Sunday, October 29, 2006

"The Fountain Of Information" - SPECIAL EDITION - Sunday, October 22, 2006 - ANNUAL MEETING NOTICE and NEW MANAGEMENT FIRM NAMED

"THE FOUNTAIN OF INFORMATION" - SPECIAL EDITION - Sunday, October 22, 2006

http://TheFountainOfInformation.Blogspot.com

Contents -
NOTICE -
FREE-ADS -
HEADLINE - ANNUAL MEETING NOTICE and NEW MANAGEMENT FIRM NAMED

NOTICE - If you are reading this in print form and you have a computer or
email address, please notify me of your email address so I can make sure you
are on the mailing list since there is only limited print circulation.

FREE-ADS - (If you have anything you would like to advertise to your
neighbors, please call me or send me an email and it will be published in
the next edition(s) of "T.F.O.I." until you cancel the Ad. This includes
units "For Rent" or "For Sale", etc. Just call me with the information or
send me an email.)

UNIT FOR SALE -
Fountain Court Condo - 1 bedroom, 1 bath, 1st floor completely renovated.
$78,000. Call 885-7369

"Stacey Allesandro, Real Estate Agent" - Stacey owns one of the units here
at Fountain Court would like to introduce herself to the other owners and
invites any other owners or interested parties to contact her for her
assistance in listing, selling or leasing your unit at Fountain Court or any
other real estate needs that you may have. She is licensed with
Prudential-Gardner Realty and you can contact her at 504-940-4037 for more
information or assistance.

"Suzie Homemaker's" - Suzie is also an owner and resident at FCC and
provides reliable cleaning service for residential homes and commercial
offices and has 25 years of experience. Suzie already provides cleaning
services for several of the other owners here at FCC and her rates are very
affordable for weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or one-time cleaning arrangements.
These services are available in the Metairie and Kenner area and you can
reach Suzie at 504-343-6848.

"Neighborhood Home Services" - Lenny has been living at FCC for a couple of
years, rode out Katrina and has been involved in the gutting and rebuilding
of dozens of units at FCC. NHS provides everything from Handyman Services
to full residential construction and renovation. I know many of these units
inside and out as far as plumbing, wiring, air-conditioning and structural
issues. I am experienced in all phases of renovations and if there is
something I do not or cannot do, I have other contractors that I can call
in, such as Licensed Electricians, Licensed Plumbers, Licensed
Air-Conditioning & Heating Repair, etc.

Feel free to contact me during my normal business hours - 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.-
or at any time in the event of an emergency and I will do the best that I
can to assist you in your time of need. I have nearly ALL of the emergency
equipment, tools and supplies to make needed repairs to most of the things
that can go wrong around Fountain Court.

HEADLINE -

(Re-typed verbatim from the notice mailed to all unit owners of record.)

---------------------------------------------------------------

Attn: All Condo Owners

As of 10/18/06 Fountain Court Condos will be managed by The Alcor Group, Mr.
Al Oglesby, Broker/Manager has been thoroughly interviewed by the board
members three times and assistant board members once. The Alcor Group
references have been checked. Other condo associations presently being
operated by The Alcor Group have said choosing Alcor has been very
successful for them.

Please read the attached letter from Alcor for information regarding the
payment of dues and the phone numbers for assistance when there is a
problem.

We will have our annual meeting on 11/15/06 at 7:00 p.m. in the front
recreation room. An Alcor representative will attend to answer all your
questions. This meeting will be conducted in the same fashion as the
previous meeting.

We need everyone to come together, respect each others rights and work as
one community to keep our "neighborhood" together.

............................................................
PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN TO EITHER: JAMES WILLIAMS #79, MANUEL CORDOVA #45
OR DON GAUTHREAUX #39.

I WILL OR WILL NOT ATTEND THE MEETING _________ I GIVE MY PROXY TO
____________________________ I WOULD LIKE TO BE ON THE BOARD _______________

THIS IS AN IMPORTANT MEETING AND WE NEED A GOOD ATTENDANCE.

WE ARE ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS TO FILL A POSITION ON THE BOARD.

.............................................................

