THE 2022 HOA's Proposed budget

7/26/2021 105 Comments

THE 2022 HOA's Proposed budget

On July 30th, the HOA Board will be meeting to reviews the upcoming new budget proposal submitted by the Finance Committee.

Listed below are some of the highlights of the budget increases as recommended by
the Finance Committee:

- Dues increase of from $665 to $710 per month, with approximately $24 going to pay for
the new Spectrum Contract ( a 7.5% increase)

- Golf Membership from 312.50 to $318.75 per month, the first increase in 2 years
(an increase of 2% )

- Transponder fee from $25 to $50
(an 100% increase)

- Annual Rental fee for short and long term rentals increase from $100 to $500 per year
(a 400% increase)

- No mention of the $313,000 from the the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds that
was transferred from Management Trust to the HOA.

For the last 18 months the HOA President has assured us that that belt tightening during
the pandemic has left our community in great financial shape.

If that is true, then why has the finance committee proposed excessive increases instead
of continuing with the belt tightening measures that were successful in past 18 months?

105 Comments

Concerned STVR Owner

7/26/2021 05:28:56 pm

THE PROPOSED STVR FEE INCREASE of 400 % IS ABSURD!

As a small little business..we came to DPCC and saw the beauty of the property. An opportunity to take an old decrepit condo was presented to us and went to work. With lots of sweat equity we updated it and brought it to the 21st century.

We enjoy meeting guests from all over the world to share with them what we saw when we first came on property October 2018. When we show others our updates..it has encouraged them to do the same with their properties(condos and villas).

Renting (long and short term)has been going on long before we came on the scene..I don’t understand why it is seen now as a horrible thing. Between the city and now the HOA Board we are these “horrible” landlords causing such ruckus.

Much to the surprise of some of the STVR committee members( now disbanded)..we aren’t making $50,000 dollars per unit per year..far from it. We manage our properties ourselves..whatever it takes…from laundry, maintenance and yes cleaning toilets if necessary.Everyone seems to want a piece of our little pie.. it has been harder and harder as costs keep rising and the city and HOA keeps demanding more and more money.let alone all the paperwork requirements..

When asked, I have actually have discouraged guests who wanted to by a unit and turn it into rental when they are not using using from doing so.( they thought it looked so easy).

We wanted to purchase another unit..but with all the difficulties going on we have run from that idea.

If there are a few bad apples get RID of them..don’t penalize all of us.. we follow the rules and so do our guests.I personally look for high quality guests that appreciate what we have to offer. A quiet place to come and relax. We have turned down many potential guests that were not getting that concept.

Our guest use the facilities.we encourage them to spend money in DPCC. They spend money at the restaurant and bar, play golf, tennis and pickle ball. They shop around the area….that is tax dollars for the whole Coachella Valley. The short and long term rentals are all money makers for all of us as a collective community.

It is time for our leadership to think of the good for ALL the community..the many facets..we all need to come together and remember why we all came here to begin with..the beauty and serenity of the property. A slower pace kind of life..

STVR Owner

7/26/2021 05:48:05 pm

Agree 1000% we must send emails to the board and attend the meetings to voice this. This community needs revenue to sustain the amenities WITHOUT raising our dues.

Paula Lamar

7/26/2021 05:30:31 pm

This is crazy!!! Where can we attend the meeting. This is ridiculous since the HOA fees increase not that long ago. This is a huge jump!! Also the renter fee 400% increase for what? Please let me know if you have more information about how we can attend the meeting

Elaine & Marc Rubenstein

7/26/2021 05:56:57 pm

We have owned a 2 bedroom / 2 bathroom condo since December 2015 - DP is a slice of heaven that we enjoy renting on a monthly basis to respectable people from all over the US & Canada and have never had any complaint from the HOA for any rental. Why are these fees becoming so exorbitant ? The percentage of increase is completely unfair on every level. The new fee for rentals to the HOA started a year ago at $100.00 - to increase by 400% to $500.00 feels like complete price gauging to loyal homeowners who pay their HOA dues and abide by all rules & regulations. Transponders to double in price, Golf member ship is barely increased which is a large source of revenue - maybe the pricing for non homeowners should be increased rather then homeowners, To receive $313,000 from the PPP Funds and on top this to additionally increase all these fees listed is absolutely unacceptable. Why is the dues increase more then the spectrum increase which was voted on and approved by the majority. What is the $26.00 difference per owner being used for ? Please do NOT make our special community - Desert Princess unavailable to survive in. Desert Princess is a very special place but these types of unnecessary increases create a negative environment.

MyDesertPrincessBlog

7/26/2021 06:02:47 pm

The meeting is July 30th at 1:30 PST. You can either attend in person or login to the Zoom meeting. Also, you can send your comments to be put on public record for this meeting. Contact the HOA and they can provide you with details.

Please not that all comments need to be received by the HOA by 12:00 am PDT to be included in the meeting

Karen Wirtz

7/26/2021 06:07:47 pm

I was expecting an increase to cover internet(if that has been negotiated in our contract). That would actually be a savings in the big picture. But what will the rest of the increase cover? We have had a steady increase in our assessment, to the point of being a deterrent to new buyers. Our landscape services are not what they used to be. All the new revenue will go to what services? This seems excessive and punitive to owners. Are the fees for STVRs equal to what the HOA must expend on their behalf? Sounds like taking advantage of a select group of our residents, much like the attempted golf cart registration fee.

Rhonda Miller

7/26/2021 06:16:13 pm

I would encourage our board leaders to look harder at the increases ,these are hard for everybody, we all understand Costs go up, but that's a huge jump into and really does hurt resale and retires. We're also supposed to be seeing savings from solar soon, we all know the PPP loan was forgiven so leaders please try a little harder to sharpen that pencil.

Sally Servidio

7/26/2021 06:16:14 pm

I pay my own Spectrum, since when have we had a contract with them. It’s not fair that there’s a 400% increase if your renting your condo out long or short term. The HOA fees are too high already.

Amanda Stott link

7/26/2021 06:16:38 pm

I think it is past time that the full-time residents demand that Board members -at the very least a majority of Board members - be full time residents. And NO committee should have a preponderance of people who do not live here year-round. It is my understanding that the Finance Committee is only Canadians. And while I don’t have anything against Canadians (let’s nip that one in the bud right now) - how can homeowners be well represented by absentee owners?

Gilbert Caldwell

7/27/2021 07:53:30 am

I agree with you 100%. We need people who live here on this committee.

david farrar

7/27/2021 07:59:51 am

We all agree with you Amanda. We need you!

Judith Stephan.

7/29/2021 10:33:42 am

Any DP property owner can run for the board. They do not have to live here or be US citizens. So let's stay on point. We all need to get involved with the issues that lots of property owners are concerned about. This is a homeowner organization with a volunteer board. If we want things to change, we all need to make ourselves heard at board meetings, send emails to the board and the general manager, and if all else fails, request a meeting with the board to resolve issues.

I agree that there are serious financial and management issues. The blog is a good way to convey information and concerns, but complaining on the blog without any other action is not going to change anything.

I am quite concerned about the lack of transparency and communication from the board. Many homeowners felt blindsided by the assessment increase. The financials are not being published with the monthly board minutes, and the proposed budget wasn't published either. Homeowners have a right to see all financial information, but they're not getting it. I am in communication with the board about this, but everyone needs to speak up, question the budget and demand full and timely financial information.

Aqua

7/29/2021 05:45:01 pm

Thank you for your efforts in communicating with them about that Judith!

Michael Stark link

7/26/2021 06:22:39 pm

Please understand I do NOT support most of these proposals. However, one of them, the monthly hoa assessment increase, needs to be put in perspective. Yes, the $50. per month increase sounds excessive at first look. The new Spectrum package includes 400 mbps internet. I currently pay Spectrum $59.99 per month for 200 mbps. Starting October 1st, I will no longer have to pay the $59.99 per month. I will be ahead $10. As for the other items in the proposal; it's ridiculous & not sustainable. When the word gets out that our community has become so expensive to live in guess what's going to happen? Yes, it is true that other communities pay more, but when they do it's because other fees are included like earthquake insurance, etc. However, some of these communities are completely out of whack due to financial mismanagement. Everyone should attend the meeting on the 30th. Let your voice be heard, but please make sure we all have the facts to back us up.

Hal

7/29/2021 08:17:56 pm

What makes you think HOA Fees won't go up another $50 a month next year?

You think the $5 a month increase is golf fees is going to offset a loss of $1.5 million dollars a year for the Country Club?
You think the $1.5 million in losses is going to go away next year. Or the year after that -- if we are still open?

You think DPCC values won't suffer when the real estate market corrects itself?
In the last recession, DPCC was one of the last areas even in CCity to bounce back.
Why?
1. High HOA Fees.
2. Indian Land. Most don't own the land. People don't like that.
3. Condos. More so that Villas. Because they are Condos.
4. Because it is Windy.
5. Because it is fricking Cathedral City.

