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