Westlake Village Villager April 2026
Westlake Village HOA, Committees, and Contacts
WESTLAKE VILLAGE HOA BOARD of DIRECTORS
Contact: Email Address: Phone:
President: Julie Nampel: janampel@hotmail.com (920) 319-0562
Treasurer: Jim Klinger: milkman50@comcast.net (815) 742-5021
Secretary: Donna Heffern: donnaheffern@gmail.com (847) 902-0268
Cindy Beyer-Rienhardt: beyerrienhardt@icloud.com (815) 988-8982
Dani Saboe: danisaboe@gmail.com (406) 437-4200
Office Manager: Gina Mays: WLVemail@comcast.net (815) 335-4007
Westlake Village Committees
Contact Email Phone
Communications Committee: wlvVillager@comcast.net
Petronella Boose ARTopics@yahoo.com (253) 606-1822
Donna Heffern donnaheffern@gmail.com (847) 902-0268
Val Jewell vjvjewell@gmail.com (815) 291-8016
Nancy Peistrup nancnrich@yahoo.com (815) 335-4067
Susan Weber smweber1983@gmail.com (847) 489-1459
Lake Commission:
Michael Lambert jiffyrock@gmail.com (815) 275-3182
Greg Surufka glsurufka@gmail.com (815) 543-1313
LaVerne Weber laverne@gradesolutionsllc.com (847) 489-1457
For information regarding: Pool, Architectural Review and Redbook:
Julie Nampel janampel@hotmail.com (920) 319-0562
For information regarding: Finance, Grounds & Maintenance: Jim Klinger milkman50@comcast.net (815) 742-5021
For information regarding: Community Social Events:
Donna Heffern donnaheffern@gmail.com (847) 902-0268
For information regarding: Community Center Reservations, Golf Cart Fees, Fishing Buckets & Parking Stickers, HOA Dues and other questions:
Gina Mays (WLV Office) wlvemail@comcast.net (815) 335-4007
Westlake Village Community Center
3677 Westlake Village Drive
Winnebago, IL 61088
815-335-4007
Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Tuesday, Thursday: 8:00am - 2:00pm
Open every other Saturday: 9 AM - Noon (Hours subject to change, depending on Community Center events)
Reminder
Gills Freepost Disposal will start picking up Yard waste April 15th.
Please Use Paper Bags for Yard Waste
To ensure effective and eco-friendly yard waste removal, use a 30-gallon paper bag, which you can find at most hardware stores. Make sure to only include leaves or grass clippings in these bags. For items like long sticks, branches, or limbs, create separate bundles that are up to 4 feet long and weigh no more than 40 pounds. Following these guidelines helps us turn your yard waste into valuable compost.
OTHER IMPORTANT CONTACTS FOR OUR AREA
Each of the following numbers will take you to recorded options for all emergency or non-emergency issues ~
Pecatonica Sheriff’s Dept. ~ 815-319-6300
Pecatonica Fire Station ~ 815-335-2651
ComEd ~ 800-334-7661
Nicor Gas ~ 888-642-6748
Prairie Path ~ 800-831-2359
Pecatonica Schools ~ 815-239-2550
Township of Pecatonica Supervisor ~ 815-239-1555
Township of Pecatonica Road Commissioner ~ 779-207-9652
Burritt Township Supervisor & Road ~ 815-988-0871
Burritt Township office ~ 815-218-6740
Winnebago County Highway Dept.– (roads) 815-319-4000
Lynx Golf Course ~ 815-335-4031
“Hoo”Haven Wildlife Hotline ~ 815-629-2212 Call or Text
Please note that WLV Financials and HOA Minutes are available at the Community Center or the Westlake Website: https://www.wlvhoa.com/home.asp or Scan QR Code : If you do not have access to the website, please call WLV office 815-335-4007 to request a login.
Important Notice from: Jeff R. Meyer, Pecatonica Township Clerk: To the legal voters, residents , of Township of Pecatonica in the County of Winnebago and State of Illinois: Pecatonica Township Annual Meeting will take place on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 6:30 PM Pecatonica Township Building, 410 Reed St., Pecatonica IL.
HOA Board UPDATE:
In Progress:
1. Reserve Asset Study:
The HOA Board has contracted with Reserve Advisors an experienced firm in conducting reserve asset studies. By conducting a reserve asset study, we are essentially going to receive a long-term financial and physical planning tool which will assist us in evaluating and prioritizing maintenance, repairs and replacements of all community assets. This is a proactive step toward protecting Westlake Village and its amenities under the constraint and consideration of our financial assets.
