McHenry County Blog

The GOP Play Day registration form.

The McHenry County Republican Party  Play Day is July 17th at the McHenry Country Club on the Fox River.

Time to mark your calendars if you want to meet the folks running for office in next year’s Republican Party primary election.

The McHenry County Republican Party Playday Golf Outing is being held Wednesday, July 17th at the McHenry County Club.

If you are a golfer, registration starts at 10:30 with a shotgun start at 11:30. Lunch will be served in the Halfway House on the course. Brats, hot dogs, chips and beer or soft drinks will be served.

For non-golfers, cocktails begin at 4 with dinner and prizes beginning at 5.

Cost for golf is $150 per person, $600 per foursome. Payment must be made in advance.

Dinner is $50.

Everyone running or even thinking about running for countywide or statewide office can be expected to be in attendance.

Candidates or others wishing to impress the golfers can buy a tee sign for $75 or be a beverage cart sponsor for $100.

Details of the GOP Play Day.

The following email was sent to Cary Park District Executive Director Dan Jones by Michael Rein:

Dear Mr. Jones:

Having had the opportunity to discuss the possibility of the Cary Park District purchasing Chalet Hills Golf Course with many park district residents, I offer the following:

If purchased, Chalet Hills Golf Club would be the second owned by the Cary Park District.

Virtually all those I have spoken with have concurred that for a variety of reasons, it is inappropriate for the Park District to purchase a business, albeit a golf course.

With the exception of some residents of Chalet Hills, virtually all others feel it is inappropriate for a unit of government to compete with entrepreneurs, investors and other entities that typically would purchase a golf course.

Owning a golf course that a small percentage of area residents would utilize, raises the scope of recreation provided to a level that a local park district need not provide.

Certainly a sufficient number of both public and private courses exist within that area that residents can utilize.

Several residents have raised concerns regarding area privately owned courses having to compete against publicly owned courses and question where this will stop.

Where there are some things that a populous can better accomplish working together such as parks for children and programs for seniors, at what point does it all stop?

If the Park District concerns itself with golf, should it not too provide (underwrite) other adult recreational activities such as sky diving, scuba diving and perhaps motocross?

How about a shooting range?

Many feel such a purchase is speculative at best, and creates an unnecessary fiduciary risk to property owners.

One only has to consider the numerous golf courses within fifteen or so miles of Cary that have been and are currently in foreclosure.

Most conflicting, is the fact that commissioners, have the ability to golf for free.

Certainly it would be reasonable for commissioners to play for free if they were representing the Park District at an event or perhaps a round or two per year, but carte blanche!

This seems to be a conflict of interest, and impropriety!

At the last meeting, one commissioner stated the Park District had not increased their levy. The amount has been the same for the past twenty years!

Where this may be true regarding the percentage of the value of real estate that governmental bodies such as the Park District collect, although value of much of the real estate in the Park District has depreciated to values of nearly two decades ago, entities such as the Park District continue to enjoy revenue based on the peak values of 2006.

This is evidenced by the fact that the levy is independent of real estate value trends, and do not take into consideration the decline of value in property over the same period.

Vis-a-vis, although real estate values in many areas of the Park District territory now are at levels from nearly two decades ago, the Park District and other governmental bodies collect revenue based on peak values of 2005/2006 along with annual percentage increases allowed under Illinois law.

Another concern expressed by numerous residents, is the fact that property owned by a governmental entity will be removed from the tax roles with the burden then distributed among privately owned real estate resulting in yet another increase in the amount of real estate taxes paid.

Michale Rein

As an area Real Estate broker in the Cary area for over thirty years, I have had the opportunity to interact with many property owners, or perhaps a more appropriate term, is property owners who are about to be Foreclosed on, and no longer will be property owners.

It is my observation the vast majority of those losing their homes, were at one time were typical Cary area residents with middle class jobs, retirement accounts and children who they have assisted with their education through their savings and often with home equity loans.

These people now found themselves unemployed or underemployed.

They have exhausted their savings doing ‘the right thing” making their mortgage payments as long as they can, and now find themselves living literally day to day, about to to be homeless and without health insurance.

