College of DuPage email exposes the chase for tax dollars

This will be the first of three posts on how COD lost the opportunity for $20 million in state funding. 

The heavy handed attempt to get these funds has been described as a "money grab." The second post will provide more information on the problem and the work by Andrzejewski who uncovered the plot.

From the Chicago Tribune July 7, 2014:

"Credit Gov. Pat Quinn for putting a stop last week to a seedy little money grab by officials at the College of DuPage. Before this episode heads to the dust bin, it's worth a few minutes to examine what it says about the use and abuse of tax dollars. The DuPage community college wanted to get $20 million that had been appropriated by the state several years ago, but never released.

Big problem: The money had been targeted for projects that the school had already completed. The school wasn't sure now how it would spend the money. But it really wanted it."

In an email that has been released, Robert Breuder the college president wrote the the COD board "I needed to identify a project that would help release our state funding......My idea: a Teaching and Learning Center. "

How did this information come to light? "Adam Andrzejewski, founder of the transparency-in-government group For The Good of Illinois, got a copy of the Breuder email through a Freedom of Information Act request. Andrzejewski, a DuPage County resident, was looking for information about the college's finances. He has questioned the college's spending habits. Apparently for good reason."

The article ends with "What this amplifies is how Illinois spends money. It doesn't spend money when it's essential. It spends money when it's there. "

For the entire article, go here:


Clicking will open a  New Window> COD Case for Tax Dollars

The full title of the article:

Use it or lose it

College of DuPage email exposes the chase for tax dollars

COD Pushes a New Four Year College Curriculum Agenda

It seems that COD is doing what was suspected but long denied. It is attempting to formally become a four year college. According to a statement by Robert Breuder the COD president "Currently, I am chairing a group of 15 college presidents who formed a commission to study the feasibility of Illinois community colleges offering select baccalaureate degrees.......the College of DuPage Board of Trustees recently approved a resolution in support of legislation that would allow Illinois community colleges to award Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT) and/or Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degrees."

Here is the full text of the article in the College of DuPage VIEWPOINT dated July 8, 2014

"July 08, 2014 Volume 6, Issue 2
Welcome

Greetings and welcome to the current edition of Viewpoint, a collection of news and information about the developments and innovations occurring at College of DuPage.

With student debt surpassing consumer credit debt for the first time in U.S. history, due to increasing tuition costs and fewer options for borrowing at reasonable interest rates, individuals and state budgets are feeling the financial burden of higher education like never before. Several states are developing programs to address these problems; however, while options such as free tuition and the Pay it Forward, Pay it Back Act offer interesting ideas, serious questions surround the financial sustainability of these programs.

Currently, I am chairing a group of 15 college presidents who formed a commission to study the feasibility of Illinois community colleges offering select baccalaureate degrees. We intend to make a recommendation to the Illinois Council of Community College Presidents on how to proceed. In addition, the College of DuPage Board of Trustees recently approved a resolution in support of legislation that would allow Illinois community colleges to award Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT) and/or Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degrees.

I am pleased with the inception of the committee and the support of the Board members, but we are not there yet. First, we need a change in legislation and support for it from the Illinois Community College Trustees Association, the Illinois Community College Board and the Illinois Board of Higher Education. Then, finally, we need approval by the state legislature.

We can also expect backlash from universities that have a vested interest in being the sole purveyors of baccalaureate degrees. However, this backlash will be unwarranted. We are not suggesting duplication or replication of programs that are already provided. We are talking about meeting the needs of students and businesses in our community that are not being met. It is time to put the interests and needs of students, employers and the community above the financial interests of universities. If schools such as College of DuPage have the necessary resources, there is no reason why we should stay out of this arena – especially at a time when, more than ever before, parents and students are looking for a strong return on their investment in higher education.

Since 2001, when Florida first implemented this ground-breaking legislation, 22 states in the U.S. have jumped on board and two others are on the cusp. Clearly, this national movement will continue to gain momentum. It is time for Illinois to put into place what is destined to become policy for all two-year schools across the nation.

