Message from the President
Dick Norris
Early January, homeowners bordering along the five lakes in Cottonwood received a postcard survey asking for their interest in placing a fountain in each of the five lakes. I urged them to voice their opinion, either yes or no and drop off the postcard at the Administration Center or mail it by January 31. The results of the survey were not available in time for this article. A Board workshop concerning this project is scheduled for Monday, February 13, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. in the San Tan Ballroom. The purpose of the workshop is to gather further information from our homeowners and provide a question and answer session. The date will also be announced in The Flyer and In The Know. Based on cost estimates from a few years ago, a homeowner vote of approval would be required in order to move forward with this project. The outcome of that vote will determine what happens next. The Health and Wellness Center has to be decided before any other voter-approved projects can be addressed.
January signaled the beginning of our board election process. The names of board candidates were not available to meet the publishing deadline of this article. “Meet the Candidates Night” is scheduled for Thursday, February 23, at 6:30 p.m. in the San Tan Ballroom. Homeowners should make every effort to attend and hear the candidate platforms and answer your questions. The Board of Directors appreciates our homeowners who choose to volunteer their time and energy in service to our community. Maintaining the quality of life and vitality of our community depends on those elected to the board. Serving on the board should not be considered a seat of power but, rather, one of service to our homeowners.
On behalf of our board, I have sent a letter to Mr. Denney Barney, our Maricopa County Board of Supervisors representative, requesting his help in addressing the terrible condition of our streets in Cottonwood. They are in need of complete re-surfacing, which hasn’t been done for several years. I am awaiting a response in hopes he will be able to get some action in addressing this request.
Here is an update on recent board approved actions:
•Purchase of 150 new Cottonwood Restaurant menu covers.
•The Election Committee’s 2017 Board Candidate Application, Questionnaire, and Petition of Support under Board Policy 11-04.
•The addition of one more member to the Audit and Finance Committee and the Safety, Security and Access Committee.
Finally, be sure to check The Flyer and In The Know for important dates and detailed information on Association activities. These are valuable communication resources to help you stay informed and involved in our community.
The Board of Directors is looking forward to another month of activities for our homeowners to enjoy.
Upcoming events at CWPV
All tickets for Cottonwood Palo Verde shows and events can be purchased at our Homeowner Services location.
“TAD” WINTER CONCERT (3:00 p.m. shows only)
All the 7:00 p.m. shows are SOLD OUT for the January, February and March Concerts.
On sale NOW! 3:00 p.m. tickets ($20 each – no series tickets)
The Piano Men (Elton John and Billy Joel), Monday, February 6, 2017
Shania Twain and Tim McGraw, Tuesday, February 21, 2017
Whitney Houston, Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Creedence Clearwater Revival, Tuesday, March 14, 2017
Doobie Brothers, Tuesday, March 28, 2017
DANCING WITH THE SUN LAKES ALL-STARS
Yes folks, we are now presenting the Dancing with the Sun Lakes ALL-STARS Show on Saturday, February 11, and Sunday, February 12, 2017. The $20 tickets went on sale Tuesday, November 15, 2016. You will see the first place winners from past years competing against each other: Neda Mead, Joyce Recupido, Pat Koepp, Meena Harris, Wanda Johnson and Bill Jablonski. This will be spectacular. And, as always, the unbelievable, talented Utah Ballroom Dance Company will also be performing each night. All the dancers will perform Saturday and Sunday, and there will be a winner selected both nights.
ART AT THE LAKES
Mark your calendars NOW for Saturday, March 4, 2017, for the Annual Art At The Lakes Show benefiting the brave men and women of our Sun Lakes Fire Department. Show starts at 9:00 a.m. and continues until 2:00 p.m. at the Greenbelt across from the Cottonwood Tennis Courts. All proceeds are donated to SLFD. There will be art of all mediums for sale.
LADIES COFFEE
The next Ladies Coffee will be Wednesday, February 1, 2017, in the San Tan Ballroom starting at 10:30 a.m. The cost will be $3.00. As always, we will be serving cookies, hot coffee or tea and iced tea, with some interesting speakers and more, so bring your friends and neighbors for a good time! This month, we’ll be hosting the annual “What Women Want” fashion show including our very own Sun Lakes Fire Department modeling CW PV golf clothes.
