Cottonwood Palo Verde at Sun Lakes – March 2015

CWPV Healthy Lifestyles and you

Is a multi-purpose facility for fitness, group exercise classrooms, wellness opportunities and a healthy lifestyle in Cottonwood Palo Verde’s future? Join a live question and answer session with 2015 Board Candidates on Friday, March 6 in the Saguaro Room from 3:00-5:00 p.m.

Discover their vision for health and wellness, group exercise classes, fitness and healthy lifestyles. Are we sexist? How do we accommodate rehab? Will the next accident lead to a lawsuit? Are dietary restrictions preventing your dining at our restaurants? Not into health and wellness? Learn its impact on your property values.

Join us for a lively discussion of health and wellness and its relevance to the Cottonwood Palo Verde healthy lifestyle and you.

Board of Director meeting minutes – January 28, 2015 unapproved

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 civilian and military life of Navy veteran Jerry Kuhl. Mr. Kuhl then led the Pledge of Allegiance. He was thanked for his service to our Country.

Dick Norris made a motion, seconded by Bud Jenssen, to approve the December 29, 2014 Board Meeting Minutes. The motion carried unanimously.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE:

Kathy Skrei gave an update of the SRP Power line project. She reported that SRP is working with the Gila River Indian community and they are optimistic that it will be successful. SRP is considering the alternative approach of abandoning the Germann Road and Hunt Hwy option. If this is their choice the impact on Cottonwood Palo Verde will be minimal but the west side of Oakwood would still be impacted. We are still meeting with various commissioners to plead our case for the Germann Road route. We are hoping for the Germann option because it will not impact Sun Lakes at all. She will keep the community informed on further developments.

TREASURER’S REPORT:

Nancy Pannebecker presented the December 31, 2014 financial summary. A detailed report will be available for viewing in Homeowner Services.

She reported that the yearly HOA audit will start next week.

Don Hicks made a motion, seconded by Dick Norris, to approve the December 31, 2014 pre-audited financial report. The motion carried unanimously.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Architectural Compliance Committee: The report was given of its one meeting held January 15. They had 105 permit applications approved, two denied, 11 requiring follow up and 45 requiring ongoing follow up. The next meeting is February 5, in the Phoenix Room. The committee has no recommendations for the Board or for management.

Audit and Finance Committee: The report was given of its meeting held January 14. Primary focus was planning for the HOA audit. The committee discussed planning for the food inventory. The next meeting is February 11 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.

Communications Committee: Jerry Kuhl was thanked for his military service. The report was given of its meeting held January 5. The ambassadors had seven tours. He thanked Julie Mooney and Barry Mostovoy for organizing and hosting the new homeowner cocktail party held on January 24. He thanked Leigh Torres and staff for handling the refreshments for the re-opening of the Library on January 27. He also thanked the following for their contributions to the re-opening and renovation: Steve Nolan, Kathy Skrei, Beth Becker, Jim Miller Anne Montgomery, members of the Communications Committee and John Mitchell who made the shelving. The next meeting is February 2 at 8:30 a.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.

Election Committee: The report was given of its meeting held January 7. It was reported that the committee is working on preparing for the Board elections and Meet the Candidates Night. It was reported that the committee will be verifying the Board applications on Thursday, February 5 and Friday, February 6 the campaigning will start. The next meeting is February 4 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 January 5. It was reported that the committee discussed moving the five-lakes project to 2016; moving the putting and chipping project to 2015; Sisk Park walkway; sound system; project notebook. The next meeting is February 2 at 9:30 a.m. in the Paint Room.

The committee has one recommendation for the Board to place the proposed Cottonwood five lakes project in the year 2016 and to move the proposed Palo Verde short game practice area to 2015. The committee has no recommendations for 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 January 8. It was reported that the committee approved its goals and objectives. The next meeting is February 5 at 9:00 a.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.

Golf Committee: The report was given of its meeting held January 8. The next meeting is February 5 at 2:00 p.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.

Recreation Committee: The report was given of its meeting held January 5. The next meeting is February 2 at 1:30 p.m. in the Phoenix Room. This committee has the following recommendations for the Board: 1)approve the appointment of Rick Rickets to the Recreation Committee; 2) approve changes to BP 7-60 Pickleball Court Regulations to make the procedure for court signups the same as those for tennis. The committee has no recommendations for management. Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.

Safety, Security and Access Committee: The report was given of its meeting held January 7. Focus was on personal safety. Homeowners were encouraged to attend the Sun Lakes Community Safety Forum on Wednesday, February 11 at 3:00 p.m. in the San Tan Ballroom. Management and staff were thanked for helping with this event. The next meeting is February 4 at 10:00 a.m.in the Saguaro Room.

The committee has no recommendations for the Board. They have one for management. Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.

Fitness Center Replacement Task Force: The report was given of its meeting held January 13. The member roster names were given. It was reported that on April 29, 2014 an independent study was published by a wellness and fitness study group of concerned homeowners who submitted it to management and the Board. The Board then formed a task force. At this point no decisions have been made.

