This page is designed to answer questions floating around our community. It's our version of SNOPES.
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QUESTION: Re: "The General Contractor has been selected..... (02/07/12)"
The number one concern I have after and only if the APC project is approved is the selection of the General Contractor. After living through past construction projects during my life in SCV is that the Contractor selected for the SCV projects had no or little experience in working with the Town of Oro Valley and in particular their unique construction requirements or building codes. This lack of building experience led to excessive costs overruns and unexpected delays in completion. The blame for the problems was cast on the town of Oro Valley, rather than on the contractor's ignorance. If the Board and Administration has not made this consideration primary, I recommend they do. I would also make recommend the same to any SCV homeowner who is considering a contractor for home remodeling. Best to have someone who knows the local building codes whether you like them or not. (02/14/12)RESPONSE: You are absolutely right and this was covered by the Contractor Interview Subcommittee and W. E. O'Neil has extensive experience working with the Town of Oro Valley. As an example, the were the general contractor on the past five building projects competed for the Northwest YMCA.
QUESTION: What establishes the date for determining who the owner is for voting (eligibility)? (02/07/12)
ANSWER: The owner on record when the database is sent to the mailing service on February 13 will be sent the ballot. Each sale that occurs between February 13 and March 26 will be given a ballot, when feasible, if a ballot has not been cast for said unit/lot. The new homeowner may cast a vote as long as it is received in the Administration office before Tuesday, March 26, 4:30 PM.
QUESTION: Unless I read wrong, it seems the board has selected a Gen Contr for the Sports complex remodel (O'Neil) already. Does this mean that if approved by residents this $2.5M project will not go out for bids??? (02/07/12)
ANSWER: The General Contractor has been selected, although not under contract, by the board after criteria were set, interviews held and references and credentials checked. The contracting company has committed to working with the architect and SCV at no charge to assist with value engineering and budget refinement until the project is approved/disapprove. If approved a contract will be drawn up between SCV and O’Niell. Also, once the project is approved, three separate bids will be sought for each subcontractor. SCV will have the right to include subcontractors of our choice. O’Neill has agreed that 100% of the cost savings gained through the bidding process will be returned to the Association. So the answer to the question is YES the project will go out for bid.
QUESTION: Why is Sun City Vistoso Administration allowing Town of Oro Valley candidate political campaign signs along Rancho Vistoso Blvd. on property we own or maintain? (02/06/2012)
ANSWER: As per State Statute the signage is allowed: http://www.azleg.gov/ars/16/01019.htm.
QUESTION: Regarding the Sports Complex renovation and expansion: What are now the total expenditures to PROMOTE the most expensive option.....including fees for architects to study and develop blueprints for construction and fees to develop the recent CD and Pamphlet distributed today.....presumably to all SCV residents? Are these expenditures coming out of the reserve that might have been more valuable in supporting a MODEST renovation? Two residents in this house paid $5,525 this year for the privilege of playing golf at our Views Course. The Sports Complex is neither a potential image or user item on our agenda. (01/30/12)
ANSWER: The total expenditure to date for the AFC project is approximately $20,000.
QUESTION: Municipalities have requirements for art in public buildings/areas. The new sports facility is not a public building. How then can Oro Valley direct that we have public art? Is this not a choice that we ourselves have made? (01/30/12)
ANSWER: The Town considers projects that are not residential to be public. As a result, the AFC project is considered a public project and therefore may require art equal to 1% of the project cost.
QUESTION: As a follow up to the question of the renovation of the existing facilities (locker room particularly) , isn't there money also available in the asset reserves for some of these items, and the gym as a whole, and is it planned to be used in addition to the $343,000,--how much? (I know the existing exercise equipment is in the schedule). (01/13/2012)
ANSWER: The only thing in the Asset Reserve other than equipment related to AFC project is the rubber flooring due for replacement in 2014 (a minimal amount of $20,000). The Asset Reserve does not have any funds for renovation of the locker rooms.
