MARCH 2010 NEWSLETTER ARTICLE

The recent record snows really brought out the best in our residents.  A big thank you to those of you that worked with and assisted their less capable neighbors sharing food, shoveling and providing shelter.  To those of you that pitched in helping to remove the 100+ trees that fell across the roads we’re all grateful.  In many cases it allowed the crews to keep on plowing.  After we recover from the storm we will be back to clean up the tree branches from along the roadways.  For those that have downed or leaning trees that are on your property please attend to them.  Several good tree services operate in the community.  Please do not throw debris into the ditch. The police and road crew did an outstanding job.  Most worked longer hours than I’d care to put in print.  A few commented that the crew did a much better job during the last storm.  The real difference was in the earlier storm the snow came during the evening rush hour and got compacted while the temperatures were in the low 20’s.  Under those conditions even a large motor grader won’t remove it as with the blade down the front steering wheels just come off the ground.  Time, temperature and the ice melt are the only answer under those conditions.  Just for information, the last storm cost us nearly $50,000 just for sand, ice melt and overtime.  Two trucks went down but were quickly back in service thanks to Highway Garage and Victory Lane Auto.   All in all it was an experience none of us want to repeat any time soon.  One significant loss for the association and several boat owners was the roof of the “C” Dock failed and sunk several small boats including the association work boat.  With the new marina in sight I’m confident we will not replace the roof.  We may even lose the entire “C” Dock.  Time will tell.  On a happier note I met with the representative for the Army Corp of Engineers and physically showed him the location of all the proposed new docks.  He was very pleased and stated it satisfied his concerns.  We are now just waiting for revised drawings and I expect to have his blessing on the permit.  There is one last issue with Stafford County concerning the County Code but I’m confident we can work it out.     

Stafford County has run into an issue with Dominion Virginia Power concerning the proposed walkway to the Government Island Project.  The issue is the clearance to the overhead lines for the construction equipment.  This will probably require some redesign but appears workable.  I am currently seeking proposals to have the Country Club Pools rewhite coated.  The current coating is nearly impossible to keep clean and is becoming very abrasive.  Normal white coatings last 5-10 years.  Thanks mainly to the pool cover we have gotten nearly 15 years out of the finish, more than enough to pay for the cover several times over, to say nothing of the lower water bills.

Plans are being made now to provide free flu shots to our residents.  The intent is to set up a clinic at the Harbour Inn Community Center on March 10^th from late afternoon until early evening.  Look for finalized details in a block announcement elsewhere in the newsletter.

Here’s hoping the groundhog was wrong and spring is right around the corner.