Thoughts on Rules and Regulations....

Recently, I have been asked my opinion on the nature of rules and regulations as they apply to any number of different Sea Ranch issues such as fuel load management, view restoration, membership dues assessment, the DCEM and even the process of campaigning itself.

Rather than comment on each one individually, I'd like to share my general thoughts on rules and regulations, as I believe they can be applied to the specific concerns listed above.

I may take a while to get there, but I promise that I will.

As an ethics practitioner, I find that in dealing with organizations both large and small, the desire to establish an ethical culture is a strong one. However, it's never as easy as folks think, and it doesn't happen over night, but over time.

Most organizations have stated values, often in the form of a mission statement. That's a good start. However, talking a good game and playing one, are two entirely different propositions. Considering the following quotation:

“As you go forward in life . . . you will be confronted with questions every day that test your morals. The questions will get tougher and the consequences will become more severe. Think carefully, and for your sake, do the right thing, not the easy thing.”

Now consider the above quotation's attribution:

— Dennis Kozlowski, ex-CEO of Tyco, in a commencement speech at St. Anselm’s College two weeks before his resignation and indictment (New York Times, June 4, 2002)

This illustrates what can happen when a person's (or organization's) stated values are inconsistent with their operational values. In other words, they fail to "walk the talk."

To combat this rather unfortunate dynamic, an employee code of conduct is often added to the mission statement. This frequently is accompanied by an exhaustive set of rules and regulations outlining clearly what is expected, and what sanctions will be imposed if those expectations are not met. Outstanding!

However, here's where the "rubber meets the road," as it were. If these rules and regulations are not consistently and even handedly enforced, it creates 2 things which will pretty much guarantee failure with regard to establishing an ethical culture.

1) Failure to enforce a rule creates cynicism toward the rule itself. (People don't take it seriously. Think the 10 items or less check out line at the super market or the 65 mph speed limit on US 101.)

2) Failure to enforce a rule also creates cynicism toward that person or persons who have the moral/ethical responsibility to enforce the rule. (Think a parent who fails to enforce the "be in bed by 9 PM rule" or school teacher who fails to enforce the "no gum chewing in class rule.")

Ok. So, what's does that have to do with being a Sea Ranch board member? Well, I think it's pretty obvious really. Since there are enough rules and regulations on The Sea Ranch to keep the Supreme Court busy for 20 years, a board director must be willing to take on an enormous moral and ethical responsibility.

To clarify further, if the rules governing The Sea Ranch are to be meaningful, a board director must enforce and stand by them, even if it means damaging a relationship, being embarrassed or losing an election.

It has been said quite accurately, that principles are only meaningful if we're willing to stand by them when they become inconvenient. "Bravo!" I say.

One of the things most talked about during election season is a candidate's "character." Although I think it has become way too politicized, I view that as an important quality. Character has been defined as "ethics in action." I agree.

How we take the measure of person's character has much to do with our own personal beliefs and perspectives. That being the case, we will disagree from time to time with regard to a person's character. Such is the nature of legitimate debate in a democratic society.

However, I often call to mind the words of Dan Coats, a former senator from Indiana, as I think his thoughts on character seem to transcend our differences with regard to assessing a person's character:

"Character cannot be summoned at the moment of crisis if it has been squandered by years of compromise and rationalization. The only preparation for the heroic is the mundane. Habit is the daily battleground of character."

A final thought about rules, regulations and laws. Senator Sam Ervin who chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee during the Watergate hearings, liked to describe himself as "just a poor country lawyer from North Carolina." That may have been true.

But, he was also much more. Sam Ervin graduated at the top of his law class at Harvard and was regarded as one of the preeminent scholars of his time with regard to Constitutional Law. In text books, the US Constitution is often described as "the law of the land." The law doesn't get any bigger than that.

And, it wasn't an accident that Senator Ervin was the Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

So, when we're looking at laws (or rules & regulations) and the even handed and consistent application of them to solve our problems, we should consider what Sam Ervin said,

"The law is not self executing. The law will prevent some people from breaking it and will punish some of those who do. But, the law will not make good people. Only religion, character or ethics will do that."

