No. 473

December 23, 2006

Providing service to my community through communication.
This issue was distributed to 1,090 subscribers!
Dear Anthem Compendium Subscribers:

Since I am unable to do so, please forward this issue to your friends in Sun City Anthem that use:

  • AOL
  • Compuserve (cs.com)
  • Wall Mart (wmconnect.com)
  • Yahoo

Chuck Davis
Publisher and Editor

Good morning:

Patrick Aulds, South Division President for Pulte Homes/Del Webb Las Vega made the following statement in an interview with Favil West on the President's report. I suggest you view the full interview on the President's report showing on Ch. 99 beginning Monday December 25, 2006.

The Board of Directors is hosting 2 meetings in January on solely for the purpose of providing SCA residents with as much information as possible on this important issue.

  1. The first meeting will be held
    January 4, 2007, 3:00 p.m. in Hanneman Hall.
  2. The second meeting will be held
    January 7, 2007, 6:00 p.m. in Hanneman Hall.

Senior representatives of Pulte/Del Webb as well as the Associations lawyers will be there to answer questions. If you have questions you would like answered, please submit them as soon as possible using the form on the SCA website. (see the instructions following the transcript) Our expectation is that at the conclusion of the meetings you will be able to make an informed decision regarding this issue.


Favil West
President, SCACAI

Ch 99 Statement
Kitec Issue – settlement offer
Final edits - 12-19-06 (2)


Hello. My name is Patrick Aulds and I am South Division President for Pulte Homes/Del Webb Las Vegas.

I’d like to give our Sun City Anthem homeowners an update regarding the possible defect related to Kitec brass plumbing fittings that many of you have been hearing and reading about in recent weeks.

Kitec is a brand name for a plumbing system manufactured by the Ipex company. The Kitec brass fittings in question connect a home’s pipes to the fixtures.

Due to the unique quality of water in the area, chemical reactions may occur that cause these brass fittings to clog over time. In recent months, some homeowners in Sun City Anthem have reported decreased water flow in their homes, believed to have resulted from corrosion of Kitec brass fittings. To date, corrosion of Kitec fittings has not been found to have caused leaks or any problems other than reduced water flow in any homes in Sun City Anthem.

We first communicated with approximately 3,000 Sun City Anthem homeowners in October whose homes were identified as possibly containing Kitec brass plumbing fittings, based on the dates their homes were built and the types of materials used. We are confident that we have accurately identified those homes that were constructed with Kitec plumbing systems. If you did not receive a notice from Del Webb in October, we do not believe that your home contains Kitec brass plumbing fittings. However, if it is later discovered that you have Kitec brass plumbing fittings in your home, you will still have the ability to notify Pulte to address the fittings.

These particular Kitec brass fittings were used not only at Sun City Anthem, but at communities built by other homebuilders throughout the Las Vegas area. A group of homeowners in Southern Nevada, including the owners of one home in Sun City Anthem, have filed a class action lawsuit against Ipex – the manufacturer of the fittings. It is important to note that Pulte/Del Webb is not named as a defendant in that class action and is not directly involved in that case. The lawsuit contends that homes with Kitec plumbing are experiencing problems allegedly caused by the brass fittings.

The attorneys who filed the class action case also presented Pulte/Del Webb with written notice of the alleged defective fittings. Such a notice is called a Chapter 40 Notice, in reference to Nevada’s construction defect law. The notice received by our company alleges that the problem with Kitec brass fittings is common throughout certain parts of Sun City Anthem. . By sending a Chapter 40 notice to Pulte/Del Webb, the plaintiffs’’ attorneys set into motion a complex legal process – with a number of very short deadlines – giving Pulte the opportunity to inspect the homes and offer a remedy to the alleged defect.

Following the specific legal requirements established by Nevada Chapter 40, Pulte Homes sent written notice of the Chapter 40 claim via certified mail to approximately 3,000 Sun City Anthem homeowners in October. Again, Sun City Anthem homeowners whose homes were determined NOT to have these Kitec plumbing fittings are not affected by these allegations and would not have received the certified letter from Pulte Homes in October.

