Message from the Board President
Dick Norris
I am pleased to announce that the members of the 2017-2018 Board of Directors were seated at the Annual HOA Board Meeting on March 29, 2017. Welcome back to board members Roger Beagle, Bill Greer, Anne Montgomery, Woody Neiman and Mel Rasmussen. Congratulations to new members Don Hicks and Gay Zawatski who joined our seven-member board.
I am positive there will be another year of productive enhancements for our community.
The board workshop regarding the Five Lakes Fountain Project was held on Monday, February 13, in the San Tan Ballroom. Two hundred residents saw the board’s presentation and an update on the status of the project. They also took advantage of the opportunity to ask their questions.
The survey results are as follows:
* Total surveys sent out – 178
* Total surveys returned – 115* (65%)
* There were 14 “disqualified” surveys.
101 qualified surveys responded (or 57% of the total surveys sent out).
* 70 chose “To Proceed” (equals 69% of the total qualified surveys).
* 31 chose “Not to Proceed” (equals 31% of the total qualified surveys).
* 63 surveys were not returned to the Administration Office.
I was very pleased with the turnout and the fact that everyone had a chance to air their concerns and have their questions answered. A homeowner vote to determine whether to proceed with the project will be scheduled for later in the year.
Here is an update on recent board-approved actions:
E-Z-GO maintenance cart, new paint colors, added member to the ACC Committee and a revised Employee Meal Policy. We also recognized Sun Lakes Women’s Association for their $5,000 donation toward the purchase of the E-Z-GO maintenance cart. Nina Rodriquez de Fierro, a housekeeping department employee for over 12 years, was recognized as the Association’s February “Employee of the Month.”
This month’s President’s Message is my final for the Association and the Splash. For the past three years, it has been my honor and privilege to have served on the Board of Directors, the past year as your President. Along with my fellow board members, we have accomplished many things in 2016, and there is still more to be done. I am confident the Board of Directors will continue their efforts in looking after the best interests of our community. I thank each of them for their friendship and support.
Finally, be sure and check The Flyer and In The Know for important dates and detailed information on Association activities. These are valuable communication resources to help you stay informed and involved in our community.
It has been a pleasure to have served as your President.
Board of Director meeting minutes – February 22, 2017 (unapproved)
Directors present: Roger Beagle, Bill Greer, Bud Jenssen, Anne Montgomery, Woody Neiman, Dick Norris and Mel Rasmussen
Also present: General Manager, Steve Nolan
CALL TO ORDER: President Dick Norris called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. in the Saguaro Room. He stated that the meeting is being recorded for the accuracy of the minutes.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Secretary Anne Montgomery gave a short biography of the military career of Retired Air Force Veteran Bob Velasquez. Mr. Velasquez led the Pledge of Allegiance and was then thanked for his military service.
PRESENTATION: General Manager Steve Nolan announced the donation of $5,000 from the Sun Lakes Women’s Association. Mr. Nolan asked SLWA President Judy Caniglia to be recognized. Ms. Caniglia and the SLWA were thanked on behalf of the Board of Directors and management for their generous donation, which will be used toward the purchase of a cart for Facilities Maintenance.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF JANUARY 25, 2017: Bud Jenssen made a motion, seconded by Anne Montgomery, to approve January 25, 2017, Board Meeting Minutes.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments — no comments. Motion carried unanimously.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE:
President Dick Norris reported that a Board Workshop on the proposed Five Lakes Project held on February 13 presented the homeowners with a PowerPoint overview, along with a question and answer period. Mr. Norris reminded the audience that for the project to proceed, it would have to go to a vote to the homeowners. He announced that there would be no Board Election held this year as there were three seats and three verified applicants. He then welcomed new Board Members Anne Montgomery, Don Hicks and Gay Zawatski. Slurry sealing of Cottonwood streets is currently taking place. The audience was reminded to check the Flyer and In The Know for events and activities in CWPV. Mr. Norris concluded his message with the introduction of Nina Rodriquez de Ferro, HOA Housekeeping employee who is being honored as the February Employee of the Month. Mr. Norris thanked Nina for her contributions to the HOA.
