Al and Jerry Board Update
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The following is submitted jointly by Al Reuben and Jerry McQuaid as Board Update #59.
The Community
Association's Board of Directors met this morning and the following is an
overview of the discussions:
I. A financial overview was presented of next years budget. The
homeowner assessment will rise from $1,211 this year to $1,337 next year.
The developer will continue to support its pro-rata subsidy to the Association.
(Please note that the $1,211 figure for 2003 includes the originally budgeted
figure as well as the assessment related to the increase in insurance rates.)
The $1,337 is in line with the five year plan when adjusted for changes in the
insurance costs. The details will be presented for approval at the
Community Association's Annual Meeting on November 18.
II. The Master Plan Committee, under Jim Hamilton, presented its report.
The report presents an outline for a subsequent detailed Master Plan based on
the long term strategic planning needs of the community. An overview of
the specific recommendations will also be presented at the Annual Meeting on
November 18. This report and its recommendations will be a vital tool to our
community.
The report makes specific recommendations concerning continued analysis
regarding community needs and expansion; the use of the report for creating
goals and objectives for the near term and as a primary reference tool for
subsequent strategic planning; a time frame of 5-7 years as the period that
should be examined; the appointment of a Strategic Planning Committee; and the
Appointment of a Government and Business Affairs Committee.
It was pointed out that starting the process now will give us a great advantage
for when we are managing the community without the developer's presence.
Thanks to Jim Hamilton and the members of his committee for the valuable study.
III. As a part of the budget presentation, the golf budget and fee
structure was reviewed. The Board raised some concerns regarding the small
differential between the non-passholder resident rate and the 25 round
passholder rate. Additionally, a suggestion was made to allow for a
variance in the 200, 250, and 300 round rates, rather than to have them be the
same. These concerns are to be submitted to the Golf Advisory Committee,
with an advisory of the Board's support for modifications.
IV. Al Reuben raised the issue of creating the Sports and fitness Advisory
Committee as was discussed in a previous workshop. The concept will be
brought forward for approval after a Mission Statement is created for the
committee by Steve O'Donnell. It is intended that the Committee act in an
advisory capacity for the Fitness Center and any of the outside facilities that
are managed by the fitness center. The target for implementation in
January.
V. An issue was raised by the Resident Board Members concerning the
appearance of the Property and Grounds on Sun City Lane, a main community
thoroughfare. It was suggested that the area is becomming unnecessarily
crowded with the combination the large storage shed at the softball field, the
benches the horseshoe pits, and the recent addition of the picnic tables.
Steve O'Donnell will look into the matter with an understanding that the
Resident Board Members are attempting to protect the ambiance of Town Square.
VI. A listing of those nominated for recognition to the community by the
Volunteer Recognition Task Force was submitted and will be announced at the
October Board of Directors Meeting and submitted for Board approval.
VII. An update was provided to the Board by Steve O'Donnell and Al Reuben
concerning their recent conversations concerning the reintroduction of gates at
the 278 entrance when the community switches from the current transponder system
to a laser system sometime in 2004. The intent is to provide access to
those with laser data on their vehicles through an automatic gate and to those
without the data via an attendant controlled gate. This should go a long
way to providing the appearance of a true gated community. This subject
was originally brought to the Board's attention by Bob Clark.
Jerry McQuaid raised the issue of not moving forward with the laser system until
all of the procedures are in place that will allow for fully monitoring the
system so that we are not confronted with an insecure system in the future.
It was agreed that this needed to be done.
VIII. At Al Reuben's request for concerning the status of the use of
effluent (treated water) an update was provided to the Board by Rob Smith.
Based on an estimated schedule the process for further treating Sun City's
wastewater should be in place in 18-24 months. In the meanwhile it should
be noted that the amount of effluent the community has been required to use on
the golf courses in particular has been reduced and that an appropriate
dispersion system will be placed in the wetlands in proximity to the new nature
trail for delivering harmless effluent to that area, should the situation
warrant it.
