Board of Director meeting minutes (unapproved) August 26
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 Air Force Veteran, Col. Mike Konyu. Mr. Konyu then led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Konyu was thanked for his military service.
Woody Neiman made a motion, seconded by Dick Norris, to approve the July 29, 2015 Board Meeting Minutes.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments — no comments. Motion carried unanimously.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE:
President, Richard Hawkes gave a report on the budget process presently going on which began in July and will continue through October. He went on to explain the responsibility Board and Management has to the homeowners as they proceed with this step by step process. He also stated that during this time they also focus on what needs to be done in the community to maintain the lifestyle we currently have and enhance property values. Mr. Hawkes recognized Board Treasurer, Woody Neiman who was responsible for revising the budget procedure. The results of the budget meetings will be presented to homeowners in October.
TREASURER’S REPORT:
Treasurer, Woody Neiman presented the July 31, 2015 Financial Summary. A detailed report will be available for viewing in Homeowner Services.
Mr. Neiman thanked the patrons for their support at our F&B venues.
Mr. Hawkes thanked Controller, Brian Shaw and General Manager, Steve Nolan who were critical to the budget process.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments — Board- None.
Anne Montgomery made a motion, seconded by Bud Jenssen, to approve the July 31, 2015 pre-audited Financial Report. Motion carried unanimously.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Architectural Compliance Committee: Board Director, Dick Norris reported that although this committee did not meet in August, ACC has been very busy. He gave kudos to ACC Administrative Assistant, Joanne Barnes for handling much of this with 77 permits processed through her efforts and those ACC members who were available during the summer.
Richard Hawkes commented favorably on the work done on CWPV homes. Their next meeting is September 1, 8:30 a.m. in A-7 Paint Room.
They have no recommendations for the Board or for Management.
Audit & Finance Committee: The report of their meeting held August 12. Fred Haubold thanked Mike Konyu for his military service. A&F meeting focus was on the review of the budget process. Their next meeting is September 9, 2:00 p.m., in the Saguaro Room.
They have no recommendations for the Board or for Management.
Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.
Communications Committee: This committee did not meet in August. Next meeting is September 14 (due to Labor Day), 8:30 a.m., in the Ceramics Room.
Election Committee: This committee did not meet in August. Next meeting is September 2, 1:30 p.m., Ceramics Room.
Facilities & Grounds Committee: This committee did not meet in August. Next meeting will be September 14 (due to Labor Day) at 9:30 a.m., in the Paint Room.
Food & Beverage Committee: This committee did not meet in August. Next meeting is September 3, 9:00 a.m. in the Saguaro Room.
Golf Committee: This committee did not meet in August. Next meeting is September 3, 1:00 p.m., in the Ceramics Room.
Recreation Committee: This committee did not meet in August. Next meeting is September 14 (due to Labor Day), 1:30 p.m. in the Phoenix Room.
Safety, Security & Access Committee: This committee did not meet in August. Next meeting is September 9, 10:00 a.m. in the Saguaro Room.
Health & Wellness Center Task Force: At the request of HWCTF Chair, Rich Featherstone, Board Director, Anne Montgomery reported that the task force met August 18 (closed meeting for new members of HWCTF); among the items of discussion was the indoctrination of the new members to get them up to date; reviewing of previously visited fitness centers; assigning the work assignments for financial, equipment research and architectural. She reported that tomorrow, five HWCTF members will be visiting Sun City West and PebbleCreek Tuscany facilities. Next meeting is September 8, 2:00 p.m. in the Saguaro Room.
They have no recommendations for the Board or Management.
PROJECT REPORTS:
CW & PV sound/video system upgrades: Dick Norris reported the following on this project:
The old CW speakers and projector have been removed; Ballroom, CW Bar & Grill and Saguaro wiring near completion; conduit issue has been resolved; new speakers have been delivered and are stored; new speakers have been installed in Saguaro; ballroom projection screen to be delivered this week; PV cable paths have been investigated and cables runs will begin.
Steve Nolan reported on the following project(s):
PV maintenance lunchroom and office: is on schedule and framing completed.
Pools resurfacing: pebbletec complete and PV will open soon.
