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Good afternoon,
Our Lake - We’ve been performing visual lake inspections daily and the lake appears to be improving with reduced biomass of aquatic plants reaching the surface. The blue green algae appears to be reducing at this time as well, and scum formations were only visible in one area where the winds were blowing into the shoreline. Based on the results of our most recent samples, and the visual inspections, additional testing will be done when we see further visual improvements. We will continue to run our aquatic plant harvester to cut rooted plants and skim floating cuttings of plants from the lake.
A reminder that the most recent testing showed toxin levels in the lake which exceeded what the EPA and WHO considers safe for humans and pests.
For more information on blue green algae, please visit the Illinois EPA Bluegreen algae website at: https://epa.illinois.gov/topics/water-quality/monitoring/algal-bloom.html
As always, the lake is, “use at your own risk” and when in doubt, stay out.
Upcoming Road Work – Our Roads Subcommittee, headed by Roger Allen, has worked hard this year to identify the under the road drainage culverts (AKA Cross Road Culverts) that have outlived their expected life. Many of these culverts are 50 years old, they are deteriorating, and replacement is necessary to keep water off our roads and moving in the right direction. While this type of improvement doesn’t sound, or look very exciting, it’s infrastructure that must be properly maintained. With the help of our Engineer, 4 bid proposals were received and considered by the Board at the August meeting. The low bidder was Sjostrom out of Rockford and thirteen (13) culverts will be replaced during the month of September at a total cost of $216,184.00.
The replacement of a crossroad culvert involves cutting the road, removing the old culvert pipe, replacing it and then repairing the road. In most cases the road will be closed for one day then reopened that afternoon or early evening. Next week I will provide a list of the locations and the order in which they will be replaced. While we had the help of an engineer, most of the leg work for this project was completed by Roger Allen and other volunteers who generously gave their time for the benefit of the community.
Upcoming Bridge Work – Speaking of infrastructure that’s over 50 years old, our Bridge behind the dam on Pier Drive is scheduled for major renovations which will also occur in September after the Labor Day weekend. The volunteers on our Lake Planning Committee have been studying the bridge and the need for repairs for the past six years. Earlier this year, again with the help of an engineer, plans were created to renovate the bridge so that it will last for another 50 years or longer. Three (3) bids were received for this renovation and a few months ago, the Board awarded the job to the lowest bidder. Civil Constructors or Freeport, IL. was awarded the job at a total cost of $64,750.00.
This project will begin shortly after the Labor Day weekend, and it should take 2-4 weeks to complete. During construction, Pier Drive behind the dam will be closed to all traffic. Exact dates will be provided next week, and local emergency services, school bus, Gill’s and other service providers have been informed of the road closure. Again, I’d like to acknowledge and thank the numerous volunteers who contributed to getting this project to this point. Thank you, Lake Planning Committee members!
Memorial Gardens – A reminder that we will be retiring the “Memorial Brick” program at the Memorial Gardens at Spring Park. If you or your family purchased a brick to honor a loved one and you’d like to keep the brick, please remove it. Within the next 60 days, we will be removing dead plant materials and bricks so the area can be renovated. If you have any questions or need help retrieving a brick, please reply to this email and I’ll do my best to help you.
Mowing Inspection – The next mowing inspection will be held next Tuesday, September 1st. All lots must be mowed on or prior to August 31st to avoid a $150 fine.
Thank you and remember, if you ever have a question regarding Lake Summerset or something you may have read on social media, please reply to this email and ask. Your message will come to me and only me and I’ll respond with accurate information as soon as possible.
Hoping everyone has a pleasant and safe weekend.
Mike
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