President’s Letter

By Mike Moran | Email

It is hard to believe that 2019 is ending as we head into the December holiday season.  We have again had another wonderful year in Fox Point.  I want to take the opportunity to thank all of you that have played such an important part in the success for 2019.  Whether you diligently serve on the Fox Point Board of Directors, donate your time to one of our social activities, chair one of our committees, or simply lend a helping hand to a neighbor, we thank your for making Fox Point one special place for all of us!!!   We appreciate everyone’s efforts in make Fox Point “The 2019 Nicest Place to Live in Illinois” according to Readers Digest.

As we get ready for 2020, the board has been busy planning events, budgets, and the overall game plan for the 2020 calendar year for Fox Point.  Our year begins with the Fox Point Homeowners Assoication Annual Meeting on January 20^th, 2020 at the Village Church. The agenda for this meeting includes two important items: the Board presentation of our 2020 budgets; and the election of new officers to the board.

The current board has been dilligently working to develop 2020 FPHA operating and capital budgets which will be finalized and approved at the December board meeting.

The Annual meeting is  great time to learn more about budget and ask questions of the board regarding the goals for 2020.

This year we have four excellent candidates running for the FPHA board that have been vetted by our Nominating Committee and are eager to serve. In order to have a valid election we must have a minimum number of votes. Each home in Fox Point gets one vote

so we hope to see at least one adult member of each home voting in the election.  In-person voting will take place from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Monday, January 20.  Or for those unable to attend, a ballot will be emailed to the Fox Point News e-newsletter list in early January.

I want to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season.

Social

By Stephanie Paine| Vice President | Email

Social Update

Happy Holidays Neighbors!  Celebrate the season with these upcoming social events…

Santa Visits:

Want to have Santa visit your home?  There are a few spots left!  Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080C48A8A92FA4FA7-foxpoint23

Thanks to Jen Livingston and the other volunteers who make this neighborhood favorite happen each year!

Ladies Holiday Social – Saturday, 12/21!

The tradition is back!  Kristin Cannon and Stephanie Paine are co-hosting this year’s social.  Join us for cocktails, appetizers and an *optional* gift exchange at Stephanie Paine’s home (1231 Burr Oak).  Cost is $15 – sign up here:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080c48a8a92fa4fa7-foxpoint24

Treasurer’s Report

By Lynn Douglas | Email

PROPOSED 2020 BUDGET 

The proposed Budget for 2020 outlines the Annual Assessment and associated spending to operate, maintain, repair, restore and replace Fox Point assets.

Your Board of Directors expects to act on the Proposed 2020 Budget at the Board Meeting immediately preceding the 2020 Annual Meeting on Monday, January 20, 2020.  

The Purpose of the Annual Assessment

Our Annual Assessment creates funding for Operating Expenses and a Capital Reserve for major repairs, restoration and replacements of assets, when necessary to do so.  Operating Expenses include all recurring maintenance expenses associated with common assets. The Capital Reserve funds major repairs, restorations and replacements, when necessary.

Proposed 2020 Annual Assessment- $1050/year

 Our governing documents impose a uniform assessment on all owners no matter their location, size of lot/home/ household and use or lack thereof, of common assets.

An increase of $25 in the Annual Assessment will bring Annual Dues to $1050 and is consistent with actual and projected annual rate of inflation. Invoices will be issued in late February and the Annual Assessment will be due March 31, 2020. .  

Proposed 2020 Operating Budget

Fox Point is a self-managed association and outsources critical functions, Accounting, Pool Management, Lake/Creek Management and Landscape Maintenance.  The costs of these primary recurring functions and Insurance represent the largest expenditures within the Operating Budget. These functions are put out for competitive bid every three years. As such, these contracts are subject to appropriate due diligence and a competitive bidding process to make certain Fox Point continues to obtain the best bang for dollar spent.

Changes to contractual sums have been moderate and have enabled us to hold the line on operating expenses.

Proposed 2020 Capital Spending

Every asset wears out sooner or later and requires major repair, restoration or replacement. All hard assets have a projected and predictable useful lifespan.  For instance, we know most roofs have a projected useful life of 20 years+/-, depending on the quality of the roofing materials/workmanship and wear and tear associated with the elements.  In other words, the value of a roof depreciates at a rate of about 1/20 each year. To be in a position of replacing a roof in 20 years, it is necessary to set aside enough capital each year equal to 1/20 of the projected replacement cost, plus inflation. Failure to do so could result in deferring replacement. 

When an association consistently accumulates adequate Reserve Capital, it increases the likelihood there will be funding available for major repairs, restorations and replacements, when there is a rational business case to do so. As it relates to Fox Point, some of these projected expenses are near term while others are several decades into the future.

