From the President
Mel Rasmussen
Welcome back to our homeowners who traveled these past months. We have been busy here in Sun Lakes with lots of projects to beautify the area!
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our Employee of the Month for September, Facilities Assistant Manager Jaime Chavez-Bazan. Jaime has proven time and again to be an invaluable member of our staff. During the Facilities Manager’s absence, Jaime stepped in and handled the job and responsibilities without a glitch. Jaime is taking the initiative to attend the refrigeration school in order to become certified, allowing him to be more of a value to the Association. Keep up the good work, Jaime!
As you know, we are in the midst of a very important decision regarding whether or not to move forward with a new Fitness Activity Center. Please read the letter from the Board of Directors in this issue of the Splash and please remember to vote.
The Board of Directors look forward to another active and exciting winter season for our homeowners.
Upcoming events
All tickets for Cottonwood Palo Verde shows and events can be purchased at our Homeowner Services location.
Upcoming “TAD” Concerts:
“Those British Girls” – Tuesday, January 9
“Mark Preston” (the last Letterman) – Tuesday, January 30
“Reba” – Tuesday, February 13
“The Orbison Years” – Tuesday, February 20
“Rhinestone Country” – Tuesday, February 27
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 for all paid participants on Friday, November 10, in Cottonwood’s Saguaro Room, the night before our walk (November 10). 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 Fun Walk logo and a goodie bag. The profit from this event will be given to the Cottonwood Palo Verde Foundation which helps everyone here at Sun Lakes. Applications are available at the Cottonwood Administrative Office. You can also download the application at www.cottonwoodpaloverdefoundation.org. The deadline for applications is Friday, October 20, 2017. For more information, call 384-4065 or 384-4066.
Second Annual Veterans Day Celebration (FREE)
Mark your calendars now for Friday, November 10, as we proudly honor our United States of America’s Veterans. The event will start at 2:00 p.m. in the San Tan Ballroom. The East Valley Young Marines will present the colors. There will be music by bagpiper Ford Dudley, special guest speaker Julian Pickens and the singing of our beautiful National Anthem by Dr. Maddy Paschal. Cookies, coffee and iced tea will be served. Please join us in acknowledging our brave men and women of this great country who have kept and will continue to keep all of us safe and free.
Assured Imaging – Health Screening Event (www.assuredimaging.com)
This is healthcare in motion! On Friday, November 17, from 9:00 a.m. to finish, this state-of-the-art mobile coach will be located in the east parking lot in Cottonwood by the Arts & Crafts rooms. Available services will be Mammogram Screening and Osteoporosis Bone Health Exams (DEXA). Exams are covered by Medicare, and all major insurances are accepted. Affordable self-pay pricing also available. There is a sign-up sheet in Cottonwood’s Homeowner Services. A minimum number of exams/participants is required for event to occur.
Christmas Golf Cart Parade and Show (FREE)
Christmas is just around the corner, and we wanted to give you all plenty of time to think about decorating your golf carts. 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 FREE hot turkey soup, crackers and hot drinks. After the judging of the golf carts, singing a number of Christmas carols and watching Santa get his picture taken with all the little children and families, we head over to Cottonwood. We will be escorted by our dedicated men and women of the Sun Lakes Sheriff’s Posse. There you will receive FREE cookies, hot coffee, hot cocoa and hot apple cider. The Christmas Show will start at 7:00 p.m. Be sure to bring your cameras.
Cary Long – Top Comedian
Cary will be here in the San Tan Ballroom on Wednesday, November 8, 2017. Show time 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
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!
Annual Impersonators Show -Tickets go on sale Tuesday, November 7, 2017.
On Wednesday, March 7, 2018, starting at 7:00 p.m., the impersonators show will take the stage in our San Tan Ballroom. This year’s (2018) theme is called “New York, New York – What A Wonderful Town.” The impersonators will include Tony Bennett, Bobby Darin, Bette Midler and Barbra Streisand. What a great combination. As always, ticket will be $20. This show sells out pretty fast, so don’t wait too long.
Upcoming Food & Beverage Events
Tuesday, November 7, Celebration of Golf PV; $60
Thursday, November 23, Thanksgiving Buffet PV; $36 plus tax and gratuity
Saturday, November 25, Buffet and Bonfire CW; $19
Sunday, December 31, New Year’s Eve PV and CW
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 Wednesdays. All Sun Lakers are invited. No appointment needed. The doctor will see you on a first-come basis. Dates are November 8 and December 13, 2018, and January 10, February 14, March 14 and April 11, 2018.
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 third Wednesdays: 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. 2018 – January 17, February 21, March 21, April 18, May 16.