Sincerely,

Dr. Robert L. Breuder, President"

COD, Hoddinott, Marshes and Prairies

An aerial photo of the college campus as it is purported to have existed in 1974; this is the year that construction of BLMH began and was substantially complete in 1976. In the photo Fawell (22nd) is the curving road in the foreground. Lambert road is in the distance and beneath the "1974." You can see the green space and bodies of standing water that existed on the campus.

According to the COD website, the community college today  “maintains three natural areas on the Glen Ellyn campus: the Russell R. Kirt Prairie, the Ecological Study Area, and the B.J. Hoddinott Wildlife Sanctuary. These areas are open to the public for nonconsumptive recreational use. Removal of plants and seeds from these areas is prohibited.”

The B. J. Hoddinott Wildlife Sanctuary includes "Pond #7" which recently overtopped and flooded areas to the south.

This post will provide information on the Hoddinott Wildlife Sanctuary with additional information on the natural areas of the campus in 1974 and to the present.  In that time the college has had extensive building projects throughout the campus. According to Russell Kirt it has also worked on restoring or reconstructing about 30 acres of prairies in the period 1974 to 2003. The largest single tract was about 12-13 acres and in a 2012 video Kirt described it as a "deciduous swamp" filled with farm debris. (Note 5).

How did the B. J. Hoddinott Wildlife Sanctuary come to be?
Bertram (Bert) J. Hoddinott was a Briarcliffe resident who was both a conservationist and a hunter. He was “an avid fan of the marsh behind Building M” and in 1983 the marsh was “an outdoor classroom for College of DuPage students and a home for families of ducks and geese.” As for the ducks he said “I love them.” Hoddinott told the story that he had two geese friends, which he named George and Harry. They would come to him when he called from across the lake. Here's a photo of the manicured remains of that marsh behind Bulding M, as it exists today:

Hoddinott was concerned about the marsh in the southwest corner of the campus and which needed considerable work. He was aware that the college operates with limited funds and so he met with H.D. McAninch, the college president and “offered to fund the development of the marsh for the encouragement and preservation of wildlife.”

Hoddinott had big plans for that marsh, and initially provided $16,000 for the purpose of improving and fortifying the marsh; a multi-year project that began in the summer of 1983. Hoddinott simply said that he “was glad that somebody gave me the opportunity to put back some of what I’ve taken over the years."  Hoddinott continued to fund the project and the day after his 84th birthday Hoddinott “appeared in McAninch’s office and placed the $266 he had collected for the marsh [from friends and relatives] on McAninch’s desk.”

“Hoddinott has not only given College of DuPage the funds for perpetual care of the marsh, but he has also established an endowment scholarship for a student interested in wildlife ecology.” The college honored Hoddinott with a framed photograph of the “B.J. Hoddinott marsh” and a birthday cake in a ceremony for his 84th birthday.

In a 1983 article in the college newsletter, Hoddinott was quoted: “I just hope the Lord keeps me around to see this finished…At least partially finished.” Mr. Hoddinott died on June 27, 1986 at the age of 84.

What was the original plan for Hoddinott Wildlife Sanctuary?
A goal of the project was to push the marsh eastward during the rainy season “eventually surrounding the radio tower.” It was anticipated to add small islands in the marsh so water fowl could lay their eggs. Hoddinott hoped to eventually see trees planted for song birds and “we’ll plant sunflowers back there to give them something to eat.” The plans included a concrete berm to keep the level of the marsh constant. I assume that berm included the weir that connects the marsh “Pond #7” to Lake #4.

“These areas do not exist merely by chance.”
Marshes have had a rocky co-existence with the Village of Glen Ellyn and COD. There has been a tension between individuals, the college and the Village. In a 1983 COD article it was stated that the marsh on Lambert Road was disrupted as "city crews widened [Lambert Road] right up against the marsh, tearing out small willows, cattails and cottonwoods and installing a cement sidewalk." Glen Ellyn's efforts "were completely out of hands....but we knew this (damage) would happen" according to Alpha Instructor Hal Cohen.

