Sun City West staff to study clay and glass-enameling club expansion; $30,000 architectural placeholder proposed

Sun City West directors heard an update on March 14 about a proposed space expansion for the Clay Club and the glass fusing and enameling clubs. The governing board workshop did not take immediate action but accepted a staff-led study and recommended next steps.

Carl Wilhelm read a statement prepared for absent Director John Chattin summarizing meetings that included staff, General Manager, Capital Projects, Facilities Maintenance (Russ Boston), IT (Kyle Hochman), Recreation (Casey Huta), and club representatives. The group reached a majority consensus that Clay Club and glass fusing/enameling need expanded space; photography club, which currently sits between those two rooms at the Beardsley Recreation Center, should be relocated rather than disbanded, the report said.

Wilhelm said a $30,000 capital placeholder for architectural needs was proposed in the FY 2025–26 draft budget to study options. Staff will look for alternative locations or rentable space for Photography West either on association property or offsite.

Safety and scheduling concerns were discussed. Glass fusing and enameling leaders described an operational situation that requires moving glass between two rooms and requested a safety and compliance review; facilities manager Russ Boston said he is working to ensure the club meets safety standards. Directors also vetted operational options such as expanded hours or weekend scheduling; staff said expanded hours were discussed but not considered a substitute for added space, and any weekend-hour changes would require a written proposal to Recreation Manager Casey Huta that demonstrates staffing and program plans.

Members asked about process mapping and efficient layout if new space is found; a public commenter suggested a process study to align equipment and workflows. Board members praised the collaborative committee process and asked staff to continue engagement with clubs before any capital is spent.

Ending: No formal vote was taken. Staff were directed to continue working with the clubs on safety and accommodations and to pursue locating a new space for Photography West; the $30,000 architectural placeholder remains in the FY 2025–26 draft capital proposals for further study.