Dispute resolution policy is useful tool for LOP residents

Despite its rather ominous title, the so-called Internal Dispute Resolution Policy found on yesterday's Lake of the Pines board of directors agenda appears to be useful.Chuck Lautrup, board president, said although such a policy was mandated by recent state law, he sees it as an extra avenue for members of homeowners associations to get their grievances heard, and acted upon.State law now obligates homeowners associations to designate a board member to informally hear any grievance not already mutually adjudicated. Individual members have the right to discuss the issue with an individual board member in an attempt to arbitrate the dispute. The board member then takes that decision to the full board for ratification or refusal."It's sort of a poor man's arbitration in that it provides an extra avenue to get (the matter) quickly settled without having to have a formal hearing, or taking it to the next step, which is usually having the attorneys step in," Lautrup explained.There are several ways of determining which board member hears which dispute, and while the LOP board initially was leaning toward a simple rotation policy, it was later recommended that board liaisons hear the resolution process for matters involving the areas of their particular oversight.MUSCH ADO ABOUT?...During Garrett Musch's brief time on the LOP board, he impressed most observers with his keen insight. More important, Musch was one of the few board members in modern memory who had the ability to make financial presentation which were both concise and germane.That was the main reason so many believed he would be appointed the replacement when Chuck Train resigned. But unbeknownst to most folks, several board members felt Musch had a conflict of interest because he was employed by Rick Kooi, himself newly elected to the board.One board member told me that the conflict was because Kooi basically controlled Musch's livelihood, he could well influence his board votes. Those who know both Kooi and Musch know that couldn't or wouldn't have happened. Still, the opportunity remained, so board members eventually opted for Cathy Forste as Train's replacement.Well, as of a few weeks ago, Musch has taken a new job (although he and Kooi remain fast friends).With that in mind, allow me to suggest to Musch that he entertain the idea of again running for the board. With him, Lautrup and Brigette Crawford on the board simultaneously, LOP's financial problems go take a giant step toward being solved.A SECOND SUGGESTION ...As long as we're in the mood to make recommendations, allow me to pass on this one originally postulated by Monica Sechrist.Last week we wrote about Sechrist, the LOP public safety officer who has two sons in the military. During that interview, she mentioned she'd like to see some sort of recognition for LOPlanders currently serving in the military defending our republic, but was apprehensive that some might find the idea self-serving.After running the matter past several local citizens - including President Lautrup - all think it's an idea whose time has come.Right after the holidays, let's give this some real community thought. We'll need a way to display the names, an ideal location and just the right words to do so. Pass along those thoughts to Lautrup or any of the LOP Internet forums, and we'll present them in a column early next year.UNBEARABLY COLD ...At high noon on New Year's Day - if such a time reference is possibly that early in winter - more than a few hardy LOP denizens will take part in the annual polar bear swim.There'll be a $12 charge - no doubt to defray the cost of having to rent an icebreaker for the lake - and hot chocolate and a chance to use the heated pool both will be available.Further information is available at the Administrative Office. No extra charge for psychiatric evaluations.A GOOD SIGN ...Special thanks to whomever is responsible for the large sign outside the public safety building at the main gate. It reads "Merry Christmas," not "Seasons Greetings" or "Happy Holidays" or any other wimpy appellation.Jim Ruffalo's Ruff Sketches from Lake of the Pines appears Wednesdays in the Journal. He can be reached at jmruffalo@yahoo.com.