Message from the President
Richard Hawkes
Greetings Homeowners,
The month of March will be a busy and exciting time for Cottonwood Palo Verde. As I write this message the campaign is underway for three seats on your HOA Board of Directors. The Election Committee has qualified four candidates. As homeowners you will be asked to elect three members to the board. You can only vote for a candidate once. You may vote for up to three candidates.
In addition to the Board Elections included in your voting materials is a Board request for homeowners to approve or disapprove adding an additional item to the Association Bylaws, By-Law 8.2., Limitations on the Power of the Board of Directors. If approval is received, the HOA Board of Directors will be prohibited from charging a user fee for any amenity, with the exception of golf and the food and beverage operation, without the approval of the homeowners. There are currently six such things the Board is prohibited from doing. This additional item will become 8.3.7.
Please add Thursday, February 25 at 6:30 p.m. Meet the Candidates Night to your calendar. This event, held in the San Tan Ballroom, offers homeowners an opportunity to meet the candidates, hear their thoughts and ask questions. Wednesday, March 23 is the cut-off date for absentee ballots to be received. Any ballot received after the 23rd will not be counted. If you wish you may vote in person at the Administration Center Homeowner Services from 4:00-5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 23. On Thursday, March 24 ballots are counted at Palo Verde Clubhouse and the new Board members announced. At our annual Board Meeting on Wednesday, March 30 at 4:00 p.m. the HOA greets the new Board of Directors for 2016.
Your Board recently received the Health and Wellness Center Task Force (HWCTF) recommendation for a new, modern Health and Wellness Center. The Task Force is not finished with the many items that remain, but this presentation was the culmination of the year and half the HWCTF has labored to bring their ideas to the Board. The document received represents many long hours of research, site visitations and hours of gathering homeowner input. The Board wishes to thank and commend the HWCTF for their efforts. The Board will now begin making plans for the next step in this great adventure for our community and hopefully, will have a plan for a homeowner vote in the near future.
I am also pleased to announce for the fourth year in a row the HOA’s auditing firm has given our Financial Department a clean bill of health! We have no corrections or additions to the audit. We are very proud of the leadership that Brian Shaw, HOA Controller, has brought to our organization. Thank you Brian and your entire staff for taking such good care of our finances.
Finally, please remember to vote. Every vote is important.
Board of Directors meeting minutes
Directors present: Rich Featherstone, Richard Hawkes, Bud Jenssen, Anne Montgomery, 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 biography of Air Force veteran Bill Smith. Mr. Smith then led the Pledge of Allegiance and was thanked for his military service.
Dick Norris made a motion, seconded by Woody Neiman, to approve the December 30, 2015 Board Meeting minutes.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments; no comments. Motion carried unanimously.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE:
President Richard Hawkes announced there would be no message today.
TREASURER’S REPORT:
Treasurer Woody Neiman presented the December 31, 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.
Mel Rasmussen made a motion, seconded by Dick Norris, to approve the December 31, 2015 pre-audited Financial Report. Motion carried unanimously.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Architectural Compliance Committee: The report was given of its meetings held on January 5 and 19. They had 78 permit applications approved. Their next meeting is February 2 in the A-7 Paint Room.
They have two recommendations for Board approval on today’s agenda: 1) changes to ACC Guideline No. 32-Walls (Masonry) Fences on today’s agenda under Old Business; and 2) changes to ACC Guideline No. 4-Antenna and TV Satellite Receivers under First Readings. A brief explanation was given regarding the proposed changes. The committee has no recommendations for Management.
Audit and Finance Committee: The report was given of its meeting on January 13. Among the topics discussed were review of the monthly financials; review of accounts receivable; the auditing of the Board elections; and two action items, budget development timeline evaluation; and evaluation of the audit and finance participation in the budget development process. The next meeting is February 10 at 2:00 p.m. in the Saguaro Room.
The committee has no recommendations for the Board or 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 January 4. Among the topics discussed were the standard reports from committee member including 2,646 e-mail subscribers reported; updating of the CWPV website home page; there were 11 Ambassador referrals from the HOA in Dec and 106 year-to-date; and nine new homeowner tours were conducted in December and 88 completed in 2015.
Their next meeting is February 1 at 8:30 a.m. in the Ceramics Room.
