Town Crier Articles

For the past three years, Town Crier Editor Phil Casey steered the newsletter through changes with a new website, new members, and much business to report. He served one year past his assigned term to help with transitions within the Communication Committee, but in December he resigned to pursue other interests, including more time to devote to his music.

             

During Phil’s time as Editor, the Town Crier was published on the New Town Residential Association website as well as in print, available to all interested in the activities and news of our community.  Much of Phil’s responsibility as Editor lay in the need to format both print and electronic editions of the newsletter, a time-consuming task that involved design skill as well as patience. 

             

We as members of the Communication Committee thank Phil for his dedication to the Town Crier over the past three years, for his creativity and dependability in insuring its publication for each of the eleven scheduled months each year.  We will miss him. We also thank him for his willingness to help the transition and be available to the Town Crier’s new Editor, Max Pfannebecker, who begins his term with the February 2020 issue.

 

With the departure of Phil Casey, the Communications Committee welcomes local resident Max Pfannebecker as our new Editor and thank him for his willingness to take on the role, especially as we go through our transition period in 2020.

 

Max attended the University of Wisconsin – River Falls where he majored in English Education and Journalism. He comes to Virginia through his work with Sysco Foods where he now serves as District Sales Manager for Sysco for Williamsburg and the surrounding areas.

 

A resident of Chelsea Green since 2018, Max is also President and founder of Triangle Skateboard Alliance, a nonprofit organized in 2017 to support skateboarding in central and coastal Virginia with the mission to increase the number of skate parks in the area as well as to serve the local communities in raising funds for projects such as providing food and school supplies for families in need.  The Williamsburg Community foundation recently awarded the Alliance a grant to support youth sports and summer camps in the area this summer.

 

In his “spare” time, Max enjoys painting, sculpting and woodworking as well as fishing and kayaking in the area waterways.  New Town is his home, and he looks forward to being involved in the growing number of activities and events here in the community we share.

 

The Communications Committee also welcomes two new members: Patti Vaticano and Christian Kent. You may run into Patti if you visit Edgeworth Park in our neighborhood where she greets visitors when she is not writing articles for the Town Crier. Christian brings to the committee much experience with social media and will be working toward enhancing our presence on Facebook and on the website.

 

With new members and old, we begin 2020 with many changes and much to do.  We thank you as residents for your past support and look forward to hearing from you in this new year.

 

Lucy Painter, Committee Chair

On April 1, 2020 the New Town Residential Association (NTRA) will transition from a Developer-controlled Board of Directors (BOD) to governance by a Home Owner-controlled BOD. The new BOD will have 5 homeowner members with no more than two Directors from any one neighborhood.  More often than not, Home Owner Association (HOA) members wake up one morning to find out they are in charge without a clue of what to do.  Fortunately, the Developer of New Town provided for a Residential Advisory Board (RAB).  In the past few years, the RAB was given a lot of responsibility.  The RAB has taken steps that will provide the new BOD with a firm foundation. During the Fall of 2019, a Transition Committee made up of homeowners was chartered by the BOD.  The Transition Committee has already started a detailed review of documents, financials, insurance and development of policies and procedures.  The current contract with Town Management continues in the coming year so daily operations should go smoothly during the transition.  The recent Reserve Study shows that we are in good condition to repair and replace our amenities.  The RAB minutes, Town Crier articles, and Transition notes are posted on our Web. There is much to do.  But, we are in an excellent position for a smooth transition. 

 

There is one big task that needs to get underway now—recruitment and identification of candidates of the new BOD.   This means that the community needs YOU to consider running for the BOD yourself or to encourage a Homeowner you know to be a BOD member.  The Articles of Incorporation of the NTRA specifies that within 90 days after the expiration the Developer control (April 1, 2020), a new BOD controlled by Homeowners will take place.  There will be a special meeting of the Developer controlled BOD early in April 2020 for the BOD to officially disband.  So, we will want to have the new Board elections as soon as possible. With only two months to go before the Transition, it’s time to talk with neighbors who might consider running for a BOD position or consider running for a position yourself.

