Season’s Greetings from the
Board of Directors
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Warmest of wishes to all for good health,
a wonderful holiday season
and a happy New Year!
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Finance Update: Potential HOA Dues Increase
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A steering group within the finance committee has been reviewing the operating expenses of Silver Sands and conducted a stress test of funds to cover replacement of major infrastructure assets. In the review of the operating expenses the group examined every contract and agreement to which Silver Sands is a party. The group looked at the terms of those agreements for potential savings, and in some cases, elimination. As reported to the board at the November meeting, the group found very few instances where there is the ability to reduce expenses. Inflation in almost all purchases of equipment and services has had a significant impact on the operating expenses, as has California's mandated minimum wage increases. While the review has not been finalized it is clear that an increase in monthly HOA dues will be required to meet our operating obligations, but the exact amount is still under consideration. Most homeowners received a substantial reduction in their out-of-pocket costs as a result of the diligent work by the HOA on the Spectrum contract negotiated earlier this year. The good news: a potential dues increase would represent a very small portion of those savings.
More good news: the "stress test" of the reserves indicated there are sufficient funds to adequately provide for replacement of assets on a cash-flow basis with one exception. In short, this means the slightly more than $400,000 spent each year to replace infrastructure assets is offset by the same amount contributed to reserves for future expenditures.
The stress test focused on three areas that have not been addressed in the past: major irrigation pump stations, road resurfacing and pools. A plan has been devised to replace the four major pump stations on a regular basis to avoid the breakdowns experienced in the last year. Discussions with the head of the road committee have led to a plan that will allow resurfacing of roads as appropriate over the next 10 years.
Unfortunately, the pools continue to raise concerns. Pools are a major infrastructure asset of this community and a reason why many choose Silver Sands as a home. They are a focal point in each resident's "pod" and are viewed every day. Pools have been serviced on a regular basis and equipment has been replaced as necessary. However, the underlying infrastructure has not been attended to which is causing the pools themselves to deteriorate. Plans are being developed to address the refurbishment of the pools on a regular basis, in much the same way as the roofs and painting programs have been successfully implemented. Homeowners can take comfort in the knowledge their home is secure with new roofs and well maintained under a regular painting schedule. A similar type of maintenance schedule will help to achieve the same results for the pools. This plan, including funding alternatives, is expected to be available for discussion in February.
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To give context to the discussion of HOA dues and the potential of an increase for Silver Sands, an informal survey was undertaken to determine how the current dues for Silver Sands compare to those of other similar communities. An internet search of the Coachella Valley revealed there are 520 HOAs, 260 of which are located in Palm Desert. They vary significantly in size, amenities and HOA services.
There is no central repository of information on HOA dues and what they include so data was informally collected from 18 communities, in which a residence of similar size and value to Silver Sands could be purchased. Within the surveyed HOAs, size and amenities vary. Some have restaurants and upscale clubhouses. All are gated with tennis/pickleball courts. The survey results are summarized below.
The dues figures come from the sales listings on Redfin and/or were provided by owners residing in the HOAs. For HOAs with a golf course, the dues do not include golf privileges. For those HOAs with variable dues based on unit size, a residence in the $300k range was selected. The comments column indicates amenities included in the Silver Sands dues but not included in the surveyed HOA dues, e.g., no staff at front gate, cablevision not included, court privileges (tennis/pickleball) not included.
It was not possible to normalize the HOAs in order to provide an “apples to apples” comparison but the information obtained indicates that Silver Sands HOA dues are less than the average of the surveyed HOAs. Smaller communities paid slightly higher dues on average than larger ones where shared costs are spread over a greater number of units. A more detailed discussion will be published in the new year.
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Silver Sands Visitor Management Using dwellingLIVE
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One of the options for visitor management at Silver Sands is a program called “dwellingLIVE.” Through a secure interface, residents can manage their visitor lists online knowing their information is secure and immediately visible to the gate officer. In turn, the gate officer can expedite visitor access in a professional manner.
