The SunBird HOA met on Monday, March 23 for their monthly meeting. The meeting was called to order at 10 a.m. by president, Nancy Eckstein.
Board members present: Marianna Buescher, Nancy Eckstein, Dave Edington, Chuck Heitbrink, Bob Lama, Bob Morris, Brendan Waddell, and manager Layne Varney.
The minutes of the Feb. 23, 2026, regular board meeting, the Feb. 23 executive session and the March 4 executive session were accepted as written.
Treasurer’s report—Chuck Heitbrink. Chuck presented the unaudited financials for January. We are waiting for the tax forms to be completed and that will finish our audit.
Operating Account: $779,691, Contingency fund: $232,726, Reserve fund: $1,074,265, Community fund: $73,503, Capital imp fund: $19,006, Total: $2,179,190
Total revenue: $343,623, Total expenses: $304,781, Positive balance: $38,842. Chuck provided some of the January numbers from the restaurant. Sales: $107,051, Expense: $131,175.
Food expense was 38% of sales, however, it was under budget by almost $7,000. Labor was 65% percent of sales and over budget by over $5,000. This continues to be an area of concern. We have implemented some controls to reduce labor costs and are anxious to see the results in the next few months.
The manager’s report was given by Layne Varney.
Facilities and activities are reaching full capacity (fame trivia, music trivia, DJ nights and concerts). Some Horizon Room events were moved to the ballroom due to the number of attendees. First half 2026 assessments past due as of Jan. 15. First and second notices sent (37), third notices (18), currently late (10). SunBird home sales activity is picking up.
Cox telephone emergency and post office telephone lines restored. The Jacuzzi heater quit working last week. Contractor and manufacturer in disagreement with replacing the heater under warranty. Street sweeper returned to SunBird to redo some of the areas. Updated handrails were installed south of the clubhouse. The A/C unit serving the front section of the ballroom is currently being repaired.
Weed removal and garbage clean up continues. The plant and bush trimming cycle starts this week. Tree trimming will take place in May and June.
Solicitors have been going door to door attempting to perform services for homeowners. Call Patrol immediately if they pay you a visit.
A group of traveling contractors have been moving through the area. They have picked up some jobs in SunBird. The work is not always completed, is sometimes done without a permit and does not have a warranty. Beware of this type of service.
Committee Liaison Reports:
ACC—Brendan Waddell reported that 57 permits were approved in February, 42 permits in March and 115 YTD. The “Home of the Month” program is being rolled out by the Committee. One home in SunBird will be selected as the home of the month. The owner will receive a yard sign and a thank you card from the committee.
Finance—Chuck Heitbrink—No meeting held.
HOA/Golf Club—Nancy Eckstein—The committee will not be meeting in the foreseeable future. Additional information on this status will be reviewed later in the meeting.
Rules—Bob Morris reported that a feral cat issue continues to be addressed. The Committee discussed electric fences and determined that their current usage posed no threat. The ‘extend-O’ leashes allow pet owners to allow the pet to roam very close to the house and make a ‘deposit’. Please keep your pet on a six foot lead and pick up after your pet. Policy 20 will be reviewed to see if it needs to be moved to the Rules Manual. It is regarding vehicle storage on the street.
Project Review and Planning—Dave Edington reported that the Committee met on March 5. The contractor is finishing up the handrail project around the clubhouse. The sidewalk next to the sports courts that will lead into the cross walk was poured this week.
Welcoming and Marketing—Bob Lama reported that the welcoming & marketing committee did not meet this month. Committee members were given a list of the February home sales with new homeowners to visit.
Three board goals/tasks assignments were reviewed:
Goal #1 Research home sales in SunBird and how we can better market SunBird. Bob Lama and Dave Edington.
Goal #2 Research what the generation of retirees are looking for in communities like SunBird and consider a long-term plan for capital improvements. Nancy Eckstein and Marianna Buescher.
Goal #3 Review utilization of SunBird facilities. Chuck Heitbrink, Bob Morris, and Brendan Waddell.
Dave made a motion to approve upgrades to the front gate area. Some areas of rock will be replaced with artificial turf. Motion passed 7-0.
Nancy reported that the SB golf club has filed a lawsuit in Superior Court against the HOA alleging that the HOA has neglected to fulfill its responsibility regarding stormwater runoff from the streets onto the golf course. As you are all aware, our hands are tied in regard to spending any funds on the golf course due to the ongoing lawsuit, which is under appeal, against the HOA by homeowner Jimmie Klatt. Our attorneys have responded to the golf club’s attorney acknowledging receipt of the summons. The case number is CV2026-006409.
Layne Varney reviewed the Homeowner comment sheet.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:47 a.m. After a brief break, the board went into executive session.
Thank you for being part of what makes SunBird such a vibrant community!
The next scheduled board of director business meeting is Monday, May 18, at 10 a.m. in the ballroom.