Message from the president
Anne Montgomery
Dear Homeowners:
The American Heritage Dictionary defines “communication” as “a system for communicating; the exchange of thoughts, messages or information.” Our HOA has many ways of keeping our homeowners up to date on all the pertinent happenings in the community as well as providing the opportunity for homeowners to express their thoughts. For example, there are monthly Agenda Planning meetings and Board of Directors meetings. In addition, there are regular (September through May, generally) monthly meetings of our nine standing committees and the occasional ad hoc workshops. All meetings are posted in advance with date, time and location. Each of these meetings is open and welcome to homeowners, and there is a place on each agenda for homeowner questions and comments. There is the weekly printed Friday Flyer and the emailed “In the Know” on Tuesdays, both of which can be accessed on our website. There is the website itself, which contains a wealth of information across a broad range of subjects. It only requires a small effort to be fully and accurately informed and to have your comments and concerns heard and questions answered. This is your communication “toolbox” – we invite you to take advantage of it.
Fitness Activity Center (FAC) update: At the September Board Meeting, contract approval was given to Farnsworth Construction for the building of the FAC. They have indicated they will be ready to start as soon as we have the final plan approval from Maricopa County, and we expect to have them around the middle of October. Optimistically, if we have a timely approval, we should see construction begin late October.
Congratulations to Chris Cross, Employee of the Month. Chris has been employed in Golf Maintenance since July 2017. He is a model employee and sets a great example with his positive attitude and by going above and beyond expectations. He stays consistently busy and takes the initiative to lend a hand to others when he has completed his own duties. The golf course maintenance superintendent has received many compliments on Chris’ work ethic from homeowners. Thank you, Chris!
Fall has arrived along with the return of many of our summer travelers. We have quite a schedule of fun and exciting events planned for the season, so check out the Friday Flyer and “In the Know” every week for the details.
Board of Directors meeting minutes
Gay Zawatski, Secretary
Directors Present: Anne Montgomery, Roger Beagle, Woody Neiman, Gay Zawatski, Don Hicks, Bill Greer, Hank Unck
Directors Not Present: None
Also Present: General Manager Steve Nolan
Guests: Jerry and Marlene House
Call to Order: President Anne Montgomery called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. in the Saguaro Room. She stated the meeting was being recorded for the accuracy of the minutes.
Pledge of Allegiance: Secretary Gay Zawatski gave a biography of the professional career of Jerry House. Jerry and Marlene House were thanked for their community and volunteer services and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of the August 29, 2018, Board Meeting Minutes: President Montgomery called for the approval of the August 29, 2018, Board Meeting Minutes. Woody Neiman made a motion, seconded by Roger Beagle, to approve the August 29, 2018, Board Meeting Minutes. The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments. There was no discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
President’s Message: President Montgomery thanked Jerry House for all his years of community service and work on the Election Committee specifically. President Montgomery reminded everyone that the 40th Anniversary Party for Cottonwood Palo Verde is scheduled for Saturday, November 17, at Palo Verde. Tickets may be purchased at Homeowner Services on Tuesday, October 2, for $25, which includes a t-shirt and champagne glass. President Montgomery thanked all the homeowners for coming to the meeting.
Employee of the Month: President Montgomery announced that Chris Cross is our Employee of the Month for September. Chris has been with the Association since 2017 as a model employee in golf maintenance. Chris has never missed an unexcused day of work and always has a positive attitude. Chris stays consistently busy by taking the initiative to complete his work and then ask other employees if he can help them. He goes above and beyond expectations. The Golf Course Maintenance Superintendent is always receiving compliments on Chris’ work ethics from homeowners. Thank you, Chris, for being a great asset to our community.
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Woody Neiman presented the August 31, 2018, Financial Summary. A detailed report will be available for viewing in Homeowner Services. Roger Beagle made a motion, seconded by Gay Zawatski, to approve the August 31, 2018, pre-audited Financial Report. The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments. There was no discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
Special Presentation: Mr. Nolan presented Jerry and Marlene House with a gift from the Board of Directors for all their years of volunteer work within the community.
