Meeting called to order at 7:00pm.
Members Present
Angela Harrison Eng
Eric Kerby
Jim McDonald
Kristina Scrimshaw
Kerri Shilts
Anna Urman
Guest Speaker Eric Caldwell, Project Manager with the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services Stormwater Planning Division
Paul Reynolds, Manager, also attended the meeting. Secretary missed first part of guest speaker due to some link confusion, but for posterity here’s a summary of the issue from a past newsletter:
Walking the tributary of Barnyard Creek here (originating approximately near the southern end of Vantage Drive on FCPA property), it’s easy to see stream bank erosion and an incising stream (a stream channel digging itself deeper within its channel). The resulting erosion transports sediment and associated nutrients downstream as contaminants to the Huntley Meadows Central Wetland, and eventually to the Chesapeake Bay. As Barnyard Run loses connection with the floodplain and the water table lowers, the ecosystem begins to degrade.
The watershed project would help improve water quality and ultimately aid in restoring the system. The concrete swale in the park is also nearing the end of its functional life and needs replacing. The next step for the project would be to reach out to parcel owners, but the ownership of some parcels is not clear. Without the easements, the project cannot continue.
Also stated the city would pay for replacing the bridge over the swale if needed.
Anna asked if we could do anything to optimize our ecological footprint in the meantime, and some discussion of resources and ideas followed:
- Native plantings
- Rain barrels
- Rain gardens
- Soil, Water, and Conservation Corps
- Plant NOVA Natives
Littering Issues on Rock Creek
Guest speaker raised issues about littering on Rock Creek Road’s public areas. He stated that there was general trash, pill bottles, cigarette packs, cans, and bottles strewn about. He also mentioned that there are issues with leaves—they are covering property, gutters, and sewers—and dog poop. There are also dead trees, and some have fallen recently—including through the speaker’s fence.
He asked if there were plans to have the people that maintain the public grounds also maintain the public area. Kristina suggested looking into hiring tree experts to assess dead and dying trees. Eric also suggested extending the Adopt-a-Highway group to also pick up some trash inside the neighborhood.
Resolved to double-check the maintenance contract regarding the leaf cleanup and potentially contact about contracting for leaf cleanup if needed. Also mentioned that we do have an arborist who does routine checks on the trees, but it was last done in 2019. If the guest has a specific concern, he can take photos and send them to the board for a single tree assessment.
Minutes Approval
August, September, and November 2023 minutes approved, as well as January 2024 (with a reminder to change a last name in the latter). No minutes in December, and October minutes need to be reviewed and formatted, which Angela volunteered to do.
Treasurer’s Report
Collected overdue dues, one pending disclosure package. Deposit put on playground. Printing and legal fees are paid. Next month insurance policies will be due, and mowing begins in March.
Adopt-a-Highway
Kristina submitted paperwork; everything went through fine. Contacted Ed and the county about some specifics, waiting to hear back.
Lean-to Structure
Connor not present so there are no updates.
Playground
Hunter not present so there are no specific updates, but there was a ticket (557856) about some issues with the previous broken playground structure—poles in the ground, some tossed to the side, others under existing structure. Mentioned it could be a danger. Anna offered to purchase caution tape, and Angela volunteered to put tape around the structure. Tape will be sent to Angela. Angela also mentioned the fabric under the mulch is pulled up and ripped.
Eric—needs final approved, paid project in the records to track against schedule. Hunter is stretched thin. Amanda Brown volunteered at Annual Meeting for playground committee—Anna offered to reach out via FB to rekindle interest.
Street Signs
Pricewise, the county is the lowest option of 8—numbers on sign would be 2 in.
2 in. high numbers are not large enough, rep agreed to add another inch, but superiors denied request. Should the numbers be 2 or 3 in?
The county’s prices are 200-300 dollars cheaper than the next lowest price-point, but we don’t know if they are dependable or durable.
Block Party
Kristina contacted the people at the end of Vantage—the proposed site—all said it was ok, verbally. Asked about theming, available funds, and budget.
Anna responded that it would be better to run an inventory and propose a cost, so Kristina will run some numbers and present next month. Aiming for late spring/early summer. June-ish, before July 4th. Food truck contact: Rachel Moran.
Complaints/Tickets
- Whetstone House
- Homeowner is in care facility; nephew is doing the bare minimum.
- Spoke with him and he sends his apologies, does not live close but does have some quotes in the works and hopes to have new fence up in a month.
- Trash at Park
- Hunter responded and he should reach out.
- Rock Creek Court (978394)
- Resident concerned about tree that may be on HOA land. Will someone go look at tree and determine placement? Kerri volunteered to reach out and see if it is still an issue.
- Trash on Flintstone (757510)
- Complaint about trash in 4400 block of Flintstone. Will someone go by and see if there is anything to update? Anna volunteered to go out and look.
Meeting adjourned at 8:57 PM.