MISSION STATEMENT

Mission Statement..We will work to preserve and enhance our way of life through our homeowners association and provide information to the property owners to accomplish that goal.

Sunday, May 30, 2010

For those who gave the final measure of devotion

At the rising of the sun and at its going down, We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter, We remember them.
At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring, We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer, We remember them.
At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn, We remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends, We remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
Rest in Peace Dear Soldier!!! We will NEVER FORGET!"

The Grogan Family of Lakeland, TN

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Lt. Phil Beu's article

I hope all of you had the chance to read the article by the Boone County Sheriff's department lieutenant of operations Phil Beu. Look on page 10 in our June newsletter if you missed it.
He mentions a lot of the co-operative efforts between our security force and the Sheriff's department. He also points out our unique position having the "best of both worlds" as he terms it with the co-operative protection of not only our security force but the dual coverage from them as well. Just a very nice article.
Lt. Beu also mentions as we have here before to be sure to report anything suspicious to the Sheriff's department. Any questions or complaints should go to him personally at (815) 547-5119
Thank you, Lieutenant for the great article. Ken Dillenburg

"Red Sore" disease info.

I checked further into the situation with Bluegills after my last post. It seems this can effect game fish in general and it is a common problem. The fish normally heal on their own. The next section is a general overview I found......

Many game fish affected with red sore disease will recover without treatment. Fish heal very quickly, and sores will disappear rapidly once the recovery process has begun. Fish that have sores are still acceptable for human consumption as long as the damaged area is removed when the fish is cleaned and the meat is thoroughly cooked.

I am glad to report it would appear this is not a major problem. (But I'm not eatin' the ones with the sores! )Everyone enjoy the Memorial Day weekend with all the activities our association is offering. This is truly a great place to live!

Ken Dillenburg

Friday, May 28, 2010

Fishermen...any ideas?

I decided to catch a few Bluegills for a meal. The lake is just packed with them. I caught probably forty or so, throwing the vast majority back due to size. Something that became evident before long was a lot of the big ones have lesions on their sides, red roundish areas about the size of a dime. One had noticeable bumps on it's side rather than the red spots. Probably 25% of the large ones showed this. Is this prevalent around the lake and does anyone know the cause? During spawn I know stress causes a drop in their immunity to disease so possibly that is the case. Anyone that actually knows if this is a problem and if we should not be returning them to the lake please email the Pride and I will post it.

Quite a few years ago I remember we had somewhat the same problem with catfish. The same sort of spots but larger and only on the larger fish. The was some killoff as I recall and I believe it was called a fungus. There was no long term effect with that occurrence.

Thanks for any information. Ken Dillenburg

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Friday, May 28 patrols

For any of you that missed my prior post about the new sheriff's patrols they are to start Friday night and proceed weekends through October 31st. Any activity you see that seems suspect be sure to call it in to the sheriff's department and they will be in our community to act swiftly. This is a golden opportunity to handle any problems, nipping them in the bud. This is our patrol so take advantage of it.

A point I failed to mention in my previous post was we are also saving by the sheriff's department using their own gas, supplies, and wear and tear on their police cars instead of our public safety vehicles. This truly is a great deal for Candlewick!

Ken Dillenburg

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

An Illinois embarrassment

As I write this it appears our state legislature is again going to push the financial problem down the road rather than putting their jobs at risk. They will be borrowing to cover expenses again and putting the responsibility for cuts into the lap of the governor, who must be willing to throw himself under the bus for the party.
The saddest part of the whole play is scene one unfolds as stated above but this is a short term patch to last until after the elections in November. The second scene begins when the seven month plan runs out at the opportune time after elections and our legislators will feel free to resume their pork spending and bet on it folks, an income tax increase that they assume we are too mentally slow to realize is in the works right now. They should be ashamed.
I am not making a partisan point. Both parties are at fault for irresponsible spending and laws that put us in this position. Now they don't have the fortitude to make the necessary hard choices in spending constraint to put things right.
We will be seeing a minimum increase of 33% in our state income tax. Wouldn't you like to be able to go to your employer and demand a 33% increase in your pay because you have overspent? And some wonder why I do not want another layer of government.

Ken Dillenburg

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Monday evening meeting

DREDGING ABOUT TO BEGIN

At a Special BOD Meeting held on May 24th at 6pm at the Rec Center with fifteen in attendance your BOD has decided to award the lake dredging project to Dakota Dredging and Dewatering of Sioux Falls, SD. This was done by unanimously passing Resolution 10-R-18 which was read into the record by BOD member Don Parisi.