Second Candidate Statement

For further information regarding my candidacy contact me at: 785-3176 (H) or 559-280-6820 (cell)
email: johnforenti@gmail.com



In my first candidate statement, I felt you needed and deserved to know what decision making process I would use to establish my positions on issues affecting The Sea Ranch.

In my second candidate statement, I will state what my positions actually are on those issues.

I feel you need and deserve to know that as well.

I will also state my philosophical positions with regard to being a board director, as I believe this is the bedrock foundation which determines how effective, successful and significant a board director will be.

Issue Positions


1) The Budget

I am in favor of the 2008-2009 budget, and though I have serious concerns about the future impact of a 10.5% dues assessment increase, would have voted for it had I been a member of the board. Here's why.

Let me be clear, I am not pleased about 10.5% assessment increase. However in 2001, the average price of a gallon of gas was $1.51. Currently, the average cost of a gallon of gas is $3.17 ($3.66 in California); well over a 100% increase.

I'm not pleased about that either.

The point is that energy costs have gone through the roof, and we need to realize we're all going to be affected by that, in addition to ordinarily expected increases due to improvements and new projects. Does that mean we should anticipate a 10.5% increase again next year?

No.

Actually, the 2009-2010 projected assessment increase is approximately 8.77%. It's still more than we would like, but it's not 10.5%. In addition, 8.77% is only projected, not etched in stone. As a board director, I would work with other board directors, Association Staff and the Finance Committee to explore options which might allow us to reduce the 8.77% increase, and it is my firm belief that we can.

However, it would be disingenuous to promise the membership that dues will stay the same or decrease. While I certainly would approve of that, I believe that the reality of our situation makes it very unlikely.

2) Bluff Erosion

I support, without reservation, the notion that bluff erosion with all its geological, engineering and political considerations, should be addressed with due diligence and all deliberate speed. Bluff erosion is inevitable. However, that doesn't mean that we can't or shouldn't address the concerns of our neighbors on the bluff, whether they live in the north, south or the heavily hit Sea Ranch Unit 28, near Walk On Beach.

I agree with many that the bluff erosion issue is a political "hot potato."

My reaction is this: "Throw it to me. I won’t throw it back, and I won't drop it."

3) Fire Prevention

Dry areas of our state which are subject to hot desert winds are different from The Sea Ranch, with its on shore ocean breezes and wet climate, which reduce the danger of fire significantly.

However, I am also aware that my neighbors and I, who live in the forested areas on the east side of Highway 1, would be most impacted by a fire, should one occur.

I’m also sensitive to the concerns of those who have lived through terrifying wild fires such as those which struck the Oakland hills and many areas of Southern California.

An effective risk management strategy strives to prevent the likelihood of something bad happening, but when it does, the strategy then strives to reduce the amount of damage that will occur. I believe our Fuel Management Plan does both.

Consequently, I am in favor of the Fuel Management Plan as constituted, would have voted for it as a member of the board and will support future efforts to improve the program.

4) Community Service District

As I believe the long term benefits and advantages of local control by Sea Ranchers are obvious, I am in favor of the continuing efforts of The Sea Ranch Association with regard to becoming a Community Service District.

5) The Sea Ranch Water Company

It is my position that The Sea Ranch Water Company, with an estimated value in excess of 50 million dollars, is our greatest community asset, and as such, I am in favor of its continuing upgrade generally and specifically with regard to Tank #8.

6) Design Compliance and Environmental Review

I believe having recently completed construction of my Sea Ranch home in June 2006, gives me a "real time" perspective with regard to the challenges facing both association and design committee members.

It is my position that the duty of a board member is to support both members of the design committee and members of the association. I also reject categorically the notion that the relationship between association members and the design committee is necessarily adversarial.

I believe that notion to be seriously misguided and counterproductive.

In addition, it has been suggested that the design committee presents a moving target that is impossible to hit. I respectfully disagree, as that suggestion ignores reality. Sea Ranch homes are constructed all the time.

