The Finance Committee is currently reviewing and adjusting the budget submitted by Golf Visions for the 2008 season. Questions concerning some line items have been, and are being, brought forth to Golf Vision's management and many have been answered.  Additional meetings are planned to discuss any adjustments needed to the proposed figures, and those revisions should be ready within a month or so.  This budget revision process for the Golf Budget will not have a direct effect on the general HUA budget, being approved at the November HUA Board meeting.  We also are in the process of discussing HUA vs. Golf Visions supervisory functions for the tennis courts and league(s), being considered and instituted for this coming spring season.  Additionally, better interest-­paying arrangements are being explored for the operating funds for the golf operation.  Ideally, we will be changing money into a sweep-type of account scenario, allowing more funds which are not needed on an immediate basis to earn additional interest.

As we approach the winter season, our landscaping and maintenance crews are busy with seasonal changes to their routine and preparing their equipment to handle the snow removal functions, with that weather certainly being just around the corner.  Recently, ponds were topped and filled, perennials and deadwood removal was and is still taking place, along with general fall cleanup.  A more complete landscaping report will be part of the Landscape Committee report.

The Landscape Department and outside vendors have been continually removing and, in many cases, replacing dead, dying and/or damages trees and bushes throughout the Community.  Many residents get upset over losing their "favorite" tree or "desired" look around their home.  This is understandable and we try to maintain the presence of looks and privacy on common ground whenever possible.  Certainly, these procedures are necessary ones, and greenery isn't removed without justification or need.

Currently, some health and personnel issues have left the Security Department understaffed.  As soon as the department is up to full strength, with time and personnel to spare, they will begin to run the initial badges for the StoneyBrook / Cambridge Recreation Center and Pool entry control system.  HUA will pace the work on the installations at our other neighborhood facilities.  All residents wilt be informed as badges are ready to be produced for their neighborhoods.

Communications have been going back and forth between the HUA office and the Village of Gurnee concerning plans and thoughts regarding the sidewalk replacement for the path between Colby and Route 21.  The newly proposed path would be a concrete sidewalk and follow the same general path as the current asphalt walkway.  Cost sharing arrangements are still being discussed.  Budget considerations for both HUA and the Village are involved.

Hopefully, space will permit a very informative article to appear in this month's HeatherRidge Happenings.  It deals with concerns of many residents and board members regarding both homeowner and Board Director Rules and Rights, and should be read by all.  It may open many owners eyes as to the expectations of Association living.

Our CRF will be getting some budgeted window replacements in the very near future. At this coming HUA Board meeting, a vendor should be selected to provide us with two replacement billboard signs for the Route 120 billboard.  Many thanks to Cathy Hawkins and to Cathy McGrath for their individual, separate creations for sign designs and ideas to help and consider in the process of deciding on new billboard signs.  Also, don't forget to check out and attend the many functions planned for our CRF facility this coming season.  I will personally be taking Polaroid photos again at our Santa Party on the 16th.  Hope to see you there with all of your little kiddies and/or grandchildren.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL from myself and the entire Summit Management staff !!

Keep safe and good health throughout 2008.

Bob Marcus, CMCA, AMS Community Manager