Stonebridge Ranch News December 2022

Cover Photo ~ SRCA Photo Archives

Fall has arrived and winter is just around the corner. Our Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, December 8 from 5:00-8:00 pm.

I hope you are able to attend this great event.

There were two Board meetings in October, primarily to discuss and approve the 2023 budget. Both are covered in this newsletter.

In this month’s magazine, there is an article on the 2023 budget summary and overview and a call for Board candidates and the questionnaire.

Board Meeting, October 13, 2022

The Board meeting was called to order at 12:30 PM. All Board members were present along with our Executive Director, Executive Administrator, Director of Compliance and Financial Manager. No homeowners appeared.

Consent Agenda

Approved the Sept 2022 BOD meeting minutes.

Approved the electronic vote to approve the one-page bifold version of the New Homeowner Welcome Brochure, and a change to the wording in the Modifications Applications Policy to add the words “non-refundable” to the Consultation Fee line.

Old Business

The Board approved the Leasing Registration Policy effective Nov. 1, 2022. Any owner who is leasing or planning to lease a home they own in Stonebridge Ranch must register it with the Association by Feb. 1, 2023, and pay a fee of $100 annually. Failure to register will result in a fine.

New Business

The October 13 Board meeting was primarily about reviewing the 2023 Operating budget and the Repair and Replacement spending budget. The Board will finalize the Operating budget in a meeting on October 27 (see below). It was a lengthy discussion of all accounts to set the 2023 budget.

We set our annual Strategic Planning meeting for Nov. 11, 2022.

We also announced the Nominating Committee members for the upcoming Board election in 2023. The Committee will consist of all Board members except those running for re-election.

Executive Session

The Board approved a motion to eliminate lake watercraft rentals in the 2023 pool season.

The meeting adjourned at 5:55 PM.

Board Meeting, October 27, 2022

The Board meeting was called to order at 12:30 PM. All Board members were present along with our Executive Director, Executive Administrator, Director of Compliance, Financial

Manager, and Grand Manors Vice President of on-site operations.

Four homeowners appeared, two to discuss compliance questions by their sub-association’s management company, and one to thank the Board for resolving a common area concern in his village. One homeowner joined us online to observe the meeting.

Consent Agenda

Approved an addendum to a fencing contract to complete a fencing project.

Association Reports

We reviewed the monthly financial reports including the Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Accounts Receivable, Bad Debt expense/reserve, and Investment schedule.

Executive Session

After reviewing and discussing the proposed $9.3 million 2023 operating budget, the Board voted for an annual increase of $43 (5.0% or $3.58/month) in the annual assessment rate for all property owners. The new rate will be $908 annually. The increase was necessitated primarily by inflation of many of our costs as well as increased requirements for maintenance and replacement on our properties as we age.

This rate increase will also apply to the tax value lots (we still have a few remaining from the beginnings of Stonebridge Ranch) because your assessment is tied to the assessed value of your property so it may increase, but not to more than the annual fixed assessment. Also, if you have a sub-association in your village, it determines the additional rate you will pay to the sub-association, and it may or may not increase.

We also reviewed the Foreclosure Report, Variance Report, and the Management Dashboard which contains many statistics we use to monitor the performance of the Association. We also received an update on the current status of legal issues from the Association’s Attorney.

The meeting adjourned at 3:59 PM.

Jon Dell’Antonia President, Board of Directors

S TONEBRIDGE R ANCH

C OMMUNITY A SSOCIATION , I NC. 6201 Virginia Parkway, McKinney, TX 75071

Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5 PM Ph: (214) 733-5800 Fax: (214) 778-0595 website: www.stonebridgeranch.com Courtesy Patrol: (214) 794-4945

C ONTRIBUTORS T O T HIS I SSUE Susan Spoonemore

B OARD O F D IRECTORS

President Jon Dell’Antonia Vice President Amanda Batson Secretary/ Treasurer Norm Counts Director Jim Buerkle Director Joe Closs Director Jim Norton Director Kristen Vartian

SRCA S TAFF

Executive Director Brian Matt

Executive Administrator Lee-Yen Elliott Account Coordinator Jane Lopez Administrative Assistant Janine Lyons Resident Services Coordinator Pamela Perry Communications Director Susan Spoonemore Financial Manager Lucy Duray Lifestyle Director Connie Baxter Landscape & Grounds Manager Gerard Hiddink Maintenance Supervisor Eric Ortega Maintenance Technician Daniel Vine Maintenance Technician Lyle Noland Porter Alastair Doherty Porter Genri Barrientos

