Ascot Homeowners Association
Minutes of Board of Directors Meeting -- Monday, October 13, 2003
Prepared by Secretary, Scott Rackham

Bike Path

Following his discussions with the Hunter Mill Supervisor's office Bob Naftal received a letter from Supervisor Hudgins saying that the cost of constructing a trail along Route 7 from Reston Parkway to Meadowlook would be high, due to the steep grade along the south side of Route 7 in that stretch. There is little chance that it can be funded soon.

In a later conversation with the Supervisor's office, the possibility was raised that making a short connecting trail from Meadowlook to the subdivision to its west, which opens out to Reston Parkway, may be a feasible alternative. Bob will contact the Supervisor's office again to ask about their analysis of that possibility.

Ascot Web Site

Paul Celluzzi created the Ascot Web site at www.ascotwalk.org this past year by using his personal Comcast subscriber Web space. Other Ascot homeowners have tentatively offered to help with another hosting arrangement and ongoing maintenance of the site, so that Paul can reclaim his personal Web space for his personal use. Bob Naftal will contact Paul and the other potentially interested homeowners to settle on new hosting and site maintenance arrangements. In the event that the site at www.ascotwalk.org is down while these arrangements are made, current minutes and other basic information from the site will be posted at www.rackham.us/ascot/ as a temporary alternative.

Officers of the Board

The Board voted to have Bob Naftal serve again as President, and Lars Okeson as Treasurer, for the current term. Alice Burns and Mike Lee will serve as Vice-Presidents, and Scott Rackham as Secretary.

Common Grounds

Tennis Court -- Lars got the repair contractor to return and do a better job of smoothing out the surface of the sealant used to fill cracks in the tennis court. They also tightened the net. A new lock has been put on the rear gate of the tennis court, to replace the one that was missing. The combination is the same as for the lock on the front gate. Those who use the courts are reminded to please lock the gates when leaving.

Mowing -- Our mowing contractor has been advised to halt mowing for the season after the week of October 13. The Board plans to solicit competitive bids before selecting a mowing contractor next spring.

Bush hogging -- Mike Lee will arrange this month to have the common grounds bush hogged again in the area sloping down to Piney Run to the north of the tennis courts and main mowed common grounds area. Alice and Terry Burns have volunteered to develop plans for the ongoing maintenance and use of that area.

Replacement of trees -- Alice and Terry will also arrange for planting of an evergreen to replace the dead spruce that was removed near the basketball court, and a maple to replace the maple that was felled by Isabel. (The Board thanks our good neighbors Jim Novak, Karen James, and Mike Lee for cutting up the fallen maple the morning after the storm to move it off the roadway).

Party on common grounds -- Some of our homeowners hosted an afternoon party with music on the common grounds on a Sunday in September. The organizers contacted the Board and other homeowners near the common grounds area beforehand, and cleared the common grounds of party debris afterward. Reportedly, the party was a success, although a few people, including an infant, suffered bee stings.

Administration

Finances -- Lars will prepare a budget review and forecast for the year for the next meeting of the Board. The Board will plan on setting the dues assessment for the year based on that forecast.

Insurance -- Prompted by the question of possible Association liability for accidents and injuries to individuals using the common grounds, Lars will contact our insurance representatives to ask for a clear summary of coverages and exclusions in our insurance.

Architectural Review -- The board approved plans submitted by Chris and Mary Lee Carson for an addition to their home.

Committees -- Alice Burns is coordinating preparation of an updated homeowners directory. Homeowners interested in helping out the community through participation on Common Grounds, Web site, or Neighborhood Watch committees are invited to contact any Board member.

Next Meeting

The Ascot Homeowners Association Board of Directors will next meet on Monday, November 3, 2003, at the home of Alice and Terry Burns.

Respectfully submitted,
Scott Rackham
Secretary