From Marketwatch, we could end up like Greece

When Chicago Public Schools announced on June 24 that it would borrow $1 billion to make a $600 million-plus pension payment due June 30 an eerie feeling spread across bond investors and taxpayers alike.

It was the same feeling that gripped investors when Moody’s Investors Service downgraded Chicago’s credit rating to junk based almost entirely on the city’s pension problems.

The fear was that elevated pension costs, in cities like Chicago, might push these public entities into insolvency, wiping out much of the holdings of municipal-bond investors.

Once a sleepy corner of the municipal bond market — often not even properly reflected on cities’ balance sheets — public pensions have recently turned into the biggest headache for taxpayers and municipal-bond investors, threatening to bring down the finances of U.S. cities and states.

In some places, like Puerto Rico, Illinois, New Jersey and Chicago, entire balance sheets of cities or states hang in the balance.

Detroit, as well as three Californian cities — Vallejo, Stockton and San Bernardino — had to declare bankruptcy because of their overwhelming pension costs.

Candlewick Lake Public Safety

WEEKLY REPORT

Week Ending 6-29-2015

Rescue Calls

Public Safety responded to two (2) medical calls this past week. Both residents were transported to the hospital.

Disorderly Conduct

Public Safety responded to the vicinity of Candlewick Dr. and Staffordshire to mediate a confrontation between a resident and a construction worker. The Officer spoke with the resident and a witness of the Construction firm. The worker could not be located, he had gone home. A follow up was conducted the next day with the construction supervisor.

Vandalism

Public Safety responded to a report of damage to mailboxes in the 100 blk. of Galleon Run. Officers were able to determine how the damage occurred and who did the damage. The offender agreed to make reparations for the damage and has been billed.

Public Safety responded to a report of mailboxes being damaged in the 200 blk. of Redman Way and 100 blk. of Candlewick Drive. The offenders have not been located. Please notify Public Safety if you see anyone tampering with mailboxes?

Public Safety responded to the 100 blk. of Lamplighter Loop for the report of mailboxes having been knocked down by a vehicle. Upon arrival, neighbors assisted Public Safety in identifying a suspect. BCSO was promptly summoned. The investigation continued. The suspect was located, apparently intoxicated. An arrest was made. Restitution will be sought for the damage with the potential for citations to be issued by Public Safety.

Suspicious Vehicle

Public Safety responded to the field across from the Aqua Plant for a suspicious vehicle. Upon arrival two (2) subjects were located, a male and female. The Officer observed the odor of what was suspected to be cannabis. BCSO was summoned and responded. Further investigation by BCSO lead to the arrest of the female suspect for the suspected possession of drug paraphernalia.

Lake Report

Our Lake Patrol did issue several warning this past week. There have not been any significant incidents to be reported this past week.

Please remember to practice safe boating this upcoming Fourth of July Holiday.

Citations Issued: 11Warnings Issued: 14

Hey, why not? Let's let dogs and cats marry. Ugh

The bride wore white and the groom wore out his batteries: First robot wedding in Japan takes place and even ends with a kiss 

Reminder!

A couple more Sunday Smiles from Dale Mediema

Your Sunday contemplation. Often easier said than done

Remember "Singing in the Rain? Well....

Paaaaving in the rain, we're Paaaving in the rain.
What a glorious feeling, I'm haaaaapy again!
I'm laughing at clouds, so dark up above,

and so on and so on. Well the pavers are doing their best and gaining on it. Smile!

Should be a good show

Thanks to the generous donations of our residents our total is now about $10,600 for the fireworks including the amount budgeted by your association. Expect another good show this year. Your donations are appreciated by all.
Ken

The best laid plans of mice and men

William Charles Construction was hoping to be done by the fourth and out of here so what happens? Rain and more rain. The guys are doing their best in the rain but of course this slows progress.
 Our engineers have been here to oversee the project and so far the only area that will need some undercutting is on Constitution. Undercutting is necessary when the base of the road has weakness, thus making the repair unstable so it is dug out and replaced with solid base.
 The engineers also inspected all the manhole repairs and have deemed them good so we are set to go there. I know this is a mess to drive through but it will not be that long and it will all be finished. It seems everywhere I go now there is roadwork even outside Candlewick.
Ken

Public Safety report

I had to smile thinking about what anyone not from our area would think when reading about the car sinking as no big deal, not knowing it was planned.  Ken

Candlewick Lake Public Safety

WEEKLY REPORT

Week Ending 6-22-2015

Rescue Calls

Public Safety responded to five (5) medical calls this past week. All of the residents were transported to the hospital.

