Message from the Board President
Richard Hawkes
Greetings to All:
The Board of Directors of Cottonwood Palo Verde at Sun Lakes helped kick off the 2015-16 golf season with a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Short Game Practice Facility at Palo Verde. The ceremony was of part of the annual Celebration of Golf dinner party held at the Palo Verde Country Club. This new facility adds another gem to the crown of amenities in our community.
At the annual budget meeting held October 28, the Board approved the budget for 2016. The new budget calls for a $38 a year increase in homeowner dues beginning in January 2016. This amounts to $3.16 a month. Even with the modest increase, the dues for Cottonwood Palo Verde still remains as one of the lowest in our peer group. We are very proud of the effort of our managers and their staff who keep our facilities and amenities in such an excellent condition, while striving to continually update our community. We truly do get a real bang for our buck!
During the regular October Board meeting, approval was given to update the storage facility in the San Tan Ballroom. This minor improvement will provide efficient access to store tables and chairs in this small but important storage area.
The big news for October was the first use of our new sound and media systems. The San Tan Ballroom now has a wonderful sound system, new electric projection screen and upgraded projector makes the room a great venue for quality entertainment and professional presentations. The new sound system for the Cottonwood Bar and Café and Saguaro Room are also up and running. The sound improvements at Palo Verde are excellent and proved their worth at the most recent large event for the November Celebration of Golf banquet.
November marked the over seeding of the golf courses and common areas which is now complete. This year’s effort by the ground crew may prove to be one of the best ever. Both courses are in excellent condition and the common areas are sparkling with new grass. This is another example of the hard work of our excellent golf and common areas staff.
We hope everyone will enjoy our many amenities. The Board and management team will continue to focus on keeping our community up-to-date and attractive for all of us now and in the future.
The new season is off to a great start. In December, we will hit the ground running with our annual Golf Cart Parade and show. We will start the festivities at Palo Verde Country Club with golf cart judging, free hot soup and Santa. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Posse will then escort the golf cart parade to the San Tan Ballroom, where you can enjoy the Christmas show.
We appreciate the support of all our homeowners and look forward to another great year in Cottonwood Palo Verde at Sun Lakes. On behalf of our Board of Directors, I would like to wish Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of our Cottonwood Palo Verde at Sun Lakes Community and their families.
Upcoming events
Christmas Golf Cart Parade and Show
Friday, December 4 marks the date for our annual Christmas Golf Cart Parade and Show. We’ll meet at Palo Verde at 5:00 p.m. for free hot turkey soup, judging of the golf carts, Christmas carols with Ron and Maddy and especially Santa and all his helpers. Make sure you bring your cameras. Then our wonderful Sun Lakes Sheriff’s Posse (at approximately 6:15 p.m.) will escort us all over to the Cottonwood San Tan Ballroom where you’ll find free hot coffee, hot cocoa, hot apple cider and cookies along with our special Christmas Program starting at 7:00 p.m. All Sun Lakers and their guest are invited. Hope to see you there.
Ladies Coffee
It’s time for our fun and informative Ladies Coffees to start up again. The coffees are the first Wednesdays of the months from October through April in the San Tan Ballroom starting at 10:30 a.m. The cost is only $3 for cookies, hot coffee, hot tea and iced tea along with great conversation with your friends and your new friends. December’s coffee will include a Christmas Fashion Show, a snippet from an upcoming free Christmas Show called I Joseph and don’t forget that the Gilded Gecko will be on hand with all their beautiful jewelry. Tickets are sold at the door. We also have great give-a-ways. Our Ladies Coffee is opened for all Sun Lakers and guests.
Upcoming dates are:
December 2, January 6, February 3, March 2 and April 6
A Tribute to Christmas
Tribute artists rule the roost in terms of live entertainment and we bring some of the best to celebrate Christmas in tribute style. You might see Natalie Cole, Bette Midler, Elvis Presley or some other surprise guest in the Tribute to Christmas Show that will be performed on Wednesday, December 16 in the San Tan Ballroom. Come join in on this holiday special performed by a great troupe of professional singers. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. show. Tickets are $20 and are available now.
Tad Series Tickets
There are some 7:00 p.m. show tickets left for the January, February and March 2016 Concert Series, but we are starting to sell 3:00 p.m. shows. Shows include tribute bands for the Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, Bee Gees, Reba McEntyre, the Eagles, George Strait and one performance by the real Tokens. Tickets are all $20 except for the Tokens which are $25 or you can buy the entire series (seven shows) for only $125.
