February 5th, can you spare two hours? (Starts at 1)

This is the day of the candidate's forum. Come to have your questions answered by the candidates so you can make a good selection of the people you wish to have make the decisions for Candlewick. It will last about an hour... then comes the....

This should take about another hour. Take a look at how your dues are being spent and get your questions answered. The budget actually came out a lot better than I anticipated but it is still good to view the final results.

Savannah Oaks changes

These are the plans for the coming season regarding the clubhouse. The decision was made we are not operating a bar, it is just a convenience for the golfers.

The clubhouse will close one half hour after golf is over.
Clubhouse hours will coincide with the golf season.
The food menu will be simplified and condensed.
Drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) will be only the good sellers to control inventory.
Tobacco products will be eliminated.
The "chip" program is discontinued.

These changes are to stem the losses we have been taking in the clubhouse operation yearly.

Another interesting statistic

 The only logic I can see in this is my last name being Dillenburg, which is German. Otherwise why would anyone in Europe care about the blog? These stats are this month through the 17th.

Board meeting of January 17, 2017

Open Forum consisted of Noah Currier from Wounded Warriors mentioning ABC has been filming the Wounded Warrior program including the new facility at Candlewick. It is to air in April and should be good publicity for Candlewick. He said they need to put hard flooring in the facility and do some bathroom remodeling for handicapped access so anyone willing to help should contact him.



The AQUA update indicated they are in the process of planning for next year's main replacements. The new well will not be built and will mean a huge savings. Instead they will be using a connection with Poplar Grove if there is a failure again where water can be sent to us, avoiding the last problem we had.

Finance Commission Finance Commission reports the budgeting process is in high gear with the proposed budget about set to go for the next fiscal year.
Our standing at the end of December is Operating Cash of $1,080,327.64, Operating Investments of $520,651.14, Reserve Investments $3,669,888.50. Total Investments $4,190,539.64 and Total Cash of $5,270,867.28.
We are currently under budgeted expense by $143,367.07 and over revenue budget $69,991.91, meaning we are “to the good” by $213,358.95 fiscal year to date.
Accounting adjustments for December equal $479.78. Write offs for the month are $327.01

Lake Management reports Wendler Engineering has the engineering report almost finished regarding the possible settlement/retention area between Caledonia Road and the "dip." Clark estimates we will need to treat about 104 acres to get control of the Milfoil in the lake. Further treatment will be necessary. Additional limbs will be added to lake structure if available.

Events cancelled their meeting.



The Roads Commission discussed the areas for work in 2017, possibly continuing the two inch overlay on Candlewick Drive from where it ended in 2016 and extending another mile. Discussion was held about which is better, microsurfacing, chip/seal, or slag. No final verdict yet. A suggestion was made to purchase a shoulder retriever.

Communication Commission cancelled their meeting.



The Golf Commission cancelled their meeting.



Public Safety had a meeting but Val Alt was injured in a fall outside and the meeting was stopped at that point to give her aid. Nothing of substance had been discussed prior.

The Rec Commission meeting was cancelled.
It was decided the punch cards used in the Rec Center will be discontinued but of course the outstanding cards will be honored.



The Outpost rebuild was again discussed with further study looking for a less expensive option.



A meeting was held with ShawCraft Signs to indicate our preferences regarding a new East Gate entry sign. The old one is in bad shape, is placed too far from '76 for viewing, and is dated. The representative is to report with proposals for a new, modern, striking sign to represent our community. It is time to upgrade our curb appeal.

Savannah Oaks clubhouse will sport less hours next year and a less extensive food availability. We lose money every day the clubhouse is open and we must stem the bleeding as much as possible. The clubhouse is for the convenience of golfers and is not to be a neighborhood bar. New hours and food availability will be published here soon for your perusal.



Savannah Oaks reports Pub Trivia had a good turnout Dec. 10^th. Pub Trivia will be at the Rec Center for the winter. The New Years Eve party had attendence of about 50. The clubhouse is now closed for the season.

A resolution was passed moving the 401K plan from Alpine Bank to Principal Financial. This was due to the fee structure at Alpine.



A resolution was passed contracting with Clarke Aquatic Services to treat approximately 104 acres of the lake to control invasive weed species plus obtain and have a lab identify specific species to have proper chemicals used. The cost for this will be $39,165.00. This is not in our budget but is a necessary expense to control the unexpected milfoil population. Another budget buster!



A reso was passed to replace the two rusting metal doors in the Pool House at a cost of $4,647.19. This is coming from our replacement reserves so no budget problem here.

Be sure to watch for official minutes printed in your Candlewick Paper.

I am sure some are wondering

Monday morning was the last chance to turn in a candidacy statement for the board election. There are two seats available and we have three candidates running. Chuck Corso, Gary Kurpeski, and Sarah White have turned in their paperwork (Listed in the order they turned in information). Be sure to read the February paper to see their views on Candlewick and remember to attend the candidate forum to hear them field questions. 

I am amazed.

As I published the board agenda I decided to take a look at the page views. Since I stopped almost all posting I expected to have a very small number. Look below! Why? I haven't a clue but thanks for the interest.  Ken

January 17, 2017 Board meeting agenda

Pool table free

We are giving away Darrell's (my son) pool table. It is in the basement and is in pretty good shape. New felt wouldn't hurt. All you have to do is take it apart and get it out of his basement and it is yours. Included are the balls and a couple sticks.
Give me a call if you are interested. Ken 815-978-3559

Some new information

 The office will be getting this message out through e-blast and our message boards but there will actually be two seats up for grabs in the board election. Greg Waite has resigned due to a job promotion and a move from Candlewick so his seat plus Don Parisi's will both be open.
 Information to this point indicated just Don's term had expired so one open seat.
 I hope some really great people will decide to run.
Ken