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8 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | AUGUST 2020 By Laurie Larson Zeldin Did you Zoom into the Board of Directors meeting on July 9? Or watch the recorded video of it afterward? It was a busy meeting, with numerous issues to address, a number of homeowner comments, and a great deal of Board discussion. And of course, the COVID-19 virus was an integral part of the discussions, a constant awareness that life was not "as usual." The topic that seemed to generate the most interest was "Review/ Act upon Fitness Center Opening," item 1 under New Business on the Agenda. The fitness centers, or gyms, are located in the Spa Building at The Lodge and at The Courts. They have been closed for months due to our new constant companion the COVID-19 virus, and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) guidelines. Management and the Board of Directors have spent, and will continue to spend, countless hours reviewing the "COVID-19 Industry Guidance: Fitness Facilities" as each new directive becomes available. And these are pages long, with information to be reviewed, disseminated, and implemented. Just look at the front cover for the July 1, 2020 CDPH notice. "All guidance should be implemented only with county health officer approval following their review of local epidemiological data including cases per 100,000 population, rate of test positivity, and local preparedness to support a health care surge, vulnerable populations, contact tracing, and testing." Huh? It's like a new language. Many of the Four Seasons Beaumont residents have used the gym on a regular basis to stay fit, to complement physical therapy, to help maintain mobility for those who are physically impaired, or just to have fun. It's also weather-proof. Hot, cold, windy, whatever — the gym isn't affected. So there is frustration and discontent when the gyms remain closed. "Come on, how hard can it be? We're used to wiping down the equipment. We still will. And some of the professional gyms are open. How come they are and we aren't?" As it turns out, expense is a big reason our fitness centers remain closed. The CDC and State Guidelines require in part, closing for thirty minutes after each hour of use for cleaning, sanitizing, and duct cleaning. Filters must also be replaced regularly, with three at the Spa Building and four at The Courts every day. And there are restrictions on the number of users allowed at a time: six at the Courts, and five at the Spa Building. Our janitorial company has offered a discount from their regular fee for cleaning. Even so, with filters, outside labor, and other supplies, the annual cost for a 7 am to 9 pm daily gym availability is approximately $196,995 for The Courts and $199,499 for the Spa Building. Of course, no one knows what will happen over the course of a year, so these are current projections. And how does this affect our HOA dues? They would increase by approximately $8.81 per month for every homeowner, whether they use the gym or not. And this is for opening one gym. Due to restrictions on capital expense, we can consider opening only one of the gyms, not both. And in order to allow such a large capital expense, the community would have to vote on the proposal. There were a number of suggestions made at the meeting, from homeowners and from Board of Directors. So moving some equipment out of doors is being researched. Of course dust, moisture, and heat will shorten equipment life, calling for extra service, frequent replacement of hand grips and cables, and monitoring of the equipment to avoid theft. But our current vendor is coming to take a look and since equipment rental is another consideration, additional vendors are being solicited. So for right now it's still a waiting game. The Board and management are aware how important this is to many residents. And as is the case with life, more will be revealed. We're all doing our best. Hang tight. CAN THE GYM(S) BE RE-OPENED NOW?

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