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Sun City agencies eye state, fed guidelines

Reopening unlikely in near future

Posted 4/26/20

With coronavirus case number continuing to increase in Arizona, Sun City agency officials do not foresee reopening offices and reduced activities any time soon.

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Sun City agencies eye state, fed guidelines

Reopening unlikely in near future

Posted

With coronavirus case numbers continuing to increase in Arizona, Sun City agency officials do not foresee reopening offices and reduced activities any time soon.

According to Arizona Department of Health Services officials, there were 5,251 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state, with more than half of those, 2,738, in Maricopa County as of April 22. Of those confirmed cases, there were 208 deaths statewide attributed to the conoronavirus.

In the Sun Cities, there were 25 COVId-19 cases in Sun City’s 85351 ZIP code as of April 22, up two from the previous week. In Sun City’s 85373 code, which includes portions of Peoria and Surprise, the COVID-19 case count was classified as 6-10. The same classification was listed for Sun City West. The latter two had not changed in a week’s time.

With those statistics in mind, Sun City agency officials are looking to President Donald Trump and Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey’s guidelines on reopening the economy to determine their next moves. Mr. Trump’s “gating criteria” includes a downward trajectory in flu-like and COVID-19-like symptoms for a 14-day period; a downward trajectory of documented cases or positive tests as a percent of total tests within a 14-day period; and hospitals treating all patients without crisis care and robust testing programs in place for at-risk health care workers, including emergency antibody testing.

Sun City Home Owners Association, some condo association and Recreation Centers of Sun City officials received numerous calls from residents requesting they enforce the governor’s “stay at home” order. However, these agencies do not have the authority to do so.

RCSC

Recreation Centers of Sun City officials will also consider the federal and state gating guidelines in determining when to reopen facilities, according to Joelyn Higgins, RCSC communications and marketing coordinator.

“It is our understanding that Arizona is not anywhere close to meeting this criteria,” she stated in an email. “While RCSC is analyzing the three-phrase opening presented by President Trump at the end of last week, we are not prepared to make any sort of statement about how that might look for RCSC at this time.”

In an email blast to cardholders, shared with Independent by multiple residents, RCSC officials stated Mr. Ducey’s office last week told Arizona mayors the state will essentially mirror Mr. Trump’s plan to reopen in phases, but that it’s not yet ready to take the first step.

RCSC golf courses remain open because it was outlined as an essential service by Mr. Ducey’s executive “stay at home” order.

“In addition to reminders about social distancing, we removed bunker rakes and ball washers, inverted the cups on the greens so the ball can be easily removed, require golfers to ride solo (except for family members), only provide pre-packed food and beverage items on a to-go basis, and all seating has been removed from patio and snack shop areas,” RCSC officials stated in the email blast. “RCSC requires golfers to disperse from the property after their game is completed and not loiter in parking lots or on RCSC property to comply with the governor’s executive orders.”

RCSC officials received reports, including photos and videos, of people walking dogs and allowing them to run loose on RCSC golf courses, according to the email blast.

“Dogs are not allowed on RCSC property at any time and must be on leash per Maricopa County ordinances,” officials stated. “Homeowners who have renters that have dogs are strongly encouraged to contact their renters and inform them of this policy.”

RCSC officials urged dog owners to use other green spaces, which are public, in the community. They also requested understanding regarding the policy of closing outdoor amenities for walking.

“It is our experience if anyone is allowed to use a facility, many others will join, and this facility cannot support all of the RCSC cardholders who prefer such surfaces and maintain proper social distancing,” RCSC officials stated.

COA of Sun City

Condo Owners Association of Sun City officials set a Monday, June 1 date for reopening the office and other activities, according to Jerry Walczak, COA board president.

“Or sooner or later based on what the governor suggests,” he stated in an email.

COA workshops will not begin until the office is open, he added.

COA officials have kept in touch through email, telephone and text. Mr. Walczak and other board members go into the office, 11132 W. California Ave., Youngtown several days per week to pick up questions by associations, answer phone messages and other activities. Board members visit the office on different days, Mr. Walczak stated. Board members are also looking into using Zoom to stay in touch, he added.

“Our office staff is at the office 3-4 days per week to pick-up phone messages, answer calls, important work that still needs to be accomplished, even though we are closed, and to pass on information to directors,” Mr. Walczak stated. “We are ‘conducting’ regular business by phone, including responding to associations and their boards.

COA officials will begin using Zoom for their Round Table meetings instead of in person. Mr. Walczak did not indicate when this would begin.

“Our meeting room is closed to all associations and boards at this time,” Mr. Walczak stated. “We will be sending out Newsletters to associations every couple of weeks to keep in touch and answer questions.”

SCHOA

While the Sun City Home Owners Association board has not met in person, it has utilized the “action without a board meeting” provision in its bylaws, according to Jim Hunter, SCHOA board president.

“We review our status each week, and continue to follow the guidelines established by the state,” he stated in an email. “We continue to keep a small staff at the office to answer calls and emails, other staff are telecommuting.”

SCHOA officials will use federal and state guidelines to determine when to begin normal operations, according to Mr. Hunter. The situation is reviewed on a weekly basis, he added.

“We have stayed in touch electronically and by phone, and have not to date found the need for a digital board meeting,” Mr. Hunter stated. “We will consider that if needed.”

Mr. Hunter also urged residents to continue to comply with the community covenants, conditions and restrictions, enforced by SCHOA. The agency continues its compliance efforts, and Mr. Hunter encouraged residents with concerns to call the SCHOA office, 623-974-4718.

Sun City CAN

The Sun City Community Assistance Network office will remain closed, but staff continues to conduct some business, according to Hugh Duncan, Sun City CAN board president.

“Since social distancing is not possible in CAN’s small office, we do not anticipate reopening the office any time soon,” Mr. Duncan stated in an email.

Board members and staff are staying in contact with each other by phone and electronically on a case by case basis, he explained. Voice mail left on the office phone and mail delivered to the office are being routinely monitored two or three days per week, he added. Volunteers and staff are working at home.

“The 287 EPCOR water rebate checks for low-income condo residents will be mailed out on schedule May 1,” Mr. Duncan stated. “ParaTransit tickets for our low-income clients will also be mailed out on schedule.”