Moorings Cluster Association
Board of Directors Meeting
15 October 2002
Present: Bill Berkson, Pat Lenz, Carol Matthews, Ron Taylor, Robyn Spence, Erik Landberg
Absent: Frank Best, Bill Jackman, Andrew Nachison
Meeting Called to Order: 8:04 p.m.
Approval of September Minutes (Bill Berkson):
Tim moved to approve the minutes following amendment in the section related to the Grounds Committee report (noting that the Grounds Committee does not intend to alter the plantings in the triangle adjacent to the totlot). Seconded by Pat. Passed unanimously.
President's Report (Bill Berkson):
1. Election Issues:
A clarification of the Cluster By-Laws appears to be in order. The Cluster By-Laws state:
Directors elected from odd-numbered blocks shall serve until the annual meeting of members held in the first even-numbered year following their election; Directors elected from even-numbered blocks shall serve until the annual meeting of members held in the first odd-numbered year following their election."
After some discussion, it was agreed that this language is confusing. The intended meaning was determined to be that in 2002 and all even numbered years, Block Representatives for Blocks 1, 3, 5, and 7 are up for re-election. In 2003 and all odd years, Block Representatives for Blocks 2, 4, and 6 are up for re-election. However, this is by no means clear to the casual reader. Several possible remedies were discussed including amending the By-Laws to clarify the language. However, apparently the same language is used in the By-Laws of other Cluster Associations in Reston and the legal interpretation is unambiguous. For this reason, the Board agreed not to amend the By-Laws, and instead to add an explanation of this provision to the Cluster "Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQ) page. Tim Cohn will have the Cluster webmaster (Alex Cohn) make this addition to the FAQ.
2. Block 2 and 4 Election in 2002:
It was noted that, based on the determination described above, there should have been an election for the Block 2 and 4 representatives at the 30 October 2001 Annual Meeting. However, the minutes of that Annual Meeting do not show that these elections were held. For this reason, and based on the Board's interpretation of the Cluster By-Laws, the Board agreed that elections for a one-year term will be held for the block 2 and 4 representatives at the 24 October 2002 Meeting. For years after 2002, Blocks 2 and 4 will return to schedule. Elections for the Block 2 and 4 representatives will be held in 2003, and all subsequent odd years.
Sign and Signage Committee (Bill Berkson):
Ron Taylor handed out a report on the new signs for the Cluster. The Sign Committee report includes recommendations for the signs at the various entrances to the Cluster. It proposes, among other things, stenciled numbers on the curb in front of the heron to direct traffic to the right (1600-34) or left (1636-66) on Waters Edge Lane. The BOD agrees to try this, using an appropriate (possibly reflective) paint. The Report also addresses "No Parkings" signs: The Sign Committee recommends removing all 21 "No Parking" signs, and replacing them with two signs at the entrance to the Cluster. The Fire Marshall has approved this (see attached letter signed by John S. White). Bill Berkson will get cost information for this.
House Numbers: Sign Committee was unable to reach conclusion. The Cluster has a number of choices, including:
Tim moved that the Cluster Membership be asked to approve the following motion at the annual meeting:
"That the Cluster obtain DRB approval for a new standard house number, and that the Cluster hire a contractor to install the new numbers in a standard location as depicted in the panoramic graphic prepared by Art Lambert (attached)."
Bill Berkson will get estimates on the costs of all of the sign changes that are being proposed. These will be presented at the Annual Meeting. (Bill Berkson later reported that the correct figure for installation was $15 per digit, or $60 per house)
Street Lights (Bill Berkson):
Bill Berkson reports that they are now working on WEL. In recognition of the late hour, we will defer discussion until next board is seated.
Rules and Regulations Committee (Tim Cohn):
The Committee will try to meet for the first time before the Annual Meeting.
Grounds Committee (Erik Landberg):
Erik provided expenditures to date for gardening project on Moorings ($1328 has been spent). Some bulbs are going to be planted in the Cluster, as well as some ferns. It was noted that Grounds Committee would like to review Kathleen Hoxies's contract when it comes up for renewal. Expenditures for forthcoming year may include plantings at west end of Waters Edge Lane.
New business (Bill Berkson):
Questions for Treasurer (who was not present):
Have the taxes been paid?
What is the treasurer going to report at the meeting?
Clarification of Notification for BOD Meetings (Tim Cohn):
Cluster By-Laws require notification by mail, telegram, or in person unless Directors waive their right (possibly in exchange for email notification). Tim proposes that Members of the next BOD, if comfortable with email notification, could formally agree to waive their right to mailed notices.
Meeting adjourned: 9:48 p.m.
--Minutes submitted by Tim Cohn, 15 October 2002