In the mid 1970's the college administration gave instructor Russ Kirt the "go-ahead" for a prairie restoration project. The 1.4 acre tract on Fawell-22nd street was painstakingly seeded and transplanted. "More than 70 species of plants that reigned over the prairies 150 years ago can be found in Kirt's prairie, including many that are difficult to propagate in larger prairie restorations." said a 1983 article. Kirt explained "I'm interested in species preservation...And, before prairie restoration became popular, it was a way of doing something popular and not complaining. And, it's great for students to learn about prairies. They really get into it. They love it."

Somewhat presciently, in 1983 COD biology instructor Bob Satterfield said "Square ponds, straight roads and things that are rigid are boring and frustrating.... They don't elicit the response we expect from students. Our aesthetic environment is enhanced by natural areas." However, in that same year the college hired a landscaping architect "to help plan the campus grounds."

30 years later, it could be argued that the manicurists are winning. The college today has sculpted waterfalls, tailored ponds, fountains, a "fine dining" restaurant and hotel with "luxury accommodations." The hotel and restaurant are adjacent to an "Ecological Study Area" according to the published "Facilities Master Plan" of 2004.

A Historical Perspective
There have been marshes in the area for 150 years, but the marsh which was once bisected by Lambert Road was created in 1965 or so. "That marsh would not have existed at all had not construction crews dug out truckloads of earth to form a berm for Building A. The resulting depression filled with water, acquired marsh loving plants and animals, and, later, a growing fan club."

In the November 1980 issue of the college newsletter an article entitled “Will the Marsh Get Bogged Down” described changes to the area which today includes the Russell R. Kirt Prairie. To provide some idea of the sentiment at the time, the article began with “College of DuPage’s marsh has been called by some an eyesore of a bog.” Yet, there was concern that widening Lambert Road would destroy the natural beauty as it cut through a portion of the marsh. However, at the time Don Carlson, director of Campus Services stated that provisions had been made to “move” the marsh from it’s original spot to an area farther east. This would coincide with construction of the new Student Resources Building.

The plan in 1980 was to “scrape away an area adjacent to the easternmost bank of the marsh, and the water will then be allowed to swell into that area. At the same time, the westernmost edge will be filled in to allow for the widening of Lambert.” The attitude of the college in 1980 was expressed by Alpha instructor Harold Cohen. “We've created an environment for a lot of plants and animals in God’s image so we have to preserve it.” The article went on to say “While marshes are disappearing all over Illinois, the college’s marsh is growing and changing”. “I’ve recorded as many as 63 species of birds alone,” Cohen was quoted.

However, by 1983 a college article stated “Some people look at a marsh and think only of mosquitoes breeding there. Others think of prairies as weed patches. But to College of DuPage instructors and their students, the on-campus marshes and prairie are very special outdoor classrooms for biology, botany, art and photography.” The article went on to state that “These areas, rare for a community college, do not exist merely by chance. They are the result of ongoing vigilance of a troupe of faculty and staff members who spent hours preparing proposals, working in the field and meeting with campus architects, Campus Services Director Don Calson and President H. D. McAninch to safeguard and develop the natural areas. They have saved one marsh from being squeezed into oblivion between the new SRC road and the newly widened Lanbert Road. They found another marsh a generous guardian angel [B. J. Hoddinott]...”

“Protecting natural areas is difficult in the midst of a growing college campus”
So stated a college article entitled “The Ecology of DuPage” in October 1983. The college’s “original master plan called for seven buildings that would have stretched all along the grasslands and marshy areas east of Lambert."

