2014 FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER - suncityhoa.org · Presented at this year’s Annual Meeting was a review...
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2014 FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER
Transcript of 2014 FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER - suncityhoa.org · Presented at this year’s Annual Meeting was a review...
2014 FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER
BOARD UPDATE
Board of Directors Annual Meeting
Presented at this year’s Annual Meeting was a review of the past year and 2014 goals presented by Jim Stark,
President, SCHOA Board of Directors. Mr. Stark summarized the main goals for 2014: “We are going to spend
less money, work with volunteers and continue to increase the value of Sun City properties through enforcement
of the CC&Rs.” This past year the Sun City Home Owners Association was most successful supporting the
mission to provide for the prosperity and well-being of Sun City. SCHOA has been an integral part of the
community since its inception by working diligently to preserve the values of the organization.
Guest speaker, Supervisor Clint Hickman said “Sun City is incredibly important to me. You guys have a lot of
wisdom in the community and are a gigantic storage area of wisdom and experience.”
The following summarizes the home owners’ association accomplishments for 2013 and 2014 goals.
2013 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
o 3,179 opened violations in 2013
o 3,464 closed violations in 2013
o Resolved 6 vendor complaints
o Processed 39 Community
Intervention cleanups
o Processed 36 Residents Assistance
and Maintenance cleanups
o Increased SCHOA membership
significantly (over 400 new
resident members; over 50 new
Business Partners
o Expanded educational Town Hall
meetings
o Upgraded SCHOA website
o Expanded monthly newsletter
o Updated Sun City Directory
COMMUNITY INTERVENTION PROGRAM
o Managed program
o Litigated cases
o Identified vacant properties
o Cleaned 39 properties in 2013
o Recovered 100% of cost
RESIDENTS ASSISTANCE AND
MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
o Provided community support
when needed
o Qualification required
o Funded totally by donations
o Processed 36 applications in 2013
o Cleaned 36 properties in 2013
o Volunteers
2014 SCHOA GOALS o Remain vigilant and focus on
protecting community values and
standards of the CC&Rs.
o Advance ideas to increase
membership and more community
involvement
o Provide direct assistance through
the Residents and Maintenance
Assistance Program
o Continue to work with MCDOT,
ADOT, MCSO, the Sun City Posse,
Maricopa Board of Supervisors
and County Planning through
SCHOA’s Transportation
Committee to identify issues that
will improve Sun City’s
infrastructure.
o Continue to raise awareness of
SCHOA and disseminate
information through our
newsletter, email blasts and the
media
o Continue to build partnerships
with other community
organizations working together for
the well-being of Sun City.
o Continue to take a proactive
approach at the State Legislature,
RUCO and the Corporation
Commission regarding issues
affecting Sun City
o Continue educational outreach,
e.g., addressing the differences
between SCHOA and the COA’s.
o Continue to support Luke Air
Force Base
Board President Update
Thank you to all residents who rallied together in support of HB
2027. Sun City residents joined together sending emails to state
representatives and attending the Arizona Legislature’s House
Transportation Committee in person to testify on behalf of the
community.
On Thursday, January 23, SCHOA Board members and
residents came together with the House Transportation
Committee to support HB 2027 which addresses a safety issue
in the Sun City areas and clarifies the law so golf cars can
continue to drive their golf cars as they have since
1960. According to this bill, golf car drivers must yield to
vehicles making a right-hand turn; the bill permits drivers of all
vehicles to pass golf cars safely on the left.
This bill passed the first hurdle with a unanimous vote of 6 – 0
in favor of the bill. The next step will be for the bill to go before
the complete House of Representatives
BOARD MEETING
Committees
The home owners’ association has a number of committees that play a vital role in SCHOA’s ability to meet the
needs of Sun City. The active committees are: Environmental, Compliance, Membership, Public Relations,
Governmental Affairs, Planning and Elections, IT and Transportation. 2014 committees are currently being
formed. This is an opportunity to lend a hand in Sun City for the wellbeing of everyone. SCHOA would like to
invite you to join one of the committees…………….Sun City has always been known as the “City of Volunteers.”