OWNER'S NAME ______________________________________

OWNER'S CONDO # ___________________________________

----------------------------------------------------------------

(Here is "The Alcor Group" letter re-typed verbatim)

----------------------------------------------------------------

THE ALCOR GROUP

To: All Owners - Fountain Court Condominiums
From: The ALCOR Group, Property Management
Date: October 18, 2006
Subject: Change in Property Management - Fountain Court Condominiums

--------------------------------------

By now, you have perhaps been made aware of the recent change in
your management company for the Fountain Court Condominium Association to
The Alcor Group. I, Al Oglesby, will serve as your property manager and we
will formally assume the management responsibilities for your Association on
October 18, 2006.

As part of our management program, routine on-site inspections will
be made by myself and/or one of our representatives. While we aim to make
this a "seamless" transition, I'm sure (as with all changes) there will
inevitably be an adjustment period during the first few weeks. Regardless,
our main concern is your satisfaction. If you feel we have overlooked
something along the way, let us know. Our normal office hours are 8:30 a.m.
to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday with local traditional Holidays
observed. If you need to reach us during those hours, please call our
office at 504-887-2800. For after hour emergencies only, I can be reached
at 504-416-3555. If for some reason I am unable to answer the phone at the
time of your call, please leave a message on my voice mail and I will return
the call as soon as possible, usually within minutes in cases involving an
emergency. All future correspondence and payments should be mailed to our
office effective immediately to:

The ALCOR Group
4430 S. I-10 Service Road, W.
Metairie, LA 70001-1211
Office - 504-887-2800
Fax - 504-889-1300
email - Al@alcorgroup.com

All checks should be made payable to "Fountain Court Condo
Association", (not The Alcor Group). Most Owners should have already made
there October monthly condo fee payment; if you have not, simply mail your
payment today to the above address and we will process it accordingly. Some
Owners may chose to use our automated drafting service to make their monthly
condo fee payment(s); there is no additional charge for this service. This
can save you the chance of forgetting your payment and being charged a late
fee. If you chose to enroll in this free service, we will automatically
draft your checking account on the 10th day of each month, the last day that
your monthly fees can be paid without incurring a late fee. If you wish to
use this service, please take a moment to complete the attached form and
return it (along with a check or copy marked "VOID" from the checking
account you wish to use) to our office via mail or fax at your earliest
convenience. We need your assistance here. Please make every effort to
provide us with the needed form by November 1, 2006 if at all possible.

Trusting this meets with the approval of all, should you have any
question or require additional information, please feel free to call our
office at your earliest convenience. Until we meet and on behalf of all of
us at The Alcor Group, we thank you for the opportunity to serve your needs
and welcome your constructive input.

Sincerely,
s/ Al Oglesby
Al Oglesby, CCIM, CPM, CEA
Certified Property Manager/Principal
The Alcor Group, L.L.C.

(Footer information includes the same address and affiliation information
provided in this letter.)
-----------------------------------------------------------

Until next time... let "The Fountain Of Information" flow!!!!!

Sincerely, your friend and neighbor,

Lenny Vasbinder, Unit 94, TFOI Editor
Ofc.-504-621-1870 eFax-413-318-0742
TheFountainOfInformation@Gmail.com
http://TheFountainOfInformation.Blogspot.com

Brought to you by:
http://www.NeighborhoodHomeServices.com 504-621-1870 NHSNOLA@Gmail.com
Gutting & Tearouts, Insulation & Drywall Installation, Cabinets Installed,
Trim & Finishing Work, Flooring, Windows, Painting - Interior & Exterior,
Handyman Services, Homeowners Contractor's Agent (HCA)

Sunday, October 22, 2006

"The Fountain Of Information" - Special Edition - Thursday, October 19, 2006 - Probable NEW Management Firm Information

"THE FOUNTAIN OF INFORMATION" - Special Edition - Thursday, 10/19/2006

Contents -
NOTICE -
FREE-ADS -
HEADLINE - Probable NEW Management Firm Information

NOTICE - If you are reading this in print form and you have a computer or email address, please notify me of your email address so I can make sure you are on the mailing list since there is only limited print circulation.

