Frontier Update: All Homes are Open for Installation calls Tomorrow
For those last 205 homes that needed cable hook-up before calling for an install appointment, Frontier will be accepting phone calls for those 205 homes to place orders for installation starting tomorrow, January 30, by calling 844-660-0648. Do NOT call Frontier’s advertised number at 800-921-8101.
This means all homes can call for an appointment at any time. I have attached the information and instructions on making and appointment. The call center is open Monday to Saturday.
When installing your new internet service, Frontier can program the new wireless to your existing wireless password. If you want to keep you existing wireless password let the technician know so they will know to program the new wireless correctly. The advantage of keeping the same Username and Password is you will not have to reset any of your devices.
If you are having trouble with the system after it is installed, do NOT call the advertised Frontier number. You need to call the bulk cable division at 844-660-0648. If you call the regular retail number, you will not get correct service and tracking down the problem could take quite some time. You may also contact the HOA office for the onsite installation Manager for Frontier and they will be able to help you with any problems right away.
The good news is the install is going well so all residents can call in now. Everything is proceeding on schedule at this time and all residents that call for appointments should be hooked up by March 1. You can always wait and hook up anytime in the future at no charge if you happen to be away at this time.
Here are the highlights from yesterday’s podcast concerning the lifting of the Regional Stay at Home Order that was issued on 12/3/2020.
As a result of the new State Guidelines, the Board has implemented new guidelines for the opening of certain activities which is now allowed by the State and County.
As we move forward please be aware that the State’s Stay-at-Home Order from March is still in effect. There are exceptions to this order that we have incorporated into these guidelines. Please understand that the exceptions are not always consistent. Some activities are granted exceptions while others are not. For example, Restaurants can open outdoors but indoor activities are still closed.
Indoor gatherings are still prohibited for any size in any venue, so residents are not supposed to have visitors in their home. The only gatherings allowed indoors are for people that live in the same household.
Gatherings: With the lifting of the Regional Stay at Home Order, new gathering rules are in place for outdoor use. Gatherings of up to 3 households are now allowed outdoors. This means residents and/or visitors from outside the HOA may visit your home provided everyone remains outdoors. Social distancing and masks are still required if you can’t maintain at least 6’ apart.
Curfew: The Curfew of 10 pm to 5 am is no longer in effect.
Guest on Streets: The Board voted to allow guests to use the streets and North Channel area. Residents may now walk with children, grandchildren, or friends on the streets and/or North Channel area. Visitors may bike on the streets and ride in golf carts but age restrictions on who can drive a golf cart still apply. Keep in mind the use of skateboards and scooters (or motorized skateboards and scooters) is strictly prohibited within SCSHCA streets, parking lots and common areas.
Putting Course: Guests are now allowed to use the Putting Course behind the Montecito Clubhouse. Reservations are not required for the Putting Course.
Library: The library will open for use on February 1 from 9 am to 4 pm daily, closed on Sunday. It is limited to one person at a time or people from the same household. If someone is waiting time is limited to 15 minutes. This is for residents only so guests are not allowed. Reservations are not required to use the library.
Courts and Pools: Tennis, Pickleball, Golf, Pools, and Bocce have no changes. Outside play or visitors are allowed for golf, but visitors are not allowed for Tennis, Pickleball, Pools, or Bocce. Reservations are required to use any of these activities.
Dog Parks: There are no changes for the Dog Parks.
South Side Driving Range: The South Side of the driving range is still closed.
Clubhouses and indoor activities are still prohibited.
Shadows Re-opening for outdoor dining:
Takeout and Delivery will continue. Hours for outdoor dining: 10 AM-7 PM Every day.
Guidelines:
4 people per table maximum.
No guests.
No changing of tables even if a seat is available at another table.
Reservations with the number of people may not change when you arrive at the restaurant.
Advance Reservations Required: Residents only and residents must show their Resident ID cards upon entry.
No Public Access.
Temperatures will be checked upon entry and if temp exceeds 100.0 you may not enter.
Masks required upon entering building.
Masks required to walk to table.
You may take your mask off once seated.
You need a mask when leaving the table for any reason, including going to the restroom.
Capacity: 6 tables outdoors based on distancing.
Limited Menu-Not the same as before.
Guests: The Stay at Home Order is still in effect. The State Order is still in effect about ‘Stay-at-Home’ and no gatherings indoors. Residents are responsible to follow the State Order. The HOA will not be looking for violations of the State Order on private property. The HOA will investigate any complaint of noise or conduct on private property. The HOA will enforce no guests in all areas of Tennis, Pickleball, Bocce, Basketball, Library, and the Pools.
