As we continue to live through the chaotic state of things in this world right now – it is more and more frustrating for people to make a decision on which way to go with their Real Estate needs. Although prices have adjusted down somewhat, interest rates continue to climb, which limits buying power and just makes people uncomfortable in general.
I have come across something that I think might be of assistance when faced with those hard decisions. I am pleased to share it with you … Marry the House and Date the Rate!
What does this mean? It means buy the house you want – but committing to the house doesn’t mean you have to commit to the financing available right now. Smart homeowners always look for a better financing opportunity and make the move when the time is right. You can always move to more favorable terms later should better rates become available. If rates get worse, you will be glad you married the house when you did since those prices are now so much better. As a client for life, we will always stay in touch to make sure to help you with finding a better rate.
Thinking of selling your home? Tired of waiting for you home to sell? Looking to make a move now before prices escalate again? Why not give us a call and let us add you to our ever growing list of satisfied clients and customers. We have a proven track record throughout Scottsdale Ranch and surrounding areas. We have been here from the very, very beginning and our knowledge and experience allow us to stand above the crowd. Inventory is at an all time low so - jump in now and capitalize on the scarcity of available homes. We are here to help.
To discover Scottsdale Ranch is to dis cover a premier and forward-thinking residential community just right for you. At Scottsdale Ranch, you will find a community that reflects your taste and individuality. From luxury waterfront homes and spacious sin gle-family dwellings to private patio homes, you will find a home to suit your needs. Scottsdale Ranch was established in 1981 and encompasses 1,118 acres bordered by 96th Street to the West, 112th Street to the East, and Shea Boulevard south to the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. There are 3,939 dwellings in Scottsdale Ranch.
In
SRCA Holiday Party & Boat Parade
Thank You Sponsors
Food Truck Friday - December Food Truck Friday - January Weekly Email Blasts
Gnome Cookie Cups Recipe
Annual Homeowners’ Meeting
Meet the Candidates Artists of Scottsdale Ranch Art Show & Sale New Resident Welcome Party Yacht Club
Corks & Forks Couples Duplicate Bridge Knitwits Mahjong
Scottsdale Ranch’s prestige is comple mented by its luxurious amenities. Lake Serena, a forty-two-acre manmade lake offers fishing and boat ing and is considered the jewel of Scottsdale Ranch. Likewise, the Community Center, which also houses the administrative offices, provides a comfortable gathering place for par ties, community events, or even a game of cards.
Conveniently located at the corner of Via Linda and Mountain View is the Mercado which offers a variety of spe cialty stores, restaurants, a drug store, a gym, offices, and professional ser vices. Centrally situated in the heart of Scottsdale Ranch is a 64-acre general public use area featuring many fine amenities such as Scottsdale Ranch Park, a world-class tennis facility, sev eral lighted baseball fields, a beautiful Desert Garden, the Via Linda Senior Center, Virginia G. Piper Boys and Girls Club and Laguna Elementary School, an A+ School of Excellence.
The Scottsdale Ranch Community Association and the active participa tion of Ranch residents design the life style, integrity, and aesthetics of our community. Visit our website at www. scottsdaleranch.org for more informa tion about our fabulous community!
IFC Scottsdale Ranch Real Estate Update
A seven member Board of Directors governs Scottsdale Ranch Community Association (SRCA). The Board establishes the basic policies of the Association and oversees the operation of the professional staff while demonstrating values of fiscal responsibility, openness and inclusiveness, legacy and innovative leadership. It is our vision that by basing our decision making on our shared values, new ideas will be implemented, property values and quality of life will be enhanced, residents will feel a stronger sense of belonging, leadership and facilities will be recognized as best in class and Scottsdale Ranch will be the most desirable community in the Valley. SRCA’s Board employs an Executive Director who oversees the administrative, landscape and building/lake departments including a full-time, on-site administrative staff and a contracted landscape maintenance company, who all work behind the scenes to implement the mission statement.
The Board of Directors meets the fourth Tuesday of every month at the Community Center. These meetings are open to the membership. Meeting minutes can be found on our website at www. scottsdaleranch.org under SRCA Documents and Forms, Board of Directors..
Scottsdale Ranch Community Association (SRCA) 10585 N. 100th Street, Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Office: (480) 860-2022/Fax: (480) 860-8264
After Hours SRCA Emergency/Answering Service Number: 1 (888) 271-0019 Website: www.scottsdaleranch.org
THE SRCA OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23RD AND MONDAY, DECEMBER 26TH IN OBSERVANCE OF THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY. THE SRCA OFFICE WILL ALSO BE CLOSED ON MONDAY, JANUARY 2ND FOR THE NEW YEAR HOLIDAY.
OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY – THURSDAY: 8 AM – 5 PM
FRIDAY: 8 AM – 3 PM
PHONE HOURS: MONDAY – THURSDAY: 9 AM – 5 PM
FRIDAY: 9 AM – 3 PM
Staff emails:
Kathe Barnes, Executive Director kbarnes@scottsdaleranch.org
Kathy Diab, Homeowner Liaison kdiab@scottsdaleranch.org
Genevieve Long, Community Relations/Events Coordinator glong@scottsdaleranch.org
Ricki Stamos, Administrative Assistant/Bookkeeper rstamos@scottsdaleranch.org
Joni Shepherd, Member Services Coordinator jshepherd@scottsdaleranch.org
Diane Botica, Architectural Liaison dbotica@scottsdaleranch.org
Police (Emergency) ............................................ 911
Police (Non-emergency) (480) 312-5000
Fire (Emergency) ................................................ 911
Fire (Non-emergency) Hydrant Leaks ................................. (480) 312-5650
Scottsdale Ranch Community Association ................. (480) 860-2022
Scottsdale Ranch Community Association (After Hours SRCA EmergencyAnswering Service Number) .............................(888) 271-0019
Animal Control (602) 506-7387
Arizona Public Service ..................... (602) 371-7171
Boys/Girls Club North Scottsdale - Piper ................ (480) 344-5520
Brush Collection Hotline, City of Scottsdale (480) 312-5680
Code Enforcement, City of Scottsdale (480) 312-2546
Cox Communications ...................... (602) 277-1000
CenturyLink (800) 244-1111
Dial-A-Ride ...................................... (480) 497-7696
Humane Society (602) 997-7585
Road Construction, City of Scottsdale (480) 312-5750
Registrar of Contactors ................... (877) 692-9762
Sanitation, City of Scottsdale& Dead Animal Pickup for City Streets................................. (480) 312-5600
Sanitation, Recycling Hotline, City of Scottsdale (480) 312-5611
Scottsdale Ranch Park, Tennis & Racquetball (480) 312-7774
Scottsdale Unified School District (480) 952-6100
Senior Center – Via Linda ............... (480) 312-5810
Southwest Gas (877) 860-6020
Street Light Repair Hotline, City of Scottsdale (480) 312-5620
Valley Metro (Bus) .......................... (602) 253-5000
Water/Sewer (Turn On/Off Service), City of Scottsdale (480) 312-2461
“The Mission of Scottsdale Ranch Community Association is to serve as the organization through which its residents may sustain and enhance the character, quality of life, and desirability of our community.”Matt Metz President Greg Mona Vice President Mike Breslin Treasurer Nina Munson Secretary Michele Holzman Director Larry Schmalz Director Jeff Spiller Director
In community associations, each board member is considered a fiduciary and is bound to act in the best interests of all residents. In general terms, fiduciary duty is the highest standard of care imposed under law, and it occurs when one or more persons are responsible for the money or property of another. The fiduciary is expected to be honest, free from fraud and faithful to his or her obligations.
The mere mention of fiduciary responsibility may scare some home owners away from board service, but it shouldn’t. Managing the association’s finances is one of the board’s most important duties, but it doesn’t have to be complicated.
Fiduciary duty means protecting assets, budgeting responsibly, plan ning for the future, investing wisely and observing laws and regula tions that affect association resources. Fiduciary duty requires the board to ensure that the assessments you pay are used properly to maintain the community and cover insurance, contracted services, utilities and other needed materials and services. The board is obli gated to make ethical and legal decisions that best serve the entire association.
Do you have what it takes to be a good board member?
Chances are - you do.
If you have a mix of some of the following traits and skills, consider running for a seat on the board. We’d love to have you. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to become more familiar with your community, grow your relationships with neighbors and our staff, and experience everything offered at Scottsdale Ranch!
If you can give others respect and expect it in return, you can help keep board discussions civil, productive and on point. We’re looking for people who can lead by consensus, not by command.
People want to be heard. Can you listen to board members and resi dents with sincere interest? You may have a few ideas of your own, but everyone benefits by sharing and discussing.
Members who come to the board looking to help only themselves are a problem. A board is more productive when members don’t have a personal punch list. Are you able to look after the community, not just your own interests? Are you willing to compromise?
An association is a business. So having board members with accounting, organizational behavior and teambuilding backgrounds can help. Someone with a financial background, for example, might make for a good treasurer.
The ideal board comprises a mix of management styles, professional skills and temperaments. If you know people with some of these
• The board upheld the Architectural Committee’s decision for an appeal of an unapproved landscape.
• The board denied a request for a variance to the single-family rental restrictions.