Theft

Public Safety responded to a vacant residence in the 500 blk. of Pembroke for a theft report. Person(s) unknown removed an air conditioning compressor from alongside the residence. This unit had been next to the home a few days earlier and had recently been installed. A canvas of the neighbor did not reveal any information.

Vandalism

Public Safety responded to a report of damage to mailboxes in the 100 blk. of Hastings Way and the 200 blk. of Redman. Officers were unable to be determined how the damage occurred.

Public Safety responded to a vacant home in the 500 blk. of Constitution for the report of vandalism to the inside of the residence. This home had been vacant for about a week. Please notify Public Safety if you see anyone entering a home you know to be vacant.

Public Safety responded to the 100 blk. of Lamplighter Loop for the report of mailboxes having been knocked down by a vehicle. Upon arrival, neighbors assisted Public Safety in identifying a suspect. BCSO was promptly summoned. The investigation continued. The suspect was located, apparently intoxicated. An arrest was made. Restitution will be sought for the damage with the potential for further citations to be issued by Public Safety.

Intoxicated Subject

Public Safety responded to Waldemar Ct. for a man lying in his driveway passed out. Upon arrival it was found the person was extremely intoxicated. The subject slowly got up and went inside a home without responding to the Officer. BCSO responded, it was further learned the man did reside at the residence. He apparently needed rest.

Loose Dog / Barking Call

Public Safety responded to only one (1) dog call this past week. We appreciate your cooperation in controlling your pets.

Lake Report

Our Lake Patrol did not have any significant calls of note this past week. They did attend the Bass Tournament and the Car Sinking.

Citations Issued: 6

Mowing Citations: 4

Warnings Issued: 20

Help find our "friends" a place to stay

In case you missed the car sinking Saturday

One for the money

Two for the show

Three to get ready

And four to go

After having the bags inflated the car body was towed over to the general area where the two boat are sitting then the bags were deflated and the body sunk to it's appointed spot. Simulated water rescue will be performed by the water search and rescue teams from the surrounding area periodically. As I told them, we may be a gated private community but we realize we are part of a larger community and have a responsibility to help with something like this when we can. There were something like five departments there as well as Channels 23, 17, and 39 from Rockford to record the event and Barb Applehans was taking pictures and reporting for the BDR so this is good press for Candlewick.

Want to see a video?

This is a very short video showing the operation of the Skimmer/ Harvester your board voted to purchase to hopefully take care of the algae mats that form in our inlets. Click the link below.
Ken

Eco Harvester/Skimmer demo

Miss you Dad

You have missed a lot since you passed. You would have loved your Great Grandkids. Some day we will meet again.

A couple Sunday Smiles from Dale Mediema

Many of us understand

What the heck?

Have you seen this? It is Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany, eating something that would gag a maggot. 

Ken

Last year (Barb Appelhans pic.)

*CWL* KID’S FISHING – 2015

SUNDAY, JUNE 21^st (Father’s Day)

Hosted by the Candlewick Anglers for the 3^rd year.

2015 Sponsors include: Friends of Candlewick Lake, Poplar Grove Pro Hardware Proudly Carrying Bass Pro Shops Products,
Candlewick Lake Association, and of course with all the help from the many
volunteers from the Lake Management Commission.

REGISTRATION STARTS AT 8:30 a.m. – Fishing will begin immediately after sign in.

FISHING ENDS AT 10:30 a.m. Remember to return your catch list to the sign-in table.

This is kids fishing only – no help from adults except to unhook fish & bait hooks & a parent/guardian must be present at all times.

THIS YEAR AGAIN, THE AGE GROUPS ARE: 3
– 6 yrs 7 – 9 yrs 10 – 13 yrs 14 – 16 yrs.

(Remember, age 16 requires a state fishing license & CWL photo ID)

Yes, we will again have refreshments while we total the catch.

Any questions, call Tom Pinkowski, 815-276-2406

Bring your smile, you WILL be required to wear one.

THINK GOOD WEATHER!!!!!

Personal board meeting notes from 6-16-2015

Attendance was a little stronger this month, probably due to the discussion of the possible lake remediation. 19 guests attended.

Open forum consisted of a comment asking us to purchase the new back-up boat for Public Safety Boat Patrol

The Finance Commission reports write offs in the amount of $2,722.11. Accounting adjustments total $1,305.18.

