As you probably know recent increases in COVID cases and hospital capacity concerns have resulted in new State and County restrictions. The State and County have issued new guidelines for all residents. The Board will be meeting today to go over the new restrictions. Yesterday you were notified that all outside dining is now closed, but Shadows is still open for take-out and delivery.
The new Orders have at least 2 substantive changes:
Masks will always be required outdoors. This would mean anytime you are out of your home a mask would be required. Golfers, Tennis players, Pickleball players, Bocce players, walkers on the street, bicyclists, etc. will have to wear masks all the time. It would mean masks are required putting out trash cans and getting your mail. It would mean masks are required on your own property while gardening, etc.
Gatherings of any kind, of any size, indoors or outdoors are prohibited. This would mean that 3 households can no longer meet outdoors.
The Board is meeting today to discuss and finalize the implementation of the new State and County Orders. I will let you know later today what is in effect. Please be prepared for these changes to take place tomorrow because according to the County Orders these new rules went into effect today.
Thank you for taking all precautions necessary to help everyone stay healthy and safe.
Let us take a moment and remember this is December 7, National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, a day in which 2,403 Americans perished during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Let’s all be thankful we are here, in such a beautiful place, knowing we will persevere with everyone’s help.
Stay safe and healthy, I will be back to you soon.
If you are having performance issues after your install, please contact the HOA office. There is an onsite supervisor here 6 days a week to help with such problems. I have heard nothing but good things about this man. I wish all installs and construction would go smoothly but it just does not happen that way. There will be issues so hopefully this person can help to resolve the problems right away.
We still do not know when Phase 1 will open for installation, but we expect not until January sometime.
North Channel Lakes: The first lake is located at the corner of Jefferson and 40th. All the Lakes in question are on the South Golf Course and not the North Golf Course even though we call them the North Channel Lakes. The Water Company is estimated to start construction on rebuilding the first North Channel Lake next June. The first lake will be demolished, and a new lake built to accommodate the drainage plans for increased water flow.
The HOA has funds saved for the removal of sediment and reeds from all the Lakes on the back nine. We don’t want to start any work until after the Water Company completes their work to the first lake because water travels from the first lake to the second lake and so forth through the golf course. If we remove sediment and reeds from other lakes without removing the sediment and reeds from the first lake, the reeds will simply travel back into the other lakes and we would have to do the work all over again. For this reason, we do not want to spend thousands of dollars now, removing sediment and reeds from the lakes, and then we would have to do it again after the first lake is rebuilt. We also don’t want to spend thousands of dollars removing sediment and reeds from the first lake when the Water company will be doing that work in about 6-7 months anyway. The estimated cost of removing reeds and sediment from the first lake alone is about $75,000, so we don’t want to spend that money when the lake is going to be removed in six months by the water company.
Trash Pickup: Many residents in phase 3 have experienced late trash pickup on Tuesdays. If your trash pickup has not occurred by 7 pm, you may leave your containers out all night and put them away the next morning. Containers need to be put away by 9 am on Wednesday. If the trash has not been picked up by 9 am on Wednesday, you may leave your containers out on Wednesday until the trash is finally picked up.
Coronavirus Update: Some residents are thinking we are supposed to follow the CDC recommendations, and this is not correct. We are required to follow the State and County Orders, the CDC guidelines are only recommendations and have no jurisdiction or authority over what we are required to implement.
Currently you may have 3 households visit outdoors in your backyard. All guests are supposed to leave by 10 pm according to the latest State and County Orders. There are to be no gatherings indoors and no guests in your home overnight according to the State Order. The HOA is not allowing for guests on Common Property except for golf. Small gatherings indoors have been shown to be super spreaders of the virus. In more than 50% of cases, the virus is being spread by people showing no symptoms at all. If you attended a gathering indoors over Thanksgiving, it is recommended you self-quarantine and get a COVID test in 3-5 days after the gathering to be sure you are COVID free.
Please follow all safety guidelines: Must carry a mask at all times, wear masks outdoors if you can’t maintain 6’ social distancing, wear masks at all times indoors except for members of the same household, this does not mean the same family, but people that live in the same house. People from the same family that do not live in the same house may not gather indoors together at all. People from the same family that do not live in the same house may not stay overnight in another family members home.Currently the State is recommending stopping all travel for the holidays. Cases and deaths are at their highest level. Currently a person is dying from this virus every 30 seconds. This is as real as it gets. 50% of all infections are caused by asymptomatic people-people spreading the virus showing no signs of illness at all. It is very possible the restrictions might be increased very soon, so be prepared for such restrictions.
COVID State and County Law
The State Order is still in effect about ‘Stay at Home’ and ‘no gatherings’. This State Order has been in effect since last March. Residents are responsible to follow the State Order. The HOA will be looking for and enforcing no visitors and no gatherings on Common Property, such as streets, parking lots, Tennis courts, Pickleball courts, etc.
The HOA will not be looking for violations of the State Order on private property. We will investigate any complaints of noise or conduct on private property. We are not looking for such violations on private property, for example in your home or in your backyard. But if there is a complaint we will investigate.
The State Order allows for only 3 households to gather and it must be outside. No gatherings inside a home. But there are still no guests allowed on Common property.
The HOA has relaxed the on-street parking rules during the holidays in the past. That will not happen this year. The State Order is for no non-essential guests to gather in a home at all, so it does not seem responsible that we issue permits for a guest to stay over night when they are not supposed to be here. Currently you may have 3 households meet in a backyard, but all guests are supposed to leave by 10 pm.
Although the 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 your guard, this is the time to be very cautions, very responsible, very aware and do everything possible to keep this virus from infecting our families and friends. Holidays can wait until another time, death is permanent, and given current statistics let’s not fool ourselves, we are in a most dangerous time. To hold a gathering at this time you must ask yourself, if your family member or friend dies, was it worth it. I think not. It is recommended if you have plans cancel them, stay home, and keep you family and friends as safe as possible.
In case you are wondering, this HOA President does not make recommendations without following the guidelines, I leave those irresponsible actions to the politicians.
Please: Be diligent and responsible and know there is a light at the end of this tunnel. Let’s get there with as many as possible healthy and alive.
Be sure to check your existing pricing on TV content before you convert to the HOA Frontier plan. Some of you will have special promotional combined pricing on your Internet, TV, and phone service which could mean your overall price is less than converting to Frontier at this time. Be sure to compare all these prices before making a decision. It could be you are better off waiting until the promotional pricing is over and then make the conversion to the HOA plan. There will be no install charge for your first install appointment even if it is years later. If you can negotiate a better price on your own for services be sure to evaluate that before converting to the HOA plan. If you install Frontier internet now and install Frontier TV later, there will be an installation charge of $85.00, so consider that before making your final decision on when and what to have installed.
Coronavirus
We have been receiving complaints of people gathering before and after golf, tennis, and pickleball. Please remember there are to be no gatherings before or after play. Once you are done playing please leave the area to help protect everyone.
