Manager's Report

December 2,2008

Today we have 602 spaces full, 555 owners and 47 renters.  We are a bit behind last year at this time when we had 625 spaces full with 583 owners and 42 renters. 

The ARC Office reports that 68 permits have been issued in the two month period, October 1 through November 30.  The permits were as follows: 15 for pavers, 5 sunscreens, 6 landscape, 8 new decks, 2 new sheds, 6 concrete, 12 satellite dishes, and 14 miscellaneous.  We now have 883 park models with one in progress and 460 rooms with 8 in construction.  Never a dull moment at Golden Vista RV Resort

We have had two water leaks both over the Thanksgiving weekend.  One was a riser which needed to be replaced and only required the water to be off for an hour or so.  The second one was a major waterline beside lot 732 which required the water to be off for several hours on Sunday.  Fortunately, Tom, from SKI’s Plumbing and AC was able to fix the leak without replacing the valve which would have required water off overnight for those people in that row.  Tom walked up and down the street to inform those residents about the problem and when they could expect the water to be back on.  We are extremely lucky to have Tom as our secret weapon.  He is always available and willing to help out whenever we need him.

We have been experiencing some difficulties with our pool heaters.  The heater in the big pool was out of commission for a few days, but is performing well now.  We have another motor going out, but we had three of them rebuilt just a couple of months ago, so it is a simple matter to exchange the motors.  We shouldn’t have any interruption of service.

The gates to the pool area need to be kept closed.  It is a matter of safety in case we have small children visiting their grandparents and it is a matter of state law.  The automatic closers on the gates have been adjusted again and should close themselves.  If they don’t, please be sure the gate closes after you.

We are hosting a shuffleboard tournament this week.  We have a lot of people here visiting for this event.  Please be patient with parking problems that we always experience when we have this many guests at one time.  If you can, walk to the main complex or ride a bike.  This will cut down on some of the volume of cars.

Cable TV problems continue to plague some residents.  It seems like the cable guys come through to fix the system and cause individual problems.  Please try to be patient.  They will get it all working as soon as possible.  If you have problems, we have a sign up sheet in the office.  Connie or Ellen will be happy to assist you.  Speaking of Ellen, I am happy to have her back with us.  Stop by and say hello to her.

Several residents have asked about a TV guide channel.  Dish Network is doing a pilot program at Venture Out.  If it is successful, they will put guide channel in here in the near future.  It may be more important for them to put in their time working to make everyone’s picture crystal clear.  That is my goal and that of the Dish people as well.  It may well be in our best interest to take it one step at a time.

The other television issue is that of ESPN.  We are able to add ESPN to our line up.  However, we have to pay $3.50 per month per space to do this.  If we add ESPN, we would receive ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Classics, and ESPN News.  We are able to add this channel for a few months, or until the cable install is completed. Then we can have a QUAM system, which means that individuals can upgrade their basic service to include whatever channels they want.  Of course, there will be an additional price for this. If we were to add the four ESPN channels we would have to give up four channels.  I would suggest: IFC, channel 51, KMOH, channel 26, TBN, channel 50, KAZT, channel 25 or BBC, channel 41.   In order to add these ESPN channels for 3 months, it would cost $11,287.50.  I say add the four ESPN channels because it is the least expensive option.  If we only add three of them the cost goes up to $3.65 per month per space.  The cost for this would be $11,771for a three month period.  Of course, the final decision is up to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors will make this decision, perhaps even at today’s meeting.

We’ve received good news about our propane contract.  We have had a contract with Ferrelgas where we paid 43 cents over their cost from their plant in New Mexico.  Because we’ve been good customers, the manager locked us in as the price went up. Then when the price started back down he neglected to unlock it.  Now we will pay 38 cents over cost and we have 2700 gallons of propane coming free.

I would like to thank all the volunteers who planted the flowers which do so much to beautify our resort.  Also, the sound committee who help out so often with sound for our meetings and activities should receive a great big thank you.  The chair committee headed by Chris Gibson does a wonderful job.  The Christmas decorations inside was coordinated by Chris Gibson and Shirley Steffen.  It looks beautiful, so tastefully done.  The outside lights were put up several volunteers a lot of them from the tennis club assisted by Merlin Goulet and others.  You have all done a great job.  It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

On a personal note, I would like to announce that my son, Matt, returned home yesterday safe and sound from his second 15 month tour in Iraq.   I want to thank all of you for your support and prayers while he was gone