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Monday, September 30, 2013

Weekly Public Safety report

Important Candlewick Lake Information

Candlewick Lake Public Safety

WEEKLY REPORT

Week Ending 09/29/2013

Rescue Calls
Public Safety responded to the 200 block of Tamarack for a report of a subject who ingested to much medication.  The subject was transported for treatment.
Public Safety responded to the Administration building parking lot for a subject who was experiencing stomach pain.  The subject was transported for treatment.
Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Minarette for a subject experiencing back pain.  The subject was transported for treatment.
Public Safety responded to the 100 block of New Brunswick for a subject experiencing a nervous breakdown.  The subject was transported for treatment.

Neighbor Disputes
Public Safety responded to a report of a neighbor dispute in the 100 block of Pembroke.  The matter was resolved by Public Safety.

Criminal Damage
Public Safety responded to a report of broken windows to a residence located in the 100 block of James Cir.
Public Safety responded to the 200 block of Pembroke for a report of damaged mailboxes.
Public Safety responded to the 100 block of King Henry for a report of damaged mailboxes.

Driving Complaints
Public Safety responded to a report of ATV’s driving in the area of the 100 block of Liverpool.  The subjects were located and warned.


Citations Issued 15
Warnings Issued 5




Public Safety would ask if residents observe anything suspicious to please call 1-815-765-3768.

















We thank you for taking the time to read these important updates.
Being informed is half the battle.

Saturday, September 28, 2013

Wounded Warriors tournament

The first thing that needs to be mentioned is every single winner split their winnings with the Gosnell family. What does that tell you about this great bunch of guys........
Dru Appelhans 1st place

Chuck Hart Big Bass


Gosnell Family

4th place Brad Jackson
Thanks go to Barb Appelhans for the pictures and information!

Thoughts on borrowing

We all have read or heard how so many local governments as well as bodies all the way to the top are drowning in debt. We are not. We have solid cash reserves. We need to keep solid cash reserves.
Every so often we hear of what I consider a bone headed plan to borrow money for some major project and pay it off over many years. This is folly and will eventually sink us as an association. I believe in operating always within our existing means with funds on hand to cover almost any unforeseen calamity.
There is an election coming after the first of the year. Mine is the only seat up for grabs. If I remain on the board or not if ever I hear of any plan to borrow for new amenities or any other purpose I will be there to oppose it. I know of not one current board member or finance commission member in favor of such a disastrous plan but I am sure some "big ideas" are hiding in the weeds waiting for an opportunity. Stay alert!
Ken

Friday, September 27, 2013

Thinking about our lake

These are of course just thoughts so please don't infer any upcoming action on the subject. 
We have worked on this lake for years and it seems it will be a fight forever since it is not a natural body of water. In the 27 or so years I have lived here I have witnessed dredging at least three times, a retention pond, channeling water from fields, free standing aerators, line aerators running across the bottom of the lake from a compressor in the pump house, thrusters, two alum treatments, sanitary discharge moved to Beaver Creek, and I am sure more that I can not pull from my memory right now. All these were to help water clarity and quality. Now we are moving to landscaping and plantings with hopefully help from a grant. Also now the possibility of SolarBees for water circulation. It boggles the mind. The thrusters now in the dip have proven troublesome.
Our alum treatment in the spring was effective as we all remember, only to be tempered by many inches of rain, runoff from fields, and AQUA pumping. Even with this happening our lake was unquestionable better than last year. That says something. We were told the alum locks the existing nutrients in the bottom of the lake, and the existing phosphorus was one of the major contributors to algae growth. Almost all the lake should have now available to feed algae is what is from this year. Next summer may actually prove better than this year for quality. We just don't know. Every spring the lake is quite clear then builds until a later bloom. Actually as I write this if I walk out on our pier I can see down about three feet so it is clearing for the fall.
As I understand it the SolarBees take water from the lower level of the lake and redistribute it, disrupting the environment for algae growth. There is some concern that they also pump nutrients from the bottom into the upper layers, feeding the algae. I think there is more we do not know that what we know.
I see some smaller ponds and reservoirs using fountains. Is that another avenue?
O.K., I will end this too long post. Just getting some thoughts and worries off my chest. We are spending a pile of money on your lake and I want it spent wisely. We must have an acceptable water quality or our lake is worthless. At what price???
Ken

Thursday, September 26, 2013

And more taxes!