I Joseph free Christmas Show
Come enjoy a free Christmas show, a one man, one act soliloquy featuring Tom Owens as Joseph. The show will take place on Friday, December 11 at 7:00 p.m. in the San Tan Ballroom. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. There will be a Christmas sing-a-long prior to the show. Tom Owen is a licensed minister and an experienced actor who has been featured as product spokesman in local TV commercials in the Phoenix market and has starred in numerous Bible based dramas. Tom says, “We will walk with Joseph as he struggles with his love, hurt, anger and confusion – then finally, forgiveness, reconciliation, and peace!” I Joseph has a truly joyous conclusion that is guaranteed to touch every heart deeply!
Impersonators 2016 Show Oh Canada
On Wednesday, March 15 the Impersonators will take the stage in the San Tan Ballroom. The performers will be doing a tribute to Celine Dion, Michael Buble, Shania Twain and Paul Anka called Oh Canada. The 7:00 p.m. show sold out in two weeks so we’ve opened a 3:00 p.m. show. Tickets are still only $20 and are going fast.
Dancing With the Stars
Our 2016 Dancing with the Stars Show will move to Friday, February 19 and Saturday, February 20th. Tickets are on sale now and only $20 for this wonderful night of fun and dancing. Both nights’ shows will start at 7:00 p.m. with doors opening at 6:00 p.m. Names of the six Sun Lakes dancers will be announced next month. All six dancers will dance both Friday and Saturday with a different winner for each night.
Free Skin Cancer Screening
Dr. Laura Arce of Radiant Complexions Dermatology Clinic will be conducting a free skin cancer screening in Cottonwood’s Phoenix Room (A9) from 8:00 a.m.-noon on Wednesdays. All Sun Lakers are invited; no appointment needed. The doctor will see you on a first come basis. Dates are December 2, January 6, February 3, March 2 and April 6.
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 in the Ladies Fitness Center for both men and women (at this time) on the following Wednesday: December 16. Please sign up at Homeowner Services. If there are less than three students, Deryk will cancel the class and contact those who have signed up.
Bicycle Repair in Cottonwood
Every Friday Two-Wheel Jones Bicycle Repair will be in Cottonwood’s east parking lot, next to the tennis courts from 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Now, when your bicycle needs to be repaired, you won’t have to find a way to get it in your vehicle. The repair shop will come to you.
Upcoming Traveling Tours through Free Spirit
To book any of these trips call Free Spirit Vacations at 480-926-5547 or e-mail [email protected]. Please remind them that you are a Cottonwood Palo Verde homeowner. Event information flyers can be found at Cottonwood’s Homeowner Services.
2015:
December 2-4 – Dickens Festival and It’s a Wonderful Life
December 3-9 – Smoky Mountain Christmas from Ashville – Nashville
December 5 – Prescott Day Christmas Parade
December 9 – Phoenix Zoo, Dinner and Mormon Temple
December 10 – Desert Botanical Gardens w/Dinner and Mormon Temple
December 31-January 2 – Rose Bowl Parade Mini-Getaway
2016
January 9 – Boyce Thompson and Casa Grande Ruins
January 26-29 – SoCal Gardens and Museums
January 27 – Barrett Jackson
January 30 – Verde Canyon Railroad
January 30-February 7 – Tropical Caribbean aboard Holland America MS Nieuw Amsterdam
B of D meeting minutes (unapproved)
Directors present: Rich Featherstone, Richard Hawkes, Bud Jenssen, Woody Neiman, Dick Norris and Mel Rasmussen
Also present: General Manager Steve Nolan
President Richard Hawkes called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. He stated that the meeting is being recorded for accuracy of the minutes.
Secretary Mel Rasmussen introduced and gave a short informational account of the First 77th Infantry Division and biography of Army veteran Ralph Harper. Mr. Harper then led the Pledge of Allegiance and was thanked for his military service.
Woody Neiman made a motion, seconded by Bud Jenssen, to approve the September 30, 2015 Board Meeting minutes.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments; no comments. The motion carried unanimously.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE:
President Richard Hawkes announced that he would refrain from giving his President’s Message in the interest of time. He announced the annual Budget Meeting follows this meeting. He thanked homeowners for their patronage.
TREASURER’S REPORT:
Treasurer Woody Neiman presented the September 30, 2015 Financial Summary. A detailed report will be available for viewing in Homeowner Services.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments; no comments. The motion carried unanimously.
Mel Rasmussen made a motion, seconded by Rich Featherstone, to approve the September 30, 2015 pre-audited Financial Report. The motion carried unanimously.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Architectural Compliance Committee: The report was given of its meetings held on October 6 and 20. The committee had 93 permit applications approved. The next meeting is November 3 in the A-7 Paint Room.
The committee has three recommendations for Board approval on today’s agenda: BP 6-09 Placement of Construction Debris Containers (New) revisions to the Architectural Compliance Guidelines No.26- RUBBISH, POD AND DEBRIS CONTAINERS and the ACC Committee appointments of Elise Albert and Al Cote.
