WEST SHORE PARK CORPORATION
ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES – final
February 26, 2025
ATTENDANCE
Directors: Larry Bakirtjy, Mike Davenport, Chris Shifley
Treasurer: Fred Aichele
Secretary: Marilee C.C. Rusiniak
Commissioners: Miller Park – Tracey Cornish, Chad Karol – Water, Block 1 Beach – Dan Prezell
Members: 32 present and 14 proxies
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
JESSICA VEALITZEK – LAKE COUNTY BOARD REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 10 & LAKE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVES PRESIDENT
- Encouraged subscription to her county newsletter for updates on various county divisions
Lake County District: https://tinyurl.com/yn7e28a3
Forest Preserve Newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/uhmkfn5n
- Announced the passage of the $155 million bond referendum, for Lake County Forest Preserves passed overwhelmingly by Lake County voters in November with 65% of the vote.
- $90 million will be for capital improvement projects (new trails, ADA code upgrades, habitat restoration, and invasive species removal).
- $60 million will be for new land acquisition, focusing on expanding preserves, creating trail connections, and ecologically valuable land for storm water management and wetland restoration.
- Shared news about the new Regional Operations Center (ROC), a consolidated 911 center opening in June at the Libertyville complex. This aims to increase public safety by reducing call times and information transfer delays. Countryside Fire Protection District is a member.
- Highlighted the Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center (an arm of the State’s Attorney’s office) for Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month in April. The center provides forensic interviews, exams, and mental health support for children and families.
DANIEL DIDECH – ILLINOIS STATE REPRESENTATIVE 56th DISTRICT
- Provided an update on the Route 60/83 construction project, noting it is still a few years away from the start of construction.
- The project is included in the Rebuild Illinois Capital program (FY 2025-2030) with an allocated $183 million.
- Pre-final construction contract documents will be submitted in 2025.
- Land acquisition activities are ongoing and will control the schedule, with contracts targeted for later years of the 2025-2030 program. Homeowners impacted by land acquisition were encouraged to contact his office.
- Construction will likely involve closing half the road (northbound then southbound lanes) at a time to minimize disruption.
- Phase one (2018) and phase two (2020-2021) environmental studies have been completed. Concerns regarding water flow into the lake versus the slough have been raised by residents and are being reviewed by IDOT.
- Confirmed the plan for the railroad crossing is a grade separation, with the road going over the tracks.
- Offered assistance with Secretary of State’s office issues.
- Will follow up on plans to fix the existing rough railroad tracks before the major construction begins.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MUNDELEIN PARK AND RECREATION DISTRICT – RON SALSKI
- Expressed gratitude for Jessica Vealitzek and Daniel Didech’s help in getting a “seat at the table” with IDOT for the Route 60/83 runoff issue.
- Working with Alicia Dodd, the Park District, and Gewalt Hamilton engineers to propose plans to direct runoff into the slough first, rather than the lake. IDOT is receptive if costs are covered.
- The Park District is undertaking a master plan phase for the boat launch, beach, and building area. Three community concepts will be released around June, with a goal to remove the fence at Diamond Lake and create a more enjoyable gathering place.
- Received a grant from SMC Lake County for the Diamond Lake management plan, which will be accessible to all. A survey for associations will be conducted over the next three years to gather feedback.
- The plan will also explore dredging in the WSP channel and possible seawall projects in hope to secure grants.
- Dredging the channel is estimated to cost $400,000-$500,000. It’s a significant project, not in the 2025 budget, but cost-sharing possibilities will be explored with home-owner associations.
- A public meeting for lake treatment will be held in March at the Regent Center, followed by an April treatment to tackle invasive species earlier in the season. The lake treatment budget has doubled.
- Addressing boat ranger issues: Village of Mundelein police, Lake County Sheriff, and Park District staff will meet in April for training and review plan to handle challenges, given jurisdiction complexities. Boating tickets have been issued this year.
- Introduced team members: Kyle Berg (Director of Recreation and Facilities), Rob Foster (Director of Parks and Facility Maintenance), and Nate Neuwirth (Superintendent of Parks Maintenance).
CALL TO ORDER
The annual meeting was called to order at 2:02 p.m. on February 16, 2025 by President, Mike Davenport.
INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEMBERS
Mike Davenport invited any members new to the neighborhood to introduce themselves. Welcome to (returning) members Bill and Shannon Lester of Circle Drive.
INTRODUCTION OF BOARD, OFFICERS, AND COMMISSIONERS
The directors, treasurer, secretary, and commissioners in attendance introduced themselves.
MINUTES FOR APPROVAL
Bruce Brodzik moved and Carrie Colvin seconded that the minutes of February 18, 2024 be approved as presented. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT – MIKE DAVENPORT
- Thanked everyone for attending and emphasized the importance of community participation.
- Special thanks to board members and commissioners for their volunteer work.
- Highlights from 2024:
- Large dead tree along the channel was removed.
- Park surveys almost completed. Digital surveys of WSPC land (channel, Block 1 and 2 beaches) available on the website.
- New well operator, Gewalt Hamilton Associates, Inc. has replaced Swanson.
- New natural gas-powered Kohler generator installed next to the well house. This replaced the diesel generator (from the 1980s) that had chronic problems, to ensure backup power for well pumps during outages. Startup and testing are pending. The old generator is available for removal by anyone interested.
- Email server issues resolved.
- Increased activity on the Route 60/83 widening project, with residents working to protect the lake from runoff.
- Upcoming in 2025:
- Significant manifold pipe repair/restoration/replacement in the well house is a top priority for the water system.
- Seawall replacement plans are delayed until at least fall 2026, projected as a two-year project. Funds are being collected.
- Replacement of the well house roof is overdue.
COMMISSIONER REPORTS
WATER – CHAD KAROL
- Past Year Activities:
- Replaced two chlorinator pumps and repaired a third.
- Replaced a faulty ground valve between the water tank and well house.
- Removed bushes around the three well heads in Miller Park to perform maintenance, repairs on two wells, and super chlorination of Well #3.
- Replaced the deteriorated sidewalk in front of the well house with new concrete for the path and generator pad.
- New generator is in place as of January 30th; electrical hookup, startup, and testing expected within 2-3 weeks, allowing the old generator to be decommissioned.
- A moving truck hit a fire hydrant on Fairview and West Shore Drive; a police report was filed for insurance purposes (second time for this hydrant, posts will be added).
- Upcoming for 2025:
- Repair/replace well house roof and add gutters.
- Continue regular maintenance (well, generator, hydrant flushing).
- Major project: Replace a completely rusted manifold on the water booster pump (~$40,000 cost), requiring extensive planning to keep the water system online.
- IEPA requirement: Residents will be asked to provide addresses, home build year, and type of water line (lead, copper, plastic, etc.) entering their homes (via email with photos) for mandatory water sampling/testing data submission.
MILLER PARK – TRACEY CORNISH
- Scouted the park in person to establish budget needs which were presented to the board.
- Plans for this year include general repairs and cleanup, new picnic tables, resurfacing of the blacktop, painting, and landscaping around the new generator.
TREASURER’S REPORT – FRED AICHELE
Fred Aichele presented the Treasurer’s Report for 01/01/2025 – 01/31/2025. Items discussed included:
- This report is as of January 31st (not the end of the fiscal year which is March 31st).
- Income highlights: Included a $471 refund from AT&T due to billing and service issues after switching to fiber optic.
- Disbursements: Totaled $133,000+.
- Line 43 (Well Maintenance/Repair): Over budget due to fixing the old generator ($1100), new preventive maintenance ($1800), and repairing Well #2 ($1600).
- Line 45 (Unplanned): Replaced two chlorine pumps ($1700).
- Line 46 (Water Main Breaks): $150 spent for landscaping repair from a previous year’s break.
- Line 57 (Miscellaneous): Over budget due to Sunrise property survey and sign (budgeted last year, paid this year).
- Line 58 (Miller Park Survey): Not yet paid. Tree removal (budgeted last year, paid this year).
- Line 59 (Sand): $800 under budget.
- Line 60 (Paver Edge Repair/Shed): Not yet done.
- Line 69 (Generator Replacement Project): $51,000 spent from the generator fund, under budget for the generator itself. Additional steps (gas line, concrete pad, tree trimming, diesel tank move) were required before installation.
