SUN CITY HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION - SCHOA CITY HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION 2014 NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER Town...

12
SUN CITY HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION 2014 NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER Town Hall Meeting Thursday, November 13, 10:00 a.m. Sundial Center 14801 N. 103rd Avenue The Luke Honor Guard will be attending to honor Sun City Veterans All Sun City veterans and those who have served in the Armed Forces of our country are invited to attend to be honored and recognized. Guest Speakers: Lt. Col. Melissa J. May Addressing Luke Air Force Base Recent Changes Maricopa County Supervisor Clint Hickman Jerry Iannacci, CEO, Operation American Patriot Martha Alderman, Central Region Manager, Veterans’ Services Division, AZ Dept. of Veterans’ Services The Honor Guard will honor Sun City Veterans promptly at 10:00 a.m.

Transcript of SUN CITY HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION - SCHOA CITY HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION 2014 NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER Town...

SUN CITY HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION

2014 NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER

Town Hall Meeting Thursday, November 13, 10:00 a.m.

Sundial Center

14801 N. 103rd Avenue

The Luke Honor Guard will be attending to honor

Sun City Veterans

All Sun City veterans and those who have served in the Armed Forces

of our country are invited to attend to be honored and recognized.

Guest Speakers:

Lt. Col. Melissa J. May

Addressing Luke Air Force Base Recent Changes

Maricopa County Supervisor Clint Hickman

Jerry Iannacci, CEO, Operation American Patriot

Martha Alderman, Central Region Manager,

Veterans’ Services Division,

AZ Dept. of Veterans’ Services

The Honor Guard will honor Sun City Veterans promptly at 10:00 a.m.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EPCOR Water/Wastewater Update

Thank You, Sun City Residents for Your Dedicated Support

SCHOA continues its commitment to support Sun City residents as they overwhelmingly have spoken against

EPCOR’s Water/Wastewater suggestion to consolidate waste water districts. Board President Jim Stark and

Director Greg Eisert, Chairman of the Government Affairs Committee, are designated interveners who

continue to represent the Community at the Arizona Corporation Commission addressing this important Sun

City concern. This is a high priority for the SCHOA Board.

Following the September RUCO (Residential Utility Consumer

Office) Meeting the SCHOA Board drafted a petition that has been

circulating throughout Sun City for the past six weeks. The petition

clearly lists the signatory expectations “not to support EPCOR’s

“full consolidation” suggestion which would penalize Sun City rate

payers approximately 90%. It appears only EPCOR supports full

consolidation which would penalize Sun City residents. There had

been no mention of “full consolidation” until suggested by the ACC’s Staff in July of 2014.

Sun City residents continue their fight to defeat “full consolidation.” During the past six weeks, over 3,000

letters have been written to the ACC and over 6,000 signatures opposing consolidation have been received in

the SCHOA office. Petitions have been hand delivered to the Docket Control Office of the Arizona Corporation

Commission.

It continues to be important that residents request EPCOR not allow full consolidation of all the EPCOR

wastewater districts based on the EPCOR information indicating each Sun City wastewater user would

experience a 90% rate increase if this full consolidation was approved. EPCOR noted in their ACC response

there are capital improvement costs for the Sun City District of $9.3M over the next five years. If full

consolidation was to take place, Sun City users would be required to pay an additional $22.5M over the noted

five-year period. This equates to subsidizing other district costs in the amount of $13.2M. Sun City residents

have responded overwhelmingly against being expected to subsidize other districts for their poor planning and

choices.

This is a Sun City issue; residents have responded overwhelmingly working closely with the SCHOA Board and Staff

expressing their opposition. In addition to sending letters, a statement of opposition may be submitted to the Arizona

Corporation Commission online by using the link: http:www.azcc.gov/Divisions/Utilities/forms/CommentForm.htm.

For further information, contact the Sun City Home Owners Association at 623 974 4718, ext. 211, or email

[email protected].

ANNUAL ELECTION – November 5 through November 19

The annual Board of Directors Election will begin Wednesday, November 5 and continue

through the end of day on November 19. Each Board member takes their responsibility

seriously supporting a community of 27,500 homes and approximately 40, 000 residents.