On Friday, May 21st the sealed bids were opened in Tracy’s office. Seven bids had been requested and two were received. Dakota not only came in at a cost of savings of almost $130,000 less than TID, INC, the other company ($298,199.50 vs. $425,532.00), the time frame was more agreeable being approximately 45 days as opposed to four months. In addition to Tracy two BOD members and 3 residents were in attendance at the bid opening.

Rich Witt advised those in attendance that Dakota was at CWL a week or so ago and were impressed with what was being done with the dewatering areas as well as they other aspects of the preparation.

Discussion followed as to the cost differences as the North Bay will cost $11.50 per cubic yard to dredge and the East and West Bays will cost $13.00. This difference is because the silt needs to be pumped further and an auxiliary pump which runs on diesel fuel needs to be utilized to for this to be accomplished. The south dewatering area will drain through the creek into Boone Lake and the north dewatering area will drain through the silt pond and back into the Candlewick Lake.

A penalty clause, in case the job is not completed in a timely manner, will be included but the amount is still to be determined. Tracy said he thought a fair fee would be $500.00 per day. He also stated that is not an early completion clause included in the contract. Jeff Lutzow asked how the payments are to be made. Tracy replied that the bill will be paid upon completion and following the verification of our engineer, Wexler Engineering.

The bid amount may be adjusted if more silt is removed than anticipated. After the silt is in the dewatering areas there are ways to measure the volume including using a GPS system.

Tracy stated that the dredging will begin with the West Bay, followed by the East Bay and ending with the North Bay. The West Bay was the chosen starting point as that dewatering area is near completion and the dredge pipe will run in front of the Rec Center and the marina and while the pipe is submerged he feels that this will cut down on complaints from residents.

After opening the bids Tracy checked with Dakota, who proposed to being moving their equipment on-site on June 15th, to advise them that the south dewatering area is completed, or will be in a day or two, and Dakota agreed to move their time frame up. The current projected completion date is August 17th. Tracy said that after talking to Dakota again a special Lake Management meeting will be set-up to advise residents of a more detailed time frame.

Submitted by Bonnie Marron

Monday, May 24, 2010

Big weekend coming! Memorial Day Events

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND = LET THE SUMMER BEGIN and what better place to kick-off the summer than right here at Candlewick Lake and the activities sponsored by our own Events Committee!

Saturday, May 29th is when CWL officially celebrates with the following:

8:00AM – Candlewick Lake 5K / 1 Mile Fun Run
Starting point is Savannah Oaks Club House
$12.00 for the 5K Run
$5.00 for the 1 Mile Fun Run
Pre-Registration Deadline is May 21

5:30PM – 10:30PM – Summer Kick-Off Party
At the CWL Recreation Center
5:00PM: Binanti’s Food & Drink Specials
5:50 until 10-30PM: DJ provided Music
6:00 – 7:30pm: Fun & Games on the Beach
Other events include:
50/50 Raffle (proceeds to support the 4th of July fireworks)
Campfire on the beach

Wear your favorite Hawaiian Attire and Join the FUN!

Questions??? - Contact the CWL Rec Center at 765-1943

Other CWL activities to enjoy include
Golf at Savannah Oaks (765-0111)
&
Opening Day for the CWL Pool (weather permitting)

Submitted by Bonnie Marron

CC&Rs Rewrites

I hope all of you are taking the time to read the proposal you received by mail regarding the CC&R changes. I really dislike the legal terminology used and I have problems with the interpretation of some of the provisions. I am hoping the lawyers at the meetings will be able to state without question the legal meaning of some of the statements. If any of this is open to interpretation it needs to be changed or voted down.
From my first reading some of it seems very good but some of it in my opinion is suspect. I hope at the meetings my worries are dispelled. This is not a time to leave ourselves open to anything with which we are not totally comfortable.
On another subject, if you are unable to attend tonight's (Monday) meeting we will have information soon about any action taken.
Enjoy the heat! (yeah, right) Ken Dillenburg

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Attend if you can

Monday, May 24, 2010, there will be a special meeting of the board of directors at the rec center. The purpose of the 6 p.m. meeting will be discussion of and awarding the dredging project contract. This is your chance to be advised of all the provisions, costs, and the tentative completion date. It is your lake so awareness is good.
Ken Dillenburg

Saturday, May 22, 2010

A Perspective on Incorporation Plans part 2 - covenants

This series of posts on incorporation issues represents the author’s opinion based upon research and consultation with professionals experienced in this area. The posts aim to explain the political process and legal implications as we understand them and do not in any way constitute legal advice.

In Part 1, we noted that if an incorporation referendum made it to the ballot registered voters would be given a yes or no choice whether to incorporate CWL. We concluded there would be no vote on “plans”, no option to limit the city’s authority or exercise of power and no apparent way to prohibit the city from establishing a property tax in the first year.

