DEADLINE TO REGISTER

The deadline to register or make name and address changes for the March 20, 2012 General Primary Election is Tuesday, February 21, 2012.  If you are not registered from your current address, you will not be able to vote at the March 20, 2012 General Primary Election.
   
Jo Daviess County Clerk Jean Dimke urges you to check your registration status. Those individuals who experienced difficulty at the polls the last time they voted should take time to check their status. Call Dimke’s Office at 777-0161 to check your registration.
   
Registrations can be taken at the County Clerk’s Office from 8:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Deputy registrars are located throughout the county, and registration changes can be made at libraries or several other business locations.

State law does allow for Grace Period registration between Wednesday, February 22 and Tuesday, March 13. The law does stipulate that the Grace Period registration and voting must be in person, only at the office of the County Clerk, and only between Wednesday, February 22 and Tuesday, March 13. Grace period registration and voting does not allow the voter to vote at the polls on Election Day.
   
For more information on registration locations, call the County Clerk’s office at 777-0161 or stop at the courthouse, 330 N. Bench St., Galena.

ABSENTEE VOTING

Jo Daviess County Clerk Jean Dimke reminds voters that they may apply to vote by absentee ballot before the March 20, 2012 General Primary Election by mail or in person and not have to specify a reason for doing so as in past elections. The first day to accept absentee applications to vote is Thursday, February 9.

With changes to the Illinois Election Code, a voter may request and vote an absentee ballot without specifying a reason for the absence from the polling place on Election Day.
   
Absentee voting by mail does require a two step process. Voters wishing to vote absentee by mail will first be mailed the application for ballot. When the application for ballot is returned to the Clerk’s Office, the official ballot will be mailed to the voter at the specified address. Thursday, March 15, 2012 is the last day the County Clerk’s Office may receive an application by mail and the last day for the County Clerk’s Office to mail an official ballot.

Persons wishing to vote an absentee ballot in person in advance of the election may do so by coming to Dimke’s office in the courthouse no later than Monday, March 19, 2012 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

EARLY VOTING OPTION FOR VOTERS

Voters wishing to cast a ballot prior to the March 20, 2012 General Primary Election may do so during the Early Voting period.

Any voter validly registered in Jo Daviess County may vote during the early voting period after showing proper identification.

“Early voting is where a registered voter may vote early and not have to give a reason for doing so,” County Clerk Jean Dimke said.

Early voting will be conducted only at the County Clerk’s Office at 330 N. Bench St., Galena beginning on Monday, February 27 and continuing through Thursday, March 15 on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Dimke reminds voters “that any early vote cast is final and the voter is not eligible to vote at the polls on Election Day”.

Early voting does not affect absentee voting in any way. In person and mail absentee voting is still available for registered voters.
  
Anyone with questions about Early or Absentee Voting should call the County Clerk’s Office at 777-0161.

Head to the Pro Shop for the Big Game this Sunday. Food and drink specials start at 4:30 pm on Sunday. Taco bar, quesadillas, wings and more!

Due to the soft nature of the ground because of warm temperatures, the trails will be closed until further notice. Watch this page for more information or call the Amenity hotline at 815-492-2257 for updates.

This article was riginally posted on this site on August  8, 2011 and published in the August issue of The Apple Core. We are reposting in an effort to give those with questions about their statements a better understanding and background on the changes to the Dues and Fees. PLEASE read your APPLE CORE each month to stay informed of any and all changes affecting your INVESTMENT at Apple Canyon Lake.

 ACLPOA Board approves publishing of proposals for 2012 budgets, related fees and membership dues schedules

By Duane D. Suits, Board Treasurer
Budget Committee Chair

The ACLPOA Board of Directors, at its meeting on July 16, 2011, approved for publication to its members the proposed 2012 Operating Budget, 2012 Fee Schedule and the 2012 R & R Budget.  In addition, the Board also unanimously approved for publication as part of the Operating Budget, the proposed 2012 Pool Capital Assessment, and Members’ Dues (Assessments) Schedule for 2012, and the 2012 Amenity Fee Schedule.

The board members approved each the five separate board motions encompassing the above unanimously in attendance at the meeting.  They represent the culmination of nearly two years of work by the Dues and Fees Committee (appointed in 2010), the Budget Committee and the Board and countless hours of time on the part of ACL management and staff, board and committee members, and the many members who attended meetings open to the public on the topics above. 

These budgets and the recommendations for fees and dues represent the most significant changes for the members in how our Association will operate financially – since the creation of ACLPOA over 40 years ago and, when adopted, will put our Lake on a firm fiscal foundation for our generation and generations to come.

DUES - The big question that everyone involved with the Lake has been asking over the past year is what is the amount of annual dues that is being proposed?  We finally have an answer.  As shown in the information in this edition of Apple Core, the 2012 dues being proposed is actually the total of three separate components 1) the operating assessment; 2) the assessment for renovation and replacement contribution (R & R); and 3) the capital assessment payable over five years for replacement and/or upgrade of the current swimming pool complex.  The answer is $750.

Why such an increase over the $250 dues in 2011?  A number of factors contributed towards the proposed dues level.  The Dues and Fees Committee was formed in 2010 to consider the current revenue structure at ACL and consider alternative structures that would better provide for meeting the future financial needs of ACL and would also meet overall fairness and equality considerations for all of our members.  Due to the original covenants written by the developer of ACL, dues could only be increased by a very complicated voting process – so complicated there have been only three (3) increases over our 40+-year history.  It has been almost 14 years since the last increase, and to meet the growing financial needs of the community for expenses, repairs and replacements, ACL has become increasingly reliant on fees (sometimes very creative) for accessing and using our amenities, along with other fees and revenue streams – all of which were subject to fluctuations due to economic and environmental factors.  Over time a budget that in early days was based on a 70% / 30% mix of dues and other revenue sources, respectively, inverted to where the relationship in the 2011 Budget was 30% dues and 70% other revenue sources.  The result – our funding stream for our operating and capital needs was significantly more volatile (due to economic and environmental factors) and met neither the fair or equal criteria. 

Another factor relates to the R & R Fund.  This fund was established to provide reserves for replacement and renovation of ACL common properties and equipment.  In the past the annual contribution to the R & R Fund has never been a budgeted line item – essentially, at the end of each fiscal year, the excess (if any) of operating revenues over operating expenses was paid into the R & R Fund.  ACLPOA has retained the services of consultants Reserve Advisors, Inc., to perform and provide periodic updates of a Reserve Plan, which provides estimates of when major repairs, replacements and renovations will be required.  The most recent update, completed in 2010, goes through 2040 and provides estimates of expenditures required (given certain assumptions regarding inflation and other cost increases) and funding requirements (given assumptions regarding earnings on investments) to provide for timely updates of our property and equipment.  Funding is structured to provide a stable revenue stream over a period of years so that funds will be available when projects are due and also when unforeseen needs or emergencies arise.  In the past, without consistent funding of the R & R fund, scheduled repairs and renovations have been deferred, or not been performed in some cases, because the scheduled activity was not yet necessary, but in other cases because funds were not available.  In some instances, this resulted in a much higher cost, in both dollars and disruptions, at a later time when the asset had so seriously deteriorated to the point where it became absolutely necessary.  As a result of this situation, the Budget Committee recommended to the Board that the annual Operating Budget include a line item for the transfer to R & R of funds based on the long-range Reserve Study.