Committee and Task Force Reports:
Architectural Compliance Committee: The report was given of their meeting held on September 18. Among the subjects discussed at the meeting was 86 permits were approved and 0 denied. Their next meetings are October 2 and 16 at 8:30 a.m. in the A-7 Paint Room.
They have no recommendations for the Board or Management.
Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.
Audit & Finance Committee: There was no Audit & Finance Committee meeting for the month of September. Their next meeting is October 4 at 3:00 p.m. in the Phoenix Room.
They have no recommendations for the Board or Management.
Communications Committee: The report was given of their meeting held on September 10. Among the subjects discussed at the meeting were: monthly reports were given, Bill Carpenter was elected Chair. Their next meeting is October 8 at 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 September 5. Among the subjects discussed at the meeting were: approval of last meeting minutes, remembered Sharon McCoy. Mr. House thanked everyone for their support. Their next meeting is October 3 at 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.
Facilities & Grounds Committee: The report was given of their meeting held on September 4. Among the subjects discussed at the meeting were: the Board Liaison reports, monthly reports by managers. Their next meeting is October 2, 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 September 6. Among the subjects discussed at the meeting were: the Board Liaison Reports, management reports and comment cards. Their next meeting is October 4 at 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 September 5. Among the subjects discussed at the meeting were: reports from Board Liaison and management. Their next meeting is October 3 at 2:00 p.m. in the Phoenix Room.
They have two recommendations for the Board: 1) Approve changes to BP 10-04, Golf Committee Charter, 2) Approval of the 2018-2019 Exceptions to the Golf Calendar.
They have no recommendations for Management.
Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.
Recreation Committee: The report was given of their meeting held on September 4. Among the subjects discussed at the meeting: reports from Board Liaison and management. Their next meeting is October 1 at 1:30 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.
Safety, Security and Access Committee: The Chair noted the Committee did not have a quorum on their scheduled meeting date of September 5, so there was no meeting. Their next meeting is October 3 at 10:00 a.m. in the Saguaro Room.
They have no recommendations for the Board or Management.
Project Reports:
Fitness Activity Center Project: Mr. Hicks reported that the Plan of Development (POD) was received on August 31. Construction bids were opened on September 4 and a Contractor was selected. The contract is on the Agenda for approval. The plans were submitted to the County on September 19 for final approval, which generally takes two to three weeks. We are hoping for the final plans to be approved mid-October. Construction should start in November depending on County final approval, with 10-1/2-month completion. The groundbreaking will be at 4:30 p.m. today. This project has been worked on for over four years. Mr. Hicks thanked Steve Nolan and Anne Montgomery for all their work.
There was discussion on the following topics: The construction site may be toured with a guide.
Management Report: Steve Nolan gave the management report. Mr. Nolan noted overseeding of the common areas has started, irrigation to the lot in front of the Administration Bldg. has been shut off in preparation for the start of construction, flowers will be planted October 3 and 4, Sisk Park should be open the end of October. The CW restrooms will open once final inspection is completed by Maricopa County, security cameras have been installed at the CW Pro Shop and are being installed at the PV Pro Shop as well as parking lots outside of the Pro Shops, several HVAC systems were repaired resulting in a large cost savings to the Association. We are sad to report we are losing our HVAC Tech, Jaime. Furniture at the PV restaurant was assembled.
There was discussion on the following topics: None
Directors Comments:
Hank Unck: Thanked Jerry House and Chris Cross.
Gay Zawatski: Thanked Jerry.
Roger Beagle: Thanked Jerry and Marlene House and homeowners for coming, congratulated Chris Cross.
Woody Neiman: Thanked Jerry, the Committee members, volunteers and committee applicants.
Bill Greer: Thanked Chris Cross and Jerry House. Noted all homeowners are responsible for the safety of our community and should report any safety issues via comment cards or to the proper authorities.
Don Hicks: Thanked Jerry and everyone for coming.
Capital Reserve Replacement Fund Requests:
President Montgomery introduced Capital Reserve Replacement request #11, Item A.
Woody Neiman made a motion, seconded by Roger Beagle, to approve the replacement of the current Cottonwood Bar & Grill dishwasher, for $13,381.69 from Accurate.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner discussion. It is the same dishwasher currently used at Palo Verde and the supplier will remove the old dishwasher. Motion carried unanimously.
