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4 | OHCC LIVING | FEBRUARY 2025 | Continued from previous page be at the homeowner's expense, while others would not. Initial subscription costs (if any), contracts (if required) and monthly fees would depend on the ISP. They are expected to be less than current Cox fees, but it is unknown how current competition or new competition would reduce Cox fees. The Board is working to evaluate the following: • Does fiber-optic cable to the home significantly improve, now or in the future, the services available to our members? If so, is the improvement worth the risk to our infrastructure and our budget to proceed with an installation? • Can the current infrastructure be made to rival fiber-optic performance without an intrusive installation? • What leverage does the threat of competition give us with Cox and the prospect of a modified agreement to provide improved services and improved pricing? • Can we obtain a detailed proposal from SiFi without a full commitment to install? (To date they have been unwilling to make such a proposal.) • Can we come to an agreement with SiFi Networks that protects the Association against construction problems, installation defects and long-term maintenance issues? • How much would we need to invest in legal fees, consulting fees and construction management to oversee such a project? • What size and duration of bond would be necessary to protect the association? Would SiFi agree to such a bond? • What has been the experience of other HOA's and cities? • Does SiFi Networks satisfy our "sniff test" as a company to do business with? (To date, there have been warning signs that they might not be a reliable partner, including their business practices and their financial stability.) Last April, we reached out for advice to a group of residents with relevant professional experience. If you are someone who believes you have such knowledge and are willing to assist by working with this group, please contact me. The Board will be considering creating a formal Ad Hoc Committee to make recommendations to the Board on this matter, and the more talent we can apply, the better. We have resubmitted our permit application for the lake construction to the City of Oceanside with the required corrections and additions. We are expecting a favorable response by early February. We are evaluating bids from General Contractors to proceed with the project. Well Tec, who is contracted to install the well pump and hardware, has declined to continue to pursue a general contractor role or any other role in the project. We have also been working with the city regarding the patio covers at the casa. We will likely need to execute an Easement Removal Agreement and/or modify our plans for patio covers. We are only now beginning to evaluate our alternatives. We are in the process of creating our 2025-2026 fiscal year budget for the year beginning April 1 with staff and the Budget and Financial Advisory Committee. Among the specific factors affecting us are the California Air Resources Board ban on gasoline engines of less than 25 horsepower and other requirements which may increase the price of gasoline by 65 cents per gallon, increases in the cost of water, electricity and gas and, of course, the increase in the minimum wage which impacts most of our budget. We are confident we will come up with a good proposal. The Board met in Executive Session on Dec. 16 and took the following actions: • Approved the Minutes of the Executive Session on Nov. 18 • Denied an appeal of a previous fine for failure to stop at a stop sign • Reviewed an account delinquency • Received a report on contract issues with entry gate improvements from Ken Wright • Authorized Tom Porter to execute purchase documents for a storage trailer • Approved a quote from O'Connell for turf removal and replanting on Leisure Village Way in the Village of Mykonos for an amount not to exceed $29,706.41 • Approved a revised plan for serial repayment of a credit from Securitas in the amount of $56,254 • Authorized management to secure ownership of our logo and trademarking of same • Authorized legal counsel to obtain engineering reports related to the Delos crib wall in an amount not to exceed $2,000 The Board did not hold a Regular Monthly Meeting in December. We thank you for your interest in the affairs of your Association.

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