This recommendation was timely due to the passage in July 2010 of the Common Interest Community Association Act (CICAA) that now requires a line item for budgeting the Association Reserves.  In addition, CICAA is the third factor that significantly impacted the decisions of the Dues and Fees Committee and the Budget Committee.  Dues and Fees had already worked for nearly a year on its recommendations to the Board.  The ACL Legal Committee spent many hours and made several presentations to the Board in the fall of 2010 and early 2011 on the requirements of the law and the need to restate the Association’s Bylaws to make them compliant with CICAA and the Restated Covenants, that become effective in November.  CICAA has been covered in detail in recent editions of the Apple Core so I will not discuss it in any detail here.  However, it became clear that this law now governs the operation and activities of ACLPOA, and that it was necessary to look at the Dues and Fees activities under CICAA and make significant changes in its recommendations to comply with the Act’s requirements.  The Act also includes directions to the Budget Committee and to the Board regarding how the finances of the ACLPOA must be handled.

Late this spring another event emerged which impacted decisions regarding our Budget process.  While preparing our swimming pool for opening this May, a significant leak was discovered.  This has since been mitigated to a manageable level for operation so far this summer.  However, significant questions remain as to how long the situation can be managed without significant repairs and disruption, or if in fact, complete repair will prove to be cost prohibitive.  As a result, the Budget Committee recommended to the Board that a capital assessment totaling $2.5 million dollars be approved to fund, in five annual installments, the replacement/renovation of our pool complex.  The amount is based on a recently received update to a study completed in 2008 by PSA-Dewberry Inc., a consulting firm retained to perform a needs study and recommendation for a replacement pool complex for ACL.  In November 2008, the Board passed a resolution, which accepted “Option D” for replacement of the pool and renovation of the bathhouse.  It authorized funding of the plan to occur over the next five years.  This funding method is consistent with CICAA provisions for capital assessments that authorizes the inclusion of a multi-year assessment for capital projects to be included in the annual operating budget approved by the Board.

THE RESULTS -- All of the above factors were considered in developing the Dues and Fees Committee recommendations for the dues and also for the new proposed fee schedule that eliminates or substantially reduces many of the fees and user charges from previous years.  One new fee included in the recommendation is an Owner Amenity Registration Fee of $100 that will be assessed annually to each owner of a Lot or portion of a Lot at ACL.  Each owner will only be required to pay one $100 fee regardless of the number of lots or portions of a lot owned.  In return they will receive an Identification Form, (an ID card, badge or similar) which will be required and must be available, on request by security or their authorized representatives, for access to any of the amenities offered at the lake, including the lake itself, the trails, beach etc.  Under the proposal, up to six guest passes per owner will also be issued at no additional cost to such owner upon payment of this fee.  The estimated revenue from the proposed registration fee is $293,000 – proposed reductions in other fees and charges from the 2011 fee schedule amount to approximately $650,000.  The result is a net reduction in fees and user charges from those already paid or expected in 2011 of $357,000.
Proposed Budgeted Revenues – The total proposed revenues, including changes from the Dues and Fees Committee discussed above, totals $3,244,188, which includes the provisions for the R & R Funding Contribution of $299,000 and the first of five annual installments of $500,000 for the capital assessment for the swimming pool and adjoining bathhouse facilities.  The total revenue in the 2012 proposed operating fund portion of the annual budget, after excluding the R & R and Capital assessments, amounts to $2,445,188.  This represents an increase over the 2011 Budgeted operating fund revenues of $230,033 or 10.4%.

Proposed Budgeted Operating Fund Expenses -- The total expenses in the 2012 proposed operating fund are $2,427,673, which represents an increase over the 2011 Budgeted-operating expenses of $228,219 or 10.4%.  The largest components of this increase include wages and employee benefits which increased by $65,502, a new contingent expense line item of $25,000, and a new reserve for revenue shortfalls of $75,000.

The initial draft 2012 expense budget was developed by management based on known results in 2011 on a year to date basis and expectations through the end of the year.  They also considered known changes in 2012, price and usage projections for certain goods and commodities and other factors.  The Budget Committee, reviewed this initial draft along with comparative data for prior years with members of the Board and the Dues and Fees Committees and management and staff in attendance -- a process culminating with the Budget Committee’s recommendation to the Board.

R & R FUND -- At the Budget Committee meeting we also considered the draft R & R expenditure that must be included in the annual budget prepared by management and staff.  The starting point for these discussions was the Reserve Study recommendations for renovation and replacement for 2012.  Additional items were then brought forward by management which 1) were not included in the Reserve Study; 2) were in the Reserve study for previous year expenditure, but were deferred; or 3) are in the Reserve study for future years expenditure but, because of usage or unanticipated deterioration, need replacement in 2012.  Management and staff were available to answer questions regarding the various items considered for funding -- and provided the Committee with additional information regarding certain of the requests.  Ultimately, the Budget Committee approved for recommendation to the Board a final list of items to be funded from the R & R Fund in 2012 totaling $558,916.

Some of the more significant items discussed and included in the 2012 recommendation, which were not included in the Reserve Study consisted of stream stabilization work and golf course watershed work,  portions of which are subject to obtaining from governmental bodies  cost share grant funds.  The net costs to be funded by the R & R, if approved, are $7,500 and $61,000 respectively.  Other significant items not previously included in the Reserve Study consisted of concrete work surrounding the Marina of $16,000; Dam valve protection system (guard rails etc.) $16,000; and $39,380 for concrete pads on certain sites at the campground subject to high erosion and recurring significant annual maintenance costs. 

The Board of Directors approved the listing for publication and a summary can be found in this edition of The Apple Core. (See August Issue)

NEXT STEP -- The Board of Directors will consider the adoption of these budgets and related proposals in their regularly scheduled meeting on September 17, 2011.
Per the new Common Interest Community Association Act (CICAA), the property owners, upon a written petition with 20% of the votes of the Association (549) delivered to the board, may request a special meeting of the members within 30 days of the date of the delivery.  This meeting will consider the budget and unless a majority of the total votes of the members is cast at the meeting to reject the budget, it shall be deemed ratified.