Today the college master plan has relegated the Hoddinott Wildlife Sanctuary to the recently declared (2012) "service area" of the college and it is no longer identified on the official master plans. During an on site meeting on May 23rd, a representative of the college actually stated that the area was not a part of the college; it's unclear if he mis-spoke or was stating the current attitude.

It's sad to see Mr. Hoddinott's vision trashed. It's sad to see big money and big interests win in this community college. But I suppose the sanctuary is an anachronism. Hoddinott's vision is no longer consistent with the perceived needs of the college and its vision as a cultural center. In "culture" there may be little need for nature, unless it is mowed or supports a wonderful public relations image. Let's be honest. How much has been spent on the Waterleaf Restaurant and the Inn at the Water's Edge on the campus? What's the annual operating budget for these facilities? Let's compare to the annual expenditures to maintain and improve the three "natural areas" on the campus. Enough said!

A Challenge
Today, in 2013, Mr. Hoddinott's vision is languishing. Perhaps it's time for the neighbors, including those to the south to take up the challenge and restore that vision.

 Notes

1. This post includes quotes from several issues of the College of DuPage newsletter including those dated November 1980, October 1983 and Spring 1986
2. According to COD documents, a pipe draining water out of the Lake #4 was capped as part of the marsh preservation project.
3. According to www.Scholarshiplibrary.com, the “B.J. Hoddinott Wildlife Ecology Scholarship” of the College of DuPage is “for students interested in pursuing a field of study in wildlife biology or wildlife ecology in Natural Sciences. Applicants must be a full-time student taking 12 hours per quarter, have accumulated 48 credit hours by Fall Quarter, at least 50 percent of credits from C.O.D., maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA to receive funds, demonstrate financial need and submit Financial Need Statement and complete a five-hour independent study during scholarship year, approved by Hoddinott Project supervisor or Natural Sciences dean.”
4. Thanks to those who provided the documentation to support this article. 
5. Here's a video presentation by Russell Kirt, after whom the prairie on the campus is named:

Issues of COD - The Next Step at BLMH

Construction Seems Stalled, Waiting for a Reply
The construction on our doorstep seems to be stalled. I'm referring to the "material staging area" and the "pond 9" on the extreme western border of the college. A letter went to the Trustees of the college and we're waiting for a reply. That letter was drafted by me, reviewed by the board, management and the association attorney and has been mailed to those responsible at the college.

There's a lot to do, but as with all things at this association, a fundamental question remains "Who is going to do it?" During the May association meeting, several owners were in attendance and a portion of the "Owners Forum" was about the situation with COD and how "Someone should do something" to quote one of the owners who was in attendance.   I made the straightforward statement that I was unwilling to take on that commitment and be accountable for a result. None of the owners who were present were willing to take on the commitment to lead a committee. So we have none. Owners may or may not be pursuing this independently and they may or may not keep the board informed.

The fact is, what occurs at COD is not an association issue, although it does impact the association. The board is not responsible for the actions of the college, nor can it make up for any complacency or apathy on the part of the owners and residents of this association. Living in an community association requires responsible action on the part of the "owners." There is no entitlement or entitlements!

Our board is short handed and we have had recent boards in which individuals had no official duties and responsibilities. While we remain short handed and under staffed, each board member does have specific duties and responsibilities.


Consequences to Narrow Range of Thinking
Is there a consequence to a narrow view of thinking? Yes, there is. That's why this association had a social committee running the place for a couple of years, and there was a price, in dollars, paid for that. It is also why the College of DuPage has borrowed about $350 million and in the process built a 150 seat four star restaurant with taxpayer and student funding while simultaneously turning MY neighborhood into a "material staging area."

I do wonder how some of the fine restaurants in Glen Ellyn feel about the necessity of competing with the Waterleaf at COD. For example, there is a fine French restaurant in downtown GE. I've taken visitors to the Bistro Monet and they loved it. I wonder how Chef Michel feels about the competition? Here is how he has been described: “One lone Frenchman is keeping a long-standing suburban spot alive." Yes, it must be difficult! [Note 1].