QUESTION: I see that in the architect's budget there is $343,000 for remodeling the existing portion of the sports complex, but it only says we will get new 'finishes'.I would like to know more about this refinishing of the existing,--especially concerning the locker rooms.Will there be new fixtures,counter tops ,toilet partitions tile,etc.The only change I can see is elimination of 2 dressing rooms (in both M & W rooms) and new lockers? Will there be new flooring and ceiling in the remainder of the existing spaces, and what is going to happen in the present entry by the monitor's desk (proposed massage, closet. wellness areas), new tile floor? (1/10/2012)
ANSWER: The architects confirm that in the existing facility there will be new sinks, toilets , toilet partitions, mirrors, floor tile, wall finish, ceiling and paint throughout. The lockers rooms are completely renovated in the current estimate. The flooring will also be new and either a tile, linoleum or vct finish.
QUESTION: I would like to know what the square footage of the auditorium is and also the square footage of the new addition to be used for the AFC exercise classes. 12/07/11
ANSWER: The proposed AFC exercise classroom would be 3,236 sq. ft.. The auditorium floor space is roughly 4435 sq ft. The stage is roughly 349 sq ft. Please note that current plan is to keep the very large exercise class in the Auditorium even if the new space is built.
QUESTION: I have two questions. 1. Reading on the new Sports Complex is seems that the Sports Committee has recommended a (assessments) up to $1,300 per unit. In stead of charging each unit additional monies for the year, do like the golf club, charge by visit, block of visits or annual fees. There isa large % of people in SCV that do not use the facility, yet they have to pay.
2. Can we sell our home at SCV by "For Sale by Owner"? The market depicts the sell of homes anyway, why spend an extra 3-6% to a Realtor. Why not Charge the Seller a 1% fee to SCV if he /she sell the home w/o a Realtor. I can be reached by email only, I live in Japan. (11/2/11)
ANSWER: 1. I not aware of the Sports Complex Committee suggesting an assessment of $1,300. In any case, the maximum assessment established by the Board of Directors if approved by a vote of the membership will be $1,000 per home. In regard to charging for use of the fitness center, this concept has been discussed from time to time. A use fee would help pay for the ongoing maintenance of a facility but would not provide immediate funds for the remodeling and/or expansion of the fitness facilities. While there is an upside to implementing a use fee in that a fee such as this could provide ongoing funds, there is a downside to use fees. The fees charged to play golf are necessary and very typical due to the extraordinary costs associated with operating a golf course. However, use fees for other facilities within an active adult community are much less common due to the significantly lower operating costs of most of these facilities as compared to a golf course. Additionally and possibly just as important, use fees tend to discourage residents from using the facilities which is one of the primary purposes of developing and living in an active adult community.
2. Any resident is free to use a real estate broker to assist in selling his/her home or may sell his/her home without a broker. Regardless of who sells a home in Sun City Vistoso, the Association would not have the legal authority to charge a sales fee unless the Associations established its own real estate firm and was a part of the sale by being the listing or sales broker.
QUESTION: The SCV Community Association Contract, Page 41, Article XVI, Section 1, states that this Declaration term expires November 12, 2011, and that there would be an election held for the voting members six months prior to the expiration. Please publish the results of the "election held for such purpose within six (6) months" prior to November 12, 2011 (May 12, 2011), regarding extension or dissolving the Association. Thank you. (10/31/11)
ANSWER: Thank you for your question. First there needs to be some clarification. I believe the reference in your question is to the SCV CC&Rs. If this is correct, then the article to which reference is made is on page 36 of the Seventeenth Amended CC&Rs, Section XVI, Section 1. The section states the Declaration expires on November 12, 2011. It then goes on to state the Declaration is extended automatically for successive periods of ten years unless there is a vote to terminate the Declaration. If there were an interest to terminate the Declaration an election would need to be held with this as a ballot question AND the question would have to receive favorable votes of 90% of the eligible voters. What this boils down to is that the CC&Rs are still in effect continuously unless the eligible voters of the Association vote, with a favorable vote of 90%, to terminate them.