I maintain that the design committee doesn’t present a moving target. The Sea Ranch is known throughout the world for its unique and visionary architecture. That’s not because the architectural design target is a moving one, but rather because it is a small one. And, it should be.

7) John Fox

It is my steadfast belief that Community Manager John Fox is a visionary who has taken The Sea Ranch Association to a new level of service and expertise. Subsequently, I endorse without reservation, his continuation as Community Manager and all efforts to support him and his staff.

Philosophical Positions

1) Fiscal Responsibility

I am in favor of exploring all avenues of cost savings including, but not limited to, the following:

A. Contracting with outside entities, whether persons or businesses
B. Utilizing existing staff having expertise outside the parameters of their current job description
C. Accessing the enormous supply of intellectual and creative “candle power” of Sea Ranch Association members

I believe the economic interests of Sea Ranchers will be best served by addressing needs before desires. However, I will not cut corners nor will I advocate doing things “on the cheap.”

In addition, I will not place the burden of cost cutting measures on the backs of Sea Ranch Association staff who will stand for hours, in the cold, dark, wet night repairing a water main break to make sure Sea Ranchers have hot running water to bathe and cold clear water to drink.

Finally, I will not be part of any group, or work in concert with any group, that seeks to do that.

2) A Board Director’s Greatest Asset

A board director’s greatest asset is his or her ability to find common ground while working “with” rather than “against” others in order to protect the integrity and welfare of The Sea Ranch and Sea Ranch Association Members.

In asking for you vote, please know that I would consider it both a pleasure and honor to represent you on The Sea Ranch Board of Directors

First Candidate Statement....

Contaact me by phone at: 785-3176 or cell: (559) 280-6820

Hopefully, you have all received the Candidates First Statement. At this time I would like to address the nature and content of those statements.

First let me say that my opponent's statements were well written and worthy of a serious read. As a former Sea Rancher of the Year, Dibby Tyler quite appropriately listed her years of meritorious service and admirable accomplishments. It was very impressive. Dibby would make a wonderful addition to the already fine group of board members we currently have. I strongly urge everyone, to cast one of their two votes for Dibby Tyler. Obviously, since it's my hope to join her on the board, I would appreciate receiving the other.

Derek Bray and Chris Beach took the opportunity to list the positions they have taken or will take on issues which focus on items such as membership dues and fire prevention. As indicated in their statements, their perspectives are from those of an engineer and a builder. I chose a different life path. My perspective is from that of an "ethics practioner," which by training and education (Josephson Institute of Ethics, 1994) is my profession. Rather than list my positions, I chose to outline the process I will use to establish those positions.

You need and deserve to know that.

Though I was specific in my statement as to what that process involved, let me be more so now. I am an ethics practioner, not an academic, however, the 3 step decision making process I use is based on enduring ethical philosophies established centuries ago. I'd like to share them with you.

Step 1

Ethical decisions take into account the interest and well being of all those likely to be affected by the decision and who have a moral claim on the decision maker to make the decision wisely. This is known in the "business" as a Stakeholder Analysis.

The underlying philosophy of this step is the Golden Rule. Lest anyone think the Golden Rule is unique to Christianity, consider that one of the first times we see it is in 500 BC, when Confucius says,

"What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others."

175 years later in 325 BC, Aristotle said,

"We should behave to others as we wish them to behave to us."

There are more examples to be sure, but the point is simply this. The Golden Rule in one form or another is part of nearly all major religions. In addition, the fact that it is embraced by people of considerable intelligence and divergent outlooks is evidence that it is an enduring moral truth.

Step 2

Ethical decisions put the core ethical values of honesty, integrity, respect, compassion, fairness and justice which are common to democratic societies above others, such as those engendered by self interest or personal bais.

The philosophical underpinning of this step is Immanuel Kant's Categorical Imperative. Kant asserts that ethical values are moral truths which require absolute adherence in spite of social conventions and natural inclinations to the contrary. In other words, and to add color to this rather drab academic description, we are required to honor these principles come "hell or high water."