The committee has no recommendations for the Board or for management.
Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.
Richard Hawkes remarked on the well-attended new homeowner cocktail party. He thanked Barry Mostovoy and Ambassadors for their contributions to this event.
Election Committee: Bill Smith was thanked for his military service. The report was given of its meeting on January 6. Among the topics discussed were changes to BP 11-04 Candidate Application referenced on today’s agenda under New Business; and vote counting procedures. Next meeting is February 4 at 9:00 a.m. in the Phoenix Room, which is a time and room change due to verification of Board Applications following their regular monthly meeting.
They have two recommendations for the Board on today’s agenda: 1) Approve the addition of Article 8.3.7 to the Association Bylaws; and 2) approve changes to the December 9, 2015 vote counting procedures under Old Business. 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 January 4. Among the topics discussed were parking lot spaces south of the Library in front of Library; railing to the new sand bunker Alma School and San Tan lighting issues being worked on. The next meeting is February 1 at 9:00 a.m. in the 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.
Food and Beverage Committee: The report was given of its meeting on January 7. Among the topics discussed were various events; revenues being positive; cross over participation with both venues is excellent; it was announced that Zak Carson was named Employee of the Year for 2015; health training practices; and Marshall Reichert and Leigh Torres are working on a proposal for glass and silverware polishing equipment. The next meeting is February 4 at 9:00 a.m. in the Saguaro Room.
The committee has 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 its meeting on January 7. Among the topics discussed were the various management reports and review of comment cards. The next meeting is February 4 at 2:00 p.m. in the Ceramics Room.
The committee has 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 of its meeting on January 4. Among the topics discussed were there would be no workshop by the Recreation Committee for the Cottonwood Palo Verde Foundation and that the Foundation would do their own; the Community Fun Walk on April 2 open to anyone including children and dogs on leashes; replacement of the pickleball wind screens removed for a tournament; and announcement of Recreation Department events coming up and the February Ladies’ Coffee. The next meeting is February 1 at 1:30 p.m. in the Phoenix Room.
The committee has 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 report was given of its meeting on January 6. Among the topics discussed were: emergency disaster management; safety manual being updated with emergency disaster management information; and they are looking for a committee member to replace a former member.
The next meeting is February 3 at 10:00 a.m. in the Saguaro Room.
The committee has no recommendations for the Board or management.
Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.
Health and Wellness Center Task Force: Rich Featherstone gave the report of its meeting on January 12. Meeting was primarily to review the drawings of two fitness center options presented by architect Ken Eller.
At this meeting the HWCTF made a motion and approved unanimously to choose the proposed Fitness Center Option No. 2 to present to the Board.
The task force had one recommendation for the Board to accept the proposed Fitness Center Option No. 2, as submitted by the HWCTF referred to on today’s agenda as New Business item 15. B. This Option No. 2 is for an 18,000 sq. ft. 2-story building, which would be placed where the current Fitness Center is in addition to the A-9 Phoenix Room and the landscaped area in front of A-9 between the Fitness Center and the A-8 Ceramics Room. No effect on tennis or existing walkways on either side of the Fitness Center.
The next meeting is scheduled for February 9 at 2:00 p.m. in the Saguaro Room.
PROJECT REPORTS:
Cottonwood Palo Verde sound/video system upgrades: Dick Norris reported that the punch list review is less, but continues as they are awaiting speakers for Cottonwood Bar and Grill and Palo Verde patio. Looking toward completion in a few weeks.
Palo Verde patio shade: Steve Nolan reported that this project is on schedule. Electrical is being installed and decorative pillars were installed today. Projecting March 1st for completion.
Administration Office flagpoles: Steve Nolan reported that the flagpoles are up and look very nice and a custom all branches military flag has been ordered and will be added as soon as it is received.
MANAGEMENT REPORT: Steve Nolan gave the report from management. He also gave special thanks to the New Friends Ambassadors, Beth Becker and Marshall Reichert, Danielle Ipe and staff for the successful new friends cocktail party on January 23. Mr. Nolan announced that he has signed a new five-year contract and thanked the Board, staff and homeowners for their confidence in him as General Manager.