Syverson: New Obamacare Taxes to Start January 1

Wednesday, September 25, 2013
ROCKFORD– “A number of new fees and taxes are scheduled to go into effect as part of implementing the Obamacare Health Plan,” said Senator Dave Syverson (R-Rockford.) Syverson stated that one particular tax that begins January 1, 2014, the Transitional Reassurance Assessment Fee (Tax), will be felt more directly and broadly by taxpayers.
This new Transitional Reassurance Assessment will place a tax of $5.25 per month on every covered person in a group health plan. For example, if a single person has coverage under their employer’s health plan, that single employee would be taxed $5.25 a month, or $63 annually. For a family of four, the tax would be $21 per month, or $252 annually. The Insurance Carrier is required to collect the tax from the employer and remit the receipts to the Federal Government. Each employer will have to decide if and how to collect the tax from their employees.
: http://www.senatordavesyverson.com/Media/News/NewsDetails/tabid/102/nid/642/r/1/Default.aspx#sthash.5rWpuTbl.dpuf

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Saturday's "Wounded Warriors" fishing tournament will start at 7 a.m.

Solarbees


Last night's meeting included a discussion and the
decision for further research on these as another way of lake water circulation for more algae bloom containment. You may want to Google them to get a feel for what they are supposed to do. They are expensive. I found two different pictures of these so I posted both. As I recall they weigh over 800 pounds
each and are sixteen feet across. We need to think this through completely before acting. 

 Ken

Officer Tom Dawson jr.

I have been seeing him a lot recently. During the garage sales I saw him looking up someone's driveway curious about what was going on. Monday he was below the dam coming up to cars if they stopped. He is a cute son-of-a-gun but sooner or later he will suffer the same fate as his Dad if he doesn't stay off the roads. He also has grown to at least as large as his Dad. Tom jr., live long and prosper.
Ken

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

And here it comes!

 Yesterday I received the quote for health insurance for 2014. The premium is up 61% and the co-pays went up for doctor visits and specialist visits. The maximum out of pocket also rose. Get ready folks, this is the new O'bamacare age! (Also known as the "Affordable Care act)
Ken

Monday, September 23, 2013

Weekly Public Safety report

Important Candlewick Lake Information

Candlewick Lake Public Safety

WEEKLY REPORT

Week Ending 09/22/2013



Rescue Calls
Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Birch for a report of a subject suffering a diabetic reaction.  The subject was transported for treatment.
Public Safety responded to the 800 block of Marquette for a report of a child with an unknown medical issue.  The child was transported for treatment.
Public Safety responded to the 200 block of Rochester for a report of a disoriented subject.  Upon arrival, it was determined that the subject was contemplating burning the residence.  The Boone County Sheriff’s Department was called and the subject was transported for treatment without further incident.

Reckless Driving
Public Safety responded to the area of the 1900 block of Candlewick Dr. for a report of reckless driving.  The subjects were located and subsequently cited after Public Safety observed the violation.
Public Safety responded to the 400 block of Talladega for a report of reckless driving.  The subject was located and warned of his actions.

Damaged Property
Public Safety responded to the 400 block of Candlewick Dr. for a report of a damaged electrical box.  Commonwealth Edison was notified of the incident.
Public Safety responded to the 400 block of Candlewick Dr. for a report of a damaged residence.  The matter is under investigation.

Traffic Crash
Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Liverpool for a report of a vehicle that had driven into a ditch and the driver fled.  The Boone County Sheriff’s Office was notified and the matter is under investigation.

Disorderly Conduct
Public Safety responded to the 300 block of Talladega for a report of a subject who had passed out in the front yard.  The subject was assisted back into the residence by a family member.


Citations Issued 16
Warnings Issued 4




Public Safety would ask if residents observe anything suspicious to please call 1-815-765-3768.

















We thank you for taking the time to read these important updates.
Being informed is half the battle. 
Bulk Garbage pick up is Saturday September 28th

Something seems odd here

Occasionally, mostly on weekends when I am driving, I listen to public radio, which is funded to a pretty substantial extent by your tax dollars. They are now promoting Al Jazeera T.V. They are probably paid ads but for anyone that does not know Al Jazeera is based in Qatar and is an Arab network. They recently bought Al Gore's old lightly watched failing network and are now broadcasting on that. I guess it is a free country but I am not crazy about this.
Ken

Oh, this will be a fun week!