Masks: Remember that masks are still required at all times if 6’ social distancing cannot be maintained.
The Board wishes you a safe and healthy weekend as we slowly move to reopen activities here at Sun City Shadow Hills.
The library in the Montecito Clubhouse will be reopening on Monday, February 1, 2021, at 9:00 am
Library Rules:
Only one person at a time. Lifestyle staff will monitor. If there are other residents waiting to enter the library, the person in the library will be limited to 15-minutes to select a book.
Residents/volunteers/staff must wear approved face covering while inside the building/library.
Returned books are to be placed in the drop-box. Staff will sanitize the books when received.
Book donations will not be accepted until further notice.
Much is happening in the next couple of months with the Board election, CC&R changes, and the completion of the Frontier install. The annual meeting for the HOA will be on April 6, 2021. The Board election along with two CC&R changes will be on the ballot, so all ballots must be in before that date. Please fill out and send in your ballot right away – it should arrive at your home in late February.
One of the CC&R changes relates to a new State law, California AB3182, that went into effect on January 1, 2021. Last month I described this new law which changes the minimum rental period to 31 days, from 90 days as stated in our CC&Rs. The HOA will not allow rentals for 30 days or less. Our HOA is required to follow the new State law even though our CC&Rs state something different. So, effective January 1, 2021, our HOA will not allow rentals for 30 days or less.
The new law requires us to change our CC&Rs to conform to the new State law, and an amendment will be on this year’s election ballot. Hopefully, we can get enough votes in favor of the change but, even if we do not, we will be required by law to enforce the new law no matter what our CC&Rs state. Unfortunately, we cannot simply revise the wording in our CC&Rs; residents must vote for the change in order to amend our CC&R document.
To change a CC&R provision, we need 51% of all homes to vote in favor of the change. This means we will need 1,760 affirmative votes to make it happen. If we do not get enough positive votes, we will have to leave the language in our CC&Rs the same – even though it will not apply and it will be different from the new State law.
When you receive your ballot, be sure to vote for this provision so we can hopefully align our CC&Rs with the State law. If we don’t pass this in April, we will have to hold a special election in the fall at a cost of $10,000 to try again.
The other provision the Board will present is a change to Bylaw Section 4.6.4, Balloting Time Requirements. This provision limits the time we can request ballots to 90 days. The proposed change will remove the 90-day limit so the HOA can still request ballots from those who have not voted after 90 days. The goal of this change is to have more residents participate and vote by giving the HOA more time to collect ballots. This change does not affect how many affirmative votes it takes to change the CC&Rs or Bylaws. It will still take 51% of all residents to make any change; this just allows more time to collect more ballots and increase participation.
There are four people running for the Board this April. Kim Fuller and Linda Aasen are running for re-election, while two new people are also running for the Board, John MacDonnell and Moira MacLeod-Foster. The Board election, along with the CC&R and Bylaw changes, will be on the ballot for the April annual meeting. Be sure to get your ballot’s in as soon as possible.
Phase 1 installs of the Frontier internet will have commenced by the time you get this article. We estimate all installs will be completed by March 1 for those that have requested service. If you have any questions, please let us know. There is an onsite supervisor here six days a week to help resolve any problems that might arise.
In January, I gave you the information about the new monthly dues rate for 2021 but, because there was one amount for January and a different amount for February through December, I thought it best to review your dues for the rest of the year.
The total monthly assessment per homeowner unit is $306 for February through December, which includes $12 per month for Frontier internet. The Board voted to issue each homeowner unit a one-time credit of $144, which was issued in January.
It has definitely been a most difficult time. Hopefully we can remain focused on helping each other to remain safe and healthy. Better days are coming, and I look forward to those special days again knowing, “It doesn’t get any better than this.”
During the month of January 2021, the FAC and FAC Subcommittee continued its work with the Board as well as with DRM and Troon management on behalf of the Association including:
Review and recommend Board approval of the unaudited December 2020 financial statements of the Association including the:
financial statements and supplementary schedules prepared by DRM/Associa, Troon, and the Controller.
combining and combined financial statements included in the Treasurer’s report of the Association prepared by the Controller.
summary financial information on financial position and results of operations included in the Controller’s report to the Board.
condensed financial information of the Association to be published in The View magazine.
Review of the year-to-date variance analysis prepared by the Controller on the:
2020 Operating Fund revenues and expenses.
2020 Replacement Fund expenses for the purchase and replacement of common area real property components and inter-fund transfers to the Operating Fund for the purchase and replacement of common area personal property and equipment components.
Preparation of the Management Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) of the 2020 annual results as compared to the 2020 Budget and the 11+1 Forecast provided to the Board.