CW & PV bar tops repair: PV bar is complete and looks great. CW bar has issues regarding the rail and this will be addressed.
PV patio shade: Today the architect picked up a check for permit from the County and found that some documents originally given to the County were missing. It is hoped this gets resolved and back on track by the end of next week.
MANAGEMENT REPORT:
Steve Nolan gave his management report.
In addition, Mr. Nolan thanked Brian Shaw, the managers and the Audit and Finance Committee for their work during the budget process.
DIRECTORS COMMENTS:
Rich Featherstone: None.
Anne Montgomery: None.
Woody Neiman: Thanked Mr. Konyu for his military service; announced the budget process will begin step #2, the macro level meetings which are open to homeowners. The dates are September 10 and September 18, with a workshop on September 30. The times and location will be publicized.
Dick Norris: Thanked Mr. Konyu for his military service; after yesterday’s rain, drainage issues have been noted and he is contacting the County to look into this.
Mel Rasmussen: Thanked Mr. Konyu for his military service; thanked Woody Neiman for his work on the budget process, in addition to the budget work done by Brian Shaw and the managers.
Bud Jenssen: Thanked Mr. Konyu for his military service.
CAPITAL RESERVE REPLACEMENT FUND REQUESTS:
Richard Hawkes explained the following request.
Bud Jenssen made a motion, seconded by Rich Featherstone, to approve the replacement of two (2) Palo Verde refrigerated sandwich coolers for the low bid of $4,170.49, from Shamrock Foods.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments — no comments. Motion carried unanimously.
Richard Hawkes called on Patrol Manager, Dick Gothier who explained the reasons for the following request to replace two (2) Prius vehicles used for patrol.
Mel Rasmussen made a motion, seconded by Anne Montgomery, to approve replacement of two (2) patrol vehicles: a 2012 and a 2013 Toyota Prius, with two (2) 2015 Toyota Prius C vehicles, from Earnhardt, for the low bid of $21,463.32 for both vehicles.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments. Comment was made regarding how quiet these vehicles are, allowing patrol to hear the neighborhood. No further comments. Motion carried unanimously.
Richard Hawkes explained the following request:
Woody Neiman made a motion, seconded by Bud Jenssen, to approve the replacement of a 7.5 ton HVAC unit located on the roof of the Cottonwood Ballroom, for the low bid of $6,842.23 from Alpine Air, plus a 10% contingency, for a total cost of $7,526.45.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments — no comments. Motion carried unanimously.
PV GATE RESERVE FUND: NONE
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND REQUESTS: NONE
VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTION FUND: NONE
OLD BUSINESS: Richard Hawkes called on Dick Norris who explained the request for changes to the following Board Policies:
Woody Neiman made a motion, seconded by Dick Norris, to approve changes to BP 6-01 Code of Conduct.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments — no comments. Motion carried unanimously.
Bud Jenssen made a motion, seconded by Anne Montgomery, to approve changes to BP 10-02 ACC Committee Charter.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments. Comment was made regarding County ordinance and liability issues. No further comments. Motion carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS: NONE
FIRST READINGS: NONE
HOMEOWNER COMMENTS: NONE
The meeting adjourned at 3:39 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Mel Rasmussen, Secretary
Upcoming events
Linda Caton
All tickets for Cottonwood Palo Verde shows and events can be purchased at our Homeowner Services location.
Tickets Go On Sale – TAD Entertainment Series
Tickets for our Winter TAD Series will go on sale Tuesday, October 6, 2015. The Administration Office doors will open at 8:00 a.m. All tickets are $20 except for The Tokens show which will be $25. These are the original Token singers, not impersonators. The Tokens, if you recall, recorded the song The Lion Sleeps Tonight. We’ll be offering, for the first time, a Series Package for $125 which includes all (seven) shows, but you’ll only be paying for (six). Shows include: The Ultimate Beatles Experience, the Classic Fleetwood Mac Tribute Concert, Saturday Night Fever Tribute to the Bee Gees, Reba McEntyre’s Vegas Tribute, The Eagles (back by demand) One Of These Nights, The Tokens and George Strait the Troubadour Experience. What a deal! All shows start at 7:00 p.m. in the San Tan Ballroom.