 The ditch work is rescheduled for this week and Rabine is to start reworking all the substandard fills and patches AQUA has installed (at AQUA's expense) so be ready for some traffic disruption. It will be worth the mess long term.  Ken

Saturday, September 21, 2013

The question was raised


During last Tuesday's board meeting a gentleman asked during the open forum if a vote had been taken by the board against annexation by Poplar Grove. I think the question deserves to be commented on here.
As Don stated after the question, there was never a vote on the subject. During a board workshop the topic was brought up because of the newspaper article where a couple residents attended a Poplar Grove meeting and said the majority of the board would vote to be annexed. During our workshop discussion it was mutually agreed we had no interest in pursuing the topic but anyone can speak to us on the topic if they wish. I stated that myself as well as others. No harm is ever done by listening to presentations.
Poplar Grove is a nice town with good people and strong leadership so that is not an issue. We do need to remember this, the body wanting to annex another does so because they feel they have something to gain. There is no other reason to pursue it.
We must remember who has the debt and who has the cash reserves. Who has the amenities and who has few. I think it is great if we and Poplar Grove can find areas in which we can work together for the benefit of both but not as one city.
Our property owners have made it clear they want our gates to remain up and they want no part of incorporation. The hurdles for annexation to happen are pretty much insurmountable. We can not be forcibly annexed due to our size. In other words in my humble opinion there is about the same chance of that happening as gold nuggets starting to fall with the rain.
I of course can not speak for the board, only myself, and a board vote wouldn't make any difference anyway. You folks are the ones that hold the key and you have spoken clearly.
Ken



Friday, September 20, 2013

A good cause. (Repeat of an e-blast)

Clothing and household items drive-The Belvidere Boone County Food Pantry is asking for your assistance in obtaining gently used clothing and household items. Our supplies are getting low and the needs are ever increasing. Perhaps you have many items left over from your garage sale this fall, or your closets are just too full and it is time to do some donating. Know that every item you donate is given to folks in Boone County who present with a need. Our truck will be located at the Rec Center parking lot for self drop off September 20 to 22. Please, no electronics, broken or unusable items. Thank you for all you do for the people of Boone County.

From ABC News... have you heard about this?

Now this is a water problem that dwarfs most I have witnessed. Not a chance I would drink that stuff. It is a brain eating amoeba in the water. Read on.  Ken

While officials try to pin down the source of a deadly amoeba found in the water supply of a suburban New Orleans community, bottled water sales in St. Bernard Parish have skyrocketed and some people worry about washing their faces in the shower.
That's despite experts who say the only danger is to people who manage to get the microscopic organism way up their noses. Its only entry to the brain is through minute openings in a bone about level with the top of the eyeball, said Dr. Raoult Ratard, Louisiana's state epidemiologist.
But belief comes hard to many people. "As far as taking a bath or shower, you got no other choice," said Debbie Sciortino. "But I ain't drinking it, I ain't giving it to the dogs and I ain't cooking with it either."

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Ditch work update

 Our ditch (drainage) work was scheduled to start mid-week this week. What happens? It finally starts to rain so it can not be started as scheduled. Add to that the garage sales are this weekend so it is going to have to be postponed until next week. Murphy's Law strikes again. It will be done but not when expected. Improved drainage is a priority.
Ken

I wish I had documented

Any long term resident knows the situation with AQUA didn't just develop this year. How many times have I seen pumps in the past or the manhole below the dam spewing water? I honestly didn't think much about it until this year when we started testing the water so much more judiciously. Now we know and I hope some of you had the foresight to take pictures, note times and places, and just in general have some knowledge of past transgressions on AQUA's part. We need documentation and I hope there are some observant folks who can provide just that. Remember there is a new link at the bottom left of the Candlewick home page to enter your information. Please do so. If you are not familiar with the Candlewick home page look to the right on the Candlewick View site and you  will find a link under the title "Helpful Links."
Ken

A well deserved commendation

For those few who feel our Public Safety department is a waste of funds, read below. This is not the first time our officers have acted quickly in the aid of others. I for one am proud of our force.  Ken





Wednesday, September 18, 2013

I mentioned this last week but as a reminder

Caution! Ditch Work Ahead
We are starting to do ditch repairs on September 19th in many areas of CWL.
Please watch for construction crews and equipment when
driving through the community. Please expect some road congestion
and minor delays.
Thank you for your cooperation.

