Issue of concern - Aquia Harbour Living

Transcription

2015- Budget Time In The Harbour
Are Dues Going
Up and How
Much?
Deal or No Deal
for the Rescue
Squad?
Online Magazine for Aquia Harbour Residents
Aquia Harbour Living
January 2015
All residents who are up to date on their dues
should have the 2015 stickers on their motor
vehicles. Our calendar year began in October.
Technically if you still have a 2014 sticker on your
vehicle you should be entering through the
visitor’s side, as your sticker has expired.
Aquia Harbour Living January 2015
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Policies of
Aquia Harbour Living
TM
Unless written by Aquia Harbour Living
articles and editorials do not reflect the
opinion of the owner or publisher of
Aquia Harbour Living, residents, the
BOD (Board of Directors) for Aquia
Harbour or Aquia Harbour Property
Owners Association.
Committees and clubs are encouraged
to provide jpegs of photos to accompany
their article. Use will be determined
based on their article size. We will make
every effort to allow ½ page for
committees and ¼ page for clubs each
month. Harbour Committees and Clubs
are not charged for their space. We
have a read more button available for
articles needing additional space.
Click here for advertising information.
Deadlines
Articles and ads must be submitted no
later than the 15th of the month for
publication in the next issue.
A subscriber may print 1 copy of an
article for their personal use only. Any
other reproduction of articles, photos, or
advertising is strictly prohibited without
written permission of the publisher. You
may contact No Ink Publishing here.
Copyright ©All rights reserved 2015
No Ink Publishing LLC.
Important Aquia Harbour Numbers
Front Gate (540) 659-5224
AHPOA Business Office Hours: M-F 8 -7pm
Emergency
AHPOA Police
Rescue Squad (non-emergency)
Country Club Restaurant
Golf Course Pro Shop
Marina
Stables
Pool Country Club
Pool Harbour Inn
Preschool
(540) 659-3050)
911
(540) 659-4600
(540) 659-8911
(540) 288-0091
(540) 659-4478
(540) 659-4232
(540) 659-5024
(540) 659-1258
(540) 659-4003
(540) 659-5771
Aquia Harbour Board of Directors
President, Chip Collins
(540) 659-3691 email: [email protected]
Treasurer, Barb Cole
VP Director, Christopher Greene
Director, Robert Stephens
(540)657-0865 email: [email protected]
Director, Mike Shepherd
(540)659-0032 email: [email protected]
VP Director, Don Winter
Director, Debe Caldwell
[email protected]
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TM
January 2015
Goals Of Aquia Harbour Living:
In This Issue
page
Articles
AH Rescue
AH Golf
AH Preschool
AH Calendar
Budget
Calendar For Homeowners
Country Club Specials
Desk of the Chief
Golf
Harbouritis (New guest writer)
Host Lions Club
Hot Topic Rescue Squad Land
In This Issue/Policy
Neighbor to Neighbor
New Years Resolutions
Opportunity
Preschool
Unofficial BOD News
Stafford County
Winter Emergency Preparedness
Women’s Club
9
21-22
8
19
24-30
32
5
6
11
20
2
11
3-4
18
12
33
8
18
31
15
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We appreciate those committees, clubs, and
residents who took the time to send articles
for inclusion this month.
We wish to thank all for the positive
feedback and encouragement!
Thank You Neighbors in the Harbour!
 To help raise awareness in residents about the
changing needs of our community.
 Facilitate communication to residents regarding
Harbour events, committees, schools, and clubs.
 To keep residents informed about “Hot Topics”
of the AHPOA and BOD actions.
 Provide articles/tips on home maintenance and
DIY landscaping/gardening ideas.
 To showcase amenities.
 Have “the talk” about “curb appeal” in the
Harbour.
 Provide discussion on the best ways to maintain
our property values; our homes and our
community.
 Provide quality business information to residents.
TM
Our Style: Aquia Harbour Living
(AHL) is owned &
published by No Ink Publishing LLC. The owner is a
current resident, Phyllis Filoso. It is written in an informal,
conversational style. All articles and photos are
written/taken by the owner unless there is a byline for an
article or photo credit. AHL encourages comments and
articles written by other Harbour residents. Use our contact
form found here. Articles selected will be in keeping with
the goals stated above.
Be sure to sign up for your
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And we never share email addresses!
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Website
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Patricia S. Harman, Chief of Police
Aquia Harbour Police Department
1040 Aquia Drive Stafford, Va. 22554
C 703-407-6106 O 540-659-4600
[email protected]
AH Police
DISTRACTED DRIVING
Back in the spring, a truck driver was seriously injured in the 2200 block of Aquia Drive
when a texting driving drifted into his lane and forced his vehicle into a grove of trees and
recently there have been several near misses in Harbour that have been the result of
apparent distracted driving.
Distracted driving isn’t just about texting and certainly isn’t just about inexperienced
drivers; it’s can also be about trying pick up a dropped phone, putting your seatbelt
on while in motion, trying to catch a spilling a drink or tuning in a radio station.
These are all examples of distracted driving. I know it’s inconvenient, but so is a
traffic accident. Pull over to safe location, fix your situation or answer your text and
get back on the road.