Ladies Coffee
It’s time for our fun and informative Ladies Coffees to start up again. The coffees are the first Wednesdays of the months October through April in the San Tan Ballroom starting at 10:30 a.m. The cost is only $3 for cookies, hot coffee, hot tea and iced tea along with great conversation with your friends and your new friends. We’ve planned some fun fashion shows, entertainers and guest speakers this year. Tickets are sold at the door. We also have great give-a-ways. Our Ladies Coffee is opened for all Sun Lakers and guests.
Upcoming dates are:
2015: October 7, November 4 and December 2
2016: January 6, February 3, March 2 and April 6
Halloween Buffet, Dance and Haunted House
Back by popular demand, Cottonwood will be hosting a full, blown-out, frightening Halloween Buffet, Dance and Haunted House on Saturday, October 31, 2015, in the San Tan Ballroom. Cocktails (no host) start at 5:00 p.m. The Buffet will run from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. including pumpkin soup with cornbread and small rolls, chicken fingers, sausage links, Italian meatballs, spaghetti, meat and cheese platter, guacamole and chips, devil eggs, green salad, crunchy green bean casserole, pasta salad, blood cake, pudding with crushed Oreos and more—. Costume Contest starts at 6:45 p.m. There will be (four) categories: Best Couple, Most Creative, Most Scary and Most Funny. There will only be (one) winner in each category and you can only win in (one) category. The prizes will be worth wearing a costume! Costumes for the evening are optional. DJ Jamal will be on hand to play all your favorites, including some great Halloween songs from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. There will be a scary Haunted House in the Saguaro Room from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The cost is included in your ticket price. Don’t be scared—bring all your friends and have a great Halloween!
Cottonwood’s Fourth Annual Pig Roast
Here’s your chance to start off the season with a really great event! Our Annual Pig Roast date is Saturday, October 24, 2015. in the San Tan Ballroom. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. with a Chili and Soup Station. Pumpkin painting and carving will run from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. The Pig Roast Buffet runs from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Thaddeus Rose entertainment starts at 7:00 until 10:00 p.m. Tickets are going fast at only $35.
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 to 9:30 p.m. The last one for the summer/fall season is Saturday, October 10, 2015.
Free Shred-A-Thon
Michael Dory of Farmers Insurance will be hosting another free Shred-A-Thon here in Cottonwood for all our homeowners who live in Sun Lakes. Mark your calendars now for Saturday, October 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the east parking lot next to the Cottonwood Tennis Courts. Your information will be shredded on site. Please limit yourself to three boxes per household.
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. Show date is Wednesday, September 30 in the San Tan Ballroom. Doors open 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 along to all these songs. So make plans now to be with us on Tuesday, October 20, 2015, 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, 2015.
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. Show date is Tuesday, November 10, 2015, 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, 2015.
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, 2015, 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, 2015.
Hamilton High Football Games and Transportation
Once again Hamilton High is generously sponsoring the following free football games including transportation to and from. The school bus will pick you up at the Cottonwood Flagpole.
Dates Pick Up Time
Friday, October 9 5:30 p.m. (Free Senior Picnic)
Friday, October 16 6:00 p.m.
Cottonwood’s Fourth Annual Pig Roast
Wow! What a deal! On Saturday October 24, 2015, Cottonwood will be hosting their fourth annual Pig Roast in the San Tan Ballroom for only $35. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. with a Chili and Roasted Carrot Soup Station. From 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. take part in the pumpkin painting or carving contest. Pig Roast Buffet starts at 6:30 p.m. and runs until 8:00 p.m. Menu includes: roasted pig (naturally), chicken, mixed green salad, kale salad, mac ‘n cheese, sweet potato casserole, roasted acorn squash, fall vegetable medley, apple crisp, vanilla ice cream and carrot cake. Entertainment for the evening will be the Thaddeus Rose Trio. There will also be a Charity Raffle!
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.
Annual Open House is now called Community Day
This year, we are going to change the name of our Annual Open House to Community Day! Everything else is the same. The date is set for Saturday, October 17, 2015, in the San Tan Ballroom from 9:00 a.m. to 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.
