Lakeville Hockey Board Questions

[Jimbo99]

I'd have to assume there was a great deal of discussion especially with the large board LHA has. They aren't required to go to the general membership and discuss every little detail.

I'd say that's a dangerous assumption in any case and that $35,000 being paid to a "volunteer" board member without any kind of competitive bid and with no meaningful communication to the membership about what they're getting for their money requires that "every little detail" be accounted for.

As to his character, who hasn't made a mistake and gone through some tough stuff. Leave the guy alone. The police weren't involved and neither were the courts. Give the guy a break. I have not met him, I've heard good and bad....but the legal system wasn't involved so let it go!

I agree and the board does the man a huge disservice by overreacting defensively every time his name is mentioned.

The only reasonable thing for the LHA to do is to e-mail all members with explanations regarding the questions posed in this thread and then to be ready and willing to politely and completely answer any follow-ups they get.

[mnhcp]

I'd have to assume there was a great deal of discussion especially with the large board LHA has. They aren't required to go to the general membership and discuss every little detail.

I'd say that's a dangerous assumption in any case and that $35,000 being paid to a "volunteer" board member without any kind of competitive bid and with no meaningful communication to the membership about what they're getting for their money requires that "every little detail" be accounted for.

As to his character, who hasn't made a mistake and gone through some tough stuff. Leave the guy alone. The police weren't involved and neither were the courts. Give the guy a break. I have not met him, I've heard good and bad....but the legal system wasn't involved so let it go!

I agree and the board does the man a huge disservice by overreacting defensively every time his name is mentioned.

The only reasonable thing for the LHA to do is to e-mail all members with explanations regarding the questions posed in this thread and then to be ready and willing to politely and completely answer any follow-ups they get.

That's why you elect boards. Why are you assuming that the $35,000 isn't being accounted for? I bet next time they do a little better job at this but boards make mistakes. They didn't just give the money away. I know there's a ton of hockey dads in Lakeville who wish this $35k was there's so I understand (former pros, D1 guys, etc). What's done is done, sounds like they thought it was a good idea. Deal with it for now and change it at the next election not on this BBS.

Meaningful communication to the membership unfortuneately is the exception. LHA used to be real good at this with the newsletter. Obviously an unpopular decision but why on this board?

LHA people, "The sky isn't falling"! Take a step back and simply get your questions answered (then post the real answers hear). ~

[mnhcp]

Ha Ha, here is some info:

*** discussed paying *** $35000. /year. He recommended that the money we raise from
concessions, fundraising, and camps to be used to pay *** salary. *** said that he looked at
other associations and felt that the price was a fair price for what *** would be doing. Discussion by
board members were if we did not raise the money who would pay his salary and *** said that the money
is almost already there ***said that between the golf tournament, summer camps, and concessions that
the money is almost all there. Board members were concerned about his hours and *** said that we could
finalize the details later and that we should just vote on paying him.
Motion made by *** to pay *** $35,000.00/year"

Clinics may have generated $10,000 for LHA (or towards his salary)?

58 hours at $160 hr =$9280 in ice
$19200 in paid registrations

Obviously verify this with your board.

By the way, let's stop slandering people on this board or using our friends and neighbors names on this board.

[InigoMontoya]

I get the "hide your dirty laundry" philosopy, but there really isn't anything terrible about these items being discussed on this forum. As GB pointed out, since they have paid employees, an alternative would be to notify the attorney general - this forum is, in most cases, less painful.

[InigoMontoya]

Ha Ha, here is some info:

*** discussed paying *** $35000. /year. He recommended that the money we raise from
concessions, fundraising, and camps to be used to pay *** salary. *** said that he looked at
other associations and felt that the price was a fair price for what *** would be doing. Discussion by
board members were if we did not raise the money who would pay his salary and *** said that the money
is almost already there ***said that between the golf tournament, summer camps, and concessions that
the money is almost all there. Board members were concerned about his hours and *** said that we could
finalize the details later and that we should just vote on paying him.
Motion made by *** to pay *** $35,000.00/year"

Clinics may have generated $10,000 for LHA (or towards his salary)?

58 hours at $160 hr =$9280 in ice
$19200 in paid registrations

Obviously verify this with your board.

