Message from the Board President
Mel Rasmussen
It is my pleasure to honor an employee of the Cottonwood Palo Verde at Sun Lakes Homeowners Association. Petra Ruiz joined our community in 1997 as an eager and enthusiastic employee. She is celebrating 20 years with the company as the Weekday Housekeeping Supervisor. Petra is a loyal and dedicated employee who is always on time to work and seldom takes a day off. Even when sick, Petra will come in for half the day to ensure everything is running smoothly. Petra is in control of her staff, sets an example as an extremely hard worker and is always in good spirits. In Petra’s tenure, she has been selected Employee of the Month several times. Thank you, Petra, for your commitment to our community.
At the July 26 Board Meeting, we recognized Chris Evins as our July Employee of the Month. Chris has been employed in the Cottonwood Pro Shop as an Assistant Pro since March of 2016. Chris’s duties involve interaction with golf-enthused homeowners. He greets everyone with a heart-warming smile and hello. Chris understands the fundamentals of golf etiquette which he demonstrates with poise on a daily basis. I commend Chris in maintaining that sterling reputation after he joined the member tournament group of happy revelers in Laughlin, Nevada, recently. Congratulations, Chris, on your award. Well done!
The Election Committee submitted to the Board of Directors a recommendation for the timing of events to take place for the vote involving the Fitness Activity Center. The Board of Directors approved the recommendation at the Board Meeting on July 26, 2017. The vote documents which includes the ballot will be mailed out to the homeowners on October 20, 2017. An information session will be held in the San Tan Ballroom on Wednesday, November 1, 2017, at 6:30 p.m. The cut-off date for receiving ballots is Wednesday, November 15, 2017, at Homeowner Services by 5:00 p.m. Homeowners can also vote in person between 4:00-5:00 p.m. November 15, 2017, at Homeowner Services. Information about the proposed project such as Style, Elevation, Location and Cost Estimates are still being developed and will be available to homeowners as soon as possible. For now, stay cool and be safe out there.
Board of Directors meeting minutes
Directors Present: Bill Greer, Don Hicks, Anne Montgomery, Woody Neiman, Mel Rasmussen and Gay Zawatski.
Directors Not Present: Roger Beagle
Also Present: General Manager Steve Nolan
Call to Order: President Mel Rasmussen called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. in the Saguaro Room. He stated that the meeting was being recorded for the accuracy of the minutes.
Pledge of Allegiance: President Rasmussen introduced Board Director Bill Greer who was chosen to lead today’s Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Greer explained how each month at the Board Meeting we honor our military and the importance of doing this to honor their sacrifices. He talked about his involvement with the military museum in Scottsdale and their efforts to bring the military history back into our schools. He thanked everyone who are Patriots and then led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of the Minutes of the June 28, 2017, Board Meeting: President Rasmussen called for the approval of the June 28, 2017, Board Meeting Minutes. Anne Montgomery made a motion, seconded by Don Hicks, to approve the June 28, 2017, Board Meeting Minutes.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments. There was no discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
President’s Message: President Mel Rasmussen thanked everyone for coming. He thanked Bill Todd and Mike Reinhardt for their diligence in their tree trimming program, saving the association against loss of trees and damage to HOA property during the storms. He introduced our HOA weekday maintenance supervisor Petra Ruiz, who is celebrating 20 years with the Association. He thanked Petra for her devotion to our Community.
Employee of the Month: President Rasmussen announced that Cottonwood Assistant Pro Chris Evins was chosen as the HOA Employee of the Month for July. He talked about Chris’s latest significant contribution assisting at a member tournament in Laughlin, NV, and congratulated him on being selected Employee of the Month.
Treasurer’s Report:
Treasurer Woody Neiman presented the June 30, 2017, Financial Summary. A detailed report will be available for viewing in Homeowner Services.
Bill Greer made a motion, seconded by Anne Montgomery, to approve the June 30, 2017, pre-audited Financial Report.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments. There was no discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
Committee and Task Force Reports:
The following Committees did not meet in July: Architectural Compliance, Communications Committee, Facilities & Grounds Committee, Food & Beverage Committee, Golf Committee, Recreation Committee and Safety, Security & Access Committee.
Audit & Finance Committee: The report was given of their meeting held on July 6. Among the subjects discussed at the meeting were review of the monthly financials, reports on the recent Board activities and HOA projects, the budget process starting in August, welcome of new members Ronald Henderson and Glenna Reeves and discussion of their assignments. Their next meeting is August 3 at 3:00 p.m., in the Phoenix 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.
Election Committee: The report was given of their meeting held on July 7. Among the subjects discussed at the meeting were work on the Timing of Events for the Fitness Center vote and their proposal of the timing which is on today’s agenda before the Board. Their next meeting is August 2 at 1:30 p.m., in the Ceramics Room.
