McHenry County Blog

Continued from yesterday.

The 2nd meeting in July was the fun one. It made the local papers for a few days.

The Sportsplex as it is referred to by me.

While there was nothing to “redo” about the original plans the developer wanted us to extend the annexation and development incentive agreements for an additional 6 months so they could secure funding to get this megalith off the ground. Megalith is the wrong word to use but I have always wanted to use it in a sentence.

The “chaps” as I will call them, explained to the board and the audience about the stagnant economy, unsold bonds and enormous hurdles that have been up against.

But they had a new plan to secure financing. They have been working on securing financing through several options.

They have been working with another bonding company, who I shall not name here  [identity here], who had investors that were potentially interested in the project.

Each of us on the board had the opportunity (as well as the audience) to ask questions.

My only question to them that night was basically

“Where is the money?”

If everyone on their “team” was sure this project was going to be successful then why did they come to the village with an empty checkbook?

Surely someone had some money to invest?

Let me set the record straight though; yes, in the beginning I voted for the Sportsplex.

I wanted to give them every tool possible to make this thing work.

I thought they were going too big, but figured they could downsize or do things in phases.

Yes, they would have had to make special trips to our village and come before the board for those changes, but hey they could have stopped for dinner at Lou’s and then gotten their dogs washed.

Since they came to me (and the others sitting next to me) with no money, no contracts, no investors I had no choice to vote NO.

Well, as you read, it passed anyway.

Oh, by the way, Trustee’s Iden and Sexson are not my henchmen.

Jeff makes straps for holding things and Gary is an orthodontist. I think Gary buys the straps for the dental chairs from Jeff, but that is just a rumor I started.

There is a difference in each of us!

I would love to see SOMETHING happen at that intersection that says “Lakewood” in the future; maybe tomorrow.

The room cleared out quickly after the 4-3 vote in favor of the extension, so not too many people stuck around for the exciting report on the spillway repairs.

There was talk of allocating some additional funds to install preventive wall structures but it was deemed not necessary at this point in the project.

We wrapped up the meeting and headed for the hills.

Ken Santowwki

More tomorrow.

My fellow residents:

Sorry I have been away so long. Tom Hanks asked me to go for a plane ride and we all know what happened next. Can you say “Wilson”? Since I have not spoken to you for the last 3 board meetings (the gag order has been lifted) (just kidding) I hope to give you enough information to keep you informed but not bore you.

The first meeting in July was more on discussions than actions. The 1st Lakewood Market festival seemed to be going in the right direction with the committee asking for a small amount of money (up to $3,000) to use for “necessities”. We as a board encouraged them to spend the money wisely and hopefully enough businesses will attend so we can lower that amount significantly. More to come on the 1st Lakewood Market Festival later.

We also discussed the covenants regarding Redtail and the likeliness of building a clubhouse there anytime soon.

As everyone knows I want to grab a shovel, some bricks and a 2×4 and start building it now.

The consensus of the board seemed otherwise. So I went to the tribunal council and asked for immunity.

All I got was some potential remodeling of the current structures over the off season and wait for a clubhouse until a “later date in time” when the economy was better.

I tried to remind them that the water tower, bike path and road construction program all were built with considerable cost savings because construction people were hungry. (In fact I recently gave a carpenter a sandwich)

Why not see what we can get for our money?

Just once I would like to spend some money on something that will “actually” give us a return on our investment.

We had update reports on the storm damage and power outage problems.

While most people wanted to know why it took so long; many understood that this was an enormous undertaking that ComED has never seen before.

Makes us thankful for all the times we do have electricity.

We then voted to go into executive session to talk about ………… almost got me, eh?

Ken Santowski

Continued tomorrow.

Lakewood Village President Erin Smith had to cast a tie-breaking vote for ordinances giving McHenry County SportsPlex developers an additional six-months to meet their end of the deal struck with Lakewood.

A year ago the vote was unanimous.

In the meantime, village elections turned out an appointed trustee who supported the decision and replaced her with businessman Jeff Iden.

He and another new trustee, Gary Sexton, who ran unopposed, were joined by re-elected Ken Santowski in voting “No.”

After three Smith loyalists, John Burton, Carl Davis (by phone) and Gene Furey voted “Yes,” Smith, who had previously expressed her continuing support for the project, broke the tie.

