Technology Committee Minutes – August 18, 2026

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Quick recap

The Technology Subcommittee meeting focused on reviewing proposed projects for the 2026-2027 term, including sensor and predictive maintenance, Wi-Fi performance improvements, energy management systems, and next-generation entertainment. The committee discussed challenges with current resort implementations, particularly around energy management systems where individual homeowners have achieved better results than the resort’s coordinated approach. Key issues included problems with unreliable Wi-Fi connectivity, thermostat installations that weren’t properly implemented, and the need for enhanced coordination between SNHA and the resort management. The group explored the possibility of SNHA taking a more proactive role in technology implementations, potentially serving as a central point of contact for installations and providing recommendations to homeowners rather than allowing individual building-by-building approaches. The committee also discussed the potential for EV charger installations, with Roml noting that SNHA could qualify for state grants to help defray costs, though questions remained about whether to implement a paid charging system or offer free charging as an amenity.

Next steps

Deb

Synthesize the meeting discussion and update the project list PowerPoint, including the water heater project and its link to sensors/predictive maintenance, then send it out for comments. Create one-page project summaries for each agreed-upon project (sensors/predictive maintenance, Wi-Fi, communication, energy management, next-gen entertainment, EV chargers) using the proposed format. Florrie

Schedule and lead a meeting with Ashley (and include Roml and possibly Deb) to discuss the water heater replacement project, focusing on standardization, cost, and clustering installations by building. Roml

Continue testing the MISA thermostats in his unit and provide recommendations to owners based on the results. Follow up with Ashley to get more detailed estimates and options for the EV charger project, including grant information and cost scenarios. Collaboration

Committee (led by Deb): Develop a RACI matrix for the sensor/predictive maintenance project to define roles and responsibilities. Committee: Discuss EV chargers further. Committee: Investigate the possibility of partnering with Wyndham or leveraging their standards for projects like Wi-Fi and energy management. Committee: Explore the option of SNHA spearheading group projects (e.g., thermostats, sensors) and then approaching the resort for broader implementation. Committee: Consider how to improve communication and make information (e.g., water heater list) accessible to homeowners via the SNHA website, AppFolio, or OneDrive. Summary

Project Review Meeting Introduction

The meeting began with participants joining and checking if everyone was present. Deb mentioned sending an updated PowerPoint to Florrie, which was confirmed to have been received. The group discussed reviewing comments against projects for the 26-27 agenda. Roml shared that he had surgery and was recovering with a leg brace, unable to bend his knee for two weeks. Deb introduced Jorge as a new member of the tech subcommittee, recruited by Lucinda. The conversation ended with Deb inviting everyone to introduce themselves before proceeding with the agenda.

26/27 Project List Review Meeting

The meeting began with introductions, where new member Jorge Onieva was welcomed to the SNHA committee. The group discussed the agenda for reviewing the proposed 2627 project list and addressing recent homeowner comments received from Florrie. Deb outlined plans to discuss project discipline using RACI methodology, particularly for the sensor and predictive maintenance project due to its complex nature and interconnections with other initiatives.

Committee Focus Areas Presentation

Deb presented the committee’s focus areas for the 2627 term, which included sensor and predictive maintenance, Wi-Fi performance adjustments, communication consistency, energy management, and next-generation entertainment. Roml registered SNHA.online and raised questions about communication processes and software usage. Roml expressed frustration with the resort’s lack of assistance on these initiatives, noting that individual homeowners were achieving better results independently, particularly in areas like energy management and entertainment systems.

Residential Sensor Implementation Strategies

The team discussed approaches for implementing sensors and maintenance systems in residential units, considering whether SNHA should handle it independently, partner with the resort, or allow individual homeowners to manage it themselves. They explored challenges with the current rental program policies, particularly around maintenance and service requirements, using cable TV as an example of how resort policies can conflict with individual preferences and costs. The discussion highlighted the need to decide organizational responsibility levels and potentially negotiate changes to resort policies to give homeowners more control over their units.

Resort Collaboration and EMS Project

The group discussed engaging with the resort to address issues with the rental program and Wi-Fi costs, with Joseph suggesting this could provide leverage for better collaboration. Florrie and others explained the status of the EMS project, which aimed to implement a thermostat and door lock system but faced challenges due to different heating systems in buildings and resistance from the resort. The discussion highlighted the need for tighter coordination between SNHA and the resort while protecting owners’ interests.

Resort Thermostat Installation Issues

The board discussed issues with thermostat installations and energy management systems at the resort. Florrie reported that custom thermostat settings were not working as intended, with the system applying uniform temperatures across all homes instead of allowing individual customization based on different unit configurations. The group also addressed specific problems with Matt’s non-functional AC thermostat installation, which has remained unresolved despite multiple requests for service. Deb and Herb raised additional concerns about wiring issues with wireless thermostats and the need for electrical repairs before winter, suggesting they might need to work with a different electrical company.

Resort Thermostat Implementation Planning

The group discussed implementing thermostats and sensors across different buildings at the resort, with Roml suggesting starting with individual homeowner recommendations before potentially expanding to group projects. Jorge raised concerns about Wi-Fi reliability and the need for a consistent support provider, while Florrie confirmed that resort management would serve as the central point of contact for any issues. The discussion concluded with Joseph asking about the ownership of Wyndham units and whether they should be involved in the thermostat implementation project.

Club vs Individual Ownership Discussion

The group discussed differences between club-type ownership and individual unit ownership at Smuggs, with Roml explaining how different building systems and requirements would make resort-wide solutions challenging. Florrie clarified that Wyndham operates independently with their own representatives and policies, separate from Smuggs management, though there was discussion about potential opportunities to partner with Wyndham for infrastructure improvements like Wi-Fi. The conversation concluded with a discussion about water heater replacements, where Roml suggested upgrading to premium models with built-in shut-off sensors and longer warranties, though this would require board approval to move forward with different equipment than previously used.

Water Heater and EV Project

The committee discussed concerns about the water heater replacement project implementation, with Florrie expressing that the current approach lacked coordination and was not cost-effective. The group agreed that a more uniform strategy was needed rather than allowing individual homeowners to make uncoordinated decisions about replacements. They also discussed the potential addition of EV chargers, with Rommel providing details about available grants that could cover up to 90% of installation costs, though questions remained about whether to implement a paid charging system or offer free charging as an amenity. The committee agreed to create one-page summaries for each project and to explore better communication systems for accessing information about existing equipment.