Message from the Board president
Dick Norris
We are deep into the summer months and coping with the unpredictable monsoon season. This is a perfect time for homeowners to consider giving back to our community by serving on one of the nine standing committees. If you’re not sure which committee interests you, the Committee Charters are available on our HOA website, www.cottonwoodpaloverde.com in the Homeowners Only section under BOD/Committees/Task Force Information.
Committees are the life blood of our community. Committee members are on the front line in communicating with our homeowners and listening to issues they may have. Members bring those concerns back to their respective committees for discussion. Some issues may be recommended to Management or the Board for consideration and action. Committees are a key element on how our community is governed.
You may have some specific experience and/or knowledge from which our committees can greatly benefit. You may find something completely different that interests you. That’s ok too.
The vitality and continued success of Cottonwood Palo Verde depends on the dedication of homeowners who are willing to be active participants in how we function. We need you to give back, get involved and contribute, so we may enjoy the many benefits we have and continue to be the most sought out, best managed retirement community in the Southwest.
I urge you to fill out an application available at Homeowner Services in the Administration Center and return it by September 15. You can also download it from our website located in the Homeowners Only section under Downloadable Forms.
There are still many construction projects taking place throughout the community, so I ask homeowners to be very careful as you move about our facilities. Your safety is most important.
Thank you and see you in September.
Upcoming events
RECREATION DEPARTMENT
TAD CONCERTS – TICKETS ARE GOING FAST!
The tickets ($20) are on sale now at Cottonwood’s Homeowner Services. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. with a no-host bar. Shows will start at 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, August 17 – TRIBUTE TO THE BRITISH GIRLS (Adele, Petula Clark and more).
Wednesday, September 7 – ABBA FAB – The premier ABBA experience
Wednesday, October 12 – DECEMBER ‘63 – JERSEY BOYS
Wednesday, November 16 – **SOLD OUT** MOTOWN MAGIC
Wednesday, December 14 – CHRISTMAS TRIBUTE (all new show)
TRIBUTE TO THE BRITISH GIRLS – TAD CONCERT
“THOSE BRITISH GIRLS is TAD Management’s newest hit show following in the huge success of shows like ABBA FAB, THE PIANO MAN, ONE OF THESE NIGHTS and DECEMBER ‘63! There’s nothing like being the first to witness greatness and the ladies of THOSE BRITISH GIRLS are going to raise-the-roof at Cottonwood San Tan Ballroom. You don’t want to miss TAD Management’s newest hit show to take our stage.”
The date is set for Wednesday, August 17 in the San Tan Ballroom. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. with a no host bar; show starts at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 each on sale at Homeowner Services.
3:00 P.M. TICKETS FOR DECEMBER ‘63 (JERSEY BOYS) TAD CONCERT
For those of you who missed out on getting show tickets for the Wednesday, October 12 at 7:00 p.m. (Jersey Boys) December ‘63 show, you can now purchase tickets for a 3:00 p.m. show. Ticket price is still $20 and they will go fast!
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) and a no host bar. 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 pm. All Sun Lakers and guests are invited.
August 6, September 17 and October 8.
KENNY HESS
If you love to hear great country western songs by entertainers like Merle Haggard, Vince Gill, Charlie Pride, Brooks and Dunn and many more, then you need to buy a ticket to hear the smooth, golden voice of the famous Kenny Hess. Kenny will be performing in the San Tan Ballroom on Saturday, September 3. The $15 tickets are on sale at Cottonwood’s Homeowner Services. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. with a no host bar. Show starts at 7:00 p.m.
FREE HAMILTON HIGH 2016 FOOTBALL GAMES
Once again this fall season, Hamilton High will be sponsoring free football games to all Sun Lakers, including the school bus ride. The bus will pick you up at 6:00 p.m. at the CW flagpole. Please sign up at Cottonwood’s Homeowner Services Center if you’d like to join us (all games are on Fridays). The first game is on Friday, August 19 with Boulder Creek.
Schedule dates:
September 2, September 23, October 21 and October 28
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 still available for the 3:00 p.m. show. Date is set for Monday, March 13, 2017. There will be a no host bar.
