Firstly, please know that I do not consider myself a “Real Estate Development” expert or such. I simply wish to comment on a few issues that are being discussed near our beloved Sun City. As I sometimes cringe as I see Route 47 starting to resemble a “Strip Mall City”…I sincerely hope that perhaps some of the great and thoughtful planning that went into the improvements of our Village’s Main Street project will be utilized in future considerations for development along Route 47. Especially regarding the building designs, lighting, signage, and landscaping minimum requirements. I also read the article about the Outlet Mall and possible plans…including a hotel. I can’t help but wonder about the feasibility of rooms being booked at a capacity rate that would support its existence. There may be, however, one idea that may help keep such a possible hotel more “family oriented” and allow more bookings year round. A hotel with some type of inside waterpark. These types of structures/features are well received and utilized by not only locals but also are booked for weekends by families looking for a mini-getaway. This type of hotel would also allow a larger base of customers for all of the fast food chains springing up nearby. Perhaps even the again vacant restaurant site (Marsala’s most recently) could attract a family type of food service restaurant…such as a Cracker Barrel or something similar. Again, just putting my two cents worth in as I care about our Sun City and our immediate surrounding area. Thank you.
Dr. C. J. Sekowski
Neighborhood 7
Information has been provided at various community meetings that the Sun City staff required to perform all of the multiple administration and staff community tasks varies from time to time. Most recently, the unofficial staff count is just under 55.
That’s a lot of people with various skills needed to provide required service. And as does happen in any type of work environment, people come and go. Sometimes it’s for personal reasons and sometimes it’s at the request of management.
This month, three valuable staff members announced their retirements. That’s three positions that need to be filled.
Replacing personnel is time consuming and a real challenge. There are ads and announcements to be placed, resumes to be read, phone calls to be made, interviews to be conducted, and finally a decision to hire.
ASAP or sooner is the order of the day, because work needs to be done.
All of this activity brings to mind the happy fact that there aren’t any resident, board, or committee members involved in the process.
That’s the responsibility of the management company hired by the Board to manage the needs and affairs of the Sun City Community Association Huntley (SCCAH). That’s us. First Service Residential (FSR) is the management company hired to provide those services. The costs related to the hiring of personnel and providing related employee services are part of the management fee paid to FSR by SCCAH.
Every staff member is a FSR employee. SCCAH has no employees.
So when you read an e-mail blast from the Executive Director, watch housekeeping vacuum the carpeting, talk with a fitness desk or customer service desk attendant, or encounter any one doing anything on your behalf, you are talking to an FSR employee. That is with exception of the volunteers who host trips, assist with seating at Drendel Ballroom shows or other volunteer services. As the word “volunteer“ is defined, there is no pay.
All of this staffing discussion has one exception. The SCCAH Board exercises the final word after interviewing candidates proposed by FSR for the Executive Director’s position when that need arises.
While the management company is paid to manage under the direction of the Executive Director, it is the board that establishes all operating policies that must be adhered to by the management company.
Jim Darow
Neighborhood 5