Richard Hawkes stated that in his opinion Mr. Nolan has not only been the longest serving General Manager at nine years but the best General Manager. He further stated on behalf of the Board of Directors that he is pleased Mr. Nolan accepted renewal of his contract for another five years.
DIRECTORS COMMENTS:
Rich Featherstone remarked that the San Tan video screen is pretty awesome.
Anne Montgomery thanked Col. Smith for his military service; thanked Food and Beverage for their success; thanked the homeowners for their support.
Woody Neiman thanked Mr. Smith for his military service; encouraged everyone to attend the Crystal Awards on March 6, where Cottonwood Palo Verde’s Kathy Skrei and Doti Breyen will be honored.
Dick Norris thanked Mr. Smith for his military service and for his work on SS and A Committee and his participation as an avid pickleball player.
Mel Rasmussen thanked Mr. Smith for his military service; remarked that we have the finest program for meeting new homeowners and making them welcome; thanked Marshall Reichert for putting on a great event; and congratulated Kathy Skrei and Doti Breyen.
Bud Jenssen thanked Col. Smith for his military service; thanked Jim Miller, Leigh Torres, Marshall Reichert and their staff; and thanked Beth Becker for her work on the Ambassador event.
Richard Hawkes congratulated Kathy Skrei and Doti Breyen; and thanked Beth Becker for her work for the Ambassador’s party.
CAPITAL RESERVE REPLACEMENT FUND REQUESTS:
None
PALO VERDE GATE RESERVE FUND:
None
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND REQUESTS:
None
VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTION FUND:
None
OLD BUSINESS:
Richard Hawkes announced Old Business No. 14, Item A.
Woody Neiman made a motion, seconded by Anne Montgomery, to approve changes to the December 9, 2015 vote counting procedures, as submitted by the Election Committee.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments; no comments. Motion carried unanimously.
Richard Hawkes introduced Old Business No. 14, Item B. Woody Neiman explained the changes.
Dick Norris made a motion, seconded by Anne Montgomery, to approve changes to BP. 9-11 Solicitation.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments; no comments. Motion carried unanimously.
Richard Hawkes introduced New Business No. 15, Item B.
Dick Norris explained the guideline change.
Bud Jenssen made a motion, seconded by Dick Norris, to approve changes to ACC Guideline No. 32-Walls (Masonry) Fences.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments. There were questions from the homeowners regarding the responsibility maintenance of certain walls. It was stated that the homeowner walls are the homeowner’s responsibility. Building Facilities Manager Jim Miller explained T walls along with other walls the HOA is responsible for. Further questions regarding this issue can be referred to Mr. Miller.
No further comments. Motion carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS:
Richard Hawkes introduced New Business No. 15, Item A.
Dick Norris explained the proposed 8.3.7. amendment to the HOA Bylaws to go to a homeowner vote.
Anne Montgomery made a motion, seconded by Woody Neiman, to approve the recommendation from the Board of Directors to proceed with a homeowner vote to add Bylaw Article 8.3.7.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments. There were no questions from the Board. There were questions from the floor regarding the bylaw change. No further comments.
Motion carried unanimously.
Richard Hawkes introduced New Business No. 15, Item B.
Rich Featherstone explained proposed Fitness Center Option No. 2, which was the information he explained earlier in his HWCTF report. All plans, etc. are available on the website.
There were several questions from the floor. Mr. Featherstone was asked to explain Option No. 1. It was confirmed that the intention of the HWCTF has always been that there would be no user fees associated with the new center.
Mr. Hawkes stated that several steps must be taken before anything further can be done and nothing can be done by the Board that would not include an approval by the homeowners. The only thing the Board is doing at this time is voting to accept what the HWCTF has brought forward so this task force can move to the next step.
It was suggested that homeowners attend the HWCTF February 9 at 2:00 p.m. in the Saguaro Room if they have questions.
Rich Featherstone made a motion, seconded by Dick Norris, to accept the proposed Fitness Center Option No.2, as submitted by the Health and Wellness Center Task Force (Option No. 1 also submitted to HWCTF for consideration – Board of Directors OD refer to document in Tab No.6).
No further comments. Motion carried unanimously.
FIRST READINGS:
Woody Neiman made a motion, seconded by Dick Norris to place the following into First Readings for the month of February:
Approve changes to ACC Guideline No. 4, Antenna and TV Satellite Receivers.