Question: What/where is Sunrise Park? This is the small parcel of WSPC land that is only accessible by water and is adjacent to the Taylor Lake Court properties.
PRESENTATION OF 2025-2026 BUDGET – FRED AICHELE
Fred Aichele presented the budget and annual dues for the 2025 / 2026 fiscal year.
- Key increases/changes:
- Line 42 (Well Operator): Significantly higher due to new operator, increased demands, and EPA requirements. Budget allows for more to avoid exceeding the previously lower estimated amount.
- Line 45 (Well Repair/Upgrade): Budgeted for the major manifold pipe replacement in the well house (~$40,000).
- Line 51 (Legal Fees): Increased to reflect actual regular costs for disputes and collection of past-due resident dues.
- Line 66 (Water Emergency Fund): Plan to add $11,000 to replenish the fund.
- Projected carry-over funds: Anticipated $45,000 in carry-over from the end of this fiscal year (comprising $29,000 water, $10,000 general, $6,000 beach/park funds) means these amounts will not need to be collected in the next year’s budget.
HOUSES ON WSP WATER SYSTEM HOUSES WITH A PRIVATE WELL
$574 Water $0 Water
$41 General $41 General
$235 Beach & Park $235 Beach & Park
———————————————— ———————————————
$850.00 $235.00
WESTSHORELAND: $235.00 per home for Beach/Park
Note: This budget was accepted at the regular monthly board meeting of January 6, 2025. At this meeting, Minaxi Tailor moved Larry Bakirtjy seconded to accept the final draft of the Proposed
Budget Fiscal Year 4/01/2025 – 3/31/2026 as proposed for presentation to the WSPC membership at the annual meeting on February 16, 2025. Motion carried unanimously approved by Directors: Larry Bakirtjy, Mike Davenport, and Minaxi Tailor.
For comparison use only: The previous year’s annual dues for homes on the WSP Water System are as follows: 2024 – 973.00 / 2023 – $670 / 2022 – $850 / 2021 – $850 / 2020 – $850 /
2019 – $786 / 2018 – $733
- Additional points from Fred Aichele:
- The 2025 block 1 beach budget does not include a porta-potty.
- A new homeowner phone book is planned. Please send in updated information.
- To simplify billing, a proposal was made for all residents to receive a general email bill (for community water system without special conditions), with those having special conditions (pool, rink) receiving a separate follow-up email.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The terms of Directors Larry Bakirtjy, Minaxi Tailor, and Mike Davenport have expired. All are 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.
The official, certified, candidates for Director are:
Larry Bakirtjy (26713 Oakdale Lane) – Block 1 – Two Year Term
Minaxi Tailor (19303 W Forest Labe) – Block 2 – Two Year Term
Mike Davenport (28830 Circle Drive) – At-Large – Two Year Term
The nomination for Larry Bakirtjy was seconded by Dan Prezell. Approved by a majority voice vote.
The nomination for Minaxi Tailor was seconded by Tracey Cornish. Unanimously approved by a voice vote.
The nomination for Mike Davenport was seconded by Chuck Trampe. Unanimously approved by a voice vote.
HOMEOWNER’S FORUM – PUBLIC COMMENT
Homeowner’s Forum – Public Comment
- Phil Yaffee suggested broadband as an alternative to AT&T Fiber, offering similar pricing and building out in the area.
- Tracey Cornish asked about the board’s stance on security cameras for Miller Park and the well house.
- The board has discussed it, noting it’s a minor expense, but the budget was finalized when the idea was raised.
- The intent is to look into it to address routine vandalism and protect the water system.
- Jenny Halverson offered to donate a security system/kit.
Block 1 Beach Porta-Potty: Bruce Brodzik inquired why the porta-potty was removed from the Block 1 beach budget. Block 1 Beach Commissioner, Dan Prezell, explained that monitoring showed it was very seldom used. Fred Aichele noted that the cost was increasing, to nearly $1,000, and it was deemed unnecessary given the low usage and the board agreed.
ADJOURN
Bruce Brodzik moved that the meeting be adjourned. The motion was seconded by Holly Kim and unanimously approved by a voice vote. The meeting was adjourned at 2:59 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Marilee C.C. Rusiniak, Secretary