The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute reports that even hands free phone can be
distracting and dangerous for some drivers; not everyone can sufficiently master hands free
multitasking. Texting however, still rate as the highest risk to everyone on the road with
regards to distraction and it’s our biggest threat. Here are some statistics to keep you
awake at night;
The average text read or typing is 4.6 seconds. Just three seconds of texting while driving
at 65 mph is equal to driving 100 yards, or the length of a football field, blindfolded.
Text messaging creates a crash risk 23 times higher than driving while not distracted.
Parents who engage in distracting behaviors more frequently have teens who engage in
distracting behaviors.
Teens read or send text messages 26 times more often than their parents think they do.
We all do it more often than we should. I picked up my phone yesterday in my car when a
text chimed in and my friend said “You’re not going to read that are you?” I wasn’t. I was
going to turn the volume to vibrate so the chime wouldn’t aggravate me but even the act of
finding the phone and changing the sound… was a distraction. I should have done it before
I put the car in drive. We all have to make a pledge. To ourselves, to our families and to
the other people with whom we share the road. We have to be more disciplined, more
vigilant and more committed to just pulling off the road to someplace safe if the text just
can’t wait. This is especially true in our neighborhood. Our roads are unforgiving. No
shoulders, no sidewalks, and very little lighting at night – 4.6 seconds can change a life,
don’t let it change yours. IT CAN WAIT.
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(540) 659-5433 Website
Affairs
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(570) 886-0822
website
LOVE COFFEE?
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Website
Custom floral
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website
Weddings are our
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Stafford area
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Please consider
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Weddings, Senior Portraits,
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website
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Aquia Harbour Preschool
By: Linda Cline
Email: [email protected]
www.aquiaharbourpreschool.org
540-659-5771
We wish you a Happy New Year! As January temperatures drop, we hope you enjoy the
warmth of your loved ones and the smiles of children.
At Aquia Harbour Preschool, our children are moving forward learning and growing. In
December we collected children’s gloves and mittens to donate to the local Head Start
chapter. The kids also learned about holidays, made decorations, met Santa, and prepared
their own sweet gifts.
Registration for the 2015-2016 School Year:
It’s that time already, so mark your calendars! We are holding our annual Aquia Harbour
Preschool Fall Registration on Saturday, February 7th. Our classes fill quickly, so reserve a
spot for your child now! Aquia Harbour Preschool is available to both residents and nonresidents of Aquia Harbour. Your child must be the required class age by September 30 th,
2015. Our classes are as follows:
Our 4 Year old classes meet on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Our 3 Year old classes meet on Tuesday and Thursday.
We offer AM class and PM classes:
AM Class: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
PM Class: 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Registration will be at our preschool: 1106 Spain Drive, Stafford VA 22554, located next to
the Aquia Harbour Business Office on Washington Drive.
Registration Time:
Saturday, February 8th, 2015
10:00AM – 10:30AM Currently Enrolled Families
10:30AM – 11:00AM Aquia Harbour Residents
11:00AM – 12:00PM Open to Public
In order to register you will need:
* Completed Registration Form
* Your Child’s Birth Certificate
* $50 Registration Fee (make checks payable to: AHPS) Please click here to continue reading.
All forms are available on our website: www.aquiaharbourpreschool.org.
Any questions, please email us at [email protected] .
Teacher’s Corner
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January 2015 Chris Schoon, President, AHVRS
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
The Membership at the Aquia Harbour Volunteer
Rescue Squad wishes all of you a very Happy
New Year and hope your Christmas was a safe
one. In December I received a “thank you” and a
hug from a child when she saw the duty crew at
breakfast. That was the best Christmas present.
Our New Year’s resolutions include more training
and serving the community in as many ways as
we can.
Health and Wellness Night
You may have been reading with interest about
the negotiations for the land on which the rescue
squad building sits. As of this writing they are
still in the works, but the Squad has tentatively
agreed to transfer our lease to Stafford County
from the AHPOA. The terms of the lease will
remain the same with only the “Landlord”
changing from the POA to the County until the
current lease expires May 2020. Our Volunteers
are happy to be serving the Aquia Harbour
community and Stafford County.
Kids Expo 2014
If your New Year’s resolutions include
community service, please think about joining
the Rescue Squad. There are many roles for our
members as not all are EMTs and Paramedics.
Have a Great year!
9
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Country Club. $5/class
Allow the
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Whether you’re buying or
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For more info email
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Text/call
540-850-6091
Weddings by Ginny
Full Service Planner-Coordinator,
Florist,
Decorator, Venues Manager
Virginia B. Chilton
Marriage Commissioner
For All Your Real Estate Needs
321 Wallace St., Suite 7
Fredericksburg, Va 22401
Give the Love Smith Team a call at
540-657-7981
or visit our website today!
Website
(540) 710-1230
The Love Smith Team
Wish You and Yours
The best in 2015!
6:3
Networking Stafford
As small business owners we network each
Friday at the Quantico Regus Corp. Center.
Located at 800 Corporate Dr., 3rd floor. Join
us for meetings at 8 :30 am. Visitors are
always welcome. Visit us on the web for
more information. Website
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AH Fire and Rescue Squad Land Transfer Update
On December 17th a special BOD session was held regarding
the possible land transfer of the AH Rescue Squad. Director Cole
provided a recap of Harbour needs and where things currently stood.