Per Chapter 40 stipulations, homeowners who received a certified letter from Pulte were legally given 30 days to respond to Pulte Homes with the request of an inspection of their home’s plumbing system. Only through inspection can we determine if a potential defect exists, how many homeowners may be affected, and how best to address the issue.

Of the 3,000 who received the certified letter in October, approximately 2,400 homeowners subsequently requested an inspection from Pulte Homes. Due to the large number of responses, we have not yet inspected all 2,400 homes.

Please be aware that there are local companies – not associated with Pulte Homes or Del Webb – that are currently approaching our homeowners and claim to be working with Pulte to inspect your home. One of these firms, called Construction Design Specialists or “CDS,” claims to offer “FREE Home inspections” to assess whether your home contains the Kitec fittings. However, it is important to know that only ONE company is authorized to inspect homes during this process on Pulte Homes’ behalf. The name of the Pulte Homes authorized inspection company is Southwest Consulting Group. The inspections that Southwest Consulting Group is conducting on behalf of Pulte Homes are always scheduled in advance by phone. Southwest will not show up at your house for an inspection unless it has been pre-scheduled with you.

If you are contacted for an inspection by someone other than Southwest Consulting Group, please be aware that they are NOT working with or for Pulte Homes or Del Webb  – they are likely working in conjunction with outside law firms hoping to drum up additional business. The inspection paperwork they may ask you to fill out could have legal ramifications that would prevent Pulte Homes from working directly with you to address issues with your home. We strongly recommend that you do not allow unauthorized inspectors into your home, and be wary that many are currently approaching our residents to further complicate the situation that Pulte Homes is dedicated to working with homeowners to rectify.

We’ve also had some questions from homeowners who say that they have a Kitec brand sticker located inside the door of their utility box, and that they’ve heard that this sticker will confirm whether or not a home contains Kitec fittings. However, this is not necessarily certain. The sticker is applied during construction to alert electricians that the home has nonmetallic water piping that cannot be used to ground electric circuits. While the sticker may have the “Kitec” logo on it, there are some instances in which plumbing contractors post a sticker with any brand name on it – as long as the message about grounding is clear. So in some cases, a “Kitec” logo on the sticker in your utility box may not actually indicate that Kitec fittings were used in your home. Only an actual inspection will enable us to verify the presence of Kitec products in your home.

Pulte Homes has a legal obligation to the homeowners who requested an inspection per Chapter 40 law, and we must respond to all of these homeowners within 45 days of receiving their inspection request. On December 7, Pulte notified the group of homeowners whose inspection requests were among the first ones received that we would be offering monetary compensation in the amount of $7,800 to homeowners with Kitec brass fittings in their home.

The $7,800 amount reflects the estimated cost for replacing the existing plumbing system that includes Kitec brass fittings with an entirely new plumbing system that does not use Kitec brass plumbing fittings. We’ve worked closely with trusted contractors to determine the cost for the repair and the time needed to do it. According to our contractors, the plumbing system replacement work should require 8-10 hours to complete. After that work is complete, the local building department must inspect the new system. Once inspected, drywall and stucco contractors will repair the drywall and stucco and repaint as necessary. The total process, including necessary inspections and drywall work, would be completed over the course of three to four days. It will be necessary to shut off the home’s water supply during the first eight to ten hours while the re-plumbing work is being performed.

Pulte Homes also considered an alternative repair that would simply remove and replace the Kitec brass fittings with other fittings manufactured by Ipex. The estimated cost of this repair was $5,700. Pulte Homes chose to offer the higher compensation amount so that re-plumbing of the entire house could be done using non-Ipex parts.

The same monetary offer has been sent to all 2,400 homeowners who responded to Pulte’s original letter, indicating that they wanted an inspection of their plumbing system. Upon receiving the monetary offer, homeowners have 35 days to accept the terms of the offer.

