Message from the President
Dick Norris
March 30, 2016 monthly Board meeting:
The business of the Cottonwood Palo Verde Board of Directors was conducted as outlined in this issue of the Sun Lakes Splash. All comments by management and the Board of Directors were deferred to the annual Board meeting which immediately followed the March monthly Board meeting.
2016 Cottonwood Palo Verde at Sun Lakes’ annual meeting of the members:
The Association’s annual meeting was held on March 30, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. in the San Tan Ballroom. A presentation was made by the Association’s General Manager Steve Nolan. Mr. Nolan reviewed the many projects completed for the Association during 2015. He highlighted the completion of Palo Verde patio shade cover and the Cottonwood Library. He then gave a detailed report of the many facilities and grounds improvements during the last year and thanked the entire staff for their hard work. Board Treasurer Woody Neiman reviewed the financial status of the HOA. He gave a comprehensive report showing the careful planning that went into the budget for 2015. He reviewed the details of each department and shared that the HOA remains very financially stable. The Directors said their goodbyes to outgoing Board members. They thanked outgoing Board President Richard Hawkes for his hard work and leadership that led to the Association’s many improvements the past year. The Board also thanked outgoing Board Director Rich Featherstone. Newly elected Board members, Anne Montgomery, Roger Beagle and Bill Greer, were introduced. The Board Officers for 2016 were announced:
President Dick Norris
Vice-President Mel Rasmussen
Treasurer Woody Neiman
Secretary Anne Montgomery
The meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m.
I am honored to have been elected President of the Board of Directors for the next year. We have an excellent Board and I know we will have a very successful year in serving the homeowners of Cottonwood Palo Verde.
Upcoming events
All tickets for Cottonwood Palo Verde shows and events can be purchased at our Homeowner Services location.
TAD’s Upcoming Concerts
Tickets are going fast! Tickets ($20) are on sale now at Cottonwood’s Homeowner Services. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. with a no-host bar. The show will start at 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 11 – The Spouse Whisperer Comedian
Wednesday, June 15 – 56’ (The 1950s Rock and Roll Revue)
Wednesday, July 20 – Rod Stewart Tribute Concert
Wednesday, August 17 – Tribute to the British Girls (Lulu, Patula Clark and more
Wednesday, September 7 – Abba Fab, the Premier ABBA Experience
Wednesday, October 12 – December ‘63 – Jersey Boys
Wednesday, November 16 – Motown
Wednesday, December 14 – Christmas Tribute (All new show)
Ladies Coffee
We had a really great season this year at the Ladies Coffees. The next one will be October 5 in the San Tan Ballroom starting at 10:30 a.m. Cost will be $3.
2016-2017 Schedule: October 5, November 2, December 7, January 4, February 1, March 1 and April 5
DJ Jamal – Summer Dances
Our $5 Saturday night DJ dances are back again for the summer and tickets are sold at Homeowner Services. We are glad to have DJ Jamal with us again spinning a variety of songs for everyone. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. for food service (limited food menu). You order your meal at the San Tan Ballroom Bar, giving them your table number. Your food will be delivered to you and removed when you’re finished. Dancing runs from 6:30-9:30 p.m. All Sun Lakers and guests are invited.
May 14, June 11, July 23, August 6, September 17 and October 8
Impersonators 2017 Show
Tickets are on sale now for next year’s Impersonators Show titled Gone but Not Forgotten. Featured impersonators will be Patsy Cline, Roy Orbison, Ricky Nelson and the Everly Brothers. Tickets are going fast ($20). The date is set for Monday, March 13, 2017. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. (no host bar) with a 7:00 p.m. show.
Derby Day Buffet
Come enjoy the Kentucky Derby at Palo Verde on Saturday, May 7 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Buffet includes salad bar, jambalaya soup, bourbon glazed short ribs, crawfish and sticky toffee pudding. Featured drink special and sold separately is a mint julep! Remember to wear your Derby hats! We will be having a contest to see who wears it best. Cost is $15 (plus tax and gratuity).
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. 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: May 11, October 12, November 9 and December 14.
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-1:00 p.m. for both men and women (at this time) on the following Wednesdays: 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.
