Regarding the new Comcast contract, there have been some pretty extraordinary rumors floating around, one of them being that if Comcast cuts off service due to non-payment of OA dues, the individual can just contact Comcast privately and have their service set up that way. Mary Chamberlain of the OA checked into that rumor, and this is the recap of her conversation with Comcast:
I just wanted to let you know that I just had a nice long chat with Lisa from Comcast. I told her of some residents' claims that they can set up their own service with Comcast and that Comcast reps have stated that they can do that. Lisa said no-absolutely not. If a Resident lives in Sun Crest, Comcast is unable to set them up with basic services without billing it under the bulk agreement. She said even if someone is told something different with customer service, they will not be able to set it up as an individual account if they try. She said some residentts do have upgraded movie channels and DVR services under their own names, but basic service is under the Sun Crest bulk agreement. How ironic that some residents accepts the Comcast services, but vehemently refuse to pay for them. Lisa also stated that once we request to have a resident's bulk services shut off, the entire box goes dead -- meaning it will turn off everything, including DVR, movies, and internet. It's as easy as sending an e-mail that a resident is not paying their OA dues, and the services are shut off.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Good News! Comcast Update
From Barbara Blackmer, OA Board Member
Comcast
I am very happy to report that this morning, the bankruptcy judge approved the assignment of the Comcast bulk services agreement to the OA. This means that residents will continue to get cable TV and high-speed internet service at the low rate given in the OA's 2009 budget ($35/month). By contrast, Comcast met with us a few months ago, informed us that they had no intention of honoring the current contract and would strenuously oppose our efforts to have the contract assigned to us, and then offered the OA a new contract at nearly double that rate -- so being able to assume the current contract represents a great savings for SunCrest residents. Unlike some of our past dealings with Comcast, this morning's legal proceeding was amicable and agreeable, with no objections being offered to any of the proceedings. Tod Bean was present, to testify that the OA could indeed meet any financial obligations to Comcast. Barbara Blackmer was in attendance representing the homeowners, also Scott Blackmer was present as an observer. A representative of Zions indicated that Zions itself would be taking no position on the issue.
Yesterday, we met with the Trustee for the bankruptcy estate and representatives from Comcast in what was essentially an auction for the current contract. We had initially offered $10,000 to the estate, which was immediately countered by Comcast with an offer of $15,000. However, we offered $16,000 yesterday. Comcast then conceded, informed the Trustee that they would no longer oppose the assignment of the contract to the OA, and volunteered that they would continue to honor the contract. While this $16,000 may seem a substantial sum to offer in an auction, compare it to the original contract we were offered by Comcast, which would have cost us at least an additional $26,700 per month going forward indefinitely (if we had accepted their initial offer and not pursued our legal right to assume the contract). Our offer today does include payment for any unpaid past services provided by Comcast, as long as they can substantially verify this in a detailed statement. As the OA has carefully preserved all funds collected for that purpose, we can readily pay our bills, and pay the Trustee the auction amount. Even though the work of pursuing this contract took many months, there will be no special assessment to residents required in connection with this negotiation and litigation.
Under the terms of the contract, SunCrest OA is guaranteed “most-favored customer” status, a cap on annual rate increases, and essentially unlimited renewability. Residents remain free to purchase additional services from Comcast, of course, or to purchase alternative services from other providers. Doing so has no impact on your monthly dues to the OA.
After comparing this extremely favorable rate with other alternatives for high-speed internet and basic cable, we feel confident that we got the best possible deal for SunCrest residents. Tod Bean is to be commended for his hard work and perseverance in pursuing this contract; despite Comcast's initial reluctance to deal with us, discouragements and setbacks, we held to the vision that this contract should and could be assigned to the OA and provide long-term benefits to all owners within SunCrest. This morning, a federal judge agreed with us and so ordered.
Another feature of the contract for which we fought long and hard is the ability to suspend service to those residents who do not pay their OA assessments. This corrects the problem that those of us who pay our fees have been forced to subsidize TV and internet for the minority who do not. Importantly, we also got Comcast and the court to agree to a proviso in the court order specifying that residents cannot be charged more for service than Comcast is actually charging per household. As many of you know, in the past SunCrest LLC charged us roughly 40% more than it was actually paying Comcast. This proviso should protect us from any such conduct by a new developer.
Lastly, today's proceedings included the release of all claims from the bankruptcy estate, the now-defunct SunCrest LLC, Comcast, and the SunCrest OA. SunCrest LLC had entered a claim against SunCrest OA for a larger amount than that actually owed to Comcast (the 40% increase), and that claim is now formally released. We are no longer liable or potentially liable for any actions or amounts involved in the bankruptcy.
In a world of almost constant bad news and bleak financial outlook, I see this as a bright spot. Receiving high-speed internet and basic cable for less than half of what most folks pay can only add to the value of each home and the overall value of this community.