The committee is presently working on a timeline. At this time it was reported that the rumor going around about the Board setting aside $2.5 million of capital reserve funds for a new fitness center is false. Right now it is not determined what the best course of action is regarding a fitness center. The community will be kept informed via workshops and articles in our communication venues.

The committee had two recommendations for the Board: To approve a homeowner survey, and the changing of their task force name from Fitness Center Task Force to Health and Wellness Center Task Force.

PROJECT REPORTS:

Steve Nolan Reported on the following project(s):

Cottonwood Library – This will be the last report as the project is complete. The reopening on January 27 was a success and many positive comments were expressed. He thanked Beth Becker and Linda Caton for their help with decorating the library and the grand re-opening.

MANAGEMENT REPORT: Steve Nolan gave the management report.

DIRECTORS COMMENTS:

Jerry Lofquist thanked Jerry Kuhl for his military service.

Don Hicks thanked Paul Rogers and the Communications Committee for its handling of the library project. He suggested that everyone should go see it.

Nancy Pannebecker reported that the library looks beautiful and believes the homeowners will enjoy it.

Richard Hawkes thanked Paul Rogers and the Communications Committee for its energy behind the library project.

Dick Norris thanked Paul Rogers and thanked Jerry Kuhl.

Bud Jenssen thanked Jerry Kuhl and thanked the Communications Committee and stated he enjoyed being its Board liaison; thanked Linda Caton; thanked Marshall Reichert and Daniell Ipe for a successful New Homeowner Cocktail Party.

CAPITAL RESERVE REPLACEMENT FUND REQUESTS:

None

PV GATE RESERVE FUND:

None

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND REQUESTS:

Don Hicks made a motion, seconded by Bud Jenssen, to approve Palo Verde chipping and practice area. Sole source bid from Mike Gogel Designer/Landscapes Unlimited of $175,916.02 plus a 5 percent contingency for a total cost of $184,711.82. There was extensive discussion led by Bill Todd who explained the project. It was explained that the reason for sole source bid is that the design is Mike Gogel’s and soliciting new bidders would force us to incur additional costs for a new design. The motion carried unanimously.

VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTION FUND:

None

OLD BUSINESS:

None

NEW BUSINESS:

Richard Hawkes made a motion, seconded by Bud Jenssen, to accept notification that the $5,000 approved at the April 25, 2012 Board meeting to be used for a study of fitness facilities to determine the best course of action for future improvement is being activated. The motion carried unanimously.

Dick Norris made a motion, seconded by Bud Jenssen, to approve the Health and Wellness Homeowner Survey as presented by the Fitness Center Replacement Task Force. The motion carried unanimously.

Bud Jenssen made a motion, seconded by Dick Norris to approve the appointment of Rick Rickets to the Recreation Committee. The motion carried unanimously.

Dick Norris made a motion, seconded by Jerry Lofquist to approve changes to BP 7-60 Pickleball Court Regulations. The motion carried unanimously.

Richard Hawkes made a motion, seconded by Bud Jenssen to approve changes to BP 10-16 Fitness Center Replacement Task Force Charter. The motion carried unanimously.

Dick Norris made a motion, seconded by Jerry Lofquist to approve the removal of the following from the current Board Policy Book: 7-52 Application for Reserving Tennis Court Time and 7-62 Application for Reserving Pickleball Court Time. The motion carried unanimously.

Bud Jenssen made a motion, seconded by Jerry Lofquist, to approve the recommendation from the Facilities and Grounds Committee to place the proposed Cottonwood five lakes project in the year 2016 and to move the proposed Palo Verde short game practice area to 2015. The motion carried unanimously.

FIRST READINGS:

None

HOMEOWNER COMMENTS:

Thank you for the fountain.

Regarding the proposed Palo Verde putting and chipping green backing up to a homeowner’s back yard; suggested a light in that area.

Thank you to Board for the renovation of Hole No. 13 at Cottonwood.

The meeting adjourned at 3:45 p.m.

Message from the President

Kathy Skrei, Cottonwood Palo Verde Board President

The Board election campaign commenced February 6. There are two Board openings for the 2015 Board of Directors. The terms of Don Hicks and Kathy Skrei are coming to an end. The Election Committee advertised for candidates to fill these two positions. Three candidates – Don Hicks, Woody Neiman and Mel Rasmussen submitted applications to fill the two Board seats. Vote counting day is March 19 at the Palo Verde Country Club. The Election Committee will report the results which will be posted on bulletin boards, on our website, in The Flyer and In The Know. The new Board members will take their seats at the annual Board meeting which will be held on March 25 at 4:00 p.m. in the San Tan Ballroom.

A Sun Lakes Community Safety and Security Forum was held on Wednesday, February 11 from 3:00–4:00 p.m. in the San Tan Ballroom. The forum was well attended and community experts gave important information regarding personal safety and the security of your home and property. Information was also given on how to protect yourself and family from scams, mail fraud, identity theft and more. Presenting agencies were the Sun Lakes Fire Department, the Sun Lakes Sheriff’s Posse, Neighbors Who Care, Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office and others. This event was sponsored by the Cottonwood Palo Verde Safety, Security and Access Committee.