Supervisor Cavalier gave a brief presentation.
Let’s recap the needs of the AH Rescue Squad:
o The rescue squad needs money for repairs
o The rescue squad needs a place for training
Let’s recap the needs of the county:
o A permanent fire and rescue station at our current location
o An additional bay for possibly another fire engine and an upstairs training area
o Additional parking on the lot between the fire station and the police station
Let’s recap the needs of the Harbour:
o To have a 24/7 fire and rescue squad ( for safety and reduced insurance cost)
o To be adequately compensated for any exchange of land
o To have a guarantee of reversion back to the Harbour at no cost should the
county ever stop providing either fire or rescue at that location
o Compensation for the added wear and tear on our entrance road due to the
heavy engine and the number of calls outside the Harbour
The BOD had asked about the possibility of the county extending the visitor’s lane. The
county said no because it’s a private road. However, according to Supervisor Cavalier
there is the possibility of money on the table to purchase the lot that could be used by
the Harbour for the visitor lane extension.
Based on what the BOD said before they went into executive session to draw up a list
of requirements, they intend to vote on the issue without the residents voting.
AHL would like the opportunity for residents to at least be able to read and speak
before the BOD one more time PRIOR to the BOD voting on the actual deal.
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We all make them but how quickly most of them are forgotten. Here’s a few for
you to consider adding to your list and really making an effort to keep this year.
 Let’s all pledge 2015 as the year of revitalization for the Harbour.
 Work smarter not harder on keeping the outside appearance of our homes and
yards maintained. AHL will help you with helpful tips and reminders each month.
 How about volunteering in the Harbour? Starting in February AHL will be
highlighting information about committees and clubs in the Harbour. There really
are a lot of talented residents and people with big hearts that can make a
difference. Most of the clubs in the Harbour are involved with giving back to the
community and help with local charities.
 Avoiding the dreaded “Harbouritis” and “Unsightlyitis” diseases.
 Having an occasional meal at the country club. It helps support a Harbour
amenity, good food, and a nice change of pace.
 Exploring amenities the Harbour has to offer. From walking paths, fishing areas
to beautiful surroundings –we truly have it all here in the Harbour.
 The Chief remaindered us all about how dangerous it is to text and drive. Let’s
pledge no texting and driving and to set a good example for our kids as well.
 Doing the speed limit in the Harbour. Yes, we know there are school buses etc.
But our roads don’t have shoulders and most ditches are deep. Let’s not forget
the innocents in the car you just may avoid hitting either.
 It goes without saying no drinking and driving. If you do drink, have a designated
driver, the number a family member, friend, or taxi cab to come pick you up.
 Pass it on. Have you ever bought a meal or even desert for someone behind you
in line? Why not use this idea to help an older neighbor or one with an illness
with a yard mowing or leaf raking?
Here’s To Making 2015 A GREAT Year!
Have a resolution you’d like to share? Use our contact form.
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13
Aquia Harbour Women’s Club
by Candace R. Schmidt, Women’s Club Secretary. Email: [email protected]
Happy New Year from the Aquia Harbour Women’s Club. If one of your resolutions for
2015 is to become more involved in your community, we can help you with that! Please
consider joining the Aquia Harbour Women’s Club. If you have thought about joining, but
just haven’t gotten around to it, now is the time.
Our first meeting of the new year will be held at 7:15 on Tuesday, January 13th at the
home of Missy Hadinger. The address is 1105 Cape Cod Dr. Please email Missy at
[email protected] if you plan on attending.
This is our annual PJ party and white elephant auction. Pajamas are
encouraged! And if you received a holiday gift that just didn’t quite suit
you, bring it along and auction it off. Also bring a roll of dimes so you
can bid on someone else’s treasure.
Please contact our membership
chair, are
Yvonne
Garcia [email protected]
or our
New members
welcome
this meeting!
president, Rosanne Martino at [email protected] if you have questions about joining.
The Kids’Holiday Party on December 7th was small but fun. Those attending enjoyed
snacks, crafts and a chance to visit with Santa. Thanks again to Aquia Episcopal Church for
letting us use their facility. Hopefully, next year, we will be back in the Harbour for this
annual event.
Our December meeting was held at the festively decorated home of our vice-president,
Dolena Sinclair. Members enjoyed great food and lots of fun with a spirited version of
Pirate Santa. Adopt-a-family gifts were collected for two local families and two senior
residents.
The women’s club annual coat drive continues until the end of January. Please drop off
new or gently used coats and jackets at the business office. All sizes are needed – children
and adult. At the end of the month all coats will be donated to Stafford county’s Head
Start program.
Signboard Contact Information: If you need to post a community message on the
signboard in January, please contact:Dawn Teague at: [email protected] February,
contact Missy Hadinger at: [email protected] If you encounter problems
contacting any of the above, please email [email protected] or contact the Business
Office at 540-659-3050.
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We all know how important it is to be prepared for the possibility of a tornado, hurricane,
or even a prolonged power outage in the heat of summer. But what about emergency
preparedness in the winter? Occasionally the area does experience large snow falls, ice
storms, fallen trees and power outages.
