LL Members Voice Need for Change

Over the past two weekends, I have spent time with more than 50 Lake Association members gathering their input on what they would like to see from the Association going forward

I would like to thank all of the people who shared their time, and bugs.  We couldn’t reach everyone but the input from members was almost universally consistent.  These are captured below.  I am including comments on how I would work with the executive team to address these issues.

·         There needs to be better communication

Members should feel they are valued customers of the Association.  Communication needs to provide much more visibility about financials, plans for road maintenance and improvement, and efforts to promote a better sense of community

·         More transparency about spending is essential

Member input will be sought on all major financial commitments.  Don Hill, the Treasurer is committed to sharing more information about the Association’s finances but has essentially been blocked currently. 

·         Members expect better value for money

A vote for me as President this weekend will result in the immediate implementation of procurement procedures and policies designed to end sole sourcing and deliver cost reduction.  This will apply to all major spending going forward.  Leech Lake’s reputation with contractors in the area will be rebuilt so that we have a number of interested contractors willing to bid on major work at the Lake.  Substandard workmanship will not be tolerated.  I would like to expand the size of the road committee and seek volunteers to perform some work on the road such as culvert cleaning each fall.  This will reduce expense on culvert repairs.  I would not be asking anyone to do something I am not prepared to do myself.  Overcharging and under-delivering will be discussed with current contractors. 

Don Hill and I will be pursuing funding from the Town in order to improve the road standard.  No promises except we will pursue this professionally and consistently.

·         The Association needs to be more responsive and democratic

We will use surveys of all members to establish priorities which will guide the direction the executive and each committee will be expected to follow.  Following the election I would like to do a travelling town hall, walking the road with members of the road committee and executive to gather input on priorities for road improvement and other issues.

We will seek member input about absentee voting over the internet for executive positions and for dues changes for example. 

·         Road conditions this spring are unacceptable

It was certainly a remarkable spring season.   Members have no information regarding when or if repairs will be made.  The road committee has been working on winter road maintenance for the coming winter.  That isn’t very responsive, or aligned with member needs.

 

·         The appetite for change is held universally

People express this in their own way.  Some are withholding dues.  More are quietly frustrated.  Without change, The Association could be heading for a crisis.  You may not agree with my views on type of change that is needed.  That’s OK; all input will be valued equally. Transition to this vision for the Association will be challenging.  I am not at all certain that the current road committee is prepared to work within this member driven team concept.

·         Many believe that road conditions have been deteriorating for many years

There simply have not been sufficient funds dedicated to summer road maintenance.  This has been the case for several years.  The necessary funds can be generated through improved value for money.  My primary objective is to improve the standard of road conditions in the months when the Lake is used by most members.  That will require understanding from winter residents and frequent visitors.  The portion of dues which goes to summer maintenance will likely need to be increased.  That decision would be driven by members.  

·         Members expressed concerns about interpersonal issues being played out at the AGM

Effective management which is fair to all stakeholders should help to reduce tensions.  To the extent that the executive has exacerbated tensions, steps will be taken to ensure that executive processes and actions are fair and seen to be fair to all stakeholders.  Effective overall management of the Association is the best way to change this. 

·         People are concerned about  the Lake community being divided

Community building events such as the regatta need to be reinstated.  Some of us would like a social event such as a corn roast in the fall. 

We will be sending a press release regarding the FOCA Environmental Achievement Award to all local media.  We will be inviting them to the annual Benthic Census on July 20^th where they can see Stewardship on Leech Lake in action.

We need to promote a more positive image of Leech Lake in the broader area.  Getting better value for money and delivering results for all stakeholders will help build a sense of community.

·         Several members expressed concern about dues non-payment. 

There are a number of reasons why people don’t pay their dues.  Most of this revolves around feelings of alienation about how things are done.  Their views and needs are not met.  The best way to improve the situation is through effective management which is stakeholder driven.  Interestingly, some people who have not paid dues for some time have reached out to me.  Simply stated, they want change. 

We expect many more members to attend the AGM this coming Sunday.  Members may wish to consider having just one person attend in order to accommodate all of the people who expressed an interest in attending.       

  Larry Jacobs