By the way, let's stop slandering people on this board or using our friends and neighbors names on this board.

mnhcp wrote:
I know this goes without saying but $35,000 a year isn't being tossed out the window to a paid Board Member. He's not being paid to be on the board, he is providing an additional service that is costing each family $35 year. The question becomes, what is each family getting for this $35 and is this $35 in the best interest of Lakeville Hockey?

I see there are some clinics being run, some dryland stuff being done and I also seem to recall a introduction to hockey for newer kids. This all seems to be in the best interest of LHA. These aren't normal board member responsibilities and probably come at a price. The do benefit the association as a whole.

Why doubt the board on what they thought was a good decision at the time? I'm sure he didn't vote on his own $35,000 (LHA's conflict of interest).

As to his character, who hasn't made a mistake and gone through some tough stuff. Leave the guy alone. The police weren't involved and neither were the courts. Give the guy a break. I have not met him, I've heard good and bad....but the legal system wasn't involved so let it go!

Which is it?

[Fish-On]

[quote="maristar"]I was reading through the minutes of the LHA Board for the past few months and talking to other people in the association and had some questions that don't seem to make sense:


Why would the board remove the audio portion of the board meetings? For those who could not attend the meetings, it was a good way to find out what was being said at the meetings.

Why did the board vote to remove the Past President and President Elect positions?

Is this Gus Barger guy really getting paid $35k a year. Isn't he the one who has been kicked out of multiple associations and removed from teaching?

Is the Treasurer getting paid, I heard $8000 a year, where is that in the minutes if it is true.

Is the association going to Total Hockey this year, isn't one of the board members the owner of this?

Was the Gambling manager fired and replaced with one of the President's friends without the board knowing about it?

Why is the season starting so late this year, the kids will be a month behind other associations, and the cost is the same as last year for one month less of skating. That does not make sense-less ice, same cost.

Is this true?

Maristar, CooperClutterbuck and Shutthepuckup:

This forum conversation was brought to my attention yesterday. I have many concerns with the LHA CEO/President and Board but will only address the one listed above in regards to the Gambling Manager since I was this person who was replaced.

I think it is important to first give a little background on my involvement with the LHA going back the past 10 years: Served on the LHA Board for the past 5.7 years, 4 as the Player Development Coordinator and Hockey Development Committee along with 1.7 years as the Gambling Manager. Besides my board positions I have also coached 4 years of Boys Squirt A and Peewee A teams. I was also involved with coaching the Girls U-10 A & B and U-12 A & B teams. There was also three years of coaching at the Mite Level. My point is that I have been very active in the association for many years.

Below are the first two paragraphs of my letter that was given to the board at the Sept. 8, 2010 meeting and is also enclosed:

ON THE MORNING OF SEPTEMBER 7, 2010 I OPENED A PIECE OF MAIL FROM ALLIED INSURANCE COMPANY (OUR OFFICIAL GAMBLING BOND PROVIDER) TO FIND AN ENDORSEMENT THAT HAD DELETED TODD CHRISTOPHER PERRY AND ADDED MARK JAMES OLSEN. SO I CALLED DAVE RUCKI FOR AN EXPLANATION AND HIS RESPONSE WAS “THAT THE ASSOCIATION/BOARD IS TAKING ANOTHER DIRECTION AND THAT I WAS REMOVED FROM THE POSITION”. MY FIRST COMMENT WAS “DAVE, WHEN WERE YOU GOING TO LET ME KNOW THIS”? AND HIS REPLY WAS “AT THE BOARD MEETING”.

AS THE CONVERSATION CONTINUED I WAS TOLD THE REASONS WERE 1) I HAVE NO KIDS IN THE PROGRAM 2) IT CAME AS A RECOMMENDATION FROM THE STATE OF MINNESOTA AND 3) THE BOARD HAD MADE THE DECISION AND IT WAS APPROVED. AT THAT POINT I INFORMED DAVE HE BETTER COME TO MY HOUSE AND PICK UP THE LAPTOP, PRINTER, RECORDS AND KEYS ETC.

