Want to Subscribe? (It's Free) Send your request to: jbowker@tampabay.rr.com eNEWS News of Greater Sun City Center by email Founded in 1998                                                                                                                 Volume 14, Number 7           January 29, 2012  ARCHITECTURAL IDEA COMMITTEE FORMING      The Community Association is announcing plans for an ad hoc committee to be formed to aid the architects in choosing a design for the new buildings -- provided the CA Long Range Plan for makeover of its Central Campus is passed by the membership vote on February 13-14.       "We are forming this group,"  President Ed Barnes said, "because it became apparent at our recent meetings with CA members that many members are not happy with the drawings put forth by the architectural firm, and it became obvious that the residents want more of a voice in what the campus is going to look like in the future."  Barnes went on to note that Sun City Center is full of retired professionals in architecture, mechanical engineering, artists and others who could contribute to the future look of the community and he hopes they will come forward with their ideas for the external looks of the buildings.      The CA announcement says that four or five members will be chosen to form an impromptu "jury" from those who volunteer to contribute ideas.  Barnes added that the ideas of everyone will go into the pot and be given consideration by this new committee headed by CA Directors Al Alderman and Howie Griffin.       If you are interested in taking an active role in helping plan the external architecture of the new buildings, call the main CA office at 633-3500 and ask to be put on the list for the architectural design committee.  "The only requirement," Barnes said, "is that your input must be positive. It will not serve any purpose to call in and say I don't like something, but if you have an idea or a sketch, bring it in!" HAVE YOU PAID YOUR 2012 DUES?      Just a reminder that, after closing time (3 p.m.) on Tuesday, January 31st, the amount of the 2012 CA dues will increase by 7% in accordance with CA Policy.  By my calculation that means it goes from $263 per person to $281.41 per person starting Wednesday morning.  If you have trouble making that payment for financial reasons and wish to have your financial situation reviewed by the Hardship Committee of the CA, call 633-3500 and the receptionist will give you directions on how to proceed. And, in Closing, Just a word of total thanks to everyone who came to the Community Hall program on Sunday, January 22nd.  I had prepared the 35-minute illustrated program on our community's history, but I was not prepared for the presentations on my behalf by the Community Association and by Linda's and my daughter and son who came into town from New Jersey and Indiana without any warning.  What a kick for both of us!  A day of a lifetime. Be sure to mark your calendar for the final members' meeting with the CA Board before the two-day referendum on their Long Range Plan for the Central Campus.   Community Hall, Wednesday, February 8, 7:00 p.m. John Bowker   eNEWS News of Greater Sun City Center by email Founded in 1998 Volume 14, Number 6           January 19, 2012  TOWN HALL MEETING SUMMARY New Building Plans Unveiled .. and more         I am afraid many in the audience were disappointed by the latest architectural drawings presented tonight.  Those around me were expecting to see how the proposed new buildings would blend in with what we already have (Arts & Crafts Building, Eberhardt Building, Fitness Center) but the latest designs were similar to what we saw earlier and do not appear to unify the campus in any way. One person suggested that the new buildings look like a 1950's Phillips 66 gas station.  Others said they looked too commercial and should be softened.  The Board was asked if the CA members will be able to submit suggestions about the external appearance of the proposed buildings before final decisions are made.  The answer was a conditional "yes".       I have rather complete notes on the issues raised during the meeting and, on reflection, many of them are repeats of what we have heard before. You can see all the earlier discussion reported on the website, www.mysuncitycenter.org and click on "eNEWS" on the opening screen. The 5-acre ClubLink Property       We were pleased to see even a hand-drawn map of the 5-acre property presently being negotiated with ClubLink for addition to the Central Campus area.  The area was clearly marked about where the proposed Entertainment Building would go and that looked okay since it and its parking area will be well away from residences on El Rancho Drive.  (It will be next to the long parking lot on North Pebble Beach Blvd between North Course Lane and the old North Lakes Pro Shop.)       But there was dismay expressed at what appeared to be a continuation of the new parking lot right up to the backyards of the two homes at 1008 and 1010 Cherry Hills Drive.  It was explained during the meeting that the latest architectural drawings do not show any landscaping around the buildings and it is possible that landscaping at the Cherry Hills end of the new 5-acre property will mean home-owners there will not be subjected to automobile headlights or door slamming in their back yards.      The current plan would also slightly relocate North Course Lane so as to create more parking space next to the Atrium Building and the Fitness Center .. both with appealing green space. Houses or Condos on the ClubLink Property?      There was also concern that the Zoning of the North Lakes Golf Course ("RSC-6") permits house and golf course development.  It was mentioned several years ago that the density of homes in that area was set by Hillsborough County in 1961 and, in construction the homes on Cherry Hills Drive and El Rancho Drive, the number of permitted homes was used up by Del Webb -- that is, the houses were crowded together more than normally permitted with the understanding that the North Lakes Course of some 185 acres would have no homes built on them.  This means that no houses can be built on the North Lakes Course property without a Zoning change by the county commissioners and that would require a public hearing at which Sun City Center residents could voice opinions.  The Agreement with ClubLinks     (Comment by a resident):  If there are to be more golfers using the Sandpiper Course, as listed in the letters signed by both parties as part of the agreement that results in ClubLink giving the CA 5 acres of property, there should be a Tee Time Guarantee for Sun City Center residents so we don't have to wait for golfers from out of town to use our property.  What About the 10-Year Loan?      The CA Board said tonight that they are still exploring a way to fund the proposed changes with a bond issue -- that is, offering the CA members a chance to invest their own personal funds at some attractive interest rate to avoid the higher interest rates that would be charged by a bank.  In this way, the dollars spent on interest would come back to the CA members who are investing rather than giving it to the bank holding our large loan.       If the Long Range Plans are approved by the CA Members in the February referendum, the Board says the two proposed buildings will be ready for our use in 2013. Added Costs for New Additions      The CA Board has said all along the membership dues in 2014 would be 1-2 percent higher than they are now to cover the new buildings.  In answer to the added cost of the new 5 acres, the answer was that the 1-2% figure would include added maintenance of the property as well as the buildings.      The architect tonight mentioned that the "Multipurpose" building is really a replacement for the existing CA Office Building, the Security Patrol Building and the operations of the Information Center and they don't see this causing any significant increase in operating costs because of the careful use of modern materials in construction even though there would be an additional 1,000 square feet. What is the "Entertainment" building's purpose?      The building now planned for the 5-acre ClubLink property will be an additional "Florida Room" to relieve the booking problems on the present Florida Room in the Atrium Building.  It will not offer more club room space.      There were several comments in support of the Long Range Plan by real estate brokers and others at tonight's meeting.  They point out that  many of their clients have visited Valencia Lakes just up US 301 from Sun City Center and have visited the Villages.  Both communities offer a fresher appearance to their visitors.  