Certainly real estate taxes have been a significant drain on family budgets.

Not only for all the aforementioned reasons, but at a time when we find so many of our neighbors living in a state of crisis, seeking public assistance from sources such as area food pantries, it seems unconscionable that a taxing body that represents a significant portion of our real estate tax bills would, rather than looking for ways to reduce their levy, put area property owners at risk of increased taxes!

Should it be necessary to cover a loss incurred due to ownership of yet another golf course, regardless of the price?

At the Park District meeting last week one commissioner stated that there was not time for an advisory referendum, that a decision had to be made very soon.

I question why there would not be time, for if there is a buyer from the private sector for the golf course, should that buyer be competing with a governmental entity?

If not, why not let the bank currently holding the property continue to have a receiver run the course until such time as a referendum can held?

Respectfully,

Michael Rein
Cary Park District Resident

The biggest fund raiser for the McHenry County Republican Party is coming up in July.

It’s called Play Day and is dominated by golfing, a sport I have never taken up.

The invitation to the 2012 Republican Play Day says the cost of the dinner is $50.

But, there is a dinner at which political types and their supporters talk things over.

If I’m in town, I try to go.

Below is more information about the July 18th event:

Maybe by July 18th, the Mitt Romney campaign will have its act together well enough to have bumper stickers* (which were not readily available at the weekend Republican State Convention). Click to enlarge.

Lakewood Village Trustee Ken Santowski has a delightful habit of giving his view on what happens at Lakewood Village Board meetings each month. I attended this meeting, but still have gotten around to writing up my notes. Here’s his version:

Village Board Meeting of March 22nd, 2010

When I walked into the room that evening I was pleasantly surprised to see the room “somewhat filled” with residents. It was nice to see “Lakewoodians” come out for a meeting.

Then I remembered (how could I forget) the budget talks involved Redtail.

Since the other budget items were some-what “status quo”, I shall jump right into the Redtail talk. That does not mean they were insignificant, but since the economy is still down, those funds will have less money in them to allocate to projects, repairs and maintenance.

Whether you agreed or not with the board some 20 years ago when they decided to purchase Redtail does not matter anymore.

In October, the golf course will be paid off and the village will own the course free and clear; but with a catch.

A number of repairs and upgrades will need to be done to the course over the next ten years to keep it at the level golfers expect.

The big question is: How do we pay for those expenses?

Everyone on the board and those in attendance all agreed that Redtail should be an Enterprise Fund in the future.

KenSantowski

What that means is that the golf course will have to stand on its own in the years to come. Its budget will be set by those who use the golf course and those who work there.

Money will not be taken out of the general fund to pay for operation of the course.

The board can vote to “loan” the fund some money if needed.

Based on the numbers presented to the board over the past few years, it appears that the course can stand on its own.

The big question is: how to pay for future repairs and upgrades?

Three (3) major upgrades needed to be talked about-Bunker replacements, sprinkler system and the clubhouse (or lack thereof) were the points discussed. Numbers were thrown around of about $3.5M to $4M for these future projects.

• The water sprinkler system needs to be replaced at a cost of about $1M.
• The bunkers need to be redone at a cost of about $500K to $1M.
• Then there is the trailer/clubhouse. Costs are estimated to be about $2M.

There were lengthy discussions on how to fund these projects.

Three opinions were offered during this period. The opinions were based on current need and future need.

I shall begin with my own first.

In the foreground is Red Tail Committee member Jeff Iden, a candidate for Lakewood Village Board against Julie Richardson. Sitting to his left is Rich Ford, who made the presentation.

During the past year the board challenged the Redtail committee to come up with a plan to build a new clubhouse that was affordable and practical. This was a major task since they could not have anyone give them “real” estimates of the cost. However, this group of golf enthusiasts collected vast amounts of information from various courses and spent hundreds of hours compiling and sorting the data.