However the city’s ability to exert its control would be limited by practical constraints that exist outside the bounds of an incorporation referendum. The proposed city in CWL would be subject to restrictions regarding what it would own upon its creation. Those limits are articulated in our Association covenants (in CCRs ) which “run with the land”.

Our privately owned community assets (the lake, streets, parks, reserves, etc) are protected from dedication to public use by our current covenants. (see article VIII ). They dictate that our common assets shall remain private and under the control of the Association. Our covenants limit the prospects of those who seek public ownership and wide open access to our community property.

Article VIII indicates no one in our Association has the authority to grant ownership of any of our common assets to a public body. Under the current CCRs this rule can only be amended by a majority vote of the lot owners in good standing - roughly 1150 affirmative lot votes would be required. Thankfully this a high hurdle built into our governing documents. It protects against political activists and/or self interested parties undermining the property rights of “the people” without majority consent. “We, the people” in this instance are the property owners of the association who have the greatest stake in how our lake, parks, streets and buildings are controlled.

So a prospective new city would basically own nothing upon incorporation. But that does not necessarily mean city officials would be content with their “shell city” and limited power. We’ll look at the potential for conflict and power struggles in the next segment.

Link to your current Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (see “Amendment” on page 1; see also article VIII on page 8): http://www.candlewick-lake.org/document/246695covenants__conditions____regulations.pdf?20420


Randy Budreau

Thursday, May 20, 2010

May 18 B.O.D. meeting part two

General manager Tracy announced through a new electric utility agreement our association will save $6,000.00 this year.
Treasurer Jeff announced the fiscal year end came out with a surplus of $120,000. He also mentioned the restaurant actually had a greater loss than anticipated but the golf course came in better than budget. Over all a great way to end the last fiscal year and a good way to start the current fiscal year. Congratulation to all who worked to keep us in good financial condition.
Tracy also said he expects us to save $20,000.00 on our dredging project due to some modifications in construction of our retention areas. In a related comment Brad Betke from the audience had a concern about the loss of a quantity of fish currently in our sedimentation pond by the golf course when the dredging starts. There was discussion about ways to transfer the fish into the main lake prior to dredging. The discussion is ongoing. There are many large fish currently residing there.
Rewrites on the CC&Rs is an ongoing project. Mailing of the proposed new documents will start and they should be in your hands this coming week for your examination. I would urge all of us to check these with a fine toothed comb for potential pitfalls. There will be meetings with attorneys to answer questions and take comments on June 12 and June 26th in the gym at the rec. center. Meeting times will be announced so have your questions ready. Don from the board indicated this, when completed, must be an all or nothing vote for or against, not piecemeal, and it will take a vote of 50% plus one of the property owners to put them into effect. A time for caution.
There were first readings on several issues including increasing the lake speed limit from 30 to 35 MPH for better skiing and allowing larger motors than our current 70 HP limit (4 cycle 75 HP) to operate on the lake strictly at a no wake speed. If you have comments or concerns on these issues attend the next meeting for the action.
A property owner offered the use of his land in Savannah Oaks for a sand volleyball court for association use if the association would mow his lot there and another he owns in the same area. Seems like a fair trade and a generous offer. Liability and insurance issues are being explored.
We will be entering into an agreement with Comcast to provide seven times faster internet service as well as phone service. The faster service will make our accounting software be much more efficient as well as help with general use. As a kicker we will be saving around $100.00 per month compared to our prior service. Nice job, Tracy!
Remember these comments are from personal notes and are to be considered such, not official minutes. Every effort is made for accuracy but read the board's finalized minutes for confirmation.
Ken Dillenburg

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Board meeting of May 18,... part one

There was some very good news at Tuesday's board of director's meeting. Boone County Sheriff Duane Wirth attended and gave a great presentation, commenting on the new spirit of co-operation between the Sheriff's department and our public safety department, board, and management. He specifically said he wanted to give a "pat on the back" to Dave Kaske (public safety chief) and the force in general. There will now be meetings between Dave and the sheriff's department monthly for co-ordination and he offered training as needed. He also indicated any time we wanted someone from his department to attend a meeting here just let him know and it would be done. It felt like the dawning of a new day.
Sheriff Wirth then stayed for questions from the attendees. Many questions were asked and he was very open in his answers. He stressed the importance of neighborhood watch and vigilance by the community. You could tell he meant it. He invited any complaints about service or deputy conduct to be called in to his office. He wants us to all work together in this effort.
Mark, Deputy Chief of our public safety, introduced two new officers, both of whom have law enforcement background, one being a retired officer having held many police positions. A couple great additions to the group.
Now the best news of all.......the board of directors announced starting May 28 we will have police patrols supplied by the sheriff every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from seven p.m. until two a.m. through Halloween. This patrol will be specifically for our association and is in addition to our current patrols. Sheriff Wirth will be supplying the patrol at his cost, totaling $21,250.00. The cost for this is already covered, taking all but $1,500 of it from the public safety budget and the rest from the contingency funds in our budget. In other words, no cost to our association that is not already in our current fiscal year planning.
There is a lot more good news to cover from the meeting. The public part of the meeting lasted over four hours. More to come here tomorrow.
Remember these comments are from personal notes and are to be considered such, not official minutes. Every effort is made for accuracy but read the board's finalized minutes for confirmation.
Ken Dillenburg

