And the slide continues!

Tracy's farewell meet & greet

It will be in the gym at the Rec Center Friday, May 16th from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Be sure to stop by and wish him success in his new endeavor.
Ken

Contact the Rec Center to join

Hmmm, fell into the lake? Glad it wasn't off the dam

Candlewick Lake Public Safety

WEEKLY REPORT

Week Ending 04/27/2104

Rescue Calls

Public Safety responded to a call of a subject who had fallen into the lake at the Recreation Center. The subject was returned home and refused treatment.

Noise Complaints

Public Safety responded to the 200 block of Brandywine and the 100 block of Rochester for a report of noise complaints. Parties were warned of their actions.

ATV Complaints

Public Safety responded to the area of Talladega and Hastings for a report of ATVs operating in common areas. Public Safety checked the area and met with negative results.

Illegal Burning

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Liverpool for a report of a subject burning leaves. The subject was warned of their actions.

Citations Issued 12

Warnings Issued 15

Saturday at Savannah Oaks (picture by Barb Appelhans)

The year starts with walkers only until the carts arrive for the season. Saturday some were enjoying the beautiful weather on our own course.

The egg addlers doing their thing

Thanks to Barb Appelhans for the pictures

Protective devils, aren't they

Who's more afraid, the goose or the guys?

Less hatched eggs = less geese

Right next to the house

That's a lot of eggs for one nest

Tom Pinkowski, Jim Brefeld, Marge Olson, Lee Odem

You can still join!

The great folks of Candlewick doing their part

There are so many pictures (thanks Barb Appelhans) and I know some of the names but not all so I will just post the pictures without names. All are great people making our community an even better place through their labor removing debris. Thank you so much. What better post for a Sunday!
Ken

Incredible, isn't it.......

So far I have heard of a bag of McDonald's food trash and another of a half can of beer being thrown at those picking up on Caledonia Road today. Kind of shakes your faith in humanity, doesn't it. Luckily they are a tiny minority compared to those giving the thumbs up and waving to the workers. 
Ken

Dead 'Coons and liquor bottles

 We picked up a lot of liquor bottles along with other miscellaneous garbage on Caledonia Road and as usual there was a dead animal. The coon is still where we found it. Picking that up is over the line in my book. Caledonia Road must be where drunks drive to run over animals. Some liquor bottles in Candlewick but nothing like we found elsewhere, mainly cans, cups, and paper.
  I believe this is the best turnout I have seen for the Candlewick Clean Up Day. People were everywhere it seemed, even a lot of young folks. Dawson Lake Road was also cleaned by some folks. I don't know if they were Candlewick People or not but does it sure looks nice!
  I will probably have some pictures later.
  Ken

You would have to be blind

You must have noticed all the trucks around Candlewick with hoses going down the manholes and many men working. As you probably know, this is AQUA following through on their agreement to check and repair the lines, stopping as much infiltration as possible in order to avoid another scenario like last summer when there was pumping that ended up in our lake. At least there is evidence they are making a sincere attempt. Not to sound negative but realize none of this is free. AQUA is a regulated utility so they are allowed to make a reasonable profit as determined by the ICC. I have no doubt this will be a part of future rate increase requests. Still, it must be done.
Ken

And the winner is (was)

Karl Steiskal was the winner of the first Candlewick's Biggest Loser contest in his age class. He lost 38 pounds as I recall. What an accomplishment! I saw him a couple days ago and you can really see it. He also is walking much better after his knee surgery. Way to go Karl. You're a tough ol' bird.
 Another winner of The Biggest Loser in her age class was Rebecca Karl. Sorry, I do not have a picture or weight loss but if I get the info. I will post it. Congratulations to both!!!
Ken

Yes, there will be a meet 'n' greet

As you know, Tracy carter (our G.M.) will be leaving us before long for a warmer climate. Many of you may wish to take a minute to thank him for his service and say good-bye. I want to say he has been here seven years. These last weeks will be very busy for the office staff with the change-over. Rather than have his work time tied up with people coming in to speak with him there will be a "Meet & Greet" held in the gym. Nothing fancy, just some cake & coffee. The date and time will be announced in your next Candlewick Paper and I will announce it here about the same time. It will be in May so there is plenty of time.
Ken

IMPORTANT NOTICE!!

