PGE POA Fall 2012 Newsletter

Plum Grove Estates Property Owners Association

Neighborhood News

Working Together for a GREAT Neighborhood

President’s Message

As I finish my two years as President of PGEPOA, I want to thank the Board for their hard work in every area. The Board members for the last two years have done a tremendous job keeping our

neighborhood up to the standards we expect. We are all volunteers and devote many, many hours to serving you.

The Board’s accomplishments include creating our website (www.PGEPOA.org), planting bushes along frontage road (eliminating the spit rail fence), re-landscaping our entrances, connecting with local real estate people to insure past dues are paid prior to the sale of a house, and the soon-to- be completed major repairs of the Algonquin fence. Many times this involved working with our neighbors to gain their compliance—not an easy task.

Fall 2012 I would also like to remind residents to be respectful of your neighbors. This includes putting garbage out the night before pickup (not 2-3 days prior) and adhering to the covenants prohibiting the parking of recreational vehicles in driveways and/or alongside houses.

Another good practice which many of us neglect is having our well water tested on a regular basis. It is recommended that we test our well water once a year.

Trace Labs, www.tracelabs.com, 847-934-5300 performs a variety of

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PGE POA Election: New 2013 Board

At the Plum Grove Estates Property Owners Association annual meeting on October 17, 2012, residents elected the incoming board members for 2013.

Officers

President: Guy Karm Vice-President: Dave Freeman Treasurer: Mary Crook Secretary: Debbie Denten

Directors

Civic Affairs: Steve Sperling Area Control: Carl Siemianowski Audit: George Reichl Social/Landscaping: Lynn Meinzer Membership: Maria Pappas Communication: Martin Kammerman Past President: Gary Dindia

Newsletter Contents

Westwood Entrance Update ............3 Holiday Party.....................................4 May PGE POA Meeting....................5 Briarwood Bridge ..............................6 PGE Board Road/Bridge Notes ......7 PGE Calendar.....................................8

Plum Grove Estates Property Owners Association • P.O. Box 2568 • Palatine, IL 60078-2568 • www.pgepoa.org

2013* PGEPOA Officers/Directors President ....................................Guy Karm Vice President and Architectural Control ...........Dave Freeman Secretary ....................................Debbie Denten Treasurer.....................................Mary Crook Area Control ...............................Carl Siemianowski Civic Affairs ................................Steve Sperling Membership ...............................Maria Pappas Communications ........................Martin Kammerman Social and Landscaping.............Lynn Meinzer Audit ...........................................George Reichl Past President ............................Gary Dindia *As of January 1, 2013

Advertising

Full page ....................once/$150 Half page ...................once/$100 Quarter page..............once/$50 Eighth page................once/$25

yearly/$380 yearly/$255 yearly/$125 yearly/$60

Thank you to all of our advertisers! Your ad defrays the cost of producing and mailing the newsletter.

Looking to Downsize?

Need help getting clutter under control?

Contact Kelly Godawski, PGE Resident, for home organizing services covering closets, kitchens, paper, basements, garages, toys, bedrooms, or any other space you want organized!

Kelly Godawski Professional Organizer 847-361-7505 kggodawski@aol.com

Bonus: Ads Appear on the PGE Web Site

We are now posting ads from our newsletter sponsors at http://www.pgepoa.org/Home/sponsors-ads Contact Martin Kammerman at 847-485-7050 or email at webadmin@pgepoa.org to submit an ad Contact Mary Crook at (847) 303-5259 or treasurer@pgepoa.org to pay for your ad

Submit News and Info

The newsletter is a great way to let your neighbors know about events and issues that are important to us. Please contribute newsletter information to: Martin Kammerman 847-485-7050 or webadmin@pgepoa.org

Join PGE on Facebook & LinkedIn!

Make a personal or professional connection with your neighbors by joining our social network groups!

Facebook: “Friends of Plum Grove Estates”

If you are planning any architectural changes to your residence, architectural plans need to be submitted & approved by the board.

To facilitate this procedure, please contact

Dave Freeman at (847) 303-6628.