They are able to sell properties here but, as one said, "you can sell anything if the price is right" .. and they all agree that our home prices will not rise with the rest of the economy until we can compete with our local competitors.      There were questions raised at a different forum today about the amount of interest that could be 27% paid by the CA to the lending institution if the loan went through as described to us earlier.  The reaction of a CA board member was that this is why they are exploring a bond issue for the members so the interest payments would come to CA members rather than to a bank.      Another commenter pointed out that our lack of investment in our facilities shows, so we should be looking at the CA Board's plans more as a protective action for our homes rather than as an unnecessary debt.   And, in Closing,        I guess everyone in the very well attended meeting tonight recognized that the individual CA Board members have been working very hard on this.  There was no sensation by this attendee that the room was slanted in favor or against the Long Range Plan ideas or just how they would vote if the referendum were held today.       The next meeting on this topic will be on Wednesday, February 8 in Community Hall at 7 p.m.  Do your homework in advance and come with your questions so you will be among the best informed voters at the referendum a week later.  John Bowker eNEWS News of Greater Sun City Center by email Founded in 1998 Volume 14, Number 5           January 18, 2012 (If you are printing this out, I urge you to use the attached .pdf file so it will fit on one sheet of paper)   TOWN HALL MEETING THURSDAY NIGHT (That may be "tonight" as you read this) New Building Plans to be unveiled        As initially announced back in November, the Community Association Board will hold another town hall meeting on January 19 in Community Hall (1910 S. Pebble Beach Blvd) starting at 7 p.m.  They plan to show us the newest changes in their location plans and in building architecture for the Long Range Plan.  There will be a question & answer period following the presentation(s).       Light refreshments will be offered starting at 6:30 p.m.   BACHELOR DEGREE PROGRAM AT HCC SouthShore Campus to offer USF degree        You are invited to the Ceremonial Signing of an Historic Agreement Between The University of South Florida and the Hillsborough Community College that will allow USF to offer a Bachelors Degree at the HCC SouthShore Campus.    Signatories will be Dr Arthur Guilford, USF Regional Chancellor and Dr. Kenneth Atwater, HCC President.  The ceremony will take place at the HCC SouthShore Campus Dickman Community Center on Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 11:00 a.m.  RSVP to kjacobs@hccfl.edu.   MEALS OF HOPE One of my favorite once-a-year one-day activities        Each year, the Rotary Club asks volunteers to come to the Borini Theater in Kings Point for part of a day to assemble food packages for distribution to the "Meals of Hope" program (formerly called "Kids Against Hunger").  This year the event will be held from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 4.  Volunteers will be briefly trained before starting the packaging.      The activity involves pouring ingredients into plastic bags, sealing and boxing the bags. No heavy lifting is required and there are jobs to do sitting down.  Last year more than 400 people volunteered that one day for the food packaging and put together more than 60,000 meals!  The way the volunteers are organized for this event is remarkable.  Jim Wilmouth, chairman of the volunteer project for the Rotary Club, said volunteers will work in teams to package the food.        Just drive into Kings Point and tell the people at the gate that you’re going to the Borini Theatre and the gate will direct you to the right and park in the parking lot.  Volunteers will be there to direct you. Please car pool, if you can.          Information: Denny Hanson - 633-7733.   And, in Closing,   ·         The date for the February Men's Club Ladies Dinner / Dance is Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 5:30 p.m.  One press release carried the wrong time / date. ·         The new DAV outreach office to support veterans needing assistance in applying for their benefits is open on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon in Conesa Social Hall at the Prince of Peace Church. For an appointment call 813-382-8732.       John Bowker eNEWS News of Greater Sun City Center by email Founded in 1998                                                                                                                 Volume 14, Number 4           January 12, 2012   MORE QUESTIONS ANSWERED On the Long Range Plan        CA President Ed Barnes this afternoon opened the discussion by reviewing the topics that appear to have been left unanswered at the first coffee last week.  He pointed out that the speakers at the Long Range Plan meetings, including last week's coffee, have covered everything asked including our assumptions for each part of our plan and, today, he has brought enough copies for everyone of the lawyer's letter explaining that members will not be liable for any shortfall in loan payments.  He also brought copies of the "Letter of Intent" between ClubLink and the CA signed on December 30, 2011.  Question:  Should we use a pay-as-you-go plan and only build when we have the money?  Answer:  It is feasible, but it will raise our building costs an estimated 3% per year and we would lose a construction cost saving of 10%-15% that we would get by doing everything at once.  Those estimates come from the construction management company we have been dealing with and from the architects.  It would also mean going through the membership approval process such as we are doing now every 3 years, and we wouldn't have the final job done until around the year 2020. Question:  Why do we need to keep our facilities looking modern like the neighboring communities when our property values are lower than theirs? Answer:  we say that without new facilities, Sun City Center will become less and less attractive as a place to settle, and that will cause our property values to remain low.      There was a comment that the homeowners bordering the North Lakes Golf Course had not been approached and our answer is that the planning is very preliminary, and we don't see that what is now in mind will have any effect on those properties.      In summary, Barnes said, "we have shown you the conceptual plans, the drawings, the calculations behind our recommendations, the cash flow, all of our assumptions, we have validated that the CA members will not incur any personal liability nor will they have to disclose the CA loan when you are selling your house.  What more can we say?" Question:  How much have you spent to date on architectural plans and legal costs?   Answer:  We have spent $39,000 out of the capital fund for the architects. Question:  Are you operating within the limit of Article 10 of our Articles of Incorporation that says you cannot spend more than 15% of your operating budget?    Answer:  Yes.  That would be 15% of 2.8 million dollars and we are no where near that amount. Question:  The hot tub is broken again. How about pro-rating the dues? Answer:  I do not know how to do that and we have never pro-rated the dues for this sort of thing.  Some do not use the pool, some do.  Should we pro-rate the dues for everyone?  I do not have an answer to that. Question:  Is this a 10 year loan or a 5-year balloon loan with a change in the loan rate at the end of five years? Answer:  It is a 10 year loan with the ability to adjust the interest rate at the end of 5 years.          (Editor Note: please see eNEWS Vol 14, No. 2 to show how this should not change the loan payoff. You can         see it at www.mysuncitycenter.org, click on "eNEWS" ) Question:  By giving up the right to keep ClubLink from building houses on the North Lakes Course, are you giving up the right to hold a referendum about the zoning of that property? Answer:  No.  Zoning is only done by the county. The CA has no authority regarding zoning.   Question:  Who is the lender you are talking with? Answer:  We are in discussions with three or four lenders to learn what range of numbers we might expect but we can not get serious with any lender until we have the CA members approval on this Long Range Plan. Question:  When will we see the new plans that include the 5-acre ClubLink property? Answer:  At the January 19 meeting and again at the February 8 meeting, we plan to have a redesign, and a new layout moving property around, creating new parking for the Atrium Building and avoiding any issues with respect to the lawn bowling court. Question:  Why are you giving up the right of first refusal on the sale of the North Course? Answer:  We don't see giving up the right of first refusal for the sale of the North Lakes Course as having any importance to our future.  