The committee has no recommendations for management.
Audit and Finance Committee: Audit and Finance Board Liaison Woody Neiman reported of the committee’s meeting meetings held October 14 and 21. Topics were the receipt of the monthly financials, the 2016 Budget Plan review and its recommendations of the Audit and Finance Committee appointments. The next meeting is November 11 at 2:00 p.m. in the Saguaro Room.
The committee has one recommendation for the Board to approve the Audit and Finance Committee appointments of Bob Tull, Linda Grendahl and request a special exception for Joel Bosch to continue for another term.
The committee has no recommendations for management.
Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.
Communications Committee: The report was given of its meeting on October 5. It was stated that the Library is looking for volunteers. The Ambassadors had six tours and 66 tours year to date. The next meeting is November 2 at 8:30 a.m. in the Ceramics Room.
The committee has one recommendation for the Board to approve the Communication Committee appointments of Sandra Givens and Hank Unck.
The committee has no recommendations for management.
Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.
Election Committee: Ralph Harper was thanked for his military service. The report was given of its meeting on September 23. The main topic of this meeting was to interview and select committee members to be submitted for approval at the October Board Meeting since they would not meet in October. The next meeting is November 4 at 1:30 p.m. in the Ceramics Room.
The committee has one recommendation for the Board to approve the Election Committee appointments of Bob Elliott, Meroe Haug, Jerry House, Joseph Igelmund, Ann Richards, Ruthannis Rogers and Gay Zawatski. The Board asked the committee to review the terms of their membership to insure everyone is not ending terms at the same time. Thank you to Meroe Haug and Ruthannis Rogers who have agreed to serve one year for their second terms. The committee has no recommendations for management.
Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.
Facilities and Grounds Committee: The report was given of its meeting on October 5. The committee discussed projects and selected committee candidates to be submitted for Board approval. The sound system was discussed. The next meeting is November 2 at 9:30 a.m. in the Paint Room.
The committee has one recommendation for the Board to approve the Facilities and Grounds Committee appointments of Roger Beagle, Joel Bosch, Mike Kraemer and Kathy Skrei.
The committee has no recommendations for management.
Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.
Food and Beverage Committee: The report was given of its meeting on October 1. Main topics discussed were financials, Palo Verde patio cover, credit card readers, NFL package and the selection of committee candidates to be submitted for Board approval. A report on recent events that occurred was given. The next meeting is November 5 at 9:00 a.m. in the Saguaro Room.
The committee has one recommendation for the Board to approve the Food and Beverage Committee appointments of Elaine Dover and Ricki O’Keefe.
The committee has no recommendations for management.
Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.
Richard Hawkes introduced new Cottonwood head Chef, Zach Carson.
Golf Committee: Ralph Harper was thanked for his military service. The report was given of its meeting on October 1. Among items of discussion was the selection of the committee candidates to be submitted for Board approval. The next meeting is November 5 at 2:00 p.m. in the Ceramics Room.
The committee has one recommendation for the Board to approve the Golf Committee appointment of Bert Paul as member-at-large. Club appointments: Rita Benfer (CLGA), Cindy Bosch (PVLGA) and Dean Hermanson (CMGA).
The committee has no recommendations for management.
Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.
There was a question from the floor regarding a recommendation from the Golf Committee of a Men’s Club proposal which was removed from the agenda. Richard Hawkes explained that the recommendation was determined by the Board to impact not only the Golf Committee, but the community. Board members met with golf management, golf superintendent and general manager who did not recommend to follow through with the Golf Committee’s recommendation. Mr. Hawkes, as Board President, removed it from the agenda.
Recreation Committee: The report was given of its meeting on October 5. Items of discussion included shades for pool classes, community walk, open house and selection of the committee candidates to be submitted for Board approval. A list of upcoming events was given. The next meeting is November 2 at 1:30 p.m. in the Phoenix Room.
The committee has one recommendation for the Board to approve the Recreation Committee appointments of Sheri Butler, Irene D’Aliosio, Sharon Feltz and Sandy Neu.
The committee has no recommendations for management.
Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.
Rich Featherstone asked the date of the walk, which will be coming out soon. There was a question regarding pool shades which was answered that the shades they are discussing are for the Cottonwood main pool, not Palo Verde.
Safety, Security and Access Committee: Dick Norris reported on behalf of Chairperson Marsha Zandbergen. This committee met on October 7. The next meeting is November 4 at 10:00 a.m. in the Saguaro Room.
The committee has one recommendation for the Board to approve the SSAC Committee appointments of Sandra Givens, Martha Lubeach, Joe Sadera and Bill Smith.
The committee has no recommendations for management.
Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.
