Plum Grove Estates Property Owners Association
Neighborhood News Working Together for a GREAT Neighborhood
Summer 2015
President’s Message – Guy Karm neighborhood will be back to the way that it has been in the past.
Well summer is finally here. Many of our neighbors are walking through the neighborhood and working in their yards. Unfortunately, as in past years, with everyone being out and walking around many complaints have come in regrading neighbors parking unauthorized vehicles. As I told you in my March President’s Message, our recent lack of area control enforcement was one of the main issues for the Board to resolve. There has been much communication as a Board and we believe that steps were taken to resolve the situation so that everyone now understands their responsibilities and there will be enforcement of the rules and covenants again. The
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Board member George Reichl agreed to step up and help Board member Carl Siemianowski who is the Director in charge of Area Control. Thank you George for your much needed assistance. George and Carl have come up with a comprehensive strategy and have moved forward with resolving pending Area Control violations. Unfortunately, because of time commitments and family obligations, Carl has tendered his resignation from the Board. On behalf of the Board of Directors and all of the residents of Plum Grove Estates I would like to thank Carl for his past two years of service as a Board member. In any event, every Board member is a volunteer and also a neighbor. None of us wish to become the driveway police of the neighborhood. If you think that you may be in violation, please make an effort to be a good neighbor and correct the situation before it becomes an issue with the Board of Directors. Regarding an update on the Briarwood Bridge–again, there is no update. At our October of 2014 General Meeting we invited Palatine Township officials Tom
Kaider, Highway Commissioner, and Roland Sachs, Superintendent of Roads, to speak at the meeting. Tom and Roland also brought Mike Shamsie from Landmark Engineering and John Helander, the Road District Attorney, to address our residents as there was apparently some concern on their part regarding the safety of the bridge. They advised that because of a significant increase in cost of the anticipated bridge repair the township was reconsidering its options with respect to the bridge so that we may be back to the beginning for a bridge resolution and that safety was their main concern. There was talk of a meeting to take place in November that would be open to residents of Plum Grove Estates to discuss the bridge, however, that meeting has not taken place.
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Newsletter Contents Directors Reports………………….3 Community News…………………3 Previous Meeting Minutes….……4-5 PGE Calendar………………………..6
Plum Grove Estates Property Owners Association P.O. Box 2568 Palatine, IL 60078-2568 www.pgepoa.org
…Continued from page 1 I have been advised that Mr. Kaider and Mr. Sachs are now in the process of getting new repair estimates, yet to date no new information is available. I will ask them to attend an upcoming general meeting to bring us all up to date on the status of the bridge as this is most certainly of main concern to all of our residents. I am sorry to advise that Board member Maria Pappas has also resigned due to family obligations and time commitments to work. Maria has served as a Board Member for years and also as our Treasurer. She was also active on other committees– social, membership, communication and area control. Thank you Maria for all of your hard work and we all hope that you will stay involved. In closing, please remember to support our park district and pool. We are very fortunate to have such a nice facility in our neighborhood. We will also looking for new Board members. This is an excellent way to volunteer and be active in your neighborhood. Please contact any Board member with questions or to indicate your interest. The Fishing Derby is back this year. As you will recall, the Derby was cancelled last year due to Brookdale Lake freezing over resulting in the death of a large number of the fish. The lake is back in good shape and the children’s Fishing Derby is scheduled for Saturday June 6th from 10:30 to noon. Please see the additional information in the newsletter. Finally, get in your RSVPs for the Kick-Off to Summer Party on June 17th at Plum Grove Park from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Please remember that attendance is limited per occupancy code, so that you must RSVP in a timely manner. Also, food and beverages are ordered based on those numbers. Last year many people just showed up without sending in an RSVP and there was not enough food.
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All our residents are welcome to this festive event, but you must RSVP to attend. This is by far my favorite event of the year and I hope to see all of you there.
Guy Karm, President, PGEPOA
2015 PGEPOA Officers/Directors President Vice President and Architectural Control Secretary Treasurer Area Control Civic Affairs Membership Communications Social and Landscaping Audit Past President
Guy Karm Dave Freeman Susan Mc Donald Mary Crook Vacant Steve Sperling Vacant Martin Kammerman Lynn Meinzer George Reichl Gary Dindia
Advertising Full page ....................once/$150 yearly/$380 Half page ...................once/$100 yearly/$255 Quarter page..............once/$50 yearly/$125 Eighth page................once/$25 yearly/$60 Thank you to all of our advertisers! Your ad defrays the cost of producing and mailing the newsletter.
Plum Grove Estates Property Owners Association P.O. Box 2568 Palatine, IL 60078-2568 www.pgepoa.org
Board Member Reports Landscape Report – Lynn Meinzer Spring and Summer time – The early cleanup work of all common areas was completed at the very end of March. The cleanup work has included spraying all the mowed areas with an extra strong weed killer for the Dandelions and a hundred other weeds. The objective is to get rid of the many weeds that grow along with the grass in the islands. Pruning and trimming plants, weeding the planted beds and spraying the cobblestones is an ongoing necessity to keep the entrances and islands in shape. During June, planting and mulching certain areas will be done. Various plants are taking their turn blooming and providing PGE residents with color as the season continues. We are still looking forward to the ecologist’s report regarding Brookdale Lake and what will be suggested to reduce erosion of the north shoreline. The project will be shared by Palatine Township Road District, Roland Sachs, Supervisor, and the Plum Grove Estates Property Owner’s Association. The suggestions will be presented to the Board and reported on as soon as possible. Happy Gardening!
Community News Fishing Derby Saturday, June 6 10:30 – noon Brookdale Pond Calling all kids! Join us for the annual Plum Grove Estates Fishing Derby! Bring your own fishing equipment and we will provide snacks and prizes. Hope to see you there!