• After review of 5 landscape bids, the board approved a 3-yr. contract extension with Service Direct Landscape (SDL).
• The board entered into a 3-yr. contract with Butler Hansen for the annual audit of the association books.
• Revisions were adopted for the guidelines and rules relating to Flags, Security and No Trespassing signs, Umbrellas, Political signage and variances.
• The board agreed to schedule a Volunteer Appreciation event.
• 2023 budget was approved with a 10.2% assessment increase from $395 to $435 per unit effective January 1, 2023.
The SRCA office will be closed on December 23rd and 26th in observance of the Christmas Holiday. The SRCA office will also be closed on January 2nd in observance of the New Year Holiday.
Leaders can come from different places and backgrounds. There’s no one mode that fits all. Share your knowledge and passion with our community. SRCA is looking for passionate residents who have it in their hearts to volunteer their time for the betterment of Scottsdale Ranch. Apply for a position on the SRCA Board of Directors.
There will be four open positions for the SRCA Board of Directors’ election in March 2023. If you have the time and desire to contribute, we encourage you to apply.
Board applications can be found on our website homepage at www. scottsdaleranch.org or in our office. Board applications are due no later than Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. Candidates will be voted on by the membership and announced at the SRCA Annual Meeting which will be held on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at the SRCA Community Center. Visit our website for more detailed information about the SRCA Board of Directors or contact Kathe Barnes, SRCA Executive Director, and she would be more than happy to meet with you and discuss further.
traits or relevant skills, ask them if they’d be interested in joining the board. Some people don’t think about running for a seat unless asked.
You don’t have to know everything when you join, but you should be familiar with the governing documents and the responsibilities of the job. Fellow board members and association staff members can help you with the transition and train you on board responsibilities, current work, projects and hot issues.
Leaders can come from different places and backgrounds. There’s no one mode that fits all. Share your knowledge and passion with our community.
There will be four open positions for the SRCA Board of Directors’ election in March 2023. If you have the time and desire to contrib ute, we encourage you to apply.
We are looking for passionate residents who have it in their heart to volunteer their time for the betterment of Scottsdale Ranch. Board applications can be found on our website homepage at www. scottsdaleranch.org or in our office. Board applications are due no later than Tuesday, January 3, 2023, by 5:00 p.m. Candidates will be voted on by the membership and announced at the SRCA Annual Meeting which will be held on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at the SRCA Community Center. Visit our website for more detailed information about the SRCA Board of Directors or I’d be more than happy to visit with you and discuss.
One of the most important responsibilities of the board is to manage the association’s funds—your money. We take this responsibility seriously; these are the procedures we insist on to pro tect your money:
• Association financial records are audited annually by a certified public accountant.
• Bank statements are reconciled promptly each month.
• The balance sheet and profit and loss statement are reviewed each month, and expenses are compared to the budget each month.
• Association reserve accounts are analyzed annually to ensure they are adequate for future needs.
• The association has an investment policy that safeguards the principle of invested funds, a signature policy that safeguards operating funds, and a collections policy that safeguards cash flow.
• Checks and balances are in place to ensure the safety of association funds—such as requiring two approvals on all invoices to be paid.
As previously reported, the accounting firm of Butler Hansen, PC completed its audit of SRCA for the year 2021 and reported that we continue to have a good system of financial controls in place and concluded that we remain in sound financial condition. The Board will again be engaging Hansen Butler, PC to conduct an independent audit of the association’s books and records for 2022.
As another year is almost in the books, it was time once again for the board, finance com mittee and staff to prepare for the next year and compile another budget. The budget was developed through an objective, step-by-step process based on historical data and careful research. Due to rising costs of services, sup plies and labor, it was necessary to increase the annual assessment by 10% taking the assessment from $395 to $435 per unit effec tive January 1, 2023. The association was able to forego any assessment increase for the last two years, but the inflation and the economy caused goods and services to be much more expensive forcing an increase.
Living in Scottsdale Ranch brings so many benefits, it’s hard to know where to begin. Our beautiful Lake Serena is a great place for boat rides, kayaking, fishing, and paddle-boating – all for free. Our manicured common areas provide great venues for walking or jogging, and a great place to meet your neighbors. Our own Community Center is available for private events and parties. SRCA events are very popular with our resi dents – from young families to empty nesters. We also have a great local shopping center – the Mercado – as well as Via Linda Senior Center, a Boys and Girls Club, great schools, and Scottsdale Ranch Park with: playgrounds; basketball, tennis, volleyball, and handball courts; lighted baseball fields; picnic areas with ramadas; Desert Garden Park; and more.
Nationally, people living in homeowner and condominium associations are very satisfied or even delighted to live there. A 2022 survey conducted by the Community Associations Institute shows that an overwhelming majority – 67% – rate their living experience as good or very good. (Another 22% give a “neutral” rating.)