 

A primary responsibility of the BOD is to protect our property values and enforce the Declarations. The new BOD will take over the governance of the NTRA and be responsible for the operation, administration, and maintenance of common property.  A qualified Director will understand business and financial procedures, a strong knowledge of the Declarations, and applicable laws.  However, a successful BOD will also take steps to insure a good quality life for all residents.  This includes energetically supporting Committees, and working closely with New Town Commercial Association.  As in any leadership position, interpersonal relationship and conflict management skills are essential and the ability to put the needs of the Homeowners and NTRA first. Article IV of the Amended Bylaws in the Declarations has the details of the duties of the Directors.

 

The duties of the BOD may seem daunting but there are many supports in place to support the new Board. As part of the transition, the new BOD will receive training from the NTRA Attorneys who have a reputation as among the best legal practices for HOAs in Virginia.  The new BOD will also have access to the Homeowners who have served on the RAB and Transition Committee.  The RAB has recommended that monthly BOD meetings will be held in the evenings.  Attending the RAB meetings is good way to find out what is happening and specifics about the transition.  Also, be sure to read the Town Crier and look for messages about the transition and how and when to apply to be a candidate for the BOD.

 

 

 

 

Randolph (Randy) Flood will talk about the American Revolution and highlight certain events and personalities that have evolved into "myths" that confuse the truth, distort the facts, or outright lie about what really happened.  Randy is Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of the American Revolution Consortium for Civic Education; a nonprofit organization established to educate citizens about the American Revolution with an emphasis on History, Civics, World Geography, Economics and Historic Preservation. He is a frequent guest lecturer on topics about the American Revolution.

 

Graduating from Shepherd College, West Virginia in 1973, Randy began his professional career serving on the staff of the U. S. Committee on Environment and Public Works during the “Environmental Decade of the 1970’s” when most of our nation’s environmental laws were enacted.  Later, he joined the Legislative staff of U.S. Senator Harry F. Byrd, Jr. (I-VA) and eventually formed his own government relations firm, which represented numerous maritime and defense clients that included transportation pioneer Malcom McLean, the “Father of Containerization,” among others.  

 

While in Washington, D.C., Randy taught federal government courses on the legislative and budget processes as an Adjunct Faculty at George Washington University, and was a frequent guest lecturer at numerous colleges and universities, trade associations, business and Labor meetings and conferences.

 

Currently, he is Vice Chairman of the Williamsburg-Yorktown American Revolution Roundtable and a Co-Founder of the Dr. Joseph Warren Historical Society.

Have you ever wanted to question a homeowner policy, suggest a different way to solve a community problem, or start a new club or activity?  Do you have a talent or skill or passion that might benefit the overall community, particularly in the time of transition? If you are a member of a Home Owner Association-governed community, like ours in New Town, the best way to make your voice heard is to serve on the HOA committee.  The NTRA  (New Town Residential Association)  is composed of holders of deeds to homes or property in its now seven neighborhoods (for example, Chelsea Green, Savannah Square, or Shirley Park).  

 

 

If you own a home or property in New Town’s residential neighborhoods you are a member of the New Town Residential Association (NTRA).  This Association, formed by the Board of Directors (BOD), was incorporated in 2004. The BOD establishes Rules and Regulations that govern the use and maintenance of property and dwellings within the community and each NTRA member vows to comply with them.  The BOD also creates committees comprised of NTRA members to implement various aspects of managing community life.  BOD also establishes a means for Association Members to volunteer their own services and/or recommend other NTRA members they deem qualified. 

 

And this is where youcome in. 

 

Becoming involved in NTRA involves asking yourself two basic questions:  why should you volunteer your time and talent; and, how can you get a foot in the NTRA door?   Everyone has something to contribute. At the very least you can help maintain a desirable community. That requires support from all members: financially (paying fees and assessments on time and complying with home maintenance regulations); and, socially (adhering to NTRA rules and regulations, volunteering time and talent for the benefit of all, and supporting community activities that sustain a pleasurable lifestyle).

 

 The NTRA not only seeks broad-based representation from all its neighborhoods on its committees.  It also advocates regular turnover of committee members so ideas and issues from all areas can be considered. 

Some residents may think that work responsibilities, family obligations, or desiring the freedom to travel at will, relieves them of any obligation to serve for a term or two. They may imagine that others will step up to serve. 

 

Three NTRA members share some thoughts about their own volunteer experiences.

