2010
Countryside Lake Association
Mundelein, Illinois 60060
2009 Annual Meeting Minutes
March 15, 2010
Prior to the meeting the following guest speakers addressed the membership:
Lyle Erickson, W.B. McCloud Company
Diana O’Kelly, Lake County Board Member
CALL TO ORDER
BOARD ATTENDANCE: J. Miller, L. Johnson, J. Eifert, S. Robb, T. Richter, J. Wilkins, L. Jezuit, L. Ericson. Absent: S. Parmley. Others Present: Capt. Garry Passafiume.
CLA Members Present: 23
Proxy to Others: 2
Proxy to Board: 53
A quorum was met and President John Eifert called the meeting to order at 7:50 p.m. J. Eifert introduced the board members and requested any new CLA members present to introduce themselves to the membership. New members Jason and Janet Williams on Andover Drive and Doug and Joyce DeWitt on Hackberry were welcomed to the Association.
SECRETARY’S REPORT
Lee Graber moved and Andrew Zych seconded the motion to approve the Secretary’s Report as circulated. All in favor, the motion carried.
TREASURER’S REPORT
J. Miller reviewed the 2009 fiscal year budget and expenses and discussed the 2010 budget and year -to-date expenses as presented in the report dated March 12, 2010.
Colleen Liberacki moved and Sidney Czynski seconded the motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report. All in favor, the motion carried.
NOMINATIONS AND BOARD ELECTION
J. Eifert announced that the 3 current board members, whose terms are expiring, have agreed to stand for election for another 3 year term. Directors Sean Parmley, Julie Wilkins and Tom Richter names were offered by J. Eifert in nomination and opened the meeting to any nominations from the floor. No additional nominations were made.
Lee Graber moved and Sidney Czynski seconded the motion to close the nominations and elect the 3 nominated members to the Board of Directors by unanimous vote of the membership present. All in favor, the motion carried.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Beach & Picnic
J. Wilkins reported that the beach season will begin on Memorial Day weekend with life guard coverage from 10:30am to 6 pm daily through the Labor Day weekend.
Appreciation was given to Randy Miller for continued support and help with getting the ropes and raft in and out each season, and to Sean Parmley for maintenance of the beach and picnic areas all year.
Thanks were also expressed to Sue Nierman for continuing to handle the scheduling of group party reservations for the beach and picnic area.
Facilities & Grounds
J. Eifert reported for S. Parmley on the spring maintenance for association owned areas, and plans for improvements to facilities this year. Highlighted were:
The grading and purchase of additional gravel for the beach road and lagoon parking areas to repair seasonal damage and runoff.
Beach shoreline cleanup with additional sand and grading for the beach area.
Clean up of debris and trash and finish the improvements to the grass in the picnic areas. Clean up and painting of BBQ’s and picnic tables as needed.
Replace/rebuild boat rack unit at tennis court.
Fertilize oak trees on Association properties.
Investigate repair of culvert by the dam.
Lake Improvement Management
Weeds and Algae
S. Robb commented on the proposed plan as presented by Lyle Erickson of W.B. McCloud Company on the use of a different herbicide, Clear Cast, to address the particular problem of curly pond leaf for this upcoming season, as well as the treatments for algae.
Fishery
Scott Robb discussed both the methodology and results of the electroshock survey done of the fish population in Countryside Lake last fall. The survey provided information used to determine the variety and level of species chosen for fall fish stocking.
The general results from the survey were encouraging. The report indicated healthy fish populations using the ratios of length to weight by species, with most species above target weight. There were no signs of stunted- growth largemouth bass, and a very healthy pumpkin seed/sunfish population was noted.
The last fish survey was 4-5 years ago, which resulted in a decision to stock Muskie and Pike due to a high common carp population. The current survey suggests that the population of pike are breeding well, and a “catch and eat” policy for northern pike is encouraged.