Step 3

There may come a time when we must choose between competing ethical values described in step 2. When that time comes, we are obligated to choose that value which produces the greatest good for the greatest number.

The philosophy here is Consequentialism, also referrred to as Utilitarianism. This philosophy was espoused by people such as Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill. They argued that the propriety of a decision was contingent on the consequences it produced.

I realize that this decision making process is somewhat complex and nuanced. But, so is being a Sea Ranch Board Member.

I believe that Derek Bray and Chris Beach are qualified to be board members and will be good ones if elected. They are one, an engineer and the other a builder. By training, they also tend to be pragmatists. As such, their first instinct will often be to get as much information as possible and then based on that information, do what works. As a general rule, I find that to be an admirable trait.

However, I believe I offer a significant and distinct alternative to the strictly pragmatic. Allow me to illustrate the alternative and draw the distinction.

As an ethicist by training, I will have a tendency not to do what works, but to do what is right.

Experience has taught me that what works is not always what is right (see Balco, Enron, Mark McGwire, Marion Jones and Ken Lay). What is right is also not always what is obvious. Often, it is complex and nuanced, requiring a decision making process and mind set that accommodates those complexities and nuances. In addition, though these concepts are not always mutually exclusive, many times a decision maker must choose between what works and what is right. I'm confident you know what my choice will be.

It has been written that principles are only meaningful if we're willing to stand by them when they become inconvenient. The test of a person's ethical integrity comes when the price of doing the right thing is more than they want to pay. Rest assured that if elected to the Sea Ranch Board of Directors, I'll pay the price.

Please also understand that I believe both Derek and Chris are principled. In addition, I don't take the position that I'm more principled. That would be unnaceptable, inaccurate and disrespectful.

It's just that I think ethical principles are more a part of my decision making "DNA."

My first statement was about my decision making process. As I stated earlier, you needed and deserved to know what that process was. In my second statement, I'll state my positions on fire prevention, membership dues, the budget, bluff top erosion, in addition to numerous others. You need and deserve to know that as well.

Being A Board Member, Budgets and Numbers

Contact me by phone: 785-3176 or 559-280-6820
I'd be pleased to speak with you.


"Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." ~ Albert Einstein

I love numbers. They offer clarity in a world confusing and ever changing. They provide relief from conjecture and speculation. Sometimes they even produce certainty.

However, it has been my experience that often as not, they are as confusing and unclear as the world itself. Of course, they can also produce more questions than answers. In addition, the answers they do produce can be short sighted and woefully inadequate. Take baseball for instance.

Why hasn't anyone hit .400 since Ted Williams (.406) in 1941? The easy answer would be that there just hasn't been anyone as good as Ted since then. But, even the most casual observer of baseball would say it's a little more complicated than that.

In 1941, most games were played in the daylight. Starting pitchers were expected to pitch the entire game, and the number of quality pitchers was less. Closing relievers like Dennis Eckersley, Rob Nenn and Mariano Rivera simply didn't exist. The game was played differently from a strategic standpoint. Home runs weren't as important. Baseball gloves were smaller.

The list goes on.

So how does this relate to being a Sea Ranch Association Board Member?

To start with, our 2008-2009 yearly budget is in excess of 5 million dollars. That's a lot of numbers. As a board member, I would be expected to deal with those numbers, to assess and prioritize them. That's a big responsibility.

However, and this is a big "however," I do not feel it is the duty of a board member to generate numbers. Here are the 2 major reasons why.

#1. We have a Director of Financial Services, and she does a great job generating numbers. Her name is Ellen Buechner. I took the time to sit down with her and and have an extended conversation about the budget. In my opinion, she's top notch. She's analytical, cautious, intelligent and creative. Beyond that she impressed me as a person with a great deal of integrity, and that's very important. Consider this. Warren Buffett, the "Oracle of Omaha," and founder of Bershire-Hathaway, says that when he is hiring, he looks for 3 qualities: integrity, intelligence and creativity. However, he always makes sure he gets integrity first, because if doesn't the other two will kill him.

Warren Buffett wouldn't have any problem hiring Ellen Buechner. That's good enough for me.