With that high level of satisfaction, one would think we would have more of our Scottsdale Ranch residents engaged with our HOA. While we do see many of our neighbors taking advantage of our public events, only a few actually get involved by serving on a committee or running for a board position.
A few also show up at our board and committee meetings, and this participation in our meetings has increased since we started using technology to enable hybrid meet ings; members can physically attend at the Community Center or join us online.
But Scottsdale Ranch has struggled to get out the vote at our annual elections. Polls shows that 60% of the nation says they vote in national elections, but only 53% say they vote in state and local elections. And at the HOA level, only 38% say they vote in their association elections.
Actually, at Scottsdale Ranch, we would be delighted if we saw a 38% turnout in our elections; this last time around, we struggled to get just the 10% required by our documents for a voting quorum.
It’s very possible the low voting turnout at Scottsdale Ranch is due to an overall sat isfaction (or dare we say, delight!) with how the Association is being run.
But it really is important that each of us makes the effort to cast an informed vote every year.
We encourage you to read the resumes of board candidates and to understand the proposed document changes you’ll be voting on. Ask your neighbors, board mem bers, or friends who serve on committees if you want more information about the candidates and issues. Your informed vote will help ensure Scottsdale Ranch con tinues to provide top-notch services and amenities, and that your property values are protected and enhanced.
And we make it super-easy to vote. Expect a notice on how to vote electronically (or otherwise) in mid-February. If you have questions, contact our able staff at the Community Center offices.
As with local, state, and federal elections, it’s very important to become informed for our HOA election and cast your ballot to ensure we have the finest and best qualified volunteers serving you. These are your neighbors who will perform the important function of setting the direction for Scottsdale Ranch – your community!
As the principal of Laguna Elementary School, I am so proud of the commitment of the staff for demonstrating quality practices in integrated learning and earning the distinction of being a Cognia STEM Certified school. The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) movement is surging, and Laguna has moved to STEAM, by including key components that many employers, educators, and parents have voiced as very important for future economic prosperity. The vision of the Scottsdale Unified School District is “Engaging all students in world-class, future-focused learning.” STEAM” is an educational approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking (https://artsintegra tion.com/what-is-steam-education-ink-12-schools/)
Using STEAM education results in stu dents taking risks, problem-solving, collaborating, communicating, and working through creative processes, when a problem per is sists. Our learn ing world is complex, by integrating concepts, topics, standards, and assess ments that students can ask each other, research together, will assist students in acquiring both knowledge and skills to collaborate and successfully experience personal meaning.
Laguna has a “Makerspace Lab!” Makerspaces are dedicated areas where students can use hands-on techniques and tools to make something new, discover problems and solutions, and learn how discrete skills and concepts can be applied to real-life. Laguna is one of a few elementary schools to have a Makerspace.
In addition to being a STEAM school, we would like the commu nity to know that our staff consistently demonstrates a “culture and climate” to serve and support all students by promoting a safe, supportive and innovative educational experience. Besides being an innovative school, Laguna offers gifted classes for both math and English, as well as enrichment programs which include Lego Club, Robotics, Makerspace Club, Drama Club, Science Club, Technology Club, and after school tutoring.
We welcome all those who seek to have a “world class” learning experience. Please contact the Laguna School Administration for a tour of Laguna Elementary @480-484-2400. Additionally, Laguna will have two more Kindergarten Roundups on January 11th, 2023, & March 7th, 2023.
Are these one of your questions? If so.… I have answers for you.
Do I have to submit?
Yes, all exterior projects require a submittal. Landscape, stucco changes, paint, windows, additions, courtyards, pools… everything requires approval before beginning work. If you live in a sub associa tion, you will need their approval as well. Please plan accordingly.
When will I be approved?
If all the required information for processing is not received when first submitting, the answer is that your submittal will always take longer to be reviewed. It is in your best interest to use the project checklists to make sure you are submitting all the requirements the first time. Visit www.scottsdaleranch.org and click the “plan my project” blue/ white house icon to take you to the architectural page with checklists, rules, and forms.
Please remember Scottsdale Ranch is comprised of approximately 4,000 residences. Every submittal is important, and every submittal requires a review. It is most important to plan accordingly when plan ning home projects. Please submit as soon as you know what changes you want to make on the exterior of your home.
Will my application be reviewed by the committee?
Not all submittals go to the architectural committee. Certain types of architectural projects are reviewed on the staff level by the Executive Director. A list of these desk review projects is available on the SRCA website in the Rules and Architectural Guidelines.