Our permission for public play at Sandpiper is another issue in these negotiations but we have given that permission in the past and our reading from the golfers here who responded to our surveys of a year ago was that they favored having more players on Sandpiper because it meant ClubLink would keep it open and should help keep the costs down. Question:  Why are you insisting on having this an "all or nothing" referendum? Answer:  It is a value judgment everyone has to make.  You either like it or do not like it.  We want to make the savings of doing it all at once and get the buildings up and not wait to 2020 to build it all. Question:  Have you included money for overcosts in the plan?  We have always had our contracts cost more than we first thought and that meant going back to the CA members for added approvals. Answer:  The three million dollar figure you have all seen includes a 10% contingency for just this sort of thing.  The cost of construction is about $300,000 less than the $3 million we will have from our loan.  Further, we have just completed a survey of where all our electric, sewer and other utility lines are on this campus -- it cost us $28,000 but now we have accurate as-built drawings so we will not have those surprises face us in the future. Question:  Why do we need a clock on the Cherry Hills corner as shown on the drawing? Answer:  That clock on the corner is an architect's conception only. Question:  Was there any information given the CA in advance of those No Trespassing signs that went up last week at the entry points to ClubLink property on the North Course? Answer:  No, but there have been such signs there for years that our fellow residents have removed one by one.  ClubLink knows that, if anyone gets hurt and sues them, the only defense they would have would be if the property is posted.  Question:  What is the status of transferring those 5 acres to the Community Association? Answer:  We have arranged for a survey of the property and that will be followed by a legal description that we expect will be completed next week, and then it will be a matter of jumping through the hoops with real estate attorneys to get a contract between the CA and ClubLink finished.  The hope is to get that all done by February although we realize it may take a little longer. Question:  Who owns these buildings on the CA property? Answer:  The Sun City Center Community Association, Inc.  It is a 501(c)3 organization with members who pay dues; there are no shareholders.     And, In Closing, ·         The Annual Membership Meeting of the Security Patrol will be held on Thursday, February 2, 2012 in Community Hall at 9 a.m.  There were earlier announcements showing a different date and time.  (If you arrive at 8:30 there will be light refreshments!) ·       We have learned that, while 357 homes were sold in Sun City Center during 2011, there were 404 home sales in Kings Point during this same period. John Bowker eNEWS News of Greater Sun City Center by email Founded in 1998                                                                                                                 Volume 14, Number 3           January 11, 2012 (If you are printing this out, I urge you to use the attached .pdf file so it will fit on two sheets of paper)   THURSDAY AFTERNOON Coffee & Conversation January 12th        Tomorrow afternoon in the Caper room at 2 p.m. (that may be this afternoon as you read this) you will have another chance to comment on CA plans to erect new buildings in their quest to update our community appearance.  At the Board Meeting today, President Ed Barnes mentioned the two main things of concern to him in that regard.  First was his feeling that the board has not yet been able to convince members that there will be no personal liability for the CA members for paying off that loan any more than paying the CA monthly electric bill. Even if not another re-sale house was sold here, the loan could be paid off with our existing capital funds and something like 10% of the annual CA dues we are all committed to pay.  That would leave 80-90% to operate the Community Association, cut back as it would have to be.  Second, he knows the board has not convinced the members that it makes more sense to get the new amenities done as soon as possible.  If we spread out our plans on a pay-as-you-go basis, he said, we would only be able to build a one million dollar building now, and then would have to wait until 2016 for the second million and 2020 for the third million.       An item in the January 12 SCC Observer newspaper carries an excellent article about all of this.   ALL ABOUT SUN CITY CENTER Community Hall, 1910 South Pebble Beach Blvd        I note that a "slide show" I am to give on Sunday afternoon, January 22nd at 2:00 p.m. has grown into something well beyond what I had anticipated.  It is all very flattering, but I am hoping you will want to come see the presentation on the lighter side about how Sun City Center was founded and how it has developed during its first 50 years that I will show there that afternoon.  It will be a collection of photos that tell the story.  I am telling people we'll all be back home by 3:15 that day.  I hope so; I have a bet with the maintenance staff that they can turn the lights off at 3:30.       There is no charge for admission.   NORTH LAKES GOLF COURSE IS CLOSED        The North Lakes Course is owned by ClubLinks -- it is a large property of some 180+ acres according to one measurement.  It is laced with cart paths and bridges and with county streets dividing the total acreage into 6 distinct pieces.  It is very tempting for bicycling, jogging and walking particularly when you don't have to duck golf balls.      But, like at your own home, ClubLink can't afford to let people wander all over their property with the attendant liability concerns.  At a recent Coffee and Conversation, it became clear that not everyone understood the ownership issue, so ClubLink has had to put up some small red signs on black cardstock reading:  "POSTED No Trespassing".      They are not very nice looking and I am quite aware that some of them have.  We can all wish the signs were lower and were designed with a touch of class, but that's unfair to ClubLinks who had to do something quickly.  Meantime, it will be best to leave those signs in place.   PLEASE DON'T STEAL         Okay, I have your attention.  Possibly through a misunderstanding, some of the vegetables and other goodies being raised on our West Campus by the Tillers and Toilers Garden Club have been disappearing.  One person I mentioned this to was surprised that I was concerned; he pointed out that that's all CA property and that he is a CA Member.  But when I pointed out that he wouldn't think of taking a plate from the China Painters Clubroom or some art work from the Art Club studio, he looked confused .. and then said he had never thought of peppers and green beans that way.       Seriously, the club members plant all their own seeds and fertilize them, and spend countless hours at their hobby the same as other club members do at their chosen interest centers all over town. Please respect their area; it would be disheartening to have to fence it all in.     SECOND GENERATION FAMILIES        Over 60 families have responded to the call for "Second Generation" residents in Sun City Center. For more than 4 years we have been tracking the reasons why people come to Sun City Center at the Information Center and, by far, the largest reason is a referral by friends who already live here, or people who witness our lifestyle when they come to visit family members here.       There is no special program planned, but we want to take their picture on Sunday afternoon at 1:30 p.m., January 22nd in Community Hall for a montage display to be in the Information Center.  It will fit in with the "All About Sun City Center" illustrated history show scheduled for 2 p.m. that day.   LEARN RADIO      If you have ever thought about learning how radio communications work and even being able to use the terrific two-way radio equipment in the Radio Clubroom at the Maintenance Building, this would be a perfect time for you.  The Radio Club will be holding lessons leading to an FCC Amateur Radio License in February -- dates and times to be determined by student and teacher availability.  