Please follow all safety guidelines: Must carry a mask at all times, wear masks outdoors if you can’t maintain 6’ social distancing, wear masks at all times indoors except for members of the same household.
COVID Statistics: As of Friday, 11/20/20, in the US, there have been over 250,000 Deaths and 195,000 new cases, 83,000 hospitalized, 16,000 in ICU nationwide, 5,000 on ventilators nationwide. 50% of all infections are caused by asymptomatic people-people spreading the virus showing no signs of illness at all.
COVID State and County Law
The State Order is still in effect about ‘Stay at Home’ and ‘no gatherings’. This State Order has been in effect since last March. Residents are responsible to follow the State Order. The HOA will be looking for and enforcing no visitors and no gatherings on Common Property, such as streets, parking lots, Tennis courts, Pickleball courts, etc.
The HOA will not be looking for violations of the State Order on private property. We will investigate any complaints of noise or conduct on private property. We are not looking for such violations on private property, for example in your home or in your backyard. But if there is a complaint we will investigate.
The State Order allows for only 3 households to gather and it must be outside. No gatherings inside a home. But there are still no guests allowed on Common property. Please: Be diligent and responsible, with everyone’s cooperation it will help our community to remain safe.
Podcast #249 – 11/25/2020
North Channel Lake: The Water Company is estimated to start construction on rebuilding the North Channel next June. The first lake will be demolished, and a new lake built to accommodate the drainage plans for increased water flow. This had been in the plans since the beginning of the development. The part on the HOA property will take estimated about 6-9 months to complete. Although the work on the HOA property will be done within one year of the start of construction the entire new drainage system will not be complete for about 4-5 years because of all the other work that needs to be done on other properties.
The HOA has funds saved for the removal of sediment and reeds from the Lakes. We don’t want to start any work until after the Water Company completes their work to the first lake because water travels from the first lake to the second lake and so forth through the golf course. If we remove sediment and reeds from other lakes without removing the sediment and reeds from the first lake, the reeds will simply travel back into the other lakes and we would have to do the work all over again. For this reason, we don’t want to spend thousands of dollars removing sediment and reeds at this time knowing we would have to do it again after the first lake was rebuilt. We also don’t want to spend thousands of dollars removing sediment and reeds from the first lake when it is likely the Water company will be doing that work in about 6-7 months anyway.
Trash Pickup: Many residents in phase 3 have experienced late trash pickup on Tuesdays. If your trash pickup has not occurred by 7 pm, you may leave your containers out all night and put them away the next morning. Containers need to be put away by 9 am on Wednesday. If the trash has not been picked up by 9 am on Wednesday, you may leave your containers out on Wednesday until the trash is finally picked up.
Frontier: Be sure to check your first bill from Frontier to be sure that there is not a service call fee of $85. A couple of residents have said this fee was on their bill by mistake. If you have this fee on your bill call Frontier and it will be removed.
Coronavirus Update: Some residents are thinking we are supposed to follow the CDC recommendations, and this is not correct. We are required to follow the State and County Orders, the CDC guidelines are only recommendations and have no jurisdiction or authority over what we are required to implement.
Currently you may have 3 households visit outdoors in your backyard. There are to be no gatherings indoors and no guests in your home overnight according to the State Order. The HOA is not allowing for guests on Common Property except for golf. Small gatherings indoors have been shown to be super spreaders of the virus. In more than 50% of cases, the virus is being spread by people showing no symptoms at all. If you happen to attend a gathering indoors, it is recommended you self-quarantine and get a COVID test in 3-5 days to be sure you are COVID free.
Incident on 11th Tee Box of South Golf Course: I explained in the last podcast about an incident that occurred on the 11th tee box of the South Course. I explained it was reported there were 12 people on the golf course, all without masks, all within 6’ of each other, and then all proceeded into a home together. The Resident will receive multiple citations given multiple violations have occurred.
On Tuesday, 11/24 at 4 pm, Tammy Pena posted a message on Next Door which I stated was made up, fabricated, and a lie. The posted message stated the following:
Tammy Pena • Tuesday, November 24 * 4 pm
PODCAST Episode 248. This message is a comment in regard to the residents mentioned in this podcast (12 visitors on 11th tee box). ALL of them were from ONE family. They were there for their annual holiday photo shoot, therefore the reason they did not have a mask on.
Most of the 12 have already had Covid-19 many months ago and have fully recovered including the parents of the 2 young grandkids (the grandkids never got Covid-19 even though their parents did). They did violate the common ground rule, however, I feel that President Fuller was very degrading, belligerent, condescending and disrespectful in his treatment of these people as he YELLED at them out-of-control to disburse immediately!
And requested security to go “INSIDE” the home and take a head count; WOW, REALLY!!!!!
I feel that a person in his position should be able to diffuse a situation with control and respect of all persons. Moving forward, if President Fuller cannot act in a respectful manner, maybe he should voluntarily step out of this position, since it’s obvious from his behavior, that the pressure of this position may be beyond his scope of tolerance at this time.
Even with fear and anger, a person in a high position and authority should be able to treat people with respect regardless. Because of this encounter, these residents are MOVING out of this community and their “by word of mouth” will NOT be good about SCSH... very sad.
And as a result, I know at least one other family that will leave. Maybe that’s what President Fullers intentions are. I certainly hope they are not. However, he’s gaining quite a reputation within this community, and is considered a tyrant and laughing-stock by our sister community off Washington Street.
As I explained in the Podcast, I was never on the golf course, I did not make any comments to the people on the golf course and the photographic evidence shows that I was never on the golf course at any time, so it wasn’t possible that I yelled at anyone, nor did I act in an inappropriate way. As to other comments, body cams on the security staff will show that no one was asked to enter the home and make a count of the people. Fortunately, pictures and video show that Tammy Pena’s story is totally fabricated.
I understand people will disagree with the current State Order, and I also understand that people will disagree with Board decisions, that is expected. What I think is inappropriate, disrespectful, unproductive, and politically self-serving is to attack people’s character because you disagree. The Board is made up of residents just trying to help, volunteers doing the best they can, and if some residents are going to attack the character of Board members because they are not getting their own way, why would anyone want to step forward to volunteer and help? In this case it was fortunate pictures and video shows the truth.
In the future my suggestion is if a person has acted inappropriately you file a formal complaint, and it will be investigated. But such public character attacks are not helpful and only create unfounded divisiveness, something the HOA does not need at any time.
Please take care and be safe. If you have any questions let me know.
With the new year just around the corner, it seems appropriate to explain once again our forecasted monthly expenses. These amounts are based on the Board-approved 2021 budget. Your total monthly assessment per homeowner unit is $306. This amount includes $12 for your Frontier internet service.
Additionally, the Board voted to issue each homeowner unit a one-time credit of $144. Your January 2021 assessment will be reduced by $144, making $162 the total amount due for January 2021. The amount due for February through December 2021 will be $306 per month.