On April 25, 2014 there will be designated areas of the lake chemically treated for weeds and algae.

The following restrictions should be noted if using water from the lake:
Drinking water for humans 3 days
Drinking water for pets for 1 day.
No irrigation for grass or flowers for 3 days.
No irrigation for food crop (vegetable gardens) for 5 days.

***There is no restriction for fishing and swimming.

***This does not affect your water supplied by Aqua Illinois.

What's with all the horses?

Fran and I were leaving Southwest Iowa Saturday morning and when we turned onto hiway 34 we saw people mounted on horses with an horse trailer parked in front of them. As we went further every half mile or so there were more. I noticed on the back of the trailers it said "Pony Express." That made me curious so when we got home I Googled it. Read the story below. What a fine group. Camp Sunnyside is for people with disabilities.  Ken

Now that the weather is warming up, it’s time to start thinking about summer camp and a group of Iowans is making that possible for kids and adults with special needs.

The Pony Express of Iowa makes this ride from the south side of Ankeny to Camp Sunnyside every Easter weekend.

“We`re so proud of what we do and how we do it and then to be able to come to the camp and see how the Easter seals put this to use,” says Pony Express of Iowa spokesman, Lane

Shaver.

All year long, Pony Express members from nearly every Iowa county raise money to put towards camp facilities and the campers who use them. Saturday, the group hand delivered their earnings.

The Pony Express has made horseback entrances into the camp to kick of the summer camp season for 46 years. Parents of campers say Camp Sunnyside is an essential part to their child’s summer.

“I don`t know what I would do, I would probably have to stay home. There is no place that has the staff and the true love for the kids,” Margie Shehyee.

The group was able to raise close to 260,000 dollars as part of the event.

Well, this is odd

A fracking well

I remember back when I was in business the plan was to sell as much product as you could and be as profitable as possible. Today I heard on the radio Chrysler will be getting a check from Ni-Gas for 1.3 million because they have instituted a program that saves a large amount of natural gas. This not only cuts into Ni-Gas profits through lower sales but also by their gift of 1.3 million to Chrysler. What am I missing?
The last I heard our country is now swimming in natural gas, having something like one hundred year's supply and plenty for export due to fracking in large part.
Chrysler has done nothing wrong, actually they have done a good thing, but why in the heck is Ni-Gas rewarding them? Is Ni-Gas a regulated utility? I really don't know but if so they are allowed what regulators consider a reasonable profit, meaning someone (you and I) will be covering the cost. 
Ken

For every thing there is a season

Yep, this is it

As we drove through the town I grew up in Fran asked me what the house looked like now. As I described it to her she said "It is time they tore it down." She is right. It has not seen a coat of paint in maybe thirty years and it looks unoccupied. The memories of course came back to me of playing in that yard. Even then, almost sixty years ago, we had mice and rats. Now it is worse.
Have you ever thought it is the same with people? Everyone has their time and as that

time passes it becomes more and more obvious to that person as well as those around them that it is time to go. Morbid? Maybe, but it is a fact. Kind of like that old song some of you may remember.
Ken

Ain't gonna need this house no longer
Ain't gonna need this house no more
Ain't got time to fix the shingles
Ain't got time to fix the floor
Ain't got time to oil the hinges
Nor to mend the window pane
Ain't gonna need this house no longer
I'm getting ready to meet the saints

Saturday...9 a.m....meet at the Rec Center

 Saturday is Candlewick Clean Up Day. Join in, even if only for an hour or so and you will see the great affect it has on the appearance of our community. Hope to see you there!
 Not available Saturday? How about Friday? Call Chuck Corso. I am sure he can set you up with bags and whatever else you need.  Phone 309-235-4941
Ken

Thought you might be interested

Fran and I took a three day trip to Southwestern Iowa as a get-away. People are fishing and hunting nuts in that area. I thought you might like to see the fishing jetties they build on their lakes to facilitate better bank fishing. There are many of these structures with flat tops, some with picnic tables.