The shallowness of our lake may always present a threat of winter kill due to extreme weather conditions, but the healthy condition of all species was promising for good winter survival.
Scott thanked the fishermen who have returned the members’ survey, and commented that the received reports support the assessment of a healthy, diverse fish population.
In response to a question, Scott Robb explained that the 2010 budget does represent a reduction in the amount earmarked for fish stocking. It was explained that the reduction was part of the effort to balance the operating budget, and is thought sufficient to sustain populations, based on the fish survey results. If conditions change and merit review prior to contracting for the stocking, it can be adjusted accordingly.
Environmental
No Report
Shoreline Control
No Report
Re-forestation
No Report
Water Quality
J. Wilkins reported that the storm water monitoring program reimbursement of $14,500.00 by the Illinois EPA 319 grant was received, as shown by the treasurer’s 2009 expense report. Appreciation was given to Jim Donndelinger, Brian Donahoe, Sidney Czynski, and others who have contributed significant time to field work, technical support, analysis and documentation which made the grant award possible and helped support our efforts to protect our watershed and lake.
It was reported that storm event monitoring will continue with the addition of weekly baseline measurements of water quality in Indian Creek. This data combined with the flow measurements possible at the Chevy Chase culvert location on Indian Creek will allow for a more valuable analysis of both the volume and quality of water entering our lake over the coming season.
A request for anyone interested in volunteering to help with the water sampling program to contact Julie or any member of the team was made.
In response to a question, it was discussed that E.coli contamination is not routinely monitored in the water quality analysis program but that if anyone suspects contamination at any site around our lake, the monitoring committee can respond and sample a location for contamination, if notified.
The ban on the use of phosphate -containing fertilizers and the monitoring of phosphate levels coming into our lake from surrounding areas was discussed.
Boat Assignments
Lee Erickson reported that the 2010 updating of all registered boats on Countryside Lake is underway. New Association decals and numbers will be issued to all approved boats.
The membership was reminded that it is their responsibility to register their watercraft with the state of Illinois, and meet all DNR safety requirements as well as comply with CLA rules and regulations.
The status of the pontoon pier waiting list was questioned. The policy was explained as well as the unpredictability of the availability of any openings for any particular season.
Dock Maintenance
Lee Erickson reported that leveling, stabilization and any other needed repairs to the boat docks will be completed by the opening of the boating season.
Special Projects
Conservation Area
· Tom Richter discussed the award of a grant in the amount of $10,000.00 from Lake County Storm water Management to help restore the wetland area of the CLA Conservation Area on Maple Road. The grant will reimburse costs and in- kind volunteer hours for clean up, clearing of invasive species as well as the seeding and planting of native grass plugs, to restore the seasonal wetland which is a direct watershed of the lake and lagoon area.
· T. Richter discussed the need to involve members in volunteer efforts and to contract with professionals to implement the initial restoration plan.
· Thanks were given Sharon and Craig Anderson, Rosemary Aitken, and Dan Liberacki for continued support of the project and their efforts to obtain the grant, as well as all volunteers who have worked on the site.
· Tom encouraged members to consider making a donation or a dedication of plantings to the project. He hoped that as the final plans evolved that they would make available lists of needed planting or resources for consideration.
Website
· Les Jezuit reported that the website is active and can be accessed at www.countrysidelake.org. The user ID is "cla" and the password has been made much more user friendly as “clahomeowner”.
· It was reported that Brian Donahoe has volunteered to handle the management and maintenance of the website and provide further development of the resource to better serve our membership.
Architectural Review
· Larry Johnson reported that there has been one building design submitted and approved for a residence on Chevy Chase Road.
· He reminded members of CHA that a county building permit does not enforce or meet the approval requirements for their homeowner’s agreement.
Rules & Regulations
L. Johnson stated that printed copies of the CLA rules and regulations with any changes of existing rules will be distributed with the fall Association mailing and any changes will discussed at the semi-annual meeting.
