MewsNEWS - January 2005

Message from the President

Dear Mews Owners and Residents,

Happy New Year to everyone! It’s hard to believe we are already five years into the “New Millennium.”

As part of its start of the New Year, the Mews Board of Directors welcomes Ms. Anne Noonan of Court 8, our newest board member who will finish out the term of Gideon Werner. Gideon recently resigned from the board because of conflicts with his work schedule. Look for more information about Anne in a special biographical feature in this newsletter.

One issue of the New Year that may soon impact the Mews community is the release of the solid waste study of Arlington County which proposes the county’s taking over of trash collections in communities such as Fairlington (see article on page 2). Currently each Fairlington condominium association budgets for its own trash collection.

This issue is very complex and should be carefully studied by all co-owners. The Arlington County Board will be conducting public forums on this issue beginning in February. The results of these studies and the county board’s actions will directly impact on the entire Fairlington community.

At least one Fairlington condominium association has already sent a letter to the Arlington County Board expressing opposition to this plan. This letter may be viewed on the Fairlington web site (www.fairlington.org). The Mews Board of Directors is working with other Fairlington associations to develop a cooperative response to this issue. Residents need to voice their opinions about this study to the Arlington County Board.

This is that time of the year when people look to the future and make resolutions to improve their lives. It is also a time when Mews’ residents can resolve to improve life in the association. Why not make a resolution now to get more involved in the Mews community? How? Why not attend board meetings to not only observe the Board but become an active participant in the management of the association? How about joining a committee and working directly with its members to improve the community?

You can also resolve to meet your neighbors this year and to welcome that new family that recently moved into your court. Take a long walk around the community saying “Hello” to all you meet and enjoying the beauty of this special place. Why not suggest a new social activity to the Recreation Committee as we move closer to spring and summer and volunteer to chair the event and see it through to its conclusion?

Check out the activities of the other six Fairlington associations whose activities, handbooks, and newsletters are all provided at the web site. Enjoy reading them and this newsletter, and think SNOW – most of you know I am an Arlington County teacher and we all welcome snow days! Again, Happy New Year to everyone.

Gretchen Martin

703.933.1368

News

to Muse

Treasurer’s Report - Budget Status

By Seth Low, Treasurer

The November 30, 2004 income and budget statement, supplied by Legum & Norman, reflects a net surplus of $28,158. As of that date, total income is reported as $231,455.

Total expenses, which consist of total operating expenses ($123,207) plus reserve contributions ($80,090), are reported as $203,297. It should be noted that replacement reserve costs have generally been higher than expected.

The finance committee is reviewing the Mews replacement reserves and is expected to present an interim report to the Board on January 25, 2005.

Arlington County to Consider Trash Collection Takeover in Fairlington

Arlington County will begin consideration at its February 2005 Board Meeting (not January as previously reported in the AFB) the "take over" by the county of trash collection in "multi-family" areas.

This will take place by means of a "franchising of commercial and multi-family (such as in Fairlington condo associations) refuse collection." This proposal is contained in the County's "Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP) completed earlier this year.

Assistant County Manager Dottie Dake explained that the County Board will consider advertising the franchising proposal at the February meeting and decide whether to proceed with the State-mandated five-year notice of intent.

This means that the year 2010 is the earliest date for possible implementation of the franchising element of the Plan. Ms. Dake noted that the daily (6 days a week) trash collection schedule (where currently in place) would most likely continue under any new franchising operation.

According to Section 7. 1(2) of the SWMP:

· The County proposes to give, following an adequate preparatory interval after SWMP adoption, the State-mandated five-year notice of intent to implement solid waste franchising. The County would then propose to begin a comprehensive feasibility study on implementing solid waste franchising. Solid waste franchising could increase the County’s control of its waste stream, stabilize the tip fee at the Alexandria/Arlington WTE Facility so that all users of the WTE Facility pay the same fee for waste disposal, and generate revenues for solid waste programs.