Smith introduced the agenda item by telling the audience that the only issue was whether an extension should be approved. She said that other questions about the deal approved a year ago (without pre-meeting details of the deal being made public) could not be re-opened unless the SportsPlex developers changed their end of the deal.

Nearby residents outside Lakewood’s village limits had questions to ask and statements to make.

The questions generally were not answered and Smith cautioned that derogatory remarks might be better left unsaid.

“You need to be very careful about your comments,” were Smith’s exact words.

Initially only twenty minutes were allowed for public input, but Smith allowed four speakers after that deadline passed.

More Lakewood residents spoke up than at the original meeting. My guess is that the Sunday front page coverage by the Northwest Herald was the stimulus.

Tom Carroll of Richmond Lane reported that this was his first meeting in thirty years of living in Lakewood. He wondered how the project was “in keeping with our community view,” as the village web site proclaimed.

“Where did you get the idea that anyone wants a sports complex?” he asked.

Smith replied that the proposed development was consistent with “our comprehensive plan.”

“I don’t think the community supports this sports complex. I may be a year late, but I hope you’ll take (my views into consideration).

A resident living on Broadway weighed in with a negative comment.

Kathy Barton of Meridian Street offered her opinion:

“I don’t think you should extend this.”

“When are you going to run for office next?” asked Lake Avenue resident John O’Brien.

Three of those casting the “Yes” votes, including Village President Smith and Trustees John Burton and Gene Fuery are up for election in 2013.

SportsPlex opponents passed out court papers documenting financial problems reported in the First Electric Newspaper the morning of the board meeting.

Unincorporated SportsPlex neighbor Al Stenstrom presented an unredacted copy of a project feasibility study provided by the Upper Illinois River Development Authority after being told to do so by the Public Access Counselor of the Illinois Attorney General.

He suggested that the board had never looked at it–the McHenry County Board (didn’t look at it either).

Fellow unincorporated neighbor Larry Larsen pointed out that the SportsPlex would “pay only $350 per year in taxes for the first five years while Lakewood will be kicking in $5 million.”

“I was dumbfounded at the amateurish (nature of the feasibility study),” former Ameritech Director of Long-Range Planning Joseph Daleiden started his critique.

Among other complaints were inadequate marketing data, incorrect census data, comparisons with other sports complexes with profit and loss data showed all were losing money, the 750,000 estimate of visitors for soccer was way too high, plus errors or simple addition.

He suggested government officials “be very, very suspicious” of developers trying to gain public subsidies.

“Are people behind risking their own money?” Deleiden said was a relevant question. Would they share in the profits and taken management fees?

Finally, “If banks don’t want any part of it…”

Jack Porter, who drew up the conceptual plans took the floor after the public comment period.

“I can’t offer you any guarantees that we can get this done. We’re looking at private equity opportunities. Right now, we can’t really disclose what we are doing. We do need more time.”

Trustee Sexson, newly-elected, asked what proportion of the $12 million in upfront money needed had been gathered–”half three-fourths, ten percent?”

Developer Len Tenore mentioned potential investors in Romania and Taiwan.

“We’ve got $35 million from a bond house,” which he said we “can’t reveal.”

Trustee Ken Santowski remembered he had “sat here a year ago and struggled with this.”

Reiterating the “tax free bonds, then taxable bonds, then private funds, then equity…We as a board have supported you guys blindly for 362 days.”

Santowski referred to the results obtained by the Algonquin Village Board on “Tyvek Towers” when the village “slapped their (the owner’s) head. They were laying bricks the next day.”

Smith asked Tenore for other progress that had been made.

“Number one, there’s not a lot of development going on, period.

“Everyone is reluctant to be first in line.

“The first half has to buy the land and do the engineering.

“We’ve been let down by the EB-5 program.

“After that we decided to look for outside investors.

“We had a lot of people give us verbals. Some more than that,” Tenore said.

“Do you come to us with an empty check book?” Santowski asked.

“There has been investment made of approximately $1/2 million,” Tenore replied.

“I have a hard time thinking a bond firm would (fund this),” Trustee Sexton said.

Tenore revealed that the feasibility study being discussed was one from 2008, which had been superseded by one by CH Johnson.