Jetties into Three Mile Lake

Another jetty

Long view of Three Mile Lake

Another nice fishing area on the end of a jetty

I had to throw this in after our battle over fishing from our dam. This is on a jetty but if you notice the rocks are stacked by fishermen to better have a place to sit or lean poles. If our rule passes we will see the same on our dam. Guaranteed!

Ridiculous. Illinois is already broke! $100 million?

Candlewick Lake Public Safety

WEEKLY REPORT

Week Ending 4/20/2014

Rescue Calls

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Thornhill for a report of a subject who fell, hit his head and passed out. The subject was transported for treatment.

Public Safety responded to the 2200 block of Candlewick Dr. for a report of a carbon monoxide detector going off and a subject feeling light headed. The subject refused treatment.

Public Safety responded to the 100 block of Rockaway Ct. for a lift assist. The subject was transported for treatment.

Public Safety responded to the 10 block of King Henry for a subject with severe back pain. The subject was transported for treatment.

Theft

Public Safety responded to the 400 block of Marquette for a report of theft of appliances. A report was initiated, suspects identified and the Boone County Sheriff’s Office was notified.

Public Safety responded to the 200 block of Briarcliff for a report of a UPS package being taken from a porch. The Sheriff’s Office was notified.

Soliciting

Public Safety responded to the 600 block of Constitution for a report of a subject soliciting. A subject was identified and warned of their actions.

Disorderly Conduct

Public Safety responded to the 10 block of King Henry and the 1200 block of Candlewick Dr. for reports of light bulbs being thrown at houses. No suspects were identified.

Citations Issued 14- (1) parking violation

Warnings Issued 10

Egg addling report

Jim Brefeld reports last Saturday the group of 9 addled a total of 48 goose eggs in Candlewick. We have one huge area for nine people to cover but they got the job done.
 This gets even better. Boone Lake has now started addling and they found and oiled over 50 eggs. Think about this, that will be about one hundred less geese dropping feces in our area. That is a big deal. Those geese are a part of our problem with not only the nuisance of walking in the stuff but also fertilizing the lake, helping the algae to grow. The addlers deserve our thanks.
Ken

No bunnies or eggs

Last Tuesday's board meeting pics

Thank you Barb Appelhans for the pictures

The dues reduction drawing

Your now full board of directors

Myself swearing in Rich Witt

Our soon to be departed G.M. Tracy Carter

From the Rockford Register Star... The battle continues

www.rrstar.com

Poplar Grove mobile home park developers plan to sue village

• By Susan Vela
  Rockford Register Star
  Posted Apr. 16, 2014 @ 10:54 pm
  
  

  POPLAR GROVE — Developers whose plans for a mobile-home park were turned down unanimously last month are threatening to seek a court review of the village’s handling of their special-use permit applications.

  The essence of the complaint, project manager Tim McCarty said, would be that the developers followed village rules to apply for the permits needed to proceed on Hawthorn Meadows North and Hawthorn Meadows South.

  Developers behind Flora Meadows LLC contend that village officials kept asking for information that wasn’t always required and that they were the ones who violated their own ordinance and development agreements regarding the property.

  They needed the permits to build the 284 units, a community recreation area and an office on 72 acres near Britnie Drive and Poplar Grove Road.

  Board members’ said the developers hadn’t submitted a wetland delineation report and other environmental information. A third reason for denial was the planned construction of the community recreational area in a 100-year floodplain.

  “This does not meet the intent of the code,” reads a document explaining the village’s findings of fact. “It does not make sense that this community recreational area should be located in an area that could potentially be underwater.”

  Linda Comstock, who lives near the proposed mobile homes, approves of the village’s decision.

