Suissevale Marina Boat Dock Fees

Below is an excerpt from the November 2020 BOD meeting minutes. Note: The meeting minutes are still listed as “Draft” even though they contain a reference to a vote that unanimously accepted them.

The question of raising the marina slip fees from $1,000 rather than increasing the HOA fees for all members was brought up:

The BOD has been asked on multiple occasions over the past few years to share the data on their “investigation” with the membership and has yet to produce it for the people requesting it; or publish it on the Suissevale website for everyone else to see.

Do the other associations that were researched have amenities such as:

Slip Side parking
Nearby rest room
24 x 7 video surveillance & lighting
New Aluminum docks
Ability to transfer the slip to family members, including family members owning other homes within Suissevale.
Proposed “lighted” board walk around the Marina – References made about construction in the 5-Year Plan.

What are the details of the associations that were researched as far as similarities to Suissevale:

Do they have 450+ homes?
How many slips do they have?
What is the current size of their wait list, is it 120+ like Suissevale?
What is their current dock turnover rate?
Do the other associations allow their members to purchase a non-buildable wet lot, and then sell their home all while keeping their dock to hand down to family generations?

According to the BOD June 2021 meeting minutes referencing Ambrose Cove Marina:

There are over 50 Suissevale residents that currently purchase slips & valet service from Ambrose Cove at costs ranging between $2,500 & $3,800; many of whom are on the Suissevale Marina waiting list.

It appears that a $1,000 Suissevale Marina slip is a pretty good deal with lots of “perks” and the ability to keep it in the family for generations. It should not come as a surprise that the 12 BOD members that have slips fiercely protect them and manipulate the system and rules in their favor.

During the August BOD meeting Rich Deforge reiterated his position that the BOD is elected by the membership and is authorized to make decisions such as the ones being made related to the docks.

Maybe it is time for a change in leadership? Suissevale has and continues to grow and needs to evolve with the times. I think it is fair to say that the current BOD is falling a little short in their Fiduciary responsibilities to the entire membership.

LoveSuissevale Committee

Sources - Meeting minutes from the Suissevale Member Website:

Board Meeting Minutes 6_19_21.pdf

BOD Meeting Minutes 8_21_21.pdf

BOD Meeting Minutes 11_21_2020.pdf