Message from the Board President
Mel Rasmussen
Welcome to 2018! The new year always brings the hope of dreams and visions to be fulfilled. May these dreams and visions come to pass as we move forward together in this new year of hope. Our HOA is looking forward to another great year.
As most of you know, our Fitness Center Project passed with a positive 2 to 1 vote to move forward with the project. A large majority of our homeowners voted for Option #4 (the 13,000-sq.ft. Fitness Center facility to be built on the vacant lot north of the Administration Center). Out of the 1761 members who voted for options #1 through #4, 72% (1265) selected #4. Our Board of Directors at the November 29 meeting voted to move forward with Archi-CAD Architects to develop structural, mechanical, landscape and electrical engineering services. We will be working on a very tight timeline to bring forth all pertinent information for our homeowners to be able to vote on this important project. The vote on the project will be in conjunction with the Board of Directors Election vote. Please keep yourselves informed by reading The Flyer, our e-newsletter, In the Know and the website, www.cottonwoodpaloverde.com, for the most up-to-date information on events.
Congratulations to our employee of the month, Andy Alvarez. Andy is in the Cottonwood Golf Maintenance Department and has been employed with Sun Lakes since 1998. Andy is responsible for maintaining the driving range and water coolers at both golf courses. When watching Andy work, a person can observe just how much he cares about his job. He is always very polite and courteous to our members and employees, which is a reflection of his charming personality. Well done, Andy, and congratulations on your award!
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I wish you the very best in 2018.
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
“The Ultimate Huey Lewis Experience” Wednesday, March 14
“The Dream Gig” (Elvis and Lennon) Tuesday, March 20
Future “TAD” Shows April-December – Tickets will go on sale dates!
Tickets go on sale, Tuesday, January 9:
Tuesday, April 10 – The 3 International Tenors
Tuesday, May 1 – ABBAFAB
Tickets go on sale, Tuesday, February 13:
Tuesday, June 12 – Not Fade Away
Tuesday, July 24 – December 63
Tickets go on Sale, Tuesday, March 20:
Tuesday, August 14 – Linda Ronstadt
Tuesday, September 25 – The Glen Campbell Story
Ladies Coffee: The next coffee will be on Wednesday, January 3, 2018, in the San Tan Ballroom starting at 10:30 a.m. There will be a Fashion Show by the East Valley League (second-hand store), 2 Sweet Berries will be here, Sandra is going to do a demo on hair tinting and more. Ticket price is still only $3.00. We’ll be serving cookies, coffee and hot and iced tea, and lots of raffle items to give away.
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
ReVoiced will be appearing in the San Tan Ballroom on Friday, February 23, 2018, with the show starting at 7:00 p.m. with the doors opening 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 *3:00 p.m. Show Only
On Wednesday, March 7, 2018, 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
January 16 – Line Dance and Dinner PV – $18 Buffet plus tax and gratuity 4:30 p.m.; dance by Janet Wallace 5:30-8:30 p.m.
January 10 – Beer Pairing Dinner CW – $20 includes tax and gratuity; doors open at 5:00 p.m.; food and beer 5:30 p.m.
January 20 – Meet Your Neighbors PV – $17 plus tax and gratuity; plated dinner, family-style seating 4:30-8:00 p.m.
January 23 – Slice of Italy – $20 includes tax and gratuity; doors open 5:00 p.m.; buffet 5:30 p.m. and DJ Jamal 6:30-8:30 p.m.
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 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: January 17, February 21, March 21, April 18 and May 16, 2018. 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 second Mondays. Dates are: 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 and, remember, a little dog will be there waiting desperately for a place to call home. Next date is January 13.
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.
2018
1/13 Dolly Steamboat, Superstition Mountain Festival and Lunch
1/21 Dillinger Days in Tucson
1/28-2/1 California Dreamin’
2/2 Verde Canyon Railroad
2/9 Glendale Chocolate Affair & Dinner
2/9 Arizona Tri-Nation Celebration
2/9-2/10 Bisbee Wine and Chocolate
2/10 Parade del Sol
2/10 Florence Home Tour
2/11 Tubac Arts & Crafts Festival
2/16-2/18 Lake Havasu Pyro Fireworks and Laughlin
2/25 Baja by Bus
2/25-2/27 Line Dance on the London Bridge/Laughlin
Palo Verde Road Management
Palo Verde Road Management Board of Directors
All Palo Verde in Sun Lakes Homeowners are automatically a member of Palo Verde Road Management Inc. and have a vested interest in how our private streets are operated and maintained.
