Town Crier Articles

All August Articles (Text Only - No Photos)
Posted on August 1, 2020 7:00 AM by Town Crier Staff
Board Buzz
Dave Holtgrieve, Secretary
 
I was appointed Secretary (Non-voting) at the Board of Directors (BOD) Organizational Meeting on June 19th. I have some experience for the secretary position as I served as secretary for the Transition Committee and a fill in for the Residential Advisory Board (RAB).
 
My responsibilities include preparing the agenda, board minutes, board meeting packet, and general administrative assistance to the board.  I will prepare the minutes for publication on the residential website seven days before the meeting for residents to review.  Meetings are scheduled for the Fourth Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. via Zoom.  The Zoom address can be obtained by viewing the website calendar and clicking on the board meeting 
 
The agenda will include a “Public Comment” period for residents to weigh in if they wish.  This will be held at the beginning of the meeting to allow individuals to speak, but not having to sit through the entire meeting if they are limited by time.
 
To provide early transparency of each meeting, the board decided to approve the minutes via email so to allow posting on the website before the next meeting.  My goal is to try to get the minutes published approximately two weeks after the meeting.  Of course, if the board goes into Executive Session (the meeting is not adjourned with this action), it may be a longer period.  
 
On a final note due to this appointment, I resigned as chair of the Asset Maintenance Committee (AMC) of which Fred Lesnett was elected to that position.  The board has also decided based on the recommendation of the AMC to postpone the AMC program of Third-party Residential Inspections to 2021.  I encourage each Owner to conduct a self-inspection this year to review the maintenance status of their property (mostly power washing and painting), and to lessen the probability of incurring maintenance problems in the future. This action will maintain our property values as a first quality neighborhood.
 
We’re listening!  
The latest from the Landscape Advisory Committee
 
Thank you to the 123 homeowners who responded to the annual landscaping survey.  Results are being compiled and will be summarized in next month’s newsletter.  This annual survey is your opportunity to provide input into the landscaping services funded by your HOA dues.  Your responses are critical in providing guidance to the Landscaping Advisory Committee.
 
Weekly landscaping services scheduled for August include mowing, string trimming, power edging, and routine cleanup.  Re-pruning where growth is the greatest will occur two days a week.
 
As a reminder, property owners have an opportunity each year to opt out of pruning and shearing by notifying Town Management of your intent to do so. Town Management maintains a list of properties opting out and notifies Virginia Lawn and Landscaping.  Virginia Lawn and Landscaping then posts temporary signs on designated properties prior to the initiation of pruning services and removes them once the service is completed.  The list of properties opting out is good for one year.  Property owners must renew their request annually.
 
Thank you to pet owners who are making an effort to direct your pets to the Pet Relief Areas in Village Green, Abbey Commons, Savannah Square, and Chelsea Green. This is a pilot project to encourage dogs to respect the turf and utilize designated areas to do their business. Thank you for helping to keep New Town green!
 
Highlights from BOD Meeting, July 23
Kathy Mullins
The first meeting of the newly elected Board of Directors ran two full hours.  Even so, the Board was not able to address all business matters. The meeting ended without adjournment and will continue in Executive Session on Wednesday, July 29, at 6 pm.
 
Here are some points of interest from the July 23 session. 
 
Tim Grueter of Town Management reported that there are presently 502 homes in New Town, very close to the 505 homes projected by this time.
 
Tim was asked to set up a Zoom Acct to be managed by the Communications Committee chair.  The account will be used for committee meetings and other Zoom activities. These will be scheduled and announced on the NTRA calendar to encourage community participation.  
 
The BOD is seeking updated guidance on the display of political signs by homeowners.  Reminders of display rules will be sent out to homeowners in August.
 
Activities. The annual Pool Party will not be held this summer.  The Activities Committee plans a more Covid-friendly Frozen Yogurt event for the community in August.  The committee is exploring other ideas for community interaction that comply with Covid guidelines, for instance, Noon Talks conducted over Zoom.  Seven children participated in the Riddle Trail during the first week.  The committee feels that gaining some information about the number and ages of New Town children would help them plan family  activities.
Pool. Residents were pleased that the pool was able to open over the July 4th weekend.  Usage has averaged about 40 persons per day.  Highest usage, 121 persons, was recorded on July 4th.
  
Asset Management. The committee’s review of NTRA assets revealed that many are in need of maintenance. AMC was advised to prepare a prioritized list of these maintenance needs and costs for discussion with BOD. 
 