The standing at the end of May is Operating cash of $1,346,407.06, Operating investments of $285,360.58, Road investments of $315,166.16, Reserve investments $3,520,732.29. Total investments $4,121,259.03 and Total cash of $5,467,666.09.

We are currently under budgeted expense by $51,815.34 and over revenue budget $3,157.80, meaning we are “to the good” by $54,973.14 to date. Remember this is the first report for the new fiscal year. Remember also we have some major expenditures from reserves this year so the reserve total will drop as the year progresses. We are, however, in good shape.

Maintenance reports along with their ongoing responsibilities they have been working on the thrusters in the dip and spraying for weeds and algae. The pool is up and running, the dog park is being fenced, pot holes and shoulder repair are ongoing along with mulching and mowing the parks. They are keeping busy!

Public Safety issued 72 citations and 279 warnings during the month of May. Undoubtedly many of these were uncut grass. They handled 1106 calls from building checks to medical assists.

The Public Safety Commission voted unanimously to recommend purchase of a replacement boat for Lake Patrol.

Events reports the 4^th of July parade will start at 11 a.m. September 6^th will be the First Responders Picnic from noon to four. They will be allowed to use the pool and fish for the day. Fliers are going out asking fro RSVPs so we know what to expect for attendance.

Savannah Oaks reports all grass is being mowed on a regular basis, they are using the new irrigation system using water from the retention pond, and they have caught up on 90% of the weeds. Distance markers are being purchased for the course. The rough mower is in such bad shape we will need to replace it. It is a reserve cash item.

The Memorial Day outing was a success. Pub Trivia is June 20^th as is the Father's Day golf outing. June 27^th will feature Lady's Night with a DJ.

The Golf Commission says the course is looking great. Upcoming events are the Father's Day tournament, Independence Day outing July 5, Parking Lot Party August 29^th, and a Youth League and Youth Open Tournaments scheduled in August.

Lake Management reports the 4^th of July float will be decorated at the McHoes residence on July 3^rd and help is appreciated. The bioswale project is ongoing. They are recommending the purchase of the Eco-harvester/skimmer.

Rec Commission reports 26 kids have signed up for summer camp. They will be attending from two to five days per week. There will be crafts, games, and snacks. Swim classes are filling up nicely and there may need to be a waiting list. Safety equipment, umbrellas, tables and chairs, lounge chairs, and water aerobics equipment have been purchased for the pool this year.

We are experiencing many problems with the Bass Tracker Boat Patrol unit after 26 years of service. It is again in the shop for repairs and it will cost over a thousand dollars. The boat is in our reserves for replacement but not for about three more years. It has reached the point something must be done so we are purchasing a used Lund with a new motor. The cost will be $12,007.69. We will need it in operation for the fourth of July holiday so time is on the essence.

The 2015 Volunteer Appreciation Dinner was discussed. The date decided was October 10th.

Theresa Balk, our G.M., discussed our current policy regarding the replacement of C-passes when someone changes vehicles or needs a replacement for another reason. After some discussion your board decided to leave the rule as is.

The Lake Management Commission brought forth a proposal to purchase an algae skimmer/harvester. As you know this has been a hot topic with the algae bloom this spring and early summer. The possibilities were a weed harvester, a skimmer, and a biological solution using microbes. After discussion your board agreed to go with the recommendation of the Commission, that being purchase of the skimmer/harvester. $50,000 has been budgeted for purchase of a harvester this year and the skimmer will be a little more but we can handle the difference through contingency funding.

Bonnie Marron reported the four charged with producing possibilities for replacement of the Outpost have some preliminary ideas which were shown to the board. This is a good first step and their work is appreciated.

Our Road project is to start the 22^nd of June. The repair areas are marked and set to go. William Charles does not give driveway discounts because it is a separate crew that handles that but there is always a discount if two or more are bid together so speak with a neighbor and call them if interested.

The Capron Rescue Squad building is moving forward with construction. Not much more to tell but things are moving smoothly.

Public Safety put in a request for a new video camera/recorder to use in the new squad. Your board agreed to make the purchase.

We were contacted by Poplar Grove United Methodist Church asking for a dialogue between Oak Lawn Mobile Home Park and Candlewick to consider a plan to allow residents of Oak Lawn (who have no area of safety during a tornado warning) to come through the gates to the Rec Center or bath houses for shelter. Your board suggested they build a shelter for themselves as we have no adequate facilities for that purpose.

Check your Candlewick Paper for approved minutes.

How many will remember this?

I have mentioned before we have lived here almost thirty years. The entire time our association has been fighting to have a close to pristine lake. I was thinking back a couple days ago and remembering some of the earlier fiascos.

