It’s More Than Living... It’s A Lifestyle!

It's My House. Why Does the ARC Care What I Do?

by SCOV Architectural Review Committee

One of the benefits of homeownership is being able to make changes or improvements to your home. A number of owners new to Sun City Oro Valley are excited to remodel or make improvements to their new homes without an understanding of the Development Standards. These exist to provide an overall framework and comprehensive set of guidelines to allow the community to develop and progress in an orderly and cohesive manner. They establish criteria for architectural style and design, landscape concepts, site improvements, colors and materials. They also establish a process for judicious review of changes within the community. These standards also set forth how the standards and guidelines may be changed or amended to better serve the needs of an evolving community. The Development Standards were establish by the original developer of SCOV and have been modified by the Board of Directors several times.

By Charter, the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) is tasked with maintaining "the aesthetic harmony of Sun City Oro Valley in keeping with the desert environment and architectural character of the Sonoran Desert Southwest." ARC has developed procedures for the preparation, submission and approval of homeowner applications for alterations to their homes. While some homeowners may find the application and approval process tedious and restrictive, one needs only take a stroll or drive through the community to see that the end result of ARC approvals is a well-kept community that continues to reflect the cohesiveness of the original development.

Sound complicated? It is. Add Tract Declarations to the items that have to be taken into consideration before you make any exterior modifications to your home. As the community was built out, each of the 35 Units has its own Tract Declaration that may impose additional requirements.

Here to assist with the process are the volunteer ARC members along with SCOV staff who are here to help with your application to make changes. Talk to Architectural Coordinator, Katy Mosier, before you start your project. Katy can tell you whether your project, such as exterior paint, just needs a simple form or an expansion to your square footage will require notification of neighbors and assurance that the expansion will not affect your neighbors views. Katy will guide you through the process and ensure that your application is ready for the ARC to review. This process can take weeks or months, so plan accordingly. rcoulter@suncityorovalley.com

Homeowners who fail to maintain their home according to the Development Standards, may receive a Courtesy Notice from the Neighborhood Pride Committee (NPC). This committee regularly looks for items such as weeds, homes in need of painting, overgrown shrubs, etc. If a homeowner doesn't correct the violation in the Courtesy Notice, they may be charged a fine. Covenants Coordinator, Aimee Bennett, works with the NPC and can answer questions about violations. While living in an HOA can seem overwhelming, think of it as an insurance policy. The committees and Board of Directors exist to keep the community beautiful and financially stable. The amenities and facilities in SCOV are well maintained by the HOA and the neighborhoods reflect pride of ownership. We live in a desirable community where property values have risen consistently. So, if you've been thinking about painting your front door one of the new bright southwest colors, go for it. Just be sure to make a submittal on the website.

Making any change to the exterior of your home requires approval from the Association. Visit www.suncityorovalley.com > members > services > for-your-home to find everything you need. Prior to beginning a new exterior project, under What Do You Want to Do? make a selection. We’ll guide you the rest of the way. There is a $25 fee for most applications, $125 for home expansion and patio cover projects. There are some projects that do not require a fee. The fee will be requested in the submittal process.

The ARC meets the second and fourth Tuesday, 2 pm, by Zoom (link is on the website). The meetings are open to all homeowners. The Architectural Coordinator, Katy Mosier, is available by phone 520-917-8058 or email scoroval@ciramail.com.

520-917-8070

Summer Projects

The Activity Center has a few last details that have been challenging to complete. Our General Manager has escalated the situation to the owner of the construction company and will be meeting with him on the remaining items. The audio visual (AV) is almost complete. Staff met with the AV company for a review of the systems, including the lighting in the Auditorium. They are finalizing the Auditorium system and there will be ongoing training for both staff and residents on the usage of the AV systems. Umbrellas have been placed on The Bistro patio. The last few signs have either been installed or are in the fabrication queue. There’s a new Activity Center sign on the building’s exterior, a timer on the outdoor firepit for ease of use, and a volume knob is being added to the Kiva Patio for the audio connections out there. The pathway light knocked over during construction has been reinstalled.

There are still some remaining issues, including the patio concrete which has settled creating an undesirable transitional space difference. This is on the punch list with the company owner. The door openers are our biggest concern. The construction company's vendor has had fabrication challenges, so this is still an issue to be resolved and one of the main topics of conversation with W. E. O’Neil Construction.

The AFC pool got a retouch this summer with new decking, new ladders and backstroke flags. Two new heaters were added which will improve the water temperature for the winter swimming season. The AFC gym and hallway flooring have been replaced as a cooperative effort between staff and the AFC committee’s recommendations.

Benches have been replaced at the miniature golf course and horseshoe pits.

A new calendar system is in place due to the work of Dan Stasi and Ronna Heinig. This new system gives clubs and committees the freedom to schedule their own rooms. Private usage will still be scheduled through the Association.

The Copper Center has been transitioned to our fire monitoring system. An internet provider will be selected, and wireless internet, telephones, secure access and observation cameras will be installed. A task force will be meeting to make recommendations for building usage. In the meantime, the Administration Department will transition to the new building, although specific timing has not been established. Looking ahead includes refreshing the restaurant’s interior and developing a new community website. More information on both projects will be coming.

Controller - Randy Trenary rtrenary@suncityorovalley.com

520-917-8060

The fiscal year for the Association ended June 30, 2023. As in the past, the financial statement for June is not included in the August Tipster due to time constraints for completion of year-end procedures. Financial statements can be found on our website www.scovaz.com and in our SCOV Library.

