IN THIS ISSUE
Message from the President
Financial Report
From the Derricks
Innkeeper's Corner
Tips
Insurance Update
Sales & Rentals Update
Confirm Your Arrival
Owner Exchange & Rental Opportunities
For Sale
Nextdoor Communication
Bald Head Island Club Membership
Calendar of Upcoming Events
Helpful Links
Contacts
|
|
As the season changes, we want to let you know about the upcoming activities at Marsh Harbour Inn.
We hope this newsletter is useful in planning your next visit and staying in touch. We look forward to seeing you soon. Safe travels.
|
|
MHI HOA Annual Meeting Notes are Now On-line
|
|
Message from the President
Fellow MHI Owners,
The Joy of Spring is in the air which means Memorial Day is right around the corner.
We Just completed our annual HOA meeting- we had an excellent turn out, thanks to all who participated in person and on the phone. Cathie & Paul Ostrowski hosted the perfect event with support from Joan Baumer preparing some delicious crepe creations. Monica Wilson provided great videos to set the mood and your BOD, with your patience, (a long day) delivered in detail the State of Our Inn. This meeting was like no other, mainly because the message was so upbeat, positive and engaging.
Much still to do, so patience is appreciated; it’s a puzzle scheduling work as occupancy heats up.
Staff and OGM team will accomplish what they can prior to Memorial Day then they will shift attention to guests and owner activities. As the Inn quiets down in the fall, we will renew our refurbishing activities.
B
OD Election:
You will soon receive ballots requesting your time and consideration for three open board seats. We need you to participate, review and vote. We are specifically in need of qualified candidates willing to invest time to assist in financial planning and coordinating the work load associated with A/P activities. Other qualities we seek in our candidates: general common sense, project leadership, and team work. As simple as it may seem these are crucial to our operational success.
|
ALL DETAILS & SLIDES FROM MHI ANNUAL MEEING ARE NOW POSTED ON OUR HOA WEBSITE.
|
|
2019 Goals & Objectives
Continue our Transition to eliminate “The Gray Areas” in our managerial procedures.
Review and update (if needed) HOA Covenants and Bylaws to reflect clarity and fairness.
Manage Our Inn to approved Budget.
Continual Staff Development and Training.
Seek Metrics to Validate Guest/Owner Experience:
Review and upgrade voting procedure; the current system is expensive and NOT User-friendly.
Prioritize and schedule Balance of External and Internal Maintenance Project.
Implement New System V12 to Work Smarter, Improve Rental Awareness and Improve Owner Value.
Room Refurbishment: Create a Plan and Protocol.
Review and Present Options for Elevator Service.
Review general safety procedure and review feasibility for a defibrillator and staff training.
Owners Feeling a Renewed Sense of Pride & Enjoyment in Their Investment.
Please reach out to any Board member and share your thoughts, comments and ideas..
Be Well, be Safe,
My best,
Tim Roche
President BOD MHI
|
|
Financial Update
Financial Performance Continues to be Favorable. Likely to End at or Slightly Below Budget for 2018.
2018 Financial Summary
We closed 2018 with a benefit to budget of $15K with key operating costs including maintenance, payroll, and supplies under control, thanks to the incredible contribution Lynn and Sophia have made to manage every expense in the best way possible. Savings were offset by higher professional fees including bookkeeping activities and Inn management expenses not originally planned to reimburse Lynn and Sophia for travel expenses. Our roof project is complete. Our reserves continue to grow. And as a result of swift and well organized efforts from Mike Kirk and Rod Hyson regarding insurance recovery funds for the damage caused to the Inn by Hurricane Florence, we closed the year with a cash balance of $189K, with additional funds from insurance on the way.
Collections continue to be a focus in order to validate account balances, remind owners to pay dues, and provide better and more timely information regarding accounts. During the annual meeting, we discussed the challenges in this area, along with the significant time and resources devoted to collections. Going forward we plan to implement better collection methods, including automatic drafts of dues payments for all owners. Please remember if you have any questions for Becky Walker concerning dues or finances to use the following email:
mhiforhoa@gmail.com
2019 Budget
Our dues budget for 2019 will remain the same, at $397,800 with dues unchanged at $850 per quarter per suite, and $425 per quarter per room. Expenses for supplies and maintenance will be lower, offset by higher payroll, marketing, and professional fees.