Visitor access includes guests, tenants and vendors, each of which can be classified as temporary or permanent. To use this application go to
https://community.dwellinglive.com/
(or click the tab at the top of the website screen) and log in using the following credentials:
ID:
your email address (the one on your user account with DRM)
Password:
Welcome1
Once you have logged in you can change your password, update your personal information and add visitor information. You may also call the front gate for visitor entry at 760-340-1667
.
Please
click here
for “dwellingLIVE How To” information. If you need further assistance please contact DRM.
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2020 Annual Membership Meeting and Election
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The information relating to the annual meeting of the members/owners of the Silver Sands Homeowners Association is outlined below. The official notice of the meeting and a mailed ballot package will be mailed on January 17, 2020.
Date: Saturday, February 22, 2020
Time: Registration begins at noon
Place: Clubhouse, Silver Sands Racquet Club,
73155 Country Club Drive, Palm Desert
AGENDA
- Register owners beginning at noon
- Count ballots commencing at noon (members welcome to observe)
- Call to order of business meeting at 1:00 p.m.
- Announce quorum
- Introduce board of directors and guests
- President’s report
- Committee reports/introduction of committee chairs
- Open forum
- Announce results of vote conducted by mailed secret ballot
- Adjournment
BALLOT ITEMS / QUORUM
- Annual IRS tax resolution regarding excess income for the Association
- Election to board of directors
These items will be voted on by mailed secret ballot prior to the meeting, pursuant to the Association’s election rules and in accordance with California state law. The ballots must be received by the due date (Friday, February 21, 2020 at 3:00 p.m.) and will be opened and counted at the annual meeting. Each mailed secret ballot returned shall be treated as a member present at the meeting for the purpose of establishing a quorum. Proxies will not be distributed.
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Candidates for Election to Board of Directors
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There are two board positions up for election. The biographies of the candidates for office are below and listed in alphabetical order. Board members continuing their terms are Linda Stevens (2021), Ann Habeger (2022) and Linda Kluy (2022). The two board members finishing their three year terms are Bob Hoene and Sheila Raczynski.
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GREG HINE
1 La Paz Lane, Owner since May 2017
Relevant Education, Managerial, Leadership and/or Board Experience
I’m not sure it’s relevant, but I have a BA Environmental Biology, University of Colorado, ’71.
Was an entrepreneur my whole business career and owned, operated and managed my own businesses.
Except with being on the Board of Directors of my companies, my only other Board experience was as a volunteer, on the Board of Directors of the Hardrock 100 Endurance Run for about a decade. (
www.hardrock100.com) I retired from that Board a few years ago.
Silver Sands Activities and Committees
Irrigation committee, pickleball committee
Desired Contributions as a Board Member
I feel Silver Sands is essentially a $1.9 mil business, run for the benefit of the home owners. I feel Silver Sands should be run like a business where the Board, which appears to have responsibilities similar to a chief executive of a company, allocates resources and gives responsibilities to committees and their chairs, allowing the committees to run their areas of responsibility with the Board monitoring the outcomes. The Board should also be responsible for setting the tone and long term goals of the organization.
Any Time Constraints if Elected to Board
At this “certain age”, we all have a limited amount time left. I feel I have been lucky in health, in education, in business, in love, in life. My time constraints are that I plan to continue to live life to the fullest, and keep “the main thing, the main thing”, which for me is enjoying the time I have left to the fullest extent. I’m only at Silver Sands approximately 5 months a year, and tend to travel extensively at other times.
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PETER LLOYD
15 Verde Way, Owner since 2011
Relevant Education, Managerial, Leadership and/or Board Experience
Retired CPA (Canadian) with 40 years' experience as an accountant/auditor/consultant to small and medium businesses and not-for-profit entities. This included being the Victoria B.C, office managing partner for Price Waterhouse (now PWC) and Grant Thornton. I have considerable Board experience. Most relevant to Silver Sands HOA Board may be my experience in other not-for-profit Boards including:
Camosun College-Chair of the Board (and previously Finance Committee Chair). Camosun is a large community college with roughly 20000 students (including part-time). It is funded by the Government of B.C. as well as through student fees. There is never enough money to meet all the competing demands (sound familiar?).