And in any case, why waste Sea Ranch Association time doing something that someone who we pay does better? Seems a bit counterproductive.

#2. Generating numbers is a dangerous game for a board member, whose primary responsibilities are to oversee, guide policy and represent Sea Ranchers.

A strategy of generating numbers for the purpose of guiding or establishing policy is inherently flawed.

A good friend says that there are some who think if you massage the numbers long enough, they will produce the desired result. I happen to think that's true. However, the desirability of the result is not necessarily related to its propriety.

In essence, generating numbers to determine propriety is a little like saying the reason Ted Williams was the last man to hit .400, is because no one has been as good since then.

I'm afraid it's a little more complicated than that. And, it would be naive of a board member to think otherwise. I won't.

A board member needs to think beyond the numbers, and keep his eye on the ball. I will.

How Could This Be?.......

About 5 minutes into my bluff walk Wednesday morning, I met Jack Dupre. When a gambler is on a winning streak, I've heard it referred to as having "cut into a hot deck." Jack Dupre is a fun guy. He's also like cutting into a "hot deck."

Jack talked while we walked south from Helm Station. Like David and Joan Griffith, who'd I met on my first bluff walk, he was a wealth of information. Jack said that he walked the bluff often with his wife Marsha. He explained the trail was closed at Walk On Beach and that folks had to take a detour which required them to walk on paved Sea Ranch roads to access the beach.

When we got to Walk On Beach, I saw Jon Prescott and his crew doing some work on the bluff. Hard working folk doing good things for Sea Rancers (thanks Jon!). After I took a couple pictures, Jack Dupre introduced me to a woman I'll never forget. Her name is Susan Clark.

I'd heard about the situation in Unit 28 and Walk On Beach. Heard it was real bad. But unitl I saw it for myself Wednesday morning, I really didn't understand how it impacted folks who live there.

That fact hit me when I noticed a black, plasic tarp flapping wildly on the edge of the bluff, like a child's runaway kite stuck on a power line.

It certainly wasn't the view of the ocean one would expect when only living 60 feet from the bluff's edge. But, there it was. Unbelievable. How could this be happening at The Sea Ranch of all places?

For Sea Ranchers who'd like to know what the bluff top erosion issue is really about, I invite you to spend some "quality" time with Susan Clark who lives on the bluff immediately up from Walk On Beach.

The black plastic tarp is in front of her house.

I spoke with her on Wednesday morning. She and friend Tom Cochrane, a geologist and former board member, gave me a 30 minute tutorial on bluff erosion. She talked about her battles with Sonoma County, the Bane Bill, possible solutions, both desired and not desired. Tom explained the intricasies of bluff erosion the way only a professional geologist could. He was fascinating. It was pretty compelling stuff.

Complicated and complex are other descriptions. So complex and complicated that Susan Clark says she'll be happy when, "I only have to worry about Mother Nature." Think about that for awhile. It'll definitely put a "hitch in yer gitalong" as the cowboys say.

Still, the bottom line is this. There's a way to solve the problem. It ain't easy, and it ain't cheap. But, it can be solved. It must be solved, and for all the right reasons.

However, the main reason is because Susan Clark is a Sea Rancher, and she is my neighbor. And, neighbors watch out for each other. I'm going to watch out for Susan Clark. We all should.

More about the Bane Bill and Sonoma County next time.....

"Life's most urgent and compelling question is: What are you doing for others?"
---Martin Luther King Jr

A Sad Sight On A Beautiful Bluff Trail Walk

This morning's walk on the bluff trail was a spectacular visual treat. A clear and bright sky, along with a light but constant wind, made it a signature Sea Ranch wave watching event.

Unfortunately, after walking south from Salal Creek for about 20 minutes, we came upon a most disturbing sight. I saw a bluff trail that was only 1 or 2 feet from a 20 foot fall onto the rocks below. Then I saw an empty 40 oz beer bottle just off the trail. While the sight of an empty beer bottle on the bluff trail is visual blasphemy to any Sea Rancher, an even more troubling visual is possible. That would be the sight of a body crumbled on the rocks below.