They came up with a comprehensive plan to build a clubhouse that was practical and affordable and still have some (not a lot) of reserves for future repairs and improvements (bunkers and sprinklers). I was under the impression that this was the object of the committee and then they make their recommendation to the board; which they did. No, it was not a formal presentation but it certainly seemed to me that it was a step in the right direction. It seems like that proposal has been pushed aside because of the dreaded “doomsday scenario” once again.

In order to figure out if you are headed in the right direction, it is best to take a step forward. I was asked if I would ever sell the course. I answered yes but it would have to be for an incredible amount of money and remain a golf course.

How much money? If someone came and offered 2-3 times the price of the value of the course, I would definitely consider it. Anything else would not be considered unless we were in dire financial trouble. And the golf course is not in financial trouble.

I believe we should seriously consider the committee’s findings and look at building a small reputable clubhouse.

No, we do not want to compete with Turnberry, Pine Crest or any banquet halls.

Yes, we would like to be able to have larger group outings and tournaments.

For the last 10 years Marriott Lincolnshire has had a tent up that held weddings, parties and meetings. It was used when needed and it seemed to work just fine.

Several courses, including Redtail, have used tents in previous years to “house” larger events. The committee’s finding was that a small versatile clubhouse could be built on the same site as the current trailer, service most golf outings, and be profitable.

Why wouldn’t we start to go down that road? It certainly seems like the least destructive path.

During the course of the budget hearing, two financial resources were discussed. I found that a little premature since we are still “stuck in park” about the golf course and clubhouse.

The two resources were

• a referendum (hold onto your seats) and
• a Special Services Area Tax (say what?)

We have not even made the last payment on the course and some people are already talking about a new tax to help fund it.

I tried to divert the discussion about either of those resources and get back onto the committee’s recommendation, but my shipmates kept steering towards the rocks.

This man is heading to the 6 PM Lakewood Budget Hearing in the RedTail Clubhouse.

The constant talk of not having money left to build a clubhouse and pay for repairs just does not seem to be justified when the numbers speak for themselves.

I am not sure if we as board members are serving the residents in the best capacity when we talk of new taxes before the old ones expire. The course (get it …”course”) we should take is to move forward with replacing the trailers with a “clubhouse” that is affordable and profitable.

We, as a board, have the resources to accomplish that during our tenure, during this year. I am definitely against a referendum or an SSA when it has not been proven that the golf course will fail financially without it.

Most of the residents in attendance seemed to be concerned when those 2 resources were mentioned.

Trustees Carl Davis, Julie Richardson and Gene Furey take part in the Red Tail Golf Course discussion.

Jeff Iden (Redtail Committee Member) tried to explain to the crowd that the course makes money once you paid off the debt. He also reiterated that this had been the case for many previous years. No, we can’t just erase the fact that the club had large payments here in the end, but facts are facts.

And since the members of the committee seem to know what they are talking about it seems to me that we should at least respect that knowledge and finally take a step, grab a shovel and start building that clubhouse. After all, isn’t anything better than what we have?

After a short break, we can start talking about the actual meeting.

Well how was your break?

The meeting was rather short and concise except for one partial problem.

Recently, a rather sizeable grant was awarded to Lakewood and several surrounding towns to upgrade the communications equipment amongst fire and police. The intent was to streamline and decrease the possibility of errors when those services were needed. Bids were submitted to SEECOM (Southeast Emergency Communications) based on their criteria.

Apparently, somewhere along the way, things got tangled up in the interpretation of the requests for bid and we wound up getting slightly different bid proposals. If you think these statements are confusing, then you should have been there in person. After some lengthy and sometimes confusing statements, it was decided to table the awarding of the bid until things get straightened out. This one will get interesting.

The only other real decision was to award the work for the Huntley road bike path.

As you all know I was and still am against this project since I believe it benefits Crystal Lake more than Lakewood. Yes, I am all for safety of riders, walkers and runners, but, this path (which Crystal Lake decided to NOT help fund) will make it easier for Lakewood residents to get to Main Beach and other entities in Crystal Lake where of course they will spend their money.

Yes, Crystal Lake residents will have their chance to use the path and ride to Lou’s, the karate studio, dog groomer, dentist, day-care and attend church, but we paid for the path, not them.