Healthwaves Lab Screenings and Testing
Healthwaves will be available for testing in the A7 Painting Room from 8:00 a.m.-noon on the following Mondays: May 9, June 13 and July 11
Rover’s Rest Stop
Mark your calendars and tell all your friends that Rover’s Rest Stop’s Meet and Greet will be held on Saturday, May 14 in the A6 Dance Room from 9:00 a.m.-noon. Here’s another chance for you to bring home an adorable new family member. For more information call 600-2828 and remember a little dog will be there waiting desperately for a place to call home.
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 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.
2016:
5/1-5/7 – Charleston and Savannah
5/9 – Classic Homes Tour with Lunch
5/13-5/20 – Niagara Falls and Grand Hotel
6/9-Arcosanti with Lunch in Cottonwood
6/18-6/26 – Alaska Inside Passage on Holland America
6/19-6/25 – Discover Glacier National Park
6/26-6/30 – Sierra Nevada Journey
March 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 spoke of Shirley Trusal, former spouse of Air Force veteran Staff Sergeant John Lawrence Howard, who lost his life during his service in 1965. Shirley was thanked for her sacrifice during the following years as a result of the loss of her husband. Mrs. Trusal then led the Pledge of Allegiance and was thanked for her endurance as a military spouse.
Woody Neiman made a motion, seconded by Anne Montgomery, to approve the February 24 Board Meeting Minutes.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments; no comments. Motion carried unanimously.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE:
President Richard Hawkes announced that he would give his message at the annual Board Meeting following this meeting.
TREASURER’S REPORT:
Treasurer Woody Neiman presented the February 29 Financial Summary. A detailed report will be available for viewing in Homeowner Services.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments; no comments.
Rich Featherstone made a motion, seconded by Dick Norris, to approve the February 24 pre-audited Financial Report. Motion carried unanimously.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Architectural Compliance Committee: The report was given of its meetings held on March 1 and 15. The next meeting is April 5 in the A-7 Paint Room.
The committee has no recommendations for the Board or for management.
Audit and Finance Committee: The report was given of its meeting held on March 9. Among the items discussed were review of monthly financial reports; review of A and F participation budget process; review of 2016 and 2017 Capital Reserve plans; Board Elections audit. The next meeting is April 13 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 held on March 7. Among the items discussed were website – 2,666 subscribers; the Flyer article about how the HOA communicates; 13 homeowner tours; and public access section of the website. The next meeting is April 4 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.
Election Committee: The Election Committee and all volunteers were thanked who helped with vote counting for the election and bylaw vote. The report was given of its meeting held on March 2. Among the items discussed were the review of the documents for vote counting; 52 percent voter turnout was mentioned. The next meeting is April 6 at1:30 p.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 thanked Jerry House, the Election Committee and volunteers for vote counting.
Facilities and Grounds Committee: The report was given of its meeting on March 7. Among the items discussed were homeowner comments on various topics; manager updates on the projects in place; and a letter given to Bill Todd from an engineer regarding bridges at CW Nos. 17 and 18. It was stated that due to Roger Beagle’s election to the BOD, F and G will have an opening on its committee. The next meeting is April 4 at 9:00 AM, in the Paint Room.
The committee has no recommendations for the Board. They have one recommendation for management for clarification of the aforementioned letter.
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 March 3. Among the items discussed were the financials; PV patio sound system; the results of events that have taken place and upcoming events; replacement of CW booths; and recap of comment cards. The next meeting is April 7 at 9:00 a.m. and the location has changed to the Palo Verde Lounge.
The committee has no recommendations for the Board.
Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.
Golf Committee: The report was given of its meeting on March 3. Among the items discussed were early transition this summer is going well despite wind; T-boxes in CW to be done this summer; and outline of river rock at PV practice facility complete. The next meeting is April 7 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 March 7. Among the items discussed were clubs at their meetings; postponement of the Community Fun Walk date TBD; painting landscape wall near Pickleball courts; posting of holiday schedules of the pickleball and tennis clubs at the courts; and upcoming SLCT production tickets. A list of the upcoming events was given. The next meeting is April 4 at 1:30 p.m. in the Ceramics Room.
