If those few people who feel nothing is WRONG with SCA management would get off their high horse, and use their dead brains in a constructive manner, it would bring a smile to to the faces of thousands of residents, especially the 93% that indicated that they were uncomfortable with the Board's action directed at removing Bob Frank.
Thanks for the idea.
Lowell Benjamin said:
THE MILLION $ QUESTION OR SHOW ME THE MONEY, AGAIN & AGAIN & AGAIN!
The Finance Committee has done an excellent job of putting together a reasonable 2008 budget. I don’t think there is anything extravagant about the budget. Like all corporate or HOA budgets it has to be based on reality.
There are some in the community that would put us at risk by trying to force the Board to include risk revenue items in the budget, rather then the long time coming dues increase to fund our operation. There are also those that would not pass a budget at all, until every risk revenue item is pursued, regardless of cost, time and outcome. These items consist of the S&D Café Law Suit, Possible General Reserve Fund Shortage from Pulte as of May 31, 2005, Possible Villa Reserves Shortage from Pulte as of May 31, 2005, Cogeneration Plant Funds and Replacement for Trumpets.
The Board is working these issues even though some have a very low probability of success. I believe the board will make every attempt through negotiation and legal means and/or the utilization of good business practices, to capture these funds on behalf of all homeowners. There is no guarantee if any amount is recoverable and each risk element should be handled on an individual basis.
In keeping with the Boards fiduciary responsibility these revenues are at risk and can not be counted in the operation of SCA since they are in dispute. I also believe if any risk revenues materialize, these funds will be used for the betterment of the SCA community.
If those few who feel nothing is right with SCA management will stop dragging out the same dead horse to beat on and use their brains in a constructive manner, it would bring a smile to the faces of thousands of residents. I challenge those who want to put our budget and operation in jeopardy, to come up with a positive suggestion regardless of the discomfort and pain that it may cause them.
Rana Goodman said:
I just received my budget in the mail and was curious about the Cleo design issue so I wanted to look at the line item for redecorating. Of course first I had to search my house for a magnifying glass powerful enough to help my bi-focals SEE the small type on the page. Well, unless I am just plain not finding it, there is nothing in the budget for redecorating, yet we have hired a design consultant for $37,000 to supply suggestions for that task. (I have already rendered my opinion on that so I won’t bore you with that again).
Here is what I know: Cleo Design did the work for the Wynn Hotel, one of residents stated that we should “want them to keep Anthem Center as the crown jewel of SCA”. I think that the decorator that did the work in the first place did an outstanding job, it’s beautiful…. But that’s my opinion.
Here is what I heard and plan on clarifying at the P&G meeting on Monday: The proposal and ideas that are coming in from Cleo are beautiful, elaborate and VERY EXPENSIVE. Who makes the final determination what is going to be replaced and why, 99% certainly is not worn? Since it is NOT in the 2008 budget, does that mean it WON’T be replaced during that year? If so, will THIS BOD vote to spend for redecorating our center when it’s not mentioned in the budget, or will it go to the next board….OR is it “surplus funds” as mentioned at a book review????? But if that’s the case shouldn’t it still be budgeted?
Signed,
Questions looking for answers by Rana Goodman
Paul Utes said:
This is my first experience living in a HOA community and I'm at a loss for words, just dumbfounded that if, in fact, some of our BOD are not fulfilling their fiduciary responsibilities to us (and it sounds as if they are neglent) in providing an explanation on the reserve issue that some type of community action can't be taken against them.
A President of the U. S. can be impeached.
The former Gov. of Il.,George Ryan, is going to jail for corruption. Surely something can be done????
To Ron Johnson, thanks for providing such helpful and due diligent information to all of us.
Anonymous said:
I am really suprised that a handyman crew, on call basis, has not been approved a long time ago. Bids on contracts have been kow to be overstated. When they are too low, thn the work is not accomplished and left for other bids, et..
That is a very good idea Rolf.