As most Sea Ranchers know, the bluff trail is both wondrous and foreboding. Walking on the bluff trail is a relatively low risk activity, but……you'd better pay attention. Provided one walks during the day and exercises a modicum of caution, he or she should be fine.
However, walk the bluff at night and you're just asking for trouble. Walk it at night while slugging down 40 ouncers and you ARE in trouble, the kind of trouble you might not get out of.

Though I've officially been a permanent Sea Rancher since June, I've pretty much lived full time at The Sea Ranch since last April. Too many times since then have visitors to our special place on the north coast, enjoyed its wonders and ignored its inherent dangers. As a result, they paid a terrible price.

While it's unclear whether any tragedy here involved alcohol, it's very clear that alcohol increases the likelihood that one will occur. Unfortunately, based on what I discovered this morning along the bluff trail, not everyone understands that.

And, that's another reason the issue of bluff erosion is so important.

The next walk on the bluff is tentatively scheduled for 10 AM on March 12, beginning at the Helm Station. Hope to see you there!

A Walk On The Bluff With David & Joan Griffith

I'd heard about the bluff erosion. I'd read about it. I'd seen pictures of it. I'd talk to knowledgeable Sea Ranchers about it. But, until I spent an hour walking the bluff with David and Joan Griffith, I never had a true feel for it and how it impacted those who lived on the bluff.

David and Joan live on the bluff.

Thursday morning dawned gray, wet and blustery. I wouldn't have expected anyone to join me for a 60 minute hike in those conditions. However, after only a few hundred yards, David, Joan and their dog Molly joined me and my wife Barbara. I had considered taking my Chocolate Lab Truman with us, but as I've mentioned to folks before, he more resembles a flying house than he does a dog. And, frankly at that size, I felt he was likely to exacerbate bluff erosion. Consequently, Truman didn't make the traveling squad.

David was a wealth of information with regard to conditions on the bluff. Not only did he explain how the different layers of soil contribute to the erosion process, he also pointed out where water ran from beneath the bluff edge down the rocks and into the sea. It was most illuminating.

Then I discovered we had some rather unique common ground. We had both been ranchers prior to moving to The Sea Ranch. David had a large cattle ranch in Colorado. I had a small horse ranch in the San Joaquin Valley. Ranchers are pretty self reliant and often times are required to make repairs and solve problems in short order.

David then began to explain how he might handle the erosion problem. It was pretty simple actually, requiring only a couple pieces of equipment. It sounded pretty good to me, as it was reminiscent of how we dealt with drainage problems in our riding arena. But, David and I don't live on our ranches anymore. We live on The Sea Ranch.

And, that's a whole new ball game.

When we lived on our ranches, we didn't have to worry about public access. We didn't have to worry about environmental impact reports. We didn't have to worry about the Coastal Commission. We didn't have worry about Sonoma County politics. We certainly didn't have to worry our next door neighbors, because next door was generally measured in miles, not feet. Pretty interesting, I thought.

My entire perspective changed when we came to a place on the bluff trail at the end of Main Sail, where a small fence bordered the trail only a few feet away from a terrifying and treacherous ledge. One small misstep here could result in a potential and likely fatal fall. David then turned to the east and pointed to a house only short distance from where we stood and said,

"That one is ours."

The point I'm trying to make is this:

We can talk about soil layers. We can talk about water flow. We can talk about any number of possible engineering solutions. But, until we talk to those who live on the bluff and are most impacted by erosion, we haven't talked about the most important thing of all....Sea Ranchers.

The Sea Ranch Association is now in the process of addressing bluff erosion. This is extremely sensitive politically and requires a cool head and a steady hand. I've had conversations with Community Manager John Fox and Board Chair Jim Jordan regarding the bluff. I am convinced that they have cool heads and steady hands.

Having said that, I am also convinced that the bluff top erosion issue should be pursued and solved sooner rather than later. The Griffiths and their neighbors on the bluff deserve nothing less.

Finally, I'd like to thank David and Joan for taking the time to provide me with one of the most pleasant experiences I've ever had at The Sea Ranch. Sea Ranchers are like that!