He also revealed that the original bond firm of Stern Brothers was no long involved. William Blair was identified.

‘I’m for extending this,” Trustee Furey said. “The bond market is going to dictate whether this goes ahead or not. Six months is not a long time. (Then) the Village Board will look hard at it.

“It’s a tough economy,” Trustee Sexton observed. “I don’t know if six months is going to turn the ship around. I don’t know if I want to set you guys up for failure.”

He suggested renegotiating the deal, that the project might have to be done in stages.

“We were very generous.”

Trustee John Burton asked Tenore if there were any changes.

“Trustee Sexton is correct. We have to do it in stages,” he said. “The back portion” would be done later.

Burton described the development as “unique. I think it could draw a very valuable group of people the the village..

“I would fully support bringing sewer and water to that intersection.”

He also noted that extensions were being granted in neighboring communities.

“I support reducing the tax burden to the community with sales tax (revenue from the project),” Burton added.

Via phone, Trustee Davis asked if “different investors” were being approached.

Tenore replied that foreign investors were being followed up.

“I think it is clear to me that the developer has at least some hope of getting financing. in light of the current and possibility of new investors, I think we should allow a six-month delay.

“This is the least worst situation.”

He praised the “wholesome recreation and exercise.”

Prior to the vote, President Smith gave her reasons for supporting the extension.

“I believe this is the best use of the intersection. I don’t want that intersection to look like every other intersection.

“We don’t have another project of this magnitude at that location.

“Other communities–like Crystal Lake–have extended all project six months.

“I am concerned the message we would send about business friendliness, (if we didn’t grant the extension),” she said.

A letter from Lakewood Village President Ken Santowski:

I have formally decided to announce my candidacy for President……….

Fellow residents:

Well with the 4th of July weekend right around the corner it seems like summer appears to be in “full steam ahead” mode.

Things have been relatively quiet on the Lakewood home front. The first meeting in June was a short one with only one main item on the agenda.

Earlier in the year during budget talks we approved some money to help promote Lakewood to future home builders and commercial developers.

Now this may seem like a silly idea in an economy that is lower than most of us have ever wanted to experience but timing seemed right.

By allocating around $11,000 +/- to Web Q & A and Dobbe Marketing now we should get the most for our money when the economy comes back around.

Will it ever be like it was?

Doubtful but eventually people will have to move, companies relocate and everyone sooner or later spends money.

Whether it is for a new car or vanilla shake (I love shakes) people will buy these things.

Why not encourage them to buy them within the lovely boundaries of Lakewood?

Other than that we just had simple housekeeping to do. Bills got paid and revenue collected. Day to day operations seem to continue without too much exception. Hopefully it will remain a fairly quiet summer.

I spoke to one of the lake committee members and asked how our algae growth was doing on the lakes. It appears to be under control (versus out of control). The treatments and aeration seem to be working to keep it from exploding. Lets hope the heat wave coming doesn’t exacerbate the situation.

Sometime during the July meetings we will be talking once again about the Redtail Clubhouse (or lack thereof). With the extremely favorable building environment and low interest rates we should be able to get a great deal on just the right size clubhouse for our needs.

The Huntley road bike path is starting to progress, albeit slowly. You will notice the silt fence, trees wrapped in wood planks and lots of flags and spray paint along the way. If you drive down that way please use extra caution. If you bike , walk or jog that way I would simply say find an alternate route. The road will shrink a lot before the path is finished.

Recycling of Styrofoam is going quite smoothly. I can now take all COLORS of Styrofoam, even printed logo items. BUT please make sure these items are clean when you put them in the bins which are located at Village Hall, Public Works and My Home.

The Sportsplex is still around although it is on a very low simmer.

As I receive details, you will receive details.

In regards to my headline, am I the only one who is disgusted with the way our country is being run right now?

I am neither a Democrat or a Republican.

I am an American Citizen and a resident of the United States.

I pay taxes, I try to buy “American”, I try to be kind to my fellow man, and I try to be a good, patriotic citizen.

So I have decided to give our current President and the next President until 2016 to get their act together and try to work together.

Other countries can do it; other people can do it.

Why can’t we?

I shall now step down from my political soapbox; which is filled with Dove since it has 1/4 moisturizers.