Thank you for considering joining; if you would like more information, please contact
The February Board Meeting will take place on Tuesday, February 25, 2014, at 9:00 A. M. The SCHOA
monthly Board Meeting is open to the Community.
Board meetings offer an excellent opportunity for residents to become more aware of the services that are offered.
All residents are welcome and encouraged to serve on various committees. For example, the SCHOA
Transportation Committee takes an active role in assessing needed traffic improvements, street lights, stop signs,
and working with Maricopa County to assure necessary changes are made for residents’ safety.
TOWN HALL MEETINGS Town Hall meetings are designed to provide education on topics of interest to Sun City residents. A SCHOA
Board member(s) will be available at each meeting to provide an opportunity for residents to discuss items of
interest pertaining to the home owners association. For further information regarding these meetings, email
FEBRUARY TOWN HALL MEETING Thursday, February 20, 2014
10:00 a. m. - Noon
Marinette Recreation Center
9860 West Union Hills Drive
Sun City, AZ 85373
TOPIC:
AARP Tax Aide The presentation will include who must file, who should file, types of income
and documentation needed, itemized deductions, credits, Arizona return,
credits that are available, increased excise tax and property tax credits.
GUEST SPEAKERS: Jim Graff, District 4 AARP Tax Coordinator
Hugh Duncan, Sun City Community Assistance Network President
Linda Miskimen, Sun City Community Assistance Network Executive Director
Sun City CAN acts on behalf of the community and surrounding area in matters affecting utility rates, taxes and
legislation. Mr. Duncan will be providing updated information regarding the new SCCAN Transportation
Program. Speakers will be available to respond to questions.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
*Mark your calendar for the March Town Hall Meeting addressing “Issues Unique to Condominiums and
CC&R’s in Arizona.” This presentation will be presented by Lynn Krupnik, attorney with Ekmark & Ekmark.
Miss Krupnik heads up the general counsel department with Ekmark & Ekmark and has assisted hundreds of
associations in successfully addressing the variety of issues faced by associations on a daily basis.
The March Town Hall Meeting will take place at the Bell Center, March 20, 10:00 – Noon. Due to the interest
in this topic, reservations are requested by March 14 by emailing [email protected]. or calling the home
owners association office at 623 974 4718, ext. 206.
MEMBERSHIP Your Membership is Important
How often have you thought about the value of a SCHOA membership? We all realize one of the values of living
in Sun City is having a lower tax base. If we lived in some of our neighboring communities, property taxes would
be higher than living in an unincorporated community such as Sun City that doesn’t have a city government
providing and managing services that increase taxes.
Part of the SCHOA mission is to protect residents and property values when the Arizona Corporation Commission
suggests rate changes for electricity and water. SCHOA actively advocates for Sun City on a local and state level.
The CC&Rs are protected by the Compliance Staff assisting residents in understanding the conditions, covenants
and restrictions with ongoing compliance support.
Your membership allows SCHOA to be able to provide these services. The Board is actively invested in
supporting the community and members. Your membership allows their voice to be heard. The annual
membership continues to be $20 per household. This is a small cost for the support you receive from your home
owners association. Donations are always appreciated.
If you are not a member at this time, please consider joining SCHOA to continue to protect the lifestyle and reason
residents have moved to Sun City. For more information regarding membership, you may contact the office or
OUTREACH PROGRAMS
SCHOA’s Community Intervention Program and Residents Assistance and Maintenance
Program in Action
Thank you SCHOA volunteers! One busy January morning, the above group of dedicated volunteers assisted
with another Sun City cleanup. If you would like to join this terrific group of “Sun Citians,” contact Gene at the
SCHOA office. Assistance is always needed and appreciated!