Here are a few quick reminders:
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Have a supply of unscented candles and extra batteries for flashlight/radio
Fill your propane tank and consider a spare for cooking
If you have a generator- test it now. Don’t wait until you have to use it. Do you have
gasoline for your generator?
Do you have extra cash on hand?
Do you have a 3 day supply of nonperishable food and water on hand for each
person? Don’t forget pets and a nonelectric can opener.
Make sure any prescription medications are filled at least a few days ahead of time.
Have an emergency first aid kit on hand.
Keep cell phones charged and consider an automobile charger. Have emergency
numbers already programmed into your cell phone. Text instead of calling to
conserve your battery.
Keep firewood covered and dry.
Make sure everyone has proper winter clothing to include boots, hats, and gloves.
Consider dressing in layers.
Don’t over exert yourself shoveling snow.
See the December issue of AHL for suggestions on how to prevent frozen pipes.
Time to dig out your show shovels and have them near the door for use.
Have a bag of salt/sand accessible.
Make sure your car is ready as well. Keep a full tank, top off the antifreeze; clean
your batteries terminals if necessary. Have a shovel, sand, jumper cables, blanket,
granola bars and water in your car in case you become stranded.
Consider replacing an old car battery that doesn’t work as quick on cold mornings.
Check on neighbors and have board/card games to keep you entertained.
If you know a big snow storm is coming, consider making a large pot of chili or soup
that can last a couple of days. And don’t forget the hot chocolate.
Have other favorite tips? Send them to us so we can share.
15
There were some simply gorgeous Christmas displays this year!
16
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Website



The Host Lions and Evening
Lions wish to thank all of
you who purchased White
House Ornamanents,
Christmas trees,
poinsettas, or had a Santa
visit. It is through your
generousity they are able
to help those in need in
our community!



Large Selection of
Diamonds (GIA-EGL)
Certified
Custom Designs
Jewelry & Watch
Repair on Premises
Free Jewelry
Inspection (checking
prongs) & Cleaning
Appraisals
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Engraving
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(Rt. 610) Suite 103
Stafford, Virginia 22554
(540) 628-2761
Mon.-Sat 10am-6pm
Website
17
is a must visit boutique for:

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Bridal Gowns
Prom and
Homecoming
Galas & Balls
Pageants Gowns
Located at
1 Towne Center Blvd.
Fredericksburg, VA 22407
(540) 370-8574
Website
Hours
Mon-Fri 10am-6pm
Saturday 10am-5pm
Sundays Closed/Appt. only
Visit their “sister store” for all
your cosmetic needs. 5759
Plank Rd. @ Harrison Crossing
Last month AHL wrote an editorial about the events committee and club in the Harbour
and how to fund them.
Donna from section 2 summed up opinions we received nicely.
I agree, the events committee should generate money for its events. The Harbour’s
funds should not be used to support a club's activities. If the Events Committee raises
its own money, then it can do as it wishes. The Harbour’s money should be used to
support our amenities, logistics and administrative staff. Clubs and Committees are not
included in that.
AHL and the beautification committee would like to thank the residents we’ve seen out
raking leaves at the 9/11 Memorial! Nice Job!
Unofficial BOD News: Several BOD members are serious about enforcing the rules in
here regarding the condition of the outside of our homes and yards. It affects all of our
property values.
At a recent training section by the AHPOA attorney, the attorney specifically told the
BOD it was their responsibility to maintain and improve property values. One of the
biggest ways to do that is through enforcing the by-laws we already have in place
regarding unsightly conditions. You can take a look at the checklist they will begin
tighter enforcement of. Additionally the ACC, LCC, and Beautification Committee will
begin coordination between the committees for better enforcement as well.
Three BOD members recently took a road trip and identified over 30 vehicles in section
I alone with either dead tags/inspection stickers or in pieces. The county calls them
inoperable vehicles. They are considered a health nuisance by the county as they are
likely to attract vermin. More information will be coming next month from the BOD on
this.
The BOD knows its winter. But as you’re out and about in your yard taking down
Christmas decorations, take a good look at the condition of your home and yard. We
can all do better and as the weather conditions begin to warm. Don’t be surprised if
you’re not addressing unsightly conditions you’ll receive a letter from the Compliance
Violation Officer (CVO).
18
Brought to you by:
Brought to you by:
Mark Your Calendar for January
Cruise Planners
Happenings:
call
BUSINESS OFFICE HOLIDAY CLOSING – The business office will close
at noon on Wednesday, December 31st for the New Year holiday and
will re-open at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, January 5th.
Jan 1st CLUBHOUSE HOLIDAY HOURS – The Clubhouse restaurant will
be open from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Mindy Batien
(540) 220-2775
Associate of Lina Cola
Independently
owned and
operated
January 2nd TRASH COLLECTION CHANGE household waste
collection has been rescheduled to Saturday, January 3rd.
Jan 5th&6th TEMPORARY CHANGE IN BUSINESS OFFICE HOURS - will
close at 5:00 p.m. Normal office hours, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., will
resume on Wednesday, January 7th.
