Input for LATF

[Bill Benson]

We have read with interest earlier postings on the LATF discussion
board. We recognize that our mission statement limits the commercial
revenue that could be generated. As we rely more and more on
homeowner dues and assessments, we risk becoming so expensive to
homeowners that we will lose residents and lower property values. We
think finding new revenue sources from "limited commercial activities"
could lower the rate of increase of dues and assessments if visitors
are paying more of the cost. We also want to preserve the family
centered nature of the Ranch, so that the commercial activities really
do need to be"limited".
We think that whatever is decided about the existing Lodge, we think
lodging facilities should be added to the Lodge area to allow for
family reunions, wedding accommodations, business retreats etc, in all
seasons. Although Five Pines in Sisters has these functions already,
it lacks the view of Lake Phalarope and the mountains that make the
Ranch so desirable for weddings and retreats and lacks the family-
centered activities that make the Ranch so wonderful for family
reunions and gatherings. What is needed is a small group of
accommodations for guests controlled by the Ranch where wedding,
family, and business groups could stay in close proximity to each
other and to dining facilities.
Bill and Judi Benson, GH 68

[Katie Williams]

Bill & Judi - Thank you for your perspective on keeping the "family-
centered" nature of the Ranch. Ranch management and the task force
join with you in believing that this is an essential component of the
Ranch experience. It's heart warming to hear from so many families
about the memories they cherish coming here as children and how
special it is to be able to provide that same experience to their
grandchildren. We also hear from young families here for the first
time and how wonderful it is to be able to let their children
"explore" the Ranch without interference from the normal urban
concerns.

We appreciate your input and participation in this very important
discussion and hope that you will encourage others to join us.

Thanks!

Katie

[Scott Huntsman]

Great response

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

-----Original Message-----
From: Katie Williams <kwil...@blackbutteranch.com>

Date: Mon, 28 Sep 2009 10:20:26
To: Lodge Area Task Force Discussion Board<lodge-area...@googlegroups.com>
Cc: <woo...@bendcable.com>
Subject: Re: Input for LATF

[John Macdonald]

The Lodge has always been such an important part of the Ranch...a center
point and a gathering spot, and we think it should be re-modeled as a true
Lodge...soaring rock fireplace, lodge style furnishings (and lots of them)
very early morning access and late evening access, coffee, drinks, etc.
Children welcome, game tables, quiet nooks, wireless access. As it stands
now, it is not inviting or comfortable (the furniture on the main floor is
sparse and looks like motel furniture). Plastic furniture on the deck
upstairs and elsewhere should be upgraded. The experience should really be
more upscale...rustic, but upscale. The restaurant should offer excellent
food and service. The outdoor fire-pit is a great idea, as are many of the
suggestions posted earlier. This should be THE spot that everyone wants to
visit every time they are on the Ranch.

The lodge pool facility has the most incredible view of any pool I have ever
been in, but the pool is in really poor shape and should be remodeled
extensively (not replaced). This would attract more people to the Lodge area
and would lessen the load on the overcrowded Glaze pool. The buildings,
based on their age and configuration, probably need to be replaced. We
agree with Harrison, that service at the pool should include food and
beverages, with "service" to each lounge chair. The increase in revenues
and enjoyment should easily cover the cost of the servers. I am quite
familiar with commercial pools and would be glad to share my suggestions on
construction when appropriate. It would be a shame to build where the Lodge
tennis courts are, as these sunken courts were carefully designed to provide
recreation and a feeling of "resort" to all driving, riding, or walking by,
yet do so, without restricting the view in any way.

We are living in truly difficult financial times for many, and we probably
should not spend extraordinary amounts of money right now, but we should be
planning for our Ranch's future and ready to implement plans in the near
future. It is important to remember our roots. The Ranch was originally
marketed to the top 20% income earners in the states of Oregon and
Washington. In addition, the homeowners voted to assess themselves and to
purchase the common assets (golf courses, roads, sewage treatment plant,
open space, pools, etc.) from Brooks Scanlon when they had financial issues
and with that vote comes an enduring responsibility. In addition to
maintaining our own properties, we, as homeowners, are responsible for
maintaining and upgrading all of our common facilities forever. That means
we must be open to and accepting of additional assessments when necessary,
and we must be willing to keep our Ranch up to date, interesting, and
attractive to guests and to new buyers.
Thanks for listening!
John and Anne Macdonald GH115

[Marie Andrews]

I agree with John about most things, but I do not think the lodge should encourage children running around with game tables, etc.   That is what the recreation center is designed for.  T  The outdoor fire pit, quiet nooks, wireless internet and upstairs bar should be Adults Only. More comfortable furniture and   I remember coming to the Lodge for dinner and having a roaring fireplace next to the restaurant in the cooler season.  What an inviting place that was.    The restaurant does offer excellent food and service which we enjoy, but a reasonable inexpensive bar menu would be wonderful around the fire pit and nearby lounge or unstairs in the comfortable lounge and outdoors patio.    I agree that the Lodge pool has the best pool view on the ranch.  Having waiter service during the busy times at the lounge chairs ( Cabanas would destroy the view) would be great and I'm sure profitable.  If we truly fix up the area I would recommend a regular car check by the police so we don't spend a lot of money to give the town of sisters a new recreation area to enjoy ar our expense.    A rustic inviting atmosphere is needed.  It is not there at this time.  --- On Mon, 9/28/09, John Macdonald <jo...@macdonaldgroup.com> wrote:

[Marie Andrews]

I think Bill's ideas are very good.  That would also make the Lodge the center of activity again for guests and homeowners.  --- On Sat, 9/26/09, Bill Benson <woo...@bendcable.com> wrote:

From: Bill Benson <woo...@bendcable.com> Subject: Input for LATF To: "Lodge Area Task Force Discussion Board" <lodge-area...@googlegroups.com>