Design member loses control and resigns, but he’s not the only one who is unfit to serve.

The takeaway: The SROA Design Committee has corrupted the review process.

Anyone who has had to endure review of an application by the Design Committee has likely been subject to committee members’ imperious and condescending treatment.

I’ve been party to such treatment and have watched as other owners sat in disbelief at how they were treated, as well as how committee members impose their personal preferences under the false claim they’re just applying authorized “discretion.”

Here are excerpts from a legal “Declaration” I’ve filed that describes the latest extreme case:

6. During the proceeding, Committee member Richard Look loudly addressed me directly and stated, “You Prick!” (I had previously identified in writing to the committee that Mr. Look was one of the committee members about whom I had concern. Mr. Look thereafter continued to actively participate in the Committee’s discussion and deliberations and recused himself only when the motion was voted upon.

7. Chair Meyers did not caution Mr. Look, disavow the statement, or apologize to me. Shortly afterward, Chair Meyers stated that my online comments were in some manner related to comments by Committee members. I asked him to explain what he meant. He did not answer.

8. Later in the meeting, Mr. Look again loudly interjected, “Jesus!” in response to comments I made. Chair Meyers again took no action to caution or restrain Mr. Look, and Mr. Look continued to participate in the discussion and deliberations.

You can read the entire Declaration here:
DECLARATION OF PAUL CONTE

Note that after I filed a complaint with the Board Mr. Look resigned. No one from the Board or Design Committee ever bothered to contact me to express regrets at this outrageous treatment.

BOARD CENSURE OF A COMMITTEE MEMBER

I’ve also recently learned that a committee member was censured by the SROA Board for that individual’s behavior towards a Sunriver owner. I’ve requested a copy of the Letter of Censure that was sent, but the SROA has not yet provided it. I may be mistaken, but from public comments made by Board member Linda Beard, I believe that individual was reappointed to the Design Committee at the Board’s September meeting.

NEW CHAIR RESORTS TO IMPERMISSIBLE PERSONAL ATTACKS

Among the worst-of-the-worst committee members, Theresa Youmans, recently submitted and read a statement to the SROA Appeals Board that included the following statements that are not permissible for consideration in such appeals:

“The homeowners [me] have frequently expressed their displeasure with the current Design Manual rules regarding plant and tree protections. I base this assertion on the many letters, emails, and dialogue between the homeowners and the SROA Board of Directors, the Design Committee, Community Development Staff, and letters in Scene.

“I believe a reasonable person would likely assert that the configuration/shape of the firewood racks and the location of the front firewood racks is an attempt to circumvent the current Design Manual rules regarding plant and tree protections and fencing/enclosures. And to submit this landscape plan in order to be granted “grandfather” status under DCM 2.02.”

Youmans also has a history of false statements, improperly cutting off owner comments during formal hearings, erroneous citings of rules without ever correcting these, and more. She is unfit to be on the Design Committee, much less be its Chair.