Ascot Homeowners Association
Minutes, Board of Directors -- Monday, December 11, 2006

The December 2006 Ascot Board meeting was held at Mick Fox's home on December 11, 2006.

All Board members were in attendance - Mick Fox, Lars Okeson, Heide Zufall, Tara Ruszkowski and Ken Thomas.  Approval of the prior minutes from the November meeting was the first order of business.

Last month's minutes were prepared by Mick Fox

Old Business

Small District Five

On November 20, 2006 the Fairfax Board of Supervisors voted to remove Ascot and other HOAs (including Brandermill and Piney Run) from Small District 5. This will result in a savings on our real estate taxes. Thanks again to Julie Reiss and all Ascot homeowners who participated in this effort.

Sewer Easement

The Barker easement discussion remains tabled and will be discussed in next months meeting.

Homeowner's Packets

Tara Ruszkowski will handle homeowners' packets going forward.

Thanks to Dave Peirce for getting the new basketball backboard up, but we still have action to replace the device that raises and lowers it.

New Business

Gifted and Talented Programs

The Board noted the concern in our community about changes in Fairfax County Schools Gifted and Talented (GT) programs. Heide will call Board of Education to get an update and report back.

Landscaping

Contractor is J Mario Lawn and Landscaping. Heide is taking action to come up with the Spring cleanup plan and budget.

Tara Ruszkowski will handle the Ascot directory. Tara will also investigate making the directories of Piney Run and Brandermill accessible. 

Ascot Homeowners 2007 Dues

The Board reviewed the preliminary financial results for 2006 and budget needs for 2007. The Board voted and approved homeowners dues for 2007 of $126.00, up from $120.00, due by end of February. Dues notices will be sent out at first of year.

The Piney Run Fence

The Board discussed the poor fence condition and options to paint, repair or remove all or part of it. Mick will investigate these options and make a recommendation. The issue brought to light the the need for maintenance of all Ascot fences and other structures such as sheds, especially those visible from the street.

Security

The Board recognizes the recent increase in criminal activity in Ascot. Several cars and one house have been recently broken into in Ascot, Brandermill and Piney Run. Valuables have been stolen, usually items left in cars and visible. The Board encourages all homeowners to take all valuables out of cars, to turn on outside lights at night and to be aware of suspicious activity in Ascot. Mick will contact Fairfax County police to request increased neighborhood patrols and will ask the boards in surrounding neighborhoods to do the same.

If anyone has other ideas about increasing security in Ascot please contact the board. 

Speeding

Neighborhood speeding is still a problem. If anyone notices speeding please make a note of the description and license number of the vehicle and report it to the board. The board reserves the right to publicize this information if the problem persists. 

Community Notes - Tax Relief Program

The Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration (DTA) is offering an educational outreach program for all citizen groups to present information about a Tax Relief Program. The DTA is available to present information that highlights a program that grants tax relief on a dwelling and up to one acre of land upon which the dwelling is located. This relief is granted to individuals who own and occupy their dwelling and are either 65 years of age or permanently and totally disabled. In addition there are income and other details that determine eligibility levels. In addition, the DTA offers personal property and decal fee relief programs. Please let the Board know if you are interested in having the DTA speak to our association. 

Contacting the Board

Homeowners are welcome to contact the Board about community concerns. Send email to board@ascotwalk.org or write: by US Post to Ascot Homeowners Association, PO Box 934, Great Falls, Virginia 22066-0934 or by direct contact with any Board member.

Our website is www.ascotwalk.org