Today's CPAC meeting results

Today's noon meeting at the outpost had fair attendance. The majority of the attendees seemed to be in opposition to CPAC's position supporting incorporation. The following is a report from my notes produced as accurately as possible.

Many questions were asked involving CPAC’s mission in Candlewick, their finances and filings, the membership requirements, and several other issues.

When the current treasurer took over the cash balance was $3,166.84. Finances were discussed and it was indicated the current cash on hand is $574.34. A $2,500 retainer was just paid to a law firm working on CPAC’s issues.

Two positions needed to be filled in CPAC offices, one being co-chairman and the other sergeant at arms. The Pride group put forward Mary Budreau for the co-chair with Tony Corso the other nominee. Mary, who is coincidentally the Pride's co-chairperson as well, was elected to the post. Karl Steiskal, the other co-chairperson of the Pride, was put forward for the position sergeant at arms. He also won his position. They are both fine, intelligent people who will do well with CPAC's responsibilities.

October 13th will be the target date for a meet the candidates night here in Candlewick. Hopefully CPAC can bring together some good candidates to answer our questions regarding their issue stands.

The meeting lasted about an hour total with a pretty good give and take on the incorporation movement and CPAC’s involvement to date. This will be an ongoing contentious issue it would appear.

Ken Dillenburg

Fairness in voting for property owners

I have received correspondence from several property owners who are upset they will not be able to vote on the incorporation issue if it comes to a ballot since they are weekenders or part-time residents. The Pride group upon checking with the Boone County Clerk's office was told this can be accomplished.

A property owner can register to vote in our election if they go to the county clerk's office in Belvidere or any registration site at least thirty days prior to the election declaring their Candlewick address as their voting residence. They would then need to tell the prior voting district they are changing voting residency. You would need a utility bill or something being sent to your Candlewick address as identification. The driver's license can still hold your other address. One could do it for this one voting issue then reverse the process to your old address if that is your wish. I know, a real pain in the neck, but it is a way to handle the problem.

If it appears this issue is coming to a vote we will keep you advised with hopefully enough notice. Watch the Pride website or send an email to cwlpride@gmail.com asking to be on our ballot watch list and we will let you know using that method. For procedural questions you can contact the Boone County Clerk's office at 815-544-0371.

Ken Dillenburg

This & That

Not much exciting to report today so I took a long hot walk over to the retention pond below the dam just to see what is happening and what it looks like. For any of you that have not seen it the size it is about as big as a large farm pond. A cable is extended over the top affixed at both ends to posts a distance below the rim. I would assume this is the level at which they quit pumping sediment in to avoid over filling. A black pipe was spewing water and silt into the pond . The spot it was running in would remind you of the appearance of the Mississippi delta area the way it enters the basin. There is quite a bit of water in the pond but it is impossible to tell how deep it is due to the lack of water clarity. Geese were swimming in the pond. There was no odor I could detect at the time.

On a related subject, I see today the orange buoys are once again attached to the tube running through the deep water at the east end of our lake. They mark the danger area I mentioned yesterday. A good quick reaction to a dangerous situation.

A final note, the west gate is back in operation after the electrical problem. Although it was a temporary inconvenience the problem was fixed on an expedited basis and we appreciate the quick turn-around time. Like any other equipment, there will be an occasional glitch.

Ken Dillenburg

Update on the prior warning

The Candlewick general manager has spoken with the dredgers and the orange buoys will be replaced on the east end of the lake. The crew said they had them out but skiers using them as a slalom course tore them loose. All should be handled shortly. Good fast work by the general manager for our safety. Ken

Boaters, skiers, tubers...warning

Tuesday late afternoon my neighbor and I saw one of the discharge tubes for the dredging come all the way to the surface of the lake. We live on the east end of the lake and the tube runs across deep water probably a few hundred feet out past the permanent buoys. There must have been an air bubble passing through because it raised to the surface then dropped gently dropped again. There are none of the round orange marker buoys attached that I could see. My concern is what could happen if a boat motor, a ski, or worse yet a tube pulling kids got caught on the tube. Be forewarned if you enter that area.