Greater Victoria Harbour Authority –Treasurer. I was privileged to be part of the founding board upon divestiture to the local community by the Federal Government. We inherited significant land holdings (and the related problems!) around the Harbour including the Deep-sea port where GVHA's cruise-ship business is a major contributor to the local economy. Budgets had to be evolved from scratch and strategy developed to ensure long-term sustainability.
Law Society of B.C.- “appointed bencher” and chair of finance committee. LSBC is the regulator of lawyers in B.C, including admission standards, discipline and insurance. I served for 8 years as one of a small group of non-lawyers appointed by the Provincial Government.
Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea-Chair of the Board. This is a small NFP which operates an aquarium in Sidney, near Victoria. I was one of the founding board who fund-raised and built the Aquarium.
In addition I have been fortunate to be engaged in other matters where it was important to listen to the parties involved and use professional judgement in helping arrive at a decision, including:
Discipline Hearings – Law Society of BC
Minister’s Panel on Contaminated Sites-Province of BC
Judicial Compensation Commission-BC
Silver Sands Activities and Committees
Currently a member of the Architectural Review Committee and Ad Hoc Security Committee
Desired Contributions as a Board Member
This is our community. Many owners, past and present, have contributed tens of thousands of hours on committees, on the Board, and in volunteering for other activities. Without their efforts Silver Sands would be a dull place indeed. I hope that my skills, which lie primarily in Finance and Governance, will be of best use to the Board, in navigating the many issues which come before it.
Any Time Constraints if Elected to Board
My wife and I are of course only part-time residents. If elected I will do my best to attend all of the Board meetings. As many as possible in person, the balance by telephone.
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BRUCE WINTER
4 La Jolla Drive, Owner since 2006
Relevant Education, Managerial, Leadership and/or Board Experience
Eagle Scout Age 12 (youngest in the NW at the time)
University of Washington, Bachelor of Arts 1964
UCLA - MBA 1966 (With Honors)
PACCAR (Kenworth & Peterbilt Trucks) 1967 – 1975 IT Systems Mgr, Peterbilt Materials Mgr.
LANOGA (Retail Lumber Hardware Co.) – Lumbermens, Spenard Builders Supply, UBC; IT Mgr.
Morgan Stanley 1977 – 2016 (29 years)
Retired as Sr. Vice President, Portfolio Management Director, Financial Advisor
Presently on Board of Governors, Virginia Mason Hospital, Seattle, WA
Presently on Finance Committee, Virginia Mason Hospital, Seattle, WA
Silver Sands Activities and Committees
Architectural Review Committee (ARC), Chairman (2+ years)
Several organizational processes have been streamlined, with several more to go
Desired Contributions as a Board Member
If elected to the BOD,
I will support the Board of Directors and progress to date
I will support the decisions that will be needed for the maintenance and upgrades to the Silver Sands Community
I will support the streamlining of several management processes
Any Time Constraints if Elected to Board
No … available upon request
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THERESA PALACIOS
Theresa is the main gate officer for Silver Sands. She has been an employee of Securitas USA for 15 years and has been at Silver Sands for the past 10 years. She previously worked in customer service management with Walmart for 15 years.
The major role of a gate officer is to help keep our community safe by controlling access to the property. This involves using video, computer and communication technology as well as being able to recognize and report any suspicious activity. As part of the employment process, Securitas verifies education, checks references, conducts drug screening and performs background checks which are required every two years. Security officers are also required to meet any applicable state, county and municipal licensing requirements.
Theresa has three grown children and is the proud grandmother of 14 with one great grandchild. She loves camping, taking kids to the beach, watching old movies and hugs and kisses from her grandkids!