Membership No Report
Area Control Report No Report
Architectural Control – Dave Freeman No Report
Social Report – Lynn Meinzer No Report
Civic Affairs Report – Steve Sperling No Report
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Plum Grove Estates Property Owners Association P.O. Box 2568 Palatine, IL 60078-2568 www.pgepoa.org
PGE POA General Meeting Minutes (pending approval) Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Call to Order The general meeting of the Plum Grove Homeowners Association was called to order by President Guy Karm at 7:30 PM on Wednesday, May 20th, 2015 at the Plum Grove Park.
Board Attendees Guy Karm, Mary Crook, Lynn Meinzer, Dave Freeman, Steve Sperling, Gary Dindia, Susan McDonald and Martin Kammerman
Absent Board Members Carl Siemianowski, George Reichl and Maria Pappas
Resident Attendees
Architectural Control Dave Freeman reported that the weather has delayed a number of homeowner improvements. However 318 Briarwood did get the new roof. He mentioned to please call if you have any questions on home improvements or plan on improving anything.
Area Control Since Carl was not in attendance, Guy Karm stated that some of the violations had been reported to the county and we were waiting response. There was some discussion regarding what actions we could take as a property association, i.e. having cars removed from driveways. Guy explained that actions which including towing cars away would be illegal. He stated that if we don’t receive a timely response from the county, we will resort to legal action.
Civic Affairs Sue Dindia, Bill Huley, Dona Mullen, Richard Coha and Irene Vinyard
Approval of Minutes A motion was made by Sue Dindia and seconded by Irene Vinyard and were unanimously approved after making a correction to the Social Committee report.
Treasurer’s Report Mary presented the Treasurer’s Report with the checking and reserves broken out separately. She also stated that the second mailing to that residence that has not paid their dues will be going out by the end of May. Bill Huley motioned and Irene Vinyard seconded the approval of the report and the report was moved into records by a unanimous vote.
President’s Remarks President Guy Karm provided an update regarding the by-law committee. The revision plan is being reviewed by the attorney and the proposed changes will be presented at the next general meeting. -4-
Steve Sperling reported that Palatine is sponsoring a Shred Day, Saturday, May 30 from 9AM to noon. There are three locations; Barrington Bank & Trust, Palatine Bank & Trust and Hanover Park Community Bank. You can get up to three boxes of paper shredded for free. All paper collected is 100% destroyed and then recycled. Steve also mentioned that Palatine Township and Palatine Lions Club are teaming up to provide Township residents an Electronic Recycling Day, Saturday, June 13 from 7:30 AM to 12:30 P. This will be located at 721 S Quentin Road. This event is free and there is no appointment necessary and no limit to most recycled items. All traffic will need to enter from the Illinois Avenue entrance and exit onto Quentin Road. The only items NOT being accepted are light bulbs, white goods, paint, and hazardous materials. For questions contact Lions club president Pau Pioch at 847-609-5805.
Landscaping Lynn reported that the spring cleanup was completed. The islands and common areas will receive some extra work, besides mowing, to include the addition of perennials and mulch. An
Plum Grove Estates Property Owners Association P.O. Box 2568 Palatine, IL 60078-2568 www.pgepoa.org
summer planning committee are finalizing menu, caterer and decoration plans. The party will include swimming privileges for all guests.
Membership Mary Crook reported for Maria Pappas that the following homes are on the market: 365 Elmwood, 230 Park, 256 Brookdale, 340 Longacres, and 346 Circle
Newsletter/Communication Martin reported that the final cut for all articles for the newsletter is May 30.
Old Business Guy Karm mentioned that the annual audit was conducted with no issues.
New Business No new business. extra strength weed killer has been applied, to all the PGE mowed areas, to especially take care of the Dandelion growth which was very prolific this spring. The weed killer kills many other additional weeds. Plants that are more drought-tolerant are being used at the Westwood entrance, since this area is difficult to water. The Oakwood Court island, which had twenty shrubs removed by the Township Road District last year, will be planted with some shrubs and perennials by Tri-scape. Then the Township Road District will be spreading grass seed for the lawn areas. Lynn checked with Roland Sachs, Palatine Township. Road District Supervisor about the ecologist suggestions for the common shoreline of Brookdale Lake, but it’s still not complete. The Brookdale Courts (north and south) have plants that need trimming and some removals, which the PTRD will take care of when PTRD receives letters regarding agreement with the work from the residents in each court
Sue Dindia motioned and Irene Vinyard seconded a motion to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m. Susan McDonald Secretary secretary@pgepoa.org
Groot / ARC – Republic Garbage Pickup To get the new Plum Grove Estates rate from Groot you have to contact them at (847) 734-6440. You may have to talk to a manager if the Customer Service person does not recognize that we are entitled to the new price, which is the same as the $67.44 per quarter we have been offered by ARC – Republic. If you want to switch to ARC (847) 981-0091, be sure to tell them that you are entitled to the Plum Grove Estates price (which they may know as their “municipal rate”. If Customer Service does not understand, ask for Tom Bernero.
Social the Summer Kickoff Party is scheduled for June 17 from 5:30 to 8:30. Invitations were mailed and the -5-
Plum Grove Estates Property Owners Association P.O. Box 2568 Palatine, IL 60078-2568 www.pgepoa.org
Plum Grove Estates Property Owners Association
PO 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
Fishing Derby
10/21 PGE POA General Meeting, 7:30 p.m., Plum Grove Park (Pizza at 7:00 p.m).
9/15 PGE POA Board Meeting
8/18 PGE POA Board Meeting
7/21 PGE POA Board Meeting
6/17 “Kick off to Summer” party
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Calendar