At the January 23 meeting of Sun City members and the first 2019 quarterly meeting of the Board of Directors, a major harvest of information took place.
Many projects, some new and some that have been going on for awhile, were discussed. The year 2018 was reviewed and 2019 was previewed. A financial update was positive.
Most significantly, 2019 was revealed as a unique and entertaining year for Sun City’s residents. It is the 20th anniversary year, and the association’s leaders are planning to stage it in grand style. The Activity Committee has been meeting and discussing this project for several months. Several community-wide events are already on this year’s calendar, although details are limited so far.
On May 16, a participation party will be held. On April 12, an event featuring Jake Marino, Huntley historian, will take place. An expanded and enhanced golf cart and band parade is scheduled for June 26, and the anniversary celebration gala will take place on October 10.
The Activity Committee got about 150 community residents revved up for all this with an update report at the meeting. It was presented by Ken Ladage, chairperson. Vice-chairperson is Sue Conway-Coltman. Members are April Nystrom (recorder), Vicki Goldberg, Bonnie Spasojevich, Valerie Tomanica, and Bonnie Bayser.
The community’s 20th anniversary recognizes the date of the first occupancy of a Sun City home, which took place in April 1999. Ron Saballus, a new Sun City resident, set the tone for the celebration with his prize-winning suggestion of an anniversary theme: “20 Years of Fulfilling Lifestyle Dreams.”
This celebration will be a highlight of this year, but there are many other initiatives that should be of interest to residents. Here’s a partial list of what’s going on and what’s to come.
As 2019 dawned, it was revealed that drones will be a significant part of association conversations this year. We’re not talking here about a male bee, or a strange buzzing sound, we’re talking about a pilotless aircraft controlled from the ground as a recreational activity. Drone technology and flying have become popular activities throughout the nation in recent years. Huntley and the Sun City area are no exception.
The community’s Modifications Committee, chaired by Don Kay, has spent recent months studying this new recreational phenomenon. It has been asked by the board to recommend a “policy” on drone flying that may take place in Sun City, and whether some controls and restriction should be placed on the activity. Some board members have expressed doubts about the need for this effort, and no specific recommendations have been made yet.
This subject may be on the board agenda at its upcoming February 27 board meeting.
Remember the Emerald Ash Borer in Sun City, and the extensive board conversations about the Ash Tree problem? The “Borer” is a creature that attacks ash trees and eventually destroys them, rendering them obsolete for landscaping purposes. Hundreds of ash trees were planted in Sun City when the community opened 20 years ago. It was decided a few years ago to remove the trees in the worse shape, and treat the others to prolong their life and enjoy their presence here for a while. In 2018 in the community, 22 ash trees were removed and 198 trees that were in the worse shape but were still viable were treated and their lives prolonged. This is the community’s gradual transition approach.
Weddings and wedding receptions continue to happen in Sun City on a regular basis. A Jameson’s manager reported that the number of weddings and other special events increased last year, and a wedding occurred recently in which a portion of Drendel Ballroom in Prairie Lodge was converted into a small chapel for the ceremony.
The average age of community residents officially remains at 74; however, over the three-year period ending last year, the average age of new residents dropped to 68. Deanna Loughran, executive director, said that if this trend continues, the overall average age of our community will fall. She also said participation in fitness and lifestyle activities exceeded 2017 totals and programs will continue to expand this year to meet the demands and needs of residents.
Financially, it was revealed that the association ended 2018 with nearly a $10,000 surplus in the operating budget. The 2018 APN operating year-end results showed a $3,700 surplus compared to budget. A total of $1.7 million was spent on reserve maintenance projects, and $900,000 worth of planned expenses were moved to a future year. All projects completed last year were within 5% of budget.
A vacancy occurred on the board at year-end when Bob Wainscott resigned for personal reasons. George Sebastian was named by the board to take his place. Sebastian has been deeply involved in Sun City governmental activities and the leadership of the Computer Club, and has served as a member and chair of the Finance Advisory Committee. He will serve out the remainder of Wainscott’s term until the next election.
Last year also saw an increase of staff activity that has resulted in cost savings. Maintenance Technician Patrick O’Brien, with a background in HVAC matters, ordered needed parts directly from HVAC distributors instead of through contractors, eliminating contractor mark-ups. The use of LED lighting in various locations reduced wattage consumption, which lowered overall energy costs. And more than $10,000 in savings was realized, over contractor costs, through the use of staff resources to renovate the Art Room locker doors in Prairie Lodge.
National Night Out, a program by a national community-based organization, has announced an expansion of activities at their annual event planned for August. In Sun City, Neighborhood Watch and Neighbors Helping Neighbors participate in this program. More information will be revealed about this event in coming months.
Finally, new electricity and natural gas contracts in Sun City will result in a total energy supply cost savings in excess of $75,000 over the next 36 months.
