June 2018
Volunteers in Action
Vivian Timian, General Manager he impact our volunteers make in the community is substantial. SaddleBrooke One is fortunate to have two volunteers who are interested in making a difference to the eco system within the community.
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Jim Cloer and David Leary are not squeamish when it comes to things that scurry and rattle. They spend approximately 30-50 hours per month completing a myriad of tasks that include: relocating gila monsters and rattlesnakes from homes to more friendly desert areas and giving lectures to our staff on what to do if they encounter certain reptiles/snakes. Recently, David and Jim launched a raft for the turtles on the ponds—so that they can enjoy our golf courses and get a little bit of sunshine.
Turtle Raft The nesting boxes that you see on the golf courses and common areas for native birds were Cozy little nesting box manufactured and installed by these enthusiastic volunteers. They have trapped over 700 rats over the past few years, making a strong plea to the community not to poison rats as this may cause secondary kills. We appreciate the time and effort Dave and Jim give to their volunteer passion. Board of Directors and Committee Chair Volunteers Ten volunteer residents recently retired. Two from the Board of Directors, a SEIC co-chair, along with the chairs of the following committees: Properties and Roads, House, Unit Reps, ALC and Finance.
Continued on Page 3
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF www.saddlebrooke.org
HOMEOWNERS' ASSOCIATION
64500 E SaddleBrooke Blvd
SaddleBrooke One It's That Time Again!
Dave Bishow, Food & Beverage Director/Executive Chef
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o, not the time of year that my article remarks on the time of year and our plans but...HALF PRICED DESSERTS...ALL SUMMER!!!! From June 1st through September 30th, our desserts in the RoadRunner Grill, The Vistas and the Agave are all half priced! It’s a great way to relax after a meal with friends. June will also mark the beginning of the 4th annual summer dining series, “The Tour.” This year, we will be staying in our own country, exploring the food and wines of Washington State, Oregon, California and Arizona. The series will run twice a month from June through September. And, as a glimpse behind the scenes, we gave the Vistas Kitchen a very nice little face lift by replacing the passthrough windows (see pictures to the right & below). The new windows provide a cleaner, low profile appearance while making visibility and communication between the service staff and cooks in the kitchen more efficient.
We would like to thank all the residents of our wonderful community for their continued support. We look forward to having a great summer with you.
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VOLUNTEERS IN ACTION . . . Continued from page 1 Tim Mahanna retired from the Board of Directors where he held the Vice President of Planning position in 2017. Tim also served on the Long Range Planning Committee (LRPC), helping to define long term goals for the community. Thank you, Tim, for your service. Paul Fuchs retired from the Board of Directors. Paul stepped into the position in 2017 (following the passing of Dick Barr) to complete the term. Paul has been on the Board numerous times, including at transition from the developer, working to create the governing documents for the community. He continues to be the historian for our community. Thank you, Paul, for your service. Barbara Hynes was a former Board member who recently retired as the co-chair of the SaddleBrooke External Affairs and Information Commission (SEIC). SEIC’s mission is to gather information and monitor trends in the external environment, including residential and commercial property developments, environmental issues, demographic changes and governmental actions. It is important that our governing volunteers understand what is developing around SaddleBrooke and Barbara’s work kept our Board well-informed. Thank you, Barbara, for your service. Marty O’Shea began his volunteer service with SaddleBrooke One on the Finance Committee. Marty held the position of chair for a total of 3 years and in 2018 moved onto the Board of Directors where he currently serves as Treasurer. Thank you, Marty, for your service. Janet Tucker was the chairman of the Unit Rep Committee in 2016. The Unit Reps are responsible for delivery of the Communicator each month, as well as providing additional Association information to their Units. Janet has retired from the Unit Rep Committee, but still is a vital contributor through the Long Range Planning and Finance Committees. Thank you, Janet for your service. Paulette Stark and Ken Lund have stepped down as co-chairs of the Architectural & Landscaping Committee. Paulette and Ken are both former Board members and continue to be active volunteers in the community. Ken has ties with the Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR). Paulette continues her work with the ALC. Thank you, Ken and Paulette, for your service. Rocco Rossi retired from the Golf Committee after over 2 years of serving as the chair of the committee. Rocco worked as the chair through the irrigation replacement projects, which have produced a marked decrease in water usage for the courses. This translates into substantial savings for the community. Thank you, Rocco, for your service. Carol Lich retired as chair for the House Committee after 6 years of service. She continues to serve on the committee. During Carol’s tenure, the House Committee has completed several projects: the automatic front door, all of the flooring throughout the Clubhouse, the paver entry to the Clubhouse and the pro-shop restrooms upgrade. She is best known for oversight of the Clubhouse decorations at Christmas. Thank you, Carol, for your service. John LaBar has been on the Properties and Roads Committee for a total of 15 years, the last seven years as a chairman of the committee. John works tirelessly as a volunteer, defining the road work required for each year. You have probably seen John out on the roads, while the vendors are completing their work. John has saved the community well over $125,000 through his engineering work as a volunteer. Thank you, John, for your service. The Board of Directors monitors the SaddleBrooke One committee structure to assure that we have the committees necessary to support the Board and Management and that committees have meaningful responsibilities to contribute to the success of the community. Certain committees require specialized skills, others require only an interest and desire to make the community better. Please consider completing a committee volunteer form; highlighting the committees you may have an interest in. A vibrant community needs a good blend of experienced individuals coupled with those who bring a fresh point of view. It’s volunteers in action that make the community move forward.
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SaddleBrooke One June Highlights Ron Tuxbury, Patrol Manager
Mail Box Thefts Pinal County Sheriff’s deputies arrested one of the suspects that was involved with our recent mailbox thefts. However, all residents should continue to be cautious, particularly with any outgoing mail with sensitive information, checks or cash enclosed. Use the blue USPS box, located near the bank and the gas station, or the post office for any sensitive mail or hand it directly to your mail carrier. Report mail theft to a Postal Inspector at 877-876-2455, or https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov and Pinal County Sheriff's office at 800-420-8689 -- tell the operator you want to report a mail theft. Then, call Patrol at 825-9614 or 861-7064. SaddleBrooke Blvd Traffic SaddleBrooke Blvd is the busiest road in SaddleBrooke One with 10 to 12,000 vehicles per day traveling it on weekdays and 8 to 9,000 per day on weekends. There are a number of reasons why this section of SaddleBrooke Blvd is so dangerous: high traffic volume; entering and turning traffic into and out of the shopping plaza; and, traffic being squeezed from the wider county road that has bicycle lanes into our narrower roadway; the location of the Golder Ranch Fire Station. In order to slow traffic down as they enter SaddleBrooke One on SaddleBrooke Blvd, we have painted slow on the Eastbound roadway as you pass Desert Bluff, added a radar speed sign on the county road East of the Mountainview Blvd intersection and try to have one of our speed boards at the SaddleBrooke Blvd/Mountain Sage intersection most of the time. Always, remember to slow down and watch for entering and turning traffic when you are driving Eastbound on SaddleBrooke Blvd into SaddleBrooke One. Golf Cart Speed Golf carts do not have most of the safety features built into autos today. They don’t have crash absorbing bodies, antilock brakes, speedometers or safety glass windshields. Some of the newer carts have seatbelts, but we seldom see them used. Up until a few years ago, most golf carts traveled at speeds of between 10 and 15 mph. Now, most golf carts are capable of speeds of 25 to 30 mph, double the speed of older carts. The increase in speed has come with very little additional safety protection. Some golf carts now have 4 wheel brakes and safety glass windshields, but no air bags or crash absorbing bodies. Because of their short wheel base and small tires, golf carts tend to tip over if they are forced to take any kind of evasive action. Carts traveling at over 20 mph are much more likely to tip over than carts traveling at speeds under 20 mph. Most of our serious golf cart accidents in SaddleBrooke One have happened when carts traveling over 20 mph have been forced to brake or take some form of evasive action which resulted in the cart tipping over and the driver and/ or passenger being ejected from the cart.