Last time I checked even the Police station isn't open on Friday.
What kind of town is that?
And where they find dead bodies lying around every week in town.
But they think the real problem is vacation rentals.

And why is that?
Because the morons passed out Permits like candy-- as a source of revenue.
Now they are getting pissed when Commissioners get called at home at midnight when someone from LA or NYC rents out their Place in the Cove to 15 people and raises hell.

Oh. AND DPCC had over a half million in bad debt on the books from foreclosures, non-payments, etc. in the last Great Recession.
Figure that into your future HOA fees because you will pay from those who walk away.
Again.

Folks, this has gone on for 20 years.
And unless people start to vote it won't ever change.
The golf boys like the way things are.
They don't want anyone to clog up the bar and grill. Like real outside customers.
They want their doubles for the price of singles, and they are more than happy for you to continue to pay for it.

Fees will continue to go up. Services will go down.
And the old boys will be happy hoping you still won't catch on until they die off.

Someday in the near future we won't be able to print money by raising dues to pay for continues and excessive Country Club loses.
But by then, they are hoping they will be dead.

Mary Maloney

7/30/2021 11:12:22 am

Hal, way to tell the truth!!!! This board and community are so short sighted!

We need the outside revenue from guests to maintain our amenities, otherwise we are all going to pay for the golf boys to enjoy their PRIVATE COURSE! We are a RESORT not a 55+ community. Having a hotel on site lends itself to bringing outside guests and their dollars to our community, so why is everyone trying to punish rental owners? We are investing a lot of money in DP and our units to remodel them which will continue to help property values.

We are on a slippery slope as a community to becoming the Desperate Princess again.

If the "country club" is behind $1.5m a year in revenue, then we need better management to bring in outside golfers and people to our restaurant and bar with events and activities and make DP a great place! Offset by raising golf fees, not HOA dues.

As a veteran real estate agent, who has represented many buyers to DP, increasing the HOA dues will be a huge factor in property values correcting quickly.

Our community needs to wake up to the future and stop passing the buck. THIS IS A BUSINESS and needs business people to run it!

Karen Heidt

8/4/2021 06:04:02 pm

With regard to your August 4th post, "It sure got quiet . . .", YES, I am incensed. WHY is it not routine to publish these comments prior to budget proposals. WHY is it not routine to publish the budget with enough time for input from the community. Your "gotcha" remarks are simply unnecessary, unwarranted, and untenable.

John Dougherty

7/26/2021 06:29:16 pm

Quick question. I had heard that the new spectrum contract includes internet and 2 DVRs. If so that's a big savings. If you are seasonal it's almost break even. If full time you are saving 400 +, this is with the increase in HOA dues. If the internet and DVRs are included then it looks like a decent deal. If not it's a reaming for sure.

Gary A Maehara

7/26/2021 06:29:19 pm

A $50.00 per month HOA fee is outrageous. The increase in Spectrum cost is approximately half of the proposed increase. Such a sharp increase in the HOA fees will have a negative impact on potential buyers, not to mention on current DP property owners. Find budget cuts elsewhere. Get more aggressive in collecting overdue fees from owners by cutting off DP privileges and the ability to rent their units.

Craig Parrish

7/26/2021 06:29:48 pm

Agree 100%. This is egregious! Having had to turn away Canadian renters due to Covid was bad enough. I own 5 properties in th DP and rent most on an annual lease basis at a fair price. How can you justify a 400% increase?

Marianne Thomas

7/26/2021 06:37:28 pm

This increase is outrageous!
I thought they said things had been going well.

Becky Martinez

7/31/2021 08:49:14 am

Now we just need to focus on re-elections and vote the current board OUT. How many positions will be open and when?

Sully Mac

7/31/2021 12:21:29 pm

Becky, 3 director positions are up for election in Feb.

Karen Heidt

7/26/2021 07:12:36 pm

I thought there was a proposal to separate any golf expenses from HOA dues, making the golf enterprise completely independent? Facts on this please. Any other divestments that could be made to allocate fees solely to those involved?

Bill

7/28/2021 04:06:04 pm

I believe the proposal is to combine the two entities.

Troy Dose

7/26/2021 07:46:32 pm

The management trust is just trying to line their pockets even more. It is interesting that all of a sudden we are running out of money as a community. What the management trust needs to realize is majority of the properties owned in DP our investment properties second homes or income properties people will quickly start to leave and they will end up with nothing.

Short and long-term rentals make up quite a bit of revenue in the community. For example, this past winter when Canadians were not visiting and renting lots of income and taxes and revenue for the golf club were lost. So making it harder to rent our properties is not the best idea for the city and the HOA.

Becky Martinez

7/26/2021 07:47:21 pm

I agree, this is outrageous!

James Gips

7/26/2021 09:00:39 pm

These proposed increases would make me seriously look for another place to own a condo. My family loves desert princess because it’s a beautiful, affordable retreat for us. You will price out new buyers and maybe some current owners if this passes.
$665/month is already toeing the line of absurd.

Aqua

7/26/2021 09:13:37 pm

Everyone needs to come to the meeting and share their feelings about all of this.
Our voices need to be heard. And the only way to do that is to come to the meeting.
I don’t understand why one post from the board will say that DP is in great financial shape and then the very next notice will announce such crazy increases in fees, moratoriumis etc.
Something smells fishy.

david farrar

7/27/2021 08:02:55 am

I've lived here for 20yrs . Jerry has alot to answer for!!!!!!!

Concerned Owner

7/26/2021 09:58:09 pm

I am pretty certain that the increase in the rental fees by approx 400% is due to the Management Trust attempting to "make up" for their own mistakes in the mis-management of their previous systems, or lack thereof. The previous compliance manager and Asst. GM are no longer there. It has since been identified that the systems put in place last year, when Desert Princess HOA first implemented the rental compliance regulations, etc had serious flaws. Many property owners were unfairly and incorrectly fined and wrongfully accused of having not complied with the new regulations. When it came down to brass tacks, and the research done, most of those property owners renting their properties, were not out of compliance. It turned out that the previous systems put in place by Management Trust were not managed well and their databases and processes were mis-managed and not done correctly making them inaccurate and grossly incorrect. This resulted in wrongful accusations to property owners and fines issued that should not have been. Management Trust is having to reformat and recreate these systems. I am suspect that is what has led to the gross increase in fees. This goes also with the moratorium placed on new rental applications. The Management Trust's systems are not in place. So, guess who is going to pay for their errors? You guessed it. Those owners that ALREADY paid management fees. Those owners are footing the bill for Management Trust's errors. At a rate increase of 400% to make up for their mistakes. The moratorium on new rental applications is because they don't have the correct systems in place that should have been completed last year when all of the new regulations were put in place. New regulations were put in place last year without proper execution of managing them. This has caused a lot of grief to many. And now they (Mgt Trust and the HOA) are adding to that grief at the expense of those who do not deserve it.

Anita DeFrantz

7/27/2021 12:02:32 am

I am deeply worried about these increases. It seems this is pushing out those of us on a fixed income. Please reconsider. The increase in HOA dues will soon be double of what I paid the first year I lived here and that was less that 15 years ago. This has to be reconsidered, please!

Drew Wright

7/27/2021 06:10:26 am

I agree with the point that many of us have or will be retiring in our homes here on fixed incomes. HOA fees breaking the $700 mark really starts to taste sour, to both current and potential owners. The 400% increase in rental fee (for what I’d like to know) can be argued is extortion. What has happened to this community? It seems that the management is in disarray. It used to be so peaceful and reasonable, now this angst is hoisted on its members as if we’re the opposition. We are the community and management trust represents us, and this does not seem to be representing our best interests.

Ken Muraco

7/27/2021 07:29:55 am

These fees are completely unreasonable and very upsetting to us homeowners. I have been a homeowner here since 2003. My decision to rent my condo full time helps the hardworking service related residents of this valley. We charge way below the considered fair rate to rent to a teacher who isn’t overpaid for her service. Tell me where are these people supposed to live in order to do their job in our community, in THEIR community and survive these rents? Paying $100 a year for a license to be a landlord is ridiculous enough. It makes no sense to charge us dues AND have us pay a license for long term rentals. They fill the space full time just like we would if we still lived here. There is no extra pressure on the community or it’s security, pools, or roads than we would add if we resided here. As a matter of fact we should be rewarded for offering full time residency to our community essential workers. I can tell you now, we WILL sell our condo and you can find another sucker to pay these unreasonable fees, pushing hard working people farther and farther away from our valley and putting services needed in peril. Who the hell would vote for this ??!