Fortunately, since the economy is still down, the bids received were significantly less than anticipated, thus, if the project comes in on budget and we receive the reimbursement from the GOVERNMENT, it will ultimately save us money.

But as I stated, I was against building this path in the beginning since I wanted to use those funds to build a certain “clubhouse “(yes, in my backyard) that would have provided revenue to our Village. Just because someone offers to sell me a Maserati for $40,000 doesn’t mean it is a good deal if I don’t need one!

Well, it is time to put away my typewriter until next time. So, if you have the urge to attend the next village board meeting on April 12th, please do so. There will be some new faces on the board that night since the election is coming up.

Speaking of new faces……. It is time to go out and vote. The election is Tuesday April 5th. You have 2 local election decisions here in Lakewood. There are 3 candidates running for 3 positions of 4 year terms- Gary Sexson, Carl Davis and Ken Santowski. You can vote for one, two or all three of them. Or you can show your disdain and vote for none of them. Yes, those three (I am one of them) will be elected that night (hopefully).

The tightest race and most controversial one is between Jeff Iden and Julie Richardson for the 2 year term. I have had the opportunity to work with Julie as President and now as Trustee (she was appointed to this position to fill Dorothy Pfeuffer’s spot). I have also had the opportunity to work with Jeff Iden since he is on the Redtail Committee and he is also a local businessman. Both would make wonderful board members. Depending on how you look at the village now is the way you should vote. If you think things have gone great over the past couple of years, then vote for Julie. If you want some changes because you are not the most happiest of people and believe Jeff Iden will do a better job of saving your tax dollars, then vote for him. The most important thing is to get out and vote on Tuesday April 5th. It is your money

Warmest Regards

Kenneth M Santowski 847-910-2985

This message was sent to you because you asked me to send it to you. Should you decide that I cannot spell or am just an irritating person, then ask to be removed from the list. I can handle it. You have the right to forward this to anyone you want. I have nothing to hide and these words are mine and mine alone. They reflect my interpretation of what I encounter sitting behind the desk as your representative. Let me know what you think both in person and at the ballot box. Thanks, again

A golf membership card arrived in the mail today from the Turnberry Country Club. The club has even figured out that my wife has played golf most recently, but somehow managed to call her a "Jr."

No initiation fees.

That’s what the post card I got today at my non-Turnberry Lakewood home said.

Just spend $355 a a month, if you join on your own, or $580 a month for the whole family.  Tennis courts included, but I don’t see mention of the swimming pool.

Four types of memberships are available at Turnberry Country Club.

The Turnberry Country Club, of course, was what Lakewood’s Turnberry Subdivision was built around.  It was a private club, but fell upon hard times.

There’s a lot of that going around, I believe.

See Lakewood’s “ Red Tail Golf Course in Trouble,” for instance.

Now, Turnberry is apparently loosening membership requirements.

I’ve wondered more than once recently why Lakewood’s taxpayer-owned golf course could not be combined with Turnberry.  The village could allow widening of roads between the two courses so golf carts could go from one to the other.

The Red Tail Golf Course Clubhouse would never be put on a promotional piece.

Maybe share clubhouse profits, if any.

Lakewood residents might want to attend the 6 PM village board budget hearing next Tuesday evening.

The bonds for buying the golf course will finally be paid off after this year’s taxes are collected.

Taxpayers will own the property and the question is what to do with it.

Advocates of Red Tail undoubtedly want to build a new club house to replace the trailers and, as long as I and other real estate taxpayers have no personal exposure, I guess that’s worth considering.

Watch my reaction if there is a proposal similar to the one in the early 1990′s, however.

Then, three of us when to a village board meeting.  I asked if it “was ever going to cost me a dime” and was told it would not, that the bonds to finance buying it would be revenue bonds, not general obligation bonds.

A former village trustee expressed the opinion that the village should not even consider being in the golf course business and Jim Bishop pointed out that golf courses were in trouble all over the county.

The definition of "member" is being loosened at Turnberry.

