Tuesday, September 4, 2007

The Details...

The reason I started this blog was in hopes of coming across someone who could explain what happened at the August HOA Board meeting that started the fire that Mr. Quinlan complains about in his letter. Thanks to Board Trustee, Todd Lewis, who was there on the night in question we now have that explanation. Thank you Todd for taking the time to post this. I am copying Todd's post word for word to the front page so that you don't have to go looking for it in the comments. I have also left it where it was originally posted so you can read others' comments as well. Here it is folks, the moment we've all been hoping for - well, me at least, (sorry about the formatting, this is how it copied and I didn't want to risk changing even one word by trying to reformat it) THE DETAILS...


Todd Lewis said...
As promised, here is the situation as I have experienced it.I shall begin with the offensive term, “Fawn Ghetto” and where it stems from. It starts innocently enough with the annual Chiprock block party. I must preface that this is not an HOA activity, but a neighborhood event established by the residents of Chiprock. Many are confused and believe HOA dues sponsor this event which is not at all factual. This party is always organized by a group of women who have been a good example of the very essence of community. This event is not solely limited to Chiprock residents. Many families from Fawn Meadow attend, but it has always been advertised as the Chiprock block party. Fawn Meadow residents joke that they are not good enough to be seen with residents on Chiprock and they had dubbed the road "Fawn Ghetto". This was never to be taken to have racial undertones. Words taken out of context and meaning can easily be misconstrued. The next detail to understand is the relationship between the current board and Mr. Quinlan. I feel free using the homeowner’s name since he has signed the flyers. Mr. Quinlan began his involvement with the HOA as the treasurer and active member of the DRB. The board quickly began having doubts regarding Mr. Quinlan’s capacity in the treasurer role. When homeowner's began requesting information, we had no option but to remove Mr. Quinlan from this position. This was done according to proper procedure and was a unanimous vote by the board. I will not go into detail regarding the decision out of respect for Mr. Quinlan. Mr. Quinlan was removed as treasurer and the process did not go smoothly. I never felt that any board member held contempt for Mr. Quinlan, however; we were informed by Mr. Quinlan’s lawyer that we were not to attempt to contact him. The entire affair ended poorly and was not necessary.Now we come to the eventful meeting. The meeting in August was attended by the board, the vice-president, the remaining member of the DRB, (Mr. Quinlan quit the DRB on his own accord) and four homeowners including Mr. Quinlan. The meeting was conducted according to our usual procedure. Financials, DRB activities and the issues with the front pond were all discussed. The floor was then open for discussion. We discussed safety issues with regards to speeding. Mr. Quinlan made a recommendation that the board adopt parliamentary law in conducting meetings. Steve declined this idea since it is excessive and there is usually never a need for such formalities, the board was in full agreement. Mr. Quinlan became visibly agitated. The last homeowner wanted to discuss throwing a HOA sponsored block party for an OSU game. We rejected this since we can not use HOA dues for such activities. Meeting was then over.At this point, we continued discussing the block party since the homeowner lives on Fawn Meadow, we proposed a bi annual Chiprock, Fawn Meadow, and Edgewater party. It was during this conversation that Mr. Smith jokingly used the terminology to reference Fawn Meadow. You need to understand that Mr. Smith’s comment, whether in bad taste or not, was never racially motivated. Mr. Quinlan was present to hear the remark and from that one statement circulated three flyers.It is my opinion that Mr. Quinlan took a very opportunistic leap to attack Mr. Smith to even a very personnel score due to his relationship with the board. That is the story in a nut shell. Please consider what I have stated and form your own opinion. The take home message is that no matter where you are or what you do, be careful what you say. You never know what could be taken out of context, manipulated or used against you. I thank you for your time or attention.Todd LewisBoard of Trustee
September 4, 2007 9:02 PM

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Mr. Quinlan,

If I were a juror, I would find you not very believable. After your inflammatory comments, and newsletter, I find Mr. Smith not guilty (this is my opinion as a juror). And this neighborhood does not need your actions. Please stop trying to cause such a ruckus.

I think this forum is good. We can get to the bottom of things by an open discussion.

By the way Mr. Quinlan, I think the right to have a blog such as this is protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America:

Amendment 1 - Freedom of Religion, Press, Expression

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Please print and take this to your lawyer.
Good Day!

Unknown said...

Amen and I concur.

Anonymous said...

Thank you Todd. I hope this clears up some of the confusion!

Anonymous said...

Controversy and Smith in the same sentence. Well isn't that a freakin' shocker. Yeah...we are so much better off that the previous boards.

Sorry...I am being interrupted...what is that Yoda?..'The Great Unifier he was to be'...'much to learn he does'...'divider he is'...'association blind they are.'

The little green guy does have a point. Wise you are Yoda...see past the trees you do...or would that be...see past the six foot fences with a ladder you do. :)

Anonymous said...

Yoda??? Are you serious?
Nicely put Todd!