Joanne Forberg

7/27/2021 07:30:55 am

I realize that it isn't a fault of DP but would also like to point out that there is a difference in the Canadian dollar and US dollar. So if you do the math the increase to Canadian home owners it is just around the 800 Canadian dollars a month. Also as for the fact internet is included for us who are seasonal and who also help to pay and support while we are there... I think the costs that are being imposed are outrageous. We were always able to put spectrum on seasonal hold and didn't have to pay for a service we were not there to use. We all know there are lots of Canadians that own in the DP and I am sure feeling the same about the costs.

Michelle Simson

7/28/2021 12:42:09 pm

As a fellow Canadian I totally agree. Putting my TV on vacation was a small financial bonus for me which won't be available to me in future.

Your currency conversion is slightly flawed. We pay a premium of approximately.30% which means we pay over $900. If the new fee goes into effect.

Bill

7/28/2021 04:10:19 pm

I don't think it makes a lot of sense comparing American dollars to Canadian dollars. That's like comparing yen to pesos. They are two different things and just because they're both called dollars doesn't mean you can make believe the Canadians pay more. That's simply because your dollar is worth less.

Gilbert Caldwell

7/27/2021 07:57:14 am

Is having the Management Trust in our best interest as homeowners?

Judge

7/27/2021 08:08:22 am

You can complain till the cow's come out HE won't listen to anyone of us.

Sully Mac

7/27/2021 08:27:38 am

We have lived at Desert Princess for over 10 years and love it. We fully support the increase in the HOA dues as we will no longer have to pay Spectrum each month. We will have around $20 a month more in our pockets even after paying the proposed new HOA assessment. This is due to the great rate the board negotiated.

I have a problem with the increase or should I say no increase to the golf membership. As a homeowner I am fed up subsidizing through our HOA dues the golf operations. Really a 2% increase. Now I understand why the board is packed with golf members so the golf fees are not raised yearly. As a golf member I find this absolutely wrong. The golf membership fees should go up YEARLY the same percentage as the HOA dues. I would like to see the golf membership raised at least $50 per MONTH. We as golf members benefit from having a semi private course!!!

Bill

7/28/2021 04:13:10 pm

And any homeowner also benefits from having a golf course. Saying they should go up by the same amount or same percentage makes zero sense.

7/29/2021 08:29:41 pm

I could give a shit if there is a golf course or a greenbelt there -- as long as it is maintained.

I am tired of that argument by those who golf at about $10-15 a round (320 plus days a year @ $3500 a year ).

But then, it did go up $5 a month.
That's what -- 16 Cents a day.
Never mind.

Thanks for doing your fair share.

D Schneider

7/27/2021 09:10:23 am

This change actually SAVES US MONEY....Spectrum bill to go away!! we dont gold and we dont rent our place (even though not there all year) I do think renter consume MUCH MORE of the resouces than residents, they are on vacation and use it all as they should....but these costs need to be covered. I want better landscaping they way it was a few years ago....when something needs attention it goets done.....

Aqua

7/27/2021 10:04:22 am

With the greatest of respect, those on vacation ARE spending money and contributing to DP while they vacation there. Money is spent in the restaurant, at the golf course and on tennis while they are there. All of that money spent, contributes to keeping, maintaining and improving those amenities. Those on vacation are much more likely, statistically speaking, to spend more money while on property than many of the permanent residents will or do. Also, for short term rentals, the occupancy rate is usually on average only 20-60%. There is typically not someone in those units utilizing the amenities full time.
I am not sure there are good valid reasons for the HOA to increase the annual fee from $100 to $500. They just implemented a fee at all for the first time in the second half of last year (2020), for there to be a license fee at all. The City of Cathedral City already charges short term owners over $2,000 per year!!!
The proposed $500 per year license fee to the HOA, needs to be explained. Some transparency would be nice.
What are the reasons for the proposed fee? What is it to cover and pay for, etc?

Aqua

7/27/2021 09:51:15 am

Hi All,
Whether or not you plan on attending the upcoming HOA board meeting this Friday, July 30th at 1:30pm PDT, please kindly consider submitting your question(s) and concern(s) to HOA@DesertPrincess.com ASAP. TODAY if possible. This blog is great, but the HOA and Management Trust will not reflect here for input.
Please send all questions and concerns today to HOA@DesertPrincess.com (if you have not done so already.)
Cheers ;-)

Aqua

7/27/2021 10:40:01 am

Correction to the HOA contact email address.

It is HOA@DesertPrincessCC.com

(Sorry, had a typo there.)

Jon McGraw

7/27/2021 09:53:11 am

I think it is wrong to raise the HOA fees. We don't have Spectrum and you want us to pay for it.
It seems over time we get less services and the fee's keep going up.
Raising the golf fee by 2% is wrong it should be 20% but oh no didn't a fend the golfers.
Jon McGraw

Aqua

7/27/2021 01:51:48 pm

Absolutely agree.
And I think we are getting to the point where we need to ask where the responsibility to FIDUCIARY DUTY is being abandoned to the homeowners of DP. There is clearly impartiality and bias being imparted on where the fees are chosen to be increased and where they are not.

Lyle

7/27/2021 11:06:17 am

Absolutely unacceptable. $500 license fee for what? The city already charges a fee. This is a seasonal vacation spot with charges as if people are vacationing here all year. $8580 a year just in HOA fees. Outrageous. That’s not saving money anywhere for anybody.

Tony Minniti

7/27/2021 11:15:10 am

One again smoke and mirrors. The purposed increases has to be a joke. I understand the increase for spectrum which includes internet. But thats it. Golf membership should definitely go up more because that generates income. In my opinion we definitely do not need the expense of the Magmt Trust.if they are to counting then it should be downsized to cut expense or done away with it all together. The spa, pro shop and restaurants should be subleted so we can generate better income and the worst cases would be we’d break even with no expense to the homeowners. I can go on and on for days but the bottom line seems to be. Let the homeowners pay for it by raising our fees with less and less benefits and no accountability. When does it stop ! When we stand together.

Patrick & Melissa Patton link

7/27/2021 12:18:23 pm

We do not support any of these proposals. We have known about Spectrum for over a year. The contract increase should of been part of the belt tightening over the past 18 months. Where are the suggestions for increasing revenue vs. increasing HOA's? Example: Golf needs to be opened up to outside play starting with the 2nd tee time. Renters should pay additional fees to park more than 1 car during the duration of there stay. Assessments (fines) should be issued when someone dumps large items into the trash area vs. calling for large item pickup.
Lastly we need to let the 4th quarter 2021/2022 seasonal revenue make up some of the budget shortfall before we increase HOA's.

Aqua

7/27/2021 01:48:34 pm

Agree with you completely. I might add however, that there already is a max. car parking per rental. That has already been implemented. It is 1 car per bedroom of the unit. Why should there by additional fees for more than 1 car parked? A resident is allowed to park more than 1 car. Owners of rental properties are paying their fair share in paying the HOA fees everyone else is. Why the extra fee beyond 1 car? That's really not fair. If I am renting my place and I am paying the same HOA fee everyone else is, then my guests and renter(s), should be able to park the same number of cars (1 per permitted bedroom), that everyone else gets to. I, as the property owner should not incur additional fees on top of that.

Debra Blair

7/27/2021 01:23:53 pm

I have owned here for 12 years and every year until 2020 my HOA fees went up $10/year. The fact that they want to raise it $50 this year even though we will be getting Spectrum internet included is still way too high. Why are the HOA fees going up $50 and the golf membership only going up only $6.25? I am tired of the golfers not paying their fair share. Not happy

Kurt Wachter

7/27/2021 01:30:09 pm

We disagree with the proposed increases. The HOA has ticked up the last three years. We accept the Spectrum increase but the additional money isn't justified. HOA dues over $700 is a threat to home values for everyone... take a look at Desert Horizons when you can. 100% increase in transponder fees? Why, other than a money grab? Same with the rental fees, there can be no reasonable justification for such a percentage increase. The PPP loan, most likely now forgiven, was purposely granted to shore up losses during COVID. A dollar for dollar accounting of its use is due to each homeowner in DPPSR. Has the Finance Committee forgotten there are plenty of fixed income owners here? Overall, an outrageous increase proposal.

CHRISTINA SOLOMON

7/27/2021 02:04:33 pm

Yes I am on board to help get the costs down. What do we do? and how can I help? The HOA every month seems excessively high!!

