DEAR ROADIE LETTERS
This batch of letters was published on May 03, 2024.
Is it true they found the big water leak it was the meter? If so, I hope Roadhaven gets a credit on the water.
The water leak sure has been a head-scratcher! I was hoping to find some good worms because of it but I’m still searching.
As of this writing, May 03, 2024, there is no source of the water leak yet. The meter in question was replaced and Roadhaven will have to wait for their next bill to assess usage with the new meter. They’ve promised to keep residents updated as they learn more so be sure to read your Newsletters (email).
Stay dry! – Roadie.
Dear Roadie,
Do committee leaders get any compensation?
Sincerely, Curious.
Dear Curious –
Committee leaders, or their members, do not receive any compensation. Committees are comprised of dedicated residents who volunteer their time, experience, and skills. While Committee members and leaders work closely with Roadhaven management, the management team is not a part of any Committee.
Fly with the flock! If your skills or prior work experience can contribute to a specific Committee, please apply. Go to the Committees page (Website navigation: MY ROADHAVEN>>RESIDENT PAGES>>COMMITTEES). Applications are on the Committees page under General Information (towards the bottom of the page).
Remember, since we are in the off-season, interviews by Committee Chairs and Board liaisons will not take place until November 2024.
If joining a Committee does not interest you, but you still want to be involved, check out the Volunteer opportunities here: roadhaven.com/volunteer. For more on Committees please read the Governing Documents: Bylaws, Article 5. – Roadie.
Dear Roadie,
Was Roadhaven sued last year over wages? I’ve heard the amounts of $20-$30,000 it was about back wages. Can you verify if it was with an employee contractor or under the table help? This has been floating around for a while and I just want to get verification on this. If this is true. When did the board let the residents know this payout took place?
I read in this week’s letter that we now have a contractor taking care of that big dog park. This was supposed to be a maintenance-free item, so what is this contractor charging us to get rid of the smell? is the park considering raising the pet fees to offset the cost of what we’re paying for the improvements to the dog parks?
Sincerely, Wondering
Dear Wondering –
I wish I could give you a straight answer here but Arizona State Law prohibits discussion regarding anything that has to do with employee compensation or legal issues. Roadhaven is bound by state law and could be sued if they disclose details about employee compensation or legal issues. I know this isn’t the answer you want but this is beyond Roadhaven’s authority. However, I can say Roadhaven doesn’t pay anyone “under the table”.
Moving on, let’s be sure to only share things we know to be facts.
Now, about the Dog Park. First, thank you for reading your Resident Newsletter. Everyone has to do their part to stay informed and you’re doing it! The contractor you read about was hired to work on the smell, they will not be on contract with Roadhaven indefinitely. The Dog Owners Club decides whether or not club fees are increased. Roadhaven will not increase Pet Registration fees. Yay!! – Roadie.
Dear Roadie,
Is it true Roadhaven has 51 employees? Can you break down the paid jobs they do? For example, what is the number of office personnel, maintenance, security, janitorial, and other paid positions?
Sincerely, Counting.
Dear Counting –
There are dozens of hardworking and dedicated individuals who keep Roadhaven running smoothly all year long. However, 51 is not the correct number, it’s currently 30 and I will break it down for you. The number of employees changes depending on a few factors such as the time of season and the reality of business. Some people, as committed as they may be, may find it in their best interest to quit at any point or in a Workamper’s case, move on to the next city on their bucket list after a season ends. Because Roahaven employs people, and people are humans, there is a human element to account for and never a set number of employees. At the time of this writing, May 03, 2024, there are 8 part-time and 22 full-time employees at Roadhaven.
You see, Roadhaven’s team is as diverse as a flock of birds! With the ebb and flow of seasonal changes, it’s no wonder the number of employees varies. It’s like they say, in the world of work, you can’t always count your chickens before they hatch—or in this case, count your employees before they fly off to new adventures!
Now, for the numbers you asked for. I did a full head count and here is the breakdown you requested.
