Pond cleaning sediment removal has been completed for Ponds 14-16, and all has gone well.  The sediment removal people also sent a scuba diver down to check out the footings and base of the spillway and retaining walls.  They determined it had only two minor cracks in the spillway walls (except for the North wall which was inaccessible), and no additional unknown cracks in the retaining walls.  We are still in the process of exploring ways to best handle these wall and spillway issues.  The diver also found, in the large pond that feeds the irrigation system pump, that muck is within two feet of the intake pipe.  Remedies are being addressed before the entire pump is plugged up and burns out.

The badge scanner hardware and software installation has had many unforeseen issues in process of getting the StoneyBrook / Cambridge (SB/C) pool and rec center up and running.  Issues ranging from current antiquated hardware to phone and security lines had to be tackled one at a time.  I can assure you that all hardware and software is installed and functional, and the system is sound.   Chief Wayde Akers and Security are pleased with the capabilities of this system, and it will serve us well in many ways.  SB/C residents will be notified when to come to the Security office for their new badges. Obviously we missed the current pool season, but it will be a smoother task doing this when the pool is closed and we now have all major bugs eliminated for a fast and successful install the CB and HH locations.  In general, the computerized badge and scanner system will afford HeatherRidge with a much tighter control of security in the neighborhoods.

As an additional note concerning pool areas, please remember that all pets are prohibited from entering the pool area. This rule shall be strictly enforced by Security and HUA, and all residents are asked to immediately report any observed current and/or past violations to the HeatherRidge Security Department by calling 847-362-3255.

The Finance committee has finished the Six-Year Plan for reserves, and is currently working on the operations budget for 2008.  This year, department heads are providing direct input to the process at the meetings, enabling the committee to make more knowledgeable decisions.

An additional meeting is being planned with the Gurnee Police to discuss the issues surrounding a traffic and speed study we would like them to conduct on major streets of HeatherRidge.

I’m happy to report that our Maintenance Department was able to repair the new fence by the Golf Maintenance Building, damaged by the wind last month.  We did not have to incur an additional expense of bringing in a fence company to accomplish this task.

HeatherRidge is currently having an excessive number of drainage and flooding issues.  These are due, in part, to aging and settling infrastructure and landscape elevations, and unusual amounts of rainfall.  The HeatherRidge Umbrella Association (HUA) is engaging civil engineers to analyze this problem and offer possible suggestions to us (the same engineers and surveyors who are working on the project across Milwaukee Avenue), but always keep in mind that most issues concerning flooded basements and individual sump pumps are usually Neighborhood Association and/or direct resident responsibility.  Sometimes common area pipes are the culprit, but usually not.  The HUA will help advise you in these cases and track problem areas for study, but will, in most cases, not repair problems in your crawlspace or basement. Certainly issues are looked at individually case by case.

The StoneyBrook/Cambridge community is currently approaching the HUA for decisions and consideration regarding      1) pool liner quotes, 2) a second basketball hoop by their rec center parking lot, 3) conversion of their Sauna to a storage area, 4) installation of one or more park benches with cement, and 5) conversion of their pool table to eliminate all coin and pocket mechanisms.

The CRF pig roast was a huge success and thanks to all who attended.  I’m sure a good time was had by all.  We are looking forward to Oktoberfest!

Respectfully submitted,

Bob Marcus, CMCA, AMS Community Manager