Your faithful navigator of the good-ship Lakewood

Kenneth M Santowski

A last day of May letter from Lakewood Village Trustee Ken Santowski:

 

Fellow residents:

Well here it is the last day of May and finally we are seeing some changes.

Yes, I am talking about the weather, also.

Earlier this month the newest members of the village board were sworn in. Congratulations to Gary Sexson and Jeff Iden for their efforts to be more involved in their community. Hopefully they can sustain their efforts throughout their respective terms in office. Based on their experiences as small businessmen I believe they will.

The continued dismal economy has spurned a great deal of competition.

Our 2011 road program was put out for bid. The engineers estimate thought the cost of our program for this year was going to be about $421,549.75.

Well when the bids came in even the highest bid was UNDER $400,000.00. In fact the low build from (a responsible and established company) Geske & Sons came in at $332,866.36.

So at least we had some good financial news this time around. I am certainly glad that we are getting a better value for our money at this time, but also would rather see the economy take a definite turn towards the positive side since that would help so many more people.

We have had discussions regarding the Redtail clubhouse and possible land shedding some more parcels of land from the course. Nothing has actually been put forth at this time, but looking forward, it is the primary goal of the board to protect the golf course and its impact to residents.

Since we seem to be getting a better value for our money the time seems ultra perfect to build some type of clubhouse. Discussions will follow soon.

For those who have not noticed, the new water tower has been topped off and is awaiting its paint job. Once that is complete and all the mechanicals installed and tested then we can fill it with water. I am not sure how to fill a new water tower. Perhaps we as residents can do an old fashioned bucket brigade and fill it up one bucket at a time. Just how many buckets of water are in 500,000 gallons? More importantly, do you have to rinse it out prior to its first use just like a Tupperware bowl? Or do you just hook a siphon hose from the old tower to the new one?

Many public and private discussions have ensued since our disagreement with Crystal Lake over the whole fire department issue. Many things have been said in the newspapers and now just like Paul Harvey we need to tell you “the rest of the story”.

But I can’t; sorry. While this matter is still a legal issue neither I nor the board can talk about it in the public spectrum. Hopefully this matter can be resolved quickly so that both communities can move forward and begin to heal. But only time will tell.

I look forward to this summer and all of the exciting things that can and will happen here in Lakewood. There have been minor rumblings about the sports complex and that particular intersection. Let’s hope something positive happens out there.

Other than some minor housekeeping items May was a rather slow month in regards to political turmoil; which was good. I think the new board will hit the ground running here soon and make things happen.

All my best,

Kenneth M Santowski

Each month it has become the tradition for Lakewood Village Trustee Ken Santowski to give his take on what happened at village board meetings the month before.

It is something that I wish other local governmental officials would emulate.

There is no reason to believe that your constituents, local board member of every tax district, have any idea what you are doing or trying to do for them.

I invite you to use this McHenry County Blog to let people know what’s up.

After all, why should Bugs Bunny be the only one to want to know the answer to that question?

Village Board update for the Month of April 2011

Well the month started off with the April election.

What the heck were you people thinking?

Somehow 306 of you voted me in for a second term as Village Trustee.

Be careful what you vote for….you just may get it.

I will give you open and honest dialogue, voting as you request and the use of common sense judgment.

I apologize for not “campaigning” as I should have.

I decided I did not want to add to your junk mail collection from politicians.

Even though I would have used colorful paper and catchy phrases, I would have still wound up in the shredder.

I personally want to thank the 3 out of 4 people in my own home that voted for me.

I am not sure if they are telling the truth if any of them voted for me.

The April 12th meeting followed the final budget meeting for fiscal year 2011-2012.

There were only a couple of items on the agenda that we had to deal with.

One item had to deal with the village awarding a contract to Web-QA services to help promote the village. This type of local directory of goods and services will hopefully promote commercial entities, private home businesses and developers to do business within the confines of our village.

While the idea of this type of self advertising seemed like a great startup I was not happy with the terms of the contract.

If the provider failed to achieve the success it has promised I wanted the ability to cancel the agreement.

This was not the case, so I voted against awarding the contract. Do what you say, provide what you promise and we will pay you; or refund my money all or in part.