About half of our Annual Assessment is contributed to the Capital Reserves each year to build capital necessary to take care of major repairs, restorations and replacements of assets.

Budgeted Capital Spending generally represents a potential intention to spend, not specific authority to do so. Actual spending authority is determined by the Board during the year, subject to the business case, due diligence and a competitive bidding process. When the spend is significant, there will be one or more Town Hall Meetings to share the business case, options and costs.

Proposed significant capital investments for 2020 include:

Pool House Interior Renovation- $350,000

The Pool House is nearly 55 years old. It received a limited cosmetic face lift 12 years ago and is need of a major interior renovation. This initiative was separated into 2 phases, Below and Above Grade to occur over the late 2019- 2020 period. Phase 1, Below Grade demolition of the concrete subfloors and waste lines, associated plumbing was budgeted for 2019 and includes architecture fees, permitting, builder risk insurance and legal reviews of contracts. Phase 2, the Above Grade work will proceed, as planned, in 2020 and complete before opening day. 

A Town Hall Meeting was held in August 2019 relative to the 2019/2020 budgeted intent for a complete interior renovation of the Pool House to be completed before opening day in 2020. 

The necessary demolition of the below grade infrastructure meant the above grade space could be reimagined and redesigned to current day standards and code, including but not limited to:

• Creating a common center entrance hallway directly to the Pool Deck that will be ADA- compliant and accessible with strollers, and
• Creating an ADA -compliant Family Bath Facility with access directly from the Pool Deck, and
• Bringing the number of previously grandfathered variances up to code, as it relates to the number of fixtures vs bathing load, and
• Using a slip resistant and durable epoxy floor finish instead of floor tiles, and
• New plumbing, electrical, doors and windows

Pool House Exterior Maintenance- $50,000

No different than the Pool House Interior, the exterior of the structure needs attention. This includes, roofing, gutters, downspouts, siding, soffit, facia, tuckpointing and staining. Dependent on the weather this coming spring, some of this work may not be complete by opening day or could be deferred to 2021.

Tuck Pointing of all Masonry Walls, Monuments -$60,000

The masonry walls at the North and South Valley Road entrances and the monument at the Cold Spring Road entrance are exposed to the elements on all sides. Therefore, the bricks are prone to spalling and mortar deteriorates at a substantially faster pace than brick and mortar on homes with heated interiors.

While an amount was budgeted for 2019, the multiple bid process and due diligence determined the amount of deterioration was substantially greater than previously known. For this reason, work was deferred to 2020 at current costs.

Restoration of Decorative Fencing-$8000

The support system for the decorative fences on top of the masonry walls at both the North and South Valley entrances has substantially deteriorated and the fencing needs powder coating. 

While a substantially higher amount had been budgeted for 2019, once again, the multiple bid process and due diligence determined we could achieve our objective for substantially less than previously budgeted.

Flint Creek Restoration-$17,000

About 15 years ago, substantial renovation of Flint Creek was accomplished with FPHA contributing a fraction of the total cost, with the understanding Fox Point would be responsible for ongoing maintenance of the shoreline. We have some catching up to do.

We have submitted a project application for grant funds to The Storm Water Commission of Lake County to encompass a broad scope of work. This work includes stabilization and reshaping of lower slopes, additional J-hooks and replanting bare and vegetated areas with permanent native plantings. The project is intended to have a favorable impact on interjurisdictional water quality, natural resources and nuisance- related flood reduction benefits.

The project is expected to cost a total of $34,000, split 50-50 with the county. While the outcome of the grant application is uncertain, we are cautiously optimistic given the Commission has ranked the project VERY HIGH for the favorable impact on water quality.

Long Term Erosion Control Study- $7500

While the replacement of the legacy boat storage racks has been budgeted for the past two years, actual work has been suspended until we have a better handle on the long-term stability of the underlying land.

It’s been nearly a decade since we last engaged professional expertise to help define priority and potential costs associated with various Lake projects and there is a need to update and expand alternatives for:

• Evaluation of marina elevation, and
• Removal of sediment in the pond, and
• Restoration or possible removal of the island

Landscape Restoration- $15,000

This scheduled initiative is part of the ongoing, multi-year initiative to restore landscapes in the common areas. 

2021 and Beyond

State Law requires all condo and HOAs to provide a multi-year forecast of potential future capital spending and Special Assessment to prospective buyers who request such information. As such, you will find the forecast at the very end of the proposed budget.

The FPHA Retention pond in Cook County is essentially a massive filter for Lake Louise. The retention pond manages the flow of water into and out of the creek and reduces sediment flow.