How many of you remember the time we decided to drain several feet of water from the lake so we could bring in heavy equipment to dredge Fisherman's Cove and the Dip? The lake was drained and the equipment started at Fisherman's Cove where the Cat was immediately mired in feet of silt and sludge. It sat there for what seems like weeks until something was found that could pull it out. 
Now it was time to refill the lake, which took a lot of time due it being in the summer. Well, the huge exposed land mass decided to grow those tall weeds kids use as spears you see often next to fields. They turn white as they die and are at least as big around as your thumb. They stood into the winter as a testament to our utter failure. The spring melt refilled our now disgusting lake.
When the water was again high enough for me to get my boat out through the weeds I would have to make a path and I put tin foil on an occasional weed so I could find my way back to my pier using a flashlight if it was getting dark. From the lake the entire area in front of our place for a good distance out looked like a wall of white sticks. I am not kidding. You should have witnessed this.

(YEAH, RIGHT!)

Later I was on the Fishing Committee (now called Lake Management.) I believe it was Bruce Minch who was our biologist at the time. As I recall it made sense to put Triploid Carp in the lake because they eat weeds and we were buried in weeds. The first year nothing happened so in our great wisdom we decided we needed to hit it again with another stocking. You guessed it, that is where those submarines we now see cruising the lake came from. We now even allow bow hunting trying to get rid of those bottom stirring monstrosities that can weight fifty pounds.
Why bring these things up? Every year it seems there is something new and better. (SURE!) This year we are deciding on a harvester, a skimmer, or a biological approach with muck eating microbes. The newest idea is the microbial treatment and further investigation into that approach is ongoing. The Lord only knows what is next.........
Ken

Do you ever get that "sinking feeling?"

Well, here is your chance to view a real sinking. You will bear witness to one of the strangest events ever at Candlewick Lake.
Ken

Candlewick Lake Public Safety

WEEKLY REPORT

Week Ending 6-15-2015

Rescue Calls

Public Safety responded to three (3) medical calls this past week. Two (2) of the residents were transported to the hospital.

Trespassing

Public Safety was obligated to turn away a guest three (3) times after the guest attempted to gain entry, not having been called in. The Gate Officer, a short time later, observed this subject attempt and gain entry through the South Gate. This is captured on video. Patrol responded and was able to locate the trespasser. This Officer summoned BCSO. They promptly investigated this incident and made an arrest.

Vandalism

Damage to a residence in the 100 blk. of Sequoyah involved bags containing a brown liquid being thrown against a home. Please reach out to our Department if you observe any vandalism.

Scratches were made in the hood of a vehicle parked in the 100 blk. of Gables. The word was vulgar, there are no suspects at this time.

Windows were broken out of a vehicle parked in the 200 blk. of Rochester. This occurred in the middle of the night. There is a suspect. BCSO was summoned and will follow up on this investigation.

Public Safety located a broken window on a vacant home in the 1000 blk. of CWD. The window was intact the evening before when Public Safety spoke with bank representatives who were working on the home. Please notify Public Safety if you see anyone entering a home you know to be vacant.

Two (2) men were observed doing damage to a vehicle in the 100 blk. of Poseidon. A description was given. BCSO was summoned, the description given to them. There are suspects in this case, BCSO is investigating.

Fighting

Public Safety responded to the Rec Center for the report of a fight having occurred. Suspects have been identified, video will be gathered. Investigation continues.

Loose Dog / Barking Call

Public Safety responded to only one (1) dog call this past week. We appreciate your cooperation in controlling your pets.

Lake Report

Our Lake Patrol located an open shed door in the 1600 blk. of CWD. The Patrol Officer was summoned. The Officers locked the shed and left a message for the resident.

Several warnings were issued by Lake Patrol.

Citations Issued: 12

Mowing Citations: 11

Warnings Issued: 20

Might be fun. I have never attended

Your Sunday smile... from Bonnie Marron

A few minutes before the church services started, the congregation was sitting in their pews and talking.

Suddenly, Satan appeared at the front of the church.

Everyone started screaming and running for the front entrance, trampling each other in a frantic effort to get away from evil incarnate.

Soon the church was empty except for Bill Clinton who sat calmly in his pew without moving, seemingly oblivious to the fact that God's ultimate enemy was in
his presence..
         

 

So Satan walked up to Bill and said, 'Do you know who I am?'

The Clinton replied, 'Yep, sure do.'

'Aren't you afraid of me?' Satan asked.