QUESTION: I noticed the advertisement for our SCV golf course, The Views Golf Club of Oro Valley, in the November issue of the upscale “Desert Leaf The Catalina Foothills Magazine”. It does not mention it is located within the community of Sun City Vistoso, only an address of 1565 E. Rancho Vistoso Blvd. I am not sure it will be readily found by anyone not familiar with our area with just using that address, without directions, and without any signage on Association property.
After much to do about the need to change the name of our golf course to The Views to attract outside golfers to our course, I don’t understand that after about a year or so there is no lettering on our sign monuments mentioning The Views Golf Club of Oro Valley!
After the name change, staff daily placed A-Frame signs noting the newly named course on Association property at the entry from Rancho Vistoso Blvd. in front of Vistoso Center while they were temporarily allowed by the Town of Oro Valley. I believe I read the Town now again allows such signs.
While walking along Rancho Vistoso Blvd., I have been stopped a few times by someone in a car asking for directions to The Views. Why is there not now any kind of signage on SCV property promoting The Views Golf Club of Oro Valley? If there is still much discussion in Committee about a permanent sign, why aren’t the A-Frames used if they again are allowed? (10/28/11)ANSWER: The Town will not allow A frame signs along the roadway (right-of-way) and the Image Committee is continuing to develop new signage for the Community. Also, when there is room on our ads, we include a map and/or note that we are in Oro Valley plus “The Views” has been added to the kiosk signs along Rancho Vistoso Blvd.
QUESTION: At the 9/30 meeting of the Ad Hoc Sports Complex Committee and the selected architects, the budget/cost for the project was again brought up. From my recollection, one of the Board members stated to the architects and committee that there was a 20% contingency above the $2.5 million...that would now make this a possible $3.0 million project. From everything I can find, the budget was $2.5 million: June Board meeting minutes ($2.5 million is limit); communication flyer 7/27 (budget of $2.2 mil. given architect for a cushion to the Board approved $2.5 mil. budget); agenda from 9/27 meeting of subcommittee (make sure the architects are clear the construction costs are $2.2 million, including permits and whatever else). What's the real "skinny" or should I now say "fat" budget that is being given the architects in their contract? (10/17/11)
ANSWER: The answers to your questions are contained in the July Tipster insert entitled "The Aquatics & Fitness Center...What Will it Cost?", which was approved by the Board of Directors on June 29, 2011. This insert clearly states that the cost of the proposed project will not exceed $2.5 million. (Note: This does not include equipment, replacement of which is covered under existing provisions of the Asset Reserve Fund.) It also states that the assessment per household will not exceed $1,000 and could be less. Finally, it states "The Board recognizes that in any construction project there is always the possibility of unforeseen costs and is prepared to fund these, if necessary, without increasing the amount of the assessment to residents." The Board has established that up to a 20% contingency could be covered from existing funds on hand. This does not mean the Board is planning or expecting to expend these funds; it is simply prudent assurance that we can cover unforeseen costs, should they occur. (In the recent golf course bunker renovation, the Board allowed for a 10% contingency, or $17,500, and expended $209.) Contingency funds for the AFC were not included in the project budget because we do not want anyone to assume they are available for anything but unforeseen and essential needs. This is not "fat budgeting;" It is simply prudent management.
QUESTION: This is a followup to my original note re Oasis Pool hour changes affecting visiting children/grandchilden. The new hours for the Volleyball club (as announced in the Oct. Tipster) would impact the children's hours at the Oasis. As I understand the new schedules, would not children would be reduced to one hour on Thursday and Sunday? This is unacceptable for visiting family to be restricted to one hour when they travel here from the North East and Mid-West
during school breaks in the winter, spring, and summer. Please help the residents to preserve this privilege.Actually, I don't understand why any club has to command usage of facilities that should be open on weekends for enjoyment of all. Furthermore, the Volleyball Club has a history of not informing the monitor of cancelling on a timely basis to inform and keep the pool open. Finally, we need to be mindful of this issue vis a vis potential SCV home buyers. Again, for the love of family and children. (10/03/11)
REPONSE: The change of hours for the children’s use of the Desert Oasis pool does restrict the children’s use of the pool to one hour before and one hour after volleyball twice a week. Although this change reduces the number of hours that the children can use the pool by two hours per week, the children are still able to use the Desert Oasis pool four hours per day five days of the week. In addition, the children are able to use the Mountain Vista pool two hours per day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
In regard to use of the Desert Oasis pool by the volleyball players, this use is no different than, for example, the use of the Mountain Vista pool by lap swimmers or the use by various exercise classes.
