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During the Highland fire in July, there were some communication and traffic control issues which were unanticipated. Mike Romero, our Securitas manager, has recently met with EPAP and those involved with the Highland fire to discuss and develop plans to prepare for future emergency scenarios. Securitas will continue to collaborate with emergency personnel to achieve effective and essential inter- communication. Building strong working relationships with all first responders will enhance the emergency response efforts. The planning process will define the roles, responsibilities, resources, and communication protocols for team members. To improve communications during an emergency, the Safety Committee will recommend acquisition of three radios for Securitas which will be synchronized with EPAP radios for immediate response and communication as emergencies occur. Timely and accurate dissemination of information will help manage emergencies and prevent panic. Our geography here at Sun Lakes attracts wildlife which causes safety concerns for our pets. Many residents have reported sightings of bobcats, coyotes, and other predatory animals in our community. Please keep a vigilant eye on your pets to prevent them from leaving your property and potentially facing outside dangers. Secure your garage doors in the evenings and keep pets leashed when taking them out for a walk. Keep your distance from wildlife and report dangerous animals to Animal Control. There has been a recent rise in citations for unauthorized parking, failure to display handicap placards, and obstructing traffic. Issuing citations is a necessary step in maintaining order and ensuring the safety and accessibility for residents in Sun Lakes common areas. We do have rules here and there are consequences for violations. If you receive an invitation to appear before the Safety Advisory Committee it means you have received three or more citations within a 90-day period. We hope you don't receive our invitation. There has been a noticeable change in traffic patterns with the installation of the new stop signs in the community. Vehicles are slowing down on Country Club Drive. Please remember to make full stops at stop signs and always be a defensive driver. | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | SEPTEMBER 2023 | 19 Safety Advisory Sun Lakes Committee Reports At a recent workshop, we analyzed the 2024 budget draft and made recommendations to the Board. The most important consideration is the continued maintenance of our HOA property and all its amenities. Every dollar of your monthly HOA dues is allocated to a specific category. There are 11 categories which make up the budget for Sun Lakes: Restaurant & Lounge Operations, Golf Operations, Administrative, Planning & Compliance, Recreation, Landscaping, Maintenance, Property Protection, Cable & Internet, HOA Utilities and Reserve & Replacement. Annually, the budget is close to $15 million and takes a lot of figuring to come up with sound business decisions and the correct fees. The important thing is that the needs of the community should be met first with a very careful review of expenses. With the rising costs of everything from food to insurance and more, it is critical to manage expenses on all levels and a thorough review of projects and reserve and capital expenses by the advisory committees to determine which projects are necessary and which are just desired. The FAC has reviewed the most recent draft and has asked for more information on some items and has made recommendations on others for the Board to review. If you have financial questions, you can review the Treasurers' report in Lifestyles and also access the financial statements online. We also encourage you to come to our FAC meetings which are held the third Wednesday of the month and are open to all residents. Our next meeting is Oct. 18 at 2 pm in the Multipurpose Room. There is a management team member and the Board Treasurer in attendance in addition to our committee members. Financial Advisory

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