Message from the President
Kathy Skrei, Board President
Cottonwood Palo Verde at Sun Lakes
A dedication ceremony for the newly constructed John R. Dobson Administration Center was held Sunday, August 10 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Many of our homeowners attended and were in awe of just how beautiful this building is. Mr. Dobson was honored at the dedication along with Board Director Don Hicks, Chair of the Administration Task Force Committee. Other special guests in attendance were our architect and Project Manager Ken Eller, the Farnsworth Construction team of Tim Nielsen, President, John Arnett, Vice President and Construction Project Manager, Robert Hipps – Vice President and Darwin Farr-Project Superintendent.
At the end of the ceremony, General Manager Steve Nolan recognized Board member Don Hicks whose outstanding leadership guided us through the new administration building project from start to finish. In his honor, the larger of the two conference rooms has been named “The Don R. Hicks Conference Room.”
To those who were a part of this project in any way, thank you for a job well done.
Most importantly, to our homeowners who supported this project, thank you for your support and patience.
An Open House will be held in November after most of our residents have returned from their summer hiatus.
Many projects were completed over the summer months. Bill Todd, our Golf Course Maintenance Manager, along with his crew is to be commended for repairing the Cottonwood Golf Course after the damaging summer storm in July. The golf courses were closed for a few days in August for aerification of the greens. The Palo Verde and Cottonwood golf courses are both in great shape.
I invite you to attend our Agenda Planning and Board meetings and volunteer for one of our committees that are key to maintaining our beautiful community. We have several positions open for the 2014-2015 committee year that commences November 1. Applications are available at Homeowner Services (located inside the new John R. Dobson Administration Center). Please return the form no later than September 15.
The Board of Directors and I want to thank all of our managers and employees, our volunteers who serve on our committees and those who volunteer in so many other areas to make this the wonderful community we live in.
Your Board of Directors thanks you for your continued support here at Cottonwood Palo Verde at Sun Lakes.
From the Recreation Department
All tickets for Cottonwood Palo Verde shows and events can be purchased at our Homeowner Services location.
Ladies Coffees
Ladies Coffees will begin on Wednesday, October 1 in the San Tan Ballroom starting at 10:30 a.m. Doors open at 10:00 a.m. For only $3 you’ll receive cookies, hot coffee or hot or iced tea. Each month will be a new and fun program with door prizes. October’s coffee will include a short performance from Joe Bourne (our upcoming Motown Show entertainer), a snippet by Sun Lakes Community Theatre’s October interactive mystery dinner show Trouble at the Tropicana, a flower arrangement demonstration by a new CWPV Instructor and more!
Dates are October 1, November 5, December 3, January 7, February 4, March 4 and April 1.
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 this season here at Cottonwood and Palo Verde!
Summer DJ Dances
Come to see what fun we have at our DJ Dance in the San Tan Ballroom on Saturday, September 20 at a cost of only $5 a person. 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 begin at 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Hamilton High Football Games
The 2014 season for Hamilton High will begin on Friday, September 19; this is their Homecoming game. The free school bus will pick everyone up at the Cottonwood flagpole at 6:00 p.m. Please sign up at Homeowner Services if you would like to go.
Other dates are Friday, September 26 at 6:00 p.m.; Thursday, October 2 at 6:00 p.m.; Friday, October 17 at 5:30 p.m. (this is the free Senior Picnic Night); and Friday, October 31 at 6:00 p.m.
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 p.m. 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.
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 Company’s 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.
Fourth Avenue Street Fair
This annual fair only happens twice a year, so you don’t want to miss the Christmas one. There will be over 350 artists and crafters. The luxury bus will be leaving the Cottonwood flagpole on Friday, December 12 at 8:00 a.m. We should be arriving back to Sun Lakes at approximately 5:00 p.m. The $20 ticket price includes the bus ride, parking and driver tip.
Joe Bourne – Motown Show
If you enjoy listening to such artists as The Four Tops, The Temptations, Smokey Robison, Lionel Ritchie, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson and more, then this is the show for you. We will be presenting Joe Bourne on Saturday, January 10, 2015 in the San Tan Ballroom. Tickets are $20. Doors open at 6 pm for a no-host bar with a show time of 7 pm.
Premier Jewelers formerly known as Amadom)
Trade in your old, broken or unwanted jewelry for cash in Cottonwood’s Phoenix Room (A9) from 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., the third Saturday of each month. No appointment needed.
Free Skin cancer Screening
Dr. Joseph Allgeier of Radiant Complexions Dermatology Clinic will be conducting a free skin cancer screening in Cottonwood’s Phoenix Room (A9) on Wednesday, September 3 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 free monthly health talks in Cottonwood’s Phoenix Room (A9) on Tuesday, September 2 from 11:00 a.m.–noon. All Sun Lakers are invited. No appointment needed. The presentation will be on “Fall Prevention.”
