1.   I hope everyone had a safe and healthy Christmas and New Year’s, and have re-acclimated to normal times.

2.   Progress Energy and Duke Energy have been informed by FERC that their proposed mergers have been disapproved.  The rejection was based on the merger mitigation plan submitted by the companies in response to the order to reduce their market concentration in the Carolinas (reduce possibility of a growing monopoly).  The FERC order did provide the companies guidance on what types of mitigation measures FERC has accepted in the past, and gave Duke and PEC an opportunity to submit a new mitigation plan that may meet these guidelines.  That submission is in work.

3.   After I met with a PEC representative, he brought our plea for mercy to their senior management, who subsequently affirmed that the $9,150 CFA lease fee increase (from $2,794 to $11,944 per year) will be implemented on July 1, 2012.  They have, however, allowed us 12 months to pay the first year increase, but all of the 2013 lease fee must be paid by July 1^st, 2013.  Subsequently I met with NC Congressman Justin Burr.  He contacted FERC, and CFA petitioned the FERC Chairman and their Chief of Staff via email to assist us.  I received phone calls from FERC on December 23^rd and 28^th with a promise of action within two weeks.   His initial research into the issue revealed that the proposed $150 per slip PEC lease rate was actually lower than average of the many similar hydro projects that FERC oversees country wide.  In his words, we in CFA have had a tremendous deal for many years.  I’m expecting a letter from FERC that reiterates these discussions.

4.   The 2011 CFA Invoices were mailed in December, with payment due on January 1^st.  A $25 late fee will be added to any account not paid by February 29^th.  This year we again accept credit cards, offer a payment plan, and participate in automatic checking debit (ACH) to provide more flexibility to property owners.  All partial payments will incur a $5.00 service charge with each payment.  Property owners who pay in full prior to March 1^st will again be allowed one free rental of the clubhouse during the year.  A portion of the clubhouse cleaning deposit will not be refunded, however.

5.   Larry Beachum has resigned from our maintenance staff.  As needed for 2 person jobs, we will hire potential part-time maintenance employee candidates for hourly/daily work not to exceed $600 total (IRS 1099 limit per individual).  This should give us a good basis for hiring a part time maintenance person before the pool season begins.

6.   Individual Montgomery County Tax List Forms are due back to the county by Tuesday, January 31st.

7.  A CFA resident has leased one-half of the warehouse.  The renter is responsible for all of the utilities until a renter for the second half can be found.  Anyone interested in renting the other half of this 2000+ square foot facility should contact the CFA Office at 910-572-2848.

8.   At their meeting on December 2, 2011, the CFA Board of Directors implemented a policy for 2012 whereby renters may purchase access to CFA amenities.  Among other things, the new policy states that no persons in a renter household are permitted to use CFA amenities until the fee is paid.  The fee for 2012 is $150 for 12 months, with no refund for shorter term renters.

9.   While replacing the above ground dump station at the campground with a ground level concrete dump platform more suitable for the pull-along sewage totes used by most campers, we discovered some anomalies with the existing septic system.  Backhoe work will begin early next week, with self-help concrete work resuming later in the week.  We anticipate completion and return to service of the dump station not later than Jan 27^th.

10. CFA owned Lots 903 and 904 in Lake in the Pines have been combined by CFA and the County into a single lot (#903).  A two bedroom septic system is installed, and the driveway will be graveled soon.  This lot is ready to build or move a mobile home on.  We are offering this large lot (with single lot annual CFA dues) for $9,000.  If interested in purchasing this lot, please contact the CFA Office at 910-572-2848.