Let us now look at the composition of the $306 monthly assessment. $49 per homeowner unit is credited to the Replacement Fund. This fund accumulates financial resources for future replacements or major repairs of common area real and personal property components that the Association owns. The balance of the monthly assessment, or $257 per homeowner unit, pays for estimated monthly Operating Fund expenses as follows:
$57 for Facilities Maintenance
$40 for General/Administration
$38 for Golf
$32 for Landscape Maintenance
$31 for Property Protection
$21 for Utilities (includes $12 for Frontier internet)
$15 for Recreation/Lifestyle
$14 for Fitness
$11 for Food/Beverage
$9 for Depreciation
$0 for Capital Improvements
$0 for Common Area Improvements
$0 for Contingency Fund
You may notice that the budgeted Operating Fund expenses I listed total $268 per homeowner unit per month. The difference in Operating Fund expenses and Operating Fund assessments ($268 vs. $257) is funded from Operating Fund other income that we anticipate earning during the year ($11 per unit per month).
Below is a summary of the computation of the monthly assessments for 2021 and 2020.
There will be no open meeting of the Board on Monday, November 23, 2020. The next open meeting of the Board is scheduled for Monday, December 21, 2020, at 2 pm
Phase 2 was released last Friday to call in for appointments. This was done early because not enough people were calling in for whatever reason from Phase 3. Some of the street names were left off the list today for Phase 2, so when people called in they were turned down. That problem has been fixed so Phase 2 residents may call in tomorrow.
Phase 3 can still call in whenever they want. Once you are scheduled you may call any time after that time to make an appointment.
If you have the internet installed, and then decide later to have TV installed there will be a charge to have TV installed at a later date, so please keep that in mind. I am told the charge to come back at a later date to add TV services will be $85. Prices are not guaranteed.
The local package for about $25 per month is available. I heard a couple of residents were told it was not available from the Fronter call center. Have them check because it is available.
When you have the internet installed, if you want to keep your same wireless password tell the technician to program in your old username and password. That way you will not have to re-configure your wireless devices. You will need your wireless name and password to make this happen.
So far most people have told me they are saving between $40-$60 per month for the same services. I have had two people tell me they were not saving money, so I asked for the two billings to check if something was wrong. One person sent me the two bills and it was true his new price was $30 higher than his old price for the same services with Frontier. I went through the bill and it turns out he was getting a special promotional price of $80 less which is going to end in March. This means his bill was going to go up on March 1 by $80 per month. Once this increase takes place this person will be saving $50 per month.
This brings up another point, if you are currently getting a special price on services from any company, you need to check pricing and compare. If a different plan is better stay with it. The HOA has made clear you do not have to install the Frontier plan at this time. If you are getting a special price, like this resident for $80 less, then don’t install the HOA internet. You will still be saving $68 per month and then when the special pricing ends you can install the HOA internet and get the best of both worlds.
You do not have to sign up for the internet now. You can sign up anytime in the future and there is still no charge for the first install appointment, even if done years later. There is only a charge if you call back after the initial install to request additional services.
Phase 2 was released early because not as many people are calling in for appointments as projected, so Frontier needs more people calling for appointments, so the installers are kept busy the entire time. Hopefully wait time will not be too long. Could be with less people here because of the virus there are less people able to call in at the moment.
Frontier has full time workers and supervision on site 6 days a week. If your installation has a problem after the technician leaves your home, call the HOA office and we will give you the phone number of the on site manager to contact you.
Shadows: Special Thanksgiving Day Dinner for takeout. Need to order by Saturday 11/21 at 5 pm.
Putting Course: Planned to open on 12/1. We will have the guidelines out to you by next week. Clubs will not be able to have events because of gathering issues. It will be open for individual play only using the guidelines of masks and social distancing.
The State Order is still in effect about ‘Stay at Home’ and ‘no gatherings’. This State Order has been in effect since last March. Residents are responsible to follow the State Order. The HOA will be looking for and enforce no visitors and no gatherings on Common Property, such as streets, parking lots, Tennis courts, Pickleball courts, etc.
If a resident is walking with a guest, they can be cited for violating State Order because a guest is not supposed to be on common property. If walking, biking, etc. on Common property including streets, the people will be cited.
The HOA will not be looking for violations of the State Order on private property. We will investigate any complaints of noise or conduct on private property. We are not looking for such violations on private property, for example in your home or in your backyard. But if there is a complaint we will investigate.
Exception: The State Order allows for only 3 households to gather and it must be outside. No gatherings inside a home at any time. But there are still no guests allowed on Common property.
COVID-19 Cases are climbing everywhere in the country. Please be careful. Guidelines seem to say wear masks, stay away from each other, no gatherings. Suggestion is to postpone thanksgiving and holiday celebrations until next year. I know everyone wants to have their family over for thanksgiving, but if something goes wrong and your family member dies, is it worth it. Please ask yourself that question. If you are going to have a gathering limit it to the State Order of only 3 households and only outdoors.
Toys for Tots Program: The Veterans Club has been supporting the Marines "Toys for Tots" program for over 13 years. Sun City Shadow Hills and Shadow Hills HS been partners in this. The ROTC Cadets from the HS are very active with this. The Cadets cannot be as active this year because of the virus. The program is over December 4th. Please bring an unwrapped toy to any Clubhouse and drop it in one of the boxes for the program.
I have been contacted by many residents this morning in Phase 2 that when they phone in to the Frontier call center their streets are not listed for installation.
Frontier contacted me and said they made an error in the list of streets to be released for install. Only some of the streets in Phase 2 were released. Frontier is sending all their call centers an updated and corrected list so this problem should be resolved by tomorrow morning. If you are in Phase 2 please do not call until tomorrow.
Frontier Update-Phase 2 is Open for Installation calls on Monday
For Phase 2 residents, Frontier will be accepting phone calls to place orders for installation on Monday, November 16, by calling 844-660-0648 beginning at 8 am. Do NOT call Frontier’s advertised number at 800-921-8101.
This means not only can Phase 3 residents still call to place orders, but Phase 2 residents may also place orders beginning on Monday. Phase 1 residents may not call in to order yet, Frontier still needs to finish some construction work in that area.
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.
I have attached the installation call in numbers along with instructions. Let me know if you have any questions. The good news is the install is going well so all of Phase 2 may call in, they are not separating out different streets, so everyone in Phase 2 can begin calling on Monday.
Why not reduce dues by $12 per month instead of a onetime credit of $144?