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Safety Tip
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hen driving in SaddleBrooke, please remember to allow ample room for the bike riders, runners and walkers. Bicycle riders also must remember to ride no more than two abreast in the designated lane while observing all motor vehicle rules of the road. Walkers, as well, should walk no more than two abreast and against the flow of traffic. When a golf cart or bicyclist is approaching, please move to the inner part of the walkway in order for them not to have to swing too far out into the roadway. A little bit of courtesy by walkers, automobiles and cyclists will go a long way in helping all to enjoy our SaddleBrooke community.
NOV Statistics for April 2017/2018 Violations
2018 2017
Fines Imposed
2018 2017
Speeding
9
17
Multiple or Flagrant Violations
$100
1
0
Stop Signs
6
1
2nd Violation in 12 Months
$50
1
1
Handicap Parking
7
12
Golf Course Dog Loose or Walking $200
0
0
RV Parking
10
1
Other Parking
6
4
38
35
Totals
SADDLEBROOKE TOWN HALL - SAVE THE DATE When Where Who Topic
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June 20, 2018 at 10:00 AM DesertView Theater Pinal County Supervisor, Mr. Anthony Smith State of the County Address
Mr. Smith will be providing information addressing the financial health of the county, general indicators, status of local and regional transportation projects and economic development efforts. A Q&A will immediately follow the presentation. All HOA1, HOA2 and Eagle Crest residents are invited to attend. This is not a political event. Campaign signage and literature distribution are not permitted. The Communicator • 5
SaddleBrooke One Another Productive Summer Schedule Mike Roddy, Golf Course Superintendent
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s the major golf events of the season reach conclusion, focus on the summer can begin. It will be another busy summer on the courses and for the Golf Maintenance team. Below are some of the areas we will be focusing on: • Work to replace the SaddleBrooke Course bunker sand and liner has begun. This work is scheduled to take the entire summer. Please be aware that several bunkers will be marked as ground under repair at a time during this project. Thank you in advance for your cooperation during this project. • The cultural practice schedule that we have laid out is extensive. Core Aerification of all turf areas has already begun, with fine turf areas receiving 3 separate applications. Regular topdressing, v-cutting and spiking is also part of the summer activity. These cultural practices are essential to improving our turf growing environment and maintaining healthy turf. • Cart path work is scheduled. This will include the replacement of selected areas of cart path and drainage improvements to areas along some cart paths. • Drainage work has begun already and will continue during the summer. Adding new subsurface pipe and/or re-grading work will be completed to help some of the smaller poor draining areas. The entire team is looking forward to the summer and all the activities that we have scheduled for completion. We will keep you posted on our progress as we move through the next few months. As always, we all look forward to seeing you on the course.
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SaddleBrooke One From Our Operations Department Rian Ross, Director of Operations
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e recently evaluated the Clubhouse portico beams to determine if the deflection of the support beams were within an allowable structural range.
We started with an evaluation of the design. The beams had a pre-engineered camber, and were purposely bowed by Âź inch prior to being installed. At installation, the beam would straighten under the load of the structure.
The design value for the deflection of the beam (allowing for the camber) is 2.11 inches. The actual deflection values were measured at the site, the edge-beam (our main concern), measured deflection approximately 2.25 inches. The structural code allowable deflection is 2.4 inches. Because we are within the code value, no corrections are needed at this time; however, if the load of the roof could be decreased, it would affect the amount of deflection in the support beams. The roof replacement for the southern half of the Clubhouse has been planned for June. At the same time, we will be removing the existing cement tiles on the portico and replacing them with fiberglass tiles. By replacing the roof tiles, the load will be decreased by 20,250 lbs or just over 10 tons. We will continue to monitor the deflection of the beams, but as a result of reducing the load, it should ensure a longer useful life for the structure.