President Montgomery introduced Capital Reserve Replacement request #11, Item B.
Hank Unck made a motion, seconded by Gay Zawatski, to approve the replacement of the current Cottonwood banquet dishes, soup bowls and bread dishes, for $4,725.40 from WebstaurantStore.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner discussion. The shipping cost is included in the price. Motion carried unanimously.
President Montgomery introduced Capital Reserve Replacement request #11, Item C.
Woody Neiman made a motion, seconded by Roger Beagle, to approve the replacement of two (2) Greens Mowers, for $68,924.27 from Simpson Norton Company.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner discussion. There was no discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
President Montgomery introduced Capital Reserve Replacement request #11, Item D.
Bill Greer made a motion, seconded by Hank Unck, to approve the replacement of the Administration Office’s main copier, for $13,118.88 from Fruth Group.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner discussion. The monthly maintenance contract covers all repairs and toner and is cheaper than “Pay-As-You-Go” contracts. Motion carried unanimously.
PV Gate Reserve Fund: None
Capital Improvement Fund Requests:
President Montgomery introduced Capital Improvement Fund request #13, Item A.
Woody Neiman made a motion, seconded by Roger Beagle, to approve the Fitness Activity Center proposed construction contract, for $2,799,883 plus 15% contingency totaling $3,219,865.45 from Farnsworth Construction.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner discussion. There was no discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
President Montgomery introduced Capital Improvement Fund request #13, Item B.
Roger Beagle made a motion, seconded by Gay Zawatski, to approve the purchase of two (2) commercial Breeze Outdoor Cooling Systems with lights for the Palo Verde Pro Shop area canopy, for $5,995.00 plus 15% contingency totaling $6,894.25 from Mist America.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner discussion. Replaces current fans. New units will contain misters, fans and lights. Motion carried unanimously.
Voluntary Contribution Fund: None
Old Business:
President Montgomery introduced Old Business request #15, Item A.
Woody Neiman made a motion, seconded by Hank Unck, to approve updated Board Policy 8-06, Facilities Dress Code.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner discussion. Board Member Gay Zawatski read the Policy and noted the new Policy only notes what is not allowed to be worn. The Facilities Dress Code will be posted. This Policy was in First Readings last month. Motion carried unanimously.
President Montgomery introduced Old Business request #15, Item B.
Don Hicks made a motion, seconded by Gay Zawatski, to approve changes to Board Policy 10-01, Committees.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner discussion. There was no discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
New Business:
President Montgomery introduced New Business request #16, Item A.
Woody Neiman made a motion, seconded by Roger Beagle, to approve the 2018-2019 exceptions to the Golf Calendar.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner discussion. There was no discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
President Montgomery introduced New Business request #16, Item B.
Woody Neiman made a motion, seconded by Gay Zawatski, to approve changes to Board Policy 10-04, Golf Committee Charter.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner discussion. There was no discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
President Montgomery introduced New Business request #16, Item C.
Woody Neiman made a motion, seconded by Roger Beagle, to approve the Golf Rates for the 2018-2019 year.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner discussion. Mr. Nolan asked Desmond Dakin, Bill Todd and Ed Schauble (Audit & Finance) to speak regarding the increase in golf rates. Reasons for the increase include:
* Increases for golf employees and golf maintenance salaries
* Cover last year’s deficit and 2019 expenses
* Mandatory State minimum wage increase
* Employee retention and hiring qualified people
* Cost of maintaining the courses continues to increase
* Capital Reserve is funded from all homeowners and covers golf equipment, etc.
Homeowner discussion included:
* Mr. Schaedel- We had an increase last year by having to purchase a Combo membership. All homeowners should be paying a portion of the increase. Don Hicks commented homeowners do contribute to the Capital Reserve fund.
* Jim Lamb – With the deficits discussed is $150 increase enough?
* Don Bartolo – How will the increase be used / how is the money distributed? Woody Neiman noted a line item breakdown was given at the two (2) Golf Budget Meetings and can be found on the golf budget spreadsheet. Don Hicks went through the 2019 Golf Budget by line item. Golf maintenance and Pro Shops are paid by revenue from annual memberships and greens fees.
