Transcript Concept
Capital Project Improvement Proposal February 2009 0 Project Elements New Storage and Charging Facility for 28 Carts New Fitness Center Increased Parking Capacity for Clubhouse Remodel existing Fitness Facility at Montgomery Center to become Learning Center and Presentation Center 1 Project Cost Total Project Costs are Estimated at $2.5 million Cost can be reduced by value engineering 2 Funding Partial Funding from Facilities Fund ($1 million) Remaining Project Funding ($1.5 million) Options Borrowing Funds in a Traditional Manner from a Lending Institution (seven percent interest) Borrowing Funds from the Association (three percent interest) Borrowed Funds Could be Repaid Within a Three-Year Period Member Loan Program (similar to Clubhouse scheme) 3 A Closer Look at the Project and What it Entails 4 FITNESS CENTER & CART STORAGE/CHARGING FACILITY 5 Existing Area Aerial View 6 Existing Area Street View 7 DRIVING RANGE IMPACT 8 Proposed Project Aerial View 9 Proposed Project Street View 10 Site Plan 11 Floor Plan 12 Rear Side Elevation 13 Range Side Elevation 14 Transforming the Existing Fitness Center 15 Montgomery Center 16 Montgomery Center North Existing Floor Plan 17 Proposed Learning Center 18 the Villages Learning Center 19 Cart Storage and Charging Facility History of Initiative/Background Project Description Arguments 20 History May 2000 - A Community Planning Task Force Report suggests the project May 2002 – EPA issues notice regarding gas golf carts (can no longer purchase them) March 2005 – SPC recommends cart charging/storage facility August 2005 – Then golf pro encourages the Board to move forward on the initiative 21 September 2005 – Architectural Task Force recommends 24 cart facility as Phase I – Phase II to expand to 48 carts December 2005 – Attempts by the Board to negotiate an architectural design contract with architect fail March 2006 – Board negotiates architectural design contract with Wudtke August 2006 - Wudtke submits cost estimate for cart charging/storage facility and parking area $1,091,000 22 October 2006 – The Finance Committee recommends to the Board to move forward with a 24 cart structure February 2007 – Board approves $12,000 temporary structure – purchases 14 new electric carts for $58,500 April 2007 – Board approves civil engineering design work at $12,500 – allocates roughly $130,000 to relocate driving range fence – and adjusts architectural design contract 23 January 2008 – Board terminates architectural design contract (philosophical differences) and contracts with Renshaw ($10,000) for re-design March 2008 – Board approves design/build process – hires Hollander/Smith General Contractor to assist with design and project estimating 24 Project Description Wood or metal structure – whatever provides the best value at the time the project takes shape Exterior elements blend well with community aesthetics Stucco finish - clay tile roof Mansard wrapping around flat roof 25 Rear Side Elevation 26 4,000 square feet of gross space Storage and charging locations for 28 carts 20 storage areas (5 foot by 10 foot) for use by community organizations (DACs have been clamoring for storage space) Four service doors for access and two overhead doors providing entry and exit for the golf carts A cart washing area The building’s roof will be constructed in a manner that will make it ready for future solar power equipment – when the time is right and the ROI is reasonable 27 Cart Charging & Storage 28 Arguments Against What’s the matter with the existing cart storage and charging facility – it works fine? It’s a temporary structure and was designed that way Stores and charges 14 carts It’s not a permitted facility What would it take to get it permitted? Why not get it permitted and just keep it – no need to expand and spend the money 29 Arguments For Member play has steadily declined since 1999 (10,000 rounds annually) Unless outside play continues at its current level, member green fees will eventually increase – unless services are cut drastically 87 out of 117 Villages Club Golfers responded to a VGC survey supporting outside play versus increased green fees 15 area courses were surveyed and all maintain a permanent golf cart storage and charging facility. 30 2008-2009 Budget Forecast – Outside Play Play Category Regular Guest Play Guest Day Outside Tournaments 2008/2009 Budget Forecast Increase in Cost to Member Round Total Revenue Based on 31,000 Member Rounds $376,400 $12.09 $19,200 $0.62 $90,000 $2.89 $485,600 $15.60 Note: Roughly $100,000 of food and beverage revenue is generated as a result of the outside play. 31 Actual Non-Member Green Fees Actual Non-Member Green Fee Revenue (Calendar Year) 2005 $289,107 2006 $376,616 2007 $435,159 2008 $427,952 32 Purchase of Additional 14 Carts 33 Purchase of Additional 14 Carts The purchase of 14 additional electric golf carts is being considered. Maintaining a golf cart fleet of at least 28 carts will enable the operation to recover the roughly $10,000 of revenue