Directors: Chris Shifley, Sharon Zink, Ernie Billittier (1:50 p.m.)
Treasurer: Fred Aichele
Secretary: Marilee C.C. Rusiniak
Commissioners: Bruce Brodzik, Angelo Cangialosi, Brett Laureys
Members: 25 present and 22 proxies
Others: Diana O’Kelly, Lake County Township Supervisor. Herb Riedel, Fremont Township Manager of Operations
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:
FREMONT TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR – DIANA O’KELLY
Board Member Chris Shifley introduced Diana O’Kelly, Lake County Township Supervisor.
Mrs. O’Kelly has been in public service to Fremont Township since 1994.
Some of the topics discussed by Mrs. O’Kelly included:
Thank you to those that participated or donated to the Fremont Township Food Drive.
Referendum regarding the possibility to contract a single waste hauler for Fremont Township passed.
Encouraged residents to “Like” the Fremont Township Facebook page.
Residents are encouraged to contact Diana O’Kelly with concerns and issues.
Residents can receive Fremont Township News, by emailing her: [email protected]
FREMONT TOWNSHIP MANAGER OF OPERATIONS – HERB RIEDEL
Township portion of engineering regarding the replacement water main still underway. Addition of a storm sewer does not seem possible because the street is too narrow.
Engineering for possible Forest Lane extension is under consideration. Decision has not been made if the road extension will be done. It was noted that an extension would help with plowing and fire/rescue accessibility.
Plans to install a storm sewer on Fairview Drive near a new construction.
Mike Davenport requested if pot-hole patching was scheduled. Fremont Township will begin patching when the weather is warmer. Herb Riedel requested that residents call the Highway Department to report pot-holes and road issues.
Diana O’Kelly and Herb Riedel addressed that complaints have been received regarding parking concerns Fairview Drive. Residents must go along with Lake County ordinances. If “No Parking” rules are implemented it would have to be for the entire subdivision and not a single street.
Rose Brisske requested clarification on what a “Parking Ban” would entail. Herb Riedel explained that the WSPC Board will have to determine the scope of the ban and work with the Township and possibly Lake County to implement the ban. Diana O’Kelly reiterated the need to park off the streets after a snow event to allow the plows to get through and do their work.
Carol O’Donnell expressed her concern that there are many cars parking along Fairview Drive making it difficult to drive through. This includes some cars parked the wrong way. Herb Riedel recommended the Sherriff Department be contacted to report cars parked the wrong way on the street. Carol O’Donnell expressed concern that a fire truck or ambulance would not be able to drive through on Fairview Drive with the current excessive street parking. Herb Riedel responded he was unsure of the size requirements of fire trucks and that it is a valid safety concern.
Tom Pilewski requested WSPC and Fremont Township to work with Countryside Fire to determine the needs of safety vehicles. Herb Riedel and Diana O’Kelly stated they would have Fremont Township work with Countryside on the issue as a matter of safety.
Carol O’Donnell expressed her concern for the safety of school kids on the roads and the ability of school buses to drive safely through our streets.
Tom Pilewski asked if a date had been set for garbage pick-up to begin by a single waste-hauler contracted by Fremont Township. Diana O’Kelly explained that there is no date yet because the process is still under-way. She requested residents to send her a copy of their current garbage bill for comparison. Juli Crane questioned how price would be determined. Diana O’Kelly answered that details are to be determined. It was also expressed that Fremont Township is working towards an increased recycling program to keep garbage costs down.
There are many services and programs that Fremont Township provides for residents including:
Early voting, absentee voting and voting by mail are all options available in Fremont Township.
Fremont Township Food Pantry. Also looking for volunteers and donations.
Heating Cost assistance is available through Fremont Township for low-income residents.
Programs to help people with drug addictions.
Programs to help people who are homeless.