In summary -- this has been a very busy, challenging, and difficult budget process, which has involved significant time and effort on the part of the Board of Directors, committee members, members of ACLPOA, management and staff.  The proposed budgets and fee schedules discussed above contain elements to more equally distribute the costs of operating this community and providing amenities amongst the members of ACL, and other provisions to provide fairness amongst a very diverse owner and user community.  But in the end, these Budgets and other proposals reflect the efforts of many individuals who are dedicated to doing what it takes to provide the financial foundation for insuring that Apple Canyon Lake will be here for the enjoyment and pleasure, not just of the current members, their families and their guests, but also for many future generations to come.

By Marge Smith Clark
On behalf of the Legal Committee

On November 6, 2011, the Restated Covenants go into effect.  As of July 29, 2010, the Common Interest Community Association Act (CICAA) became law and as amended by Senate Bill 1651 requires all community associations to be in compliance by January 1, 2012.  Both documents present changes that affect several important rights and privileges of property owners and deserve explanation.  It is important for all property owners to understand that CICAA is the law and as such trumps some provisions in our governing documents that might be in conflict with the law.

1.    The Restated Covenants in Article VI, Section 12, provide property owners of vacant lots an option to restrict a vacant lot to no construction in perpetuity and receive a 40 percent reduction in association dues.

2.    The Restated Covenants in Article VI, Section 13, provide a Senior Exemption from any increase in future annual assessments to those senior citizens whose dwelling qualifies for the Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze as provided in the Jo Daviess County, Illinois Ordinances.

3.    CICAA specifies that twenty percent of the membership shall constitute a quorum, unless the community instruments indicate a lesser amount.

4.    CICAA provides for communication of a proposed association budget to the property owners at least 30 days but not more than 60 days prior to adoption of the budget by the Board of Directors.

5.    CICAA provides that a proposed annual budget shall indicate which portions are intended for reserves, capital expenditures, or repairs or payment of real estate taxes.

6.    CICAA provides a procedure by which property owners may petition the Board if an adopted budget or any separate assessment adopted by the Board would result in the sum of all regular and separate assessments payable in the current fiscal year exceeding 115% of the sum of all regular and separate assessments payable during the preceding fiscal year.

1. Restricted Lot under the Restated Covenants
The owner of any lot upon which no structure has been erected may enter into an agreement with the Association in which the owner agrees that the lot shall remain forever vacant open space on which no structure of any kind shall be erected, except one requested by the Association and agreed upon by the owner and the Board.  All agreements creating a Restricted Lot shall be acceptable to the Board and suitable for recording.  When agreed to by the Association, the agreement shall be recorded with the Recorder of Deeds of Jo Daviess County, Illinois.  Beginning in the year following the recording of the agreement, Restricted Lots subject to such an agreement shall be eligible for a forty percent (40%) reduction on any future annual assessments.  However, Restricted Lots remain liable for any special assessments approved pursuant to Section 4 of Article VI of the Restated Covenants.  The owner of a Restricted Lot shall have all the rights and privileges of any other owner, except as modified by the agreement.  Owners of Restricted Lots will remain responsible for the maintenance of such Restricted Lot as is the owner of any other vacant lot.

2. Senior Exemption under the Restated Covenants
If a dwelling qualifies for the Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze as provided in the Jo Daviess County, Illinois Ordinances, such dwelling shall be exempt from any increase in future annual assessments which become effective the year after the granting of such Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze.  Application for the Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze must be submitted to the Chief County Assessment Office on or before July 1 of each year, and an applicant must meet all county requirements to qualify for the assessment freeze.  The owner of a dwelling that qualifies for the Senior Exemption must before January 1 provide the Association with satisfactory evidence that the dwelling has qualified for the Senior Assessment Freeze program for the following year.  Any application and paper work with the Chief County Assessment Office must be completed and filed in the Association office by December 2011 in order to qualify for the Senior Exemption in 2012.  Such dwelling shall remain liable for any special assessments approved by the members.  All Senior Exemptions shall end on the year immediately following the sale or transfer of the dwelling to a third party or the death of the last surviving owner entitled to the Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze.

3. CICAA Specifies a Quorum of Twenty Percent (20%) or Less for Meetings
As a result of language changes in Senate Bill 1651, which amends CICAA, a quorum shall constitute twenty percent (20%) of the membership, unless the community instruments indicate a lesser amount.  For years our Covenants and Restrictions and Bylaws have provided for different quorum percentages depending upon the issue—annual assessments and special assessments, changes to the Articles of Incorporation, changes to the Covenants, changes to the Bylaws, Recall of a Board member, etc.  Increases in annual assessments and special assessments require a 60 percent (60%) quorum on a first ballot.  Amendments to the Articles of Incorporation also require a 60 percent (60%) quorum. 
With the implementation of the Restated Covenants on November 6, 2011, quorum requirements were scheduled to be lowered to 40 percent (40%) on a first ballot for increases in annual assessments and special assessments and dropped to 30 percent (30%) if a second meeting were necessary.  The quorum requirement for Amendments to the Articles of Incorporation and Restated Covenants were scheduled to be lowered to 40 percent (40%). 
However, CICAA trumps our governing documents; and under CICAA and SB1651 Section1-40 (b) (1) twenty percent of the membership shall constitute a quorum, unless the community instruments indicate a lesser amount.   Work on the proposed Restated Bylaws (which are subject to approval by the Board and the membership) has incorporated further changes to comply with the twenty percent or less quorum requirements of CICAA. Quorum requirements that had been adjusted downward to forty percent (40%) are being adjusted downward further to twenty percent (20%) or less in the Restated Bylaws.  In our Restated Bylaws, the quorum requirement for special meetings of the membership will be 125 Voting Members, unless the action for which the meeting is called requires a greater quorum.  For example, if the meeting is called to vote on a merger or dissolution or increase in the permitted indebtedness, the quorum requirement is 20%.  It is recommended that members review the Restated Bylaws as published in the June Apple Core and carefully review the recommended changes to these Restated Bylaws that will be published in the September Apple Core.

4. CICAA Provides for Publication of the Budget before Adoption
Historically, the Association has published the budget following adoption of the budget by the Board of Directors.  However, under CICAA requirements, the Association must provide to the membership through a prescribed delivery method a copy of the proposed budget at least 30 days but not more than 60 days prior to adoption of the budget.  Included with the budget must be an indication of which portions are intended for reserves, capital expenditures or repairs or payment of real estate taxes.  A “prescribed delivery method” for the proposed annual budget at ACLPOA will be publication in The Apple Core since a copy of such is sent to all members on a regular basis.  A copy of the 2012 proposed budget is included in this August issue.
 