Bob Frank has some ideas about keeping a small handiman crew (who could also paint fences and Villas etc) on a year round basis. This would eliminate the need for getting bids etc. for a specific project, and has the potential of saving a lot of money for the association.
Unfortunately the BOD does not want to listen to anything Bob has to offer, so we must now put up with the wasteful spending of our money by you know who.
Go figure!
ROLF AREND said:
As our dues begin to rise, it may be useful to enumerate ways we/RMI can save money by reducing expenses in areas with little or no impact on our lifestyle. Why not solicit ideas from all concerned and have a formal follow-up and implementation process?
ROLF AREND said:
As our dues begin to rise, it may be useful to enumerate ways we/RMI can save money by reducing expenses in areas with little or no impact on our lifestyle. Why not solicit ideas from all concerned and have a formal follow-up and implementation process?
Marcia Kosterka I think your comment is “right on”. If you don’t mind I would like to “echo” every word as being my own comment, including a big, big thank you to Ron Johnson who has proven himself to be a reporter who tells it like it is. I think Ron is a person that every one in this community can be proud of. His continuing concern for the well being of the community as a whole, and for pointing out the injustices that have occurred to the residents shows that he is made of the “Right Stuff”. Thanks again Ron.
To Rana Goodman, your comment is also “right on”. How many times have we seen Mike and some of the other “Directors” back paddle because they realized (or were informed by J. Leach) they were on the wrong path, and could be headed for big trouble?
Why did they pass the resolution to charge $10 per hour to a citizen who wants nothing more than information?
Why did “the fabulous four” turn 180 degrees and now want to keep John Leach employed instead of DOING what they promised before they were elected?
How many times have we heard “we are not going to blame any one”, ignoring the fact that perhaps millions of dollars is at stake?
WHEN ARE THEY GOING TO INSIST THAT KAY DWYER PRODUCE THE NAME OF THE “LEGAL ADVISOR” SHE CLAIMS TO HAVE CONSULTED WHEN SHE SIGNED THE VILLA AGREEMENT?
FAILING THAT, WHEN ARE THEY GOING TO ASK FOR KAY DWYERS RESIGNATION FROM THE BOARD?
To conclude my remark on this subject, I am going to repeat what I said under Ron’s previous editorial Titled “What happened to Favil West?” My remark under that title turned out to be such a hot potato, no one else followed up.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ron Johnson;
I have to thank you once more for exposing the wrongs that have been committed against the residents of SCA who purchased a Villa home. Your articles are shining a light into the dark corners of the past, and revealing some dirty little cobwebs of injustice that the current board members want to keep secret. Keep shining that light Ron, it is much appreciated.
I want to point out some pertinent facts :
1. Your article correctly states the fact that Del Webb/Pulte had commissioned a reserve study in the year 2005. BUT - the reserve study was found to be so inaccurate and incomplete, it was rejected by the resident BOD (unanimously), on Sept. 29, 2005. On that same date, the resident BOD (unanimously) commissioned a REPLACEMENT reserve study to be undertaken.
2. When the REPLACEMENT reserve study was received from DIVERSIFIED FACILITIES, it revealed that the association's reserves were only funded to a level of 57%(UNDER FUNDED by 43%). It also revealed that the reserves of the four Villa neighborhoods were ALL UNDER FUNDED BY 80% OR MORE.
3. An audit completed in the year 2005, confirmed the fact that these shortages existed in the reserves.
4. Both RMI and the resident BOD (under Favil West), abandoned their duty to compel Del Webb to adequately fund the reserves as called for under NRS 116.31038, and began "negotiating" with Del Webb. THERE ARE NO PROVISIONS I CAN FIND IN NRS 116.31038 THAT PROVIDE FOR NEGOTIATION. As a result of this failure of RMI and the previous BOD, the burden of properly funding the reserves of the association, AND the neighborhoods, is now being passed from Del Webb to the residents of this community by the board of directors under Mike Dixon.
