The Board of Directors met with representatives of the committees on Tuesday, October 12. We were joined by the manager of Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, who presented some information about the park and discussed some recent problems. These notes are not official minutes of the meeting, but instead are mant to summarize the meeting.

The first half-hour or so was given over to Leon Nowojchik, the manager of Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. Mr. Nowojchik had requested the opportunity to address the Board, and started by welcoming the community and describing a few of the features of the park.

In particular, Mr. Nowojchik wanted to advise the Board of several problems in the park surrounding our community:

• Some residents have "pushed" their yard into the park, by removing undergrowth, killing weeds, cutting trees or debris, or even planting grass, on the park side of the property line
• A large, unauthorized trail was cut in the woods west of Henry Pond court
• A large opening was cut in the stone wall to provide access to that trail
• Other damage to the wall has occurred where people have cut their own "private" entrances to the woods, or removed stones for use in landscaping, garden borders, etc.
• Paintball activity, which is prohibited, has been a problem

Residents are urged to contact the Fairfax County Park Authority, or the Fairfax County Police, if they observe people breaking these rules and laws.

Also discussed was the procedure for dealing with fallen trees or other debris, whether or not it crosses the boundary. Generally, contact Mr. Nowojchik to discuss the problem and work towards some kind of remedy (especially in cases where a park tree has fallen into a back yard).

Finally, mention was made of the November 2004 Park Bond Referendum, which is on the ballot for November 2. Included in this Park Bond are funds for trail construction that include connecting the trail from Bennet Pond with Big Rocky Run, near the elementary school.

For further details, see the "Park Trails and Damage" article elsewhere on this site.

The Social Committee then discussed the Halloween Carnival, to be held October 30 from 2-4 PM in the Autumn Glory Way Common Area. Activities include games, a costume parade, hot dogs, snacks, and prizes. Activites are going to be staffed by neighborhood teens, while parents will handle the grilling.

Ed Blansett then discussed our financial status. We're currently losing about $3300 a month, through the end of July 31. Generally, the cause of the problem is high landscaping costs as most other expenses are at or below budged levels. Ed will review the contract to determine where the problem is, and whether any redress is available. We have approximately $26,000 in cash reserves (to handle repairs and other unforeseen problems), so we're not in any imminent financial danger. We plan to develop a new budget and discuss that in December, at which point the Board will have to determine whether an increase in our dues will be required.

The Architectural Review Committee then recommended several applications for approval by the Board. Also discussed at length was the need for a complete "catching up" of all architectural changes already in place, to ensure that everything is properly constructed in compliance with guidelines. Residents should also be reminded that architectural change requests should be submitted, for the time being, directly to a Board or ARC member, and we request two copies of the application form itself.

Use of the common areas for organized team practice was discussed. Recently, a kids football team has made use of the common area for practice, when scheduling conflicts forced them off their regular field. Thus far, the Board has not received any complaints on this, though concerns were raised that the presence of an organized practice, even on half the field, might intimidate other residents from using the rest of the space. Concern was also expressed about setting a precedent, should this become a regular occurrence. It was agreed to take a "wait and see" approach, and to address the question more formally if any complaints are received, or if it is determined that there may be a liability risk involved.

Drainage problems persist in the common area. Jim Jones has repeatedly written and called Edgemoore, but has received little response. Susan Linthicum offered to contact a County official who works with builders in the Bond Release process, to see if the county can help us address the problem.

Finally, residents have noticed an increase in speeding through the neighborhood, particularly by teen drivers. In at least two instances, small children were nearly hit. The Board asks all residents to do what they can to raise awareness of the problem, and to urge their children and neighbors to drive within the limit and more carefully around children. The Board will also be asking the police to increase patrols in the area.