BELLA VISTA -- With most of its action taken at a meeting last week, the Property Owners Association board used their meeting Thursday to inform members of several big projects.
The pump house on the Bella Vista Country Club Golf Course damaged in the August flood will finally be repaired. Last week the board waived its three-bid policy when only two bids were submitted. Also, the estimated cost of the project was low. When the bids were opened, the lowest bid was $61,000 more than projected.
The board also allocated $61,000 more, for a total of $147,000, after noting repair to the Scottsdale course were completed below budget.
General Manager Tommy Bailey outlined projects to bring the association into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Last year, the board voted to spend the money raised by selling the emergency services buildings on ADA issues.
The sale closed in January. Bailey said the board has about $1.4 million to spend on the projects, but that won't cover all of them.
In 2012, the association hired a consultant to review facilities and list of what was needed to comply with changes to the law. The projects approved last week will cost about $650,000 and will address the most well-used amenities including some parking lots.
Bailey recommended waiting to work on the Kingsdale Pool House which will probably need to be razed and rebuilt to solve accessibility issues. The pools may also need additional work, although lifts were added last year, he said.
Also on hold is the Yacht Club building, which needs extensive renovation inside as well as a handicapped parking lot before it can open.
Those two projects, added to the $650,000, would bring the price tag to $1.4 million.
The golf courses, including the halfway houses and the miniature golf courses, will also need work to become compliant, Bailey said.
Also the board agreed to spend $600,000 from reserve to address some deferred capital projects relating to safety.
This year, the fire suppressant systems in all association facilities will be updated. Also, the fire marshal has asked for better chemical storage at each of the golf courses as well as spaces dedicated to mixing chemical.
In other business, Chairman Charlie Teal said board members have been visiting clubs and other organizations to ensure members understand the proposed assessment plan. Ballots and an informative letter will be mailed in early April. In May the last ballots will be collected and members will approve or disapprove the increase.
The assessment plan includes a $13 monthly assessment increase, from $24 to $37, for owners of improved lots and a $1 increase, from $16 to $17, for owners of unimproved lots. A new fee schedule will go with the plan, giving members who pay the assessment for improved lots, free use of many amenities. Golf won't be free, but fees will be lowered.
The board election will be on the same ballot, but only four candidates applied for the four seats that will be open in May.
NW News on 03/21/2014