It is correct we could reduce dues by $12 per month and we did consider this alternative. We decided not to proceed that way because of the issues involved this last year when we reduced the dues by $8 per month. If we reduce the dues by $12 per month too many residents do not understand the real dues rate would be $12 higher. We spent a lot of time explaining to people all year long that the dues this year was $281, not $273. As a result, people thought the dues increase was 8% when it is actually 4.6%. Given the onetime credit of $144, the actual dues increase for next year is only $1 per month based on a balanced budget comparing this year to next year. To avoid this same confusion next year, we decided the better approach is a onetime credit so that everyone will know for certain the dues are $306 per month. This will save us time in trying to explain next year the actual dues increase and it will remove the criticism from people that believe we are increasing dues a higher percentage than the actual real increase. Next year everyone will know the dues are $306 per month and everyone will calculate the new dues rate based on $306. Just easier to explain. We don’t count Frontier in the calculation because Frontier was not part of the operations budget for this year and residents voluntarily voted to increase the dues by $12 per month in order to save money each month. Our estimate is over 70% of residents will save more than $12 per month making their net cost per month go down.
How will the billing work for January and February?
The bill for the January monthly dues will be $162 and the following 11 months will be $306. For those of you that have direct withdrawal with DRM, they will withdraw the correct amount each month, so you don’t have to worry about the change from January to February. Each person may verify that this will happen automatically by calling the HOA office. People on auto pay through a bank will have to make the change for January and then make a change again in February for the rest of the year.
Frontier Installation
Frontier install is proceeding. If you call on a Monday morning that is the busiest time for calls so you will probably be put on hold. Tuesday through Friday I have been told is going efficiently with little or not wait time on hold to make your appointment.
Most installs have been going well I have been told. There are some issues as there are with any new installation. One resident had the entire system go down an hour after the installation. The resident then tried to call to have it repaired and the service rep said they could not send out a tech unless the resident paid a fee. Now that clearly didn’t sound right. Turned out the resident got routed to a retail division and once cleared up the tech came out that night and made all the repairs. Resident says he is saving about $80 per month.
So far, I have only heard from two people that they are not saving any money. We have asked for a copy of their last two bills to see if something is in error. We are waiting for the bills so at the moment we don’t know for sure if there is a savings or not. We will see. Most people have said they are saving between $40 and $80 per month.
Golfer with COVID
I need a follow up on the announcement I made about a golfer testing positive for COVID. I made this announcement a few weeks ago.
Only the one golfer tested positive and had a very mild case. Those who were near this person and those who saw this person in the days following have all tested NEGATIVE. I want you all to know that all the others who had limited contact with the golfer tested negative. Even the spouse tested negative. Hopefully, this will reduce the curiosity and anxiety about what happened to this person. Everyone appears safe and sound.
State Order is still in Effect
Please be aware there are still no gatherings and no guests according to State Orders. Only exception is 3 households may meet outside only, not indoors. The HOA is not allowing guests on common property including streets.
We are all trying to navigate this situation the best we can so people may participate in certain activities while still being as safe as possible. The HOA is not looking for a violation of the State Order on private property but will investigate any complaint or anything obvious.
Suggestion is to leave thanksgiving and holidays to next year and keep everyone safe. Please be careful.
As you all know today is that special day when we take a moment to say thank you to all the Veterans who have served and all who have died so we can live in Freedom. It comes with a heavy price, and we all need to be most grateful that so many were willing to pay that price for our benefit.
The attached video says it best, and asks for two minutes of time to remember all of those who have served.
With the new year it seems only appropriate to explain once again our forecasted monthly expenses. These amounts are based on the Board approved 2021 budget. Your total monthly assessment per homeowner unit is $306. This amount includes the $12 for your Frontier internet.
Additionally, the Board voted to issue each homeowner unit a one-time credit of $144. Your January 2021 assessment will be reduced by $144, making the total amount due, for January 2021, $162. The amount due for February through December 2021 will be $306 per month.
Let us now look at the composition of the $306 monthly assessment. $49 per homeowner unit is credited to the Replacement Fund. This fund accumulates financial resources for future replacements or major repairs of common area real and personal property components owned by the Association. The balance of the monthly assessment, or $257 per homeowner unit, is forecasted to pay estimated monthly Operating Fund expenses as follows:
$57 for Facilities Maintenance
$40 for General/Administration
$38 for Golf
$32 for Landscape Maintenance
$31 for Property Protection
$21 for Utilities (includes $12 for Frontier internet)
$15 for Recreation/Lifestyle
$14 for Fitness
$11 for Food/Beverage
$9 for Depreciation
$0 for Capital Improvements
$0 for Common Area Improvements
$0 for Contingency Fund
You may notice that the budgeted Operating Fund expenses I listed total $268 per homeowner unit per month. The difference in Operating Fund expenses and Operating Fund assessments ($268 vs. $257) is funded from Operating Fund other income that is anticipated to be earned during the year ($11 per unit per month).
Below is a summary of the computation of the monthly assessments for 2021 and 2020.
Announcement: Linda Aasen and Kim Fuller are running for re-election to the Board.
We have re-posted for comment the rules for political signs, Guests, and Arbitrating Party Walls.
Political Signs
The proposed reposted Event/Sign Rules:
3 signs per candidate
30 days prior to election
Removed within 24 hours of election
Party Walls
Definition: Wall separating two homeowners. The HOA is required to have a process for a dispute between two homeowners regarding the Party Wall. Board felt hiring a professional arbiter would be costly for the homeowners, about $2,000-$5,000. If we use our current Enforcement Procedures, the only cost for homeowners would be the cost of an engineering report to determine the reason for damaged wall. Using our existing process would cost the homeowners nothing for a hearing before the Covenants Committee.
This process does not include walls between HOA and homeowner. HOA pays to replace a wall between homeowners and the HOA unless the homeowner is responsible for damages to the wall.
Guests
Currently no description on how to treat guests over 55
All Guests may be a guest for 60 days/nights, then must vacate the community or become a Qualified Permanent Resident.
A Daily visitor, not staying overnight may visit every day, there is no limit.
Caregivers may stay as long as needed, there is no limit.
Tennis & Pickleball Lights
Courts will close at 8:30 for the peace & quiet of neighboring residents.
Frontier
Currently installing internet at Zone 1A homes.
Kim’s situation: Savings for same service is $52 per month. After subtracting the HOA fee of $12 the savings is $40 per month.
Budget
$281 is our 2020 balanced budget assessment
2019 Surplus credit of $8 per month reduced dues to $273.
2021 dues actually increased from $281 - $294. This is a $13 increase or 4.6% increase over 2020.
$12 Frontier payment voted in by 70% of our residents so we don’t calculate this cost because it was not part of the 2020 budget and the $12 fee will save most residents more than $12 per month.
2021 Budget
The Balanced budget for 2021 is based on the worst-case scenario: No guests on golf courses or Shadows in 2021. If we remain open this income should improve for the year.
Some residents have suggested we close Shadows to save money:
F&B subsidy of $11.19 per month. Many other budget items receive a higher subsidy. Shadows is a valuable asset to community and important for home resales.
Some residents have suggested we hire an outside contractor to run Shadows:
$300,000 subsidy would require contractor to make up this loss before making any money. Cost of menu items would likely increase. Residents knew they would subsidize all amenities when buying a home at SCSH. CC&Rs do not allow for contracts more than one year so Contractors would not invest money for one year knowing the contract to terminate after only one year. Residents would need to vote to change one year restriction, so this complicates the possibility of an outside vendor to run Shadows.
