Several weeks ago, I met with a construction company engineer concerning possible alternative, less expensive methods of shoring up the bowing retaining walls at the golf course spillway.  The company surveyed the site and recommended that we excavate the ground bordering the walls and install a series of helix anchors to stabilize the walls.  They stated that this would be a fix that would probably last 15-20 years, and would be about $25-30,000 less than the total fix solution originally estimated at $70-80,000.  The Board will consider if/when that remedy could (or should) be applied. Additionally, bid are being solicited from concrete contractors to investigate the spillway crossing itself, coring top holes to look inside and try to get a better understanding of what we are dealing with.  Plans are still in the works to have the pond cleaner SCUBA divers try to get pictures of the pond footings.

Pond cleaning sediment removal has started in the Covered Bridge neighborhood, and will include ponds 14, 15 and 16 for this year.  Pond 14 was finished in record time, and if the others prove to be as easy, we could possibly finish under budget.  But that remains to be seen as we progress.  Some other ponds are experiencing excessive amounts of dead fish floating to the sides, and that is being checked out by the pond maintenance company and our in-house landscaping as well.  Additionally, I would like to extend a big kudos and congratulations to Brad and his crew for once again winning the Village’s “Gurnee in Bloom” contest.  This year, the 920 Vose Drive entry was the winner.

The badge scanner hardware installation is in the process of being concluded at the StoneyBrook / Cambridge Recreation Center and Pool.  Several strikers were knocked out of service due to their age and the new control equipment being placed on them.  This ate up some schedule days waiting for replacement parts.  The Security Department has received training and figured out (on their own, at time) how to produce the badges and create the control database.  StoneyBrook / Cambridge residents will be notified when to come to the security office for their new badges.  The project is slightly off schedule due to some of these unforeseen issues, but is well on the way towards completion.

Starting Monday evening, July 23, the Budget / Finance committee will be meeting most every week until all of the operating and 6-Year Plan budgets are completed and ready for Board review.  This is no easy task, and many factors go into the process.  The end result is having a budget that is appropriate and fiduciarily responsible in giving all residents the maintenance, neighborhood appearance, amenities and services we have all come to expect and appreciate.  As more available homes appear on the market and are built in the Gurnee area, it is extremely important to keep HeatherRidge looking great and competitive for high home resale value.  We all strive to that end.

Next week, I will be meeting with SpaceCo, who are civil engineers and surveyors.  The areas in Hidden Hills which periodically flood will be looked at to see if a SpaceCo study would prove beneficial in determining cause.  Additionally, Carol Marker and myself will be meeting with Deputy Chief Woodside of the Gurnee police to discuss patrol scenarios in HeatherRidge neighborhoods.  Also, our audit review meeting will be scheduled shortly.

Adam Coleman of the American Red Cross gave members of the Board a brief presentation on Automatic External Defibrillators, and they will be a subject for Board discussion.

We are looking forward to seeing Ernie Garner and to see Dr. Steve and the Soul Dogs band and BIG PIG ROAST at upcoming CRF functions.  A good time for all.

There is only a little more than a month of Summer left, so make the most out of it and stay safe in all that you do.  Best Wishes to all.

Respectfully submitted,

Bob Marcus, CMCA, AMS Community Manager