Another Shelter Bay perspective

It is sad that Jack and Julie Jones moved out of Shelter Bay over misperceptions (Citizens’ View, April 19). I wish for their sake the Jones had served on the board of directors and on committees. If they had they would still be here enjoying the beauty and tranquility of our lovely community, knowing their neighbors who serve care as much about the community as they do.

The Shelter Bay marina, like every popular rental property, increases in value, pays off its debt and produces cash flow. The marina pays 10% of the land lease. It would pay more but the fee simple owners in 2006 sued to limit it to 10% because they, too, own the marina and said it occupied 10% of the leased land. They wanted the remaining marina income to help with all community expenses.

Another issue misunderstood is that subjects concerning personnel and legal issues by law must be discussed in executive session and not made public. The lease is a legal issue; the discussions on recalls and sanctions are personnel issues.

Past board members serving on committees and being appointed to vacant board positions is not a crime. They are volunteers and those continuing to work for the community deserve a thank you. Everyone should volunteer: This is a homeowners’ association run by volunteers. It has by-laws, covenants and rules and regulations to follow. If we had to pay professionals to do the work volunteers do in Shelter Bay, most of us could not afford to live here. Lack of member participation is evident: We are lucky to get 50% to vote in member elections.

Speaking of voting, Ms. Kontos in the recall petitions article says she got over 1,000 signatures. That is a good trick when the community has only 848 eligible voters. And, the hundreds of thousands of dollars claimed on the Rainbow Park fiasco was in reality about $92,000 that cost us lot holders about $110 each. The accused was a volunteer. By state homeowners association laws, we would have had to pay to defend him and pay our own legal fees. The cost could have been far more than what was paid to the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community for the fine imposed. Planting costs were already budgeted.

Yes, like many towns and cities we did not budget enough for infrastructure maintenance, including the pools. In cities they would increase taxes. Shelter Bay has to increase capital and maintenance fees.

Of course, if the critics had served on the board for the last 54 years instead of griping in 2023, we all know that they would not have let the shortfalls happen. Hindsight is a wonderful thing.

The lawsuits are failing and we should pray they all end soon because we are all paying for them with our assessments and peace of mind. Suing yourself is insane.

Mike Morrell, a retired commercial real estate broker, served on Shelter Bay board for 8 years and still serves on committees. He is a 20 year Shelter Bay resident.