BOARD WORK SESSION 1. BURKE 55’ERS BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Ms. Winslow provided copies of Administrative & Policy Resolution #6-3 C from 1979 that provided some background on how trips for seniors started in the community, and why they were supported by the Homeowners Association (HOA). She also provided a list of past trips for seniors, dating back to 1980. The Board agreed to vote on a request from the Burke 55’ers to carry over trip funds ($800) from the 2014 budget into the FY2015 budget since the seniors decided not to take their annual trip in 2014. Supervisor Cook suggested the BLC work with the Board to establish a meeting between the shopping center management/leasing agents and an individual who can help develop restaurant tenants. Trustee Lukas indicated she would like to participate in such a meeting. Trustee Engler stated that he would discuss this with Mr. Courter when he returned from vacation, and ask him to set up a meeting. 2. Promote Burke Centre at George Mason University. 3. Participate in the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority. continued from page 4 CAS PROPOSAL: A proposal from CAS was distributed to the Board of Trustees by Mr. Gloyd. The company has indicated a willingness to retain current year pricing for 2015, with options for 2016 and 2017, if the Conservancy would agree to extend the current contract. Following a brief discussion, the Board agreed to proceed with the proposal. ADS Proposal: An email from American Disposal Service (ADS) explained that based on the CPI-U increase of 1.7% they will plan to increase the rates for attached and detached homes for the 2015 contact. This will result in a minor increase per quarter. The CPI-U is the same metric used by the staff in determining what the appropriate percentage to use is for the calculation of maximum assessments per the governing documents. Atlantic Pools Proposal: As explained in the budget discussion, the Atlantic Pools contract for the 2015 pool season will extend one extra week. This is situation occurs every seven years. As a result, they need to add $19,900 to the management fee contact. Had this not occurred, they would have increased the fee by less than 1% for the coming year. Draft Strategic Plan: Trustee Lukas indicated that she will update the strategic plan draft and provide it for the next Board meeting. October Meeting Agenda: Ms. Winslow distributed a draft agenda for the October 9, 2014 meeting. After a few adjustments were discussed, there was a consensus that the agenda be approved. Trustee Flaster requested that he be excused from the October meeting due to travel. New Business/Future WS Items/Pending Items: Trustee Flaster asked for a report on the Election Committee’s plans to continue 2013 practices that allowed Board candidates to have an option to declare candidacy in November. Ms. Winslow indicated that she would follow up with the Election Committee. Following further discussion, this item was added to the agenda. Trustee Engler provided information from the Business Liaison Committee (BLC) related to three follow-ons from their work session briefing on September 17: NOVEMBER 2014 BCC Web Access: Request online access at www.burkecentreweb.com using eForms under the HOME tab. There was a brief discussion about Burke History Day. Mr. Gloyd commented that the commemorative sign for the Woods Community Center was complete and that the Board would need to set a date for an unveiling ceremony. Trustee Schmidt raised two items from the Open Space Committee’s review of ARB applications. The first was whether or not fines could be imposed for dumping on common areas. A cluster committee wishes to place “No Dumping” signs on common area within the cluster. Secondly, Trustee Schmidt asked if there was a policy on the memorials dedicated to deceased residents. For example, the placement of a memorial bench on common area. Trustee Lukas suggested that impromptu memorials on Burke Centre Parkway and Roberts Parkway could also be replaced with more lasting recognition pieces should this become a policy. Ms. Winslow discussed the upcoming volunteer event to be held in December, and has suggested hosting a Game Night as something different. This concept will be further developed if agreeable to the Board. Trustee Engler mentioned the Fairfax Regional Library Jubilee to be held October 18. A question on the Streetscape plans and costs was raised. Mr. Gloyd indicated that