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: September 17, October 15, November 19 and December 17 at the Ladies Fitness Center, for both men and women (at this time). Please sign up at Homeowner Services.
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.
September 14-16 – Las Vegas Deluxe
September 14-16 – Laughlin Three Day Getaway
September 22 – Arcosanti, Fort Verde and Montezuma’s Castle
October 7-10 Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
October 11-14 – California Dreamin’
October 15-16 – Casino Del Sol Deluxe Overnight
October 20-23 – The Secrets Behind the Building of Las Vegas
Oct. 31-Nov 7 – Beautiful Tahiti aboard Wind Spirit
November 5-7 – Sunny Money – San Diego and Viejas
November 22-29 – Thanksgiving in Hawaii aboard American Pride
December 1-4 – San Antonio Riverwalk Christmas
Board meeting minutes
Directors present: Kathy Skrei, Richard Hawkes Don Hicks, Bud Jenssen, Jerry Lofquist, Dick Norris and Nancy Pannebecker.
Also present: General Manager Steve Nolan.
Board President Kathy Skrei called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. It was stated the meeting is being recorded for accuracy of the minutes.
Bud Jenssen introduced and gave a short biography of the military and civilian life of Board Director Jerry Lofquist. Jerry Lofquist then led the Pledge of Allegiance. He was thanked for his service to our country and all of his accomplishments in Cottonwood Palo Verde on committees and as a member of the Board.
Jerry Lofquist made a motion, seconded by Don Hicks, to approve the June 25, 2014 Board Meeting Minutes. Motion carried unanimously.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: Kathy Skrei stated she was thrilled about the completion of the John R. Dobson Administration Center. The move-in date is August 1. She announced that the dedication ceremony is Sunday, August 10 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. and all CWPV homeowners are invited to attend. She thanked Don Hicks and the Administration Building Task Force for their hard work and how smooth the project went. She announced that Steve Nolan will give an update on the other projects later in the meeting. Approval of the engineering of the five lakes fountain project is on today’s agenda. She asked Ed Schauble to stand and thanked him, the Facilities & Grounds Committee and the Long Range Planning Team for their work on this project. A workshop will be scheduled on this project possibly as early as this August.
TREASURER’S REPORT:
Nancy Pannebecker presented the June 30, 2014 Financial Summary. A detailed report will be available for viewing in Homeowner Services.
It was reported that as of the end of July, 72.3 percent of the new Administration Building Project budget has been spent.
Bud Jenssen made a motion, seconded by Dick Norris, to approve the June 30, 2014 pre-audited financial report. Motion carried unanimously.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Architectural Compliance Committee: This committee did not meet in July; 62 permit applications were approved, one denied but now approved with a change, 30 requiring follow up and 56 requiring ongoing follow up. The committee will not meet in August. Next meeting is September 4 at 8:30 a.m. in the Phoenix Room.
Audit & Finance Committee: The report was given of its meeting held July 9. The next meeting is August 15 at 2:00 p.m. in the Saguaro Room. At this time the assignments of A&F members to managers was announced. They have no recommendations for the Board or 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 July 7. Ambassadors had six referrals, two tours and 41 tours year to date. The committee will not meet in August. Next meeting is September 8 at 8:30 a.m. in the Ceramics Room which is a change to normal schedule due to Labor Day. They have 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 July and will not meet in August. Next meeting is September 30 at 1:30 p.m. in the Ceramics Room.
Facilities & Grounds Committee: This committee did not meet in July and will not meet in August. Next meeting is September 8 at 9:30 a.m. in the Paint Room.
Food & Beverage Committee: This committee did not meet in July and will not meet in August. Next meeting is September 4 at 9:00 a.m. in the Saguaro Room.
Golf Committee: This committee did not meet in July and will not meet in August. Next meeting is September 4 at 1:00 p.m. in the Phoenix Room.
Recreation Committee: This committee did not meet in July and will not meet in August. Next meeting is September 1 at 1:30 p.m. in the Phoenix Room.
Safety, Security & Access Committee: This committee did not meet in July and will not meet in August. Next meeting is September 3 at 10:00 a.m. in the Saguaro Room.
Administration Building Task Force: Don Hicks reported that the ABTF met on July 17. They have two recommendations for the Board under 15A and 15B under New Business. He reminded everyone that the dedication of the new building is August 10 at 1:00 p.m. ABTF next meeting is to be determined.
PROJECT REPORTS:
Steve Nolan Reported on the following projects:
Cottonwood Pool Restroom – is now operational and stonework will follow.