Richard Wilson

7/27/2021 02:12:40 pm

I will definitely start my search for a new home. If this HOA increase comes about it will be more than my house note. It’s been nice bur enough is enough. Bye Bye Desert Princess

Jane Woods

7/27/2021 03:32:38 pm

I have been reading and taking to heart the posts in regard to the new changes that are being proposed.
Jesse and I are not in agreement with the outrageous and may I say insulting fee hikes.
I very much believe each and everyone one of these posts should be sent to not only our board but to The Management Trust.
I believe each and everyone of us need too attend the meetings and make sure our voices are heard. After all; they work for all of us.
I think we as a collective of homeowners can come up with solutions that benefit all of us here at Desert Princess.
I am very frustrated with the direction things are going here but definitely believe we can come together and be pro active with what goes on here. PLEASE attend the meetings (this Friday is important) either in person or via zoom. Please send in your emails and speak up at the various meetings. Let’s come together and respectfully speak our minds and offer solutions.
Desert Princess should be a nice, affordable and a beautiful sanctuary from the many stresses we are all experiencing. It can’t be that way for a select few.

Michael Stark link

7/27/2021 05:25:32 pm

Some of the comments being posted on this platform are from folks that are misinformed. Some are also treading into dangerous territory by making slanderous statements about the Management Trust "lining their pockets". First of all, whoever told you that DP is in good shape financially is dead wrong. The loss of revenue during the past 18 months due to the pandemic has been significant. NONE of us welcome these increases. However, who do you think is going to pay the price for circumstances BEYOND OUR CONTROL? One area of agreement, we need a full accounting of how the PPP funds were spent. This is something that can be brought up at a board meeting. Another item that I see on this blog is in relation to the Spectrum Bulk Package. There are many people in our community that truly do not understand how this works. Right now we are paying for, through our monthly assessments, a Spectrum Cable Bulk Package that includes HBO & Showtime with 2 high def cable boxes. NO DVR. Internet is paid for out of pocket by the homeowner. Starting October 1, the new Bulk Package will be implemented that continues the HBO & Showtime but also includes two dvr's. Also on October 1 a 400 mbps internet plan will be included with router/modem. If we are to be respected as rational human beings then we must be armed with the FACTS when questioning our board and committee members. Also, when we disagree with them, let's do it respectfully. They VOLUNTEERED for the positions. They are not being paid for their time. It is a thankless position to be in. How do I know? I have volunteered for several other boards & committees over the past 30 plus years. It can be very rewarding helping a community to improve. It can also be "challenging" when someone comes to a meeting without the facts and they start yelling at those of us who try to make a difference.

Aqua

7/27/2021 07:37:23 pm

Thank you for expressing your concern about the attitude taken to Board Members and the Mgt Co. Those serving absolutely deserve the benefit of the doubt. And, their time is greatly appreciated. 100%
That said, homeowners have been asking for a long time, for more transparency from the Board (ie., why certain decisions are made, etc) and there is still a great lack of transparency. That makes people feel like things are being hidden and kept from them. The purpose of serving on the board is to represent the homeowners. Clearly there are many homeowners in DP who are not feeling like they are being represented. If there was increased transparency, I think some members of the community would feel more comfortable about things if they felt were more informed. A lot of the decisions are made in closed forums. (Which I understand why this is.) But once said decisions are made in closed forums, announcements are then made without transparency and explanation of supporting evidence for some of the decisions. And therein lies one of the problems. That is one of the challenges I see with this Board and Mgt Co. That lack of transparency is what makes some homeowners feel like some of the members of the board and/or mgt co may have alternative motives.
From reading through the posts here, clearly, there are many who feel that the messages communicated in regard to DP's financial shape has been mixed and very confusing. I think it is important for the Board and Mgt Co., to know how the homeowners are feeling about that. They don't feel like they know the whole picture. When people feel that way, it creates a sense of fear and makes people wonder what the agenda is and makes people wonder what else is being kept from them. Again, if this many property owners at DP are feeling that way, the Board and Mgt Co need to know. I agree with you, that it needs to be communicated respectfully. And with facts.
In all fairness though, there are some matters that the property owners do not have facts on/for, because the Board and Mgt company have not shared them! Therein, lies the issue again relating to a lack of transparency.
In regard to the Spectrum Cable, I agree with you, that was communicated to all months ago and that package was voted on. On that note, I think it would be amazing if they allowed the homeowners to vote on more of the matters and issues that arise.
There are many other matters however being proposed that have not been clearly communicated (about how and why, etc there are proposed increases.) There have been many things passed, especially within this last year, that have not been explained and communicated about very well. Desert Princess IS the property owners. And sometimes, it does feel to many, that the Board and Mgt Trust own everyone else and dish out whatever they please. Everyone should feel like the Board and Mgt Trust has their best interests in mind and that they are being represented. Unfortunately to many, that is not the overwhelming feeling lately.

Bobby B

7/27/2021 09:26:32 pm

Michael Stark---you talk about getting the facts right but you are wrong about what we get in the current Spectrum contract. We get 2 HD boxes and can have either 2 HD boxes or 2 HD DVR boxes or one of each. If you currently have a DVR box you have to buy from Spectrum on a monthly basis their DVR Service for $13 per box. As you said we currently also get the usual tiers of bulk cable TV programming plus HBO, and Showtime channels. Coming soon will be all of the above INCLUDING DVR Service for any of the 2 HD DVR cable boxes you choose to have under the new bulk contract plus 400 mbps of Internet with a Spectrum modem and router included for an additional $25 per month in our HOA dues. This information has been published and discussed multiple times. Just making sure you are armed with the facts if you want to discuss this.

In the meantime maybe it's time, fellow homeowners, to take action. We are getting the shaft and our Leadership is failing us. What are our options? We can vote them out in the next election in February 2022 but by that time we will be bankrupt. How about taking a poll at this upcoming meeting to find out which directors agree with these outrageous increases and punitive fees aimed at specific groups and then we can get a petition going for recall of anyone who thinks we all deserve to be penalized while the "poor golfers" continue to ride the gravy train.

The Finance committee only has Canadian members who haven't set foot in Desert Princess in over a year and a half. And they sat in Canada during the entire pandemic and told us how well we were doing and how Management Trust had guided us through these perilous times and what would we ever do without them? Maybe it's time we find out what we could do without Management Trust. And does Management Trust corporate even know what has been going on here? Or are we being insulated from the home office by our HOA managers?

The next question is, how can an American corporation be governed by a small group of Canadians who can't even tell you how brown the grass is here or how many of the ficus along the West Chimayo fence line have died without water this summer? Didn't we pay big bucks recently to have O'Connell plant those ficus? It's all going to hell in a hand basket and we are slowly circling the drain, people. Something has to be done and since our Leadership isn't going to do it, we are going to have to save ourselves if we want to survive with any quality of life.

It is time to face the realities of the new normal. Canadian homeowners used to make up about 20% of the Desert Princess ownership. That's about 241 homes. At least 10% of them if not more have cut and run, selling their places for increased prices and now they are trying to find rentals for the 2022 season. Well surprise surprise, Gomer. There may not be any rentals for them if we continue to get these fees and fines levied against us by an HOA and a board that is squeezing blood from a turnip.

If you think a Recall of any board members who agree to these fines and increases in this open board meeting on Friday, July 30 need to hit the road, post your answer on this blog. RECALL OR NO RECALL. THAT IS THE QUESTION.

Terry Albright

7/28/2021 04:07:30 am

The Management Trust needs to actually MANAGE the income and costs associated with DP instead of just raising everyones HOA fees. The trust's top heavy salaries are part of the issue of shortfalls in revenue.

DP just added over a million dollars of annual income from Arroyos plus $610,000 cash from the developer. Additionally the developer built out the landscaping at Arroyos. The HOA is not responsible for maintaining the Villas at Arroyos. The HOA cost for maintaining the grounds at Arroyo is no where near one million a year.

Raising the golf membership 2% is an insult given the proposed increase in cable costs of $325,440 annually which represents 62.5 % increase borne by homeowners. Then there is the 100% increase on transponders as well. The 400% rental fee increase is gouging by a management entity that has no vested interest in the DP community.

When the income to service the debt is not available the trust seems to think the only option is to raise the HOA fees. How about cutting back on services including lowering the costs associated with the trust. DP needs a management team that has skin in the game. Just increasing the HOA fees is a fail and demonstrates lack of leadership as well.

Lowell Friedman

7/28/2021 04:49:52 am

Why is the short term and long term annual fee going up 400%? Is this an acknowledgement that the HOA,s current efforts to control rental related issues have been unsuccessful? We have an alternative. Cathedral City already has Compliance Officers visiting our property. they have the power to enforce, fine and close down any non-compliant rentals. The rules implemented by the DPCC Board are the same as Cathedral City's and they are more than willing to help us with compliance. Giving more money to hire additional compliance staff is not the answer, we should be focusing on working with the city and helping them do their job of compliance and enforcement for us.