California AB3182 – ADUs & JADUs
California wants to increase housing through ADUs & JADUs
Applies to renters, not guests.
ADU – Accessory Dwelling Unit. Built on existing property, and must contain a bathroom and kitchen
CC&Rs: Currently cannot rent out a casita, can only rent out entire home
A Casita does not qualify as ADUs if there is no kitchen.
A resident could obtain a City Permit to add a kitchen.
JADU – Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit. Wall off and rent out part of the house. Must contain separate entry, Kitchen & bathroom.
CC&Rs & ADUs: January 1, 2021 this new law nullifies our 90-day minimum rentals and changes it from 90 to 30 days. Of the 200 HOAs interviewed, they all had 30 day minimum rental periods without problems.
We currently allow for rentals less than 30 days if the resident uses a management company. When we vote to amend the CC&R’s it will be proposed to eliminate this clause so all rentals must be at least 30 days. We will need to have a resident ballot vote next year by instruction of the new State Law. Estimated to have such a ballot vote in October of next year.
The Board has posted some proposed rule changes for review on the website. I will attempt to answer some of the questions regarding the proposed rules. If you still have questions be sure to let me know.
Proposed Rules and Regulations for Event/Political Signs and Flags:
Rules and Regulations Section 2.8.4 Event/Political Signs and Flags: Residents are permitted to simultaneously display up to three (3) event/political signs and flags on their Lot. The signs cannot be identical or substantially similar to any other event/political sign placed on the same Lot. Event/political signs may be displayed no more than thirty (30) consecutive days before the event or election and must be removed the day after the event or election. Political flags count as signs and are defined for these guidelines as signs. Event/Political signs may only be displayed in the front yard. US flags are exempt from these guidelines and may be displayed all year round. US flags may not be larger than 15 sq ft. At no time shall such signs violate applicable law.
The proposed rules for the display of signs and flags were created to clarify the guidelines for all event/political signs since the current rules are not explicit.
The following information was gathered from a survey of almost 1,000 homes:
How long before an election should political signs be allowed to be displayed?
30 Days – 86%
45 Days – 7%
60 Days – 4%
No Limit – 2%
How many signs should be allowed on one property?
1 sign – 29%
2 signs – 26%
3 signs – 33%
4 signs – 4%
5 signs – 2%
Unlimited – 5%
How many signs per candidate should be displayed?
1 sign – 77%
Doesn’t Matter – 23%
After review of the survey information the Board decided on the proposed language listed above for Section 2.8.4 of the Rules and Regulations.
Proposed Design Rules Party Walls:
The proposed Party Wall rule for the Design Rule addition is because CC&R Section 7.6.7 states: “In the event of a dispute between Owners with respect to the construction, repair or rebuilding of a Party Wall or with respect to any other matter in connection therewith, then upon written request of one of such Owners addressed to the Association, the matter shall be submitted to arbitration under such rules as may from time to time be adopted by the Association”.
A Party Wall according to CC&R Section 1.40 is defined: “Party Wall" means a wall or fence situated on a boundary line separating two or more Lots or a Lot and any portion of the Common Area”.
So, the HOA must establish a process of arbitration for a dispute between two homeowners regarding the Party Wall between two homes. The Board is proposing the following process to be efficient and cost effective:
Design Rules Section 4.30.6: Article 7, Section 7.6 of the CC&Rs, details maintenance and repair responsibilities with respect to Party Walls. Pursuant to Section 7.6.7 of the CC&Rs, in the event of a dispute, that cannot be resolved between Owners, regarding the construction, repair, or rebuilding of a Party Wall or regarding any other matter in connection therewith, SCSHCA shall be the arbiter of the dispute. In order to determine the cause of the damage or deterioration of the Party Wall or to provide other necessary information as determined by SCSHCA, SCSHCA may retain a masonry expert or structural engineer. The cost of said expert shall be the joint expense of the Owners involved in the dispute unless fault related to the damage or deterioration is assigned to an Owner by the expert, in which case the Owner responsible for the damage or deterioration shall pay the cost of the expert’s report. If, in the expert’s opinion, the fault related to the damage or deterioration can be apportioned among the Owners involved in the dispute, the costs of the expert’s report will be apportioned the same between these Owners. The SCSHCA’s Covenants Committee shall first hear the dispute in compliance with SCSHCA’s Enforcement Procedures. Each Owner has a right to appeal the Covenants Committee’s decision to the Board of SCSHCA, as does the Board of SCSHCA in its own discretion.
Does the HOA have to be the arbiter in such a dispute? No. The HOA is only required to establish the arbitration process.
Why is the HOA choosing to act as arbiter? This is proposed in an effort save residents time and money. If the process were to require professional third-party Arbitration, it is estimated to cost between $2,000 to $5,000 per resident. By using our existing Covenants Committee process the cost will be Zero for such a hearing. The only cost will be that of the engineering report to determine what caused the Party Wall damage.
What if the dispute is for a Party Wall between a resident and the HOA property? The proposed new process does not apply. CC&R Section 7.6.5 applies to walls between a resident and the HOA. In a case between a resident and the HOA, if a wall needs to be replaced the HOA must replace the wall at their own expense. The exception is if the resident caused the damage to the wall the resident would have to repair it. For example: A worker for the resident, in putting in a backyard pool, accidently drives a mini-tractor through the wall. In this case the resident would be responsible for repairing the damage.
Is the Arbitration process binding on the two residents? No. Residents could still hire attorneys and take whatever Civil action they deemed necessary, but the HOA will have fulfilled its obligation under the CC&R’s.
Proposed Rules and Regulations for Definition of Guests:
The new guest rule is being proposed because the CC&R’s do not describe guests 55 years old and above. The CC&R’s Section 8.1.1 only describe that residents may have guests under the age of 55. As a result, there is an argument that residents may not have guests over 55 because the CC&R’s state you may only have guests under 55. There is also the argument that non-residents over 55 could have free access to the facilities because there is no language denying them access. There is also no language to state who is responsible for such guests, nor how long they may stay. There is also no language requiring long term guests over 55 to register as a Qualified Permanent Resident. Without language in the CC&R’s describing guests over 55 we need to make the rules to describe and qualify this group of people. The following language is being proposed:
Rules and Regulations Section 2.4.1. Definition of Guest: Individuals regardless of age, who stay with residents of SCSHCA for 60 total days and nights or less in a calendar year, are Guests. The 60-day threshold only applies to Guests staying overnight at Residences. A Guest may stay in a Residence without a Host Resident, i.e., a Qualifying Resident or a Qualified Permanent Resident, physically present.
