By, John Reinboldt AHPOA Director
In my last article I discussed a host of issues. Harbour Beautification and Security again were top issues of return mail. To all of you that responded thank you for taking the time. For those of you who have not voiced your opinion, let me give a summation of what the responders are thinking so far by issue, in order of most to least responses:
Harbour Beautification: All but one respondent to my various issues has indicated a strong wish to enforce our existing codes and an even stronger desire to enforce stricter codes. I was a little surprised to get as many emails as I did hoping for specific issues to be taken care of quickly. In all the cases I was contacted about there were some real problems. I am sad to say that unfortunately our codes do not offer us as much power as some would like. I will be looking for support from a great many to make the necessary changes. It takes a 2/3 vote of the AHPOA members in good standing to make a change. Please take this opportunity to tell me how you feel. As a Director it is my duty to fallow your lead!
Security: Since bringing on the new Chief (Gerard Neville) I have received quit a few requests to tighten up security. Most respondents stated that they moved to the Harbor because they appreciated the tighter security implied by the gate and the Harbour Police Force. None of the respondents asked to increase the security to the level of a military base but are puzzled by some of the gaping holes we have. An example is the garage sale issue. I have read or listened to some well though out arguments for and against garage sale entry. It is apparent to me that we need to enforce our existing rules and look very carefully at making sure we are executing the rules FAIRLY for all the residents and the amenities. A good example is the restaurant. If a visitor requests to go to the Country Club for Dinner the gate would have no choice (under current guidelines) but to allow entry. So how do we stop garage sale shoppers? Are they less trustworthy than restaurant patrons? I believe we should enforce the rules we have and fix the loopholes.
You could probably lump this in with Security except we are looking at a very serious expenditure on 8 ft chain link over the next couple of years. The continuing construction around our borders is only going to increase this expenditure. I believe we should put the fence up in stages in order to be able to spread the cost out over multiple years’ budgets. Most people I have talked to believe fencing is a necessary evil. What is your opinion?
Walking paths:
Although walking paths around the Harbour have been on my list for some time, I was pleasantly surprised to see how often it appeared in a note that might have been focused on something else. The board has put together a list of Capitol Projects that we are working on. They include Fencing, The Heroes Memorial, Long-term storage, additional Paddocks, and Marina Restrooms. Next year a new Golf Green and Tennis courts surfacing are some of the items on the list. The Harbour is spending $90,000 on Capitol Projects every year. If you had the money, what would you spend it on?? What would you like on the list?
Last year this would have been number one by a long shot, but since the project is under way it has slid lower on the chart. Hopefully by the end of September we will be done dredging and we will be able to send the receipt to Stafford County for the funds promised.
Trash:
Until two months ago this was not even a subject. Evidently Waste Management believes that they can either raise our rates at will or give us terrible service until the contract runs out. Well I have news for Waste Management. They are not the only game in town. Waste Management will abide by their contract or be sued for breach of contract and we will then bill them for whatever charges we incur. If the terrible service we are getting continues, Waste Management and Aquia Harbour are going to part ways. I still believe having only one company saves us all money, reduces the congestion caused by trucks, reduces the ware and tare on the roads, reduces the noise pollution and gives us overall better service.
If your top issue is not mentioned, please send me a note.
The Memorial
We now have a memorial built. It is on Aquia Drive just across the bridge next to Schnopp Park and across the street from the ballpark. There is a stonewall, a flagpole, plants within the wall and a large piece of Free Stone from Aquia Quarry. We are going to have a dedication in September. We are currently planning to have a ceremony on the 11th rather than on the weekend before or after. Please keep an eye on the board for further information. There are a couple of issues outstanding:
What exactly to put on the Memorial Plaque?
What time to have the dedication ceremony?
Exactly what the dedication ceremony should be?
Your input will be appreciated. Please email me at john@reinboldt.com