The Sun City Home Owners Association’s Community Intervention and Residents Assistance and Maintenance
(formerly Financial Assistance) programs implemented in 2008 have had a busy month. Each program is unique.
The Residents Assistance and Maintenance Program is designed to continue SCHOA’s responsibility to assure
Sun City remains compliant with its CC&Rs. This is done by providing assistance to residents who may not be
physically or financially able to maintain their properties.
There were three properties cleaned in January through the Community Intervention Program and one through
the Residents Assistance and Maintenance Program. Both programs are totally supported by SCHOA volunteers.
With a downturn in the economy, some homes may go into foreclosure or home owners “walk away” from their
residences leaving properties unattended. SCHOA continues to be invested and committed in protecting
everyone’s property values in Sun City and maintaining the CC&Rs. This is possible through the Community
Intervention Program.
Any donation to these programs is tax deductible. All donations regardless of the amount are of great help. For
more information regarding each of these programs, please contact Gene Turiano, Community Intervention
Program and Residents Assistance and Maintenance Program Manager at the SCHOA office.
COMPLIANCE CORNER The Sixth CC&R reads: Vehicle Restrictions
No vehicles, including without limitation cars, trucks, commercial vehicles, motor homes, mobile
homes, trailers (including but not limited to travel trailers, tent trailers and boat trailers), camper shells,
detached campers, recreational vehicles, boats, motorcycles, motorbikes, all-terrain vehicles, golf carts,
and off-road vehicles, shall be parked or maintained on any portion of a lot (except in a garage), or on
public streets, in excess of 72 hours.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, cars, light trucks (having a one-ton rating or less), passenger vans and golf
cars may be parked in garages, carports or driveways at any time without violating this provision.
The Association shall have the right to have any vehicle parked, kept, maintained, constructed,
reconstructed or repaired in violation of this provision towed away at the sole cost and expense of the
Owner of the vehicle or equipment.
The Seventh CC&R reads: Commercial Use Restrictions All residential units shall be used, improved and devoted exclusively to residential use by a single family.
No trade or business may be conducted on any lot, in or from any residential unit, except that an Owner
or other resident of a residential unit may conduct business activities within a residential unit so long as
(i) the existence or operation of the business activity is not apparent or detectable by sight, sound, or
smell from outside the residential unit.
(ii) the business activity conforms to all applicable laws and zoning ordinances or requirements
(iii) the business activity does not involve persons coming into the lot or door to door solicitation of
Owners or other residents in the community,
(iv) the business activity is consistent with the residential character of the community and does not
constitute a nuisance or a hazardous or offensive use that would threaten security of other residents
in the community;
(v) the business actually conducted on a lot or from a residential unit does not involve any employees
except family members living in the residential unit. The terms “business” and “trade” as used in
this section shall be construed to have ordinary, generally accepted meanings and shall include,
without limitation, any occupation, work or activity undertaken on an ongoing basis which involves
the provision of goods and services to persons other than the provider’s family and for which the
provider receives a fee, compensation or other form of consideration regardless of whether
(a) such activity is engaged in full or part time
(b) such activity is intended to or does generate a profit; or
(c) a license is required for such activity. The sale or lease of a residential unit by the Owner
shall not be considered a trade or business within the meaning of this section.
Did you receive a copy of the CC&Rs when you purchased your home? If not, they should have been provided
to you. Copies are available at the home owners association office or by going to the SCHOA website at
www.suncityhoa.org If you have any questions regarding the CC&Rs, please contact the SCHOA office and
ask to speak to someone in the Compliance Department. Next month, the eighth and ninth CC&Rs will be
published.
Compliance Updates With many homes selling in Sun City at this time, new residents may be interested in remodeling their
new residence. Before making any changes, please take a moment to visit the SCHOA website at
www.suncityhoa.org and review the CC&Rs (Conditions, Covenants and Restrictions) to be assured they
are followed before any work is started. There have been situations where the work has been done and
was not in compliance and needed to be corrected. Staff is available to answer any questions you may
have regarding any renovations or changes. CC&Rs are also available at the office; you may also request
a copy be mailed to you.
