CCC President ’ s Column By GENE TISH
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Charbonneau projects move forward “ A Pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity ; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty .” — Winston Churchill .
TISH
This quote was sent to me recently by Director Gary Newbore , a friend and fellow board member . In a way , it explains why progress is being made on so many fronts in Charbonneau today . Challenges and difficulties are viewed as opportunities by your current board . But there is even more to it than that . Your current board is focused on doing the behind-the-scenes detail work that is necessary to overcome or at least neutralize perceived difficulties and constraints . As it was with the Golf Club acquisition , it is a process of doing the research and checking the boxes one at a time . When you understand the issues and the process , it is then simply a matter of details — lots and lots and lots of frequently boring details . And it is hard work . In the case of the Golf Club it took two years of focused , diligent activity by many dedicated resident owners . No short cuts . No magic . You have to do the work .
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As referenced in my column last month , negotiations have been ongoing with Columbia Bank for a loan to construct and furnish the Activity Center , and to get started on the planning for upgrading the current clubhouse ( now being referred to in the future tense as the Event Center ). This includes the development of an upscale casual restaurant including a bar , coffee bar and grab-and-go items , in addition to indoor and outdoor service and seating . The current card room , dining room and fireplace room are expected to remain , and catering services for those rooms will be provided by the upgraded kitchen and the staff serving the restaurant .
Columbia Bank has approved the loan , and your board has authorized signing the commitment letter and the final loan documents once our legal counsel has had the opportunity for a review of the final language and terms . Repayment of that loan will be funded by current capital improvement assessments , but modest additional assessments will be necessary if a determination is made to seek additional loan funds to move forward with the Event Center project in accordance with the 96 % support level evidenced at the Aug . 26 , 2020 community forum . Your board is cognizant of its fiduciary obligation to aggressively evaluate and pursue this project based on this nearly unanimous level of support .
Another example of the focused detail work your board is undertaking on your behalf is the work of the newly formed Financial Oversight Committee chaired by Director John McLain . As indicated in an article in last month ’ s Villager , one of the projects that committee is working on with Jim Meierotto , our general manager , is expanding
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our budgeting process . Instead of looking one year into the future , the new budget process will look ahead three or more years in order to facilitate more advanced planning . And instead of one consolidated budget , the new process will look years ahead at three sets of budget decisions :
� Operations for reoccurring revenues and expenses
� Reserves for non-reoccurring revenues and expenses
� Capital improvements for adding or expanding the amenities available to residents and increasing the value to the community as a whole
The new budget process is transitioning this year and will likely continue to evolve over the next few years . It will assist your board in assuring that adequate resources are available to meet the long-term goals set by your board in its fiduciary responsibility to residentowners of Charbonneau . This is one more example of the focused detail work being done by your board members and other volunteer resident owners on your behalf — understanding the issues , being deliberate , identifying and evaluating the constraints , doing the research and checking the boxes one at a time . Again , it is not magic . It is hard work .
It is expected that your board will adopt the final budget for 2021 at the Nov . 3 board meeting , which will be held virtually at 2 p . m . on that date . Please watch for the link and make it a point to tune in for that meeting . The budget has to be approved by Dec . 1 , so if it is not approved at the regular November meeting , a special board meeting will need to be called later in November .
On a lighter note , the surprising level
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of support for pickleball at the community forum piqued my interest . When the tennis club announced a four-month special for a family membership for $ 40 and no initiation fee , Carol and I signed up . Finally , I understand what the hype is all about . Anyone can play and have a good time . Equipment cost is nominal . You can get as much or as little exercise as you want . Age is not a factor . One thing , however , is certain — you will have a good time and you will laugh a lot . Expanding pickleball availability in our community in an all-weather format received an eye-popping 82 % support level at the recent community forum . Now the question is : What took me so long to give this a try , and why isn ’ t everyone doing it ?
Veterans day is Nov . 11 . It is appropriate that we make it a point on that day to remember the sacrifices our veterans made on our behalf . It would be equally appropriate if we made it a point to remember their sacrifices and the daily sacrifices of all of the men and women currently serving in our armed forces each and every day of the year . The cost of our freedom is something we forget at our peril . To our veterans , to those currently serving in our armed forces , and to those currently serving as first responders and in the medical community : Thank you for your service .
November is also a month where Americans stop to give thanks for their blessings . That may take some determination and focus this year . Mostly , I will be giving thanks that 2020 is almost over .
Best wishes to you and yours as we begin whatever form the holiday season takes this year .
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