WEST SHORE PARK CORPORATION
REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES – final
January 5, 2026
ATTENDANCE
Directors: Ben Arditti, Larry Bakirtjy (7:04p.m.), Taylor Closen, Mike Davenport
Treasurer: Fred Aichele
Secretary: Marilee C.C. Rusiniak
Commissioners: Tracey Cornish – Miller Park
Members: Bruce Brodzik, Don Laird, Pascal O’Reilly
Guests: Bob & Trudy Balogh of the West Shoreland HOA
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order on January 5, 2026 at 7:02 p.m. at Countryside Fire Station #1, 801 S. Midlothian Road, Mundelein, Illinois 60060 by President Mike Davenport.
MINUTES FOR APPROVAL
Ben Arditti moved that the minutes from the Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors on December 1, 2025 be approved as corrected. Taylor Closen seconded the motion. Unanimously approved by Directors: Ben Arditti, Taylor Closen, Mike Davenport.
HOMEOWNER’S FORUM
Bruce Brodzik reported he met with Mundelein Park District Executive Director, Ron Salski, who is interested in attending the annual meeting to discuss the channel and seawall and upcoming park district project.
Bruce Brodzik requested if permanent markers have installed along the property lines. Mike Davenport confirmed no new markers have been installed. Larry Bakirtjy added that the current markers are official survey markers and removal of them is unlawful and that some decorative markers are under consideration.
Bruce Brodzik inquired about the Block 1 Beach budget, specifically for ropes and rafts. Mike Davenport stated the Block 1 Beach budget is $7,600, excluding ropes/rafts for this year, but may be budgeted for next year.
Bruce Brodzik expressed concern about the landscaping budget stating he can secure a cheaper price. Mike Davenport stated money will be saved if possible.
Pascal O’Reilly asked about the purpose of the Miller Park survey. Larry Bakirtjy explained the surveys were to define property lines for landscaping duties and resolve boundary questions, with official markers installed. Mr. O’Reilly stated that he has observed the landscapers blowing leaves into the channel/water and onto private property. Ben Arditti confirmed the leaf blowing issue was discussed with the contractor. The issue will again be addressed with the contractors.
Pascal O’Reilly inquired about tree maintenance. Mike Davenport clarified tree maintenance is not done by the landscapers and is handled separately, usually by bidding, and advised members to report tree issues on association property.
CORRESPONDENCE
Mike Davenport reported he received an email regarding the December minutes’ wording about WSPC being named as a counter-defendant in a court motion. Fred Aichele suggested clarifying that the association only received a notification due to homeowner association status, not implying WSPC direct involvement in the court case. “No action needed” will be added to the corrected minutes.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Fred Aichele presented the Treasurer’s Report for 12/01/2025 – 12/31/2025 for review and discussion. Ben Arditti moved and Taylor Closen seconded that the Treasurer’s Report be approved as submitted. Unanimously approved by all directors: Ben Arditti, Larry Bakirtjy, Taylor Closen, Mike Davenport.
BUDGET DISCUSSION
Fred Aichele presented the 3rd draft of the proposed budget for review and discussion.
Commissioners and members are encouraged to attend monthly board meetings to have their concerns and requests regarding the budget addressed during the planning stage. The most important meetings regarding how WSPC spends funds collected from the homeowners are from September through December.
HOUSES ON WSP WATER SYSTEM HOUSES WITH A PRIVATE WELL
$516 Water $0 Water
$367 General $367 General
$88 Beach & Park $88 Beach & Park
———————————————— ————————————————
$971.00 $455.00
Ben Arditti moved and Larry Bakirtjy seconded to finalize the draft of the Budget Fiscal Year 4/01/2026 – 3/31/2027 for presentation at the annual meeting on February 22, 2026.
Motion unanimously approved by Directors: Ben Arditti, Larry Bakirtjy, Taylor Closen, Mike Davenport.
COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS
Water Commissioner – Chad Karol via email
- Manifold Project planning has begun.
- One-year maintenance check on the generator to be scheduled.
Miller Park Commissioner – Tracey Cornish
- Tracey asked about funds in the budget regarding a potential picnic table purchase. Fred explained unspent funds are typically applied to next year’s dues but can be spent if a good deal arises.
- Tracey Cornish will be stepping down next at the end of her term (February 2026). Don Laird has expressed interested in the position and will be appointed following the annual meeting.
- The board sends a, “thank you” to Tracey Cornish for her efforts during her term.
REVIEW OF TASKS LIST
Review and discussion of the Board and Officers Task List.
NEW BUSINESS
Fred Aichele reported that paper copies of the Miller Park survey were received and is now available for viewing on the website.
ADJOURN
Larry Bakirtjy moved that the meeting be adjourned. Ben Arditti seconded the motion. Unanimously approved. The meeting was adjourned at 7:56 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Marilee C.C. Rusiniak, Secretary
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- February 2, 2026 – Regularly Scheduled Monthly Board Meeting
- February 22, 2026 – Annual Member’s Meeting – Meeting Begins 1:30 p.m. / Check-in Begins 1:00 p.m.
- March 2, 2026 – Regularly Scheduled Monthly Board Meeting
- April 6, 2026 – Regularly Scheduled Monthly Board Meeting
All monthly meetings are held at Countryside Fire Station #1, 801 S. Midlothian Rd., Mundelein, IL 60060 at 7:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
DIRECTORS AND THEIR TERMS
Name Month/Year Term Expires
Ben Arditti, Block 2 February 2026
Mike Davenport, At Large February 2027
Minaxi Tailor, Block 2 February 2027
Taylor Closen, Block 1 February 2026
Larry Bakirtjy, Block 1 February 2027
REMINDERS
Join the West Shore Park Corporation Facebook Page for official WSPC news as it happens.
Sign up for the private Between the Pillars WSP Facebook Group for updated social events and information.
Please add westshorepark@westshorepark.com to your email contacts. We have been experiencing some difficulty with certain email servers rejecting emails because they are thought to be spam.
Please do not send emails to the westshorepark@westshorepark.com email address. The email is used mainly for sending out email to members and is not regularly checked. Your email may sit for some time before being forwarded to the correct individual to handle your situation or request. Please email or call Secretary Marilee C.C. Rusiniak, or directly contact any member of the board. Email addresses are available on the website and phone numbers are listed in the West Shore Park Homeowner Directory.
It is recommended that pedestrians walking at night or dusk/dawn should wear reflective clothing and have a flashlight or light-up leash for their dog. The NHTSA recommends the following safety tip for walking in a neighborhood without sidewalks such as WSP and West Shoreland: Pedestrians should walk FACING traffic and as far away from traffic as possible. https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/pedestrian-safety (Bicycles ride along WITH traffic.) Dog owners are also reminded to please obey leash laws and to always pick-up after your dog.
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