Tuesday’s Stetson Hills HOA Board meeting is an important one. The Board plans to fill two open director seats, ratify the March 24 bylaws repeal, and consider whether homeowner voting rights may be suspended for open violations.

Please plan to attend and speak up respectfully if you have concerns.

Meeting Details

Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Meeting link: https://meeting.cityproperty.com/STTB854423

• Draft Agenda Link

• Full Board Packet Link (The full April 28 Board packet, as distributed by the HOA to all members through the homeowner portal, is available here for convenience.)

Why This Meeting Is Important

Six neighbors applied for the two open Board seats:

Michelle Burgess, Robert Biscoe, Thomas McDaniel, Stephen Weisberg, Jim Livas, and Brian Noel.

Four applicants are part of the SHCG slate of neighbors ready to serve: Robert Biscoe, Michelle Burgess, Thomas McDaniel, and Stephen Weisberg. Their bios and contact information are available on the Board Candidate Page.

The Part Time Resident Concern

One appointment issue deserves special attention.

Jim Livas, the candidate many homeowners raised concerns about at last month's meeting, is on the slate again. By his own statements, he is not a full-time Arizona resident and is physically present in Stetson Hills approximately 5.5 to 6 months per year, with legal residence outside Arizona.

Board members make decisions that affect property rights, assessments, enforcement, architectural rules, common areas, neighborhood appearance, and everyday quality of life. Neighbors who live here year-round live with those decisions every day, are easier to reach, and are directly accountable to the community they represent.

That is why this Board previously adopted a full-time residency requirement. Then, at the March 24 meeting, the Board voted to repeal those residency and eligibility safeguards. Now, just weeks later, Mr. Livas is being considered again, even though multiple full time resident candidates are available.

Mr. Livas’s ARC record also deserves attention. In his application, he points to his work on the ARC, including updates to community paint schemes and Design Guidelines. Many homeowners remember him as one of the lead ARC members involved in the recent paint palette process, including the proposal that would have prevented many homeowners from simply keeping their existing exterior paint colors.

That position did not change until after SHCG conducted its own community paint survey which showed strong opposition to taking away existing paint color options. Only then did the final rules allow homeowners to keep their current colors.

The Bylaws Issue

The March 24 minutes state that the 2026 bylaws amendment discussion was tabled. But the Board then made and passed a motion to repeal the January 2024 and November 2025 amendments and revert to the March 2023 version. Bruce Hopkin and Anthony Vasquez voted no.

Immediately after the vote, the community manager recommended that the bylaws be reviewed by legal counsel and that a redline version be prepared to ensure compliance with Arizona statutes. That recommendation is in the March 24 minutes.

Five weeks later, the Board plans to ratify that repeal on April 28. Homeowners still have not seen a clean current version of the bylaws, and if the legal review the manager recommended has been completed, it has not been shared with the community. The Board should not ratify a confusing repeal before homeowners can see what the current bylaws actually say.

The Voting Rights Issue

Agenda item VI.f says: “Voting Rights, May suspend for open violations.”

Voting is one of the most important rights homeowners have. Any policy that would allow the Board to suspend a homeowner’s voting rights deserves careful scrutiny before it is adopted.

The governing documents and Arizona law raise serious questions about how far the Board can go. The Stetson Hills Bylaws reference suspension of voting rights as a possible sanction, but also say the duration of any suspension is limited by the Declaration. The CC&R provision addressing suspensions appears to focus on the right to use recreational facilities, including 60-day suspension periods for infractions. That is not the same as a broad policy suspending homeowner voting rights for any “open violation,” especially one that is only alleged or still in dispute.

Arizona law also requires notice and an opportunity to be heard before monetary penalties are imposed. At a minimum, any voting-rights suspension policy should include clear notice, a fair hearing process, and a meaningful opportunity to challenge or correct the alleged violation before such an important right is limited.

Our Ask: Show Up and Speak Up

Homeowners do not vote on the appointments, the bylaws ratification, or any voting rights policy. The current Board members make those decisions.

But homeowners do have a voice.