If you have any questions or interest in volunteering time to support specific finance and accounting activities please feel free to reach out to me at
fantunez02@gmail.com
Thank you,
Frank Antunez
Treasurer
ALL DETAILS & SLIDES FROM MHI ANNUAL MEEING ARE NOW POSTED ON HOA WEBSITE.
|
|
From the Derricks
Pinnacle Suite Owners and
Co-Managers for MHI
|
Improvements at the Inn continue but we’ve put on the ‘push’ these last 3 months. The roof is done, the fascia boards replaced, key floors sanded, rooms and ceilings painted, displaced furniture ordered, new front sign, decks painted, dog walk added, golf carts serviced, side fence repaired, chimney cap added, fireplace fixed, BHI pictures added to the walls, debris removed and Harbor View (room 7) rebuilt/refurnished/and reopened. Pictures just don’t do it justice but a video does. Thanks to Monica Wilson for putting together this terrific video clip of before and after Hurricane Florence and the changes to the Inn:
Click Here
|
|
|
The overall look of the Inn is changing from new golf carts to painting inside and out. We still have a lot to do including replacement of 32 windows that have decayed over the last 25 years. We are also working through many plumbing issues that will be completed before the start of the full season. And wait until you try out the new menus. Seven new casseroles were introduced to guests in January and have been a hit. This was just one idea learned during our attendance at the PAII (Professional Association of International Innkeepers) in January. We met Innkeepers and owners from over 400 B&B’s from 47 states. Many were impressed when they learned more about the uniqueness of MHI on BHI.
Thanks to the 80 owners who attended (in person & remote) the annual HOA meeting in Apex this past Saturday. We shared all the details and appreciate the kind words. All we can say is - just wait til next year!
We'll see you soon on the island!
Lynn and Sophia
|
|
Innkeepers Corner
We’ve been working closely with Sophia these past few months to dress up and refurbish the Inn. From new drapes to pillows to mattresses to painting, everything is being considered. Wait until you see the new sanded floors coming into the front reception area. Look for the new Marsh Harbour Inn Mascot, Haven the Heron in different spots around the Inn. And the best - “eggcelent” new hot meals that we bake fresh daily. Bon appetite!
Your Innkeeper,
Christe Smith
|
|
|
Upcoming BOD Election
The following nominations were received for the 2019 Board of Directors Election:
- Louis Davila
- Liz Dion
- Amy Glasgow
- Lesle McClure
- Cathie Ostrowski
- Ned Ruykhaver
We will be posting more information about the election the week of March 24, 2019 on Constant Contact.
Cathie
|
|
Friendly Reminder: As per our MHI HOA Covenants, owners must be current on dues and assessments to participate in elections unless special arrangements have been made with the BOD. Section 6.04
|
|
Thank You for your Tips!
While we don't offer valets, a butler or even servers at our morning breakfast; we're pretty sure most owners are aware of the great efforts that our incredible MHI staff go to make everything just right for your visit. To that end, we wanted to share a guide for tipping from Southern Living. While it's customary to leave $3-5 per day, if you bring your furry pet (owners only), please consider that, as well!!
|
|
Insurance Update
The overall insurance and claims settlement process continues to progress in a positive direction with only minor details remaining open. Based on a few open claim issues we don’t expect full closer and settlement for several months, which is not unusual in a catastrophe claims process.
A complete update and answers to questions were provided with details at our recent Annual HOA meeting. We had over $2000,000 in estimated damage to both the exterior and interior of the MHI property. We expect that we may receive some additional supplemental payments due to the cost of repair and replace on BHI being higher than estimated based on local market cost factors.
While the overall insurance claims estimated damage and settlement process continued to be on going work needing our attention, remaining patient but firm and letting the process work will remain in our favor. We are very fortunate that we made adjustments (pre-storm) in our property deductible coverage for 2018 buying down the Wind & Hail (Hurricane) out of pocket deductible from $76,000 to $28,000. This decision was made based on HOA low reserves and our ability to handle a high deductible without additional assessments from our owners. This transfer of risk cost a little extra in insurance premium expense but was immediately rewarded in loss cost savings from the damage amount incurred from Hurricane Florence. We got lucky on this decision as the transfer of risk value is not usually this immediate.
We are still working with our insurance claims representative on loss damage issues, but we expect the ongoing claim settlement process to be fair and positive. Much of the insurance related damage has already been accomplish or is in process. We expect additional small repair will continue over the next few months as securing and scheduling contractor labor remains very competitive and difficult based the significant damage caused by Florence on BHI and coastal North Carolina.
I would like to offer up my thanks to the Derricks, Rod Sr and our great MHI staff for their extra work during this process.
HOA Vice President,
Mike Kirk
|
|
Thank you!
Rod Hyson
Bald Head Island Rentals
|
|
Shipping Reminder.....
If you are having anything shipped to the Inn, be sure to include:
PO Box #3075.
Below is the address in case you need a non-PO Box address:
Marsh Harbour Inn
3075
21 Keelson Row
Bald Head Island, N.C. 28461
|
|
The New 2019 Owners' Week Schedule
is now posted on the HOA website
|
|
We're Looking Forward to Your Arrival!
Please be sure to send your
arrival confirmation
at least two weeks prior to your visit.
The
MHI ARRIVAL CONFIRMATION
form is now located
online
in the Owners Only section of the HOA website. Simply fill in your information and send!
If you are planning to let someone else (renter, family, friends...) use your suite, be sure to have them fill out the
MHI RENT EXCHANGE CONFIRMATION FORM
located in the Owners Only section and send to Innkeeper.
|
|
HOA Website:
TheMarshHarbourInn.com
Owners Only Password: mhiowners
|
|
HOA Website Now Offers HOA
Owner Rental & Exchange Opportunity
Check out the Availability Rentals tab
If you would like to exchange your week with other owners or make it available for rent, you can do this on our HOA website! Simply fill out the
MHI RENT EXCHANGE RELEASE FORM
located on the HOA website under the Owners Only section - Admin.
