Monday, February 11, 2019

RV Storage Lot

A problem in search of a solution....

I have requested some statistics from the Business Office regarding the RV Storage Lot.  The requested information includes the number of power and non-power spaces. Charges, etc.. I will add that to the facts listed below, when available. 

A Little History:
The RV lot was specifically constructed as an off season storage site for RV's that are required to be removed from their lots during the Winter season. The original reason's were that they were subject to storm damage and were unsightly.  Since the start of the storage lot, we have seen a much better manufacture of RV units with them being much larger and greater value, often exceeding the cost of a cabin or stick built home.  The popularity of RV's have had a significant increase. Due to more strict septic rules, lots in Surfside that were once build-able for stick built structures, are now only good for RV use.

Facts:

The fiscal figures for 2018 show that the RV storage lot generated a profit of 14,953.81 after a repair and maintenance cost of 9,437.89
It has been requested numerous times that a separate account be established that included income and expense.  The reasoning being, that profit or loss would be used only for the storage lot.  Excess funds would be used for maintenance, repairs and improvements. Fees for storage would be based on those figures.  The past few years the "profit" has gone into the general operating fund.

Members with RV lots pay the same dues and assessments as any other member, and use less of the resources provided by the association. If they also rent a storage site with generated profit, they are actually paying more than other members.

A Problem:

A recently formed Ad Hoc Committee has made an honest intensified effort for improvements to the site as well as obtaining more storage space. Electrical use demand has increased and put a strain on outdated electrical supply and some abuse by users.  Electrical repairs are constantly needed.  Larger sized RV's have difficulty finding a space that meets their needs of entrance and exit as well as the space it's self.

The committee has looked into acquiring additional acreage  adjoining the present property, but it has been found to be in a wet land.

Solutions:

There is discussion of purchasing additional storage space outside of Surfside.  There could be upgrades to the present location, but that would not provide additional spaces, but rather a decrease because of the need for larger spaces and a reconfiguration of site spaces. These are just a few of the issues.  Any decision will require an increase in rent, perhaps substantial.

Another option is to do nothing, but continue as at present. Another option would be to eliminate the storage site. There is nothing in the governing documents that require that storage space be provided. Another option would be to remove the year around restrictions. It would be the choice of the RV owners to leave or remove them during the winter months.    Perhaps this could be a ballot vote and a decision be made by a majority of the voting members.  This would be covenant change.

Note:

I do not have an opinion on the solution, but think those directly affected,  need to be involved.  To do nothing will only make the problem worse and continue if not increase, member division in Surfside.  Maybe there is a solution if members can express their opinions and they be seen by all members.

Below are 2 pages from the Policy pages.  Click on each for a larger read:




    

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you Sir. As a part timer I would appreciate being able to keep my RV on my lot during the off months. I pay the same dues, have a lot that is kept in very good condition, and store my RV with a cover. This would save me the time of moving the unit, let alone all the other work. Please accept us part timers as an integral part of the community.

Anonymous said...

I have read hear many times that rv restrictions only apply to areas exposed to high winds. Since i have never seen a flying trailer, i would assume the concern is falling trees? But they have all been decapitated or removed. I think it has more to do with who objects to viewing them, or just objects in general. Kind of like the tree height restrictions and shed overhangs. Some people need to get a life.

Anonymous said...

In fact some people need to get an attorney.

Anonymous said...

Keep it and the RV rules as is. Use any profit it generates for a SHOA Summer BBQ kegger. And I'm' not talking hotdogs and bud light either, really step it up, get a band too, build a big bonfire, really hoop it up. That's the kind of stuff that brings the community together.

Anonymous said...

What's your name foolish and wasteful spender? You must be a BOT Member.

Anonymous said...

And what is YOUR name person who see's Trustees everywhere?

Not as foolish as it seems. At the annual meeting when the Blagg contingent was done with their failed coup most didn't stay for the rest of the meeting. They left to fill their faces at the picnic. More than likely trying to eat their dues worth of free food.