If you are working with a contractor and have a building permit to have work done, that doesn’t assure
that this work will be in compliance with Sun City’s CC&Rs. Sun City’s CC&Rs also supersede the
Maricopa requirements. Even though plans have been approved by Maricopa County, following up
with SCHOA is recommended.
The home owners association appreciates all residents who contact SCHOA regarding a CC&R concern.
The office has a small staff and is unable to be aware of all violations in such a large area. The
Compliance Department is invested in following up regarding any potential violation. When contacting
the office, please be sure to include your name and contact information; without this information,
SCHOA is unable to follow up. All information is confidential.
It’s that time of the year again when weeds can become prolific if not kept under control. If you have
weeds, please have them treated. When left uncared for, they spread very quickly from one yard to
another. SCHOA is happy to provide you with names of business partners who are able to help you.
Recently the Board received an email from a Sun City resident expressing appreciation to SCHOA for
“standing firm” in their decision to rescind a variance for the good of all Sun City home owners. This
violation had been an ongoing issue for an extended period of time and shows the commitment that
SCHOA has by being vigilant in its follow through.
Tree Gleaning Has Begun It is that time of the year again when Arizona citrus is plentiful! Valley View Food Bank is once again providing
the service of gleaning trees in Sun City. The charge is $20 per tree and the service will be provided through
April. For more information, contact Bill at 623-583-3663. Fruit bins are located by the front entrance of the
Valley View Food Bank located at 10615 W Peoria Ave. across from the Fairway Recreation Center. Residents
are welcome to pick their own fruit and take it to the Food Bank; donation receipts are available. SCHOA also
has vendors who will assist with fruit gleaning.
It is important the fruit is not left on the ground as it attracts rats and other rodents very quickly. If you notice a
home that is unoccupied and there is fruit on the ground, please contact the home owners’ association office.
COMMUNITY UPDATES If you would like to place a notice for a community organization in the monthly newsletter, SCHOA is happy to
include the information. If you would like to submit information for consideration, email
Sun City Community Assistance Network – AARP Tax Aide AARP Tax-Aide is offering free income tax preparation service at the Sun City Community Assistance Network
office located at 10195 W Coggins Drive. SCCAN is open Monday – Thursday of each week starting Monday,
February 3, 2014 until Tuesday, April 15, 2014. Doors open at approximately 7:30 A. M. and filers will be taken
on a first come first serve basis. Additionally, for filers of the AZ140PTC (Property Tax Credit) or the AZ140ET
(Credit for Increased Excise Taxes) preparation will take place on Fridays starting on January 31, 2014 on an
appointment basis. Federal returns are not prepared on Fridays. For more information, please call 623 933-7530.
This service includes filing the federal 1040 plus the Arizona State returns. Federal and Arizona forms are
available at the SCCAN office.
Representatives from Sun City CAN will be speaking at the home owners’ association February Town Hall
meeting; you won’t want to miss the opportunity to learn more about their services.
Dial-a-Ride Update Sun City senior residents over 65 years old are now able to use Dial-a-Ride for $4.00 one way. You do not have
to be low-income or disabled, but you do need to be 65 years of age. A driver’s license, state ID or Medicare
card will serve as proof of age.
Using the Discount Cab “green” taxis, a resident is able to travel anywhere in Sun City, Sun City West,
Youngtown, Surprise and El Mirage. You must call a day in advance between 6:00 A. M. and 7:30 P. M. to
schedule the trip. The phone number is 602 266-8723. Exact fare is required.
Sun City Community Assistance Network Board of Directors realizes there may be times that $4.00 could be a
hardship for some residents needing transportation. SCCAN is currently assessing the need to purchase Dial-a-
Ride tickets and provide to people at a certain income level who use Dial-a-Ride. Your input would be appreciated
regarding your opinion of this program and/or first-hand experience. Please call the SCCAN office at 623 933-
7530 or email [email protected].