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SILVER SANDS WELCOMES NEW COURT DIRECTORS: FABIO AND AMY WALKER
Fabio was raised in Vancouver, British Columbia and is a 4-time Canadian National Champion. As a junior, he competed in world-class tournaments including Wimbledon, the French Open and the U.S. Open. He won a Gold Medal for British Columbia in the Canada Games in 1989. Fabio met Amy at Texas Tech University where they both received full tennis scholarships. Amy grew up in Texas and was a U.S. nationally-ranked junior player and #1 ranked player in Texas. Amy holds nine Top 10 Texas Tech Women’s athletic records. Together, Fabio and Amy have directed and coached tennis at various country clubs in British Columbia for 30 years. Fabio and Amy spend their summers in Vancouver where they work at the North Shore Winter Club (NSWC) coaching tennis and pickleball. Fabio and Amy are currently rated 4.7 by the United States Pickleball Association.
They have two daughters: Angela is a senior at Idaho State University and Alexandra is a sophomore at the University of Montana. Both daughters play tennis and compete in the Big Sky conference for their respective universities. Last but not least, the Walker family has a 4-year-old puggle (half pug, half beagle) named Gigi.
Fabio and Amy are very excited to be the court directors at Silver Sands and are very appreciative of the warm welcome they have received.
Attention Court Players
With the introduction of Amy and Fabio Walker as court directors there will be new and exciting court programs and events. Be sure to check the new blue bulletin board on the clubhouse patio where events and signups will be posted. As always, email postings will also be sent via Latest News.
UPDATES:
Phone Number for Pro Office at Clubhouse:
760-610-2969
Clubhouse Wifi Login:
Network (clubhouse), Password (silversands)
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Holiday Social
Thirty Silver Sands tennis and pickleball players enjoyed a sporty holiday social on December 14. Everyone dressed up holiday style with festive colors and outfits and hit the courts. Susan Vance won second place in the costume category wearing a glittery Christmas tree skirt and a bracelet of bells that jingled as she r
aced after tennis balls. First place went to Jay and Joan Johnson who were decked out in fun and merry outfits from head to toe. What a duo!
After tennis and pickleball games finished, all met to enjoy coffee and treats and to participate in a White Elephant gift exchange. Thank you to everyone who participated!
L to R: Joan Johnson, Jay Johnson, Susan Vance
Below: Holiday gift exchange!
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Annual Address Update Form
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The annual mailing address update form which was sent last month is due January 1, 2020. If the form has been misplaced
click here for a new one.
Any requests to have the annual meeting and election package sent to a different address will be accommodated at the time of mailing.
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There have been some problems reported with the Spectrum billing since the new bulk contract was entered into on July 1, 2019. Homeowners are advised to check their monthly bills to ensure that they are not being charged for Spectrum TV Select (Basic TV and Expanded Basic TV Services), Spectrum Internet and S TNT Non-Managed Wifi. Each should be listed but with a balance of $0.00 since they are part of the Silver Sands bulk services contract. Telephone and other optional equipment/services are an owner expense.
Click here for an example of a bill for reference.
If you have questions about your bill, visit Spectrum.net/billing
or call 1-855-855-8679
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CACTI BY SHAPE: PADDLES
Cacti have many different shapes which help to identify various species. The ones that look like paddles belong to the opuntia group. New pads grow from older ones, typically along the edge of the pads and orient themselves for maximum sun exposure. As with all cacti the optunia spines are modified leaves ranging from very long to nearly spineless. Opuntias are especially beautiful in the early morning or late afternoon when sun backlights the translucent spines.
Opuntias bloom and set fruit from early spring through the summer, depending on the variety. On an average each pad can support eight to 16 flowers with each flower yielding one fruit.
Some of the species to look for in Silver Sands by their common names include “Beavertail,” “Purple Santa Rita,” “Bunny Ears,” “Twisted,” “Prickly Pear” and “Silver Dollar.”
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Have you been taking notice of the "shakin' goin' on" around us these past few months? Several earthquakes have occurred within a 50-mile radius of Palm Desert – ranging in magnitude of 3.2 to 3.7. These have caused little or no damage but are easily felt. Please use these minor ‘quakes as a reminder to get prepared.
