Board of Directors Meeting Notes

The board of directors had a scheduled business meeting on Monday, Oct. 28, at 10 a.m. in the clubhouse ballroom. The next board of directors business meeting is scheduled for Dec. 16, 2024, at 10 a.m. in the ballroom. The following are notes from the October business meeting.

Members present: Nancy Eckstein, Dirk Close, Dave Eddington, Chuck Heitbrink, Dan Buescher, Bob Morris, Bob Lama, and Manager Layne Varney. The meeting was called to order at 10 a.m. by President Nancy Eckstein. Nancy began the meeting by reporting that an emergency executive meeting was held on Oct. 7 regarding the lawsuit brought against the HOA. Minutes of the Sept. 23 business and executive meetings and the Oct. 7 executive meeting were accepted as written.

The Treasurer’s Report was presented by Chuck with the year-to-date revenue of $2,589,162 and expenses of $2,260,605. Total cash on hand at month end was $1,914,845. Operating Account: $222,181; Contingency Fund: $407,907; Reserve Fund: $1,217,022; Capital Improvement Fund: $18,532; and the Community & Golf Fund: $49,203.

There were minor expenditures paid from the Reserve Account last month for Billiards Room chair recovering, pool paver deck replacement, and sport courts replacement. No significant expenditure from the other funds were made this month.

Layne presented the Manager’s Report. The billing invoice was mailed on June 1 and is due July 1. Currently, there are three delinquent lots. No one is delinquent past July of this year. Road work has been completed. A final walk-through will be conducted. Ballots for the election of two board members were mailed to homeowners and were due back no later than Nov. 15. Some of the projects completed around the clubhouse included the elimination of the termite problem in the TV lobby area, the post office building exterior lighting was improved, the clubhouse was power-washed and the windows were cleaned, and enhanced lights were installed by the swimming pool palm trees. An extremely large dying pine tree near the north shuffleboard court was removed. Dealing with the gophers eating electrical and irrigation lines is a difficult problem that staff continues to work on.

The board of directors is responsible for periodically reviewing the HOA documents. During the past few months, board of directors members Dave, Bob Lama, and Nancy reviewed them, made some proposed changes, and forwarded their thoughts to our attorney. Our attorney responded with recommended changes, many of which were based on new state law. The proposed changes were shared with the rest of the board for their input. Bob Lama made a motion to accept the revisions, and it was seconded. Motion passed 7-0. The revised bylaws are posted on our web page.

The Rules Committee proposed changes for smoking restrictions within SunBird. This included the adoption of the state law regarding marijuana. Marianna Buscher, committee chair, presented the proposed changes. Bob Morris made a motion to accept the proposed changes, and it was seconded. Motion passed 7-0.

The Finance Committee recommended the adoption of the Self-Insurance Retention Fund. This fund will cover deductibles as a result of policy increases that require the HOA to pay for the first $10,000 of any claim and minor property damage. Chuck made the motion to accept the policy, and it was seconded. Motion passed 7-0.

The 2025 budget was explained by Layne. The budget was reviewed by the Finance Committee, which they approved to be sent to the board. The increase in dues is largely due to inflation, minimum wage increase, increased insurance costs, legal fees, and the establishment of a Self-Insurance Retention Fund. Chuck made a motion to accept the proposed 2025 budget, and it was seconded. Motion passed 7-0.

Nancy gave an update regarding the lawsuit that has been brought against the HOA. Our attorney is working on having the case dismissed.

Layne reviewed the Homeowner Comment Sheets.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:20 a.m.

A meet and greet for the board of directors candidates was held immediately after the meeting.

Have a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season!