From the Board

ONE COMMUNITY, INDIVISIBLE From Your 2021 Board of Directors

Good Morning Somersett!

With the summer fires behind us, the AQI for the greater Reno area this fall morning is zero. That’s as good as it gets, enjoy the blue skies, cooler breezes, and crisp clear views. This is Somersett at her finest.

New Management in Somersett

The management transition is on track and going well. A dozen dedicated volunteers have stepped forward to help on the team and I am grateful for their dedication to this process. I’m excited to see great ideas and progress on all fronts and looking forward to a team spirit that provides a better homeowner experience and “resort” feel at the club and within the community.

We need your help with a simple but important change. Starting on November 1, your payment address will change which will require you to adjust your autopay details (see page 28 for more information about payments). Your cooperation will make the change seamless and without interruption to our budgets! Thank you in advance.

Developer Turnover of Common Areas

Somersett is a master-planned community that was defined some 20 years ago, even if it has yet to be completed. Developers working within that plan are given rights to turn over their streets, curbs, and common areas to the association once they are complete. The Association is legally obligated to accept those areas and maintain them in exchange for the assessments received on those lots. We have some ability to specify some of the architectural details and ensure the homes and landscaping meet our AGC guidelines. But the major design elements of the development are specified by the master plan and once the development complies, we are obligated to accept them. Not ideal, but that’s how it works.

We have upcoming turnovers from Brea at 1A, from the Cliffs by Toll Brothers, and from Preston Homes, and Ryder Homes off Back Nine. While we are obligated to accept common areas turnovers, we also are conducting our due diligence and necessary inspections to make sure that before we take on those areas, that they are in good condition and are built in accordance with the approved plans.

Landscaping Contract

Our landscaping contract has come up for renewal and with this, the chance to bring us to a new level of cooperation and communication with the landscape contractor selected to continue the contract. We have many items that need to be addressed and now is the chance to get them all on the table for mutual agreement. We’re encouraged that we will see an inflection point that will change the direction and place Somersett on a better path for landscape and irrigation improvements. This will be monitored closely, especially when spring approaches next year.

The 2022 Budget

The Finance and Budget Committee has recommended the 2022 Budget to the membership for ratification. Although many costs have been increasing this year, we’ve also realized some savings with an ongoing effort to be conservative and careful with our expenditures. The recommended budget has the Gates cost center and the TCTC Cost center staying the same with no increase. The General/Common budget is calling for an increase of a modest $3 per month.

‘Tis the Season

This year watch for a renewed effort to dress up the Town Center for the holidays, including an official tree lighting this year. Roundabouts will be lit and decorated as in past years—Somersett knows how to dress for the season (read more about holiday events starting on page 19).