Please attend the April 28 meeting and respectfully make your views known during homeowner comments before any vote. The only way to ensure the Board hears the community clearly is for homeowners to show up and participate.

The decisions made Tuesday could affect who represents us, what bylaws govern the Board, and whether homeowner voting rights can be limited in the future. These are not small issues, and they should not be decided quietly.

Thank you for staying engaged and continuing to show up for Stetson Hills. Homeowners are making a difference.

City Property sent out the official announcement today for the 2026 Stetson Hills HOA Annual Meeting and Board election.

At this year’s annual meeting, 2 Board seats will be up for election, each for a 3 year term. Homeowners who want to run for the Board must submit their name, lot number, and a short paragraph about their qualifications no later than April 20, 2026 at 5:00 PM Arizona time.

Candidate information must be submitted to:

Email: meetings@cityproperty.com
Mail: 4645 E. Cotton Gin Loop, Phoenix, AZ 85040

City Property stated that resumes sent to any other email address will not be included on the ballot.

Candidate information may also be submitted through the CITYCYNC homeowner portal: https://homeowners.cityproperty.com

This election is especially important given the recent Board resignations and the opportunity now in front of the community. We strongly encourage qualified, homeowner focused residents to consider running.

Based on the current governing documents, the key qualification to run appears to be that you are a Member of the Association at the time of election. The later bylaw provisions requiring full time Arizona residency, current account financial status, no outstanding violations, and other added eligibility restrictions were repealed.

If you are thinking about running and would like to be included on the SHCG candidate slate, or if you would like to review the candidates currently endorsed by SHCG, please visit the HOA Board Candidate Page.

Stetson Hills homeowners should be aware of another major development at the HOA.

Board members Leon Lang and Christine Wirthwein have both resigned from the Stetson Hills HOA Board. Their resignations come on the heels of Brian Lewis’s resignation, meaning that 3 of the 7 Board members resigned within the last week.

We thank Leon, Christine, and Brian for their service to the community and for the time they each devoted to the Board.

At the same time, this is a significant and very positive development for our community.

For many homeowners, these resignations reflect the growing pressure for change and the increasing difficulty of defending a system that has too often operated without the transparency, fairness, and accountability homeowners deserve. Brian Lewis’s seat has already been filled, but these new resignations still leave important vacancies on the Board at the same time that 2 Board seats are already up for election in May. That means homeowners need to keep the pressure on the remaining Board members to make sure the right candidates are appointed to these open seats.

This is a major opening for Stetson Hills to break from the old pattern and build a Board that is more open, more inclusive, more accountable, and more responsive to homeowners.

Who gets appointed to these open seats, and who gets elected in May, will help determine how quickly that happens. But one thing is already clear: this community is no longer willing to accept the same closed, insider-driven approach that has frustrated so many homeowners. We are headed toward something better, and more homeowners are stepping up to help make sure of it.

This is why homeowner involvement matters right now more than ever. This is a big moment for our 904-home community. The opportunity is here, we just need to keep the momentum going. 

Stetson Hills Common Good continues to encourage qualified homeowners to step forward and get involved. We need strong candidates for both Board and committee positions. If you want a voice in the future of our community, now is the time to stay informed, stay engaged, and consider stepping up.

Visit the HOA Board Candidates page to see the current slate of qualified and experienced candidates. There is also a candidate interest form for homeowners who would like to be added to the SHCG slate of candidates for Board or committee positions.

Our community is moving in a more positive, more inclusive direction, and homeowners are the reason why. 

Last night’s HOA Board meeting drew another record-breaking turnout, with nearly 70 homeowners in attendance. That level of engagement was incredible, and it made a real difference.

Unfortunately, the meeting itself was once again chaotic, argumentative, and not reflective of the kind of leadership this community deserves. It lasted more than two and a half hours, and because the Board President struggled to run an organized meeting, much of the agenda was tabled. Homeowners who attended saw firsthand the urgent need for better leadership and a more functional Board.

Still, there were some important developments.