Review and written recommendations on proposed BAFs for the expenditure of funds from the Replacement Fund for the replacement or major repair of real and personal property common area components identified in the Reserve Study.
Review and recommend Board approval of the December 2020 bank statements, bank reconciliations, and investment account statements.
Review of firms providing non-judicial foreclosure services, preparation of Request for Proposal (RFP), review of responses to RFP, evaluation and reference check of service firms, and written recommendation to the Board (FAC BAF 2020 # 16).
Written recommendation to the Board of proposed revisions to Replacement Fund Investment Policy (FAC BAF 2020 # 15).
Regular meeting of FAC held on January 22, 2021, via audio and video conference call.
For the Board meeting on January 25, 2021:
Preparation of the FAC monthly written report to the Board.
Review of the Controller’s monthly written report to the Board.
Work in Process
Annual review and submission of proposed revisions to the Board for review and adoption including:
FAC Charter and Mission – FAC BAF 2021 # 1.
FAC Subcommittee Charter and Mission – FAC BAF 2021 #2.
Association Procurement Policy – FAC BAF 2021 #3.
Upcoming Work
2020 Audit.
FAC Members
FAC now has two openings. We would love to hear from you if you have a background including accounting and financial reporting and an interest in serving on the FAC or on the FAC Subcommittee. Please contact the author if you would like to discuss completing an Advisory Committee Interest Form.
Further Information
Additional FAC Members: Larry Anderson, Bob Giovannettone, Bob Jester, Jerry Cavoretto, Mike Whelan, and Bruce Marley. FAC Subcommittee Members on the Replacement Fund and Reserve Study: Chris Stevens, Don Salvatore, Bruce Marley, and Bill Wethe, Chair.
Candidate Forum #2 Friday, February 19, 2021, at 6:30 pm
Join us to hear the HOA Board candidates speak about their qualifications and positions regarding the SCSH community. Each candidate will also be asked to respond to questions suggested in advance by residents and the Nominating Committee.
This meeting will be held using live streaming and you can watch it by clicking on this link: www.scshca.com/candidateforum
The candidates and moderator will be the only people speaking and you will be a silent audience. If any of you have suggested questions for the candidates, please send these proposed questions by clicking on this link: www.scshca.com/candidatequestion
Thanks in advance for helping our community to stay healthy and strong with your participation.
As you may have heard the State has lifted the Regional Stay at Home Orders from 12/3/2020. The prior Stay at Home Orders are still in effect including the Stay at Home Order from 3/19/2020.
The Board will be meeting tomorrow at 4:00 pm to go over the new guidelines from the State and County, but it appears we will be back to the guidelines from last November where three households could meet outdoors, and outdoor dining will be allowed. In also states no indoor gatherings are allowed, the same as before.
We will also be discussing the opening of Shadows outdoors to see when it is possible that staff will be ready to take such action.
We will get back to you Thursday morning with the new guidelines.
Outdoor Library Book Exchange: Some residents have asked about the outdoor library book exchange that a resident put in their front yard. The HOA contacted the resident to explain that this had to be removed because our current governing documents do not allow for such actions. A posting on Next Door felt this action should continue and requested residents write to the Board in support of the book exchange remaining in the front yard, so we have had many requests to leave the book exchange over the last few days.
Many times, our decisions are not based on what we like, but what is required by law. Our governing documents do not allow for such activity in front yards by residents. The Board is required by law to follow the governing documents. I understand some people do not like certain rules, but just because we have a COVID pandemic does not mean we can set aside those rules in our governing documents.
HOA must follow the current governing documents:
The second paragraph of Section 8.5 of the CC&Rs states that "except as provided for herein, no furniture, fixtures, appliances, or other goods and chattels not actively in use shall be stored in any building or open area or on any Lot in such a manner that such material is Visible from Neighboring Property . . . " See also Section 2.17 of the Rules which states in pertinent part: "All storage of items not in active use . . . are to be located in rear or side yards behind a solid wall and shall not be visible from any street, common area, golf course and/or neighboring properties."
There are some people that might not want to look at the display, nor have other displays as a result. The rules of our governing documents must prevail until such rules are changed.
We might not like certain rules, but unless they are changed, we are required to implement them according to the governing documents.
The outdoor library book exchange in question also violates the State and County Orders for cleaning protocols which might lead to the transmission of the virus.
We have also had some residents contact us that they don't like the library display and if that is acceptable what about other displays like furniture, clothes, or ongoing garage sales. So, one exception can lead to many problems, that is why we must follow our existing rules.
Frontier: Frontier has been installing the internet at homes except for 205 homes because they needed to connect the fiber optic cable. We will hopefully have the information next week as to when those 205 homes may make appointments for the install.