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he 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction has been chosen. The book is titled Less and is by Andrew Sean Greer. The novel is about Arthur Less who accepts literary invitations around the world – San Francisco, New York, Mexico, Italy, etc. He will have a good excuse not to attend the wedding of his long-time lover. This is a very humorous novel. This book can be found with the other Pulitzer Prize winners. The books are arranged chronologically starting with 1980. John Connolly, who usually writes crime fiction, has shifted gears and this time writes an historical fiction novel titled He. It is about Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. Stan was fascinated by the talent of Charlie Chaplin. We learn of the failed marriages of the comedic duo, the invasive press, corrupt studio system and the battle they had with their own demons. Stan spent his final years in a small apartment in Santa Monica creating routines for the duo even though Oliver had been dead for years. This is a poignant story about humans who are flawed but loving. If you like chills in your stories, you will want to look for The Crooked Staircase by Dean Koontz. His main character – Jane Hawk – is back. She is trying to destroy the Techno Arcadians that she feels killed her husband and others. Will Jane be able to find out who is really responsible for the bad happenings??? Of course we know how bone chilling a book by Stephen King can be. The latest is The Outsider and is mind bending. How can a murder victim be covered with the DNA of someone who was miles away at a conference, and can prove it? Danielle Steel is one of the most prolific writers at this moment. Her latest is about a magazine columnist, Kait Whittier, who is very successful when she has a chance encounter with a TV producer from Hollywood. She is swept away to do a TV series about her grandmother. Naturally, many glamorous people will be involved. The title is The Cast. Will this be your hot weather read? Or, maybe you will want to read Love and Run by Paula McLain. Ms McLain returns to the subject of Ernest Hemingway and his stormy marriage to Martha Gellhorn. Ms McLain is an excellent author of historical fiction.
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Former Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, has written a book that could be timely. The book is called Fascism: A Warning. Ms Albright was raised with fascism and is a highly respected states woman. She is a great proponent of democracy. Another non-fiction book is A Brotherhood of Spies: the U-2 and the CIA’s Secret War by Monte Reel. This book is about the four men who were involved with the development of the spy plane and our involvement of other cold war intrigues. I hope you find something enjoyable to read, either fiction or nonfiction. I have fun looking for new books to bring you each month.
Coffee SADDLEBROOKE ONE JUNE SCHEDULE REGULAR PICK-UP RECYCLE PICK-UP • Service not affected • Service not affected
Join the General Manager & Board President Thursday, June 7th 9:00am - 10:00am
NAME John & Anne Cole LB & CB Investments, LLC William & Jayne Poppert Michael & Patricia Miller Kenneth & Margaret Peterson Robert & Barbara Allen Ruth Lumetta David Ogilvie Eduardo & Jaclynn Lopez Thomas Peterson David & Doralice Graff Kathy Heztler
UNIT 9 2 5 16 8A 2 3 8 1 2 9 1 The Communicator • 11
SEIC Meets with Pinal County Staff about YOUR PROPERTY TAX BILL
When you look at your tax bill (sample above) in September, you will get your 1st bill for 2018 taxes – do you look and wonder what it all means? The Treasurer’s page of the Pinal County web site has done a wonderful job of breaking down and identifying all the elements of your bill on an interactive page. When SEIC met with County Manager Greg Stanley, County Treasurer Mike McCord and Chief Deputy Treasurer Pat Beck, they were able to take us through the web page and answer other questions about your Pinal County taxes. This is the link: http://www.pinalcountyaz.gov/Treasurer/Documents/UnderstandingYourTaxBill.pdf (If you are reading this article on the HOA#1 website, you can use this link to that page.) When you visit the sample bill, you will see red numbers next to most of the elements. Just click on the number and it will take you directly to an explanation of that item. Click again on the number and it will take you to back the sample bill.