2. Wetlands/Lagoon/Lake Maintenance:
Under the supervision of Grade Solutions the 1st phase of lagoon creek sediment clearing began last month. The plan is to remove and mulch shoreline trees and brush to provide access for mechanical dredging of the creek channel with a long arm excavator. As ground conditions stabilize in late spring, Grade Solutions will begin the 2nd phase of mechanical dredging. It will include cleaning the creek channel as well as increasing capacity of the two main holding lagoons for future hydraulic dredging operations. Phase 2 will likely be a 35 week process.
3. Pool Furniture:
Some of the current furniture is in need of replacing. The HOA board has been researching and identifying the best options for new pool furniture. Most likely new pieces will be phased in over the next two summers beginning this summer.
In Discussion:
1. Paving the second half of the cart path.
2. Replacement of the Lagoon Fountain
All Golf carts operating in Westlake Village must be registered!
To Register:
Please drive your golf cart to the WLV Community Center for a brief inspection to make sure your cart is in compliance.
A $30.00 fee is charged for new golf carts. (No charge for golf carts registered in prior years). However, all golf carts must be registered every year with Westlake Village. You will receive a new sticker.
Show proof of Insurance at time of registration.
JulieNampel,CindyBeyer-Rienhardt.JimKlinger,DaniSaboe and Donna Heffern available on phone.
Management Team –Patrick(TuresandAssociates)Gina(OfficeManager)
Open Session- The lights down at the courts will shut off at 10pm. ResidentsstatedthatintheRedbookthecommonareas (pool/park/courts) are open from dawn to dusk. The 10pm shutoffseemedafaircompromise.
Approval of the Agenda: March 10,2026 agenda was approved via email and posted on HOA website.
Approval of Board Meeting Minutes: March 10th’s meeting minutes were approved via email and posted on the HOA website.
Financial Statements & Reserves: Confidentialfinancialsare for Westlake Village Residents Only and can be found by loggingintoyouraccount at: https://www.wlvhoa.com/home.asp
Property Inspection Reports – Dam Reports for March and Februaryreviewedandapproved.Everythinglooksgood.
Office Report: We organized and cleaned the Community Center storage room. All chairs were cleaned. The vendors for garage sales were contacted and booked. Working on the July Beach Party. Pool permits were filed. Golf cart registration began March 1st.
Violation Letters & Written Complaints:NoViolations.
Commissions/Committees/Council:
Architectural Review Committee: 4 new ARCapplications,1 newbuildapproved.
Jim Klinger, John Peterson, Kelly Pospischil Bob Ruud, Dennis Nampel
Community Center: Still taking rentals. Julie Nampel-Board member
https://www.wlvhoa.com/home.asp
Finance Commission: Jim Klinger-Board Member, Kelly Johnson, John-Paul Rudolph.
Grounds & Maintenance Commission- Siebert’s will be drivingthroughthecommunitytoassessspringcleanup.
Jim Klinger-Board member
Lake Management: Moving forward with the wetland process clearing scrub trees. The wetlands are a tool for the lake and have to be maintained per the DNR. The fish survey showed that Carp are balancing themselves out, didn’t see a lot of Walleye. Bluegill are overpopulated with small fish. Weneedtorefrainfromtakingthe9-10”andabovesizeof Bluegill.
Mike Lambert
Pool Commission: Pool remains closed. Board is evaluating poolfurniturefor2026poolseason
Julie Nampel- Board Member
Social/Events: Easter Egg Hunt is scheduled for March 28th, donated candy can be dropped off at the office. If you would like to volunteer to stuff easter eggs on Wednesday March 25th from 1012, please contact the office. Garage sales are June 11th-13th salvation army will be picking up unwanted items on June 13th starting at 3pm. The Easter Egg Hunt will be held at the park starting at 9am. If it is raining, the egg hunt will be held at the Community Center.
Donna Heffern-Board Member
Communications Committee / Villager: Petronella thanked Greg Surufka for his article on the lake history in the March Villager. The Westlake Communications Team: Petronella Boose, Donna Heffern (board member), Val Jewell, Nancy Peistrup, and Susan Weber.