this item will be presented at the November work session. At 8:45 PM, Trustee Flaster moved to adjourn into Executive Session to discuss legal and personnel issues. The motion was seconded by Trustee Engler, which passed unanimously. At 8:59 PM, the Board returned to the Regular session and immediately adjourned. THE BURKE CENTRE CONSERVATOR PAGE 9 BOARD OF TRUSTEES BURKE CENTRE AT-LARGE Safe Driving Reminders Submitted by SUSAN LUKAS Board President & Trustee At-Large D aylight Savings Time ended on November 2, 2014, which means we will see daylight occurring one hour earlier. Unfortunately, that is short lived since each morning we are also losing one minute a day. By the end of November it will be dark once again when our middle school and high school children are at their bus stops. Pedestrians can be hard to see in low light conditions, and my observation is that is compounded by many teenagers wearing dark colors. On November 30, Sunrise will be at 7:07 AM and Sunset will be at 4:48 PM. Please drive slowly in the morning and help keep our children safe by sharing these school bus recommendations. Getting on the school bus When waiting for the bus, stay away from traffic and avoid roughhousing or other behavior that can lead to carelessness. Do not stray onto streets, alleys or private property. Line up away from the street or road as the school bus approaches. Wait until the bus has stopped and the door opens before stepping onto the roadway. Use the handrail when stepping onto the bus. PAGE 10 Behavior on the bus When on the bus, find a seat and sit down. Loud talking or other noise can distract the bus driver and is not allowed. Never put head, arms or hands out of the window. Keep aisles clear -- books or bags are tripping hazards and can block the way in an emergency. Before you reach your stop, get ready to leave by getting your books and belongings together. At your stop, wait for the bus to stop completely before getting up from your seat. Then, walk to the front door and exit, using the handrail. Getting off the school bus If you have to cross the street in front of the bus, walk at least 10 feet ahead of the bus along the side of the road, until you can turn around and see the driver. Make sure that the driver can see you. Wait for a signal from the driver before beginning to cross. When the driver signals, walk across the road, keeping an eye out for sudden traffic changes. Do not cross the center line of the road, until the driver has signaled that it is safe for you to begin walking. Stay away from the rear wheels of the bus at all times. NEWS FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT BY SUSAN LUKAS, Board President W hen 2014 started out it seemed to go slow and then all of a sudden it accelerated and now the year is almost over. With that perspective, the board is trying to finish as many projects as possible. One project in particular, the streetscape project that included signage, was put on the backburner as we addressed the cell tower issue. We are all motivated to get it done. STREETSCAPE: The board decided to look at establishing design standards for signs so they could become part of the Architectural Review Board standards review occurring this year. The board hopes to finish the review and community comment period, in order to line it up for contract in the spring, if that is the decision. We initially decided on the material, and looked at the entrance/reader boards and then BOARD PRESIDENT - continued on page 11... -Provided by rockvillemd.gov THE BURKE CENTRE CONSERVATOR NOVEMBER 2014 BOARD OF TRUSTEES BOARD PRESIDENT NEIGHBORHOOD ENTRANCE continued from page 10 asked Urban, Ltd. to apply those same concepts to the community centers, neighborhoods, clusters and pipestems. Urban, Ltd. will be at the November meeting to discuss the designs and we invite you to hear the discussion firsthand. Do Parking Policies Impact You? T he Conservancy Office continues to receive complaints regarding cars being parked along private streets and within a few inches of the entrance to such streets, making it difficult for some drivers to safely navigate to and from their properties. Residents are encouraged to use driveways and garages for parking, leaving the street open for vehicles entering or exiting the street. BURKE CENTRE ENTRANCE / READER BOARD CLUSTER ENTRANCE COMMUNITY CENTER PRIVATE DRIVES Numerous calls regarding residents parking in Visitor/ Guest spaces are also routinely received. Most