5. The Villa residents were all ready assessed an additional $500 for the entire year of 2007. The 7000 +/- residents of SCA now face a $160 per year increase next year and further increases are inevitable. There are some indications that $2,000,000 +/- may be due and payable to this association, but the previous BOD and/or the current BOD remain in there myopic position of "not looking back" to find out. In other words they prefer to take the easy way out and pass the responsibility of funding the shortages from Del Webb onto the residents of SCA.
This "problem" of under funded reserves should have been addressed by the pervious BOD AND/OR THE CURRENT BOD, but more than TWO years have past, and nothing has been done.
Rana Goodman said:
At the last board book review Mike Dixon was discussing with his fellow board members the status of the documents and as reported at the board meeting the fact that they were placed in the storage “trailer containers” (for lack of a better name) after being delivered by Del Webb. He stated at first that he was going to tell Del Webb to pay the fee of the document specialist he was requesting permission to hire. (This was hire was approved at the board meeting).
When we, the audience were allowed to speak at the end of book review, I said “Mike, I think if you announced that at the board meeting you would find that the community would stand up and say YES, it is about time you were holding Del Webb responsible for something”….. He immediately back stepped and stated, well, I’m going to consult with Del Webb and see if we can reach an understanding on it. Do we have anyone else out there that remembers that if it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, looks like a duck it most likely is a DUCK?...... So, in other words, when we all heard Mrs. Berg say, at the board meeting that those records were delivered by Del Webb… David Berman and I sat right next to Bruno when he said, Del Webb’s driver delivered them to him, they are responsible Mike, hand them the bill OR, ask John Leach to do it. It’s called good business.
Yes, Ron Johnson you are right on the mark with your observations, but I really don’t think a darn thing will change they are all too busy with their own agendas.
Marcia S. Kosterka said:
I for one, would like to thank Ron Johnson for adding legitimacy to what so many of us have been saying for months regarding shorting the reserves and operating funds of the Villa Owners as well as the general operating funds and reserves. The belief of being shorted by the developer is spreading throughout our community in spite of the following:
A) A finance committee who states they have done nothing wrong and we should be grateful to them for their work. Several members have openly stated that none of us know anything and should not question their work or conclusions.
B) A board consisting of three holdovers schooled by Favil West himself, and three out of four new members who have sold out the association members for a variety of reasons, with the exception of Bob Frank. We need to examine what their motives may be to protect the developer and sacrifice the members of our community. Our president, before the election, had been known to aspire towards local politics. Perhaps his goal is to run for Andy Hafen's seat, since rumor has it that Mr. Hafen will not be running for re-election. Politics make strange bedfellows and Mike will need money to run-enter the developer. One cannot have much confidence in this current BOD that allows the president to throw fiduciary duty to the wind and spend monies not necessary so that he can have his dream restaurant and New Years Eve Party predicated upon the financial backs of the unit owners. Other members of the board have been joined at the hip with the developer, thus sacrificing members of our community in their wake.
Another player is the current association attorney, who has been giving the same questionable type of advice to this BOD as well as previous boards. He rarely puts his opinions in writing and we are required to listen to a second hand version of supposedly what he deemed legal or not. If you analyze this intricate mix of players, you have the same attitude as before:
1. We don't have to listen to the unit owners' opinions and concerns.
2. Their opinions are of no concern to us.
3. We can do what we want;after all, who is going to stop us.
4. If things become uncomfortable, we will just shut them down,(i.e. the message board)not allow them to speak on agenda items before a vote is taken, and threaten them with a code of conduct violation if they are too critical of us.
The final player in this mix is none other than the management company, RMI. Not only have they violated their own contract, but have violated state laws that govern their conduct. They have continually supported this and previous boards' misbehavior and continued violations of fiduciary duties in collecting monies owed the association.
It is because of good, dedicated people like Norm McCullough, Bob Frank and Ron Johnson who keep digging away at mismanagement and board malfeasance, that all these issues have come out into the open. Thank goodness for their tenacity to make our community a more open, honest and better managed one!