LION CITY 2 – LADIES FASHIONS
Come see all the beautiful clothes, purses and jewelry for sale this summer in Cottonwood’s Phoenix Room (A9) from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. on the following Thursdays:
August 4, September 1 and October 6
COTTONWOOD’S COMMUNITY DAYS/OPEN HOUSE
Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 8 for Cottonwood Palo Verde’s Open House/Community Days event in the San Tan Ballroom and the Saguaro Room. Come see all the events, clubs, organizations and classes that are available to all Sun Lakers.
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
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: 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: 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 Cottonwood’s Paint Room (A7) from 8:00 a.m.-noon on Monday, August 8.
ROVER’S REST STOP
Mark your calendars and tell all your friends that Rover’s Rest Stop’s Meet & Greet will be held on Saturday, August 13 in Cottonwood’s Dance Room (A6) from 9:00 a.m.-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 (off for the summer) IN COTTONWOOD
Beginning again in October, Two-Wheel Jones Bicycle Repair will be in Cottonwood’s east parking lot next to the tennis courts, every Friday from 8:00 a.m.-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.
2016:
8/1-8/3 – Camp Free Spirit – Christopher Creek
8/2-8/3 – Standin’ on the Corner in Winslow AZ
8/22-8/25 – Broadway Meets the National Parks (Tuacahn and Brigham’s)
9/16-9/19 – USA Fleet Week – San Diego and Yuma
10/5-10/8 – Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
Board of Directors meeting minutes (unapproved) 6/29/16
Directors present: Roger Beagle, Bill Greer, Bud Jenssen, Anne Montgomery, Woody Neiman, Dick Norris and Mel Rasmussen
Also present: General Manager Steve Nolan
President Dick Norris called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. He stated that the meeting is being recorded for accuracy of the minutes.
Secretary Anne Montgomery gave a short biography of the military career of retired Air Force Major, Cheryl Almond. Major Almond led the Pledge of Allegiance and was then thanked for her military service.
Bud Jenssen made a motion, seconded by Anne Montgomery, to approve the May 31, 2016 Board meeting minutes.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments – no comments. Motion carried unanimously.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE:
President Dick Norris acknowledged the recent passing of homeowner, Bob Spruiell, who was a very active member of the community, having served on the BOD as Secretary and Vice-President from 2005-2010 and then again to fill a vacancy on the Board as Director from 2012-2013. Mr. Norris shared Bob Spruiell’s many contributions to the HOA while on the Board and on the various committees on which he served. He extended the Board’s condolences to Mr. Spruiell’s wife, Sharon, and thanked her for sharing her husband with the community. He then asked for a moment of silence to recognize Bob Spruiell and his service to our community.
TREASURER’S REPORT:
Treasurer Woody Neiman presented the May 31, 2016 Financial Summary. A detailed report will be available for viewing in Homeowner Services.
Roger Beagle made a motion, seconded by Bud Jenssen, to approve the May 31, 2016 pre-audited Financial Report.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments – no comments. Motion carried unanimously.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Architectural Compliance Committee: Dick Norris gave the report of its meeting held on June 7, on behalf of Roger Beagle who was out of town at that time. It was reported that 67 permits were approved. This committee will not meet in July or August. The next meeting is September 6 at 8:30 a.m. in the A-7 Paint Room.
The committee has two recommendations for the Board: 1) to approve the proposed Home Improvement of the Month program in Old Business; 2) to approve changes to BP 10-02 ACC Committee Charter, in First Readings. The committee has no recommendations for management.
Audit and Finance Committee: Woody Neiman gave the report of its meeting held on June 8 on behalf of Linda Grendahl. Among the subjects discussed were the monthly financial report; the 2016-2017 Capital Reserve; 2016-2017 budget development schedule and assignments of committee members to the managers for budget meetings. This committee will not meet in July or August. The next meeting is September 14 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.
The following committees did not meet in June and will not meet in July or August: Communications Committee; Election Committee; Facilities and Grounds Committee; Food and Beverage Committee; Golf Committee and Safety, Security and Access Committee.
Recreation Committee: The report was given of its meeting held on June 6. Among the subjects discussed were the Community Fun Run on November 5 for which they are asking for volunteer help and the Rock and Gem and Silver Club presentations. Summer and future events were announced, including the SLCT play, Fox on the Fairway, starting July 24. The next meeting is July 11 at 1:30 p.m. in the Phoenix Room.