 

Louisa Johnson lives on Lydia’s Drive with her husband, works as a school nurse and has found time to work on several committees since moving here.  “If everyone assumed that others would volunteer, there would be no committee members at all,” she says. “The time commitment is fairly low, so even people who work can be involved.”  The Community Pool first opened in late August, 2012.  Louisa mentioned some concerns about the pool facilities to a neighbor who suggested that she get involved with the pool committee (no longer a separate group).  “I joined that committee because I wanted to contribute to creating solutions for pool issues.  We were responsible then for reviewing the pool maintenance contract and making sure the property management company followed up on routine maintenance and issues. Due to my pool work, I was asked to work on the Emergency Preparedness Committee and the Asset Maintenance Committee. I still enjoy serving on both committees and what I really like to see is results.”

 

Louisa advises anyone owning property in NTRA’s neighborhoods to volunteer.  “Then you will have some say about your neighborhood governance, the look and feel of the community, the facilities being safe and in working order, other neighbors adhering to the NTRA covenants which all the owners agree to when they buy the house.  It’s the best way to fix things and to keep what you love about your neighborhood.”

 

Soon after Angela Lesnett and her husband moved into their Village Walk townhome she started reading the minutes of the RAB (Residential Advisory Board) and attending some of their meetings.  She was curious about the financials.  “I wanted to be sure that New Town was on a firm financial footing,” she said.  Her curiosity continued.  Eventually Angela expressed an interest in getting involved with the RAB. Today she serves on the RAB, the Finance Committee and is the RAB liaison to the Architectural Review Committee. 

“This is a community of nearly 500 households. The proposed NTRA budget for 2020 is just over $800,000. I want to know how that money will be spent and see that the community is planning well for what the future may bring,” she says.  “While I am not practicing as a lawyer now, I worked as a tax lawyer for many years and have experience dealing with financial spreadsheets. I believe I bring value to the committee.” 

 

Committee work is not only interesting, Angela has found, “It’s fun!  There’s a social aspect to it. You get to know the other committee members. Then if you run into one of them in another setting they usually introduce you to people in that group. Before long you know quite a few individuals in New Town. It has surprised me to see how quickly these social networks grow” she says..

 

Though her daughter’s family lived in New Kent County, Sherry Campbell did not know anyone in New Town in 2013 when she moved into a townhouse on Casey Boulevard. But, she wanted to feel at home in this new community.    She found there are many ways to get involved. Official Committees, such as the ARC (Architectural Review Board) or the Finance Committee are established by the BOD. In addition there are book clubs, athletic groups, lunch lectures and numerous ongoing activities that need help with organization, communication and other arrangements.

 

Getting involved with the new Activities Committee was Sherry’s vehicle for meeting people and putting down roots in the community. “Our committee members had to work together to figure out how to meet the needs of varied residential groups— young families with school-age children, military households, retirees and young adults.  By trying different types of events and analyzing feedback, we gradually learned what residents preferred, what type of food to offer, how much help was needed. I was fortunate to get to know so many nice people,” she recalled.

 

Later she offered to coordinate the Walking Club.  “That took me out into the Williamsburg region looking for suitable trails and excursion sites for our group. On the walks I came in contact with many different people.  We had a lot of fun and learned so much about our physical surroundings in the process. Joining a book club introduced me to yet another group of new and interesting residents. 

 

The community needs and benefits from all of the committee work.  Facility and asset management helps maintain a sound financial position, which elevates resale home value.  Social activity contributes to more pleasurable daily living and the promotion of events in New Town makes the area more attractive to buyers.

Home value is affected by the impression the community makes when prospective buyers visit.  Pride of ownership is apparent.  Daily life is also enhanced when common areas are maintained, activities are planned and there are opportunities to gather together. Serving on committees is good training for taking on more extensive community leadership later.

 

“I think every homeowner cares about how New Town looks,” Sherry says. “There’s plenty of conversation when our walking club hikes around New Town. There are always positive comments when we pass freshly-painted homes or spot attractive landscaping.   We own our own homes, but also want to have a sense of pride in “our” overall community.  And, that’s a big factor in keeping up resale values.”  Angela Lesnett has a suggestion for anyone debating about volunteering for committee work : try a limited volunteer engagement.  “If a committee or activity catches your interest, sign on for a trial run. Start with a small commitment.  Attend a committee meeting.  Offer to write one article for the Crier. Help with set up for a community event.  Explore a club that interests you.  You will find something that’s a good fit for your talents,” she says.