2017 Schedule: February 1, March 1, April 5
EASTER – Annual Egg Hunt and Golf Cart Parade
Easter will be here before you know it! The date is set for Saturday, April 15, 2017. All Sun Lakers and their guests are invited. As in the past, we will still have our Egg Hunt, Golf Cart Parade and in the ballroom, we’ll be serving refreshments and playing games with the children. Hopefully, the Sun Lakes Community Theatre will be able to perform one of their wonderful children’s plays in the street on Brentwood. Pictures with the Easter Bunny on his throne will take place on the San Tan Ballroom stage after he returns from the parade, so bring your camera.
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 8:00-11:00 a.m. on Wednesdays starting this fall. All Sun Lakers are invited; no appointment needed. The doctor will see you on a first come basis. Dr. Joe will be attending on these dates: February 8, March 8, April 12 and May 10.
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 to 1:00 p.m., for both men and women (at this time) on the following Wednesdays: February 15, March 15, April 19, May 17, June 21, July 19, August 16, 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 (A7) from 8:00 a.m.-noon on the following Mondays: February 13, March 13, April 10, May 8, June 12, July 10 and August 14.
ROVER’S REST STOP
Mark your calendars and tell all your friends that Rover’s Rest Stop’s Meet and Greet will be held on Saturday, February 11, March 11, April 8 and May 13 (they will either be on the greenbelt in front of the Admin Office or in the A6 Dance Room) from 9:00 a.m.-noon. Here’s another 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
Wednesdays, Two-Wheel Jones Bicycle Repair will be in Cottonwood’s east parking lot, next to the tennis courts from 8:00 a.m.-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.
February 11—Parada del Sol
February 11 and 12—Bisbee Chocolate and Wine
February 12—Tubac Arts & Crafts Festival
February 18 and 19—Tucson Rodeo VIP
February 18 and 21—CA Presidents and Heroes
February 24 and 26—Yuma Lettuce Days
February 24 and 27—San Diego Deluxe
February 26—Algodones
February 27 and March 1—Laughlin Winter Break – The Next Generation
March 3 and 7—Get Your Kicks On Route 66
March 4—53rd Annual Highland Games
March 6 and 9—National Parks of the Southwest Value
March 6 and 9—Death Valley
March 6 and 9—Mighty Colorado
March 9—Rockin’ 9 Mystery Tour
CWPV – Board of Directors meeting minutes, December 28
Directors present: Roger Beagle, Bill Greer, Bud Jenssen, Anne Montgomery, Woody Neiman, Dick Norris and Mel Rasmussen
Also present: General Manager, Steve Nolan
President, Dick Norris called the meeting to order at 3:00 PM. in the San Tan Ballroom. He stated that the meeting is being recorded for the accuracy of the minutes.
Secretary, Anne Montgomery gave a short biography of the military career of United States Air Force Veteran, Bob Earl. Mr. Earl led the Pledge of Allegiance and was then thanked for his military service.
Roger Beagle made a motion, seconded by Anne Montgomery, to approve the December 28, 2016, Board Meeting Minutes.
The floor was opened to Board & homeowner comments — no comments. Motion carried unanimously.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE:
President, Dick Norris reported that a survey would be mailed in early January to homeowners bordering the Five Lakes asking their interest in placing a fountain at each of the Five Lakes. A Board Workshop regarding the Five Lakes Project will be held on Monday, February 13, from 2-4pm in the San Tan Ballroom. He explained that if this project were to move forward, it would require a homeowner vote, but the Health and Wellness Center must be decided before any other voter-approved project is addressed. The Board Candidate Election process starts in January. A Board Workshop Orientation for HOA Committee Chairs, Vice-chairs & Secretaries will be held on January 19. A letter was sent to County Supervisor, Denny Barney, regarding the need for resurfacing the Cottonwood streets. Mr. Norris reminded everyone to check The Flyer and In the Know for the latest information. He reported the sad news of the passing of Fred Haubold, who served as a past Board member, on the HWCTF and was a long- time Chair of the Audit and Finance Committee. He introduced Accounting staff member, Sandra Ibanez who is honored as the HOA Employee of the Year for 2016.
TREASURER’S REPORT:
Treasurer, Woody Neiman presented the November 30, 2016, Financial Summary. A detailed report will be available for viewing in Homeowner Services.
Bud Jenssen made a motion, seconded by Anne Montgomery, to approve the November 30, 2016, pre-audited Financial Report.
The floor was opened to Board & homeowner comments — no comments. Motion carried unanimously.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Architectural Compliance Committee: The report was given of their meetings held on December 6 & 20. It was reported that 79 permits were approved. Next meeting is January 3, 8:30 AM in the A-7 Paint Room.