Michael Stark link

7/28/2021 11:31:25 am

Bobby B. That is a lot of anger, my friend. It's not helpful when you direct it towards someone who is trying to do the right thing. You stated I am wrong about the Spectrum package. If you go back and calmly read my post you will see I was referring to what we get with respect to our current assessments which is 2 high def boxes. DVR's are an upgrade that is paid out of pocket by the homeowner.
You choose to demonize Board Members with sarcasm because they are Canadians.When you advocate "Recalling the Board" without having all the facts it only further divides and alienates people who are doing their best to keep our HOA afloat through challenging times CAUSED BY A PANDEMIC. It is statements such as yours and others on this "blog" that confirms to me I will never donate my time and hard work to another Board or Committee for the remaining years of my life. "Recalling the Board" is the standard, go to phrase poorly educated and angry people use when they are not armed with the facts. "Recall the Board"? Go ahead, by all means, but at the same time, be careful what you wish for. Who are you going to get to replace them? You? I don't think so.

Judith Stephan

7/28/2021 11:39:07 am

A volunteer board of directors running a large and complex organization is not a good business model. That's why it is important for all homeowners to be aware of issues, to attend meeting and to vote for qualified directors. I have sent the following email to the board to put on the Friday, July agenda. I urge all property owner to attend in person or remotely. There are some serious issues that need to be resolved before any vote is taken on a budget especially when homeowners have not been given a chance to review the financials or the proposed budget.

Here's the email:

1. Publish timely and complete board minutes.

The last HOA Board of Directors’ minutes on the website in "documents" are from 5/28/21 and do not include financial statements. The financial statements are part of the minutes and are required to be published monthly. Please publish up-to-date and past minutes which include all financials.

2. Publish the proposed budget as part of the finance committee minutes immediately.

The minutes do not include the proposed budget as required. They must be published BEFORE the meeting, or the board cannot vote on the budget.

3. The website is poorly organized, and it is difficult to find meeting minutes.

Organize the website so that meeting minutes are uniformly identifiable by name and date. Ensure that all documents for the year are complete and grouped in a logical order in the list.
Finance committee minutes are not in documents but listed in news/notices. Previous minutes are not on the website.

4. Were PPP grants received by The Management Trust? If so, how and when will the grant money be allocated to Desert Princess HOA?

Leslie Dodson

7/28/2021 12:44:49 pm

In addition to all of the outrageous fees and dues increases
I hope you have not forgotten about the HOA Board’s
$5,000,000 new landscape proposal ? And that is only Phase One (1) !!!!!!!! OConnell can’t even take care of our current landscaping,which is painfully evident in the increasing decline of our once beautiful Desert Princess. Where does the Board and Management think that money is coming from? Get ready to dig even deeper into our pockets! It is evident that the HOA Board and Management is out of control and has been for some time.
HOMEOWNERS ! WE NEED TO TAKE BACK CONTROL!

Tom Kohrs

7/28/2021 08:42:58 pm

Just to throw a little more fuel on the fire over the increase in Golf Club Fees. I have been told that the Golf Course marketing committee had worked up a proposal to bring in more outside golfers to the DPCC paying full green fees to play. This proposal was shot down by a board member (not sure if it was a HOA board member or a Golf board member) with the statement that DPCC does not need more revenue from outside golfers as the course gets more money than they need from the HOA dues. Besides is would make it harder for owners to get favorable green times at the last minute. If that is true, that board member should step down immediately.

I have not been able to figure it out from the obtuse budget that does get published after the fact, but does anyone know what percentage of the HOA dues go to supporting the golf course. I am not saying the course should not get any of the HOA dues, but what percentage of the course budget is subsidized by the dues and why are we not bringing in more outside players if we need more funds?

Tom Kohrs

7/28/2021 08:57:20 pm

The following is from the Finance committee minutes. It does explain some things but without any detail.

and you can see where the average homeowner might think we have been led to believe DP was in good financial shape.

June, 2021 TREASURER’s REPORT to DPPS BOD
• Good cash position and satisfactory balance sheet - current ratio 1.34 compared to 1.8 last year at end of June.
• June Rev $1.3M, $332K above budget; Exp $1.05M, $8.2K over budget; bottom line surplus of $254.7K ($313K is PPP) , exceeding the budget by $323.7K.
• For the fiscal YTD, Rev $9.85M, $384.4K under budget; Exp $9.16M, $809.7K under budget; bottom line $425.3K better than budget.
• In May F&B revenue was $5K over budget. Dining room was $16.5K better than budget while the snack bar was under by $21K. Expenses were $12.2K over budget.
• Golf revenues came in at 112% of budget – memberships were on budget with public and hotel guests together exceeding budget by $5K.
July 22, 2021, FAC MEETING REPORT TO DPPS BOD
• Golf revenue through July 16 is at 180% of the budgeted revenues, hopefully this trend will continue to month end.
• The Revised Third Draft Operating Budget was discussed at length. A motion was passed to recommend the third draft budget be approved by the board as presented with the owner monthly assessment be set at $710 which includes the new Spectrum Bulk cable/internet at a cost of $24.26, a reserve contribution increase of $10 and a operations assessment increase of $10. The reserve and operations increases are 2.8%. The Riverside CPI is 5.9%. Most of the significant changes are outlined in the BOD packet FY2022 Budget Summary.

Judith Stephan

7/29/2021 12:12:01 pm

The proposed budget is a part of these meeting minutes and must be included by law.

Michelle Simson

7/29/2021 11:56:53 am

I'm curious if any members of the Board ever read this blog....it is an excellent tool to learn and exchange ideas. We won't all necessarily agree, but if the Board "tuned" in, they may benefit from the insight it contains.

The budget proposal being considered is quite discouraging to say the very least. It is the worst I've seen in the past decade at DP. It is petty and is definitely instituting a nickel and dime approach to our fiscal planning.

The FC is comprised of several members who have been on the committee for YEARS! I commend these volunteers for all their efforts, but resident turnover on all committees is not only healthy, it benefits the entire community.

Having served on the Board myself for 4 years, it astounds me how we fail to learn that the cliquish, tribal approach to governance can be counter-productive and destructive. Committee selections are arbitrary and based on who knows you, likes you and tends to be a comfortable, safe long-term appointment. Applications to volunteer for committees are numerous, but new applicants are rarely if ever afforded so much as an acknowledgment never mind an interview.

As a result, I found the whole budget process a bit of a joke...the default position is always the same...charge the owners more without rationale. This practice, together with a flagrant lack of transparency and effective communication resulted in a costly and disruptive Board recall effort just a few years ago.

This year, we're faced with a flow through hike of $24.00 for cable services and an additional 3% COL increase. Golf members, after 2 years are afforded a nominal monthly increase of six measly dollars.

As it stands, some 25% of our monthly dues are dedicated to subsidizing the country club operation. As long as we maintain TWO corporations and two sets of books, that's exactly what it is...a subsidy. I think most owners would like to see an approprate increase in user fees (golf members), a cohort of roughly 10-15% of all the owners.

The phenomenal increase for rental and transponders, by comparison, is nothing more than a flagrant cash grab to help balance the budget, a recommendation made by non-rental, golf members. This is not a criticism of the FC. The volunteers are to be commended, but the outcome is an observation I've sent play out far too often.

Board approval of this proposal is a definite signal they have failed to learn from our recent tumultuous history and we will continue to receive annual increases not in keeping with COL.

Marianne Thomas

7/29/2021 01:27:27 pm

OK...so we now know about the financials and what the board is proposing. What are the options open to us as owners of the DP?

Vivian Wilson

7/30/2021 08:51:38 am

I have sent the HOA the following comments which I hope will be addressed at the meeting today.

We have been homeowners at DP since 2008 and are vehemently opposed to all the proposed increases, for reasons likely already expressed.

Why bother with a 2% increase to golf memberships and then turn around and implement a 400% increase on rental properties. This is an incredibly exorbitant increase on a fee imposed with no real justification to begin with. Rentals generate revenue which otherwise wouldn't be realized if the home was vacant. I would be very interested in hearing what costs are associated with rental properties OVER AND ABOVE homeowner properties. If it's a matter of involving security for non compliance then address those costs with the renter's homeowners that are responsible. It is no different than assessing fines on homeowners for non compliance. If the intent is to get rid of rentals within DP there would be a lot of vacant homes and a significant decrease in revenue. I do not believe DP could ever be fully occupied with only full time owners.

I also would also like a definitive answer on the amount of savings, if any, for all the various cost initiatives and projects that were supposed to have resulted in savings. If there is continued spending on projects that always result in an increase to HOA dues I would like to see the board's spending authority reduced and have the owners vote before proceeding with such costly initiatives.

We have heard from the board for over a year now that we were in a good/positive financial position despite the pandemic due to decreases in expenses so why are our dues being increased over and above the Spectrum contract ?

DP was never intended to be an elite resort, but rather an affordable, and yet beautiful place to own and enjoy. Although DP is beautiful to all of us it isn't Indian Wells. If these current spending trends continue it will have a negative impact on the market value of our homes. The amount of costs associated with living in DP do not justify buying a home in DP.

