Message from the President
Mel Rasmussen
Now is the time of year we receive information on how the association did financially last year. I want to take this opportunity to congratulate our HOA Comptroller Brian Shaw and his staff. For six years in a row, Brian and his staff have passed the independent audit by Ginsburg & Dwaileebe, CPAs, LLP, without needing to make any year-end adjustments to the financial statements. The accounting department has done a great job serving our HOA.
The ballots were mailed on February 28 to the homeowners for your vote in the upcoming election. Please read all voting instructions and vote in this important election. You must have your ballot in by March 21 at 5:00 p.m. in Homeowner Services. Remember, there are two Fitness Activity Center information sessions on Monday, March 5. One will be at 10:00 a.m. in the San Tan Ballroom, and the other will be at 6:00 p.m. in the Saguaro Room.
I would now like to introduce you to our January employee of the month, Melchor Hernandez. Melchor has been employed in the common areas/landscape department for 12 years. He is the ideal employee. Melchor showed thoughtfulness and integrity by returning a wallet he found on the golf course to its rightful owner. Furthermore, he showed his compassionate side when he observed a homeowner with a bloody nose, helped him stop the bleeding and volunteered to take him home. Congratulations, Melchor, on this well-deserved award.
Until next month, enjoy our beautiful community and stay safe out there.
Board of Directors minutes
Roger Beagle, Secretary
Directors Present: Mel Rasmussen, Anne Montgomery, Woody Neiman, Roger Beagle, Don Hicks, Gay Zawatski, Bill Greer.
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 Veteran Joe Abrutz. Mr. Abrutz was thanked for his service and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of the December 27, 2017, Board Meeting Minutes: President Rasmussen called for the approval of the December 27, 2017, Board Meeting Minutes. Bill Greer made a motion, seconded by Gay Zawatski, to approve the December 27, 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 noted we are entering the Voting season and went over the timetable and schedule for the upcoming Election for the Board and Fitness Activity Center.
Employee of the Month: President Rasmussen announced that Melchor Hernandez from the Common Areas and Landscape Department is our Employee of the Month for January. He stated that Melchor has been with the HOA for 12 years. He has helped the new Common Areas Manager in his new role, he found a wallet and returned it to its rightful owner and helped a homeowner who was in distress.
Treasurer’s Report:
Treasurer Woody Neiman presented the December 31, 2017, Financial Summary. A detailed report will be available for viewing in Homeowner Services.
Anne Montgomery made a motion, seconded by Bill Greer, to approve the December 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 January 9 and 23. Among the subjects discussed at the meetings were: 112 permits were approved, and 1 denied. The ACC Committee selected the “Project of the Month.” Their next meetings are February 6 and 20 at 8:30 a.m. in the A-7 Paint Room.
They have two (2) recommendations for the Board: 1) approve changes to ACC Guideline Page 27 and 28, Item B – Fences; 2) approve changes to ACC Guideline Page 15, Item A – Side Fences and Item B – Front Entrance Gates.
Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.
They have no recommendations for Management.
Audit & Finance Committee: The report was given of their meeting held on January 4. Among the subjects discussed at the meeting were: reviewed the financials, a representative from Chase Bank will meet with the Committee to explain how the HOA’s money is invested, the committee will be meeting with the accounting dept. in March. Their next meeting is February 1, 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 January 8. Among the subjects discussed at the meeting were: various reports from the Board Liaison, Exc. Admin. Serv. Manager, Recreation Manager, New Friends Ambassadors, in addition to the reports of various Communication Committee tasks, noted need for homeowners to update their email addresses, HOA history for the website was updated, one seat open. Their next meeting is February 5, 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.
Election Committee: The report was given of their meeting held on January 10. Among the subjects discussed at the meeting were: availability of Board candidate applications, vote counting procedures and changes, and document reviews. Their next meeting is February 13, to verify Board Candidate signatures and regular meeting. It will be held at 9:00 a.m., in the A-7 Paint Room.
They have one (1) recommendation for the Board 1) approve the Vote Counting Procedure.
They have one (1) recommendation for Management 1) create a memo of understanding between the HOA and the printer and mailing house for the upcoming election mailings.
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 January 2. Among the subjects discussed at the meeting were: monthly reports by managers, brainstormed future community projects, project forms are to be returned for consideration by February 15. A question was brought up as to how a homeowner can get a F&G project form. Their next meeting is February 6, 10:00 a.m. in the Phoenix Room.
They have no recommendations for the Board.