IX. Jerry McQuaid raised the issue of heating the Riverbend Pool in the
colder months. The Board felt that the cost of heating the pool for only
limited use should not be done. The issue of heating the outdoor pool that
is to be constructed at Argent III's facility, was discussed. It was
confirmed that the pool will have the appropriate equipment to be heated and
that determining the need to heat it year-round will depend upon its use.
X. Jerry McQuaid again asked for clarification regarding the size of
neighborhoods. Rob Smith, Glenda Morgan and Richard Espinoza responded by
clarifying that land development determines the placement of neighborhoods by
referring to the overall land development plan and the types of homes being
built. The concern of the elected Board members is the growing number of
neighborhoods and the resultant difficulty in ensuring a strong NRC and
governing body as we move forward. Steve O'Donnell is investigating
whether we might be able for governing purposes, to combine some of the smaller
neighborhoods into larger voting communities in the future.
XI. Al Reuben raised an issue concerning standardizing the types of
hurricane shutters that might be approved under our CC&R's. It was
suggested that he make a formal proposal to the modifications committee.
It was also recommended that we review whether the 48 hour time frame prior to a
hurricane is adequate for installing shutters or other materials, or whether a
longer period is more beneficial. The time frame will be a part of the
recommendation for specifying types of acceptable protection.
XII. Al Reuben raised the issue of the non-uniform appearance of Satellite
Dishes. After some discussion it was suggested that he make a proposal to
the modifications committee to see if there is a way to ensure more
standardization when the dishes are being installed. It is hoped that
might reduce the number of Satellite Dishes on the roofs of homes and in
particular visibility from the street.
XIII. It was agreed that the election for the CAM Board in 2004 will be by
mail-in ballot to eliminate the need for voting facilities in Pinckney Hall.
Similarly, the Board is awaiting the recommendation from the NRC as to whether
its election(s) will also be by mail-in ballot. It was determined that in
the event that both elections are by mail, the ballots should be separate
It was suggested that because both Jerry McQuaid and Steve Koehl are potential
candidates that Al Reuben manage the nominating process. Similarly it was
suggested that the NRC manage the elections process.
XIV. A clarification of how the curb repairs are managed was clarified as
follows: repairs are made to cracks because of their affect on drainage.
Unless the a cosmetic problem is severe, those repairs are not made.
XV. Jerry McQuaid requested a review of CAM Results vs Goals at the
community's Annual Meeting in November. It was decided that an overview
will be presented at the January Board Meeting and that it would be more
effective and accurate because the year-end 2003 figures could be used.
XVI. The Board agreed that our traffic laws should be enforced but it was
suggested that we need to be sensitive to over-zealousness. It was also
agreed that Steve O'Donnell should investigate whether the requirement for the
carrying of drivers licenses and proof of insurance while operating a golf cart
could be handled by allowing photocopies that could be kept in the carts by the
users as the appropriate documents.
XVII. Jerry McQuaid requested information concerning the results of the
deer census. The Board was advised that the deer population within Sun
City is less than the norm for the size of the area and that as a result no
action will be taken.
XVIII. It was announced by Jerry McQuaid that the three Resident Board
Members will be meeting with Ken Hull and Steve O'Donnell on October 23, to
allow for an exchange of ideas regarding the construction of future amenity
projects.
XIX. Jerry McQuaid asked for information as to why the announced Postal
Branch will be located at Okatie Pharmacy rather than within the community.
It was brought to our attention that the decision was a USPS decision and that
the community does not have an appropriate area for housing the facility and
could not guarantee the USPS the volume required.
XX. The names of candidates for consideration by the Board for serving on
the following committees were presented:
Property and Grounds Committee
Modifications Committee
Golf
Advisory Committee
Covenants Committee
Resident Communications Committee
Finance
Committee
Al Reuben
alreubenschh@aol.com