It is really a wonderful hobby to be able to communicate with people all over the world and even with folks "back home" for many of us.  Oh!  Morse Code is not needed any more, you know.      Interested?  Information available from Dave at 633-5272.   LIBRARY NEWS        CA President Ed Barnes introduced the new Administrator of our Sun City Center Library at this morning's monthly meeting of the CA Board of Directors.  Elaine Birkinshaw comes to us from her career at the St. Petersburg Library and is already looking forward to installing the new operating software for the library on Thursday, January 26.  That means our library will be closed for that one day, but will re-open on Friday, January 27.   And, In Closing,   ·         The Annual Membership Meeting of the Security Patrol will be held on Thursday, February 2, 2012 in Community Hall at 2:00 p.m.  There were earlier announcements showing a different date. ·         Community Manager Lyn Reitz reports the resident count in Sun City Center as of December 31, 2011, was 10,346.  Treasurer Neil Rothfeld mentioned that there were 24 "Transfer Fees" received from the sales of re-sale homes here during December, 2011 bringing a total of 357. John Bowker eNEWS News of Greater Sun City Center by email Founded in 1998                                                                                                                 Volume 14, Number 2           January 4, 2012 (If you are printing this out, I urge you to use the attached .pdf file so it will fit on two sheets of paper)      We learned a lot this morning at the Coffee & Conversation session the CA Board conducted in the Caper Room.  The room was pretty well filled.  Here are the topics raised by the attendees with my oversimplified summaries of the answers given by the various board members who responded. 1.  What is the status of negotiations with ClubLink for the corner piece of property on the North Course?  We have a two-party signature on a Letter of Intent signed on December 30. The next step is to complete the contract process to have that property transferred to the Community Association. I would say there is a 90% chance this will go through.  CA President Ed Barnes concluded by saying he was confident something positive will go through.  Copies of that Letter of Intent are available at the CA Office, 1009 North Pebble Beach Blvd between 8 a.m.-3 p.m. 2.   Will CA dues be used to pay off the loan?  In the worst-worse case scenario, we might have to use about 10% of the CA dues each year (about $300,000, nearly the annual amount we would need to pay off the loan we are planning on) -- that assumes we had zero resale houses sold in some year and that our half-million dollar reserve capital fund was used up.  But our planning recognizes that the worst case for resales in the last 9 years (since the Transfer Fee program was instituted) resulted in the sale of 240 homes.  240 x $1,500 would bring us $360,000 a year.  In fact, if we only received 200 Transfer Fees in a year, that would pretty much cover the needed payment for that year and our figures show that by receiving only 170 Transfer Fees in a year, we would be able to cover the loan payment by using our half-million dollar cushion in the Capital Fund.  Note that our plan does not involve the use of any membership dues.  3.  Is the loan you have described fixed at 5% for the 10-year period?  No, the discussions we have had to date only fixes the 5% for the first five years.  We recognize that the rate could increase at the end of the 5-year period but, by then, we will have about 1.5 million dollars outstanding, so even a new rate won't materially affect our plan for paying it off.  In fact, if a new rate of 12% were charged on our remaining debt at the 5 year point, it would not change the numbers I have given you above.  Now, we're also exploring the idea of issuing bonds -- for example, issuing 48 bonds for $50,000 each and give 4% on them since they would be tax free.  Registration costs may rule this out, but we're exploring it. 4.  Does this tie up all our capital funds?  At the moment the loan starts, yes.  Beyond that, if the Transfer Fees continue to come in anything like what we have experienced this year (357 Transfer Fees in 2011), we will have the option of paying off part of the loan in advance or having funds for some other capital project.  5.  What benefit will derive to the community from these buildings?  We will have a more modern appearance to visitors.  We have met with the real estate brokers in town and they point out how we compare with other nearby communities -- Valencia Lakes and those on Rte 41 up toward Apollo Beach -- we lack the fresh appearance they have.  The survey that was sent out to everyone in March 2011 indicated that CA members wanted an improved entertainment facility, and we know we need a new administration facility for the efficient operation of the CA office. 6.  What consideration was given to improving the library?   In that same survey the concerns expressed in the replies for the library were further down the list.  eNEWS continues on page 2 eNEWS Volume 14, Number 2 -- January 4, 2012 -- Page 2 7.  What about the extra staff we will need, increased insurance and other operating costs?  We have figured in a 1% or 2% increase in your dues but that would not start until 2014 when the construction is completed.  Our architect has designed the two buildings to be as "green" as possible so we may be using less power than at present, and the maintenance costs should be considerably less too.  With the increase in utility costs we all see coming, this will probably mean little or no change in our utility costs and that's an improvement over today. 8.  Why fill up the paved plaza (courtyard) area that is used for FunFest and for golf cart parking with palms and water pools that no one will use most of the time?  It is true that golf cart parking will only be in an area near the Maintenance Building so it is more distant from some club and meeting rooms, but we don't see the re-design out there affecting the space available for FunFest. 9.  We should be shown the letter from your attorney that establishes our transfer fee as a legal action by the CA.  We will put the letter on our website and publish it in the February edition of the News of Sun City Center before we ask you to vote. 10.  Exactly where is the 5-acre property you mentioned?  You can see it marked off with white stakes just across North Course Lane from the Fitness Center or Atrium Building areas. Some of the other comments from the audience for which I heard no answer: ·         The CA Board seems to have a lot more information it hasn't shared with its members. ·         How about changing to a pay-as-you-go plan for construction and only building what we have money to cover? ·         Our property values are lower than the surrounding communities that have the more modern facilities you mentioned, so I don't think we need the costly modern facilities. ·          Make all the facts you have in connection with the Long Range Plan available to the members so we can make an informed value judgment before we vote. ·         Property owners bordering the North Lakes Golf Course have not been contacted about any of this. And, in Closing, ARE YOU SECOND GENERATION?      On Sunday afternoon, January 22nd, as part of a program all about Sun City Center, there will be a moment of recognition for any CA Members who have purchased property here and who have had a parent or offspring living here.  If that applies to you, please reply to this eNEWS with your name and address, and the name(s) and address of other family members who are or who have been CA Members.  We will also want to know when you and the other(s) moved here.      If you know of a friend who may not get eNEWS who might otherwise be included have them call Dee Kelly at 642-8678.  She can also answer any questions about this great program idea. / John Bowker eNEWS News of Greater Sun City Center by email Founded in 1998 Volume 14, Number 1           January 2, 2012 (If you are printing this out, I urge you to use the attached .pdf file so it will fit on two sheets of paper)   WEDNESDAY IS BIG MEETING DAY        I am hoping you will come to the two meetings the CA Board has scheduled for CA Members:   10:00 a.m.   COFFEE AND CONVERSATION in the Caper Room (Atrium Building).  This should be an informal hour or so with CA members who want to ask questions of the CA Board or make comments on topics of their choice without any formal meeting structure or speeches.       Now, recalling how these have worked in years past, it is best when the audience members ask a question that can be answered in terms meaningful to everyone in the room.  