GRF commends longtime LW contractor MJ Jurado
GRF BOARD HIGHLIGHTS
The GRF Board of Directors kicked off its monthly meeting May 24 by bestowing a plaque of appreciation to Michael J. Jurado, president of MJ Jurado, for more than 20 years of top-notch civil engineering and construction services in Leisure World.
“Mike and his team have provided GRF and the Mutuals with excellent, ethical and professional service since 2010 when his company was first approved as a LW contractor,” said GRF President Susan Hopewell. “They know every inch of GRF Trust property as well as all Mutuals through the many projects they have handled, sidewalk repair, street paving, slurry, concrete, sewer repairs in addition to all the amenity improvement projects.”
In bestowing the plaque to Jurado, Facilities Director Mark Weaver said, “It can be hard to find a contractor who is truthful; we have that with Mike.”
MJ Jurado has a history of being available at a moment’s notice for emergencies, working weekends and nights to repair broken sewer lines, and stepping in where others failed. The company finished construction of the LW Aquatic Center after two unsuccessful attempts by other contractors. It was a long and rigorous process, but the pool facility is expected to open next week.
“Many thanks to you, Mike, and to your team for your enormous contributions to this beautiful facility,” said Hopewell. “This project faced enormous challenges, as you know better than anyone.”
In other meeting highlights: Waste and Recycling Contract Awarded The GRF’s waste and recycling service contract with Cal Met Services expires on July 31. Physical Property sent out a Request for Proposals (RFP) to six contractors seeking a five-year contract to collect and dispose of solid waste garbage in Mutuals and Trust property, disposal of large-bulk containers at the 1.8 Acre site, Christmas tree recycling, and organic composting of green waste and food scraps as mandated by Senate Bill 1383. Athens, formally Cal-Met, was awarded the contract. A bidder’s conference was attended by a total of five vendors. Athens was the only company to submit a bid, largely due to the unique bins used in the community (which the company owns after buying out Cal-Met). The cost per month will be $10.79, up from $9.79, with a total cost per month of $71,300.32, up from $64,690. The contract also includes a $630.90 fee to dump and return the roll-off containers used for bulk waste at the 1.8 Acre site.
Employee Benefits
In view of the fiercely competitive labor market and GRF staff turnover, the board approved two measures—improved paid-leave accrual and a 401(k) retirement benefit—to help recruit and retain employees. Upon a recommendation by the GRF Administration committee, the board approved a new vacation schedule. Staff will now accrue time off for vacation in increments of 80 hours per year for the newest employees to 200 hours per year for those with 10-plus years of service. Additionally, staff who are at their maximum vacation balances can cash out two weeks each year.
In the second measure, the board approved a change of contribution and company matching rates in the 401(k) retirement plan. Employer matching of 401(k) contributions means that the GRF contributes a certain amount to a retirement savings plan based on the amount of an employee’s annual contribution. The new plan increases the match limit from 8% to 10% and increases the company’s contribution maximum from 4% to 5%, providing what industry experts called an “exceptional” 401(k) plan.
In addition to the increased contribution, the board also approved a change to the enrollment eligibility. Previously, staffers could not enroll in the 401(k) until they worked for a year or accumulated 1,000 hours of service. Now, new employees can enter the plan as soon as they are eligible for benefits.
Currently, there are 75 employees actively participating in the plan, with 30 or more employees likely to enroll soon, according to HR Director LeAnn Dillman.
These steps are part of a comprehensive effort to attract and keep staff that include a salary review, pay grade overhaul, enhanced healthcare benefits and a recent 5% pay hike.
According to a survey by MetLife, Inc., one of the largest insurance providers in the world, health insurance, 401(k) and paid leave are the top musthaves for employee satisfaction.
Clubhouse 6 HVAC Repair
After residents complained about hot and stuffy secondfloor exercise space in Clubhouse 6, the board looked at replacing the air conditioning system at an estimated cost of $229,321. Then, staff requested a re-evaluation of the existing HVAC system, and the contractor determined it could be repaired and upgraded for about $10,000. Upon the recommendation of the Physical Property Committee, the board voted to cancel the contract to replace the HVAC equipment and award the $10,000 contract to County Heating and Air Conditioning to service heat pumps and filters, relocate thermostats, add sensors, and upgrade the wiring.
“I want to commend the Physical Property staff for reviewing, revisiting and revising this contract,” said GRF Board Director Phil Friedman from Mutual 15. It was a sentiment echoed by the entire board.
Paving Project
The board awarded a $2.6 million contract to MJ Jurado for asphalt resurfacing and slurry work on Annandale Drive, Brookline Road, Burning Tree Lane, Del Monte Drive, El Dorado Drive, Homewood Road, McKinney Way, Nassau Drive, North Fairfield Lane, Northwood Road, Oak Hills Drive, Prestwick Road, Twin Hills Drive, Scioto Road, Sunningdale Road, Shawnee Lane, St. John Road and Tam O’ Shanter Road. MJ Jurado, one of four contractors whose bids were solicited, was the only company to submit a bid. Despite having only a single bid, the Physical Property Committee recommended moving forward with the project because of the rising cost of materials and labor. MJ Jurado also agreed to spread asphalt grinding as needed at the RV Lot for no additional charge.
GAF Donation for Wheelchair Lifts Upon the recommendation of the Security, Bus and Traffic Committee, the board voted to accept a donation from the Golden Age Foundation in the amount of $19,968.44 for wheelchair lifts on two new buses that have been ordered.
“I want to extend heartfelt thanks to the GAF for this donation,” said GRF Director Janet Isom from Mutual 16. “This is another instance where the GAF has truly supported this community.” GRF Director Paul Pratt from Mutual 2 agreed: “This is one in a long line of gifts, one more example of the great work they do here.”
No More LW Library Fines
Upon the recommendation of the Recreation Committee, the board voted to eliminate all late fines, past and present, for overdue library materials ( see page 3 for more). This is in keeping with a trend in regional libraries. In 2019, the American Library Association called on libraries nationwide to find a way to eliminate their fines, which is now a trend among all public libraries. Studies show that more patrons are returning to libraries with late materials in hand and more library cards are being issued as fees disappear.
Pit Stop Upgrade
The Rollin’ Thunder Golf Cart Club holds a quarterly Air and Water event to service residents’ carts by checking battery water levels and tire pressure at the Pit Stop near the recycling containers at the 1.8-Acre Site ( the next one is June 4, see page 17). The club has relied on gas generators for power, but members will soon have electricity, as the board voted to install three outlets at the facility for a cost not to exceed $7,018.
Clubhouse 1 Renovation
Clubhouse 1 will receive new doors and windows, and a fresh coat of paint. The board approved the upgrades at a cost not to exceed $26,523.
—Ruth Osborn managing editor
Physical Property Director Mark Weaver presents Michael Jurado with a plaque of appreciation.Donna Gambol