Wireless vs. cable connected computers. Many have asked about the speed of the internet because they are not getting 500/500 speed. The speed of Frontier internet of 500/500 is only available if your computer is connected to the router by a cable. Wireless speeds are not guaranteed because of so many variables. Even Cable connected computers might not get 500/500 if components in the computer will not go that fast. Frontier’s obligation is to make sure the 500/500 speed is at the router; it is the responsibility of the homeowner to make sure all equipment and cables are working correctly to insure the best speed possible. If you’re wireless device is doing 150 to 300 it is probably working correctly at the best speed possible for that device. But my old iPad doesn’t go faster than 30-40, it is just too old, but my computer is doing 500/500.
Montecito Paring Lot: This is a planned and scheduled repair and replacement project because of old asphalt and pavers. Some of the areas have become a safety issue. It is always a point of discussion to repair or replace items. It was decided that too many areas were going to need increased repairs in the future and since we have already saved enough money in the reserves to replace everything Board decided on replacement rather than a repair would be more cost effective long term. We have already had one trip and fall, and we don’t want more. This work is not coming from the operations budget, so it is not impacting the ongoing operations budget. Keep in mind we have an operations budget for the day to day operations and we have a separate replacement fund to save and pay for all these projects over time. This work is being paid for from that replacement fund and has already saved the cost for 100% payment.
Crack Repair: Crack repair work is going on in phase 1 and 2. Residents have asked why they can still see the crack repair when it is done. These repairs will be visible when done unless we repaint the entire street and that is not being done at this time. Painting of the street, called seal coating is not scheduled for another 1-2 years. We still want to do crack repairs now to protect the existing asphalt from premature failure as a result from water and/or blow sand. Asphalt is the most expensive item in the entire complex, so the more we do to protect it from premature failure the less future costs we will have to pay. Just like your home, if you repair a wall, after the repair you need to repaint the wall otherwise you will see the crack repair. We do have our hired inspector that will review all the work, and anything not completed correctly will be corrected. So, if you think a repair is not done right in front of your home let us know and it will be checked out before final payment.
COVID Information: I have attached some information about the County vaccine appointment plans. This information will be attached and on the website.
There has been issues with making an appointment. As a result, many residents have asked the Board to reconsider being a vaccine distribution site. At this time, we are not allowed to be a distribution site be we are investigating further. Given the problems with the existing sites it makes sense why they would not want to increase the sites at this time, but we will continue to monitor the situation. The Board will be meeting on Monday and will again discuss the possibility, if allowed, of being a distribution site. We will be talking with the insurance brokers at that time to realistically determine the legal exposure of any claim along with the benefit of waivers. Naturally if the County does not allow for us being a site these discussions become irrelevant; we will see. The Board is being careful trying not to put the HOA in a financially liable position because without insurance any claim would have to be paid for by residents.
It appears from the information it will take another 3-6 months for the vaccine to be distributed, but people 65 and over are able to make appointments now, once the system is working and space is available. During this time, please use caution, more and more cases are coming up every day. If you are high risk, please consider not participating in any events for the next few months or until you get the vaccine. If you play in the different sports you might even consider wearing a mask at all times, even while you are participating in the activity. State rules don’t require a mask as long as you are 6’ apart at all times. Gatherings of any kind are still not allowed on Common Property or in your homes. So please don’t gather before you play and leave immediately when you are done. Don’t gather to talk or eat after you play. Please leave the area for everyone’s protection.
The Board gets many requests on how to proceed and they seem to fall into one of three groups:
Residents that always want masks even outdoors and everything closed down for now.
Residents that want everything opened because Government should not do this, and the science doesn’t justify the closing of activities.
Residents in between.
No decision is going to make everyone happy, so the Board has decided not to evaluate the right or wrong of the policy, but to implement what is allowed by law. We are required to follow the law.
Example, if most cases of COVID are coming from the family and friends’ gatherings over the holidays, there is no reason to close Shadows for use. There is merit in every opinion on how and when to do what. The Board’s position is we need to follow the law and the State and County Orders. That is our place, not to decide if the policy is good or bad. We have focused on what is allowed by the State Orders and allowing those activities to open per State and County instruction. It does not mean all instructions are consistent with another activity, some instructions conflict between one activity and another, so we do the best we can.
As a result, each resident needs to be responsible for their own safety. If you are high risk, you need to self-quarantine. Perhaps wear a mask at all time outdoors even if people are not around. The HOA will not be looking for violations on private property, but we will investigate any complaint. Guests are still not allowed for any activity, except golf, and according to the State Order guests are not allowed in your home. Given the increase number of cases and how fast it is spreading please be careful, extremely careful. We are in the last few months of this pandemic once everyone can be vaccinated. We all would hate to see anyone become sick and die when we are so close to the end.
