NEWBERRY STATION HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
Approved 8/2/06
** BOARD MEETINGS ARE NOW HELD ON THE FIRST WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH**
Discussion on Front Yard Appearance: One homeowner commented that many front yards, in his opinion, are unkempt. He felt that unsightly yards diminish the marketability of other houses in the neighborhood. He also was of the opinion that having mostly gravel or mulch is inappropriate, and that tall plants throughout were unattractive. He thought that either grass or appropriate ground cover should be required. However, given the open nature of the Newberry Station Guidelines, and the precedents that have been set, it would be hard to enforce a more uniform appearance, short of re-writing the guidelines and having them approved by the Board.
In this regard, Tom said that he would take on the task of re-writing the Architectural Guidelines and submit his re-write for review by the other Board members. The re-write would also address the new requirements in Shannons Landing, and incorporate two changes that have been made to the guidelines in the past year: allowance of white framing around windows and permission to use certain stains on fences and decks.
III. Buildings & Grounds
A. Tree Pruning Proposal: Tom moved, and Jane seconded the motion, to accept the proposal by Bartlett Tree Experts, excluding Option 2 (red oak removal), to prune and trim the trees on Ainsley Ct and around the clubhouse under the direction of the appointed Board committee. The committee is directed, for instance, NOT to allow Bartlett to trim up the 17 white pines too high, since this acts as a privacy barrier between pedestrians and homeowners. The motion passed by unanimous consent.
B. Drain Repair Proposal: Brandon moved, and Jane seconded, to accept the proposal by Pro Grounds to install a French drain to improve the drainage of water in the culvert that runs across the field adjacent to the clubhouse. The motion passed by unanimous consent.
C. Lawn Edging Proposal: Tom moved, and Mark seconded the motion, to accept the proposal by Pro Grounds to perform Stick Edging Services on the homeowner side of the common area sidewalk while onsite mowing. The motion passed by unanimous consent. The Board asked Beth to ensure that the stipulated price was on a per annum basis.
D. Homeowner Request for Handicapped Parking: Tom moved, and Jane seconded, not to assign handicapped parking to a common space curb area adjacent to a house in which a handicapped person resides. The motion passed by a vote of three affirmative and two opposed.
E. Aging Tree Behind Trestle Ct: The Board asked Beth to get an assessment of the tree between Trestle and Shannons Landing to see if removal is warranted or if the tree can be saved.
F. Yellow Curb Painting: Dominion painted the curb by Ona. However, a homeowner said there are other areas that need to be painted. He said he would make a list of such areas and present them to the Board for their consideration.
G. Turf Repair: The Board tabled the repair of a bare patch by the corner of Trestle and Hamilton Ct for a future meeting. The proposal submitted by Pro Grounds was deemed unacceptable on grounds of specs and price.
H. Erosion at the End of Ona: The Board asked Beth to survey the erosion occurring in the area beyond the end of Ona Street to determine if a retaining wall or terraces constructed on our property could halt the erosion. If so, obtain bids for such a project. Or would some sort of abatement also be needed on the portion that falls within the County’s jurisdiction? If so, hold off on bids.
I. Broken Barricade: The Board directed Cardinal Management to contact VDOT in order to repair or replace the barricade at the end of Ona abutting Newberry Station’s property.
J. Trash Inspection Company: The Board asked Beth to get proposals from companies that inspect the community for trash that is placed outside a day or two early. The purpose of this endeavor is to stop community members from placing trash out early by applying an assessment to such behavior. Beth is looking for suitable language that the Board could put into a resolution to get the process started.
K. Letter of 13 June 2006 Regarding Fence Color: The Board OK’d the work done on the referenced house, and said that the violation would be nullified.
L. “Slow-Children at Play” Signs: In lieu of painted signs on the asphalt, the Board approved the purchase and placement of “Slow-Children at Play” signs at community entrances by Cardinal Management.
M. Bike Chained to Railing: The Board asked Beth to send a letter to Hamilton Ct house by handicapped ramp to cease chaining bike to front stoop.
N. Cable Exposed on Hamilton Ct and Trestle Ct: The Board asked Beth to survey the areas where cable is exposed, determine to which company it belongs, and report to the Board any action required on our part to keep it buried. Contact the companies owning the cable, if appropriate.
O. Lighting on Ona: The Board plans to survey homeowners adjacent to Ona on the desirability of street lights on Ona. If the consensus is for more lighting, the Board will request same from the County Supervisor’s office. In the mean time, the Board recommends that homeowners install motion-activated flood lights in the back.
A. AECC Guidelines Re-Write: (See Open Forum)
B. Alleged Inappropriate Windows on Trestle: The Board asked Beth to see if the new windows installed on Trestle Ct house has proper gridlines—a homeowner alleges that it only has 4 panes, whereas acceptable windows have 6. Report to Board any findings.
A. Pool Rental: Newberry Station policy is that if a member rents the clubhouse, his or her guests are entitled to use the pool. However, if a large group that includes children are expected to swim, the renter must pay for an extra lifeguard for the duration of the party.
B. Pool Management: The feeling of the Board members and homeowners present was that the pool is being managed very well at the moment, in contrast to the past few years.
VI. Report from Officers
B. Treasurer – All items covered
1. Proposals: Notify Bartlett and Pro Grounds to prune trees, install French drain, and edge homeowner side lawn. Make sure the proposed price for edging is good for future contract years.
2. Tree Condition: Have Bartlett and Pro Grounds assess condition of tree behind Trestle adjacent to Shannons Landing.
3. Ona Erosion & Barricade: Assess extent of erosion at end of Ona, determining boundary between Newberry Station and Fairfax County. Get bids if erosion control on Newberry property is deemed practicable. Request that VDOT repair/replace broken barricade.
4. Trash Inspection Company: Get bids from trash inspection companies in order to deter early trash placement.
5. “Slow—Children at Play” Signs: Procure and install signs at appropriate locations.
6. Letter about Bike Chained to Railing: If bike persists in chained state, send a letter to homeowner to cease the practice.
7. Exposed Cable on Trestle and Hamilton: Inspect for exposed cable, determine proprietor, report to Board erosion abatements needed, if any, and notify companies, if appropriate.
8. Alleged Inappropriate Window on Trestle: See if the window doesn’t match existing and report to Board your findings.
9. Uncollected Refunds: Ensure that funds are rolled into Newberry Station account.
10. Split Rail Fence behind Stationhouse: Inspect and, if needed, repair the split-rail fence on the Raceway Farms side.
Previous Action Items (May 2006):
All were taken care of satisfactorily by Cardinal.
Submitted by Mark Sajbel, Secretary, on 07 July 2006