SUN CITY – Re-surfacing of Del Webb Boulevard, cracks in the Prairie Lodge parking lot, and a pleasant surprise from a resident highlighted the Sun City Community Association board of directors meeting on April 23.
After two residents complained about the cracks that have appeared in the newly resurfaced Prairie Lodge parking lot (completed less than a year ago), Executive Director Lauren Lee said the staff and board have launched an investigation into the problem.
“We have withheld some money so far, and we are looking into demanding corrective action,” Lee said.
The resurfacing was the final phase of a $1.2 million project to upgrade the entire parking lot and the entrances to the lodge building in 2012 and 2013.
One resident also suggested that parking lots at Eakin Field, Millrose Woodshop, Meadow View Lodge/Arcadia, and other activity locations be evaluated.
Second, Lee announced that the Village of Huntley plans to resurface Del Webb Boulevard from the entrance at Route 47 to Eakin Creek Court next to the Prairie Lodge. This two-month project will begin sometime in August and will include removal and replacement of the asphalt roadway surface and removal and replacement of sections of adjacent sidewalks and curbs and gutters, according to Tim Farrell, village engineer.
The work is part of the village’s 2014 street maintenance program financed by motor fuel tax funds. Farrell said lanes on Del Webb Boulevard will be reduced at times but the road will remain open during the work.
Bill Bendick, board treasurer, reported that there have been 40 re-sales of homes in the first quarter of 2014, and the number of resident delinquencies regarding assessment payments was 57 for the first three months of the year, compared to 94 in the same period for the previous year. He also said revenues are slightly below budgeted projections for the first three months, but expenses are lower than budgeted projections by a greater amount for the same period.
Lee reported that 10 companies have expressed interest in bidding to become Sun City’s management company starting in 2015. The association’s contract with First Service Residential expires at the end of 2014. Representatives of the 10 firms toured Sun City facilities and received an orientation from the staff on April 22. Their bids are expected to be received during the month of May.
The board approved and announced appointees to the newly organized Communications/Information Technology Advisory Committee – They are Darlene Rutledge, Joe Quinn, Bob Markham, David Goode, John Capito, James Nelson, and Ken Czerwinski. Bill Ziletti is the board liaison. This committee will focus on communications to residents and resident groups, and the technology used to accomplish it.
Cathy Segarra, registered nurse at the Centegra Wellness Center in Prairie Lodge, said work is beginning on modifications to the Center in preparation of the launching of immediate care services later this spring.
Discussion of the pending issue of whether to treat or remove Emerald Ash borer-damaged trees was postponed to board meetings in May. Experts have been brought in to examine the remaining 500 ash trees in the community and recommend corrective actions.
The board also took care of a number of housekeeping and internal operating topics: selection of a new insurance broker, renewing a contract with legal counsel, approval of minor changes to advisory committee names and procedures, changes to association rules and regulation, selection of BMO Harris as the association’s banking and investment partner, and approval of minor changes to charter club rules and procedures.
Finally, a resident unexpectedly livened up and enriched open-mic time at the end of the meeting, which usually is occupied by resident complaints and board and staff responses.
“I am tired of all the complaining, and I just want to get up and compliment and thank the board and staff for all the work they do and time they put in,” she said.
A board committee of the whole meeting was held May 7, and the next regular board meeting is at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 21 in Drendel Ballroom.