An audit will be conducted in September, and the complete audited financials will be available on the website and in the SCOV Library before October 31, as mandated by the Bylaws. A copy will also be available in the Administration offices.

Money Matters will return with the September issue of the Tipster. Contact me with questions.

Administrative Manager - Becky Vaughan bvaughan@suncityorovalley.com

520-917-8072

Administrative Coordinators Monica Clark and Lisa Orach are very familiar faces here at SCOV. Monica began her career here in 2016, and just some of her duties are managing rental paperwork, approving paint submittals, and golf cart and RV registrations.

Lisa began her career at SCOV in 2012. A few of Lisa’s duties include answering questions, Tipster billing process, maintaining the rental spreadsheet and being the backup for the conveyance coordinator. While Monica and Lisa have similar duties, they also have duties that differ. Their customer service skills are remarkable, as they are so friendly and willing to help others. They are a real asset to the Administration Department.

Lifestyle Coordinator - Brenda Puzzele-Stoltz

bpuzzele-stoltz@suncityorovalley.com

520-917-8077

August activities include a Caribbean pool party with the band 33 Degrees North that includes a fantastic steel drum player on Tuesday, August 15, 6 PM, AFC pool area, $20 pp. Take a swing at a floating putting green for $5/swing. Getting a hole-in-one could win you a Pro Shop gift card. Sarge’s Cheesecake truck will be parked in front of the AFC, selling gourmet handmade cheesecake, brownies and ice cream for you to enjoy. Limited tables and chairs will be available. Float on a giant pink flamingo, play light up volleyball and dance the night away. The first 100 people receive a beautiful lei necklace to wear through the night and keep as a souvenir. Tickets are available for purchase at Members > Member Services > Tickets. There is limited occupancy for this event.

The second event is a day trip to the Arizona Boardwalk in Scottsdale on Tuesday, August 29. An air-conditioned charter bus arrives behind the Welcome Center at 8:30 AM for loading and departs sharply at 9 AM. This is a one-of-a-kind entertainment destination that features marquee attractions such as OdySea Aquarium, Butterfly Wonderland, UFO Experience, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, Museum of Illusions, and Cyber Quest, in addition to multiple dining, shopping and amusement venues. A round trip bus ticket can be purchased for $47 pp under Members > Member Services > Tickets. Attractions, meals and other expenses are yours to cover. Seating is limited due to bus capacity.

Community Services - Katy Mosier

Architectural Coordinator, Katy Mosier scoroval@ciramail.com

Time to Paint?

520-917-8058

Several times a week we get telephone calls from residents who want to know what color their house was painted and when it was painted. Often, they are new residents and the previous owner did not leave paint cans in the garage that might give them that information. In most cases we are able to give them the color(s) and dates, but every once in a while there is no record of the house ever being repainted. We are pretty sure that in the 25-35 years since that first coat of paint, there has been at least one application of new paint, but no information was submitted to Administration.

If it is time for you to repaint the exterior of your house, please take the time to fill out a Paint Submittal which can be found on the website under Members > Member Services > For Your Home > Paint My House or Front Door. If you are not a computer user, you may pick up a paper copy of this form in the Welcome Center. Not only will you guarantee that the new chosen paint color is approved, but if you need reference to this information in the future, it will be readily available for you or the next owner.

Samples of approved paint colors are on display in the kitchen area of the Welcome Center and there are also two sample books that may be checked out for 24 hours.

SCOV Library - Michelle Mooney www.suncityorovalley.com/amenities-facilities/library

Online catalog: https://evolveopac.infovisionsoftware.com/suncityorovalley mmooney@suncityorovalley.com

520-917-8083

New classics in the Library

We have had requests to add some classics to the Library collection. A special thank you to a former librarian/resident who provided us with the funds and a recommended list of titles for this project. Stop by and browse these classic books. Book sales during the summer have been a huge success. All funds from the book sales are used to purchase new books. Thank you for your support.

Recreation and Fitness - Lonnie Davis ldavis@suncityorovalley.com

520-917-8073

Signs Your Shoes are Dead

Most people wait until their shoes look bad before replacing them. By that time they have been toast for many months. Following are signs that you should replace them.

• The sole tread pattern is worn down. Many shoes now are purposely made so a different color shows through when the sole is worn out.

• The heel is worn down more on one side than the other, sometimes to the point that the shoe is leaning to one side. There are wrinkles on the side or bottom of the sole from breakdown of the support and cushioning. The uppers are broken down around the ankle.

What's wrong with wearing worn out shoes? They no longer provide good support and cushioning. Lack of cushioning and support can lead to shin splints, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, iliotibial band syndrome and stress fractures.

Shoe wear patterns can tell a shoe fit expert what kind of shoes you should buy by indicating where and how you wear down the soles and heels of your shoes. Bring your old shoes with you when you buy new shoes. They can be indicators that you overpronate, have a neutral gait, or supinate.

Special Note From the Aquatic and Fitness Center (AFC)

Orientation on how to use the gym equipment is held Thursdays, 1 pm. Stop in and sign-up. Classes are limited. Contact Lonnie Davis, AFC Coordinator, to discuss questions or concerns regarding the AFC. Hours of operation for the AFC and Desert Oasis are on page 2.

Tuesday, August 8, the AFC pool and spa will be closed for cleaning and shock treatment and will reopen the following morning at the regular time.

Wednesday, August 9, the Desert Oasis pool will be closed for cleaning and shock treatment and will reopen the following morning at the regular time.

Tuesday, August 22, the AFC spa will be closed for cleaning until 1 pm.