Message from the President
Kathy Skrei, Board President
Cottonwood Palo Verde at Sun Lakes
After years of planning for a new Administration Building, I am thrilled to finally be able to announce that the John R. Dobson Administration Center has been completed! A dedication of the building in Mr. Dobson’s name will occur over the summer. An Open House will be held in November when the majority of our residents are able to attend.
Thank you to Board Director Don Hicks and the Administration Building Task Force. We appreciate their dedication in seeing this project from start to finish. Many thanks for a job well done.
Your HOA Board and management continue to bring more enhancements to the community. The Cottonwood Pro Shop renovation took place in July. This included expanding the existing patio and installing brick pavers on the patio floor. The entire building was painted and stone was added to the pillars and to the front of the Pro Shop. New landscaping was also added which will be maintained using the brilliant mowers found at ReelRollers.com.
Other projects are also under way. Many needed repairs are taking place at the Palo Verde Maintenance Building. The existing deteriorated trailer will be removed and replaced with an 18 by 40 foot addition to the maintenance shop which will include proper break room space, restrooms and an office.
The Palo Verde golf cart garage is currently under construction. This project should be completed by mid-August and will involve building an efficient golf cart garage to allow the rental carts at Palo Verde to be parked out of the weather. It will also include a small storage and work area for the Pro Shop.
The Five Lakes Fountain Project will take place in two phases and should be completed in 2015. The current plan calls for the development of the power infrastructure so that lighted fountains can be placed on each of the lakes in our beautiful five lakes area of Cottonwood.
We thank you for your support and confidence in us; however, a homeowner’s association is only as good as the participation of its members. We need your help as well and ask that homeowners get involved – attend meetings, join a committee and participate in helping us make our community the best it can be.
On behalf of your Board of Directors, thank you for allowing us to serve this wonderful community in which we live.
Upcoming events
All tickets for Cottonwood Palo Verde shows and events can be purchased at our Homeowner Services location.
Annual Open House
Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 11 to attend this year’s annual Open House in the San Tan Ballroom from 9:00 a.m.–noon. Come see what awaits you here at Cottonwood and Palo Verde!
Summer DJ Dances
We’ll be hosting a DJ Dance once a month in the San Tan Ballroom on Saturdays at a cost of only $5 a person. At each dance, you’ll be able to order dinner at your table from Food and Beverage’s full menu. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. for non-host bar and dinner service. Dancing will be from 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Dates are August 16 and September 20
Dancing With the Stars
Tickets are really going fast! There will be two shows in 2015: Friday, March 20 and Saturday, March 21. Both will be in the San Tan Ballroom and start at 7:00 p.m. (doors opening at 6:00 p.m.). Six lucky Sun Lakes homeowners will dance with one of the Utah Ballroom Dance Companies’ professionals for first prize. All six dancers will dance each night, but the winner of the first night will be ineligible to win again on the second night. Tickets are $20 for each night.
Impersonators – An American Trilogy
On Wednesday, March 18, 2015 the Impersonators will take the stage in the San Tan Ballroom. The performers will be doing a tribute to Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Connie Francis and Neil Diamond. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and show time is 7:00 p.m. Tickets are still only $20 and also going fast.
Premier Jewelers (formerly known as Amadom)
Trade in your old, broken or unwanted jewelry for cash on the third Saturday of each month in Cottonwood’s Phoenix Room (A9) from 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. No appointment needed.
Free Skin Cancer Screening
Dr. Joseph Allgeier of Radiant Complexions Dermatology Clinic will be conducting a Free Skin Cancer Screening on Wednesday, September 3 in Cottonwood’s Phoenix Room (A9) from 8:00 a.m.–noon. All Sun Lakers are invited. No appointment needed. The doctor will see you on a first come basis.
360 Physical Therapy
360 Physical Therapy will be conducting a free monthly health talk on Tuesday, August 5 in Cottonwood’s Phoenix Room (A9) from 11:00 a.m.-noon. All Sun Lakers are invited. No appointment needed.
Free Exercise Equipment Classes
Personal trainer Deryk Garmanian and his assistant/homeowner Brenda Waara will be instructing, at no cost, a weight room and equipment orientation class on the following Wednesdays, August 20, September 17, October 15, November 19 and December 17 in the Ladies Fitness Center, for both men and women (at this time). Please sign up at Homeowner Services.