Compliance & ARC Director Eric Adams Compliance Inspector Amy Dearden Compliance Inspector John Shapiro Compliance Inspector Gina Alfaro

Modification Coordinator Amy McAllister

P UBLISHER

To place an advertisement, please contact: Community Matters, Inc., PO Box 5900, Frisco, TX 75035 Ph: (972) 370-1778 | website: www.communitymattersinc.com

Stonebridge Ranch News is the only authorized publication of the Stonebridge Ranch Community Association, Inc. It is published on behalf of residents for informational purposes only. The Association does not guarantee any work or claims made by advertisers herein and claims no responsibility or liability for statements made in the publication. The Association does not support or take responsibility for services, whether paid or volunteer, mentioned herein, nor for statements published in articles or letters herein which are not endorsed by group decision of the Board of Directors.

Board of Directors Approves 2023 Annual Budget

At the scheduled October 2022 meeting, the SRCA Board of Directors approved the 2023 operating budget and the homeowner assessment fee for the coming year. As approved by the Board of Directors, the flat rate fee for Stonebridge Ranch households is $908. This is a 5% increase over the 2022 annual assessment.

The Board’s finalization of the budget is the result of a detailed process, which involves the Board of Directors, a team of volunteer homeowners, and staff who are experts in financial planning, largebudget management, accounting, and investing. Based on their deep analysis of our budget and projected future needs, they recommended this assessment amount. The SRCA Board of Directors has approved this assessment amount.

The 2023 assessment amount provides a balanced 2023 budget, maintains a responsible reserve fund, and helps ensure the Stonebridge Ranch premier lifestyle for years to come.

Norm Counts serves as a volunteer homeowner on the SRCA Board of Directors and is the Treasurer for the Association. Below, he answers questions in detail regarding the 2023 budget and factors influencing the set assessment rate.

What factors influenced the 2023 assessment rate?

NC: The assessment is determined by a complete bottom-up budgeting process. Every income statement ledger account is individually budgeted with documented assumptions. The detailed budget contains 250-line items budgeted by month. This equates to 3,000 individual elements.

The initial budget is constructed with two major constraints: the budget must balance, and the initial budget assumes no increase in assessment. The Board meets to consider any critical needs that cannot be accommodated under these two constraints.

Other factors in setting the annual assessment rate include:

• All currently signed contracts are reflected.

• Reserve contribution requirements are considered.

• Is discretionary spending required or can it be deferred and what is the impact of deferral?

The draft budget was first reviewed by a committee of SRCA homeowners with expertise in financial planning and management. They reviewed the assumptions and accuracy. This was completed prior to sharing the budget with the Board of Directors. This committee also made a recommendation for Board consideration of the level of assessment necessary to support the budget for the coming year.

Before the Association changed management companies, the budget for 2022 was prepared, approved, and signed. We have been operating this year with a new management company (GrandManors), but we did not re-budget after the

management company transition. The 2023 budget is the first one that fully reflects the new management company contract.

Why is the assessment higher than last year?

NC: Have your household expenses increased? The Association costs have also been subject to the same inflation pressures. The Association attempts to sign multi-year vendor contracts where possible to lock in costs across multiple years at a time.

Grand Manors, our on-site management company that began services in 2022, functions as a true onsite operation. Management fees are less, but the onsite staff has increased because processes that were previously performed by portfolio back-office staff are now being performed on-site to address SRCA specific processes. This is a positive change because practices managed on-site allow for better collaborative business process optimization. Thus, SRCA can deliver excellent personalized service to our residents. Owners can communicate with staff dedicated solely to our community.

Your elected Board of Directors is always looking for ways to operate more efficiently. In 2022 we invested in an upgrade to our irrigation system. The results reflect a substantial decrease in the irrigation water we consume which certainly will help SRCA in the face of an upcoming 9% water rate increase from the City of McKinney. The bottom line is the 2023 water budget will be lower than last year’s budget.

Another reason for an assessment increase is the loss of annexation fees. For many years, our community received annexation fees from developers who wanted their new subdivision(s) to become part of SRCA. However, we are now built out with no further annexation fees from developers to join SRCA.

What can homeowners look forward to in 2023? Are there any big projects on the horizon?

NC: In 2023, the Association will replace about three miles of common area fencing. Other planned projects include the dredging of at least one more Stonebridge Ranch body of water and the replacement of the Boardwalk at Waterbury. We are also looking to pilot some drought-tolerant landscaping.

What is the Board’s message to homeowners regarding the 2023 budget?