Admittedly there is no perfect schedule for use of the pools. With that noted, every scheduling measure that is implemented is done so with equity and balance in mind.
QUESTION: Now that the Ad Hoc Sports complex committe has selected 4 architect finalists, how will the final one be chosen? Will they all have another interview where they present their ideas and proposed plans and then one picked to prepare drawings and cost estimates within the $15,000 budget authorized? Will the residents be given a chance to see the 4 proposals for comments before the final one is selected? Was one of the 4 finalists the one that was paid $1000 for his input before the board voted to proceed? (08/05/11)
RESPONSE: The Properties AFC Subcommittee will receive the four proposals and make a recommendation to the Board at the September Board meeting. The architects will be making their presentations to the subcommittee on September 19 & 20 (tentative dates to be confirmed with the architectural firms). Open session Board and Committee meetings are open to residents as per our governing documents. One of the architects selected was the architect the Association uses for its annual plant permit and was paid $1000 for assistance to the Ad Hoc Sports Complex Committee in preparing some of the information found in its March 2010 report to the Board. More information can be found on a web page dedicated to the AFC project by clicking here.
QUESTION: We did not miss the fact that Annual Golf Passholders did not receive free passes this year. Because of the paucity of players on the course and the downward trend of sales, would it be prudent to rethink and reverse this new practice? After all, the course is so underplayed that it is not a question of available t-times, is it? (8/3/11)
RESPONSE: During the past several years, free passes have not been included with the purchase of an annual golf pass. However, last year, free passes were given to the annual golf pass holders as a part of the golf course name change and the “Grand Opening” event. This year the annual golf pass has been enhanced in a few ways. One of those enhancements is the benefit of special rates for guests of those who purchased annual passes, which are $40 in the winter and $20 in the summer for 18 holes and $30 in the winter and $15 in the summer for 9 holes.
QUESTION: Will the proposed focus groups for the AFC be accomplished prior to the architect doing schematic drawings? Doing them after drawings are completed seems to indicate the input isn't used. (07/11/11)
RESPONSE: The architect will start working on the plans in September and the timeline established by the Board indicates that the final plans will be presented to the Board at the December Board Meeting. Resident input has already begun with an online survey. Focus groups will take place during the time that the architect is developing plans for the proposed AFC project starting within a short time and continue through November or possibly December.
This parallel process of architectural design and focus groups will allow input from the focus groups to be used by the architect as the plans progress. Due to the fact that there is a limited budget for the proposed AFC project, it is possible that not all wants and needs gathered from the focus groups will be included in the plans. However, if it is clearly indicated through the focus groups that certain activities, amenities, equipment, design, etc. is clearly desired over what has been initially included in the plans, beneficial improvements can and will be made as a result of the residents’ input through the focus groups.
The architect will also be given input gathered from the 2009 Sport Complex Study report by the Long Range Planning Committee and the March 20, 2011 Aquatic & Fitness Center report by the Ad Hoc Sports Complex Committee both of which include information gathered from residentsQUESTION: RE THE PROPOSED SPORTS COMPLEX: Is there any reason why the final vote by SCV residents can't be: A mailing that would include three-tier options from which to select....the least expensive to the most, each listing the proposed improvements. This would be a democratic process. It would mandate a decision on the community's wishes without a "no action" result. This is/was a model similar to Federal agency appropriations requests for congressional action. (06/20/2011)
RESPONSE: The simplest answer to your question is that the various committees who have worked on this project going back to 2008 have never been directed by the Boards of Directors to come up with a three-tier option. Rather, they were asked to evaluate and make recommendations based on a comprehensive study. (Please review the methodical process that has taken place as outlined in the June Tipster insert, “So, What’s the Full Story on the Sports Complex?” It was also sent out via email and still available on the website by clicking here.