I then attended the last LHA Board Meeting on Sept. 8, 2010. When it was time for the gambling report I was told by the CEO/President "you have two minutes to speak out to the board since I was no longer the Gambling Manager". My reply was "I don't think I have been officially removed"? I handed out my prepared statement (SEE COPY BELOW) to the CEO/President and all the Board Members present. As I began to read the statement and direct questions to the CEO/President and board no one was saying anything. 1) When I asked the CEO/President about the recommendation coming from the State of Minnesota to remove the Gambling Manager he waived a piece of paper in the air and said "that it was received in writing and that he didn't have a copy of the letter at the meeting". I then went on record as saying that "I would like to see a copy of this letter" and I was told that it would be mailed. 2) When I asked the Secretary “had the Board made a decision and approved for the removal of the Gambling Manager”? Her reply was NO. When I asked the Secretary “was there a special meeting held to discuss the removal of the Gambling Manager”? Her reply was NO. When I asked the Secretary “was there an electronic vote via e-mail etc. in regards the decision or discussion to remove the gambling manager and to appoint a new one”? Her answer was NO. The secretary was also asked "are there any minutes to reflect and of this"? Her reply was NO. SO THEN WHAT ABOUT THE LHA BOARD DECISION AND APPROVAL? When I proceeded and asked the CEO/President "if he didn't discuss any of this with the LHA Board then who was it discussed with"? His reply in front of the board was "the important board people" I have no idea who he was referencing and by the looks on all the Board Members faces they had no idea either.

That evening, I made two requests to the CEO/President and Board 1) I wanted a copy of the letter from the State of Minnesota recommending the LHA to make a change or asking for the removal of the Gambling Manager and 2) I wanted a letter giving me the reasons for why I was being replaced. I was assured that my two requests would be met. To date, I have not received any correspondence on my requests from the CEO/President or LHA Board.

I would also like to say that the LHA Auditors are not aware of any letter from the State of Minnesota requesting or suggesting my removal. LHA has also never been cited or penalized for a gambling infraction since I have been Gambling Manager (please refer to http://www.gcb.state.mn.us, which cites gambling operations, LHA has never incurred a citation or penalty since I have been the Manager).

When I was first hired by the LHA as Gambling Manager, there was a protocol for hiring… First step was to announce the vacancy for the position on the website and open it up for applicants to apply and submit their resumes etc. Second step was the interview process. I was interviewed by both the current Gambling Manager and the CEO/President. It wasn’t until after completing this process was I contacted and offered the Gambling Manager position. Did this happen with the new Gambling Manager, how many candidates were interviewed and by whom? Since no one on the Board either knew about this or would admit to it, how is someone replaced prior to the Board’s knowledge and without documentation? This is an abuse of power and is in my opinion a violation of the Presidential position.

Below is my full letter given to the board.

STATEMENT READ TO THE LHA BOARD (SEE BELOW)

DATE: SEPTEMBER 8, 2010

TO: LHA BOARD MEMBERS

FROM: TODD PERRY

RE: GAMBLING / GAMBLING MANAGER ETC.

ON THE MORNING OF SEPTEMBER 7, 2010 I OPENED A PIECE OF MAIL FROM ALLIED INSURANCE COMPANY (OUR OFFICIAL GAMBLING BOND PROVIDER) TO FIND AN ENDORSEMENT THAT HAD DELETED TODD CHRISTOPHER PERRY AND ADDED MARK JAMES OLSEN. SO I CALLED DAVE RUCKI FOR AN EXPLANATION AND HIS RESPONSE WAS “THAT THE ASSOCIATION/BOARD IS TAKING ANOTHER DIRECTION AND THAT I WAS REMOVED FROM THE POSITION”. MY FIRST COMMENT WAS “DAVE, WHEN WERE YOU GOING TO LET ME KNOW THIS”? AND HIS REPLY WAS “AT THE BOARD MEETING”.

AS THE CONVERSATION CONTINUED I WAS TOLD THE REASONS WERE 1) I HAVE NO KIDS IN THE PROGRAM 2) IT CAME AS A RECOMMENDATION FROM THE STATE OF MINNESOTA AND 3) THE BOARD HAD MADE THE DECISION AND IT WAS APPROVED. AT THAT POINT I INFORMED DAVE HE BETTER COME TO MY HOUSE AND PICK UP THE LAPTOP, PRINTER, RECORDS AND KEYS ETC.