I wish you all a safe and healthy weekend and I will be back next week as soon as we have more information. I think there could be much happening quickly in the next few weeks so we will keep you update as fast as possible. If you have any questions, please let us know and we will get you the answers you need.
Fly the United States Flag at Half-Staff Immediately Through Sunset on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 Honoring the United States Capitol Police Officers
Office of the Press Secretary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 10, 2021
HONORING UNITED STATES CAPITOL POLICE OFFICERS
- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
As a sign of respect for the service and sacrifice of United States Capitol Police Officers Brian D. Sicknick and Howard Liebengood, and all Capitol Police Officers and law enforcement across this great Nation, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, January 13, 2021. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth.
Open your web browser, visit scshca.com, and click on Login at the top-right corner of the page.
Enter your username (email address) and current password to log in.
After logging in, click on “Profile” at the top right corner of the page.
Scroll down to where it says “Account Management” and click on the “Set New Password” button.
Delete the randomly generated text and type in your own password. Note: if the system rates your password as "very weak" or "weak" you will need to click on the "Confirm use of weak password" checkbox.
Finally, click on the “Update Profile” button at the very bottom to save the change.
You will use your new password the next time you log into our website. Remember that passwords are case-sensitive.
Note: changing your SCSH website password does not affect your passwords for dwellingLIVE, Mindbody, or the Shadow Hills Golf Club website.
The Residents in Phase 1 may begin calling for installation appointments of the Frontier internet beginning tomorrow January 7. This means all residents from all 3 phases of the community may now call in for appointments. The Exception are residents not yet hooked up to Frontier in Phase 1, they will not be able to call in for about two weeks. The list of the 205 homes is on website. Frontier has not completed the work so another two weeks is needed before these 205 homes can call to make an appointment. If you call, they will say you can’t install yet because you won’t be on their list to install.
Attached are the instructions on who and how to call.
To recap the basic provisions of the Frontier plan:
It is a 5-year internet-only plan.
It is $12 per month (with a 5% increase per year). This will be included in your HOA monthly dues amount beginning January 1, 2021.
All residents will have to participate and pay the $12 per month. There are no opt-out provisions for any resident even if they do not use the Frontier internet service.
The internet speed is 500 upload and 500 download.
Contract includes a wireless router/modem and there is no install fee to the resident.
You may install at a later date at no charge.
TV plans are available if residents want to purchase TV plans directly from Frontier.
Phone line is available and is purchased directly from Frontier.
Resident may purchase any TV plan from any provider. It is not required to purchase TV plans from Frontier.
I would like to answer the most frequently asked questions:
When can I install the Frontier service? Everyone may call for appointments in all 3 phases beginning tomorrow January 7. The Exception are residents not yet hooked up to Frontier will not be able to call in for about two weeks. The list of the 205 homes is on website. Frontier has not completed the work so another two weeks is needed before these 205 homes can call to make an appointment. If you call, they will say you can’t install yet because you won’t be on their list to install.
If I already have Frontier service will I need to have an installation appointment? Yes. Most homes do not have the equipment to handle the faster speed of 500/500. It is estimated that 90% of Frontier customers will need new equipment installed.
When will the $12 per month fee go into effect? The monthly increase will begin on January 1, 2021 and is part of your HOA monthly dues.
If I am not installed by January 1, why are my dues being increased on January 1,2021? Assuming Frontier completes the install by March 1, here is the calculation for monthly dues to cover your monthly Frontier internet service. You will notice that you are not paying any more money than if we started billing on March 1:
If we start billing on March 1, that will mean $12 per month for 10 months, March through December. That totals $120 for the year.
If we start billing in January at a rate of $10 per month that equals $10 x 12 which equals $120 for the year. Notice that this is exactly the same amount of money.
We also need to add in installation charges and notification charges which total about $1.13 per home per month.
Since we don’t know for sure when Frontier will finish the install, if Frontier finishes installation early, by February 1 instead of February 28, there will be an additional increase per month of $1 per month per home.
Total of all combined costs is between $11.13 per month to $12.13 per month.
Given these costs it is anticipated increasing HOA dues starting January 1 by $12 per month to cover all costs and possibilities.
It will mean some homes will be installed before the dues increase begins and some homes will be installed after the dues increase on January 1, 2021. This was the only way to finalize the terms of the contract given the limitations of our governing documents in not charging different prices to different homes. So, to have a smooth transition all year no matter what happens, starting the dues increase in January is exactly the same cost no matter when a person is installed.