NC: Budgeting for our master-planned community is a deliberate process. The budget process involves the active involvement of many individuals with multiple reviews, committees, staff, and the Board of Directors. The budgeting process usually takes three months, from August to October, to complete. Please keep in mind that the budget is not

shelfware that simply gets filed away. The Board uses the budget throughout the year to judge operation performance and guide decision-making.

The September 2022 issue of Stonebridge Ranch News magazine provided important dates regarding the 2023 assessment to keep in mind. These are:

• December 1 – Annual assessments are sent to homeowners. It is important to make sure that your mailing address is accurate in your online account. If you do not receive your statement in early December, contact the SRCA on-site office at 214-733-5800.

• January 1 – Annual Assessments are due. It is your responsibility to ensure your payment is posted to your SRCA account by the due date to avoid late fees.

The September issue also outlined the options for assessment payments. These include:

• CiraNet Resident Portal.

• Automatic Draft.

• Calling the GrandManors Resident Service Center at 855-947-2636 to pay by e-check or credit card.

• In Person at the SRCA Office.

• Check by Mail.

Please visit https://issuu.com/community_matters/ docs/stonebridge_ranch_news_september for detailed information regarding the 2023 SRCA Annual Assessment payment information. ◀

2023 Board Election

The Stonebridge Ranch Community Association is publishing the official 2023 Annual Election Call for Candidates for the Directors for SRCA Board (see page 19.)

The seven volunteers elected to the SRCA Board of Directors devote their time and energy to the Association because they are committed to the Stonebridge Ranch way of life. They serve for a variety of reasons, including the desire to:

• Maintain our extensive portfolio of assets and amenities, including our two impressive pools, parks and playgrounds, and SBR Lake Trails.

• Preserve common areas, including the tree canopy, landscaping, village monuments, and lakes and ponds.

• Protect Stonebridge Ranch curb appeal by upholding design standards for our homeowners and residents.

• Support lifestyle experiences by providing varied social events, including Stonebridge Ranch Day, Meet the Easter Bunny, Tree Lighting Ceremony, Halloween Spooktacular, and various concerts and picnics.

These features are key to the successful future of our premier planned community. An unrelenting focus on our strategic mission is vital to support the strong property values of SRCA homes. Via the March 2023 Annual Meeting, SRCA homeowners will elect two board directors, each for a term of three years. Each SRCA household may submit one ballot in the election. That ballot allows each household to cast one vote for each open director position. Any current homeowner of record may apply for candidacy to serve on the Board. The candidate application is included in this issue of Stonebridge Ranch News magazine.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE

In January 2023, all candidate submissions will be reviewed by the SRCA Nominating Committee, which is comprised of Board Directors who are not up for reelection. The committee will interview candidates and fully inform them of time commitments and other responsibilities. The committee will then

nominate up to two recommended candidates per open board seat. The nominated homeowners will be identified on the election ballot, along with all other homeowners who choose to run. Please note that homeowners who have submitted for candidacy but are not nominated by the Nominating Committee may still run for election by choosing to be listed on the ballot.

INTERESTED IN SUBMITTING YOUR CANDIDACY?

If you are interested in running for the SRCA Board in 2023, we invite you to attend a meeting with current Board Directors to learn more about this important volunteer position. The meeting will be held in the Board Room of the SRCA office at 6201 Virginia Parkway on a date to be determined and communicated via all SRCA communications channels.

Candidates must also complete the Board Candidate Submission Form, printed in this issue, and submit it by January 6, 2023. The candidate submission form is also available for download at www.StonebridgeRanch.com/board-of-directors.

S tone br i dge R an c h Co mmun it y Ass oci at i on (S RCA )

2023 A nnual Elec tio n

Call for Can di da tes: Di rec tors for S RCA Boa rd

SRCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Stonebridge Ranch Communit y Association, Inc. Major areas of oversight include operational excellence, funding decisions. There are seven directors on the SRCA Board elected by homeowners. From those

For the 2023 election, there are two director positions to be elected. This call for candidates is open to any SRCA homeowner. All candidate submissions will be reviewed by the SRCA Nominating Committee, and candidates will be inter viewed by the Committee. The Nominating Committee will recommend candidates for election to the SRCA BOD (Board of Directors). The names of all candidates who want to be listed on the ballot will be listed.

