GRF will replace slanted retaining wall and add mounted fans to fitness room

BOARD HIGHLIGHTS

by Ruth Osborn

rutho@lwsb.com

In its second-to-last meeting before the close of the 2022-23 term, the GRF Board met April 25 for a relatively short and conflict-free session.

With only a handful of residents in attendance and no member comments, GRF Board President Marsha Gerber said “it must be that we’re doing a good job.” She noted that residents’ opinions matter to the board, pointing to the removal of two controversial agenda items related to higher fees for excessive club meeting set-ups. The topics were tabled for future consideration.

But there was still a full agenda of business to conduct— authorizing pest control contracts, approving fans in Clubhouse 6 and accepting a donation, among other items.

Highlights include: Perimeter Wall Funding

Upon the recommendation of the Physical Property Committee, the board authorized more than $200,000 to share in the cost of replacing a perimeter wall with Frontier.

The dilapidated retaining wall now encompasses the Frontier facility, abutting First Christian Church and the road leading to the North Gate. Most of the cinderblock wall is shrouded in ivy but in some places deterioration is clearly visible.

Frontier will equally share the project cost of $449,535. GRF’s estimated portion is $201,530 with a $10,000 contingency fee.

Frontier will pay $224,767.50; and First Christian Church, $23,237.50.

“I don’t think we are financially ready to do this unless (Senior Facilities Director) Mark (Weaver) says it’s really important,” said Gerber. GRF Director Lee Melody from Mutual 14 agreed, inquiring whether the wall could simply be repaired, rather than demolished and replaced.

Weaver pointed to engineering reports that showed the wall is leaning outward by nearly three degrees, has substantial water damage, intruding tree roots, cracks, no rebar in places and subpar water drainage. Immediate action was recommended.

“The engineer told us that the wall is failing,” said GRF Director Carole Damoci of Mutual 12. “I think we have to replace it. It’s a wall between neighbors.” HIGHLIGHTS

She added that if the wall were to come down on the cars frequently parked against it, GRF could be exposed to substantial liability.

GRF Director Camille Thompson of Mutual 8 said that the excessively wet winter may have accelerated the rate of deterioration, noting “we are stuck between a rock and a hard place, and it hurts.”

The financial pain is exacerbated because the project was not planned for and therefore, unbudgeted. Typically, the GRF schedules bigger projects like this after making them part of a reserve study.

Weaver said if it was his wall, he’d replace it, a judgment that met with board agreement.

“This is a safety issue,” which makes it mandatory, Gerber said. “But we always have to keep in mind that we don’t have a huge pot of money.”

The board majority agreed, with two no votes, Sandy Geffner of Mutual 3 and Lee Melody of Mutual 14.

Wall Mounted Fans in Fitness Room Upon the recommendation of the Physical Property Committee, the board approved the installation of wall-mounted fans in the Fitness Center dance room in Clubhouse 6. Kress Construction was awarded the contract for a total not to exceed $4,897.20.

The dance room accommodates several groups, who sizzled last summer when temperatures rose. There is air conditioning in the center that regulates ambient temperatures, but the dance room heats up because there is little air flow.

In March, a temporary wall mount fan was set up to test the possibility of moving air in the room. It was successful in cooling exercisers, so the Recreation Department moved forward with a recommendation to install two more wall mount fans for a total of three fans.

Friends of Library Donation The GRF Board voted unanimously to accept a donation of $7,500 to Leisure World Library from The Friends of the Library. Across the patio from the LW Library is the Friends of the LW Library Bookstore staffed by volunteers who promote the library by raising funds through the sale of used items such as books, movies, and boutique items donated by members of the LW community. These funds help the LW Library purchase new items for its collection. Bookstore hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m.12:30 p.m.

Holiday Decorations

The board voted to award a contract to Magical Holiday Designs at a cost not to exceed $30,995 for holiday decorations for the 2023 season.

The contract includes the purchase, storage, installation and striking of decorations throughout Trust property.

There will be two decorated and lighted Christmas trees, one at Veterans Plaza and the other near the Health Care Center; roofline lights on GRF buildings and at the Main Gate, wreaths and lighted holiday signs, among other embellishments.

The board discussed the possibility of the GRF buying, installing and storing decorations rather than contracting the project out. But the consensus was that six weeks of festive enjoyment was worth the cost.

Members of the Hui O Hula Club practice in the Fitness Center of Clubhouse 6. GRF will install wall-mounted fans in the room to keep residents cool.