On November 5, SCHOA’s Board will host “Meet the

Candidates” at the Home Owners Association office from

9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Current Board members and this

year’s candidates, Camilla Kurburka, Sharon Major, Richie

Miller, Walt Patterson and Don Thompson will be

attending to meet residents. Join your neighbors and friends

for an enjoyable morning; refreshments will be provided.

This year all SCHOA members are able to vote for the

candidate of their choice by visiting www.suncityhoa.org

to vote electronically. Paper ballots will also be available at the office.

October Town Hall Meeting Spotlighted Sun City Roads!

Appreciation is expressed to Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) officials who were the

featured guests at the October Town Hall Meeting addressing Sun City roadway and traffic projects in progress

and future maintenance and traffic safety improvements.

Maricopa County Supervisor Clint Hickman joined MCDOT representatives Nicolaas Swart, Traffic

Management; Jeffrey Kramer, Roadway Operations, as well as Roberta Bonaski and Ron Coleman with the

Office of Public Affairs who provided up-to-date roadway information as well as responding to residents’

questions. MCDOT’s Town Hall presentation is available on the SCHOA website.

The Home Owners Transportation Committee works very

closely with MCDOT; this committee meets each month at

SCHOA office. The November meeting will take place

Tuesday, November 4, at 10:00 a.m. and is open to the

Community. If residents have a roadway concern, please

contact Roy Logan, who is the Transportation Committee

chairman; he may be reached at [email protected].

December Town Hall Meeting - December 10 – Mark Your Calendar

The Community Outreach and Education Division of the Arizona Attorney General’s Office will be presenting

a seminar addressing “Consumer Scams.” The focus will be scams that are currently happening in Arizona to

include general rules relating to scams and red flags to keep an eye out for with each one. The presenter will be

covering protection tips to help citizens from becoming victims.

SCHOA is committed to providing educational programs for Sun City residents. More information to follow in

the December Newsletter.

NORTHWEST VALLEY CONNECT = TRANSPORTATION MADE

SIMPLE

In a perfect world, getting from point A to point B would be easy as 1, 2, 3. However, if you’re not very mobile

then getting around is anything but easy. Finding a ride is even tougher if you can’t drive, don’t own your own

vehicle or live in an area that’s underserved by public or private transportation options. The Northwest Valley of

Phoenix, which includes the Sun Cities, Surprise and Peoria, fits that description.

But Northwest Valley Connect (NVC) is driven to change that picture. The nonprofit

organization is a “one- call, one-click” clearinghouse that connects Northwest Valley

residents with transportation options to help them get to and from doctor’s

appointments, grocery shopping trips or wherever they need to go.

NVC was formed by local nonprofits Benevilla and Sun Health in response to a community needs assessment

that showed that the lack of transportation options was a hot button issue for Northwest Valley residents.

Northwest Valley Connect also was created to help fill in Northwest Valley transit and transportation gaps.

The program launched in September 2014 with a handful of volunteers who answer phones, do logistics and

drive. Northwest Valley Connect is still looking for volunteers to answer calls/emails, volunteer drivers willing

to work on a scheduled basis for shifts of two hours or longer, on-call drivers who can help with emergency

drives, and special-event drivers who can take people on field trips. To volunteer, contact us at the phone number

or website listed below.

If you need a ride for any reason, contact the program. A volunteer will help find the best option, whether that is

a private driving service, buses, Dial-a-Ride or a volunteer driver. Go to northwestvalleyconnect.org or call 623-

282-9300 and let us help you get where you are going.

Paul Hermann, Executive Director, Sun City Visitors Centers; Kathy Chandler, Northwest Valley Connect; Joyce Stoffers, member of the NVC Board;

Michelle Dionision, president and CEO, Beneville; Jennifer Drago, executive vice president of Population Health, Sun Health, Judy Klein Romero,

vice president of Operations, Healthcare Trust of America, Inc.; Rep. Rick Gray, District 21, AZ House of Representatives; Clint Hickman, Maricopa

County Supervisor, District 4.

OPEN AIRE MARKET – MARCH 16, 2015 – Register Today!

Registration forms are available for the upcoming 2015 Open Aire Market by visiting www.suncityhoa.org or

by visiting the office. If you would like to receive information and haven’t been a vendor in the past, contact

the SCHOA office to be assured you receive the information. This event is limited in terms of spaces available;

early registration is recommended.

Registrations for the 2015 event are coming in very quickly. If you would like further information, contact the

office.

