New 1.8-Acre Ad Hoc Committee to mull uses for old Mini Farm site

GRF BOARD HIGHLIGHTS

by Ruth Osborn

managing editor

The GRF Board of Directors started its Sept. 27 meeting with a presentation of flowers to retiring Director of Finance Carolyn Miller, who concluded her 13-year career here on Sept. 30.

GRF directors were unanimous in their praise for Miller who instituted “best practice” systems, processes and controls across the board to leave a solid financial foundation for every LW resident.

“You will be greatly missed,” said GRF Director Susan Hopewell, who extended a personal thank you for Miller’s decision to delay her retirement after the sudden departure of Executive Director Randy Ankeny in November. Miller was a member of an interim management team that helped navigate the sometimes tumultuous period between Ankeny’s departure and the June arrival of Executive Director Jessica Sedgwick.

The board went on to congratulate other exemplary GRF employees as follows: Service Maintenance Lead Plumber Conrad Giacomazzi, 25 years of service; Gym Attendants Patty Smith, 20 years of service, and Ed Ewald, five years of service; and Golf Starter Jae Kim, five years of service.

The August Employee of the Month was General Accoun- tant Kim Ngo from the Finance Department for her excellence in training several coworkers during extended periods of staffing shortages.

In the public comments portion of the meeting, a handful of residents gave their opinions on a variety of topics, including the sharp increase in assessments, noise exposure during Amphitheater shows, installation of solar panels and a lack of professionalism in GRF staff, among other subjects.

Other meeting highlights include: 1.8-Acre Site Ad Hoc Committee The board agreed to establish a 1.8-Acre Site Ad Hoc Committee to comprehensively consider the best use of the former Mini Farm area.

The ad hoc committee will report its findings to the GRF Board of Directors, which has final approval.

The following people were appointed to the committee: GRF directors Carole Damoci, chair; Susan Hopewell, Susan Jacquelin, Camille Thompson and Sandy Geffner and nonvoting member specialists Lynn Baidack, Jeri Dolch and Allen Dale.

The committee will consider site plans from a community farm organization that works with HOAs all over the state. Re-establishing a community garden has support from some board members, but it is not a done deal.

The ad hoc committee will also look at the feasibility of other amenities and assess costs related to the projects.

In its past life, the garden area was managed by the Mini Farmers club.

There was a perpetual fiveto- six year waiting list, which ultimately sparked complaint from LWers who wanted to get their hands in the dirt.

The GRF assumed management of the Mini Farm in January 2021 and moved to alleviate the wait by subdividing plots, among other remedies.

Meanwhile, a Seal Beach city inspection found that the Mini Farm was out of compliance in several areas of permitting, including fence height, ADA and electrical requirements, and the area was closed. A few months ago, gardens were razed, and the land remains fallow, pending a decision on how to proceed.

Speed Cushions to Calm Traffic

At the recommendation of the Physical Property Committee, the board approved a capital funding request to install speed cushions at El Dorado Drive, Golden Rain Road, St. Andrews Drive, Del Monte Drive and Thunderbird Drive for a cost not to exceed $13,500.

North Gate Road Traffic Calming Measure

At the recommendation of the Physical Property Committee, the board approved a capital funding request not to exceed $9,870 for pavement markings, signage and trees to help calm traffic in this area.

Bocce Ball Upgrade

At the recommendation of the Physical Property Committee, the board approved the installation of a concrete pad and railing at the west end of the bocce ball court at Clubhouse 2 to mirror the east end at a cost not to exceed $5,000.

Approve Increase in SRO Labor Rate Upon the recommendation of the Finance Committee, the board approved an increase the service-request-order (SRO) labor rate from $47.20 to $50 for straight time and from $70.80 to $75 for overtime, effective Jan. 1.

Replacement of CH 4 Heat Pump The board voted to approve $9,200 to replace the heat pump in Clubhouse 4. Funding in the amount of $80,000 has been allocated in the Reserve Study for all HVAC systems in 2022, and no funds have yet been used this year.

Computer Replacement

At the recommendation of the Information Services Technology Committee, the board approved a contract to replace 125 laptop and desktops and 125 dual monitor setups with single ultrawide monitors at a cost not to exceed $235,000. The computers will replace aging and soon-to-be obsolete staff computers companywide.

Replacement of Clubhouse 4 Dais Equipment

The board awarded a contract to replace Clubhouse 4 dais stations, as well as all underlying audio/video equipment such as audio mixers and controllers, microphones, cameras and a voting system at a cost not to exceed $145,000.

IT Office Renovation

The board approved funding in the amount of $13,461 to upgrade the Internet Technology Services office in the LW Weekly building. The money will pay for new flooring, office furniture and painting, among other improvements.

GRF Phone Upgrade

At the recommendation of the Information Technology Services Committee, the board approved a contract to replace the 16-year-old GRF phone system at a cost not to exceed $100,000.

GRF Policies Up for Review

The board also amended several policies, which are printed in the Government section (pages 5-8) for resident review. The GRF Board will make give final decisions on the amendments on Nov. 22.

Policies to be revised include: • Administration Committee, Policy 30-5093-3, updating due process procedures associated with authorized resident (AR) rules of conduct, notification of violations and right to hearings.

• Administration Committee, GRF Election Procedures, Policy 30-5025-3, updating ballot retention language and adding acclamation rules.

• Finance Fees, Policy 405061-2, updating and clarifying document language related to amenities fees.

• Stock Transfer, Policy 501646-2,

updating GRF amenities and co-occupant fees.

• Physical Property, Policy 60-5000-2, updating rules related to use of dumpsters at the

1.8-Acre site.