Christmas Golf Cart Parade
It can’t be too early to schedule our annual Christmas Golf Cart Parade and Show. The date is Friday, December 5 starting at 5:00 pm at Palo Verde for some free hot turkey soup and singing. Then after the awards are given for the top three decorated golf carts, the parade to the San Tan Ballroom begins with our Sheriff’s Posse leading the way. At 7:00 p.m. you’ll enjoy a Christmas show and free cookies and hot coffee, cocoa and apple cider. Bring your friends and family members and bring a camera for a great photo shoot with Santa.
Upcoming Traveling Tours through “Free Spirit”
To book any of these trips call Free Spirit Vacation at 480 926-5547. Please remind them that you are a Cottonwood Palo Verde Homeowner.
August 5-6 – Casino Del Sol Deluxe Overnight (Tucson)
August 15 – Sedona One Day Getaway
August 22-24 – Long Beach and Catalina Here We Come
September 14-16 – Las Vegas Deluxe
September 14-16 – Laughlin Three Day Getaway
September 22 – Arcosanti, Fort Verde and Montezuma’s Castle
Board of Directors meeting minutes (unapproved)
Directors present: Richard Hawkes Don Hicks, Bud Jenssen, Jerry Lofquist, Dick Norris and Nancy Pannebecker
Directors not present: Kathy Skrei
Also present: General Manager Steve Nolan
Board Vice-President Richard Hawkes called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. He stated that he will conduct the meeting in the absence of Board President Kathy Skrei who is unable to attend.
Bud Jenssen introduced and gave a short biography of the military and civilian life of our CWPV Golf Course and Common Areas Superintendent and Vietnam veteran, Bill Todd. Bill then led the Pledge of Allegiance. Bill was thanked for his service to our country and his contributions to Cottonwood Palo Verde.
Jerry Lofquist made a motion, seconded by Don Hicks, to approve the May 28 Board Meeting Minutes. The motion carried unanimously.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE:
Richard Hawkes stated that there will be no President’s message today.
TREASURER’S REPORT:
Nancy Pannebecker presented the May 31 Financial Summary. A detailed report will be available for viewing in Homeowner Services.
It was reported that as of the end of May 54.4 percent of the new Administration Building Project budget has been spent.
Bud Jenssen made a motion, seconded by Dick Norris, to approve the May 31 pre-audited financial report. The motion carried unanimously.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Architectural Compliance Committee: The report was given of its meeting held on June 5; 57 permit applications were approved, 0 denied, 20 requiring follow up and 45 requiring ongoing follow up. They will not meet in July and August. The next meeting is September 4 at 8:30 a.m. in the Phoenix Room.
The committee has no recommendations for the Board or management.
Audit and Finance Committee: The report was given of its meeting held June 11. The next meeting is July 9 at 2:00 p.m. in the Saguaro Room.
This committee has one recommendation for the Board to approve revisions to BP 4-10, Investment Resolution Policy Statement. The committee has no recommendations for management. Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.
Communications Committee: The report was given of its meeting held June 2; ambassadors had seven referrals, five tours and 39 tours year to date. The committee will not meet in August. The next meeting is July 7 at 8:30 a.m. in the Ceramics Room.
The committee has no recommendations for the Board or management. Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.
Election Committee: This committee did not meet in June and will not meet in July and August. The next meeting is September 30 at 1:30 p.m. in the Ceramics Room.
Facilities and Grounds Committee: The report was given of its meeting held June 9. The committee will not meet in July and August. The next meeting is September 8 at 9:30 a.m. in the Paint Room.
The committee has no recommendations for the Board or management. Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.
Food and Beverage Committee: The report was given of its meeting held June 5. The committee will not meet in July and August. The next meeting is September 4 at 9:00 a.m. in the Saguaro Room.
The committee has no recommendations for the Board or management. Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.
At this time there was discussion regarding whether or not a Sun Lakes Club event in October should be advertised in the Splash. It was explained that the Splash would reach a larger audience.
Golf Committee: At this time, Bill Todd was thanked for his service to our country. The report was given of its meeting held June 6. The committee will not meet in July or August. The next meeting is September 4 at 1:00 p.m. in the Phoenix Room.
The committee has one recommendation for the Board to approve the Exceptions to the 2014-2015 Golf Calendar. The committee has no recommendation for management. Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.
Recreation Committee: This committee did not meet June and will not meet in July or August. The next meeting is September 1 at 1:30 p.m. in the Phoenix Room.
Safety, Security and Access Committee: The report was given of its meeting held June 4. The committee will be hosting this year’s Safety Forum on February 11 in the San Tan Ballroom. The committee will not meet in July or August. The next meeting is September 3 at 10:00 a.m. in the Saguaro Room.
