Ascot Homeowners Association
Minutes of Board of Directors Meeting -- Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Prepared by Secretary, Scott Rackham

The Ascot Homeowners Association Board of Directors met on Tuesday, June 14, 2005, at the Peirces' home. Four Board members were present -- Claudia Raffman, Dave Peirce, Lars Okeson, and Scott Rackham. Former Board member Bob Naftal also attended.

Architectural Review

The Board reviewed and approved the architectural design of the enlarged front porch the Poiriers recently added to their home.

Common Grounds Maintenance

This year's landscape maintenance contract with Sunrise was revised to eliminate both rounds of pruning for the trees along the front of the common ground.

Common Grounds at North End of Bishopsgate

Scott will re-contact Falls Park Estates homeowner Tony Bansal, who continues to express interest in clearing away the weeds and planting grass and low shrubs on the Ascot common ground between his lot and Bishopsgate Way. Scott will again encourage him to provide a detailed description of the work he would like to have done, so that the Board can have a definite proposal to consider.

Tennis Court

Lars reported that payments for the tennis court special assessment had been received from 51 homeowner families. The payment was requested for the beginning of June. The Board asks anyone who hasn't yet paid to submit their payment now.

Bishops Tennis started their work on the tennis court on the week of the 13th of June. They have removed the fence, and will next build up the foundation layer. Before laying the asphalt, they will allow time for the Board to have the Leyland Cypress around the tennis court trimmed back from where they have been protruding through the fence, as they advise that trimming back the trees will help prevent tree debris from falling on the court. Debris and water left lying on the court can contribute to surface damage. Claudia will negotiate with Sunrise for trimming the side of the trees facing into the court.

Once Bishops Tennis adds the new asphalt layer, it will need to be left to cure for a few weeks before the final work can be finished. The target date for completion is early August, subject to completion of the Leyland Cypress trimming.

End-of-Summer Party on the Common Grounds

The Board has heard that some of our homeowners are again organizing an end-of-summer party on the common grounds, probably for the weekend after Labor Day. The Board agreed it would be willing to contribute up to $200 toward the costs of the party, presuming the event goes forward.

Neighborhood Directory Update

Claudia is working to complete an update of the Neighborhood Directory.

Next Meeting

The Board agreed to meet again on Tuesday, July 12th, at 7:30 pm, again at the Peirces' home.

Respectfully submitted,
Scott Rackham
Secretary

COMMUNITY NOTES:

In September it will be time to elect a Board of Directors for the next year. Not all of the current Board members intend to volunteer again for next year. If you'd be willing to do your share to help manage the common grounds and to further community interests for the new year, please let one of the current Board members know. We'd like to put your name on the September ballot.

Speeding

More homeowners have complained about people speeding through the neighborhood -- and even passing a driver who was traveling at the speed limit. If you invite visitors to your property, please point out to them that we have no sidewalks in the community. Children and adults walk on our roads. Ask your contractors and visitors to watch out for pedestrians, and to stay under the posted 25 mph speed limit.

Contacting the Board

Homeowners are welcome to contact the Board about the tennis court or other community concerns. Write to Ascot Homeowners Association, PO Box 934, Great Falls, Virginia 22066-0934. Contact any Board member. Or send email --