Lastly for the April 12th meeting was a motion to reject all bids for telecommunications equipment. Our 911 service is provided by a company called SEECOM.

Recently several communities including ours were involved in an application for a federal grant to upgrade some of that equipment. We won that grant and recently ask for bids.

SEECOM was in charge of requesting the bids and somehow the language used in the bid requests got confusing so that the 2 companies that placed bids were not bidding on the exact same equipment upgrades.

So, to make things fair, we rejected both bids after some public discussion with all parties involved.

We did go into executive session that night but I can’t tell you what we talked about cause it’s a secret.

The April 26th meeting was going to be the final full meeting for the current board, but unfortunately Blake Hobson was out of town.

Julie Richardson was there but apparently she won’t be there for the next meeting when the 2 new trustees, Gary Sexson and Jeff Iden, are sworn in.

It has been a definite experience working with the 2 of them and I wish them well on their next adventure. More on them next month.

There were a couple of minor issues to be discussed at the meeting.

We as aboard have decided to sell of another parcel of land that has been deemed “surplus”.

This parcel is known as 8810 Bard Road and is very near where the Bard road fire station building is.

While this property will be put up for sale, we have no timeline in mind for someone to purchase it.

It is residential property, so hopefully someone can visualize a home being built there someday. Only time will tell.

Unless I took bad notes that night I believe the sale price is $96,000 for the 1+ acre site. Tell your friends about the wonderful community you live in.

The other motion was to waive all of the bid requirements regarding the upgrade of telecommunications equipment in regards to the grant that was awarded to Lakewood and several other communities.

The motion was also to award the upgrade contract to Motorola; the preferred vendor with SEECOM.

Without boring you I will tell you this. I was not happy with the whole way this was handled.

SEECOM made some serious mistakes when they asked for bids and put the Village and this board into an awkward situation.

I felt that since all bids were previously rejected that we should start at the beginning; but once again I was told that there was not enough time to start over.

I am not sure how much time was needed to redo the process.

fter all, things happen and when someone wants the business bad enough they will commit the resources to move mountains if they have to.

But the board voted to award the contract to Motorola, thus eliminating Radicom from the process.

I did not think that was fair to them so I voted against awarding the contract to Motorola. Incidentally, Radicom’s equipment is used by LITH and they don’t seem to have a problem.

Again we went into executive session but I can’t talk about that.

On Saturday I participated in the McHenry County Earth Day celebration.

It was held at the Prairie View Education Center just west of Route 31 off Route 176. It was another beautiful day and we helped collect up all kinds of recyclable items.

It was a worthwhile event helping to keep certain hazardous and toxic materials out of the landfills thus keeping it out of our water tables.

At my request I invited newly elected congressman Joe Walsh to stop by and visit with us.

He came by for a while and we all chatted. Whether you are a Republican or a Democrat it appears that he wants to do the fiscally correct thing.

Let’s hope he can accomplish some, most or all of his goals.

Lastly the new board comes online this month. There will be several major issues looking the board right in the face.

Most are public knowledge while some are still in closed door discussions.

Either way let’s hope the new board can accomplish the goals that will work best for the entire community; not just certain neighborhoods and or streets.

WE must work together to do what is best for Lakewood.

Talk to you soon

Kenneth M Santowski

Trying to clean thing up from the election, I found Gary D.Sexson II’s literature.

It was distributed at the same time as Jeff Iden’s .  Iden beat appointed Trustee and former Village President Julie Richardson.

The two also shared sign sites for the most part.

Sexson was one of the people running unopposed for four-year terms.  You can see from the results that he ran first in that race.

So, to put all the literature on the internet, you can see Sexson’s below:

Sexson is an orthodontist by profession and has lived in Lakewood for 9 years.

As far as issues go, he came out in favor of

holding developers responsible for impact fees “to lessen the Village’s responsibility for infrastructure expenses”

• “cautiously developing the intersection of Routes 176 & 47 to benefit local residents, such as adding a gas station at this intersection, which would increase the village’s sales tax revenue”
• protecting “open space and recreational areas”
• being “fiscally conservative with the Village’s monies and treat(ing) the Village as a well-run business”

= = = = =

While neither Iden nor Sexson directly attacked the SportsPlex, the literature of both failed to mention the controversial development, leaving room for voters opposed to it to think they opposed it.