Jay Randolph announced that the publication, “Our Gem: a History and Stewardship Guide for Diamond Lake,” was written and published with the assistance of a grant from the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission in 2017 and 2018. The book explains how Diamond Lake was historically well known as a resort and recreation destination as well as the many ways that each of us can help preserve water quality and prevent pollution of this ancient and famous natural resource. The book and grant are the result of a collaborative effort between the Diamond Lake Preservation Alliance, the Mundelein Park and Recreation District, the Lake County Health Department-Ecological Services, the Village of Mundelein, Fremont Township Highway Department and area lake communities. Residents of the watershed may also pick-up a printed version of the book, while they last, from the Fremont Township office at 22385 W. Route 60 or from the front desk at the park district’s Park View Fitness Center at 1401 N. Midlothian Rd. in Mundelein.
Jay Randolph reported that the Diamond Lake Preservation Alliance along with various partners has:
Stabilized the shoreline of Wilderness S. Pond, removed sediment, and added native plants.
Lake, creek, and roadside clean-up.
Carp fishing derby on Diamond Lake.
Diamond Lake educational signs to be installed at beaches and lakeside parks.
Help maintain boat launches and 4 Diamond Lake beaches.
Jay Randolph expressed his appreciation for anything that can be done to preserve Diamond Lake and concluded that the Diamond Lake Preservation Alliance is always looking for volunteers.
CALL TO ORDER
The annual meeting was called to order at 1:56 p.m. on February 17, 2019 by board member, Chris Shifley at Countryside Fire Station #1, 801 S. Midlothian Road.
INTRODUCTION OF BOARD, OFFICERS AND COMMISSIONERS
The directors, treasurer, secretary, and commissioners in attendance introduced themselves.
MINUTES FOR APPROVAL
Bruce Brodzik moved and Rose Brisske seconded that the minutes of February 18, 2018 be approved as presented. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT – JAMES MELLEDY
2019 WSPC Annual Meeting
Presidents Report
I like to take this opportunity to formally thank all the people who volunteer their time.
I want to first thank all the board members for all their hard work.
Chris Shifley
Nicole Sullivan
Ernie Billittier – Although a short stint on the board, I want to thank Ernie for his time on the board. Ernie is unfortunately leaving the neighborhood after a short ten years in the neighborhood. Thank You, Mr. Billittier.
I want to thank a very special person, Sharon Zink. She is stepping down from the board this year. Sharon is a long time West Shore Park resident responsible for helping repair the east pillar hit by a car three summers ago. Sharon cleared out the brush covering the pillars and painted the pillars. That was not enough for Ms. Zink, she then went and cleaned and painted the west pillars along Route 60. Sharon is always will to help with anything and her upbeat positive attitude will be missed. Thank you, Mrs. Zink.
I want to thank the following commissioners and volunteers that donate their time and efforts to making sure that we all live in such a beautiful neighborhood:
Terri Aichele and Gail Kirsten for helping with the attendance at the annual meeting
Pier Commissioner – Bruce Brodzik
Beach Commissioners – John Retzinger and Angelo Cangialosi
Parks Commissioner- Chris Shifley and Dan Prezell
Public Relations – Brenda Prezell and Patty Melledy
Water – Brett Laureys and Mike Davenport
I want to thank Marilee Rusiniak for over 13 years of service as the secretary of WSPC. The amount of work that this full time professional, actor, and mother is required to do as secretary is impressive. She never misses a meeting or deadline and her detail and organization with the meeting minutes is remarkable. Thank You, Mrs. Rusiniak.
Brett Laureys – I would like to extend a special thank you to WSPC Water Commissioner, Brett Laureys, for all his time and effort of managing the water tank project and now leading the Forest Lane Water Main Replacement Project. Believe it or not, the Forest Lane Water Main project may be more complicated than the Water Tank Project. There are many moving parts and entities involved with the water main project. Brett handles every WSPC water related issue professionally and with great detail. We say it every year, but WSPC is very lucky to have someone with his experience and talents to manage the Forest Lane Water Main project and WSPC Water system. Thank You, Mr. Laureys.