lost each year to outside cart rental companies. The cost of the 14 additional electric carts is $4,500 each (including tax and delivery). The gross cost (Reserve Fund) of the carts is estimated at roughly $63,000. The pay back period on the carts is less than 6.5 years. Let’s consider the following with regard to the costs of the new carts… 34 Additional Golf Carts Batteries in electric vehicles need to be replaced every four to five years at a cost of $400 to $500 Performing the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance on the carts, the lifespan of an electric golf cart is about 10 years - but manufacturers report carts lasting 15 or even 30 years in some cases With this plan in place, the gas carts would be used at times when the 28 electric carts were all in use – this scenario could apply with half of the outside tournaments The estimated cost then to maintain the 14 new golf carts would be $200 per year per cart, or $2,800 35 Fitness Center History of Initiative/Background Project Description Arguments 36 History May 2000 – Community Planning Task Force recommends expanded fitness center – cites survey that indicates same March 2003 – Board approves $50,000 for Reel Grobman to provide long range planning options – report indicates that existing space is inadequate – future expansion still limited in current location March 2005 – SPC recommends a new fitness and wellness center 37 September 2005 – Architectural Task Force recommends 3,000 square foot facility December 2005 - Architectural Firm of Mark Cavagnero submits a proposal to perform architectural design work on a 3,000 square foot fitness center February 21, 2007 – Reel Grobman is brought back to perform further studies 38 December 2007 – City of San Jose comments on expansion plans – no substantial objections July 2008 – Board of Directors decides not to expand into social side of center August 2008 - Board of Directors prioritizes two future projects in the following order: 1) a new fitness center and 2) and expansion of the Clubhouse 39 August 2008 - The following considerations were presented to the Board by staff and option three was selected by the Board of Directors Remodeling and expansion of the current Montgomery Center (as per Reel Grobman’s plans of Dec 2007) Construction of a new +/- 4000 sq. ft. building at the present Cribari Center area "bank building" site Construction of a new +/- 4000 sq ft building at the "greens" site adjacent to the north side of the Village Parkway 40 Project Description Wood or metal structure – whatever provides the best value at the time the project takes shape Exterior elements blend well with community aesthetics Stucco finish - clay tile roof Mansard wrapping around flat roof Attractive entrance (bridge over natural drainage area) Host station 41 Fitness Center Note: Showers and an outdoor spa are being considered and will cost roughly $75,000, which can be absorbed by the project budget of 2.5 million 42 Project Description Provides 3,750 square feet of gym space which is more than three times that of the existing fitness center A cardio/strength center (2,125 square feet) and a multi-purpose room (1,625 square feet) Two restrooms, storage space and a small office All of the existing fitness center equipment can be utilized in the new proposed center and only 6-7 various machines should be required to fulfill the facility’s equipment needs 43 The Existing Facility 44 The Existing Facility The current fitness center occupies 1,030 square feet of Montgomery Center and has been at that location since 1999, after moving from Building C. The existing facility opens at 5 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m. seven days a week, and is closed daily from 12 noon to 1 p.m. for maintenance. 45 Equipment Currently Available Five treadmills Two upright stationary bicycles Three recumbent bicycles One rowing machine One Pec-Deck Assorted free weights One stair stepper Three elliptical trainers One chest press One vertical lift One abdominal machine One leg press One seated leg curl One leg extension One bicep curl 46 The ability to conduct group activities is severely limited within the current confines of the space Personal training is available on a one-on-one basis There is no supervision of the area and members with a key are free to come and go as they please Expanding the current location has been considered in the past - an expansion would only present limited opportunities for improvement and, considering the fact that Villagers are always looking for more meeting and social gathering space, that option was discounted 47 Arguments Against New Facility The existing facility is fine – no one uses it anyway – I can use it anytime I want after 9 a.m. and it’s not crowded It’s in a great location adjacent to the pool and spa By leaving the facility where it is we can save the cost of a new facility We don’t need bigger and better – that’s just how some feel 48 Arguments For The average age of the “new Villager” is 68 