If your submittal requires disclosure notices to be sent to neighboring properties and review by the architectural committee, it will take lon ger to complete the process. Disclosure notices allow a minimum of 2 weeks for reply. At the end of the disclosure period, the project will go to the architectural committee or the Executive Director for review.
When should I submit for my project that I want to start?
Please allow 2 weeks for review. We were receiving nearly 40% more submittals than we received pre-Covid. It has slowed some, but we are still busy. The sooner that all the required information for processing is received, the sooner the submittal packet can be reviewed. If you have built a complete submittal packet for your project, send it in as soon as it is ready. Once your request is entered into the system, it will be reviewed by SRCA staff. It will then be determined if it is approved/ denied or ready to be set for a committee review date with disclosure notices, if required.
The committee meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month. Those dates sometimes change during the holiday season. The SRCA calendar on the website is always up to date.
Why can’t I paint my house the same colors that I used in 1999?
You may be able to use the same colors; however, we will not know the answer until an application packet is submitted and reviewed. The
approved color palettes are reviewed every few years to make sure the colors are available, fresh, and that they continue to be well-suited for the rest of the approved color palettes. This is another reason when submitting for approval is important. It ensures the approved paint palettes are cohesive and the aesthetics within the community go together.
When in doubt, reach out! Please submit!
Below are updates to the following areas in the Architectural Guidelines and Rules:
Front Yard Umbrellas: Front yard umbrellas require architectural approval, and must be appropriate in location, number, size, material, color, design, and use. The Architectural Committee will apply standards as outlined above under the section “Design Compatibility and Orientation.”
a. Location: Front yard umbrellas will be allowed only in desig nated and furnished seating areas which are hardscaped with pavers, concrete, or similar materials.
b. Number/consistency: No more than two umbrellas are permit ted in a front yard. If two umbrellas are approved, they must be identical.
c. Size: The diameter of any umbrellas installed shall, in the judgement of the Architectural Committee, be appropriate for the space in which they are installed, and in no case shall the diameter or largest dimension exceed 10 feet. The diameter shall not be so great that the umbrella overhangs walls or other structures. Height at peak shall not exceed 8’-6” above grade.
d. Material: Recommended canopy materials include polyes ter, acrylic, and olefin. Thatch and plastic are not permitted. Recommended post and frame materials include metal, wood, and fiberglass.
e. Color: Only solid colors are permitted. Colors must be compat ible with or complementary to existing colors used on the sur rounding structures on the subject property.
f. Use: Front yard umbrellas are intended solely to provide shade for areas designed specifically as seating areas. The use of front yard umbrellas for shading of plants is not appropriate and will not be permitted.
1. The applicant must submit size, color, number, location, and graphics, as well as an explanation of need to the Committee.
2. Each property is permitted no more than two security signs, each of which may not exceed 11”x14”.
3. Applicants are encouraged to install the sign close to the main entry of the home. For larger properties or properties with unique circumstances, a second sign may be considered. Signs may not be installed in common areas or on common area walls. Signs may be permitted on gates, but never on, or over hanging walls. No more than one sign of any kind on a gate.
4. All security signs must be professionally manufactured.
5. The sign must be supported by a post that is painted, stained, or finished in a color compatible with the residence.
1. The applicant must submit size, color, number, location, and graphics, as well as explanation of need to the Committee.
2. No Trespassing signs must contain exactly the language required by the City of Scottsdale so they can be enforced by the police. See example picture below.
3. No Trespassing sign may be no larger than 18” x 24”, must be metal or high-density plastic, be professionally manufactured, contain only the text required by applicable law, and mounted on a post painted, stained, or finished a color that is compatible with the residence.
4. Signs are not permitted in common areas or on common area walls. They may be permitted on gates, but never on, or over hanging walls. No more than one sign of any kind on a gate.
5. The Architectural Committee reserves the right to limit the location and number of such signs.
1. All permanent flagpoles and their locations must be approved in writing by the Architectural Committee prior to installation.
2. Only one (1) flagpole is permitted per residence, and the maximum permitted height above ground is to be no more than the height of the rooftop of the member’s home. Flagpoles must be made of metal and must be factory finished in black, bronze, white, satin aluminum or clear. Any other color will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
3. Flagpoles may be erected in either the front or rear yards.
4. Only the following flags are permitted to be flown from flag poles and flag holders mounted on the fronts of houses:
• The flag of the United States
• The current official flag of the State of Arizona
• The POW/MIA flag
• An Arizona Indian Nation’s flag
• The Gadsden flag
• A flag of a branch of the uniformed armed services of the United States. Other historical flags associated with the United States armed services, but not currently flown by a branch of the United States armed services, may not be dis played on Lots
• A first responder flag (which may incorporate the design of one or two other first responder flags to form a combined flag)
• A blue star service flag or gold star service flag
• Any other flag specifically permitted by A.R.S. § 33-1808 or other applicable law.
