Directors: Susan Frank, James Melledy, Gina Rundall, Nicki Sullivan
Treasurer: Fred Aichele
Secretary: Marilee C.C. Wald
Commissioners: Bruce Brodzik, Dan Prezell, Phil Yaffee
Members: 35 present and 16 proxies
Others: Bill Grinnell, Fremont Township Highway Commissioner; Diana O’Kelly, Fremont Township Supervisor; Chuck Bartels, Lake County Board Member, District 10; Teresa Bartels; Eric Landon, North Shore Gas; Carlotta Ruiz-Smith, North-Shore Gas; Ralph Dillon (West Shoreland resident)
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:
LAKE COUNTY BOARD MEMBER, DISTRICT 10 – CHUCK BARTELS
President, Susan Frank introduced, Chuck Bartels, Lake County Board Member, District 10.
Some of the topics discussed by Mr. Bartels included:
Bartels has been on the Lake County Board for 1.5 years.
Noted that he is a member of several committees for the Lake County Forest Preserve.
Expressed that Lake County Board and staff are knowledgeable and responsive and encourages Lake County residents to express their concerns and ask questions.
Encouraged people at the Annual Meeting to pick-up literature he brought to the meeting.
Encouraged people to attend events featured at the Lake County Discovery Museum including “First Folio! The Book That Gave Us Shakespeare,” a traveling exhibit of rare Shakespeare works, which makes its only appearance in Illinois in February 2016 at the Discovery Museum.
Encouraged people to sign up for his email newsletter:
60/83 reconstruction informational piece is available in the newsletter and on his website. Current informal survey suggests that expansion of Route 53 is favored. An Environmental Impact Study is currently underway. There is more information available on his website and he encourages resident input on these projects:
The Fremont Township Highway Department building was completed.
The Fremont Township Food Pantry is available for residents in need of assistance and is accepting volunteers and donations.
The bike path along Midlothian Road has been completed. Future plans may include connecting the bike path to Fremont Center Road and Ray Lake Forest Preserve.
FREMONT TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR – DIANA O’KELLY
President, Susan Frank introduced, Diana O’Kelly, Fremont Township Supervisor.
Some of the topics discussed by Mrs. O’Kelly included:
New Pickle ball court, equipment, restroom upgrades and walking trails have been completed at Behm Park.
The new building for the Fremont Township Highway Department has been completed.
The Annual Fremont Township meeting will be held on April 12, 2016. There was overwhelming support at the 2015 annual meeting.
There is now a community garden to grow fresh vegetables for the food pantry.
The Fremont Township Food Pantry is available for residents in need of assistance and is looking for volunteers and donations.
Heating assistance is available through Fremont Township for low-income residents.
Early voting, absentee voting and voting by mail are all options available in Lake County.
Encouraged residents to “Like” the Fremont Township Facebook page.
Residents are encouraged to contact Diana O’Kelly with concerns and issues. Residents can receive Lake County News, by emailing her: [email protected]
FREMONT TOWNSHIP HIGHWAY COMMISSIONER – BILL GRINNELL
President, Susan Frank introduced Fremont Township Highway Commissioner, Bill Grinnell.
Some of the topics discussed by Mr. Grinnell included:
Improvements at Circle Drive and Grove are moving forward.
WSP Board approval is needed.
Application for the permit has been submitted.
Project tentatively scheduled for late summer / early fall 2016.
Wrapping up Forest Lane project with completion of landscaping to be scheduled for the spring.
Reminded residents to bring fallen branches from the recent wind storms to the edge of their property for pick-up.
Response to Juli Crane regarding the availability of wood chips: Mr. Grinell suggested that residents email him for the periodic availability of wood chips, but most recovered matter goes to Sawvell.
Response to Dennis Fehrman regarding the condition of Oakdale Lane: Mr. Fehrman expressed that Oakdale Lane is in need of patching and repairs and requested that Fremont Township fix the road.
Grinell expressed that it was a mild winter and that snow removal/salting of the roads went as predicted and as a result the current budget did not experience any overages and is in good shape.
Grinell reported that they will be considering drainage projects to coincide with the repaving of the roads.
Please contact Bill Grinnell at [email protected] for more information or to report road conditions and other highway concerns.
