Our pond muck bags have been slowly drying out and, fortunately for us, have produced very little smell to the areas. Questions galore, but no objectionable odors.  Hopefully, in another 6-8 weeks they'll be able to be removed and dispersed, as required.

Most of the Gurnee road work along Manchester has been completed.

Last week, I met with several residents and the tennis court repair company, concerning some cracks, peeling and loose net connectors on the four lower courts.  Although some of the cracks are intentional expansion joints, others are under warranty and they will be repaired, either at a later determined date or in conjunction with new work on the two upper courts, if approved.

The Umbrella Association, along with our Attorney, are currently looking into areas of responsibility and Federally required mandates (if any) concerning the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and how the Act relates to our private, Association-owned clubhouses. Typically, provisions must be made to accommodate handicap situations when dealing with "for the public" type facilities, but not necessarily mandates changes for private facilities. Associations should protect property and not get too involved in providing health, support and comfort services. I'll report more as information becomes available.

An increasing flow of water on the main spillway by the pump house appears to be caused by a growing surface crack.  Three large main cracks on the retaining walls have also been observed and these increasing cracks could be jeopardizing the integrity of the structure.  Dirk Skelley had noticed this and took me over to see it.  Since the water level is high from rain right now, I will check it again in a few days and decide how to proceed.

Kudos to Cathy McGrath for doing a super job as Editor of her first issue of the Happenings.  It looks great, and I'm sure will continue to excel.  Additionally, a professional Web Page designer has been contracted with to get things going on updating and vastly improving our Community Web Page on the internet.  Hopefully, after briefing and the basics have been completed, most of that function can come in­-house as well to provide future savings and greater control on content and timing.

This month, I have been heavily involved in items requiring both administration and interpretation of Association rules.  As a function of being involved in either the recommendation and/or decision-making process, it is apparent that a few procedures which should normally be followed in any Community such as ours, and as directed by all of the governing documents controlling HeatherRidge, have been side stepped in the past.  Greater cooperation must also be achieved between HUA and RA Management companies.  The greatest assurance I can offer the homeowners of HeatherRidge is that I will administer according to the rules and procedures in place. That is the ONLY way we can resolve issues in a fair manner, so that it is equitable to all. Additionally, our office will be periodically printing Happenings articles of significance in this regard as a means of keeping the homeowner informed as to association rules, purpose, function and responsibility.

Bob Marcus, CMCA, AMS Community Manager