Can I keep my existing TV service if I want? Yes. The HOA Frontier contract is for internet service only. Each resident will decide on their own what TV service they would like, and you may purchase TV service from any company you wish. You are not required to buy TV service from Frontier. So, you could have Frontier internet service and Spectrum TV service as an example.
Am I required to install the Frontier internet service? No.
If I do not install the Frontier internet service do I still have to pay the monthly fee of $12? Yes. All residents will pay the monthly fee of $12 per month which will be part of your HOA monthly dues even if you don’t install the service.
If I order TV service from Frontier, will I pay the HOA for the TV service? No. Any extra services for TV or phone will be billed to you directly by the company. The HOA monthly dues amount will only include the $12 for internet service.
If I am unavailable for an appointment at this time what happens? You may call any time in the future to make an appointment for installation. There is no charge to install the Frontier internet no matter when it is installed.
I am in Canada and might not be able to be in the area for one year. What happens? The same answer as #9, you may call any time. This could be done one, two, three years later and there would still be no charge to install the Frontier internet when you want.
I have heard the Frontier TV plans have gone up in price, is this correct? Yes. As we stated in the Town Hall meetings, pricing on TV packages was not guaranteed. Some of the packages currently don’t exist and some of the packages have doubled in price. We suggest you investigate all companies and their TV service before making a decision on which TV package and service to purchase.
Am I required to purchase a TV plan from Frontier? No. You may buy TV service from any company you want, or you may choose not to buy TV service at all.
Tyler Ingle will be the new GM. Richard Smetana passed away a few weeks ago and Tyler has now been named the new GM. We will be looking for a person to replace Tyler as Controller.
I need to correct an error in my Podcast from last week. I was describing the reasons for allowing Golf to have outside players or guests and miscalculated the guest fee revenue. It is not $1.5 million but about $400,000 in revenue. My error for adding and subtracting different columns incorrectly. Thank you to Jurgen Gross who contacted me right away about the error.
The annual meeting for the HOA will be on April 6, 2021. The Board election, along with two CC&R changes will be on the ballot, so all ballots must be in before that date. Please fill out and send in your ballot right away-it should arrive at your home in late February.
There are four people running for the Board this April. Kim Fuller and Linda Aasen are running for re-election, while two new people are also running for the Board, John Macdonnell and Moira MacLeod-Foster. The current January edition of the View magazine will have statements from all the candidates. The Board election, along with the CC&R and By-law changes, will be on the ballot for the April annual meeting, so be sure to get your ballot’s in as soon as possible.
One of the CC&R changes that will be on the ballot is for a new State law, California AB3182, that went into effect on January 1, 2021. The CC&R Section that needs to be amended is 2.6.2. I describe this new law in the current View magazine, which changes the minimum rental period to 31 days, from 90 days as stated in our CC&R’s. The HOA will not allow rentals for 30 days or less. Our HOA is required to follow the new State law even though the CC&R’s state something different. So, effective January 1, 2021 our HOA will not allow rentals for 30 days or less.
We also have a provision in the CC&R’s most residents do not realize. If you hire a management company, you may rent your home for any amount of time, so as little as one night. The proposed change to the CC&R’s limiting rentals to 31 days will also eliminate this exception.
The new law requires us to change our CC&R’s to conform to the new State Law. We will present to the residents a CC&R change to conform to the new State Law. Hopefully, we can get enough ballots in favor of the change, but even if we do not get enough ballots to change our CC&R’s we will be required by law to enforce the new law no matter what our CC&R’s state. Unfortunately, we are not allowed to simply change the wording in our CC&R’s, we are required to have residents vote for the change in order to change our CC&R document.
A change to the CC&R’s happens by a ballot vote to all residents. To change a CC&R we need 51% of all homes to vote in favor of the change. This means we will need 1760 homes to vote in favor of the change to make it happen. If we do not get 1760 votes in the affirmative, we will have to leave the language in our CC&R’s the same even though it will not apply and it will be different from the new State law. When the ballot comes out be sure to vote for this provision so we can hopefully align our CC&R’s with the State law we are required to follow. If we don’t pass this in April with 1760 affirmative votes, we will have to hold a special election at a cost of $10,000 in the fall to try again to change the CC&R Section 2.6.2 to match the State Law.
The other provision the Board will present for a change is By-law Section 4.6.4, Balloting Time Requirements. This provision limits the time we can request ballots to 90 days. The proposed change is to remove the 90 day limit so the HOA can still request ballots from those that have not voted after 90 days to get more participation in the election. We are currently limited to the 90 day rule which affects the number of ballots that are turned in. The goal of this change is to have more residents vote by giving the HOA more time to collect ballots. This change does not affect how many affirmative votes it takes to change the CC&R ‘s or By-laws. It will still take 51% of all residents to make any change, this just allows more time to collect more ballots, so more residents participate and vote.
