The following is another sound-bite roundup of association and board of directors-related topics of significant interest to Sun City residents.
First, joining the association staff May 19 was the new facility director Layne Peterson. He replaces Dave Osborn, who resigned in March after about 15 years of service. Chris Lueck, landscape service supervisor, has been performing facility director duties on an interim basis.
Diseased Ash trees being treated around Sun City are marked and numbered with a blue medallion tacked to the trunk. (Photo by Chris LaPelusa/Sun Day)
“Mr. Peterson is experienced in many of the maintenance and facility functions that need to be performed here,” said Lauren Lee, executive director. “He will be responsible for maintenance of interior and exterior spaces, custodial services, and will oversee production support for entertainment events and activities.”
Regarding the ongoing problem of the emerald ash borer on common area trees, the staff is doing some additional homework. At a committee of the whole meeting of the board of directors on May 7, area tree experts presented background information on the issue and made recommendations for what to do with about 500 remaining ash trees in Sun City.
“The board also has requested additional information from our on-site experts, and we are looking to make a decision in June on whether to adopt a policy of treating diseased ash trees or removing and replacing them,” Lee said.
Meantime, some infested ash trees are being removed from common areas, and not every removed tree will be replaced, Lee said.
The staff still is reviewing its options regarding the Prairie Lodge parking lot, which was upgraded and resurfaced last year. Cracks have appeared in the asphalt throughout the lot, and some funds have been withheld from the contracting firm that performed the resurfacing. The contractor also has been asked to review the project and provide a report to the staff and board.
More than 30 persons attended a recent meet-and-greet session with Lauren Lee and association board members. In response to resident questions, Lee said the association cannot restrict the number of home rentals and cannot take any action regarding vehicles in driveways that may be unsightly, as long as they are properly registered with the state and are in running condition. During a discussion of crosswalks and state laws, Lee said Illinois law requires drivers to stop for persons in a crosswalk, but pedestrians must be alert for drivers who do not stop, Lee said. This is especially true on Del Webb Boulevard, where the speed limit (35 mph) is higher than on side streets, Lee said.
On another subject, a resident expressed concern about low branches hanging over sidewalks in many neighborhoods. Lee suggested residents keep parkway trees trimmed or ask their landscapers to do so.
The next meet and greet session will be held on May 28 in the central social center in Prairie Lodge at 4:30 pm.
The board of directors expects to receive bids this spring from up to 10 active-adult management firms. The current contract with First Service Residential expires at the end of 2014. A decision on this probably will be made by the board in July or August, Lee said.
The new furniture for the Prairie Lodge will be received on May 27, Lee said. This will complete the lodge makeover, which also included new carpeting and painting.
“We also received about $5,000 from the silent auction sale of the existing furniture, and the winning residents have been notified when they may pick up their new possessions,” she added.
The staff has received “numerous” phone calls from residents with questions about companies soliciting them to repair storm damage. Lee responded that solicitors are required to obtain a permit from the Village of Huntley, the association does not endorse any vendors, and residents should check a company’s references before agreeing to do any business with them.