You will be provided with the information needed to get approval.

It is very important that you get approval before beginning any project.

LinkedIn: Plum Grove Estates Neighborhood Network 2

Plum Grove Estates Property Owners Association • P.O. Box 2568 • Palatine, IL 60078-2568 • www.pgepoa.org

Neighbor Greetings Welcome to New PGE Neighbors

New parents Rebecca Sheade and Devin Murphy have moved into 2251 Longacres Lane.

The Plum Grove Estates Welcoming Committee brings a copy of the PGE Directory and a special Maria Pappas at 847-303-3536 for more information.

PGE Westwood/Algonquin Entrance Fence and Plants Makeover The Frontage Road Viburnum Hedge has been growing successfully in spite of the summer’s heat and the drought. The shrubs were kept watered and none were lost because of the weather. They are on their way to becoming a screening barrier. Thanks to the “hedge area” residents, especially Bill Hall, who helped when needed with their water.

Mums were planted at the Frontage Road Entrances and the Briarwood islands in the beginning of October. Thank you, Carolina and John Boehm, who helped with their water and watering at the Briarwood Entrance.

The Westwood/Algonquin Entrance Project to rework the stone wall and plants was started on 10/25 and finished on 10/26. The assorted perennials were transplanted to the other two exterior entrances on Frontage Road and the three interior entrances. The existing stone was reworked, and the wall was moved back several feet and rebuilt closer to the fence. Thirteen additional “Knock-Out” Rose Shrubs were planted on the upper level and three at the ground level. These Roses performed beautifully this year and handled the Algonquin Road conditions in all seasons. The small open area at ground level will be planted with Bulbs for Spring, Annuals for Summer, and Mums for Fall. The Roses, Diervilla and Boxwood are being watered by Perry & Teresa Ziakas. Many thanks to them for their help!

The three “Trinity” Ornamental Pear Trees were planted on the north side of Brookdale Pond in October. They are young (2.5”–3” girth) trees on their way

to becoming 30 ft. high. They flower in the spring, have shiny, heart-shaped leaves in the summer, and red/orange/wine colored leaves in fall. We thank Tiffany Heinlein for water for the establishing trees.

Holiday Lights are scheduled to be decorating the entrances of Plum Grove Estates by late November!

For more information about this and other PGE POA landscaping projects, please contact Lynn Meinzer at social@pgepoa.org.

Plum Grove Estates Property Owners Association • P.O. Box 2568 • Palatine, IL 60078-2568 • www.pgepoa.org

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President’s Message, continued

tests or you can call the County, Soil and Water Office at 218-387-3647.

Representatives of The Cook County Sheriff’s Police were at our last homeowners’ meeting and reminded us that they do perform house watches when we are away. You can call to set this up at 847-635-1188. They also committed to monitor traffic speed any time we call them (they do it now on a periodic basis but will do it at our request anytime). We have called them in the past and their efforts have been effective in slowing down traffic.

Any time you have a police issue, do not hesitate to call them.

Thanks to all of you for your support the last two years. It has been a real privilege to serve this wonderful community.

Congratulations to Guy Karm, the newly elected President, and all the new Board members. I am sure the Property Owners Association is in good hands.

Hope to see you at the Christmas Party!

Gary Dindia PGE POA President president@pgepoa.org

If you see broken entrance lights, fences, or signs, please call the PGE POA Area Control Director CARL SIEMIANOWSKI 847-705-8354 areacontrol@pgepoa.org

BAIRD&WARNER

2012 PGE Holiday Party on Dec. 2

The Holiday Party is being planned at this time! It comes very early this year on December 2nd! We look forward to celebrating this annual event with the children and adults alike at Plum Grove Park. The festivities provide an opportunity to get together with your neighbors, enjoy holiday music, be on hand for a special visit from Santa for youngsters (to 10 years old), while dinner and beverages are served. Those attending are asked to bring a favorite dessert to share!

Please reply early to help with planning. There’s always room for a few more volunteers to help with the before, during and after party details!