Some have asked if it is possible to have the COVID vaccine done onsite. The Board has discussed this possibility and decided against the idea because we have no insurance for any claim related to a virus. Virus claims are excluded from insurance policies.
Beginning on Thursday, January 7 residents in phase 1 will be able to call and make appointments for the Frontier internet plan installation. The Exception is residents not yet hooked up to Frontier will not be able to call in for about two weeks. The list of the 205 homes is on website. Frontier has not completed the work so another two weeks is needed before these 205 homes can call to make an appointment. If you call, they will say you can’t install yet because you won’t be on their list to install.
When we do hear of more COVID Cases we do try to contact anyone that might have had contact with that person in the last two weeks. Given the current reservation system we can track all the people that have participated in an activity and then send them notices of possible exposure if a resident participated in that activity. Please let us know if you are taken sick or test positive for the virus, we can help in the contacting of other residents to try and limit the exposure to other people. Given how fast cases are now climbing in areas around us, please use extreme caution. If you are high risk stay home, if you participate in activities, we suggest you always wear a mask, but the State only requires a mask when you are not able to keep social distancing.
Please be careful, wear a mask, keep social distancing, and no gatherings, this will all help to keep you healthy and safe.
A vehicle was involved in a single car accident on the east end of Avenue 40 and Monroe intersection. No Sun City Shadow Hills residents were involved. The street closure is due to the reconstruction of the traffic collision for the police department’s investigation. In the meantime, traffic is being diverted. Please avoid this route.
It has been verified that residents are now sick with the COVID virus from almost all activities. We have confirmed cases for golf, tennis, and pickleball. The Board is asking for everyone’s help to minimize the spread of this virus which is now growing at an alarming rate in the Southern California area. We have also been told of another death which was caused by the virus. If you don’t feel well, please stay home and follow all recommendations for isolation and testing before returning to participate in any activity.
Please, no gatherings of any kind because more than 70% of the spread of the virus is from such gatherings. If you have attended a gathering please isolate for 3-5 days and then have a COVID test before participating in any activity.
The virus can easily be transferred to other people when participating in other activities. If you are going to participate in other activities please follow all the State, County, and CDC guidelines. If you can’t maintain social distancing at all times be sure to wear a mask. Now, more than ever, caution and best practices are needed for the health and safety of everyone.
Once again, the HOA is not looking for violations of the State Order on private property but will investigate any complaint. The HOA will enforce the State Order on common property including streets, courts, dog parks, etc. Guests are only allowed for golf at this time. According to the State Order there are not supposed to be any guests in any home at any time. Please, for your own health, and for the health and safety of all that live here at SCSH, cancel all gatherings, and follow all the guidelines when participating in any activity.
We have a couple of difficult months but given the rapid growth of the virus at this time we hope everyone will take extra precautions to help ensure the health and safety of everyone.
It is with great sadness and a heavy heart, that we report that Richard Smetana, the General Manager of SCSH, passed away on Saturday, December 26. As some of you may know, Rich was battling lung cancer and was on medical leave since August 2020. Unfortunately, Rich experienced additional complications. We extend our condolences to his wife, Cida, and we pray that God provides her with strength and courage during this very difficult time.
In your prayers, please take a moment to ask God to look out for our friend and his family.
Happy New Year to everyone during this most unusual time. We all hope this pandemic will end soon, but for now we must remain focused and stay the course. Although a vaccine is coming, we still must be as vigilant as possible because we still have a few months to go. This is not the time to be relaxed and let down our guard; this is the time to be very cautious, very responsible, and very aware plus do everything possible to keep this virus from infecting our families and friends.
Your 2021 total monthly assessment per homeowner unit is $306. This amount includes the $12 for your Frontier internet. However, the Board voted to issue each homeowner unit a one-time credit of $144. So, your January 2021 assessment will be reduced by $144, making the total amount due for January $162. The amount due for February through December 2021 will be $306 per month. Please make a note that for January your monthly assessment is $162 and not $306.
A new State law, California AB3182, has gone into effect on January 1, 2021. This new law requires that the minimum rental time for all HOAs cannot be greater than 31 days. Our CC&Rs currently require the minimum rental time to be 90 days. This means the HOA can prohibit rentals of 30 days or less but cannot deny a rental time of 31 days or more. Our HOA is required to follow the new State law even though our CC&Rs state something different. So, effective January 1, 2021, our HOA will not allow rentals for 30 days or less, but it does mean owners may rent their homes for 31 days as the minimum rather than the previous 90 day minimum.
