Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/1531980
| SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | FEBRUARY 2025 | 3 As we move into February, we have all experienced the fun and joy of the holiday season and the anticipation for an exciting and wonderful new year living in our beautiful Sun Lakes community. Now that the Lounge construction has been completed, we can enjoy our expanded entertaining venue. Because of the required removal of sound panels in the rotunda area during construction, we have hired an acoustic engineer to help to improve the sound quality in the Lounge. We will keep residents informed of the progress. The Sandwedge is getting some touch-ups with the installation of decorative paneling behind the bar as well as repositioning of the hanging lights over the bar to improve TV viewing. The Board came together as a team to extend the time for residents to sign up for the Board vacancy created by the unfortunate resignation of Randy Robbins. A total of 12 residents applied for the position and were interviewed by the Board over two days. The decision was announced at the January Open Board meeting. Unfortunately, the Board received the new insurance policy for the community in December, only a couple of weeks before the end of the year. The proposed increase was $215,000 over last year's rate and $192,000 over the budgeted amount for 2025. Through negotiation of terms the Board reduced the increase to $134,000 over budget. As many residents have experienced, California insurance companies are leaving the state and increasing costs, which is also impacting HOAs. The Board is investigating other options available to lower our costs, including self- insurance options. Containing increases will be a high priority for 2025. In May of last year, the Board drafted a letter announcing that they are considering making a change in management of Food & Beverage. In September, a Board team was formed to develop an RFP (request for proposal) for new management of Food & Beverage which was completed and mailed to 13 management companies. RFPs were sent to traditional management companies, as well as to Food & Beverage hospitality professionals. Due to the issues of managing food and beverage operations in California, we only received interest from three vendors and formal proposals from two. We have been working hard on performing the required due diligence and are excited with the options for change. The Spectrum contract is coming up for renewal in August of this year. The Board has already begun negotiations with Spectrum and anticipates achieving a good contract for the next five years. As you can see, 2025 will be a very busy year for the Board and our advisory committees. We look forward to completing several initiatives designed to strengthen our financial position for the future. Bob Walter, Beverly Simmons, Gary Burkel, Don Day From the Master Board