The Hot Springs Village Property Owners’ Association sent out the following email (posted below) to Property Owners on June 16, 2021, regarding hiring a new General Manager.
The email began, “
“Rumors about the hiring of a new GM are flying around the Village! The Board would like to put all rumors to rest with the FACTS on the hiring process.
Now that a “new” Board is seated, hiring a new GM is one of our top priorities. The Board feels the Village is very fortunate to have a capable interim GM, John Paul, in place so that we can invest time in going about the GM hiring process with care and deliberation. We anticipate the process – from beginning to GM-on-board – will take up to 6 months. Our goal is to have a new GM in place by early 2022″
Please see the pdf below to read the rest of the email.
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Tom Blakeman
06/16/2021 — 6:05 pm
I think the question everyone should be asking is why do we only have 6 board members making these types of decisions?
There should be 7 on the board and the election just past identified who that 7th member should be. Or, hold another election for the vacant seat. Better yet, let these current 6 amend our charter and then elect 3 more to the board making 9.
It seems obvious that the many mistakes over the last 10-15 years were due to poor decisions from our past boards. All of those poor decisions would likely have been much better had there have been more diversity of opinion, more heads doing the thinking and debating.
Diana Podawiltz
06/16/2021 — 6:24 pm
This decision should be made with a full board of 7 members. It’s past time to fill this seat. In addition, it smacks that current employees are playing such an active role in picking their new boss.
John M Szczepaniak
06/16/2021 — 8:50 pm
I am troubled why there apparently has been no (open) discussion nor action being taken on replacing the open director position. What do they bylaws say about this?
The silence is deafening.
HSVP C
06/16/2021 — 9:05 pm
John, are you talking about Dick Garrison?
John M Szczepaniak
06/16/2021 — 9:40 pm
I am talking about the open position. However, yes, I am also wondering why he resigned right before the first meeting. Did he see something he did not like? Not that I want to encourage rumors ya know.
steve bylow
06/16/2021 — 9:43 pm
three thoughts:
1. Glad the BOD provided the update.
2. Disappointed a 6 to 9 month timeline is considered reasonable.
3. I’ll be curious to see how the job description is written – is it for a “manager” with general experience to take direction from the Board or a “change agent” with a breadth of relevant experience to help lead the organization with the Board.
Lloyd Sherman
06/17/2021 — 9:19 am
I also question why the 7th position has not been filled. WHY? His resignation had to be known before the seating of that day and adjustments should have been made accordingly. Dick told me personally that he resigned due to heath reasons and I think we can safely conclude they didn’t just crop up the day of the seating of the new board. Diversity of opinion is not encouraged for board members. They continue to hear we should be working towards consensus. That does not promote diversity.
The board timeline on replacing the GM position begs the question of why are they waiting? What will be different from now until the first of next year, other than more of the same? The requirement of the Village at this point in our history requires that of a “change agent” be hired; not someone who will go along to get along. This position is not a popularity contest but sure has appeared to be in the past. Change is needed and it is needed now!
John M Szczepaniak
06/17/2021 — 10:31 am
I was told that it is up to the board to decide if they should replace a member prior to the next election and they do not think it is necessary.
Lloyd, you should know by now that there is no room for “diversity” on our board and that is evident at every board meeting.
Brian Castleman
06/18/2021 — 12:06 pm
I loved your recommendations. As the old saying goes we can’t keep doing the same thing over and over again and expect a different result. Its easy to go with the flow and swim downstream. We need leaders with intestinal fortitude and the ability to prioritize what needs to be done and and in what priority. The survival of our community is at stake We shouldnt approve an increase in assessments without our organizational chart being revised to make it clear the board of directors are in charge, the general manager reports to the boards direction and department heads reporting to general manager. I agree that an overhaul of our organizational operating procedures and review of staffing, compensation packages might be be needed. Everything should be focused on delivering the most efficient and cost effective processes and best product for the benefit of the POA as a whole and its members. We need to move forward in a transparent way toward hiring the right person with the right mindset and skill set, experiences to fill the general manager position. The board should be driving these decisions not the staff.
David L. Henderson
06/17/2021 — 3:33 pm
I suggest that the time allowed for present POA staff members to express an interest in becoming our new GM be reduced from 5 days to 5 minutes.
Because, if we exclude longevity, ego-size, and mastery of management buzz-words as legitimate qualifications, then we certainly have no one on staff who is qualified to manage the affairs of our Community.
We definitely need an outsider who will bring both fresh perspectives, and proven prior city management skills to the job.
Forget “agents of change” (remember Twiggs and Nalley) , and let Village Property Owners inform the Board what changes are needed and desired.
Lloyd Sherman
06/18/2021 — 7:59 am
No disrespect intended to our HR Department, but the hiring of the GM lies squarely on the Board to hire the absolute best all around candidate for the job to hit the road running. That being said, here we go again with staff having way too much influence on a hiring decision where the position influencing the decision will most likely report directly to the person hired. What could possibly go wrong with that plan?
Many are probably tired of hearing me say this, but this is just another indicator that the board is allowing staff to drive their decisions. It is far past time for this place to be driven from a property owner perspective. I hear from all candidates that they support that concept, but then actions don’t back up the words.
Sorry to offend, but it is time for STRAIGHT TALK!
Keith Chambers
06/18/2021 — 1:45 pm
Speaking of straight talk, how about opening up the comments on Lloyd’s GM submission so all us property owners can discuss and give feedback to him and his potential bosses.
Scott McCord
06/19/2021 — 6:53 am
Interesting that the theme has gone from “Like minded” people needed on the Board to change things they did not like.
Now:
Some of the same “Like minded” advocates are now talking about “diversity” on the Board.
Isn’t it funny how their tune changes to suit their agenda at the moment.
HSVP C
06/19/2021 — 7:42 am
Scott, thank you for commenting. I don’t think you are referring to me, but I was the person who used the term “like-minded” in our original Facebook Description. I think you are getting confused. I didn’t want to deal with a lot of unnecessary fighting and meanness which happens on Nextdoor and in some Facebook Groups. I think you are aware of what I am saying – you know how some people are when they get behind a keyboard. We are not all like-minded now, but people are usually kind and polite, not like Nextdoor. The term “like-minded” had nothing to do with the Board Directors. Thanks again and hope you have a lovely day.
Scott McCord
06/21/2021 — 9:07 am
Cheryl,
You are correct. I was not referring to you in my post above.
I have no dispute with you.
The point of my post was contrasting themes
“Like minded” vs. “diversity”
It appears some of the folks that supported the “like minded” theme are changing their tune to: now we need “diversity”.
Some of these folks also have established themselves with the distinction of being “Quitters”.