For All Your
Travel Needs!
Jan 13th Women’s Club open meeting for new members. See info in
their article
Jan 21st BOD work session
Jan 24th Host Lions Reverse Raffle at the Country Club (see ad)
Jan 24th HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION – The
collection will take place at Aquia Park in the 2100 block of Aquia
Drive from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday
Jan 28th BOD meeting 7p.m. at the Country Club. All association
members are welcome to attend.
Coat Drive continues until the end of Jan. All sizes adult and
children are needed. Please drop off at the business office.
Tues Happy Hour Specials at the Country Club bar 4-8pm
Visit our
Sunday Brunches 10am-2pm at the Country Club
website
19
250
Suzi, a fellow Harbour resident has a “wicked” good sense of humor and has
kindly volunteered to contribute articles to AHL. Here’s her public debut with
a very timely piece.
What does that mean? Harbouritis:
"It’s the reader’s inferred definition, reaction and/or perception of someone
else's words". Not to be confused with "what was really stated" nor "what was
really inferred", but again "the readers inferred definition, reaction and/or
perception".
We all suffer from Harbouritis from time to time, including myself, believing
that the "someone else" has inferred something or that the "someone else" is
perceiving something, therefore causing a "reaction." Quite possibly, that
inference and/or perception is inaccurate, incorrect, and perhaps even insulting
which in turn resulted in a less than desirable reaction.
Harbouritis is highly contagious. One instance of Harbouritis can spread like
wildfire in the dim light of social media communications. The unknown
intension of another unknown individual who "the reader" professes to know
the intended inference made. That said, the unknown intention “MUST”be a
personal attack by an unknown individual who "the reader" must immediately
defend themselves from. Before you know it, Harbouritis has spread.
Common symptoms of Harbouritis: Self-righteousness, Defense mode,
Quickness of response. If you or a loved one is currently suffering from
Harbouritis, it is best to disconnect from the dim light of social media
communications, taking the opportunity to re-read the author's words as
written/spoken without making an inference and if in doubt, ask a direct
question to the author while attempting to maintain objectivity.
By Suzi
20
Aquia Harbour Golf Club January 2015
by: Scott Marshall, Manager
New Year Resolution for Golfers – Play Ready Golf!
One of the most frequent complaints of golfers is slow play. This new
year make a resolution to play faster. Ready golf is simple and allows
the golfers within a group to take their swings when each member of the
group is ready to play, rather than always playing “honors.” Here are
some simple guidelines to speed up your round of golf:
On the Tee
Tee off as soon as the group ahead is clear.
The player who is ready should hit.
Shorter hitters should hit first.
Carry an extra ball in your pocket on holes with a more-than-usual opportunity
for a lost ball.
Hit a provisional ball if your first ball appears to be in trouble.
On the Fairway
Don’t everyone “cluster” at one ball. Go to your own ball!
Hit when ready without delay.
If you see another player is ready to hit, whether you’re away or not, point to
them to go ahead. Take your practice swings now if it does not disturb the
player hitting. Watch their shot land if it’s a possibility for a lost ball, then go
through your routine and swing away.
If you are the first one at your ball and you’re ready to safely hit, let the others
know you are hitting.
Have your group watch where each shot goes.
If you are more than 20 yards from a lost ball, hit your shot first before helping
search for the ball.
Limit lost ball search to 3 minutes.
Study your putt while others are putting.
21
Aquia Harbour Golf Club January 2015
Cont
Never go back to the tee! If your ball is found to be out of bounds or just lost and
you did not hit a provisional from the tee, hit the ball from near where it went out and
take a two-stroke penalty.
On the Green
Place your clubs between the green and the next tee.
If the furthest away has not yet reached his ball or read his putt and others are
ready to putt, they should go ahead and putt while the away player makes a read.
Study your putt while others are putting.
Continue putting until holed out. Don’t mark unless you will step on someone’s
line or it’s a really tricky putt.
Leave the green immediately after holing out and proceed to the next tee.
Discuss your shots later! Complete your scorecard after you're off the green.
It’s that time of year when old man winter likes to
give us an occasional morning to sleep in from
the fluffy white stuff that falls from the sky.
Get the sleds ready! The Farmer’s Almanac says
that we will have plenty of snow this coming
winter. On snow days, folks will head to the golf
course for some exciting sledding action. The golf
driving range is an excellent place to do some
sledding.
However, please do not use golf hole number 9 behind the Country Club to sled.
The snow sleds will damage the golf green, and the trees
and pond at the bottom of the hill pose a safety risk.
22
Beautification Committee
We have a DIY project for you. We made these for the AH Rescue Squad barrels. Alright admit
it.. You’ve driven by them and thought they were real.
We can’t claim credit for the
idea but we can share the
directions we found on
Pinterest with you. You’ll never
guess what they’re made from
either!
23
Editorial
After having set through over 10 hours of budget meetings on 5 different nights AHL
wants to thank the individuals who volunteered to serve on this year’s finance
committee. This was my first time of attending the budget meetings and I have good
and bad reviews of the process I’ll share as we go along. Here goes:
Have you ever wondered who decides how our dues are spent? It really isn’t a
mystery. All the different amenity managers, departments, and committees submit
their budget request to the General Manager (GM). The GM tweaks their requests
some and has them put into a massive excel spreadsheet.