townhome clusters have assigned parking spaces for residents and designated visitor/guest spaces. Other clusters have unmarked spaces that are available for resident parking on a first come basis. Residents are asked to respect the assigned spaces of others and not park in the visitor spaces. Residents having more vehicles than assigned parking spaces should park the extra vehicles in open spaces along VDOT streets. As stated in the Burke Centre Parking and Towing Policy Resolution #7-2013-PT, adopted by the Board of Trustees in October 2013, a parked vehicle must not block access to mailboxes, block ingress/egress to driveways or pipestems, and prohibits double parking. As defined in Policy Resolution #7-2013-PT, vehicles found to be improperly parked are subject to towing (at the owner’s expense). Your cooperation in ensuring all family members and guests adhere to the established guidelines is greatly appreciated. Elections: With the year coming to an end it is already time to start thinking about running for election as a Neighborhood Trustee, At-Large Trustee or Cluster Committee candidate. The board has taken some extra steps in the last few years to start the election cycle earlier to give candidates more time to complete their application and get signatures. We realize many folks are juggling the demands of the holidays and it takes time to get all the required signatures. This year open season for candidates begins November 1, 2014. That means election materials and packets will be available at the Conservancy office and online under the COMMUNITY tab at www.burkecentreweb. com. Completed applications must be submitted by January 21, 2015. The first week of February ballots will be mailed, and as in the past, homeowners will have the option of voting electronically or submitting a paper ballot. All votes must be completed by March 7, the designated Election Day. Please consider running for the Conservancy Board of Trustees or your cluster. There are still many clusters that have no representation. This is one of the most important volunteer positions we have because it directly affects the area where you live. As for myself, I will once again be running as an At-Large Trustee. I believe there are still many things we can do in the coming year to make Burke Centre a great place to live! - SL Viva Volunteers! If you have questions, or wish to report a problem, please call the Conservancy office at 703-978-2928. If your vehicle has been towed, call 703-691-2131 for assistance. NOTICE: Festival Volunteer Drawing Awards that have not yet been picked up must be claimed by November 15th. After November 15th, all awards will be redistributed for other volunteer activities. • Burke Centre’s Annual Volunteer Recognition • Friday, December 5, 2014 • 7 PM • Woods CC (10100 Wards Grove Cir) W atch for your invitation in the mail. If you are a Burke Centre Conservancy volunteer and have not received your invitation by the third week in November, please contact us at 703-978-2928. Featuring a Vegas theme with casino-style games using “CAS* cash”, a live DJ, heavy hors’Dourves, desserts, drinks and exciting raffles this year. RSVPs will be mandatory this year to ensure there is enough CAS cash, food and beverages for everyone. Suggested attire – cocktail party. *The Burke Centre Conservancy’s landscaping company, CAS, has generously sponsored the casino-style games for this event. A big thanks to CAS for their support! Thanks also to American Disposal Service and Five Star Hair (Safeway Shopping Center) for great raffle prize donations! NOVEMBER 2014 THE BURKE CENTRE CONSERVATOR PAGE 11 COMMITTEES & CHARTERS Volunteers needed for Erosion and Drainage Study T he Open Space Committee is seeking volunteers this fall and winter to help conduct the inspection of our streams as part of the Burke Centre Erosion and Drainage Study. We are looking for individuals who can walk our streams and conduct inspections of designated areas documenting the conditions and photographing serious issues and items of concern. Walking in wooded and stream bank areas is part of the effort. Please spend some quality time outside this fall and winter and help your community and Open Space Committee in presenting a consolidated plan to the BOT this spring. Eagle Scout Project SCOUT TROOP 1346 T he Open Space Committee wants to thank Scout Michael Mullarky and the 33 scouts and adults from 1346 who constructed a new 20 ft. long boardwalk foot path off