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CoMMunIty news | sun lakes lIfestyles | May 2015 | 3 By George Moyer, SLCC HOA President FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK lot has happened since last I wrote. First, we recently had our Annual Membership meeting where the tabulation of voting took place. The results of the election are as follows: Doug Swenson 2,635 , Mike Primack 1,766, Dan Comerford 2,233. The tax proposal passed with a yes vote by an overwhelming majority. I would like to take a moment to welcome Dan to the Board. I am sure that he will do his best to be a good representative for the community, and bring a good attitude, along with his ideas, to the Board. On a sadder note I wish to say goodbye to Mike, a very dedicated and caring Board member for the past four years. It was a privilege and honor to serve with him. We will miss his knowledge, clear thinking, and get it done attitude. He was the ultimate team player, but never afraid to speak his mind. Those that know me, or have read my previous articles, know that one of my primary concerns is the future availability of water. Recently the governor announced some very important restrictions he has ordered the State Water Board to institute. Once they become official we will be forced to make significant cuts in the amount of water we are currently using. This could be as much as 25 percent. The cuts are currently to be based on our 2013 consumption levels. One of my concerns is the base year they intend to use. We have been taking steps to reduce our water usage since 2010. As a result, we have already cut our consumption by 17 percent. Using 2013 as the base year denies us credit for about 1/2 of what we have already accomplished. To bring you up to date some of the things we have done are as follows: converted a great deal of our common area irrigation to drip systems; replaced all of our irrigation controllers in common areas and golf courses; updated our sprinkler heads on the golf courses to increase efficiency; replaced the golf course pumps that saved significant energy and water; and converted about 60,000 sq. ft. of turf to drought tolerant plantings. Currently we are reviewing a proposal to convert 55 acres (244,400 sq.ft.) of golf course turf to drought tolerant plants. It is estimated that this would reduce our water consumption by 25 to 30 percent. This project would not only be extensive, it would be very expensive. Just how expensive is not known yet, but it is speculated it would cost upwards to two or two and a half million dollars. Once the project is complete we could expect savings in water costs of between $300,000 to $400,000 per year. One major concern is how much anticipated water rate increases will negate our expected savings. The Board will keep the community informed about this project as it progresses. Town Hall meetings will be held to give the community a thorough briefing on what is being contemplated, how much it is going to cost, how we intend to pay for it, and give residents an opportunity to comment. Suggestion: Recently several residents have suffered significant water damage to their homes due to leaks. Most of these incidents happened while the residents were away for an extended time. It is suggested that you turn off your water coming into the house when you are going to be gone for more than three or four days. PROPOSED RULE CHANGE NOTIFICATION 15-05 The Board reviewed the following proposed amendment, to the Sun Lakes Country Club Homeowners Association General Statement of Rules and Regulations (revised February 2015 edition), that appear on the Association's website (sunlakescc.com) and are available in the administration office (please reference Article V – Planning and Compliance / Section 5.02 – Pets), at its March 19, 2015 open session meeting. The Board will vote upon the proposed amendment at its June 25, 2015 Open Session Meeting, following publication in the May 2015 edition of Lifestyles. If the Board votes in favor of the proposed rule change it would go into effect July 1, 2015. It is being proposed that the bold, italic and underlined print below be added to the Association's aforementioned Rules and Regulations to better define the Association's rules pertaining to pets. 11. Dog "walking" any pet using a vehicle within the Association is not permitted. "Vehicles" are defined as cars, trucks, golf carts and bicycles. Persons exercising their animal on a leash must be on foot. A Rule Change Concerning Pets: Vehicles and Pets Don't Mix 5% Military Discount (former & current members) Ask for the Jarhead! 909-965-8404 Since 1985 Licensed & Insured DON'S TREE SERVICE • Ornamental Beautification of Trees • Preventative Maintenance from Wind Destruction • Correct Pruning, Trimming Skills • Tree Removals, Stump Grinding • Tree Planting/Transplanting

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