HOME ENERGY JUMP START PROGRAM – NORTHSHORE GAS/COMED
Commissioner, Bruce Brodzik introduced speakers Eric Landon and Carlotta Ruiz-Smith from North Shore Gas. Some of the topics discussed included:
North Shore Gas provides a free personalized energy assessment to all residents who receive service from North Shore Gas and ComEd. An energy advisor can help the homeowner determine where the most heat/energy loss occurs in your home including an assessment of: furnace efficiency, refrigerator/freezer efficiency, attic, whole house insulation, outlet covers, shower
heads and faucets, hot water lines, thermostats, lightbulbs, air-conditioning units, and phantom energy draw from computers, televisions and game systems.
Eligible thermostats may be replaced with energy efficient thermostats at no charge.
Incandescent lightbulbs changed to LED (outside) and CFL (inside).
Installation of smart power strips for entertainment centers and computers.
Most replacement items are available at no charge.
Reduced prices on higher-end thermostats and interior LED lights are available at discounted prices.
Rebates are available.
Northshore Gas and ComEd customers are eligible for the energy assessment.
President, Susan Frank introduced West Shoreland resident, Ralph Dillon.
Mr. Dillon requested being able to speak at the WSPC Annual meeting to express his opinion of two topics being reviewed by residents of West Shoreland :
Proposed Graham Annexation. The property is located in unincorporated Lake County at the intersection of Route 83/60 and Midlothian Road. The owner has petitioned Mundelein to annex into the corporate boundary of Mundelein. The business owner plans to apply to the State of Illinois for a video gaming license. Video Gaming is permitted in Mundelein and requires no additional approvals from the Mundelein Village Board. If the State approves a license, the owner may install up to five (5) video machines.
Dillon expressed his concern over having the property expanded to include gaming and the possibility or an expanded parking area to accommodate large trucks and more cars. Several concerns include increased traffic, noise, and exhaust fumes.
Dillon encouraged WSP residents to express opposition to annexation and possible expansion.
Dillon also expressed his opinion regarding two current lawsuits within West Shoreland regarding the installation of fences. He encouraged WSP residents to support the West Shoreland Association in upholding their covenants, which are similar to those in WSP.
CALL TO ORDER
The annual meeting was called to order at 2:12 PM on February 21, 2016 by President, Susan Frank at Countryside Fire Station #1, 801 S. Midlothian Road.
INTRODUCTION OF NEW RESIDENTS
No new residents were in attendance.
INTRODUCTION OF BOARD, OFFICERS AND COMMISSIONERS
Susan Frank introduced the directors, treasurer, secretary, and commissioners in attendance.
MINUTES FOR APPROVAL
Oliver Vogt moved and Juli Crane seconded that the minutes of February 21, 2015 be approved as corrected. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote
TREASURER’S REPORT FOR APPROVAL
Fred Aichele presented the Treasurer’s Report for 01/01/2016 – 01/31/2016. Items discussed included:
Most of the 2015 dues were collected.
Line 42 – Well Maintenance: This line has come in as significantly under budget. Final numbers will not be known until the end of the fiscal year.
Line 46 – Water Tank Replacement: This line is under budget.
Line 59 – Tree Trim/Remove: Under budget. $0 balance. In the future Tree Trim/Remove will not be a separate line item. Since WSP no longer owns the roads, we are not responsible for tree work in the road right-of-ways. Tree work will be budgeted under Miller Park and each of the beaches.
Line 60 – Miller Park: Over budget. More mowing and maintenance was required than budgeted.
Line 62 – Block II Beach: Over budget. Borrowed from line 59 – Tree Trim/Removal to help increase the fund.
Line 17 – Uncollected: Two homes are currently delinquent as of today: 02/21/2016.
Line 45 – Water Line Repair: A water valve needs replacement and there is a high possibility of repair work on Forest Lane.
Mike Davenport questioned the expense for the well operator and requested an explanation of the operator. Fred Aichele explained that the well operator inspects the well pump equipment and takes samples to test the quality of the water. It is a requirement to have a licensed well operator. Ken Boyd suggested looking for price comparisons among well operators.