  “I don’t want those,” she said. “My property values are already low enough.”

  Village Administrator Mark Lynch said the developers have 90 days from the board’s March 10 vote to file their court complaint.

  “The state of Illinois controls this,” he said. “Ultimately, (the state) set the legal standards by which the village has to accept or deny.

  “I don’t think they’ll ever be able to meet the floodplain requirements.”

  Lynch noted that the board can’t consider public opinion in its decision-making, despite the numerous community members who crowded the board rooms to protest the parks.

  Lona Snyder, 67, also lives near the proposed project. With the understanding that managers of mobile-home parks help determine their reputations, she still wishes the developers would drop the proposal.

  “That would make things a lot easier,” she said.

  
  

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Dam recreational use complete reso

(Not yet passed, this was a first reading for a May vote)

PWC over horsepower complete reso

(Not yet passed. This was a first reading)

The complete resolution regarding pool age

April 15, 2014 personal board meeting notes

The meeting started as usual with formalities then the open forum for property owners. Attendance was stronger than it has been lately with approximately 30 in attendance.

Pam Cangelosi stated the many reasons both Lake Management and public safety considered opening the dam to recreational use is a very bad idea and why both had voted unanimously to not change the current rule. 

The dues reduction raffle drawing was held with Tyler Ramsey, Sue Pilgreen, Deborah Smallhouser, and Tina Heffner winning the prize of $561.25 deducted from each of their dues.

I had the honor of swearing in Rich Witt to fill the seat of Karl Steiskal until the next board election.

Don Parisi read the resignation from Tracy Carter. He is a loss but all good things come to an end and he will be where he doesn't have to shiver his way through another winter. It is a great opportunity for him in the type climate he loves.

There was an update on the AQUA situation regarding discharging into the lake. AQUA has contingency plans if there is another rain event like last year. Smoke testing & lining of lines is currently underway as well as other methods to assure good system sealing. Our beach and lake will open as usual this summer with testing as we do every year so things are moving along and falling into place.

Since I attended the Lake Management meeting and already posted the results here earlier I will not re-post them now.

Rec Commission reports the the next biggest loser contest is to start April 21 and run for eight weeks. No cost to participants for the contest. Attempts are being made to find a coordinator for the project. Suggestion was made to have an American Flag installed suspended in the gym.

The Golf Commission voted three to two not allow gaming machines in the club house and to recommend that to the board. Doug Bouback is now a full commission member.

The Pubic Safety Commission voted unanimously to agree with the Lake Management Commission in their recommendation to the board to leave the policy regarding admittance to the dam as is currently in the rules. The issue was discussed regarding limits to the number of dogs allowed per household. This will be discussed further and a recommendation will be made to the board.

The Communications Commission reports 140 people have signed up for e-blasts on the new site. Don Parisi will take the lead on the golf outing for media/realtors in an effort to familiarize them with our community. Narcotics Anonymous has asked to be a CWL sponsored group.

Resolution 14-R-05 was read agreeing to enter into a contract to place gaming machines in Savannah Oaks. I suggested a compromise. Since the Golf Commission and others feel they can cut the deficit in the coming year with new programs we should table the issue until they have a chance to see if the plans work without the gaming machines. If the ideas do not pan out the machines will be reconsidered after the season results are available. This motion passed so the proposal is on hold with no action at this time.

Policy 14-02 was read specifying children ten and older are permitted into the pool without a chaperone. Younger than that must have a chaperone age sixteen or older. This reso. passed. I will post the complete reso later this week.

The finance Commission reported write-offs in the amount of $53,225.20. This sounds like a large number, and it is, but the commission is catching up on some amounts being carried on the books that are doubtful. These can be re-entered if and when collected but it will make for a more logical and clean reporting. Some are bankruptcies and some are bank repossessions that are only forced to pay six months of dues so these are probably uncollectable. Our financial position remains solid.

A reso was read and passed retaining our current legal council, Scott Pointner, for the coming fiscal year.