The committee has one recommendation for the Board on today’s agenda: to approve changes to BP 7-60 Pickleball Courts Regulations in First Readings.
The committee has one recommendation for management: to add an additional pet waste station at the five lake area.
Complete minutes of this committee’s meetings are available for viewing at Homeowner Services.
Health and Wellness Center Task Force: Anne Montgomery reported that HWCTF met on June 14. The following were topics of discussion: Sharon Felts to act as HWCTF secretary with Sandy Neu as backup; identifying an architectural firm; project promotion by a HWCTF communications subcommittee. The next meeting is scheduled for July 12 at 2:00 p.m. in the Saguaro Room. It was announced that HWCTF will take part in the CWPV Community Days on October 8.
The committee has one recommendation for the Board on today’s agenda under New Business: the HWTF is requesting to send a Request for Qualifications letter to a list of seven local architectural firms.
The committee has no recommendations for management.
There was a question from the Board regarding the deadline for response from the architects, which was answered, stating a deadline of July, 22, 2016.
PROJECT REPORTS:
Painting of CW Main Complex: Steve Nolan reported the project was on schedule with the Fitness Center being done today. He also stated that Jim Miller’s testing on paint was successful for the proper amount of paint coverage.
Pavers around Tennis Court No. 1: Steve Nolan reported started the demo work and will continue for the next couple of weeks.
MANAGEMENT REPORT:
General Manager Steve Nolan gave the Management Report. Mr. Nolan also gave special thanks to Jim Miller and staff for their speedy repair of the air conditioners. He gave kudos to Marshall Reichert and Kieran Murphy on their recent staff training session.
There was discussion regarding the restaurant staff training sessions to which Board members are invited
PRESENTATION:
Dick Norris introduced Bob Sjolin, Veterans Committee Chairman, SAR (Sons of the American Revolution). Mr. Sjolin presented the Board a certificate of commendation for exemplary patriotism in the display of the flag of the United States of America. He reminded everyone to fly the flag on July 4.
Dick Norris thanked Mr. Sjolin for this commendation.
DIRECTORS COMMENTS:
Bud Jenssen thanked Cheryl Almond for her military service; Jim Miller and staff; food and beverage managers.
Anne Montgomery thanked the managers and committees for all they do to keep things running.
Mel Rasmussen: thanked Major Almond for her military service; he spoke of Bob Spruiell and his contributions to the community on the Board, committees and major projects he was involved in. He thanked Bob’s wife, Sharon, for sharing him with the community.
Dick Norris thanked Marshal and Kieran for their training session and thanked Jim Miller and the rest of the managers.
Woody Neiman thanked Cheryl Almond for her military service; Bob Sjolin for the commendation from SAR. He reminded everyone to be careful around the facilities while painting and work is being done. He thanked the staff and managers.
Roger Beagle thanked the managers and employees. He reported that the painting of the exterior walls of the community are complete — T-walls are 50 percent done and completion of the project is estimated to take a year.
Bill Greer confirmed with Richard Hair who was present, that the charity drive for Neighbors Who Care is still happening; thanked Bob Sjolin, SAR and veteran volunteers for their involvement in the schools; commended patrol employee Jerry McCleary on being named employee of the month for June and recognized Controller Brian Shaw for his extra effort.
Anne Montgomery thanked Kieran Murphy for his attentiveness and service during her recent visit at Palo Verde.
CAPITAL RESERVE REPLACEMENT FUND REQUESTS:
Dick Norris introduced Capital Reserve request No. 11, Item A.
Woody Neiman made a motion, seconded by Anne Montgomery, to approve repair and repainting of CW Tennis Court No. 1, for the bid of $4,962.73 from David Marburger, based on the quality of work they have provided the HOA and the extended warranty.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments – there was discussion from the Board regarding the amendment of the four-year warranty. Steve Nolan was thanked for his extra effort in working with Marburger regarding the warranty. No further comments. Motion carried unanimously.
Dick Norris introduced Capital Reserve request No. 11, Item B.