More O'bamacare happiness


"Currently, taxpayers can take a federal income tax deduction for medical expenses that exceed 7.5 percent of their adjusted gross income," a Barber aide said in explaining why the congressman wants to keep the threshold for deducting medical expenses at 7.5 percent.
"As part of health care reform, this year that threshold is to be raised to 10 percent for taxpayers under age 65. In 2017, the increase also will apply to taxpayers 65 years of age and older," a background document said.

Tuesday evening's (long) board meeting notes


As always these are simply my notes and in no way are to be taken as official minutes. This post is simply to give you an overview of the meeting of your board.

The meeting attendance was about 30. The open forum was highlighted by Sandy Morse reporting the Candlewick Community Garden had produced about 1,400 pounds of produce this year with 1000 pounds going to the food pantry. (Great job, folks) A question was asked about the article in the BDR about Poplar Grove wishing to annex us and if a formal vote was taken by the board. The board had discussed it during a workshop and were in agreement if they wanted to come and speak to us that is fine but the consensus was we have no interest in their proposal. A P.O. Spoke on the AQUA issue and indicated there is a date error on the CWL website for the pumping start date.
The formal meeting started off on a very high note with a commendation for Public Safety Officer Matthew Ries for saving the life of a Candlewick resident. I will post that commendation here tomorrow for all to see. He received a standing ovation and the person who's life he saved was there with his family. The meeting of the two actually kind of choked me up. That man is alive due to Matt's actions. The next time someone says Public Safety is a waste of funds I hope they remember this.
Our currently secretary asked to be relieved of his duties and I was voted to take the position for the next six months after which times there will be a new election of officers.
Finance Commission....Our total funds on hand currently totals $4,175,440.46 and year to date we are coming out to the good by about $22,000 compared to our budget so things are going well to date. Write offs for bad debt of $382.70 and adjustments of $317.50 were passed by unanimous vote.
Rec Commission.... reported there is now a waiting list for then “little Learners” program and they are deciding if starting another class is feasible. The fitness center needs a new bike since parts are not available to fix one of the old ones.
The now dissolved Legal Committee.... reported the work is finished on the CC&Rs and the By-Laws so the committee has served it's purpose. The committee recommended a new ADHOK AQUA commission be established to report to the board of directors. The prior Legal Committee members will put together a plan for the responsibilities of the new ADHOC. More to come later.
Savannah Oaks Commission.... recommends Jim Walsh be made a full member and Doug Bouback added as an alternate. Recommendation was also made to seat Glen O'Connell as Chair and Kirk Hollembeak as Vice Chair. Jim Walsh as Secretary. Meeting time is changed to 7 pm. For those unable to attend at 6:30. Meetings are on the first Wednesday of the month. Early hours for golfers was discussed with no final vote at this time. Any changes will begin next season.
Events Commission...Hotel Transylvania (movie) did not do well. Mud volleyball results were as follows... 1st Sons of a Beach, 2nd Brown Eyes, 3rd Burger Team. The day went well but food ran out. The book Fair received $105 in free books, next year books for adults may be added as well rather than just for kids. (Many upcoming events. I will post here as time comes closer)
Communications Commission reported the Chamber Golf Outing had a small turnout but it should be tried again next year with some changes.
First reading of a rewritten resolution regarding clarification of assessments and policies for re-platted lots. Too long to post here. Only the first reading so nothing passed.
Procedures for AQUA storm/sewer identification and notification passed. This puts a solid policy in place for handling any possibly future such situations. Again too long to post.
A policy was passed regulating swimming from boats, in front of lakefront homes, etc. Second reading so watch the paper for the specifics for next summer.
Our annual leaf collection is scheduled for October 26 and November 2 so volunteer requests will be going out soon.
A request was received from a property owner who has a second lot and pays full dues on it but gets no benefit from the dues paid. His request was for guest passes for amenities. This made sense. A new rule will be written allowing for two assigned guest passes as long as the P.O. is in good standing. The property owner must be with any person assigned the pass when using the amenities and sign and accept responsibility for their guests. They will be issued a card indicating “guest pass” with their picture and other information and this card can not be used for access through the gates. (condensed version of rule) This will be discussed further in future meetings after there is board disagreement on the specifics of the rule. Not and formal action taken at this time.
A reso. was passed granting the General Manager formal authority to act in cases where immediate action is necessary for the good of the community. It is good to have a formal policy granting the powers (which we did not have) in the case of something like the AQUA discharge.
There was a first reading of a policy establishing descriptions of and substantial fines for anyone or any entity discharging sanitary waste into our lake or onto any Candlewick property.
Candlewick will be purchasing a new exercise bike for the fitness center to replace one that is not repairable at a cost of $2,347.60 including tax, warranty, freight, etc.
As budgeted for this year we will be replacing the shingles on the office, pool house, and pool shower house due to deterioration plus the downspouts and gutters at the office. Total cost is $27,092.78
A new code of conduct policy resolution was passed to spell out what is acceptable and unacceptable conduct by attendees and members at our miscellaneous Candlewick meetings and functions as well as consequences for unacceptable actions. It is good to have this as a solid policy in writing to avoid any disagreements when enforced. Yes, I realize I am one of those that tends to get pretty hot under the collar at times during meetings. UH-OH!
We will be changing our contract terms for refuse pick-up and reassigning the contract. Recycling by breaking down garbage at the collection point is becoming almost impossible so the company is asking to use a two cart system. One is for garbage and one for recycling. The rest of the procedures would stay the same. They also would like for us to extend our contract to the same length as Poplar Grove's so both would end together. This is probably good because it would be expected our rate quotes will be better due to a larger customer base. At the scheduled termination of our current contract there will be a price increase of 3.5% as would be expected. I voted no on this proposal because I can see no advantage to our P.O.s with accepting the change when our contract indicated our garbage will be separated by the collector instead of us having to mess with two cans. It is their problem, not ours, and I don't like the contract price increase with the extension although it is small. Mine was the only no vote.
A discussion was held regarding the possibility of and location for a dog park. Nothing is set in stone at this time. Everything is still in the information gathering stage. Many responses have been submitted to the question of establishing one. The recommended placement is west of the Outpost to avoid disruption of residents in residential areas. Nothing is finalized including construction, funding or rules so this is ongoing.
The movable speed bumps were discussed. There are pros and cons to the issue. I don't like putting holes in our blacktop as Jeff brought up but I also see a need for more speed control. Maybe it is time to look again at the movable radar trailer that takes a picture of speeders and notes the speed, time, etc. for ticketing. If they want to speed they can pay the price. I don't care how we do this but I want speeders stopped for the safety of our kids.
The Daisy Troup of Girl Scouts will be allowed to use out Outpost for meetings.
An engineering firm will be hired to inspect AQUA's infrastructure for possible areas of weakness and other problems so we can find out exactly why AQUA is having the overflow problems. We have asked AQUA to pay for the up to $10,000 this may cost. Will we be reimbursed? We do not know at this time but we must know where the problems lie so we can have grounds to demand actions. We all agree the discharges during heavy rains must stop and we will do whatever is necessary to remedy this situation that it seems has gone on for years.
Hope you didn't get too bored, this was a meeting with lots of subjects and I condensed many!

