Sun City hoping to resolve lawsuit

A lawsuit between residents of Sun City Roseville homeowners association and Del Webb is currently in settlement talks to resolve a dispute over repair costs associated with irrigation systems in the development.Located in west Roseville, residents of the 5,400-member community allege in the lawsuit that defective water systems damaged golf courses and landscaped areas.Del Webb turned the community over to Sun City's board of directors last year. The lawsuit claims the resulting infrastructure has run up considerable costs for repairs and upkeep of the systems. With association dues currently at $120 a month, some residents are concerned that rising costs could bump those higher."I would say that Del Webb has been very cooperative in reaching a solution," said Tyler Berding, attorney for the association. "The problem is it's a very massive problem. Their drip system is a sensitive system that has to be installed just right, or it doesn't function well. There were some installation problems with drip system and some design problems."Berding added that with seven miles of landscaping in the development, one of the challenges the association is facing is replacing plants damaged by the system."The association is working hard to keep up with it so we don't lose plants, but none of that was programmed to get in their budget," he said, adding the Del Webb has been "working hard" to resolve the issue.Judy Bennett, spokesperson for Del Webb who now works at Lincoln Hills, says the company is "comfortable" with the status of the negotiations."We've stayed in touch with the community and we want to remain a resource in our communities since we've sold out," Bennett said. "Everybody is working to get this resolved."Del Webb's merged with its parent company, Pulte Homes, in 2001. It is the nation's largest home builder. Association president Jim Viele says the basis of the suit is obtaining redress for infrastructure defects which residents are currently paying for. He would not divulge the amount of settlement the plaintiffs' request."It was basically inadequate, to sum it up," Viele said. "But I would say it's on a good track for a concerted resolution."Jason Probst can be reached at jasonp@goldcountrymedia.com