5. No more than two (2) flags may be flown at once.
6. Other flags and/or banners may be flown or displayed to cel ebrate special events, seasons, and holidays, provided however, that such flags and banners are commercially manufactured and in good taste. Any flags celebrating special events shall be flown no earlier than five (5) days before the event and removed no later than five (5) days after the event. Political or commer cial (advertising) banners, pennants and flags are specifically prohibited. The Architectural Committee is authorized to pro hibit the display of any flag not specifically authorized herein that it deems inappropriate.
7. The use of permitted flags in a manner inconsistent with appro priate flag etiquette to indicate political disagreement or protest is prohibited. The use of badly worn or tattered flags is also prohibited.
Political Signs (in accordance with AZ Statute §§ 33-1808 & City of Scottsdale Sign Ordinance Sections 8.600 & 8.601 Temporary NonCommercial Signage Regulations)
a. Political signs are permitted no earlier than seventy one days (71) before the Primary Election and must be removed no later than 15 days after the General Election. Signs for Primary Election candidates who do not advance to the General Election must be removed no later than 15 days following the Primary Election. Association-specific political signs relating to a Board election or other issue for which Owners are voting may be placed on a Lot no sooner than the date written or absentee bal lots are provided to Owners for that election or issue and must be removed no later than three (3) days after the vote. No more than nine square feet of Association-specific political signs may be placed on a Lot, and no such sign may contain profanity or discriminatory text, images, or content based on race, color, religion, sex, familial status or natural origin as prescribed by federal or state fair housing laws.
The following changes have been made to the Architectural Guidelines: o Remove the entire Variances section in its entirety.
(CC&Rs Article IV, Section 5, Page 26)
The Board may, at its option and in extenuating circumstances, grant variances from the restrictions set forth in Article IV of the CC&Rs or in any Tract Declaration. If the Board determines, in its discretion, either that a restriction would create an unreasonable hardship or burden on an Owner or Lessee, or that a change of circumstances since the recordation of the Declaration has rendered such restriction obsolete and that the activity permitted under the variance will not have any substantial adverse effect on the other people on Scottsdale Ranch and is consistent with the high quality of life intended for resi dents of Scottsdale Ranch a variance may be granted. Any request for a variance must be in writing.
o P35. Remove the last line of the first paragraph. However, Owners may request a variance from the Board of Directors as discussed in Article IV, Section 5 of the CC&Rs (Page 26).
o P43. Under the Variances section, replace the paragraph that currently starts with “Pursuant to...” with the paragraph sug gested by legal counsel:
a) The property has unusual characteristics not found on neigh boring or similar style properties;
b) The unusual characteristics are inherent to the property, not the result of actions or omissions by the current or prior Owners; and
c) Granting the variance will not have any substantial adverse effect on the Owners, Lessees and Residents of Scottsdale Ranch and is consistent with the high quality of life intended for resi dents of Scottsdale Ranch.
The Architectural Committee does not intend to grant a variance solely for the purposes of reducing the cost of compliance with the Rules and Guidelines in the absence of unusual characteristics on the property that are not the fault of the Owner. The documentation of any variance granted will clearly state the unusual characteristics upon which the variance is based.
Scottsdale City Council approved a code amendment which states Homeowners Associations cannot mandate homeowners to overseed their lawns starting this fall. This is the first city in the Valley to allow homeowners to choose their course regarding overseeding or not overseeding. Many Homeowners’ Association have it written in their CC&R’s that if you have turf, it must be overseeded in the winter. The decision was a direct result of water supply shortages on the Colorado River and Arizona will go into a Tier 2a starting January 1, 2023, and more cutbacks may be in the near future.
The shortfall is not only a result of lack of rainfall here in the Valley, but a combination of rainfall and lack of snowpack to our north. The Colorado is fed by melting snow and the last decade has been less than normal causing the water levels in Lake Mead and Lake Powell to drop to historic low levels. As Maricopa County continues to grow, pressure to ensure enough water for residents and municipalities has been stretched thin.
As we’ve mentioned in past articles, turf is the largest water user in the landscape by far. Turf will require roughly 4 times more water annually than desert adapted trees and shrubs. Currently, more landscape architects are designing less and less turf into new builds in order to compensate for the growing shortages of water throughout the Valley. Turf placement needs to be functional and well thought out in order to be viable in the landscape in todays’ market. Weird angles and slopes are hard to irrigate efficiently and should be considered for removal due to water waste and high maintenance costs. It was only a matter of time before existing and mature developments were asked to participate in water sav ings. Many older community landscape designs were approved prior to water becoming the issue it is today and if proposed now, would more than likely be asked to reduce turf quantities to meet available water supply and demand.