FREE-ADS - (If you have anything you would like to advertise to your neighbors, please call me or send me an email and it will be published in the next edition(s) of "T.F.O.I." until you cancel the Ad.  This includes units "For Rent" or "For Sale", etc.  Just call me with the information or send me an email.)

UNIT FOR SALE -
Fountain Court Condo - 1 bedroom, 1 bath, 1st floor completely renovated.  $78,000.  Call 885-7369

"Stacey Allesandro, Real Estate Agent" who owns one of the units here at Fountain Court would like to introduce herself to the other owners and invites any other owners or interested parties to contact her for her assistance in listing, selling or leasing your unit at Fountain Court or any other real estate needs that you may have.  She is licensed with Prudential-Gardner Realty and you can contact her at 504-940-4037 for more information or assistance.

 
"Suzie Homemaker's" provides reliable cleaning service for residential homes and commercial offices and has 25 years of experience.  Suzie already provides cleaning services for several of the other owners here at FCC and her rates are very affordable for weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or one-time cleaning arrangements.  These services are available in the Metairie and Kenner area and you can reach Suzie at 504-343-6848.

 
"Neighborhood Home Services" provides everything from Handyman Services to full residential construction and renovation.  NHS has been involved in the gutting and rebuilding of dozens of the damaged condominiums here at Fountain Court.  I know many of these units inside and out as far as plumbing, wiring, air-conditioning and structural issues.  I am experienced in all phases of renovations and if there is something I do not or cannot do, I have other contractors that I can call in, such as Licensed Electricians, Licensed Plumbers, Licensed Air-Conditioning & Heating Repair, etc.

 
Feel free to contact me during my normal business hours - 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.- or at any time in the event of an emergency and I will do the best that I can to assist you in your time of need.  I have nearly ALL of the emergency equipment, tools and supplies to make needed repairs to most of the things that can go wrong around Fountain Court.

HEADLINE -

PROBABLE NEW MANAGEMENT FIRM INFORMATION -

This is the management firm who is on the top of the short list for becoming the new "Manager" for Fountain Court Condos.

The Alcor Group
Al Oglesby, CCIM, CPM, CEA
Broker/Manager
4430 S. I-10 Service Road
Metairie, LA  70001
504-887-2800
fax-889-1300
Al@alcorgroup.com
http://www.alcorgroup.com

Until next time... let "The Fountain Of Information" flow!!!!!

Sincerely, your friend and neighbor,

Lenny Vasbinder, Unit 94, TFOI Editor
Ofc.-504-621-1870   eFax-413-318-0742
TheFountainOfInformation@Gmail.com
http://TheFountainOfInformation.Blogspot.com

Brought to you by:
http://www.NeighborhoodHomeServices.com 504-621-1870 NHSNOLA@Gmail.com Gutting & Tearouts, Insulation & Drywall Installation, Cabinets Installed, Trim & Finishing Work, Flooring, Windows, Painting - Interior & Exterior, Handyman Services, Homeowners Contractor's Agent (HCA)



Tuesday, October 17, 2006

"The Fountain Of Information" - Special Edition - "The Paint The Doors Program" UPDATE

"THE FOUNTAIN OF INFORMATION" - Special Edition - Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2006

Contents -
NOTICE
FREE-ADS
"THE PAINT THE DOORS PROGRAM" UPDATE


NOTICE - If you are reading this in print form and you have a computer or email address, please notify me of your email address so I can make sure you are on the mailing list since there is only limited print circulation.

FREE-ADS - (If you have anything you would like to advertise to your neighbors, please call me or send me an email and it will be published in the next edition(s) of "T.F.O.I." until you cancel the Ad.  This includes units "For Rent" or "For Sale", etc.  Just call me with the information or send me an email.)

 
"Suzie Homemaker's" provides reliable cleaning service for residential homes and commercial offices and has 25 years of experience.  Suzie already provides cleaning services for several of the other owners here at FCC and her rates are very affordable for weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or one-time cleaning arrangements.  These services are available in the Metairie and Kenner area and you can reach Suzie at 504-343-6848.