Ken

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Excerpt form a Senator Dave Syverson post

Illinois is required by law to pay interest on its unpaid bills. Illinois paid $186 million in interest payments in 2013. That’s 215 times the $866,000 in interest paid by in fiscal year 2003.
(posted by Ken)

If I was a golfer I would like this

18 holes of play with a cart including prizes, food, and the chance to have your name permanently on the plaque. Really not a bad deal for thirty bucks.  Ken


What's happening at the west gate?

Included in this year's budget was a new electronic message board for the west gate to sync with the one we have at the east gate. Many people come and go via gates other than the front gate and miss some of the important announcements since manually changing letters on the old board takes time and it is not always up to date. Now you will be in the loop at either entrance. The old manual board will be mobile and used in miscellaneous places as needed including possibly at the south gate that has no board at all. Onward and upward!
Ken

Monday, September 16, 2013

Weekly Public Safety report

Important Candlewick Lake Information

Candlewick Lake Public Safety

WEEKLY REPORT

Week Ending 09/15/2013



Traffic Crash
Public Safety responded to the 1200 block of Candlewick Dr. for a report of a vehicle that drove into a ditch.  The vehicle was subsequently towed from the scene.
Public Safety responded to Candlewick Blvd. and Rt. 76 for a report of a two vehicle traffic crash.  The Sheriff’s Department arrived and Public Safety assisted with traffic control.
Public Safety initiated a report of damage to the East Gate arm.  The matter is under investigation.

Driving Complaints
Public Safety responded to the 800 block of Marquette for a report of a reckless driver.  The subject was located and warned of his actions.

Burglary
Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Cornwall for a report of a residential burglary.  The matter is under investigation.

Trespassing
Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Hastings for a report of subjects in a vacant house.  Upon arrival, the residence was found to be secure and nobody inside.



