The SunBird Golf Resort Board of Directors held a regular business meeting followed by an organizational meeting on Dec. 15, 2025. Board Members present: Marianna Buescher, Brendan Waddell, Nancy Eckstein, Dave Edington, Chuck Heitbrink, Bob Lama, Bob Morris, and Manager Layne Varney.
The meeting was called to order by President Nancy Eckstein at 10 a.m.
The minutes of the Nov. 24, 2025, regular business and executive meeting were accepted as written.
Treasurer’s Report was given by Chuck Heitbrink. He stated that he would not be reviewing the financial results for November, as they have not been completed by our accounting staff due to this meeting being a week early. He announced that five CD accounts were established with BMO in the amount of $200,000 each. This is necessary, as the interest would put us over the $250,000 amount covered by FDIC insurance. We ordered checks for our two checking accounts, Payroll and Operations. We will be transferring funds to these two accounts and plan to begin payroll from the new account at the beginning of the year. We will continue to transfer funds over to the Operations account as we deplete the existing check inventory from our current bank. We also reviewed the proposal from our insurance broker and were happy to report that the proposed total amount for 2026 coverage will represent an 11% increase over last year. This is below the 15% we had budgeted. The insurance policies will include our property and general liability, auto insurance for the two vehicles, Workers Compensation, and two $5 million umbrella policies. As a reminder, we had to buy two umbrella policies because of our loss history. These policies do not cover our directors and officers insurance.
The Manager’s Report was given by Layne Varney. He thanked the volunteers who decorated the clubhouse for the holidays. He also reported that the automatic door opener in the ballroom is now operational. This opener was donated by the SunBird Lions Club. The landscape crew continues to work on weeds in the common area. The areas were previously sprayed with a pre-emergent solution, but it was not working as well as it should. The company was notified, and they came out to respray, per the warranty. All the non-slip stair strips were replaced. He thanked everyone for their support of the many activities held this busy season.
Committee Liaison Reports:
ACC: Brendan reported that the committee did not meet in December. If you are interested in helping pick fruit, let the office know.
Finance: Chuck reported that the committee reviewed the transition to BMO Bank and the plans for the CDs. We also reviewed the insurance policy proposal. He invited anyone interested in serving on the Financial Committee to contact Chair Frank Nechvatal.
Golf Club/HOA: Nancy reported that the committee did not meet in December, and no future meetings are scheduled.
Rules: Bob Morris reported the problem of people running stops signs, whether driving cars, golf carts, or riding bikes, continues. Installing blinking lights on stop signs at two intersections, Championship and Doral and Championship and Firestone, is in the discussion phase. Feral cats continue to be a problem. Please do not feed them.
Project Review and Planning: Marianna reported that the committee reviewed ongoing and finished projects. She also said that the booth in the Horizon Room was moved, and within just a few minutes, people were sitting in the new spot. The response to the move has been mostly positive.
Welcoming and Marketing: Bob Lama reported that the committee did not have their normal meeting this month. However, they were meeting later in the week to finalize the New Homeowner get-together, which will be held in January.
Nancy gave a report regarding the Jimmie Klatt lawsuit that he filed against the HOA. She stated that we filed our opening briefing regarding our appeal and are waiting to hear from our attorney as to the response from the plaintiff.
Layne Varney reviewed the Homeowner Comment Sheet.
Comments were made by homeowners and directors. Chuck asked the board members to stand up and wish the residents a Merry Christmas by singing “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” All the board members wished everyone a Happy New Year.
After the business meeting was adjourned, the organizational meeting was called to order.
The following 2026 board of directors officers were elected. They are President Nancy Eckstein, Vice President Bob Lama, Treasurer Chuck Heitbrink, and Secretary Marianna Buescher. Directors-at-Large are Dave Edington, Bob Morris, and Brendan Waddell.
Committee Liaisons were also appointed. They are ACC, Brendan Waddell; Finance, Chuck Heitbrink; HOA/Golf Club, Nancy Eckstein, Bob Morris, and Marianna Buescher; Planning and Project Review, Dave Edington; Rules, Bob Morris; and Welcoming and Marketing, Bob Lama.
A motion was made and seconded to approve the 2026 board of directors meeting schedule. Motion passed 7-0.
The directors’ pledge was read aloud and signed by all the directors.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 a.m.
The next scheduled board of directors business meeting is Monday, Feb. 23, at 10 a.m. in the ballroom. The annual membership meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 2, at 7 p.m. in the ballroom.