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About this Entry
This page contains a single entry by Ron Johnson published on November 1, 2007 2:25 PM.
Lowell Benjamin;
If those few people who feel nothing is WRONG with SCA management would get off their high horse, and use their dead brains in a constructive manner, it would bring a smile to to the faces of thousands of residents, especially the 93% that indicated that they were uncomfortable with the Board's action directed at removing Bob Frank.
Thanks for the idea.
THE MILLION $ QUESTION OR SHOW ME THE MONEY, AGAIN & AGAIN & AGAIN!
The Finance Committee has done an excellent job of putting together a reasonable 2008 budget. I don’t think there is anything extravagant about the budget. Like all corporate or HOA budgets it has to be based on reality.
There are some in the community that would put us at risk by trying to force the Board to include risk revenue items in the budget, rather then the long time coming dues increase to fund our operation. There are also those that would not pass a budget at all, until every risk revenue item is pursued, regardless of cost, time and outcome. These items consist of the S&D Café Law Suit, Possible General Reserve Fund Shortage from Pulte as of May 31, 2005, Possible Villa Reserves Shortage from Pulte as of May 31, 2005, Cogeneration Plant Funds and Replacement for Trumpets.
The Board is working these issues even though some have a very low probability of success. I believe the board will make every attempt through negotiation and legal means and/or the utilization of good business practices, to capture these funds on behalf of all homeowners. There is no guarantee if any amount is recoverable and each risk element should be handled on an individual basis.
In keeping with the Boards fiduciary responsibility these revenues are at risk and can not be counted in the operation of SCA since they are in dispute. I also believe if any risk revenues materialize, these funds will be used for the betterment of the SCA community.
If those few who feel nothing is right with SCA management will stop dragging out the same dead horse to beat on and use their brains in a constructive manner, it would bring a smile to the faces of thousands of residents. I challenge those who want to put our budget and operation in jeopardy, to come up with a positive suggestion regardless of the discomfort and pain that it may cause them.
I just received my budget in the mail and was curious about the Cleo design issue so I wanted to look at the line item for redecorating. Of course first I had to search my house for a magnifying glass powerful enough to help my bi-focals SEE the small type on the page. Well, unless I am just plain not finding it, there is nothing in the budget for redecorating, yet we have hired a design consultant for $37,000 to supply suggestions for that task. (I have already rendered my opinion on that so I won’t bore you with that again).
Here is what I know: Cleo Design did the work for the Wynn Hotel, one of residents stated that we should “want them to keep Anthem Center as the crown jewel of SCA”. I think that the decorator that did the work in the first place did an outstanding job, it’s beautiful…. But that’s my opinion.
Here is what I heard and plan on clarifying at the P&G meeting on Monday: The proposal and ideas that are coming in from Cleo are beautiful, elaborate and VERY EXPENSIVE. Who makes the final determination what is going to be replaced and why, 99% certainly is not worn? Since it is NOT in the 2008 budget, does that mean it WON’T be replaced during that year? If so, will THIS BOD vote to spend for redecorating our center when it’s not mentioned in the budget, or will it go to the next board….OR is it “surplus funds” as mentioned at a book review????? But if that’s the case shouldn’t it still be budgeted?
Signed,
Questions looking for answers by Rana Goodman
This is my first experience living in a HOA community and I'm at a loss for words, just dumbfounded that if, in fact, some of our BOD are not fulfilling their fiduciary responsibilities to us (and it sounds as if they are neglent) in providing an explanation on the reserve issue that some type of community action can't be taken against them.
A President of the U. S. can be impeached.
The former Gov. of Il.,George Ryan, is going to jail for corruption. Surely something can be done????
To Ron Johnson, thanks for providing such helpful and due diligent information to all of us.
I am really suprised that a handyman crew, on call basis, has not been approved a long time ago. Bids on contracts have been kow to be overstated. When they are too low, thn the work is not accomplished and left for other bids, et..