Security
· Garry Passafiume reviewed the hours and services provided by the CLA security contract for the benefit of new members. He discussed the flexibility of the scheduled hours to accommodate seasonal and incident related needs.
· November 2rd and 3rd last fall and the reported pumpkin -related damage to 17 area mail boxes was discussed. Evening patrol hours were adjusted and the vandalism ended—although the vandals may have simply run out of seasonal pumpkins , as a large number were dumped on Maple Road by the beach entrance.
· Captain Passafiume had several recommendations for home safety checks. He encouraged members to check battery backups, door locks and alarm systems prior to leaving town. He recommended adding timers, photo cells or motion detectors to lighting so neither inside or outside lights burn 24/7 in your absence. It was recommended to make arrangements and not allow newspapers or mail to collect outside.
· He reported that we had a fairly quiet winter season, while surrounding areas have had a number of reported burglaries. He reported that during the 2009 holiday season there was an interrupted burglary at 2 pm in the afternoon in the Gilmer and Diamond Lake Road area.
· He strongly encouraged members to install a storm door to your entranceway so that you do not offer easy access to the residence if you open the door. He reminded members to offer to call the police if someone you do not recognize requests directions or assistance. He also asked parents to educate their children concerning the presence of strangers at the door and review instructions of how to call 911, in the case of an emergency. It was again warned that if you have any suspicion that you may have had lightening strike your residence do not hesitate to call 911, every minute in a potential fire situation matters.
· A special warning to the presence of “gypsy “crews offering to provide seasonal yard or house maintenance services. Do not leave garages or doors unlocked where an individual may enter your residence without your being aware.
· He reminded ice fishermen to display ice flags, and for members to comply with the use of auto decals and guest passes to better protect our neighborhood and facilities.
Legal
· It was reported that the Association does have a few foreclosures occurring and that the association is using our legal counsel to monitor and advise, to protect our interest in legal proceedings.
OLD BUSINESS - None
NEW BUSINESS – None
ADJOURNMENT
Lee Graber moved and Sidney Czynski seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:35 p.m. All in favor, motion carried.
Countryside Lake Association
Mundelein, Illinois 60060
2011 Semi- Annual Meeting Minutes
October 17, 2011
CALL TO ORDER
BOARD ATTENDANCE: J. Miller, J. Eifert, T. Richter, J. Wilkins, L. Jezuit, L. Erickson.
Absent: S. Parmley, T. Caldwell and S. Robb Also Present: Capt. Garry Passafiume.
CLA Members Present: 32
Proxy to Others: 6
Proxy to Board: 44
A quorum was met and President J. Eifert called the meeting to order at 7:40p.m. Board members and their areas of responsibility were introduced by J. Eifert. New members present, Trevor Greene from W. Lakeview Parkway and Francisco Velasco from W. Hampshire introduced themselves. J. Eifert welcomed them to the community and Association.
SECRETARY’S REPORT
Les Jezuit moved and Randy Miller seconded the motion to approve the Secretary’s Report as distributed. All in favor, motion carried.
TREASURER’S REPORT
J. Miller reviewed the 2011 fiscal year budget and year-to-date expenses.
Noted was the higher than anticipated income from parcel transfer fees and that 2 of the 12 were bank sales.
Les Jezuit moved and Mary Aspegren seconded the motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report. All in favor, motion carried.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Beach & Picnic
J. Wilkins reported a good swimming season this year, with reliable guard coverage, and no beach closings.
The installation of a shower unit and matching new water fountain were completed in time for the season and seemed to be a big hit with both children and adults using the beach.
The project was approximately $1,000.00 over budget due to the decision to purchase and replace the existing water fountain at the time of plumbing the shower unit.
It was noted that the funds for this project had been earmarked for several years from proceeds of the party reservation fees.
The low profile of the 2 units is almost unnoticeable to the beach shoreline.
Sincere appreciation was given to member Randy Miller who continues to provide assistance with installing and removing the swimming area ropes and raft each season.