The following is quoted from the County's web site (Overview of Solid Waste Management Plan):

“Franchising – feasibility study for commercial and multi-family refuse and recycling collection

· "Franchising" – allowing the county to manage contracts for multi-family and commercial refuse/ recycling services, as it now does for single-family and duplex properties – would give the county better information and control over the entire waste stream. It also would reduce the traffic congestion and air-pollution created by almost 100 haulers.

· Seeking Equitable Pricing

Franchising would also enable Arlington to direct all trash collected to the waste-to-energy (WTE) plant and establish one common disposal fee. Currently, single-family and duplex homes are – in effect – subsidizing disposal costs for commercial and multi-family haulers, perhaps as much as $3 million per year, according to one estimate.

With the proposed plan, Arlington would establish one common disposal fee, lowering disposal costs for single-family disposal by as much as 13% and for some multi-family and commercial haulers as well. The proposed plan includes a five-year notice of intent to franchise.”

For more details, please read the news release (Overview of Solid Waste Management Plan) from the County along with the complete "Solid Waste Management Plan" (SWMP) and updates on this issue provided on the website at:

http://www.fairlington.org/ArlingtonSWMP.htm

Not Here Yet - But Maybe Soon?

New Board member Ann Noonan

New Board member Ann Noonan moved into Fairlington Mews (Court 8) in April 1996 and has lived in Arlington or Alexandria, VA since she was five years old.

Ann first came to Fairlington in 1989, where she lived in a Bradford unit in Fairlington Villages. Ann recalls her childhood days playing with friends in Fairlington in the 1960’s.

Ann received her Bachelor of Music from George Mason University while playing classical guitar. Ann’s interests have since turned to traditional Irish music and dance—she now plays Irish music on button accordion and concertina. Ann is a charter member of the Greater Washington Ceili Club and has served as a member on its Board of Directors.

As a Federal Government employee, Ann has worked for the Department of the Army as program manager for the Selective Reenlistment Program. She is currently employed by the National Science Foundation as Honorary Awards Specialist in the National Science Board Office. In 2000, she took a sabbatical and studied woodworking and furniture making for 9 months in Scotland.

Ann feels that her analytical and managerial skills developed throughout her career will be an asset to the Board. Ann brings to the Board her compassion, dedication, and commitment to ensure Fairlington Mews continues to be a great place to live.

“Ownership” and “Responsibility” in the Mews Condominium Association

The “Fairlington Mews Handbook” (March, 1999) and the “Master Deed and Bylaws” publication are the governing documents of the condominium Council of Co-owners.

These publications are given to each homeowner at settlement and should be made available to renters by their landlords. Co-owners and tenants should read them since they explain their rights and responsibilities as members of the condominium community.

Co-owners jointly “own” the common areas of the condominium. The Board approves contracts with grounds companies for the maintenance of all common areas and monitors the work of a “grounds” or landscape committee in overseeing the appearance and condition of the property.

Any changes made by residents to the common areas, such as planting trees/ shrubs or creating/ enlarging beds, must be approved by the Board of Directors according to the rules and regulations of the association. Any permitted “improvements” to the common areas made by residents become the property of all co-owners.

Patios are “limited common areas”, set aside for the exclusive use of the co-owner. This does not mean that the resident has “carte blanche” to do as he pleases in this space. “Structures in the patio may be no greater than fence heights... trees and shrubs in the patio must be trimmed and may not be permitted to grow higher than 20 feet.

Climbing plants, such as ivy, are prohibited on building walls and fences…The Board may enforce the rule prohibiting trees to grow above the fence line…if root structures…threaten building walls…or roof tiles.” Patios must be kept neat and free of impediments. (Mews Handbook, 6. “Grounds”. F. “Patios”)

Co-owners “own” the interior space of their unit. Certain modifications to the interior may be made by the co-owner without a variance; such modifications include installation of carpets, refinishing floors, painting, replacement of tiled floors, replacement of plumbing and light fixtures, etc.