Old Business: None
New Business: None
Meetingadjourned– 8:30am
Sediment Management Happening in the Wetlands
The Westlake wetlands, including the four sediment ponds along Coolidge Creek, was specifically designed to protect the lake from runoff sediment and chemicals resulting from the 6,000 acres of farmland that drains into it. While this protected area is welcoming to all types of animals and waterfowl, its primary purpose was NOT to be a wildlife sanctuary/habitat
Soil and organic (plant residue) sediment levels have reached near capacity in the wetland’s four sediment ponds and creek. This creates a major problem since the channel and ponds no longer have the capacity to collect any additional runoff sediment during heavy rains. This condition allows the nutrient-rich sediment to overflow freely into the fountain lagoon and beyond into the lake. A significant additional problem associated with the sediment build up, is the large amounts of nitrogen and phosphorous that it deposits in the lagoon and lake. These nutrients are major contributors to undesirable weed growth and algae blooms.
Alarming Fact:
A sediment survey was performed back in 2012 when the lake was 14 years old. Based on measurements taken at that time, calculations revealed that the lake had already lost 25% of its water capacity due to sediment build up.
A critical multi-year dredging program has begun In 2023, a boat-mounted hydraulic suction dredge along with a “long reach” mechanical excavator were used to clean out three areas of the wetlands channel (creek) with the largest amounts of sediment buildup. The fountain lagoon was also dredged. In one creek location, the sediment had accumulated to such a depth that an excavator was needed to remove many feet of sediment before the dredging vessel could even be placed into the water. Unfortunately, since the remaining areas of the creek and lagoons were filled to near capacity and not budgeted to be dredged at the time, the three newly dredged areas have already refilled with new sediment.
Thesedimentprobleminthelake:
Over the past 30 years since it was dug, the sediment has also been steadily building up in the lake, initially collecting in the areas nearest the ingress (primarily the large area in front of the lagoon, boat ramp and marina).
Other areas of significant collection are near all the many storm drains located around the lake. Sediment has also spread and collected in the deepest areas of the lake. For example, the deepest pocket of the lake, the bay between Locke Lane & Pemberton Place, was originally excavated to a depth of approximately 24 ft. to get sand for use on the beaches. However, that area is now only approximately 14 ft. deep.
Delayedmaintenance:
From the very beginning of the Westlake development in 1996, the wetlands were designed to be dredged approximately every 5 years to maintain control of the accumulating sediment. Unfortunately, over the past 30 years, a dredging maintenance program was not funded properly or implemented.
What sediment management work will be done in the spring & summerof2026?
1) Heavy equipment has been brought in to clear away all the overgrown trees, scrub brush and unhealthy and dead trees around the creek (channel). This work is necessary so that a specialized tracked “long reach” mechanical excavator can gain access to all the creek shorelines. This extensive clearing is required, not only so the excavator can move freely around all sides of the creek, but also so there is enough clearance so the excavator’s 60 ft. long arm boom can swing its bucket completely around to deposit the scooped sediment behind the unit.
2) The entire upstream creek is scheduled to be dredged.
3) The two dry “holding” ponds, located beside the four sediment ponds, will be cleaned and the extracted soil will be mounded up around each to help enlarge their capacity. This work needs to be done since the two ponds were not made large enough originally. Sediment that will eventually be removed from the four sediment ponds, scheduled for 2027, will be deposited into these two “holding” ponds to allow the water to drain out of the excavated sediment material.
Futureplanneddredgingoperations:
In 2027, plans and budgets have been set to allow the 4 sediment ponds to be completely dredged. In 2028, the two holding ponds will be emptied. In 2029, work will begin on dredging selected areas within the lake that have the highest concentrations of sediment.
Once all the above dredging operations have been completed in the creek, sediment ponds, fountain lagoon and lake, the 5-year cycle program will repeat.
If you have lost your ballots, please obtain another at the WLV Community Center office.
Board Elections:
It is never too early to start thinking about running for the board. Please consider running. Your community needs YOU! Good leadership is key to any organization. Volunteer residents are elected by fellow neighbors, are responsible for carrying out the rules and bylaws of the community, along with many other roles. Elections will be held in August 2026. Watch for an email from Gina, for the deadline to submit your profile for consideration in this year’s election.
R.J. Halbert has crafted a fast-paced, thought -provoking tale through a small town, an old property and a family as they try to figure out the unimaginable occurrences in Caretaker, thefirstbookof The Goodpasture Chronicles.
It is well written, chock full of suspense, keeping readers on a string and trying to make sense of the pieces presented to solve the bigger puzzle. Come along for this entertaining exercise in sorting reality from fantasy.