From there it goes to the finance committee. You know the committee they asked for
volunteers to submit a resume to serve on. They call each manager or department
head in one at a time and go through the budget requested by that amenity or
department and ask questions about where their number came from or for an
explanation of an amount on a line that glares out at them.
Before your eyes glaze over from number and information overload it really is
important to read not just the recommended final dollar amount the committee
proposed for the dues increase but also take into consideration the looming
problems on the horizon.
It happens every year. As soon as residents start seeing the recommendations
presented to the BOD at the January meetings by the finance committee people will
start pointing fingers at employee costs, special events, mismanagement etc. Special
interest groups start mounting their campaigns to keep/ protect their share of the pie
and for their user fees not to go up. It’s nothing new. It’s been that way since almost
day one in the Harbour and directors for the BOD have been elected far too often to
protect a special interest group.
Please keep in mind, as of this printing on January 1, 2015, the numbers are
not in stone and are only a suggestion for the BOD from the finance committee.
24
Cont.
Let’s do a quick review of what our dues are supposed to pay for before we begin:
 SECTION 3. "COMMON AREA" shall mean all real estate owned of record at any time, now
and in the future, by the ASSOCIATION for the common and exclusive use and enjoyment of
the active members of the ASSOCIATION and shall consist of the following, herein mentioned
by way of illustration and not limitation:
a. all roads
f. swimming pools
b. golf course
g. tennis courts
c. country club
h. riding stables
d. yacht club
i. marshlands
e. marina
j. riding paths
f. swimming pools
k. channels
g. tennis courts
l. all land under Virginia Electric and Power Company easement
h. riding stables
m. entrance easement
i. riding paths
 salary of employees and administrative costs
Issue of concern:
Yes, our by-laws require us to maintain the above items until the year 2039. But the by-laws
don’t specify how fancy and expanded they have to be. It seems every year some amenity or
department WANTS more and more. Here are some examples from this year’s budget; the
stables want a new indoor riding arena. It’s only $50,000! The police want 4 new body
cameras when Stafford and Pr. William don’t even have them. The AHPOA has given
employees a 2% raise for at least each of the last 4 years. The events committee wanted
$43,500 and it goes on and on. This has to stop! Past BODs have when there’s any slack in
the budget, SPENT the money on wants instead of needs and allowed amenities and
departments to expand far beyond what is required by the AHPOA by-laws.
The Harbour simply can’t afford all the bells and whistles everyone wants.
The committee, by majority vote in order to limit our dues increase took out items, such as:
road rejuvenation, reduced part of the road paving, passed on some of the increased health
insurance costs to employees, but didn’t really address the smaller cost items, and raised
most user fees.
25
Cont.
Second issue of concern:
The lack of data the committee had to work from. Yes, the department had submitted
numbers but often times committee members asked for comparable rental/user fees from
the surrounding area and there were none. Let me give you a couple of examples. What are
the dues collected by other associations in Stafford or slip rental fees for other marinas? In
AHL opinion this information should be collected and presented to the committee along with
their budget request.
Third issue of concern:
Failure to go through the budget line by line and justify each and every amount as to need or
want. Amounts and items have been added over the years and have just been passed on
each year just because they’re there. (The previous general manager really allowed an awful
lot of padding/expansion in a number of areas.) Some may call it nickel and dime but each
$$$$ adds up.
Fourth issue of concern:
Major issues regarding roads are being deferred. There’s a process the BOD has studied
called rejuvenation. It is applied to the road surface and significantly expands the life of the
road. It’s estimated to save ~$100,000 in road cost each year by expanding the life of our
roads. It cost ~$500,000 spread over a 5 yr. period. That was scrubbed. A new BOD
member and at least 2 committee members had no idea what rejuvenation was.
Also needed is a list of deep culverts, such as, the ones that collapsed this past spring that are
on the horizon. Most of the pipes under our roads are 30+ years old and at the end of their
lifespan. The Harbour has over 300 pipes under our roads. Yes, our road and grounds crew
can handle the less deep ones but it’s still an expense for materials and asphalting the areas
that are redone.
Fifth issue of concern:
The increased cost of dredging. The last time we dredged (about 5 years ago) it cost
~$300,000. Now it will cost ~$500,000. Erosion from both inside and outside the
Harbour contributes to it. It appears that no one is looking/applying for grants or
soliciting assistance from county, state, or Army Corp of Engineers for help with the
cost. The Harbour must do a better job of addressing erosion within the Harbour as
well.
26
Cont.
Sixth issue of concern:
Employee health insurance. Currently 100% of an employee’s individual health insurance is
paid and 50% for family coverage. We have employees who also have coverage under their
spouse’s healthcare plans. Most businesses now charge an employee for this privilege We
currently have 29 full time employees. That makes us small business.
A comparison for health insurance coverage and cost must be a top priority. The
employee who negotiated the current plan retired in October . The Harbour currently
uses Aetna Blue Cross/Blue Shield and rates are based on the employee’s age. Any
employee over 48 and the rate significantly increase.