Facilities & Grounds
J. Eifert reported on areas of maintenance and repairs/improvements for S. Parmley.
The annual Dam Inspection has been completed. No repairs are needed this year.
The port-o-potties were upgraded to include 1 handicap unit at each location, with scheduled twice a week service on Fridays and Mondays from Memorial Day to Labor Day to accommodate the higher weekend use.
We have initiated the bid process for repair of the culvert below the dam outlet. 3 bids for 3 different possible methods of repair/replacement have been received. We will need to get engineering bids associated with the project and make a choice as to best solution for the deteriorating condition.
Lake Improvement Management
J. Eifert reported on the following areas for S. Robb
Weeds and Algae
Reports were received from some concerning weed growth in the swimming area, others thought the weather helped provide great conditions through July. August weather conditions did contribute to increased weed growth and some algae bloom. Using treatments to hit the curly-leaf pond weed last year and returning to the use of Sonar this season seemed to be a good combination. It was noted that we will be bidding the weed contract again this year and hope to obtain a 3 year contract which provides us the best approach for planning and response to specific problems as they arise.
Carol Rubel who lives on the Back Bay asked again that the board address issues of weeds and navigation related to the presence of a long fallen tree at the entrance to the area. She feels it is contributing to the accumulation of silt and sand further limiting navigation in and out of the shallow area.
Fishery
The fish stocking report distributed was discussed. Noted was the increased budget to allow for largest fish of each species available to be ordered.
The stocking order changes each year based on request and availability, and is based on input from the fishing committee and the creel survey and trends observed over several years.
Fishing members are encouraged to complete the fish survey mailed to all members each year, as their opinion does matter.
Environmental – No report
Shoreline Control – No report
Re-forestation
The association has undertaken plantings at the corner intersection of Lakeview Parkway and Countryside Lake Drive adjacent to the Conservation area.
We also planted an oak tree in the beach picnic area to replace a large one lost during a storm this summer.
Water Monitoring
J. Wilkins reported that sample monitoring of 3 major inlet streams was continuing this season.
The storm conditions used for triggering an event sampling were increased resulting in fewer sample testing over the season, while still providing critical event data for long term record keeping.
The reduced cost of lab analysis of fewer events/samples than previous years is shown by the budget to date number.
Appreciation was given to volunteer members Jim Donndelinger, who single handedly, keeps all the units operational and facilitates the installation and retrieval of the sampling units each season and to Brian Donahoe for his maintenance of the weather station and data analysis.
Boat Assignments
L. Erickson reported that we still have many boats without the new decals and registration numbers issued in 2010. He emphasized the importance of members complying with the updated registration, for safety and controlling of the use of our lake.
Members were reminded to comply with the state registration of all boats and to comply with all safety regulations.
Dock Maintenance
L. Erickson reported we have been very pleased with the construction of the new piers at the lagoon, and will consider replacement of the tennis court piers in the near future.
Our security has asked that all boats on the boat storage racks be secured with a lock, to reduce the number of incidents of boats being taken off the racks for joy trips, and often left beached on the shoreline or submerged.
Members were encouraged to call and check with Lee Erikson to confirm and inquire about their place on the CLA dock wait list. It was also recommended that members consider boat and dock sharing with neighbors or other members to accommodate the greatest number of members wishing to use our lake for fishing and recreation.
Special Projects
Conservation Area
T. Richter presented an update of the progress made on the Maple Road Conservation Area. Activities have included maintenance of the wetland plantings, selective herbicide applications for invasive species, and seed collection. Educational signs with environmental restoration information have been installed.
He thanked members who have worked several volunteer days, and reported that a wooden walkway was constructed for the low areas of the woodchip path.
Re-usable signs have been made to announce volunteer work days and will be posted in the neighborhoods to increase awareness and participation. It was also noted that donations both monetary and in kind plantings from the membership are welcome. T. Richter would be happy to speak with anyone concerning those possibilities.