Most ambitious of these potential future projects is the possible intent to dredge the Fox Point retention pond.  As envisioned, this initiative could serve as a prototype for a future project in Lake Louise, subject to numerous cost/benefit analysis regulatory authorities and potential grants.

Another ambitious project is the potential creation of a boat marina, including launch area and boat storage, subject to stabilizing the underlying foundation, if necessary.

The asphalt in the pool parking lot and driveway to the lake marina area is approaching the end of its projected remaining useful life.  Some assets last longer than projected and some wear out sooner than projected. We will assess the need to replace the asphalt at the end of the 2020 season to determine when replacement is necessary.

We are not contemplating borrowing funds/ imposing a Special Assessment.

Our hard assets are insured against risk exposures at replacement value.

Common Grounds

By Jay Roberts | Email

Welcome Winter!

The snow on Halloween caught most of us by surprise, including our snow plowing crew!  Previously, the crew would come out if there were a 2-inch minimum.  They are responsible for the walkway along Lake Cook Road, the school path on the south side, the pool parking lot, and the boat dock area.  I’ve changed that this year to a 1-inch minimum.  Hopefully, this will create less confusion and keep the paths as clear as possible.  I felt like 2 inches was too much snow and kept the crew from sometimes coming out.  Please keep in mind that the timing of the snow and when it happens could alter their schedule.

All the Austrian pines along Lake Cook road have now been removed and replaced!  We have taken out a total of 8.  These were all diseased and thus already dead or going to die.  We installed 6 Norwegian spruce and 2 grand cypresses.  Each grand cypress is 18 feet tall and the spruces are about 14 feet tall.  That project is now complete! 

 The landscaping crew is done for the year as well.  They’ve been out recently and completed the final fall cleanup!  As I mentioned last month, spring bulbs were put in as well so that we can start fresh next spring!

If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know.

Lake

By David Jobes | Email

The days have gotten shorter and nights have gotten colder. We have had an early forming of ice over Lake Louise and as of the Thanksgiving week it is back up to 50 degrees and the ice is gone. With that said, I thought I would share some general safety tips while enjoying the lake during the winter months.

Have fun whether it be cross country skiing over fresh snow, ice skating or hockey, and of course my fav, ice fishing.  BUT — Please remember no motorized vehicles such as snowmobiles are permitted on the lake at any time. AND, all lake activities are always at the owners risk.

Some pointers for you to consider while enjoying the lake this winter:

1. New ice is usually stronger than old ice. Four inches of clear, newly formed ice may support one person on foot, while a foot or more of old, partially thawed ice may not.
2. Ice seldom freezes uniformly. It may be a foot thick in one location and only an inch or two just a few feet away.
3. The insulating effect of snow slows down the freezing process. The extra weight also reduces how much weight the ice sheet can support. Also, ice near shore can be weaker than ice that is farther out.
4. Booming and cracking ice isn’t necessarily dangerous. It only means that the ice is expanding and contracting as the temperature changes.
5. Try not to go alone, have someone with you and at least a few feet apart from each other in case you fall through thin ice.

I look forward to seeing you out on the SAFE ice this winter.

Pool

By Horace  Seely-Brown | Email

I am pleased to announce we expect to break ground on the pool renovation project  in December. At the November Board Meeting, a motion to approve a new contractor was confirmed. We have selected Stuckey Construction, a name that should be recognizable within the neighborhood. Stuckey was the contractor that completed the pool renovation in 2015 on time and on budget. This history gives us the comfort our next project will follow suit. We will continue to keep you apprised of our progress, but hope the initial speed bump was just that.

Aside from the renovation, as if that is not enough, we are starting to plan ahead for the 2020 season and anticipate a smooth transition to the next pool chair!

As always, if you have any ideas, suggestions on ways to improve the overall pool experience, please let me know!

2020 Fox Point Homeowners Association Board Candidates for Election

Per the FPHA bylaws, each year a Nominating Committee is formed to spearhead and vet candidates to fill open board of director positions. This year’s committee, chaired by Stephanie Paine, included: Julie Gwiasda, Susan Stoga, Bill Sivrais and James Colon.

The Nominating Committee is pleased to put forth 4 candidates to fill the 4 open positions:

Tim Gall Bio: 300 Old Mill Road

Tim Gall is an Associate Vice President and Chief Bridge Engineer for A. Epstein and Sons, a multi-disciplinary architecture and engineering company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Throughout his career, Tim has designed and rehabilitated bridges all over the Chicagoland area and country. Tim attended the University of Illinois where he received his B.S. and M.S. degrees and he is a licensed Structural Engineer in multiple states.