Lynn Meinzer: (H) 847/397-5832 or (C).630/417-6494

Sandy Heinlein and Denise Curry

Office: 847.934.5069 • Cell: 847.822.8051 sandy.heinlein@bairdwarner.com 819 N. Quentin Road • Palatine, IL 60067 www.bairdwarner.com

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Plum Grove Estates Property Owners Association • P.O. Box 2568 • Palatine, IL 60078-2568 • www.pgepoa.org

PGE POA Annual Meeting Minutes Wednesday, October 17, 2012 Call to Order

The General Meeting of the Plum Grove Homeowners Association was called to order by President Gary Dindia at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, at Plum Grove Park.

Board Attendees

Gary Dindia, Dave Freeman, Maria Pappas, Debbie Denten, Lynn Meinzer, Andrea Brennan, Guy Karm, Carl Siemianowksi and Randy Mitchell Absent: Steve Sperling, George Reichl

Resident Attendees Martha Atherton Wally Wilson Richard Beals Mary Jo Hoadley Nancy Lazzaroni Leroy Van Dyke Madeline Madsen Cathy Reichl Tim Corrigan Larry Amos Martin Kammerman

Bruce Williams Alice Forbes Bill Huley Dawn Amos Pam Adelizzi Richard Olsen Joanne Olsen Gloria Basara Ellen Cochran Mary Crook

Guests

Deputy Commander Dwyer and three officers from the Cook County Sherriff’s Police provided an update on the calls made in our area. He reported that La Magarita was closed down because of the persistence of the homeowners living in Plum Grove Estates. Sheriffs agreed to set up speed traps, beginning on Briarwood Lane, in resident driveways with the resident's permission.

Approval of Minutes

Minutes from the General Meeting held in May 2012 were approved.

Treasurer’s Report

The treasurers report for the month of September, 2012 was presented by Maria Pappas and filed.

Architectural Control

Dave Freeman reported that the board is working closely with Jack Conti from the county offices of building and inspection regarding violations including home businesses and motor homes parked illegally.

Area Control

Carl Siemianowski introduced as Glen Prezembel’s replacement.

Landscaping

Lynn Meinzer reported planting of the mums at the entrances and islands for the fall season.

There will be additional weed control around the new bushes that have been planted along the Frontage Road.

Three new Trinity Pear trees have been planted at the pond to replace willow trees.

Offered a description of the Westwood Entrance redesign work to be done by Great American Landscaping.

The holiday lights will be put up prior to the Holiday Party.

Membership

We have new neighbors at 2251 Longacres, Devin Murphy and Rebecca Sheade-Murphy.

Our new directory will be sent out in November.

Communication

Andrea Brennan resported that the Fall 2012 newsletter will be sent out the middle of November. She introduced Martin Kammerman as the new director.

Old Business

20 MPH speed limit will be presented to Cook County for their approval on November 1, 2012.

No new information about the Briarwood bridge.

Election

The nominating committee consisted of Russ Haan, Maria Pappas, Lynn Provan, George Reichl and Wally Wilson and proposed the following slate of officers and directors: President: Guy Karm Vice President: Dave Freeman Secretary: Debbie Denten Treasurer: Mary Crook

Plum Grove Estates Property Owners Association • P.O. Box 2568 • Palatine, IL 60078-2568 • www.pgepoa.org

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Letter from Palatine Township Road District to PGE Residents

Dear Plum Grove Estates Homeowners,

Re:

Briarwood Bridge Update

There seems to be growing concern among the residents regarding the alternatives to the Briarwood Bridge. I would like as Highway Commissioner to get a consensus of the community as to the best course of action regarding the bridge. I will continue to seek community input in order to come up with a good plan and until then put any major work on hold. In the meantime, to ensure that the bridge and the roadway remain safe, we will increase the frequency of monitoring the bridge for failures and deficiencies. Cook County Highway Department will continue to inspect the bridge every two years. I will coordinate with our structural engineer to inspect it on the off years, thus increasing the monitoring frequency of bridge to once a year instead of once every two years. This will address any developing problems that may occur.