The committee has no recommendations for the Board.
They have one recommendation for management to require all instructors of physical activities in Phase II to sign a hold harmless agreement to be kept on file and current. Those refusing to sign will not be authorized to do business for a fee in Phase II.
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 held on March 2. The next meeting is April 6 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 reported that the task force did not meet in March. He stated that the status of the committee is that the conceptual Option No. 2 was accepted by the BOD and they will work on it further. Next meetings will be announced.
PROJECT REPORTS:
CW and PV sound/video system upgrades: Dick Norris reported training sessions have begun.
PV patio shade: Steve Nolan reported that the project is completed, with some paint touch up to be finished by Farnsworth.
MANAGEMENT REPORT:
Steve Nolan stated the report will be given at the annual Board Meeting.
DIRECTORS COMMENTS:
Richard Hawkes stated that Directors comments will be given at the annual Board Meeting.
CAPITAL RESERVE REPLACEMENT FUND REQUESTS:
Richard Hawkes introduced Capital Reserve request No. 10, Item A.
Rich Featherstone made a motion, seconded by Anne Montgomery, to approve the replacement of PV lake fountain, Hole No. 9 for the low bid of $9,616.23 from Advanced Pump.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments; no comments. Motion carried unanimously.
Richard Hawkes introduced Capital Reserve request No. 10, Item B.
Anne Montgomery made a motion, seconded by Bud Jenssen, to approve the repair and replacement of damaged lake shore walls for the low bid of $22,452.25, plus a 15 percent contingency, for a total cost of $25,820.09 from JSR.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments. An audience member asked about having funds aside in reserve for these types of items. There was discussion and this will be referred to Brian Shaw for follow up. There were no further comments. Motion carried unanimously.
Richard Hawkes introduced Capital Reserve request No. 10, Item C.
Dick Norris made a motion, seconded by Bud Jenssen, to approve the vertical turbine pump repair for CW pump station, Hole Nos. 4 and 5 for the sole source bid of $18,731.15 from Independent Pump.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments; no comments. Motion carried unanimously.
Richard Hawkes introduced Capital Reserve request No. 10, Item D.
Anne Montgomery made a motion, seconded by Dick Norris, to approve the pump repair for PV pump station, Hole No. 9 for the sole source bid of $4,630.96 from Independent Pump.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments; no comments. Motion carried unanimously.
Richard Hawkes introduced Capital Reserve request No. 10, Item E.
Dick Norris made a motion, seconded by Bud Jenssen, to approve the emergency replacement of a convection oven for PV Restaurant for the sole source bid of $7,897.02 from Southwest Restaurant Supply.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments; no comments. Motion carried unanimously.
Richard Hawkes introduced Capital Reserve request No. 10, Item F.
Anne Montgomery made a motion, seconded by Dick Norris, to approve the replacement of two holding boxes for PV Restaurant for the low bid of $9,868.09 from National Restaurant Supply.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments; no comments. Motion carried unanimously.
Richard Hawkes introduced Capital Reserve request No. 10, Item G.
Dick Norris made a motion, seconded by Anne Montgomery, to approve replacement of a food slicer for PV Restaurant for the low bid of $6,011.74 from National Restaurant Supply.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments; no comments. Motion carried unanimously.
PV GATE RESERVE FUND:
None
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND REQUESTS:
Richard Hawkes introduced Capital Improvement request No. 12, Item A.
Dick Norris made a motion, seconded by Rich Featherstone, to approve the purchase of three glass polishers for Cottonwood Restaurant for the low bid of $3,323.16 from Southwest Restaurant Supply.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments; no comments. Motion carried unanimously.
Richard Hawkes introduced Capital Improvement request No. 12, Item B.
Rich Featherstone made a motion, seconded by Dick Norris, to approve the purchase of two glass polishers for Palo Verde Restaurant for the low bid of $2,215.44 from Southwest Restaurant Supply.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments; no comments. Motion carried unanimously.
Richard Hawkes introduced Capital Improvement request No. 12, Item C.