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

The good hurt

The board meeting is at 6:30 tonight (Tuesday) so not much new until then.
I mentioned a while back about the morning walker group that meets at the rec. center about nine Monday through Friday. I have been going and something new is happening. Karl Steiskal and I have started playing basketball for a few minutes before the walking class starts. We are both about as agile and graceful as dairy cattle but you know what......for that few minutes of demeaning each other and laughing we are in our twenties again. We miss far more baskets than we make but it doesn't matter. I also hurt so badly I could hardly get out of the car to walk into a store today. Who cares, it is a "good hurt."
Not suggesting you come to watch. It will hurt your eyes. What I am suggesting is to come join the fun. It's free and you too can be young again, even if it is just for a little while. Our association provides this for your enjoyment. Enjoy life......we are only given so many days.
Ken Dillenburg

Monday, May 17, 2010

Weekend Potpourri

A few events from the weekend.
How many of you noticed the Sheriff's bike patrol riding around. One reason for this type patrol is to be more connected with the residents. It is a lot easier to speak to a deputy riding by than to flag down a car. I appreciate their presence and if any of us have questions, comments, or concerns for the officers this is a golden opportunity to communicate. Sheriff Wirth and his force are definitely addressing concerns of some of the residents regarding visibility.
Sunday one of my sons and I were casting off our dock when we were surprised to see a DNR officer walk up behind us in the yard. He walked up on the dock and asked for our fishing licenses then called out to a boat on the lake to come to our pier for a safety and license check. I was a little surprised to see him on private property although he is a heck of a nice guy and I have no problem with it. I had not seen this happen before. I also saw him proceed to the shoreline in public areas checking licenses. Good for him.
Speaking of fishing, Sunday evening it picked up a little after a slow afternoon. My wife and I were bottom fishing from our dock. She caught a nice 14" or so bass (released), then a walleye over 18" (kept) and lost another large what I am pretty sure was a walleye from the way it ran. O.K., I have to admit all I caught was about a 15" walleye (released). They were way out, probably 150' from the frontage in about six feet of water. A nice relaxing evening in lawn chairs on the dock.
Any readers with fishing information or other positive news please send it to our email address and I will be happy to post it with your name.
Ken Dillenburg

Sunday, May 16, 2010

A PERSPECTIVE ON INCORPORATION “PLANS” PART 1

Many people have been mystified for weeks as to how the various and conflicting CPAC incorporation proposals would play into the electoral process if the issue ever got to a ballot. At the May 8th CPAC presentation a lady asked how she would know which plan she would be voting on.

The basic answer is that she would not be voting on any plan. The question to registered voters would be whether or not to incorporate Candlewick as a city.

The following sample ballot is from CPAC’s website:
 "SHALL THE TERRITORY DESCRIBED AS (LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF CANDLEWICK LAKE) BE INCORPORATED INTO A CITY?" Yes or No

The sample ballot approximates the sample found in the Illinois Municipal Code which is the controlling statute for matters regarding the incorporation of municipalities.
As you can see, the fundamental question is just Yes or No to incorporation.

CPAC also suggests including one optional ballot item concerning the number of aldermen. The Code allows cities to reduce the size of the city council through referendum. But beyond that, voters would not have a say regarding the proposed city’s structure, the scope of its power or its taxing authority.

The latest plan floated by CPAC describes a “shell” city which relies entirely upon state funding for support and only controls a building department and police presence. CPAC claims that no additional property taxes would be needed and CWL Association would remain in full control of all our assets.

But if the “minimalist government” plan now envisioned by CPAC would not actually be put to a vote, how would we know the city would stay within its shell? How would we be sure it would not try to exercise powers beyond the areas of policing and building code? Would we be assured it would not seek revenue from property taxes?

We wouldn’t.
We submitted the question to Pride’s municipal law attorneys whether the powers of a prospective city could be restricted in some manner prior to incorporation.