A complete listing of non-variance modifications may be found in the Mews Handbook, Section 9. 11. “Alterations to a Unit Interior”.

Variances must be requested and received for major interior modifications and an Arlington County Building Permit must be secured before work begins. All such work must meet county codes. Variances/Permits are required for:

· Partial or total removal of walls, floors, or partitions

· Modifications to plumbing

· Electrical modifications

· Any modification affecting roofs or foundations.

“Major structural changes to a unit interior may require the acquisition of an architect’s certificate, to be obtained at the co-owner’s expense, attesting to the compatibility of the change to the building structure.” (Handbook, Section 9. 11)

“Procedures to Ensure

Due Process in Enforcement Cases”

(Policy Resolution No. 97-01)

As a reminder to all residents, in October, 1997, the Mews Board of Directors adopted Policy Resolution No. 97 -01 governing the “enforcement” of co-owners’ adherence to association rules and regulations. This policy statement was issued to all co-owners on November 17, 1997 and is part of the governing documents of the association.

This resolution allows the Board of Directors to issue a citation to any co-owner whose behavior or use of property does not conform to the Council of Co-owners’ rules and regulations and to collect monetary fees for non-compliance.

The procedure is as follows:

· A first written notice of citation advises the co-owner of the nature of the offense, cites regulation allegedly violated, specifies remedy, and includes a timeframe for compliance.

· If the offense is not remedied within the time-frame, a second notice of citation is issued to be delivered by hand or by registered or certified mail. This notice advises the co-owner of the Board’s power to impose monetary charges and informs the co-owner of his/ her right to request a hearing to contest the citation.

· If the offense is not remedied within the number of days specified in the second notice or the co-owner has not requested a hearing, the co-owner is deemed to have waived the right to a hearing and the Board of Directors shall have the power to impose monetary charges.

· When the Board’s judgment is unfavorable to the co-owner, administrative actions required to affect the monetary charge are begun. Monetary charges may not exceed $50.00 for a single offense (e.g. premature trash placement, loud party, parking, etc.) and an additional $10.00 per day may be assessed for any offense of a continuing nature (e.g. failure to repair broken window, move vehicle, etc.) until such offense is corrected.

Click Here, Dude!
Fairlington Web Site Resources

Many of you already have visited and made good use of this Community web site - www.fairlington.org. Here are some helpful links:

Mews Handbook www.fairlington.org/mewshand.htm

· Board Minutes/Newsletters www.fairlington.org/mewsindex.htm

· Condominium Resources Site www.fairlington.org/condoresourcepage.htm

· Emergency Preparedness Page www.fairlington.org/emergencypreparedness.htm

Volunteers

Work

Landscape Committee

The Mews Landscape Committee took a respite from grounds activities during December to “rest up” for the rigors of the spring season.

We will resume regular monthly meetings in January. All interested residents are encouraged to attend our meetings to offer suggestions, raise concerns, and participate in the planning of grounds activities. Meetings are generally held on the second Monday of each month at the South Fairlington Community Center. It is best to call Tom Corbin or Lori Olivas to verify the meeting date as rooms at the center may not be available.

Environmental Enhancements finished the fall planting with the installation of all items except the daffodils and some shrubs slated for Court 2. We have been credited with the cost of these items and will apply it to spring planting. We request that residents monitor the new plantings during dry spells and water thoroughly when the temperatures are above freezing when there is insufficient rain.

The Mews Board of Directors approved a second year contract with Environmental Enhancements. A calendar of grounds activities and applications appears in this newsletter.

During the “off season” of January and February, the crew will complete some rejuvenation work on overgrown shrubs to reduce their height below window level. The shrubs may look “strange” after initial pruning but will begin to fill out in the spring growing season.

Don Hook of Hook’s Tree Services completed pruning to shape many Mews’ trees in December. Some trees were removed due to poor placement, overgrowth, disease, or potential damage to common elements. We were able to work with Arlington County’s urban forester to prune some street trees which were affecting Mews turf and tree health.