Anne Montgomery made a motion, seconded by Bud Jenssen, to approve the purchase of one silverware polisher for CW restaurant for the low bid of $4,450.35 from Southwest Restaurant Supply.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments; no comments. Motion carried unanimously.
Richard Hawkes introduced Capital Improvement request No. 12, Item D.
Anne Montgomery made a motion, seconded by Dick Norris, to approve the purchase of one silverware polisher for PV restaurant for the low bid of $4,450.35 from Southwest Restaurant Supply.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments; no comments. Motion carried unanimously.
VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTION FUND:
None
OLD BUSINESS:
None
NEW BUSINESS:
None
FIRST READINGS:
Richard Hawkes introduced First Readings request No. 16, Item A.
Woody Neiman made a motion, seconded by Bud Jenssen, to place Board Policy 10-03 Communications Committee Charter changes into First Readings for the month of April.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments; no comments. Motion carried unanimously.
HOMEOWNER COMMENTS:
A suggestion regarding putting the new wellness center by the Administration Center and leaving the current one where it is, using it for those who do not want a co-ed facility.
The meeting adjourned at 3:37 p.m.
Annual meeting minutes
Directors present: Rich Featherstone, Richard Hawkes, Bud Jenssen, Anne Montgomery, Woody Neiman, Dick Norris and Mel Rasmussen
Director absent: None
Also present: General Manager Steve Nolan
The meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m. by Board President Richard Hawkes. Mr. Hawkes announced that the purpose of the meeting is to primarily review what has taken place in 2015 and address the other items on the agenda. He then introduced General Manager Steve Nolan.
General Manager’s Report on the Association
Steve Nolan announced it was the HOA Controller Brian Shaw’s birthday and thanked Brian for all of his hard work. He reviewed the Association’s Mission Statement, Organizational Chart and then presented the 2015 major accomplishments: the Administration Center flagpoles; Cottonwood bunker; Cottonwood bunker steps; Cottonwood courtyard fountain; Cottonwood Library completion and open house; new family of swans; addition of golf carts; Cottonwood lighting updates; Cottonwood patio furniture; Cottonwood storage area in the Saguaro Room started; Palo Verde practice bunker; Palo Verde patio cover; Palo Verde maintenance break room and office addition; and Palo Verde portable bar.
He announced that the Cottonwood Palo Verde Foundation 501(c)(3) was created under the leadership of Elaine Kraemer with the first donation of $100,000 by John Dobson, which was donated back to the association.
He thanked the homeowners for allowing him to serve the past 10 years; two as Patrol Manager and the last eight as General Manager.
Richard Hawkes introduced Board Treasurer Woody Neiman who gave the 2015 Financial Report.
2016 Audited Financials and Financial Results
Woody Neiman presented the 2015 financial results: overall financial summary, the special funds, the department actual, showing the sources of the funding and the uses of the funding. Mr. Neiman stated that the detailed reports can be viewed and questions answered after this meeting or by contacting him or Brian Shaw.
SOURCES OF FUNDS
2015 DEPARTMENT ACTUALS
(IN THOUSANDS)
$8,998
USES OF FUNDS
2015 DEPARTMENT ACTUALS
(IN THOUSANDS)
$8,882
Mr. Neiman turned the meeting over to Richard Hawkes who explained the next items on the agenda and led the following motions.
Board Motions
Dick Norris made a motion, seconded by Bud Jenssen, to accept the independent audit performed by Ginsburg & Dwaileebe of the Association’s 2015 financial records as per the official audit report and reflecting no needed adjustments to the Association December 31, 2015 financial report. No discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
Rich Featherstone made a motion, seconded by Dick Norris, to approve the transfer of the 2015 budget surplus of $115,654 to the Capital Reserve Account. No discussion.
Motion carried unanimously.
Anne Montgomery made a motion, seconded by Dick Norris, to approve the transfer of $2,289 from the PV Gate Fund to HOA operations to cover the 2015 shortfall. No discussion.
Motion carried unanimously.
Woody Neiman made a motion, seconded by Dick Norris, to approve depositing the receipts received via the Capital Contribution Fee in to the Capital Reserve Account. No discussion.