Links of Interest
The following is a link to a COD document which provides some insights into this college. Back in 1967 this community college had 2,621 students and 87 full-time faculty. The current site was acquired in 1968. By 2008 it had increased the staff to 2,518:

Clicking will open a New Window> College of Dupage


If you want more info about the college, including the boundaries of District 502, then go to this link:

Clicking will open a New Window> College of Dupage "Factbook"



Is There a Bright Side to This?
From the tax perspective, COD is only taking 3.5% of my real estate taxes. It is also a first rate community college. But it is expensive, at $129 per credit hour and with anticipated increases to $145 per hour.


Was it a good use of my taxes to build a "cultural center" in Glen Ellyn? To be honest, I see a lot of theater and do a lot of dining in the Western Suburbs. We have hundreds of fine dining restaurants, and a lot of community theater. I am somewhat concerned by the direction of the community college. A projected $435 for a three hour course and hundreds in millions in bonds to be paid in the future raises concerns for me.


A Personal Position
My refusal to take on another commitment for our majority of uncommitted owners does not mean I refuse to do my duty. What is means is I am setting boundaries. I do intend to honor "owners" as owners and that means I expect each and every one of them to step up to the plate when the time comes. Once a month that means paying the fees to the association. At other times, it means operating as an owner and not as a entitlement. It also means joining committees and assisting the board in accomplishing its duties. Some of our owners have refused to do these things. So we have delinquencies and we have a deficit on the board. 


As a board, we'll accomplish what we do as a result of the support and assistance we are given, or the lack thereof. The association board has been provided limited support and is operating short-handed. It deals with the normal issues and also with delinquencies and foreclosures. There is a finite amount of time available and limited funds. It would be natural for accomplishments to diminish. And yet, we are forging ahead, reserves are growing and the property is being improved. As far as I'm concerned, we're doing a darn good job. Will that continue? Not necessarily.

So too with our nearby college. When the funding and borrowing stops, then what? If enrollments don't increase, then what?

A Need for Better Oversight
COD has always been under oversight of the County, via Community College District 502. For example, the County signed off on the documents accompanying the 2011A and 2011B bond issuance.

However, who is monitoring the college to see if it is truly operating in the best interests of the residents of the Community College District 502? After recent events, it seems there has been a lack of oversight or a "hands off" policy regarding COD. The Village of Glen Ellyn attempted to exercise its authority over construction and was bullied. The college decided to build a dump on the property line against our residences. In all of this, and pertaining to the County, its appropriate to ask "Who is supervising this College?'

The fact that the County now has complete oversight of the college is a win. It should now be necessary for the college to submit plans to the County for construction and alterations on its campus, before the bulldozers arrive and the construction fences go up, as occurred at our property line.

Prior to the transfer of authority from Glen Ellyn to the County, it seems that COD had taken the position that such review was unnecessary as it was perfectly capable of monitoring itself and acting unilaterally in the best interests of the community. There was no need for hearings and approvals with community involvement. In other words, the college didn't want or need the input of the neighbors or the residents of the County.

It's my opinion that strong, vocal, written and visible opposition to this approach and the nebulous "concept" of the college had influence on the County Zoning Board of Appeals.


This is Just a Beginning
But this is just a beginning. The entire process over the past three years raised some disturbing questions for which there are no easy answers.

It has raised issues about trustworthiness. In general, I've been too complacent in the past and assumed that the management, trustees and leadership of the college would always act in good faith and in the best interests of the entire community. It seems that assumption was a mistake.

It would also be a mistake to assume the college will alter its ways. The leadership of the college and that includes management and the board of trustees has made some fundamental decisions about its role in the community, and about its responsibilities to the community. What has occurred is an expression of the actual position of the college. After watching the recent drama unfold, I would suggest that this college be closely monitored. To do otherwise would be a serious mistake. 