Admin: 5 full-time
Office: 4 full-time
Security: 5 full-time, 5 part-time
Maintenance: 3 full-time, 1 part-time
Golf Maintenance: 3 full-time, 2 part-time
Housekeeping: 2 full-time
This total being: 8 part-time and 22 full-time. Which is a total of 30 employees during the summer.
Where you likely heard there were 51 employees was at the 2024 AGM. This number was referencing the total amount of year-round, seasonal, and Oasis employees (at the time). It’s worth noting that in the future, Oasis will be operated by a contractor and Roadhaven will no longer be responsible for paying Oasis employees.
During the active season, you might see an increase in these areas:
Add 3 part-time employees in the Golf Shop
Add 2 part-time Workampers
Add 1 full-time Activities Director
Add 1 part-time Activities Assistant
Add 1 part-time Main Office employee
If an employee quits, Roadhaven will likely split his or her duties throughout the department for as long as possible to save money. Eventually, they may have to hire someone but are quite mindful of the money spent so they stretch a person’s abilities until they can’t anymore – it can be a little stressful but you have a faithful group of employees at Roadhaven.
Remember, Roadhaven sees close to 2,000 residents and their guests during peak season. It takes a lot to secure, maintain, and assist that many people plus 105 acres of land and 15 buildings. We need these good-hearted employees to keep it going.
Truthfully, Roadhaven is understaffed, and some employees work long hours so Roadhaven runs efficiently. I’ve seen some non-security staff members here as early as 5 am and stay far past closing. I also see security patrolling while everyone is sleeping soundly. Roadhaven’s staff truly spread their wings and go above and beyond to keep things soaring smoothly! Those early birds and night owls deserve a round of applause for their dedication and tireless efforts. Let’s all take a moment to chirp our appreciation for their hard work and commitment to making Roadhaven the best nest for all who visit. – Roadie.
Dear Roadie,
I think it would be a good idea to explain where the work projects come from. Who suggested them & why, etc. So many residents are wondering where and why the redo of the small dog park came from. It seems a list of Board recommendations should be posted early in the season for discussion of pros & cons from residents before the final decision is made. Residents just want to be in the know. It could quelch potential rumors. How do you come up with the ideas, etc.
Sincerely, On The Fence
Dear On The Fence –
Roadhaven’s projects, often referred to as “Summer Projects” because they tend to take place in the summer, come from a 20-year plan. This blueprint tends to shift a bit as priorities change, and projects are shuffled around based on safety, necessity, and, naturally, the purse strings. Determining which projects to tackle hinges on these factors plus input from the Board, management, clubs, and suggestions from residents.
As for the Small Dog Park, I’ve soared over it on several occasions and can confirm that it’s not undergoing a complete makeover. Two new shade trees are being planted because the old palm trees were brittle and a safety hazard. The fence surrounding it was in a bit of a precarious state and that is being replaced. I’ve landed on it a couple of times, and let me tell you, it was about as steady as a fledgling’s first flight. It was covered in vines that were attracting bees and providing an ideal habitat for some rather toxic frogs. Just imagine if a small dog decided to give one of those poisonous frogs a nip! I must confess, I’ve been tempted to take a peck at one myself – the frogs, that is, not the small dogs.
Below, you can see how many times the Board publicly spoke about projects, and even more in your Friday Resident Newsletter. Here’s the problem, not everyone READS the Board minutes, the newsletter, Dear Roadie letters, or shows up to meetings held throughout the season. It is a real struggle to keep nearly 2,000* people perfectly informed. We just don’t have the technology to download the information straight into people’s brains. I know there are a lot of fun activities going on at Roadhaven, but residents have to do their part when it comes to staying informed. Don’t skim the meeting minutes or newsletter, read them with intention and attend meetings with an ear to hear.
*During the peak of the active season Roadhaven hosts nearly 2,000 people.
