The RSF Association Board held their first night meeting of the year on August 7th. Vice President Craig McAllister attended via conference call. Attendance filled the Board’s meeting room, but was not a significant increase from day-time meetings.
Golf Club Renovation
Club Manager Al Castro walked everyone through Golf Club’s course renovation plans. The total cost is estimated at $1.185 million. This was an increase from the previous of $1.1 million, which was itself an increase from the initial $900,000 projection. The current budget accounts for the following:
- Construction: $895,000
- Architect: $83,000
- Tree removal: $16,000
- Turf removal: $20,000
- Contingency: $100,000
The renovation includes removal of 18 acres of turf and 84 trees, and planting of 105 trees and native plants. This will cut down on irrigation needs, which currently covers 112 acres.
The Golf Club stated that it received approval of a $1.62 million rebate from the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) for the turf removal to cut down irrigation. The MWD will verify the project after 160 days, giving the Club a December 24th deadline.
Treasurer Kim Eggleston asked what should be done with the projected excess of about $400,000 from the rebate. Club President Steve Dunn asked the Board to motion the excess into the Club’s free reserves. However, the rebate will not come until next year and a course of action will be discussed when the time comes.
In the event the rebate does not materialize, the renovation costs will rest with the Golf Club, which has been approved by its members.
The renovations do not affect the area of play on the course.
Other Updates from the Golf Club
Castro also reminded everyone that the Golf Club will host a Luau on August 23rd, which will include music, food and traditional performances.
The Club received four new memberships in July and three more this month. Their goal is to earn 18 new memberships within the fiscal year and are on pace to exceed that goal.
The Clambake Tournament, started in 1937 by Bing Crosby, took place on August 3rd. Castro said that enthusiasm and competition were high making it a success.
Changes to the Covenant Design Review Committee (CDRC)
The CDRC (formerly known as the Art Jury) reviews and approves projects relating to buildings and its aesthetic fit to the Covenant. The CDRC will propose several procedural changes after input from the community and architects. Three specific changes were presented to the Board.
First, applicants and consultants will be present during CDRC deliberations regarding their particular project. In addition, CDRC meetings will now be open to all members of the Covenant, not just the parties involved in the project.
Second, there would be a reduction in the amount of times projects have to go back to the CDRC for review. Previously, approval of a final application required review at a CDRC meeting. It would now be reviewed administratively, expediting this step of the process given that a project hasn’t changed significantly.
Third, initial submission of an application will not have to be reviewed. This step in the process currently takes two to three weeks.
The CDRC will look into more changes to shorten the process, increase cost savings, make things simpler for applicants while maintaining the artistic value of Covenant architecture. The Board was ecstatic with the proposed changes.
Six-Month Update from RSF Patrol
RSF Security Chief Matt Wellhouser presented crime statistics for January through June. He stated that there were about 2,200 calls to the RSF Patrol and 18 reported burglaries. Of those burglaries, 11 were residential, 3 were commercial and 4 involved vehicles.
Wellhouser also stated that property crimes are usually committed by thieves who walk straight into homes. He emphasized that residents should always check their home security systems and make sure their doors are locked.
The RSF Community Services District approved funding for an additional patrol officer. They received approval from LAFCO earlier this year, but are now able to start the hiring process.
A New Way to Welcome New Members
The Board is improving its approach to increase voter registration and turnout from new Covenant members. The welcome letter sent to new residents will now be personalized and a reminder letter will follow if there is no response.
A welcome basket is also being considered, which may consist of an invitation to tour Club facilities, free tennis lessons, a bottle of wine, and several other amenities.
Recording Board Meetings
The Board looked into recording audio of meetings to put onto the Covenant website for members. Manager Ivan Holler said that there are three options; a $350 omni-directional microphone and handheld device, and a $2,000 or $4,500 project to wire the meeting room for audio.
The Board said they will try the $350 option and it does not require approval to purchase. All committees may also use the equipment to record their meetings.
