BOARD DECISIONS ADD MONEY TO THE COUPON

I feel that it is in the community's interest to inform residents not only of the GRF Board's actions but to clarify the implications of those decisions. As a Board member, I will not criticize or endorse these decisions but allow them to stand on their own merit.

The GRF Board met on June 25 to discuss the budget principles. We voted on four items and the results follow:

Medical center rent: We collect just over $500,000 and have used it to reduce the coupon. The Board voted to shift one-third of the amount, or about $181,000 per year, for the next three years to the coupon.

Administrative expenses: Last year the Board voted to have some of the administrative costs shifted to the Trust fund. This year's Board overturned that decision and voted to place the entire expense in the operating expenses. This will add approximately $289,000 to the coupon.

Personal property: Last year the Board voted to have personal property expenses shifted to the Trust fund. This year's Board voted to overturn that decision and fund all personal property expenses from operating expenses. This will add approximately $130,000 to the coupon.

The Board also voted to use $44,000 from the expected surplus for 2009 to fund the long-range planning activities. Although a bit early, since the 2010 budget is scheduled to be approved in late September, the Board voted to approve an additional $57,000 to be included in the 2010 budget.

These decisions add about $600,000 to the coupon.

Fred Barnes

Terra California Drive

BOARD DECISIONS ADD MONEY TO THE COUPON

I feel that it is in the community's interest to inform residents not only of the GRF Board's actions but to clarify the implications of those decisions. As a Board member, I will not criticize or endorse these decisions but allow them to stand on their own merit.

CIRCULATING PETITIONS

Jane Viator's letter in last week's Resident Forum questioned GRF Board member Dave Smith's actions in trying to get people in an exercise class to sign a petition in support of the Neiman Marcus development in Walnut Creek.

CONTROLLING THE GEESE

The several attempts to control the Canada geese population in Rossmoor has not met with success. I would like to suggest two alternative approaches, both of which are humane but unconventional.

“DETERIORATING BODIES” NEED WARM POOL

It's amazing how ignorant some Rossmoorians are about the aging process (see Heinicke's and Stupak's letters of June 17). Their highly aggressive and demeaning comments ignore knowledge of the physiological changes that occur with age. The “selfish” and “aggressively loud” groups of “soakers” at Dollar pool are seniors in their 70s, 80s and 90s, most of them wearing life belts and/or noodles, continuously moving and stretching their arms and legs (not “soaking”). Many are suffering from arthritis, receiving relief from pain through exercise in warm water.

DOLLAR POOL - REALITY AND PERCEPTION

I am writing in response to two negative letters regarding conditions at Dollar pool, published on June 17. After reading these letters, words came to mind: uninformed, inconsiderate and clairvoyant. Included in these untrue statements were “no exercise allowed,” “aggressively loud soakers coerced the GRF Board,” and “ selfish small group wants to use the pool.” The two letters included fake accusations and cruel statements.

HOW TO MITIGATE PARKING PROBLEMS

The problems of parking at Del Valle during a major event can be mitigated by car pools and/or using the buses. Every bus line will take you there. If you really want to drive, please consider this: park at Gateway and board a bus to Del Valle. You can be part of the solution rather than part of the problem.

MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR ALL

In an interesting and at times personal article, Richard Anderson (From the Right, June 17) takes on the problems of extending medical coverage to all Americans. Because he tells of his own experiences, I find myself sympathizing with him, but in total disagreement with his conclusions.

NO CHILDREN, PLEASE

Stephanie Skidmore (Residents Forum, June 24) has a narrow viewpoint. For some weeks now the mantra has been “let's be fair.” Well, being fair is more than a matter of hours at a pool.

RESIDENTS SHOULDN'T ACCEPT COUPON INCREASE

“A staggering budget shortfall anticipated to exceed $7.3 million in 2009-10Š. will bring big changes in the way the City operatesŠ” reports Walnut Creek Manager Gary Pokorny. Mayor Gary Skrel and other city officials plan to make dramatic changes and sacrifices in order to balance the budget. With revenues dropping, the city has frozen 22 positions and will leave vacant jobs unfilled. They are negotiating with city employees about salaries and benefits, asking employees to accept changes to offset a portion of the shortfall.

SPECIAL INTERESTS DOMINATE POOLS

Am I misreading between the lines or is it implied in several letters in the Rossmoor News June 24 Residents Forum that those who disagree with more pool time for children at Hillside and a hot tub at Dollar are insensitive to children and the disabled? Is there an implied shame on them?

STOP THE DISPUTES

Let's try to end the Dollar pool disputes once and for all. First of all, the water temperature was established long before anyone signed on. Second, the Dollar pool will always be open to any resident wishing to use it. Period!

THANK YOU

On behalf of my family, I would like to thank Rossmoor residents for the sympathetic cards, calls and hugs I received on the death of my father, Frank Wilking. Your comforting words have helped me and my family through a difficult time.

WATCH OUT FOR ANIMALS ON THE ROAD

The last several weeks have not been pleasant on Ptarmigan Drive near Entry 5. First a doe was struck by a car and had to be destroyed. Several days later one of her twin fawns was struck and killed by a work truck (not Rossmoor's), which didn't stop. An AT&T truck driver stopped and carried the body to the side of the road where it was bagged by Securitas and picked up several days later by Contra Costa Animal Control.