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
Thursday, March 26, 2009
CERT Class at City Hall
The next CERT class to be held in Draper City is scheduled for April 18, 25, and May 2. Those interested in signing up can do so online here:
http://www.unifiedfire.org/comm_asst/cert.html
Those who have taken some CERT training, but missed a class or some portion of training, may make it up by attending the appropriate section in these classes, without additional cost or having to give advance notice.
Anyone interested, or with questions, may contact me.
Thanks!
-- Barbara Blackmer
barbarablackmer@comcast.net
http://www.unifiedfire.org/comm_asst/cert.html
Those who have taken some CERT training, but missed a class or some portion of training, may make it up by attending the appropriate section in these classes, without additional cost or having to give advance notice.
Anyone interested, or with questions, may contact me.
Thanks!
-- Barbara Blackmer
barbarablackmer@comcast.net
OA Meeting Minutes March 17
Homeowners in attendance: Barbara Blackmer (as trustee), Amy Baird (both contributed to the minutes-thank you!)
-The Board approved the meeting minutes of Dec.15 and introduced two new Board members: Ralph Matson who works for Zions Bank, and Mark Holliday, an attorney who frequently works with Zions Bank. Also in attendance was Richard Doxey, a Vice President at Zions and a Corporate Resource Officer.
-The OA is seeing good progress in collecting from delinquent homeowners, and bringing others into compliance. From almost 500 notices of delinquency to homeowners, we have 73 homeowners who are so delinquent that they will be going to lien as we've run out of options. Some of these are individuals who have never responded to letters of notice or demand, others actually worked out a payment plan and then defaulted on it and have not contacted the OA since. We do have other delinquent homeowners, unfortunately, and their accounts are being tracked and the collections process initiated (but not yet to lien). Homeowners who find it difficult to keep current should contact the management team and work out a payment plan. A copy of the "Assessment Collection and Enforcement Policy" is available to any interested homeowners who contact the OA offices, and should be available online before too long. Board members from Zions Bank were particularly insistent that there be continuing efforts to collect delinquent amounts.
-Board is considering proposals from law firms for more responsive and less costly assistance with liens and collections. Proposals will be examined to ensure that we have an agreement with reasonable fees and clear terms.
-City placed wood fences to block access in phase two of Deer Ridge in response to reports of vandalism and dumping.
-Vandalism on bathroom door in the Village Green may require replacing entire frame, door, and lock *PARENTS-PLEASE SUPEVISE YOUR CHILDREN WHILE WAITING FOR THE BUS.*
-We now have more SunCrest clubs for residents including a Breakfast Club -Management would like to update OA website and make it more user-friendly; several options have been compared and one selected
-Management would like approval to write off some old accounts. In some cases, homes had been sold 2 or 3 times and bills were being sent to the original owners. In other cases, the house has foreclosed. The Board will study this further before making a determination.
-Management would like to invest reserves in interest-bearing account. Richard Doxey was introduced to the Board and the management team, and offered his services to help us plan the best investment strategy for the Reserve Account.
-Comcast Deal: Nothing accomplished with negotiations yet. Final hearing in April should resolve the situation, with final assignment or denial of the contract
-At the direction of the Board, Tod Bean will investigate the possibility of draining the water feature at the Village Green, protecting the pumping system, and xeriscaping to make it look like a dry stream bed. This would cut maintenance costs significantly and present less of a hazard, particularly to children.
-Best for last: APPROVED for OA to purchase an inflatable outdoor TV screen and sound system for our community events. Even though we trimmed the budget considerably, we were able to keep this item in and we did a lot of comparison shopping to be sure we got the best price and that purchasing the screen will save money compared to renting as we have done in the past. More free movies in the park, with the possibility of rental availability to residents for private parties to be held at the Village Green.
Upcoming dates:
April 11: 8:30-10:30am at Draper City Park on 1300 E. Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by Draper Youth Council. Easter Bunny, clowns, jugglers, inflatables, brown bag breakfasts, and great prizes, lots of fun!
April 11: Easter bunny coming to SunCrest 11 am. Lots of eggs, some with treasures inside instead of candy. Photo op with the Bunny.
April 25: 9-11 am at the Information Center Homeowner gardener workshop. Learn how and what to plant in your yard. Panel of Suncrest residents tell you what they've grown successfully here.
May 2 and May 9: 8 am- noon, Landscaping Workshops in the Village Green
May 29: 6:30-8:30 in the Village Green, free concert by local band Joe Friday, bring a picnic
June 3: The Suncrest Annual Meeting will be held on June 3 at 6:30 pm at Draper City Hall. New Voting Members will be elected at that time, thus saving the OA a few thousand dollars in printing and mailing costs for a separate meeting.