NOVEMBER CALENDAR

Monday, November 3 – Mini Maniacs – 12:45 p.m.

Tuesday, November 4 – Transportation Committee – 10:00 a.m.

Tuesday, November 4 – Election Day

Wednesday, November 5 – 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Meet the Candidates for SCHOA’s Board of Directors Thursday, November 6 – American Legion – 1:00 p.m.

Friday, November 7 – Porcello – 9:00 a.m.

Monday, November 10 – Thundercaster – 10:00 a.m.

Tuesday, November 11 – Veterans’ Day – Office Closed

Wednesday, November 12 – Palm Court Condo – 9:00 a.m.

Thursday, November 13 – TOWN HALL MEETING

Luke Air Force Base Update – Luke Honor Guard

10:00 a.m. – Sundial Recreation Center

Thursday, November 13 – Sig Con 26 – 10:00 a.m.

Thursday, November 13 – Tempbo – 1:00 p.m.

Monday, November 17 – Mini Maniacs -12:45 p.m.

Tuesday, November 18 – Ancient Mariners – 9:00 a.m.

Tuesday, November 18 – Del Boc Condo – 1:00 p.m.

Wednesday, November 19 – AARP – 9:00 a.am.

Thursday, November 20 – Los Casitas – 9:00 a.m.

Thursday, November 20 – Cedar Condo- 11:00 a.m.

Thursday, November 20 - Palms Condo – 1:00 p.m.

Friday, November 21 – Polor Condo – 1:00 p.m.

Tuesday, November 25 – Board of Directors Meeting – Open to the Community

Wednesday, November 26 – Office closes at Noon

Thursday, November 27 – Thanksgiving Day – Office Closed

Friday, November 28 – Office Closed

DONORS The home owner’s association outreach programs are made available to the Community through donations. SCHOA appreciates all donations whatever the amount. We would like to express appreciation to the following residents and/or organizations for their recent generous contribution of $100 or more.

Laura and James Graham

Jane M. Seidl Carol and Leonard Symons

Sincere Appreciation for your generous support of SCHOA’s Outreach Programs!

SUN CITY COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE NETWORK (SCCAN)

Sun City Community Assistance Network (SCCAN) has been chosen as one of the administrators for the Arizona

Public Service (APS) Crisis Bill Assistance Program.

This program provides up to $400, one time per year, to APS customers experiencing an extraordinary financial

crisis. The APS customer may not have verifiable income greater than 200% of the Federal poverty level. The

APS customer may not have verifiable income greater than 200% of the Federal poverty level. For more

information please call the SCCAN office at 623-933-7530 Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

DIAL-A-RIDE UPDATE

All Sun City senior residents over 65 years old can use Dial-a-Ride for $4.00 one way; cash/correct change is

required. 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. Donations are

appreciated and necessary to insure the continuation of this worthwhile program.

Please call the SCCAN office at 623 933-7530 or email

[email protected].

THE BOARD AND STAFF WISH ALL SUN CITY RESIDENTS

A BEAUTIFUL THANKSGIVING

WELCOME NEW SCHOA STAFF

Recently, Rose Romeo and Sharon Bradley joined the SCHOA family. Rose is the Office Manager; Sharon has

joined the Membership team. Welcome All!

Rose Romeo, Office Manager; Tom Wilson, General Manager; Sharon Bradley, Membership Staff

GOLF CARTS NEED SEAT BELTS

Due to another golf cart accident in Sun City in October, the following is being repeated:

“There is a growing trend of on-road use of golf carts for errands. The carts, which carry up to four people, can

be either gas or electric powered, but should have a maximum speed of 25 miles per hour.

Several laws govern the use of golf carts on public roads. They cannot be operated at a speed greater than 25

mph, and if electrically powered, they may not operate on roads with a posted speed limit of more than 35 mph.

They must be registered, insured, be driven by a licensed driver and be equipped with headlamps, mirrors, brakes,

taillights, reflectors and a windshield for models manufactured after 1998.

One thing, however, is missing; seat belts are not a requirement in golf carts. They have been designed primarily

for use on a golf course. When operated in this manner with roadway use only being incidental, such as crossing

a road to get to the next hole, then the above restrictions do not apply. As a result, they are typically not built

with seat belts installed. “

In September there were two serious accidents; one in Sun City and one in Sun City West. Both residents lost

their lives. SCHOA strongly recommends residents use their seat belts. If you have a golf cart that doesn’t have

seat belts, have them installed for your safety and the safety of others.

