Layne Varney, General Manager
Wow! It’s hard to believe that March has come and gone. What a fun-filled, busy month at SunBird with all the recreational and social events! Not to mention the great weather we have been having all season long!
The annual membership meeting was held March 5 with almost 200 in attendance. Directors Pat McGonegle and Chuck Warren were recognized for the years of dedication and service to SunBird, as their terms were both completed. All committees gave reports on accomplishments and plans for the year. The independent financial auditor, after six weeks testing financial transactions and reviewing accounting practices, issued a “Clean Opinion” (highest rating) after conducting the 2017 year financial audit. Treasurer Nancy Eckstein reported on the financial status of SunBird for 2017; $2,444,072 revenue, $2,325,214 expense, revenue over expense of $118,858. 2017 was a good year financially for Sunbird. Copies of the 2017 official audit, pie charts of revenue, expenses and the allocation of the annual dues are available at the office and published on SunBird’s website. The Manager’s report indicated the SunBird various savings accounts for future facility updates, repairs, equipment replacement and improvement projects. Keeping facilities maintained, updated, making improvements with proper planning and savings is the key to the success of our community and business. President Gordon Lee reported on the number of many new committee members getting involved. Appreciation was expressed for the many committees, clubs and organizations that are a big part of making SunBird a great place. Board goals for 2017 were reviewed with the current status of completion. 2018 Board goals were presented with plans to accomplish by the end of the year.
One of the focuses of the Rules Compliance Committee, SunBird Patrol and Management is safety. Traffic stop and speed limit signs, crosswalks, caution and other courtesies still apply whether driving a vehicle, golf cart or bicycle within SunBird. Some additional stop signs were installed on Kerby Farms Road and Waterview Drive with road markings this past year. Two additional stop signs will be installed this summer at intersection of Championship Drive and SunBird Boulevard. The stop signs will be for north and south bound traffic on Championship Drive. A new portable sign has been displayed throughout the community stating “Welcome to SunBird! Please join our safety efforts by Driving Cautiously, Slow and Stopping. Thank you!” This sign will be moved to various locations throughout SunBird to help remind people of our safety efforts.
New SunBird informational brochures have been updated and are now available at the clubhouse for interested or potential buyers of SunBird. Pass-along cards are now also available for Sunbird residents to take with them wherever they travel or leave for the summer. The pass-along cards are business-size cards that have information about SunBird, the facilities and amenities and multiple ways to learn more about our community. Often times, someone may ask, “Where do you stay for the winter?” or “Where do you live?” Not only can you tell them about SunBird, you can hand them a SunBird “pass-along” card. We encourage everyone to pick up a few at the office to keep in your purse or wallet to pass along to friends, family or people you meet who want to find out more about SunBird. This is a great way to show off SunBird to friends, family members and people you may meet and an easy way to promote SunBird. Again, we encourage everyone to visit the office to pick up these cards.
It has been a wonderful season at SunBird! We appreciate all the efforts by many, many people who help SunBird continue to be a fantastic place to live! Thank you!