'Nope, sure ain't.' said the calm as a clam Clinton.

'Don't you realize I can kill you with one word?' asked Satan.

'Don't doubt it for a minute,' returned Bill, in an even tone.

'Did you know that I can cause you profound, horrifing AGONY for all eternity? persisted Satan.

'Yep,' was the calm reply.

'And you are still not afraid?' asked Satan.

'Nope,' said Bill.

More than a little perturbed, Satan asked, 'Why aren't you afraid of me?'

Bill Clinton calmly replied, 'Been married to your sister for over 30 years.

We all need to remember this at times...

Board meeting agenda June 16, 2015

Pub trivia is back! June 20. 8 P.M.

Time to put on your thinking caps. I am afraid I will have to miss this one due to a graduation party for my Grandson. This is a popular activity and this one will be general knowledge (my favorite.) Teams are five or less. Come to Savannah Oaks and join in the fun!
Ken

Microbial nutrient control

One of the avenues that is being studied as a possible solution to our algae problem is the addition of microbes to eliminate the food source. Thursday myself and a few others spent over an hour on a conference call with a product producer rep. The result? We need a lot more research in this field before committing to this type treatment. Investigation continues but to date not too fruitful. We will see where this goes.
Ken

The latest lake remediation proposal

I know this is of great interest to a lot of us. If you wish to see the product that is currently being investigated click on the link below.
Ken

Click HERE for information

Candlewick Lake Public Safety

WEEKLY REPORT

Week Ending 6-8-15

Rescue Calls

Public Safety responded to one (1) medical call this past week.

Fire Call

Public Safety responded to a call of a vehicle on fire, still parked in the garage, located in the 200 blk. of Brandywine Dr. Fire and rescue responded. The fire was put out by a neighbor prior to their arrival.

Domestic Battery

A Public Safety Officer was approached by a woman who had apparently been battered in a domestic dispute. This Officer summoned BCSO. They promptly investigated this incident and made an arrest.

Traffic

Public Safety assisted the BCSO with a hit and run traffic accident with an injury. We were unable to locate this suspect.

Suspicious Activity

Public Safety responded to the 200 blk. of King Henry for youths going through the yards.

Vandalism

Damage to numerous mailboxes was done in the 600 blk. of CWD. The red flags were ripped off the boxes. Please contact our Department if you observe any tampering with mailboxes.

Graffiti was located in the bathroom of Friendship Park. This was not gang related.

Missing Person

Public Safety assisted with a missing person in the vicinity of the West Gate. The person was located.

Loose Dog / Barking Call

Public Safety responded to only one (1) dog call this past week. We appreciate your cooperation in controlling your pets.

Lake Report

Our Lake Patrol located graffiti on the back of a park sign in Inlet Cove. This will be removed.

Several warnings were issued.

The Lake Patrol did attend the Bass Tournament over the weekend.

Citations Issued: 13

Mowing Citations: 8

Warnings Issued: 28

TUESDAY SPECIAL BOARD MEETING CANCELLED!

The decision... no decision

 The Lake Management Commission had a full house at Tuesday's meeting to discuss the path to take regarding the algae problem. I went in fully in support of the skimmer and after the presentation for the harvester then the skimmer I had not changed my mind. Next came information about a biological approach that if what was said holds true could be a better option for the algae.
 Microbes would be administered into our lake to eat the sludge and nutrients that feed the algae. They are said to eat a foot of sludge from the bottom of the lake in a year. There is a heavy treatment the first year then a gradually lower treatment in following years. It is safe for fish, people, wildlife, pretty much everything since it is a natural product. I am not going to try to explain the entire process here due to space limitation plus the fact I do not know enough to give a detailed presentation.
To make a long story short, Lake Management wants time to dig deeply into this with references to see if what is said is accurate then make a recommendation to the board at the next regular meeting, which is next Tuesday.
Is it expensive? You are darn right, but what isn't when working on the lake. As far as the time, rather take the time to be as sure as possible before making the move than to be sorry for a mistake in judgement. Stay tuned. It is being worked on........
Ken

Special Board meeting

 Tuesday evening at 6:30 p.m. is the Lake Management Commission meeting. There will be in depth discussion regarding the purchase of a used harvester as was budgeted or a new skimmer that is smaller but more nimble and can be used also as a harvester. The reasoning behind the special board meeting is to consider the recommendation coming from the Lake Management Commission. Should they recommend the skimmer we want to move on this quickly if the board agrees so we can start working on the algae mats ASAP. The special board meeting will be Wednesday at 7 p.m. Agenda below.
Ken

Friday pictures, things are moving along

This is the Capron Rescue Squad facility. You can see the plumbing is in as is the electric so it is coming together nicely.