 
"Neighborhood Home Services" provides everything from Handyman Services to full residential construction and renovation.  NHS has been involved in the gutting and rebuilding of dozens of the damaged condominiums here at Fountain Court.  I know many of these units inside and out as far as plumbing, wiring, air-conditioning and structural issues.  I am experienced in all phases of renovations and if there is something I do not or cannot do, I have other contractors that I can call in, such as Licensed Electricians, Licensed Plumbers, Licensed Air-Conditioning & Heating Repair, etc.

 
Feel free to contact me during normal business hours or in the event of an emergency and I will do the best that I can to assist you in your time of need.  I have nearly ALL of the emergency equipment and supplies to make needed repairs to most of the things that can go wrong around Fountain Court.

"THE PAINT THE DOORS PROGRAM" UPDATE -

I recently painted a front door on a unit that I was doing some renovation and painting work on and the "old" brown door paint that I got from Charlie was a different color from the "new" brown paint that the painting crew used on the trim around the doors.  I'm not sure if the Board or the former manager approved this color change, nor am I sure if the "new" brown is replacing the "old" brown.  I'm waiting to hear back from one of the Board Members to find out if I need to paint the doors in the "new" brown or if they are going to have the painting crew re-paint the trim with the "old" brown.  The "old" brown more closely matched the authorized brown color for screen doors and windows and was more of a chocolate color where the "new" brown is just that... brown.

As soon as I know something definite about what the proper color is or will be, I will move forward with "The Paint The Doors Program"... unless the Board decides to paint all of the doors and/or the trim, which is what should be done since all of this painting is being paid for with YOUR MONEY.

Until next time... let "The Fountain Of Information" flow!!!!!

Sincerely, your friend and neighbor,

Lenny Vasbinder, Unit 94, TFOI Editor
Ofc.-504-621-1870   eFax-413-318-0742
TheFountainOfInformation@Gmail.com
http://TheFountainOfInformation.Blogspot.com 

Brought to you by:
http://www.NeighborhoodHomeServices.com 
Gutting & Tearouts, Insulation & Drywall Installation, Cabinets Installed, Trim & Finishing Work, Flooring, Windows, Painting - Interior & Exterior, Handyman Services, Homeowners Contractor's Agent (HCA)

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

"The Fountain Of Information" - Special Edition - Chet Hingle's Resignation Letter

"THE FOUNTAIN OF INFORMATION" - Wednesday, October 11, 2006 - Special Edition
 
Chet Hingle's Resignation Letter (reprinted as written so pardon the typos and grammatical errors)
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Fountain Court Condominiums
6901 Veterans Boulevard
Metairie, LA  70003
Tel # 504 456 6603   Fax # 504 456 6603
 
TO:  Unit Owners
 
FROM:  Chet Hingle, Manager
 
DATE:  October 10, 2006
 
Some of you might already know that I have given the FCC Board my resignation, effective Monday, October 16, 2006.  It was a difficult decision, as I have made many friends here at FCC, but when one is not happy with his work conditions and not in agreement with what is planned for FCC's future, it is time to move on.
 
We had some good things happen and some bad at FCC during my fours (SIC) years with you.  It has been a challenge which I enjoyed up until now and it has been a pleasure to have been a part of your community.
 
Before I leave I would like you to be aware of a few things.
 
I understand that I will not be replaced, this is, there will be no on site manager, but rather a small real estate company who will manage FCC from their office.
 
Also, the Board will no longer have Charlie as an employee of FCC, but rather he will be controlled by the management company as an independent contractor.  If this is the case Charlie will have no Workman Compensation insurance in case he gets hurt on the job, nor will he have liability insurance in case someone sues him for negligence.  He will be on duty at FCC half a day as usual.
 
The most important issue you should know about is that the FCC Association will have a surplus of over $200,000.00 of Katrina insurance money, which the Board has plans for.  According to the FCC By Laws, and the Board is aware of this, any surplus insurance money must be distributed to ALL 94 unit owners which would amount to a couple of thousand dollars per unit owner.  Any departure from this By Law requirement must be voted on by the unit owners.
 