compared to the overall average of 72 The multi-purpose room will be able to serve the needs of various activity groups now holding classes at Cribari Center – classes such as Parkinson’s, Pilates, Beat the Clock aerobics, Waist Shapers, Tai-Chi classes, Yoga, and maybe even Line Dancing In a normal month, 25-30 of these classes are held at Cribari Center. These groups generally consist of 25 to 30 participants 49 Arguments For Freeing up Cribari Center space by moving the classes to the new proposed fitness center would address a whole set of needs related to the desire for more meeting and social gathering space Our research on user data indicates that there are 300 to 400 regular fitness center users – 1,700 keys are being held by Villagers currently We can only speculate why so few Villagers use their keys and utilize the center, but consider the following… There’s no one to help them They may have been taking part in some form of therapeutic treatment that is no longer needed The facility is not welcoming 50 Arguments – the Prospective Buyer Consider the following: Information provided by American Sports Data Research in the report Tracking the Fitness Movement showed the 55 and older market leading the way in healthy living, for example… Individuals 55 and older have the largest percentage (29 percent) of frequent participants in fitness activities, compared to all other groups The number of people 55 and older who exercise frequently has soared by 75 percent since 1987 to 14.2 million 2.7 million belong to a health club More than a million lift weights twice a week 51 Arguments – Staffing The question of whether or not to staff the new facility is a good one. As General Manager, I believe (if the facility materializes) it should be staffed for at the least 10 hours each day. A staff person can supervise the facility and help to coordinate activities, while serving at the reception area as well. Volunteers can fill the remaining four hours each day 52 Arguments - User Fees Fitness Committee Survey – November 2008 Of roughly 1,400 surveys distributed, the Fitness Committee heard back from 614. Of the responses 30 percent (187) indicated a favorable response to user fees and 70 percent (427) indicated a negative response 53 Operating and Reserve Costs for Fitness Center and Cart Charging Facility 54 Cart Storage and Charging Facility Fitness Center Operating Budget Estimate Expenditures: Salaries & Wages Taxes, Benefits & Insurance Employee Development Total Employee Expense $72,800 $14,560 $2,912 $90,272 Operating Supplies Pest Control Repair & Maintenance Total Supplies & Maintenance $3,000 $1,000 $6,000 $10,000 Irrigation Supplies Planting, Sand & Misc Tree Trimming Landscape Contract Total Landscape Water Gas Electric Telephone Trash Total Utilities Total Direct Expense $300 $1,500 $600 $7,555 $9,955 $1,800 $4,000 $8,000 $2,000 $1,800 $17,600 $127,827 Intra-Co Transfer – Facilities Intra-Co Transfer – Landscape Intra-Co Transfer – Maint Total Transfer *$6,000 *$500 $24,000 $30,500 Total Operating Expenditure $158,327 Monthly Burden Requirement (divided by 2,536 members) $5.20 55 Operating Budget Notes The expenses listed above represent new expenses The staffing element of the budget is for the fitness center only – no additional pro shop or golf course maintenance staff is expected to operate the cart storage and charging facility The staffing expense represents the cost for one person, 10 hours each day for 52 weeks. Assuming the new facility remains open 16 hours a day (like the existing one) the remainder of open hours could be staffed by volunteers in small shifts 56 Operating Budget Notes Cont. The Intra-Co transfers for Facilities and Landscape are not new costs, but reapportionments Total operating expenses for the cart charging facility are estimated at roughly $30,000 The operating expenses associated with the cart storage and charging facility will be funded in the following manner - 65 percent to the golfing community and 35 percent to the community in general. This reduces the $5.20 noted in Table 4 by roughly .60 to $4.60 per month per member Greens fees should not increase to cover the golf operation’s portion of the expense 57 Year of Expenditure (Assumes 2010 completion) Paint Exterior: Interior: Doors & Trim Body Fitness Cart 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 3000 3000 3000 3000 5500 3000 5500 3000 3000 5500 3000 3000 5500 2000 300 500 80 300 500 80 2000 500 250 40000 5000 4500 300 500 80 300 500 80 1500 2000 2000 1500 1500 2000 2000 1500 5000 2500 2500 96000 Roof Built-up (no solar; w/solar 3X $) Tile Gutters & Spouts Concrete Walks & Aprons Curb & Gutter Cart Floor 1500 2000 2000 1500 Asphalt Parking (32,000 sq ft) 2500 2500 Landscape Plants, Irrigatiion, Retention Ponds Structure Components Exterior Lighting Building Components Windows & Doors HVAC Fire Protection Interior Fitup Contingency Five-year Totals 2000 5500 2000 500 1000 1000 2500 1000 1000 1000 Interior Lighting Plumbing Fixtures & Partitions