Healthwaves Lab Screenings and Testing
Healthwaves will be available for testing in Cottonwood’s Paint Room (A-7) from 8:00 a.m. to noon on second Mondays: November 13 and December 11, 2017, and January 8, February 12, March 12, April 9 and May 14, 2018.
Rover’s Rest Stop
Mark your calendars and tell all your friends that Rover’s Rest Stop’s Meet & Greet Adoptions 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. to noon. Here’s a great chance for you to bring home an adorable new family member. For more information, call 480-600-2828. Remember, a little dog will be there waiting desperately for a place to call home.
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
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
2018
1/28-2/1 California Dreamin’
2/16-2/18 Lake Havasu Pyro Fireworks and Laughlin
2/25-2/27 Line dance on the London Bridge/Laughlin
Cottonwood Palo Verde has an important decision to make
Dear Cottonwood Palo Verde Homeowners:
Our current CWPV fitness facility has aged to the point of needing major attention. It is virtually “as-built” 30 to 40 years ago. It is over-crowded, under-equipped, both in depth and breadth, for a variety of usages and it is non-coed. Our facility meets neither our standards nor the needs of most of our current residents. We have the baby-boomers, for whom “going to the gym” is a fixed lifestyle routine, or our older, less agile seniors who need exercise. It is too small to contain the proper space that the various fitness disciplines require.
There isn’t a vital and vibrant Active Adult Community in the state, likely the entire U.S., that doesn’t provide for its members at least one well-equipped, coed fitness facility with proper space for each fitness discipline. The Task Force visited many like communities around the Valley, and in each instance, these communities either had just built a new facility, expanded and updated an existing one or were in the process of doing so. It is important to the future of Cottonwood Palo Verde that we be at the top of our game and competitive. While there are several commercial fitness centers nearby, none are specifically designed with the proper space, flooring and equipment, or for the needs of a community of our size and demographics.
The Health & Wellness Task Force was formed in 2014. Its mission was to assess the problems and limitations of our current fitness center and develop plans to revitalize this facility. The Task Force was composed of homeowner volunteers that included people with technical, engineering, construction and business skills. After two years, a set of conceptual plans was defined, recommended to the Board of Directors and adopted. After numerous meetings/workshops, the Board of Directors received a mandate from the homeowners requesting additional options allowing them to select which one would best fit the needs and wants of our community.
We are now coming to you, the owners of all our facilities, asking for your approval and support to move forward with this important improvement to our community – one that will provide current and future members with a spacious, bright and well-equipped fitness center that meets the needs of our Community and one that we can be proud of.
In order to aid our homeowners in making an informed decision, several workshops were provided in September and October, in addition to details provided on the website and in The Flyer. The ballots have been mailed, and the deadline for receipt of your vote is 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 15.
Cottonwood Palo Verde has a very important decision to make. We urge all of our homeowners to vote.
Sincerely,
Cottonwood Palo Verde at Sun Lakes Board of Directors
Board of Director meeting minutes – unapproved 9/27/17
Roger Beagle, Secretary
Directors Present: Roger Beagle, Bill Greer, Don Hicks, Woody Neiman, Mel Rasmussen and Gay Zawatski.
Directors Not Present: Anne Montgomery
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: Secretary Roger Beagle gave a short biography of the military and professional career of Paul Rogers. Mr. Rogers led the Pledge of Allegiance and was thanked for his military and community service.
Approval of the Minutes of the August 30, 2017, Board Meeting: President Rasmussen called for the approval of the August 30, 2017, Board Meeting Minutes. Woody Neiman made a motion, seconded by Bill Greer, to approve the August 30, 2017, Board Meeting Minutes.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments. There was no discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
President’s Message: President Rasmussen thanked homeowners for attending today’s meeting. He gave a recap of the Fitness Center vote schedule and announced the Fitness Center Workshops will be repeated for homeowners on October 11 at 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. in the San Tan Ballroom for those homeowners who were unable to attend in September. He wished past Board member Ethel Wagner well as he shared news of her recent move to the Renaissance.
Employee of the Month: President Rasmussen announced that Jaime Chavez-Bazan of Facilities Maintenance was chosen as the HOA Employee of the Month for September. He read some of Jaime’s accomplishments and his successful handling of Jim Miller’s duties while he was gone during the summer. President Rasmussen congratulated him on being selected Employee of the Month.
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Woody Neiman presented the August 31 Financial Summary. A detailed report will be available for viewing in Homeowner Services.
Roger Beagle made a motion, seconded by Bill Greer, to approve the August 31, 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:
Architectural Compliance Committee: The report was given of their meetings held on September 14 and 26. Among the subjects discussed at the meeting were 46 applications were approved and 2 denied. They are constantly updating the ACC Guidelines. It was mentioned how important it is to provide complete information when filling out ACC applications and to remember to apply before starting project. Their next meeting is October 3 at 8:30 a.m. in the Paint Room.