I wish all of you well and hope the best for FCC.
 
/S/ Chet Hingle
 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Editorial Response -
 
First Paragraph - Now he knows how many of the owners felt when he was running around here Hitler-like telling people what they have to do in their homes and cursing them out if they challenged him.  He worked for the Association, which is comprised of the 94 owners and yet he did not flinch when choosing to curse out one of the owners of the company he worked for.   Unfortunately, many of the owners could not "quit" owning their homes so easily... especially when they were in complete disrepair and Chet was making their lives miserable and refusing to give proper insurance information and money disbursements.
 
Second Paragraph - I wasn't here for the past four years but rather the past two years.  I only got to see how Chet Hingle was after Hurricane Katrina and it wasn't a pretty sight.  He was rude, crude, obnoxious, vulgar and arrogant.  He talked down to the owners and even cursed many of them out.. sometimes in front of their kids.  It was not a pleasure to those owners.
 
Third Paragraph - It's about time Chet finally makes people "aware of a few things".  Up until now, he has steadfastly refused to give out proper and complete information... and he still doesn't in his "parting shot" letter.
 
Forth Paragraph - Having a professional real estate company can be a good thing in many ways.  There will be someone to answer the phones and keep track of things for more than four hours a day.  Hopefully, they will keep better records and not lose so many documents... which is what Chet said happened to so many letters sent to him... even Certified Letters which he had to sign for.  Chet used the "I never got it" excuse to many owners and many different problems over the past year.  The only thing we should be cautious of is that the new management company is not a CAI affiliate.  CAI (Condominiums Association Institute) is trying to be the trade organization involved in lobbying politicians and making payoffs to them (contributions) to get laws changed or enacted against the homeowners they are supposed to be working for.  CAI and/or their affiliates are under investigation by Attorney Generals in a couple of States.  Further, they are the defendant or potential defendant in countless lawsuits including a class-action lawsuit and a RICO claim.  The RICO Act (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) was made into Federal Law to deal with the Mob and Drug Cartels... and other organizations that use force and intimidation to get their way.  Just make sure you're not jumping out of the frying pan (Chet) and into the fire (CAI).
 
Fifth Paragraph - My understanding is that Charlie is over 65 and probably has full health insurance through Medicare and he probably receives Social Security as well.  Charlie has worked here at FCC for 20 years or more (from what I've been told) and he isn't the type of person to get "hurt" all the time so Workman's Compensation probably is not much of an issue.  There are other avenues available if this becomes a major issue.... including keeping Charlie as an employee, if it is a deal buster.  FCC carries it's own liability insurance and in all likelihood, anything that Charlie could possibly do that would possibly make him liable would also make FCC or the new management company liable so their insurance would cover the possible legal claim.  In 20 years, when was the last time Charlie did something that resulted in a lawsuit where he was the responsible party????
 
Sixth Paragraph - It's a shame Chet Hingle did not tell you all WHY there is a surplus of over $200,000.00.  He never told you that it is because HE HID MONEY FROM THE VICTIMS.  There were dozens of people who have written me over the past year telling me Chet refused to give them their 20% Contractor Profit and Overhead, which amounts to anywhere from $4,000.00  and up to $8,000.00 per victim.  Before any of the insurance money is used for other purposes, there should be an independent audit to verify that ALL victims got their full and complete insurance settlements.  Then the Board should explain why there is still a surplus, if any.  If some insurance money was supposed to be allocated to fix something that was not fixed or fixed half-assed, then those things should be properly repaired.... for example, the half-assed roof repairs that were done on the rear courtyard, east-building (and possibly others), and the still un-repaired ceilings and moldy insulation in some units.  There are countless broken out windows that were half-assed repaired and those things need to be corrected as well.  Some of the fencing work that was done was not done fully and completely... for example, there is a 40' section of fence that connects from the west fence line, near the back, to the outside wall of the rear courtyard, rear-building, and that was never rebuilt.  This fence used to separate the rear parking lot from the yard area where kids could play behind the rear courtyard, west-building.  The owner who lives near that area has three children and now there is no fence separating that play area and their children from the parking lot.  Chet has refused to properly repair these things and it has been over a year since Katrina. 
 