The emergency preparedness committee has developed a plan of action after an earthquake has occurred. Ideally, each of the 15 pools will have residents in charge to direct damage assessment and medical assistance, if needed. They will report to a command center at the clubhouse which will coordinate the emergency response. Do you know who your pool volunteers are? They all had meetings at each pool last spring to introduce themselves and to provide valuable information on how to prepare. If you are interested in stepping up and being there for your neighbors, please contact Jonelle Dedrick or Suzanne Mann, co-chairs of the emergency preparedness committee.
Click here for list of pool volunteers and where more people are needed.
EMERGENCY WATER SUPPLY
Creating an emergency water supply for you and your family
is an essential part of emergency preparations.
Do you have enough water for an emergency? During an earthquake, water mains and sewers will be disrupted and water out of the faucet may be contaminated, therefore undrinkable. We can do without food for a few weeks but we can survive only a few days without water. Don't depend on your neighbor to have enough for you as well. BE PREPARED!
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The general rule of thumb is to store one gallon of water per person per day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At a minimum, you should have a three day supply of water so three gallons for each person. That should keep you going during minor emergencies where you just have to wait a couple days for local agencies to repair their systems.
Perhaps a safer minimum would be to have enough water to last for at least two weeks. This would enable you to survive much longer should a much more devastating disaster strike.
For more information about water needs and storage
click here.
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Year Round Heating Planned for Pools
All of the pools and spas will be heated continuously throughout the year. It has been determined that this is less costly than the previous program involving shutdown and start-up of equipment on a rotational basis which increases the wear and tear. The benefits will be monitored over a two-year period.
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BRRR!! FROST CAN CAUSE SEVERE DAMAGE
Snow has already dumped onto the peaks of local mountains; see the photo from Thanksgiving weekend! This is the time of year when Jack Frost may pay a visit. Although Silver Sands seems pretty flat there are many low areas or “pockets” throughout the property where trees, plants and the new winter grass are particularly susceptible to frost bite.
If there is evidence of frost your cooperation is requested as follows:
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Please detour ...
Walking on the grass when it is visibly frozen, especially in the early morning, can cause severe damage. This may mean a detour on the way to the pool or the tennis courts but every little bit of prevention will help to preserve the turf.
Please do not trim …
Trees and plants that are suffering from frost bite may look pretty bad but pruning at this time will further compromise their delicate state. This especially applies to flowering shrubs such as bougainvillea and lantana. As soon as it is warm enough, the gardeners will remove dead branches and reshape the plants.
Although the use of shade cloth, covers or wraps on plant material in the common area and exclusive use common area (or the courtyards if visible from the common area) is prohibited, the exception is overnight coverage to prevent frost damage.
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The Silver Sands community sends its heartfelt condolences to the families of our neighbors and friends who have passed away:
Debby Byk
Ken Solid
Caroline Zemmol
Remembrances can be submitted to the communications committee for publication in the “History/In Memory” section of the Silver Sands website.
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Dates for Board Meetings
Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at Clubhouse
Committee reports to the board are due January 2, 2020
Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at Clubhouse
Committee reports to the board are due February 13, 2020
Annual Membership Meeting
Saturday, February 22, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at Clubhouse
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Silver Sands Homeowners Association
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Board of Directors
President: Bob Hoene
Vice-President: Sheila Raczynski
Secretary: Linda Stevens
Treasurer: Ann Habeger
Director at Large: Linda Kluy
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Management
Desert Resort Management
42635 Melanie Place, Suite 103
Palm Desert, CA 92211
Phone: 760-346-1161 Fax: 760-346-9918
Community Association Manager
Joanne Rose
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Owners Working for Our Community
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For Service Requests to DRM
Service link on Town Square
DRM Service link on Silver Sands website
Phone (760) 346-1161, Ext. 100 or 101
For the Board and Committees
to the board for review and action as required.
For the Newsletter
We are always interested in receiving suggestions for topics,
photographs and other materials for publication.
For Governance
Note: Email notifications from the Silver Sands website are sent from a
“DO NOT REPLY” account which means any replies are not monitored
and the reply option should not be used.
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