Floor Coverings Doors & Hardware Counters & Cabinets Domestic Water Plumbing Drainage & Sewers Electrical Distribution Irrigation Control Earth Slippage / Foundation Administration (porportion of Club $) 5500 2000 2000 1500 10000 1500 6000 1000 1000 2000 2500 1000 10000 8000 16000 2000 8000 16000 2000 16000 2000 15000 1500 3000 500 500 1500 3000 1500 3000 1500 3000 1500 3000 1500 3000 1000 500 500 1000 500 500 1000 500 $20,380 $48,380 $37,250 $113,500 $45,880 $155,380 58 Reserve Budget Notes The reserve expenses associated with the cart storage and charging facility will be funded in the following manner - 65 percent to the golf course and 35 percent to the community in general Over the course of the next 20 years, roughly $220,000 in reserve expenses are forecast for the combined facilities (basically one structure), which equates to $86.75 per member to fund the program over that period, or $4.34 per year per member 59 Reserve Budget Notes Cont. The cart storage and charging facility represents 41 percent of the total building’s cost (cart storage and charging and fitness center). Assuming the foregoing, the reserve cost to the Club’s members would be reduced by 65 percent, or $86.75 to $30.36 which is $1.52 per year per member (.12 per month) 60 Additional Parking at Clubhouse/Golf Course Area History of Initiative/Background Project Description Arguments 61 History December 2002 - VGC recommends parking lot improvements (adding 106 spaces) at the Clubhouse and golf course area December 2003 - Board decided to defer action on the VGC’s request to construct parking lot improvements pending the Board’s determination of overall community facility improvement needs, as might be accomplished by development of a long-range improvement plan 62 Project Description The addition of roughly 80 parking spaces Well lit parking area Attractively landscaped 63 Site Plan 64 Arguments Against The dirt parking area is fine – people can clean their shoes off after walking through the dirt People should know that they might need to park in the dirt area on crowded days and should come prepared It’s not really needed – how often does it happen anyway 65 Arguments For It is a fair statement to say that the paved parking areas serving the Clubhouse, Golf Course, Building A and Building B are inadequate to serve the needs of the facilities they are intended to serve - falling far short of providing necessary paved parking surfaces on many occasions throughout the year 66 Arguments For On formal occasions clothes can become dirty walking from the area after parking The area cannot be lined to separate parking slots The area is not well lit Parking and walking on an inconsistent and unlevel surface – could result in future lawsuits or insurance claims 67 The Construction Process 68 The Construction Process The project has not yet been approved by the City – but all indications appear to be positive that it will be approved (maybe minor changes) Upon recommendation from Facilities Project Committee, in March 2008 the Board elects to use Design/Build process for project – awarding Hollander/Smith the contract 69 Build/Design Advantages The contractor is brought on early in the process and joins the team Working closely with staff and the architect, the contractor provides valuable input offering operational advice, cost estimates and value engineering options to help us work together to achieve the project budget The contractor opens its bid-books to the team so that bids they receive to complete the project can be verified – in most cases three bids are considered by the contractor 70 Build/Design Advantages Everything is agreed to up front We can request the contractor to obtain additional bids if we are unsatisfied or concerned with a particular cost element of the project The contractor is paid a fee to join the team and construct the project – there are no hidden costs – all data and costs are open and available for inspection by the project team 71 We Know What it Will Cost The fees associated with Hollander/Smith’s work through the design and pre-construction phase is $24,180 Once construction starts, General Conditions will be charged at 2 percent of the construction bid, Overhead and Profit will be charged at 4.5 percent of the construction bid Field supervision is estimated at $58,500 72 The Cost Project Elements Estimated Cost Paving and Parking Area Improvements $325,000 Cart Charging and Storage Facility $800,000 Fitness Center $1,149,604 Total $2,274,604 $129,800 of the cart charging and storage facility estimate represents the relocation of the driving range fence – these funds were allocated in the Facilities Fund two years ago Showers and an outside spa (hot tub) are being considered and may be added to the project if the project budget can absorb the cost 73 Paying for the Improvements Financing Options There are options that present reasonable scenarios. The table on the following slide provides a snapshot of the Facilities Fund, assuming a $1.5 million