"Have you ever wondered who plans those amazing events that you and your family attend?

For instance, the Summer Celebration (Luau), the Sandlot Family Campout

or the Halloween Celebration – The Legends of Oquirrh Lake?

Would you be surprised to know it’s your neighbors!"

I personally would be surprised to hear this... were any of you involved in planning any of these activities? I didn't even know we could be. And if so, why are we paying someone to do it when residents are doing it?

The implication is that the Programs Committee (now re-named to something else) is the planning force. Last year, the committee planned or developed the suggestions for 6 or 7 events. Purportedly, Tina and her assistant (now, gone) did all of the logistical work. For some events like the Casino Night, Don Lamoureux and some volunteers did all of the work. For Bark in the Park, Devra Kelly and a few volunteers (friends, family and one or two Programs Committee members) did all of the planning. The real question is why we (the homeowners) are paying over $100,000 in salary and benefits for a Programs Coordinator to plan a few events. Now, there is going to be a committee liaison which will translate into another assistant for Tina and the HOA wants to hire 3 part-time assistants for her, as well. (we are paying for them, too) If the HOA hired a part-time Programs Coordinator at $1000 per event, we'd save $90,000 of homeowners' money. Think that will happen???

I'll plan an event for $1,000! Depending on the event. I would have to charge a little more for a big huge event, but I could make it turn a profit.

I'm with you on that Don! I'd be more than willing to plan an event for $1,000 too!

I know of several people in the community who are trained, highly competent and experienced in events coordination. Because they live here they know more of the residents and the residents' interests. I'm sure that they would be willing to plan events on a per-occurrence basis. If they were part time we would not have to pay benefits, either. Some have recently lost their jobs would welcome a chance to work here.

Another thought, aren't the same events year-after year getting old. Many homeowners get tired of the same thing. I think for 100K there should at least some planning involved. I can not understand why we pay someone to execute ideas of homeowners (while homeowners do the leg-work).

I think the campout attendance is a great example.

It's also amazing that we need to add employees to help excute poor planning. What a waste of homeowner $$$.