At each juncture, the Board’s objectives to the individual committees have been to consider the needs and desires of not only the current residents, but also those yet to come. These committees used research and data to arrive at their final recommendations – information gathered from both within and outside of Sun City Vistoso. From these recommendations the Board and committees have begun developing the project to present to the community for consideration.QUESTION: Please explain why the annual mailing was sent out in two envelopes. (06/07/11)
RESPONSE: The invoice requires a special code at the bottom that can be read by scanners. It is technical in the way it appears on the bottom of the page. We printed them inhouse last year and ran into multiple problems. This year we had a company that has the necessary equipment to print this coupon do so. The coupon can be scanned and automatically inputs the information into our database and if the coupon and check were sent to the PO Box, it automatically deposits the checks into the bank. This service was a little more expensive than what we had budgeted for pertaining to invoices. This was the second, invoice mailing. The other mailing was from a local company. By changing the format of the Annual Budget Summary to fit into a #10 envelope and using their bulk mail rate, we were able to stay within the budget for both mailings.
QUESTIONS: There is a lot of concern about our General Manager going to Ventana Medical about possibly making a (deal) with them about our gym. Is this true? What kind of a deal would it be? (05/11/2011)
RESPONSE: General Manager Bob Mariani and Board President Debra Arrett did visit Ventana Medical. The meeting was to explore the possibility of Ventana Medical partnering with us on our Aquatic and Fitness Center project. It is not unusual for some corporations to provide financial support to community projects either directly or through their foundation, not unlike the support our own Foundation provides to good causes in the local area. Any monies generated through donations would lessen the financial burden placed on our residents, if and when the funding for this project is approved by our members.
It should be noted that there is no interest, on our part or from Ventana Medical, to allow Ventana Medical employees access to have access to our fitness facilities. We are pleased, however, that some of their employees have and continue to pay daily green fees to play our golf course.
QUESTION: One thing that concerns many people is that on the SWOT analysis of current facilities [Sports Complex Report] on the pros & cons is that the residents who like the status quo are considered a Threat. Is that only the residents that do not want anything changed or residents that do not agree with everything the Sports Committee wants? (04-26-11)
RESPONSE: Here is the list of THREATS from the report of the Sports Complex Committee's SWOT analysis:
Threats
- . Not consistent with quality of other SCV facilities
- . Competition from other retirement communities
- . Residents who like status quo
As noted in the committee's report the threat is from those who wish to do nothing. When the comparative analysis was conducted between our sports complex and our competitor's facilities, ours was found lacking. Because of the current condition of the sports complex, doing nothing causes a deficiency on our side when attracting home buyers to our community. That is where the threat is identified. It has nothing to do with who agrees with the Committee; in fact, further development of the accepted proposal will likely be considerably altered from that presented by the Committee.
QUESTION: The Expanded footprint has been OKed. Explain to the residents that were not at the BOD meeting where do we go from here. We need a final cost. No last minute add ons. (04-26-11)
RESPONSE: This slide was presented at the forum presented to the residents in March 2011 with a couple of updates.
- Board to hear residents' questions and comment on two plans, the committee recommendation and an alternate (March 2011).
- Board to choose one option - the concept of the new building or the expanded footprint. (April 26, 2011)
- Committees (standing, advisory and ad hoc) will begin their work (May).
- Finance & Budget - Financing.
- Building.
- Communications.
- Fundraising/Donations options explored (grants, Sun City Foundation, etc.) (May-December).
- Committees will develop their assignments (May-October).
