After a year of major outdoor maintenance projects in 2016, the Sun City board of directors is focusing elsewhere this year.
In 2017, the focus is primarily on new accounting and financial systems and procedures, an updated website, streamlining internal controls, and continued replacement of outdoor furniture and HVAC equipment at Prairie Lodge.
Sometime during either the weeks of April 10 or 17, the newly rebuilt rear waterfall behind Prairie Lodge will be unveiled, depending on the weather. The series of three water features starting at the Whisper Creek Golf Course and ending behind the lodge was completely rebuilt over the winter, at a cost of more than $475,000. The project was funded by the community’s capital reserve funds.
The new accounting and financial reporting program implemented by Northstar is being rolled out in stages this spring. Its main features related to residents include a new website design, new ID cards for all residents, and the use of coupon books to pay assessment fees.
A total of 32 pieces of outdoor furniture in front of Prairie Lodge are being replaced this year. These are the benches, trash receptacles, and flower boxes beneath the entrance canopies in front of Prairie Lodge. On March 22, the board unanimously approved a $19,028 contract with Amish Craftsmen Guild II to do this work. The new pieces will match the red color of the current furniture as closely as possible, board members said. This project is part of a larger effort to upgrade and/or replace all outdoor furniture in common areas of the community.
The board also is still discussing details of the replacement of 13 rooftop HVAC units above the Fountain View Center area on the east side of Prairie Lodge. This project eventually will include replacement of 42 rooftop units serving all areas of the lodge. In addition to replacing units that have worn out or have reached the end of their useful lives, the purpose of this project is also to improve the climate control of indoor air in all of the spaces occupied by Sun City residents and management staff personnel throughout the year.
Board meetings where these and related topics are discussed take place two times each month. There is a workshop session on the second Wednesday morning of each month at 9 a.m. in the Birch Room of Prairie Lodge, and at 1 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday in Drendel Ballroom. Community residents are welcome to attend these events, ask questions, and make comments.