Anonymous said...

I have been hearing lately that there is new technology in the septic field. There are now above-ground units that can process wastewater so completely that the water it sends out is clean enough to drink. I think one name is the owner of BioMicrobics named Curtis from Arlington. These systems were developed in Europe and are being used in the San Juan's and on Whidbey Island, that I have heard of. This may be fortunate for those smaller lots.

Anonymous said...

The BOT will probably unilaterally outlaw them.

Stickbuiltless said...

The electrical issue is probably members using high wattage equipment instead of the small heater or whatever is stated in the RV electrical limitations. They should do a check with a wattage meter every so often if the power usage is high and notify the offenders they must eliminate the high usage. Seems fair.

Moisture is a very HUGE problem with RVs in SHOA. I would imagine some of those folks have high wattage dehumidifiers running which are much beyond the original intentions.

Give an inch and many will take a mile...

Anonymous said...

10:37. What a joke you are. The recall measures all failed, yet you still harbor bitterness and animosity over a legal attempt to remove corrupt and inept Trustees. It will now be left up to the various governmental agencies who are investigating Surfside’s illegal actions to rid us of the lot. Perhaps then we can assemble a group of people to come up with a solution for getting our HOA out of the hole the BOT has put us in. The county, state and feds (EPA) are onto them.

As far as the RV storage area, the Covenants should be changed to conform to the Pacific County Ordinance, which allows property owners to keep their RV on their property for use or storage year-round. This would eliminate the need for the RV storage lot, or make it optional for anyone who wants to rent a space for their RV. Otherwise, the storage facility should be provided to RV lot owners first - at no charge - since they already pay full HOA assessments while being denied the full & unrestricted right to use their property as can every other property owner in Pacific County.

The HOA should also make owners get rid of the broken down garbage being stored in the RV lot, or have it hauled away and charge the owner. There are boats & RVs up there with rotten tires, expired registrations, rusting away in various stages of decay.

10:37 said...

Ms. B:

"Corrupt and inept Trustees". Well, you're entitled to your opinion. Thankfully the majority of those in attendance didn't share it. As someone who likes to make the claim that you are for all members of SHOA, why then didn't you make your plans known at the board meeting prior so the entire membership would have been aware and had the opportunity to attend to vote Instead of just your FB friends?

As for me being a joke, again you are entitled to your opinion, just like I am of mine. I found you, your spouse and some of the FB'ers behavior at that meeting embarrassing. In fact at the end of the meeting, which unlike you and your friends I stayed for, I went up to the young volunteers and apologized that they had to witness such a thing from so called adults. Your "bitterness and animosity" was clearly on display an undeniable.

Now to address your continued statements concerning how our HOA should change and conform to the Pacific County Ordinance. This is one of if not the biggest differences between you and your group and me and others like me. First off, most people have a clear understanding that any HOA is usually going to have more rules and restrictions than the city/county that they are located in. That is why I and others bought here and not elsewhere in the county. We like and want them.

You and others like you had countless places on the peninsula and/or Pacific County you could have bought property where you only had to abide by the county rules but for some reason you bought here instead. You also still have the option to move to one of those places. What options do we have? Where can we go to have a place with more restrictions than the county? Why should we have to change now because of your poor judgement in purchasing property?

Anonymous said...

You can move to one of the many gated communities or go to hell. Maybe both. You sure don't belong here.

Anonymous said...

Nope, board members on this blog.lmao

george said...

I never have received a reply for my very complex question below.

"I have requested some statistics from the Business Office regarding the RV Storage Lot. The requested information includes the number of power and non-power spaces. Charges, etc.."

Guess they are busy.

8:55 said...

Sorry 9:57, aka POS. Not going anywhere. Unlike you and some others I like it here. To your other request for me to relocate to Hades, why don't you give me your address? I'm sure it along with your company would be an identical replacement.

Anonymous said...

Surfside Washington. Our own little place in Hell. All are welcome.