It is NOT necessary to have your home inspected by Pulte Homes within 35 days; however, payment of the monetary offer WILL be contingent upon an inspection in the coming months, verifying that your home has Kitec brass plumbing fittings. Because of the large number of homeowners requesting an inspection, we cannot access 2,400 homes within the 35 day legal limit for accepting the offer. Homeowners who wish to accept the offer must still respond within 35 days, however, the monetary compensation will not be paid until an inspection can be scheduled and the presence of the Kitec brass fittings is confirmed. Once the presence of Kitec brass plumbing fittings is confirmed in the home, homeowners can move forward with repairs and will receive the $7,800 compensation.

In the offer letter sent to these 2,400 homeowners, there is contact information for two local contractors who are familiar with and willing to perform, the necessary plumbing and drywall work to repair the problem. If you accept the monetary offer, you will need to contact one of these contractors or another contractor of your choice, to schedule repairs at a time that’s convenient for you. We understand that a number of homeowners have already contacted contractors to schedule their plumbing replacement. Again, compensation payments cannot be processed until the home is inspected and the presence of Kitec brass plumbing fittings is confirmed.

Accepting the monetary offer also means Pulte Homes is released from further obligation or legal action regarding the Kitec plumbing system in that home. This monetary settlement is being offered in lieu of Pulte Homes performing the plumbing repairs in your home.

Some homeowners have also let us know that they received a letter from a law firm and a Notice of Class regarding the class action lawsuit involving Kitec brass plumbing fittings. As stated previously, I emphasize that Pulte Homes and Del Webb are not named in the lawsuit. This lawsuit was filed against only the manufacturer of the Kitec fittings – Ipex – and the plumbing contractors who initially installed the product throughout Southern Nevada. Pulte Homes and Del Webb have no additional information about the class action suit.

As mentioned earlier, homeowners have thirty-five days from the date of receipt to accept Pulte’s offer of $7,800 by returning the signed release form. Once we have obtained the release and have inspected the home to confirm the presence of Kitec brass fittings, we will process the request for compensation and issue payment. Because of the large number of inspections that have been requested, it may take several months for Pulte to complete the inspections and issue the checks. We anticipate that homeowners will receive their checks within 90 days after returning the signed release to us, or after verification that a home has Kitec plumbing, whichever is later.

If you received a notice from Pulte Homes/Del Webb concerning Kitec brass fittings, but did not return your request for inspection form, you may still request an inspection of your home to determine whether you have Kitec brass fittings. Please call Kelly Peterson with Koeller Nebeker at (702) 853-5500 to obtain a new “request for inspection” form. Once we receive your completed request for inspection form, you will be contacted to schedule your inspection. Again, Kelly Peterson can be reached at (702) 853-5500.

We know that there’s a lot of information circulating among our residents regarding this plumbing issue, and that many outside firms and individuals are trying to capitalize on our homeowners’ concerns. We are very grateful for your patience and willingness to work with us as we address this issue with our Sun City Anthem homeowners.

Community Web site:
http://www.sca-hoa.org

An eForm has been designed and placed on the Community Web site to collect your questions regarding the Kitec plumbing fittings. These questions will enable the participants to do some investigative work before the meeting, and be better prepared with answers.

Look for the eForm: Kitec Fitting Questions for 1/4/2007 Meeting

If you haven't previously logged on the site, read this carefully:
 http://www.anthemwebs.com/Documents/anthem_compendium050702.htm

HOLIDAY HOURS:

Administration Fitness Anthem Center Independence Center
Sunday, December 24th - Closed 5:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 7:30 a.m. - Noon
No classes
Monday, December 25th - Closed Closed Closed Closed - No Classes
Sunday, December 31st - Closed 5:30 a.m. to noon Closed 7:30 a.m. - Noon
No classes
Monday, January 1st
Closed		 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Noon to 10:00 p.m. Closed
No classes

Happy Holidays
Prettige Feestdagen
Stane a vesele
Glaedelig jul og godt nytar
Frohe Feiertage und ein erfolgreiches neues Jahr
Auguri di Buone Feste
God jul og godt nytt ar
Kellemes unnepeket
Felices Fiestas
Wesolych Swiat
Hyvaa Joulua
God Jul och Gott Nytt Ar
Boas Festas
Joyeuses Fetes
Mutlu Yillar
And a Merry Christmas!