Walking Trails. The Landscape Company is under contract to provide specific routine maintenance of the trails. Other needs or amenities are considered projects and should be factored into budgeting.  AMC will consult with Jim Barnes and Town Management and prepare a report of Trail needs differentiated by maintenance or project, with estimated costs.  
             
Savannah Square Amendment: 47 affirmative votes are still needed to reach the required number to pass the amendment.  BOD will mount a campaign to reach all potential voters by mail. Any homeowner that has not already voted is asked to affirm the amendment. 
 
Intro to ARC (Architectural Review Committee)
Libby Flowers, ARC Chairperson
 
There are lots of new homeowners in New Town.  What do all homeowners need to know about making exterior changes to homes? The most important advice to pass along to homeowners is this:  Always make an application to ARC BEFORE making an exterior change.  
 
ARC is charged with reviewing and approving or disapproving all applications made by homeowners for exterior changes to homes or property. This is not a difficult process. Use the ARC Application Form available on the NTRA website. Submit completed form and ALL required support documents to ARC c/o Town Management.  Each committee member will review the project documents and visit the site.  ARC discusses and votes on applications at meetings, held on the second Tuesday of each month at 4 pm. 
 
While sheltering in place during this time of Covid- 19 precautions, the committee has continued to work electronically.  Sixteen homeowner applications have been processed.  When working electronically, the committee’s vote on a project must be unanimous.
 
Your homeowner documents are the best reference for allowed changes and details about rules.  ARC offers a condensed set of GUIDELINES on the NTRA website.  Projects that are specifically prohibited will not be approved.  
 
The purpose of ARC is to maintain a cohesive, attractive appearance in our neighborhoods.  This is what attracted most residents to live in New Town.
 
Governor's Latest Restrictions to Impact NTRA Pool
NTRA Pool Coommittee
 
The Governor of Virginia recently enacted new restrictions on gatherings to be limited to less than 50 people.  The new restrictions include the New Town Residential Association Pool. 
 
At the direction of the New Town Residential Association Board of Directors, in the event pool usage approaches the allowed capacity the pool will operate on a block schedule with two-hour time periods.  Between periods the pool will be cleared, and the area will be sanitized.  In the event the pool area has reached capacity, at the end of the block time the pool the area will be cleared. Upon re-opening, entry into the pool area will be on a first-come-first-served basis until capacity is reached.  Upon re-opening priority will be given to newly arrived homeowners.  All homeowners are expected to comply with this process so that all those who want to swim will have the opportunity.  This policy will be monitored by the pool committee and may be adjusted to accommodate need.
 
Pool Schedule
Sunday thru Friday (Closed Tuesday)             Saturday
11:30 am to 1:15 pm                                      10:00 am to 11:45 am
1:30 pm to 3:15 pm                                        12:00 pm to 1:45 pm
3:30 pm to 5:15 pm                                        2:00 pm to 3:45 pm
5:30 pm to 7:15 pm                                        4:00 pm to 5:45 pm
                                                                        6:00 pm to 7:45 pm
                                                                        8:00 pm to 8:30 pm
 
There will be a short break halfway through each session in order to check the chemical levels of the pool.
Homeowners are reminded that the steps outlined above have been developed in order to open the pool in the safest way possible.  The Board of Directors and Pool Committee respectfully request your full compliance with the rules set forth as well as your cooperation with the pool staff.
 
Questions or concerns should be directed to Town Management 757-565-6200
 
Meet Your Pool Staff
Max Pfannebecker
 
If you're hitting the pool regularly to beat the summer heat, you've probably made acquaintance with the summer staff at the NTRA Pool. 
 
Kail Wade - Lifeguard
Kail is a 2019 graduate of Bruton High School and will be returning to Boston for his second year at Berklee College of Music where he's studying sound engineering. It should come, then, as no surprise that Kail's favorite hobby is music. He also enjoys reading, running, and weightlifting when he's not working at the pool. You can see Kail Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday keeping watch over the pool and its guests. 
 
William Adams - Attendant
When you first enter the pool you're sure to be greeted with a great smile, a pleasant demeanor, and a covid questionnaire from William, one of NTRA's pool attendants who helps keep the pool safe, secure, and clean. William is a rising Junior who is very much looking to get back to school and getting out on the football field at Lafayette High School where is plays left tackle (Go Rams!). Adams is a bit soft-spoken and admits he's a little on the shy side until you get to know him, so make sure to give him a warm welcome when you see him!
 
With new pool restrictions enacted due to Governor Northam's orders, the pool staff is working harder than ever to maintain a safe environment for you and your families. Please make sure to thank them for being here and be patient and courteous with the new processes as we move forward!
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