Our counsel’s response in part: “I have been reviewing the applicable statutes and doing a little case law research. I can find no City that limited itself prior to incorporation. In order to incorporate, they must do so pursuant to the Code, and then they get the powers that all Cities do upon being incorporated. …
Government Officials cannot bind the government to any agreement until that government is created….”
That comports with our own research and understanding on the issue. (for instance see 65 ILCS 5/2-2-12)
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=006500050HArt.+2+Div.+2&ActID=802&ChapAct=65%26nbsp%3BILCS%26nbsp%3B5%2F&ChapterID=14&ChapterName=MUNICIPALITIES&SectionID=43195&SeqStart=10000000&SeqEnd=11600000&ActName=Illinois+Municipal+Code.
65 ILCS 5/2-2-12


Sec. 2-2-12. Cities incorporated under this Code shall be bodies politic and corporate under the name of "City of (name)," and under that name may sue and be sued, contract and be contracted with, acquire and hold real and personal property for corporate purposes, have a corporate seal, changeable at pleasure, and exercise all the powers hereinafter conferred. (boldface added)

Randy Budreau

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Board Meeting Tuesday

Tuesday May 18 will be the next board of directors meeting at the rec center. There will be a time for open discussion starting at 6:30 p.m., then at 7:00 the meeting will start. We hope many will come to support our board as well as to see what is being discussed. For those not able to attend we will put a brief unofficial summary of some of the main issues on this site. I hope to see you at the meeting.
Ken Dillenburg

Thank You Boone County Journal

We appreciate Bob Balgemann and the Boone County Journal for their coverage of our group in their issue of May 14. Although the online version of the paper has a problem with the link to our site the attempt was made to bring our cause to their readers and Bob made it a point to explain the purpose of our group and our goals. A big thanks goes out to them for their coverage of this important ongoing issue in our community relating to incorporation.
Ken Dillenburg

Friday, May 14, 2010

Investors Business Daily good rules

IBD'S 10 SECRETS TO SUCCESS

1 HOW YOU THINK IS EVERYTHING: Always be positive. Think success, not failure. Beware of a negative environment.
2 DECIDE UPON YOUR TRUE DREAMS AND GOALS: Write down your specific goals and develop a plan to reach them.
3 TAKE ACTION: Goals are nothing without action. Don’t be afraid to get started. Just do it.
4 NEVER STOP LEARNING: Go back to school or read books. Get training and acquire skills.
5 BE PERSISTENT AND WORK HARD: Success is a marathon, not a sprint. Never give up.
6 LEARN TO ANALYZE DETAILS: Get all the facts, all the input. Learn from your mistakes.
7 FOCUS YOUR TIME AND MONEY: Don’t let other people or things distract you.
8 DON’T BE AFRAID TO INNOVATE; BE DIFFERENT: Following the herd is a sure way to mediocrity.
9 DEAL AND COMMUNICATE WITH PEOPLE EFFECTIVELY: No person is an island. Learn to understand and motivate others.
10 BE HONEST AND DEPENDABLE; TAKE RESPONSIBILITY: otherwise, Nos. 1-9 won’t matter.

posted by Ken Dillenburg

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Memorial Day events

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND = LET THE SUMMER BEGIN and what better place to kick-off the summer than right here at Candlewick Lake and the activities sponsored by our own Events Committee!

Saturday, May 29th is when CWL officially celebrates with the following:

8:00AM – Candlewick Lake 5K / 1 Mile Fun Run
Starting point is Savannah Oaks Club House
$12.00 for the 5K Run
$5.00 for the 1 Mile Fun Run
Pre-Registration Deadline is May 21

5:30PM – 10:30PM – Summer Kick-Off Party
At the CWL Recreation Center
5:00PM: Binanti’s Food & Drink Specials
5:50 until 10-30PM: DJ provided Music
6:00 – 7:30pm: Fun & Games on the Beach
Other events include:
50/50 Raffle (proceeds to support the 4th of July fireworks)
Campfire on the beach

Wear your favorite Hawaiian Attire and Join the FUN!

Questions??? - Contact the CWL Rec Center at 765-1943

Other CWL activities to enjoy include
Golf at Savannah Oaks (765-0111)
&
Opening Day for the CWL Pool (weather permitting)

Submitted by Bonnie Marron

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Another free member benefit

One more benefit available to our association members we don't hear much about is the "morning walkers group." Monday through Friday they congregate in the gym at the rec center at 9 a.m. to start the brisk walk to keep the old heart pumping. It all ends at 10:15 with the endorphins roaring through their veins like a freight train. (O.K., I may be getting carried away now!)
Seriously and on a personal note, I intend to start this routine whenever I am able to work it into my schedule. Since retirement a year ago I can notice the weight gain and endurance drop. We all as we age need to keep the joints working as well as the cardiovascular aspect. This is another free benefit of our association and all of us that are having a sedentary lifestyle should take advantage of it. Just bring a change of shoes so we don't scratch the gym floor and join in!
Now, if I can just get them to provide cookies and pop after the walk I will be happy. (kidding)
Ken Dillenburg