They have two recommendations for Management 1) Move the chairs stacked along the wall to the bathrooms at Palo Verde’s restaurant 2) F&B to check restaurant aesthetics prior to opening.
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 January 4. Among the subjects discussed at the meeting were: the Board Liaison Reports, management reports and comment cards. The audience members were reminded to look at The Flyer to keep informed of events. Their next meeting is February 1, 9:00 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.
Golf Committee: The report was given of their meeting held on January 3. Among the subjects discussed at the meeting were: reports from Board Liaison and management, Tim Lamb added to sub-committee, one seat open. Their next meeting is February 7 at 1:00 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.
Recreation Committee: The report was given for their meeting held on January 2. Among the subjects discussed at the meeting: Ann Thomas was interviewed, tennis and pickleball calendars requested, worked on F&G project list, pickleball sign voted on. Their next meeting is February 5, 1:30 p.m., in the Phoenix Room.
They have one recommendation for the Board 1) Approve Ann Thomas to the committee.
They have 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 their meeting held on January 3. Among the subjects discussed at the meeting: coordination and being pro-active with other Committees, internal operations, working on list for F&G Committee. Their next meeting is February 7, 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 reported that the Committee has reviewed the plans and has met with the Architect to go over clarifications and changes. Revised plans and cost estimates are being worked on. Once complete the story boards containing the floor plans will be placed in the Cottonwood and Palo Verde Restaurants and the Administration Building for viewing.
Management Report: Steve Nolan gave the management report. Facilities Maintenance replaced the water heater at the Cottonwood Golf Maintenance Yard, repaired underground electrical lines at the Cottonwood parking lot, installed a new pool heater at the Michigan pool, cleaned the tile on all the pools; power washed Sisk Park, the CW restaurant patio, CW pro shop patio, CW pool patio, and all pool decks; LED lights are being installed on tennis courts and pickleball courts. The Palo Verde Maintenance Yard open house is Thursday, February 15, from 9:00-11:00 a.m. The first “Coffee with the General Manager” is scheduled for February 28 at 9:00 a.m., Jim Miller (Facilities Manager) will be in attendance to discuss the day-to-day work of Facilities Maintenance. It is an open forum. Mr. Nolan discussed the Golden Algae on the lakes and what is being done about the fish. There is a full article from the Game & Fish department in The Flyer and In the Know regarding this matter.
There was discussion on the following topics: None
Directors Comments:
Gay Zawatski: thanked Joe Abrutz for his military service, noted the importance of Committees and thanked everyone on the various Committees.
Roger Beagle: thanked Joe Abrutz for his military service, reminded everyone to tell their neighbors about the upcoming vote, noted how Committees and Management make the HOA grow.
Anne Montgomery: thanked Joe Abrutz for his military service, thanked the Committees, congratulated Melcher for being Employee of the Month.
Woody Neiman: thanked Joe Abrutz and his grandson for their military service, thanked those attending the Board meeting, noted the Auditors are in the HOA office this week, reminded everyone to vote.
Bill Greer: thanked Joe Abrutz, thanked Brian Shaw, spoke of the success of the New Homeowner cocktail party, asked Jim Miller if he is still waiting on the Maintenance Dept. golf cart-answer is yes.
Don Hicks: thanked Joe Abrutz and his grandson for their military service, thanked those attending the Board Meeting.
Capital Reserve Replacement Fund Requests:
President Rasmussen introduced Capital Reserve Replacement request #11, Item A.
Roger Beagle made a motion, seconded by Ann Montgomery, to approve replacing the Cottonwood chafing dishes and table top banquet equipment, for the low bid of $17,476.20 from Webstaurant Store.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner discussion. There was no discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
President Rasmussen introduced Capital Reserve Replacement request #11, Item B.
Woody Neiman made a motion, seconded by Ann Montgomery, to approve replacing one hundred seventy-five (175) banquet chairs at Palo Verde, for the low bid of $27,517.33 from MityLite.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner discussion. There was discussion: Bill Greer stated the back of the new chairs have springs for comfort and are good quality. Motion carried unanimously.
President Rasmussen introduced Capital Reserve Replacement request #11, Item C.
Don Hicks made a motion, seconded by Roger Beagle, to approve replacing sixty-three (63) banquet tables at Palo Verde, for the low bid of $14,735.46 from MityLite.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner discussion. There was discussion: Mel Rasmussen stated the current tables are not reliable. Don Hicks stated they are in bad shape, the sides are deteriorating and not reliable. Motion carried unanimously.