The new law also requires us to change our CC&Rs to conform to the new State law, which we will be presenting to the residents. Hopefully, we can get enough ballots in favor of the change but, even if we do not, we will be required by law to enforce the new law no matter what our CC&Rs state. Unfortunately, we are not allowed simply to change the wording in our CC&Rs; we are required to have our residents vote in the change even though we must follow the new law.
A change to the CC&Rs happens by a ballot vote to all residents and requires 51% of all homes to vote in favor of the change. This will mean we will need 1760 affirmative homes to make it happen. If we do not get the 1760 votes, we will have to leave the language in our CC&Rs the same even though it will not apply and it will be different from the new State law. When the ballot comes out be sure to vote for this provision so we can hopefully align our CC&Rs with the State law we are required to follow.
It is a most unusual time, but there is a light at the end of this tunnel. It is getting brighter by the day, but for now we must all work hard to ensure the health and safety of all residents. I look forward to seeing card players in every room again. I look forward to seeing the billiards room full once again. I look forward to seeing crafts being made and photos on the wall again. I look forward to seeing the Lady Putters and Tuesday Night Putters once again. I look forward to the concerts along with gatherings like Meet and Eat, Comedy Night, Tutta Bella, and dinner with friends again.
The days ahead will be better. They are coming. I look forward to those special days again knowing “It doesn’t get any better than this.”
During the month of December 2020, the FAC and FAC Subcommittee continued its work with the Board as well as with DRM and Troon management on behalf of the Association including:
Review and recommend Board approval of the unaudited November 2020 financial statements of the Association including the:
financial statements and supplementary schedules prepared by DRM/Associa, Troon, and the Controller.
combining and combined financial statements included in the Treasurer’s report for the Association prepared by the Controller.
summary financial information on financial position and results of operations included in the Controller’s report to the Board.
condensed Association financial information to be published in The View.
Review of the year-to-date variance analysis prepared by the Controller on the:
2020 Operating Fund revenues and expenses.
2020 Replacement Fund expenses for the purchase and replacement of common area real property components and inter-fund transfers to the Operating Fund for the purchase and replacement of common area personal property and equipment components.
Review and written recommendations on the 2020 Forecast (11+1) of the Operating Fund and Replacement Fund as compared to the 2020 Budget and the 2020 Forecast (10+2) Forecast prepared by the Controller.
Preparation of the Management Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) of the 2020 Forecast (11+1) with comparison to the prior forecast and the 2020 Budget provided to the Board.
Review and written recommendations on proposed BAFs for the expenditure of funds from the Replacement Fund for the replacement or major repair of real and personal property common area components identified in the Reserve Study.
Review and recommend Board approval of the November 2020 bank statements, bank reconciliations, and investment account statements.
Regular meeting of FAC held on December 18, 2020, using an audio and video conference call.
For the Board meeting on December 21, 2020:
Preparation of the FAC monthly written report to the Board.
Review of the Controller’s monthly written report to the Board.
Work in Process
Review of firms providing non-judicial foreclosure services, preparation of Request for Proposal (RFP), review of responses to RFP, evaluation of service firms, and written recommendation to the Board.
Potential revisions to Replacement Fund Investment Policy and written recommendation to the Board.
Upcoming Work
Annual review and potential revisions to the:
FAC Charter and Mission.
FAC Subcommittee Charter and Mission.
Association Procurement Policy.
2020 Audit
FAC Members
FAC now has two openings on the Committee. We would love to hear from you if you have a background including accounting and financial reporting along with an interest in serving on the FAC or on the FAC Subcommittee. Please contact the author if you would like to discuss completing an Advisory Committee Interest Form.
Further Information
Additional FAC Members: Larry Anderson, Bob Giovannettone, Bob Jester, Jerry Cavoretto, Mike Whelan, and Bruce Marley. FAC Subcommittee Members on the Replacement Fund and Reserve Study: Chris Stevens, Don Salvatore, Bruce Marley, and Bill Wethe, Chair.
It seems so long, sometimes it is hard to remember what normal used to be. As we come into this holiday season, it is clear we still have some difficult days ahead. But we need to stay focused, we need to care for each other, and we need to know it will end, for that I am sure.
There is hope, and with hope comes help, and with help comes the bright light of the future. The Board wants to wish everyone a safe and healthy holiday, knowing a moment of magic is coming, when once again we will be thankful to be together.
Those are the days to look forward to, those are the days that are coming, and those are the days worth waiting for. There is no task so great that we cannot overcome. Take a moment and know those days are coming, when once again we can hold hands. The sun will be rising on those days soon, so look to the sky, and BELIEVE.
I wish you well this holiday season. Take care and be safe.