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Slow day for news

Not a lot new to report today so you will get a rant instead.
I was appalled to see a proposal being brought forth in the Illinois legislature. Our cash strapped state is now suggesting a $6.00 per day "bed tax on nursing home patients." They should truly be ashamed to even bring this into the light of day. Taxing those unfortunate enough to need nursing home care through disease or disability do not deserve this treatment. This amounts to almost $2,200 per year from the pockets of those already paying extremely high costs. Lawmakers proposing this may say the insurance companies will pay. Some will but others are paying for it themselves and you can bet if the insurance companies pay it will come back to us through higher premiums. Absolutely shameful.
So what is the solution for our state? Follow the link below to see the 'Illinois Piglet Book". Find out what our state is subsidizing with your tax dollars (Thank you Bonnie Marron for the link). You may be surprised at the waste considering the way we are being told there is no fat left in the budget.
http://www.cagw.org/assets/state-piglet-books/2010/2010pigletbook-1.pdf
And they wonder why we are against adding more government.......
Ken Dillenburg

Monday, May 10, 2010

Documentation is the key!

Some of those on the "more government" side of the current incorporation issue have indicated they are not currently getting timely responses when calling either public safety or the sheriff's department. These are easy charges to put forth and very difficult to dispel. If there is truth in the statements I have no doubt both entities want to act on the problem.
What is needed is documentation. If those complaining would make note of the date and time the call was made and when the response arrived or if there was no response the problem could be addressed. The sheriff's department as well as our public safety want to act on complaints regarding service deficiencies if is truly and issue and this is the proper procedure for action rather than generalizations. Facts are needed for action. When one has documented facts call public safety or the sheriff and it will be investigated.
When I was in business if a customer said "every time I go in there I can't get waited on" I took it with a grain of salt. If was told "I was in there Tuesday about 9:30 and the cashiers were too busy talking to some guy to check me out" I would absolutely have acted. I would have had the facts necessary to remedy the situation.
Another way to help our enforcement agencies is to report any suspicious activity. Reporting what seems to be odd behavior, for instance an area where you see groups hanging out making gang signs or groups or individuals being in inappropriate areas such as between homes or near abandoned houses can be a big help. Obviously there can not be harassment in these cases but patrols can be increased to better cover problem sites. Neighborhood watch is also very important in maintaining our safety and fending off potential problems
Working together is the key to this issue as most others. We all want a safe and secure community.
Ken Dillenburg

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Town Hall meeting

According to yesterday’s town hall meeting (attended by less than 30 people) the recommendation was to create a city named Candlewick Lake that had no assets and no services provided to the citizens initially except zoning regulation. Candlewick Association would remain in place and do everything it currently does (with the exception of zoning). If the citizens wanted to create a police department there were various options presented – from using the current Candlewick Security to creating a full-blown separate police department. Taxes would basically remain the same and association dues would also. The point was raised that as a city we would be forced to follow state and federally mandated programs and it would be up to us to fund the programs if no funding was provided.

Questions from the audience were taken:

Could property owners that lived elsewhere vote on incorporation?
No, only registered voters living in Candlewick

How would the lake maintenance be funded?
As it is now through association dues.

Would this give us state funding for roads?
No, since it would remain a private community.

Do the other municipalities (i.e., Poplar Grove, Timberlane and Caledonia) have to approve?
Since we are less than 7500 in population they would have to give their blessing.

Could the new city impose a tax?
That would be up to the city council. If they decided to have a city tax within the first year it would be able to. If they didn't levy a tax in the first year it would have to be voted on by the citizens of the city.


Who makes the decision as to who the initial city council members are?
If the majority of registered voters vote yes to incorporate a Boone County judge would make the decision from the slates of candidates presented.

The end of the presentation asked the question “Incorporation – why not?” It reminded me of my Lead Programmer when I was starting out in IT. We would come up with some fancy bit of razzle-dazzle that was “really cool”, although it would have made the data entry people more work, and he would say, “Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should”.