June 13: (Saturday) is the next SunCrest garage sale from 9 am-noon. The OA will advertise this sale in several local papers to publicize this event -- all unsold merchandise may be donated to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Utah, who will be in the community that day to receive donations.
June 16: Next OA meeting
-The Board approved the meeting minutes of Dec.15 and introduced two new Board members: Ralph Matson who works for Zions Bank, and Mark Holliday, an attorney who frequently works with Zions Bank. Also in attendance was Richard Doxey, a Vice President at Zions and a Corporate Resource Officer.
-The OA is seeing good progress in collecting from delinquent homeowners, and bringing others into compliance. From almost 500 notices of delinquency to homeowners, we have 73 homeowners who are so delinquent that they will be going to lien as we've run out of options. Some of these are individuals who have never responded to letters of notice or demand, others actually worked out a payment plan and then defaulted on it and have not contacted the OA since. We do have other delinquent homeowners, unfortunately, and their accounts are being tracked and the collections process initiated (but not yet to lien). Homeowners who find it difficult to keep current should contact the management team and work out a payment plan. A copy of the "Assessment Collection and Enforcement Policy" is available to any interested homeowners who contact the OA offices, and should be available online before too long. Board members from Zions Bank were particularly insistent that there be continuing efforts to collect delinquent amounts.
-Board is considering proposals from law firms for more responsive and less costly assistance with liens and collections. Proposals will be examined to ensure that we have an agreement with reasonable fees and clear terms.
-City placed wood fences to block access in phase two of Deer Ridge in response to reports of vandalism and dumping.
-Vandalism on bathroom door in the Village Green may require replacing entire frame, door, and lock *PARENTS-PLEASE SUPEVISE YOUR CHILDREN WHILE WAITING FOR THE BUS.*
-We now have more SunCrest clubs for residents including a Breakfast Club -Management would like to update OA website and make it more user-friendly; several options have been compared and one selected
-Management would like approval to write off some old accounts. In some cases, homes had been sold 2 or 3 times and bills were being sent to the original owners. In other cases, the house has foreclosed. The Board will study this further before making a determination.
-Management would like to invest reserves in interest-bearing account. Richard Doxey was introduced to the Board and the management team, and offered his services to help us plan the best investment strategy for the Reserve Account.
-Comcast Deal: Nothing accomplished with negotiations yet. Final hearing in April should resolve the situation, with final assignment or denial of the contract
-At the direction of the Board, Tod Bean will investigate the possibility of draining the water feature at the Village Green, protecting the pumping system, and xeriscaping to make it look like a dry stream bed. This would cut maintenance costs significantly and present less of a hazard, particularly to children.
-Best for last: APPROVED for OA to purchase an inflatable outdoor TV screen and sound system for our community events. Even though we trimmed the budget considerably, we were able to keep this item in and we did a lot of comparison shopping to be sure we got the best price and that purchasing the screen will save money compared to renting as we have done in the past. More free movies in the park, with the possibility of rental availability to residents for private parties to be held at the Village Green.
Upcoming dates:
April 11: 8:30-10:30am at Draper City Park on 1300 E. Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by Draper Youth Council. Easter Bunny, clowns, jugglers, inflatables, brown bag breakfasts, and great prizes, lots of fun!
April 11: Easter bunny coming to SunCrest 11 am. Lots of eggs, some with treasures inside instead of candy. Photo op with the Bunny.
April 25: 9-11 am at the Information Center Homeowner gardener workshop. Learn how and what to plant in your yard. Panel of Suncrest residents tell you what they've grown successfully here.
May 2 and May 9: 8 am- noon, Landscaping Workshops in the Village Green
May 29: 6:30-8:30 in the Village Green, free concert by local band Joe Friday, bring a picnic
June 3: The Suncrest Annual Meeting will be held on June 3 at 6:30 pm at Draper City Hall. New Voting Members will be elected at that time, thus saving the OA a few thousand dollars in printing and mailing costs for a separate meeting.
June 13: (Saturday) is the next SunCrest garage sale from 9 am-noon. The OA will advertise this sale in several local papers to publicize this event -- all unsold merchandise may be donated to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Utah, who will be in the community that day to receive donations.
June 16: Next OA meeting
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Childcare Needed
I am in search of finding a person within SunCrest who would be interested in doing childcare for an infant. I am due in two weeks with my first child. Looking at 6 weeks after that before I will need a sitter. If you're interested, e-mail me at kaelamarie@hotmail.com.
Thanks!
Kaela M. Snelson
Thanks!
Kaela M. Snelson
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)