By Jim Sloan, Recreation Centers of Sun City West governing board president
It’s beginning to look a lot like the busiest time for year for Sun City West.
As we welcome back winter visitors, our community gets busy! Roads, restaurants, golf courses, clubs and even swimming pools feel the increased load. Be safe and stay patient, please. Remember, this is the most wonderful time of the year.
Construction projects are coming to completion around the community. If you haven’t been here during the summer, I suggest you drop by Beardsley Recreation Center and see the new Yoga Room (be courteous if class is in session) and check out the remodeled card club rokms.
This was the first of three large projects from the first phase of space utilization. Other projects include Palm Ridge (Computer Club and Stained Glass) and Kuentz (Palo Verde Patchers, Weavers and an expansion of the fitness center) recreation centers.
Budget time (already)! It feels like we just went through the budget approval process, but December is when the 2020-21 budget is first presented to the Budget and Finance Committee. Committee meetings are open, and visitors are welcome to observe the presentation. The committee will meet 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3 in the social hall at R.H. Johnson Recreation Center, 19803 R.H. Johnson Blvd.
There also will be three budget forums presented by General Manager Bill Schwind and Chief Financial Officer Pete Finelli before the final approval.
Capital projects are examined and approved by staff, appropriate committees and the Governing Board. By the time the board approves the final budget in May 2020, several hundred owner members have exaimned and had input into the process.
If you would like more information or want to get involved in one of the steps, join a committee, attend a forum or speak up at Governing Board meetings.
Board election time! The Recreation Centers of Sun City West bylaws stipulate we have a governing board of nine owner members and that elections be conducted in March of each year.
Three new members are elected, and three members leave the board after having served a three-year term. This year, three of us (Tim Hurley, Bryan Walus and I) will leave the board in capable hands. I think I speak for Tim and Bryan is stating that our time was productive for us and our community. We were allowed to be part of several critical decisions, including selection of a new general manager, Bill Schwind, and many critical projects.
If you are interested in running for the board, there is still time. Drop me a note and I will direct you in the steps.
Finally, it’s beginning to look a lot like that time of year many enjoy. “But the prettiest sight to see is the absence of snow for me at my own front door.”
Happy holidays!
Editor’s Note: Jim Sloan is Recreation Centers of Sun City West board president for 2019-20.