Rehearse what you want to say and enter into a brief conversation with a board member.  Remember that they are volunteers just like you.   7:00 p.m.  ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING in Community Hall, 1910 S. Pebble Beach Blvd. This is the required annual meeting where reports are presented by the President and Treasurer of the Community Association and by the Community Manager.  There are often awards presented to individuals who have served the community well during the past year -- and light refreshments starting at 6:30.  Yes, they know how to draw a crowd.   DIGGING IN OUR STREETS        For several weeks we have all had to avoid trucks neatly parked in the middle of our streets with pipes and tubes protruding down into just about every manhole that exists. The story is really quite remarkable -- and if you would like to see the details (with photographs) go to Dave Brown's website at:  http://www.suncitydave.info/reline.html.      By the way, there is so much good stuff on his website you might want to take another look at all the subjects he has covered. For that just remove the last part of that website address and go back to:  http://www.suncitydave.info.  You will be quite impressed.   (Thanks Dave!)   NEW OPPORTUNITY TO EXERCISE   SCC 50th Anniversary Fun Run/Walk. Three miles or half that distance (your choice) on ClubLink’s closed golf course by the CA Central Campus. Register until January 15 (Mon-Wed-Fri) in the Atrium from 9 a.m. to noon. Fee of $5 includes tee shirt, refreshments and participation ribbon.   And, in Closing,   ·         I found a shorter website address for the Sun Newspaper; http://www2.tbo.com/thesun/ ·         Delighted to hear from readers Kline, Dan, Kate & Fran of their most pleasant experience at the new Sandpiper Grille (was the Golf & Racquet Club).  We seem to have a fine new restaurant! ·         Remember the House Tour coming on January 14, 10-2, $5.00 tickets at 1002A Cherry Hills Drive. ·         Volume 14 of eNEWS starts today.  It has been a fun 13 years.  Thanks for your support.   / John Bowker eNEWS News of Greater Sun City Center by email Founded in 1998 Volume 13, Number 51           December 22, 2011 (If you are printing this out, I urge you to use the attached .pdf file so it will fit on two sheets of paper)   CA IS LISTENING Open Discussions Planned           The CA Board wants to hear from you and to discuss the pros and cons of its Long Range Plan for updating the facilities on its property.   At a meeting earlier this week, CA President Ed Barnes announced three new initiatives aimed at hearing from CA members about their concerns regarding constructing new buildings. Coffee and Conversation      On Wednesday, January 4, members of the Board will be in the Caper Room (Atrium Building) starting at 10 a.m. to discuss whatever concerns anyone wants to bring up -- The focus, of course, will be on the Long Range Plan.  There will be no speeches, just comments and questions by the CA members, with comments and answers by the Board members.      On Thursday, January 12, at 2 p.m., there will be another Coffee and Conversation in the Caper Room with the same format as at the one on January 4th. Letters to the Board      Barnes pointed out that our monthly News of Sun City Center is a newsletter of the CA Board so it does not print letters to the editor the way a regular newspaper would.  However, the February 2012 edition has committed up to 4 pages of questions and comments from CA Members as a forum for discussion.  That edition will come to all CA Members around the first of February just two weeks before the referendum vote on modernizing our image.  Letters can be brought/mailed to the CA Office at 1009 N. Pebble Beach Blvd, or submitted by email to sccboard@suncitycenter.org .  The deadline for receiving comments is 3 p.m., Monday, January 16.  Town Hall Meetings      On Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 7 p.m., there will be the third in the series of formal programs at Community Hall (1910 S. Pebble Beach Blvd) reviewing the latest proposals for the Long Range Plan.  Audience questions and comments will be welcomed following the presentation by Board members and the architectural company  representatives.      On Wednesday, February 8, 2012, 7 p.m., the last of the question and answer sessions will be held in Community Hall. Referendum Vote      CA Members will cast votes regarding the Long Range Plan on Monday or Tuesday, February 13, 14.  More details on times and locations to be forthcoming.   NEWSPAPER WEBSITES   Sun Newspaper:  www.tbo.com/community/    and scroll down to The Sun News Observer Newspaper:  www.observernews.net News of Sun City Center Newsletter:  www.suncitycenter.org  click on News of SCC on opening screen eNEWS:  www.mysuncitycenter.org  click on eNEWS.   OFFICE CLOSINGS FOR HOLIDAYS   CA Office:  Open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays but closed Monday Dec. 26 and Monday Jan. 2   CA Library:  Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays but closed Monday Dec. 26 and Monday Jan. 2.   County Library:  Open only to 6 p.m. through to New Years, except:                                  Closed Saturday Dec. 24  through Tuesday, Dec. 27.                               Closed Sunday Jan. 1 and Monday Jan. 2. E.G. Simmons Park:  Closed Saturday Dec. 24 and Sunday Dec. 25; open all other days including                                Saturday Dec. 31 and Sunday, Jan. 1. Solid Waste Collection:  The holidays will not affect the schedule (including garbage, recyclables and yard waste).   Most other Hillsborough County offices will be closed Dec. 25 through Dec. 27 and on Jan 1 & 2.   NEW JAZZ LOVERS GROUP        Bill Ferron is forming a new jazz listening group that will meet on the third Friday of each month from 2-4 p.m. in the South Social Room in the main clubhouse at Kings Point. Visitors should enter Kings Point using the right-hand lane and should tell the entryway guards that you are attending the Jazz Group meeting.        The group has met twice to rank types of jazz from most favored to least favored.  Dixieland jazz was ruled out; Big bands ranked as most favored followed closely by small groups, jazz vocalists, swing era bands, and smooth jazz.  All selected styles are represented; individuals can bring in a CD with two tracks selected. Ron Liambruno and Bill will come with additional CDs and U-tube videos to balance the variety of selections presented at our meetings. Information from Bill at 938-3571.    Holiday Hours for the Nearly New Shop   Starting Saturday, December 24th, the Nearly New Shop, -- behind the Bon Worth Store -- will be closed for the Holidays.  It will reopen on Wednesday, January 4th, with normal business hours on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m.-12 noon.        Donations will be accepted while the retail shop is closed and can be left at the donation box outside the store during the week.   Arrangements for large items to be dropped of can also be made by calling (813) 642-9099.   And, in Closing, All the outdoor pool furniture was sold and netted $2,910 to the Replacement Reserve Fund. We had 10,345 CA Members living in Sun City Center as of November 30, 2011. The Sheriff Deputy has moved into the new office located where the Pelican Room was. The Holiday Gift Fund totaled $9,842 in gifts to our 37 employees.  I think that's great!   / John Bowker   This newsletter is available to anyone with access to the Internet.  Just request that your email address be added to the mailing list.  Write to:  jbowker@tampabay.rr.com. eNEWS News of Greater Sun City Center by email Founded in 1998 Volume 13, Number 50           December 15, 2011 (If you are printing this out, I urge you to use the attached .pdf file so it will fit on two sheets of paper)   MODERNIZING THE CAMPUS        I have chosen to quote from 3 of the 6 CA Director/Officers  who spoke on Thursday morning at the second of three planned Town Hall meetings to explain the Long Range Plans being developed by the Community Association Board of Directors.  There were many questions at the end questioning some of the positions and omissions from what you will read here -- more on those another time.   I AM HAPPY TO ANNOUNCE Comments by CA President Ed Barnes        During the past year and a half, the Community Association Board has been negotiating with the ClubLink organization concerning the North Lake Golf Course.  