Service Maintenance employees honored for saving a life
GRF BOARD HIGHLIGHTS
GRF liquor license considered as possible new revenue stream
by Ruth Osborn
managing editor
Whether or not to investigate the feasibility of having a California liquor license for Leisure World was the topic of spirited debate at the GRF Board meeting on Nov. 22.
The GRF Strategic Planning Committee was tasked with brainstorming possible new income streams to soften the expected impacts of inflation. The sale of liquor in LW, which would require the purchase of a California liquor license, was one idea recommended for further study.
At the meeting Nov. 22, the Strategic Planning Committee asked the GRF Board to direct staff to determine the revenue potential and feasibility of obtaining a GRF-owned liquor license.
As soon as the motion was made, GRF Treasurer Philip Freedman from Mutual 15 categorically opposed the idea: “We don’t want the sale of liquor inside LW.”
His sentiments were echoed by a majority of the board, including Director Carole Damoci from Mutual 12, who recalled a 2012 accident involving a drunk LW driver who struck an 86-year-old veteran while he was crossing St. Andrews Drive at Tam O’ Shanter Road in his scooter. The man died eight days later.
“The way people drive here, I don’t know if a liquor business is what we want to get into,” she said.
Director Sandy Geffner of Mutual 3 agreed: “I shudder to think of us having anything to do with a liquor license given how many people run stop signs and drive into the (flood channel).” But Strategic Planning Commitee Chair Lee Melody of Mutual 14 reminded the board that the committee was charged with reviewing future revenue sources, and this request was simply to explore the possibility.
Vice President William Thompson, who is also a member of the planning committee, said: “I am intrigued that the board is so reticent to explore something. It’s hiding your head in the sand.”
Directors Donna Gambol of Mutual 1, Camille Thompson of Mutual 8 and Nick Massetti of Mutual 17 agreed with Thompson. “It’s in our best interest to examine this to see if it makes sense,” Gambol said.
“I don’t understand the fear of getting information,” added Massetti.
But they were in the minority. “I won’t vote to implement this, so I don’t want to spend energy examining it,” said Director Lucy Ableser of Mutual 7.
Added Director Susan Hopewell of Mutual 6: “The community spoke loudly against this proposition,” referring to a past study on bringing a bar to LW that sparked contentious debate. That effort culminated in a resounding rejection of the idea. In the only no vote of the meeting, the motion was rejected 7-9.
In other meeting highlights: Employees of Month Save
A Life
The board awarded employee of the month honors to a team from Service Maintenance credited with saving the life of a coworker. On Oct. 10, David Franco, Uli Ramirez, Facilities Manager Ruben Gonzalez and Hector Paz noticed a coworker was in distress as they were the breakroom to begin the workday. Their rapid response, with zero hesitation, helped save the life of their coworker, said HR Director LeAnn Dillman, who presented the certificates. In addition to the certificate, the honor comes with a special pay bonus.
Insurance Renewals Under Budget Upon the recommendation of the Finance Committee, the board approved the 2022-2023 insurance renewals for the GRF and Mutuals. The renewal totals $3,297,945, with $814,679.70 allocated to GRF, which will be paid from the operating fund; $848,802 was budgeted for the renewal, which is 15% higher than last year, but well under the anticipated 25% hike in premiums.
DLD Insurance Brokers, Inc., has provided commercial insurance to the GRF and Mutuals for 30 years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which tracks common consumer items like food, energy and more, rose by 9.1% over the past 12 months, the largest increase in inflation since the 12-month period ending November 1981. Rising inflation also impacts the insurance industry, as rising costs for claims payouts and increased operating costs are offset by increased premiums.
Community Rules Violation Panel Established
Upon the recommendation of the GRF Administration Committee, the board adopted 30-5022-3, Community Rules Violation Panel Charter. As a committee of the GRF board, the Community Rules Violation Panel will have full power to assess, judge and determine fines or sanctions for violations of rules as established within the GRF’s governing documents. The panel will meet monthly to adjudicate disputes related to everything from parking violations to rules of conduct.
System to Digitize GRF Documents Approved
Upon the recommendation of the Information Technology Services Committee (ITS), the board approved a one-time implementation cost of $83,005.48 plus a 10% contingency for a total cost of $91,500 to digitize GRF records.
Corporation records are now stored in scores of cardboard boxes stacked up in the Stock Transfer and the News buildings.
Iron Mountain, which provides offsite document storage with over 500 storage facilities across the country, will establish a file management process that safeguards records. The company was identified as the best solution to fit GRF needs as it was the only one providing document management. Iron Mountain will prep, pack and transport boxes to its facility for scanning/indexing and hard copy storage.
New Software For Efficiency
Upon the recommendation of the ITS Committee, the board approved the purchase of a new software system to replace 20-year-old property management software that offers subpar support, is counterintuitive and requires manual processing, among other shortcomings.
After much staff research, CINC Systems was selected to replace Jenark, as well as Click-Pay and Axxerion, at a cost of $47,577.60 per year —plus a one-time implementation cost of $3,500. Among CINC’s benefits are that it can be accessed from anywhere; has a work order component so Service Maintenance staff can use cell phones for processing; and accommodates electronic invoice processing, approval workflows and vendor management. The new software should yield significant efficiencies in staff time in the Finance, Physical Properties and Service Maintenance departments.
Amphitheater Ramp
Upon the recommendation of the Physical Property Committee, the board awarded a contract to MJ Jurado for the installation of a ramp and railing at the back doors of the Amphitheater at a cost not to exceed $28,090.
CH 1 Flooring
Upon the recommendation of the Physical Property Committee, the board awarded a contract to Cornerstone Flooring for the repair and refinishing of the epoxy floor in the kitchen of Clubhouse 1, at the cost not to exceed, $14,777.
1.8-Acre Dumpster Rules
The board gave final approval to 60-5000-1, Use of Community Facilities, Dumpsters at 1.8 Acres-Rules, which updates rules on use and adjusted the hours of operation. Generally, the dumpsters are for the use of GRF Authorized Residents, who are now required to show their GRF IDs to an attendant prior to using the dumpsters. Authorized Residents or their representatives with the resident’s GRF ID can throw away refuse in the dumpsters. An attendent is now on site to enforce dumping rules. The new hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Saturday.
New Grill Coming to CH 1 Picnic Area
Upon the recommendation of the Recreation Committee, the board voted to approve the purchase of a new gas grill and outdoor cover at a cost of $2,988.49. The grill will replace aging equipment at the picnic area near Clubhouse 1.
Acoustics Loop for Hearing Impaired at CH 3
Upon the recommendation of the Recreation Committee, the board approved the purchase of an acoustics loop for Clubhouse 3, Room 7, to give hearing assistance to club members. The loop works with specialized hearing aids to capture sound and amplify it in LWers’ devices. The system also includes four headsets designed to work with the acoustics loop for those who need assistance but do not have the specialized hearing aid.
The board approved a hearing loop system and four listenerreceiver devices at a cost not to exceed $3,752.
Turtle Lake Sign
The board approved a new sign for the golf course, now called Turtle Lake, and authorized it to be installed there. Turtle Lake was the winner of a 2020 naming contest for the newly remodeled golf course area. The board approved $641.91 plus a contingency to cover the sign and its installation costs.
Rules of Conduct Revised
The board gave a final vote on 30-5093-3, Authorized Resident (AR) Rules of Conduct, Procedure for Notification of Violation and Right to Hearing.
LWers can read more about the community’s rules of conduct, violations and the panel and appeal procedure in this policy, found at lwsb.com under GRF tab.
