May 2026 Board Meeting Highlights
Neighbors, news, projects, and a few exciting changes around the community!
The SunBird HOA Board of Directors held its Regular Business Meeting on Monday, May 18, 2026, in the Ballroom. President Nancy Eckstein called the meeting to order promptly at 10 a.m. Board members present included Nancy Eckstein, Marianna Buescher, Dave Edington, Chuck Heitbrink, Bob Lama, and Manager Layne Varney. Bob Morris and Brendan Waddell were excused.
Financial Snapshot: SunBird Remains Strong
Treasurer Chuck Heitbrink presented the financial report through April 30, 2026, and the numbers continue to reflect a financially healthy community.
Current Fund Balances
* Operating Account: $329,137
* Contingency Fund: $232,726
* Reserve Fund: $1,143,256
* Community Fund: $35,006
* Capital Improvement Fund: $73,503
Total HOA Funds
$1,813,628
Year-to-date revenue exceeded expenses by $241,340, another encouraging sign that SunBird continues to operate on solid financial footing.
Several planned reserve projects were completed earlier this year, including pool heaters, HVAC upgrades, clubhouse equipment, office technology improvements, and maintenance projects totaling $44,491.
Around the Community
Ballroom Renovation Underway
Big improvements are coming to the Ballroom! A contractor has officially been selected for the new hardwood flooring project. The Ballroom will be closed for several weeks while work is completed, but the finished result should provide a beautiful refreshed gathering space for future events and activities.
Sports Court/Gym Improvements
If you notice workers around the courts, you’re not imagining things:
* Shuffleboard block walls were painted dark blue to improve tennis and pickleball visibility.
* Sport court light poles are currently being painted.
* Exercise equipment service has transitioned to a new contractor: Above and Beyond.
Landscaping & Common Areas
Spring and summer maintenance is in full swing across SunBird:
* Interior plant and bush trimming has been completed.
* Perimeter maintenance is now underway.
* Tree trimming is in progress for all 468 trees in the community.
* Palm trimming near the front gate and clubhouse has been completed, with additional common-area palm trimming scheduled for June and July.
* Summer grass transition has begun, meaning increased watering throughout the community.
Unfortunately, one large saguaro in a common area fell and caused property damage. Affected homeowners have been contacted.
SunBird Real Estate Activity Is Heating Up
Home sales activity continues to increase:
* 13 homes sold in April
* Four homes sold so far in May
* 17 homes currently pending
SunBird continues to attract strong interest as we head into the summer season.
Committee Updates
ACC Committee
The Architectural Control Committee reported:
* 45 permits approved in April
* 16 permits approved so far in May
Residents are reminded that June and July are ideal months for palm tree trimming. If you need help locating a tree trimmer, Bonnie in the HOA office can assist.
New “Property of the Month” Program
Beginning in July, one SunBird home each month will be recognized for:
* Curb appeal
* Landscaping quality
* Creativity
* Cleanliness and maintenance
* Overall visual appeal
Winners will receive a yard sign and thank-you card from the ACC Committee.
Project Review and Planning
Dave Edington reported that the committee continues prioritizing improvement projects carefully within budget constraints.
Approved projects moving forward include:
* Installation of new blackout film on HOA office windows
* Replacement of the Horizon Room bar top and serving counter with quartz countertops
Additional lighting and gatehouse stone projects are also expected to begin soon.
Horizon Room Update
The Horizon Room continues to receive close financial and operational review. Chuck Heitbrink and Layne Varney are meeting weekly with restaurant management to improve operations and reduce costs.
Current Focus Areas
* Labor expenses remain the largest challenge.
* Food service hours have been adjusted to better align with customer traffic and historical sales.
* A new bar menu is now available during kitchen closure times featuring appetizers such as pizza, pretzels, mozzarella sticks, and other quick bites.
* Food costs have dropped significantly — now down to 46.2%.
* SunBird is transitioning to a new food supplier that will eliminate fuel surcharges and provide co-op purchasing discounts.
* A catering menu for members is nearly complete.
The Board emphasized that members with questions about the restaurant are encouraged to contact Chuck Heitbrink or Layne Varney directly.
Legal Matter Updates
President, Nancy Eckstein provided brief updates regarding:
1. The lawsuit filed by homeowner J. Klatt against the HOA
No major developments were reported at this time, though all required legal filings have been completed.
2. The lawsuit filed by the Golf Club against the HOA
To ensure transparency and avoid conflicts of interest, four Board members who belong to the Golf Club are temporarily not participating in attorney discussions related to the case. Chuck Heitbrink, Marianna Buescher, and Nancy Eckstein are currently working directly with legal counsel on behalf of the HOA.
The Board received a request from the Golf Club regarding inclusion of an overseeding letter in the May assessment mailing. Due to timing concerns and ongoing litigation, no motion was made and no vote was taken.
Board Actions Taken
The Board approved:
* The 2026 Election Committee members
* Two new Finance Committee members: John Clune and Bruce Robinson
* New HOA office blackout film installation
* Quartz countertop upgrades in the Horizon Room renovation project
All motions passed unanimously.
A Few Friendly Reminders
* Second-half 2026 assessment mailings are being prepared now.
* Only three homeowner accounts remain late on first-half assessments.
* Cyber insurance and the City of Chandler liquor license have both been successfully renewed.
Closing Thoughts
As summer approaches, SunBird continues balancing maintenance, financial stewardship, renovations, and community improvements—all while keeping a close eye on long-term planning and operational costs.
Thank you to the many volunteers, committee members, staff, and residents who continue helping make SunBird a vibrant and active community.
The meeting adjourned at 11:06 a.m.
Respectfully summarized from the official Board Meeting Minutes submitted by HOA Secretary Marianna Buescher.
The next scheduled Board of Directors business meeting is Monday, Sept. 28 at 10 a.m. in the Ballroom.