Big Changes. Big Plans. A Very Busy Bird!
September 28, 2026 HOA Board Meeting
What’s happening around SunBird? Here’s the quick-read edition.
The Big Five
Finances: $1.98 million in total funds; $383,400 positive year-to-date balance.
Fitness Center: Painting and new flooring are underway; closure dates are coming.
Clubhouse: Ballroom, lighting, entrance and shade-cover improvements are complete or underway.
October: Five major events are on the calendar.
Horizon Room: New management, new menu items—and 50 pizzas and 247 wings sold on opening night of the new special.
Money Matters
SunBird reports $1,976,749 in total funds
As of August 31:
Fund Balance
Operating $523,342
Contingency $227,687
Reserve $1,143,410
Community $8,807
Capital Improvement $73,503
Total $1,976,749
Year-to-date
* Revenue: $2,585,572
* Expenses: $2,202,172
* Positive balance: $383,400
The HOA is slightly behind budget, attributed to lower-than-expected home sales. 67 home sales were reported through August.
Reserve-funded improvements: $109,597
Including new balcony shades, ballroom floor refinishing, maintenance carts, street signs, and blockwall/sidewalk/deck replacement.
Fitness Center Gets a Makeover
New paint, New mirrors, New flooring
The Fitness Center is being repainted, mirrors have been replaced or added, and new flooring has been ordered.
The HOA will provide gym closure dates when the vendor confirms the installation schedule.
Temporary workout option: Tumbleweed Recreation Center at McQueen and Germann.
Clubhouse Updates
A lot has happened around the clubhouse:
Ballroom
* Hardwood floor refinished
* Trim re-stained
* Curtains cleaned
* Sound system upgraded
* New speakers installed
Clubhouse and Recreation
* Balcony shades installed at Horizon, Apache, and Lakeview Rooms
* 29 light fixtures upgraded
* Sport Court poles painted, bird spikes added
* Tinted entryway glass installed
Main Entrance
* Artificial turf installed
* Gatehouse stones replaced
* Signs and column caps repainted
* New welcome/directional signs installed
Coming next: Power washing, window cleaning, and carpet cleaning.
Outside the Clubhouse
Storm damage cleanup continues.
Also underway:
Summer grass will be scalped and reseeded.
Common-area trees and palms have been trimmed.
The final phase of upgraded street signs is complete.
Road work is nearing final scheduling in Units 2, 3A and 4.
The ACC reports significant weed growth; notices will be sent soon.
HOA Election News
Election Committee Chair Teri Bitler reported that ballots have been prepared and are ready to be mailed.
Ballots Due
Nov. 16 at 4 p.m.
Teri also introduced the candidates running for the HOA Board.
Election Committee: Teri Bitler, Arlene Cooper, and newly added member Nelda Levine.
Klatt Lawsuit: Board Reports Final Outcome
The Board reviewed the history and outcome of the lawsuit involving the Community and Golf Fund.
In 2021, SunBird homeowners approved a CCandR amendment establishing the fund, supported by a $300 Capital Improvement Fee on new homeowners.
The Arizona Superior Court ruled that the HOA could continue collecting the fee but could not use the funds for golf-course improvements.
The HOA appealed, and the Arizona Court of Appeals affirmed the ruling.
The Board stated that it will comply with the court decisions.
Separate Golf Club lawsuit: No new information was reported.
Horizon Room: New Management, New Menu, and Big Numbers
Brendan Waddell assumed full responsibility as Restaurant Manager in August.
Recent improvements
* New quartz bar top
* New service counter
* Fresh paint in portions of the restaurant and bar
* New employee procedures and training
And then came the pizza-and-wings special…
50 Pizzas
247 Wings
That’s what sold on the first night of the new Wednesday-night special.
The Friday Night Fish menu has also been successful, with items selling out during the first week.
The Horizon Room reported an August loss approximately $4,000 less than last year’s August loss.
The Board reported that changes are beginning to show a positive trend.
Board Approves Restaurant Manager Resolution
The Board considered a resolution provided by legal counsel approving the employment of a Director as Restaurant Manager.
Motion passed: 7–0
2027 Budget Work Begins
The first draft of the 2027 budget has been reviewed and discussed.
The Finance Committee also met to review the preliminary budget. Additional revisions will be made before the draft goes to the Board.
Get Involved!
The Bird’s–Eye View
SunBird is busy—and there’s plenty ahead.
Fitness Center renovation
Clubhouse improvements
Landscaping and road work
HOA election
2027 budget planning
Horizon Room changes
A packed October calendar
And, of course…
50 pizzas plus 247 wings = one busy Wednesday night!
See you around the Bird!
The SunBird Scoop is a community-style summary of the Sept. 28, 2026 HOA Board meeting. Official meeting minutes remain the official record of Board business.