Message from the Board President
Richard Hawkes
Summer is here! Look for more exciting improvements at Cottonwood Palo Verde! During the May Board meeting, the Directors approved the long-awaited project to update our audio and visual equipment throughout our community. This will be a massive project. The San Tan Ballroom A/V equipment will be replaced, the sound system for the Cottonwood sports bar, dining room and pool area will be upgraded, the Saguaro Room will have a new permanent sound and visual system installed and the Palo Verde restaurant and lounge will have the A/V equipment replaced. Both the Cottonwood and Palo Verde pro shop speaker systems will be replaced and upgraded.
The planned A/V improvements and replacements will provide us with quality sound systems for large group meetings, dances and dinners. The Pro Shop improvements will be designed to direct the announcements to golfers without the loud broadcast to our neighbors. The planning for this large project is underway and the actual installation will start soon. The entire project should be completed by the end of September as we start the active 2015-2016 season.
The Board also approved a contractor to replace the Palo Verde maintenance facility break room and restrooms. The addition of a small office for management will be included in this project. This replacement/improvement will finally provide our employees who work at the facility with a safe work environment. This project will begin as soon as the permits are received from the county.
Commencing the first week in June, work began for the addition of a golf short game practice facility at Palo Verde. This improvement will allow golfers to practice their short game and putting skills. The Board authorized plans to be drawn for a patio shade cover for the Palo Verde Restaurant. When this project is approved for construction, this improvement will provide expanded use of the patio for dining, parties and large gatherings. This will make the patio a more functional and comfortable place for outside activities.
There will also be a number of maintenance projects happening throughout our community. The maintenance staff has a full plate this summer and will continue their tireless work to keep our community’s facilities well maintained. We should all be very proud of the work these men and women do to keep our community beautiful!
Your Board and management team is committed to doing needed financially responsible projects that add value to both our properties and our lifestyle. Keep your eyes open as Cottonwood and Palo Verde continues to renew and revitalize itself.
Upcoming events
Free Magic with a Comedy Flair Show
Be one of the first 350 to come to the San Tan Ballroom on Friday, July 31 and enjoy a free Magic with a Comedy Flair Show hosted by Solterra Senior (Assisted) Living. Adrian Cordero, Marketing Director will MC this big city humor with down to earth logic show, starring Issac, the Magician, a veteran standup comedian. Issac has performed in many casinos in Reno and throughout the southwest, acted with George Clooney in the movie Three Kings and is a motivational speaker. Opening the show will be the funny Keith Ellis. No tickets necessary, but you might want to come early and have dinner at either Cottonwood’s Bar and Grill or make reservations for Palo Verde’s dining room. Either way, just give yourself plenty of time to get to your seat before show time which is at 7:00 p.m. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m.
DJ Jamal – Saturday Night Dances
Our summer DJ dances are becoming a big hit! Jamal does take requests, but he spins a great variety of music each time. Tickets are still only $5. You can come early (5:00 p.m.) and have your dinner served to you in the San Tan Ballroom with a no-host bar. Dancing and snacks will be from 6:30–9:30 p.m. All Saturdays: July 11, August 15, September 12 and October 10
Doggie Adoption – Rover’s Rest Stop
Many of you have asked when our next doggie adoption is going to be, so we are going to try and give you some future dates. The next two shows are during the hot summer months so they will both be indoors in Cottonwood’s A6 Dance Room from 9:00 a.m.-noon: Saturday, July 11 and Saturday, September 12. After that, they will be on a regular schedule and held outside. For more information call 480-600-2828. You can always see their kids on www.RoversRestStop.com.
Cliff Castle Casino Trip
Seats are going rather fast for this same day trip to Camp Verde’s Cliff Castle Casino. The bus will leave the Cottonwood flagpole at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 21. The cost is $15 which includes round trip transportation, free buffet and $20 free play when you arrive. The bus will leave the casino at 3:30 p.m. and should arrive at Cottonwood by 5:00 p.m. You must purchase tickets in advance.
A Tribute to the Beach Boys – Catch a Wave
What more can we say? It’s a tribute to the Beach Boys! So just sit back and listen to your favorite songs. The show date is Wednesday, July 29 in the San Tan Ballroom. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for a 7:00 p.m. show. Tickets are $20.
Teen Idols
There is nothing that can stir old memories like revisiting the music of your teen years. How about, Bobby Vee, Frankie Avalon, Paul Anka, Pat Boone, Ricky Nelson, Dion and Fabian? The show date is Wednesday, September 2 in the San Tan Ballroom. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for a 7:00 p.m. show. Tickets are $20.