Michael Stark link

7/30/2021 02:14:39 pm

Mary Maloney: Opening the golf course to outside players seems like a good way to increase revenue, at least until the next lock down from the ongoing pandemic. However, we need to look at the immediate and long term effects of such a move. In spite of our security team, we have a crime problem here. Why are so many golf carts being stolen? Why are barbecue grills stolen? I can almost guarantee crime will increase, and traffic, if the public is allowed to enter. Then everyone will be on this "blog" voicing their anger and frustration as they are now. In the mean time, I would strongly suggest the existing golf fees be raised dramatically to help make up for the unrealistic low increases of the past.

Dee P

7/30/2021 08:12:59 pm

Michael Stark:
1) The golf course is a PUBLIC course.
2) The "public" that come to play, park at the Clubhouse that is accessed from a public City road. They are not gaining access to the golf course through the guard shack.
3) Most people that come to golf, are not then going around the neighborhood stealing. I don't believe those are your typical thieves.
4) Again, they are not gaining access through the guard shack.
5) Don't forget that there is a hotel on property that the PUBLIC stays at. AND, those people, the public have access to the Desert Princess through the hotel already.

So, to suggest that it is a bad idea to increase revenue from the public, (non-DP-owners), for fear that it may increase crime in DP, seems like an unvalidated and unsubstantiated fear.

While there ARR substantiated and very valid reasons to be concerned about the golf course not bringing in the revenue it/we need, by NOT doing a better job of marketing the course and encouraging the public to come to play.

Ellen Balcomb

7/30/2021 04:44:17 pm

I made some comments at today’s Board mtg which I’d like to expand on now. Perhaps my anger got in the way of a clear msg. As I sat listening to the Board Chair read comments submitted via email it became clear that the gentleman was editorializing, rude and dismissive. He also said there is a whole lot of misinformation being passed around. I’m not surprised, this is what happens when the right hand doesn’t know what the left is doing. Looking around at the board members and staff I noticed body language, eye rolling, head shaking that wasn’t productive either. If you come across a group of people angry over decisions you’re making you need to think about what role you play in that tension. Introspection might be called for. How do you calm this down? What role did you play in creating this schism? How do you REALLY listen instead of coming in with the mindset that residents don’t get it. Finally you all need to understand that you’re there because we elected or hired you, we didn’t want to do the job. That doesn’t mean you get to rule supremely. I just want to sit on my patio and look at the mountains, that doesn’t mean I want to be taken advantage of or minimized because I don’t know as much as you do. You are there to represent and inform. Think of a creative way to draw residents into a conversation about what needs to be done, sincerely listening to their opinions. How did you arrive at these budgetary decisions? What made you decide raising rental fees 400% was a good and necessary thing? Are you aware that is income for owners? For some owners it’s the majority of their income. It feels thoughtless, residents feel powerless. I deeply respect the gentlemen who said STOP SPENDING MONEY and certainly don’t think budgetary decisions should be made while you have this hot mess here.

Dee P

7/30/2021 08:20:20 pm

Yes... it's interesting how the new trendy method of invalidating people you disagree with is to state that what they have to say is "misinformation." Also, I definitely would not categorize Peter Webb as a "gentleman."
He is anything but that.

I agree with you, in that, NO decisions, none of their proposals should have been voted on today amidst the concerns so many homeowners have. There would have been no harm in waiting to work through alternative ideas. What happened today, was just proof that this board (with the exception of Bill Bergstrom) and Mgt Trust, is exercising power of others. They are not representing the homeowners at all. They demonstrated that they don't give a darn about anyone's concerns but their own and they are going to do what they want to do, no matter what anyone else thinks or wants. And they certainly don't care what anyone has to say. Peter Webb and Jerry Storage could not shut people up soon enough.

They are happy to spend our money they way they want. As Brad stated, they have no idea and no interest in managing the money. The only want to spend it and when the piggy bank runs dry, well, they will just come demanding more money from everyone as frequently as they wish.

Michelle Simson

7/31/2021 08:47:21 am

I was unable to call in to the meeting yesterday, but in reading the account graciously provided by Ellen, it would appear I missed nothing short of same old, same old. Even when a Board member myself, I was subjected to the same treatment witnessed yesterday.....rude, impatient, dismissive treatment that at times denigrated into name calling and censorship when there was a difference of opinion or the introduction of new ideas.

Without question, that was the primary reason I didn't run for a second term. The reality is DP has been the victim of a vacuum of strong, effective leadership, leadership that claims to welcome ideas and encourage residents to voice concerns. Truth is if you don't tow THEIR line, you can be subject to censorship and/or retribution in the form of rude, obnoxious behavior. To fall out of favor with some Board members can result, in today's lingo, of being "canceled".

It's sad to witness history repeating itself so soon after the last divisive and expensive recall effort and for exactly the same reasons.....lack of communication, transparency and what could easily be construed as contempt for community participation for the benefit of ALL.

It's said the rate of the pack is set by the leader, in the case the Board, who could benefit by listening to residents rather than talking AT them.

Sully Mac

7/30/2021 06:29:01 pm

I can not believe what I heard and saw at today’s board of directors meeting. We voted these people onto the board to represent the homeowners, not to be rude and snarky to fellow homeowners and other board members. At lease there was one board member who was listening to the homeowners and has integrity. Thank you Bill Bergstrom for standing up for us homeowners.

Dee P

7/30/2021 08:03:52 pm

It is so disappointing and disgusting to me that someone like this, Peter Webb holds the position within our board that he does, as President. It was so crystal clear that he did not volunteer for his position to actually serve the homeowners. It is crystal clear that his sole intent, is a power grab.
very very sad
Does anyone know when Peter Webb's term is up/over?
Does anyone know about what the CC&Rs state about recalling a board member?
After today, I know there is support for it!

Amanda Stott link

7/30/2021 09:50:25 pm

I attended today’s meeting. I was appalled at how Peter Webb purposefully treated the attendees at the meeting. I believe Judith had written in - he said that he CHOSE to take that sort of condescending tone with her? What kind of man treats people that way? Even his dog was trying to get him to shut up.
Unbelievable.
I have not often seen that type of rude and dismissive behavior from an adult man.
My thanks to those who chose to stand up and talk at todays meeting. There were some very good comments made - I think the Board may realize that the community is not pleased with them.
Gil said we should get rid of them all - please lets rethink that - let’s KEEP Bill Bergstrom. He was the only one who was obviously listening. Unbelievable that our reserves are now 1.3 million below last years - without decent accounting. Where does this money go? He was treated like crap from both Webb & Norm Stoehr - those men should be embarrassed and ashamed of themselves.

Amanda Stott

Marianne Thomas

7/31/2021 09:15:36 am

I am on the east coast and had to leave the meeting after watching for one hour. The tone and manner projected, clearly demonstrated what the attitude is towards the annoying home owners. The Board of Directors is just that a board....not a royal monarchy.
Since I missed the end of the meeting, could someone provide the bottom line as to what was decided yesterday.
My husband and I have been owners since 2003.

Judith Stephan

7/31/2021 10:52:52 am

Takeaways from the board meeting yesterday: speaking for the BOD, Peter Webb made it very clear that the board does not intend to publish financial statements and proposed budgets (because then pesky homeowners can question the numbers?)

I would encourage all homeowners to email the BOD (hoa@Desertprincesscc.com) to demand that the board get the website organized so that minutes of all board meetings and board committees are published monthly and easy to find. AND also demand that financial statements & proposed budgets are included monthly. Yes, I said demand. How dare I! Perhaps the BOD doesn't understand that homeowners have the right to full transparency. This means we can look at financial statements, proposed budgets as well as accounting records, contracts and the underlying transactions that go into the numbers.

Bobby B

7/31/2021 11:55:22 am

"We can raise the fees and we will raise the fees."

These were the words that actually came out of the mouth of Peter Webb, the president of the board of directors, in yesterday's open HOA board meeting where about 100 people were in attendance on Zoom and in person in the Masters Lounge. And then the board voted to accept the budget as presented with a dues increase from the current $665 a month to $710 a month.

"Did they all vote for that"? you ask.

No. There was one resounding "nay" and that was the only person on our board of 7 people who understands what this dictatorial group of anointed volunteers is trying to do to the homeowners they were elected to represent. He is the only person on that board with the guts and gonads to stand up to this group of people who are supposedly our "leaders". And he obviously pays the price for speaking his mind if the way Peter Webb and Norm Stoehr talk to him is any indication.

Who was the sole "nay" vote? BILL BERGSTROM. Bill was re-elected to his second term at the end of February 2021 in a landslide. And thanks to all of you who voted for him otherwise we would have no representation whatsoever on that board for the people who are paying the bills--the homeowners of Desert Princess.

