Nope, no idea what went on inside the work sessions (rumor has it they met both Monday and Tuesday), but people have often pondered what does go on beyond the closed doors. This would be a great place to explain the differences in Title 33 and Title 10, but it would take hours. Suffice to say we operate under Title 10 which allows closed door meetings where Title 33 mandates all meetings be open. 10 is easier and cheaper, 33 is more transparent. Anyway, here's how it works: Topics, changes in by-laws or board policies are put on the table (often by management) for board consideration. Discussion is held and a consensus vote is taken by going around the table. If it has a majority it then is placed on the agenda for the board/member exchange. Once through the venting process of member exchange, it comes to the monthly board meeting where members again can speak out (if they know about it). Following the commentary, the board retreats to a work session for more discussion. Fairly democratic so far eh? The problem lies in the fact the work session that was just held in all likelihood asked for a show of hands on how they would vote come Thursday's meeting. And it is my understanding, they want board members locked in to how they will vote. If someone plans on voting no, they want that clearly stated. If they are saying they will vote yes, they do not want to see a board member flip-flop. All of which begs the question, what are we even going to Sun Dial for if their minds are made up? Seems to me if that is the case, democracy ends at the work session. No matter, residents should show up on Thursday to share their support for or against this motion. Even if it is an exercise in futility, voices of the community need be heard. It's not a perfectly pure process but it is the one we have right now. PS. As a footnote, Sun City West arbitrarily follows Title 33 where all meetings are open.
Interesting take today; as I was getting a haircut, my barber said it sounds like it is becoming more a monarchy than a democracy. Amazing how smart barbers are.
This morning I read in the paper that expenditures over $750,000 (I think that is the #) have to be voted on by everyone. That means you, me, all residents of SC. Not just the Board. Is that correct?
No, not quite Peg. It says the board cannot incur indebtedness of more than $750,000 without a vote of the residents. Because the PIF is paid with cash in hand it does not incur debt, hence no vote is necessary.
No Peg, there was not a membership vote due to the fact that all of these projects did not incur any debt. The only time a vote is needed by the membership is when the RCSC plans to incur a debt or take out a loan to complete a project. The RCSC operates on a cash basis, not accruing any debt, so projects are done on a warranted basis.
Actually Peg, it is great to know all of the amenities we enjoy are all paid for. No debt owing, all paid for with cash.
There should be without question E, but truth be told, they just get in the way of the bigger plan by the powers that be. Sad. During my years here in Sun City, I have written 4 magazines for the community (2 with SCHOA and 2 with the RCSC). I almost always try and include a tutorial on "how Sun City works." Most people moving here have no idea because where they come from is nothing like the self-governance system we have in play. So, in a continuing effort to educate, let me give you a quick look inside that work session prior to the 5-4 vote: A consensus vote was taken and while we don't know for sure if any of the 4 against changed their mind on the no vote, we do know the 5 (Brasher, Hoffer, Lawry, Schroeder and Jesse) all verbally committed to a vote yes...no matter what was said by those in attendance. If they were waffling or unsure, they would have pulled the motion. Essentially they said we don't give a rip what people think or say. We also know the board president was running around assuring people "they had the votes to pass it." The exact reason we need reinstate the long range planning committee, so we don't become a community run by the few. One last thought and given board member Brasher's reading of selected corporate documents, it begs this simple question to be answered by the 5 voting for the increase: Are you elected by the members, or are you elected by the corporation?