Cory McCloskey’s Love Boat Variety Show
Cory McCloskey from FOX 10 News and TAD Management, have teamed up to bring the ship to you! Cory presents an old school variety show featuring some of the best acts you can see on the best cruise ships in the world including a sensational, ship-styled live band. The show date is Wednesday, September 30 in the San Tan Ballroom. Door opens at 6:00 p.m. for a 7:00 p.m. show. Tickets are $20.
One Hit Wonderfuls
One Hit Wonderfuls highlights one hit wonders – a tribute to those artists who enjoyed their 15 minutes of fame with a one hit song. Every decade had them; songs like Spirit in the Sky, Seasons in the Sun, In the Summertime; the list goes on and on and we can assure a stack of “I remember where I was then” memories will flood your senses as you sing-a-long to all these songs. So, make plans now to be with us on Tuesday, October 20 in the San Tan Ballroom. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. show. Tickets are $20 and go on sale Monday, August 10.
The Broadway Concert
The Broadway Concert brings to the stage the greatest blockbuster hits of Broadway. From West Side Story to Les Miserables; from Oklahoma to The Phantom of the Opera. You’ll hear the most popular songs from the most successful musicals presented in a one-of-a-kind concert. The show date is Tuesday, November 10 in the San Tan Ballroom. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. show. Tickets are $20 and go on sale Monday, August 10.
A Tribute to Christmas
Tribute artists rule the roost in terms of live entertainment and we bring some of the best to celebrate Christmas in tribute style. You might see Natalie Cole, Bette Midler, Elvis Presley or some other surprise guest in the Tribute to Christmas Show that will be performed on Wednesday, December 16 in the San Tan Ballroom. Come join in on this holiday special performed by a great troupe of professional singers. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. show. Tickets are $20 and go on sale August 10.
Fourth of July Dinner/Dance
Better hustle over to Cottonwood Homeowner Services and get your Independence Day Dinner/Dance tickets for Saturday, July 4. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., buffet from 6:00-7:00 p.m. and entertainment from 6:30-9:30 p.m. (Come Back Buddy). For $25 you’ll get Pulled Pork w/Jack Daniels BBQ Sauce, Grilled Herb Marinated Chicken Breast, Grilled Hamburgers, Brats and Hot Dogs along with an unbelievable list of salads and vegetables. Desserts consist of Bread Pudding, Apple Pie, Cherry Pie, Pecan Pie and more. Don’t forget this includes your coffee, tea, tax and gratuity! What a deal!
Impersonators 2016 Show Oh Canada
On Wednesday, March 15, 2016, the Impersonators will take the stage in the San Tan Ballroom. The performers will be doing a tribute to Celine Dion, Michael Buble, Shania Twain and Paul Anka called Oh Canada. The 7:00 p.m. show sold out in two weeks, so we’ve opened a 3:00 p.m. show. Tickets are still only $20 and are going fast.
Dancing With the Stars
Our 2016 Dancing with the Stars Show will move to Friday, February 19 and Saturday, February 20. Tickets are on sale now and only $20 for this wonderful night of fun and dancing. Both nights’ shows will start at 7:00 p.m. with doors opening at 6:00 p.m. Names of the six Sun Lakes dancers will be announced next month. All six dancers will dance both Friday and Saturday with a different winner for each night.
Halloween Buffet/Dance
Back by popular demand, Cottonwood will be hosting a full blown-out, frightening Halloween Buffet/Dance on Saturday, October 31 in the San Tan Ballroom. DJ Jamal will be on hand to play all your favorites, including some great scary songs. We have some new and fun ideas up our sleeves, so mark your calendar now and watch for more information in the Splash.
Annual Open House
This year, we are going to change the name of our annual Open House to Community Days! Everything else is the same. The date is set for Saturday, October 17 in the San Tan Ballroom from 9:00 a.m.-noon. Letters will be going out to all clubs, classes and organizations who have attended in the past. If you are new and would like to be included, call the Recreation Assistant at 480-384-4065.
Smartphone 101 Class
Instructor Robert Reed will be teaching a class on Smartphones in Cottonwood’s (A2) Ladies Card Room. In this class you’ll be able to ask questions and get answers. Classes will be every Monday from 10:00–11:00 a.m. Classes will run all summer. The fee will be $25 per student, per class. Contact [email protected] or call 480-442-0230.