Imaging my astonishment when I discovered some sweet talking bond adviser convinced the village board to issue what are called “double-barreled” bonds.  They provide for payment by the general taxpayer (you and me) if the project’s revenue is inadequate to pay off the debt.

It was and we paid.

$500 a year.

That annual cost made me such a believer in having referendums before a public body can go into debt!

If my village board decides to follow that example, expect to see me petition in hand at my Lakewood neighbor’s doors…even if it is 10 degrees below zero.

When we visited Eagle Ridge last spring break, the magnolia trees were blooming outside our room and it was warm enough for bare legs.

Having examined the plane fares to Florida, the three Skinners certainly are not flying south.

So, the question is where we can drive?

Should we go to a water park in the Wisconsin Dells, Rockford (as some Wisconsin State Senators did) or Gurnee?

Alternately, how about a return to Galena Territory, where we stayed at the Eagle Ridge inn as the magnolias were blooming?

This couple was enjoying a round of golf as we were off to Downtown Galena.

My wife and I have never golfed together, but if she could get a girl friend to go with her, she’d be up for a round, I’ll bet.

Others were playing tennis, but that’s not my game either.

People were enjoying the tennis courts.

And, if you go to The Atomic Toy Company (owned by Crystal Laker Dave Rokusek), your son and his buddy might pick up some liquid sting and he invent their own competition.

As this liquid string fight was going on, I was wondering what the grounds people might think when they next mowed the grass.

The Atomic Toy Company is chockful of toys from days gone past. There are enough toys priced under $1 that anyone can find something worth buying. It really is the one store Downtown that should not be missed.

That’s not to say there isn’t a lot to keep one busy on the grounds.

My idea of a vacation is being able to sit down and read a book (although I also stand in long Disney World lines and read). From the balcony of our room at Eagle Ridge, I could watch the action on the path below and keep an eye out for the resort's namesake bird.

There’s a path running around Galena Lake. Whether it’s walking a dog or with one’s family, it’s a way to commune with nature.

Not only were the magnolias out while we visited last spring, but daffodils were blooming near the parth.

There's a clear view of the lake before the leaves come out.

I’m pretty sure the path goes all the way around the lake. There’s such a great view of it from the Eagle Inn dining room and upper walkways.

If renting a boat is too ambitious for vacationers, they can just sit on a bench as the couple below is. Actually, it was warm enough to take a boat out on the lake the week we were in Galena Territory, but they were in winter storage.

From the docks I sighted below the high deck, it appears that visitors can rent boats when it is warmer.

The dining room at Eagle Ridge Resort in Galena.

Inside is a wonderful dining room.  Get a table by the window at sunset.

Sunset from the Eagle Ridge Resort dining room.

The view is remarkable.  And there’s people watching, too, because a walkway is between the dining area and the view.

If you don’t want to dine so formally, there is a deli.

The staff at Pizanos Deli is so fast, my digital camera could only catch a blur. (Look in the lower left hand side of the photo.)

There’s plenty of seating.  I see five tables indoors and there more outside.

Look at all the tables in the deli.

If the woman of the family manages to find the shops…

The shops are on the right, just as one comes in the main door.

There are comfortable chairs just beyond in front of the dining room.

If your wife goes shopping, I'd advise bringing a novel to spend the time along.

Of course, you could just go into the bar and watch some game on TV.

The Eagle Ridge bar is right acorss a hall from the deli. I imagine one could eat deli food there, too.

One day while my son and his friend were in the pool, I went exploring.

The spring days were so moderate that the pools room was rolled back so fresh air could come in.

I walked down a long hall and admired the paintings that were for sale.

It appears that the old lead mining town of Galena is home to a lot of artists.

As I walked down the hall, I discovered that Eagle Ridge is not only a resort, it is a conference center.

The tables were set for some big affair in the conference dining room. People in attendance probably hope they get near the windows.

My immediate inspiration for writing this article was an email that I just got from Eagle Ridge about a “Wine Lovers Weekend.” I’m not a fan of wine, but one whom I love is.  Come to think of it, I don’t even know if March 24-27 is during Crystal Lake’s spring break.  No matter, we’d bring wine and buy it at meals.

