FEBRUARY 2003 NEWSLETTER ARTICLE

For the past several months the Finance Committee has been meeting weekly to assist the board review and finalize the draft budget.? Because of the concerted effort to pay off the CIP loan over the next couple of years we are on a fiscal diet.? Every line item in the budget is being looked at to ensure it?s essential.? The goal is to try and avoid any increase in dues and, if not possible, to keep any increase to a minimum.

It appears we are very close to bringing closure to our negotiations with Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) on the tradeoff wetlands at the end of Dewey Drive.? The result for us should be an improved dredging offload site with a better access road, a tidal marsh park and a monetary payment. ?VDOT will gain much needed tradeoff wetlands to offset wetlands lost during the construction of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge.? This is a win win situation.??

The issue of how ?closed? the community should be keeps coming up.? We have tightened up things at the gate about as much as we can without causing too much inconvenience for those legitimately entering.? Our biggest weakness involves our residents.? Nearly every time we investigate an incident involving outsiders we find one of our own has invited the offender in verbally or with a pass.? The same applies to uninvited solicitors.? Door to door solicitation is against association policy.? If someone comes to your door soliciting without invitation please call the gate/police.? If you invite a pool company, lawn care company, insurance salesman etc. please make sure they understand they are invited to your home and your home only.? You?re paying a gate and police force for security, they need your assistance in making it work.

The issue of vehicles, boats and trailers/RVs literally stored on the common property and in the parking lots has become a problem.? At the December board meeting a resolution was passed to bring this under control.? A summary is as follows:? No automobile, commercial vehicle, boat trailer, boat with trailer, utility trailer or recreational vehicle shall be parked on the common elements without the written consent of the General Manager.? Automobiles may be parked in the parking lots for up to 72 hours without consent from the General Manager.? Horse trailers may continue to be stored at the parking lot at the stables. This policy will take place April 1^st.??? Please assist, as we do not want to be towing anyone.? For information the small boat storage lot off Washington Drive is now open.? Arrangements must be made at the Business Office.? There is a fee for nonannual marina slip holders.

On Saturday, January 11th the board and I sat down with representatives from most of the association committees.? The goal was to strengthen the committee structure and make the committees more productive and in tune with the community needs.? The meeting was a great forum for exchange of ideas.? Another meeting is planned for next month.? Watch for details.