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We have had two
successful town meetings on the second gate and the new budget.
I want to thank those of you who attended. There is noting
better for governance in Aquia than public involvement. The
Board remains committed to obtaining a larger public opinion on
the subject before we make any decisions. What I heard is,
?security is the number one concern.? (Security remains the
number one reason why folks move into
Aquia
Harbour .) I know there is
technology that could make an unmanned second gate feasible. I
am not sure I will ever feel secure without a manned second
gate. And, a manned gate would cost Aquia about $200,000 per
year. In my opinion it is not worth it. (But, some will point
out that I live in Section One.) I think this issue will lay
dormant for a number of months and then we will see revised
proposals. Let?s all stay engaged and continue to communicate.
Along those lines there is a new subdivision in the planning
stage behind the Catholic Church on Route one. This subdivision
will be adjacent to Aquia
Harbour along
Atlantic Drive in Section
One. I expect this to become a common trend over the next few
years. Therefore, internal security will continue to be a major
issue.
Another
challenge to Aquia?s security was brought about by Chief
Neville?s resignation. Jerry was with Aquia for just under a
year and made significant improvements to our system. Jerry was
offered a significant position and promotion in his new hob.
While I all hate to see him leave, I would never stand in
someone?s way to promotion. I say, ?Thank you and
congratulations Chief Neville.?
As some of you may
know, I was recently appointed to the Stafford County School
Board representing the Aquia District. I replaced David Kerr.
David did a wonderful job for Aquia and
Stafford. I believe I will be able to serve the
community in both positions ? as an AHPOA Director and as a
School Board member. My desire to continue to serve Aquia is
driven by the fact that our community is quickly approaching a
major event ? paying off the Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
loan. This event (about two and one-half years away) will free
up about $235,000 in reduced debt service a year. This is
significant not only because we will rid ourselves of a debt
burden, but because for the first time in many years Aquia will
be able to fully fund our Reserve Account. The last reserve
study Aquia completed told us we needed to put more than
$200,000 a year aside to be prepared to properly maintain and
replace our capital infrastructure. At this time we are only
able to set aside about $100,000 a year and maintain our dues
structure. We will complete an updated reserve study this
year. I expect the recommended annual reserve contribution to
grow to over $300,000 a year. We will be able to do this with
no dues increase once the CIP is retired. Joe Spelman has been
the key architect in putting us in this position. Joe was and
is supported by the Board in this manner. But Joe?s leadership
as Treasurer has been critical.
My e-mail
address is
Robert_Hunt@msn.com
or
bhunt@calibresys.com.
Let me know about the issues that concern you.
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