Eagle Ridge Resort's private label red.

Eagle Ridge has its own label, which my wife likes.  My guess is there will be wine from many vineyards.

Galena Cellars is just inside the flood gate off Route 20.

We always visit Galena Cellars.

Almost forgot.  I didn’t get any pictures, but my wife loves the spa.

6 AM New Year’s Day the Woodstock Fire Protection District took over the manning of the Lakewood Fire Department.

Although the phrase “economies of scale” was not mentioned, there was talk of saving the money needed to pay a fire chief under the new arrangement.

Only time will tell whether trading the private enterprise model with non-union and on-call firemen for full-timers who are union members with attendant pension costs will be cost-beneficial.

But since re-organization of Lakewood village services has been put on the village board table as a money-saving idea, let me pass on a suggestion made by Lakewood resident Marty Walter.

Club house at the Red Tail Golf Course.

There is no doubt that the Lakewood village golf course, Red Tail Golf Club, is in financial trouble.

Village President Erin Smith suggested that the cause was the lack of a good club house.

With that background, Walter suggests that Lakewood cut a deal with the new owners of the Turnberry Country Club to use its club house.

He suggests that managing two 36-hole golf courses that are close together can’t be that much harder than managing one 18-hole golf course.

If one can save the money by not having a fire chief in both Woodstock and Lakewood, maybe there are management savings in the golf course business as well.

Could a route be found so that people could drive their golf carts from one course to the other if they wanted to play 36 holes in one day?

I don’t know the neighborhoods, but it would seem that might be possible. After all, people drive golf carts on the roads in Sun City. State law allows a municipality to make that possible.

Turnberry Country Club House

Could a deal be cut on club house revenue? Maybe it could be based on rounds played on the respective courses.

“What use would be made of the current Red Tail club house (trailers cobbled together)?” I asked.

Walter suggested that some use could be found, maybe as a training facility. Maybe the current trailers could be removed and the heating and cooling costs saved.

The details of any such joint operating agreement would have to be worked out by those knowing more about the business than Walter or I.

But, the possibility that taxpayers throughout Lakewood might get stuck with future taxes beyond next year’s to pay off the bonds that purchased the golf course just before the real estate Tax Cap would have made it impossible without referendum approval is a non-starter with me.

Property covenants in Turnberry say that the country club must remain a membership-based club. I have been told that when one buys a round of golf for $50 a membership is included.

I shall certainly be asking all of the candidates for village board what they plan for Red Tail’s future.

Taxing me and my neighbors to pay for anything in this enterprise that was sold as and should be self-supporting won’t be part of the answer for those I support for election in my part of town.

I suggested at the last village board meeting that the land be sold to a developer. Smith said that neighbors wouldn’t like to have townhouses where they thought would be a golf course.

Of course, I did not suggest what type of housing might be built. That would be up to the village board.

I do know that there is no added benefit to me and my neighbors from the village’s ownership of a golf course. Our property values are tied to our proximity to Crystal Lake (the lake, not the city).

If those who do benefit directly from it want to buy the golf course, more power to them.

Or they could join others on what might be called the “Exit Strategy Committee” to find a way to keep the golf course there, but to make it self-supporting.

Who knows, maybe Turnberry Country Club might even let the village board hold meetings at its club house. I can’t image it would be busy enough not to have an empty room for the once-a-month Tuesday night meetings.

Ken Santowski

Lakewood Village Trustees provides a public service to constituents who don’t attend village board meetings by jotting down his thoughts of what happened. Friday he covered the tax levy and dam in Turnberry, which is funded by a Special Service Area Assessment.

Saturday, the topic was the SportsPlex and the stimulus bonds to finance it.

Today, he discusses the village’s golf course and fire department.

Red Tail Golf Club

Incidentally, during the previous board meeting of October 26th the Retail Committee presented an option to replace the trailers with a permanent clubhouse.

I was impressed that the committee came back with a feasible, workable option. Based on the preliminary figures the new clubhouse would cost about $2.5M to build and the loan would be paid off using a lease back option and user fees.