They have one recommendation for the Board; to approve the Timing of Events for the Fitness Activity Center First Vote. They have no recommendations for Management.
Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.
Project Reports:
Fitness Activity Center Project: Anne Montgomery reported that the four option plans are expected from Architect Ken Eller in the next couple of weeks. She reminded the audience that each option will be complete with elevation, layout, floor plan, cost estimate completion dates and timing. She stated that the plans will be submitted to the Board in August. They are also working on the letter to the Homeowners that will go with the vote.
The following audience questions and topics were discussed: How a close vote would be handled, homeowner viewing of plans prior to the vote and advertising the meetings.
PV Maintenance Yard Mezzanine Storage Area: Steve Nolan reported the project is moving slowly. He stated that steel for upper mezzanine is scheduled to be delivered Friday and will start installing Friday or Monday.
Cottonwood Tennis Courts #2, #3, #4 – Surface and Lighting: Steve Nolan reported the project is on schedule with the courts projected to open the second week of September. He stated the current progress: LED lights are installed, current work is being done on entranceways to the courts and the fencing. He stated that the painting of courts should start mid-August.
Tee Box Leveling Project: Steve Nolan reported that the project has begun. He asked Bill Todd to explain the progress. Mr. Todd reported the prep work was started Monday on the six tee boxes with all sod having been removed, leveling taking place now and sod placed last week of August.
There was discussion of the location of tees on the tee boxes and grass mulch being spread on bare spots.
PV Paver Project: Steve Nolan reported that the project will likely be started on Monday. He asked that everyone to use extreme caution when in the area of work.
Management Report: Steve Nolan gave the management report. Jim Miller and his facilities maintenance crew was given special thanks for keeping up with the pools during the monsoon season. Marshall Reinhart was congratulated for his article in the CAI Community Resource Magazine, “Food Can Be an Ice Breaker.”
Directors Comments:
Gay Zawatski: Welcomed homeowners to the meeting, gave kudos to maintenance, especially after the storms, heat and humidity.
Roger Beagle: Absent.
Anne Montgomery: Thanked Bill Greer for his comments on what our tradition of leading the Pledge of Allegiance means to him and for leading the reciting at today’s meeting.
Woody Neiman: Thanked the maintenance workers, especially those who work in the heat, and reminded everyone to be careful around work being done around the clubs.
Bill Greer: Gave kudos to Chis Evins for being named Employee of the Month, wished Mike Reinhart good luck and complimented Bill Todd’s staff for their diligence in wearing safety glasses on the job.
Don Hicks: Welcomed homeowners to this meeting, gave kudos to Marshall Reichert and thanked Bill Greer for his speech and leading the Pledge of Allegiance.
Capital Reserve Replacement Fund Requests:
President Rasmussen introduced Capital Reserve request #11, Item A.
Anne Montgomery made a motion, seconded by Bill Greer, to approve Facilities Maintenance Equipment-M-9 Club Car (Housekeeping) – Asset #1165, for the low bid of $7,223.95 from A-1 Golf Carts, Inc.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner discussion. There was discussion regarding trade-in and re-use of parts. There was no further discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
President Rasmussen introduced Capital Reserve request #10, Item B.
Woody Neiman made a motion, seconded by Anne Montgomery, to approve CW Main/Lap Pools Furniture -Asset #1054, for the low bid of $37,043.00 from Sun Patio Furniture, plus a 5% contingency, for a total cost of $38,895.13.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner discussion. There was discussion which verified that the type of furniture will be the same as Palo Verde. There was No further discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
President Rasmussen introduced Capital Reserve request #11, Item C. (Part A).
At the request of President Rasmussen, Marshall Reichert explained the type of furniture and the plan for the furniture at Cottonwood Bar/Grill Patio.
Anne Montgomery made a motion, seconded by Gay Zawatski, to approve CW Bar/Grill Patio Furniture – Asset #1537, for the low bid of $46,861.22 from National Restaurant Supply.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner discussion. There was discussion regarding funding, splitting between funding sources and adding some items to reserve list. There was discussion regarding the grade of furniture, the type of shades over the furniture and verification that the old furniture will go up for sale at some point to the homeowners. There was no further discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
President Rasmussen introduced Capital Reserve request #11, Item D. (Part B).
Woody Neiman made a motion, seconded by Anne Montgomery, to approve CW Bar/Grill Patio Furniture -Asset #1537 (Four Fire Pits), for the bid of $20,159.50 from AZ Backyard, plus a 5% contingency, for a total cost of 21,167.48.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner discussion. There was discussion about the size of the fire pit table. No further discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
President Rasmussen introduced Capital Reserve request #11, Item E.