Unfortunately, the current leadership of the college is in lock step and I don't think it is completely forthcoming about its true goals. It has also taken on a large financial burden in the pursuit of its aims. In other words, I am of the opinion that they have a self-serving agenda.That agenda elevates the needs of the college above the needs of the community. When the needs of the college and the community align, then COD will act to serve the needs of the community. In general, as a educator I do think the college operates for the community.  However, as an institution with an agenda, its purpose may not always be aligned with the needs of the community. It appears that when such intersection of college needs and community requirements does not exist the college will act for its betterment and to the detriment of the community. Of course, the college is a public trust. It is not, however, a fiduciary and I am unaware of any oath taken by management or the trustees to act as a fiduciary for the public good. Perhaps someone can enlighten  me on that. There is, however a Trustees Manual and it does state specific goals and exprresses the accomplishment of excellence in all that the college does. 

The Broader Question
There is a broader question here and that is "What type of Community College should we have, and is COD in its current vision and direction capable of satisfying these needs both today and 20 or more years into the future?"

The current tuition is $129 per hour, which is nearly the highest fee for a community college in the State. The college has published the statement that this fee is expected to increase to $145 per credit hour by 2015.

The college is in the midst of a major expansion program, and yet, it's enrollment in 2011 was projected by the college to be the same as it was in 1995. Over that same period, the tax levy has increased about 250% from about $40 million to $101 million while the district population has increased about 28%.The approved plan of the college to demolish buildings and build several new is projected to increase annual operating costs by $493,356. New buildings for the Culinary and Hospitality Center (CHC) and the Homeland Security Education Center (HEC) were built at a cost of tens of millions of dollars. How many new enrollments has each facilitated? How is that additional annual operating expense to be paid from tuition linked to these facilities?

The Next Step for the Community
The community needs improved communications with the leadership of COD. I am of the opinion the current board of trustees was not doing that. Looking at the circumstances of the past few years, its pretty apparent that the current system supported a dysfunctional relationship with the community. 


I think there is a strong argument at this time that the community should reconsider its support of this college. Should the taxpayers begin a dialog to change the real estate tax bills to have the College of DuPage removed from them and determine a method to do that? The college for its part seems to prefer autonomy. It seems to enjoy the use of its borrowing power and fee structure to support that autonomy. It has demonstrated a reluctance to support the community. It has demonstrated a desire to be a bad neighbor. It has also demonstrated via 2011A and 2011B  bond issues that it prefers to raise funds on its own from the investment community, so it may accomplish its goals. 


I think a dialog should begin about COD self support. I think a mutual agreement should be considered so that this college can and does financially support itself. Perhaps it is time the taxpayers stopped facilitating this college. Is that possible?  COD's documents state the college "operating revenue is derived primarily from local property taxes and tuition and fees." According to the financial documents of the college "local support" provides an amount greater than all fees and tuition collected.


So it might not be a practical solution. However, that discussion should begin. It is our money they are spending, isn't it?


No matter the outcome, COD should remain responsible to the community and the taxpayers. We supported and paid for a large part of the 273 acres of prime real estate for a campus and we have given it hundreds of millions in dollars to support its building programs and operations. The recent renovations will cost $350 million according to the documents of the college. Much of that via bonds guaranteed by the taxpayers. 

The Next Step with the College
COD should be pressed to begin open discussions with the County and the taxpayers about how it will become a financially self-supporting entity. The college has a choice; begin a more responsible dialog with the community and re-evaluate its purpose, or become a separate and self sufficient entity.

If it chooses to become a "state" school, the it needs to be forthright and define how it can wean itself from ever increasing property taxes and ever increasing tuition fees. If it really wants complete internal control of its 273 acres, curriculum and services, then it should not expect to be underwritten via our real estate taxes.

The college has undertaken an expensive building program. In order to accomplish its internal goals it unilaterally decided to alter the neighborhood in which it resides.