Your replies are welcome and if you want them printed, please let me know.
 
Until next time... let "The Fountain Of Information" flow!!!!
 
Sincerely, your friend and neighbor,
 
Lenny Vasbinder, Unit 94, Editor 504-621-1870
NHSNOLA@gmail.com    eFax - 413-318-0742
http://www.NeighborhoodHomeServices.com
Gutting & Tearouts, Insulation & Drywall Installation,
Cabinets Installed, Trim & Finishing Work, Flooring,
Windows, Painting - Interior & Exterior, Handyman
Services, Homeowners Contractor's Agent (HCA)
 
 

Saturday, October 07, 2006

LATE BREAKING NEWS - "The Fountain Of Information" - Saturday Night, October 07, 2006 - SPECIAL EDITION

"THE FOUNTAIN OF INFORMATION" - SPECIAL EDITION - Saturday Night, October 07, 2006 - LATE BREAKING NEWS
 
CHET HINGLE HAS RESIGNED AS MANAGER OF FOUNTAIN COURT CONDO'S -
 
I have heard from a couple of sources who all heard it from a usually reliable source and the late breaking news is that Chet Hingle has resigned as the manager of Fountain Court Condominiums. 
 
Also, as previously reported, the current Board Members are still looking for additional "Under-Board Members", "Assistants" and "Committee Members" to help with Board Meetings, providing input and ideas, assisting with various committees, such as a "Beautification Committee", "Finance Committee", etc.
 
This is a very, very good thing to finally be happening at Fountain Court.  It means that YOU as owners will start to have more input and control over things that happen to you around here.  With more people involved in the Board Meetings, there will be a far less likely chance of the "conspiracy of silence" that happened while Chet Hingle was in charge of things.  I'm hoping this will also mean that this newsletter will become a "friendly" newsletter, rather than an "advocacy" newsletter.... but if things ever go awry again, you know I'll be ready to be an advocate on behalf of the owners at Fountain Court.
 
FREE-ADS - (If you have anything you would like to advertise to your neighbors, please call me or send me an email and it will be published in the next editions of "T.F.O.I." until you cancel the Ad.)
 
"Suzie Homemaker's" provides reliable cleaning service for residential homes and commercial offices and has 25 years of experience.  She already provides cleaning services for several of the other owners here at FCC and her rates are very affordable for weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or one-time cleaning arrangements.  These services are available in the Metairie and Kenner area and you can reach Suzie at 504-343-6848.
 
If you would like to advertise your business, condo for sale or rent, or any other applicable "Want-Ad", please send me a quick email or call me at my number near the bottom and I will publish your ad in the next edition, which is scheduled for November 01, 2006 but there may be Special Editions published prior to that date.

 
"Neighborhood Home Services" provides everything from Handyman Services to full residential construction and renovation.  NHS has been involved in the gutting and rebuilding of dozens of the damaged condominiums here at Fountain Court.  I know many of these units inside and out as far as plumbing, wiring, air-conditioning and structural issues.  I am experienced in all phases of renovations and if there is something I do not or cannot do, I have other contractors that I can call in, such as Licensed Electricians, Licensed Plumbers, Licensed Air-Conditioning & Heating Repair, etc.
 
Feel free to contact me during normal business hours or in the event of an emergency and I will do the best that I can to assist you in your time of need.  I have nearly ALL of the emergency equipment and supplies to make needed repairs to most of the things that can go wrong around Fountain Court.
 
IN CLOSING -
 
Thank you for putting up with my rants and raves over the past year but remember... I was only publishing the complaints and concerns of your neighbors here at Fountain Court Condo's. 
 
Until next time... let "The Fountain Of Information" flow!!!!
 