Palo Verde Road Management Inc. “Association” is a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation under and by the laws of the State of Arizona, and is independent and separate from the Cottonwood Palo Verde in Sun Lakes Homeowners Association. A nine (9) Member Commission made up of Palo Verde Homeowners is responsible for the operation and maintenance of approximately 11.2 miles of private roadway and associated drainage systems serving approximately 1,073 Palo Verde Homeowners.
The business, property and affairs of the Corporation are managed and controlled by the Board of Directors. They are the decision and rules-makers, and establish policies as it deems proper in conformance with its Governing Documents and Arizona State Law. The Board are all non-paid volunteer Homeowners from the Palo Verde Community. The Board of Directors are responsible for managing the Association’s assets and setting service fees and assessments as required to operate the finances of the Association in a responsible manner. All revenue from fees or assessments go only to the actual operation and maintenance of the private roadways and associated drainage systems.
In 2017, the Association successfully completed a major Upgrade Project, removing and replacing asphalt in five (5) cul-de-sacs at a total cost of $198,300. Because of bad subgrade material in two of the five cul-de-sacs, replacing the failed subgrade resulted in a project cost overrun of $72,100. At the Palo Verde Road Management Inc.’s Annual Public Meeting, May 4, 2017, it was reported these unanticipated higher project costs will reduce our capital reserves to approximately $54,000 by year-end 2017. Costs of future road failures, even small ones, could far exceed our current reserve levels creating potential liability. It was determined we must build up our reserve funds to a minimum of $100,000 by year-end 2018. To accomplish this goal, it is necessary to increase the 2018 Annual Road Fee to $175.00 per household.
The Palo Verde Road Management Inc. currently has several openings on the Board of Directors and is asking that any interested Palo Verde Homeowner who would like to serve our Community, run for a seat, particularly those with business management and decision-making skills. It is not necessary that you have experience in road construction, road engineering or an affiliated business to be a qualified candidate. However, those with road engineering and construction experience are welcome to apply. The Board of Directors has one Public meeting each year in April, a maximum of two or three Special Planning meetings each year. If you feel this could be a good fit and a good way to serve your Palo Verde Community, please contact Don Taisey, President of PVRM, Inc., at 480-802-0852.
Board meeting minutes
Roger Beagle, Secretary
Directors Present: Roger Beagle, Bill Greer, Don Hicks, Anne Montgomery, Woody Neiman, Mel Rasmussen and Gay Zawatski.
Directors Not Present: None
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 biography of the military and professional career of Navy Veteran Roy Parfitt. Mr. Parfitt thanked the Board and staff for maintaining Cottonwood Palo Verde. He and his wife Linda led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Parfitt was thanked for his service.
Approval of the October 25, 2017, Board Meeting Minutes: President Rasmussen called for the approval of the October 25, 2017, Board Meeting Minutes. Anne Montgomery made a motion, seconded by Bill Greer, to approve the October 25, 2017, Board Meeting Minutes. The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments. There was no discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
Approval of the October 25, 2017, Annual Budget Meeting Minutes: President Rasmussen called for the approval of the October 25, 2017, Annual Budget Meeting Minutes. Woody Neiman made a motion, seconded by Anne Montgomery, to approve the October 25, 2017, Annual Budget 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 voting in the Fitness Center election. He stated that the near-record vote return was a positive indication of how homeowners wanted to move forward with the project.
Employee of the Month: President Rasmussen announced that Andy Alvarez from Cottonwood Golf Maintenance was selected as the HOA Employee of the Month for November. He stated that Andy has been employed with Sun Lakes since 1998 and is responsible for maintaining the driving range and water coolers at both golf courses. He thanked Andy for his politeness to our members and employees as well as his loyalty and dedication.
Treasurer’s Report:
Treasurer Woody Neiman presented the October 31, 2017, Financial Summary. A detailed report will be available for viewing in Homeowner Services.
Roger Beagle made a motion, seconded by Anne Montgomery, to approve the October 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 November 7 and 21. Among the subjects discussed at the meeting were 134 permits were approved and one denied, compliance officer and patrol manager reports. It was reported that ACC is looking for one more committee member. Their next meeting is December 5, 8:30 a.m. in the A-7 Paint Room.
They recommend that the Board approve changes to their ACC Guidelines regarding swimming pools, which is on today’s agenda.
They have no recommendations for Management.
Audit & Finance Committee: The report was given of their meeting held on November 2. The election of committee officers was conducted by Board Liaison Woody Neiman with the following results: Ed Schauble-Chair, Doug Berg-Vice-Chair and Glenna Reeves-Secretary. Among the subjects discussed at the meeting were the management and Board Liaison reports, the auditing firm to give a presentation at their December meeting. Their next meeting is December 7, 3:00 p.m., 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.
