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

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... 1^st Sons of a Beach, 2^nd Brown Eyes, 3^rd 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

Excerpt form a Senator Dave Syverson post

Dave Syverson

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

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!

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)

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

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

The "Snipe hunt"

Some of you older readers may have heard of this. It was a common joke in the area where I was raised. The story goes like this.
You convince some unsuspecting person, often kids who don't know better, that you are willing to take them on a snipe hunt. A Snipe is supposedly kind of like a quail. They must be hunted on a moonless night in the woods where they fly close to the ground and run near your feet. The victim is given a burlap bag with which to catch the Snipes as they go past them. Those pulling the prank go off into the woods with flashlights yelling “SNIPE”, pretending they have kicked one up and the victim is to catch it.
From here the story can go different ways. Sometimes the poor kid is just left in the woods in the dark and sometimes he is told the truth after making a fool of himself seeing Snipes. The joke is there are no Snipes in the woods but those trying to catch them with the bag tend to swear they see them. Kind of a mean joke I guess.
Why this long-winded story? We occasionally have a form of Snipe hunt here in Candlewick with Naysayers complaining about non-existant problems or problems that are minimal just to make others believe things are much worse than they really are. Why would they do this? Who knows. Possibly to feel important and grab the spotlight? Maybe to fool others? Could it be because they don't like those in leadership positions? I really don't know but don't let them leave you in the dark on a Snipe hunt.
This is a great place to live and most realize it. Is everything perfect? Heck no, but it isn't anywhere else either. Problems are being constantly addressed. I for one am going to enjoy our amenities and gated status and ignore baseless complaints. I hope you do as well.

Ken