Sandy Morse

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Of Perch, Bass, weeds, and Loons

We seem to have come to the right combination for weed and algae control. The lake is clear, little algae, and although there are some pockets of weeds left in general the weed coverage is much more sparse. The lake looks nice.
Perch are in abundance right now in four to six foot depths. I am finding a lot in the six to nine inch size range so they are not huge but growing. Bass fishing has slowed considerably after an early strong start. They should be sitting on beds soon for the spawning season. Remember Bass are currently catch and release to assure another strong year class.
Yesterday from my pier I saw two loons diving on the lake. That is a very good sign. Loons prefer the crystal clear lakes of the northwoods as a rule so we must be at least a temporary alternative. We are seeing so many previously absent species like the flock of pelicans earlier this year. Last year there were only one or two as first time visitors. Now, if we can only attract eagles it would be great. Don't smile .......it could happen.
Ken Dillenburg

Friday, May 7, 2010

On a sad note

I have been considering this post for days and decided whether appropriate or not for this forum I am posting it.
I noticed a short time ago we lost Morrie Logan at age 77. Morrie was a good man who worked hard in our association. He was very involved in the earlier years and should be honored for his love of our community. Always quick with a smile he will be missed by many and personal condolences go to his family.
Ken Dillenburg

How many noticed?

Last weekend as we all know our semi-annual garage sale was held. Did you notice all the county police presence? Sheriff Wirth and Lieutenant Beu made the decision to increase patrols to be sure we had plenty of coverage during our time of increased traffic and outside access. We should thank them for their foresight. They are a couple good guys and we appreciate their concern for our safety. Nice work!
Ken Dillenburg

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Dave Kaske's article (Chief of P.S.)

I hope all of you read Dave's great article in the last issue of the Candlewick Newsletter. The front page article was well written and very informative.
His comment on the amount of years of police experience our public safety group has under their belt was amazing. I also didn't know they have the authority to detain suspects until the county arrives. Their duties are quite extensive and from my experience they are a good group of people.
Several months ago I wrote an email to the association management relating an act of two of the boat patrol officers. They came to shore to inspect licenses and as they went back to their boat they stopped to pick up trash on the way then discarded it in the barrel. To me that indicates pride in their community. That act meant more to me than seeing them check licenses. Good folks!
I hope we all appreciate their dedication.
Ken Dillenburg

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

For our new readers

This was our original post to start our website. It explains a lot about our group.

Our name says it all!
If this is your first visit to our site you are probably wondering what we are all about. We are a group of property owners who love our secure community lifestyle and wish to stay a gated home owners association. We intend to point out the good things our association has to offer and clear up some of misconceptions from the continuing actions of those wishing to incorporate our community.

Your public safety force is an asset through the deterrent provided with their patrols as well as their action of screening those wishing to enter our community through our gates. The last thing troublemakers want is to be looked at when they enter if they have access. We know complete security is never possible anywhere but our team gives the extra layer of protection we appreciate.

We like the atmosphere of folks waving at each other and knowing the neighbors rather than the "leave me alone" attitude prevalent in so many cities today. Our kids can feel safe riding their bikes to the parks to play or "hang out" without harm or fear of predators grabbing them and quickly leaving the area undetected. We know our neighbors and their kids, who belongs here and who is a stranger.

Your community has many volunteers, not only because of the helping spirit of our residents but also because we own our parks, buildings, lake..........all our assets. The volunteers want our area kept in shape not only in appearance but also in operations and finance and they are willing to spend the time necessary to get the job done. We appreciate and salute them all.

Your lake is one of the best fisheries in the area as well as a wonderful resource for boating, skiing, or just sitting on the shore in one of our many parks and enjoying the sunset views. Your lake is continually being monitored for quality by volunteers and issues are addressed to assure action as they develop. This spring we are undertaking necessary dredging to remove silt buildup and help with algae issues along with the continuing algae treatments as needed. Volunteers have a can collection program to aid in fish stocking cost. Thank you again, volunteers.

There are too many activities to mention all of them but think of the fireworks display, fishing tournaments, mud volleyball, concerts in the park, family movie nights, festivals, golf, tennis, basketball, walking groups, the workout room, the Dockside grill, the Flames group, and many more. Remember, you own all our association assets. Opening up our community would be like buying a home then leaving it unlocked for all to use at will.

Your limited access community has the effect of keeping traffic down as well as making the activities we choose to keep private much more accessible to our residents. Overcrowding is not a problem as can be witnessed in so many of the parks and facilities in cities. Lesser traffic also means less deterioration of our roadways which already are in need of repair.

Those wishing to convert to a city government have been putting a lot of negatives out there regarding our community. We want to be those pointing out the great things we have here. We don't need to be negative when there is so much good to say.

We hope you come back often to see what we have to report. The Pride will keep you up on important developments as well as correct things we feel are being misreported elsewhere.
Thanks for stopping in. See you again soon!

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Candlewick Lake – My Home

After I decided to relocate, I spent months looking for a place that I could call home. I was nearing the point where I thought I was looking for something that didn’t exist or that I would never find. And then we took that ‘long drive’ out to this place called Candlewick Lake.

