In the Board Candidate Package, under responsibilities, it states “Be alert to community concerns that can be addressed by Association objectives and programs.” A petition with over 500 signatures was submitted, asking the board to address a concern.
Petition signed by 500 residents to form a committee to review design guidelines. (Photo by Christine Such/My Sun Day News)
“The undersigned members hereby petition the board of directors to add to the next board meeting the following agenda item: ‘The appointment of a committee of experienced residents in design, architecture, and the law to review and update the DESIGN GUIDELINES SUN CITY HUNTLEY as amended and restated October – 2022 that this notice be sent to the membership in accordance with Sun City rules and bylaws.’”
In a week, over 500 residents signed the petition. The board did not accept the petition request.
Russ Howard, president of the Sun City board, stated, “This statement is about the comments of putting items on the agenda on the board. According to our rules and regulations, this is a business meeting and the business is being done by members up here.”
Ari Kafenshtok, Sun City resident who spoke at the board meeting, said, “There are no recommendations at present. All that was asked was to create a professional review committee to examine the existing and submit the findings to the board.”
Many more residents have professed their frustration with similar issues.
Steve Phillips said, “I painted my house six years ago. The color was not available, but I got approval to paint my trim and other areas. I recently received a generic violation notice.”
Another resident wants to fence in her patio for her dog, which is allowed, but her request was denied by the board. Katherine Nakis said, “The builder put my patio to the edge of my home which made me non-compliant to put in a fence. The board could not recognize that and give me a variance.”
Ari Kafenshtok, another Sun City resident, spoke during the allotted time during the board meeting: “The last 25 years of my working career I was a municipal code compliance officer, a residential and commercial building, electrical and mechanical code official for the City of Woodstock and later Carpentersville. I also served the village of Lakewood as the Building Commissioner and the Chairperson of the Architectural Review Committee. For about 15 years I taught at McHenry County College three credit courses all related to international construction codes and standards and in my spare time conducted CEU seminars for Building-Fire amp; Code Academy in Illinois and out of State. When retired in 2017, I assisted the Building Departments in Elk Grove Village, Lincolnwood, and Northbrook. Presently I enjoy a true full-time retirement. My professional background and knowledge in all aspects of construction including zoning and engineering is quite extensive.”
Kafenshtok volunteered his expertise to review Sun City guidelines.
Although the item was not placed on the agenda, Howard did have a lengthy comment on the request, citing the obstacles for approval.
Appeals have continued to be denied by the board.
The guidelines were last amended in October 2022 and the Document Library shows that this document was amended and changed seven times in the last six years. At this time, the board is insisting no changes can be made without 51% of resident vote.