Speakers from Sun City Community Assistance Network (SCCAN) will be providing detailed information
regarding their community services at SCHOA’s February Town Hall Meeting February 20. For more regarding
this event, see page 4.
Sun City Beautification Project Spearheaded by the PRIDES Beginning late January Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) crews will be removing about
28 aging ornamental citrus trees lining the roadway median and center drainage channel on Del Web Boulevard
between Palmeras Drive and 107th Avenue. This work is being performed in advance preparation of a water-
saving landscape conversion and community beautification project in partnership with MCDOT), the Sun City
Prides and Linden Tree Nursery.
Linden Tree Nursery will be providing the landscape design and the Sun City PRIDES Beautification Committee
is furnishing the new water-conserving plantings paid for by community donations. PRIDES volunteers will be
working with MCDOT maintenance crews helping to plant in early February. The new landscape conversion
project will feature water-conserving xeriscaping that integrates rocks and desert-tolerant plants and shrubbery
into the landscape.
As part of the transformation project, MCDOT crews will install a new watering system, converting from flood
irrigation to water-conserving bubble sprinklers at the base of plants. The new drip system could reduce the
median’s water use in half.
This project has been spearheaded by Sun City PRIDES Beautification Committee with the goal of bringing some
life and color back into the Sun City community.
NEW BUSINESS PARTNERS
All business partners have qualified to be part of the SCHOA Business Partner/Vendor Program when they
initially register and must remain in good standing to remain part of the program. Credentials are reviewed at the
time of renewal dates.
The following businesses have recently joined the family of SCHOA Business Partners! Welcome ALL!
Grittman Installations, LLC
Martorelli Maddness
Eavenson Electric
Mattox Interiors, LLC
F&J’s 24 Hour Garage Door Services, LLC
Harmony Foundry, Personal Care Services
TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE Appreciation is expressed to Jim Powell for his commitment to the Transportation Committee for a number of
years. Jim has announced he will be resigning as chairman and Roy Logan will be filling this position. Jim is
currently vice president of SCHOA’s Board of Directors.
The February Transportation Committee Meeting will meet Wednesday, February 26, at 10:00 A. M.
Studies have been requested at the following intersections to improve Sun City safety:
Bell and Boswell – to determine if a left turn light on Boswell is warranted.
99th and Cameo – due to numerous accidents
111th and Olive – to request better alignment at the intersection
There has been a MCDOT contractor performing roadway maintenance and construction activities at the
following intersection locations:
105th Avenue and Thunderbird Boulevard
107th Avenue and Union Hills Drive
Del Webb Boulevard and El Capitan Circle
Del Webb Boulevard and Sunland Drive
Included will be the installation of new concrete valley gutters at the intersections of Del Webb
Boulevard with El Capitan Circle and Sunland Drive as well as the installation of a catch basin on 107th
Avenue at Union Hills to facilitate roadway drainage at these locations. There will also be the
construction of a new ADA-compliant sidewalk ramp at the intersection of 105th Avenue and
Thunderbird.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE The Environmental Committee Meeting will meet Friday, February 21, at 9:30 A. M.
AARP DRIVING CLASSES
AARP Driver Safety Classes take place at SCHOA the third Wednesday of each month. The course teaches
defensive driving techniques, new traffic laws and rules of the road; how to deal with aggressive drivers; how to
safely use anti-lock brakes, air bags and safety belts; and techniques for handling left turns, right-of-way, blind
spots and more. Once the course is completed you may be eligible to receive an insurance discount. The class is a four-hour
course with breaks and discussion. For information, contact Russ Ruck, AARP District Coordinator, 602 390-
5019.
FEBRUARY CALENDAR If you are interested in using the SCHOA's meeting room, it is available to SCHOA members at no charge on a
first-come, space-available basis. Membership must be current at time of scheduled event. SCHOA vendors
may rent the room for $25/hour. Space is available for non-members for $100 for three hours; a full day is
$150. All meetings need to end no later than 2:45 p.m.