I AM ON RECORD AS SAYING THE ONLY TRUE STATEMENT ABOVE IS NUMBER 1) I HAVE NO KIDS IN THE PROGRAM. I CONTACTED THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE 651 297-1772 ON TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2010 AND HAD A CONVERSATION WITH KELLY. SHE CLAIMS THERE WERE NO NOTES, NO RECORDS, NO FINDINGS RE: AUDIT AND NO SCHEDULING. SHE INFORMED ME THAT NO RECOMMENDATION TO REMOVE THE GAMBLING MANAGER WOULD HAVE BEEN MADE. THIS PROMPTED ME TO MAKE MY SECOND CALL TO THE STATE GAMBLING CONTROL BOARD 651 639-4000 AND LEFT A MESSAGE FOR RITA OUR ASSIGNED SPECIALIST. THE MESSAGE WAS RETURNED THIS MORNING WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 2010 BY GARY DANGER. GARY ASSURED ME THAT THERE WAS NO RECOMMENDATION MADE BY HIMSELF OR ANYONE AT THE STATE GCB. THE ONLY TIME THAT THEY WOULD GET INVOLVED IS IF THERE WERE ISSUES WITH THE LICENSED GAMBLING MANAGER AND THEN GARY WOULD ORIGINATE A LETTER AND IT WOULD BE SENT TO THE GAMBLING MANAGER HOLDING THE LICENSE. AGAIN, NOTHING EVER SENT OR ORIGINATED! SO WHAT ABOUT THE LHA BOARD DECISION AND APPROVAL?

THE LHA BYLAWS STATE THAT THE BOARD MUST APPROVE BY A TWO THIRDS VOTE TO REMOVE AND APPROVE BOARD MEMBERS. SO HOW WAS I REMOVED AND MARK OLSEN ADDED? THE EFFECTIVE DATE ON THE BOND WAS AUGUST 30, 2010 AND THINGS MUST HAVE BEEN IN THE WORKS WELL BEFORE THIS BECAUSE MARK OLSEN WAS LICESNED AND MUST HAVE TAKEN THE GAMBLING MANAGER TEST ECT. PRIOR TO RECEIVING THE NEW LICENSE. REMOVING ME FROM THIS POSITION BEHIND THE SCENES MAY JEOPERDIZE THE LHA’S GAMBLING LICENSE.

I AM HERE TONIGHT TO PROTECT MY PUBLIC IMAGE IN THE LAKEVILLE COMMUNITY AND TRY TO FIGURE OUT WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THIS BOARD... I AM NOT GOING TO JUST SIT BACK AND GET STRONG ARMED BY THE CEO/PRESIDENT OF THIS ASSOCIATION (TOO MUCH TIME AND VOLUNTEERING INTO A GREAT PROGRAM ALL FOR THE GOOD OF THE ASSOCIATION). I HAVE ALREADY HEARD THAT THERE ARE INNUENDOS OUT THERE SAYING THAT I HAVE EMBEZELED GAMBLING FUNDS ETC. (NOT GOING TO FLY WITH ME). THERE HAS BEEN A STATE COMPLIANCE AUDIT AND AN AUDIT PERFOMED BY ENESTVEDT AND CHRISTENSEN WITH NO SUCH MENTION OF ANY OF THIS. AS A PERSON WHO HAS HELD POSITIONS IN THE FINANCIAL SERVICES INDUSTRY FOR THE PAST 26 YEARS AND DOES EVERYTHING WITH HONESTY AND INTEGRITY IT MAKES NO SENSE TO ME WHY THESE STATEMENTS WOULD BE MADE? AND IF THERE IS DEFAMATION OF CHARACTER I WILL BE AT THE NEXT BOARD MEETING WITH MY ATTORNEY.

[Pudda_Puck_In_Her_Ear]

wow ... this is much MUCH! more interesting than the normal Blades VS. Machine VS. Tier IIIII VS. Monopoly VS. ADM VS. should my kid skate 47 hours a week discussion!!