TREASURER’S REPORT:
Treasurer Woody Neiman announced that for the fifth year in a row, no changes needed to be made to the audit. He then presented the January 31, 2017, Financial Summary. A detailed report will be available for viewing in Homeowner Services.
Bill Greer made a motion, seconded by Bud Jenssen, to approve January 31, 2017, pre-audited Financial Report.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments — no comments. Motion carried unanimously.
COMMITTEE AND TASK FORCE REPORTS:
Architectural Compliance Committee: The report was given of their meetings held on February 7 and 21. Among the subjects discussed at the meeting were the Home Improvement Project of the Month, review of the ACC Guidelines and the recommendation of a ninth member to ACC. It was reported that 30 permits were approved, one denied. Their next meeting is March 7 at 8:30 a.m. in the A-7 Paint Room.
They have one recommendation for the Board to approve the appointment of Elizabeth Bradley as the ninth member of the ACC.
They have no recommendations for Management.
Audit & Finance Committee: The report was given of their meeting held on February 2. Among the subjects discussed at the meeting were a review of the monthly financials. It was announced that the Association had a successful audit with no changes for the fifth year in a row and a respectable year-end surplus. Brian Shaw and staff were thanked for their hard work. Their next meeting is March 2 at 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.
Ed Schauble, Roger Beagle and Woody Neiman were thanked for their work and presentations at the Five Lakes Workshop.
Communications Committee: The report was given of their meeting held on February 6. Among the subjects discussed at the meeting were website updates, the New Friends Ambassador report of eight referrals and two tours upcoming, recreation activities, the Board Liaison Report and other committee reports. Gay Zawatski, a former member of the Communications Committee, was congratulated on her new position on the Board. Their next meeting is March 6 at 8:30 a.m. in the Ceramics Room.
They have no recommendations for Board or Management.
Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.
Election Committee: The report was given of their two meetings held on February 2 at 8:30 a.m. to verify Board Candidate Applications and their regular monthly meeting at 10:00 a.m. Among the subjects discussed at the meeting were verification of the results of the Five Lakes survey which was requested by the F&G committee. Because there will be no Board Election, the committee will not meet in March.
Their next meeting is April 5 at 1:30 p.m. in the Ceramics Room.
They have one recommendation for the Board; because there will not be a Board Election, this committee recommends that the Board not proceed with the Bylaws amendment election March 22, 2017, until the next scheduled election and in conformance with the advice of Association legal counsel.
They have no recommendations for Management.
Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.
Facilities & Grounds Committee: The report was given of their meeting held on February 1. Among the subjects discussed at the meeting were upcoming events and discussion regarding a recommendation that they will make to the BMLRP Team to move forward with the leveling of the CW and PV Tee boxes: CW holes 5, 7 and 8 and PV Holes 3, 5, 6, 8, 16 and 17. Their next meeting is March 1, 9:00 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 February 2. Among the subjects discussed at the meeting were financial results, recent F&B events, the Board Liaison Report, Management reports from Marshall Reichert and David Moreno. Discussed upcoming events. Staff training is focusing on etiquette and proper steps for service. Discussion on gift card program, comment cards. Their next meeting is March 2 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: Bob Velasquez was thanked for his military service and for leading the Pledge of Allegiance. The report was given of their meeting held on February 2. Among the subjects discussed at the meeting were reports from Bill Todd, Desmond Dakin and the golf pros, tee leveling slated to start in July if approved by the Board. Their next meeting is March, at 2:00 p.m. in the Ceramics Room.
They have no recommendations for the Board.