That is a very good idea Rolf.
Bob Frank has some ideas about keeping a small handiman crew (who could also paint fences and Villas etc) on a year round basis. This would eliminate the need for getting bids etc. for a specific project, and has the potential of saving a lot of money for the association.
Unfortunately the BOD does not want to listen to anything Bob has to offer, so we must now put up with the wasteful spending of our money by you know who.
Go figure!
As our dues begin to rise, it may be useful to enumerate ways we/RMI can save money by reducing expenses in areas with little or no impact on our lifestyle. Why not solicit ideas from all concerned and have a formal follow-up and implementation process?
As our dues begin to rise, it may be useful to enumerate ways we/RMI can save money by reducing expenses in areas with little or no impact on our lifestyle. Why not solicit ideas from all concerned and have a formal follow-up and implementation process?
Marcia Kosterka I think your comment is “right on”. If you don’t mind I would like to “echo” every word as being my own comment, including a big, big thank you to Ron Johnson who has proven himself to be a reporter who tells it like it is. I think Ron is a person that every one in this community can be proud of. His continuing concern for the well being of the community as a whole, and for pointing out the injustices that have occurred to the residents shows that he is made of the “Right Stuff”. Thanks again Ron.
To Rana Goodman, your comment is also “right on”. How many times have we seen Mike and some of the other “Directors” back paddle because they realized (or were informed by J. Leach) they were on the wrong path, and could be headed for big trouble?
Why did they pass the resolution to charge $10 per hour to a citizen who wants nothing more than information?
Why did “the fabulous four” turn 180 degrees and now want to keep John Leach employed instead of DOING what they promised before they were elected?
How many times have we heard “we are not going to blame any one”, ignoring the fact that perhaps millions of dollars is at stake?
WHEN ARE THEY GOING TO INSIST THAT KAY DWYER PRODUCE THE NAME OF THE “LEGAL ADVISOR” SHE CLAIMS TO HAVE CONSULTED WHEN SHE SIGNED THE VILLA AGREEMENT?
FAILING THAT, WHEN ARE THEY GOING TO ASK FOR KAY DWYERS RESIGNATION FROM THE BOARD?
To conclude my remark on this subject, I am going to repeat what I said under Ron’s previous editorial Titled “What happened to Favil West?” My remark under that title turned out to be such a hot potato, no one else followed up.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ron Johnson;
I have to thank you once more for exposing the wrongs that have been committed against the residents of SCA who purchased a Villa home. Your articles are shining a light into the dark corners of the past, and revealing some dirty little cobwebs of injustice that the current board members want to keep secret. Keep shining that light Ron, it is much appreciated.
I want to point out some pertinent facts :
1. Your article correctly states the fact that Del Webb/Pulte had commissioned a reserve study in the year 2005. BUT - the reserve study was found to be so inaccurate and incomplete, it was rejected by the resident BOD (unanimously), on Sept. 29, 2005. On that same date, the resident BOD (unanimously) commissioned a REPLACEMENT reserve study to be undertaken.
2. When the REPLACEMENT reserve study was received from DIVERSIFIED FACILITIES, it revealed that the association's reserves were only funded to a level of 57%(UNDER FUNDED by 43%). It also revealed that the reserves of the four Villa neighborhoods were ALL UNDER FUNDED BY 80% OR MORE.
3. An audit completed in the year 2005, confirmed the fact that these shortages existed in the reserves.
4. Both RMI and the resident BOD (under Favil West), abandoned their duty to compel Del Webb to adequately fund the reserves as called for under NRS 116.31038, and began "negotiating" with Del Webb. THERE ARE NO PROVISIONS I CAN FIND IN NRS 116.31038 THAT PROVIDE FOR NEGOTIATION. As a result of this failure of RMI and the previous BOD, the burden of properly funding the reserves of the association, AND the neighborhoods, is now being passed from Del Webb to the residents of this community by the board of directors under Mike Dixon.