Originally posted on August 8, 2011 and published in the August issue of The Apple Core

The Pro Shop Grill will be closed on Friday, January 20 due to the snowstorm. Please check for updates regarding Saturday and Sunday hours.

2012 Dues Statements Have Been Mailed
Watch for your Dues Statement in the mail; they were mailed January 10.  All Dues, Trash, OARF(s), and Seasonal Slips/Sites are due on all lots owned by MARCH 1! Late fees are assessed March 2!
If you have not received your statement(s) by January 20, PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE at 815-492-2238  and we will mail you a duplicate copy.

Don't lose your Boat Slip
At the July 16, 2011 Board Meeting, a new annual Boat Slip License was approved. The Licenses were mailed with the Dues Statements and must be completed and returned with the Seasonal Slip/Site payment, watercraft card, and proof of insurance no later than March 1. Failure to return these documents by March 1 risks forfeiture of your slip!

New Owner Amenity Registration Fee (OARF)
The 2012 Budget includes a $100 Owner Amenity Registration Fee (OARF) which is assessed on a per-owner basis. Married couples constitute one owner under ACLPOA Covenants. If your deed does not list “husband and wife”, “a married couple”, etc., the Association Office will require a copy of your marriage certificate in order to waive the second fee.

Voting Member
For lots in which a Designated Voter Form was not received: lots owned by one or more natural person will be assigned a Voting Member. The first person listed on the recorded deed will be assigned as Voting Member. For lots owned by natural persons, written notice provided to the Association Office, signed by all lot owners, and including the name, address and telephone number of the Voting Member will be acceptable means of changing the Voting Member. Trusts and other legal entities will lose their right to vote. All changes to the Voting Member by legal entities after November 6, 2011 will require Board approval. If you are not sure if you have already designated a Voting Member for your property, please contact the Association Office.

Property Owner Information
Please contact the Association Office with updates to your phone number, email address and mailing address! We cannot serve you without your correct contact information!

Call the Association Office if you have any questions at 815-492-2238.

Per  the Jo Daviess County website:

Valuation date (35 ILCS 200/9-95): January 1, 2011

Required level of assessment (35 ILCS 200/9-145): 33.33%
Valuation based on sales from (35 ILCS 200/1-155): 2008-2010

Publication is hereby made for equalized assessed valuations for real property in the following townships in accordance with 35 ILCS 200/12-10.

Questions about these valuations should be directed to: Theresa Cole (Apple River, Council Hill, Guilford, Scales Mound and Thompson Townships), 8983 IL Rte 84 North, Galena, IL 61036. Phone 815-777-1864.

If you believe your property’s fair cash value is incorrect or that the equalized assessed valuation is not uniform with other comparable properties in the same neighborhood, the following steps should be taken:

1. Contact your township assessor to review the assessment.
2. If not satisfied with the assessor review, taxpayers may file a complaint with the Jo Daviess County Board of Review. For complaint forms, instructions, and the Rules and Procedures of the Board of Review, call (815) 777-1016 or visit www.jodaviess.org for more information.
3. The final filing deadline for your township is 30 days from this publication date. After this date, the Board of Review is prohibited by law from accepting assessment complaints for properties in these townships. The filing deadline is January 13, 2012.

Your property may be eligible for homestead exemptions, which can reduce your property’s
taxable assessment. For more information on homestead exemptions, call (815) 777-1016 or visit www.jodaviess.org.

Your property tax bill will be calculated as follows:
Final Equalized Assessed Value – Exemptions = Taxable Assessment;
Taxable Assessment x Current Tax Rate = Total Tax Bill.

See complete list of Assessments for Thompson Township

Go to 2011 Real Estate Listings by Townships

At just $5 each, they make great gifts for the holidays! Stop in (Monday through Friday from 9 - 3, or Saturday from 9 - 1) or call the office at 815-492-2238 to purchase yours. If you hurry, we can ship them in time for the holidays!

The January Board of Directors meeting, normally scheduled for the third Saturday of the month, has been rescheduled for Saturday, January 28 at 9:00 a.m.

2012 OPERATING BUDGET, FEE SCHEDULE, AND R&R

Property Owners may apply to have their lot Restricted based on the following:

AMENDED AND RESTATED COVENANTS, Article VI, Section 12. Restricted Lots.  The Owner of any Lot upon which no Structure has been erected may enter into an agreement with the Association wherein the Owner agrees that said Lot shall remain forever vacant open space upon which no Structure of any kind shall be erected, except one requested by the Association and agreed upon by the Owner and the Board.  All agreements creating a Restricted Lot shall be in substance and form acceptable to the Board and suitable for recording, and when agreed to by the Association shall be recorded with the Recorder of Deeds of Jo Daviess County, Illinois.

Restricted Lots subject to such an agreement shall, beginning in the year following the recording of such agreement, be liable for only sixty percent (60%) of any future annual assessments.  Restricted Lots shall continue to remain liable for any Special Assessments approved pursuant to Section 4 hereof.  The Owner of a Restricted Lot shall have all of the rights and privileges of any other Owner, except as modified by such agreement, and shall continue to remain responsible for the maintenance of such Restricted Lot as is the owner of any other vacant Lot.

PLEASE NOTE: ALL OWNERS AGREE LOT(S) SHALL REMAIN FOREVER VACANT, OPEN SPACE (REGARDLESS OF FUTURE OWNERSHIP) WHICH NO STRUCTURE OF ANY KIND SHALL BE ERECTED.

To have your lot classified as a Restricted Lot per the Restated Covenants, owners must follow the ACLPOA Restricted Lot Procedures:

1. Complete the Request to Restrict Lot Application. Application must be returned to the Association Office.

2. Building Inspector will inspect the lot and check for septic fields or any other structures on the lot.  Once lot is found unimproved, Building Inspector will sign off on Request to Restrict Lot Application and return to Association Office.

3. Request to Restrict Lot will be placed on next Board of Directors Agenda for approval.

4. Once approved, Property Owner will be provided with a recordable legal document called the Restrictive Covenant. All legal owners will sign the document, which must be notarized at the time of signing. ACL has a Notary on staff so you may sign and have it notarized at the Association Office, provided you make an appointment in advance.

5. Once the document is signed and notarized by the property owner, the property owner will return it to the ACL office.

6. ACL management will sign and have the document notarized and  return it to the property owner by traceable mail if the document is not notarized in person at the ACL office.

7. The property Owner will then be responsible for recording the Restrictive Covenant with the Jo Daviess County Recorder’s Office. Once the document is recorded, the Jo Daviess County Recorder will forward the document to the Association’s attorney and a copy will be sent to the Association Office for our records.

8. Dues will be adjusted for the year following the recording of the Restrictive Covenant.

9. Once recorded, the lot will remain Restricted for perpetuity.  No further action will be required by the Property Owner.