- Final building and financing plans presented to residents (October-January)
- Residents vote on funding (Jan/Mar)
This timeline is the best we have at this point. The new Board is responsible for fine tuning committee structures and assignments, and then establishing a timeline for accomplishing their tasks. It should be noted that a "final cost" will not be available until the design is finalized (roughly October in the above timeline). At that time, bids will have been received, and the proposal to be presented to residents will be complete, including all aspects of the program.
QUESTION: I thought that the 30 year lease agreement for the cell tower stated that construction was to start April 2011, since I haven't seen any construction, what is the schedule? and more important, when do we start collecting the rent? 04-25-11
ANSWER: In an effort to minimize the impact to the residents, it was agreed that AT&T would not begin construction of the cell site before April. Due to a change in the cable routing, AT&T was required to submit a plan revision to the Town which is presently under review. As a result of this plan review, a construction schedule has not yet been established.
In accordance with the lease, the rent will commence on the earlier of when written notification by the Tenant is given to the Landlord that all governmental approvals have been received or 6 months after the lease is signed.
QUESTION: Now that we have all these Committees: Marketing and Publicity, Name Change, Sports Complex, Strategic Planning and Realty, I see nothing in the Budget showing any income being generated other than the restaurant and the Golf Course. How will income be generated by these committee recommendations without raising association dues or charging user fees to cover the costs? Can you show the estimated amount by each committee? (04/21/2011)
RESPONSE: The mission statements for these committees direct them to do many things, however, they have not been directed to generate income. That’s not to say that when the committees have completed its work (Name Change, Sports Complex and Realty are ad hoc and will sunset when there reports is made) AND if their recommendations are implemented income may be generated. Marketing and Publicity along with marketing staff have been hard at work and the amount of outside golf play is measurably up from this time last year. Additionally there have been homes sold in SCV where the Marketing Committee and staff has been involved in some manner (i.e., through an Ambassador tour, an advertisement, etc.). Another committee not mentioned, but has had an impact on business is the Food & Beverage Committee. There recommendations they make have provided improvements to the Café business which are not necessarily measurable, but improve the overall offering at the Café. These committees are all volunteers; they have no budget so there are very little costs associated with the committees. They act as advisory committees to the Board and Association which manage the budget. On the large projects, like the sports complex, when the Board makes a decision to pursue the project the issue of how to pay for the project will be studied. Currently it is being discussed to have a finance committee that will provide funding options to the Board for a project such as the sports complex. They, along with Finance-Budget, will study all the options available to pay for a project and report to the Board who will determine the method of funding. If the method has governing document restrictions there would be a vote given to the residents.
QUESTION: When we get our dues statement in June or July, will there be a survey put in about the sports complex? (04/18/11)
ANSWER: Probably not. It is important that when residents are asked to vote on the sports complex that they have been given enough information to make an educated decision about the project. Currently (04/18/11) the Board hasn't voted to accept the project. It has received the report from the Sports Complex Ad Hoc Committee, met with the residents in a forum to hear their comments and have had a study session (April 14) in which to ask questions and discuss the project . The project will be on the April Board meeting (April 26) agenda for further discussion and possibly a vote. After a decision has been made to pursue the project there is a significant amount of fact gathering needed to define the project before any information is ready to share with residents. Once resident have had a chance to receive information to make an educated choice, a survey could be given to residents. However, it is highly unlikely the information will be gathered by the annual invoice mailing, which will be mailed on May 23.
QUESTION: I seem to remember that Visa credit cards were not an acceptable method of paying HOA dues last year. Why? I don't have a MasterCard and I'd like to earn the travel points on my Visa. Thanks. PS - The creation of this FAQ page is a great idea! (04/11/11)
ANSWER: For several years a credit card payment option for the dues has been requested. Since credit card companies charge 2 1/2% usage fees it was not financially reasonable to offer this option. Last year we changed to a lock box system and a new bank to receive these payments. This bank offered the credit card payment option on a MasterCard, Discover and American Express with no user fee to the Association, but a $25 fee to be paid by the resident. Unfortunately they do not offer payment through Visa. The bank was contacted to see if they were going to offer a Visa option and unfortunately at this time they do not.