Melissa Bowman appointed to the open Board seat

The best news of the night was that, after many homeowner comments and repeated efforts by certain Board members to appoint a part-time Stetson Hills resident to the open seat, four of the six Board members did the right thing and appointed full-time resident Melissa Bowman to the vacant Board position.

Board members Leon Lang and Kevin Beckwith voted against her appointment.

Melissa is highly qualified and will be an outstanding Board member who brings a much-needed focus on transparency, accountability, and putting the community first.

Bylaw changes: some needed fixes, but bigger concerns remain

There was also major action on the bylaws. A couple of the changes were needed. Removing the Nominating Committee complications and easing some of the homeowner-violation restrictions on running for a Board seat were both positive steps.

But that was not the whole story.

After Leon Lang learned that his preferred candidate was not going to be appointed because that candidate was not a full-time Arizona resident, he pushed for a motion to repeal the very bylaws that created that obstacle. His ally had also just lost a Board seat under the three-consecutive-meetings rule after failing to attend the last three consecutive Board meetings. Those two setbacks appear to have been the real catalyst for the sudden effort to abandon the agendized bylaw proposal and instead repeal the last two bylaw amendments.

As a result, the Board removed:

• the requirement that Board members be full-time Arizona residents

• the rule that a Board member who misses three consecutive Board meetings is automatically removed

• the automatic vacancy rule if a director no longer meets certain qualifications

• the rule making the Nominating Committee the sole and exclusive method for Board nominations

A few needed fixes were mixed in, but the overall intent appeared to be less about thoughtful reform and more about eliminating the two provisions that had suddenly become inconvenient for insider candidates: the three-consecutive-meetings rule and the full-time-resident requirement.

How it happened was just as troubling

What makes this even more troubling is how it happened. The Board packet included a bylaw revision, and there was clear confusion during the meeting about the motion process. But instead of carefully working through the proposed language and its impact, the Board ultimately voted to set aside the proposed bylaw changes and repeal the last two bylaw revisions from 2024 and 2025 in their entirety, reverting to the baseline bylaws from 1998, along with amendments through 2023.

There was little meaningful discussion of what those repeals would actually do, and it did not appear that most Board members clearly understood the consequences before voting. It looked like a last-minute scramble to change the rules when the existing rules no longer worked for certain insiders, and it was done in a way that left everyone in attendance, including much of the Board itself, confused about what had just happened.

Homeowners are making a difference

Even with all the dysfunction, homeowners should not miss the bigger picture: we are making a difference.

A full-time resident was appointed to the open Board seat. The paint palette was changed so homeowners can keep their current home color. Homeowners are now being allowed to speak before Board votes. More neighbors are getting informed, showing up, and refusing to be divided.

That matters, and it is starting to change outcomes.

What comes next

Two more Board seats will be up for election in May. Please visit the HOA Candidate page for more information and to see the current slate of SHCG-endorsed HOA Board and committee candidates.

Please also consider throwing your name in the hat. We need more neighbors to step up and help restore our HOA Board to one that acts lawfully, reasonably, fairly, and in the best interests of the entire community.

Thank you to everyone who attended, spoke up, sent emails, shared information, and stayed engaged. Progress only happens when neighbors come together and keep pushing for a Board that is transparent, reasonable, fair, and accountable.

HOA Board Bylaw Links:

• Bylaws - Adopted 1998

• Bylaw Amendment - 2021

• Bylaw Amendment - 2023

• Bylaw Amendment - 2024 - REPEALED ON MARCH 24, 2026, BY BOARD

• Bylaw Amendment - 2025 - REPEALED ON MARCH 24, 2026, BY BOARD

The March 24 HOA Board agenda was posted on Friday (link to agenda).

Update quick summary: The agenda is vague yet again. Homeowners should be prepared for a possible vote on the open Board seat, continued questions about how the Nominating Committee is handling the vacancy process, more developments on the Permanent Lighting issue, and discussion of other long-awaited items including possible Landscape Committee formation and needed playground equipment repairs. The email also includes SHCG’s endorsement of Melissa Bowman for the current Board opening and information about this spring’s Board elections. Please take a few minutes to read the rest of this update, which includes important details on each of these issues.