Citations Issued 8
Warnings Issued 7




Public Safety would ask if residents observe anything suspicious to please call 1-815-765-3768.

















We thank you for taking the time to read these important updates.
Being informed is half the battle. 

Forgot

When I posted the pictures from the Volunteer Dinner I forgot to thank Barb Appelhans for the pictures. Sorry Barb, your pictures and input are much appreciated.  Ken

This will save your association money. Please attend

Attendance at this meeting will be considered volunteer hours and that will cut the Candlewick portion of the watershed grant contribution we have to make. If you care...be there!    Ken


If you missed the e-blast

Because of the weather, the Rally for the Cure Golf Outing
has been rescheduled for 
September 29th 2013 at 9:00 a.m.

Excerpt from the New York Post... unbelievable!

‘Are you sexually active? If so, with one partner, multiple partners or same-sex partners?”
Be ready to answer those questions and more the next time you go to the doctor, whether it’s the dermatologist or the cardiologist and no matter if the questions are unrelated to why you’re seeking medical help. And you can thank the Obama health law.
“This is nasty business,” says New York cardiologist Dr. Adam Budzikowski. He called the sex questions “insensitive, stupid and very intrusive.” He couldn’t think of an occasion when a cardiologist would need such information — but he knows he’ll be pushed to ask for it.
The president’s “reforms” aim to turn doctors into government agents, pressuring them financially to ask questions they consider inappropriate and unnecessary, and to violate their Hippocratic Oath to keep patients’ records confidential.
Embarrassing though it may be, you confide things to a doctor you wouldn’t tell anyone else. But this is entirely different.
Doctors and hospitals who don’t comply with the federal government’s electronic-health-records requirements forgo incentive payments now; starting in 2015, they’ll face financial penalties from Medicare and Medicaid. The Department of Health and Human Services has already paid out over $12.7 billion for these incentives.

Tuesday's board meeting agenda



Garage Sale weekend coming!



Sunday, September 15, 2013

Saturday's Volunteer Appreciation Dinner

Candlewick is fortunate to have such a dedicated group of volunteers. I can not estimate how much money they save your association through their selfless effort. This dinner is to thank them in some small way for their service to us all.
The Eagle's Nest Cafe' provided the catering and the meal of turkey, ham, and all the "fixins" was delicious. Great food and great people. What a combination!
Ken


Your board of directors playing servers

A nice crowd of around 100

Two well deserved awards for volunteers of the year

You may remember John

 John is the guy I have written about a couple times here. He is the one that was painting the ceiling of a church, fell, and was expected to be paralyzed if he lived. He never lost his faith and bounced back, making much more progress than anyone expected. He gave God the credit and was so thankful. He eventually returned to the investing message boards where we had met.
 We are told God will never give us more than we can handle. John next came down with cancer. I don't know what kind but it was serious and knocked him off the message boards again. After a couple months of no contact here is ol' John again, back swinging. Once again he thanks God for his recovery. Some of you may be interested if you remember the postings I made of John's inspirational comments......

I can't begin to give adequate thanks to all

for messages , prayers , public  , private
by  phone , mail

Thank you
and may GOD bless each and every one of you

I truly have been given a second chance at life
for a second time

for a second time in a year and a half
God had the perfect opportunity to bring me home
with me having been at a point of imminent departure

yet here I am

obviously with something yet to to do for him

I am looking forward to while doing his work
also  resuming my passionate hobby

================

(his hobby is investing by the way.  Ken)

Saturday, September 14, 2013

I wonder what this is costing us, the taxpayers... is our government privy to everything in our lives?


CFPB's data-mining on consumer credit cards challenged in heated House hearing

BY RICHARD POLLOCK | SEPTEMBER 13, 2013 AT 10:51 AM 

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau officials are seeking to monitor four out of every five U.S. consumer credit card transactions this year — up to 42 billion transactions – through a controversial data-mining program, according to documents obtained by the Washington Examiner.
A CFPB strategic planning document for fiscal years 2013-17 describes the “markets monitoring” program through which officials aim to monitor 80 percent of all credit card transactions in 2013.
The U.S. Census Bureau reports that 1.16 billion consumer credit cards were in use in 2012 for an estimated 52.6 billion transactions. If CFPB officials reach their stated "performance goal," they would collect data on 42 billion transactions made with 933 million credit cards used by American consumers.
In addition, CFPB officials hope to monitor up to 95 percent of all mortgage transactions, according to the planning document.
“This is one step closer to a Big Brother form of government where they know everything about us,” said Rep. Sean Duffy, R-Wis