Or, she says, “you could try the Nike option -- Just Do It!” 

If you have lived in eastern Virginia for years or even months, you know we are not immune to disasters and emergencies including power outages and flooding. Our weather is unpredictable and often dangerous. High winds, heavy snow and rain may affect our area, often without much warning. These are the times when our Emergency Preparedness Committee goes to work.

 

Under its Charter established in May, 2016, this committee coordinates safety plans to residents in incidences of dangerous weather, civil emergency or any disaster in the area. During these times, the committee members are in immediate contact with the James City County Police Department for further information. They report to residents on the nature of the emergency and plans for safety, including evacuation if necessary, through e-blasts. They also have access to the HOA-owned trauma backpack stored in the pool building, a valuable first-aid kit.

 

Under the leadership of Chair Tom Nichols, the committee has grown to nine members, including seven who are CERT trained (Community Emergency Response Team). CERT is a 20-hour nationwide course that trains volunteers in disaster response skills.  Teams of First Responders and other qualified trainers serve as instructors for this rigorous course. In addition, three members are licensed operators for ham radio, a crucial part of communication in case of loss of electrical power and cell towers.   

 

As winter approaches and storms may threaten, feel secure knowing that the dedicated members of this team are working to ensure your safety through communication and response. Keep alert and stay safe.

 Do you have something to say about the exterior maintenance issues you observe as you walk or drive around the neighborhood?  Do issues like peeling and fading paint, exterior mold and missing or broken shutters, gutters or flashing make you think the neighborhood just doesn’t look like the first-class community you thought it was?  

 

Then the Asset Maintenance Committee (AMC) is for you.  We have members who will be getting ready to rotate off next year and the year after so the AMC is looking for new members.  

 

The AMC is dedicated to maintaining the FIRST-CLASS COMMUNITY home exteriors in New Town. Our job is to review the professional inspector’s assessments, communicate with the homeowners working through the process of resolving maintenance issues, and bring maintenance issues to resolution while collaborating with the property manager and the Board of Directors.  

 

The AMC is a very important part of what attracts homeowners to want to purchase a home in New Town. Everyone wants to live in a neighborhood that looks great!

 

We meet approximately quarterly, and our meetings usually last about an hour.  This is a great committee to serve on if you enjoy the satisfaction of getting things accomplished. Contact Dave Holtgrieve, chair, at dbleuedog@gmail.com, for further information or interest.

2020 will be a momentous year for New Town residents. In April, control of the governing Board will turn over from the Developer to the homeowners. We thought it was fitting to recap where things stand in preparation for this transition. In addition to the Board and RAB discussions, the key preparatory actions completed to date include:

 

 

 

The financial reserve study was completed in September by the firm Miller Dodson. The study is designed to help the Association anticipate and prepare for major repair and replacement projects. As reported at the recent budget meeting, the report recommended increasing the funds set aside for reserves.

 

 

In June 2019, the current Board of Directors authorized a Transition Committee to ensure that an independent group of homeowners conduct a due diligence review of NTRA’s records and advise the Board on transition. The members of this committee include both current RAB members and other residents, with Chuck Stetler serving as Chair. The Transition Committee’s charter, formally approved in October 2019, is available on the NTRA website: Transition Committee Resolution 

 

The Board expects the Committee to review existing NTRA declarations, policies and procedures, financial records, deeds, insurance coverage and vendor contracts, among others. The Committee will also “have a designated member present during any future final inspections related to the Common Area.” Meetings of the Transition Committee will be advertised so that residents may attend. 

 

 

Once the turnover meeting is held in April, the more intensive work for homeowners begins. Within 90 days thereafter, elections for a new Board will be held. Legal work will be required to make modifications and draft new NTRA documents as needed. The RAB will no longer operate and decisions about existing Committees will switch to the new Board. 

 

All New Town homeowners should be engaged in the transition process and prepared to make the Association aware of changes you would like to see. As the experts say, “What happens today sets the stage for tomorrow’s success.”

Rick Fisher, Chair of the NTRA’s Finance Committee, briefed residents on November 21 at an open meeting about the 2020 budget.  A 25-page handout with the details was distributed.  Residents can submit written questions by November 26 to Tim Grueter at Town Management (tim@townmanagement.net).  The Committee’s expectation is that at the NTRA’s  Annual Meeting, the budget will be accepted as approved.  Some key points follow.