*The next walk on the bluff is scheduled for March 2 at 10 AM. It will start on the bluff trail just north of Salal Creek. See you then!

Thoughts On The Budget Workshop

Saturday’s budget meeting at the Del Mar Center was impressive. Impressive because of all those who chose to attend, and impressive because of the intelligent, well reasoned and diverse nature of the opinions held and expressed. Good stuff.

In addition, watching the process unwind and seeing it produce a result that was not all of what each individual wanted, but one with which each individual could live, was most impressive of all, because that is the essence of a civilized culture. And folks, these days civility can be pretty hard to find.

If chosen to serve on The Sea Ranch Board of Directors, I pledge to consider all information submitted by experts, fellow board members, members of The Sea Ranch Staff and members of The Sea Ranch Association. I will then make a decision which my conscience tells me will produce the greatest good for the greatest number, recognizing that from time to time, some of us will have to make personal sacrifices to achieve that end.

"The mark of a learned mind is the ability to entertain a thought or idea without accepting it."
- Aristotle

My Position On The Design Review Process

My Sea Ranch home was completed in June of 2006. While I am extremely pleased with the end result, like many, I found the design process somewhat confusing and frustrating. I do not believe that the design committee made any substantive errors with regard to the CC&R’s. However, I do believe that the process itself was inherently flawed.

The design committee is made up of six architects, two of whom are landscape architects. However, only three meet as a committee. Of those three, at least one is a landscape architect.

Here is the problem:

Because committee members rotate, a submitted plan is not reviewed by the same three members throughout the entire process, thus increasing the likelihood of inconsistent and contradictory rulings.

The Sea Association Office recognized the problem and reacted by assigning the DCEM Executive Director to prepare documents and be present at all Design Review Committee meetings, thus insuring that inconsistent and contradictory rulings would not take place. Excellent.

The next step should be to obtain member input to determine if this has indeed improved the process. If it has, then we need to continue to monitor the process and make adjustments as needed. If it has not, then we need to investigate the problem further.

I understand that the Design Review process can sometime mean not getting what you want. However, inconsistent and contradictory rulings are unacceptable.

My position on the Design Process is this:

As a general rule, the Design Review process should not last longer than one year. If it does, we should know exactly why.

If elected to the Sea Ranch Board of Directors, I will commit to monitor the Design Review process on a monthly basis and make my findings known at all board meetings.

The Devil In The Details

Having received a number of inquiries and comments from association members about the recent budget workshop, I feel it appropriate to respond. This post will address 4 specific budget items which impact directly the proposed increases in association dues.


#1 Additional Administrative Office Assistant

As the association has grown, the amount of clerical work has increased. Having worked in the same organization for over 30 years, I understand this completely. No problem.


#2 Deputy Community Manager

When coaching, I was sometimes fortunate to have a player who was extraordinary in terms of talent, work ethic and leadership skills. That player not only performed at a high level himself, but had the ability to raise his teammates’ level as well. I hated to lose him, because it was going to be very difficult, if not impossible to replace him. Frankly, most of the time, it was. I called such a player, “Gold Nuggets.”

John Fox is “Gold Nuggets.”

He has taken the level of service provided by the TSR Association to a new level of efficiency. Unfortunately, that has come at a great cost to him personally. Working 60-70 hour weeks and not having 2 consecutive days off is simply unacceptable. If we don't get him some help, we're going to lose him. The question now becomes, "Are we willing to lose him?"

I am not.

The next question: “Is hiring a Deputy Community Manager the only way to prevent that from happening?” I’m not sure, but I suspect strongly that it is.

#3 Office Space Expansion

Former Board Director Scott Nevin has shared that this has been under consideration for some time. So, while this is the first I’ve heard about it, the Board has been wrestling with it for a number of years.

Office expansion seems to relate to items 1 and 2. We hire more people, we need more space. There's only so much spatial reconfiguring that can be done to accommodate staff increases, before it simply becomes unworkable to the point it is a negative factor in terms of efficiency. In addition, I've worked in such situations. While I was still able to do my job, the feeling that you've been "marginalized" cannot be escaped. Not a pleasant working environment.