In order to address obvious failures, I will patch critical areas. These areas include the delamination of the concrete on the underside of the bridge, which allowed reinforcing steel to be exposed, and any additional cracks in the wing walls. These repairs will only be to the underside of the bridge. No improvements will be made to the parapet walls, guardrails or width of the travel path on the bridge.

Only patching will be performed at this time and all major work will be put on hold. I will continue to coordinate with the community in order to come up with a safe and reasonable plan to address the remaining deficiencies.

My crew and I at the Road District have always taken pride in providing excellent services for the Plum Grove Estates Subdivision and will continue to do so in the future. If you have any further questions, concerns or need any additional information please feel free to contact me at 847.358.6336 or by email at palhwy@aol.com.

Thank you,

John D. Powers

Highway Commissioner Palatine Township Road District

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Plum Grove Estates Property Owners Association • P.O. Box 2568 • Palatine, IL 60078-2568 • www.pgepoa.org

Road and Bridge Notes From the PGE POA Board Survey Because there will not be any major work done on the bridge, the Board will not be soliciting the residents about their preferences on four alternative plans for bridge repair/replacement.

20 MPH Speed Limit The Cook County Board approved a 20 MPH speed limit for Plum Grove Estates at their November 1ST Meeting. Signs will be going up during the next few weeks and the Sherriff’s Department will be notified.

Historic Designation The Illinois State Historic Preservation Association has designated Plum Grove Estates as Eligible for Historic Designation. There are two areas where this can affect homeowners. First, if you are applying for any government funds related to your house they have to be reviewed by the IHPA (typically this would apply to FEMA funds being requested due to flooding).

Second, if you are making a major renovation to your house and ask IHSP to review the project you could be eligible for a 3-5 year tax assessment freeze. Please note that they will influence or comment on the type of renovation only if you’re eligible for the assessment freeze.

PGE POA Meeting Minutes, cont.

Director: Martin Kammerman Director: Carl Siemianowski Director: Maria Pappas

A motion was made and seconded to accept the slate. All nominees were accepted unanimously.

The meeting attendees said thank you to Randy Mitchell and Andrea Brennan, who will be leaving the board in 2013, and to Glen Prezembel, who left the board in the latter part of 2012.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:47 p.m. by President Gary Dindia.

Debbie Denten Secretary secretary@pgepoa.org

Any construction, utilizing government funds, to or on the bridge has to be reviewed by the IHPA. This also applies to any township project in PGE which uses government funds.

Gary Dindia PGE POA President president@pgepoa.org

Plum Grove Estates Property Owners Association • P.O. Box 2568 • Palatine, IL 60078-2568 • www.pgepoa.org

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Plum Grove Estates Property Owners Association

P.O. Box 2568 Palatine, IL 60078-2568 www.pgepoa.org

Fire District Mtg, Noon, at Palatine Rural Fire Station, 35 E. Ela Rd., Inverness Plum Grove Sanitary District Mtg, 7 p.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church PGE POA Board Meeting PGE Holiday Party at Plum Grove Park RSVP by 11/26 to Lynn Meinzer (847-4176494) or Maria Pappas (847-303-3536) Fire District Mtg, Noon, at Palatine Rural Fire Station, 35 E. Ela Rd., Inverness Plum Grove Sanitary District Mtg, 7 p.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church Fire District Mtg, Noon, at Palatine Rural Fire Station, 35 E. Ela Rd., Inverness Plum Grove Sanitary District Mtg, 7 p.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church PGE POA Board Meeting Fire District Mtg, Noon, at Palatine Rural Fire Station, 35 E. Ela Rd., Inverness Plum Grove Sanitary District Mtg, 7 p.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church PGE POA General Meeting, 7:30 p.m., Plum Grove Park (Pizza at 7:00 p.m.)

Deadline to submit information for the Spring 2013 PGE POA newsletter (send information to webadmin@pgepoa.org)

11/12 11/13 11/27 12/2 12/10 12/11 1/14 1/15 1/15 2/11 2/12 2/20 2/28

CALENDAR