Individuals who stay in a Residence within SCSHCA for more than 60 total days and nights in a calendar year are no longer Guests, and must vacate the Residence or must qualify to reside in the community pursuant to Section 8.1.1 of the CC&Rs. Such individuals shall submit to the Association’s age verification process and if required in the Board’s sole discretion, provide proof of primary occupancy in the Residence that is satisfactory to the Board, or immediately quit occupancy of a Residence within the community. A vendor of a resident is a commercial invitee and not a Guest.
Is it necessary to pass a CC&R to resolve this issue? No. The addition of the new rule will resolve this issue.
Can my guest stay in my house when I am not present in the home? Yes.
Can a Caregiver stay longer than 60 days/nights? Yes. Caregivers may stay as long as is necessary.
Can my family stay longer than 60 days/nights when they are caring for me because of a medical rehab condition? Yes. In this case there are exemptions also for family members taking care of residents so they may stay as long as is necessary.
Does a guest that visits me during the day count for the 60 day/night limit? No. Guests that do not stay overnight may come everyday and there is no limit on that type of visit. You may have a friend visit everyday of the year if they are only visiting during the day. The 60 day/night limit only applies to the guests that stay overnight.
What happens after the guest stays with me for 60 days/nights and is not a caregiver or a family member taking care of me for a medical reason? After 60 days/nights the guest will need to apply to the Board to be a Qualified Permanent Resident or else leave the community.
Proposed Rules and Regulations for Tennis & Pickleball Courts Operating Hours:
4.16.2 Tennis and Pickle Ball Courts – Generally: (a) Although hours of operation are subject to change, the tennis and pickle ball courts are open daily during the following times.
November 1 – April 30: 8:00 am – 8:30 pm daily.
May 1 – October 31: 7:00 am – 8:30 pm daily.
Hopefully, I have answered your questions and concerns about the proposed new rule changes and additions, if not, please let me know.
It is hard to believe we have been part of a statewide lockdown for seven months. Who would have ever thought? I just want to say “thank you” to everyone for your focus, diligence, responsibility, and patience as we march through this part of life. Helping each other stay healthy has been an enormous task, and hopefully it will be over soon.
Let’s take a break from the ongoing issues of COVID-19 and congratulate some of our residents who make our lifestyle so wonderful for their terrific efforts and accomplishments.
It is a pleasure to announce the achievements of the Performing Arts Club.
Each year the Desert Theatre League sends judges to adjudicate live productions presented by theatre groups across the valley. On August 1, they announced the nominees for The Desert Star Awards.
We are thrilled this year to have received seven nominations for our fall production of the drama Other Desert Cities. Our talented troupe performed this play in our clubhouse last November and brought our residents to their feet in awe of the talent displayed by the SCSH Performing Arts Club members on stage. This was an intense drama that required the actors to portray a gamut of emotions. The nominees are:
Outstanding Overall Production of a Drama: the whole team, led by Producer Bev Mirsky
The Michael Cruickshank Award for Outstanding Director of a Drama: Darryl Jacobs
Outstanding Leading Actress in a Drama: Jan Briggs and Donna Parrish
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama: Michael Goldman
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama: Eileen Heckel
Outstanding Set Design: Marlys Costello
Normally, a dinner is held to honor all the nominees and announce the winners. Because of COVID-19, there will be no hosted dinner and presentation this season.
SCSH PAC also has members who audition and act in other theatrical performances in the valley. We have two additional members who have been nominated for their performances on “other stages.” These nominees are:
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Musical – Professional: Don Savage (Anything Goes, Desert Theatricals)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy – Professional: Arnie Kleban (Rumors, Desert Theatreworks)
We are so proud of all our residents and members of the Performing Arts Club, whether they support our productions behind the scenes or on stage. The Club you to know that, “We appreciate all of our residents who come out season after season as part of our audience. We love to entertain you.”
Congratulations to everyone in the Club, and we all look forward to the day we once again can enjoy watching your talent.
Such stories only make clear, “It doesn’t get any better than this.” Thank you.
My error for not being clearer about the call in schedule which created some confusion. Hopefully, this information will clear up the confusion.
Frontier will be accepting phone calls to place orders for installation on Wednesday October 21 for the residents in Zone 1A only according to the install schedule. The schedule is attached.
When the delay for calling in orders occurred, it meant a delay for those residents in Zone 1A only. They were supposed to call in on October 15. They will now begin calling in tomorrow on October 21. The rest of the schedule, for residents to call in, for Zone 1B and Zone 1C will not be changed. Here is the schedule for calling in for each Zone:
Zone 1A is to begin placing orders on October 21.
Zone 1B is to begin placing orders on November 1.
Zone 1C is to begin placing orders on November 15.
Frontier cannot handle the capacity if everyone calls in at the same time, so please wait for your scheduled time before calling in to place your order. You will place your order by calling 844-660-0648 beginning at 8 am. Do NOT call Frontier’s advertised number at 800-921-8101.
The actual installations will begin on November 1.
There was a delay in taking orders for the residents in Zone 1A, but everyone else is still on time, on the same schedule previously announced. Please don’t call in early before your scheduled time. Look up your street address in the attached install schedule and it will tell you when you are to call in to make your install appointment.
Frontier will be accepting phone calls to place orders for installation on Wednesday October 21 by calling 844-660-0648 beginning at 8 am. Do NOT call Frontier’s advertised number at 800-921-8101.
This is for the Phase 3 residents only. You may call in to place your order beginning on Wednesday; the actual installations will begin on November 1.
They notified us a couple days ago that call in ordering was delayed. We are hoping the call in ordering process will begin for Phase 3 residents on Wednesday, October 21. The actual installation will still begin on November 1.
Frontier is here now checking the fiber optic drops between the hub and your house.
If there is an issue with a broken conduit going to your home, Frontier will dig up and repair the conduit in order to make the fiber optic connection to your home.
Afterward if the yard is not as it was prior to digging, call the HOA office to report the problem and Frontier will return to fix it. Phase 3 will be installed first. Letters have been mailed to all Phase 3 residents providing the information on calling in your order. Information for Phase 1 and 2 will be mailed prior to their scheduled call in date. This information is also on our website at www.scshca.com/bulkcable. Scroll to the bottom of the page for all documents listed.
My comment in a Podcast about customer service was related to the fact in Town Hall meetings for every person that liked Frontier there was a person that did not like Frontier, and for every person that liked Spectrum there was a person that did not like Spectrum. All such comments were based on opinions that both companies had customer service issues and that whichever company we decided on it would happen knowing the customer service was not going to improve. My comment was based on the fact we would move forward knowing we would save money but that the customer service issues would not change. I stand by that statement, but that does not mean Frontier is in breach, nor does it mean they will not fulfill their contract of providing internet service. To expect the customer service to be different from before is not realistic nor was it ever said the customer service would improve.
Technically if they begin the installation by November 1, they have done exactly what they projected. All we have now is a delay in the ordering process. Hopefully the ordering process will begin on Wednesday.
Gathering Orders
The October 9th State order for Private Gatherings was re-examined by the Board.
