I would be remiss if I were to start off my monthly report with anything other than to extend our utmost thanks and well-earned kudos to the Maintenance and Landscape crews who have been trying to keep the community-owned streets clear of snow during this winter.  This has been one of the worst winters for snowfall in recent years, and it has been relentless. As soon as streets were cleared, more snow came. The results were 1) exhausted crews, 2) no room left to pile snow, 3) exhausted supplies of salt.  There have been some breakthroughs is obtaining salt from Cleveland, sand from Gurnee sources, etc, but all in all we must appreciate the fine efforts of a totally dedicated and responsive crew of people.  And thanks also for the patience of most residents who realize that there is a point where logic must prevail.  Things may not be 100% on our streets and sidewalks, but they are better than many areas.  Please report any severe snow plowing issues to the HUA office and we will tend to them as needed and warranted.  And always remember, not every street and sidewalk can be first on the list.  Likewise, some street always has to be last. You do what you can, and think of Phoenix and Florida.

Final budget figures have been given to Golf Visions, and they will be using those figures as their marching orders for the new golf season.  Some changes were made, but all were in line with budgets for last year as well as being performance driven.  Lease discussions are also continuing and will be discussed in a separate meeting following the February Board Meeting.  To reiterate, this endeavor is being approached with the understanding that the process would have to provide the greatest financial and operating benefit to our Community.

A revised tennis contract format and document has been submitted to TLLCISI for approval.  This will then be used as a basis for contracting with any tennis leagues.

It seems like a yearly event what with the way insurance companies change their rate and group structure, so we are again looking at quotes and alternatives to our current Aetna carrier.  This is for HUA employee health insurance.  Policy proposals have been submitted to TLLCISI for review and recommendation and will be voted on at our March meeting.  Additionally, quotes are being reviewed for vote at this meeting insofar as our regular general liability, workers comp, auto, etc policies.

HUA is going out to bid for quotes from different auditing firms, as a double digit rate increase is expected this coming year due to mandatory international requirements of auditing standards.  This exploration of other firms will assure us of receiving good service at a fair price.

A reminder is being given to all neighborhood boards to make sure items and figures contained in their minutes are accurate.  We have been seeing many issues and statements appearing in such minutes that are not correct relative to the HUA, and also figures which do not appear to add up and cross foot.  Since all minutes are printed in the monthly HeatherRidge Happenings, exposure is great.

I’m sure that most dogs in our community do not like wearing tags and/or collars (certainly, I don’t like wearing a tie!), but please keep a collar and tags on your pet.  We have had an abundance of animals getting loose through open doors and being found and turned over to the police. Know you where your Rover is?

Fairway Ridge has contracted their lawyer to review ownership records regarding our questionable ponds.  Their contention is that Cambridge Homes still owns that land (on the other side of the divide), and we are working with them to once and for all resolve the pond ownership issue.

Decorative and repair work is being contracted for or underway by our staff at all three neighborhood clubhouses, and will be performed as time permits relative to snow removal necessities.

In March, members of our Maintenance Department will be taking the “Certified Pool Operator” course and exam, given by the Illinois Department of Public Health. This will be a great aid in helping us to maintain and operate your pools at safe chemical and functional levels.

St. Patrick’s Day celebration is coming to the Clubhouse in March. Please support the functions and growth of our CRF.   It is a viable amenity to our Community.

Bob Marcus, CMCA, AMS Community Manager