Seventh issue of concern:
Employees are given an across the board pay raise of 2%. This has been going on each
year for the last 5 years. There is no comparison available for what Stafford County,
Stafford County schools or local business pay for a comparable position. Pay raises
without employee evaluations, in this economy, and above the inflation rate are
unheard of as is employee bonuses.
Eighth issue of concern:
Chairman of the Committee, Director Cole wanted to continue the meetings and address the
line items in the budget that weren’t the “BIG” ticket items but do add up. But by majority
vote the committee voted to send it to the BOD and let them make those decisions. AHL
calls it kicking the can down the road and with what the BOD already has on their plate it
probably means it won’t get done.
Ray of Hope: There is a recommendation from the finance committee for an Ad Hoc
committee to be formed to address the concern of lack of information needed for the next
budget cycle. AHL strongly encourages the BOD to form this committee.
Recommendation from AHL: AHL would also like to see the Ad Hoc committee go through
each department/amenity line by line and make further recommendations to the board for
cuts and to do some cost analysis. It’s that need versus want thing.
27
Cont.
Sixth issue of concern:
Employee health insurance. Currently 100% of an employee’s health insurance is paid
and 50% for family coverage. We have employees who also have coverage under their
spouse’s healthcare plans. Why aren’t these employees required to pay $100/pay
check for this luxury or more? Why wasn’t the total cost of the healthcare increase
passed onto employees? What small business is able to offer 100% healthcare
coverage? We currently have 29 full time employees. That makes us small business.
And I would like to know why there wasn’t a comparison done for health insurance
companies benefits/costs. The one the Harbour currently uses Aetna Blue Cross/Blue
Shield rates are based on the employees age. Anyone over 48 and the rate
significantly increase. Who negotiated this?
Seven issue of concern:
An across the board pay raise of 2%. This has been going on each year for the last 5
years. There is no comparison available for what Stafford County, Stafford County
schools or local business pay for a comparable position. Pay raises without employee
evaluations, in this economy, and above the inflation rate are unheard of.
Did you know an employee is vested in their 401 match after 90 days? Who does this in
the real world? Most companies its 3-5 years minimum.
Recommendation:
AHL would also like to see an Ad Hoc committee formed that would go through each
department/amenity line by line and make further recommendations to the board for
cuts. It’s that need versus want thing.
It is unacceptable for a BOD member to make the comment that, “We haven’t had a
dues increase for how many years and that he sees no problem with a 2%/yr increase
each year.
Ray of Hope: There is a recommendation from the finance committee for an Ad Hoc
committee to be formed to address the concern of lack of information needed for the next
budget cycle. AHL strongly encourages the BOD to form this committee. Maybe task this
committee with the above recommendation as well.
28
Cont.
Proposed User Fee Increases:












Storage Lot- $5 to $10/month based on size
Pool Passes- $125 to $135/family
Individual $90-$100
$90/25, $50/10 punches
Associate (nonresident) membership $310 family of 4 & $25 for
additional family member
$125 Associate(nonresident) swim team member
Country Club rental downstairs- $250 to $300 members
nonmembers $400 to $500
Harbour Inn rental-$300 to $350 members
nonmembers $500 to $650
Stables- members $145to $175/mo
nonmembers $200 to $250/month
AH Preschool- recommended due to improvements, current lease
through 5/31/16
Golf Memberships- 10% increase for financed memberships for 2016
10% increase for annual memberships
10% monthly resident memberships
10% monthly associate memberships
Driving range increase
Marina slip fee- 5%/yr increase member, 10% /yr nonresident
Canoe storage- $50 to $55
Late fee for dues $25 to $50
Annual Surcharge $20 to $40 for quarterly billing
Lot owners- $24/year dues increase
29
Cont.
Amenity/Department Cost Breakdown
 Finance/Accounting
 Police
 Gate
 Roads and Grounds
Building Maintenance
 Parks/Waterways
 Pools
 Country Club
 Harbour Inn
 Stables
 Preschool
 Golf course
 Pro shop
 Marina
Expense/16
Total Expense
Total Income
$4,400,137
$4,402,691
$499,775
$291,580
$739,859
$92,125
$343,770
$140,175
$66,316
$21,176
$68,213
$918
$331,660
$115,687
$220,475
No amenity breaks even on costs. The marina appears to do so until you add the
cost of the dredging back into the marina costs.
AHL strongly recommends to the BOD for an Ad Hoc committee to continue
reviewing the budget and to go through each item line by line looking for more
efficiency and cost saving. Line items need to be further broken down instead of
lumped together as well.
Remember the proposed budget is based on a $24/lot increase in dues.
As soon as the proposed budget is presented to the BOD, AHL will provide a link
for you to view the proposed budget yourself.
30
By Supervisor Jack Cavalier
A successful “Trail to Freedom” celebration was held November 1 to honor African Americans
experiences in and contributions to Stafford County. The event was part of Stafford’s 350 th
Anniversary Celebration and included outstanding first-person interpreters stationed at the
Government Center, Mt. Hope Baptist Church, Aquia Landing, and Chatham, and the
unveiling of the African American History Mural at the Rowser Building. The public is invited
to view the mural at Rowser during regular business hours of 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
More than 250 students in Stafford County schools will receive new warm coats this winter.