The committee has no recommendations for the Board. They have one recommendation for management to review safety concerns for golfer’s safety on the east side of the 16th green at Cottonwood. This is due to a golf cart driven at a high rate of speed by a non-golfer and ongoing safety concerns with cart speed in the tunnel between hole No. 1 and hole No. 2 at Cottonwood. Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.
Administration Building Task Force: Don Hicks reported that the ABTF met June 12. They are on schedule with completion expected toward the end of July. Three milestones were reached: the security fence was removed; the asphalt paving completed (landscaping to start next Monday) and the building will have power this Thursday. The next meeting is to be determined.
PROJECT REPORTS:
Steve Nolan Reported on the following projects:
Cottonwood Pool Restroom – The tile is complete and painted will be today; final inspection expected this Friday; some in house work will be done thereafter.
Palo Verde Golf Cart Garage – Framing completed, working on electrical and project is moving quickly.
Palo Verde Racquetball Court Repairs – Insulation is completed, electrical work underway, each phase of this project requires inspection due to the reconstruction work.
Cottonwood Pro Shop – The interior and exterior is almost complete except for the carpeting. Many positive comments have been received on this project.
MANAGEMENT REPORT:
Steve Nolan gave the management report.
DIRECTORS COMMENTS:
Jerry Lofquist: Thanked Bill Todd for his military Service, thanked Richard Hawkes, Long Range Planning and Facilities and Grounds and management for their work on transforming the appearance of our community. Thank you to Don and the Administration Building Task Force for work on the Administration Building. These changes will add value to our community.
Don Hicks: Thanked Bill Todd for his military service and contributions for Cottonwood/Palo Verde.
Richard Hawkes: Thanked Bill Todd for his military service and thanked Ed Schauble for his determination and time spent to the planning of the Five Lakes Project, which would not have happened without him.
Nancy Pannebecker: Thanked Bill Todd for his military service and contributions to Cottonwood/Palo Verde.
Dick Norris: Thanked Bill Todd for his military service and thanked all men and women who served in Vietnam.
Bud Jenssen: Thanked Bill Todd for his military service and contributions for Cottonwood/Palo Verde; and thanked Jim Miller for his work on the Cottonwood Pro Shop.
CAPITAL RESERVE REPLACEMENT FUND REQUESTS:
Dick Norris made a motion, seconded by Jerry Lofquist, to approve the low bid from David R. Marburger for the repair and repainting of Cottonwood two, three and four tennis courts at a cost of $14,350.32, plus a 15 percent contingency, for a total cost of $16,502.87. The motion carried unanimously.
Don Hicks made a motion, seconded by Bud Jenssen, to approve the sole source bid from Advanced Pump for replacement of the original fountain on Palo Verde Unit No. 20 Lake No. 15 (common area lake) at a cost of $6,525.26, plus a 10 percent contingency, for a total cost of $7,177.70. The motion carried unanimously.
Bud Jenssen made a motion, seconded by Dick Norris, to approve the low bid from Pluckett’s Flooring for replacement of Cottonwood Bar & Grill carpeting and carpeting on ramp to kitchen with rubber tile, at a cost of $12,233.64, plus a 15 percent contingency, for a total cost of $14,068.69. The motion carried unanimously.
PALO VERDE GATE RESERVE FUND: None.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND REQUESTS:
At this time, Richard Hawkes announced that an item will now be brought forward and added to the agenda for Board approval. He then asked Steve Nolan to explain the request. Steve Nolan is asking the Board for approval on the Michigan Gate landscaping project at a cost not to exceed $6,000, at a 50-50 split between Capital Improvement and Capital Reserve funds. The project is already started but signage is also involved which needs to be completed. This was an approved project earlier this year.
Nancy Pannebecker made a motion, seconded by Bud Jenssen, to approve the Michigan gate landscaping project at a cost not to exceed $6,000. This will be a 50-50split: $3,000 from Capital Improvement and $3,000 from Capital Reserve. The motion carried unanimously.
VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTION FUND: None.
OLD BUSINESS: None.
NEW BUSINESS:
Don Hicks made a motion, seconded by Dick Norris, to approve the Exceptions to the 2014-2015 Golf Calendar as supported by the Golf Committee. The motion carried unanimously.
FIRST READINGS:
The following will be in First Readings for the month of July:
NOTE: Due to discussion regarding BP 8-02A Facilities Use Regulations and Other Amenities, regarding what is being brought into the rooms. It will be reviewed and resubmitted.
BP 4-10 Investment Resolution Policy Statement.
HOMEOWNER COMMENTS: None.
The meeting adjourned at 3:50 p.m.