* Homeowner – Will this increase be enough going forward or will there be an increase next year? Don Hicks stated it will cover the deficit and anticipated costs for 2019.
* Bob Schrote – Where is a Performa to see line items? How do you keep people for $12/hr?
* Homeowner – Do golf maintenance salaries come out of the general fund? Woody Neiman stated Golf maintenance and Pro Shop salaries are paid by Golf Annuals and green fees. Amenity Capital needs come out of Capital Funds paid through HOA dues.
* Bill Jablonski – the budgeted fees will pay salaries and operations of golf courses.
* Jack Hill – we should expect 3 years of increases for everyone because of State mandated minimum wage salary increases. Our dollar cost for playing the courses is phenomenal.
* Bob Houghton – if $150 increase passes and pays off the deficit will there be an increase in the future?
* Mr. Schaeffer – Everyone purchasing an annual golf membership should have to purchase the Combo (CWPV). Anne Montgomery stated this issue needs to be directed to Golf Management. Management brings requests to the Board for approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
First Readings:
President Montgomery introduced First Readings request #17, Item A.
The Board of Directors agreed to place the changes to Board Policy 6-03, Common Rule Violations and Establishment of Fines, Item V. Vehicles to include ATVs into First Readings for the month of October.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner discussion. There was no discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
Homeowner Comments:
* Homeowner – What is being done about the condition of the North Lake? We need more manpower to deal with the issue. Pat Lynch, Common Area Manager, noted it is the golden algae breaking down and separating. We are treating the algae and trying to keep up with it.
* Dan Edwards – North Lake looks like a swamp. Pat Lynch met with homeowners to discuss in further detail.
The meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
From the Recreation Department
All tickets for Cottonwood Palo Verde shows and events can be purchased at our Homeowner Services location.
Upcoming “TAD” Concert Tickets on Sale Now
Tuesday, November 13, 2018 – “The American Bombshells”
Tuesday, January 8, 2019 – “Nashville Gold”
Tuesday, January 22, 2019 – “Elvis Tribute”
Tuesday, January 29, 2019 – “Mark Preston” (Letterman for 11 years)
Wednesday, February 6, 2019 – “The Fly Boys”
Tuesday, February 12, 2019 – “The 3 International Tenors”
Tuesday, February 26, 2019 – “The Rat Pack”
2019 TAD Concert Shows and Ticket Sale Dates
Tuesday, March 5, 2019 – “Fleetwood Mac Tribute” – Tickets on sale Wednesday, November 7, 2018
Tuesday, March 19, 2019 – “The Piano Men” – Tickets on sale Wednesday, November 14, 2018
Tuesday, March 26, 2019 – “Garth Brooks Tribute” – Tickets on sale Wednesday, November 14, 2018
Tuesday, April 16, 2019 – “The Eagles Tribute” – Tickets on sale Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Tuesday, April 23, 2019 – “Cher & The Righteous Brothers Tribute – Tickets on sale Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Ladies Coffee
Our monthly Ladies Coffee for all Sun Lakes are back in full swing. The price is still $3 (pay at the door) and you’ll receive a raffle ticket, hot coffee or tea, iced tea and cookies. Coffees start at 10:30 a.m. on the first Wednesday of each month (October through April) except for November (it will be the second Wednesday, November 14) and January (it will be the second Wednesday, January 9). November’s coffee will host a fashion show and trunk show by Taylor Marie’s (clothes and jewelry). Also, Vitality Health and Optum Care will be there and more.
Annual Impersonators Show – 2019
The Annual Impersonators Show for 2019 will be “Duets.” This includes Liza Minnelli, Cher, Elton John and Tom Jones. What a great show this is going to be! The date is set for Thursday, March 7, 2019, in the San Tan Ballroom. The $20 tickets go on sale Wednesday, November 7, 2018. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for a 7:00 p.m. show. If the 7:00 p.m. show sells out, only then we will open a 3:00 p.m. show.