HOMEOWNER COMMENTS:
When asked the status of the fountains for the five signature lakes, it was confirmed that this will be revisited by the Facilities and Grounds Committee.
The meeting adjourned at 4:08 PM.
Upcoming events
All tickets for Cottonwood Palo Verde shows and events can be purchased at our Homeowner Services location.
Easter Festival
Don’t forget, our Easter festivity is Saturday, March 26 starting at 9:00 a.m. on the five-lakes greenbelt across from the Cottonwood Tennis Courts. The Easter Egg Hunt starts at exactly 9:00 a.m. and is over approximately 30 seconds later, so don’t be late! Our Golf Cart Parade will start right after the carts are judged. Again there will be two categories this year for decorating your golf cart: Best Easter Theme and Best Decorated. First, second and third place prizes will be awarded to each category. After the parade has passed us by, all Sun Lakers are invited to the San Tan Ballroom for games and refreshments. You must have your homeowner’s card to get in the Ballroom. Bring your cameras; you’ll have lots of great opportunities for pictures, especially the ones with the Easter Bunny and your grandchildren.
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 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. Tickets are sold at the door. We also have great give-a-ways. At our March Coffee, the Sun Lakes Chordaires will there to entertain along with some interesting guests. Our Ladies Coffee is open for all Sun Lakers and guests.
Upcoming dates are: March 2 and April 6
TAD Concert Tickets for March
There are only 3:00 p.m. show tickets left for the March TAD Concert. Shows include tribute bands for The Eagles (Wednesday, March 2) and George Strait (Wednesday, March 23). The Tokens are already sold out. Tickets are all $20
TAD’S Summer Concert Series
Tickets ($20) go on sale, Monday, March 7 (8:00 a.m.) at Cottonwood’s Homeowner Services for the following TAD entertainers:
Tuesday, April 19 – Time in a Bottle (James Taylor, Carole King, Jim Croce, America, Dan Fogelberg, Neil Young and Gordon Lightfoot)
Wednesday, May 11 – The Spouse Whisperer comedian
Wednesday, June 15 – ‘56 (the 1950s Rock and Roll Revue)
First annual Fun Walk
On Saturday, April 2 the Cottonwood Palo Verde Recreation Department AND Committee will be hosting a FUN Walk (around Cottonwood’s five lakes area). This event will be sponsored by the CWPV Foundation and is opened to all Sun Lakers. It will start on the greenbelt across from CW tennis courts at 9:00 a.m. T-shirts and goody bags will be given to each walker who has registered by February 26. The cost is $20 with all proceeds going to the CWPV Foundation (make checks payable to CWPV Foundation). All walkers will meet the Friday before on April 1 anytime between the hours of 9:00 a.m.-noon or 5:30-8:00 p.m. in Cottonwood’s Phoenix Room (A-9) to receive their T-shirt and further information. In case of a rain out, the walk will be scheduled for the following Saturday, April 9. This is your foundation and it needs your support. Entry fee and donations may be tax deductible (consult your tax advisor). Please join us for a fun day of walking, bands, special guests, friends and neighbors.
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 Bublé, 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.
Chordaires Show
Tickets are on sale now for the Saturday, March 12 Chordaires shows. There will be a choice of a 3:00 p.m. or a 7:00 p.m. show. Tickets are only $15. This year’s theme is Broadway, Our Way. Please make the time to support this beautiful and talented group of ladies, all of when are Sun Lakers.
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 (A-9) 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. Dr. Laura will be attending on these dates: March 16 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 Wednesdays: March 16, April 20, May 18, June 15, July 20, August 17, September 21, October 19, November 16 and December 21. 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 Vacation 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.
2016
3/1-3/4 – Death Valley
3/2-3/9 – Copper Canyon Mexico
3/19-3/23 – California Coast
3/19-3/26 – Princes Cruise California Costal
4/9 – Southern Arizona Wine
4/12-4/14 – Grand Canyon Adventure
4/27-4/30 – Natural Parks of the Southwest
5/1-5/7 – Charleston and Savannah
5/9 – Classic Homes Tour with Lunch
5/13-5/20 – Niagara Falls and Grand Hotel