Ascot Homeowners Association
Minutes, Board of Directors -- Wednesday, April 5, 2006
Prepared by Secretary, Julie Reiss
The Ascot Board met at Dave Peirce's home on Wednesday, April 5, 2006, at 7:30 pm. Dave, Mick Fox, Lars Okeson, Heide Zufall, and Julie Reiss were all in attendance. Our first order of business was approval of the prior minutes from the March 8, 2006 meeting.
Common Grounds Contract
The next order of business was unanimous Board approval of the 2-year contract with Mario Lawn and Landscape. Heide provided graphical analysis of all three quotes from Mario, Sunrise, and Wheats. Essentially, Mario's bid of $3,875.60 was not only lower than the other quotes, but his company's 7-day-notice cancellation policy ensures that if we are not getting the quality we expect, we can quickly terminate the contract. All these factors impacted the Board's decision to hire Mario's company. The Board thanks Heide for all of her effort in researching and negotiating the contracts.
Barkers' Request
The Board has determined that the Barkers will require an easement through the Ascot property to access the county sewer line. Ascot bylaws outline the process for granting an easement. As of this writing, the Board is confirming the procedure. The Board will address the matter again at next month's meeting. As stated in our last minutes, if you are considering moving from your septic system to county sewer, please contact the Barkers to see if some of the costs could be shared by all interested parties.
Architectural Review
New homeowners Daryl and Stacey Alley at 11049 Bishopsgate Court submitted written plans to have a new sidewalk constructed from their driveway to front doorstep. The Board unanimously approved their proposal with the recommendation they first discuss the plans with their immediate neighbors.
Note: While Ascot HOA covenants outline procedures for gaining architectural improvement approval, the most important factor in any improvement is speaking with your immediate neighbors to ensure your improvements have a positive impact.
Safety and Security: Speeding
As a reminder, please contact the Board with license plate numbers of any speeding vehicles through Ascot, even service vehicles. As some of you may have noticed, we have begun a cooperative effort with Fairfax County Police to help monitor and control speeding, both ours and service vehicles. With Spring in full swing and summer soon to follow, kids will be playing, and many of us will be outside working, playing, and exercising. Very little time is saved by speeding from Route 7 to your home, so please slow down and enjoy our scenic neighborhood. It could save a life.
Board Insurance Policy Renewed
Lars noted that last month he renewed the Board's directors and officers' insurance policy. The Board thanks Lars for continuing to address general administration issues.
Basketball Hoop
A large piece of the newer basketball hoop structure has broken off. Dave will check the model number and try to replace it. In addition, the Board has approved purchasing a replacement pole and backboard to match the newer basketball hoop.
Small Tax District 5
Julie attended the RCC Board of Governor's meeting April 3rd with Nikki Ryan from Brandermill. John Teeples from Piney Run also attended and gave testimony in support of the three communities' decision to work together in being removed from the tax district. Julie has scheduled a meeting with Supervisor Hudgins for April 18, at which the three Board Presidents and a few others from our three communities will follow up from the hearing March 27th. Several Board Presidents from surrounding neighborhoods in the tax district have been invited to this meeting. After a motion to establish a formal committee to pursue removing Ascot from the tax district, the Board unanimously approved the proposal. The Board also approved Mick's motion to appoint Julie Chairman of the new Tax District Committee.
If you or someone you know is interested in getting involved to assist the Tax District Committee and the Board to pursue removing Ascot from Small Tax District 5, an action that will save each of us, depending on your property's tax assessment, approximately $400 to $600 per year on our taxes, please contact Julie Reiss. Our assessment of the situation is that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is not necessarily convinced of the need for the continuation of the tax district, and our Supervisor, Supervisor Hudgins, made it known to our group that she will continue to work with us to consider our removal. We need to continue the pressure on her to ensure she keeps her word. This will take community involvement. Please consider getting involved.
Join Us for Spring Clean-Up Day!
Common area clean-up day is scheduled for Saturday, April 22, from 9:00 to noon, with a rain date two weeks later of Saturday, May 6. Let's pull out small trees, rake leaves, plant flowers, and more. Bring a wheelbarrow, gardening gloves, or just come out and cheer the rest on.
Yearly Dues Payment
As of April 5th, 59 households had paid dues, while 10 payments were overdue. $120 was due on February 28. If you have not done so already, please pay as soon as possible. Send payment to Ascot HOA, PO Box 934, Great Falls, Virginia, 22066-0934. Thank you.
The next Board meeting is currently scheduled for Wednesday, May 17th, at 7:30 pm at Lars' house.
Respectfully submitted,
Julie Reiss
Secretary, Oct 2005 - Sep 2006
Community News
Lisa Barker is organizing our community yard sale on April 29th. Set up wares on your own driveway, or join others in the nearest cul-de-sac or the common area.
Contacting the Board
Homeowners are welcome to contact the Board about community concerns. Send email to the Board, write to Ascot Homeowners Association, PO Box 934, Great Falls, Virginia 22066-0934, or contact any Board member.
