Crissi Langwell, OVA Communications Director
Berger Assessment Update and Timeline
The Berger Center has become a key operational focus due to the condition of its boiler and chiller systems, which are nearing the end of their service life and are expected to require replacement within the next year. To ensure continued code compliance and reliable building operations, the General Manager and Operations Manager have initiated a comprehensive facilities assessment.
This assessment will evaluate a few project options, ranging from mandatory replacements to broader improvements, and will provide the Board with the information needed to make a well-informed decision on the best path forward. Throughout this process, the community will be kept informed and encouraged to stay engaged.
OVA management has officially engaged Energy Systems Group (ESG) to perform the facility assessment. ESG will conduct a comprehensive review of the Berger Center building and its systems.
ESG was selected because of their strong experience with building system evaluations, mechanical system modernization, and HVAC upgrades in facilities similar to the Berger Center. Their engineering team specializes in identifying cost-effective solutions for aging infrastructure and helping organizations compare multiple project options before committing to any work. Importantly, the assessment they are conducting comes at no initial cost to OVA. This means OVA receives a full technical evaluation, code review, and detailed project options. Costs would only occur later if the Board chooses to move forward with a specific project based on the assessment results.
Task Force and Committee Reports
The Governing Docs Ad Hoc Committee presented three recommendations for the Board to consider. First, they proposed changing the voting threshold for amending the bylaws from a majority of all eligible voters to a 65% approval of those voting, provided at least a majority of eligible voters cast ballots. Second, they recommended giving the Board the authority to correct bylaws that conflict with the law, with safeguards that include a publicly shared attorney letter and approval by two-thirds of Directors at an open meeting. Third, they suggested holding the bylaws vote at the same time as the Spring 2026 Directors Election to increase turnout and reduce costs. The GDC is hopeful the board will vote on whether or not to adopt the committee’s recommendations, and also would like guidance on the committee’s role leading up to the election.
LOMAA reported the completion of moving their website to the OVA website, which can be found at oakmontvillage.com/lomaa. Primary concerns among residents include rising fire insurance costs and limited availability, firewise compliance and compliance with state legislation on irrigation of turf in common areas. Recently, LOMAA engaged with the City of Santa Rosa Water Use Efficiency Team, completed a site tour, and hosted a presentation. LOMAA’s focus is on AB1572, which restricts use of potable water to irrigate non-functional turf, which could impact the landscaping of subHOA’s common areas.
The Golf Advisory Committee reported strong financial performance in the third quarter, with continued positive trends and a profit over the past nine months. Tournament play is on the rise, and the club is offering appealing membership incentives, including advanced tee-time reservations, member discounts, and a limited-time $500 food and beverage voucher. The committee noted improved restaurant food quality, while also acknowledging ongoing concerns about service. The reconstruction of the holding pond weir (dam) on the Valley of the Moon Course has been completed, funded by CourseCo per the lease agreement. Initial waterway remediation is also finished, with costs shared by CourseCo and OVA. CourseCo is currently evaluating issues on the cart paths.
Committee Updates
The board approved the following appointments:
Liz Lefson was approved as chair of the Oakmont Community Development Committee, and Susan Chauncy and Jim Munger were approved as members. Steve Rankin was approved as a voting member of the Architectural Committee. Monica Heath was approved as chair of the Long Range Planning Committee.
The board is revisiting the charter of Long Range Planning Committee and will bring it to the open session for a vote at a later date.
See also: Video: 11-18-2025 Board Meeting