And of course, I want to thank the person that makes West Shore Park Corporation run smoothly, 36 year veteran, Fred Aichele. Fred has now been West Shore Park Corporation Treasurer for over 36 years. Treasurer is probably the most important position in WSPC. Fred’s attention to detail is remarkable; he never misses a beat or makes a mistake. Fred also takes care of the web site and provides a historical perspective of WSPC that is instrumental in decisions made by the board. As with helping with the financing of the Water Tank project, Fred is and will be instrumental in the financing of the Forest Water Main Project. Fred has been able to identify a bank that will give WSPC a construction loan to expedite the installation of a new water main to replace the rapidly deteriorating water main on Forest. Banks, typically do not give home owner associations such as WSPC loans. Fred took the time, researched, spoke with several banks and made it happen. This loan will speed up the installation of the new water main by about a year, saving WSPC thousands of dollars in potential water main break repairs.
Thank You Very Much Fred for your 36 years of commitment to WSPC.
I want to also thank all the volunteers that have come out throughout the year for the beach and park clean ups and the special events.
Forest Lane Water Main project – The Water Tank has been constructed and is operating smoothly, thanks to Brett Laureys. WSPC next major construction project is the replacement of the oldest water main section under old Forest Lane in Block II. WSPC is planning on this project taking 3 to 4 years to complete. It will be completed in 2 stages. Again, Brett will be the lead on this project and Fred will be helping with the financing of this large endeavor. Brett will be giving a briefing of the status of the project later in the meeting.
Thank You,
Respectfully Submitted,
James Melledy, President
TREASURER’S REPORT – FRED AICHELE
Fred Aichele presented the Treasurer’s Report for 01/01/2019 – 01/31/2019. Items discussed included:
Line 25 – Grant paid WSPC $6980 for qualified homeowners. In 2017 grant paid WSPC $10,794 and WSPC refunded the same amount to residents for already paid dues.
Line 42 – Includes $852.98 to reprogram control pumps after construction of new tank completed.
Line 43 – Water Sample – Starting in June, monthly testing is being done through our well operator.
Line 44 – Repairs for unexpected back-up well motor/pump repairs.
Line 47 – First renewal with State Farm – actual less than budget.
Line 49 – Website: Renew & updated for the next 5 years.
Line 51 – Legal Fees. Came in under budget.
Line 55 – Land Survey – 3 areas surveyed.
Line 59 – Amount includes tee work.
WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT REPORT- BRETT LAUREYS
Water Commissioner, Brett Laureys reported on the completion of the water tank replacement project and the current water situation.
Overall – completion of the tank project went well.
Shallow well #2 pump burned out and had to be replaced.
There have been a number of water main breaks on Forest Lane. Each break costs approximately $3/4K each to repair – not including the repair costs for the roads.
Phase 1 of the Forest Lane Project has been broken into two parts. Budget was $150K and has been increased to $175K. Expected time-frame is two years, but may go faster if loan is secured.
Storm water Project by Lake County may pay for all or part of the engineering. May save WSPC up to $20K because of Lake County involvement (this is not a guarantee).
Goal is to have engineering done in March / April 2019 with construction to begin in September 2019.
There is a possible cost to contribute towards Fremont Township for necessary road replacement.
Fred Aichele commented that recent water main and road repairs have cost WSPC just under $30K. Details remain to be completed with Lake County, Fremont Township, and the bank.
Tom Pilewski requested information on how extensive water shut-offs will be.
Brett Laureys explained that short shut-off times are expected due to a “tandem” installation where one main will be shut off but another main will remain on. Forest Lane will be impacted the most but water shut-offs are not expected to last for extended periods of time.
Mike Davenport asked if the Forest Lane water main is going to be the last major repair needed or if there are other potential “ticking time-bombs” with the water mains.
Brett Laureys explained that historical records of replacements and repairs of mains, pumps, motors, etc., show that Forest Lane to be the last of the older water mains and that normal maintenance and repair is expected for the newer mains in the system. Fred Aichele cautioned that Prospect Drive may be an older construction.
PRESENTATION OF 2018-2019 BUDGET – FRED AICHELE
Fred Aichele discussed the adopted budget and annual dues for the 2019 / 2020 fiscal year.