A reso was passed committing the board to two more years of the Adopt-A -Highway program for clean up of a section of Caledonia Road. (this need it now!)

A reso was passed to purchase new computers for all work stations as budgeted in the reserve study. The expense will come from replacement reserves.

A reso was passed contracting with United Energy Consulting to conduct an analysis of utility bills for your association at no cost to us unless verified savings can be found and produced. The company will receive one half of the verified savings as their fee for the service.

A reso was passed to record the recently passed By-Laws at the Boone County Clerk and Recorder's office.

A reso was passed authorizing replacement of the carpeting in the clubhouse at Savannah Oaks in the amount of $5,807.75. This is again a budgeted expense and will come from replacement reserves.

A reso was passed authorizing the purchase of a commercial mower that replaces on that has has simply worn out after many years. The cost will be $7,315.18. Again, this is a budgeted expense from replacement reserves.

A reso was passed purchasing a new postage machine and to rent a meter in the total amount of $5,655.00 including the three year rental of the meter. The old machine was at the point there is no longer service or support available and it would not accept postage rate updates so this was necessary. The contingency find will be the source of funds.

A reso was passed allowing the purchase of three one horse thrusters for the dip area to help with stagnation. The total cost is $4.328.55 plus screening materials not to exceed the cost of $300.00. This will come from the operating capital 2014/2015 account. I discussed specifics in a post from a week or so ago.

A reso was passed for the purchase of rip-rap to replace and add to existing shoreline stabilization. The cost is $5,000 and will come from replacement reserves. It is a budgeted expense yearly.

Our brush chipper has reached the end of it's useful life so a reso was passed authorizing a replacement in a cost not to exceed $9,447.67. This is again coming from budgeted reserves.

Next came the first reading of the reso regarding recreational use of the dam. Every one of you know my stand on this issue. Remember also the Lake Management Commission as well as the Public Safety Commission each voted unanimously to not allow this. I will post the complete reso here in a couple days for you to read. This was the first reading so no final action was taken but I put forth a motion to stop consideration now and keep the current rule in affect. The motion failed on a 5-2 vote with only myself and Don Parisi voting yes. I am hoping the final vote next month will change considering the serious downside to the proposal. If you agree with Don and I I urge you to let the board know by e-mails or personal calls or it is a done deal.

The next reso was the one allowing personal watercraft of higher h.p. to operate with the same restrictions as over 70 h.p. Boats, meaning no-wake. This was the first reading so no vote taken at until May. I don't expect this to be used much and we will need to insist on strict enforcement and ticketing for violations just as we have with over h.p. Boats. I will post this reso for you to read in it's entirety later also.

Several commission charters were passed by the board.

An offer was made to purchase an association owned lot. The offer was accepted. So congratulations to our new property owner Jennifer Coyne.

As you look at my notes it will appear a lot of money was spent at this meeting and it was, but remember the majority of this is simply wrapping up the last fiscal year and it is for the most part budgeted (meaning expected) expense.

We are nearing the 15% base in our rental units. This is a base, not a limit. An ADHOC commission is being established to determine what course to take including documenting rentals and including enforcement of rules indicting we are a single family home community. Recommendations will be forthcoming to the board from this commission in the future for any necessary action.

Watch your Candlewick Paper for the official minutes of the meeting. Ken

So long and best wishes to a good man

Tracy speaking at a meeting

 I will not go into a lot of detail here but Tracy, our general Manager, has decided to go to the land of sand and surf. He will be leaving in a few weeks to manage a new upscale development in Florida. He has made no secret of the fact he really dislikes the cold weather so this is no surprise. Your Candlewick Paper will have a lot more specifics.
Tracy has done a lot for this community, calming the waters during turbulent times and controlling our budget well. He has saved us a lot of money through a tight operation and has in place a solid staff for an easy transition.
The community he will be managing has made a good hire. My best to him in the future. I believe a grateful community feels the same.
Ken