GOOD NEWS ~ more to follow
Positive change in our Community impacts us all. When it happens, it is often a result of the actions and decisions of our residents and leadership. Read about some of these successful changes that have happened in the Community.
The Security Cameras
The planned installation of audio cameras to replace the current video cameras and add more throughout our exterior and interior facilities, even inside meeting rooms, was voted down by the board of directors on March 28, 2023. Thankfully only new video security cameras will be installed throughout the community's facilities and grounds.
Due to an active and vocal group of residents who researched the illegal use of audio cameras in HOA associations, who published research findings on 'nextdoor' and on the association's 'facebook' group page, who attended board meetings to speak out on the matter, the board decided it was not a good idea after all and voted the proposal down unanimously. Becoming involved and respectfully letting the board know of your concerns does make a difference!
Click here for the blog post on security cameras.
UPDATE - Jan 2025: Unfortunately we believe nothing has ben done to change out the cameras and we also believe the same audio capability is still in them, which is an infringement of privacy and the AZ one party consent law. And, they are still mounted inside meetings rooms. These cameras should not be pointed towards areas where residents expect reasonable privacy such as bathrooms, locker rooms, and conference or meeting rooms.
The Free Use of the Lawn
The Lawn behind The Views restaurant had been saved for the enjoyment of residents to entertain with family, to hold informal social gatherings and more. It was at risk to become a part of the restaurant and bar, which would have meant its complete control by The Views, as a part of their liquor license. But, a group of about 10 residents, who after researching the prospect, found the liquor license out of compliance. It had not been renewed or been updated in fifteen years. They called in the 'AZ Department of Liquor Licenses and Control' to check on the matter. The Liquor Inspector had the association correct the violation immediately under threat of heavy fines. As a result, the endeavor to 'take over the Lawn' was halted during the summer of 2021 and hopefully won't return, thanks to the efforts of this group of residents who looked out for all of us.
Click here for the full story.
The Voting Down of the Capital Contribution Fee & Why That Was Good
The Capital Contribution Fee Increase was voted down by 64 votes. It was close, but it indicates that residents do have differing views from the association. Most residents are not opposed to making capital improvements to the community and are not interested in "only keeping the status quo". They want to see projects done creatively and reasonably with readily available funds. In our collective opinion, we believe there is no need to raise the capital contribution fee in the process if future improvements are handled wisely and cost-effectively. This increased fee hinders homeowners selling their houses to potentially pay for or negotiate the fee with their buyers. It puts them in a compromising situation.
The community can keep current without having to spend millions of dollars on major improvement projects. The Long Range Planning Committee currently has an extensive 'resort-style' re-development plan for the neighborhood. It will cost multi-millions of dollars within a 10+ year time period to build. If we can appropriately pair down this exuberant plan, change the concept of 're-development' and instead spend our funds on quality creative upgrades and renovations and restorations, while maintaining the community's wonderful amenities, buildings and grounds at tip top shape, we will 'be good' with our finances.
Hopefully residents voices will remain strong with well intentioned, fair concepts and concerns for our community. When the board brings the Capital Contribution fee increase up for another resident vote and since it was defeated before, please Vote No again!
(To view the LRPC's re-development plan for our community click here:
The Voting Down of the Fitness Center's $3.2 Million Renovation Proposal
The Activity Fitness Center renovation project proposal that presented a plan which defied our governing documents building regulations and a high price tag of $3.2 million was defeated by a group of vocal residents in the year 2011. Our leadership then wisely choose to involve these residents who opposed the plan to serve on its renovation committee to redesign the proposal. When the concerned residents became a part of the solution, it resulted in a successful collaboration and many good compromises, such as lowering the costs, saving the palm trees, adding a new hot tub outside, building locker rooms near the pool and much more.
(Click here for the story's history: 'AC Reno vs. FC Reno')
The Voting Down of the Future Housing Committee's Proposal to Alter our Development Standards to Allow Large Home Additions
In 2016 there was a "Future Housing Committee" formed who generated a survey throughout the community on whether we should allow two story additions to homes, enlarge the footprints of houses on their lots and allow two adjacent lots to be joined together. Luckily theses stipulations were voted down by residents. Many voiced their opinions on the repercussions to our community these changes would have caused. This was just another example of residents taking action to have their views be heard and respected.
(Click here for the story about the Future Housing.)
The Successful Installation of a High-Tech Low-Chlorine Water Filtration System at the Desert Oasis Pool
Thanks to the (3) year effort a resident who was familiar with state of the art pool sanitizing methodologies, 'Clear Comfort ' the name of the trademarked AOP filtration system was installed at the Desert Oasis Pool in May of 2017 by E-Konomy Pools. AOP is a high-tech UV light and O2 oxigenation filtration system which eliminates the use of chlorine in very large amounts. It is highly successful in removing more contaminants in pools, if properly maintained, than other systems. It is safer and better than chlorine, salt water or bromine. Our community should be proud that we have such a unique, safe, efficient and ultramodern system. Anyone who has sensitivities to chlorine should be using the DO Pool. The goal is to get it installed at the AFC Pool too! Chlorine is a technology that is becoming a thing of the past. If residents voice their concerns for this change, it can happen.
Refer to Topics/Pool Maintenance for more info.
(Click here for information on 'Clear Comfort. ~ www.clearcomfort.com)
Restoring the Bulletin Boards in the Activity Center
After almost 3 years of not having access to the AC, residents have been clamoring for some of the services to come back. There is a need for storage for clubs for decorations and supplies for their events. And many people mentioned missing the Bulletin Boards that had items for sale including household items, houses (for sale and rent), cars and even lost items, (one small Board was moved to Catalina Vista during the remodel, but was rarely used.)
The good news is that as of mid August the Boards are back up in the AC. Residents now have a physical place to go with high traffic and is a reminder of all the gathering that took place at those Boards.
How did this happen? Residents sent emails, made calls and had meetings with staff asking for them to be replaced. Persistence paid off. Susan, one of the monitors offered to take it on and keep it up (thank you, Susan!) and Becky, a newer staff member investigated it, met with residents and helped push it forward. This is a good melding of resident input and staff with a 'can do' attitude.
Now, if we can just get the leadership to open up the storage options again in the AC rather than leave the shelves empty for these many 8+ months. Clubs who need storage deserve a positive answer and the respect to help the club succeed by providing storage that was promised to return after the AC remodel. If you share this concern, please call and email leadership.