Tim and his wife, Melissa, moved to Barrington and Fox Point in the summer of 2018 and welcomed their daughter Madeleine shortly thereafter. They are expecting their son in early 2020. They are excited about raising their family in the Barrington community. Tim was disguised as the Easter Bunny at the 2019 Fox Point Easter Egg Hunt! You may have spotted the whole family taking their dog, Louie, for walks around the neighborhood. They previously lived in Chicago where Tim served as president of his condo board for 10 years.

Tim has a strong passion for volunteering and charitable efforts. Tim is a mentor for the ACE Mentor Program, a national after school program designed to engage, excite and enlighten high school students to pursue careers in architecture, engineering, and construction. He currently sits on the board for Epstein Community Foundation, a non-profit charity with the goal of developing a partnership with communities to empower people to improve their lives. This is achieved through volunteering time, sharing expertise in the fields of architecture, engineering, and construction through volunteer projects, and contributing financially to help build a brighter future. Tim has also travelled to Guatemala multiple times to assist on construction projects at an orphanage, been active with Chicago Cares, the Night Ministry and supports the After-School Matters program.  He would be excited to add the Fox Point Board to the top of this list!

When he has free time, Tim enjoys traveling, bourbon, working in the yard and rooting on the Cardinals.

Mark Johnson Bio: 255 S Valley

My wife Jodi, daughter Sofia and I have lived in Fox Point since 2012.  Prior to Fox Point, and like many others, we lived in the city (Wrigleyville), but we’ve enjoyed the transition to a great community with wonderful schools.

Sofia is 9 years old and attends Grove Ave. elementary school and is in the Spanish Dual Language program.  Jodi is also often at elementary schools, but as a substitute nurse.

Professionally, I’m an IT Director for a Real Estate Investment Trust called Equity Residential leading the Human Capital Management group.  Away from work, I enjoy traveling, sports and spending time with my family.

If elected to the board, I look forward to continuing the board’s tradition of enhancing the assets that have made Fox Point a great place to live!

Rena Slovick Bio: 550 Red Barn Lane

My husband Tyler and I moved to Fox Point in 2014. As a Barrington native I was thrilled to move into a neighborhood with an active social environment and strong community involvement. 

I am currently the PTO Recording Secretary at Lines Elementary School and am in charge of various committees such as Blessings in a Backpack and Lines Spiritwear. As a former high school teacher I continue to tutor around the Barrington area and enjoy volunteering at Lines. Our family has always been active participants in Fox Point activities. Our children Michael (7) and Alexandra (5) look forward to participating in the Fox Point Swim Team and Tennis Program each summer. 

I am interested in serving the Fox Point Community as a member of the Board. In the past I have been involved with various neighborhood social activities and have run the Fox Point Garage Sale for the past 2 years.

Criss Chang Bio:  506 Lake Shore Drive North

I currently lead technology and operations for the Investment group at Kemper, a $12B multi-lines insurer, headquartered in downtown Chicago. My day is an equal balance of strategic planning and execution across projects in flight and the creation of new work in the pipeline. Prior to this role, I’ve held positions in Audit, Treasury and IT over my 20+ years with the firm.  At the enterprise level, I support the digital transformation initiative by connecting Insurtech opportunities with Kemper lines of business owners and coordinating startups from sourcing and evaluation to implementation.

I hold a master’s degree in business information technology from DePaul University, and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Illinois.  Through continuing education and professional development, I have earned the following designations; Certified Public Accountant, Certified Treasury Professional, Certified Business Architect and an Associate Life Management Institute certificate holder.  

Valerie (my wife) and I moved to Fox Point in March of this year and prior to this we lived in the Village for 4 years.  We have 2 boys, Lincoln is 4 years old and Everett is 2 years old.  I grew up in River Forest and Valerie grew up in Palatine in the Hunting Ridge neighborhood.  Our own childhood experiences of being raised in a safe and friendly community led us to choose Fox Point as the ideal place to raise our children.  We were also very much drawn to the active and outdoorsy lifestyle that Barrington is known for.  I have held Board level positions at my condo association in West Town, the Chicago Triathlon Club and the Barrington Endurance Club.  Valerie and I both share a passion for triathlon and thanks to the sport and a small race in Appleton, WI we met and have continued our active lifestyles together.  My other interests, outside of spending time with the family include, DIY projects, cooking and anything that involves being outdoors.  

Fox Point is the neighborhood that my family will live in for many years.  I wish to bring my knowledge, experiences and curiosity to help this team support this community.  I am interested in learning and observing up close how decisions are turned into action and how those actions make a difference in how we live as neighbors.  My observations from attending the Fox Point Board meeting in September, is that I realized how important communication is in being an effective board member.  I would like to make a positive impact on this neighborhood and participating on this Board is one key way to realize this.