Gina Rundall moved and James Melledy seconded that the Treasurer’s Report be approved as submitted. Unanimously approved by a voice vote with the board voting to approve the Treasurer’s Report for 01/01/2016 – 01/31/2016 as presented as follows: Susan Frank, yes; James Melledy, yes; Gina Rundall, yes; Nicki Sullivan, yes. A copy is available for download.
WATER TANK REPLACEMENT REPORT
James Melledy presented the Water Commissioner’s Report prepared by Water Commissioner Brett Laureys:
West Shore Park – Water Commissioner Report
2015 Update
Since last year’s meeting, we have had 5 main breaks in Block 2 that were repaired and we also had a number of buffalo boxes that had to be found due to blockage and old valves. Many homeowners have asked for locating their buffalo boxes due to water valve and device issues within their homes. Please be aware that if you are having work done on your home that you have a licensed plumber look at your valve inside your home before shutting off. We have had a few homeowners with emergency situations this year. We cannot react as quickly as some villages to respond to these issues. If homeowners know where their buffalo box is located, please mark it and do not cover in landscaping materials.
WSP prepared and issued the 2014 Water Report to WSP residents. The Annual Water Report is always posted on the WSP website.
WSP has been coordinating with Fremont Township on the water main replacement at the proposed Highland Terrace relocation. The homeowner plans to replace and move the main below the new road. I have been in touch with the engineer and Fremont Township for this work.
Last, we have seen a number of main breaks on Forest Lane over the past number of years. The failures have been mainly failed saddles where the house service connects to the main and one location had a hole in the pipe due to corrosion. The majority of the main on Forest Lane is an older 4 in. cast iron main. Due to the age and condition, WSP will have to consider replacement of this main in the future, likely after the water tank has been replaced.
Water Tank Replacement Update
In late 2012, WSP had a routine water tank inspection performed by Dixon Engineering. The report recommended options for repair of the tank and replacement of the tank. The WSP Board of Directors decided in 2012/13 to budget for replacement of the tank in the fall of 2016 and the project would be added to the WSP Budget over a 4 year period. In 2012, the tank replacement cost was estimated at $275,000.
In preparation for tank replacement, WSP engaged RHMG Engineers in November 2015 to develop preliminary drawings for the tank replacement and provide updated costs. The updated costs have been provided and are around $350,000, including a contingency and added temporary water tank which is now required. Due to other necessary repairs (mainly water main breaks and well pump replacement) to the WSP water system over the past 2 years, the funds available for the tank replacement are less than what is needed to pay for the tank replacement in 2016. Thus, the WSP Board is planning to postpone the tank replacement until the fall of 2017 in order to lower the impact on the WSP dues over the next two years. Based on the savings to date and the updated tank replacement cost, WSP must collect approximately $150,000 ($75,000 for 2016 and 2017) in order to have the appropriate funds to replace the tank.
With the updated information, WSP plans to perform the tank replacement work in the fall of 2017 with final engineering and competitive bidding of the work starting in April 2017. Please note that the costs are estimates and the final work will be competitively bid.
2016 Budget
In 2016, we have budgeted for our routine water management and testing with Swanson Water Treatment. We also have a valve that requires replacement in Block 2 and this work will be coordinated with the Highland Terrace move. Most of the budget is related to our typical yearly costs, with the exception of the water tank replacement fund.
We are also planning for cleaning and staining the cedar siding on the outside of the well house. WSP has budgeted for the stain material, but in order to save cost we will need volunteers this summer to help with the work on the outside of the neighborhood.
Future Work
The following is a list of items that need to be addressed in future budgets and future items that need further attention. Please note the Water Tank replacement is scheduled for 2017.
Replacement of a large portion of the Forest Lane water main (after 2017 and budget allows).
Inspect and service all water main valves in WSP.
Replace damage water main valves, specifically along the newer portion of Forest.
Clean and Paint the hydrants
Lay out B-Boxes at each home and draw them on the WSP map for future identification. This is a difficult and long term project.
There are many items that could be done to assist with tracking and organizing our water system. My work travel schedule has significantly increased in the last 2-3 years. I could use some assistance with the water system. I plan to stay in this position and specifically see through the replacement of the water tank; however, I could use help with the number of calls from homeowners with water issues (breaks, taste, and smell) and a number of the longer term future work listed above.
If homeowners have any questions or if someone is interested in assisting with the water system; please feel free to email me at [email protected].
