SUN CITY – Wednesday, January 26, brought Sun City residents a two-fer. The required annual meeting of the Association and the monthly Board meeting were held in Drendel. The annual meeting required a quorum of residents which was easily achieved with 305 of Proxies submitted along with approximately the 150 residents in attendance.
The annual association meeting was a business meeting with reports from the Association Counsel, the outside Auditor, a representative of Northwestern Medicine and a 2021 review by First Services.
Pat Costello, the Association Counsel, reported that the solar panel restrictions in the Association’s Covenants were “amended to agree with State laws on solar panel locations.”
Chris Nyborg, the Association’s outside auditor, reported on an IRS ruling regarding “any cumulative excess of membership income over membership expenses as defined in IRS regulations for the year ended December 31, 2021, shall be applied against the subsequent tax year member assessments as provided by the IRS revenue ruling.”
Matt Carlen, of Northwestern Medicine, reported that the hospital has “added surgeons and brought more specialists from downtown to Huntley.” He added that “all 108 rooms have negative air flow” which assists in the management of airborne viruses.
Deanna Loughran, Executive Director, presented a review of the highlights of 2021 activities and events. She began with a review of the February Covid-19 events where “approximately 6,000 vaccines were provided in the first two clinics.” She added that “some 3,600 boosters were administered in October.”
“2021 home sales were 363 units with an estimated average home selling price of $305,000” Loughran added. “This was an increase over the 31 homes sold in 2020.” She added that “the estimated average home selling price in 2020 was $265,000.”
“Fitness Center participation increased by nearly 40,000 in 2021 as compared to 2020” stated Loughran. “Lifestyles participation more than doubled that of 2020 but it is still way below the pre-pandemic numbers” she concluded.
She mentioned many 2020 Lifestyles events including the many ZOOM classes, concerts, the golf cart parade, the resident talent show and the sold-out events in the last quarter of 2021.
Significant operations projects were also listed.
“The $1.6 million roof replacements in APN 8 and 13 along with the $47,439 Building Management Systems installed at the Millgrove Woodshop,” were among the projects she mentioned.
Her presentation turned to 2022 objectives, which included “the community strategic plan implementation, a resident satisfaction survey, and a community appreciation event in Spring/Early Summer.”
The annual membership meeting was followed by the January Sun City Board meeting after a 15-minute intermission.
A major portion of the January Board meeting was reports from the chairs of the board appointed advisory committees. Linda Davis, from the Charter Club Presidents Council reported that “the Charter Club Expo will be on August 30th and that the Council has resumed Zoom meetings for the safety of the 42 club presidents.”
Roger Lambert, for the Facility Committee, reported that in 2021 “there were nine major facility projects” which included “18 skylight replacements, trail asphalt replacement, and the $1.2 million landscape contract extension.”
Bill Niemasz, from the Finance Committee, said that “a new Charter Club finance reporting form was implemented.” He added that “13 changes in accounting policies were put in place.”
The Golf Committee report was presented by Ken Ladage. He stated that Whisper Creek reported “$1.5 million in 2021 revenues with $250,000 in Gross Profits.” He said that “Whisper Creek ownership has budgeted funds for Greens improvement and cart path repairs where necessary.” He also said that a new Superintendent is being hired.
The Neighborhood Advisory Council was represented by Jim Papak, the President. He reported that “more than 300 requests for sidewalk repairs and replacements were received in 2021.” He also indicated that the NAC was going to “focus on communications protocols” and “neighborhood newsletters” in 2022.
“There were 1,365 modification requests in 2021” reported Sandy Portincaso. “Many were either landscaping or roofing projects” she concluded.
“The Covenants committee met only six times in 2021” reported Gene Harrison. And, he continued, “we only had nine hearings during the year.”
Board Treasurer, Bob McGouey, presented the quarterly financial report.
“2021 Revenue was $7,945,000. Expenses were $7,624,000. The Net Surplus was $321,000,” stated McGouey. The revenue exceeded the budget by $169,000 while expenses were $152,000 less than the budget. He added that “31 more homes were sold in 2021 than in 2020.”
Some of the information presented by Stephany Rico, from the Northwestern Wellness Center, was that they had “1,136 appointments in 2021, completed 806 lab orders with 2,096 draws and delivered nearly 800 flu shots.”
Dominic Flood, Whisper Creek General Manager, previewed the plans for 2022. He said that they will “improve the condition of the course, make the greens faster, and better the condition of the tee boxes.” He added that “eighty percent of the Whisper Creek staff are Sun City residents” and that “applications are now being accepted for open positions.”
Marilynn Berendt, Board President, revisited the 2022 Board Goals with a list of seven goals that she wished the board to review and reduce to no more than 5. The seven goals were:
1. Continued review of Covid mandates.
2. Support the understanding of SCCAH governance
3. Support and utilize the Board Advisory Committees and Councils
4. Review, clarify and refine board goals, policies and procedures
5. Review, clarify and refine Committee charters
6. Research and enact communication methods
7. Develop standard meeting procedures and policies
After discussions the board adopted, on a 6 to 1 vote, goals 1, 3 and a combination of 4+5 and part of 7.
Goal 6 was identified as the major goal of the newly created SPAC (Strategic Planning Advisory Committee) and goal 2 was duplicating an already on-going activity.
The board then adjourned and the next meeting is scheduled for February 23 in the Birch Room.
