By Amber Jurgensen | Staff Writer
For the second time, the Walden Lake Community Association has denied a proposal to increase fees for use of Walden Lake Golf and Country Club.
After the corporate owner of the Walden Lake Golf and Country Club filed a voluntary petition under Chapter 11 bankruptcy last year, John Keaton, the club’s general manager, has been devising ways to improve the club’s attendance — as well as its reputation. He suggested the WLCA increase homeowners’ fees, which would give each household membership to the entire facility. The membership also could be passed on to renters.
The plan was the same one proposed by Steve Mercer, managing partner of the club, a year ago. The WLCA denied it after consulting with an attorney and found that the only way to institute a fee increase of that magnitude would be to obtain a two-thirds vote from homeowners favoring the increase.
“It sounded undoable and expensive,” WLCA President Jan Griffin said, adding that someone would have to go door-to-door to the 2,241 homes to pick up proxies.
Another option discussed in lieu of the increase would be to offer a $299 social membership special to Walden Lake residents.
Under Chapter 11 of the bankruptcy code, the corporation can keep the course and club while it reorganizes its finances.
Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.
IN OTHER NEWS
• The WLCA accepted nominee Bruce Rodwell to fill the vacancy on the board left by Jon Courson after he resigned last month.
Rodwell, originally from New York, has been involved in the Plant City Toastmasters, the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce and a board member for the YMCA, the United Food Bank of Plant City and the South Florida Baptist Hospital Foundation. He attends the First United Methodist Church and received the Plant City Citizen of the Year Award in 2009.
• Rod and Ima Storts approached the WLCA about the use of a path in the Hammocks. The path was deeded to the WLCA in the 1990s. The quick claim deed designated the use of the path for walkers and bikers, but not for golf carts. However, golf carts have been using the path for over a decade.
With new homeowners now living on the property bordering the path, golf carts have not been able to get access to the path. The Storts seek to change the rules regarding who can and cannot use the path. The WLCA will look into the matter.
• The WLCA meeting will move its Sept. 17 meeting to 5:30 p.m. to make time for the presidents meeting, which will be at 7 p.m.