FREE Annual Christmas Golf Cart Parade and Show
It’s never too early to start planning your holiday events. Mark your calendars now for Friday, December 7, to attend Cottonwood Palo Verde’s FREE Annual Christmas Golf Cart Parade & Show. As always, we will start at Palo Verde Country Club for some good ole hot turkey soup, crackers and drinks. Santa, Mrs. Clause, daughter Joyce, Elves Bud and Julie and Sonja the Snowman. Bring your cameras for some great photos. We’ll enjoy professional Christmas singers and lots of beautifully-decorated golf carts. Prizes will be given to 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th. When it’s time (approximately 6:15 p.m.), we will all be escorted to Cottonwood’s San Tan Ballroom by our ever-ready and loyal Sun Lakes Sheriff’s Posse. At the ballroom, you’ll be treated to FREE hot cocoa, hot apple cider, hot coffee and cookies. The Christmas show will start at 7:00 p.m.
Veterans Day Ceremony
Please take time out from your busy schedule and join us in the San Tan Ballroom on Monday, November 12, as we honor our brave men and women, who served in our United States Armed Forces. This event is FREE and will start at 2:00 p.m. We will have a great program for you that day. Stay afterwards and enjoy a hot dog, coffee, iced tea and cookies with some great Sun Lakes Patriots who happen to be your friends and neighbors here in our community.
Radiant Complexions Dermatology – FREE Skin Cancer Screening
Now that summer is over, RC (Radiant Complexions Dermatology Clinic) will be performing FREE Skin Cancer checks again by Dr. Joseph Allgeler in the A-9 – Phoenix Room from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on a first come, first served availability on these days: November 14 and December 12, 2018, and January 9, February 13, March 13, April 10 and May 8, 2019.
Spooner Physical Therapy Free Monthly Classes
On the third Wednesday of each month (except for November – Thanksgiving), Spooner Therapy will be in the A-9 – Phoenix Room at 8:00 a.m., conducting FREE informational classes each month on different health topics.
Nothing in November.
December 19: Avoiding a Shoulder Injury in Racquet Sports
January 16: Pelvic Floor PT and Urinary Incontinence
February 20: Maintaining Upright Posture During the Aging Process
March 20: Getting Back to Golf after a Total Joint Replacement
Shears to You
Step in and see how beautiful you can be. Shears to You mobile salon will be parked on Thursdays at Cottonwood in the east parking lot at the corner of EJ Robson and Brentwood from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This is a complete mobile hair salon and style lounge, offering a full menu of hair and nail services for men and women. To schedule your appointment, call 480-983-5378. Thursdays, November 8 and 25 and December 6 and 20, 2018.
Upcoming Food & Beverage Events
Thursday, November 22 – Palo Verde Thanksgiving Buffet ($39-Adults, $19 ages 5 to 12, 4 and under Free (plus tax and gratuity))
Saturday, November 24 – Cottonwood Bonfire – Buffet 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. ($25)
The Bike Shop
Need your bike repaired? Well come to The Bike Shop repair station located in Cottonwood’s east parking lot. They’ll be there the fourth Tuesday of each month from 8:00 a.m. to noon. Dates: November 27 and December (TBD)
FREE Exercise Equipment Classes
Personal Trainer Deryk Garmanian and his assistant/homeowner Brenda Waara will be instructing, at no cost, a Weight Room & Equipment Orientation Class for Cottonwood and Palo Verde homeowners in the Ladies Fitness Center from noon to 1:00 p.m., for both men and women on the third Wednesday of the month. Here are the scheduled dates: November 21 and December 19.
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 Monday of the month. They also handle flu shots and pneumonia shots. 2018: November 12 and December 10.
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. In the summer months, they will be 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: November 10 and December 8
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
11/05 – Downtown Gilbert – Reverse Progressive Dinner
11/08-11/09 – Overnight Mystery Tour
11/09 – Fountain Festival & Desert Belle
11/10 – Sonoita Vineyards Wine Festival
11/12 – Phoenix Veterans Day Parade & Lunch
11/15 – Palo Verde Nuclear Power Plant and Educational Center & Lunch
11/19-12/4 – Thanksgiving in Hawaii – Star Princess
11/20-11/23 – Thanksgiving in San Diego
12/30-1/02 – Rose Bowl Parade Four Day Getaway
12/31-1/02 – Rose Bowl Parade Mini-Getaway