Managing water is going to be the number one priority for land scape contractors in the upcoming decades. Rainfall and ET must be monitored daily, and adjustments made based on these findings in order to manage efficiently and save water waste. If you or your landscaper only set your timer for a summer program and a winter program, you’re probably wasting water. For every 0.25” of rain, you should be able to turn the irrigation system off for three days. It drives me crazy to drive around town and see irrigation running to turf areas during a rainstorm. Proactively, SDL monitors the weather forecast and tries to shut irrigation off prior to any storms on the horizon. Traditionally, rainfall in the Valley occurs early evening and turf irrigation shouldn’t be running at that time day to start with. Pre-dawn runtimes in the summer before it gets warm and just after dawn during the winter to avoid frozen or slippery sidewalks.
I’m proud of Scottsdale Ranch Community Association, the many sub associations and homeowners that chose not to over seed this year in order to help with the water savings. The dor mant Bermuda will come back even better next spring after the break this fall and winter. After all, it was the right thing to do.
In October, the Las Brisas community within Scottsdale Ranch, held a Block Party for its residents, and it was a great success! Neighbors gathered to socialize over food, drinks, and there was even a live musician! A great time was had by all.
SRCA highly recommends our SR residents take advantage of this FREE opportunity, by reserving the block party trailer to host a party for you and your neighbors. The Block Party trailer comes equipped with all your block party essentials. Please visit the SRCA website or call the SRCA office for details.
The use of SRCA facilities and amenities are voluntary and at your own risk. Scottsdale Ranch Community Association cannot ensure that all areas are free of COVID–19 or other pathogens. The Association is not the guarantor of your personal safety if renting the community center, recreational boat rentals, or attending any groups, clubs or SRCA events.
For up-to-date information, please visit our website at www. scottsdaleranch.org or sign up to receive our weekly email blasts.
Please check the City of Scottsdale’s website at www.scottsdaleaz.gov for updates on the 2023 pickup schedule.
This Information can be found on the City of Scottsdale’s website at www.scottsdaleaz.gov.
The earliest items can be placed out is the Wednesday prior to the week of pickup and must be placed out no later than 5:00 am on Monday the week of the scheduled pick up. Residents, please be considerate of your neighbors - do not put your items out before the designated dates. Placing items out before this time can result in hefty fines being assessed to your account.
Please be patient as the city has all week to pick-up in our area.
Please separate your brush and bulk pickup into two piles – one for green waste and one for everything else. The piles will be picked up by separate trucks during your designated brush and bulk pickup week.
*Please refrain from placing trash containers or bulk trash where it blocks the sidewalk and would prevent pedestrians or wheelchair bound residents from passing along the sidewalk.
The Annual Assessment fee has increased from $395 to $435.
This decision was made after careful evaluation that deter mined that an increase of 10% per unit, per year was war ranted. If you have set up autopay with your bank, please make sure to update the amount due for the 2023 Annual Assessment to $435 to ensure that your account does not incur late fees or interest charges on any unpaid amount.
• Invoices will be mailed to all property owners in late November/early December.
• Make sure our office has your correct mailing/contact address on file – this is not automatically changed when submitting a change of address to the post office, Scottsdale Ranch must be notified as well.
• Payment is due January 1, 2023, whether or not you receive an invoice.
• There are several ways to pay the Annual Assessment:
• You can mail your payment check to the lock box address located at the bottom of the invoice that will be mailed to each homeowner in December (please make sure to write your account number on your payment check).
• You can visit our bank’s website at: https://propertypay. cit.com/ where you can pay using an eCheck (no charge) or credit card (nominal fee). You must have your invoice available if you choose to pay using this payment method to ensure that you use your SRCA account number to make certain payment will be credited to the correct property.
• You can sign up for Automatic withdrawal (ACH). ACH forms are available on the Scottsdale Ranch website at www.scottsdaleranch.org, and in our office. A voided check is required and the form must be received in the SRCA office no later than December 30, 2022. If you have previously enrolled for ACH, your invoice will indicate so.
• Please keep in mind, the $435 annual assessment is only for the Scottsdale Ranch Community Association (the master association). If you live in a sub-association with manage ment, you may also have a secondary assessment due to them.
For further questions, please contact the SRCA Bookkeeper, Ricki Stamos by email at rstamos@scottsdaleranch.org or call our office at 480-860-2022.
SRCA is committed to following state and federal fair housing laws. Neither SRCA nor any club using SRCA facilities shall discriminate in any of its activities or operations on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, familial status, or national origin. This means all SRCA residents are welcome to join any club.