As I understand it, there appear to be 2 options at this time.

1) Expand the existing Association Office

2) Use other buildings on the Sea Ranch which may be available

#4 On Going vs. One Time Assessments

It is important to note that while some budget items are one time expenses, others are not. The Administrative Clerical Assistant, the Deputy Community Manager and the Information Technology Manager/Expert will be ongoing yearly expenses. They won’t go away.

Additionally, because a search for a Deputy Community Manager and Information Technology Manager/Expert will be necessary, they will not be hired immediately. The Deputy Community Manager is scheduled to be hired in September 2008, and the Information Technology Manager/Expert in January 2009. Consequently, the assessment increases to fund both, $2.18 and $0.75 respectively, are for a partial year. It would be logical to assume that they would rise in subsequent full years.

While I have generated some of this information myself, others have contributed greatly as well. I encourage all to contribute. As I recently said to an association member, “This is a pretty steep learning curve, and I’d appreciate anything that would help flatten it out some.”


“Too many people are willing to carry the stool, when it’s the piano that needs to be moved.” ----Anonymous

As Always……Be Well,
John Forenti

Budget Meeting - January 12, 2008...WOW!

John Donne said, “Knowledge cannot save you, but you cannot be saved without it.”

Today’s budget meeting most definitely provided Sea Ranch Association members with knowledge. Unfortunately, not very many of our membership was present to gain access to the knowledge. Not good.

Not good because a monthly dues increase of $23.34 is “on the table” for 2008-09. That increase would set the assessment at $185.84, up from its present amount of $163.00 ($162.50 if electronically paid). While the increase will undoubtedly be met with a collective gasp from the membership (I know I “gasped”), hard questions regarding this increase must be asked and answered, not with gasps, but with insight gained from a careful analysis of the information available.

I have to echo what Roy Austin said on the Sea Ranch List Serve (I do still read it ….just no campaigning)……..”You all shoulda been there”

Increased dues will result from additional assessments in the following areas, in the following amounts:

1) Additional Administrative Clerk – Yearly Cost of $45,699 – Monthly Assessment Increase of $1.66

2) Deputy Community Manager – Yearly Cost of $59,994 – Monthly Assessment Increase of $2.18

3) Information Technology Manager/Expert – Yearly Cost of $20,650 – Monthly Assessment Increase of $0.75

4) Trails Committee – Yearly Cost of $1,635 – Monthly Assessment Increase of $0.06

5) Forest Management Plan for Timber Protection Zone – Yearly Cost of $13,500 – Monthly Assessment Increase of $0.49

6) Fire Safety Task Force Initiatives – Yearly Cost of $150,000 – Monthly Assessment Increase of $5.46

7) Commons Area Verdant View Restoration – Yearly Cost of $12,000 – Monthly Assessment Increase of $0.44 - (more discussion in 3rd budget meeting)

8) Office Space Expansion – Yearly Cost of $100,000 – Monthly Assessment Increase of $3.66

Those are the numbers. Here are what I believe to be the questions:

1) What do we gain if we choose to go forward with the increases?
2) What are we willing to lose if we don’t?

Obviously, these questions are inseparable. We can scarcely consider one without considering the other. The questions then become not only very difficult, but very unnerving. I suspect the answers will be as well.

The third budget meeting is scheduled for February 9. We need your help. Please try to make it. If you can’t, post your comments on this BLOG, and I’ll make sure to carry your message to the meeting.

“I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can still do something.” – Edward Everett Hale

As Always…….Be well,
John Forenti

The Beginning

Welcome!

This BLOG has been created for the purpose of allowing Sea Ranch Association members to evaluate my position on issues related to the upcoming Board of Directors election.

I will begin stating those positions on January 21.

It is my firm belief that as a Board Director it will be my moral duty to represent not only those who agree with my positions, but those who do not as well. Therefore, I invite and welcome reasoned, civil and spirited discourse.

As Always.....Be Well,

John Forenti