DUTIES, TIME COMMITMENT & OTHER REQUIREMENTS

To meet the duties required by the SRCA Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions and the Bylaws, the Board of Directors annual meeting schedule and requirements include the following:

•

• Board Level Committee Meetings: 12 meetings per year, during business hours and evenings, minimum one to t wo hours per meeting;

• Board Liaison Committee Meetings: 10 to 12 per year, during business hours and evenings, minimum one to t wo hours per meeting;

• Strategic Planning: one all day session per year, during business hours, six to eight hours;

• Other Meetings and Events:

> Annual Meeting: One per year in March, three to four hours;

> New Homeowner Receptions;

> Committee Appreciation Reception: One per year, t wo to three hours;

> SRCA Social Events and Activities: Attend whenever possible.

With meeting preparations, attendance, follow-up, and additional tasks, the SRCA Board member averages a minimum 10 to 15 hours per week in ser vice to the communit y. Board candidates must have applications such as Microsof t Word, Excel, PowerPoint , SharePoint , Outlook , and Adobe Acrobat .

INSTRUCTIONS TO SUBMIT FOR SRCA BOARD DIRECTOR CANDIDATE

Provide written answers to the questions on the reverse side of this form in a single document with a total word count of less than 1,000 words; the candidate answers must be in final form since they will be published exactly as submitted. No later than Friday, January 6, 2023, at 5 PM CST the document with signed submission form is due to the Assocaition office at 6201 Virginia Parkway. Forms may be mailed or dropped off in person. Office hours are M-F, 8:30 AM to 5 PM. After hours, you may drop off your documents in the mail slot by the front door.

1. Are you the current owner of record of a proper t y lot within Stonebridge Ranch?

2. Do you currently have a past due association account balance? If “ yes,” provide a brief explanation. Do you have any current , pending association violations? If “ yes,” provide a brief explanation.

3. Briefly introduce yourself. Include your background (business, volunteer, or other experience), the number of years you have been a Stonebridge Ranch resident , etc

4. To which area(s) do you feel you could make the greatest contribution? Why ? (i.e. Finance, Landscape & Grounds, Communications, Amenities, Social, Modifications, etc.)

5. What are your reasons for wishing to volunteer your ser vice on the SRCA Board of Directors?

6. What volunteer activities have you been involved in with SRCA and/or not-for-profit or non-profit associations?

7. Do you have a potential conflict of interest and/or time in either your current professional or another volunteer role that could affect your capacity to serve on the Board? If so, please disclose.

8. What challenges or oppor tunities do you believe SRCA is currently facing? What challenges or oppor tunities do you anticipate SRCA confronting in the future?

9. Experiences and Attributes for SRCA Board Success --- In addition to answering the questions above, please describe your work and background in the areas and attributes listed below Applicants are not required to have experience in every area to be considered.

• Board or Committee Experience

• Executive/Leadership Experience

• Critical, strategic, and innovative thinking

• Knowledge of/experience with:

> Homeowner or proper t y owner associations organization

> Organization of annual budgets greater than $1M

> Not-for-profit organizations, legal duties of a board, and/or management

• Knowledge of SRCA and its governing documents

• Willingness and abilit y to ser ve as a director and per form all tasks required of the role

By filing as a candidate for the SRCA Board of Directors, I acknowledge that, if elected, I will fulfill all Director responsibilities as described in the SRCA Governing Documents, as well as the time commitment and other requirements noted above. I am aware and accept that my answers to the questions above will be published in the March 2023 edition of Stonebridge Ranch News, linked publicly at ww w.stonebridgeranch.com, and shared with SRCA homeowners via other official SRCA communication channels (including SRCA E-News and the SRCA Facebook group.)

If I am not nominated by the Nominating Committee, I want my name listed on the ballot for election (check one): Yes ________No The info provided below the dotted line is for internal use only and will be kept private

Signed Date

Name (printed) Email address Home address Phone (home) (cell) (work)

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY

SRCA Board Directors face a variety of situations during their terms of service. If you are interested in submitting your candidacy, please consider these basic guidelines:

1. Act in good faith for the Association’s best interests. Directors must consider what is best for all members of the SRCA, not a select few. Each decision must be based on a board member’s honest judgment: what is best for the Association as a whole?

2. Act with appropriate care and caution, seeking advice from experts when appropriate. As volunteers, board members should exercise a prudent degree of care when making decisions.

3. Act within the scope of authority. It is vital that board members understand the scope of their authority and do not exceed it. Board members must be thoroughly familiar with the Association’s governing documents, which outline the requirements and prohibitions of their position.

These include our Covenants, Conditions, and

Restrictions (CC&Rs), Bylaws , and Association policies. These files are publicly posted at www. StonebridgeRanch.com/governing-documents/ so anyone can review them.