Ken Dillenburg

Candlewick Pride shirts

We are getting close to placing our second order so be sure to let us know soon if you want any. We do not have a large inventory left on hand but possibly we may have your size. They come in gray or white with the small front logo and larger one on the back. These are quality Hanes T-shirts selling one for $10.00 or two for $18.00. You've seen 'em around. Show your pride in our community!

YOUR COMMUNITY NEEDS YOU … TO VOLUNTEER!!

“Those who can, do. Those who can do more, volunteer.” – Author Unknown

CWL is a community of volunteers and while we have many dedicated people who reside here more folks, including teens, are needed in order for our community not only to run more smoothly and efficiently, but to provide the level of activities that many have come to expect.

What would CWL be without its’ volunteers! There would be no fishing tournaments, no parties on the beach to celebrate Memorial Day or the 4th of July, no leaf collections, no newspaper, no lunch with the Easter bunny or breakfast with Santa; the list goes on and on.

Get involved! In the monthly newspaper, on page 2, is a list of the committees and the name and phone number of the contact person. If you have a question about getting involved, time commitments, new ideas, etc. – give that person a call. They will be glad to answer any questions you may have.

“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.” – Elizabeth Andrews

DO YOU HAVE THE HEART? – Please think about becoming a volunteer.

Submitted by Bonnie Marron

Danger of unintended consequences

I am sure most of you know the surrounding villages were just sent another letter asking for permission to incorporate and why not if permission is denied. The current letter is from a law firm. This to me is akin to poking a stick at a pit bull. Although the letter was not threatening it is an obvious attempt at pressure on those addressed. The pro-incorporation group is still pushing.

Not being a lawyer I am not qualified to speak with authority on the issue but I doubt there is anywhere in the statutes anything indicating the villages must give permission or put forth reasons they refuse. For that matter I doubt there is anything saying they must even recognize or act on the request. These are independent entities.

I know how most of us react to being pressured. That is evidenced by the reaction of the Candlewick property owners when those wanting to add government decided incorporation was a done deal at the "town halls." Be careful when prodding a pit bull. They have teeth.

Ken Dillenburg

Forming the troops!

Well, that is a little too dramatic I guess. We are simply wanting to compile a list of those wishing to help if the incorporation issue ever comes to an actual vote. We are not asking for any donations or current involvement except for your action in continuing discussing with your friends and neighbors the consequences of incorporation. We appreciate all your prior help in that regard.

Should the time come when action is necessary we will send an email detailing what areas we need man (woman) power to accomplish certain tasks and ask if you are available to help.

Please send an email to our address cwlpride@gmail.com with your name and the email address where you would like to be contacted. You may never be needed but we intend to be prepared for any eventuality.

Thank you for your consideration. Ken Dillenburg

Surrounding villages' concerns

If I were in the shoes of the Poplar Grove, Caledonia, and Timberland leaders I would be so tired of this Candlewick incorporation issue and being constantly pressed for permission I would be tempted to deny access to the meetings, although that is not legal.

All three villages know they have nothing to gain by allowing the incorporation but what do they have to lose? My thoughts only of possibilities and not listed in any order of importance..........

This small petitioning group still has no standing to make requests or enter enforceable agreements for Candlewick

Probable disputes over any available funding sources

Probable annexation disputes especially for commercially viable property

Dilution of grant application prospects

Possible future township tax increases

Further dilution of meager state funding

A larger voting population based city sitting on existing municipal borders

Prior attempt years ago to annex adjoining Caledonia and Timberlane against their will

Having no idea what the agenda will be of new city leaders

Undoubtedly all the leaders have many more concerns than I could imagine as an outsider. They have represented their constituents well and undoubtedly will continue working in their best interests as they make their decisions.

Submitted by Ken Dillenburg.

The CPAC Chronicles

Anyone who knows how to read at this point knows I have been continually attacking CPAC. I would today like to qualify my stand with a little history as I remember it from my 25 or so years of residence in Candlewick.

There was a time when we were an island here. We were left to fend for ourselves with no real representation in governing bodies. Our lake had developed a severe pollution problem due to the treated effluent being discharged into our lake. When we had only a hundred or so homes it was not a problem but as the home numbers exploded it had a serious effect on our lake quality. We tried without success to get the discharge allowed into Beaver creek. Most systems go into rivers due to the self cleaning aspect of the running water. We got nowhere in the effort and something had to be done.