of Freds Oak Road and Oak Leather Drive. Using their own funds, these scouts built a new boardwalk on concrete supported pilings and spread 11 cubic yards of stone to solidify the walk and provide a dry walk along a path routinely submerged after storms. FROM THIS... TO THIS! Open House Thursday, November 6th BY ADEL REZK, Burke Toastmasters T he Burke Toastmasters is hosting its annual open house on Thursday, November 6, 2014 at 6:30 PM. It will be held at the Oaks Community Center on Oak Leather Drive. The purpose of the open house is to allow non-members to visit the club and learn about Toastmasters in a warm and friendly environment. It is a form of a condensed meeting with enough time for interactions with current club members over light refreshments. It is also an excellent opportunity for visitors to experience how the actual meetings go and what people gain at Burke Toastmasters. To make this event even more exceptional, special guest speaker and a former president of Burke Toastmasters, Sam C., will talk about “How to Write a Great Speech”. Sam is an excellent speech writer and speaker. His presence will make the event even more special and valuable to both the members and visitors. Thanksgiving is right around the corner and every family will gather for dinner to celebrate and give thanks. Are you ready to say thank you and make a toast this Thanksgiving?” Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say “thank you?” These are quotes by William Arthur Ward. Make your open line clear you are expressing gratitude. Speak from the heart and make it memorable. Use a relevant quote if you can. Keep it short – two to three minutes is appropriate. Practice a few times until you memorize it by heart. If you wonder what Burke Toastmasters is, why people join, and how it can help you, come see us in action. The Burke Toastmasters Club meets the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Thursdays of every month for 90 minutes, from 7:30-9:00pm. The club is scheduled to meet Thursdays November 6th and November 20th at the Oaks Community Center, 5708 Oak Leather Drive. Visitors are always welcome. We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting. For more information, please contact Membership VP Rob Paine at [email protected]. You can also visit our website at http://www.burketoastmasters.org, and now on Facebook and Meetup. Friend Request... J oin us on Facebook at https://www. facebook.com/BC.Conservancy. “The best way to deliver a message of gratitude is to speak from the heart. Thank people you care about, share personal examples of what you’re grateful for, and perhaps offer a quote if the words seem relevant.”, said George Yen, Toastmasters’ 2013-2014 International President. To get you prepared for the Thanksgiving toast, here are some quick tips from the Burke Toastmasters: PAGE 12 THE BURKE CENTRE CONSERVATOR NOVEMBER 2014 COMMITTEES & CHARTERS Burke CARES Serving Our Community BY LINDA COTTRELL B urke CARES is a non-profit organization helping the underserved in our immediate Burke Centre as well as the larger Burke community. The purpose of this organization is to help members of our community who have resources to come to the aid of members who need those resources. Our team is made up of all volunteers. We are open to everybody and are determined to help create a community of residents aware of each other’s needs and helping to meet those needs. With support and financial contributions from our community, Burke CARES is able to provide discounted pool memberships, distribute backpacks and school supplies, and distribute holiday toys and Easter baskets to underserved children living in Burke Centre. In addition, we provide support to Facets, a local organization helping Fairfax residents overcome poverty and homelessness, by donating Thanksgiving food baskets and holiday gift donations. To find out more about our programs or join our volunteer team, please contact Linda Cottrell at [email protected]. SHARE the Holiday Spirit! E ach November and December, Burke Centre SHARE actively solicits donations to help families in need that live in Burke Centre. The following packages are available for ordering for the November 22 SHARE Distribution. Please note that anyone, rich or poor can participate in the SHARE program. If you eat, you qualify! If you are buying the package for yourself and not donating a package, each Value Package also incurs a two-hour volunteer service obligation, which