QUESTIONS I feel that these FAQ questions maybe should be limited to "residents'? (04/04/11)
ANSWER: The Strategic Planning Committee identified a need for improved communications in SCV. The Tipster and website are terrific tools, but additional ways to communicate accurate information seem to be needed. We came up with the idea of a FAQ page on the website and hard copies when needed. We discussed your question at our meeting this week and agreed that we will restrict questions to residents only, but all the information that we can see being included in the FAQ page is already public information that people can access on our SPC website and the Tipster. Therefore, we’ll continue with the FAQ page on our general website.
If you would like to discuss this further, please contact Mike Moyer (mmpyerpp@gmail.com)
QUESTION: Why is there so much discussion about the cost of the architectural and engineering drawings for the sports complex as the proposed "cost estimate" included an architectural fee of 5%?
ANSWER: The Ad Hoc Sports Complex Committee has used the services of an architectural firm and contractor to develop a preliminary plan or program based on needs and to identify the probable architectural fees to develop complete construction drawings and the estimated construction cost.
RESIDENT QUESTION: Who are the members of the "Realty Committee" and what is it's actual purpose? 03/25/2011
ANSWER: Members of the Realty Committee are: Allan Jakosa (chair), Ernie DeBellis, Lou Gard, Rebecca Long, John O'Shea, Bruce Smart, Nancy Sweeney.
The Realty Committee's actual purpose is to evaluate, in depth, viable options for a real estate operation that generates sustainable income for SCV, and recommend the best one, if any, to the SCV board along with important keys to success, back-up data and rationale, and an implementation plan.
RESIDENT QUESTION: What percentage of the residents votes are required for a special assessment and what percentage of the residents votes are required to borrow money? 03-25-11
ANSWER: According to the CC&Rs, Article VII, Section 6, the Board without a vote of the membership may levy a Special Assessment which does not exceed 5% of the gross revenue for the prior fiscal year and a Special Assessment in excess of 5% of the gross revenue of the Association for the prior fiscal year must be approved by a simple majority (50%+1) of the Owners who vote. Borrowing is addressed in CC&Rs, Article IX, Section 2 where it states that if the funds to be borrowed exceed three percent of the total net assets of the Association at the end of the past fiscal year, then approval is needed from 60% of the Owners voting in an election.
RESIDENT QUESTION: Will there be a forum relating to the Sports Complex Committees recommendations when residents will be able to ask questions and offer suggestions? 03-22-11
ANSWER: Yes, Friday, April 8, 1 PM, Auditorium.
RESIDENT QUESTION: Is there a plan to open the fitness equipment to the public, as the golf course is? (03/21/2011)
ANSWER: No, this was not proposed in the Sports Complex Ad Hoc Committee report and although it had been briefly discussed at the Board level in the past, it was rejected at that time and has not been a topic of discussion in relation to the proposed Aquatic & Fitness Center.
RESIDENT QUESTION: Who answers the questions on this FAQ site, it would be nice to know, and who decides what the answer is? (03/21/2011)
ANSWER: This is a great question. The Strategic Planning Committee created the idea of the FAQ page and staff implemented it. This a new concept and this question has recently come up as staff is trying to develop a procedure for answering the questions and a cross reference procedure to assure the answers are accurate. A process is currently in development with the Strategic Planning Committee. Currently Association staff is answering the questions.
RESIDENT QUESTION: As an occasional user of the Sports complex, I don't agree with the "Need" to change operations and the facilities at our Sports complex and charge all residents for the costs that will ensue. I think we all need to know current usage data for the Sports Complex. How many different residents use the Sports Complex at least once a week, excluding the swimming Pool and Spa? How many different residents use the Swimming Pool at least once a week? And what is the percentage of users to the total population of Sun City residents for each category? (03/14/2011)
ANSWER: Please find statiscal information regarding usage of the Sports Complex from the Long Range Plan Sports Complex SubCommittee's March 2009 Report found by clicking HERE. Please refer to the statistical information found on pages 38-97. They studied the usage of the gym by the day and hour, as well as almost each piece of equipment as well by day and hour.