Here are the dates of the public announcements of Summer Projects and where they were announced:
– Jan. 04, 2024 – Town Hall: Summer Projects
– Jan. 16, 2024 – Open Board Meeting: General Manager Reports
– Feb. 20, 2024 – Open Board Meeting: General Manager Reports
– Mar. 19, 2024 – Annual HOA Meeting: Financials
– Mar. 26, 2024 – Open Board Meeting: General Manager Reports
Mentioning Projects in the Newsletters this Season:
-Dec. 15, 2023- Expanding on the purchased lots in Rumor vs Fact
-Feb. 16, 2024- Sports court in Rumor vs Fact
-Feb. 29, 2024- Small dog park closure for repairs
-Apr. 19, 2024- Announcing the Summer Projects Page
-Apr. 26, 2024- Announcing the Summer Projects Page
I hope that helps you better understand how projects are determined at Roadhaven! -Roadie.
Check back next week for more Dear Roadie letters. If you have submitted a letter and it has not been published, please continue to be patient as I am working to gather the FACTS for you.
Use the form below to submit a Dear Roadie letter.
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LAST WEEK'S DEAR ROADIE LETTERS
This batch of letters was published on April 26, 2024.
Dear Roadie,
I have been seeing some comparisons online between Carriage Manor and Roadhaven, specifically, their HOA fees versus Roadhaven. Can you offer any clarity? I feel like we aren’t comparing apples to apples here.
Sincerely, Orange
Dear Orange – I’m orange too! You’re right, while both places have amenities, they certainly are different. Kinda like comparing apples to…oranges. Luckily, I swooped by and saw Roadhaven’s Board just sent out this email this evening, subject line: CARRIAGE MANOR HOA COMPARISON. It’s a fair and realistic comparison chart of both places. As you can see, both have similarities but are two very different places with different needs and offerings. Take a look for yourself! Read their email by clicking here.
-Roadie.
Dear Roadie,
Where can I find the link to your page on the Roadhaven website?
Sincerely, Looking
Dear Looking – You can find the link to my page on the Resident Pages page of roadhaven.com under MY ROADHAVEN in the Mobile/Tablet or Desktop/Laptop menus. You can also find it in the footer menu of the website under RESIDENTS. The footer menu is available at the bottom of every roadhaven.com page.
You can also use this direct link to get to my page: roadhaven.com/roadie.
If you’re a current resident at Roadhaven, you can click here to join my Facebook Group!
See you there! – Roadie.
Dear Roadie,
Why is Roadhaven using work campers? Our understanding is the work campers do not pay fees, what do they do and how/ who are they related to Roadhaven? Is this a position that could be used by a resident if they signed up to work campers? Rather than bringing in work campers why aren’t residents given the opportunity to apply based on their skills?
Sincerely, Worked Up.
Dear Worked Up – Workampers are integral members of the nationally recognized Workamper program that Roadhaven has proudly collaborated with for over seven years. And let me tell you, we’ve had some truly exceptional individuals among them! There are moments when I find myself getting emotional thinking about those who’ve left their mark here but feel compelled to venture back onto the open road after a few seasons.
Allow me to elaborate further. Workampers are RV enthusiasts who traverse the country, offering their skills and expertise wherever they’re needed. When the time comes for them to move on, they simply pack up their RV and embark on the next adventure awaiting them. Let me better explain. Workampers are RVers who travel and work where they are needed. When they are ready to move on, they pack up their RV and hit the road to the next gig they are qualified for.
For example, Steve in the Mailroom and Vicki in the Activities Office were with us for a few seasons and were incredible assets to our administration and residents. We had to say goodbye to them at the end of this season because they live a life based on travel. Jim, who does all the A/V work at Roadhaven is also a Workamper. His schedule is demanding, he works full-time and is on-call. From Church service to late-night dances, Jim is there and helping produce a great event. Susan in the Main Office, is an incredible help whose knowledge, skillset, and overall presence will be missed when she and her husband hit the road again.
If you were to register with Workampers you likely would not be hired at Roadhaven. That’s not exactly how the Workamper program works. Workampers upload their resume, define their skills, and open themselves to countless possibilities, not all of which are in 55+ communities.
You’re right, Workampers do not pay HOA fees because they are not owners at Roadhaven. Workampers are RVers who work in different states seasonally, sometimes for years at a time but not permanently. Because some Workampers work part-time, full-time, and in Jim’s case, all the time, with a specialized skill set.