you may already be performing. Please contact our new SHARE coordinator, Stacey Carroll, email at stace.carroll@ gmail.com, if you would like to order. Cash, credit cards, money orders and EBT are accepted. dishes: Candied Yams, Corn, Green Beans & Sweet Potatoe Pie. recognized for her special efforts volunteering and supporting the Burke Centre Library. VALUE PLUS A TURKEY - $40 10-14 lb. Turkey with fresh seasonal produce such as Sweet Potatoes, White Potatoes, Onions, Celery, Apples, Oranges, Stuffing Mix, Elbow Macaroni, a Holiday Pie, and 4-5 lbs. of meats/fish to stock the freezer. Upcoming Events at Burke Centre Library: There are many great events planned in November at Burke Centre Library. Check out the upcoming events board in the library for more information. Most of these programs require preregistration, visit www. fairfaxcounty.gov/library for more information. Just a few of the events planned include: DECEMBER VALUE MEAL - $20 Fresh seasonal items such as Sweet Potatoes, White Potatoes, Onions, Celery, Apples, Oranges, Stuffing Mix, Elbow Macaroni, a Holiday Pie, and meats/ fish to enjoy a variety of ways: Chicken Drums, Harvestland Kielbasa, Ground Turkey, Cod or other Fish Filets. TURKEY DINNER - $30 A 10-14 lb. Turkey with generous, traditional side dishes: Candied Yam Patties, Corn, Green Beans & Sweet Potatoes Pie. VALUE PLUS A TURKEY - $40 10-14 lb. Turkey with fresh seasonal produce such as Sweet & White Potatoes, Onions, Celery, Apples, Oranges, Stuffing Mix, Elbow Macaroni, a Holiday Pie, and 4-5 lbs. of meats/fish. DECEMBER SPECIALS SPIRAL HONEY HAM, 9-10 lbs. - $28; SHRIMP, Ready to Cook, Raw or Breaded, 3 lbs. - $20 Holiday & Gift Used Book Sale C ome to Burke Centre Library on Friday, November 21, 2014, from 10 AM-6 PM, and Saturday, November 22, from 10 AM-5 PM, to find all types of books for giving during the holidays! THANKSGIVING DINNER - $30 A 10-14 lb. Turkey with generous, traditional side NOVEMBER 2014 • • • • • • • • • • • • Read! Build! Play! Storytime November 5, 2014 Classic Tales Storytime November 7, 2014 Teen Creative Writing Workshop November 8, 2014 39 Clues Book Club November 10, 2014 S.T.E.M. Storytime November 12, 2014 Grandparents & Me Storytime November 13, 2014 (at Pinn Center) My Gym - Babies, Toddlers & Preschool November 14, 2014 Ancestors Tutoring November 14, 2014 Teen Fan Fiction Group November 15, 2014 Teen Writers Group November 15, 2014 “Gazpacho for Nacho” November 15, 2014 (features Virginia children’s author Tracey C. Kyle) Magic Tree House Club November 17, 2014 Create Holiday Cards November 18, 2014 (adult workshop) PJ Library Book Buddies November 19, 2014 Small Wonders Storytime November 26, 2014 Donate Your Gently Used Books to Burke Centre Library: We encourage Burke Centre residents to donate gently used books in good condition during regular hours at the Burke Centre Library. The drop off point is a bin right inside the entrance by the ongoing book sale. Proceeds from your donations go directly to support Burke Centre Library and the Fairfax County Library Foundation in the form of the summer reading program, new materials and collection enhancement, programming support and more. We appreciate the community’s ongoing support and donations! Join the Burke Centre Library Friends: An individual Lifetime membership is just $50 and Regular membership is just $5 a year per individual. Forms are available at Burke Centre Library. All money raised helps to promote the library system. It is a small amount for a large benefit – join today – and make sure you can attend the special preview day at the Fall Book Sale! SHARE HOLIDAY MENUS NOVEMBER BEST VALUE - $20 Fresh seasonal items such as Sweet Potatoes, White Potatoes, Onions, Celery, Apples, Oranges, Stuffing Mix, Elbow Macaroni, a Holiday Pie, and meats/fish to enjoy a variety of ways: Chicken Thighs, Premium Bacon, Ground Turkey, Pollock Filets. • • • Fairfax County Public Library Friends Choice Award: Friends of the Burke Centre Library congratulates Rita Hoskins as the 2014 winner of the Friends Choice Award for Burke Centre! She was THE BURKE CENTRE CONSERVATOR Interested in helping us out on Facebook? Contact Kristy Weinshel at [email protected] for information on how you can volunteer to help update the Friends of the Burke Centre Library’s Facebook page. 5 9 3 5 F r e d s O a k Ro a d , B u r ke , VA 2 2 0 1 5 PAGE 13 AROUND BURKE CENTRE Scouting for Food T his is an annual event organized by the National Capital Area Council for collecting food for those in need. The food the Patriot District collects goes directly to the Capital Area Food Bank for distribution to various other food banks and pantries. On November 1st, Cub Scout Packs 16 and 1346 will be delivering bags in the Burke Centre/Fairfax Station neighborhoods. Please consider filling them with non-perishable food items to share with the nearly 700,000 people in our area who go hungry. Here is a link listing the most needed items: http://www. capitalareafoodbank.