[Benito Juarez]

wow ... this is much MUCH! more interesting than the normal Blades VS. Machine VS. Tier IIIII VS. Monopoly VS. ADM VS. should my kid skate 47 hours a week discussion!!

I wonder if FSN would televise the next board meeting.

[HeShootsHeScores]

This is good stuff! Thanks to maristar for bringing it all out into the open.

[Jimbo99]

mnhcp and others:

This is the kind of stuff that goes on when people are okay with their aquaintances "being good guys" and "doing their best" as volunteers.

All the more reason to look into everything else that has gone on.

No one should assume anything about what is going on in their board meetings and they should demand open communication and accesability at all times from the people who voluntarily take positions to serve all the members.

Good luck Lakeville.

[nhl'er]

As Ricky would say to Lucy.."LHA, you have some splaining to do"

[ALSANITI]

wow ... this is much MUCH! more interesting than the normal Blades VS. Machine VS. Tier IIIII VS. Monopoly VS. ADM VS. should my kid skate 47 hours a week discussion!!

I wonder if FSN would televise the next board meeting.

I bet there is a reporter out there though that would be interested in reporting about the "inner workings" of a local board.

If all that has just been stated is true, I think an attorney would be approriate and would also suggest the "Association's" attorney be made aware of this. Also, if these facts can be proven, a recall of the President, and any others involved, would be in order and should be pursued. It is frustrating, as someone highly involved in their association, to see things like this happen as it not only undermines the trust people have for Boards locally, but there is also a ripple effect to other Boards. People seem to be naturally skeptical of Boards (because everyone NOT on a Board knows more than the Board members ) and this only adds fuel.

[seek & destroy]

Seek & Destroy

"Is this guy really getting paid $35k a year. Isn't he the one who has been kicked out of multiple associations and removed from teaching?
This is a legitimate concern and worth you taking at least a moment to contact the board to find out what is going on. From my review of the minutes, it looks like there was some discussion but then a push for a vote to get a decision made. The idea that they had "nearly earned" enough funds to pay for him is not legitimate. Those funds could be used in a variety of ways and the argument that implied that there was money there so lets pay this guy leaves out lots of other options for the money. Spending $35k for a 'volunteer position' is something that needs more discussion and communication with the general membership...that's a lot of money for any association to spend. I am not saying that the position shouldn't be paid but I do think it is important to allow people a better chance to offer opinions and suggestions for other instructors etc.. Your questions regarding whether he is the same guy as the guy who was kicked out of other associations would have been answered if they had waited to vote and had more discussion."
==============================================
Boards are elected to make these decisions for us. LHA has a rather large board and one has to assume spending $35,000 wasn't done without any discussion. I'd have to assume there was a great deal of discussion especially with the large board LHA has. They aren't required to go to the general membership and discuss every little detail. LHA used to publish that newsletter which would have been a great tool to give the membership a heads up but big deal. You elected them, the board then elected your president so someone must like him.

I know this goes without saying but $35,000 a year isn't being tossed out the window to a paid Board Member. He's not being paid to be on the board (as Seek and Destroy alludes), he is providing an additional service that is costing each family $35 year. The question becomes, what is each family getting for this $35 and is this $35 in the best interest of Lakeville Hockey?

I see there are some clinics being run, some dryland stuff being done and I also seem to recall a introduction to hockey for newer kids. This all seems to be in the best interest of LHA. These aren't normal board member responsibilities and probably come at a price. They do benefit the association as a whole.

Why doubt the board on what they thought was a good decision at the time? I'm sure he didn't vote on his own $35,000 (LHA's conflict of interest).

Just because you disagree doesn't make them Rogue! Sounds like we want to assume the worst. I can totally appreciate one being VERY conservative with association funds. That's great and commended. I know tough decisions to cut expenses in the past were made such as not doing Total Hockey. Now there's a changing of the guard and they feel the money is well spent is my take.

As to the dudes character receiving the $35K, who hasn't made a mistake and gone through some tough stuff. Leave the guy alone. The police weren't involved and neither were the courts. Give the guy a break. I have not met him, I've heard good and bad....but the legal system wasn't involved so let it go!

