General Manager’s Update – 12-17-20

    Dear Residents, There’s no question that COVID-19 was the unexpected challenge everyone faced in 2020.. I’m extremely grateful that the number of cases on Skidaway Island has been relatively low thus far. You are the reason for the comparatively low numbers…everyone in the community who puts on their masks each day and has made at least six feet of social distancing the new standard in personal space. There is good reason for optimism for the future, resulting from the recent FDA emergency vaccine authorization, and the first doses are now being administered to high-priority populations. Our optimism must be tempered with appreciation for the current surge in cases and the discipline to continue transmission prevention. TLA will continue with a hybrid approach of having some meetings and some employees mainly working remotely, especially as COVID-19 cases continue to spike. We do meet in person, physically distanced, as required. Realizing that though the vaccines have started rolling out, it will be some months from now before all can receive doses, we are focusing on a more robust remote camera/microphone setup. The goal is to be able to share better video and audio quality when we have hybrid meetings set up for committees and the Board, as well as for our livestreamed Board meetings. In January, work begins on the development of an update to our just-completed, six-year Strategic Plan. If there is one major lesson we learned in 2020, it’s that the world can change in an instant and force you to adapt. Six years is too long for a Strategic Plan in this new reality, so the Board will be focused on a shorter version. The Landings Association’s Board authorized the engagement of an industry-specific firm that specializes in developing Strategic Plans for property owners associations such as The Landings. We plan to engage the community as appropriate and as can be safely handled over the next few months. So please look to communications as we move forward. At the December 2020 Board Meeting, the Board approved a contract for the Athletic Complex project as detailed during the Annual Dues Vote. The Athletic Complex Committee and staff remain enthusiastic, engaged, and committed to bringing this cutting-edge transformation to completion well before summer 2021, on or under budget. Look for updates and photos as work progresses. That project is included in the 2021 Budget adopted by the Board at the December meeting, and is posted at www.landings.org/resources > Governing Documents. I encourage you to review this document at your leisure, as it provides explanations of programs and services, details of spending from 2020, as well as budget explanations for 2021. It represents the single best resource to learn how your Landings Association operates and how we manage the budget. In addition, this month’s Budget Box provides a high-level overview of the 2021 Budget. At the December Board Meeting, the Board also approved the recent proposed Rules regarding political flags, fishing, guests, and our fine schedule. Thoughtful community feedback through this process helped create better Rules than originally drafted. Thank you for your input! Finally, my sincere gratitude is extended to our outgoing Board members -- Jim Van Epps, Diane Thompson, and Ex-Officio Hank Policinski, who each brought unique talents and perspectives that strengthened our elected leadership team. Jim has been instrumental in the Athletic Complex project and the Strategic Water Committee, and he will continue his work in both of those in 2021. Diane has brought great leadership to renovation education efforts, as well as to The Landings Company. Hank always brought his insightful legal mind to complex discussions. New to the Board in 2021 are Andrea Felkins and Bob Wood. They join Mark Winters, who filled a one-year term after a vacancy. It is my privilege to work alongside all of you, and I look forward to a successful 2021. As we celebrate the end of 2020, let’s continue to stand together by standing apart. Please stay well and have a Happy, Safe New Year!