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11/11/2024 CAM Committee Summary

(Added to website 11/17/24)

Summary Provided by RFRS Club Member

New Ground Supervisor:

  • James (last name uncertain, possibly Acron) was introduced as the new Ground Supervisor. Originally from Alabama, James has lived in Tucson for three years and previously worked at Davis-Monthan.

CAM Committee and Organizational Changes:

  • The CAM Committee (CAMC) has undergone changes in its reporting structure. The committee now reports directly to the CAM Director, who will in turn communicate with the COO and the Board.
  • Special requests will be directed straight to the CAM Director instead of going through the CAMC.
  • The CAM Policy will be submitted to the Board this week. However, Board member Larry raised concerns about policy changes, specifically regarding whether residents or their landscapers can perform work over the wall, such as trimming bushes. Larry suggested that residents could use their own landscapers, regardless of bonding and insurance. Michael noted that most landscapers are licensed but still needs to assess their plans. Legal approval would be necessary, and the committee decided to table this request for next year, to be addressed with an addendum to the policy.
  • There was a discussion about the CAMC’s role in fundraising for special projects. However, fundraising was not strongly supported by the committee members.

CAMC Goals for 2025:

  • The CAMC reviewed its goals and responsibilities for the upcoming year, with a focus on aligning the draft policy with the budget. The committee aims to identify 2-4 key goals for 2025. The Chair will circulate proposed goals to the committee.
  • Communication options, including a quarterly video and inclusion of content in the Monday Message, were discussed as possible ways to improve outreach and member engagement.

Unit 29 Map & HOA2 Mapping Project:

  • Art presented the latest update on the Unit 29 Map. The new map uses lot numbers instead of accessor numbers and incorporates aerial views via Google Earth and drone overflights. It also uses color coding to identify levels, sublevels, swales, drop inlets, and the boundaries for CAM and golf areas. The map is estimated to cost about $5K per unit.
  • The HOA2 Mapping Project continues to progress. The current pilot project, using aerial views, is nearly complete. The committee discussed the need to specify which areas are to be maintained by CAM and which by golf. The initial cost estimate for the project is approximately $6,000 per unit.
  • Level 4 of the project is almost complete, and Level 5 is underway.

Goats for Vegetation Clearing:

  • The idea of using goats to clear Level 6B was introduced. Several members, including Lori and Ray, had seen or read about this approach, where goats are raised to avoid cactus. The committee discussed exploring this idea further in Unit 14 as a potential pilot project.
  • Lori, along with a team, will work with Becca to conduct research on the feasibility and desirability of using goats to clear vegetation in Unit 14. They will also explore potential fundraising efforts to support the project.

Other Notes and Updates:

  • Michael stated that next year he plans to be more proactive in managing grounds and communications, such as providing guidance on when to apply grub granules, watering needs, and sharing best gardening practices.
  • No CAM Committee meeting will be held in December. The next meeting will take place on January 9th, 2025, at 9:30 AM in the Cactus Room. Regular meetings for the coming year will be held on the second Thursday of every month at 9:30 AM.

Summary of Key Action Items:

  1. CAM Policy Addendum: Table the discussion about residents and landscapers doing work over the wall until next year.
  2. CAMC Goals: The Chair will circulate proposed goals for 2025, focusing on aligning the policy with the budget and other key objectives.
  3. Mapping Projects: Continue work on the Unit 29 map and the HOA2 mapping project.
  4. Goat Clearing: Lori and her team to explore the feasibility of using goats to clear vegetation in Unit 14, including researching fundraising options.
  5. Next Meeting: January 9th, 2025, at 9:30 AM in the Cactus Room.