Once again, the agenda does not clearly state whether the Board plans to discuss or vote on the soon-to-be-open Board seat, so homeowners should be on the watch for possible action anyway. In our view, this continues a pattern of agendas that are too vague to give homeowners fair notice of what the Board may actually do, which does not align with state law.

That lack of clarity is especially important here. Article 4, Section 4.1 of the Stetson Hills Bylaws, as amended in November 2025 (link to Bylaw), requires that any person desiring to serve on the Board must be a Member of the Association and a full-time resident of the State of Arizona. The bylaws also include an exception to the full-time residency requirement in situations involving a shortage of fully qualified candidates. But any such exception should be reserved for rare circumstances where there truly are not enough qualified full-time homeowner candidates. That does not appear to be the case here. For this vacancy, three full-time Stetson Hills homeowners have already stepped forward and, according to City Property, all three have been verified as qualified for appointment. Even so, certain members of the Nominating Committee still attempted to exclude two of those candidates, despite the community manager’s explanation that their reasoning is flawed and that both candidates are fully qualified and in good standing.

If qualified full-time resident candidates have already stepped forward, why is a part-time resident, who currently serves on the Stetson Hills HOA Architectural Committee, still being pushed for the seat?

Even more concerning, that push seems to be coming from the Nominating Committee, which is supposed to ensure that candidates are qualified and that the governing documents are followed. One of the three members of that committee is the same Board member who is resigning from the seat now being filled. At a minimum, those are reasonable questions about whether the process is being handled fairly and independently.

Taken together, these facts make the effort to appoint a part-time homeowner feel less like a rare exception for a shortage of qualified full-time homeowner candidates and more like a convenient way to keep a preferred insider in place. These Board decisions affect all of us. We deserve Board members who live here year-round, understand our community, and reflect our neighborhood’s diversity in age, background, and perspective.

The great news is that we have strong candidates ready to serve. Stetson Hills Common Good is proud to endorse Melissa Bowman for the open Board seat, which the Board has described as the Treasurer position. Her experience, professionalism, and commitment to fairness make her the clear choice. More broadly, homeowners are stepping up in a positive way to help restore reasonableness, common sense, lawfulness, and a homeowner-first approach to the Stetson Hills HOA Board.

We have included a link to SHCG’s endorsement of Melissa Bowman for the current Board opening.

There is also another important item on the March 24 agenda: Permanent Lighting. As many of you know, last month the Board voted to seek legal guidance on the permanent eave holiday lights issue and to freeze violations related to those lights while that review is underway. Homeowners should listen closely for any update on that legal research, what questions were sent to counsel, and what the Board plans to do next.

This issue deserves close attention because permanent eave holiday lights are already allowed under the current CC&Rs, and the Board’s own retained architect reportedly said the same. We asked for a legal opinion months ago, but instead the Board hired an architect to review what the CC&Rs already allow. Now, after not getting the answer they wanted from the architect, the Board is finally seeking legal guidance while spending more HOA dues revisiting an issue that already appears settled.

The latest agenda also includes two items many homeowners have been waiting to see: Landscape Committee Formation and needed playground equipment repairs/replacements. We are encouraged that the Landscape Committee may finally be resurrected after being disbanded months ago, especially given the many homeowner complaints about the declining condition of our common areas. When our landscaping and shared spaces suffer, it affects property values, but just as importantly, it weakens the sense of pride, connection, and community those spaces are supposed to create.

We have included a link for homeowners to review the current contract with Stillwater Landscaping, the landscape maintenance company hired by our HOA board.

The playground item is just as important. The equipment is overdue for real repair and restoration, and its condition has become a visible blight on the neighborhood. For safety, liability, and, most importantly, for the enjoyment of our children and families, this equipment needs to be professionally repaired and maintained.

This is your HOA, and your voice matters. Please attend the next HOA Board meeting on March 24 at 6:00 PM via Zoom: https://meeting.cityproperty.com/STTB604222

Also remember that our HOA will hold its annual elections in May, with two Board seats up for election. To learn more about the neighbors stepping up as HOA Board candidates, please visit the HOA Board Candidates Page.