Board decided (unanimously):
Too many discrepancies on meaning, and implementation
Rescinded implementation of this order in SCSH
Requested legal to get clarification from the state
The Current Rules are:
No visitors or guests on common property.
HOA is NOT looking for violations of the State order on private property.
HOA relies on residents to be responsible, use common sense, be considerate of neighbors.
HOA will investigate reports of noise or improper conduct.
Golf Courses
The Board voted to open the Golf courses to guests and outside play. It was felt that opening to guests and outside play could be done safely given how the game is played. People use their own equipment, use separate golf carts, and can easily maintain social distancing.
COVID – 19
Riverside County’s Daily Case Rate and Positivity Rate have been increasing. The County is in danger of returning to Purple Tier, requiring more closures. If this were to occur, we would have to close the Fitness gyms and indoor dining at Shadows. Testing sites are listed with the Riverside County Health System at the following locations: https://gettested.ruhealth.org/
It is important for people to get tested, and assuming a negative result, it will help reduce these numbers.
2021 Budget
Final budget meeting Tuesday, October 20th at 10:00 am. The Budget is based on worst case scenario of no visitors on golf courses and Shadows. In this way if the County is to close down any of these operations we will have planned for the worst. If we are able to remain open to guests for golf it will only help the year end income result in a positive way.
After further review of the State’s Gathering Guidelines, the Board has decided to meet and discuss again its implementation. I suggest residents take no action today based on yesterday’s Board’s decision until we get back to you later today. Hopefully, I will have information and any decisions from the Board by 2 pm. Sorry for the inconvenience and we appreciate your patience.
The attached information contains the information on the different TV plans from Frontier and the cost for the different plans. There is also a channel guide to explain what channels are in each plan.
Prices are not guaranteed, so each resident should call and negotiate the best rate possible. You do not need to order TV packages from Frontier, the HOA contract is for internet only. Consequently, you should investigate and compare any company that offers TV services. You may have Frontier internet service and TV service from a different company.
The HOA Board signed the 5-year bulk internet-only agreement with Frontier on July 31, 2020. The install is estimated to begin on November 1, 2020 and will take about 4 months to complete. According to the agreement all 3450 homes will be installed by March 1, 2021 and that is when the 5-year term will begin.
The attached information contains the installation instructions for the Phase 3 install. According to the Frontier installation schedule Phase 3 will be installed first, Phase 2 will be installed second, and Phase 1 will be installed last. We will mail out the installation information for each Phase as it becomes available. The estimated install schedule for each Phase is:
Phase 3, November 1, 2020 thru December 31, 2020.
Phase 2, December 1, 2020 thru January 15, 2021.
Phase 1, January 8, 2021 thru February 28, 2021
This schedule can be changed as the installation process proceeds, but this is the projected timeframe. For Phase 3, the area is broken down into 3 different Zones for calling in your order for installation: Zone 1A, Zone 1B, and Zone 1C. The attached document will break down each Zone area in Phase 3 by street. Please look up your street and that will tell you when you may call in to make your appointment for installation. Call in orders for Zone 1A will begin 10/15/20. Call in orders for Zone 1B will begin 11/1/20. Call in orders for Zone 1C will begin 11/15/20.
If you are out of the area during your scheduled order and installation dates, that is fine, you can just call in when you are available after you return. Once you have been listed to call in, you may call in any time after that date even if it’s two months later.
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.
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 downloads. This is the fastest speed available.
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 will be sent an install schedule so each home will be scheduled to call for an appointment between November 1, 2020 and February 2021. You will call for your install appointment on the date listed in the schedule. You may call after this date, but not before.
When will the install schedule be sent out? We estimate the install schedule to be sent out on October 1 by regular mail, email, and posted on the website.
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.
I already have Frontier installed so can I convert to the new HOA contract price right away without having to wait for an appointment? No. All residents will be on a schedule for install based on geography in the complex. Frontier will start at one end of the complex and keep installing until complete at the other end. Even if you have Frontier equipment now you will have to wait for your scheduled time to make an appointment for install and at the time of install you will be converted to the new pricing.
When will the $12 per month fee go into effect? We anticipate the monthly increase will begin on January 1, 2021.
If I am not installed by January 1, 2021 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 my scheduled appointment what happens? You may call any time after your scheduled appointment 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 #11, you may call any time after your originally schedule appointment to make a new appointment. 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. We will hopefully send out the TV package pricing for Frontier when we send out the schedule for appointments. 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.
The Board is considering several possible rule changes or additions that are posted on the Website for discussion and review by all residents. Please let the Board know your comments before the next Board meeting on October 26, 2020.
1. Definition of Guests:
There was some confusion about the wording that was posted regarding guests, so I have reworded the posting to hopefully be clearer.
a. Proposed New Definition:
2.4.1. Definition of Guest: 2.4.1. Definition of Guest: Individuals regardless of age, who stay with residents of SCSHCA for 60 total days and nights or less in a calendar year, are Guests. The 60 day threshold only applies to Guests staying overnight at Residences. A Guest may stay in a Residence without a Host Resident, i.e., a Qualifying Resident or a Qualified Permanent Resident, physically present. Individuals who stay in a Residence within SCSHCA for more than 60 total days and nights in a calendar year are no longer Guests, and must vacate the Residence or must qualify to reside in the community pursuant to Section 8.1.1 of the CC&Rs. Such individuals shall submit to the Association’s age verification process and if required in the Board’s sole discretion, provide proof of primary occupancy in the Residence that is satisfactory to the Board, or immediately quit occupancy of a Residence within the community. A vendor of a resident is a commercial invitee and not a Guest.
2. Political Signs: The next possible addition to the rules is a description for the use of Political Signs.
a. The rule would limit the number of political signs to a maximum of 3 signs per home, no more than one per candidate, not posted more than 30 days in advance of the election, and must be removed the day after the election.
3. Party Walls: Party Walls are the walls between two neighbors. If there is a dispute about a Party Wall between two homeowners, this rule describes how the HOA will arbitrate the dispute.
a. Currently there is no rule for this, but the CC&R’s require the HOA must arbitrate a dispute, so the following rule is being proposed.
b. Proposed Rule: Article 7, Section 7.6 of the CC&Rs, details maintenance and repair responsibilities with respect to Party Walls. Pursuant to Section 7.6.7 of the CC&Rs, in the event of a dispute between Owners regarding the construction, repair, or rebuilding of a Party Wall or regarding any other matter in connection therewith, the Association shall be the arbiter of the dispute. In order to determine the cause of the damage or deterioration of the Party Wall or to provide other necessary information as determined by the Association, the Association may retain a masonry expert or structural engineer. The cost of said expert shall be the joint expense of the Owners involved in the dispute. The Association’s determination as to dispute shall be final.
Hopefully, this will answer your questions about the possible additions or changes to the rules. The Board will vote on final language at the next open meeting which is currently scheduled for October 26, 2020. If you have comments or suggestions, please get them to the Board before that date.
