In your opinion, what are Tahoe Donner’s long term ‘big picture’ issues? Specifically, what do you stand for, support and believe in re: these issues?
If elected to the board, what will be your three top areas of focus?
What have you done or will you do to prepare yourself to be an effective member of the Board?
Charles C. Wu I’ve had extensive discussions with Directors Darius Brooks, Jeff Connors, Jennifer Jennings and Jeff Schwerdtfeger as well as previous Board members regarding Board Governance. Through my committee work, I’ve gotten to know most of the senior management. I was an active participant in last year’s budget process. I’ve done my own financial analysis posted on www.charlescwu.com. I also have dozens of other nonprofit and for profit Board experiences. I’m on the Finance Committee, led the ASC Task Force, participated/observed in the GovDocs, GPC and STR Task Force. I have a good working relationship with our GM.
COMMUNICATION: Develop a better Understand of homeowners using modern business practices, recognize their needs/wants to provide clarity on appropriate vision & objectives; seek ongoing inputs. True transparency. FINANCIAL: Budget, development of a 3-5 year business plan (not currently done), GM objectives, incentives & transparency, clarity for capital projects, staff growth, operational best practices. DAY TO DAY: fire safety, amenity overcrowding and utilization by members and guests, equitable set of rules for all homeowners. I will harness vacation homeowner and academic institution expertise for short term specific tasks. Volunteering builds community engagement.
I stand for a homeowner focused HOA. Tahoe Donner has shifted from serving the homeowner to growing the enterprise. We are losing our diverse family community ethos of both full time and vacation homeowners. A few years ago, there were 2-3 “Hotel Houses” - now there are at least 8-10. Our C&Rs state only “excess capacity” of our amenities should be sold to the public. We need to solve some homeowner issues with appropriate Truckee/private organization partnerships. Examples: ability to get new homeowner insurance, low-cost internet/cable access, living wages/affordable housing for staff.
Michael Sullivan My involvement with Tahoe Donner began when I was asked to form a committee to research snowmaking at our ski hill. We concluded that snowmaking was feasible, would improve member enjoyment, and would prevent significant revenue shortfalls by ensuring the ski hill can open during peak demand holidays and weekends. After that, I joined the GPC, serving as GPC chair for the last two years. Under my leadership, the GPC wrote the Association Master Plan, worked to expand Trout Creek, and began writing amenity master plans to provide strategic guidance for future amenity upkeep and upgrades.
First, we need to take care of our members. That means treating members the right way with fair rules that are equitably applied, and with up-to-date amenities, properly sized for their enjoyment. Second, we need to remain responsible stewards for forest health and regional leaders for fire safety and prevention. Additionally, we need to prepare for the challenges climate change poses for this community. Third, Tahoe Donner's prosperity must also be your prosperity. That means careful financial planning to minimize dues, while still providing our members with great amenities and great service at a great price.
Climate change poses fire safety, financial, and recreational challenges for Tahoe Donner. To keep Tahoe Donner safe, we must continue our aggressive, leading edge fire prevention programs. Our continuing investments in snowmaking at all our snow-dependent amenities provide an insurance policy against the recreational and financial risks posed by inconsistent snowfall. However, because we can expect our dry season to lengthen, we must also plan new four-season uses for our amenities to sustain this community no matter what climatic challenges it faces. If you would like to talk about these or any other issues, please email me at MBS@MichaelSullivan.win.