They have no recommendations for the Board or for Management.
Audit & Finance Committee: The report was given of their meeting held on September 7. Among the subjects discussed at the meeting were the various management and Board Liaison reports; the A&F audit procedures for vote counting in the Election Committee guidelines, which were approved with no changes made. Their next meeting is October 5 at 3:00 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: The report was given of their meeting held on September 7. Among the subjects discussed at the meeting were the various reports from the Board Liaison, Admin. Manager, Recreation Manager, New Friends Ambassadors and reporting status of various Communication Committee tasks. Their next meeting is October 2 at 8:30 a.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.
Election Committee: The report was given of their meetings held on September 6 and 11. Among the subjects discussed at the meetings were their approval of the voting documents for the upcoming vote. Their next meeting is October 4 at 3:00 p.m. in the Saguaro Room.
They have the following recommendations for the Board: Revisions to BP 11-01 BP 11-03, revisions to the Vote Counting Procedures for the 2017 Fitness Center Facility election, a Supplemental Vote Counting Procedure, layout for the Information Session, Absentee Ballot, Return Envelope for absentee ballots and Voting Instructions.
They have no recommendations for Management.
Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.
Secretary Roger Beagle thanked Joe Igelmund for his explanation of the recommendations.
Facilities & Grounds Committee: The report was given of their meeting held on September 6. Among the subjects discussed at the meeting were the introduction of Don Pleger as the new Common Area Supervisor, the management reports given and projects discussed. They will be interviewing for committee applicants after their October 4, 9:00 a.m. meeting which will be held in the Phoenix Room.
They have one recommendation for the Board, to approve erecting a suitable fence along the south side of Swan Lake (along Chestnut) complete with gates for equipment ingress and egress plus a gate for residents. They have no recommendations for Management.
Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.
Food & Beverage Committee: The report was given by Bernie Kowalski on behalf of Marty Neilson. This committee held their meeting on September 7. Among the subjects discussed at the meeting were the Board Liaison Reports, management reports, employee staffing information and A+ rating on recent health inspections. Their next meeting is October 5 at 9:00 a.m. in the Saguaro Room.
They have no recommendations for the Board. They have one recommendation for Management regarding pricing.
Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.
Golf Committee: Paul Rogers was thanked for his service and for leading in the Pledge of Allegiance.
This committee held their meeting on September 6. Among the subjects discussed at the meeting were reports given by management including the dates for overseeding, starting with the driving range at Cottonwood on the last week of September. Their next meeting is October 4 at 1:00 p.m. in the Phoenix Room.
They have the following recommendations for the Board: To accept the 2017-2018 exceptions to the golf calendar and to approve a new gender golf league at Cottonwood for couples on Sundays.
They have one recommendation for Management, to install a misting system on the patio outside of the Palo Verde pro shop.
Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.
Recreation Committee: The report was given by Board Director Don Hicks on behalf of Sharon Felts. This committee held its meeting on September 11. Among the subjects discussed at the meeting: A presentation by Eric Ehst from Neighbors Who Care, a report of the upcoming events and activities and preparations for their committee openings. It was stated they are still looking for applicants. Their next meeting is September 11 at 1:30 p.m. 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.
Safety, Security and Access Committee: The report was given by Board Director Bill Greer on behalf of Bill Wright. This committee held its meeting on September 6. Among the subjects discussed at the meeting: The report from Patrol, access concerns at CWPV club houses, safety railings on steps. Mr. Greer thanked Dick Gothier for his work and thanked everyone for attending today’s meeting.
Their next meeting is October 4 at 10:00 a.m. 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.
Project Reports:
Fitness Activity Center Project: Board Director Don Hicks, on behalf of Anne Montgomery, reminded everyone about the upcoming presentations on October 11 at 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. and encouraged those who were not able to be present at the September meetings to attend one in October. The layouts and financial information for each of the options are located at the CW Clubhouse inside, left of the entrance, PV Lounge and the Administration Center. Information is available on the website or you can contact Anne Montgomery or Don Hicks.
There was discussion regarding attaching the next meetings to the display boards and other audio or video information to the web. There was discussion regarding the four options which was brought up by a question of the audience.
PV Maintenance Yard Mezzanine Storage Area: Steve Nolan introduced Don Pleger as new Common Area Manager. Final inspection and walk-through will happen next week. Cottonwood Tennis Courts 2, 3 and 4 – surface and lighting: Steve Nolan reported that courts 2, 3 and 4 were finished ahead of schedule. New wind screens are coming.