Smart Phone 101 Class
Instructor Robert Reed will be teaching a class on Smart 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 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Classes will run all summer. 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 Phone 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. to noon. Fee will be $25 per student, per class. Contact: [email protected] or call 480-442-0230.
Free Skin Cancer Screening
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. to noon on Wednesdays. All Sun Lakers are invited. No appointment needed. The doctor will see you on a first come basis. Dates are: October 7, November 4, December 2, January 6, February 3, March 2 and April 6.
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. Ladies Fitness Center for both men and women (at this time) on the following Wednesdays: October 21, November 18 and December 16, 2015. 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.
Bicycle Repair Coming To Cottonwood
Starting on Fridays in October, Two-Wheel Jones Bicycle Repair will be in Cottonwood’s east parking lot, next to the tennis courts from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Now when your bicycle needs to be repaired, you won’t have to find a way to get it in your vehicle. The repair shop will come to you.
Upcoming Traveling Tours through Free Spirit
To book any of these trips, call Free Spirit Vacation at 480-926-5547 or email [email protected]. Please remind them that you are a Cottonwood Palo Verde homeowner. Event information flyers can be found at Cottonwood’s Homeowner Services.
10/6 – 10/9 Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
10/9 Arizona Fall Foliage
10/23 Verde Canyon Railroad
11/9 Penske Museum and Turf Paradise
11/17 – 11/20 Hooray for Hollywood
12/2 – 12/4 Dickens Festival and It’s A Wonderful Life
12/3 – 12/9 Smoky Mountain Christmas from Asheville to Nashville
12/5 Prescott Day Christmas Parade
12/9 Phoenix Zoo, Dinner and Mormon Temple
12/10 Desert Botanical Gardens w/Dinner and Mormon Temple
12/31 – 1/2 Rose Bowl Parade Mini-getaway
Message from the board president
Richard Hawkes
Greetings to all our returning friends and neighbors.
It has been a very busy summer in Cottonwood Palo Verde at Sun Lakes. It is with much pleasure and pride that I list for you the projects completed, under way or soon to start.
* The parking lots at Cottonwood, Palo Verde and our Administration Center have been resealed and restriped.
* The long awaited updating of the Palo Verde Maintenance building is in the final stages of construction. This will be a welcome addition for our staff and managers who work daily from that facility.
* A contractor has been selected for the construction of the Palo Verde patio shade cover. By the time you read this, construction should be underway.
* The replacement, updating and additions to our audio video systems throughout the community are in progress. By the time you read this the system will be up and running at the Cottonwood Bar and Grill for the start of the NFL and college football season. DIRECTV has been installed so multiple games can be broadcast.
* Both the Cottonwood Bar and Palo Verde Lounge bar tops have been resurfaced and are now open for full service. The Cottonwood Bar will still need some touch-up repair, but that will be tackled next summer. In addition, Palo Verde has added an outside portable bar that will be a great asset for service when the new shade cover is completed.
* The Board in August approved the purchase of two new Prius patrol cars. The use of the Prius Hybrid has proven to be a very wise economic decision. Watch for them as they quietly move through our neighborhoods.
* The new Golf Short Game facility, located at Palo Verde, is completed and will be open for play after the October overseeding.
* A contractor has been selected for the construction of a stairway to the Cottonwood golf practice bunker area at the CW driving range. This project is scheduled to start in the very near future.
* The plans have been completed for the construction of the needed storage room off the Saguaro Room at Cottonwood. This project will go to bids as soon as Maricopa County approval is received.
* There have been numerous repairs, painting and updating projects throughout the community, including work at the PV pools and Cottonwood Kiddie Pool and the installation of a new air conditioner unit for the San Tan Ballroom.
* There have been many golf course and common area enhancements as well.
I am also pleased to welcome back Dick Gothier who has returned as our Patrol Manager!
Cottonwood Palo Verde at Sun Lakes is ready for another exciting season of active fun. Please watch for the many fabulous entertainers who have been booked for the season. The new format for providing entertainment has proven to be a home run. Linda Caton gets special kudos for her hard work to bring us so many entertaining evenings. Keep your eyes out for the exciting changes at our restaurants and lounges. There are new menus and special events galore. Get out and enjoy all our community has to offer.
Welcome everyone to our new season and to the best active adult community in the valley!