Special thanks were given to the Sharon and Craig Anderson and to Rosemary Aitkin for their leadership on the stewardship grant and their dedication to the restoration project.
Website
L. Jezuit discussed the launch of the new CLA website last March, encouraged all members to sign in and take advantage of the announcements, calendar, boats for sale, lake and weather data and access to the extensive CLA History that has been added.
Special thanks to Brian Donahoe for his dedication and effort to establish and maintain the site for the association.
L. Jezuit welcomed feedback and suggestions, and hopes members will take advantage of the resource.
Rules & Regulations
It was reported that there have been no changes this year to the CLA rules and regulations. A copy of current rules and regulations has been distributed to the membership as required by our By-laws.
Security
T. Richter commented on the current job description for the security patrol of the Countryside Lake Association area.
Captain Garry Passafiume provided the following report to the membership
Review of flexible 8 and 10 hour patrol hours, cell number for on duty contact, and the house watch program.
Reminder to members that they need to contact the utility and report their address for power outages. Utility and service listing can be found on the back of the CLA directory.
Approximately 14 mailboxes were damaged or pulled out last June, and Captain Passafiume encouraged all members to report any incidents or suspicious activity.
In July there were 2 reported thefts from unlocked vehicles parked in driveways. Please remember to remove all valuables, computers, I-pods, phones, portable GPS and cash, and lock cars overnight. We have also had reported theft of items from moored pontoon boats.
August 12th, a CLA resident was a victim of a “ruse” burglary, which occurred about 3:30 pm and was reported to security at 4:30. The subject identified himself as a Com Ed employee and asked the homeowner to walk to the back of the property to show her where work would be needed to install a new electric box due to repeated power outages. When asked for his ID, he stated it was in the van parked down the road and would provide it later. While the homeowner was out of the house, two additional subjects entered the residence and stole jewelry and cash.
Captain Passafiume discussed the incidence of such ruse burglaries in Lake and surrounding counties. He cited often used excuses and story lines and asked all members to be particularly careful about anyone approaching your home. He advised members to keep all entrances secured, so 2nd parties cannot enter if you are distracted. If you feel that you may have been a victim, please call 911 immediately, and be prepared to provide a vehicle description and license plate if possible. A periodical reprint titled “13 Things Your Burglar Won’t Tell You” was distributed and discussed with the membership
August 16th, Countryside Fire Department responded to a CLA resident choking. The 2 firemen were later honored by the Department for saving the patient’s life.
August 18th , security and the Sheriff’s department responded to a report of a person dressed in black, lying in a ditch along Countryside Lake Drive. Area was checked and walked extensively, no person found.
Sept 2nd, a stolen CLA member’s golf cart was recovered from the lake, 2 mailboxes were found damaged associated with the cart theft.
Captain Passafiume has received reports of golf carts being driven down our roadways after dark without lights, a severe safety risk, and reminded members that golf carts and unlicensed ATV’s are not allowed on streets within CLA
Mary Aspegren commented on the traffic incident of a car striking a person walking a dog in the Steeple Chase neighborhood and asked members to please be alert and aware of pedestrians and people using the bike lanes with in our neighborhood.
Harriet Donndelinger thanked Garry for following her and her daughter who were slowly driving around the neighborhood after dark one evening having gone out for ice cream, not realizing that their activities might appear suspicious. She appreciated his taking the initiative to follow up and question their activities upon pulling into a driveway, and a good laugh was had by all 3 for being busted for going out for ice cream.
Legal
John Eifert commented on the budgeted and legal costs shown on the Treasurers report. It was commented that costs are related to the Association monitoring foreclosure and bankruptcies, as well as requests for legal advice concerning correct and fair administration and enforcement of our rules and regulations.
OLD BUSINESS - None
NEW BUSINESS - None
ADJOURNMENT
R. Miller moved and C. Rubel seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting. All in favor, motion carried.