They have no recommendations for Board or Management.
Audit & Finance Committee: The report was given of their meeting held on December 14. Among the subjects discussed at the meeting were: review of the monthly financials, review of their 2017 action plans, an explanation of the Capital Reserve Fund and the interview and selection of a candidate to fill one committee vacancy. Ed Schauble then read the explanation of the process involved behind the Capital Reserve Fund, presented at the A&F meeting by Carl Thompson, RDA Arizona. It was explained that this fund is an asset replacement fund and our existing assets are only covered by 62% of the replacement cost. It should not be considered a source of funds for major projects nor a bank for borrowing.
Next meeting is January 11, 2:00 PM, in the Saguaro Room.
They have one (1) recommendation for Board to approve the appointment of Frank Wagner to the A&F Committee. They have no recommendations for Management.
Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.
There was a question from the audience regarding the value of the assets. Ed Schauble was thanked for providing the information.
Communications Committee: The report was given of their meeting held on December 5. Among the subjects discussed at the meeting were: website stats orientation by IT Specialist, Brian Mastin, recreation activities, new link on the website to information on the CW Library and the upcoming Board Elections, the new link on In The Know for important HOA phone numbers, and the report of 16 Ambassador referrals and 18 tours.
Next meeting is January 9, 8:30 AM, in the Ceramics Room.
They have no recommendations for Board or 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 December 7 Among the subjects discussed at the meeting were: goals and objectives, the Election manual and revision of Election Board Policies.
Next meeting is January 4, 1:30 PM, in the Ceramics Room.
The Election Committee recommends to the Board the 2017 Board Candidate Application, Questionnaire, and Petition of Support under Board Policy 11-04. They have no recommendations for Management.
Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.
Facilities & Grounds Committee: The report was given of their meeting held on December 7. Among the subjects discussed at the meeting were: current projects, upcoming projects for 2017 and a Five Lakes Fountain Survey. Next meeting is January 4, 9:00 AM in the Saguaro Room.
They have one recommendation for the Board to approve a survey postcard to be mailed to homeowners bordering the Five Lakes area regarding potential fountains to be added to each of the five lakes.
They have no recommendations for Management.
Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.
Food & Beverage Committee: Bernie Kowalski reported on their meeting held on December 1 on behalf of Marty Neilson. Among the subjects discussed at the meeting were: Thanksgiving attendance-750, New Year’s Eve, new PV menu covers, need for a fryer at PV, the introduction of CW Assistant Manager, Josh Blackburn and goals for 2017. Next meeting is January 5, 9:00 AM in the Saguaro Room.
They have no recommendations for the Board or Management.
Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.
There was a question from the Board regarding the lobster dinner event at PV.
Golf Committee: Bob Earl was thanked for his military service. The report was given of their meeting on December 1. Among the subjects discussed at the meeting were: Bill Todd’s report, golf pro reports, and monitoring of the daily usage of the PV practice/short game area. Next meeting is January 5, 2:00 PM in the Ceramics Room.
They have no recommendations for the Board or Management.
Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.
Recreation Committee: Hal Davis reported on their meeting held on December 5 on behalf of Ken Stanley. Among the subjects discussed at the meeting were plans and objectives for the coming year. Next meeting is January 9, 1:30 PM, in the Phoenix Room.
They have no recommendations for the Board or Management.
Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.
Safety, Security & Access Committee: The report was given of their meeting held on December 7. Among the subjects discussed at the meeting were: interviewing and voting on a new committee member; lighting issues; children driving golf carts; SS&AC Charter and goals; traffic signal timing issue at Michigan and Alma School which is being referred to the Department of Transportation (DOT), as it is their responsibility. Their next meeting is January 4, 10:00 AM, in the Saguaro Room.
They have one (1) recommendation for the Board to approve the appointment of Carol Biales to SS&AC. They have no recommendations for Management.
There was a question from the audience regarding a phone number for DOT. There was further discussion regarding the traffic signal.
Health & Wellness Center Task Force: It was reported that HWCTF met December 13. The architectural team did not have a report due to the meeting being postponed because of a death in the Architect’s family. That meeting, rescheduled to January 5 is to review alternatives to the previous proposal which was not accepted. The equipment subcommittee continues their work.
Next meeting is January 10, 2:00 PM, in the Saguaro Room.
They have no recommendations for the Board or Management.
PROJECT REPORTS:
Pools: Steve Nolan reported that the CW Main Pool PebbleTec work is finished after an unacceptable area was discovered by Jim Miller which was then fixed. The pool filling will start next, followed by the County inspection.