HOUSES ON WSP WATER SYSTEM HOUSES WITH A PRIVATE WELL
$721 Water $0 Water
$16 General $16 General
$49 Beach & Park $49 Beach & Park
———————————————— ——————————————————-
$786.00 $65.00
This budget was adopted at the Monthly Board Meeting of January 7, 2019. At this meeting, Sharon Zink moved and Ernie Billittier seconded to accept the final draft of the Proposed Budget Fiscal Year 4/01/2019 – 3/31/2020 as proposed for presentation to the WSPC membership at the annual meeting. Unanimously approved by Directors: Ernie Billittier, James Melledy, Chris Shifley, Nicki Sullivan and Sharon Zink.
For comparison use only: The previous year’s annual dues for homes on the WSP Water System are as follows: 2018 – $733 / 2017 – $767 / 2016 – $875 / 2015 – $652 / 2014 – $649 / 2013 – $654 / 2012 – $495
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The terms of Directors Ernie Billittier, Nicki Sullivan, and Sharon Zink have expired. Sharon Zink will not be seeking another term. Ernie Billittier and Nicki Sullivan are both interested in continuing to serve on the WSP Corporation Board of Directors.
WSPC received three eligible nominations to be considered for the three open positions of Director.
Each candidate was asked to introduce themselves.
New candidate Mike Davenport: Mike has lived in WSP since 1986 and has raised two kids in this community.
Rose Brisske noted that Ernie Billittier will be moving out of the WSP sub-division soon and requested clarification on how he can serve on the board if he is moving. Ernie stated that is happy to serve until a volunteer is appointed to fill his position. Chris Shifley replied that there are possible residents who are under consideration to step in when Ernie moves.
The official, certified, candidates for Director are:
Ernie Billittier (19377 Fairview Drive) – Block 2 – One Year Term
The nomination for Ernie Billittier was seconded by Werner Brisske. Unanimously approved by a voice vote.
Mike Davenport (26630 Circle Drive) – Block 2 – Two Year Term
The nomination for Mike Davenport was seconded by Chuck Trampe. Unanimously approved by a voice vote.
Nicki Sullivan (26671 Oakdale Lane) – Block 1 – Two Year Term
The nomination for Nicki Sullivan was seconded by Gail Kersten. Nicki won re-election with 44 of 47 votes.
HOMEOWNER’S FORUM – PUBLIC COMMENT
Rose Brisske requested information on who runs the WSPC Official Facebook page and
requested an explanation of how it is run and what the rules are. It was explained that Nicki
Sullivan is the primary administrator of the group and Secretary Marilee C.C. Rusiniak is an
additional administrator. Nicki took over administration of the group from former WSPC
President Susan Frank who created the group and explained that residents are invited to post events and notices, ask questions, and make comments on issues concerning WSPC. Bruce Brodzik, Ken Krasinski, and Tom Pilewski expressed that they were not in favor of a WSPC
Facebook page and that there may be questions regarding the legality of the group page. Rose Brisske stated that there should be a commissioner position created to run the WSPC Facebook page.
Carol O’Donnell expressed her concern regarding the parking situation on Fairview Drive. She stated that in addition to the information presented earlier in the meeting, she has witnessed a fire-truck being unable to go pass on the street due to parked cars. She is concerned that the road is un-safe. She also reiterated that cars have been parked in the wrong direction, and that mailboxes and landscaping has been damaged due to cars parking along the street or by moving cars trying to pass parked cars. Mrs. O’Donnell requested that the WSPC board create and enforce rules to protect the homeowners.
Chris Shifley responded that unfortunately, there are residents that do not feel the rules and regulation apply to them who will ignore any rules and regulations put into place. The board will draft and send letters to the homeowners in an attempt to address the situation and will personally speak with the homeowners. He also expressed that the WSPC Board will work with Countryside Fire Department, Fremont Township, our Lake County Board Representative, and the Lake County Sherriff’s Department to address the situation.
ADJOURN
Brue Brodzik moved that the meeting be adjourned. The motion was seconded by Werner Brisske and unanimously approved by a voice vote. The meeting was adjourned at 3:05 p.m.