"So what recourse do we have to fight these fee increases and the gouging and mismanagement that is going on to balance the budget that we were led to believe was in tiptop shape during the pandemic?"

The only way to stop this madness, which will continue in special and emergency assessments and then next year will increase again, is to make the necessary changes to save ourselves. That means getting a new management company or at the very least getting a CEO who is not the board's lapdog and who will work for the people who are paying him. And as far as the board goes? Someone said it very succinctly at the conclusion of the Open Forum portion of yesterday's open HOA board meeting,..."RECALL!"

"Would we recall every board member? Certainly we need Bill Bergstrom and more people like him."

The criteria for recall should be anyone who voted "yea" for the 2021-2022 budget, especially knowing how the homeowners felt about the huge hike in fees and the other egregious hikes in things like the STVR rental registration by 400% and transponders by 100%. It's time to get this board's collective hand out of our pockets and the only way to do that is with a RECALL. Let's get a petition circulating and have at it. It will be a lot cheaper than paying $15,000 to an architectural firm to design firepit pads for the patio of the club restaurant and then who knows how much more to implement it, than a RECALL BALLOT would cost us.

To paraphrase Mr. Webb's remark in yesterday's meeting, "We can recall the board and we will recall the board."

Michael Stark link

7/31/2021 12:17:34 pm

First, I would like to thank Dee P. for setting the record straight regarding my statement about golf course access. I'm new here and I was given some inaccurate information. Second, as I previously posted, we should show respect and appreciation for our Board members. Perhaps, this is one Board that is not deserving of our kindness. This was my first time attending the HOA meeting. I have never seen such rudeness from Board members toward homeowners like I witnessed yesterday. Peter Webb has no business being on our Board. He doesn't have the temperment or patience. Unprofessional, condescending and rude. We need to determine when his term expires and vote for people that will serve on our Board and Committees without the attitude.

Becky Martinez

7/31/2021 02:49:39 pm

RECALL!!

Conny Want

7/31/2021 03:17:35 pm

As a Canadian we were unable to attend this meeting , sadly this senior could not get zoom to work , my question after reading all the comments did this “board”
Approve all increases as proposed
Thank you

Dee P

7/31/2021 05:51:18 pm

Conny Want:
They passed all of the proposals.
They increased the golf increase a pitiful amount beyond the proposed amount and called it a "friendly gesture", very begrudgingly I might add.

Ellen Balcomb

7/31/2021 05:08:39 pm

I can’t believe they approved the budget!!! Further fuel on the fire - the board chair said 30 people sent email comments and questions, he then summarized those emails saying several overlapped. According to who? There were some 100 people between Zoom and those in the Lounge who signed up to speak.The board chair gave all interested in speaking a half hour, 2 minutes per person. A half hour of public input for such serious, impactful items! My questions - what is it about power and control? Why isn’t the board 50% each women and men? What is the CEO’s salary? How many board members haven’t been onsite for over a year? What is the makeup of the finance committee? (Men/women, US v Canadian) How many board members are golfers? I don’t know about a recall but what about a rotation - someone else on the board taking over as president, etc. How much time for discussion did the board take before voting yes on the budget increase? I don’t mean how long did they spend with residents, I mean how long was this proposed budget evaluated before it was placed on the agenda? What cost saving ideas were considered versus increasing spending? A note about myself - I’ve met almost no one here an barely stepped outside since the virus changed the world, so my involvement has been zero. It’s not about spending the extra money for me, it’s about the process. This just stinks!

Dee P

7/31/2021 05:22:06 pm

Sully Mac;
Do you know which 3 positions are up for re-election in Feb '22?
(I apologize if it has already been posted here. If it was, my eyes missed it while skimming through.)
thank you

Also, does anyone know what the process for recall is and how to get that going?
Anyone know the cost is on a recall?
I would be willing to contribute a decent amount of my own money to that effort.

Sully Mac

7/31/2021 06:07:41 pm

Dee P,
Treasurer Russ Holowachuk, secretary Terri Swartz, director Toshie Sweeney positions are up for election on Feb 20200. Unfortunately President Peter Webb and VP Norm Stoehr have 1 1/2 years left in their term.

Dee P

7/31/2021 05:49:07 pm

It is important to note, that the Management Trust is a for profit business. They are not here at DP as a non-profit charity. Someone else said it right here, that Jerry Storage is a lapdog for the rulers of the land at DP (the corrupt board members; with the exception of Bill Bergstrom.) TG for Bill B.
Anyway, all of this non-sense announced yesterday for reasons to increase rental application fee by 400% is just that, COMPLETE AND UTTER NON-SENSE.
They said, that they need to increase the fee by 400% to pay for the following:
1) A full time compliance officer
2) An additional security guard
3) A new truck for said new security guard
4) The additional traffic through the gate

I would like to address each one of these and the reasons why I believe this to be UTTER NON-SENSE. And, why it sounds to me like Management Trust is digging deep into the pockets of those owners who rent their places. Remember, Management Trust is a FOR-PROFIT company and has their own budgets and revenue numbers to hit. So, therein, lies their agenda (I currently believe with the information I have.)

1) There is no need for a full time compliance manager to keep track of rentals. Plenty of other HOA's (in fact most), have owners, who rent their places out. They don't all allow STVR, but that is neither here nor there and requires no additional administration on behalf of the HOA or the management company than a long term rental does! This is all bs. The City of Cathedral City, already has a compliance dept. The City of Cathedral City has a dedicated compliance manager. Those who long term and rent their places seasonally, must apply for a business license ANNUALLY from the City. They pay a license fee. Those who short term rental their properties are currently paying the City of Cathedral City over $2,000! Yes, you read that write. Over $2,000 plus an inspection fee. This is annual. The City conducts a Health and Safety check. The City also requires that those owners, submit and upload each and every rental guest's information into the City's website.
Peter Webb said yesterday in the BOD meeting that the HOA needs a full time compliance manager. He said that there is information that the HOA must send to the City about those renting their places! That doesn't make any sense!!! To the best of my knowledge, the only thing needed from the HOA to the City, is a letter that is given to the homeowner to submit to the City with their license. Said letter, is a form format (meaning, that it is saved as a template and updated with just a tiny bit of variable information), that probably takes no more than 2 minutes to send. And, it is only needed annually.
So tell me why a full time compliance manager is needed to be hired by the Management Trust for the DP HOA for those renting their places?!
Said position is NOT needed! It's all BS. Hiring such a person, would literally be a duplication of what the City is already doing!!!!

2) Why is an additional security guard needed because there are renters on property? This makes no sense. Ariel, the patrol mgr, reported no notable additional increase in anything other than the norm/average. Why in the heck is an additional security guard needed because there are renters on property!? There have been renters on property for YEARS!!! The BOD is acting as if there being short, long term and seasonal renters on property is some new venture that needs a whole new infrastructure for. I call BS on this!

3) A new truck!? What for?! Most of the time, there is a security car/truck parked at the gate unused at any given time. What in the heck?! Smells fishy if you ask me. So a new unnecessary truck is needed for an additional unnecessary guard? In which, might I add, that they just announced at the BOD meeting yesterday also, that the security team is very limited in what they can help with. So, if there is anything that bad going on, you need to call the frickin police anyway! So, tell me why we now all of a sudden, need to finance additional guard(s) that aren't even allowed to engage in concerning activity!?

4) Peter Webb said the owners that rent their place need to pay more for the additional traffic through the gate. What for? Nothing has changed in the traffic! Again, there have been renters on property for YEARS (short, long and seasonal)!!! There would be a guard employed 24/7 there in the guard shack anyway, as there has been. I would like to know what additional costs there are!? Maybe in the cost of the passes... that's all that I can figure. But I can't imagine that deserves a 400% increase!? And, owners have transponders... so owners are not sitting in the line to check in with the guard. We all just go around to the side and use our transponder and have access to both gates.

But, they passed this anyway yesterday. Despite the lack of logic and reason and facts. This is why I wonder what is going on behind the scene with Managem

Anon

8/1/2021 06:36:31 pm

My thoughts exactly!

Jane Woods

8/1/2021 10:22:05 am

I attended in person the board meeting and it was an absolute horrific meeting. I find it interesting that we are instructed to uphold a code of conduct yet individuals on the board can treat us completely rude.
I did get up to speak and like many others wasn’t given a chance to finish. With the topics being such hot button items you would think more time would have been afforded.
I firmly believe we should be allowed too have in person owner chat meetings. Not just via zoom.
I firmly believe we should all be in attendance (if you are able) to the point they need a bigger room to hold the meeting in.
I firmly believe that Bill Bergstrom does have all of our best interests at heart and not just a select few.
If things continue in this vain we are going to find a lot of homeowners leaving. We all have a voice and I believe change can be a positive thing.
I was raised with this thought…take care of the foundation and the rest will stand tall.
We have too take responsibility and get involved so that moving forward our Desert Princess is a well run lil slice of heaven.
Thank you to everyone that is writing in, making their voices heard and doing the research.