This is the dog park. The posts are ready and the fencing is being installed so it shouldn't be too long. This was put on the back burner for a while due to the dog disease concern in the area but things are moving well now.

Your Sunday smile.

And again

 I rode around the lake today (Friday) as I normally do daily and AGAIN, for at least the second time this week, the first thruster in "the dip" is not functioning. I am sure it is plugged up again. Just think about it, that motor is supposed to pump the water forward in order to keep the water moving and stop the collection of the algae blanket on the surface. In order to move the water it must go through the pump and the water is full of filamentous algae, a stringy slimy mess. The cage around it has been reconfigured twice that I know of and it is still the same problem. It will continue to plug as long as the filamentous algae is present. We have replaced that thruster once already and undoubtedly we will fry another one. Add to that the manhours we are burning with the guys out there in a boat trying to clean the cage so it will pump again. It is an expensive and futile effort. Frustration doesn't even cover the feeling.
Ken

WOW! this is so true, and happens so often!

Nothing is free

  IF, and that is a big IF the Lake Commission makes the recommendation to go ahead with the skimmer you need to know if the board agrees this will be costly. We budgeted $50,000 for a used harvester. A brand new skimmer will cost more than that plus with the condition of our lake algae we will need someone assigned pretty much as a full time job running the machine until we catch up, which will take some time. We are looking at overspending our budget not including the extra man-hours. There is also labor involved in disposing of the algae when it is dropped at the landing so the work continues. Our G.M. budgeted hours for operation of the harvester but I doubt it will cover the scope of work we see ahead of us at this point.
  I have mentioned before, using rough numbers, every $24,000 we spend interprets into about $10.00 in dues. That is an easy rule of thumb when figuring what your out of pocket cost will be. that being said, if I were a prospective buyer and saw the lake as it is now it certainly would not appeal to me. I think you all know I am on board with the skimmer unless there is some unforseen problem that pops up during due diligence.
  We have spent a huge amount of money on the lake already and every solution brings a different problem. We have dredged, given alum treatments, tried aerators, thrusters, pumping into the lake, many years ago a weed harvester, triploid carp, we are working on bioswales, it goes on and on. We will keep trying but this is a impoundment lake and it will always have problems. All we can do is keep plugging away with proposed solutions.
Ken

Want to read up on the Eco Harvester?

Below is a link to the information you can check out prior to next Tuesday's Lake Management meeting. Be informed so we can have good questions!
Ken

Eco Harvester/skimmer

She has done a fine job in my opinion

Free concerts

Another one bites the dust! Giving it all away.

A controversial Obama administration plan to cede oversight of the non-profit that manages the Internet's infrastructure is on track to gain government approval by next year's presidential elections, the organization's chief said in an interview.

Some Republican lawmakers have raised concerns about the plan to hand over the stewardship of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to a global multi-stakeholder body, worried that it may allow other countries to capture control.

But ICANN CEO Fadi Chehadé said such opposition was fading and that some opponents would come around once they see the accountability mechanisms and other assurances put in place.

"I think they see now that this is actually a good thing for the Internet. The fragmentation of the Internet is bad for everyone," he said.

"I'm never comfortable, but I am optimistic and I believe that all interests are now aligned... Everybody sees that this makes sense."

Since 1998, the United States, which gave birth to the Internet, has contracted out, through the Commerce Department, the management of the master database for top-level domain names like .com and .net and their corresponding numeric addresses to ICANN.

The Commerce Department has long expected to phase out its oversight and planned to do it at the end of the current ICANN contract in September, though the timing may slip slightly and may require an extension.

ICANN members are working to draft a proposal for how the group would operate as an independent body run by stakeholders from across the world, including academics and business and government representatives.

Chehadé, who plans to leave ICANN in March, said the community should produce the proposal by the end of the year for the U.S. government, including the administration and Congress, to review. He said the review process, according to government estimates, would take 60 to 90 days.

Chehadé said he remained optimistic that those steps could be concluded before the U.S presidential election in November 2016, which may result in a Republican hostile to an ICANN power shift controlling the White House.

Once the review process was completed, ICANN members would work to implement the plan. It remains unclear how long that process would take.

The White House on Tuesday issued a veto threat to a bill proposed in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives that would restrict the Commerce Department's ability to use its funding to relinquish ICANN oversight.