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 February 6. Among the subjects discussed at the meeting were BP’s 8-02, A1 and 8-02 A9, relating to clubs use of amenities and annual reporting requirements. Discussion of pickleball non-resident memberships has been deferred until next meeting. A subcommittee was formed to review BP’s 7-50 and 7-60 and the exclusivity of the club’s court use. Linda Caton reviewed the TAD concert updates and upcoming events. Their next meeting is March 6 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 & Access Committee: The report was given of their meeting held on February 1. The major subject discussed at the meeting was the current thefts and security concerns. The meeting was well attended by the homeowners and questions were satisfactorily answered by the Posse Commander and a member of the MCC Sherriff’s Department, who were invited to the meeting. Their next meeting is March 1 at 10:00 a.m. in the Saguaro Room.
They have no recommendations for the Board or Management.
Health & Wellness Center Task Force: It was reported that HWCTF had an interim meeting on February 2, at which the architects presented three alternative options to the originally presented 18,000 square foot, two-story facility previously presented and rejected by the task force. At their February 14 meeting, the task force discussed the options presented on February 2. A motion was made and passed to request from the architect, an additional option for an 18,000 square foot facility, with a completely shelled out second level, along with an estimated cost. Once received, an interim meeting will be scheduled to review the architect’s submission. Additional financing ideas were also discussed and will be explored. They talked about changes to their charter, which will be presented to the Board today.
The next meeting is March 14 at 2:00 p.m. in the Saguaro Room.
They have one recommendation for the Board to approve changes to BP 10-16 Health and Wellness Center Task Force Charter. They have no recommendations for Management.
PROJECT REPORTS:
PV Maintenance Yard Mezzanine Storage Area: Steve Nolan reported that the contractor has the permit and the construction schedule will be submitted to management by the end of the week. The project is hoped to begin soon.
MANAGEMENT REPORT: Steve Nolan gave the management report. He gave special thanks to Jim Miller and staff for the new spotlight at the main flagpole, which has received many positive comments. He presented a “thank you” poster signed by the members of the Sun Lakes Pickleball Club, for installing a second gate at the pickleball courts. He concluded his report with a message regarding the recent theft of a golf club stolen from a golf cart parked by the driving range. Video surveillance was reviewed, resulting in the identification of the golf cart of the homeowner responsible for the theft. The golf club was returned, and the Board has issued the restriction of the member’s privileges. Mr. Nolan explained that video surveillance cameras are located in the San Tan Ballroom, other facilities locations and the driving range. He stressed that this was not only a violation of Board Policy, resulting in loss of membership privileges and potential fines, but it is a crime. He stated that Patrol and management work hard to keep our community beautiful and our homeowner’s safe while on HOA property.
DIRECTORS COMMENTS:
All Board members thanked Bob Velasquez for his military service and leading today’s Pledge of Allegiance. Also:
Bud Jenssen: commented on the great TAD shows that the Recreation Department has.
Anne Montgomery: thanked Ed Schauble for his expertise and contribution to what she felt was a perfect workshop on the Five Lakes Project.
Mel Rasmussen: thanked Ed Schauble for explaining the Five Lakes Project, what would be involved and the variables, and thanked Woody Neiman and Roger Beagle for their contributions to the workshop. He thanked Brian Shaw on his fifth year of a successful audit.
Woody Neiman: Asked if everyone that got their monthly Pima Utility bill noticed the letter and the new 15% increase for water and 11% increase for sewer. He encouraged everyone to read the notice included with their bill, which provides information of how you can be heard, including contacting the Arizona Corporate Commission’s website.
Roger Beagle: thanked everyone for coming to today’s meeting and for attending the workshops. He thanked Brian Shaw for the successful audit, He thanked Dick Gothier for handling a situation at the ACC meeting, thanks to the management team and being proactive regarding the golf club theft.
Bill Greer: thanked Jim Miller for the new light on the flag. He confirmed with Bill Todd that the CW tee box leveling would be on tees 5 (forward), 7 and 8. Also PV tees 3, 5, 6, 8, 16 and 17. All to be done in July and will take approximately 6-8 weeks. Bill thanked Brian Shaw for the successful audit and expressed his appreciation of the additional time he devotes. He thanked Dick Norris for his letter to the County regarding the need for repair of the streets.