Over the past several weeks CA Director Ann Marie Leblanc and I have redoubled our negotiations effort with ClubLink and I'm happy to announce that we have agreed, at least in principle, with ClubLink to obtain a small portion of the of the 9th hole area that is just on the other side of North Course Lane. This will give us an opportunity to review our location plans for the proposed entertainment building.  There is still a lot of work to be done to complete this acquisition, and I don’t want anyone to think this is a done deal, but I do hope to have it completed by the February 10 Board of Directors meeting so they can approve this acquisition.  ClubLink wants to be a part of this community and wants to be a good citizen but we have to realize that these are experienced businessmen who are very successful at buying and managing golf courses, and they are very tough negotiators.   HOW TO PAY FOR IT ALL?   A.  Our Present Treasury (comments by CA Treasurer Neil Rothfeld on December 15, 2011):      The Capital Fund  that is used for new construction will have $1,000,000 at the end of this month.  We are expecting the capital fund to be $1,270,000 by the end of next September.  That is based on the sale of homes resulting in net Transfer Fees of 20 homes per month.  We do not anticipate spending any Capital Funds until at least October, 2012, and when we start using the funds it will be only on a completion basis.  We do not have to come up with all the money at once.   B.  Our Financing Strategy (comments by CA Director Chuck Collett on December 15, 2011):      While formulating a financing strategy, this board has been guided by one firm principle which we call Rule Number One. No membership dues will be used for this construction. The plan that we have developed includes a low-interest 10 year loan, which will be paid by transfer fees that are realized from the purchase of a resale home.  We will also set aside $500,000 from our existing Capital Fund that will be used during the loan period only if transfer fees are not adequate to cover the loan payments. The community has a nine-year history from which to study the number of transfer fees that we have received during that time, the lowest number was 240 transfer fees. The worst four years that we have had averaged 258 Transfer Fees. eNEWS Continues on Page 2   eNEWS Volume 13, Number 50 -- December 16, 2011 -- Page 2     Here's the basis for our figures:             We have spoken with several lenders, and we believe we can obtain an interest rate of 5%. And, quite unusual for commercial loans such as this, we would have no prepayment costs. All of our figuring is based on 240 transfer fees per year and that would yield an income of $360,000 a year.  In any event, the annual payments on this loan will be approximately $305,450. (Incidentally, this year (2011) we are seeing 350 Transfer Fees being received!   Cost Overruns?      One issue that has been raised is, how do we prevent cost overruns such as we had several years ago.  The answer is that we have learned from that experience, and hired a civil engineer, who is already at work identifying and locating all underground utilities (water, electricity, etc.).  Those records will be permanently on file at the CA, so we will not be surprised when we put a spade in the ground as has happened in the past.       Our architect has hired a contract engineer to get a good feel for where the costs of this program are apt to come in.  We will also have a "Clerk-of-the-Works who will inspect the work on a regular basis and report to us that the work is on time and on budget.  We also have built in a 10% contingency fund, and that's what brings this to $3 million in the overall project costs.      So we believe we've taken the steps to be sure that the project will come in on time and on budget.   Why not wait until we have the money?      An alternative is to wait eight years until the transfer fees would amass a Capital Fund to provide the required building costs. But the costs will not remain the same as they are today.  Contractors are desperate for work and costs are at an all-time low.  All economists tell us that costs of construction are bound to increase and may even exceed the interest costs that we will incur proceeding as we are describing here.       Put another way, why do we want to finance this work and incur interest expense instead of building as our income comes in? Well my answer is that by building now while contract costs are low will make the new facilities available to us, now.   What are you pledging to the lender?      The loan is being taken out by an independent 501(c)3 organization, namely your Community Association.  The primary asset that we will pledge to secure this loan is our Transfer Fee income.  The only other asset that we will pledge is our dues revenue which we will only have to use if two things happen:  (1) the transfer fees are not sufficient and (2) the $500,000 we set aside from the existing Capital Fund is not sufficient.  No facilities will be pledged, and you and your home or property will in no way be encumbered by this loan.  The loan has nothing to do with you or your real property.  The loan will be made to the SCC Community Association which is an independent legal entity. By the way, the CA is not a Home Owners’ Association.  So there is zero connection between you and your property, and this loan that we're talking about making.   None of our facilities will be pledged for this loan and there will be no personal liability for you or your property.    TRANSFER FEE INCREASE        By a vote of 957 to 314 a change in the Community Association bylaws have been approved by the CA members to increase the "Transfer Fee" from $1,200 to $1,500 on the purchase of resale homes in Sun City Center.  It was pointed out during the Membership Meeting in Community Hall Thursday that our charges are much less than the fees charged in most other communities, so this is not seen as a deterrent to home sales by newcomers who are "comparison shopping".   John Bowker eNEWS News of Greater Sun City Center by email Founded in 1998 Volume 13, Number 49           December 13, 2011 (If you are printing this out, I urge you to use the attached .pdf file so it will fit on two sheets of paper)   MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT        CA President Ed Barnes asked if I would alert you to a major announcement he will be making on Thursday morning at the Long Range Planning meeting starting at 10:30 a.m. that will produce some significant changes to the Building Plan as currently structured.      We are all aware that, while most people seemed to react positively to our first exposure to the Long Range plans the CA Board has been working on for nearly a year, there were some shortcomings needing attention.  Ed has not shared with me what he will be telling us but, trusting soul that I am, it sounds like I will have an item for another eNEWS report on Thursday after the meeting!       Seriously, you owe it to yourself and Sun City Center to attend the meeting on Thursday morning at Community Hall (1910 S. Pebble Beach) at 10:30 to get more familiar with what the CA is thinking about our long-range future, and how we can pay for it.      There will be plenty of time for questions from the audience at the end.   DAV NEEDS DRIVERS      The Van operated by the Sun City Center Disabled American Veterans Chapter 110 has resumed operation.  It was down for lack of volunteers, and is still right on the edge, so your help is truly important.  The DAV van provides free service from pickup points in Sun City Center and Kings Point for morning appointments at the James A. Haley VA Medical Center in Tampa.      If you need such transportation, please call 642-0302 seven days before your appointment.      If you are interested in driving please get in touch with Darrell Katz at: darrellwkatz@gmail.com.   Drivers need not be members of the Disabled American Veterans organization.   AIR CONDITIONER REPAIRS       The Sun City Center Consumer Affairs organization has learned of at least three complaints against an air conditioning company advertising locally promising duct cleaning at $49.95.  If you are planning to have your home air ducts cleaned, please call 633-3500, or go to the CA Office at 1009 N. Pebble Beach Blvd to hear what they have learned about the company making that offer.       In fact, before you engage any contractor to do any work around your home, you would be foolish not to check with that office to review listings of companies in electrical, plumbing, roofing or any kind of home maintenance or installation work.  You will learn from the experiences of others.   TOUR OF HOMES 50th Anniversary Event        Exciting news for the Saturday, January 14, 2012 Tour of Homes.  All six of the homes will be different from the homes that were on the June 2011 tour, including one from Minto Communities.  