If you’re a resident with a special skillset please consider volunteering at Roadhaven.
Below are some of the times and places Roadhaven mentioned Workampers this last season and the role they serve at Roadhaven.
Dec. 15, 2023, Roadhaven Weekly Newsletter
Jan. 16, 2024, Open Board Meeting Minutes (View in your HOA Portal)
For more information on the Workamper program, go to – https://workampers.com
I bet you know or have been helped by a Workamper at Roadhaven or benefited from their time and expertise. The next time you see one, give them a BIG “Thank you”! They do a lot for us and they are only here for a short amount of time in the long run.
– Roadie.
Dear Roadie,
Why were all the address signs at the machine shop thrown out? It seems like a horrible waste of money. When we moved in we took ours to a local sign guy that sandblasted, painted & lettered for 25 bucks. The man who did ours used to do all the Roadhaven signs who is doing the signs now?
Sincerely, Assuming.
Dear Assuming – Trust me, I hate waste – of any kind, even though half of my nest is made up of things people throw away, or forget to throw away. Anyway, I have a bird’s eye view and these signs did not get tossed out.
The older signs are just that – old! They did not get tossed out as confirmed by Jim in Maintenance. However, it would be too costly to repair the older signs. They are two pieces of metal that would need to be welded and it would take a considerable amount of time to clean them up and make them presentable.
If you’d like a newer sign, you can get one for $50 using this form. And, if you’d like them customized for $25, contact our local sign guy – Jim Rohde. He’s a resident at Roadhaven and you can reach him directly. Here’s his phone number: (262) 697-9222.
– Roadie.
Meet Roadie. Roadie is the firey Phoenix that has represented Roadhaven for over 40 years. Lately, Roadie has been flying around collecting your comments and suggestions and would like to help clear up some rumors, misunderstandings, and misinformation in a new segment called “Dear, Roadie”. Use the form below to submit a letter to Roadie.
Dear Roadie,
Please direct me to where I can find the Board Minutes explaining the lot purchases stated the info was in the meeting minutes, however, I can’t find the information.
Sincerely, Lost
Dear Lost – I am sorry to hear you are having trouble. I have peeked in on this process and you can find the Board Meeting Minutes in the HOA Portal under the Meeting Minutes. Remember, when you are searching for documents in the HOA Portal you have to click on the side arrows to expand the folder. If you click on the folder name, it will not open those subfolders, click on the arrow beside the folder name.
Roadhaven also mentioned the lot purchases in Resident Newsletters. It’s important to open your newsletters and don’t skim, but read everything in there.
The topic of the lot purchase can be found in these Meeting Minutes and Newsletters:
Nov. 14, 2023, Working Session Minutes
Dec. 15, 2023, Roadhaven Weekly Newsletter
Dec. 19, 2023, Open Board Meeting Minutes
Mar. 19, 2024, Annual HOA Meeting Minutes
Mar. 26, 2024, Open Board Meeting Minutes
I went over them in an expanded answer in a previous letter from Sincerely, Irritated (catch those in the LAST WEEK’S LETTERS section below this one).
One last reminder, the HOA Portal is a separate website from roadhaven.com. You can read about their differences here.
-Roadie
OTHER DEAR ROADIE LETTERS
This batch of letters was published on April 19, 2024.
Dear Roadie,
I just found out that Roadhaven purchased two lots!! Why wouldn’t they tell us this and why are they being so secretive about the cost? I think they need to be transparent and not hide this information from us.
Sincerely, Irritated.
Dear Irritated – Your frustration regarding a lack of transparency concerning the purchase of two lots by Roadhaven is completely understandable. Transparency is the cornerstone of trust, especially in a community like ours. Let’s unravel this situation together.
First, lets go over the ways residents were informed about the lot purchases and prices:
Nov. 14, 2023: Working Session Minutes
New Business
-IV. Land Acquisition as Unanimous Consent Form signed by the Board of Directors lot 1207.