At its January Board meeting, the Board of Directors approved the construction of the Palo Verde Golf Country Club short-game practice area. The practice area will consist of a new 7,000 square foot putting green, a new 3,100 square foot chipping green, an 800 square foot sand bunker and a low-maintenance practice fairway for chipping. Construction will begin the first week of June; however, the new area will not be open for play until after the 2015 fall overseeding.

This is my final Message from the Board President as March 25 marks my final day on the Cottonwood Palo Verde Board of Directors. I have served for the past five years on the Board and have found it to be a very rewarding experience. There have been many challenges over the past five years but as a Board we have accomplished a great many things. I am proud that the new Administration Building was completed during my presidency and came in under budget, thanks to Board Director Don Hicks, who chaired this project. As we all know, you cannot please everyone all of the time, but I did my best trying to do what I felt was right for the majority of our community. Overall our community is in a very sound position both physically and financially. I want to thank the support that I had from our strong management team led by General Manager Steve Nolan.

I want to wish the best of luck to the new and future Boards and I want to thank you for allowing me to serve this wonderful community in which we live.

Upcoming events

Ladies Coffee

Ladies Coffees are for all Sun Lakes women and guests. They’re held 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 tea and iced tea. Each month will be a new and fun program with door prizes. March’s coffee will include a Sun Lakes Community Theatre snippet from their upcoming play Southern Comfort; local Diana Perez, professional pianist/vocalist will perform, Mr. Cooper with a survival for all occasions demonstration and Dead Center Golf will demonstrate the world’s smallest ball picker-upper and lots more.

Dates are March 4 and April 1

Art at the Lakes

Don’t forget to mark your calendar for Saturday, March 7 for our annual Art at the Lakes show, benefiting our very own Sun Lakes Fire Department. Come hungry because the firefighters will be grilling hot dogs and hamburgers for sale.

Easter Golf Cart Parade and Festival

Our annual Easter Golf Cart Parade and Festival will take place on Saturday, April 4 so plan on decorating your golf cart this year and win some prize money. There will be two categories: Best Easter Theme and Best Decorated. We’ll have our famous egg hunt for the children at 9:00 a.m. sharp and after the parade we’ll all go into the San Tan Ballroom for games and refreshments. To get in the Ballroom you must have your homeowner’s card! Bring your cameras and get pictures with Mr. or Mrs. Easter Bunny.

Dancing With the Stars

Tickets are really going fast! Show dates are 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. The 7:00 p.m. show is already sold out, but we have opened a 3:00 p.m. show with the doors opening at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are still only $20 and also going fast.

Tribute to Tom Jones

We are very excited to present to you the very best Tom Jones impersonator to our San Tan Ballroom stage. His show is truly amazing and you won’t want to miss this one! Tickets are really going fast. The show date is Tuesday, March 24. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for a 7:00 p.m. show. Tickets are $20.

Nashville Gold

From the earliest days of what was referred to as hillbilly music through the Grand Ole Opry, Singing Cowboys, Western Swing, Honky Tonk, the Nashville Sound, Outlaw Country and Urban Cowboy, right up to today’s New Country, no era of good ol’ American music is left behind. The show date is Wednesday, May 20 in the San Tan Ballroom. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for a 7:00 p.m. show. Tickets are $20.

The Magic of Barry Manilow and Bette Midler

Barry is best known for his catalogue of his hits that include Mandy, Ready to Take a Chance Again, Could It Be Magic, Copacabana, I Write the Songs, Can’t Smile Without You and more. The show date is Tuesday, June 23 in the San Tan Ballroom. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for a 7:00 p.m. show. Tickets are $20.

A Tribute to the Beach Boys Catch a Wave

What more can we say -it’s 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. Doors opens at 6:00 p.m. for a 7:00 p.m. show. Tickets are $20.

Cliff Castle Day Trip

On Tuesday, March 10 the bus will leave the Cottonwood flagpole at approximately 8:30 a.m. for a day trip to the Cliff Castle in Camp Verde. The ticket price is $15 which includes roundtrip transportation, non-stop gaming action, $20 in free play Castle Cash and a free buffet.

The bus will leave the Casino at 3:30 p.m. and should arrive at Sun Lakes approximately 5:00 p.m.

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) from 8:00 a.m.–noon. All Sun Lakers are invited. No appointment is needed; the doctor will see you on a first come basis.

Wednesday, March 4 and April 1

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 Wednesday, March 18 and Wednesday, April 15. Please sign up at Homeowner Services.

Upcoming Dinner Dances

Tuesday, March 17 – St Patrick’s Day

Saturday, April 11 – End of the year Luau

Tuesday, May 5 – Cinco de Mayo

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. Please remind them that you are a Cottonwood Palo Verde homeowner.

March 9– 11 – Margaritas and More Jimmy Buffet Tribute in Las Vegas

March 9–11 – Laughlin Three Day Getaway

March 16-19 – Discover Navajo

March 21-25 – California Coast

March 24–28 – San Francisco and Wine Country

April 11–18 – Charleston and Savannah

April 22–25 – National Parks of the Southwest

May 16 – Verde Canyon Railroad

June 14–18 – Sierra Nevada Journey