The committee has secured a bid proposal from Ron Rubin of Thrive (tree health and care specialists) for disease control and fertilization of some of our mature trees. We have some requests from residents for pruning/ plantings which we received too late to be completed in the fall. These items will be addressed in the spring.

If residents have suggestions/concerns regarding pruning, replacement, or removals, please address your concerns in writing to Tom Corbin or Lori Olivas (contact information may be found on the last page of this newsletter) no later than February 15, 2005, and we will consider these concerns as funds allow.

The committee is drafting a document to explain common planting area procedures and a variance request form for residents who want to install shrubs in common areas near their units. We hope to have this ready for the March newsletter.

Please remember that with the exception of planting perennials and annuals, residents must submit a written request before planting any tree or shrub in the common areas around a residence.

Contact Tom Corbin (tomrcor@aol.com) or Lori Olivas (lorolivas@comcast.net) for more information and include "Mews Landscape" in the subject box.

Neighborly Reminders

Winter Snows

· The Mews has again employed Somerset Contractors for snow removal. When two inches of snow has accumulated on walks and roadways, removal will begin. Residents are asked not to use harsh chemicals to remove the ice from walk ways and steps as this causes the mortar and cement to disintegrate. Use sand, kitty litter, or other “mortar safe” products. Check the label before applying.

· Please remember that if you can’t travel out on the streets, the trash collectors cannot travel into the Mews. Do not put trash out to accumulate when the roads are impassable. When in doubt about trash collection during snows, call management.

· With the configuration of our parking lots, it is impossible not to have the contractors put some snow in parking spaces. Be a good sport and remove it, making sure you put it on the curb and not in someone else’s space!

· Check on elderly or incapacitated neighbors in inclement weather and offer to help in anyway you can.

January/February Grounds Work

During January and February, Environmental Enhancements will be completing the following tasks as weather allows:

· Debris/ leaf clean up to include blowing sidewalks and streets, picking up sticks, and removing weeds from beds

· Removal of deadwood from lower areas of trees and removal of dead bloom from crape myrtles

· Deadwood removal in shrubs; rejuvenation pruning as budget hours allow

· Cut back perennials and grasses

· Prepare for spring clean up and mulching

Satellite Dishes and Exterior Antennae

Board Resolution No. 2004-01 (April 20, 2004) states the conditions governing installation of these devices. In general, no part of an exterior dish, antenna or related equipment may be above the horizontal plane of the top of the patio fence. A resident must secure a board variance for any device which, when installed, extends above the patio fence plane.

Trash Collection Reminders

· Collection is everyday except Sunday and New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

· In the morning of pick up, put properly bagged trash on or near stoop by 7:00 AM.

· Trash left at court entrances hinders grounds maintenance activities.

· Do not put trash out the night before pick up as this attracts rodents.

· Cans, glass, and plastics are recycled on Tuesdays. Separate from regular trash.

· Newspapers (in paper bags or secured bundles) are recycled on Wednesdays. Separate from regular trash.

· Spray the inside of bags with an insect repellant or ammonia to discourage squirrels.

· Large item pick up is scheduled for the first Saturday of each month. Put items at the curb.

NOTE: Tsunami-Related Donations Can Be Deducted for 2004 If Made by January 31.

Check www.fairlington.org for Details

Board

Minutes

Highlights

Complete, detailed Mews Board Minutes can be found on the Fairlington Web Site at the Mews Home Page:

www.fairlington.org/mewsindex.htm

November 30, 2004

· Tom Corbin outlined the proposed Arlington County trash collection plan. Sher Opal reported that a representative from Legum & Norman had attended one of the community meetings, adding that Fairfax County had done the same thing. Mr. Corbin advised following the All Fairlington Bulletin for more information.

· Kathy Morrison Taylor and several members of Court 11 explained why they wanted to keep the cherry tree that was slated for removal. There was extensive discussion about why trees need to be taken down and how they are replaced (some trees originally planted in the wrong places, some trees at the end of expected life, disease, branches dying off, etc.). Gretchen Martin said that the board would try to improve communication about such matters, including earlier notification of such proposed work.

