Sun City West GM says master-plan contract verbally awarded to Barry Dunn; board presses for more public visibility

General Manager Steven told the Governing Board Nov. 20 that he had verbally awarded the contract for Sun City West’s long‑awaited master plan to a consultancy led by Barry Dunn and expects work to begin soon. He said a more detailed update will be provided at the General Manager’s operations (GM ops) meeting once the internal kickoff and contract formalities are completed.

Director John Chatton asked that, for large contracts, finalist companies present to the board and community before final award, noting community interest in a contract likely to be in the $200,000–$300,000 range. Steven said the selection process varies by community and by local practice; he described the association’s typical approach as delegating award authority to the general manager once budget authority is granted but said staff will seek to provide a public kickoff and additional information when it becomes available.

Director Paskovsky proposed moving the GM ops meeting to the lecture hall and televising it so residents could see the consultant’s presentation; Steven asked for patience while he confirms kickoff details and said the consultant may join the planned site tours on Dec. 9–10. Director Schlemmer urged the board and community to avoid prematurely criticizing the effort and said he supports letting the process proceed.

Steven said the association will provide a full public update when the consultant kickoff and engagement plan are finalized and that staff will post meeting notices for upcoming tours so members know directors will attend even when that attendance creates a quorum on an informal tour.