Palo Verde Golf Cart Garage – is awaiting custom garage door.
Palo Verde Racquetball Court Repairs – is scheduled for completion by September 1.
MANAGEMENT REPORT:
Steve Nolan gave the Management Report.
At this time, Kathy Skrei announced that there will be an Open House for the New Administration Center in November when more of the residents have returned.
DIRECTORS COMMENTS:
Richard Hawkes: Thanked Jerry Lofquist for his military and community service. He thanked Don Hicks for his work on the Administration Building project.
Dick Norris: Thanked Jerry Lofquist for his military and community service. He thanked Don Hicks for his work on the Administration Building project.
Bud Jenssen: Thanked Jerry Lofquist for his military and community service. He thanked Don Hicks for his work on the Administration Building project. He thanked Leigh Torres for her help at Palo Verde.
Nancy Pannebecker: Thanked Jerry Lofquist for his military and community service. She thanked Don Hicks for his work on the Administration Building project. She stated we had an excellent Architect and Contractor.
Don Hicks: Thanked Jerry Lofquist for his military and community service.
Jerry Lofquist: He thanked Don Hicks and the Administration Building Task Force for their work on the Administration Building project.
CAPITAL RESERVE REPLACEMENT FUND REQUESTS:
Nancy Pannebecker made a motion, seconded by Bud Jenssen, to approve the purchase of a 2014 Prius C to replace Chevy Colorado Pickup from Big Two Toyota at a cost (low bid) of $13,499.21. Motion carried unanimously.
Don Hicks made a motion, seconded by Jerry Lofquist, to approve the replacement of two commercial grade Recumbent Bikes and two commercial grade Elliptical (cross trainers) from Fit Logistix at a cost (low bid) of $13,179.84. Motion carried unanimously.
Richard Hawkes made a motion, seconded by Bud Jenssen, to approve the Architect Contract for the Palo Verde Maintenance Facility Yard office/Break Room from Archi-Cad Architects at a cost (low bid) of $4,900 plus a 15 percent contingency for a total cost of $5,635. Funding will be Capital Reserve Fund -75 percent and Capital Improvement Fund – 25 percent. Motion carried unanimously.
Dick Norris made a motion, seconded by Bud Jenssen, to approve the replacement of Cottonwood kitchen large ice machine from Fair Refrigeration at a cost of $6,378.63 plus a 10 percent contingency for a total cost of $7,016.49. Motion carried unanimously.
Don Hicks made a motion, seconded by Jerry Lofquist, to approve the replacement of asphalt for under the current Administration Building trailer and repair areas in various parking lots in complex – total sq. ft. 28,636. This is phase one of a three phase project. Bid is from Pinnacle Paving at a cost of $74,935 plus a 15 percent contingency plus $1,500 facilities maintenance in-house labor, for a total cost of $87,675.25. Motion carried unanimously.
PV GATE RESERVE FUND: None
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND REQUESTS:
Bud Jenssen made a motion, seconded by Richard Hawkes, to approve interior renovation of the Cottonwood Pro Shop NTE $12,000 (includes $2,000 for facilities maintenance in-house labor). Motion carried unanimously.
Dick Norris made a motion, seconded by Richard Hawkes, to approve the electrical engineering contract for the Five Lakes Fountain Project at a cost NTE $5,000 from Habermann Electrical Design. This is a sole source bid. Habermann Electrical has done work before for the Association, is very familiar with the project and has provided us with a reduced rate. Motion carried unanimously.
VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTION FUND: None
OLD BUSINESS:
Jerry Lofquist made a motion, seconded by Don Hicks, to approve BP 8-02A Facilities Use Regulations and Other Amenities. Motion carried unanimously.
Dick Norris made a motion, seconded by Bud Jenssen, to approve BP 4-10 Investment Resolution Policy Statement. Motion carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS:
Don Hicks made a motion, seconded by Jerry Lofquist, to approve Administration Building Budget C.O. No. 4 for monument sign and plaque in the sum NTE $20,520; includes base quote, tax, engineering fees and Permit fees. Motion carried unanimously.
Bud Jenssen made a motion, seconded by Dick Norris, to approve Administration Building Budget C.O. No. 5 for a battery backup system for I.T. servers in the sum of $3,652.03 plus a 10 percent contingency for a total of $4,017.23. Motion carried unanimously.
FIRST READINGS: None
HOMEOWNER COMMENTS:
Thank you to Bill Todd, Mike Reinhart and Jim Miller for keeping up the amenities during the storm.
Discussion regarding what an IT server is.
The meeting adjourned at 3:32 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Bud Jenssen, Secretary