.

According to Conlin-Houle, association members have an option of paying off their assessment monthly -- but monthly payments include an interest and service charge. Conlin-Houle said she doesn't think that's fair to those who pay on time, especially in light of the recession.

"If they're making an effort with monthly payments of their dues, they should not have to pay an additional fee for that privilege if they pay on time," Conlin-Houle said. "And I want to see that all board members get the information when needed, so that we're all prepared to get what needs to be done."

During her nine months as a director, Conlin-Houle said she wasn't always privy to information other board members had.

Conlin-Houle, Hershberger and Rathbun contend that the board isn't scrutinizing spending as closely as it should. They also say the present board has spent down the association's reserves.

MacNeil, however, has been on the association board for a decade and said the present incarnation is "the best one" on which he's served. He is especially supportive of Arlinghaus.

"These people do a darn good job," MacNeil said. When asked what challenges the association faces, he said, "Same as other associations."

"It's a hard question to answer," he said. "There are numerous things that need to get done. (The present board) tries to handle things in the best manner possible."

When asked to comment about the association and her reelection bid, Schroer said, "I'm sorry. No, thank you."

Arlinghaus said, "I wish more property owners will come to the meetings and get more involved."

Arlinghaus described the present board as one composed of directors that work well together. He believes the board manages the association well. Among the board's accomplishments, he cited its maintenance and other programs to improve the community's standards. 

"The challenge is keeping up with maintenance," Arlinghaus said. The association maintains two pools as well as tennis and basketball courts. It also maintains a community center and other amenities.

"It's going to be a tight budget this year. We have equipment 20 and 30 years old," he said.

Outside of the election, the Rathbuns and 32 other property owners are challenging the association over recent revisions to the by-laws and covenants. They are also challenging recent increases to their assessments.