COD is a part of a Community College District No. 502 which includes the majority of DuPage County and portions of  Will and Cook Counties. The district has a population of 1,091,387.   If things don't go well with the County, it would be consistent for this college to attempt to extricate itself from the neighbors of DuPage County and use the excuse that the District serves more than the residents of DuPage.  Perhaps the college would prefer to be a State school? If so, I think it should also get all funding via state taxes and tuition.


Conclusion
I see no point in putting my head in the sand and allowing this ruse to continue. COD wasn't happy with the situation with the Village of Glen Ellyn. It decided it no longer needed the green space along a large part of its perimeter to shield the residences built there, and it also has decided that the southwest corner at the wetlands and a well established residential neighborhood is the best place to build a water tower, pumping station and other "service area" facilities. In other words, it decided to build "service" facilities immediately against a completely unprotected residential community and a wetland. This was not published in the recent financial documents and financial plans the college provided to the community; nor is it in the "master plan" published by the college. The true plan of the college surfaced during the County hearings. I think it's reasonable to assume COD really isn't happy with the current situation. 


However, leadership for a community enterprise dictates that COD be forthright and open with its intentions.  This is essential considering the $millions in taxpayer contributions that are spent each year. This being the case, it's then the responsibility of the taxpayers to take charge. 



A Reality Check for BLMH- the Narrow View
That't the way it is. There is a tendency for a small group in the association to complain. The majority expects someone else to manage everything. The noisy tip of this iceberg takes the position "They can't tell us what to do." [Sigh] That's the way it is in 2012, the way it was in 2011 and so it remains a few year of "Change" in our association. Perhaps the unhappy will again borrow from the Progressives and run for the board on the slogan "Forward!" Forward to what? Over the cliff with the rest of the lemmings? 


Our association is well funded. We are in the black. We have a board which, while short-handed still gets the job done. Frankly, this association is one of those which is well managed, stable and financially solvent. Smart people are buying and the rest? 


In a large association there is always going to be a range of positions, and as this is America, it's traditional to have a "silent majority" which is largely invisible. So it was with the COD construction on our doorstep. For a few who found their pastoral view destroyed, it became a burning issue, and rightly so. But for many others, who live hundreds of feet away from the "carnage" it was no big deal. It seems it never is, until the problem is closer to "home."


One of our owners amplified this when she stated that "I don't see any problem with COD." It isn't a surprise that the individual who made that statement lives on the other end of our extensive grounds. That is the fundamental problem. If owners are primarily interested in "my view" or "my roof" or "my unit" then it is of no consequence to them if the other side of the association is under water or burned to the ground, unless their fees are increased. Then it is a problem. Their position seems to be "As long as I and my circle of friends are taken care of, then it's all good and everything works!"


Notes:

1. I've dined at Bistro Monet and it was wonderful, and my guests agreed. I don't usually give a plug but I feel strongly about "buy local" and supporting local businesses. Here's what the Critics are saying about "Bistro Monet"... "For those who love French tradition at reasonable prices, in a room so quiet that one can rediscover the lost art of dinner conversation, Bistro Monet is your new favorite restaurant. Chef/owner Michel Saragueta has turned this into an affordable oasis of country-French charm, with laid-back and friendly service. Recommended: Chicken-liver mousse, turban of sole, skate wing, dessert souffle." By Phil Vettel, Chicago Tribune.  “Chef Michel Saragueta open[ed] this quaint French bistro named Bistro Monet. The mid-price French spot serves up elegant comfort fare, including the likes of foie gras.” by Gayot.com. “There are people who love Bistro Monet we've overheard them lavishing praise on the chef on their way out the door. .... there's no denying the appeal of his short rib ravioli. Dressed in mushroom cream sauce with a splash of Madeira and topped with a barely -there layer of melted Gruyere cheese, the al dente pasta hides ultratender strands of meat. It's retro Franco-Italian, in the best possible way.” by Dennis Ray Wheaton, Chicago Magazine.  For more information go to the website: http://bistromonet.com/