· Doug Hays from Seal Engineering was present to discuss the repairs to masonry in half the courts, and addressed the issue of why the work cost more than budgeted. Some of the damage apparently was not visible until repairs started to be made. Six of the courts had been completed.

· Gretchen Martin reported that she had received two letters from people who wished to fill the remaining term of former board member Gedeon Werner.

· After his presentation of the treasurer’s report, Seth Low asked management for an update on reserve funding for common elements.

· The Landscape Committee reiterated its justifications for the removal of several trees.

· David Biette said that the pool contract had been received and he would review. He reported on the draining of the pool after the season closed because of suspicion about the water level dropping.

· The Newsletter Committee reported that the last issue had come in under budget. There was discussion about posting community-wide notices on a central community bulletin board, possibly located at the single tennis court.

· Ben Marglin said that the finance committee would meet and would discuss the basis for increasing reserves.

· The board voted to continue the masonry repair contract doing only the repairs necessary for safety since any more work would be beyond the amount budgeted for the project. Several other items were reported to management for repair.

Timely Tips

By Sher Opal

Management Agent

Representative

Dates for winter Board meetings: January 25, February 22, and March 22.

Your Association Funds at Work

Court representatives in Courts 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 12, and 13 need to supply a current email address to management for use when association information needs to be forwarded to court representatives. If a court representative does not have access to email, please supply the name of someone in your court who will act as your liaison and get the emailed message to you. Please send your name, court number, and current email address as soon as possible to Sher Opal at sopal@legumnorman.com and to the Newsletter Editors at Mewsnewsletter@aol.com. Email addresses will not be published and will only be used for association matters.

Masonry Repairs: Repairs in Courts 1 through 7 begun in the fall, 2004, have been completed. In the spring, repairs in Courts 8 through 15 will be made. Look for notices from Seal Engineering, who is working with the contractor on this project. Please keep windows closed during these repairs, because there will be mortar dust.

Exterior Painting – Exterior trim in Courts 12-15 is scheduled to be painted beginning June, 2005.

Sewer Relining Project: Of the 43 association maintained main sewer lines, there are still 30 lines needing relining. Work will resume this year on this project, and residents will be notified by management. We have completed year 2 of a 10 year contract to reline the terracotta sewer lines.

Roof Replacements: The Board will be looking at the three remaining asbestos tile roofs for replacement and will determine which roofs will be replaced in 2005. Residents will be notified well in advance of this work by management.

Concrete Repairs: All the 2004 concrete sidewalk/step repairs have been completed. Management will perform an inspection in the spring to determine repairs needed in the 2005 fiscal year.

Parking Lot Resurfacing & New Curbing: The Board has postponed this work until the Finance Committee has completed its review of the replacement reserve schedules.

Double Tennis Court Repairs: Management is in the process of obtaining repair costs for these courts, with an anticipated repair scheduled for the spring of 2005

Management Q&A

Q: What do I do if I have a sewer back in my unit?

A: If sewage is coming from the lower floor (basement) drain or the toilet, it is management’s responsibility to respond and repair. Owners should contact management immediately to provide a plumber to make necessary repairs and a restoration company to clean and sanitize the affected areas.*

If there is a question of whether the clogged area is in the main line or in the individual owner’s line, management has been directed to advise the owner to contact his/ her plumber first to make the repair and then to request in writing a reimbursement from the association.

All Kitchen sink back-ups are the responsibility of the owner. **

*If repair costs are over $2,500, management will file an insurance claim, and the association pays the deductible. If the repair costs are under the deductible amount, the association will pay these expenses from association’s general funds.

** If repairs costs are over $2,500, management will file an insurance claim to cover the expense to repair damages to the unit and the owner pays the deductible. If the repairs are under the deductible, the owner has no coverage for this claim under the master policy, but should file a claim with his/ her individual homeowner policy.

Highlights

Inside