5. The Villa residents were all ready assessed an additional $500 for the entire year of 2007. The 7000 +/- residents of SCA now face a $160 per year increase next year and further increases are inevitable. There are some indications that $2,000,000 +/- may be due and payable to this association, but the previous BOD and/or the current BOD remain in there myopic position of "not looking back" to find out. In other words they prefer to take the easy way out and pass the responsibility of funding the shortages from Del Webb onto the residents of SCA.
This "problem" of under funded reserves should have been addressed by the pervious BOD AND/OR THE CURRENT BOD, but more than TWO years have past, and nothing has been done.
At the last board book review Mike Dixon was discussing with his fellow board members the status of the documents and as reported at the board meeting the fact that they were placed in the storage “trailer containers” (for lack of a better name) after being delivered by Del Webb. He stated at first that he was going to tell Del Webb to pay the fee of the document specialist he was requesting permission to hire. (This was hire was approved at the board meeting).
When we, the audience were allowed to speak at the end of book review, I said “Mike, I think if you announced that at the board meeting you would find that the community would stand up and say YES, it is about time you were holding Del Webb responsible for something”….. He immediately back stepped and stated, well, I’m going to consult with Del Webb and see if we can reach an understanding on it. Do we have anyone else out there that remembers that if it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, looks like a duck it most likely is a DUCK?...... So, in other words, when we all heard Mrs. Berg say, at the board meeting that those records were delivered by Del Webb… David Berman and I sat right next to Bruno when he said, Del Webb’s driver delivered them to him, they are responsible Mike, hand them the bill OR, ask John Leach to do it. It’s called good business.
Yes, Ron Johnson you are right on the mark with your observations, but I really don’t think a darn thing will change they are all too busy with their own agendas.
I for one, would like to thank Ron Johnson for adding legitimacy to what so many of us have been saying for months regarding shorting the reserves and operating funds of the Villa Owners as well as the general operating funds and reserves. The belief of being shorted by the developer is spreading throughout our community in spite of the following:
A) A finance committee who states they have done nothing wrong and we should be grateful to them for their work. Several members have openly stated that none of us know anything and should not question their work or conclusions.
B) A board consisting of three holdovers schooled by Favil West himself, and three out of four new members who have sold out the association members for a variety of reasons, with the exception of Bob Frank. We need to examine what their motives may be to protect the developer and sacrifice the members of our community. Our president, before the election, had been known to aspire towards local politics. Perhaps his goal is to run for Andy Hafen's seat, since rumor has it that Mr. Hafen will not be running for re-election. Politics make strange bedfellows and Mike will need money to run-enter the developer. One cannot have much confidence in this current BOD that allows the president to throw fiduciary duty to the wind and spend monies not necessary so that he can have his dream restaurant and New Years Eve Party predicated upon the financial backs of the unit owners. Other members of the board have been joined at the hip with the developer, thus sacrificing members of our community in their wake.
Another player is the current association attorney, who has been giving the same questionable type of advice to this BOD as well as previous boards. He rarely puts his opinions in writing and we are required to listen to a second hand version of supposedly what he deemed legal or not. If you analyze this intricate mix of players, you have the same attitude as before:
1. We don't have to listen to the unit owners' opinions and concerns.
2. Their opinions are of no concern to us.
3. We can do what we want;after all, who is going to stop us.
4. If things become uncomfortable, we will just shut them down,(i.e. the message board)not allow them to speak on agenda items before a vote is taken, and threaten them with a code of conduct violation if they are too critical of us.
The final player in this mix is none other than the management company, RMI. Not only have they violated their own contract, but have violated state laws that govern their conduct. They have continually supported this and previous boards' misbehavior and continued violations of fiduciary duties in collecting monies owed the association.
It is because of good, dedicated people like Norm McCullough, Bob Frank and Ron Johnson who keep digging away at mismanagement and board malfeasance, that all these issues have come out into the open. Thank goodness for their tenacity to make our community a more open, honest and better managed one!