REMINDER: Arizona law requires all drivers of a moving vehicle, which

includes golf carts, to have a registered Arizona driver’s license. If a golf

cart driver is stopped by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office and they do

not have a license, there will be a citation issued. For further information,

contact the Motor Vehicles Division at 602 255-0072.

Sun City Home Owners Association Membership

SCHOA is a valuable organization in Sun City; though small, it has great

value. From Compliance to Membership, to an accredited Business Partner

Program, to Marketing/Educational outreach as well as an active committed

Board of Directors which is highly proactive on behalf of Sun City, the Sun

City Home Owners Association is invested in “working for Sun City.”

During the past year, SCHOA has maintained a high level of compliance management, expanded its Business

Partner Program, educational events in an effort to assist residents with pertinent community education

addressing issues of interest as well as growing the Residential Assistance Maintenance Program (RAMP). This

program is designed to assist residents in need (a confidential program). SCHOA protects all residents’

properties values. SCHOA is committed to “Neighbor Helping Neighbor.”

Each month on an ongoing/daily basis important electronic communications are emailed to all SCHOA members

for upcoming Community programs as well as impromptu, timely notifications as needed. A monthly newsletter

is published offering news and updates and is available on the SCHOA website at www.suncityhoa.org.

SCHOA membership continues to remain reasonably priced at $20.00/year and is voluntary. Members

recognize the value received for available services and appreciate the commitment to keep membership

manageable for all residents. As home owners become informed of the value of the Sun City Home Owners

Association protecting property values, vetting Business Partners’ information available to only members, and

ongoing education pertinent to current Community concerns/issues, they realize the value of a “SCHOA

membership.”

A membership application has been added to the website www.suncityhoa.org; once you have filled completed

the information, you are able to submit the form directly to the membership staff at the SCHOA office. Payment

is also available online for your convenience. For more information regarding membership, you may contact the

office or [email protected]. Many members are also committed to supporting SCHOA’s RAMP

through donations.

COMPLIANCE CORNER

The Compliance Department remains busy assuring properties continue to adhere to the CC&R standards. If you

would like a copy of the CC&Rs, visit the SCHOA website at www.suncityhoa.org. or you may pick a copy up

in at the office. This is particularly important when you plan to make any changes/updates to your home. If

you have any questions, contact the Compliance Department for assistance.

The Compliance staff is vigilant in following up when there is a reported violation to the CC&Rs. All information

reported is confidential. It is required that a resident provides their name when submitting a report; SCHOA is

unable to accept anonymous reports.

Compliance Reminders:

Review contractor’s license record at http://www.azroc/gov/forms/contracatorsearch.html

Verify the person you are dealing with is an authorized representative of the licensed contractor by

calling the contractor’s number listed with the ROC.

Ask for written estimates from at least three

contractors.

Don’t accept the first bid

Request references

Be sure all details are clear in the written contract

NEVER pay cash, do not pay IN ADVANCE, and

make payment to the licensed contractor (not to an

employee of the company).

Do not allow solicitors or contractors access to your

home without an appointment and be sure you have

verified the contractor’s name, name of the business,

current contractor license number and the name of the person who will be sent to your home.

Never make a hurried decision.

Further tips regarding qualified contractors visit www.azroc.gov and www.suncityhoa.org.

Safety Tip:

There have been several reports recently from residents who are concerned when they see neighbors opening

their garage doors instead of their front door for a stranger. As always, don’t allow anyone in your home that

you don’t know. Front doors can remain locked; an open garage door isn’t safe.

Thank you all for remembering “Neighbors Looking out for Neighbors.”

Security Lock Boxes Have you ever wanted to have a lock box to be assured in

an emergency the fire department would be able to access

your home, but didn’t think you could afford to have this

installed? Lock boxes are available through the Sun City

Fire Department. SCHOA partners with the Fire

Department if residents may be unable financially to pay

for this service by providing assistance.

For more information, contact the SCHOA office. All

information is confidential.

Remodeling Tip: Sun City homes offer a wide range of opportunities for remodeling and upgrading. Before making any

significant changes, it is suggested that you contact the SCHOA Compliance Department. There are

Maricopa County and SCHOA guidelines that need to be followed. The Compliance Staff is knowledgeable

and able to assist you. There are times that remodeling has been done that hasn’t followed the CC&Rs

which has necessitated changes after the fact. Let SCHOA help you and save unnecessary errors and

expense.