Communications Committee: The report was given of their meeting held on November 6. The election of committee officers was conducted by Board Liaison Gay Zawatski with the following results: Hank Unck-Chair, Bud Jenssen-Vice-Chair and Karen Sproates-Secretary. Among the subjects discussed at the meeting were various reports from the Board Liaison, Exec. Admin. Serv. Manager, Recreation Manager, New Friends Ambassadors, in addition to the reports of various Communication Committee tasks. Special recognition was given to Rickie O’Keeffe, who processes the many restaurant comment cards, gets them on the report and gives the cards to management. Their next meeting is December 4, 8:30 a.m., in the A-8 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.
There was discussion regarding the white comment cards and restaurant comment cards.
Election Committee: Roy Parfitt was thanked for his military service. It was announced that the Fitness Center vote was a success with 70% of homeowners voting and almost 48% for Option #4. The report was given of their meeting held on November 1. They held an additional meeting on November 9 prior to the Fitness Center Information Session. A report was provided of the Information Session. The election of committee officers was conducted by Board Liaison Don Hicks with the following results: Jerry House-Chair, Nancy Pannebecker-Vice-Chair and Sharon McKoy-Secretary. Among the subjects discussed at the meeting were primary focus was on the vote; review documents and steps of election process. Their next meeting is December 6, 1:30 p.m., in the A-8 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.
There was discussion regarding the fact that all ballots were counted even though they were not in the right envelope. The Election Committee was thanked for their work on this vote.
Facilities & Grounds Committee: Roy Parfitt was thanked for his military service. The report was given of their meeting held on November 1. The election of committee officers was conducted by Board Liaison Woody Neiman with the following results: Richard Hawkes-Chair and Kathy Skrei-Secretary. Among the subjects discussed at the meeting were the current projects, management reports and data collection on new projects with the Long Range Planning Team. Their next meeting is December 5, 10:00 a.m. 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.
Food & Beverage Committee: The report was given of their meeting held on November 2. The election of committee officers was conducted by Board Liaison Gay Zawatski with the following results: Marty Neilson-Chair, Bernie Kowalski-Vice-Chair and Rickie O’Keeffe-Secretary. Among the subjects discussed at the meeting were the Board Liaison Reports, management reports. The audience members were reminded to look at The Flyer to keep informed of events during the holidays. Their next meeting is December 7, 9:00 a.m., in the Palo Verde Lounge, instead of 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.
Golf Committee: The report was given of their meeting held on November 1. They interviewed applicants to their committee and voted for their members which will be recommended to the Board. They will vote on their committee officers at their December meeting. Their next meeting is December 6 at 2:00 p.m. in the Phoenix Room.
The Golf Committee recommends the following members to the Golf Committee: Tim Lamb – Member-at-Large, Marky Wilson – CLGA, Len Rosati – CMGA, and extend another two-year term for Cindy Bosch – PVLGA. They have no recommendations for the Board or Management.
Recreation Committee: The report was given by Bert Hustad on behalf of Sharon Felts of their meeting held on November 6. The election of committee officers was conducted by Board Liaison, Don Hicks with the following results: Sharon Felts-Chair, Bert Hustad-Vice-Chair and Sherri Butler-Secretary. Among the subjects discussed at the meeting: a presentation by the Bocce Ball Club, discussion of Pickleball Club hours of use which will be further discussed next meeting, planning of activities for the coming year and report of the upcoming events. Their next meeting is December 4, 1:30 p.m., in the Phoenix Room. The Board was complimented on the fitness center vote. The architect was complimented on the information provided to the homeowners via the website and other venues regarding the fitness center project.
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: Roy Parfitt was thanked for his military service. The report was given of their meeting held on November 1. The election of committee officers was conducted by Board Liaison, Bill Greer with the following results: Gary Alexander -Chair, Sandra Givens-Vice-Chair and Yvonne Orlich-Secretary. Administrative Services Manager, Beth Becker was thanked for helping new Chair, Gary Alexander through the first month of the Committee process. Among the subjects discussed at the meeting: Board Liaison report, the October patrol report and topics of discussion which will take place at their December meeting. Their next meeting is December 6, 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 Vice-President Anne Montgomery announced due to the vote results, we will be moving forward with the project and to look for information to come. She stated there is a AIA Architect contract recommendation on today’s agenda. With the approval of this recommendation, work will begin by the architect on conceptual design Option #4, to be developed and presented for a vote along with the 2018 Board Election.
