It gives me great pleasure to announce that we have hired a new Chief of Police. Ronald S. Normandin will join us on June 2nd. He brings more than 35 years police experience. Most recently he was with the Stafford County Sheriff's Office. Prior to that he was a Captain with the Secret Service and had responsibility for the White House, Vice Presidents quarters and the Foreign Mission. He is an honor graduate of the Police Academy and has completed the FBI Academy.

Roads and Grounds are finishing up the new play set at Rudolph Park and are diligently working on the storage lot behind the stables. They are surveying our roads and will be making a list of paving for the summer. After paving most roads through the community will be restriped.

The lighting at the gate is being completely revamped to give more light and add 4 attractive pole lights along the road. This will increase security and safety to say nothing of the guards being able to see the decals. The lights will also be compatible with a potential gate camera system.

Formal notification of the award of a $7,000 Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) grant to match AHPOA funds will allow the Marina Bathroom project to get underway. Work should start by the time you read this. The contract has also been let to rebuild the tennis courts on Washington Drive. The new court surface will be the same as the award winning courts at Mary Washington College.

We anticipate VDOT awarding the contract to develop the wetlands at the end of Delaware Drive. The work will also include constructing the 116' seawall at the dredging off load site. Approximately 8,000 cubic yards of soil will be removed in the process. This soil will be trucked up and over the top of the hill under the power lines that cross Harpoon Drive. This will help level the area for future use.

The new trash contract with Cole's Trash Service will start July 1st. Mr. Cole is attempting to buy the current containers so we do not have a problem with exchanging containers. We will get out the word should this not materialize.

Both the Garrett Corporation and the Silver Corporation have approached the board concerning development adjacent to the community. The initial offer from the Garrett Corporation entailed a potential 2nd gate off Harpoon Drive near Farragut Drive. The consensus from a town meeting and resident comment was overwhelmingly opposed. The Garrett Corporation is currently considering a different type of offer. The Silver Corporation plans on building single family homes in the area bounded by the Aquia and catholic churches. Their preliminary plans indicate a 50' buffer between development and any of our lots. Neither development has approval from Stafford County at writing. If you have a strong interest you may want to get more details from Stafford County.

The three building lots advertised last month drew more interest than anticipated. All three lots will go to closing within 60 days. The association received well over appraised value for each lot. The board of directors has made a decision to apply 75% of the proceeds to retiring the CIP debt.

Recently the circular wall in front of the Business Office was partially destroyed by a tractor-trailer that was attempting to turn around. The drivers insurance company has finally agreed to repair the damage. Work should start soon.

Remember school will be out in a few weeks. Be alert for kids being kids.