12 • The Communicator
Here are some other questions we have heard: HOW CAN I REDUCE MY TAXES? 1. Take advantage of all the exemptions to which you are entitled. Explanations and Instructions for applying for all of these are detailed on the Tax Assessor’s web page. a. Make sure you receive the Primary Residence Reduction, if you are an Arizona resident. b. Apply for a Senior Freeze, making sure you understand that it freezes your property valuation for 3 years, whether valuations go up or DOWN. c. Apply for a Widowers and Disabled Exemption, if you qualify. Savings vary. d. Attend taxing entities’ public meetings and voice your interest and concerns. You will need to consult local newspapers and websites for these required meetings. HOW DO I REMEMBER WHEN TAX PAYMENTS ARE DUE? Sign up for email notices when taxes are due at https://enoticesonline.com/index.php/pin IS THERE A LIMIT TO HOW HIGH MY ASSESSED VALUE CAN GO? Any Limited Property Value increases are capped at 5% per year. See Prop 117. IS THERE A LIMIT TO HOW HIGH MY RATES CAN GO? Each taxing authority listed on your bill has a state-set limit on their tax rate. They are allowed to tax up to that limit, and must conduct public meetings when they determine each year’s rate. I PAY FOR MY FIRE DISTRICT, WHY DO I ALSO PAY FOR FIRE DISTRICT ASSISTANCE? The statewide Fire District Assistance pays for the cost of fires outside individual districts on state lands and forests. WHAT SCHOOLS DO I PAY FOR? SaddleBrooke residents’ taxes go to the Oracle School District and the Central Arizona College district. Both amounts are listed separately on your bill. The Pinal County website is your best source of information for all your tax questions. Also visit the County Tax Assessor, Douglas Wolfe’s page for more information http://www.pinalcountyaz.gov/ Assessor/Pages/home.aspx. Douglas is a new resident of SaddleBrooke and has graciously offered to meet with residents at the Sheriff’s sub-station in the Mini Mart. We plan to request a meeting in the fall. If you have more questions, call a SEIC member. Enjoy the summer and be prepared to understand your tax bill next September.
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Architectural & Landscaping Committee ALC Email: alcadmin@saddlebrooke.org ALC Secretary: Linda Irwin All ALC forms, as well as exterior home color selections, may be accessed on the ALC webpage or in the Administration Office.
June Meetings June 7th June 21st Meetings are 1st & 3rd Thursdays of the month 9:00am Bobcat Suite
ALC Hotline 917-3767
(Lower level of the SB One Clubhouse)
Below are recent questions posed to the ALC which may help with your future projects • Is meeting attendance and a permit needed for the installation of pavers on my driveway? Yes, both attendance at an ALC meeting and a permit are required for this project. • Is it permissible to paint the exterior of a house a color which is not on the list of currently approved colors? The only time it is permissible to paint the exterior of a house a color not currently approved, is if you are painting the house the original color, which was approved at the time of construction. We have paint swatches in the ALC room to help with color selection when you come to a meeting for your permit. • How can I get an extension on the completion date for an approved project? Call the Information Line at 917-3767 and give your name, address and a phone number for a call back. You will receive a call back from the secretary or your Unit Rep. There is usually not any problems getting an extension, as long as the project will not be delayed by too long. • I have a piece of art I would like to use in my courtyard. What is the process to see if it is ok to use? Call the Information Line at 917-3767 and give your name, address and a phone number for a call back. Your Unit Rep will contact you and make arrangements to see the artwork to determine if acceptable. • Do I need a drawing of my landscape to identify a tree I want to remove in the front yard? No, a drawing is not needed for this. You can take a picture of the tree and bring to the ALC meeting you are attending for your permit. Note: Any tree removed in the front yard should be replaced, preferably, with another tree, 15 gallon or five (5) foot tree. A saguaro cactus, organ pipe cactus or ocotillo can be substituted, but must be five (5) feet tall.
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"Draping Plants"
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t has been brought to the Architectural and Landscaping Committee’s attention by the SaddleBrooke Patrol One that there are numerous locations throughout SaddleBrooke One requiring resident attention. Shrubs and other plantings have grown over perimeter walls shared with HOA1’s Common Areas and they drape beyond the allowed limits. In Article I, Section 6 – “Maintenance of Property” of the Architectural and Landscaping Requirements and Guidelines it states in part that . . . “Plants are allowed to drape and cascade over a perimeter wall, which separates a lot from a Common Area, for a distance of 1/3 of the height of the wall when measured from the top of the wall (See pictures to the right showing before & after trimming). Homeowners who elect to allow their plants to drape over a perimeter wall are responsible for keeping them neatly trimmed.” If you share a wall with Common Grounds, you need to review the status of your plants that cascade over that wall and ensure that they are in compliance.
Not in compliance
In compliance
A SADDLEBROOKE ONE BEAUTY Thank you to all homeowners who adhere to the SaddleBrooke One ALC Guidelines which are intended to protect the overall look and ambiance of the community. The picture below shows an example of a home which perfectly adheres to the Guidelines. Congratulations to John & Kathy Somers for maintaining their home to perfection. Many more beautiful homes will be featured in upcoming Communicator issues.
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