Thanks,
Brett Laureys
PRESENTATION OF 2016 – 2017 BUDGET
Fred Aichele discussed the adopted budget and annual dues for the 2016 / 2017 fiscal year
HOUSES ON WSP WATER SYSTEM HOUSES WITH A PRIVATE WELL
$783 Water $0 Water
$54 General $54 General
$38 Beach & Park $38 Beach & Park
———————————————— ——————————————————-
$875.00 $92.00
This budget was unanimously approved by the WSPC Board at the Regular Monthly Board Meeting of January 4, 2016 for presentation at the 2016 Annual Meeting.
For comparison use only: The previous year’s annual dues for homes on the WSP Water System are as follows: 2015 – $652 / 2014 – $649 / 2013 – $654 / 2012 – $495 / 2011 – $779 / 2010 – $757
BUDGET DISCUSSION
James Melledy reported that the board is working towards securing grant money to help offset the overall cost of the new water tank.
Cindy Winemaster inquired if it was possible for the WSPC to secure a loan for the well replacement and if the estimated cost will be increased over the coming year. Fred Aichele answered that it is too complicated for the WSPC to secure a loan of this amount. James Melledy answered that the current estimate does have a cushion to anticipate and soften a possible increase in the estimated cost.
James Melledy added that the estimate includes the cost of a temporary water tank which had to be added into the estimate, but it is not certain that the temporary tank will be needed. He also expressed that the original estimate was an educated guess at the possible cost and that the estimate generated closer to the installation date will be much more accurate. Bids for the construction still have to be collected.
An engineering firm has started speculations and plans for review and consideration.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The terms of Directors Tabatha Curtis, Susan Frank and James Melledy have expired. Tabatha Curtis and Susan Frank will not be seeking another term. James Melledy is interested in continuing to be 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.
The official, certified candidates for Director are:
Chris Shifley (26737 Oakdale Lane) – Two Year Term
The nomination for Chris Shifley was seconded by Bruce Brodzik. Unanimously approved by a voice vote.
Cheryl Moss (19415 Forest Lane) – Two Year Term
The nomination for Cheryl Moss was seconded by Dan Prezell. Unanimously approved by a voice vote.
James Melledy (19344 Fairview Drive) – Two Year Term
The nomination for James Melledy was seconded by Bruce Brodzik. Unanimously approved by a voice vote.
HOMEOWNER’S FORUM – PUBLIC COMMENT
Mike Davenport asked if there will be a WSP Picnic. Nicki Sullivan responded that the picnic will be volunteer run and to please watch the monthly minutes and email blast notifications for announcements regarding the picnic and other WSP events.
Judy Retzinger requested if information was available on what the water cost is for people in the Village of Mundelein. Nicki Sullivan reported that she investigated the cost of water for the residents of the Village of Mundelein in December 2015 and that the monthly minimum charge a water customer will pay is currently $47.04 for anything 4500 gallons and under. This would equal $564.48 per year. The “typical” 2015 yearly residential average (this is from a report that they use internally) is $109.76 which is equal to 10,500 gallons or $1,317.12/ year.
Mike Davenport volunteered to assist Water Commissioner Brett Laureys.
Ken Boyd volunteered to paint the well house.
Homeowners are reminded that if they choose to burn leaves, they must follow the Lake County Regulations and Guidelines for Open Burning:
Concerns about open burning can be reported to the Countryside Fire Protection District Non- Emergency Line: 847-367-5511
Homeowners are encouraged to report excessive weed growth in Diamond Lake to the Mundelein Park District for weed control.
RECOGNITION
Susan Frank expressed her thanks to all the volunteers who serve as directors, officers, and commissioners and to all those that help with the many facets of making life so enjoyable in West Shore Park! She also expressed her thanks to those residents in attendance and encouraged residents to attend the monthly board meetings.
Special acknowledgments were given to Fred Aichele who will be beginning his 34th year of service as the Treasurer for West Shore Park this April and for Marilee C.C. Wald who will be beginning her 10th year of service as the Secretary for West Shore Park this April.
ADJOURN
Bruce Brodzik moved that the meeting be adjourned. The motion was seconded by Juli Crane and unanimously approved by a voice vote. The meeting was adjourned at 3:04 pm.