REMEMBER: YOU MUST HAVE ALL OF THE ABOVE STEPS COMPLETED NO LATER THAN DECEMBER 31 TO RECEIVE THE REDUCTION IN ASSESSMENT FOR THE FOLLOWING YEAR.

The Cove will reopen April 1. 

In a vote by the membership, which culminated at 12 pm on Saturday, September 24, 2011, the Restated Bylaws and the Restated Articles of Incorporation were approved. The results were announced at the Special Meeting of the membership at the Pro Shop at 1 pm following the vote count by the ACLPOA Tellers Committee.

According to Tellers Committee Chair Karen Loete, the total number of ballots received was 1180. Of those, 1172 were valid. 

Of the eight invalid votes: Six ballots were invalid due to delinquent dues. One ballot was invalid due to an invalid signature, and one was invalid due to the voter voting for more than one each for each issue.

Total ballots in favor of approving the restated documents:  826

Total ballots not in favor of approving the restated documents: 346

To achieve a quorum, members representing 20% of the 2746 lots was required; 43% was received.

Once  the Articles of Incorporation are filed with the Illinois Secretary of State's office, and the Bylaws are recorded at Jo Daviess County, they will go into effect on November 6 of this year alongside the Amended and Restated Covenants.

Thank you to the Association members for their support, as well as the staff, volunteers, and members of the Legal Committee for the effort put into this task.

Click on the link below to view the 2010 Water Quality Report provided by Utilities, Inc.

2010 Water Quality Report - Utilities, Inc

The Heat Light/Alarm program was created to take some of the worry off the shoulders of our members while they are away from their lake homes. By having a Heat Light installed in your home, it is not necessary to worry what the temperature is at ACL or whether or not you should make an unexpected trip to Apple Canyon Lake to check the inside temperature of your home in an effort to prevent frozen and ruptured pipes.

To participate in the Heat Light/Alarm program, simply purchase a Winter Watchman, strobe light, and lockbox from the Association office or Safety and Security Department for a cost of $150. There is a participation fee of $25 per year for this program. You must supply the Safety and Security Department with a key to your home. They will then install the lockbox next to the front door, and place the key inside.                                                                                               

Here’s all you do: Plug the Winter Watchman unit into an inside wall outlet, plug the strobe light into the Winter Watchman, and place the strobe light in a window facing the road. An extension cord may be used between the two units if the strobe cord will not reach the watchman unit. Set the dial on the winter watchman to 40 (minimum) and your heat thermostat no lower than 60 degrees and you are ready to go.

If the strobe light should begin flashing, a Safety and Security Officer would enter the home to determine if it is necessary to call your furnace repair service.

The Heat Light/Alarm Program is a low cost, simple system that works very well if you follow the procedures and set your unit properly. The strobe light can be seen over 500 yards away during the day and up to a mile at night.

Should the Safety and Security Department’s program inventory run low, please allow two weeks for your Winter Watchman, strobe light, and lock box to arrive and be installed.

Check with your insurance company to see if you qualify for a discount rate.

Please note that this article, published in the October issue of The Apple Core paraphrases Article VI, Section 13. Senior Exemption and incorrectly states the age of 55 as being the qualifying age with Jo Daviess County. No age is specified in the ACLPOA  Amended and Restated Covenants. To qualify for the ACL Senior Exemption, you must first meet the County's criteria which is only for individuals age 65 and older. See below.


ARTICLE VI, Section 13. Senior Exemption of the ACLPOA Amended and Restated Covenants states:

If a Dwelling qualifies for the Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze as provided in the Jo Daviess County, Illinois Ordinances in effect from time to time, such Dwelling shall be exempt from any increase in future annual assessments which become effective the year after the granting of such Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze. The Owner of a Dwelling which qualifies for this Senior Exemption shall before January 1st provide the Association with satisfactory evidence that the Dwelling has qualified for the Senior Assessment Freeze program for the following year. Such Dwelling shall continue to remain liable for any Special Assessments approved pursuant to Section 4 hereof. All such Senior Exemptions shall end on the year immediately following the first to occur of the conveyance or transfer of the Dwelling to a third party or the death of the last surviving Owner entitled to such Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze.

In short, if a lot, with a home, qualifies for the Annual Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze with Jo Daviess County, Illinois, it will also qualify for the Senior Exemption with Apple Canyon Lake.  This will exempt qualified property owners from any increase in future annual assessments which become effective the year after the granting of such Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze with Jo Daviess County.  Property Owners must apply annually for this Senior Exemption.

In short, members must qualify for the Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze on their property taxes FIRST.

In order for members to qualify for the Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze on their property taxes, individuals age 65 and older must meet the following criteria with the Jo Daviess County Assessor’s Office:

1. Must meet the requirements for the Senior Citizen Homestead exemption.
2. Must have resided at the property on January 1 of the current year and January 1 of the prior year.
3. Must have a gross household income of $55,000 or less for the prior year’s income.
4. Must submit your application every year.
5. Must submit the application to the Chief County Assessment Office on or before July 1 of each year.

FINALLY: To receive the SENIOR EXEMPTION on future ANNUAL DUES ASSESSMENTS at Apple Canyon Lake  members must bring a copy of their tax bill to the ACL Association office and complete the ACLPOA Annual Application for Senior Exemption for Board approval by December 1 so invoices will correctly reflect the status on the invoice that is mailed out in January.

Call the office at 815-492-2238 to request the ACLPOA Annual Application for Senior Exemption or for more information.

History

Over the forty years that the Apple Canyon Lake Property Owners Association (ACLPOA) has existed, several grade control structures and silt ponds have been constructed in an effort to decrease the sediment load reaching Apple Canyon Lake.  Since their time of construction, these grade control structures and sediment ponds have disappeared into the scenery as the woody vegetation has prospered over time due to the lack of maintenance.

In 2009, the ACL Conservation Committee set a goal to search and locate all grade control structures and silt ponds that exist on ACL property, and evaluate what maintenance and repairs are needed.  In this effort Henry Doden and Rich Krasula volunteered to search and identify the structure sites for Kyle Embry of the Jo Daviess County Soil and Water Conservation District who would evaluate each site.

In May of 2010, Kyle investigated all sites identified by the search crew.

Most of the structures are in need of some minor repairs while a few are in need of substantial repairs or total reconstruction.  Prioritizing the repairs is at the discretion of the ACLPOA, but he recommends repairing the structures that are in need of less costly repairs before the cost of repair multiplies exponentially while the cost of total reconstruction will remain the same.

