Meeting Minutes Semi-Annual General Membership Meeting

Bonnie Brae Elementary School October 9, 2003

President Carole Rodero called the meeting to order at 7:45PM.

Treasurer Al Obuchowski presented the treasurer’s report

Membership Results Update:
2001: approx. 355 members - 60% of total residents
$860 taken in for All Night Grad Party (& spent)
$871 taken in for scholarship (total of $1,871 with other CAs that participate). Gave out $1,950
2002: approx. 315 members - 54% of total residents
$724 taken in for All Night Grad Party (spent $860)
$739 taken in for scholarship (total of $1,639 with other CAs that participate). Gave out $1,950
2003: As of 10/08 407 members - 70% of total residents
$990 taken in so far for All Night Grad Party
$1,176 taken in so far for scholarship (expecting $2,100 from other CAs that participate)

Goal is to reach 86% membership. Board will discuss continuing drive at November meeting following final numbers from September / October.

Discussion held of possibly posting details of MCA accounting/expenses in the newsletter and on website. Account activity is available currently to all paid MCA members at any time upon request to Treasurer. No change in procedure at this time.

Rodero offered “Thank You’s” on behalf of both the Board and MCA to Co-chairpersons David and Gretchen Bulova for their work on Neighborhood Night Out; Membership Chair Colleen Cioppi for the excellent results of membership drive; Newsletter Editor John Valenti for his continuing work on the newsletter; Distribution Chair Sandy Obuchowski for newsletter & flyer distribution & her work on the membership committee; all the block capts. for the membership drive; Nicole Fall for yard sale advertising; VP Russell Klosk for work with VDOT on this year’s street repaving; Neighborhood Watch Co-chair Catie Morales & all the volunteers for their work supporting /organizing Neighborhood Watch; Webmaster Paul Armstrong for overseeing the Middleridge Website; Community Service Chair Kathy Burrus for managing the Community Service Hours program which helps find activities for teens needing community service hours.

Rodero gave a report on the Yard Sale. A handout of the report was available. Costs of the advertising for the Annual Yard Sale were discussed. It was suggested that ads which are expensive could be replaced by placement of free notices in the local newspapers’ community calendars and commercial ad pamphlets.

Rodero presented the MCA Work Plan Update.

Membership Chair Cioppi presented the report on the 2003/2004 Membership Drive. There was a list for this year’s prize winning block capts. The drive is ongoing but is already the most successful drive in recent years. Indications are that residents are again concerned and taking interest in the community. The large response in membership renewals also shows an interest in participating in Neighborhood Watch. Block capts. and section leaders were recognized for their efforts. As of

Sept 6th. Block Captains Meeting 2 prizes were awarded for 100% success rate.

VP Klosk presented VDOT report. Streets promised for grading and repaving for 2003 in Middleridge (1/3 of neighborhood) are either completed or graded and awaiting new pavement. All work will be done by Nov. 1. VDOT has committed to another 1/3 of Middleridge streets to be graded and repaved for 2004 (see website for list of streets). MCA Board will stay on top of VDOT to try and get remaining 1/3 of subdivision into the 2005 plan. VDOT is fully aware of all the sidewalk issues brought to their attention by MCA Board and will be repairing and replacing 95% of them. All work will be Spring / Summer 2004 time frame due to budget constraints from Richmond.

Klosk presented Cox Cable report. All work (cable laying) within Middleridge to complete the digital cable upgrade is complete. Remaining work along Zion needs to be completed to tie the new cables into the Cox system. No more disruptions within subdivision by Cox crews is anticipated.

Halloween Parade and Party Chair Heather Jones presented her report. Heather is a 9^th grade student at Robinson HS and has organized this event for the past few years. Her volunteer community efforts were recognized by the Board. Parade this year will be Oct 25^th beginning at 2 pm followed by a party in Middleridge Park for the kids. Volunteers are needed to assist with the party. Teens can get community hours for volunteering. Event details, plans & ways to solicit other volunteers were discussed. Civics teachers & church groups were mentioned specifically.

Neighborhood Watch Co-Chair Morales presented her report on the program. She made a strong plea for more volunteers. The program has been up and running since April 2003. The neighborhood was even patrolled during and on the weekend following Hurricane Isabel. This provided extra security during the power outage. If everyone would join in it would mean only one night a year for your community. Currently a few are carrying a majority of the burden. The program needs everyone’s support!

Speeding is again a problem in the neighborhood. Not just pass through traffic but specifically residents of the neighborhood and teenagers. The worst areas appear to be Paynes Church, Rippon Lodge, Broadwater and John Ayers. Stop signs at

Paynes Church/Broadwater and Landmark/John Turley intersections are being frequently ignored.

Fairfax County Police have been called on multiple occasions and will continue to be notified of violators. All are encouraged to call and, when possible, provide license plates numbers when they see such behavior. It is only a matter of time until a child is injured or worse. At the request of those present, MCA Board agreed to again revisit traffic calming measures (stop signs, speed humps, speed bumps, etc.) at its next meeting.

Trees are down in Middleridge Park and around Woodglen Lake from the Hurricane. Rodero will bring this to the attention of the park authority. Debris being thrown in Middleridge Park and around Woodglen Lake (both garbage and leaves / tree branches, etc.) continues to be a problem. The Board will work with Park Authority and Police to have those committing these crimes ticketed and fined. Park Authority may also seek CRIMINAL PROSECUTION against violators.

Award: A $50 gift certificate to 5-Star Jewelers was raffled off (all present not currently officers of the Board were eligible) and was won by John Valenti.

American Red Cross presentation was given by Rebecca Kurylo on disaster preparedness. Ms. Kurylo distributed “5 Actions for Emergency Preparedness” pamphlets and checklists for preparing emergency kits. Info on general home safety was also distributed. President Rodero has extra copies for any MCA members who are interested.

Meeting adjourned at 10 pm.