RESIDENT QUESTION: Below is the heading on the last page of the report given to the board on March 10, 2011. Is this suggesting that the new name of Sun City Vistoso will be the views? If so all of the meetings about name change are just an exercise. "the wellness fitness & aquatic center at the views" 03/14/2011
ANSWER: No decisions have been made in regard to a new name for the Community. The Name Change Committee is considering a large number of names for the community that have been submitted and is also considering not changing the community name. It is anticipated that there recommendation will be submitted to the Board some time in the fall. The building names will be recommended by the Image Committee and they will be meeting to discuss possible names for the each of the buildings, including the current sports complex.
RESIDENT QUESTION: You talk about funding. At the meeting on the 10th in the evening with the Sports Committee we were given information on Rough costs & it sounds like the funding will be (assessments) up to $1,300 per unit. I see it being higher. 03/14/2011
ANSWER: No decision has been made to proceed with a project. Additionally, if the Board decides to pursue a project, the Finance and Budget Committee has been tasked with identifying funding methods that could include but are not limited to grants, donations, current capital funds and an assessment that would be voted on by the membership.
RESIDENT QUESTION: Why was the Sports Complex Committee allowed to add additional members without Board approval and they are now being approved after the committee has completed its recommendation? 03/14/2011
ANSWER: Any individual participating on the committee prior to being approved by the Board are not technically committee members. With that stated, the was an oversight on the part of the chair not realizing that everyone participating in the committee’s discussions had to be approved by the Board. Once this was brought to the attention of the chair, the chair requested that the Board approved these individuals as members of the committee. The Board is approving these individuals as members of the committee so they may continue to participate in the committees discussions as official members of the committee. This assumes that the committee may need to continue to meet which may not be necessary.
RESIDENT QUESTION: Will this Board consider "Users' Fees"? 03/14/2011
ANSWER: This is an option that has not been considered but could always be considered by future Boards
RESIDENT QUESTION: What's the story on the new staff controller leaving? Is it because of our bookkeeping as rumors have it? Are questions censored? 03/14/2011
ANSWER: The Association books are audited every year and found to be in compliance with accepted accounting practices. The accountant that was recently hired resigned after one day which gave no time for that individual to discuss or examine the books
RESIDENT QUESTION: I’ve heard that the Sports Complex is a “done deal” – so will I get to vote on it? (03/03/2011)
ANSWER: This is a two-part answer. The first is regarding the "done deal" and the second part is regarding the vote.
DONE DEAL...The Board has not received a report or recommendation from the Sports Complex Ad Hoc Committee. This will be on the agenda for the Study Session, Thursday, March 10, 6:30 PM, Auditorium. So the answer to the question regarding the Sports Complex being a done deal at this time is “no”. In order for the Sports Complex Committee recommendation to become a “done deal” the Board would first have to have received a report. Additionally, that report being given to the Board does not constitute a “done deal” as the Committee report is only the first step in a long process. Prior to a project moving forward, a number of steps will have to take place, the first of which will be for the Board to evaluate the Committee’s recommendation and determine what if any project should move forward. If the Board approves moving forward with a project, several more steps must take place including but not limited to development of a working design, securing of a firm budget, identifying funding methods, communicating with and explaining the project to the membership and the likelihood of a vote as explained below. (03/03/2011)
VOTE: Regarding the opportunity for the community to vote on the sports complex issue, the following is a requirement in the governing documents, Bylaws, 6.3(b) Restriction of Powers, which requires a vote of the simple majority to purchase (not replace) additional capital items in excess of 5% of the gross revenues of the Association for the fiscal year. Our fiscal year ending June 30, 2010 reports $6,095,862 with 5% being $304,793. So any changes outside the existing footprint of the sports complex that would cost over $304,793 would need to be brought to the membership for a vote. (03/03/2011)