PV Gate Reserve Fund: None
Capital Improvement Fund Requests:
President Rasmussen introduced Capital Improvement Fund request #13, Item A.
Woody Neiman made a motion, seconded by Anne Montgomery, to approve the purchase of seven table carts that will be used to move tables and chairs at Palo Verde, for the low bid of $2,900.31 from MityLite.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner discussion. There was no discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
Voluntary Contribution Fund: None
Old Business:
President Rasmussen introduced Old Business request #15, Item A.
Anne Montgomery made a motion, seconded by Gay Zawatski, to approve the change to ACC Guideline Page 19, Item 22 – Private Pools, Spas, and Pool Solar Heaters, as recommended by the Architectural Compliance Committee.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner discussion. There was no discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
President Rasmussen introduced Old Business request #15, Item B.
Don Hicks made a motion, seconded by Anne Montgomery, to approve the change to Board Policy, 7-60 Pickleball Court Regulations, as requested by the Recreation Committee.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner discussion. There was no discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
President Rasmussen introduced Old Business request #15, Item C.
Wood Neiman made a motion, seconded by Anne Montgomery, to approve the change to ACC Guideline Page 16, Item 19 Landscaping.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner discussion. There was no discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
New Business:
President Rasmussen introduced New Business request #16, Item A.
Anne Montgomery made a motion, seconded by Gay Zawatski, to approve the appointment of Ann Thomas to the Recreation Committee.
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.
Anne Montgomery made a motion, seconded by Roger Beagle, to approve the changes to Vote Counting Procedure, 12/25/17.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner discussion. There was discussion: Woody Neiman stated the amount of work involved in the voting process. Motion carried unanimously.
First Readings:
President Rasmussen introduced First Reading request #17, Item A.
The Board unanimously approved to place into First Readings, ACC Guideline Page 27 and 28, Item B – Fences, as recommended by the Architectural Compliance Committee.
President Rasmussen introduced First Reading request #17, Item B.
The Board unanimously approved to place into First Readings, changes to Board Policy, 4-16 HOA Carry Forward Fund.
President Rasmussen introduced First Reading request #17, Item C.
The Board unanimously approved to place into First Readings, ACC Guideline Page 15, Item A – Side Fences and Item B – Front Entrance Gates, as recommended by the Architectural Compliance Committee.
Homeowner Comments:
– Jerry Reno asked what the procedure is for submitting concerns to the Board and the procedure that is followed when the Board responds to concerns. Mel Rasmussen commented to submit concerns to the Homeowners office, General Manager and/or the Board. Submissions are responded to generally by mail.
– Jim Philips asked about the grass at the 5 Lakes area – Bill Todd stated White Wing Widgets are eating the rye grass including the roots.
The meeting adjourned at 4:22 p.m.
CWPV Fitness Activity vote
Dear Cottonwood Palo Verde Homeowners:
In a day or two, you will be receiving your ballot to approve the financing package for the construction of a new 13,000 sq. ft. Fitness Activity Center to be built on the vacant lot north of our Administration Center. The ballot will contain the details of the financing and the building’s final design. This is the next step following November’s vote which received overwhelming homeowner support to move forward with this project in the above location.
There will be two (2) Fitness Activity Center Ballot Information Workshops on Monday, March 5: 10:00 a.m. in the San Tan Ballroom and 6:00 p.m. in the Saguaro Room. Architect Ken Eller of Archi-Cad Architects and Bethany Garrity, Director of Corporate Fitness and Active Aging Services for the National Institute for Fitness and Sport, will be in attendance. Please put this on your calendars and plan to join us. Your fully-informed vote is important!
A light, bright, fully-equipped Fitness Activity Center with the proper space for a broad range of fitness disciplines will be a major enhancement to our community’s already outstanding amenities – one we can be proud of and one that will meet our standards and the needs of our current and future members.
Sincerely,
Cottonwood Palo Verde at Sun Lakes Board of Directors
Upcoming events
All tickets for Cottonwood Palo Verde shows and events can be purchased at our Homeowner Services location.