MNHCP,

Boards are entrusted by the members to do what they think is best for the general membership and that includes having to make expenditures...I get that. From what was said, it looks like a position that started out as volunteer was switched to paid and the pay was $35,000. As I stated, it may be worth it to pay him that much but I think any board should use caution on larger expenditures and that one is pretty large. It also sounds like they just hired a goalie coach for $7500 and started paying a treasurer $8000. As I said, it ALL may be worth it but I can see why some people are concerned when they see so much new spending. All I can see is the minutes posted on their site so you are probably right that there was a lot more discussion then we can see but it is still a fairly sizable change in expenditures. I think I was fair in my assessment.

Also, I never questioned the character of the person they hired. He is probably providing a great benefit to the association but I just said that part of having taken a little more time and input on their decision would be that they would have cleared the air on other things too.

In my comment regarding the 'rogue' President or Board I was careful to say that it 'sounds like' they may be that way 'on the surface'. I have seen boards that have a few insiders that make big decisions in back room discussions and beer halls prior to the actual meetings. They build a coalition and go into the meeting to push their agenda through. Sometimes those decisions are good but sometimes they are just trying to take the easy way to decision making by avoiding a lot of discussion. Given some of the posts on this site, it 'sounds like' that could be the case in Lakeville.

[mnhcp]

mnhcp and others:

This is the kind of stuff that goes on when people are okay with their aquaintances "being good guys" and "doing their best" as volunteers.

All the more reason to look into everything else that has gone on.

No one should assume anything about what is going on in their board meetings and they should demand open communication and accesability at all times from the people who voluntarily take positions to serve all the members.

Good luck Lakeville.

I don't disagree that this should be looked into. I just like to trust then verify. I'm guessing the initial poster has probably done this. I also don't like names. I'm done but wouldn't mind a front row seat tomorrow night.

[buttend]

Need I say anymore when you look at who the "author" is of this post. Do you not have anything better to do with your time KJ? Maybe you should take a walk with your family and breath in some fresh air. It may do you some good. Anyone who wastes their time on trying to slander other people really need to get out more. Maybe attending a board meeting may help with your frustration instead of hiding behind a forum. From a parent who has much to do and no time to waste voicing my opinion on such a site would only confirm that I am a coward and not an adult who gives a care about their child or community and only wanted to foster my own agenda by creating such conflict to total strangers. Hope to see you either Thursday night or at the next BOARD meeting. Best of wishes KJ!!!!

shutthepuckup,

Nice Power Play on your Association Gambling Manager. Did you learn that from your $35,000 Development Administrator? I especially love the quote " the important board people"

When I proceeded and asked the CEO/President "if he didn't discuss any of this with the LHA Board then who was it discussed with"? His reply in front of the board was "the important board people" I have no idea who he was referencing and by the looks on all the Board Members faces they had no idea either

Below are 3 of the original questions by poster maristar. Looks like all 3 questions have allot of truth to them. All look like power plays by the Boards President. What other things have changed? What policies have been changed behind closed doors? I'm sure there is more!

Is this Gus Barger guy really getting paid $35k a year. Isn't he the one who has been kicked out of multiple associations and removed from teaching?

Is the Treasurer getting paid, I heard $8000 a year, where is that in the minutes if it is true.

Was the Gambling manager fired and replaced with one of the President's friends without the board knowing about it?

[mnhcp]

mnhcp and others:

This is the kind of stuff that goes on when people are okay with their aquaintances "being good guys" and "doing their best" as volunteers.

All the more reason to look into everything else that has gone on.

No one should assume anything about what is going on in their board meetings and they should demand open communication and accesability at all times from the people who voluntarily take positions to serve all the members.

Good luck Lakeville.

I still say "trust then verify". We've now verifed.

To borrow an old quote of yours:

"I've come to the conclusion that I'm nuts.

I agree."

[hockey_is_a_choice]

Wow! I suggest Lakeville Hockey members familiarize themselves with the Minnesota Nonprofit Corporation Act before the next board meeting--better yet bring a copy of the Act to the board meeting. Your board, especially your president, needs to be educated regarding the extent of his powers and authority. Here's the link to the Act:

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=317A

[hockrox]

I am dismayed at what I have learned recently regarding LHA.