As we drove around the lake we saw the beauty of the lake, people boating and fishing, the parks, trees, birds and the beautiful swans. And then we saw the recreation center, swimming pool, tennis courts and marina. I knew this was the place I had been looking for - a gated community with a private lake and great amenities. This is a place I could call home.

I have lived here almost three years. I have found friends, good neighbors, card players, people to go out with and most of all, people who care. This is a place where our roads are private and you see people walking along the roadside, kids riding their bikes, and even kids selling lemonade on a hot summer day.

The lake is special to me, whether I just walk down to the lake to enjoy the view or go boating. Sunsets on the lake are spectacular.

But now, that lifestyle is being threatened.

The incorporation movement is taking its toll. CPAC is promoting the incorporation of Candlewick Lake. In their presentations, they gave little deference to the way of life so many of us enjoy. They presented high expectations to be realized with incorporation, given these uncertain times

One faction in Candlewick Lake strives to preserve our way of life. They support a gated community, private lake, amenities, homeowners association and keeping the property owners in control of our assets. The faction which supports incorporation has stated different goals.

We know we have some problems in Candlewick Lake, but not of the magnitude that some have stated. Our public safety officers along with law enforcement work together for our community. We are also in the process of implementing positive changes such as neighborhood watch. People working together toward a common goal can make a difference in our community.

We may be reaching that point in time when we will have to make a decision that will affect not only each of us individually, but every one to some degree, and our community as a whole.

The mission statement of Candlewick Pride sums up how I feel. “We will work to preserve and enhance our way of life through our homeowners association and provide information to our property owners to accomplish that goal.”


Mary Budreau

Monday, May 3, 2010

Take a look at number 20

Scary. What a great time to be a government body. Incorporation anyone? I think not!!! Candlewick Lake is still solvent with cash reserves. Ken Dillenburg


By The Associated Press The Associated Press – Mon May 3, 8:50 am ET

Here are the 20 most economically stressed counties with populations of at least 25,000 and their March 2010 Stress scores, according to The Associated Press Economic Stress Index:

1. Imperial County, Calif., 31.27

2. Merced County, Calif., 28.29

3. Lyon County, Nev., 27.96

4. San Benito County, Calif., 27.26

5. Sutter County, Calif., 26.41

6. Yuba County, Calif., 25.8

7. Stanislaus County, Calif., 25.46

8. Iosco County, Mich., 24.89

9. San Joaquin County, Calif., 24.78

10. Nye County, Nevada., 24.19

11. Lapeer County, Mich., 24.03

12. Cheboygan County, Mich., 23.89

13. Luna County, N.M., 23.82

14. Lake County, Calif., 23.78

15. Kern County, Calif., 23.62

16. Tulare County, Calif., 23.17

17. Madera County, Calif., 23.04

18. Fresno County, Calif., 22.72

19. Clark County, Nevada, 22.65

20. Boone County, Ill., 22.59

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Bass...catch & release

In case some of you missed it in the newsletter, May 1 the limit of 5 ten to fourteen inch Bass reverted to catch and release only. John Schwartz, chairman of the lake management committee, indicated this was to allow the spawning season to be uninterrupted, insuring another good year of reproduction. This restriction will continue until at least June 30, at which time there will be evaluation of the population of Bass to determine if the catch and release rule should be lifted.
This is good planning, ensuring continued production. A well thought out plan by the lake management volunteers, working to insure a good fishery for the future. Thanks for your work.
Ken Dillenburg

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Why no article?

To answer the question I am being asked about why I submitted no article for this month's newsletter regarding problems with incorporation, I will try to explain.
I was asked to attend the "summit meetings" with the stated purpose of bringing the opposing sides to the table to find points of agreement and hopefully healing our community. Incorporation was not to be the topic. I decided this was a worthy goal and as long as incorporation was not to be the discussion possibly there was common ground. On that basis I agreed to forgo an article even though I knew the meetings were being held at the request of someone very strongly in favor of incorporation. Looking at the newsletter I see that was a mistake. Enough said.
As Paul Harvey used to say...."And now you know-----the rest of the story!"
Ken Dillenburg

Tornado watch email

I am sure most of you received the same email I did about the tornado watch Friday. I am not sure who initiated the email from the association but that is a nice touch in case some did not see the watch on another source. Good communication.
Should you drive past the bottom of the dam you will see the work progressing in preparation for the lake dredging starting before long. Things are moving along and I noticed the fingers on the north end of the lake are much clearer of algae than they were a short time ago. Natural progression or the treatment? I don't know but it sure looks better. The end of the lake near hiway 76 is the clearest I remember in years. It reminds me of the gin clear lakes of the north woods. Very nice to see.
Ken Dillenburg