One of the homes has an international room on the converted lanai.  Most of the homes on the tour have been remodeled and updated to reflect each homeowner's desire for a superb living experience.  Tickets are for sale ($5.00 each) at the Men's Club Lifeline office, 1002 A Cherry Hills Drive - just behind the Information Center weekdays from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Information: Mike Brock 813-365-0003   HERE IS AN ODD ONE   From a Reader of eNEWS:    Hi John, a gentleman rang my doorbell this morning and said a sensitive piece of our mail had been delivered to him on the north side of town by mistake.  I talked to him through the closed door because I was in my underwear so I didn't get his name or address.  I asked him to leave it by the front door and he did.   The mail had been opened by mistake and it being of a sensitive financial nature he drove from his north side home to our home in Renaissance to keep us from worrying about who may have opened it since it would have required scotch tape to close it again.   Wish I had asked him to wait a moment while I got my pants on but as a senior the "ol" mind doesn't work as quickly as it once did.   If you would consider making a note of it in your next eNEWS I'd appreciate it and, if he would contact you, I'd be happy to treat him and his wife/girlfriend to a meal at a nice restaurant. ---------------------       If any reader of eNEWS recognizes this incident, just return this newsletter with your name and address typed on it somewhere.   I'll forward it back to the writer of this letter.      2012 CA BOARD OFFICERS        The all-volunteer CA Board met in closed session this past week to elect its officers for next year.  Ed Barnes will continue as CA Board President, Chuck Collett will be Vice President, David Floyd will continue as Secretary and Neil Rothfeld will continue as Treasurer.         / John Bowker eNEWS News of Greater Sun City Center by email Founded in 1998 Volume 13, Number 48           December 7, 2011 (If you are printing this out, I urge you to use the attached .pdf file so it will fit on two sheets of paper)   2012 CA DIRECTORS        Three residents have been elected to 3-year terms of office as volunteer Directors of the Sun City Center Community Association based on returns announced this evening.  The three winners of the election were incumbents Al Alderman and Jane Keegan, and Howie Griffin who was a former CA Director.  This will actually be Jane Keegan's first elected term of office as she has been fulfilling an appointment to the board this year.  (Thanks, Chuck)      My personal thanks to Bob King and Paul Sasville for stepping forward to volunteer for this community service.    COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION DUES        CA Members have voted to increase the annual dues from $256 to $263 effective January 1, 2012.  The vote count was 1290 in favor, 642 were against the increase.     POOL FURNITURE        There was a swarm of activity at the Maintenance Building following my announcement last week about all the pool furniture being offered for sale.  It is almost all gone …      But there are two of the large round tables and a half dozen of the lounge chairs still available. They will be on sale tomorrow and Friday (starting at 7 a.m.) until they are gone.  The lounge chairs go for $35, and the tables for $25.        Oh!  And please do not to park your golf cart in the courtyard by the fence outside the pool as there is a dumpster there for the construction people. They may be throwing things into the dumpster from inside the pool area and your cart could be damaged.   NEXT WEEK IS CONFUSING        There will be two meetings on Thursday morning next week, December 15.  Here is the purpose and reason for two separate meetings both to be held in Community Hall:      Meeting One:  10:00 a.m.  CA Members must show their ID Card because they will be allowed to vote for the increase in "Transfer Fee" from $1,200 to $1,500 at that time.  They will also be asked to approve a change in the name of that fee to "Capital Fund Fee".  That is the entire purpose of the 10 a.m. meeting.      Meeting Two:  10:30 a.m.  Anyone is welcome to attend to hear "Part Two" of the CA Board's explanation of what they are planning in the way of upgrades to our Central Campus facilities. It is important for all CA Members to attend because we will be voting on this $3 million program soon and we must learn more about what it includes and how we are going to pay for it.   And, in Closing,   ·         Apparently so many out-of-date drugs were turned in last Thursday they stopped accepting any more after 10:45 a.m.  They posted a sign reading:  "To dispose of prescription drugs, pour bleach over them until dissolved and then discard." ·         We have a resident who wants to learn "Dragon Naturally Speaking 11".  If you would like more information about this volunteer opportunity, let me know.  / John Bowker   eNEWS News of Greater Sun City Center by email Founded in 1998 Volume 13, Number 47           November 29, 2011 (If you are printing this out, I urge you to use the attached .pdf file so it will fit on two sheets of paper)   DECEMBER 1 IS THURSDAY Lots of Changes   Taking things in order:               1)  Pay your county property taxes on Wednesday and save money             2)  The Outdoor Pool on the Central Campus will close Thursday             3)  Rules for Atrium Building Lap Pool change on Thursday             4)  Throw out your prescription drugs on Thursday     COUNTY PROPERTY TAX        If you owe property taxes on your home for 2011, you should have received a "Notice of Ad Valorem Taxes and Non-Ad Valorem Assessments" by now.  Please note that you can get a 4% reduction in the Combined Taxes and Assessments by paying the tax by November 30.  You can find the actual amount you should pay near the top of that Notice.  It will give you a reduction of several hundred dollars.  You only need to mail your payment in an envelope showing a November 30 postmark. Some people are only comfortable using Certified Mail when such close timing is an issue.      If you need help on this, take your check book to the county tax office over in the "Big Lots" shopping center just the other side of the Interstate highway off Rte 674.  It will take an hour or more once you get in line, but they will tell you how much you owe and accept your payment right there. They are open until 5 p.m. every weekday.   OPERATION MEDICINE CABINET Thursday, December 1, 9 a.m. - Noon        Just a reminder that Thursday morning between 9 and noon you can take outdated or unused medicines to the parking lot at Community Hall, 1910 South Pebble Beach Boulevard for disposal. The drugs do not have to be identified and neither do you.  You can leave the medicines in their containers, but I suggest you put them in a plastic bag so all you need do is drive up and hand them to the person at the disposing bin, and then you can just drive away.      Don't be dismayed when you find the person taking your drugs is from the Sheriff's Office!  This is a service they provide to help assure that old drugs are not flushed down a toilet.  The reason is that the waste water from your toilet is ultimately processed for disposal in the ocean and then can be part of the recycled water that comes back as potable water for our homes.  But some of the toxic chemicals, we are told, cannot be removed in this recycling process.   OUTDOOR POOL CLOSING The area right around the pool too                   The outdoor pool and locker rooms will be close for extensive renovations on December 1st and are expected to remain closed at least two months. Pool supervisor Al Rittberg is handling the scheduling of pool use.  You can leave a message for him at the CA Office or at 642-2045.    The following times have already been reserved:   Swim Dancers – Monday and Wednesdays, 7:30 to 9:00 pm and Fridays, 7:30 to 9:00 am                                      The lap pool is closed during that time for individual swimming.  The hot tub can                                       be used for soaking without the blower jets on and no noise.   Master Swimmers – Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, 6:00 to 9:00 am.                                       The lap pool will be closed during that time for individual swimming if there                                       are 3 or more Master Swimmers in the pool. If there are 2 or fewer Master                                       Swimmers, the shallow lanes can be used by individual resident swimmers.   