Monday, February 3, 12:45 p.m. – Mini Maniacs
Thursday, February 6, 10:00 a. m. - 99R’s Condominium Association
Thursday, February 6, 1:00 p. m. – Casa Balboa Condominium Association
Friday, February 7, 1:00 p. m. – American Legion
Monday, February 10, 9:00 a. m. – Gold Events USA
Tuesday, February 11, 10:00 a.m. – Compliance Committee Meeting
Thursday, February 13, 10:00 a.m. – Socrates Conversation Café
Friday, February 14 – Valentine’s Day
Monday, February 17, Presidents’ Day – SCHOA Office is closed
Tuesday, February 18, 9:00 a.m. – Ancient Mariners
Tuesday, February 18, 12:00 Noon – Del Buc Association
Wednesday, February 19, 9:00 a.m. – AARP Driving Class
Thursday, February 20, 10:00 a.m. – Town Hall Meeting Marinette Recreation Center
9860 West Union Hills Drive
Sun City, AZ 85373
Friday, February 21, 9:00 a.m. – Environmental Committee Meeting
Monday, February 24, 10:00 a.m. – Bowls – USA
Tuesday, February 25, 9:00 a.m. – SCHOA Board of Directors Meeting
Wednesday, February 26, 10:00 a.m. – SCHOA Transportation Committee Meeting
Wednesday, February 26, 11:30 a.m. – North 90 Condominium Meeting
Thursday, February 27, 10:00 a. m. – Socrates Conversation Café Meeting
Friday, Friday, 28, 11:00 a. m. – Streamline Solar
*All meetings take place at the Homeowners Association meeting room unless otherwise noted.
SUN CITY PHONE BOOKS The OFFICIAL 2014 Home Owners Directory for Sun City has been delivered to Sun City residences. If you
haven’t received a copy and would like to have one, they are available at the home owners’ association office.
The directory has a wealth of community information. Listed are emergency
numbers, frequently called numbers, a newcomer’s guide, attractions, golf courses,
performing arts, transportation as well as Sun City service organizations.
If you have an update to make, please contact the office at any time or email
[email protected] or [email protected]. Updates are made
throughout the year preparing for the next issue which is published in January of
each year. The directory is a unique Sun City resource. Appreciation is expressed
to the Lions Club for their assistance with delivery to homes and businesses.
FAX SERVICES SCHOA is happy to provide fax services for Sun City residents. This service is
available Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. There is no charge for
members for the first ten pages; for more than ten pages, there is a $.25 per page. The charge for nonmembers
is $.25 per page.
SHREDDING SERVICES Shredding services are available at the home owners association to all residents. With tax season about to begin,
this service becomes very busy. Shredding hours are between 9:00 a. m. – and 2:45 p.m., Monday – Friday. The
cost for members is $5.00 each for the first two boxes and $3.00 for each box thereafter; for non-members, the
cost is $10.00 each for the first two boxes and $5.00 for each box thereafter.
SCHOA shredding is secure in locked containers which are picked up on site.
NEWSLETTER The deadline for the SCHOA Newsletter submissions is the third Wednesday of each month for the following month's edition. The newsletter is designed to offer event and activity information in the community; it is not a venue for political, religious, or community articles. Send information you would like to submit to [email protected]. The newsletter is available by email to SCHOA members. If you know of someone who isn't receiving an electronic copy and would like to, ask them to contact the office and we can place them on the mailing list; if you know of someone who would like a copy and doesn't have a computer, copies are available at the SCHOA office. If they would like a copy mailed to them, we are happy to do that.
Sun City Home Owners Association
10401 W Coggins Drive Sun City, AZ 85351
(623) 974-4718 (623) 977-7095 - Fax www.suncityhoa.org
Office Hours - 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Excluding Holidays)