Mastering Your Camera Phone
Instructor Robert Reed will be teaching a class on mastering your camera phones in Cottonwood’s (A2) Ladies Card Room. In this class you’ll be able to ask questions and get answers. Classes will be every Monday from 11:00 a.m.–noon. Classes will run all summer. The fee will be $25 per student, per class. Contact [email protected] or call 480-442-0230.
Free Skin Cancer Screening – Starting in September
Dr. Laura Arce of Radiant Complexions Dermatology Clinic will be conducting a free skin cancer screening 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.
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 in the Ladies Fitness Center, for both men and women (at this time) on the following Wednesdays: July 15, August 19, September 16, October 21, November 18 and December 16. Please sign up at Homeowner Services. If there are less than three students, Deryk will cancel the class and contact those who have signed up.
Upcoming Dinner Dances
Saturday, July 4 -Independence Day
Upcoming Traveling Tours through Free Spirit
To book any of these trips call Free Spirit Vacations at 480-926-5547 or e-mail [email protected]. Please remind them that you are a Cottonwood Palo Verde Homeowner. Event information flyers can be found at Cottonwood’s Homeowner Services.
July 2-6 – San Francisco and Wine Country
July 9 – An Evening with the Stars in Flagstaff
July 14-17 – Pageant of the Masters and Queen Mary
August 4-7 – Durango and Silverton
August 11–17 – Canadian Maritimes – Circle Bay of Fundy
August 14–16 – Del Mar Horse Racing
October 6-9 – Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
Board of Director meeting minutes (unapproved) 5/27/15
Directors present: Rich Featherstone, Richard Hawkes, Bud Jenssen, Anne Montgomery, Woody Neiman, Dick Norris and Mel Rasmussen
Also present: General Manager Steve Nolan
President Richard Hawkes called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.
Secretary Mel Rasmussen introduced and gave a short biography of Navy veteran John Greenwood. Mr. Greenwood then led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Greenwood was thanked for his military service.
Woody Neiman made a motion, seconded by Dick Norris, to approve the April 2 Board meeting minutes. The motion carried unanimously.
Bud Jenssen made a motion, seconded by Anne Montgomery, to approve the April 29 Board meeting minutes. Motion carried unanimously.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE:
President Richard Hawkes reviewed the Board’s commitment to work with civility and communications which they also ask of homeowners. He asked that homeowner remarks be limited to two minutes; if more time is needed it can be further discussed after the meeting.
He then commented on the following topics: Maricopa County will start on Monday to repair water problem on the streets – Alma School and San Tan and Alma School and Sunnydale, with one area repaired at a time to continue to provide access to homeowners; he thanked Dick Norris and Steve Nolan for working with MCC on this problem; facilities and projects this summer – PV maintenance facility break room and office is awaiting contractor permits; PV short game practice facility to start the first week of June; PV patio shade cover is close to going through bid process; he asked homeowners to support facility maintenance during the summer.
TREASURER’S REPORT:
Treasurer Woody Neiman presented the April 30 financial summary. A detailed report will be available for viewing in Homeowner Services.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments – question regarding home sales; answer: 106 year-to-date.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Architectural Compliance Committee: The report was given of its meetings held May 7 and 21. They had 45 permit applications approved; none declined. They discussed in length the subject of dumpsters. Their next meeting is June 4 in the Phoenix Room. It was stated that this will be their only meeting in June and although permit process will continue to take place, this committee will not meet again until September 3.
The committee has one recommendation for the Board to approve changes to BP 90-5 Signs, which is in First Readings on today’s agenda. The committee has no recommendations for management.
Audit and Finance Committee: The report of its meeting held May 13 was given by Joel Bosch on behalf of Fred Haubold who could not attend. Items of discussion were significant improvement in Food and Beverage; cost control during summer months; 2016 budget process; Food and Beverage audit at the end of May. The next meeting is June 10 at 2:00 p.m. in the Saguaro Room.
The committee has no recommendations for the Board or for management.
Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.
At this time, Richard Hawkes stated that approval of the April financials will be voted on after the committee reports.
Communications Committee: The report of its meeting held May 4 was given by Bud Jenssen on behalf of Paul Rogers who could not attend. The Ambassadors had 10 referrals, seven tours and 24 tours year to date. This committee will not meet in June, July or August. The next meeting is September 14 at 8:30 a.m. in the Ceramics Room This change in date is due to Labor Day.
The committee has one recommendation for the Board to approve: changes to BP 10-03-Communications Committee Charter which is in Old Business on today’s agenda. The committee has no recommendations for management. Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.