Nov. 21, 2023: Open Board Meeting Minutes
New Business
-IV. Land Acquisition
-Purchase of lot 1208 S Zuni for future planning and development through land acquisition fund
Dec. 15, 2023: Roadhaven Resident (Friday) Newsletter
Rumor Vs Fact -You might have heard: Roadhaven Resort purchased two lots near Phase I and will use them to expand the nearby sport courts.
Verdict – HALF TRUE! – We have purchased lots 1207 and 1208 ZUNI near the Phase I sport courts for future development. However, there are no plans for them yet. Our Work Campers will likely utilize these lots in the interim.
Dec. 19, 2023: Open Board Meeting Minutes
Office/Communications
Rumor vs Fact -Rumor #2 we have purchased two lots and that’s where the new pickleball courts will be built. This is partially true. They are purchased for future development and no plans likely used for work campers in the interim.
It’s plausible that amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, you might have missed the occasions when this information was disclosed during HOA meetings or in the Resident Newsletter. The acquisition of lots 1207 and 1208 Zuni was indeed discussed in various meetings and newsletters I’ve listed and the cost was discussed at the meetings below.
Mar. 19, 2024: Annual HOA Meeting Minutes
Administrative Report
Rumor vs Fact -Roadhaven did indeed purchase 2 lots for future use
Open Forum -What was the cost of the two lots? $109,000 and $117,000.
Mar. 26, 2024: Open Board Meeting Minutes
New Business
VIII. Purchased Lots
-Conceptual idea: Multi use kitchen/ restrooms with garden wall and soundproofing.
-Sports Club usage and residential use for block parties, Happy Hours
-Currently in flood zones, city requested the move to avoid FEMA.
-Possible to start planning next season, building the year after.
-Suggestions are welcomed at our meetings.
-In the meantime, the purchased lots will be utilized by our work campers.
As mentioned above, The purchase prices for these lots were $109,000 and $117,000 – publicly discussed at the Mar. 19, 2024 meeting.
I don’t think you have anything to worry about – but I do suggest reading your emails with intention, don’t skim them, and attend the HOA meetings.
Remember, the Board of Directors is composed of your fellow homeowners, diligently working to make well-informed decisions for the community’s benefit. Your feedback and questions are always welcome and appreciated in our ongoing efforts to foster a thriving and transparent community.
-Roadie
Dear Roadie,
I’ve heard it would cost THOUSANDS of dollars to run a special election if the Home Owner Budget Initiative petition moves forward. There is no way stamps can cost that much!
Sincerely, Skeptical.
Dear Skeptical – Your concern about the potential cost of a special election is understandable. Indeed, the figures tossed around can seem daunting. However, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty.
Elections can come with a hefty price tag, ranging from $2,800 to $4,000. The costs vary depending on several factors, such as the timing of the election, whether it coincides with the summer season when many residents are away or out of the country, and whether changes to CC&Rs are on the ballot. Moreover, the choice between electronic and paper ballots, printing expenses, and postage costs further contribute to the overall tally.
Summer elections, for instance, can rack up expenses due to the need for off-site mailing of ballots and potential legal fees if CC&R adjustments are up for consideration since they must be reviewed by a legal team.
While Roadhaven works to manage these costs sensibly, the reality remains that conducting an election, special or not, could indeed tally up to thousands of dollars.
I hope that gives you a better understanding of the cost and processes of an HOA election.
– Roadie
(Added at :56pm 04/19) Oops! I almost forgot – while we’re talking about elections – the Board page has QUORUM AND VOTING REQUIREMENTS listed on their page.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
AMENITIES
If I don’t use the golf course, pickleball courts, or shuffleboard area, why am I paying for them?
Roadhaven Resort is just that – a resort. We offer amenities for all residents and their guest. Residents choose to live in Roadhaven for the option to use these amenities.
This was a voted passed by residents.
HOA | BOARD OF DIRECTORS
There is a limit to HOA assessment fees in the CC&Rs – it is 20%. This has been the limit since
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These can be found in your HOA Portal.
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The Board consists of qualified volunteers who do not receive any compensation whatsoever. Board members pay the same HOA fees as residents.