Another SDA from RCSD?

At the August 13th Board meeting, the HOA President, Danny Trapp, mentioned that the Association may re-start the use of RCSD deputies on special, part-time duty.

The HOA had made a deal with RCSD several years ago under RCSD's Special Duty Agreement (SDA). A former Treasurer was involved in it. Then it was terminated.

Another deal was made with RCSD that was effective February 1, 2023. The previous Treasurer, Vernell Butler, was involved in it and actually signed the SDA for the HOA. (Why didn't the President and Secretary sign?) Many of the terms were similar. It was terminated later in 2023.

Both of the SDAs used RCSD's contract, which contained liability clauses that were very unfavorable to the HOA. I analyzed both SDAs and pointed out the potentially-bankrupting liability risk, asking if the proposed contract had been submitted to the HOA's attorney and the liability insurance carrier for review. Naturally, I didn't get any answers, and there was no indication that the previous boards had ever considered the risks that I had identified.

August 13th was the first time a new SDA had been mentioned. There was no public discussion among board members to authorize any exploration of another SDA.

Board member Dennis Rybicki said the most recent SDA was canceled because of cost, naming "$60,000/year" and "$55/hour" as reasons.

The HOA never spent anywhere close to $60,000 in a year. The expense is found on Line 6050 "Courtesy Patrol". In 2023 the HOA spent $22,936, and in 2022 the HOA spent $28,552.50.

Line 6050 is not in the 2024 Budget.

I hope that I can discuss the risks in a SDA with the new chair of the Safety Committee, William Hill, who was introduced by Danny as having been appointed. (The appointment should have been a formal matter at the board meeting, but it wasn't. The President appoints committee chairs, but with the consent of the board.)

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