Election Committee: The report of its meeting held May 6 was given by Anne Montgomery on behalf of Jerry House who could not attend. The main topic of discussion was streamlining the election process. This committee will not meet in June, July or August. The next meeting is September 2 at 1:30 p.m. in the Ceramics Room.
The committee has no recommendations for the Board or for management.
Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.
Facilities and Grounds Committee: The report was given of its meeting held May 4. Topics of discussion: June 1 to be the starting week of the practice facility; discussion of the status of other projects; drainage at Sisk Park is working well. The next meeting will be September 14 at 9:30 a.m. in the Paint Room. This committee will not meet in June, July or August.
The committee has no recommendations for the Board or for management.
Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.
At this time Richard Hawkes commented on the path drainage issue that is observed at Sisk Park after the rain that the drainage is working well.
Food and Beverage Committee: The report of its meeting held May 7 was given by Ben Davis on behalf of Marty Neilson who could not attend. Topics discussed: PV summer menu and wine menu; increase in PV Saturday night traffic; success of Derby Day, Mother’s Day and Luau; music issues at the venues; tacos; sound system; NFL package; Fourth of July event. This committee will not meet in June, July or August. The next meeting is September 3 at 9:00 a.m. in the Saguaro Room.
The committee has no recommendations for the Board. They have two recommendations for management regarding a message board for Cottonwood and Palo Verde and a portable bar for Palo Verde.
Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.
At this time, Richard Hawkes asked the count for Mother’s Day – 452.
Golf Committee: The report was given of its meeting held May 7. Topics discussed were safety; priority of projects. This committee will not meet in June, July or August. The next meeting is September 3 at 1:00 p.m. in the Ceramics Room.
The committee has one recommendation for the Board to approve the 2015-2016 Exceptions to the Golf Calendar. The committee has two recommendations for management: redesign the bunker on 15th hole at Cottonwood; install portable speed bumps and decorative boulders by the cart path around the 16th green at Cottonwood.
Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.
At this time there was a question from a homeowner as to what will be accomplished with the speed bumps. It was explained that a blind spot in that area requires carts to slow down.
Recreation Committee: Recreation Board Liaison Mel Rasmussen reported that the committee did not meet in May due to lack of a quorum. The next meeting is June 1 at 1:30 p.m. in the Phoenix Room.
The committee has no recommendations for the Board or for management.
At this time, Richard Hawkes asked if the Recreation Committee is still looking for members; answer: the committee has four applications and others are welcome.
Safety, Security and Access Committee: The report was given of its meeting held May 6. Topics discussed: Patrol quarterly report; speeding; SS&AC 1-page addition to the new homeowner orientation binder; hidden stairwell and safety on hole 16 and speed bump.
The next meeting is September 9 at 10:00 a.m. in the Saguaro Room. This committee will not meet in June, July or August.
The committee has one recommendation for the Board to approve the appointment of Bill Smith to SS&AC. The committee has no recommendations for management.
Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.
Health and Wellness Center Task Force: Board Director Rich Featherstone reported there were 60 in attendance at the Wednesday, May 20 HWCTF workshop. He thanked Sue Schwartz and Melissa Huffman for their help on this. During the workshop, a brief overview of the survey was given and urged homeowners to go to the website to view the results; mentioned and dispelled rumors regarding the HWCTF and the project itself; update was given by the activity of the architect and his location recommendation which is available for viewing on the website and his national average cost per square foot for this type of facility. The Task Force is looking for applicants for the Task Force and homeowners can obtain applications on the website or from the office. The Task Force will be looking at a few other facilities. An article will be in this week’s Flyer. Information on HWTFC is posted on the website and in our other communication venues.
At this time, Richard Hawkes asked for a motion to approve the April 30 pre-audited financial report. Dick Norris made a motion, seconded by Bud Jenssen, to approve the April 30, 2015 pre-audited Financial Report. The motion carried unanimously.
PROJECT REPORTS:
Steve Nolan Reported on the following project(s):
PV chipping and practice area to start staging equipment June 1; met with homeowner affected by the three trees removed.
PV maintenance lunchroom and office: Ken Eller from Archi-CAD and contractor are presently working on permits.
MANAGEMENT REPORT: Steve Nolan gave his management report.
He then explained how when the tough decisions are made regarding staff, homeowners can be assured that these decisions are well thought out and in the best interest of the association. He explained that although attachments are formed between staff and homeowners, homeowners are not privy to decisions regarding matters of staff. The association values each and every employee and we are legally bound not to discuss employee issues with homeowners.
