Fall Clean-Up: Issues requiring attention by the Board

Budget and Finance:

If you have not attended a Budget and Finance Committee meeting or the Special Session at Mountain View in August you are most likely clueless on where the RCSC is financially. 

• No, we are not broke
• We are however trapped in a malaise of playing catch-up for past sins 

Seemingly No End to the Very Busy and Productive Work for Sun City and Sun Citians

With each passing day, I find myself less inclined to post my thoughts. That's a really good thing as it means with each passing day, the new RCSC board of directors is headed in the right direction. What's even more curious is, in spite of the sea-change by them, there are more pressing agenda items now than at any time in our recent past. Here's just a quick snapshot of what is going on; hopefully you are paying attention.

A Day Late...

The dawn of directors supporting membership

Actually, this blog posting is several days behind our normal schedule, but you know the old adage, "if you don't have something good to say, don't say anything." Sitting in attendance at the first board meeting, I was excited by the prospect of the dawn of a new day. The Sun City Advocates worked hard to elect candidates who understood the importance of listening to the membership. Steve Collins, John Fast, and Jean Totten all campaigned on that premise/promise.

Vote for Jean Totten, Steve Collins, and John Fast in the RCSC Election!

The Sun City Advocates were formed just over a year ago. We agreed upon three objectives to accomplish one clearly stated and defined goal: We would use Communication, Education, and Participation to try and elect candidates in the 2022 RCSC election who believed members' voices should matter. Despite all of the criticism that we were just a bunch of disgruntled and angry members, nothing could be further from the truth. We did it because we love Sun City, what it once was and what we hope it will become again.

Jean Totten: A Candidate for Change

The Advocates have extended an invitation to each of the candidates to submit a blog to our readers.  Here is the first of the responders.

RCSC Board of Director Candidate, Jean Totten

I can’t begin to tell you how disappointed and upset I was in February of this year when I asked to be placed on a committee, and our present leadership pointed to my Sun City Advocate badge and said, “That is a conflict of interest.”  I totally disagreed, and I think that you do, too.

 

But because of their uncommon interpretation of conflict of interest, I didn’t want to jeopardize my candidacy so I withdrew from Sun City Advocates. I didn’t want anything to stand in my way. Since then, I’ve also been subjected to two petty and frivolous Incident Reports, perhaps in an effort to discourage me.  One was thrown out, and I have yet to receive a response about the second. I won’t be discouraged!  

One Final Thought...(Checks and Balances from a Member Perspective)

Member / Board Exchange Recap - Part Five

Words Matter

Yesterday was painful; perhaps for all of us. I was really hopeful the new board president meant what she said about having a Kumbaya moment. She seemed real, she seemed interested in us all working together. It's just been slow to germinate (I’m being really freaking kind here).

I listen intently, always have, always will. If you don't know by now, I subscribe to the adage; words matter.

Let's Talk About Golf

Member / Board Exchange Recap - Part Four

So What is it About Golf?

I got a touch hot about being lied to. I hate that more than anything else. What is, is. Simply own it and accept the fact you are merrily giving our amenities away to non-members. Doesn't matter how you couch it, how you wrap it, when you let those living outside the walls enjoy what we have paid for for less money and equal or better ability to access it, you've failed in your duties.

Priorities and Amenities - Is Our Priority to Give Away Our Amenities?

Member / Board Exchange Recap - Part Three

This meeting had so many interesting parts to it, hence the Five Part Recap.  Here we offer up the major points not covered in the other blogs.  The video of the September 12th meeting is worth watching.

Where should our priorities lie and what should our priorities be? 

Jaundiced? (The diminishing role of Committee members)

Member/Board Exchange Recap - Part Two

I love words, and I hate to sound like I am becoming jaundiced. Truth is, I kind of am. Although, the meaning when I looked it up said this: bitterness, resentment, or envy. Honestly, the closest may be resentment. I resent being lied to and resent being treated like I don't understand what is going on.

At yesterday's Member/Board meeting, we were treated to an interesting exchange.