Bud Jenssen made a motion, seconded by Anne Montgomery, to approve replacement of the Cottonwood bar top for the sole source bid of $37,165 from European Techniques, plus a 15 percent contingency, for a total cost of $42,739.75.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments – no comments. Motion carried unanimously.
Dick Norris introduced Capital Reserve request No. 11, Item C.
Anne Montgomery made a motion, seconded by Bud Jenssen, to approve the replacement of 62 banquet tables for the San Tan Ballroom for the bid of $17,177.58 from Mity Lite, plus a 5 percent contingency, for a total cost of $18,036.46.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments – there was discussion from the Board which explained that due to the need for durability, the banquet tables chosen were of sturdier plastic. No further comments. Motion carried unanimously.
Dick Norris introduced Capital Reserve request No. 11, Item D.
Woody Neiman made a motion, seconded by Anne Montgomery, to approve removal and replacement of Pebble Tech for the Cottonwood Main Pool for the low bid of $72,044 from All Valley Pools, plus a 10 percent contingency, for a total cost of $79,248.40.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments – There was discussion from the Board regarding the items additionally is being covered on all of the pool projects that was initially not identified in the reserve study. There was discussion regarding the lifts as one of the additional items to be replaced. No further comments. Motion carried unanimously.
Dick Norris introduced Capital Reserve request No. 11, Item E.
Anne Montgomery made a motion, seconded by Bud Jenssen, to approve removal and replacement of Pebble Tech for the Cottonwood Pool Spa, for the low bid of $9,465 from All Valley Pools.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments – it was explained there was no contingency due to the small size of the project. No further comments. Motion carried unanimously.
Dick Norris introduced Capital Reserve request No. 11, Item F.
Woody Neiman made a motion, seconded by Anne Montgomery, to approve removal and replacement of Pebble Tech for the Cottonwood Lap Pool, for the low bid of $39,244 from All Valley Pools, plus a 10 percent contingency, for a total cost of $43,168.40.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments – there was discussion regarding the pool lift being replaced and removal of the plaster. No further comments. Motion carried unanimously.
Dick Norris introduced Capital Reserve request No. 11, Item G.
Bud Jenssen made a motion, seconded by Anne Montgomery, to approve removal and replacement of Pebble Tech for the Michigan Pool, for the low bid of $27,268 from All Valley Pools, plus a 10 percent contingency, for a total cost of $29,994.80.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments – there was discussion confirming that this did not include the spa. No further 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 Nos. 15 A. and 15 B.
Woody Neiman made a motion, seconded by Bud Jenssen, to approve changes to BP 6-01 Homeowner Code of Conduct.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments – there was discussion confirming that the signs were ready to post. No further comments. Motion carried unanimously.
Woody Neiman made a motion, seconded by Mel Rasmussen, to approve the Home Improvement Project of the Month program, as recommended by the Architectural Compliance Committee.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments – there was discussion regarding when this program will go into effect once approved. No further comments. Motion carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS:
Dick Norris introduced New Business Item No. 16A.
Mel Rasmussen made a motion, seconded by Bud Jenssen, to approve that the HWTF send a Request for Qualifications letter to a list of seven local architectural firms.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments – Anne Montgomery and the HWCTF were thanked for the work done in preparation and conciseness of the letter. No further comments. Motion carried unanimously.
FIRST READINGS:
Dick Norris introduced First Readings item Nos. 17A, 17B and 17C.
Bud Jenssen made a motion, seconded by Anne Montgomery, to place the following items into First Readings for the month of July:
A. changes to BP 10-02 ACC Committee Charter
B. changes to BP 6-02 Violations of covenants, conditions, restrictions rules and regulations
C. changes to BP 7-60 Pickleball Courts Regulations.
The floor was opened to Board and homeowner comments. There was discussion. No further comments. Motion carried unanimously.
HOMEOWNER COMMENTS:
Sun Lakes HOA guest Bob Sjolin (SAR), acknowledging Steve Nolan as one of the best managers he has ever seen.
Comment on a positive dining experience at a recent catered event at Cottonwood.
Invitation to homeowners to attend the Food and Beverage Committee meetings which will resume again in September.
The meeting adjourned at 4:03 p.m.