Here are the current guidelines for the different activities we are now offering. If you have any questions be sure to let me know.
As we move forward please be aware that the State’s Stay-at-Home Order 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 and gyms can open but billiards may not open.
Online Reservation Hours: 8 AM-11:45 PM Everyday
Phone-in Reservation Hours: 8 AM-4 PM Everyday
The following activities will have no changes:
Santa Rosa Pool–No change
Indoor Pool-No change
Tennis/Pickleball/Bocce-No change
Montecito Clubhouse-No change, still closed.
Putting Course-The putting course at the Montecito Clubhouse will be closed until 12/1/2020. We have overseeding and given the area staff believes this area will take longer than the rest of the course. If it is ready earlier, we will let you know. We will also need to set up the reservation system for this area and that is not ready yet.
The following areas now have revised guidelines:
Dog Parks- Beginning October 1, the capacity for dog parks increased from 4 people to 8 people per section (small dogs and large dogs sections). Reservations are still required. You must maintain distancing or wear a mask.
Montecito Outdoor Pool- Beginning October 1, the capacity for the pool increased from 4 to 8 people and you may use it every day. You still need to maintain social distancing. Reservations are still required. There will be no lap swimming allowed in the Montecito Outdoor Pool with this higher capacity as there would be too much conflict with 7 other people in the pool.
New! Gym is Open:
Capacity- The new guidelines permit the opening of the gym with 10% capacity. Here are the operating procedures.
Beginning October 1, the gyms will be open on a reservation-only basis with the following capacity limits:
Montecito-13 people
Santa Rosa-9 people
Face Masks and Social Distancing-Face Masks will always be required while indoors no matter what activity. Distancing will also be required at all times.
Reservations-Each reservation will be for 45 minutes and you are limited to one reservation per day.
Arrival-You may arrive 5 minutes before your reservation time.
Departure-You must leave on time.
Temperature-Your temperature will be taken upon arrival. If it exceeds 100.0 you will not be permitted to enter or workout.
Waivers-You must sign a new waiver. The new waivers are required because of Covid. People using the online reservation system have already filled out the waiver, but residents that made a phone-in reservation need to sign the waiver. Please understand that it may take a few minutes to sign the waiver the first time you arrive and be patient.
Gym Hours:
Monday-Friday 6 AM-6 PM
Saturday/Sunday 7:30 AM-4:30 PM
Special Note regarding small equipment-All small equipment has been removed. The County order makes cleaning of small shared equipment difficult to manage so we have removed the equipment.
Restrictions-By County order-the following will not be available: Lockers, water, showers, gatherings, chairs, and tables.
Resident ID Cards: Resident ID cards will be required to use the gym. If you don’t have one for some reason, make an appointment with the HOA office for another card.
No Guests.
Fitness Classes: We are working on Fitness classes and hopefully will start later in October.
Yearly Fitness Class Passholders: Fees will be returned on a pro-rated basis. Future classes will be fee based with costs being the same for everyone.
Shadows Re-opening for Sit-down Meals:
Takeout and Delivery will continue.
Hours for sit down dining: 10 AM-7 PM Everyday
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 indoors based on capacity of 25%. 6 tables outdoors based on distancing.
Limited Menu-Not the same as before.
Golf-South Course (re-opening October 31) Changes:
Tee Times: Split Tee Times (Double Tee start)
8:00 AM-10:00 AM
12:30 PM-2:30 PM
8-minute intervals (was 10 minutes)
Pre-Payment Required (same as before)
Golf Carts-Individual golf carts may only be used if you pay the trail fee starting 10/31/20.
Guests: The Stay at Home Order is still in effect. The State Order is still in effect about ‘Stay-at-Home’ and ‘no gatherings’. Residents are responsible to follow the State Order. The HOA will be looking for and enforce no visitors and no gatherings on Common Property, such as streets, parking lots, Courts, etc.
If a resident is walking with a child, they can be cited for violating State Order because a young person is not supposed to be visiting and they are on common property. If walking, biking, etc. on Common property including streets, the people will be cited.
The HOA will not be looking for violations of the State Order on private property. We will investigate any complaints of noise or conduct on private property. We are not looking for such violations on private property, for example in your home. But if there is a complaint we will investigate even on private property.
There was some confusion about my prior announcement regarding the “no guests” rule from last week.
To make it clear, the County’s “No Guests Rule” remains in effect. The County has made some exceptions for various activities, but these are exceptions only and do not apply to all other activities.
The HOA will continue to enforce the “No Guests Rule” on common areas. If we see guests on common areas, we will issue a citation.
The HOA will not look at what happens in your own home, unless we get a complaint that there is too much noise in a house or there are ten cars in front of a single home. If we do get a complaint – we will investigate and we will issue a citation if there is a violation.
Our desire is always to keep you safe and healthy.
As I reported last month, the HOA Board signed the five-year bulk internet-only agreement with Frontier on July 31, 2020. The install is estimated to begin on November 1, 2020, and will take about four months to complete. According to the agreement, all 3,450 homes will be installed by March 1, 2021, and that is when the five-year term will begin.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the installation:
When can I install the Frontier service? Everyone will be sent an install schedule, so each home will be scheduled to call for an appointment between November 1, 2020, and February 2021. You will call for your install appointment on the date listed in the schedule. You may call after this date, but not before.
When will the install schedule be sent out? We estimate the install schedule will be sent out on October 1 by regular mail and email, and it will also be posted on the website.
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 Mbps. It is estimated that 90% of Frontier customers will need new equipment installed.
I already have Frontier installed, so can I convert to the new HOA contract price right away without having to wait for an appointment? No. All residents will be on a schedule for installation based on geography in the complex. Frontier will start at one end of the complex and keep installing until complete at the other end. Even if you have Frontier equipment now, you will have to wait for your scheduled time to make an appointment for install; and at the time of install, you will be converted to the new pricing.
When will the $12 per month fee go into effect? We anticipate the monthly increase will begin on January 1, 2021.
If I am not installed by January 1, 2021, why are my dues being increased on January 1? Monthly dues will increase on January 1 so that the HOA does not incur additional expenses by increasing dues twice in one year. For a more detailed explanation, see last month’s President’s Report.
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, for example.
Am I required to install the Frontier internet service? No, but see question 10.
If I do not want to install the Frontier internet service, what do I do? You would simply not call for an appointment to install. Frontier will not install unless you call them first.
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 Frontier. The HOA monthly dues amount will only include the $12 for the internet-only service.
If I am unavailable for my scheduled appointment what happens? You may call any time after your scheduled appointment to make an appointment for installation. There is no charge to install the Frontier internet service 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 #12: you may call any time after your originally scheduled appointment to make a new appointment. This could be done one, two, or 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. We will hopefully send out the TV package pricing for Frontier when we send out the schedule for appointments. 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 about 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.
We might not be at the end of the pandemic, but I would not want to be anywhere else. Living here at Sun City Shadow Hills always reminds me, “It doesn’t get any better than this.”