PV Maintenance Yard Mezzanine Storage Area: GM Steve Nolan reported they are still awaiting the final inspection; epoxy has been applied to the floors and the area has been cleaned up. He hopes to give his final report in December.
Management Report: Steve Nolan gave the management report. He gave special thanks to Jim and crew for their additional hard work helping preparing for the holiday and additional small projects.
There was discussion on the following topics: The pool heaters project still ongoing, the gas line at the children’s pool in possession of the permit, but awaiting the workers; delivery of the sand machines.
Directors Comments:
Gay Zawatski: Thanked the following: Homeowners for attending today’s meeting and Linda Caton and her volunteers for the holiday decorating. She congratulated the new committee officers and thanked them for their willingness to serve.
Roger Beagle: Talked about the importance of homeowners using the Homeowner Information Change sheet when there are changes to their homeowner contact information. He thanked homeowners who voted in this past election, the Audit and Finance, Election Committee and other volunteers who participated in the vote counting and Roy Parfitt for his military service. He wished everyone happy holidays.
Anne Montgomery: Thanked Roy Parfitt for his service.
Woody Neiman: Thanked Roy Parfitt for his military service, reminded the audience of the Christmas Golf Cart event, thanked homeowners for attending today and wished everyone happy holidays.
Bill Greer: Thanked Linda Caton and her volunteers for their work on the Veterans Day celebration, commented on the great bonfire event and thanked Roy for his military service.
Don Hicks: Thanked Roy for his military service and work on the Bocce Ball Club; thanked Woody Neiman for his diligence in coming to the aid of an injured homeowner during PV Men’s golf Turkey Shoot event.
Capital Reserve Replacement Fund Requests:
President Rasmussen introduced Capital Reserve Replacement Request #12, Item A.
Anne Montgomery made a motion, seconded by Gay Zawatski, to approve Cottonwood Tennis Courts and Palo Verde Tennis Court Lights – Cottonwood Courts #5 and #1, Pickleball Courts and Palo Verde Tennis Courts, for the low bid of $57,358.00 from B&G Electric, plus a 5% contingency, for a total cost of $60,225.90.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner discussion. There was discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
President Rasmussen introduced Capital Reserve Replacement Request #12, Item B.
Roger Beagle made a motion, seconded by Bill Greer, to approve Facilities Maintenance Cushman Hauler 1200 X Gas Cart (replacement for EZ Go pool maintenance cart) for the low bid of $8,335.66 from A-1 Golf Carts.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner discussion. There was discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
PV Gate Reserve Fund: None
Capital Improvement Fund Requests:
President Rasmussen introduced New Business Request #14, Item A.
Woody Neiman made a motion, seconded by Anne Montgomery, to approve two Cottonwood and Palo Verde Golf Courses Toro Greens Pro 1260 Greens Rollers, for the low bid of 26,893.40 from Simpson Norton. (Capital Improvement Project recommended by the Golf Committee.)
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner discussion. There was discussion. Bill Todd explained the purpose of the rollers. Motion carried unanimously.
Voluntary Contribution Fund: None
Old Business: None
New Business:
President Rasmussen introduced New Business Request #17, Item A.
Roger Beagle made a motion, seconded by Anne Montgomery, to approve the appointments of the following members to the Golf Committee: Tim Lamb – Member-at-Large, Marky Wilson – CLGA, Len Rosati – CMGA, and extend another two-year term for Cindy Bosch – PVLGA.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner discussion. There was no discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
President Rasmussen introduced New Business Request #17, Item B.
Don Hicks made a motion, seconded by Anne Montgomery, to approve the AIA contract of Archi-Cad Architects; our association’s contracted architect to proceed with design and construction documents for a new fitness activity center, up to the completion of the project if approved by the homeowners. Total Cost NTE $128,700.00. *AIA contract can be terminated at any time during the design and development phase with proper notice.
President Rasmussen explained justification for choosing of the Architect.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner discussion. There was discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
First Readings: President Rasmussen introduced First Reading Request #18, Item A.
The Board unanimously approved to place into First Readings, ACC Guideline Page 19, Item 22. – Private Pools, Spas, and Pool Solar Heaters, as recommended by the Architectural Compliance Committee.
Homeowner Comments:
-A comment regarding a petition from 222 homeowners to keep the Jacuzzi in the plans for the new fitness center.
-There was discussion that workshops will be held prior to the vote on the fitness center project.
The meeting adjourned at 4:27 p.m.