loan from the Association with an interest rate of three percent. Other scenarios are presented later. The following slide also assumes that the $15 monthly contribution from each member to the Fund will continue unchanged at least through 2013. This scenario places no extra burden on the members through the next three years, and maintains the current annual funding level. This scenario would require the Association’s approval. The current green fees structure is generating an additional $150,000 annually for the purpose of settling prior year operating budget deficits with the Club – this program will continue for a period of at least three more years to pay $520,000 of golf course related debt associated with the cost of the proposed Cart Storage and Charging Facility. 74 Facilities Fund Projected Balance 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 1,219,500 245,077 45,892 55,428 144,252 456,480 456,480 456,480 456,480 456,480 19,600 5,000 3,500 4,500 9,000 Member Repayment @ $14.00/mo. X 932 Done 06/11 -156,576 -156,576 -78,288 Clubhouse Loan Repayment @ $11,993.89/mo. Done 11/10 -143,927 -131,933 Clubhouse Generator -150,000 93,043 Beginning Balance at 01/01/09 Assessment @ $15.00/mo. Interest @ 1.5% Cart Barn/Fitness Center/Storage/Parking -2,500,000 Golfer Portion of Cart Barn - 65% of $800,000 (green fees) Internal Loan - 3 Years @ 3% Ending Balance at 12/31 150,000 150,000 150,000 1,500,000 -522,156 -522,156 -522,156 245,077 45,892 55,428 144,252 702,775 75 Other Financing Options The following slide presents other financing options sideby-side with the prior option An internal line of credit from the Association presents the best case relating to the cost of money – costing only $66,648 (this scenario has been approved by the Association Board of Directors) A member-financing program (same program used for the clubhouse), also presents an attractive option - An $800,000 loan (assuming 900 Villagers loan $780) would be needed to complete the funding of the entire $1.5 million The final scenario is the commercial funding route. The cost of the $1.5 million would be roughly two and one half times that of an internal loan program 76 Options Type of Financing Financing Senarios/Costs Amount Rate 3 Years 5 Years 7 Years 1 Internal Loan $1,500,000 3% $66,468 $75,433 $107,149 2 Commercial Loan $1,500,000 7% $157,684 $181,180 $260,431 3 Resident Prepay Internal Loan 900 @ 780.75 $800,000 4% 3% $41,687 $13,294 $71,188 $22,630 $101,431 $32,144 Total $1,002,675 $54,981 $93,818 $133,575 A $1.5 million line of credit has been made available to the Club by the Association at a three percent interest rate over a term of three years. 77 The Final Element 78 Re-Design of Existing Fitness Center Space at Montgomery Center History of Initiative/Background Project Description Arguments 79 History March 15, 2005 –SPC recommends: “Upgrade our community centers to allow daytime presentation capabilities and provide for a cart barn/charging area for electric golf carts.” March 27, 2007 – In then President Gert Gruener’s board report, she stated: “The Board is very much aware of the need to improve facilities so as to have a modern function teaching-learning center.” And also, “This Board and its Future Project’s Committee will continue to improve our facilities to have modern learning centers, which we believe future residents will be looking for in addition to a wellness center.” 80 Project Description Roughly 1,000 square feet of space will be dedicated to a learning and presentation environment 36-40 table sitting and 60-70 theater seating Windows on back wall will be removed – all other windows will have ability to be darkened New carpet, tables and chairs New equipment, i.e. screen, white board, HDTV, computer, digital projector and sound system 81 Proposed Learning Center 82 the Villages Learning Center 83 Arguments Against Why do we need to spend the money when there are all kinds of community centers and space to get together now – in virtually any setting We can transform an existing community center into a learning and presentation center 84 Arguments For Groups such as Osher (life long learning) and Safe (Senior Academy for Education – an organized Villages Club) promote learning and provide a number of programs and curricula There are a myriad of daytime presentations that take place on a routine basis in the community throughout the year. It can be very difficult at the existing community centers to utilize video and computer generated slide shows and exhibits due to the inability to darken the rooms to the extent that the presentations are seen clearly 85 Arguments For The Club sanctions many community clubs that could benefit from a learning center environment, such as: Book Lovers Brandeis National Committee Club Ethical Humanist Club Philosophy Club Search the Scriptures Bible Study Classes 86 Renovation of Montgomery Center Fitness Area to Learning Center Elements Estimated Cost Carpet $3,000 Window Treatments $3,000 Stacking Chairs $6,000 