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/ Most-Wanted-List-2014.pdf. For those interested in helping, just fill supplied bags with food then leave them out (or give to Scouts) on November 8 by 9 AM. Boy Scouts from Troop 1346 will be coming by to pick up the bags for delivery to the food bank. Scouting for Food has been helping those in need for the past 27 years-won’t you join us this year? Lunch L h N’ Life Lif A re You 50 or Better? Please join us for the next Lunch N’ Life sponsored by the Shepherd’s Center of Fairfax-Burke on Thursday, November 20, 2014 (12:00-2:00 PM) at PAGE 14 Lutheran Church of the Abiding Presence, 6304 Lee Chapel Rd, Burke. The program will feature Jari Villaneuva, a Bugler, speaking on The History of Taps. For reservations, call Faye Quesenberry, (703) 6200161, by November 14th. The cost is $10.00; checks payable to SCFB. If transportation is needed, call the SCFB office (703) 323-4788. See www scfbva org for more information. Twenty-five percent (25%) of the money raised stays in the local community to support the important anti-hunger and emergency assistance provided by Ecumenical Community Helping Others (ECHO) and Western Fairfax Christian Ministries. Details available at www.burkecropwalk.org. For more information, contact Janet Smith (703-455-9025 or BurkeVA. [email protected]). Community i walks lk to help those in need O n Sunday, November 23, hundreds of residents in Burke and surrounding communities will participate in the 22nd annual Burke Area CROP (Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty) Hunger Walk to raise funds and awareness to combat hunger and provide disaster relief. This free local and global outreach is familyfriendly, not a race, and fun for all ages. Participants may choose either the 3.7 mile or shorter Golden Mile option. The walk begins at 2 PM at Living Savior Lutheran Church, 5500 Ox Road, Fairfax Station and ends at Fairfax Presbyterian Church on Main Street with a water break mid-way. Shuttles will be available at both the starting and ending locations. Dogs and strollers are welcome. Upon completion, participants will enjoy refreshments, awards and live entertainment. THE BURKE CENTRE CONSERVATOR NOVEMBER 2014 Facilities & Resources Report A t the request of the Open Space Committee (OSC), the following is a list of projects addressed by the Facilities & Resources (F&R) Department during the past month. There are approximately 350 acres out of 1700 acres that are deeded Conservancy Open Space; which includes six (6) ponds and wooden structures, eighteen (18) tennis courts, eight (8) multi-purpose courts, three (3) sand-ball courts, eight (8) play fields, forty-eight (48) tot lots, five (5) community centers, and twenty-one (21) miles of trails. Maintenance for these areas and facilities is funded by the Conservancy General Fund. To report a problem or concern with an open space area in Burke Centre, please contact Neil Broadbent, Conservancy F&R Assistant, (703) 978-2928; email: neil@ burkecentre.org. Open Space – Bridges behind Wood Flower Court and Hemlock Woods Lane were raised up and reset due to erosion of the stream embankment, and new hand rails were installed. Hand rails were also replaced on a bridge in New England Woods. Trees – Due to safety reasons, twenty-one (21) trees were cut down. Work Orders – Fifty-six (56) work orders were generated in the last month. Dumping – The following item(s) were removed from open space by Conservancy staff: a shopping cart on Georgian Woods Court; a pile of tree debris on Reeds Landing Circle; various household items including a hot water heater on Heron Pond Court; an old car hood on Meyers Landing Court; a used tire and cardboard on Walnut Woods Lane; a kitchen stove and concrete slabs on Apple Wood Court. NOVEMBER 2014 THE BURKE CENTRE CONSERVATOR PAGE 15 PAGE 16 THE BURKE CENTRE CONSERVATOR NOVEMBER 2014
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