Final reminder


Friday, September 13, 2013

AQUA... our correspondence... read here and go to the Candlewick site

 This is the letter sent from your (Candlewick's) attorney to AQUA regarding the problems from this year as well as in the past. There is a link at the bottom of the Candlewick home page to a site where you can leave pictures, comments, and documentation of past instances of discharge and pumping. I will put a link to the CWL site on the right of the View page for your convenience. Please help with this effort.
Ken



Mr. Craig Blanchette Mr. Joel Gehrett
Vice President - Operations Area Manager
AQUA Illinois, Inc. AQUA Illinois, Inc.
1000 S. Schuyler Avenue 316 S. Main Street
Kankakee, IL 60901 Wauconda, IL 60084
Re: AQUA Illinois, Inc.
Candlewick Lake STP
Dear Messrs. Blanchette and Gehrett:
By way of introduction, my name is Scott E. Pointner, and I am General Counsel for the Candlewick
Lake Association (“CWL”). As you are no doubt aware, we have been investigating the circumstances
surrounding the various discharges of sewage onto CWL property that were intentionally made by AQUA
Illinois, Inc., (“Aqua”), although we have not yet gathered all of the facts, documents, and information that
we believe exist that is needed in order for CWL to make informed decisions on what can and should be done
regarding both past and potentially future discharges. The purpose of this letter is not to make any premature
demands or pound the proverbial table, although depending upon Aqua’s responses to the various requests
in this letter there may very well come a time when those two actions will be warranted. Rather, the purpose
of this letter is to request certain things from Aqua that will assist us in completing our investigation, which
will then allow us to analyze our rights and options, and then at some point hopefully in a few weeks, outline
a set of proposals that will hopefully not only address past problems but also provide a roadmap for a better
relationship between the two entities.
Threshold Issues
As a threshold matter, while the tone of this letter is intentionally moderate and designed to lead
toward a more productive relationship, rest assured that behind this initial communication lies an enormous
amount of animosity, distrust, and outright anger on behalf of both the CWL Membership and the Board.
The Department of Health has closed our beach, not because there have been recent discharges or positive
tests for E coli, but because it is concerned that Aqua’s current operations cannot adequately insure that
another discharge can be avoided. Needless to say, the Labor Day weekend is CWL’s second of two key
swimming weekends, and the beach is closed because of Aqua.
If the response to this letter is anything short of outright cooperation and overt attempts at bridgebuilding,
I fear that this one chance at moving forward together toward a brighter future will be forever lost.