Six Foot Tables $750 Projection Screen $1,000 White Board $120 Sound System $3,000 Digital Projector $3,000 Laptop Computer $1,500 Flat Screen Television $4,800 (60 inch) DVD Player $125 Removing Windows and Door on Back $7,000 Wall Total Estimated Cost $33,295 87 Pros and Cons Regarding the Initiative 88 Cons The Facility Fund will be depleted Operating expenses associated with the operation of the fitness center will require a $5 increase to the monthly assessment Assessments cannot continue to increase – now is not the time Taking the vote to the community will cost money 89 Cons Continued There will be additional equipment expenses Reducing the size of the driving range Increased traffic [noise] at Golf/Clubhouse and Buildings A, B, C Depletion of Golf Course revenue 90 Pros If the project is not approved, the $15 per month contribution to the Facilities Fund could be suspended at least for the ensuing year Building at the current time (economy and construction costs) will be less expensive than at some time in the future Adding to the community’s infrastructure will add value to everyone’s real estate investment The economy will improve and when it does, those who are prepared will realize the gains associated with an improved economy 91 Pros Continued There will be no extra financial burden placed on the membership to replenish the Facilities Fund – the assessment will remain at $15 for the foreseeable future A special assessment will not be required Aesthetically pleasing addition to the community New opportunities for learning and presentation Other community space now used for learning can be used for other things More traffic creates more opportunities to sell golf and food and beverage 92 Pros Continued People that now pay for an outside gym membership may decide to cancel their contract, thus saving the monthly fees Set up and maintenance costs at Cribari Auditorium could be reduced if activity classes were conducted at the new fitness center Building the facilities and doing the work now will be less expensive than waiting until a future date. The Auditorium will also have a fresher appearance if not subjected to the casual facility abuse generated by some exercise programs 93 Considering the Package Discussions and considerations since 2000 The vote will cost roughly $1,100 94 Considering the Package Ponder points… The present – will the community benefit from the improvements – are they needed? The future – as a prospective buyer or seller, how does this improvement plan factor into buying and selling decisions and real estate values within the Villages? Timing - is the timing right – compared to the most recent history construction costs have dipped – will they remain low, reduce further, or increase – what does it mean if the plan is shelved? 95 Considering the Package Fiduciary duty – what is the duty? 96 Snap Shots 97 The Elements Construction of a golf cart storage and charging facility Construction of a new fitness center The new hub for the community’s physical fitness programs - tripling the current space Construction of additional parking spaces 20 storage areas for community groups No more parking and walking in the dirt Redesign of Montgomery Center from a fitness center to a learning and presentation center Something that’s been talked about for years 98 The Cost $2,274,604 for the cart storage and charging facility, fitness center and 80 additional parking spaces – $2.5 million is the total project estimate, including FF&E and the $106,000 already spent on design and project conceptualization work. The cost to the membership – assuming the existing $15 per month Facilities Fund contribution continues – the total operating and reserve costs should not exceed $5 per month – which should not take affect until the 2011 budget year. 99 The Cost Cont. The costs associated with the renovation of Montgomery Center from a fitness center to a learning center ($30,000) can be funded through the Reserve Fund – in 2009 roughly $250,000 is budgeted for building renovation and reserve element replacements. 100 Considerations Should the project initiative be presented to the Villages Membership for a formal vote? If the project is presented to the Membership for vote, should each item be presented separately (a menu approach), or should the project initiative be bundled? There are advantages and disadvantages to both. 101 Considerations Cont. How should the project expenses be funded? What type of loan and term? Should the parking element be a reserve expense? Should the driving range fence be a reserve expense? Golf carts? 102 The Vote Assuming the formal decision whether or not to move forward with the membership vote is approved on February 17, the voting package could be distributed to the membership by March 14 A series of town hall meetings would be scheduled through the second week of March The voting period would conclude April 14 and the votes announced shortly thereafter – no later than the 16th 103 Questions and Comments 104