CAPITAL RESERVE REPLACEMENT FUND REQUESTS:
Dick Norris introduced Capital Reserve request #11, Item A.
Anne Montgomery made a motion, seconded by Bud Jenssen, to approve Facilities Maintenance Equipment: Cushman Hauler 800X Gas cart for the low bid of $8,281.83 from A-1 Golf Carts.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments. No comments. Motion carried unanimously.
PV GATE RESERVE FUND: NONE
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND REQUESTS: NONE
VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTION FUND: NONE
OLD BUSINESS:
Dick Norris introduced Old Business item #15A.
Roger Beagle made a motion, seconded by Anne Montgomery, to approve changes to the current residential paint colors, as presented by the Architectural Compliance Committee.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments.
An audience member asked about previous colors being grandfathered, and it is stated in the ACC Guidelines that they are permitted to stay with their current color, but if they want to repaint a new color, it would have to be chosen from the current colors. No further comments. Motion carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS:
Dick Norris introduced New Business #16A.
Roger Beagle made a motion, seconded by Anne Montgomery, to approve the appointment of Elizabeth Bradley to the Architectural Compliance Committee as its ninth member.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments. No comments. Motion carried unanimously.
Dick Norris introduced New Business #16B.
Roger Beagle made a motion, seconded by Anne Montgomery, to approve the recommendation from the Election Committee, that the Board not proceed with the Bylaws amendment election March 22, 2017, until the next scheduled election and in conformance with the advice of Association legal counsel.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments. No comments. Motion carried unanimously.
FIRST READINGS:
Dick Norris introduced First Readings item #17A and 17B.
Steve Nolan requested that #17A, BP 3-09 Employee Meal Policy, be moved to New Business to be voted on today. He and Marshall Reichert explained the necessity for the changes to the policy, and since it impacts employees now, it would be appropriate to not wait a month for a vote. There was discussion regarding the change from $10 to $15 or less menu items. Employees would be able to purchase for half the cost any item $15 or less. Anything above $15 would be paid at full price; otherwise, it would result in loss of revenue, particularly at PV where menu items are more. It was confirmed that this policy covers all employees. It was agreed by the Board to move this item to New Business.
Anne Montgomery made a motion, seconded by Bud Jenssen, to approve changes to BP 3-09 Employee Meal Policy.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments. No comments. Motion carried unanimously.
Changes to BP 10-16 Health and Wellness Center Task Force Charter will be in First Readings to be voted on in March.
HOMEOWNER COMMENTS: NONE
The meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m.
Upcoming events
All tickets for Cottonwood Palo Verde shows and events can be purchased at our Homeowner Services location.
UPCOMING “TAD” CONCERTS – Tickets on Sale NOW:
Nashville Gold, Tuesday, April 4
Last Dance – Donna Summer, Tuesday, May 16
Tickets going on SALE:
Thursday, April 13, for:
Turn the Page – Bob Seger Tribute, Tuesday June 13
Thursday, May 11, for:
The 3 International Tenors, Tuesday, July 18
Thursday, June 8, for:
The Karen Carpenter Story, Tuesday, August 15
Thursday, July 20, for:
The Blues Brothers, Tuesday, September 27
Thursday, August 10, for:
59th Street Bridge – Simon & Garfunkel, Tuesday, October 17
Thursday, August 31, for:
The Sedaka Legacy, Tuesday, November 3
Thursday, October 5, for:
A Tribute to Christmas, Tuesday, December 5
LADIES COFFEE:
The next Ladies Coffee will be Wednesday, April 5, 2017, in the San Tan Ballroom starting at 10:30 a.m. Cost will be $3. As always, we will be serving cookies, hot coffee or tea and iced tea, with some interesting speakers. In April, we will have a teaser from the upcoming “Great Banjo Summit,” Fashions by Bon Worth, Watkins Products and more, so bring your friends and neighbors for a good time!