Processes are put in place for very good reasons most of the time, especially with association boards. They provide an important framework for governance. It appears they have not been followed (at the very least).

I would like to add one more concern regarding this particular board and how they treat people. From what I understand, the concession manager was also "fired" and not provided any notice. Whether or not the new direction of concession stand management is good or not, someone should have contacted that person directly so she didn't need to hear it via the grapevine.

Lets get some answers out there to LHA members - in whatever forum you deem appropriate to reach everyone. Perhaps consequences should be considered as well?

In the future I hope to use this forum for other interesting topics.

[The Huge Hook]

I belong to a rather large assoc., have been minding my own business and have become mortified while keeping up with this.

If I lived in Lakeville, I would make a move to unseat the entire board (yes, the entire board). At the very, very, very least this looks to be mere incompetence, at most a complete structual/ethical breakdown.

Why the entire board.......their silence is deafening. If you merely sit on the sidelines and watch this type of stuff occur, YOU are a great part of the problem. If you are not watching, YOU are naive or only interested in advocating for your kid. Either way, see ya!

Every one of them should be gone, best intentions or not. JMHO.

[The Huge Hook]

I am dismayed at what I have learned recently regarding LHA.

Processes are put in place for very good reasons most of the time, especially with association boards. They provide an important framework for governance. It appears they have not been followed (at the very least).

I would like to add one more concern regarding this particular board and how they treat people. From what I understand, the concession manager was also "fired" and not provided any notice. Whether or not the new direction of concession stand management is good or not, someone should have contacted that person directly so she didn't need to hear it via the grapevine.

Lets get some answers out there to LHA members - in whatever forum you deem appropriate to reach everyone. Perhaps consequences should be considered as well?

In the future I hope to use this forum for other interesting topics.

Congratulations on your first post

Does it seem odd to anyone else that we have more than our usual 1st timers on this thread???

[defensezone]

I think I will drive down to the next meeting from Woodbury. It sounds like it may be a HOOT of a meeting!!!!

Thursday (9/30th) at 7:00 PM...Lakeville South HS. See you there. It should be fun!

Is your concession stands open or should I bring my own popcorn?

As far a the $35 dollars...sounds like a great deal!!! $35 and your child gets to attend all the clinics. NOT BAD!!!!

Wait....Does the $35 fee not include the clinic or is that EXTRA dollars?!?!?!?!

(Houston...We have a problem!!!!)

See you next month!!!

I know this goes without saying but $35,000 a year isn't being tossed out the window to a paid Board Member. He's not being paid to be on the board, he is providing an additional service that is costing each family $35 year. The question becomes, what is each family getting for this $35 and is this $35 in the best interest of Lakeville Hockey?

I see there are some clinics being run, some dryland stuff being done and I also seem to recall a introduction to hockey for newer kids. This all seems to be in the best interest of LHA. These aren't normal board member responsibilities and probably come at a price. The do benefit the association as a whole.

Why doubt the board on what they thought was a good decision at the time? I'm sure he didn't vote on his own $35,000 (LHA's conflict of interest).

As to his character, who hasn't made a mistake and gone through some tough stuff. Leave the guy alone. The police weren't involved and neither were the courts. Give the guy a break. I have not met him, I've heard good and bad....but the legal system wasn't involved so let it go!

[council member retired]

I believe we will see the origin of LNHA very soon.

[goldy313]

If LHA uses "Robert's Rules" good luck getting any answers. They provide an easy route to avoid any discussion the board does not want to engage in.

While nearly all the original questions are legitimate they really don't seem all that out of whack as to what goes on in many boards including mine. What concerns me is the gambling; that's a very tough job that requires a lot of knowledge and book keeping. Screwing that up could cost LHA thousands of dollars in fines and losing their license. That's the one job that is usually done by an experianced person and not one taken lightly. Why they would change is really strange.

[Benito Juarez]

There is no joy in Mudville tonight.

[USA! USA! USA!]

There is no joy in Mudville tonight.

.. But wait, the Mighty Ruki is not up to bat until Thursday at 7PM ... or perhaps at 35K per year Mr. Barger can pinch hit ... can the new gambling manager give us the odds on wether or not tweedle dee and tweedle dum can bring the joy back to Mudville?