FEBRUARY 2012 NEWSLETTER ARTICLE

We are in the process of advertising the trash contract as it comes up for renewal this July.   In soliciting comments we’ve found most residents are reasonably satisfied.  The main comments to date center around occasionally being missed, leaf pick up and the size of the recycling container.   We intend to address all these issues in the new contract.  In the interim Waste Management has obtained some larger recycling containers.  If you would like to have one let us know and we will attempt to get some delivered.  In my last article I mentioned a pending condition inspection of our bridge.  I have been tasked to have an emergency back up plan in place should there be some necessary work on the bridge causing a disruption.  Thus, we are working on plan B.  Talking to experts the opinion is that any repairs would not entail closing the whole bridge.  However, we are going to be prepared to be on the safe side.  I was shocked to find the cost of a full VDOT type bridge inspection.  Recently we had some aerial photos taken of the golf course and marina. They were made primarily for marketing plans but are being put on the web site should one like to view/use them.  If there’s a requirement for high quality copies they can be provided by arrangement.  If anyone would like a preview some large prints are on display at the business office.  They are to be used at the Fredericksburg boat show and will then be hung in the ships store.

A new security system is being installed at the marina to give us wide ranging 24 hour coverage.  This will also allow monitoring of the fuel docks from a distance. Additionally, with the boating season right around the corner now’s the time to arrange for one of the choice slips still available.  The price can’t be beaten.  New golf carts are now in use at the golf course.  Like the marina the price is probably the lowest in the area.  Due to some recent changes stalls are now available at the stables.   I challenge anyone to find a better deal than we have on these three amenities and right in your own backyard.  This year we intend to start something new at the pool- water aerobics.  Our pool management company is in the process of lining up a water aerobics instructor to teach what promises to be a three times a week class at the Harbour Inn Pool.  If you are interested please let the Business Office know.  We have to have a minimum number of participants to start a class.  For the users of Aquia Park we are in the process of having a shelter house similar to the ones at Friendship, Briar Patch and Rudolph Parks built.  It should provide a welcome relief from the summer sun.

We are in the process of working with a Professional Grant Writer.  There are potential grants out there especially in areas like the marina/waterways and in the police field.  We currently have a well respected engineering firm completing a feasibility study of the two potential building sites for the new police station.  The draft budget is ready for review by the board of directors.  It’s very lean and going to require careful monitoring.

The question has come up on the release of personal information.  We are very sensitive to this and guard this information closely.  Current practices are under review and an update to the policy will be printed in the very near future.  The question came up over the Women’s Club phone directory.  In the past we’ve had an opt out policy.  This will probably change and may mean the end of the directory.