Sincerely,
 
Lenny Vasbinder, Unit 94, Editor,  504-621-1870
LNVTM1@gmail.com  NHSNOLA@gmail.com
http://www.NeighborhoodHomeServices.com
Gutting & Tearouts, Insulation & Drywall Installation,
Cabinets Installed, Trim & Finishing Work, Flooring,
Windows, Painting - Interior & Exterior, Handyman
Services, Homeowners Contractor's Agent (HCA)
 
 

Friday, October 06, 2006

"The Fountain Of Information" - Special Edition - More information about the front doors

"THE FOUNTAIN OF INFORMATION" - Friday, October 06,2006 - Special Edition
 
Website for links to document downloads, photo albums, past editions and to make comments:  http://blogspot.TheFountainOfInformation.com 
 
FREE-ADS - (As you may have previously read, "T.F.O.I." will publish your FREE-AD as long as you would like it published.) 
 
"Suzie Homemaker's" provides reliable cleaning service for residential homes and commercial offices and has 25 years of experience.  She already provides cleaning services for several of the other owners here at FCC and her rates are very affordable for weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or one-time cleaning arrangements.  These services are available in the Metairie and Kenner area and you can reach Suzie at 504-343-6848.
 
If you would like to advertise your business, condo for sale or rent, or any other applicable "Want-Ad", please send me a quick email or call me at my number near the bottom and I will publish your ad in the next edition, which is scheduled for November 01, 2006 but there may be Special Editions published prior to that date.
 
MORE INFORMATION ON PAINTING THE FRONT DOORS -
 
Yesterday, I met with one of the Board Members concerning some other issues around FCC and in talking, I was told to let the owners know that IF they want the painters to paint their front doors, just let one of the Board Members, either Don Gauthreaux, Unit #39, James Williams, #79 or Manuel Cordovan, Unit #45, know and they will instruct the painters to paint your door.  After all, you own the building, you own your door, you bought the paint and you are paying the painters... so why not get your door painted since you are already paying for it.
 
In speaking further with this Board Member, he said that the reason they did not automatically paint all of the doors was because most people would not be home when they were painting so they would not be able to paint the door from edge to edge.  I personally don't buy into this reason and I believe it had more to do with Chet's decision that the doors belong to the owners so that is why they did not automatically paint the doors.  BUT we all know that Chet just doesn't get it!!!!!
 
While it is good that the Board is now ready to paint the doors of any owners who request it, this writer still thinks it would have been better to have painted ALL 94 doors while the painters were painting the trim around the doors.  They could have knocked on your door and asked you if you wanted it painted edge to edge or not.  It would have been much easier and much more efficient to have painted the doors while painting the trim around the doors but I guess that option no longer exists.
 
NEW BOARD UNDER-MEMBERS ARE BEING SOUGHT OUT -
 
I also learned that the current Board is seeking out interested owners to become involved with the Board as "Under-Board Members".  I strongly encourage as many owners as possible to get involved in this expansion of the Board.  You will not have voting rights but you will at least have input on what happens around YOUR association and property.
 
Louisiana Law requires non-profit associations to have up to NINE Board Members as a way of keeping a "conspiracy of silence" from happening but Condo Associations were exempted from this law and they were allowed to form with only three Board Members which is what causes so many of the problems.  It's too easy for two of the Board Members to get together and decide what gets passed and what does not get passed.  The out-voted member usually quietly goes along with the two-member majority.  I've spoken to past members of the Board and this was very common at FCCA.  When you have five or seven or even NINE Board Members, it's much harder to maintain this "conspiracy of silence" because more independent thinking people are involved in the process.
 
NOW is the time to move FCCA out of the "dark" ages and expand the board so that more owners are properly represented and there would be less chance of self-serving people controlling the lives of everyone around FCCA.
 
Hopefully, as more owners get involved, the new improved Board will not be like the past "Chet's Boards" or other self-serving Boards that have existed around here.  Hopefully, there will be some more independent thinkers involved in the operation of FCCA who are interested in what the owners have to say and maintain their independence when challenged by the clique!!!!
 
Good luck to all of the new Under-Board Members and I hope they represent ALL of the owners independently...  and that they do not just become part of Chet's clique!!!!!
 
Until next time... let "The Fountain Of Information" flow!!!!!
 
Lenny Vasbinder, Unit 94   504-621-1870
Editor and Publisher of "T.F.O.I."
LNVTM1@gmail.com  NHSNOLA@gmail.com
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