It was also recommended after the maintenance repairs be completed to the structures, an Adopt-a-Dry dam Program be created.  As part of this program, volunteer landowners at ACL would be responsible to make sure all woody vegetation is eradicated, report any damage or maintenance required due to storm events or other causes, and ensure the dry dam is functioning properly throughout the year.

A healthy, natural greenway system is a vital component linked to the health of Apple Canyon Lake and supports the charming rural image we strive to maintain. In addition to the enjoyment on the part of ACL property owners, a healthy greenway will help keep our lake clean, attract birds, other habitats and everyone benefits.

Click here to go to the Illinois Department of Agriculture's new Emerald Ash borer (EAB) website.

A new system is now in place to notify boaters that the lake has been designated as “Closed” or “No Wake.” Members will now see 2-foot by 3-foot red or yellow flags posted at various locations for the following reasons.

RED will indicate that the lake is closed for all water craft.
YELLOW will indicate that the entire lake is at a no wake speed.

The flags will be posted only if the need should arise.
At that time, the flags will now be displayed at all entrances onto Association property at North, South, East, and West Apple Canyon Roads, and the entrances to Independence Bay, North Bay, Presidents Bay, Nixon Beach and the Marina Bay.

If you have questions, please call Security at 815-492-2436.

Call the Amenity Hotline at 815-492-2257 for updates on changed status of any amenity.

There are a number of ways to find out what is happening at Apple Canyon Lake! Our website should be your first stop for up-to-the-minute updates.

Call the Amenity Hotline at 815-492-2257 24 hours a day, seven days a week for information on closings or other important notices.

Follow us on Twitter @AppleCanyonLake and have our updates go directly to your phone or inbox.

"Like" Apple Canyon Lake POA or become our "friend" on Facebook!

Contact applecore@applecanyonlake.org to get on the Early Notification List and receive emails. Make sure you add us to your address list so we don't go to your junk mail!

The Common Interest Community Association Act  (CICAA), Senate Bill 1651 Enrolled-
Public Act 097-0605, signed into law by the Governor of Illinois on August 26, 2011.

Amends the Common Interest Community Association Act. Provides that the Act applies to all common interest communities in this State, except as specifically stated. Provides that portions of a declaration or the bylaws of a common interest community association that are inconsistent with the Act are void as against public policy.

Read the Common Interest Community Association Act
Effective Date: 8/26/2011

April 9, 2011
Future of ACLPOA in compliance with Common Interest Community Association Act

Follow us on facebook at Apple Canyon Lake POA.

Become a facebook friend of the Apple Canyon Lake Golf Course

Or add comments and photos of your favorite memories to the official Apple Canyon Lake Property Owners Association facebook GROUP. 

Please click on ACLFairTaxes.com  for updates.

VIEW MAP OF APPLE CANYON LAKE

For detailed maps of each neighborhood section go to the DIRECTIONS button on the homepage and click on SUBDIVISIONS at the top of the page to view specific subdivisions.

Work orders must be filled out and submitted to the general manager at the Association office.

DOWNLOAD A WORK ORDER.

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) confirmed in Illinois; Help keep it out of our ACL community

Illinois Department of Agriculture activates state response plan to eradicate the exotic pest; urges public to learn the signs of EAB infestation and promptly report suspected cases

GENEVA, Ill. - A destructive, non-native pest that feasts on ash trees has been detected in northern Illinois. The Illinois Department of Agriculture announced today that a beetle found in the yard of a Kane County home east of Lily Lake is an emerald ash borer (EAB).

"A coalition of local, state and federal agencies, including the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Forest Service and Illinois Department of Agriculture, has been preparing for this day the past two years," Agriculture Director Chuck Hartke said. "Now that the emerald ash borer has been confirmed within our borders, we'll activate our response plan and begin the task of eradicating it. The first step is to conduct an extensive survey of ash trees in the area to determine the extent of damage. The findings will help establish boundaries for a quarantine that will stop the movement of potentially contaminated wood and nursery products out of the area and prevent the spread of this pest."

The emerald ash borer is a small, metallic-green beetle native to Asia. Its larvae burrow into the bark of ash trees, causing the trees to starve and eventually die. While the beetle does not pose any direct risk to public health, it does threaten the tree population. Since the emerald ash borer was first confirmed in the Midwest in the summer of 2002, more than 20 million ash trees are dead or dying.

"We've had tremendous success identifying invasive species through public awareness and education," Warren Goetsch, IDOA division manager of Natural Resources, said. "Nearly every sighting of the Asian Long-horned beetle in Chicago was reported by a citizen. With that kind of assistance here, I'm optimistic we can contain this pest and save ash trees."

The homeowner discovered the beetle and alerted the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's Illinois field office, which sent the bug to its lab in Romulus, Mich., for identification and notified IDOA nursery inspectors.

 Inspectors visited the residence in "The Windings" subdivision where the beetle was found and discovered several infested ash trees. They also canvassed the neighborhood and uncovered at least six additional infested trees within five-blocks of the residence, as well as evidence of an infestation in an adjacent subdivision to the north.

"The diversity of the landscaping in this neighborhood will help our eradication efforts," Goetsch added. "Only about 5 percent of the trees are ash varieties."

Inspectors have not determined how the beetle arrived in Illinois, but suspect it may have been transported here in contaminated firewood from a quarantined area in Michigan. Michigan and Illinois are two of the five states where EAB infestations have been confirmed. The others are Indiana, Ohio and Maryland.  

The emerald ash borer typically moves only short distances by flying, but can survive long distances in transit on ash nursery stock, ash logs, branches and firewood. To avoid the accidental introduction of the beetle to new areas, people are advised to purchase only locally-grown nursery stock and locally-cut firewood.



 The emerald ash borer is difficult to detect in newly-infested trees. Signs of infestation include the presence of metallic-green beetles about half the diameter of a penny on or around ash trees, thinning and yellowing leaves, D-shaped holes in the bark of the trunk or branches and shoots growing from the base of the tree. Anyone who suspects a tree has been infested is urged to first contact their county Extension office. The Illinois Department of Agriculture also will offer a toll-free hotline at 800-641-3934 for extension-confirmed infestations.

Options for treating infested trees are limited. In most instances, they must be removed.

SEE MAP OF EAB INFESTED AREAS

Emerald Ash Borer: What YOU Can Do

Editor's note:  The following article is a press release of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR). Although it refers to regions in Wisconsin, our timber stands in northern Illinois are equally at risk. The WDNR is at the forefront of conservation issues and the information they provide is just as pertinent for those of us in Illinois.

Early detection and isolation of any current and future emerald ash borer infestations is vital to saving the ash trees in Wisconsin's forestlands and urban areas. The emerald ash borer will attack and kill every ash tree in Wisconsin if given the chance. Thus, it is crucial that we reduce our risk of emerald ash borer spread by taking the following precautions:

1. Purchase and use local firewood. When camping, leave firewood at home and purchase aged firewood near your campsite location. Many parks offer firewood for sale at reasonable prices. Firewood is also often available from private sellers just outside the parks.