Health and Wellness Center Task Force: Anne Montgomery reported that the task force met October 13. Primary purpose of the meeting was a meeting with architect Ken Eller to discuss the producing of a preliminary conceptual plan. It was explained that Mr. Eller is on retainer with the HOA but this does not mean he will be chosen as the final architect for the project. The committee is looking toward at least three refinements by March of next year. Two of the TF members met on October 15 to discuss function and spaces. HWCTF had a table at the Community Day on October 17 at which time a questionnaire was handed out to gather input.
The committee has no recommendations for the Board.
The committee has two recommendations for management: 1) to pursue the original donation from the SLWA of $5,000 which was rescinded when it was thought that the TF had been disbanded; and 2) to forward the building function and spaces to Mr. Ken Eller.
PROJECT REPORTS:
Cottonwood and Palo Verde sound/video system upgrades: Dick Norris reported that Cottonwood is up and running, new projector and screen in place and Palo Verde equipment will be installed by Friday with the programming of the equipment to follow. The sound system in the pergola area will be installed when the pergola is finished. The Celebration of Golf at Palo Verde will have a sound system whether it is the new one or a temporary one.
Steve Nolan Reported on the following project(s):
Palo Verde maintenance lunchroom and office: The project is completed including the final inspection which has been filed. There will be an open house after over seeding.
Palo Verde patio shade: The project is ongoing although it was delayed a bit due to the amount of concrete they had to go through to make the holes for the posts. They are hoping to set the posts this or next week.
MANAGEMENT REPORT: Steve Nolan gave the management report. He thanked management, the Board of Directors and the Audit and Finance Committee for their work on the budgets.
DIRECTORS COMMENTS:
Bud Jenssen thanked Ralph Harper for his military service and thanked Leigh Torres who got the sound system to operate last Monday for the horse races. He mentioned that the sound worked very well.
Mel Rasmussen: None
Dick Norris: None
Woody Neiman: None
Anne Montgomery: None
Rich Featherstone: None
CAPITAL RESERVE REPLACEMENT FUND REQUESTS:
Richard Hawkes explained the Capital Reserve Replacement Fund request, Item A.
Leigh Torres was asked to explain the need for this item.
Woody Neiman made a motion, seconded by Anne Montgomery, to approve replacement of the Cottonwood Food and Beverage bar dishwasher for the low bid of $6,741.25 from FSW, plus a 10 percent contingency for installation, for a total cost of $7,415.38.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments; no comments. The motion carried unanimously.
Richard Hawkes explained the Capital Reserve Replacement Fund request, Item B.
Dick Norris made a motion, seconded by Woody Neiman, to approve replacement of a high capacity paper shredder for administration for the low bid of $3,840 from Staples.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments; no comments. The motion carried unanimously.
PALO VERDE GATE RESERVE FUND: None
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND REQUESTS:
Richard Hawkes explained the Capital Improvement Fund request, Item A.
Jim Miller was asked to explain the project.
Woody Neiman made a motion, seconded by Bud Jenssen, to approve the San Tan Storage remodel for the low bid of $9,891.15 from Borman Construction, plus a 10 percent contingency for a total cost of $10,880.27.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments; there was a question from the audience regarding the taking up of space in the Ballroom. It was explained by Jim Miller that the room entrance would be taking up space inside the ballroom. The door entrance is on the existing wall as a way to enter the storage area from inside. The motion carried unanimously.
Richard Hawkes explained the Capital Improvement Fund request, Item B.
Jim Miller was asked to explain the project.
Woody Neiman made a motion, seconded by Bud Jenssen, to approve the purchase of a portable pressure washer with water holding tank for Facilities Maintenance for the low bid of $5,968.60 from AAA Pressure Washers.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments; there were questions regarding how the unit would be used and what had been used in the past. Jim Miller explained the value of a portable unit would allow pressure washing with a holding tank.
The motion carried unanimously.
VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTION FUND: None
OLD BUSINESS:
Dick Norris made a motion, seconded by Anne Montgomery, to approve changes to BP 3-09 Employee Meals. The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments; an audience member asked what BP 3-09 was about. Steve Nolan Read BP 3-09 Employee Meals and explained what was changed in the policy. The motion carried unanimously.
Bud Jenssen made a motion, seconded by Dick Norris, to approve changes to BP 6-09 Placement of Construction Debris Containers. Dick Norris explained what was changed in the policy. The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments; no comments. The motion carried unanimously.
Dick Norris made a motion, seconded by Anne Montgomery, to approve revisions to Architectural Compliance Guidelines No. 26 – Rubbish, Pod and Debris Containers.
Dick Norris explained what was changed in the ACC Guidelines. The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments; no comments. The motion carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS:
Dick Norris made a motion, seconded by Anne Montgomery, to approve the 2015-16 committee appointments, as recommended by each committee.
HOMEOWNER COMMENTS: None
The meeting adjourned at 3:55 PM.