Bill Greer made a motion, seconded by Gay Zawatski, to approve PV Restaurant AC Unit (Liquor Room) Asset #1482, for the low bid of $2,950.00 from Alpine Air.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner discussion. There was no discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
PV Gate Reserve Fund: None
Capital Improvement Fund Requests:
President Rasmussen introduced Capital Improvement request #13, Item A.
Don Hicks made a motion, seconded by Woody Neiman, to approve CW Bar/Grill Sun Awnings for the low bid of $8,970.00 from AZ Shade Design, plus a 15% contingency, for a total cost of $10,315.50.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner discussion. There was discussion about the size and verifying the color would match the clubhouse and would arrive for installation in approximately two months. No further discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
Voluntary Contribution Fund: None
Old Business:
Mel Rasmussen introduced Old Business request #15, Item A.
Don Hicks made a motion, seconded by Woody Neiman, to adopt changes to BP 10-01 Committees.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner discussion. No discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
New Business:
Mel Rasmussen introduced New Business request #16, Item A.
Bill Greer made a motion, seconded by Anne Montgomery, to approve the Timing of Events for the Fitness Activity Center First Vote as recommended by the Election Committee.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner discussion.
There was discussion of documents included in the vote.
There was no further discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
Bill Greer made a motion, seconded by Gay Zawatski, to approve the appointment of Leonard Rosati to replace the term of Glenn Martinsen as representative of CMGA on the Golf Committee.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner discussion. No discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
First Readings:
The Board of Directors unanimously agreed to place the following into First Readings for the month of August:
* Changes to the reciprocal agreement between Cottonwood Palo Verde (SL 2) and Sun Lakes Country Club (SL 1).
There was discussion regarding the relationship between Phase I and II as some things have changed requiring the reciprocal agreement to be updated.
Homeowner Comments:
* question of the gender of the swans in center lake – all male swans.
* discussion of violation of the leash requirement and what can be done.
The meeting adjourned at 4:08 p.m.
Upcoming events
All tickets for Cottonwood Palo Verde shows and events can be purchased at our Homeowner Services location.
Upcoming “TAD” Concerts
59th Street Bridge, Simon & Garfunkel – Tuesday, October 17
The Sedaka Legacy – Tuesday, November 3
Tickets going on SALE Tuesday, September 5, for:
A Tribute to Christmas – Tuesday, December 5
Christmas Golf Cart Parade and Show (FREE)
Christmas is just around the corner, and we wanted to give all of you plenty of time to get those golf carts decorated. As always, our Christmas Golf Cart Parade and Show is the first Friday of December (December 1). We will start at Palo Verde at 5:00 p.m. with hot turkey soup, crackers and hot drinks. After the judging of the golf carts, singing a number of Christmas carols while Santa stays busy getting his picture taken with all the little and big children, we head over to Cottonwood. There you will receive cookies, hot coffee, hot cocoa and hot apple cider. Show time is 7:00 p.m. Be sure to bring your cameras.
Cary Long, Top Comedian – Tickets go on sale Wednesday, September 6, 2017.
Cary will be here in the San Tan Ballroom on Wednesday, November 8, 2017. Showtime is 7:00 p.m. with doors opening at 6:00 p.m. with a no-host bar. Tickets are $15.00. Some of Cary’s television appearances include The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, MTV’s 1/2 Hour Comedy Hour, An Evening at the Improv, the Arts & Entertainment Channel, Showtime Comedy Club Network, Showtime and Comic Strip Live, Fox Network. Cary’s act is full of everyday situations that we all experience. He combines accents, cultures and nationalities into a rib-tickling performance. If you like to laugh, he is very funny, clean and a must-see!
Ken Block – Tickets go on sale Wednesday, September 20, 2017.
Ken will give his performance on Wednesday, January 24, 2018, in the San Tan Ballroom at 7:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. with a no-host bar. Ken Block has become one of the most versatile comic impressionists on the scene today. Each show contains over 100 impressions, spanning over 50 years of singers, comedians, politicians and show business luminaries. You will laugh, you will cry, but most of all, you will be entertained. Tickets are only $15 and worth every cent!
ReVoiced Concert – Tickets go on sale Wednesday, October 18, 2017.
ReVoiced will be appearing in the San Tan Ballroom on Friday, February 23, 2018, with the show starting at 7:00 p.m.; doors open at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $20. Their show is nonstop, high-energy. ReVoiced performs 100% live with zero instruments. They embody the full sound of a band, using only their five voices. They have crisp movements, tight harmonies, witty banter and powerful stage presence. Whether the moment calls for inspiration, emotion, excitement, motivation, side-splitting laughter or simply jaw-dropping entertainment, they will leave a lasting impression!