CPAC, Candlewick Political Action Committee, was formed with the mission of getting representation in governmental bodies to help with the mentioned dilemma and other issues. They held “meet the candidates” meetings and became a force to be reckoned with promoting those willing to help our community. Finally after building a state of the art treatment plant we were able to discharge the very sanitized water into Beaver Creek with the blessing of Timberlane, to whom we owe thanks for their cooperation.

CPAC has continued their efforts keeping us an important factor in the county and we owe them a debt for their past actions. I in no way intend to demean their past, only what I consider the recent deviation from their goals in their effort to push incorporation with incomplete information I consider to be seriously endangering to our community. Many governments, parties, groups, and even individuals pursue objectives that are just wrong. Does this mean what they have accomplished in the past is forgotten? Absolutely not!

July 31st CPAC is holding a membership meeting at the outpost center from noon until two. Election of officers will be on the agenda as well as planning for candidate forums. Those that have not registered to vote will be able to do so there as well. I would encourage any who can find the time that Saturday to attend the event. Come see what is in store during the upcoming election season. CPAC has a fine history and can do great things for our community.

Ken Dillenburg

Thank you so much!

When our site was first launched not that long ago we had no idea if there would be enough interest generated to have this a worthwhile addition to our efforts. Recently we surpassed the mark of 5,000 hits, far exceeding expectations. It is encouraging to know so many want information about our association activities as well as the incorporation issue. Please know we appreciate the support and we will continue to bring pertinent and hopefully informative posts for your consideration.

Appreciatively posted.......Ken Dillenburg

What a turnout!

The board meeting Tuesday evening was the best attended regular meeting I can remember. That was so nice to see. Thanks to all that came and had their voices heard.

The pre-formal session had quite a bit of discussion about the new lake restrictions. Both sides of the issue had much input. Finally during the formal meeting the item was completely dropped from the agenda and sent back to public safety and lake management to see if there was any common ground for changes of any kind. Board president Rich Witt asked that email comments to be sent to him at rwitt@candlewick-lake.org and he would be sure all comments are taken into consideration and forwarded to the appropriate committees and individuals. I know I intend to send my feelings as we all should.

The rewrites of the governing documents was also discussed in pre-session. Many concerns were stated about the vague wording and the legalese being a major concern as well as the inability to make a true comparison. These are in my personal opinion very valid concerns although I did not speak on the matter. Board member Don Parisi explained the difficulty making a side by side comparison due to extensive changes and new items inserted. Voting will take place after the mailing of the revised documents and those not returning the ballots will continue to receive the ballots until a majority votes this either up or down. This looks like it is going to be a tough sell.

Moving on to the formal session, our Treasurer reported our financial condition is good, with our accounts combined holdings about $3,860,000 so we are in good shape. Savannah Oaks showed revenues last year for June of $17,554 compared to this year's $22,704 so that looks great!

The audit of our finances was completed by the outside firm and nothing was found out of order so it was voted to accept the audit results. A summary of the audit will be published in our newsletter. For those wanting to see the complete report it will be available in the office.

Compliments were given to Dave Kaske and his public safety group for their handling of the July 3rd traffic and the event in general. Our force has also been complimented from outside our gates for their help in accidents and other matters. Great job, Dave and the crew! You represent us well.

General Manager Tracy said the dredging has begun although it started late due to late shipment of the new dredge from the manufacturer, The penalty will be imposed as contracted. They ran into rocks in the first finger that damaged the dredge shield but that has been fixed and things are moving along.

Two elliptical trainers were ordered due to unavailability of parts necessary to repair the two broken ones in our workout room. The ones purchased will be made in America.

A piece of equipment was installed in our 2006 public safety vehicle by our maintenance without a rubber grommet placed where the wires went through the firewall. The wires rubbing the metal caused a short and the vehicle burned. We are purchasing a replacement 2010 Impala 9-C-1 with the police package. After insurance reimbursement our final cost will be $17,319.76. This item had already been budgeted for future replacement so the funds were accessed earlier than anticipated. It needs to be noted we received special police pricing on the vehicle with the aid of Sheriff Wirth through our newly revived cooperation with his office. Thank you Sheriff Wirth for the help as well as your continued involvement in our association.