A Failed Process, or Is It? (A discussion of member's rights)

Member/Board Exchange Recap - Part One 

On Sept 12, 2022, several of us sat through a lengthy member/board exchange session. I expected a larger crowd, but it wasn't bad. There is any number of issues that triggered the turnout. Clearly, softball was well represented as were the dog club members looking for indoor space. Added to the crowd were several of us who have long argued for a more transparent, open process. 

Annual Membership Meeting set for November 1st

The September 12^th Member/Board Exchange began with a 14-point statement of procedures read by a member of the Elections Committee in preparation for the upcoming Annual Membership Meeting.

Gearing Up for a Busy Autumn - Notes from the SCA Advisory Panel Meeting

Finishing out the calendar year 2022

After a nice summer, we are ready to get busy. How about you?

It all starts on September 12th Member/Board Exchange and culminates with the December Election of Board Candidates. There's lots in between. None more important than the November 1, Membership Annual meeting. See our handy calendar page for upcoming events.

Golf is an Important Amenity in Sun City so Let's Talk...

Eleven Courses within Sun City

Sun City was built as a "golfing community." It will always be a "golfing community." Our history is invaluable in helping us understand the important role golf played in the marketing and selling of Sun City. The challenge for all of us

How Did We Get Here?

In a Thread started on 7.23.22 by Bill Pearson, he creates a Timeline for those interested in how we got to the situation that we are in regarding Golf in Sun City. (Residents and Non-Resident Play)

Yesterday on the Sun City Advocates Facebook page, we got a great question from Nia Maxwell asking simply; "how did we get here?" The "here" meaning a place where outside full play passes were being sold to non-residents who had access to our web portal and were playing golf for far less than what Sun City residents were paying less than many of us would should we want to golf. In addition, they were literally able to get tee times ahead of members.

OPINIONS: Lehrer: Change coming, misinformation muddles process in Sun City

In case you aren't a paid subscriber to The Sun City Independent (you should be) or you don't get a free, "thrown" copy in your driveway, this is the article that Bill P. is referring to in his blog posted in this edition - Misinformation? Disinformation? - Hmm, calling it so doesn't mean it's so.

 Posted Tuesday, May 24, 2022 2:00 pm 

By Dale Lehrer

After several months and just a bit of a rocky start, I think we can all agree that there have been a number of improvements as we reach the half-year point.

Dialogue between Recreation Centers of Sun City members and the board of directors continues to improve. The member/board exchange is still a work in process, but I am confident that your input matters and every item and suggestion will be acted upon as appropriate. 

Items on Agenda that we Members can Speak on

• Committee Reports

Lawn Bowl Committee – Director Nowakowski

On behalf of the Lawn Bowl Committee, I move that the RCSC Board of Directors authorize the formation of an Ad Hoc Committee to review the impact on all members outside activities at the Mt. View Center. The committee’s task is to acquire affected member input and explore alternatives during the period of disrupted facilities, also the effect of denying members activities at Mt. View for an extended period of time, which has not been historically done before.

Our take:
Director Nowakowski is giving members of all clubs impacted by the construction at Mountain View a chance to (a) listen to those who are affected by this (b) find out if RCSC has a plan in place for them and (c) what effect denying members their activities at Mt. View will have on them.

• Motions - Second Reading

Second Reading Bowling Committee - Director Wilson

On behalf of the Bowling Committee, I recommend that the remodeling of the restrooms behind Lanes 3 and 4 at the Lakeview Bowling Center be considered in the 2023 budgeting process.

Second Reading Club Organization Committee (COC) - Director Wilson

On behalf of the COC Committee, I move to amend Board Policy #12 titled Chartered Clubs, Section 8 titled Club Records & Reports as follows:

8. CLUB RECORDS & REPORTS

All Chartered Clubs must record and maintain minutes of all club meetings and must retain copies of all correspondence. Minutes must be readily available to all club members.

Second Reading Insurance Committee - Director Wilson

I move, based on the Insurance Committee’s and RCSC’s recommendations to approve the 2022/2023 insurance renewal proposal for the Recreation Centers of Sun City, Inc. The renewal proposal includes the same insurance coverages, carriers, and terms/conditions per RCSC’s expiring coverage with an increase of 14.5%.

