Board discusses cyclists, golf cart traffic, and re-emerging club activities

SUN CITY – Like a puppy with a sock that won’t let go, residents started the July 28 Sun City Board meeting with comments on Bicycle and Walker’s safety and Amazon truck traffic on Del Webb Blvd. The new wrinkle was the concern of the re-zoning of the property at Route 47 and Dhamer Drive.

Board President Vito Benigno reported on a meeting that he and Executive Director Deanna Loughran had with Village President Timothy J. Hoeft and Village Manager David J. Johnson regarding signage, truck traffic and rezoning.

Benigno stated that “the traffic signs on Sun City streets fall under the Village ordinances” and “cannot be changed by Sun City.”

The golf cart signs at the various entrances to Sun City were done as variances to the Village ordinances on signs since Sun City is the only area within the Village where street legal golf carts are permitted.

“The Village is aware of a potential increase in truck traffic in Sun City,” continued Benigno, “and they will continue to monitor the traffic.” The Village management doesn’t expect the Amazon truck traffic to travel Sun City streets. Benigno and Loughran will meet with Hoeft and Johnson on a quarterly basis going forward.

The Route 47 and Dhamer Drive rezoning issue is, at this stage, “in conceptual review” according to board member Russ Howard.

Benigno also reported that two Sun City Board members will continue to attend Huntley Village Board meetings.

“First Services Residential corporate is not meeting their contractual obligations of meeting with local management,” according to Benigno.

“Quarterly inspection of the property along with recommendation for repairs and improvements” have not occurred per Benigno.

The board meeting agenda included reports from the Sun City business partners. Megan Weber, the Manager of Operations, Wellness, NW Region, Northwestern Medical reported that “Huntley hospital received a top ten percent rating in nursing and was recognized as a Magnet Hospital.”

Weber also reported that “the hospital is expanding the staff in oncology, neurology and in general practitioner.”

The Sun City Wellness Center “will have two days in October for Flu vaccine inoculation,” according to Weber.

Russ Howard reported on behalf of Whisper Creek golf course that “the golf industry is up” and “that Whisper is returning to pre-covid numbers.”

Bob McGouey, Treasurer, reported that “there have been 172 homes sold, year to date. This is an increase of 77 over last year.” The association’s “revenues are up with a year-to-date net surplus of more than $437,000.”

McGouey also reported that future Treasurer’s Reports will revert back to quarterly reports as they were prior to the pandemic.

“The next treasurer’s report will be in October,” per McGouey.

Art Ryden reminded the board that the “Charter Club Expo will be held on August 30,” and that “volunteerism is key to the success of Sun City.”

Ryden also commented on “Charter Clubs have been asked to provide feedback on the strategic plan and to review their By-Laws.”

Benigno reporting on the upcoming elections that “there will be a candidate breakfast on August fourth.”

Bob Wainscott, reporting for the Facility Committee, indicated that “motions to upgrade the audio equipment in the Birch/Cedar rooms in Fountain View” and “the purchase of replacement association vehicles” were recommended by the committee.

“The premiums for the association’s liability insurance are locked in but an increase in the property insurance premium is expected” reported McGouey for the Finance Committee.

Marilynn Berendt reported for the Lifestyle Committee that “auditions for the Sun City Has Talent show will be on August 16 from 2-9 p.m. Rehearsal will be on September 28 and two performances will be given on September 30.”

Loughran, in her Management Report, announced that “the Community Showcase will be held in October” and “that many of the Lifestyle advertisers would be represented.”

“Requests have been made of all Charter Clubs and Neighborhoods to submit articles and photographs for publication in Lifestyles” said Loughran.

She also reported that the “next New Resident orientation would be on September 14 and that Charter Clubs would not be invited to participate.” The next New Resident orientation will be November 2.

The board unanimously approved $28,881 for upgrading the audio in the Birch/Cedar room of Fountain View. And another $45,769 to purchase a John Deere Gator and a Ford Ranger to replace two old Deere Gators.

The audio portion of the meeting’s broadcast was significantly improved over prior meetings. Russ Howard offered “kudos to the Maintenance department” for the fix.

The next board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 25.

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