Page 2
Given the fact that Aqua’s future is so closely tied to CWL’s future, the Board and the Membership will both
be watching carefully to see the degree to which Aqua responds not only to the letter of these words, but
more importantly to the spirit hereof. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of your response to this
letter given the emotions that are thus far being held back by the many thousands of Members of CWL that
will not hesitate to vote for committing whatever resources are necessary to ensuring that this incredible
development that they call home is never again desecrated like it has been twice in the past few months, and
that the full costs, expenses, and damages that have been endured by CWL are paid for in full.
Requests for Information and Documentation
As I indicated, it is important for us to analyze our position based upon all of the facts, records, and
knowledge available. While we have reviewed many pages of documents, it still appears we do not have
quite a few things that we would like to see before completing our analysis of our positions both past and
future. We therefore respectfully request that within the next ten business days you provide us with the
following:
1. We are in the process of gathering information from the Membership about possible past
discharges Aqua may have had. To ensure that the findings we make from the information
received by the Membership is as complete as possible, we ask that for the past five years,
you provide us with documents or information identifying each and every time Aqua has
either intentionally caused or unintentionally suffered a discharge of sewage out of its
sanitary sewer infrastructure. Please identify each such discharge by date, location, and
other facts such as the manner in which the discharge occurred (i.e. pumping), the estimated
amount of the discharge in gallons, and any other important facts (i.e. there were 3 inches
of rain that fell in a 45 minute period). Information as to whether each such discharge was
intentional or unintentional would be helpful as well. Moreover, it would also be helpful
if Aqua would identify for each whether each such discharge violated Aqua’s current
operating permits. Finally, it would also be helpful to receive information on when Aqua
was aware of each discharge, and what measures were taken to minimize each such
discharge. In the event of intentional discharges, the basis for making the intentional
decision to make each such discharge would also be helpful, such as understanding what the
expected consequences would have been had such intentional discharges not occurred.
2. Copies of all correspondence Aqua has either sent or received, regarding the April and June
discharges at CWL.
3. Copies of all of Aqua’s current operating permits, as well as a summary in laymen’s terms
that describes for the average CWL homeowner what Aqua believes it is allowed to do, and
with regard to intentional discharges, what it is not allowed to do. Although I am sure that
some of the conditions attached to Aqua’s current permits are more technical in nature, there
are a few I am sure that will be pertinent to CWL Members becoming educated as to what
Aqua is allowed, and not allowed, to do. Us receiving Aqua’s take on these conditions
would be very helpful in trying to rebuild the relationship Aqua has with CWL customers.
4. A number of responses to FOIA requests were returned without documents due to “Security
Sensitive” reasons. Explanations from Aqua as to the nature of information and documents
that might be withheld for security purposes would be helpful.
Messrs. Blanchette and Gehrett
September 4, 2013
Page 3
5. To the extent that Aqua has documents that it believes CWL would find relevant in
understanding what has happened in the past with regard to discharges, we ask that Aqua
provide us copies of such documents.
6. Please answer the question as to whether Aqua currently believes that the Aqua plant has
been appropriately designed and sized given what it now knows about the CWL average
sewage flows, the degree to which the Aqua infrastructure appears to have been breached
and is no longer a closed system, and the lessons learned about how the topography of the
area impacts the amount of stormwater that is apparently entering into the system during
heavy rainfalls.
7. Information Aqua has gathered regarding the estimates of stormwater that appears to have
entered the system in the April and June events.
8. Copies of any and all policies that Aqua has in place regarding the procedures that must be
followed both before, during, and after discharges, whether intentional or unintentional.
9. Explanations as to why CWL has not been notified of prior discharges.
Providing us with these documents and this information will go a long way in determining the right course
for us. Given all of the regulatory questions that have been posed to you in the last month or two, we believe
that providing this information and these documents should not be difficult to do within the two week period
outlined above.
Request For Reimbursement
We are hopeful that in the next two weeks we will have received all of the relevant documents and
information upon which a proper analysis of CWL’s rights can and should be based. In order for CWL to
make informed decisions, the CWL Board not only wants legal opinions, but just as importantly, the opinions
of an engineer that has the proper training, experience, and knowledge about what has happened and what
might be done in the future to eliminate or at least greatly reduce the likelihood of future discharges.
Because the need for this expense has been directly caused by Aqua’s discharges, we therefore request that
Aqua agree to reimburse CWL for up to $10,000.00 of time from a qualified expert in this field to assist us
in analyzing these issues. We assure you that whoever CWL decides to hire will be someone highly
qualified, and who will charge reasonable fees. Please let us know right away that Aqua is in agreement on
this reimbursement request.
In addition, as a result of Aqua’s actions, CWL has incurred a significant amount of attorney fees
to both investigate what has happened and to determine what rights CWL has with regard to dealing with
regulatory authorities that have shut down CWL’s beaches. While we do not have an updated amount of
these fees, rest assured that over the past three months, the total has exceeded $10,000.00. We therefore
request that Aqua cut a check to CWL to reimburse it for these fees.
Request for An Update On Aqua’s Proposed (and Implemented) Operational Changes
Subsequent to the April discharge, there have been a number of possible changes in policies and
procedures that have been suggested by various parties to help ensure that discharges either do not happen,
or, when there is nothing that can be done to prevent a discharge, to ensure that the negative impacts are
Messrs. Blanchette and Gehrett
September 4, 2013
Page 4
minimized to the greatest extent possible. Please provide us an update, in writing, on what Aqua proposes
to change in terms of its policies, procedures (including protocols for providing advance notice and
information), equipment, reimbursement for expenses associated with discharges, and other modifications
with regard to both past and potential future discharges.
Closing Comments
As previously indicated, we expect that this will be the first of many productive and cooperative
communications that will help our two organizations not only resolve past issues but more importantly move
forward together for a less acrimonious future. There will be thousands of eyes watching carefully to see
the degree to which Aqua responds to this letter in such a manner that a productive and cooperative future
is more, or less, likely. We thank you for your attention to these issues, and look forward to your prompt
response. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions or comments with regard to
the above.
Very truly yours,
RATHJE & WOODWARD, LLC
Scott E. Pointner