Second Reading Insurance Committee – Director Wilson

I move based on the Insurance Committee’s and RCSC’s Insurance Broker’s recommendation, that RCSC decline Terrorism Risk Insurance. The terrorism-related coverage is optional for commercial property and casualty coverages except for Worker's Compensation. Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) was initially created by the federal government after the 9/11/2001 attack on American soil. The act allows the federal government to share monetary losses with insurers on commercial property and casualty losses due to a terrorist attack sponsored by foreign interests. For TRIA coverage to apply, a terrorist event would have to be declared by the Secretary of State which has not happened in the United States since this Act was passed by Congress in 2002. RCSC has rejected TRIA on applicable coverages during the past several years.

Second Reading Member Exchange -Vice President Ege

I move to amend Bylaws Article V titled Board of Directors; Section 5 titled Meetings of the Board: Change Board Member Exchanges to Member Board Exchanges

• Consent Calendar

Request to approve the de-charter of the Cornhole Club based upon noncompliance with Board Policy 12 in completing the establishment of the club.

• New Business

Director Collins - I move to amend Board Policy #12 titled Chartered Clubs, Section 8 titled Club Records & Reports as follows:

8. CLUB RECORDS & REPORTS

All Chartered Clubs must record and maintain minutes of all club meetings and must retain copies of all correspondence. Minutes must be readily available to all club members. All Chartered Clubs are responsible for the timely filing of all reports and tax forms required by federal, state, and local laws for 501(c)(4) organizations see FORM BP:12-19(a) for more information.

The Question?

 

Following the second member/board exchange meeting the other day (May 9), those walking out of the room should be scratching their heads and asking this one question. I know I was, did and still am. "Who should decide what Sun City is?" 

Let's recap; at the first member/board exchange, a suggestion was made to change the electronic marquee signs in front of rec centers to read: Sun City, The City Of Volunteers." They currently state, "Sun City The Original Fun City." That change came about in 2012 when the general manager felt it was important to rebrand the community. We heard the reason was buyers wouldn't want to come here if they had to volunteer.

 As you are reading this, my best guess is many of you are saying, "who really cares," or "does it really make a difference?" And from a practical standpoint, it's not life and death. However, it is a question that goes to the very heart of Sun City. More importantly, who owns it? Who runs it?

Part 2: Member Board Exchange, May 9th, 2022

 

As I write this, there are almost 700 views of this meeting. Fantastic!!

Jean, here, stepping in to finish up the Member Board Exchange meeting on May 9^th.  Bill is off pounding the keys at Talk of Sun City and in his new role as an administrator for the Facebook group, Sun City Chat, so I’ll try to fill in the blanks.

To follow our last email “teaser” to you --- Did they listen to us? --- with this edition entitled, “are YOU listening to them?” has me pointing out a few comments that I heard, some by members, some by the Board.  This is not picking on anyone; this is not finding fault; this is not hatred; this is me making observations.  About what was said.  (And what wasn’t said.) Out loud.  Stated by me.  Not hiding behind an Anonymous or Unknown title. 

10 Key Moments Feature

One of our panel members discovered this feature and we decided to share it with you.

Want to quickly view video highlights of RCSC board meetings?

• Google RCSC VIDEOS; do not use any email Blasts from RCSC.

• Available recordings appear with an option to view: "In this Video - 10 Key Moments."

• Scroll down to decide which meeting you want.

• ONLY TAP the IN THIS VIDEO bar part, not the screen shot of the meeting.

• Tap it and choose the listed topic you are interested in; the length of clip is also given.

• You’ll be taken directly to the clip you selected!

WHAT A GREAT FEATURE!!

What do you think?

May 9th Member Board Exchange Notes - Part 1

Let me start with this; I hate taking minutes, so I don't. I write myself brief summaries of the topics raised and then move on. Following yesterday's meeting, I left feeling a bit underwhelmed. Nope, nothing wrong with the session, the exercise is still a plus for the community and the membership but the real question still lingers: Are they serious about what is said or are we just there flapping our gums?

A better seat at the table

My notes from the first Board Member Exchange in its new casual format

4.11.22 Notes from the first Member Board Exchange