As we roll into the summer season, I’m happy to report that the complete security system for HeatherRidge’s neighborhood pools and recreation centers is installed and functional.  It’s taken several years, but by utilizing the correct equipment operating as an online, complete unit, our Community security capabilities and control have increased drastically for all of us.  Please get your new badges through our Security Department, and possibly look forward to other facilities coming online in future years as security efforts increase with this highly expandable system.

Several painting firms have been asked to bid on the Covered Bridge Pool and Rec Center wooden deck and stairs, and we should have those bids and opinions in shortly. There are concerns over the effects of power washing the wood at that facility.

Recommendations for a structural engineering firm have been made by the Hidden Hills neighborhood committee and me regarding the analysis and suggestive course to follow for the issues at the Hidden Hills Rec Center building.  As you may know, several structural issues are occurring at that facility.  The Board shall vote on approval of an engineering firm from the received bids and recommendations.  Upon their report, a repair plan will be undertaken.

Harris Bank is scheduled to meet with Finance Committee people and Board Members to update their proposal from last year concerning the line of credit to HeatherRidge for the mass completion of roads and under-road drainage repairs. Other banks proposals will fall in line as well, and the line of credit will be considered and voted upon by the Board.

The Workman’s Comp and Liability Audit was performed in house last week. The liability premium rose slightly this year due to increased labor hours for last years snow removal efforts but is still within budgetary constraints.  Speaking of audits, preliminary information and requirements have started to arrive from Mark Cantey Associates in preparation of our full 2008 Audit.

Two new tennis nets have been installed at the tennis courts, replacing ones which have deteriorated.

Our new squad car cruiser for the Security Department has not been delivered as yet, as production schedules at General Motors have become unpredictable.  We’ll give it a few more weeks.

Our Landscapers are busy keeping up with mowing and trimming, as grass is growing by leaps and bounds due to all of the rain we have been having.  They have planted new, little trees along the creek by the picnic area, the intent being to restore many dozens of trees lost over the years. About ten new, little trees were donated by Paul Kelly for this purpose, and we’ll see how they fair in years to come.  We thank Paul, and always smile at most donations.  They are also researching ways to reduce costs associated with the enormous snow shoveling program which must be maintained here during the winter.

Our Maintenance crews are busy painting decks (Hidden Hills), replacing burnt-out pool furnaces (Covered Bridge), and busy fixing pool skimmer pumps suffering from burnt-out bearings because of people shoving tennis balls into the intake holes.  These are senseless acts of vandalism of equipment, costing you, the homeowners, increased assessments to repair and replace.  If anyone sees acts of vandalism at any of our facilities, please report them immediately to our Security Department at (847) 362-3255.

We are continually looking into ways and means to resolve several flooding and drainage issues around the Community, and Village of Gurnee input of ideas help us as well.

Our CRF Social Director is busily working on our upcoming Luau Party and other Community functions.  We are also trying to get finalized versions of our new signs, to be submitted shortly to the Board for final decision and approval.

Bob Marcus, CMCA, AMS Community Manager