 

The NTRA Finance Committee is composed of five New Town residents drawn from several neighborhoods.  There are no members other than residents.  Tim Grueter works with the Committee as the Town Management representative.

 

The Committee followed a documented process to identify requirements, forecast their costs and communicate their recommendations.  They have been working the process since August 20, 2019.

 

NTRA expenses include both “per door” requirements, which increase as New Town adds residences, and operating expenses, such as legal services and pool maintenance.

 

Landscaping services is the major “per door” expense.  It accounts for 43% of the NTRA budget.  The cost of landscaping services is set by contract.  The Committee has budgeted a $42K increase for 2020.  The Landscape Advisory Committee requested an additional $12K which is aimed primarily at refreshing the landscaping in a mature common area of Chelsea Green.   An additional $4K has been budgeted for legal support to help with the transition of the Board of Directors to resident control.  The NTRA will use our current lawyer who specializes in HOAs and is recognized in Virginia as one of the best.

 

The Committee’s recommended budget keeps a sharp watch on reserves.  The objective is that reserves build consistently over the years so that if an unplanned capital cost suddenly appears, the HOA can afford the work without a special assessment on residents.  An engineering firm has studied New Town’s assets and provided a recommended annual contribution to replacement reserves.  NTRA will meet its 2019 reserve goal and, if adopted, the 2020 budget will maintain it.

 

The total 2020 budget is $808,540, which is $110K above 2019.  Of that total, $69K are “per door” costs and therefore do not affect fees.  Operational expenses are basically static and so likewise do not affect 2020 fees.  HOA fees will need to rise to meet the recommended replacement reserve objective.

 

The budget reflects different costs and fees for Village Walk since exterior maintenance of individual homes (e.g., painting, roofing) is part of their homeowners’ agreement.

 

NTRA will maintain its fee structure, divided among cottages, detached homes and town homes.  Fees are budgeted to rise annually for each, respectively:  $44, $96, $52.  Village Walk town homes will have an additional $40 annual increase to cover their exterior maintenance.

The Finance Committee is currently staffed as follows: Chairman Rick Fisher, Vice Chair Chuck Stetler, Secretary Jim Carey, and members Everett Lunsford and Angela Lesnett.

            

The responsibilities of the Committee include:

·     Monitor monthly/quarterly financial reports and investigate significant variances to Budget. Advise Board of Directors

·     Work with the Managing Agent (Town Management) in preparing the NTRA Annual Budget.

·     Conduct an Annual Budget Meeting focused on presenting a detailed review of the Budget to homeowners.

·     Work with the Managing Agent to ensure responsible management of financial assets in accordance with accepted financial practices.

·     Review Replacement Reserve Study and ensure that its guidance is reflected in the Annual Budget

·     Advise the Board of Directors in all financial areas

·     Conduct studies as directed by the Board of Directors

·     Act solely for the benefit of the New Town Residential Association (NTRA)

 

To learn more, be aware that the ANNUAL TOWN HALL BUDGET MEETING will be on held on November 21st from 6:30 - 8:00 PM in Legacy Hall.  The Preliminary 2020 NTRA Budget will be presented to Homeowners. Homeowners are encouraged to attend to ensure that all of their questions are answered.

Your NTRA Activities has planned another great Holiday Party this year.  So, mark your calendars for FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13th, 6:00-9:00 at LEGACY HALL! This is just one of the many fun events which the Activities Committee enjoys putting together each year for our residents:  Noon Talks at Center Street Grill, Kentucky Derby parties, summer parties at the pool, the Holiday party and more. 

 

Over the years, the committee has experimented with various activities and is always looking for new ideas to include more families and other residents while being mindful of cost efficiencies.  

 

The “AC” consists of seven voting members plus other interested residents and meets once a month for about an hour.  The meetings are fun and putting together the events for you is rewarding.  Voting and non-voting members of the committee over this last year have included Tracy Acompara, Karen and Richard Durst, Gloria Engelberger, Bill Haas, Mike Reilly (our leader), Eileen Reilly, Susan Schlimme, Phyllis Sizoo, and Tim Weidman (RAB).

 

Each year there is opportunity to join the committee as some members move on. So, please come and join us.  Just call Mike Reilly (843 450-5665) or Tim Weidman (757 564-1818) for more information.