Dreaming of a White Christmas!
Since we hope to be in Denver, the dream will come true!

Recent Tax Law Changes May Affect People Giving to Charity:
IRS Offers Tips for Year-End Donations

WASHINGTON — Individuals and businesses making contributions to charity should keep in mind several important tax law changes made last summer by the Pension Protection Act.

The new law offers older owners of individual retirement accounts a new way to give to charity. It also includes rules designed to provide both taxpayers and the government greater certainty in determining what may be deducted as a charitable contribution. Some of these changes include the following.

New Tax Break for IRA Owners

An IRA owner, age 70 ½ or over, can directly transfer tax free, up to $100,000 per year to an eligible charitable organization. This option is available in tax years 2006 and 2007. Eligible IRA owners can take advantage of this provision, regardless of whether they itemize their deductions. Distributions from employer-sponsored retirement plans, including SIMPLE IRAs and simplified employee pension (SEP) plans are not eligible.

To qualify, the funds must be contributed directly by the IRA trustee to the eligible charity. Amounts so transferred are not taxable and no deduction is available for the amount given to the charity.

Not all charities are eligible under this provision. For example, donor-advised funds and supporting organizations are not eligible recipients.

Transferred amounts are counted in determining whether the owner has met the IRA’s required minimum distribution rules. Where individuals have made nondeductible contributions to their traditional IRAs, a special rule treats transferred amounts as coming first from taxable funds, instead of proportionately from taxable and nontaxable funds, as would be the case with regular distributions.

Rules for Clothing and Household Items

To be deductible, clothing and household items donated to charity after Aug. 17, 2006, must be in good used condition or better. However, a taxpayer may claim a deduction of more than $500 for any single item, regardless of its condition, if the taxpayer includes a qualified appraisal of the item with the return. Household items include furniture, furnishings, electronics, appliances, and linens.

Guidelines for Monetary Donations

To deduct any charitable donation of money, a taxpayer must have a bank record or a written communication from the charity showing the name of the charity and the date and amount of the contribution. A bank record includes canceled checks, bank or credit union statements and credit card statements. Bank or credit union statements should show the name of the charity and the date and amount paid. Credit card statements should show the name of the charity and the transaction posting date.

Donations of money include those made in cash or by check, electronic funds transfer, credit card, and payroll deduction. For payroll deductions, the taxpayer should retain a pay stub, Form W-2 wage statement or other document furnished by the employer showing the total amount withheld for charity, along with the pledge card showing the name of the charity.

Prior law allowed taxpayers to back up their donations of money with personal bank registers, diaries or notes made around the time of the donation. Those types of records are no longer sufficient.

This provision applies to contributions made in taxable years beginning after Aug. 17, 2006. For taxpayers that file returns on a calendar-year basis, including most individuals, the new provision applies to contributions made beginning in 2007.

The new law does not change the prior-law requirement that a taxpayer get an acknowledgement from a charity for each deductible donation (either money or property) of $250 or more. However, one statement containing all of the required information may meet the requirements of both provisions.

To help taxpayers plan their holiday-season and year-end donations, the IRS offers the following additional reminders:

  • Contributions are deductible in the year made. Thus, donations charged to a credit card before the end of the year count for 2006. This is true even if the credit-card bill isn’t paid until next year. Also, checks count for 2006 as long as they are mailed this year.
  • Check that the organization is qualified. Only donations to qualified organizations are tax-deductible. IRS Publication 78, available online and at many public libraries, lists most organizations that are qualified to receive deductible contributions. The searchable online version can be found on IRS.gov under, “Search for Charities.” In addition, churches, synagogues, temples, mosques and government agencies are eligible to receive deductible donations, even though they often are not listed in Publication 78.
  • For individuals, only taxpayers who itemize their deductions on Schedule A can claim a deduction for charitable contributions. This deduction is not available to people who choose the standard deduction, including anyone who files a short form (1040A or 1040EZ). A taxpayer will have a tax savings only if the total itemized deductions (mortgage interest, charitable contributions, state and local taxes, etc.) exceeds the standard deduction. Use the 2006 Schedule A, available now on IRS.gov, to determine whether itemizing is better than claiming the standard deduction.
  • For all donations of property, including clothing and household items, get from the charity, if possible, a receipt that includes a description of the donated property. If a donation is left at a charity’s unattended drop site, keep a written record of the donation that includes a description of the property and its condition. 
  • The deduction for a motor vehicle, boat or airplane donated to charity is usually limited to the gross proceeds from its sale. This rule applies if the claimed value of the vehicle is more than $500. Form 1098-C, or a similar statement, must be provided to the donor by the organization and attached to the donor’s tax return. See IRS Publication 526, Charitable Contributions, for more information.

Links:

Image of Channel 99 TV News Sun City Anthem.

Week beginning December 25, 2006 -
CHANNEL 99 TV News Program
Cox Cable Television Channel 99
On the Web site at: http://www.sca-hoa.org
Log in and click on Channel 99.
Suggestions and comments to:

channel99sca (at) yahoo (dot) com

  1. STORIES
    1. Holiday Magic Show– (The Performing Arts Club’s Variety Players) at Freedom Hall
    2. Bellagio Chocolate Fountain - Marie D’Angelo
    3. Serenity Day Spa – Jackie McRitchie
    4. Dr. George- Flu Doctor – Dianne Davis
  2. ONGOING FEATURES:
    1. Meg’s Stretch and Tip – Meg Poulson
    2. Nutrition Helps – (Osteoporosis) Sue Simecka/Amy Miracle
    3. Cranky Critic, Anita Rosen – “Babel”
    4. Activity Manager’s Report – Greg Dreyer
    5. Something to Think About – (Holiday Eating Precautions) - Lois Krashin
    6. Board President’s Report – Favil West
    7. Kitec Plumbing Issue – Patrick Auld

DETAILED RECAP OF WEEK 92 – AIR DATE MONDAY, Dec. 25, 2006

Tune into Channel 99 for a special treat – The Holiday Magic Show featuring The Performing Arts Club’s Variety Players at Freedom Hall. Marie D’Angelo enjoys the fabulous Chocolate Fountain at the Bellagio Hotel. Jackie McRitchie gives us an inside look at our own Serenity Day Spa. Learn important health tips as Dianne Davis interviews Dr. George “The Flu Doctor”. Cranky Critic, Anita Rosen, reviews the movie Babel.

Greg Dreyer provides viewers with information on upcoming SCA activities. Sue Simecka and Amy Miracle talk about ways to prevent Osteoporosis. Meg Poulson presents her fitness Stretch and Tip of the Week, and Lois Krashin advises us to follow some holiday eating precautions. The program concludes with Favil West giving his Board President’s Report and Patrick Auld’s statement on the Kitec plumbing issue.

Phyllis Davis
837-0644

Image of the cover of The Anthem Cookbook sponsored by the Minuteman Foundation, Inc. and Del Webb/Pulte Homes The Anthem Cookbook!

If you like to cook, and you don't want to use an untried recipe, this book is your answer. The Anthem Cookbook contains more than 500 recipes submitted by Sun City Anthem residents, Del Webb/Pulte employees, and chefs from The Strip.

Now on sale by mail and on the internet.

By Mail:

Prices:

  • $12 plus $3 for shipping and handling for each copy 

We will mail the books at the USPS Book Rate to the contiguous 48 States for $3.00 Shipping and Handling per book. Send your check for $15 per book to:

The Minuteman Foundation
2505 Anthem Village Drive, Ste E-480
Henderson, NV 89052

Don't forget to include the name and address of the recipient of the book.

