On Wednesday, January 12, the Sun City Board introduced SPAC to the assembled audience. SPAC, the acronym for Strategic Planning Advisory Committee, is composed of Bill Berendt, Bonnie Bayser, John Brewer, Jim Senecki, Dennis O’Leary, Nancy Fontana and Roger Lambert.
The purpose of the January 12 meeting was to give the Board the opportunity to provide the members of this new advisory committee their views on the critical functions of SPAC and provide them with an overview of the breadth and scope of the committee’s functions.
“This is an important new advisory committee” commented new Board President Marilynn Berendt. She also stated that it is expected that “SPAC will have its first committee meeting this month.”
The SPAC members were reminded of the six goals previously established by the Board. Those goals are:
(1) Continue to deliver professional communications by utilizing current communication channels/tools as well as taking advantage of new technology.
(2) Identify common areas within the community that could be used or repurposed more effectively. Monitor trends that impact the efficient use of space and valuable resources.
(3) Identify and foster relationships with local entities outside of the community that will benefit residents to the fullest
(4) Work with on-site business partners to enhance awareness of services and contributions to our mutual success.
(5) Lead and support the managing agent to provide quality service and administrative support to fulfill the directives of the Board of Directors and the needs of the community.
(6) Continue to develop organizational structure as well as systems and programs that foster and support volunteerism and community involvement.
Berendt also announced that “Russ Howard will be the Board Liaison and Deanna Loughran would be the Staff Liaison.”
Berendt, Howard and new Board Vice President Dottie Harrison will conduct an orientation meeting for the committee later this month.
“The orientation meeting will focus on the Board’s expectations and on the six goals” stated Berendt.
In addition, there are four Board priorities established for the committee’s immediate focus. They are a Veterans Memorial, the status of the Volleyball courts and Horseshoe Pits, the creation of more social areas for residents, and the expansion of the Pickleball courts.
Howard emphasized the importance of “creating and/or repurposing specific areas of the community” as a priority of the committee.
Vito Benigno added that SPAC needed an “operational plan to more forward” and that they should “review all existing data before moving forward.” He reminded the committee members that they had the “help of management and of the other advisory committees” with their goals.
Loughran reminded the group that the pandemic “has affected the communications in the community” and that “past participation numbers are affected by Covid.” She questioned “the validity of the data due to the pandemic.”
Berendt clarified that it is “not the intent of the Board to tell the SPAC how to do its job.” And that “the 4 or 5 years of data” is for historical reference.
Berendt reminded the committee that “resident surveys, focus groups and other techniques” are available to collect current data.
Harrison added that the committee members should “use their expertise to help the community.”
“The five-year plan is a rolling timeframe” commented Benigno. “So next year just add another year to the end of the 5 years” he concluded.
Benigno also reminded the SPAC that “the six goals can be expanded and new ones can replace the completed ones.”
Berendt concluded with “there is no budget for anything” and that any expenditures will require Board approval.
SPAC will meet in January and will submit meeting minutes to the Board to keep the Board informed of its progress.