MANAGEMENT REPORT: Steve Nolan gave the management report with special thanks to Recreation Manager, Linda Caton and her assistant, Julie Ortbahn for their work on the Christmas decor and now the task of removing it. He gave special thanks to the staff for all their work this past year. He congratulated Sandra Ibanez on her being honored as Employee of the Year for 2016. He gave special thanks to Danielle Ipe for her willingness to step up when needed. He wished everyone a healthy and happy 2017.
DIRECTORS COMMENTS:
Bud Jenssen: He thanked Bob Earl for his military service. He thanked the managers and committees for all their work. He wished everyone a Merry Christmas and happy new year. He thanked Sandra Ibanez for all her work.
Anne Montgomery: Agreed with the previous comments.
Mel Rasmussen: He thanked Bob Earl for his military service. He commented upon the passing of Fred Haubold stating that he will be greatly missed. He thanked Sandra Ibanez for all her work. He wished everyone a happy new year.
Woody Neiman: Agreed with the previous comments. He thanked Sandra Ibanez for her service to the HOA, especially when she filled in for Karen Lease. He commented that Fred Haubold was a very pleasant person. He thanked the homeowners for attending and wished everyone a happy new year.
Roger Beagle: Wished everyone a Merry Christmas and expressed his pleasure to serve on the Board. He thanked Bob Earl for his service. He offered prayers for the family on the passing of Fred Haubold and mentioned it was Fred who taught him a lot about financials. He wished everyone a happy and safe new year.
Bill Greer: Agreed with the previous comments. He thanked Linda Caton for the Christmas show. He commented on the importance of safety in the community. He complimented Patrol Manager, Dick Gothier on the safety information he provides. He thanked the Board, management and employees and wished everyone a happy new year.
CAPITAL RESERVE REPLACEMENT FUND REQUESTS:
Dick Norris introduced Capital Reserve request #10, Item A.
Woody Neiman made a motion, seconded by Anne Montgomery, to approve CW Restaurant Menus & Wine Lists – Asset: 1424, replacement of 150 menu covers at the cost of $4,914.00 from Menu Cover Depot.
The floor was opened to Board & homeowner comments. No comments. Motion carried unanimously.
PV GATE RESERVE FUND: NONE
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND REQUESTS: NONE
VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTION FUND: NONE
OLD BUSINESS:
Dick Norris introduced Old Business item #14A.
Bud Jenssen made a motion, seconded by Anne Montgomery, to approve changes to BP 6-03 Common Rule Violations and Establishment of Fines.
The floor was opened to Board & homeowner comments. No comments. Motion carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS:
Dick Norris introduced New Business #15A.
Roger Beagle made a motion, seconded by Mel Rasmussen, to approve the Facilities & Grounds Committee’s request to approve the survey postcard to be mailed to the homeowners boarding the five lakes area regarding potential fountains to be added to each of the five lakes.
The floor was opened to Board & homeowner comments. No comments. Motion carried unanimously.
Dick Norris introduced New Business #15B.
Anne Montgomery made a motion, seconded by Bud Jenssen, to approve the 2017 Board Candidate Application, Questionnaire, and Petition of Support under Board Policy 11-04, as recommended by the Election Committee.
The floor was opened to Board & homeowner comments. No comments. Motion carried unanimously.
Dick Norris introduced New Business #15C.
Roger Beagle made a motion, seconded by Anne Montgomery, to approve the appointments of Frank Wagner to the Audit & Finance Committee and Carol Biales to the Safety, Security & Access Committee.
The floor was opened to Board & homeowner comments. No comments. Motion carried unanimously.
FIRST READINGS:
Dick Norris introduced First Readings item #17A, B, C and D. Woody Neiman explained the proposed new BP 4-16 Cottonwood Palo Verde Carryover Fund.
Roger Beagle made a motion, seconded by Anne Montgomery, to approve that the changes to the following Board Policies be placed into First Readings:
A. BP 5-02 Recording of Association Meetings,
B. BP 9-09 Campaign/Political Signage,
C. BP 9-11 Solicitation
D. Proposed new BP 4-16 Cottonwood Palo Verde Carryover Fund
The floor was opened to Board & homeowner comments. There was discussion regarding item D, proposed new BP 4-16 and what has been done in the past. There was discussion over the $110,000.00 limit.
No further comments. Motion carried unanimously.
HOMEOWNER COMMENTS:
The Board was thanked for their work this past year.
The meeting adjourned at 4:08 PM.