The Binantis asked for authorization to leave their closing hours for their Dockside Grill as they are but change the opening time to 3 p.m. since the noon business just wasn't there. The change was voted in since there is little reason to be open if customers are not using the facility during those hours. Special events may still see an earlier opening.

General manager Tracy will investigate areas available to facilitate remote parking for those who have business trucks and can not park them at their homes. It will be on a fee based consideration. This seems a very logical benefit for the truckers that has been discussed before. This time I believe it will happen. Good for them.

Around $16,000 in bad debts had to be written off due to bankruptcies and foreclosures. There is no recourse to access the funds so it is a bookkeeping matter.

This is simply a compilation of main points from personal notes and is not to be considered complete and final minutes, which will be published in our newsletter. We hope it is helpful as a general synopsis.

Ken Dillenburg

Board meeting & idea request

I mentioned this a day or so ago but if you have an interest in the new lake restriction changes you really need to attend the meeting Tuesday evening at 6:30 at the rec center. If you are unable to attend we will post the unofficial summary of the meeting here. Hope to see you there.

We have had requests from those who do not have internet access to be able to see our input on this site. We are working on a way to get the information out to them but with posts almost daily it is a real problem. If any reader has a thought please drop us a line. We are brainstorming now trying to get workable ideas. Thanks.

Ken Dillenburg

A "thank you rally"

I was sent an email indicating the more government group plans to have a rally they are indicating is a thanks for those those that helped in the effort and anyone residing in CWL is welcome. Hmmm, wonder if that means me? (kidding)

Let me play devil's advocate here. I am sure I will be emailed the answer to the following question after the event and I will pass it along if it is the case. To me the purpose of a rally of that type when including anyone in Candlewick who wants to come for the raffles, games, etc. would be to collect petition signatures. How could you attend a rally for a cause and then refuse to sign a petition for the cause they are promoting? We will see.

If I am wrong and there are no petitions there to be signed but instead it simply a social event I will apologize on this site. Good for them if it is just a nice gathering. We need more of that. If it is an underhanded way of collecting signatures it is sad.

Ken Dillenburg

It's Sunday...I'll keep it short

Just a reminder next Tuesday is the next board of directors meeting at the rec center. There will be open discussion at 6:30 and the formal meeting beginning at 7.

One of the items for discussion and expected action is the new proposal regarding lake higher speed limits, increased horsepower, and shorter no-wake times. Lake management voted a "no" recommendation for the board on this issue but there will be more discussion I am sure.

Updates are expected on our dredging project as well as committee reports and new issues.

I will be nice today since it is Sunday. My best to all readers.

Ken Dillenburg

Let's dissect the ballot delay

The current Boone County Journal contains an article indicating the group promoting incorporation will not be getting their proposal on the November ballot as was previously planned. Let's use a little conjecture thinking about why this could be happening since they will be forced to pay for the special referendum they now hope to have on a ballot in December.

Possibility # 1....They couldn't get the necessary signatures to get the issue on the November ballot with the deadline of July 16. The new deadline will be August 16, giving them breathing room. This seems very unlikely due to the ease of getting petitions signed for any issue. All the petition holder needs to do is tell the prospective signer their signature doesn't mean they are for the cause, they just should have it on the ballot. I am told this is a common practice used in politics by candidates getting signatures.

Possibility #2....They are hoping the extra time can be used to pressure the surrounding villages to give permission for Candlewick to incorporate. "We are being held hostage and they aren't being neighborly" are a couple statements attributed to the group when referring to the villages. They have been unable to get permission from any of the villages. I would not think they would want to irritate them with pressure because they could get a "no" since the surrounding municipalities could see possible negative consequences for themselves if Candlewick incorporates. This does, however, seem a more likely reason.

Possibility #3....As a rule the turnout is much lighter for special elections. They realize for the elections in November there will be a large turnout, which would be devastating for their proposal. Stalling for the special date they hope will put a cap on turnout and increase their chance of a positive outcome. This seems to be another likely reason for the stall. I doubt however this will actually help their cause with the strong anti-incorporation sentiment in our community.

Possibility #4....They want more time to try to sell the idea of incorporation. I actually doubt this is a major possibility since there can be no firm numbers and pretty much all has been said. People I believe know where they stand at this point.

