Headed off to the board/member exchange meeting

Just minutes before I head out the door to the board/member exchange meeting this morning at 9 am at the Lakeview Rec Centers. It should be an interesting meeting as I know some realtors aren't happy about the proposed increase. And for many of us living here, we are scratching our heads asking why?

I guess the most troubling aspect of this began at last months exchange meeting as resident after resident stepped to the podium with one complaint after another. Most were minor, but the negativity in the room was clearly present and consistent. I found that both surprising and disappointing.

During my time on the board we worked hard to keep the angst at a minimum. In the last year Kumbaya was more often sung by the crowds even when facing contentious issues like Duffeeland Dog Park. We weren't afraid to confront those problems but we did it in concert with the residents. It was always about finding solutions.

I've never been a politician but I truly do understand the importance of talking to people before I start taking positions and potential actions that will cause the proverbial stuff-storm. The true measure of this boards meddle will be tested today. Will they take to heart the concerns of the community, or simply plow forward because they can?

Stay tuned.

 

I got the impression that the "plow forward" board members may bully those that want further information before voting.

On a whole I thought it was a good forum for cardholders to express their concerns. Some of the speakers could have been more considerate of the lengthy speeches which echoed the people that already spoke. But I just zoned out a bit.

One of the board members took liberties with giving a lecture and to me came off very rude. I applaud the self control a certain person used in not responding.

It would behoove the Board to postpone any vote on the PIF increase until an accounting of what expenditures are planned requiring this increase. The possible new development near Sunland was never mentioned which would more than cover any needed funds for the next 5 years. I say wait until we know about whether the new homes will be built before any increase is imposed.

The most interesting point a person brought up was the fact that the $3000 PIF fee cannot be part of the mortgage financing. This is a big hunk of cash to come up with in addition to other fees out of pocket at closing.

 

I thought it was an interesting meeting. Too long, but what the heck; attendance was good and lots of comments about things people wanted. It took awhile to get to the increase in the PIF, but once we got there it was curious.

Seems the board has decided we need at least three new rec centers (replacing Mountainview, Oakmont and Lakeview). None of these are new topics, but I will point out the existing 5 year plan doesn't have anything allocated for them near the amounts we will generate. And when asked if it wasn't true they all needed to be replaced, I said I have no idea if that's the case.

Therein lies the need for a 20 year plan; a long range vision for this community based on trends and changing demographics. To argue we need to raise an additional 20 million dollars over the next twenty years is foolishness. Here's why; the next twenty years if we stay on our current pace, we will generate between 100 to 140 million dollars. Isn't that enough to do all of these things?

I don't know, but I do know long before we start committing to any increase we should have some idea of what and why we are doing it.

 

Not sure exactly what you are trying to say Carole...nuh, just kidding.

Back to an earlier point, I wasn't being flip or condescending when I said I don't know if we need to replace those three rec centers (Mountainview, Oakmont and Lakeview). I truly don't know. It would seem to me to be the kind of questions we should be asking the community/users of them. It's the kind of items one would build into a long term strategic plan.

It's exactly why I have been lamenting our lack of that kind of thinking. As I said today at the meeting, none of the current board members will be around when these kinds of decisions are finally acted on. Without having some idea where we are headed, what is needed and when we would implement it...why in God's name would we just plow ahead without knowing?

I've yet to understand how we will spend the 100 million to 140 million dollars the PIF will generate over the next 20 years. Even if we were to rebuild all three centers, and upgrade all the remaining golf courses we wouldn't spend that kind of money.

And the argument people won't buy here if we don't rebuild those 3 centers is spurious at best. 5 to 7 homes per day have been selling in Sun City each and every day of the year for the last 5 years. That was through the housing downturn and without those recent upgrades on amenities.

Just saying eh.

 

As someone who is still trying to find my right house in Sun City I hate to hear these things. My realtor did tell me yesterday to expect it to increase soon. Makes me want to change my mind and go to a different Sun City that tapes the meetings for all to hear. I had planned on a different one that did tape them. They seemed more inclusive about the whole thing and considered members opinions on how to spend large chunks of money. Maybe because that PIF is half of what Sun City, AZ is so they don't have as much to spend.

Its not even the 500 they plan on adding to the PIF right now, its that they feel entitled to increase it at will, without plans. What else will they increase at will.

 

Emily wrote: As for the PIF, we knew it couldn't be part of the mortgage. I did not know it could be a bargaining chip in the negotiation of a sale. Somehow that doesn't sit right with me, especially for folks who are moving to an ALF.

The price of the home can be negotiated but the PIF cannot. ALF(Assisted Living Facility?) - these are not deeded owners for the most part and would not pay a PIF fee when moving in. A yearly privilege card is optional for ALF residents by paying half the annual assessment fee.


Emily wrote: "Are there other meetings, that are open to all RCSC members, even if members cannot speak that they can attend and at least listen to what the RCSC officials are discussing?"

None of the Board workshops or sessions are open to cardholders. This is a private corporation and doesn't have to follow open meeting regulations. You can attend any of the regular standing committee meetings to listen and sometimes they will allow guests to speak.:untroubled:

 

Cretan? Moron? And you were a former board member? Sounds to me more like you got put in your place,and didn't like being corrected. Talk about a lack of decorum! At least you weren't called names. #growup!

 

One of the problems with these boards is when it becomes personal. Been there, done that and hate when it happens (to me or anyone else).

There's an old standby that we need always to embrace: attack the idea, not the poster. It's just good sense.

As far as the meeting yesterday and the comments mentioned, I have two thoughts: One when said board member suggested folks sit down, I felt it was in consideration that people at the microphone were standing in line and this could be long-winded (something I do upon occasion). I did think it was unfortunate that said board member happened to mention a former board members name because at that point it became personal as well.

I look at it this way: Being passionate or having opinions and being willing to fight for them is a good thing for Sun City. Taking the argument or comments into the personal arena just means we all get less from that passion.

Just my two cents worth.