The Stafford Fire and Rescue Department joined forces with Stafford schools to participate in
the Coats for Kids Foundation’s “Operation Warm.” Walmart was a significant contributor
along with Wawa, the Ruritan Club, the Rotary, the Eagles, the American Legion and a slew of
private individuals. This is Fire and Rescue’s fourth year participating in the effort for Coats
for Kids. Over the years, they have provided approximately 700 coats for Stafford’s neediest
schoolchildren.
Enhancements to Stafford’s community alert system will provide users with several new
features while still delivering emergency information, such as severe weather alerts. To
register for Stafford Alert, visit the County’s official website at www.staffordcountyva.gov
and click on the “Stafford Alert” link on the left hand side. Anyone with questions may also
call Stafford’s 311 Center for information (dial 311) or send an email to
[email protected].
Virginia’s Secretary of Technology Karen Jackson joined Stafford’s Chairman of the Board of
Supervisors Jack Cavalier and Vice President of Corporate Affairs for Dominion Virginia Power
Dan Weekley at the Quantico Corporate Center in November to announce the first certified
Data Center site in Stafford. Dominion’s Data Center Program evaluates and analyzes more
than 30 specific factors, ranging from topography and geology to available fiber, utilities,
transportation networks and risk factors such as flooding and storms. Dominion’s third-party
engineering partner, The Timmons Group, performs a stringent and detailed field analysis.
The certification process reduces both time and risk for any business selecting a site.
Stafford’s Department of Social Services was chosen as one of 10 local agencies to
participate in a Learning Collaborative Series with Casey Family Programs. The goal of the
series is to bring together local teams to learn about and implement innovative strategies
to enhance their work with abused and neglected children and their families. The project
began in November and will conclude in July 2015.
31
January 2015
Outside




Keep a clear area around heat pumps with snow falls.
Make sure to keep gutters free of debris to help prevent ice dams.
Close crawl space vents, if not already done.
If you don’t have a snow plow consider hiring teenagers to help remove
any snow from driveways and walk areas.
 Consider using a “warmer” day in January to remove holiday
decorations.
Inside








Remember candles, kerosene heaters, and fireplaces can negatively affect
indoor air quality.
Have any outside critters taken up residents in your home/garage?
A rodent trap may be necessary.
Test carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working properly.
Never leave burning candles unattended.
If you regularly use a humidifier consider shutting bathroom fans off and
leaving the bathroom door slightly open during showers to bring extra
moisture into the home. Regularly clean the humidifier.
Do you have an emergency supply of food/supplies in case of a prolonged
power outage?
Consider cleaning out kitchen/bathroom cabinets
As you take down holiday decorations consider going through and make a
donate box of items you no longer want or use.
32
AHL realizes most of you work long hours and often
have a long commute. But sometimes there’s also an
opportunity to give back to the community.
Next month AHL will provide space for
clubs/organization in the Harbour to reach out to
residents and let them know who they are and what
they do. Here’s your opportunity to connect with
residents who may know a club’s name but don’t
know all the benefits of membership.
Sometimes all it takes is a couple of hours a month to make a difference.
So if you know someone in a club/organization who may not be a reader of
AHL (shame on them) please spread the word as this is their opportunity to
encourage new members/volunteers.
AHL will provide ½ page to each club/organization who contacts us at no
charge to them. You can provide photos/logos. Please provide contact info,
meeting time and location each month.
AHL reached out to each organization when we first began back in June 2014. If
you know a club/organization who you think should participate, please pass
this information along to them.
In March we will provide Harbour Committees the opportunity to talk about
what they do. Remember, volunteering not only gives back to the community
but also helps keep operating costs down.
Please use our contact form found here.
33
Aquia Harbour Living is declaring this the year of REVITALIZATION for the Harbour. It’s
about bringing back both the appearance in the Harbour and about the financial
health of the Harbour.
Honestly, do you know anyone living in here who wants their property values to
decline or have to worry that their house may not sell one day because of the “mess”
in their neighbor’s yard?
Do the 3/4 of residents who pay their dues want to continue subsidizing those who
are choosing not to pay their dues? According to the BOD Treasurer’s report for
December 2014 the AHPOA is owed $561,289.32 in delinquent accounts. That’s ~24
% of residents not paying their dues. Click here to see the report for yourself.
According to the AHPOA attorney ~ 10-11% is typically the amount of delinquent
owners for a POA. We’re setting at double that. Why?
 Is the Harbour attracting the type of owners who thinks its okay not to pay dues?
 Has the BOD been remiss in going after delinquent accounts?
 Are the residents in here affected more by the economy than other
neighborhoods?
 Does the AHPOA make it too comfortable for someone not to make paying their
dues a priority?
 Is the Harbour becoming a rental community where landlords aren’t paying their
dues?
AHL would love to hear comments from dues paying residents and encourage
residents to speak at BOD meetings as well. Contact us.
There are consequences for all of us when the
appearance of property is not a priority and
this much debt is uncollected.
34

Issue of concern - Aquia Harbour Living

Transcription

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