DIRECTORS COMMENTS:
Rich Featherstone: None
Anne Montgomery: None
Woody Neiman: None
Dick Norris thanked Food and Beverage management for the excellent work and Greenwood for his service.
Mel Rasmussen congratulated Food and Beverage, thanked Linda Caton for the outstanding Nashville Gold show and thanked John Greenwood for his military service.
Bud Jenssen thanked John Greenwood for his military Service, Food and Beverage for its success and Jim Miller and staff for all they do.
CAPITAL RESERVE REPLACEMENT FUND REQUESTS:
Bud Jenssen made a motion, seconded by Mel Rasmussen, to approve replacement of two CW beverage carts for the low bid from A-1 Golf of $32,506.54.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments – no comments. The motion carried unanimously.
Dick Norris made a motion, seconded by Bud Jenssen, to approve replacement of the Palo Verde Pool Pebble Tec and reconfigure the main pool drains, for the low bid from All Valley Pool for $28,809, plus a 10 percent contingency, for a total cost of $31,689.90.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments – A homeowner questioned why the spa and pool were not done together; answer – the spa was last month but Maricopa County came back and stated the requirement of the split drains; there were no further comments. The motion carried unanimously.
At this time, Richard Hawkes asked Dick Norris to explain the sound system project due to the large cost.
Dick Norris gave a synopsis of the process of upgrading the sound system to digital format and new speakers. The advantages of doing so will correct the current problems and the CW venues will be able to interface with each other. He went on to explain how the other venues will benefit from the new system which could provide additional revenue opportunities.
At this time, Richard Hawkes explained the split funding of this project and pointed out the low reserve amount of $56,662.62 and explained the previous reserve studies should have increased the value of this project. Steve Nolan and management is having a new reserve study done.
Woody Neiman made a motion, seconded by Anne Montgomery, to approve a new sound system for Cottonwood Palo Verde for the low bid from Optimum Solutions of $359,363.66, plus a 10 percent contingency, for a total cost of $395,300.02 (funding will be 80 percent Cap. Reserve/20 percent Cap. Improvement).
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments – question regarding remote control in San Tan Ballroom; answer: there will be the primary location and then below on the floor, a controlled remote location.
Question asking if there will no longer be a need for a portable sound unit for Saguaro; answer: Saguaro will have its own secured remote.
Question: regarding the 80 percent Cap. Reserve/20 percent Cap. Improvement funding for this project – will the costs of new additions added be broken down? Answer: Yes, will be redefined.
Question regarding the life expectancy; answer: upgrading can be done as required.
The motion carried unanimously.
PV GATE RESERVE FUND:
None
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND REQUESTS:
None
VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTION FUND:
None
OLD BUSINESS:
Anne Montgomery made a motion, seconded by Woody Neiman, to approve revisions to BP 10-03 Communications Committee Charter.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments – no comments. The motion carried unanimously.
Woody Neiman made a motion, seconded by Anne Montgomery, to approve revisions to BP 7-50 Tennis Court Regulations.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments – no comments.
The motion carried with vote of 5-aye, 1-nay from Bud Jenssen.
Dick Norris made a motion, seconded by Mel Rasmussen, to approve revisions to BP 7-70 Racquetball Court Regulations.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments – no comments.
The motion carried with vote of 5-aye, 1-nay, from Bud Jenssen.
NEW BUSINESS:
Woody Neiman made a motion, seconded by Bud Jenssen, to approve the 2015-2016 Exceptions to the Golf Calendar.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments – no comments. The motion carried unanimously.
Dick Norris made a motion, seconded by Mel Rasmussen, to approve the appointment of Bill Smith to the Safety, Security and Access Committee.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments – one comment from Woody Neiman, recognizing Bill Smith. No further comments. The motion carried unanimously.
FIRST READINGS:
Changes to the following documents were explained and will be in First Readings for the month of June.
For questions regarding these policies, contact the individual(s) named after the policy.
At this time, Dick Norris was asked to explain why BP 7-60 was kept in First Readings. It was stated that this action was due to additional changes.
Woody Neiman made a motion, seconded by Bud Jenssen, to approve placing the following into First Readings:
BP 7-60 Pickleball Court Regulations
BP 4-13 Employee Salary Schedule
BP 4-14 Hourly Employee Range
BP 9-05 Signs
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments – no comments. The motion carried unanimously.
HOMEOWNER COMMENTS:
Regarding how sad he was about having the three trees cut down. He commended Mike Reinhart for being so accommodating, reducing the blower noise that was happening at 5:00 a.m. at PV.
The meeting adjourned at 4:07 p.m.