I, of course, am not in their inner circle so this is just conjecture. You can judge their reasons for yourself and possibly come up with some others of your own. I understand one proponent is saying it is so the issue isn’t lost with all the other voting in the November election. That surely can’t be a reason. I don’t believe for a minute our citizens would be confused or couldn’t find the issue on a ballot. And the beat goes on....

Ken Dillenburg

Dredging...from the horse's mouth

I just left the new dredge. It is quite a piece of equipment and obviously brand new. According to Gary (on the crew) there were a lot of production problems, thus shipping delays, on the new dredge. As I left they were gassing it up getting ready for a pressure test of the installed outflow lines. If the test goes well the dredging may start later today (Friday.)

Gary said they have had a few problems with skiers using the buoys as slalom courses and one boat hooked a cable that anchors a buoy, breaking the cable. My understanding is the area of the discharge tubes will be no-wake until the end of dredging so that will not continue to be a problem.

These are darn nice guys that are in a hurry to get the job going so I am sure things will be humming soon.

Ken Dillenburg

They just aren't getting it

Let's take a look at the history of the incorporation movement by the more government folks since they began publicly promoting the idea late last fall under the guise of presentation of both sides of the issue.

After the newsletter articles came the town hall meetings. The first one was well attended by those wanting information. Many left the meeting unhappy with the slanted presentation. Next came the second town hall meeting with less attendance and a lot more verbal exchange. The meeting didn't go well for the more government group so it was decided the way to go was have a smaller group meet to cool things down.

Thus came the "summit meetings." These also became a problem and after two meetings that idea was scrapped. Back to the town halls. The next town hall only had twenty or so in attendance, most of whom were against incorporation. That was the last town hall.

The surrounding villages were contacted by the same group asking for permission to incorporate. All three villages refused to consider the matter, stating the group had no standing. We, of course, agree and feel the villages acted responsibly in the matter.

Next came the request to the Candlewick board of directors asking them to send a letter to each village asking permission to incorporate. The board of course denied the request since they represent and were elected by the property owners who's interests are at possible risk, in our opinion putting the board in a conflict of interest situation.

I will say this for the group wanting to add another layer of government, they are not quitters. It seems to me they are already acting like a governmental body, determined we will get more government like it or not. In this case there is one big difference. Instead of them being able to just pass a law they must face a ballot issue regarding the entire question of incorporation. This can not simply be shoved down your throats. If it makes it to the ballot we need to come out in numbers and say NO!, we do not need more government. If you are approached by those trying to promote the idea it is time for speaking your mind and letting them know you are not having the wool pulled over your eyes. YOU have the power this time.

Let's end this once and for all. Ken Dillenburg

Let's punish success

Don't you just hate it when things don't work perfectly? When a student in North Boone normally earns an A grade then is found to have an area in which he has a perceived flaw that student should absolutely be thrown out of school rather than working to remedy the problem. For good measure let's tear down the school and rebuild another one even when we have no concrete plans with which to build or operate the school. That will solve the problem!

Sound familiar? The group wanting another layer of government through incorporation has decided rather than try to work to fix perceived imperfections we need to just get rid of the gates and add government controls and responsibilities as well as probably taxation. Someone might ride a bike around the gates or even climb a fence or come through after another car. All is lost! It is hopeless! The gates are the problem so let's get rid of them. Forget about the well over 99% that come through the gates correctly or the deterrent factor. These criminals are coming in to get us so let's give up and throw out the welcome mat.

On the same vein, I am sure I have noticed people running stop signs and speeding on occasion so those signs should be taken down in Candlewick. They obviously do no good. Then there are those worthless please don't litter signs. I have picked up trash from my ditch so they must go also. Airports should be alerted to how useless their passenger screening is since people have made it through with contraband. Get rid of the worthless screeners!

Another problem....What is wrong with the management and board here? They have the nerve to come in $120,000 under budget last year, have no dues increase this year, and add free access to things like the pool and golf that we used to pay fees for. To make matters worse, they are going to get the dredging accomplished at a lower cost than anticipated. Those heels! They must go and take the association structure with them. And all those volunteers....what is with those scores of people wanting to help in so many areas? Don't they get it? This place is terrible. Stop it now!

I give up. Things are just too far gone here to salvage I guess. Hmmmm.

Ken Dillenburg