-- Barbara Blackmer
Comcast
I am very happy to report that this morning, the bankruptcy judge approved the assignment of the Comcast bulk services agreement to the OA. This means that residents will continue to get cable TV and high-speed internet service at the low rate given in the OA's 2009 budget ($35/month). By contrast, Comcast met with us a few months ago, informed us that they had no intention of honoring the current contract and would strenuously oppose our efforts to have the contract assigned to us, and then offered the OA a new contract at nearly double that rate -- so being able to assume the current contract represents a great savings for SunCrest residents. Unlike some of our past dealings with Comcast, this morning's legal proceeding was amicable and agreeable, with no objections being offered to any of the proceedings. Tod Bean was present, to testify that the OA could indeed meet any financial obligations to Comcast. Barbara Blackmer was in attendance representing the homeowners, also Scott Blackmer was present as an observer. A representative of Zions indicated that Zions itself would be taking no position on the issue.
Yesterday, we met with the Trustee for the bankruptcy estate and representatives from Comcast in what was essentially an auction for the current contract. We had initially offered $10,000 to the estate, which was immediately countered by Comcast with an offer of $15,000. However, we offered $16,000 yesterday. Comcast then conceded, informed the Trustee that they would no longer oppose the assignment of the contract to the OA, and volunteered that they would continue to honor the contract. While this $16,000 may seem a substantial sum to offer in an auction, compare it to the original contract we were offered by Comcast, which would have cost us at least an additional $26,700 per month going forward indefinitely (if we had accepted their initial offer and not pursued our legal right to assume the contract). Our offer today does include payment for any unpaid past services provided by Comcast, as long as they can substantially verify this in a detailed statement. As the OA has carefully preserved all funds collected for that purpose, we can readily pay our bills, and pay the Trustee the auction amount. Even though the work of pursuing this contract took many months, there will be no special assessment to residents required in connection with this negotiation and litigation.
Under the terms of the contract, SunCrest OA is guaranteed “most-favored customer” status, a cap on annual rate increases, and essentially unlimited renewability. Residents remain free to purchase additional services from Comcast, of course, or to purchase alternative services from other providers. Doing so has no impact on your monthly dues to the OA.
After comparing this extremely favorable rate with other alternatives for high-speed internet and basic cable, we feel confident that we got the best possible deal for SunCrest residents. Tod Bean is to be commended for his hard work and perseverance in pursuing this contract; despite Comcast's initial reluctance to deal with us, discouragements and setbacks, we held to the vision that this contract should and could be assigned to the OA and provide long-term benefits to all owners within SunCrest. This morning, a federal judge agreed with us and so ordered.
Another feature of the contract for which we fought long and hard is the ability to suspend service to those residents who do not pay their OA assessments. This corrects the problem that those of us who pay our fees have been forced to subsidize TV and internet for the minority who do not. Importantly, we also got Comcast and the court to agree to a proviso in the court order specifying that residents cannot be charged more for service than Comcast is actually charging per household. As many of you know, in the past SunCrest LLC charged us roughly 40% more than it was actually paying Comcast. This proviso should protect us from any such conduct by a new developer.
Lastly, today's proceedings included the release of all claims from the bankruptcy estate, the now-defunct SunCrest LLC, Comcast, and the SunCrest OA. SunCrest LLC had entered a claim against SunCrest OA for a larger amount than that actually owed to Comcast (the 40% increase), and that claim is now formally released. We are no longer liable or potentially liable for any actions or amounts involved in the bankruptcy.
In a world of almost constant bad news and bleak financial outlook, I see this as a bright spot. Receiving high-speed internet and basic cable for less than half of what most folks pay can only add to the value of each home and the overall value of this community.
-- Barbara Blackmer
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Covenants Committee Member Needed for SunCrest OA
SunCrest Owners Association is searching for a resident that desires to become a member of the Covenants Committee. This committee is a compilation of peers and is designed to address any grievances (fines, violations, landscape issues, fencing issues, etc.) from fellow members. While the Board makes the final ruling, it should be recognized that issues being heard by other members lends credibility to any decision that may come before the Declarant Board. The Covenants Committee meets every 1st Thursday of each month at 3:30 pm at the Information Center.
If you are interested, please email Tod Bean, Community Manager at tbean@ccmcnet.com with a letter explaining why you would like to be a part of this group.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email or call me at 801.572.1233. Thank you in advance for your commitment to SunCrest!
Tod Bean
Community Manager
Capital Consultants Management Corporation
Suncrest Owners Association
2016 E. Village Green Circle
Draper, UT 84020
P) 801-572-1233
Email: tbean@ccmcnet.com
Visit our website: www.ccmcnet.com
If you are interested, please email Tod Bean, Community Manager at tbean@ccmcnet.com with a letter explaining why you would like to be a part of this group.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email or call me at 801.572.1233. Thank you in advance for your commitment to SunCrest!
Tod Bean
Community Manager
Capital Consultants Management Corporation
Suncrest Owners Association
2016 E. Village Green Circle
Draper, UT 84020
P) 801-572-1233
Email: tbean@ccmcnet.com
Visit our website: www.ccmcnet.com
Where, Oh Where Has My Little Dog Gone?
FOUND DOG:
The dog is a medium (20-30 lbs) size Terrier (I think), mainly black with some gray and white. With a brown leather collar.
Found on Suncrest Drive in front of Eagle Ridge Estates.
Melissa Walton
801-414-5486
Waltonjayson@yahoo.com
The dog is a medium (20-30 lbs) size Terrier (I think), mainly black with some gray and white. With a brown leather collar.
Found on Suncrest Drive in front of Eagle Ridge Estates.
Melissa Walton
801-414-5486
Waltonjayson@yahoo.com
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