Both also hit on the property tax issue with Iden going after Richardson big time on fiscal responsibility.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Lakewood Village Trustee writes his monthly update below:

Village Board Update from March 8th, 2011

The first board meeting of March 2011 was preceded by a budget workshop for fiscal year 2011-2012.

As you all know we are in the 4th year of a 90 year recession.

At least that is what it feels like.

Taxes go up; prices go up.

Yet it feels like we are always one step behind in our paycheck.

Even now more than ever we need “calgon to take us away”.

For those who are too young please Google “calgon”.

Even though it looks like the village may actually have a surplus proposed in the budget don’t be fooled into thinking it will last.

One of the single biggest reasons for the possible surplus is that we won’t be paying the full cost of fire protection this coming budget year because that is the way it was structured.

Less cost in the first year and then increases in the coming years.

If we take the “real” cost of fire service then most likely we would have a deficit budget if not at least a balanced budget.

While there were a few items that I might have wanted further discussion about; it did not seem appropriate to argue against them in the line items. I think I will just wait and see if those items need to be funded in the future.

Strangely enough the one item that did come up for discussion was the amount budgeted for replacing the signage upon entry into the village.

The parks and recreation committee asked for about a billion dollars (actually it was a lot less) to replace the signs letting people know they were in Lakewood.

They also came up with a plan to add signs in certain strategic points along our newly formed borders. Yes, we need to replace the signs.

The question is “when and for how much?”

A discussion ensued about increasing that amount so that more signs could be replaced and/or new ones installed.

One argument was that prospective developers and residents would see the signs and want to move here.

I am not so sure about that side of the argument.

Will potential investors in Lakewood care more about the signs or how much it costs to build here?

The sign at village hall is definitely on it last leg (or post) and needs to go away.

The question is will that sign make a difference in the decision process?

I am not sure, but we need to start making improvements in Lakewood; even to its signs.

Some may say $6500 is a lot for a sign while others think it is not enough. I believe the committee’s recommendation was $6500. Let’s look for a “sign” later his year.

With the budgets being the hot topics right now there is not much going on inside the village right now.

If you look in the distance you can see the Turnberry water tower replacement going (and growing) up in the shadow of the original one.

Yes, the new one will dwarf the old one.

There was talk about painting the new water tower to resemble a golf ball and tee but that was deemed not worth the expense (and possibly might not be pleasing to the eye).

Oh yes and the infamous sports complex seems to be headed nowhere currently.

As you may have read in the NW Herald I was called by their reporter Brett Rowland.

Yes I would love to see “some” type of sports complex built on that site.

Based on recent history I cannot see it being the same one that was proposed since investors failed to bring their buckets of money.

Only time will tell.

We will just have to see what the courts and of course, Mr. Swanson decides to do.

Yes, I would love to get going on something at that intersection that would generate sales tax for Lakewood and get people to stop in Lakewood for any reason.

We now have

• 4 golf courses,
• 2 “nurseries” (I know they are more than that),
• a restaurant,
• church,
• dentist,
• dog groomer, and
• karate studio.

I am sure I forgot someone, so I am sorry.

Yes, we have some reasons to stop in Lakewood.

So, hopefully “someone” will build something, somewhere along that Route 47 corridor.

As most people know I have been very involved with the McHenry County Defenders trying to get people to recycle more and waste less.

Through my involvement with them I started what I think was the first county wide polystyrene (Styrofoam) public recycling drive. For the past 15 months I have doing that collection in conjunction with the Defenders monthly recycling events in McHenry and Woodstock.

About 10 months ago, I, along with the village of Lakewood, established sites throughout the village that the public (both residents and non residents) could drop off Styrofoam anytime day or night.

This, of course, at no charge to anyone.

Recently I added 3 schools, 1 in Johnsburg, 1 in Cary and 1 in Elgin that now recycle 100% of their foam lunch trays through my collections.

Why am I telling you this?

Because I want you to crown me king and carry me to my throne!

Not really, I want to tell you that recycling Styrofoam is now considered to be cool.

So those who have been waiting to get on the bandwagon because recycling Styrofoam was “dorky”, you can now hold your head up high and drop off the Styrofoam at numerous sites, including my home.