Second Annual Fun Walk for All Sun Lakers
Our Second Annual Fun Walk will take place on Saturday, November 11, at the greenbelt across from the Cottonwood tennis courts. There were 140 walkers last year, but we’d love to have more. Like last year, there will be three different walking categories to accommodate everyone. We will be hosting a Pep Rally on Friday, November 10, in the San Tan Ballroom, the night before our walk. There will be hors d’oeuvre platters of cheese, fruit and vegetables along with cake. Everyone who signs up for the Fun Walk will receive a raffle ticket that night for some great door prizes. The cost is the same as last year, $20 per walker. You will also receive a t-shirt (with the Fun Walk logo) and a goodie bag. The profit from this event will be given to the Cottonwood Palo Verde Foundation, which helps all Sun Lakers. Applications will be available at the Cottonwood Administrative Office starting on Thursday, August 24. The deadline for applications is Friday, October 20. For more information, call 384-4065 or 384-4066.
Second Annual Veterans Day Celebration (FREE)
Mark your calendars now for Friday, November 10, for our special day to honor our courageous and wonderful veterans. The event will start at 2:00 p.m. in the San Tan Ballroom. The East Valley Young Marines will be presenting the colors, special music by bag piper Ford Dudley, special guest speaker and the singing of our beautiful National Anthem. Cookies, coffee and iced tea will be served afterwards. Please join us in celebrating the men and women of this great country who keep all of us safe and FREE.
Open House – Community Days (FREE)
We will still be holding our Open House this year on the second Saturday, October 14, in both the San Tan Ballroom and the Saguaro Room from 9:00 a.m. until noon. This event is especially good for all you new homeowners. Come see what Sun Lakes has to offer you in the way of clubs, organizations and classes of all kinds.
Lion City 2 – Trunk Show
From now through October, Lion City 2 will have a Trunk Show in Cottonwood’s A-9 Phoenix Room from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (second Tuesday of each month). Bring a friend or neighbor and shop till you drop. Dates are September 12 and October 10.
Kenny Hess
You’ve asked for it, so here it is; another great Kenny Hess Concert. The date is set for September 13, 2017, in the San Tan Ballroom, starting at 7:00 p.m. with the doors opening at 6:00 p.m. with a no-host bar. Tickets are $15 and are on sale NOW at Cottonwood’s Homeowner Services. You’ll get a full range of songs from this extremely talented singer-song writer.
Upcoming Food & Beverage Events
Battle of the Chefs CW – Wednesday, September 20, beginning at 5:30 p.m. sharp; $29
Pairing Launch Party PV – Saturday, September 16; $23 plus tax and gratuity
Patio Dinner Dance PV – Saturday, October 7; $17 plus tax and gratuity
Oktoberfest PV – Friday, October 13; $14 plus tax and gratuity
Celebration of Golf – Tuesday, November 7; $60
FREE Skin Cancer Screening – Starting again in October
Dr. Joseph Allgeier of Radiant Complexions Dermatology Clinic will be conducting a Free Skin Cancer Screening in Cottonwood’s Phoenix Room (A-9) from 8:00-11:00 a.m. on the second Wednesday of the month starting this fall (October 11). 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 at the Ladies Fitness Center from noon until 1:00 p.m. for both men and women (at this time) on the following Wednesdays: September 20, October 18, November 15 and December 20. Please sign up at Homeowner Services. If there are less than four students, Deryk will cancel the class and contact those who have signed up.
Healthwaves Lab Screenings and Testing
Healthwaves will be available for testing in Cottonwood’s Paint Room (A-7) from 8:00 a.m. until noon on the following Mondays: September 11, October 9, November 13 and December 11, 2017.
Rover’s Rest Stop
Mark your calendars and tell all your friends that Rover’s Rest Stop’s Meet & Greet will be held on the second Saturday of each month. They will either be on the greenbelt in front of the Admin Office, on the greenbelt across from the Cottonwood tennis courts or in Cottonwood’s A-6 Dance Room, per weather conditions, from 9:00 a.m. until noon. Here’s a great chance for you to bring home an adorable new family member. For more information, call 480-600-2828 and remember, a little dog will be there waiting desperately for a place to call home.
Bicycle Repair in Cottonwood will return this fall!
In the fall, on Wednesdays, Two-Wheel Jones Bicycle Repair will be in Cottonwood’s east parking lot, next to the tennis courts from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
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 or CW Library.
2017
9/9 Eat Drink and Be Merry Brewery Tour
9/11-9/14 San Diego Wine, Waves and Whales
9/18-9/27 Pacific Northwest Rail and Sail
10/10-10/13 Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
10/10-10/19 Cruise to Cuba
10/24-10/29 A Day in the Life of the Navajo
10/28 Verde Canyon Railroad
11/9 Sedona
11/15 Mystery Tour
11/20-11/24 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
11/21-11/24 Thanksgiving in San Diego
12/30 Rose Bowl Parade Family Getaway
12/30 Rose Bowl Parade Four Day Getaway (includes Volunteer Opportunity)
12/31 Rose Bowl Parade Mini-Getaway