EASTER – Annual Egg Hunt and Golf Cart Parade
Easter will be here before you know it! The date is set for Saturday, April 15, 2017. All Sun Lakers and their guests are invited. As in the past, we will still have our Egg Hunt and Golf Cart Parade and in the ballroom, we’ll be serving refreshments and playing games with the children. Hopefully, the Sun Lakes Community Theatre will be able to perform one of their wonderful children’s plays in the street on Brentwood. Pictures with the Easter Bunny, on his throne, will take place on the San Tan Ballroom stage after he returns from the parade, so bring your camera.
BANJO & GUITAR SUMMIT
How many times in your life can you say that you actually saw the best in the world? On Saturday, April 8, 2017, we are so thrilled to host our first Banjo & Guitar Summit in the San Tan Ballroom with the three top performers in the United States. We guarantee you will not be disappointed. Tickets are $15 and are on sale at Cottonwood Homeowner Services.
Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. for a 7:00 p.m. show.
KENNY HESS
You’ve asked for it, so here it is – another Kenny Hess Concert. The date is set for September 13 in the San Tan Ballroom. Tickets will be only $15. More information to come in the next Splash!
DJ JAMAL – SUMMER $5 DANCES
Another summer of great Saturday Night DJ Dances with Jamal are schedule. Tickets are on sale and still the cost is only $5. You can also order your meals at the bar and have them delivered and picked up at your table. Doors will open for food service and a no-host bar at 5:00 p.m. Dancing will run from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Here are the dates you need to get tickets for: April 29, May 20, June 24, July 15, August 19 and September 23. Hope to see you there.
FREE SKIN CANCER SCREENING
Dr. Joseph Allgeier of Radiant Complexions Dermatology Clinic will be conducting a Free Skin Cancer Screening in Cottonwood’s Phoenix Room (A9) from 8:00-11:00 a.m. on Wednesdays starting this fall. All Sun Lakers are invited; no appointment needed. The doctor will see you on a first-come basis. Dr. Joe will be attending on these dates: April 12 and May 10.
FREE EXERCISE EQUIPMENT CLASSES
Personal Trainer Deryk Garmanian and his assistant/homeowner Brenda Waara will be instructing, at no cost, a Weight Room and Equipment Orientation Class at the Ladies Fitness Center from noon to 1:00 p.m., for both men and women (at this time) on the following Wednesdays: April 19, May 17, June 21, July 19, August 16, September 20, October 18, November 15 and December 20. Please sign up at Homeowner Services. If there are less than four students, Deryk will cancel the class and contact those who have signed up.
HEALTHWAVES LAB SCREENINGS AND TESTING
Healthwaves will be available for testing in Cottonwood’s Paint Room (A7) from 8:00 a.m. until noon on Mondays, March 13, April 10, May 8, June 12, July 10 and August 14.
ROVER’S REST STOP
Mark your calendars and tell all your friends that Rover’s Rest Stop’s Meet & Greet will be held on Saturdays, April 8 and May 13, (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 A6 Dance Room) from 9:00 a.m. until noon. Here’s another chance for you to bring home an adorable new family member. For more information, call 480-600-2828 and remember a little dog will be there waiting desperately for a place to call home.
BICYCLE REPAIR IN COTTONWOOD
Wednesdays, Two-Wheel Jones Bicycle Repair will be in Cottonwood’s east parking lot, next to the tennis courts from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
UPCOMING TRAVELING TOURS through “Free Spirit”
To book any of these trips, call Free Spirit Vacation at 480-926-5547 or email [email protected]. Please remind them that you are a Cottonwood Palo Verde Homeowner. Event information flyers can be found at Cottonwood’s Homeowner Services.
2017:
April 9 – Wild West Saloon Crawl and Lunch
April 14 – Desert Botanical Gardens or Phoenix Zoo
April 25-28 – National Parks of the Southwest
May 6 – Verde Valley Wine Trail with Lunch
June 9-15 – Oregon Wine and Roses
June 26-30 – Sierra Nevada Journey
July 25-28 – Pageant of the Masters and Catalina