Deep Water Aerobics – Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 9:00 to 10:00 am                                        The use the deep side of lap pool only.  Residents can use the shallow side for                                          individual lap swimming and the hot tub.   Aquasizers – Monday through Saturday 10:00 to 11:00 am.                                        They use the shallow side of lap pool only.  Residents can use deep side for                                        individual lap swimming and the hot tub.   Arthritis Group – Tuesday and Friday, 1:00 to 2:00 pm.                                        They use the entire walking pool so it will not open for individual use during                                        that time.   No noodles can be used in the walking pool.  Noodles may be used in the shallow end of the lap pool only.    The CA is asking for everyone’s patience and understanding while the remodeling is going on.  It may be that for the time being you won’t be able to swim exactly when you would like, but the end results will be well worth it.  Our manager, Lyn Reitz, will keep us all up-to-date with photographs in the SCC News and reports at the monthly board meetings (the 2nd Wednesday of each month in the Rollins Theater) as she did with the renovation of the indoor pool area.                   For those interested in purchasing chairs, tables or umbrellas, they will probably go up for sale the second week in December.  I will let you know in eNEWS when the details are decided. On the day of sale it will be first come, first served.  The CA has announced that it cannot take reserve orders.   And, in Closing,      In my last edition, in trying to keep my items brief, a detail was overlooked about the loan the CA is discussing that would cover the cost of the updating of our facilities -- you will recall the "$3 Million" figure I mentioned.  Let me hasten to explain that, in their presentation a couple of weeks ago, they pointed out that any such loan would not be ready until about next September and, by then, they expect to have more in their capital account than at present. If they keep $500,000 in reserve, they will have at least $600,000 toward the $3 million needed for the total project. So we would need only a $2.4 million 10-year loan.  For that they say the annual cost to service a 5% loan would be $305,450 and the CA feels we can cover this with the expected Transfer Fees each year.       Be sure to circle the morning of December 15 for the next Town Hall Meeting on this matter!    / John Bowker eNEWS News of Greater Sun City Center by email Founded in 1998 Volume 13, Number 46           November 17, 2011 (If you are printing this out, I urge you to use the attached .pdf file so it will fit on two sheets of paper)   MODERNIZING THE CAMPUS A Long Range Plan        An excellent presentation was made to a receptive audience of nearly 500 CA members on Wednesday night by CA Board members and the architectural firm that is guiding our updating needs.  Together, they have developed a plan to upgrade the appearance of our main central campus along with improving the efficiencies of the Community Association office space.  New buildings are to be constructed; some of our present buildings will be demolished.  The cost of the plan totals $3,000,000 -- but only the Capital Fund will be used for the proposed construction; our dues will not be used for construction as outlined this evening. WHAT DO WE GET?                We get more and better facilities and an updated campus that should appeal to visitors who are thinking of moving to Sun City Center.  This includes a new "Entertainment" building, a new "Multi-Use" building (for administrative offices, information center and meeting rooms), a greatly enhanced courtyard (the cement area between the Florida Room and the Rollins Theater).  A café that is reminiscent of the plan from 6 years ago but with enhancements that will make it a place to meet and greet as well as a place to pick up something to eat and drink.    WHAT DO WE LOSE?        One of our three Lawn Bowling greens will be replaced by a new Entertainment Building.  The shuffleboard courts will be moved to the South Campus.  The present CA Office Building (1009 N. Pebble Beach) and the present Security Patrol building (1005 N. Pebble Beach) will be torn down and replaced with a building that includes both of those functions plus the Information Center operation.  The small CERT Building (next to the Maintenance building) will be removed to provide more parking space next to the Atrium.   HOW DO WE PAY FOR IT?        We should have $1,000,000 in our Capital Fund by the end of this year.  We have been averaging 277 "Transfer Fees" each year for the past 9 years so the conservative income amount should be in the neighborhood of $330,000 - 415,000.  On December 15 we will be asked to approve an increase in the Transfer Fee that would result in the higher number.  The source of money for the Capital Fund is the Transfer Fee.  The Capital Fund money is deposited in an interest-bearing account.      The financial plan touched on tonight includes taking a 10-year loan for the $3,000,000.  We would use a portion of our available Capital Fund money as down payment, but withhold $500,000 as a Reserve amount.  If we get a loan at 5% interest, the annual cost to service the loan would be about $305,000.  The Transfer Fee should easily cover that amount and, if there is shortfall some year, we will have the Reserve amount to cover the need.  The project and its costs would start about September, 2012 so the money-in-the-bank amounts shown above are probably low by $270,000 and that gives a further cushion for the estimates.    QUESTIONS AT THIS MEETING   Q:  Once the new buildings are in operation, what about all the new costs that will not be "capital"?   A:  The new buildings will lower the actual energy costs -- The café will use vendors so the costs will depend on the best contract we can arrange.   Q:  Can the buildings use solar panels or other renewable energy sources or some way of generating power?   A:  We are looking at all ways to conserve energy.  Our building materials are very energy efficient using "green technology" -- the costs will actually go down on a direct comparison basis.  Rain water will be collected and used for irrigation; this is just another example of the thought that, someday, water may be more expensive than electricity.  We have discussed a way to have the patio area outside the Rollins Theater "zero energy cost" efficient.   Q:  Since a theme of what we have heard tonight is the growth of Sun City Center, we should find a way to increase our land for further expansion -- maybe annex some property for a short time?   A:  We are not a government agency in any way, so we cannot just annex land as you suggest.  We are landlocked and our discussions with ClubLink make it clear that they are not willing to discuss any change in the status of the North Golf Course property.   Q:  What about the library? How will it blend with the new building that will replace the CA offices and the Security Patrol?   A:  There is no plan to change the library in any way at this time -- we might change the surface just to blend with the new buildings a bit better, but no changes are part of this plan.   Q:  What about technology in the new buildings?    A:  Within the buildings we will build there will be wi-fi capability .. LED lights in the buildings   Q:  Will a lender be satisfied with our plan to repay the loan using only our Transfer Fee?   A:  Any loan we take will be based on the full faith and credit of Sun City Center. Everything we have, including our dues, will be our collateral for the loan. But as we have explained, we are very comfortable with our plan for handling the loan based on the fee resulting from the sale of re-sale homes.   Also, we will be changing the name of the "Transfer Fee" to "Capital Improvement Fund" as part of the vote everyone will make on December 15th.   PROCESS FOR MOVING FORWARD   Thursday, December 15, 2011:      10:00 a.m., Community Hall at 1910 S. Pebble Beach Blvd:                 Vote on increasing the Transfer Fee from the present $1,200 to $1,500.      10:30 a.m., same place :  Part 2 of Long Range Plan                 Detailed view of inside each new building                 Outside tour of each project from all angles                                                 Thursday, January 19, 2012:      7:00 p.m., Community Hall at 1910 S. Pebble Beach Blvd.                 Overview and details of the Long Range Plan   Monday and Tuesday, February 13, 14, 2012:                 Vote on Long Range Plan  / John Bowker