Friends of Winnebago Public Library offer a $500 scholarship. Applications are to be completed and returned by 8PM Monday April 20, 2026. Applications may be dropped off at the library or submitted via email to: friendsofwpl210@gmail.com FOTL Scholarship Application
The Winnebago Garden Club offers a $500 scholarship. Applications are to be completed and returned to the Winnebago Academic Advising Office by Thursday April 30, 2026. Garden Club Scholarship Application
The WLV Bookworms Meet: WLV Community Center: 3677 Westlake Village Dr. Next meeting: April 9, 2026—2:00 PM
New members are always welcome! Please RSVP : Joleen Petit: 779-537-0814 You are invited, even if you haven’t read the book. Bring your own beverage.
Donate Items for Used Book Sales
Donations for used book sales may be dropped off at the library’s Circulation Desk at any time. The Friends look for quality adult and children’s books in good condition, audiobooks, DVDs, puzzles, music (CDs and albums). Encyclopedia sets, old computer software and manuals, weekly magazines, or damaged, musty or outdated materials cannot be accepted.Pleaseboxorbagyourdonations.
Sales are twice a year at the end of April and October.
DATE TIME EVENT
4/1/2026 10:30 AM Story Time and Crafts
4/2/2026
10:30 AM Homeschool Book Arts Workshop - Fairy House Book
SOMETHING YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Every Wednesday! Bring the little ones to hear a story and make a related craft. Great opportunity for moms to meet other moms, little ones to make friends and, of course, discover new story books!
1st Thurs. of each month. Each month will feature a new craft making, using or related to books. REGISTRATION REQUIRED! Call Winnebago Library @ (815) 335-7050. All supplies provided. FREE workshop! Note: Ages 5-7 must have one on one parent or adult assistance. Ages 8+ may work independently.
04/02/2026
04/16/2026
1:00 - 3:30 PM 1:00 - 3:30 PM Card Club
Meets 1st and 3rd Thursday this month in Community Room. Free to join and free to play!
4/4/2026 8:30 AM Garden Club 1st Saturday of each month. Gather with a group of people interested in gardening from beginner to advanced. All men and women interested in gardening welcome! The club also offers expert speakers and field trips throughout the year. Affiliated with Garden Club of Illinois.
4/6/2026 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Quilt Club
4/8/2026 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Free Hearing and Retinal Screenings
Meets 1st Monday of every month. Join anytime. No membership, no fees! Bring your own machine or handwork and projects! Stop in when it's convenient for you.
Sponsored by the Lions of Illinois Foundation in conjunction with your local Lions Club. Visit their website to learn more: www.lionsofillinoisfoundation.org
4/9/2026 10:30 12:30 PM Adult Book Arts Workshop: Fairy Meets 2nd Thursday each month. They will feature a new craft making, using or related to books. All supplies provided. Free workshop for Adults! REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Cool book-related prizes.
Round up your team and sign up today! Each team will get the same 500 piece puzzle, and the first team to assemble it will win a prize. Teams can be 2 to 4 members. Ages 6+ can participate as long as there are at least 2 adults per team. LIMITED SPACE: 6 TEAMS TOTAL! So sign up soon! All teams get to keep their puzzle at the end of the event.
Meets second Monday each month. April selection is: Wish You Well by David Baldacci
Third Thursday each month. Bingo, snacks and cool bookish prizes! No registration required.
Meets third Tuesday each month. Cool bookish prizes and refreshments. No registration required.
Thursday is Preview Night with a $3 Charge. 1000's of barely-used kids books! Lots of puzzles, CD's and DVD's, too! Readers and Crafters alike: Support the Library! Buy Lots of Books! Call Paula Black: (815) 3352568 for questions, to volunteer or to donate.
If you were living in Winnebago, Pecatonica and Seward in 1995, the changes that were taking hold of your community was the talk of the town… it was a hot topic in places like The Stonewall Café and The Railway in Pecatonica, Cimino’s in Winnebago and Pec, the grain silos and libraries.
Community meetings were called by residents organized to oppose the development of Westlake Village.
These ***Rockford Register Star Headlines throughout 1995 reflected their concerns.
While still up for discussion January 8, 1995:
• Rockford has major problems that we don’t want moving to Pecatonica. ( Rockford Register Star 1995-01-
*** Because copyright laws wont allow the Villager to print these articles in full, you are able to view the entire newspaper by clicking these links. It will take you to the actual Rockford Register Star newspaper article on the www.Newspaper.com website, however, you are only allowed five free views (five views of one article or five views of five articles) before they make you pay for a subscription. However, the Rockford Public Library allows you to view any newspaper in their archives with your library card - freebut only in person. Non-Rockford residents have to purchase an annual Rockford Library Card in order to view their archives online.
