I finally had a chance to review the video of the special board meeting.  I think your approach is exactly what needs to be done with this and all future projects.  I think the issue that is still not being addressed is the lack of control and direction to the GM on projects.  It appears to me that the problems begin with the budgeting process.  A project is discussed and a number appears to be pulled out of the air and put in the budget to get it on the books understanding it is only a number that nothing  can be spent without a future motion. This Manklin  Creek project appears to have started out with a number of $135k years ago without any understanding of what it would cost.  The number then went to $250k and when the project bid came in it was over $750k.  No wonder people are so animated over this number.

My goal, if elected to the board this summer, would be to stop this process and in the future require more details and rough estimates before the board considers expenditures.  The current project management process is clearly not working. The confusion over  what exactly the scope and costs of  this project are is a by product of the poor project management process. Had  the scope of the project been clearly defined at the beginning I think the $750k surprise would not have happened.  I agree that the current approved project is nothing more than the board majority breaking down the costs into acceptable bites so that the expenditure for the entire project has to be completed. 

I agree that the racquet sport issues should be addressed and your proposal appears to be the best way to accomplish the best result for the best price.  In all fairness, this special meeting indicates the GM is running with what he is being directed to do by the majority.  Whether he or the majority is ultimately behind the project at the $750k price tag, the responsibility to put a detailed scope together for the GM to explore the costs is the responsibility of the board.

During the budgeting process Mr. Cordwell stated at one of the meetings his desire to budget $3M for the country club without knowing whether it can be renovated or if it needs to be torn down. This is the decision making that leads to the type of problems the Manklin Creek project is now facing.  There are several large expenditures that must take place soon.  Beach Club, Country Club and bridges can not be handled without specific direction and control from the board.   It is clear to me that you are trying to make the changes I feel are required to get control of the project management process.  I hope I am able to join you in your efforts after the upcoming elections.

Larry