The style and design have not been discussed in detail but the vision portrayed by the committee shows a simple yet productive use of space and materials to achieve the highest rate of return. More specific details will follow in the next coming months, especially since the last bond payment will be made in October 2011.

There has been a lot of discussion regarding the Fire Department, Sportscomplex and budgets.

Fire Department

As you read in the newspaper, the Lakewood Fire department could possibly be run by a different entity by the end of this year. Negotiations are still under way and we as a board have not yet voted on any change. Gary Jensen and AES have a valid contract through December 31st, 2011.

I, as a member of the board will be asked to make some tough decisions concerning every aspect of the village’s expenditures for 2011. We shall leave no area alone.

We will have to review every aspect, including public works, the police department and village staff.

Many decisions, some very unpopular, will have to be made during the budget process.

I invite you to attend these meetings. You have entrusted me to spend your money wisely and represent you at these meetings and I thank-you.

Kenneth M Santowski

As always you have been sent this email as a courtesy from me to you. You may share this with anyone you wish. You have the right to agree and disagree with me. If you disagree with my vote or my ideas, please contact me. After all I am YOUR public servant. I never give out your email address for any reason. If you no longer wish to receive correspondences from me simply ask and I shall remove your name immediately.Lakewood Trustee Shares Thoughts on Village Board Meeting.

Ken Santowski

Lakewood Village Trustee Ken Santowski writes up his thoughts on village board meetings and shares them with constituents who are interested.

His thoughts on the last village board meeting follow:

Board update from November 9th, 2010

The meeting this week was about several key issues. The meeting covered

• Bonds for “a construction project” in Lakewood,
• repairs to the dam,
• utilities out to Route 47 and
• the estimated Tax levy.

Sometimes when I am preparing for these meetings I simply open up the top of my skull, pull out what little brains I have left, fill back up with oatmeal and pretend to know that I know what the heck I am doing.

Tax Levy Considerations

Let’s start with the easy one; the tax levy.

As we all know even in death, we are responsible for taxes. The EAV (equalized assessed value) of the village is not known until March of 2011.

But the estimated tax must be decided prior to that date. So, the village has to provide the county an EAV not to exceed 105% of the previous year.

With the annexations and a few homes built this past year, the village has experienced a growth in its total value, but is expected to experience a 7-10% DECREASE in the EAV, but an inflow of about $25,000 due to the new properties.

Confused yet?

I have been a part of these proceedings for the last 4 years and only have just started to understand those numbers.

Special Service Area Considerations  – Dam Repairs

Along with the tax levy, we had a discussion about the Special Service Areas (SSA’s).

As in the past, SSA#1 has had the most discussion. If you are not sure if you are in an SSA, check your tax bill and look in the line items. SSA#1 covers the lakes area.

Last year the levy for SSA#1 (in Turnberry) as $142,000 which included about $27,000 to buy the Weedo Boat and trailer.

Last year I imagined that this year’s levy would be about $115,000 which included money for dam repairs and lake maintenance, but excluded the money spent for the boat.

The Lakes committee recommended $105,000, staff wanted $125,000.

Several board members want to raise the levy back up to $140,000.

I do not agree with them.

Their justification is that the difference between the $105,000 and the $140,000.00 is only a few dollars.

My question is how many times can we continue to force open our wallets for a few dollars?

Sooner or later, the wallet is empty.

Recently the board had allocated money to get an inspection of the dam, spillway and pad.

t this point the “pad” took front attention.

Two alternatives were presented.

• Replacement at a cost of $145,000 or
• repairs for $113,000.

One resident questioned whether either was needed at this point since the spillway and pad are only utilized during heavy rain events. Also he was concerned about the economic impact to residents who would be paying for it. Further discussion to take place during budget talks.

More tomorrow.

Crystal Lake right before the Doc Haznow Chili Open.

Here we are in February, 2009.

There’s melted water on top of the ice in Crystal Lake.

It’s right before the Crystal Lake Park District’s Doc Haznow Chili Open. An on-the-ice golf tournament.

Somehow the “No Swimming” sign in the foreground seems out of place.