Note: the MHI Innkeeper will only post your unit and contact information on our website. As the owner, you will be the direct contact for negotiating rates, managing and collecting rents unless you choose to use a real estate professional.
|
|
Helpful Links:
(located on HOA website- Owners Only - ADMIN)
IMPORTANT
Any time you rent or trade your unit you MUST alert the Innkeeper by submitting the
MHI RENT EXCHANGE CONFIRMATION FORM - located on the HOA website under the Owners Only section - Admin.
|
|
From time to time owners may to decide to sell a suite or purchase another suite at Marsh Harbour Inn. To help facilitate this process, the HOA will provide an updated list of suites available for sale at the reception desk including a description of what it means to be a fractional owner and part of our Marsh Harbour Inn family.
If you are interested in selling one of your suites and would like to be added to the flyer, please contact Liz at ldionetcie@gmail.com. If you are interested in purchasing another suite, please ask the Innkeeper for a copy of the most current list.
|
|
|
|
NEW: A list of all available suites for sale is located on the Owners Only section under "Sales"
|
|
We have set up
Nextdoor.com as a way of communicating with Inn owners, and a way to communicate with owners of your suite exclusively.
Many owners already use this program in their home neighborhoods. It is a very easy way to keep up on what is going on and to have quick updates and conversations as a group. If you are not familiar with
Nextdoor.com you can check out the website before you sign up.
|
|
|
Note: If you are already signed up for a Nextdoor account in your home neighborhood, you will not be able to use the same email address for your Marsh Harbour Inn Suite. You must use a separate email address.
|
|
Here's how to join our group:
1. Join the NextDoor Bald Head Wynd at this link:
2. Join
Marsh
Harbour Inn Owners—we are asking all owners to join this group
3. Then you ask to join private groups of the suites you own.
|
|
Blockade Runner Owners
Cape Fear Owners
Captains Quarters Owners
Harbour View Owners
Ocean View Owners
|
|
Pinnacle Suite Owners
Royal Palm Owners
Ship Watch Owners
Yacht Master Owners
|
|
We are looking for an administrator for each unit. If you’d like to be the administrator for your suite, please email
cathie@bhiwellness.com
|
|
Bald Head Island Club Membership
|
|
As an owner at Marsh Harbour Inn you are also a member of the
Bald Head Island Club
including access to world-class golf, swimming pool, work out facility, tennis, croquet, great restaurants and many seasonal activities - see below for the Calendar of Events at BHI Club.
Restaurants
The Club House Grill and the Peli are open.
Beginning in March, the Palms and Ocean Room restaurants will be open.
BHI Club Temporary Membership Fees
To take advantage of your membership you must register for a Temporary Membership for the days you plan to use the club or participate in events..
Jan - Mar
- Daily $25
- 3 Day $30
- Week - $40
April - October
- Daily $45
- 3 Day $60
- Week - $60
* green fees and activity fees are extra:
Jan. and Feb. are $85 for 18 holes and $65 for nine holes.
March 1919 the greens fees are $95 for 18 holes and $75 for 9 holes.
For more information and temporary usage fee, call
910-457-7300.
|
|
Calendar of Upcoming Events
BHI Conservancy 910-457-0089
BHI Conservancy 910-457-0089
Island Outdoor Activities .
March
March 8 -
The Friends of Music Concert Series
Village Chapel 7:30
March 16 ~
St. Patrick's Day Party
BHI Club*
6:30pm-8:30pm
March 26 -
Boy Scout Breakfast
Association Building 9am
April
April 5 -
Fire Pit Friday*
BHI Club
April 5-7 -
Writing from the Heart
BHI conservancy
6-9pm
April 20 - Peter Rabbit on the MHI Porch
MHI Inn
April 21 -
Easter Chapel Services
6:45 am, 8:30 am, 10:30 am
April 21 -
Easter Egg Hunt and Easter Brunch
BHI Club*
May
May 4 -
Horizons Grand Opening Event
BHI Club*
My 12 -
Mother's Day Brunch
BHI Club*
May 16 -
Bald Head Island Fishing Rodeo
7-9pm
May 25 -
Music on the Terrace
BHI Club *
May 26 -
Memorial Day Celebrations
Old Baldy grounds and BHI Club*
June
June 14 -
Wine and Canvas
BHI Club*
June 14 -
Friends of Music
BHI Club*
June 16 -
Father's Day Brunch
BHI Club*
7:30-9:30pm
July 4 -
Annual Golf Cart Parade!
July 4
Seafood Festival
BHI Club*
7-9pm
Note: membership is required for the following activities. See membership details above.
|
|
Other Helpful Links
Facebook.com Bald Head Buddies
|
|
(910) 448-0717 Innkeeper on Duty
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