Motion carried unanimously.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Richard Hawkes presented a heartfelt President’s Message and thanked the homeowners for their trust and confidence, respect and civility; the managers and all employees of the HOA for their support, consistency and commitment; the HOA GM Steve Nolan for his quality leadership and understanding of homeowners and Board members and his Board colleagues who care and guide this community with the best interests of the homeowners. He finally thanked what he called his silent heroine, wife Jan, for her support for 13 years for CW PV and 51 years in community service.
Plans for 2016:
Dick Norris presented a list of the following plans for 2016: continue working on the Facilities and Grounds and Long Range Planning teams planned projects – leveling the CW Driving Range T-area and consider redesigning and refurbishing the CW golf course bridges on Hole Nos. 16-17; continue working on the PV maintenance facility’s interior renovations to add more storage and workspace; remodel the restrooms on the CW golf course between Hole Nos. 1 and 2 (Alma School Tunnel); upgrade and remodel the restrooms in the CW Lounge; continue moving forward with the Health and Wellness Fitness Center project; and other projects the Board will need to address that come up in 2016.
2015 DIRECTORS COMMENTS
Bud Jenssen thanked Steve Nolan and management team; Beth Becker and staff for their assistance to the BOD; wished the best to Richard Hawkes AND Rich Featherstone who are leaving the BOD; welcomed new Board members Bill Greer AND Roger Beagle; welcomed back Anne Montgomery to the BOD; thanked the HOA committees; and thanked Linda Caton and Recreation Department for all the new entertainment.
Mel Rasmussen welcomed new BOD members, Bill Greer and Roger Beagle; and welcomed back Anne Montgomery to the BOD. He thanked Rich Featherstone and stated that it was a pleasure working with him and Richard Hawkes for their leadership and inspiring concern for homeowners.
Dick Norris thanked the two committees he was liaison to the past year -ACC for all their work, with special thanks to Joanne Barnes. He reminded homeowners to check in with ACC for their projects. He thanked the following: the SS and AC Committee for their hard work, along with their former Chair Marsha Zandbergen and present Chair Geri Hall; Rich Featherstone for his contributions to the community and his positive chairing of HWCTF; Richard Hawkes for his 13 years of service and Steve Nolan, his management staff and employees. He welcomed Roger Beagle, Bill Greer and Anne Montgomery to the Board.
Woody Neiman thanked the following: Brian Shaw and accounting staff; Brian Mastin and Bonnie Martin; the Facilities and Grounds and Audit and Finance Committee members; the stewardship attitude of Steve Nolan and his management and staff. He thanked his current BOD colleagues and welcomed new Board members Bill Greer and Roger Beagle. He stated a very fond adios to Richard Hawkes and Rich Featherstone.
Anne Montgomery, along with the thanks previously expressed, Mrs. Montgomery wanted to especially acknowledge the hard work of all the committees. She thanked her fellow BOD members who helped her learn a great deal and looks forward to working with the new Board members. She gave special thanks to Richard Hawkes and Rich Featherstone and thanked the homeowners.
Rich Featherstone thanked Steve Nolan for his help during the seven years he served on the Board and keeping the Board on track. He stated that he felt very positive for the new leadership and thanked homeowners who voted for him, allowing him to serve on the BOD.
Presentation to Outgoing Board Members
Steve Nolan thanked outgoing Board President Richard Hawkes and Director Rich Featherstone for many years of contributions on the Board given with grace, dignity, humor and professionalism. He then presented them with a gift commemorating their service.
Mr. Hawkes made a special presentation announcing the 10 year anniversary of General Manager Steve Nolan, gave a praise for his longevity – eight years as General Manager and presented on behalf of the Board a gift of commemoration.
Introduction of New Board Members
Steve Nolan introduced and welcomed new members Roger Beagle and Bill Greer to the Board.
Introduction of Board Officers
At this time, the new Board positions were announced: President Dick Norris; Vice President Mel Rasmussen; Treasurer Woody Neiman; Secretary Anne Montgomery; Director Bud Jenssen; Director Roger Beagle and Director Bill Greer.
Homeowner Comments:
Compliment to Recreation Director Linda Caton and those who helped on the Easter Golf Cart Parade.
The meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m.