4. Prevent personal gain. Directors must use their best judgment to prevent personal gain from their service. For example, board members should not take personal advantage of business opportunities related to Association affairs, nor should they accept gifts from vendors seeking to do business with the Association.

5. Remember that Boards operate as a body.

Although individual directors follow the above guidelines, directors do not act individually. The Board operates as a whole to provide guidance and oversight.

Ultimately, board members are entrusted with the care, protection, and enhancement of the property values of others. They have a fiduciary duty of loyalty to the entire community and must exercise the skill and care that a reasonable person would exercise under similar circumstances. They must be of strong character, with the ability to maintain confidentiality.

TIME COMMITMENT

When considering Board candidacy, candidates should consider the time requirements of this volunteer position. Directors must be able to attend monthly board meetings, committee meetings, the Annual Meeting, and any other special meetings that may be scheduled throughout the year.

Typically, monthly board meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of the month from 12:30 to 5:00 pm. Board members choose the dates and times for their meetings and elect the Board officers. In addition, Directors must be prepared to actively participate in the board meetings; preparation time including review of meeting materials is part of this responsibility.

In the October 2022 issue of Stonebridge Ranch News magazine, a comprehensive report on the responsibilities of the elected Board of Directors was published. This report also included the process of the nomination and ultimate election of Directors. Please refer to https://issuu.com/community_matters/ docs/stonebridge_ranch_news_october for the full article. ◀

HOA Dues at Work

Curb Appeal Corner

Social Scene

www.stonebridgeranch.com/events/

DISCLAIMER:

Due to print lead times, all the events listed in this issue are subject to change or cancellation. Prior to attending any event hosted by the Stonebridge Ranch Community Association (SRCA), residents can check the online calendar to confirm times and check for updates.

FRIENDLY REMINDER:

In order to access SRCA events and amenities, residents need to carry a valid form of Stonebridge Ranch photo ID. SRCA homeowners on record with a valid Texas driver’s license that lists their Stonebridge Ranch address may use their driver’s license. All other household members, including permanent adult residents and children 3+ need a Stonebridge photo ID.

For walk-in photo ID processing, residents may visit the SRCA on-site office at 6201 Virginia Parkway during the hours of 8:30 am-5:00 pm, Wednesday-Friday. Please be sure to visit our website at https://www.stonebridgeranch.com/ stonebridge-ranch-ids/ for required documents needed for processing IDs as well as additional information.

This three-hour come-and-go event will feature the following:

• Festive music in the Circle Drive with DJ Uptown Sound playing holiday favorites.

• Costumed entertainers including Stilt Walkers, Elsa and Olaf from Frozen and the Grinch.

• Photo Opportunities with Santa in the Community Room and a classic red truck decked out for the holidays.

• Holiday Bounce Houses.

• Our newest addition – a live reindeer with a sleigh!

• Holiday treats including hot cocoa and cookies.

• Trackless train rides will supply some zippy family fun!

The outdoor Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place at 6:30 p.m. in front of the Community Association building in the Circle Drive. Join us for all for all this and more!

Monday, December 12

7 PM to 8 PM, SRCA Boardroom 6201 Virginia Parkway

Our December Book Club selection is Christmas Bells by New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Chiaverini. Chiaverini is known for her Elm Creek Quilt novels and her historical novels. The book club read her Spymistress last year. This book “celebrates Christmas, past and present, with a wondrous novel inspired by the classic poem “Christmas Bells,” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.” There are multiple hard copies and audiobooks at the McKinney Library. It can also be found at the Frisco, Allen, and Plano libraries; all of which offer reciprocal library cards to McKinney residents. We look forward to seeing you and discussing this book in person in the SRCA Boardroom or via Zoom.

Tuesday,

This club meets on the second Tuesday of each month. If you are curious and enjoy experiencing new things, this is the perfect group for you. The members explore together, dine together, and even cruise together. Join the club if you’re looking for some adventure!

Coffee, Cars & Cycles

Saturday, December 17

8:30 AM to 10 AM (Doors Open at 8 AM)

Community Room and Circle Drive

Residents are welcome to park their classic or fancy cars in the circle drive. We love to see motorcycles and choppers, too, but you are welcome regardless of the vehicle that you drive! This is a relaxed comeand-go event for residents only. Feel free to stop by while on your morning walk or bike ride. We will provide coffee, breakfast tacos, and sweet treats (one per person, please) in the Community Room until supplies run out. As part of this event, we are also hosting a Book, DVD, & CD exchange (bring one, take one).

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Dr. Jensen