Tee Box Leveling Project: Steve Nolan reported that the project is finished. USGA highly praised Bill Todd and staff and the company who handled the Tee Box leveling.
PV Paver Project: Steve Nolan reported that the project is finished and thanked Jim Miller’s and Don Pleger’s crews for landscaping and installing the LED lighting.
Management Report: Steve Nolan gave the management report.
Directors Comments:
Gay Zawatski: Thanked the homeowners for attending today’s meeting; thanked Paul Rogers for his service to our Country and continued committee service; she talked about the budget process and thanked the Board and Management for all their work
Roger Beagle: Thanked Paul Rogers and spouse Ruthannis; encouraged participation at the October 11 Board Workshop on the Fitness Center; thanked Jaime for his contributions and also thanked Jim Miller; stated that ACC has an opening on their committee; thanked the Managers and Woody Neiman for their work on the budget
Anne Montgomery: Absent
Woody Neiman: Thanked Paul Rogers; welcomed back those committees from their summer break; talked about the macro meetings for the budget; reminded homeowners to be aware of the Pima increase and that RUCCO is getting involved; talked about the increase in his cable bill and suggested others look at theirs
Bill Greer: Thanked Paul Rogers and Ruthannis for supporting Paul; he talked about the importance of the committees and thanked everyone for attending today’s meeting.
Don Hicks: Thanked Paul Rogers for his contributions and spouse, Ruthannis for her support; thanked homeowners who attended today’s meeting and thanked Woody Neiman and the managers for their work on the budget. Don then talked about the results of the SRP power lines and thanked the homeowners for their work to change the route away from Sun Lakes. He made a special thanks to former Board President Kathy Skrei for her dedication of time and effort on this project.
Mel Rasmussen: Thanked Kathy Skrei for her dedication to the SRP project.
Capital Reserve Replacement Fund Requests:
President Rasmussen introduced New Business Request #11, Item A.
Bill Greer made a motion, seconded by Gay Zawatski, to approve the CW Golf Course Equipment-G65 Sand Pro & PV Golf Course Equip-G11 Sand Pro. for the low bid of $37,177.46 from Simpson Norton.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner discussion. There was no discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
President Rasmussen introduced Capital Reserve Request #11, Item B.
Roger Beagle made a motion, seconded by Gay Zawatski, to approve Heaters for CW Main Pool & CW Spa and Michigan Spa for the low bid of $13,590.73 from Leslie’s, plus a 5% contingency, for a total cost of $14,270.27.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner There was no discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
PV Gate Reserve Fund: None
Capital Improvement Fund Requests:
President Rasmussen introduced New Business Request #13, Item A.
Don Hicks made a motion, seconded by Woody Neiman, to approve the Winston Lake Fence for the low bid of $7,042.95 from Arizona Fence Experts, plus a 15% contingency, for a total cost of $8,099.39.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner discussion. There was no discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
Voluntary Contribution Fund: None
Old Business: None
New Business:
President Rasmussen introduced New Business Request #16, Item A.
Roger Beagle made a motion, seconded by Gay Zawatski, to approve the 2017-2018 Exceptions to the Golf Calendar.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner discussion. There was no discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
President Rasmussen introduced New Business Request #16, Item B.
Bill Greer made a motion, seconded by Roger Beagle, to approve the Golf Rates for the 2017-2018 year to be effective November 1, 2017, through October 31, 2018.
President Rasmussen announced that there was no changes to the current rates. The floor was opened to Board and homeowner discussion. There was no discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
President Rasmussen introduced New Business Request #16, Item C.
Don Hicks made a motion, seconded by Roger Beagle, to approve changes to BP 11-01 Voting Policies and Guidelines.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner discussion. There was extensive discussion from the Board and the audience regarding the proposed changes to the wording in both BP 11-01 Voting Policies and Guidelines, and #16 Item D., 11-03 Vote Counting Process. General Manager Steve Nolan stated that our legal counsel was consulted, and the HOA is meeting the requirements regarding secret ballots; therefore, changes to these Board Policies are not required.
President Rasmussen asked for a vote from the Board. The motion failed, and changes to BP 11-01 were, therefore, not approved.
There was no further discussion regarding the proposed changes to Request #16, Item D.
Woody Neiman made a motion, seconded by Don Hicks, to approve changes to BP 11-03 Vote Counting Process.
President Rasmussen asked for a vote from the Board. The motion failed, and changes to BP 11-03 were, therefore, not approved.
First Readings:
The Board of Directors unanimously agreed to place the following into First Readings for the month of October:
* Revisions to the Vote Counting Procedures for the 2017 Fitness Center Facility election, as submitted by the Election Committee.
Homeowner Comments: None
The meeting adjourned at 4:27 p.m.