The issues on the March 24 agenda point to something bigger: whether Stetson Hills will be guided by transparency, fairness, sound judgment, and real accountability to homeowners. From the Board vacancy, to the Permanent Lighting issue, to the condition of our common areas and playgrounds, homeowners deserve thoughtful leadership and responsible decision-making. We encourage the Board to keep those principles in mind and to put fairness, community representation, and common sense first.

Let’s work to bring back an HOA Board that is fair, transparent, homeowner-focused, and truly representative of our community by supporting Melissa Bowman on March 24 and voting for new, qualified, and dedicated members in our May elections.

Thanks for caring and staying engaged.

Document Links:

• HOA Board Meeting Agenda - March 24, 2026

• Stetson Hills Bylaws, as amended in November 2025

• Melissa Bowman - SHCG Endorsement Letter

• Stillwater Landscape Contract

The next Stetson Hills HOA Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 24 at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom. This is an important meeting, and we encourage homeowners to attend and stay engaged.

City Property meeting link: https://meeting.cityproperty.com/STTB604222

A few key agenda items or discussion topics may include:

Open Board Position (Treasurer)

The Board may take action on filling the open Treasurer seat. Stetson Hills Common Good is endorsing Melissa Bowman for the position. You can read Melissa’s bio on the SHCG website candidates page: https://www.stetsonhillscommongood.com/hoa-board-candidates

SHCG Bowman Endorsement: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IHfhoTKuklzeIONyYRLu-zL7raS_hIH0/view?usp=sharing

Ethics Complaint Review Committee

There may also be discussion about creating a committee to review the ethics complaint filed against Board Secretary Kevin Beckwith. One Board officer’s conduct toward a homeowner during the HOA Board meeting on February 24, 2026 appeared inconsistent with the standards set out in the Association’s own Code of Conduct and Ethics Policy.

This matters because when Board officers use their position to intimidate or publicly shame homeowners, it discourages participation and undermines trust in the Association’s governance. No homeowner should feel pressured into silence simply for participating. That kind of conduct should be addressed promptly and appropriately.

HOA Board Code of Conduct and Ethics Policy:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_Kz1Whi8gALiQzfBWKmTn5yjBhSrtAnC/view?usp=sharing

Voting Rights / “Good Standing” Discussion

Another important issue to watch is the Board’s discussion about voting rights and “good standing,” including concepts tied to violations. Homeowners raised concerns that any attempt to block members from voting, or from running for the Board, based on minor, disputed, or unresolved violations would be unfair, inconsistent with the governing documents, and harmful to homeowner participation. This topic needs clarity, transparency, and due process, not broad discretion.

Permanent Holiday Lighting

There may also be an update regarding the Board’s February 24 action placing a hold on enforcement of violations related to permanent holiday eave lighting pending a final outcome on the legal issues surrounding this topic.

These issues show why it is so important for homeowners to continue attending meetings, paying attention, and speaking up. Decisions being made now could affect homeowner rights, participation, enforcement, and the overall direction of the community.

To join the March 24 Board meeting, use this Zoom link: https://meeting.cityproperty.com/STTB604222

Community Event Reminder

Stetson Hills owners and residents are also invited to a free community cookout on Saturday, March 28, from noon to 3:00 p.m. at the large park across from Stetson Hills Elementary School. Hamburgers, hot dogs, water, and soft drinks will be provided by the Association’s landscaper, Stillwater Landscape Management, LLC. According to the Association, this get-together is being held in response to strong homeowner interest shown in last fall’s community survey.

Event flyer: https://homeowners.cityproperty.com/DataServices/GetDocument.ashx?type=notificationattachment&notificationID=17588&attachmentID=694b34ea-7cc0-4a4b-a393-a0a8eda8f58d

The cookout also coincides with the annual Stetson Hills Spring Garage Sale, which will be held Friday, March 27 and Saturday, March 28, from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. each day.

We hope to see homeowners at the Board meeting and out in the community that weekend.