The following is a report on the actions taken and the items discussed at the May 18 Sun City board of directors meeting. About 50 residents and governance volunteers attended the sessions in Drendel Ballroom in Prairie Lodge.
They are reported here in the same order in which they were discussed at the meeting.
First, in a PowerPoint presentation, maintenance staff department heads David Tomczyk and Chris Leuck reported on, and showed pictures of, several current maintenance projects. They included repairs to water damage and weathering on the Del Webb territory marker at the south end of the community on Route 47, similar repairs to the gatehouse at the Del Webb entrance (still in progress), and replacement of outdoor furniture at the Tall Oaks Tennis Center, Eakin Field, and poolside areas at both Prairie and Meadow View lodges. The two said the new furniture is expected to be more durable and long-lasting, as well as cheaper and easier to maintain.
The two also said the old teak furniture will be auctioned off sometime soon.
Next, the board voted unanimously to reject a resident request to extend the hours of the Fitness Center in Prairie Lodge one hour, to 8 or 9 p.m., on Saturdays and Sundays.
Staff members said a study of recent usage patterns has revealed that very few people are using the facility in the evening hours, and the usage numbers have been declining recently. The study was conducted jointly by the staff and members of the Activities/Fitness committee. The board vote on this was 6-1, with member Steve Bytnar voting no. Bytnar said he would like to see extended evening hours tried for a few months.
Executive Director Deanna Loughran did say, however, that the staff is considering the possibility of opening the center earlier in the mornings. Current opening times of fitness centers at both lodges are 6:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. on Saturday, and 8 a.m. on Sunday.
The board spent considerable time discussing the situation at the Wildflower Lake Shoreline areas. This subject is reported on separately in this edition of the Sun Day.
Next, the board voted unanimously to reject a marketing committee recommendation for establishment of an online premium store selling clothing and other items bearing Sun City logos. The reason: board members said such an action is prohibited by the community licensing regulations.
Finally, the board announced a recent decision to change their schedule of public meetings in 2017. Next year, the Committee of the Whole meetings will be held on the second Wednesday morning of each month, and the regular board meetings will be held on the fourth Wednesday afternoons and evenings. Currently, these meetings are held on the first and third Wednesdays of each month.
The next regular board meeting is at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 15, in Drendel Ballroom.