It might start with a phone call from the “Federal Grants Administration” (which doesn’t exist) bringing news that you’re eligible for a lucrative grant the government is providing to help people just like you.
Perhaps you spotted a website or social media post promising “free money from the government,” or received an instant message from someone who claims she was just awarded thousands of dollars in federal funding and provides a number you can call to get your share. If it sounds too good to be true, that’s because it is.
The federal government awards billions of dollars a year to organizations and institutions for all sorts of programs, projects, and research, but it does not give grants to individuals to pay their bills or start a business.
The following are options if you believe you may have been subjected to such scam:
1. Call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline: 877-908-3360
2. Report it on AARP’s Scam-Tracking Map
3. Sign up for Watchdog Alerts for more tips on avoiding scams.
Scammers dangle the prospect of government largesse to trick people out of their money. If you respond to the pitch, they’ll ask you to send a money order, make a wire transfer, or provide credit card or bank account information to cover processing fees for the grant.
They may also say they need your Social Security number to verify your identification. Once they collect that first payment, the thieves may ask for additional fees — but the promised grant never materializes. Worse yet, they now have the personal and financial information they need for identity theft.
The same goes for a cousin of the grant scam, in which the crooks claim the government is holding valuable unclaimed property of yours that you can obtain if you pay a fee or provide personal info.
ONCE AGAIN, IF IT SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE…THAT’S BECAUSE IT IS!
Social media has become the most common way government grant scammers scout for victims, according to the Better Business Bureau’s 2019 Scam Tracker Risk Report.
Scottsdale residents can properly recycle electronics like computers, printers, phones, cameras, flat panel televisions/monitors and stereo equipment at our free Electronics Recycling Event. The next event will be on Saturday, December 3rd from 7:30 A.M. – 2:00 P.M. at the city’s Corporation Yard, 9191 E. San Salvador.
For a list of acceptable items please visit: www. scottsdaleaz.gov/solid-waste/electronics-recycling.
Scottsdale Water targets irrigation inefficiency and leaks with enhanced rebates. Scottsdale Water enhanced its citywide efforts to encourage residents and businesses to achieve long-term water savings by boosting rebates that support customers in optimizing their irrigation systems, combating wasteful leaks, and upgrading their landscape. The goal is to incentivize customers to choose Arizona-friendly landscape and prioritize water efficiency. For more information visit: https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/water/ rebates.
Don’t miss your chance to participate in Scottsdale Parks and Recreation’s January, February, and March recreation programs! Visit www.scottsdaleaz.gov and search ‘recreation classes’.
At the Oct. 25 meeting, the Scottsdale City Council unanimously adopted regulations for vacation and shortterm rentals as allowed under state law. Ordinance 4655 requires owners/operators to obtain a Scottsdale license for each rental property and comply with a number of safety, health and neighborhood notification requirements. The ordinance takes effect Nov. 24; the license application portal will open Nov. 28; owners must complete registration and obtain licenses by Jan. 8, 2023. For more information, visit https://www.scottsdaleaz. gov/codes/vacation-short-term-rentals.
Food Truck Friday 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
3 Holiday Craft Fair 9:00 am - 12:00 pm 4 5
Knitwits 10:30 am Jazz Night 7:00 pm
6 SRWA General Meeting 11:00 am
7 Yacht Club 6:00 pm 8 Couples Duplicate Bridge 6:00 pm
9 10 Holiday Party & Boat Parade 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm 11 12 13 Mahjong 10:00 am SRCA Board of Directors Meeting 4:30 pm
14 Broker Tour 8:15 am SRCA Architectural Committee Meeting 3:30 pm
22 23 SRCA Office Closed for Christmas Holiday
15 16 17 18 19 Knitwits 10:30 am 20 21 SRCA Architectural Committee Meeting 3:30 pm SR Evening Bunko 7:00 pm
24
23 Knitwits 10:30 am 24 SRWA Board Meeting 10:00 am SRCA Board of Directors Meeting 4:30 pm
am SRCA Architectural Committee Meeting 3:30 pm
12 Couples Duplicate Bridge 6:00 pm
19 20 Food Truck Friday 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
13 14 15 16 Knitwits 10:30 am 17 18 Retired Active Men’s Coffee 8:30 am SR Evening Bunko 7:00 pm
25 SRCA Architectural Committee Meeting 3:30 pm
26 Wine Experience 7:00 pm
21
27 28
Please check with the administration office to see if the SRCA meetings will be held in person and/or via Zoom webinar. SRCA is committed to following state and federal fair housing laws. Neither SRCA nor any club using SRCA facilities shall discriminate in any of its activities or operations on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, familial status, or national origin. This means all SRCA residents are welcome to join any club.