2. Firewood purchased at or near your destination should be used during your camping trip. Don't leave any unused wood behind and don't take it with you to another destination.

3. When buying firewood, make sure you receive pieces that are dry and either have no bark or loose bark (a sign that wood is very dry). Not only will this reduce the chance of spreading disease, but your fire will also start more easily.

4. Reduce your need for open fire by cooking over gas or charcoal. Instead of an evening campfire, explore new night-time activities like star-gazing or viewing wildlife by flashlight.

5. For woodland owners, the Department of Natural Resources and other scientists have completed ash management guidelines for Wisconsin. These guidelines aim to minimize the impact of emerald ash borer on our forests.

6. Maintain vigor of yard trees by watering during times of drought. Ash trees are highly sensitive to drought conditions and require adequate moisture throughout the growing season. Please note, though, that the emerald ash borer infests healthy trees as well as stressed ones.

7. Be on the lookout for this pest! Be familiar with the signs and symptoms ash trees display when infested by emerald ash borer. Also, know emerald ash borer identification and other pests that are look-alikes.

8. Report any suspected emerald ash borer infestations (if two or more symptoms or signs are present) to the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection by calling the Emerald Ash Borer Hotline at 1-800-462-2803.

9. Learn more by visiting Wisconsin's Emerald Ash Borer Resource.

ACL is in need of committee members. Do you have a little time to help make your community better? Can't make it to the lake for every meeting? Then call in! We have a conference phone!

Your Association needs you! ACL committees are in need of new members. There are many important issues facing ACLPOA and it takes different views and opinions before the best solutions can be reached. 

Do you want the same few volunteers making all the recommendations and decisions at Apple Canyon Lake? Now is your chance to get involved with your Association and help determine the future of Apple Canyon Lake.

New members are sorely needed for Rules and Regulations, Legislative Action Committee, Campground, Deer Survey, Maintenance, and more. 

Download, complete and submit your Committee application today!

Protect Apple Canyon Lake - TAKE VHS WARNINGS SERIOUSLY!
Cynthia Carton
See photos below

The possible presence of Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) at Apple Canyon Lake is of grave concern to all of us. We ask that you please inform yourself of the dangers to area lakes and rivers brought about by this disease.

IF this disease should make its way to Apple Canyon Lake and result in a fish kill, our beautiful lake (and your investment) could become nothing but a body of water which could turn into a mud hole. No longer would you find the bass, walleye, crappie, blue gill or northern you fish from this lake every day. Please take the time to read all signs and postings with updated information about new state regulations, and ways you can help keep the lake free of not only VHS, but all invasive species as well.

RECOGNIZE THE SYMPTOMS
The following symptoms could apply to many different fish diseases, therefore, VHS must be confirmed by lab tests. Additionally, some infected fish may not show any signs and transporting these fish to new locations could spread the disease to new waters. If you catch a diseased fish or observe a fish kill, contact security and the DNR immediately.
 • Hemorrhaging (bleeding)
 • Bulging eyes
 • Unusual behavior
 • Anemia
 • Bloated abdomens
 • Rapid onset of death

ALWAYS DO THE FOLLOWING
 The DNR (and ACL as well) is asking the public to take precautions similar to those used in stopping the spread of invasive species on all waters:
  • Inspect your boat, trailer and equipment and remove visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud.
  • Drain water from your boat, motor, bilge, live wells, and bait containers.
  • Do not move live fish from one water to another.
  • Dispose of leftover bait in the trash, not in the water or on land.
  • Buy your minnows from certified bait dealers or catch your own and use it to fish the water you caught it from.
  • Wash your boat and equipment with high pressure or hot water, or let it dry for five days.

LEARN MORE -- How VHS spreads and environmental factors
Infected fish shed the virus in their urine and reproductive fluids. The virus can survive in water for at least 14 days. Virus particles in the water infect gill tissue first, and then move to the internal organs and the blood vessels. The blood vessels become weak, causing hemorrhages in the internal organs, muscle and skin. Fish can also be infected when they eat an infected fish. Fish that survive the infection will develop antibodies to the virus. Antibodies will protect the fish against new VHS virus infections for some time. However, the concentration of antibodies in the fish will drop over time and the fish may start shedding virus again. This may create a cycle of fish kills that occurs on a regular basis.
The virus grows best in fish when water temperatures are 37-54°F. Most infected fish will die when water temperatures are 37- 41°F, and rarely die above 59 °F. Stress is an important factor in VHS outbreaks. Stress suppresses the immune system, causing infected fish to become diseased. Stressors include spawning hormones, poor water quality, lack of food, or excessive handling of fish.
The Wisconsin DNR has an informative website that will help you become familiar with this disease. Log onto www.dnr.wi.gov/fish/vhs/


Example of Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS).


Example of Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) Showing External Hemorrhaging.



Example of Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS)


 

 

Boaters, sailors, anglers, paddlers…every time you leave a launch:

• Inspect your boat, trailer and equipment and remove visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud.

• Drain water from your boat, motor, bilge, live wells, and bait containers.

• Dispose of leftover bait in the trash, not in the water or on land. Never move live fish, including minnows, from one water to another.

• Buy your minnows from licensed Illinois bait dealers.

• Wash your boat and equipment with high pressure or hot water, OR let it dry for 5 days  before putting it in other waters

Campers:

• Leave firewood at home. Buy it within a 50-mile radius of your campsite.

• Burn all wood during your trip.

• Inspect clothing and equipment for seeds, insects, etc. before leaving your camping area.

Landowners and gardeners:

• Use native plant species whenever possible.

• Dispose of seeds in the trash.

• Be on the lookout for invasive species.

• Leave native trees and plants alone; natural landscapes offer the best defense.

Hikers, bikers, ATV riders, and other recreational users:

• Clean your clothes, bicycles, ATV's, etc before leaving a site that is infested with invasive plants.

Cleaning boats and equipment before leaving the landing is an important step that citizens can take to prevent the spread of invasive species.

Everyone deserves to enjoy the great outdoors. Our lakes, woods, prairies and wetlands are part of our legacy. Whether you take to the woods or the waters—or just enjoy your own backyard—there are some simple steps that you can take to prevent the spread of invasive species. Please do your part to help protect our natural treasures!
For more information on how to prevent the spread of invasives during specific activities, contact your local DNR office.
 

Illinois Announces Regulations to Stop Spread of Fish Virus
VHS detected in Illinois waters of Lake Michigan – No threat to human health
Regulations impact anglers, boaters, and aquaculture

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has announced emergency regulations aimed at slowing the spread of fish-killing Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) in Illinois after sampling of fish in the Illinois waters of Lake Michigan detected the presence of VHS in two species of fish sampled. 

Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) is a disease of fish caused by an aquatic virus previously unidentified in the Midwest.  While it does not affect humans, VHS can kill a substantial number of fish and has been spreading throughout the Great Lakes.

 “The new regulations we are implementing are immediate and appropriate steps in trying to slow the spread of this dangerous aquatic virus in Illinois,” said IDNR Acting Director Sam Flood.  “Sport fishing and boating are both very popular and important to the Illinois economy. The cooperation of anglers and boaters is essential in combating VHS.”

Regulations being implemented by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) regarding VHS that affect recreational anglers and boaters include:

• Eliminating natural water from all equipment when leaving a body of water.

• Emptying and draining all bait buckets, livewells, baitwells, bilges, etc. or any other compartment capable of holding natural waters when leaving a body of water.

• Do not remove live VHS-susceptible species (see below) from any waters.  Anglers may catch and keep VHS-susceptible species, but may not transport those fish live from the waters where caught.

• Use of wild-trapped fishes from within the state as bait will be restricted to the waters where legally captured.
 
DO NOT REMOVE LIVE:
Black crappie              
Bluegill                        
Bluntnose minnow        
Brown bullhead           
Brown trout                 
Burbot             
Channel catfish            
Chinook salmon           
Emerald shiner
Freshwater drum         
Gizzard shad                
Hybrid (Tiger) muskie
Lake whitefish
Largemouth bass         
Muskellunge                
Shorthead redhorse     
Northern Pike              
Pumpkinseed               
Rainbow trout              
Rock bass                   
Round goby                 
Silver redhorse            
Smallmouth bass          
Spottail shiner  
Trout-Perch                 
Walleye                       
White bass                  
White perch                 
Yellow perch   
     
New emergency regulations are also being implemented immediately regarding fish stocking and the transport of fish in Illinois:

• All fish imported from affected areas (currently the eight Great Lakes states: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York.) must be certified as free of VHS. 

• All susceptible species for stocking public waters must be certified VHS free regardless of their point of origin (including both intra- and inter-state shipments).  Wild-trapped minnows and other wild-trapped species must be certified VHS-free, or originate from west of the Mississippi River.

In June of 2009 the IDNR was notified by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources of positive VHS samples from a fish kill involving round gobies in the Milwaukee area – and positive samples were discovered from yellow perch in the same location.  As a result, IDNR fisheries biologists submitted samples of bluegill, rock bass, round gobies, and pumpkinseed from Winthrop Harbor (Lake Michigan).  Although the fish sampled showed no clinical signs of disease and were not part of a fish kill, tests confirmed the presence of VHS in the round goby and rock bass samples. 

Fish can be infected with VHS by direct contact with other infected fish, by a fish consuming its infected prey, or from contact with water which contains the virus. The highly contagious virus causes fish to bleed to death, and advanced symptoms include hemorrhages in the eyes, skin and gills. There is no vaccine for the virus and control methods rely entirely on surveillance and eradication efforts. 

“With the discovery of VHS in the Illinois waters of Lake Michigan, we need to act immediately to try to protect our inland waters from VHS,” said IDNR Chief of Fisheries Steve Pallo.  “The urgency is amplified by the fact that a significant amount of Lake Michigan water enters the Illinois River system through the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal.  These emergency regulations and the cooperation of anglers, boaters, and the aquaculture industry are keys to slowing the spread of VHS into other waters in Illinois.”

In recent years, surveillance for aquatic diseases affecting fish has been increased throughout the state.  The IDNR will continue its surveillance program, and fish produced at state hatcheries will be tested before they are stocked into Illinois waters.  All fish eggs and imports of fish to state facilities will be disinfected and tested prior to import to ensure that VHS does not jeopardize operation of the state fish hatchery system. 

While VHS is not known to be a threat to human health, anglers are still advised to wash their hands after handling fish and to cook thoroughly any fish they plan to eat.  If handling dead fish or fish that appear to be diseased, protective gloves should be worn. For more information on VHS and the new Illinois regulations aimed at slowing the spread of the virus in Illinois, check the IDNR web site at http://dnr.state.il.us
 
 
 

The Apple Core is published by the ACLPOA for the benefit of its Members - to keep them informed about developments with respect to the lake, facilities, activities and finances; to report Board decisions; to provide a handy reference about rules, fees and coming events; and to afford a means of communication on questions and issues of importance to property owners.

ACCEPTANCE OF MATERIAL FOR THE APPLE CORE

The Editorial Review Committee shall consist of a member of the Board, who shall be the Chair, the General Manager, who shall be Vice Chair, the Editor of The Apple Core, who shall be the Secretary and such other members as the Board may appoint from time to time. This Committee shall prepare policies for the acceptance of material to be printed in The Apple Core, including but not limited to letters to the editor and policies for advertising material printed, which policies shall be submitted to the Board for approval annually. 

The General Manager is responsible for having the paper produced.  The Communications Director is the Editor.  Any and all editorial material (copy other than paid advertising) must be submitted to the Editor’s office.

The Editorial Review Committee will determine whether or not letters, advertising material or any other material submitted for publication should be rejected.  If material is rejected, property owners will be notified and told cause of rejection.
 
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:

1) Letters from Property Owners are welcome.

2) Letters to the Editor must be:
     a) Submitted and signed by a Property Owner.
     b) Received by the 15th of the month prior to publication.
     c) Confined to 250 words or less.

3) The following guidelines for treatment of letters have been adopted for the purpose of encouraging expression of views with the focus on discussion of issues not people.  Publication of letters does not necessarily imply agreement or endorsement by the Association or the Board of Directors.
     a) Whenever possible, letters expressing views on both sides of an issue will be     published at the same time.
     b) Constructive criticism will be accepted. Positive suggestions for improvement are encouraged.
     c) Letters must be in good taste. Those containing offensive or derogatory language, libelous statements or expressing personal grievances or conflicts will not be published.
     d) Nothing in these guidelines should be construed to prohibit references to people so long as an issue of importance is the focus of the letter.
     e) Editorial comments will be limited to factual clarification or update on the matter at issue. No point of view will be expressed.
     f) With respect to Board Elections:
         1) Candidates will be presented in the February issue.
         2) A special section for questions regarding candidates will be included in the February issue of The Apple Core. Questions regarding candidates must be received thirteen days prior to copy deadline in order to provide the candidates with the opportunity to respond in the same edition. Candidate responses must be received two (2) days prior to copy deadlines.

Adopted: May 16, 1998
Amended: April 21, 2001
Amended: September 20, 2001
Reviewed: November 15, 2008
Amended: November 19, 2011