So, the next time you get a box of steaks, a bottle of wine or a new TV, think about the fun you can have recycling that cool white stuff.

Think of me, think of the environment and think of the future. You will be glad you saved the planet.

Lastly, the April elections are quickly approaching.

As you all know I decided to run for re-election.

During the April 5th election you have to make a choice in 2 races for the Village of Lakewood board. There are 2 people running for the 2 year term. Only 1 can be elected.

Julie Richardson and Jeff Iden are running for that seat.

The other race is between Carl Davis, Gary Sexson and Kenneth M Santowski (me). Blake Hobson has decided to withdraw from the race.

Unfortunately that means that all three candidates will be elected in this race (as long as they get at least 1 vote).

As you know from in the past I do not like uncontested races.

Therefore since you HAVE to go out and vote for either Jeff or Julie I am asking that you vote for the other candidates as well; as long as you like them.

If you do not like me then vote for the others.

This way I know I will have to do my job better. (I was planning to do a much better job in my 2nd term already).

As far as Jeff and Julie are concerned they are both qualified candidates.

Julie is a past president and currently occupies that seat on the board.

Jeff has been heavily involved with committees, owns his own business and has what I think is a great perspective on the economy.

But it is your choice and your right to cast your ballot as you please.

So choose wisely and carefully.

If you so desire to have one of my election signs in your front yard please send me an email and I will put one in there. I also will be sure to remove it sometime between April 5th and December 25th. Don’t you just hate it when you see election signs up months after the election? Wonder if that person won or lost?

Well I have done enough rambling for this update. I hope to see all of you at board meetings, recycling drives and at various public functions. My vodka collection is increasing due to all of the fine suggestions from you, my friends.

Spring is finally approaching and I can hardly wait for the mosquitoes to come back.

This message has been sent to you because you have asked me to email it to you. You may forward this to whomever you please.

My opinions and views are my own, right or wrong.

If you like me then tell me.

If you don’t then tell me twice so I can make sure I heard you.

If you no longer wish to receive emails from me then simply send me a request to remove your name and I will do so.

Also if someone reads this and would like me to add their name to the list then simply drop me an email asking me to do so. I hope I have everyone so far that has requested one.

I will never share, sell or use your email address for anything other than this update. Mostly because I am just too lazy to do anything else with them. I am having a hard time coming into the 21st century (Hopefully that is this one)

All my best

Kenneth M Santowski, 847-910-2985

The monthly letter to constituents from Lakewood Village Trustee Ken Santowski:

Greetings-

Now that everyone is enjoying this unusually mild weather I just wanted to take the time to give you a snapshot of what happened at the last village board meeting.

Again this meeting was held at Turnberry Country Club because we are still in “shutdown mode” over at Redtail.

While I am thankful that we have such a nice place to hold our board meetings, it makes me want to build a nice clubhouse at Redtail more than ever. But enough about that.

This meeting unfortunately did not have any monumental decisions or agenda items.

The one financial item was renewal of the benefits program for village employees.

While there were increases in the Humana program, those increases were kept under control by varying the plans slightly. As most know health insurance can be a “touchy” subject when it comes to governmental workers. Staff did a great amount of work to get the best deal possible.

At the end of each meeting there is a section where the staff and board are allowed to make comments, suggestions, questions or toot their own horn.

One idea floated around was if the village wanted to sell advertising space in its newsletter. The thought process was that if enough people “paid” for advertising the village could save the approximate $3500 annually to produce and mail out the newsletters. Each board member was asked for his/her opinions.

I personally did not want to sell space on the newsletter because I enjoyed reading the short, distinct and very local newsletter.

Comparisons were made to the “church bulletin” style of production and ad space.

I wanted to keep it crisp and clean.

In a very special and rare moment, Gene Furey actually agreed with me. This resulted in a warm and symbolic embrace between Gene and myself.

Perhaps he has decided to come over to my side or simply wanted to be seen with the “good looking” guy on the village board. Either way it was a touching moment that I shall remember until I forget.

Budget talks are right around the corner as is the election. The next few meetings shall involve every line item of each department; and their ability to provide services in a continued depressed market.

So this was another short and sweet meeting. I hope to see many of you at the upcoming meetings, voicing your opinions.

Yours

Kenneth M Santowski