Anon

8/1/2021 06:36:05 pm

Yes! Cheers Jane Woods.
I have heard of many recently considering selling and leaving DP due to the current issues, rising HOA fees, select disrespectful board members and similar reasons.
Please do not leave.
Please let's band together and work through this together.
There is power in numbers.
We can work through this together. It may take a little bit of time to make some needed changes. It is possible!
Please attend the meetings. Please speak up at the meetings or on Zoom. Please write to the BOD at HOA@DesertPrincessCC.com
Desert Princess is amazing. There are just a few bad eggs that have too much power that need step down.

Posting Anon due to rats on the BOD

8/1/2021 06:29:15 pm

Can someone with accurate knowledge about the process involved from the previous recall please share here what that process is/was. Post anonymously if you feel the need to. There may indeed be good ground to stand in doing so for fear of harassment and discrimination by the current board. Disrespect and favoritism have been demonstrated to all by the current BOD with the exception of Bill B. Sadly, from what I have seen demonstrated, I would not put it past 2 specific board members to indirectly harass and/or discriminate against certain homeowners as revenge. And I do stress the word, sadly. It is really so very disappointing that we are in this situation.
Regarding the last recall, I know that there was one, but I would like to find out what the process was exactly. Anyone with knowledge, please share. I am planning on consulting a law firm this week or next regarding this. I have done extensive research and there are grounds for breaking of fiduciary duty, selective enforcement (some examples of this are where the BOD approves one thing for one person and not another; or the director approves something that benefits the director and not other person(s) and/or group(s); ignores complaints about some members but strictly enforces policing others; enforces certain rules, but not others).
I plan on sending said attorney the CC&Rs to review (at my own expense) to also look into what they say about the overall management of the community to look for violations by the BOD there also. One common violation of HOAs is the failure to manage the HOAs finances.
To be clear I am not speaking with said attorney to seek financial retribution. I intend to help the homeowners and not hurt them. I intend only to find out what our rights are as homeowners to recall the current board based on its violations.
If there are enough homeowners on board with a recall then we can take it from there with a solid basis in which to do so.
I have researched and found many cases that have been won by homeowners against negligent HOAs for the above listed examples.
I also feel that there needs to be checks and balances on Management Trusts fees and spending.
Does anyone know if there are checks and balances on them and if so, what?

To be perfectly transparent, after communicating with several homeowners in regard to the current matters, the intent would be to recall Peter Webb and Norm Stoehr. I will be speaking with the attorney about recalling only specific individuals or, if the whole BOD must be recalled and then a new BOD voted in new. If anyone can save me a step on that and let me know how the last recall worked, I would appreciate it as I will be personally paying for legal consultation time.

Lastly, I would assume the current BOD cannot use our HOA fees to consult the legal counsel obtained by HOA for it's business matters? Or can it? Would that not be considered using HOA funds for their personal use? Perhaps that is a question for the attorney when I consult with them. I will ask.

Thank you in advance to any of you who can contribute supporting information and knowledge.

Concerned STVR HOMEOWNER

8/1/2021 07:10:31 pm

There are a number of homeowners who are also trying to gather information to proceed with a recall. Details will follow soon in emails. Watch for emails…

Anon

8/1/2021 07:29:18 pm

Great to know. Thank you for sharing. Certain groups are absolutely being discriminated against by this board. The homeowners money is being grossly mismanaged. The amenities are not being managed like a business and are not generating their revenue potential due to select members' personal interests in mind. This board has got to go. We need to start over. The only one with dignity and integrity is Bill Bergstrom. Brave soul he is too to deal with the constant crap slung at him by some of the board members.
I will keep an eye out for said emails that you speak of and I will gladly coordinate with those also helping to initiate this process. I am happy to contribute time and funding if needed to restore fiscal responsibility, respect, transparency, dignity and peace to all of us homeowners. Thank you for your update about others initiating this process as well.

Bill

8/2/2021 10:02:35 am

Recall! I am for it. I was appalled what I saw at the board meeting. What arrogance! This is a dictatorship and corrupt group running the show, except of course for our friend Bill Bergstrom. The animosity shown towards Bill was very apparent. Yes he stands up to these people! But 1 vote does not go very far with the others all in cahoots with each other.

Concerned

8/2/2021 12:51:57 pm

A homeowner said today, that Kirstie, the receptionist at Management Trust in the HOA office, is the new rental compliance manager. So why did Peter Webb say that they needed to raise the rental application fee by 400% to help to hire a new compliance manager? Stacy Atherton was the previous compliance manager. She left and that salary was already accounted for. So if they have transitioned Kirstie to compliance manager, where is the new hire that money is needed for?
Where is all the money going?
Clearly the previous allotted funds for compliance manger that was paid to Stacy Atherton, is now going to Kirstie, the new compliance manager. So I would assume they are hiring a new receptionist to take Kirstie's place there? But even if they do that (hire a new receptionist), that money is already accounted for too from Kirstie having been employed in that position.
So what about the 400% rental application funds? Are they hiring yet another person for rentals?! And if so, what for!?
What in the heck is going on here?!
Where is that money REALLY going!?
LIES LIES and more LIES from this board.

Michael Stark link

8/4/2021 04:24:43 pm

Wow! It sure got quiet around here. Hopefully, everyone has had time to calm down and read the budget newsletter written by the Board Treasurer. Did it explain the details to your liking? Are you still angry?

Anonomous link

8/4/2021 06:51:12 pm

Not calmed down - not by a bit. The arrogance shown by several Board members to those present in the room, and to those that wrote in comments was appalling. Peter Webb disparaged Dolores Safford and Judith Stephan, and was downright rude to others. Norm Stoehr added a few idiotic comments that were a waste of time. Terri Schwartz asking "do we need to clear the room?' when those present got a bit noisy. Jerry Storage shushing people in that smug manner. I felt bad for Bill Bergstrom - he alone had the backbone to stand up to those people. Bob Mangold just. sat. there., other Board members were essentially not present. Russ did a decent job presenting the budget, but I question whether this place really needs a full time rental compliance officer. That's ridiculous. Overall - I'm not affected by the new budget - we will likely see total expenses decrease as a result of getting decent internet with the Spectrum package.

Marianne Thomas

8/4/2021 07:08:45 pm

It seems to me that when organizations don't know ways to handle what they are dealing with their answer is always to come up with hiring additional personnel. I am totally against the increase and hiring a compliance officer. Since we've only used the condo three months a year, I don't want to pay for cable, etc. all year long. The way I have it set up I turn the service off when we're not there.
I also decided to look at particulars for a complex in CT. that is considered to be a model of a community. I have a friend who lives there. It's called Heritage Village in Southbury, CT. and their HOA is something like $549 per month. They have golf and tennis and all kinds of activities. The maintenance of the grounds is heavy duty...Talk about trees....acres of trees that have to be pruned and cared for, not to mention lawn maintenance and snow plowing. They also have a very open approach to decision making. Heritage Village is independent......but they seem to know how to do what they do. In comparison what just went on at the DP board meeting is the exact opposite.

Anon

8/4/2021 07:19:48 pm

Also, you state that it "got quiet in here", perhaps you are not following the most recent thread in this blog as a whole. The BOD only sent out what they did today in order to try to avoid a recall and/or lawsuit.
They are STILL lying about the reasons for MANY things. There is NO NEW compliance officer being hired. That salary was already accounted for from the previous compliance officer.
Too many "reasons" and justifications for things that this BOD are making for increases, are just simply not true. They are also avoiding the elephant in the room, which is that they are completly disregarding their lack of attention and intention to generated revenue from the public. The structure of DP, included the need for revenue from the public!

Karen Heidt

8/5/2021 08:20:47 am

Hi Anon,
My post referred to Stark's, "Wow! It sure got quiet around here." The incensed part and reference to the message usefulness was mine. Did you read my post? The better part of valor might have been for you to reply to Stark and the subject or simply say, "Agreed, the BOD . . . ". Why belittle my ability to follow threads?

Anon

8/5/2021 11:32:36 am

Karen Heidt:
That reply WAS to Michael Stark.
I am unsure what you are referencing exactly...
I don't think anyone is trying to belittle your ability to follow threads.
The structure of this blog, seems to have a limitation on how many replies can be made in each thread. Therefor causing the need for a new thread to be started due to said limitations.
Sorry for any misunderstanding. But again, this has to do with the limitation to replies allowed in each thread and when the moderator approves comments, etc.
No one is trying to "belittle your ability to follow threads."

Karen Heidt

8/5/2021 06:06:16 pm

My apologies ass well. Obvious indentations would help in thread replies.

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