Upcoming TAD Concerts:
“The Ultimate Huey Lewis Experience” – Wednesday, March 14
“The Dream Gig” (Elvis and Lennon) – Tuesday, March 20
“The 3 International Tenors” – Tuesday, April 10
“ABBAFAB” – Tuesday, May 1
“Not Fade Away” (Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper) – Tuesday, June 12
December ‘63 (Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons Tribute) – Tuesday, July 24
Future TAD Shows April-December
Tickets go on sale, Tuesday, April 10
Linda Ronstadt – Tuesday, August 14
Tickets go on sale, Tuesday, May 22
The Glen Campbell Story – Tuesday, September 25
Tickets go on sale, Tuesday, June 19
The Chicago Experience – Tuesday, October 23
Tickets go on sale, Tuesday, August 7
So This Is Christmas (All New Show!) – Tuesday, December 12
Easter Golf Cart Parade and Egg Hunt
On Saturday, March 31, Cottonwood Palo Verde will be hosting the Sun Lakes annual Easter Golf Cart Parade and Egg Hunt. As always, they’ll be judging and prizes for the best-decorated golf carts (two categories: Best Easter Theme and Best Decorated). Mr. & Mrs. Easter Bunny will be there to greet the children and take pictures with them. There will be a couple of balloon art makers, both at the egg hunt and in the ballroom after the parade. The Sun Lakes Community Theatre will present a children’s play on Brentwood Street directly after the Egg Hunt. The four different egg hunt categories will not all take place at the same time this year. We will be staggering the start times so grandparents with grandchildren in different age categories can be present at each. After the parade, we will still have games and free cookies, iced tea and lemonade in the San Tan Ballroom for homeowners and their guests. PLEASE remember to bring your homeowner’s card with you to enter the San Tan Ballroom.
Art at the Lakes
Last year’s Art at the Lakes was a huge success for our brave men and women of the Sun Lakes Fire Department. We certainly hope this year’s event on Saturday, March 3, 2018, will produce the same participation and enthusiasm, as all monies earned go to the Sun Lakes Emergency Relief Fund (SLERF). The event will be held at Cottonwood’s Five Lakes Greenbelt (across from the CW tennis courts) from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. There will be approximately 80 artists of different mediums for everyone to enjoy. Our Sun Lakes firefighters and spouses will be there cooking up hotdogs and hamburgers to sell, along with cold drinks and chips, so be sure to come hungry. If you want to take a chance on some of our really great raffle items, we will be selling the tickets all around the lake, not only at the booth. Remember, every penny earned goes towards the SLERF. The wonderful Dry Heat Band will be there entertaining everyone. So, you can see that it’s going to be a fun-filled day that you won’t want to miss.
Ladies Coffee
Next coffee will be on Wednesday, March 7, 2018, in the San Tan Ballroom, starting at 10:30 a.m. There will be a Fashion Show and Truck Show by Lion City 2, and the Sun Lakes Chordaires will be on hand to sing. Ticket price is still only $3. We’ll be serving cookies, coffee and hot and iced tea. Lots of raffle items to give away.
Third Annual Fun Walk
To make it easier for everyone this year, we are taking registration applications NOW for the Saturday, November 3, third annual Fun Walk (all Sun Lakers and their guests are invited). The walk will start at 9:00 a.m. at the greenbelt (north lake) across from the CW tennis courts. Applications can be picked up at the Cottonwood Homeowner Services Office or you can go online at www.cottonwoodpaloverdefoundation.org. The fee is still only $20. For that you will receive a t-shirt, a goodie bag, a great Pep Rally the night before, along with a free raffle ticket for a chance to win a super gift (must be present to win). The Pep Rally will be in the San Tan Ballroom on Friday, November 2, starting at 5:30 p.m. for registered walkers ONLY. Come and enjoy platters of fruits, vegetables and a variety of cheese. All profit will go to the Cottonwood Palo Verde Foundation, which contributes and supports all of Sun Lakes.
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:
Saturday, March 3 – Feast on the Fairway (Palo Verde) $29
Saturday, March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day Celebration (Cottonwood) $27 – Thaddeus Rose
Saturday, March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day Lunch (Palo Verde) $15 – 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day Dinner (Palo Verde) $20 – Memories
Tuesday, March 27 – Cottonwood Corral (Cottonwood) $20 Kenny Hess
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: 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: 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. to noon on the second Mondays. Dates are: 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. Dates are: March 10, April 14, May 12, June 9, July 14 and August 11, 2018.
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
March 4-7 – San Diego Deluxe
March 4-20 – Panama Canal Cruise aboard Holland America
March 6-7 – Yuma/Algadones Overnight at the Q
March 8-9 – Overnight Mystery Tour
March 10-15 – California Coast
March 10-17 – Princess Pacific coastal Cruise
March 13-15 – Get Your Kicks on Arizona Route 66
March 13-17 – Discover Navajo