BUSINESS PARTNER PROGRAM 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. There are currently over 350 business partners who have qualified to provide services

to SCHOA members. All members are able to have their business cards and brochures available to market to

the community.

The Business Partner Program continues to grow and to be improved. Recently, SCHOA began providing

lanyards to all business partners, which will identify all registered members as SCHOA representatives. This is

important for residents to be assured that vendors who are identifying themselves as being registered vendors are

in good standing.

If you are an active business partner, please contact the office to pick up your lanyards. They are available for

all employees between the office hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. For further information, contact the

membership Staff on extension 202 or 203.

Residents are asked to contact SCHOA after using one of the registered business partners. When receiving

comments, the record for the business is updated. SCHOA is very pleased to report there are frequent reports

from residents who are recommending a SCHOA businesses. When discussing a business with a resident, the

testimonies are very reassuring for a prospective customer. As always, “feedback” is appreciated.

SCHOA is Growing! Business Partners are invited to grow with Us! Due to increased Business Partner memberships as well as requests for advertising in the SCHOA Newsletter,

businesses are welcome to advertise in the Sun City Home Owners Newsletter. For details and advertising

pricing, contact [email protected]. SCHOA emails the monthly newsletter which reaches over 6,000

residents, posts it on the SCHOA website, as well as copies are distributed throughout the Sun City community

offering targeted exposure for businesses marketing Sun City.

Welcome New Members to SCHOA’s Business

Partner Family!

Pyramid Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning

Ackley and Romero Contracting

RK Window Fashions, LLC

Mountain Moving and Storage

Jenny Kennedy, Realtor – Coldwell Banker

All business partners have fulfilled requirements according to SCHOA guidelines.

Recently, Sun City residents Walter and Dolores Willanger were referred by SCHOA to Business Partner

24/7 Water Conditioning and Plumbing, Inc. Their recommendation was “the highest rating of

satisfaction” stating the company’s efficiency, courtesy, and prompt resolution of their problem. Thank you,

24/7 Water Conditioning and Plumbing for your excellent service to Sun City residents!

SCHOA invites members to contact the office when using registered Business Partners. All comments are

welcomed.

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE The Transportation Committee meets each month with the exception of the summer. The next meeting is

Tuesday, November 4, at 10:00 a.m.

SCHOA MEETING ROOM

If you are interested in using the SCHOA's meeting room, it is available to members at no charge on a first-

come, space-available basis. Membership must be current at time of scheduled event. SCHOA business partners

may reserve the meeting room for $50/hour, not to exceed $100. Condominium association groups may reserve

the meeting room at no charge if they are SCHOA members. Nonmember rental fees are: $50 for less than half

a day; $100 for one-half a day (three hours); $150 for a full day (5 hours and 45 minutes). All meetings need

to end no later than 2:45p.m.

COMMUNITY UPDATES If you would like to place a notice for a community organization in the monthly newsletter or on the website,

SCHOA is happy to include the information to assist you in marketing your events; to submit information for

consideration, email [email protected].

SUN CITY PHONE BOOK REMINDER

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. The

directory is a unique Sun City resource. Appreciation is expressed to the Lions Club for their assistance with

delivery to homes and businesses.

The Sun City Phone Book is published by Sun Cities Publishing. The next issue of the phone book will be the

55th Annual Directory and will be distributed to over 80,000 Sun City residents in January 2015. This year’s

Directory additions will include a Veteran’s Section recognizing Sun City residents who have served in the

various U. S. military branches. In an effort to honor these heroes, Todd Brown, publisher of the Directory, is

asking residents to submit their stories to be included. If you would like to include “Your Story” please forward

it to P. O. Box 12013, Scottsdale, Arizona 85267 or email to [email protected].

SHREDDING SERVICES Shredding services are available at the home owners association to all residents. Shredding hours are between

9:00 a. m. - 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

hereafter. Shredding is secure in locked containers which are picked up on site.

NEWSLETTER

The deadline for Newsletter submissions is the third Wednesday of each month for the upcoming 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 Owner Association

10401 W Coggins Drive

Sun City, AZ 85351

(623) 974 4718

Fax - 623 977 7095 www.suncityhoa.org

Office Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Excluding holidays)