On the Internet:

You may use your credit card to buy your Anthem Cookbooks by making a donation here in the amount of $15 ($12 plus $3 for shipping and handling) for each book desired: http://www.anthemwebs.com/communitynews.htm#Dedicated

You will receive your receipt when you complete the PayPal transaction. Immediately complete the form on this Contact page  to send a message listing the address(es) to which your books are to be mailed.

For further information call Rita Berman at 617-1551

The Minuteman Foundation, Inc. is the publisher and benefits from the sale of these books. The book is sponsored by Del Webb/Pulte.

Upcoming Sun City Anthem Activities
at home and about town!

  • Party!
    New Year's Eve Gala
    Trumpets Prime Rib Buffet with its Signature chocolate fondue fountain!
    Black tie optional and cash bar available.
    $100 per person ($110 after 12/24)
    $120 per person - preferred seating in Trumpets ($130 after 12/24)
    December 31, 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
    Seating times: 7:30, 8:00 and 8:30 p.m.
    See the December Spirit, page 19

The Minuteman Foundation, Inc.        Tax ID # 48-1256766
2505 Anthem Village Drive, Suite E-480
Henderson, NV 89052

The Minuteman Foundation is the organization which provides the funding needed to support the activities of the Community Service Club. The Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) charity.

An image of a red rose, The Minuteman Foundation has received a donation in memory of Esther Contusi who recently passed away. Acknowledgements to her daughter, Terry Da Silva.

Though it's hard to see the reason, may it comfort you to know that loving thoughts go out to you...

 

An image of six "birthday cake" candles. The Minuteman Foundation has received a generous donation to honor Jerry Gardberg on the 70th anniversary of his birth.

                  Happy Birthday Jerry!

The goal of The Minuteman Foundation is to fund the many and diverse needs of the elderly in each and all of our growing communities.

Pursuant thereto we have allied with the Community Service Club to provide free assistance to SCA residents. The services included are:

Transportation: To local area medical providers or supermarkets. Three (3) business days notice required to arrange for your ride.

Equipment: We will loan you (on a temporary basis) a wheelchair, walker, crutches, cane, or other durable medical equipment.

Home Maintenance: Assistance with minor home maintenance chores such as: cleaning or replacing overhead air filters, replacing batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors, or changing overhead light bulbs.

Home Assistance: Resource Directory of information on fee-based, discount, and many other services available to seniors. Volunteers will also shop and deliver groceries or prescription medication to residents who are temporarily homebound.

Support Groups: CSC sponsors several support groups to assist the residents of Sun City Anthem. These groups are:

  • Living “Well” with Disabilities (physical mobility)
    2nd Tuesday, 1—2:30 p.m., Anthem Center

  • Alzheimer’s Caregivers
    3rd Monday, 6:30—8:30 p.m., Former Sewing Room

  • Bereavement — please call 614-5862 for information.

  • One on one guidance through Jewish bereavement protocol

  • One on one grief counseling for loss of a child

  • Friends of Bill W. Meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous -
    Every Monday, 7 p.m., Independence Center.

  • Home Caregivers (for those caring for a loved one at home)
    3rd Monday 1:30—2:30 p.m. Anthem Center.

Volunteers are the backbone of the CSC. We need your help!
HELP US NOW AND WE WILL HELP YOU LATER!

Call 614-5862 to volunteer or for further information.
Our business hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday — Friday.

Please make your dollars count, mail your check to:

The Minuteman Foundation, Inc.
2505 Anthem Village Drive, Suite E-480
Henderson, NV 89052

Please do not send mail for the Foundation to the Sun City Anthem Community Association. Use the above address.

It's easy to make a financial donation to the Foundation with your credit card. Click here. All transactions are via a secure link to PayPal, a wholly owned subsidiary of eBay. Your donation may be fully deductible. Contact your tax advisor.


Chuck Davis
Co-founder and Treasurer
The Minuteman Foundation, Inc.