Reston Association’s Board of Directors plans to defer $1.3 million in capital work for the upcoming 2021 capital budget.
Although budget deliberations continue, RA staff have identified six projects that will likely be deferred to future years. Plans for deferrals come as nearly $600,000 in capital work has been adjusted or added, including the renovation of Lake Thoreau Pool and general increases in costs for construction and materials.
Plans for Lake Anne Dam, which currently does not meet state safety codes for overtopping Wiehle Avenue during a design flood, could be deferred. Currently, a state committee has been forced to evaluate dam regulations for all structures in Virginia, according to draft meeting materials. The outcome of those discussions could take up to two years to formalize.
“We will maintain our provisional approved status with the state with no penalties enforced,” according to RA meeting materials.
A more comprehensive renovation of the Glade Tennis Court may also require the deferral of that project. Staff found that more work beyond planned that grading and lighting retrofitting is necessary.
Other deferred project include:
- The addition of seven vehicles and mowers
- Lake Newport pool siding
- Glade Pool floor coating, cabinets and counters
- Newbridge cabinets and counters
So far, the $3.45 million draft budget includes the renovation of Lake Thoreau Pool, with project costs being split between 2021 and 2022.
The meeting is set for Thursday, Oct. 22 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom.
A Rare Butterfly Species Species Spotted — “Reston resident and photographer Ed Hass has documented a new spread-winged skipper butterfly species found in Reston. According to iNaturalist, one has never been reported here. They are normally found in South America and the southern U.S.” [Reston Association]
Deadline for Mail-in Ballot Approaches — Friday is the last day to apply for a vote by mail in the Nov. 3 election. The most secure and quickest way to apply is through the state’s online portal. [Fairfax County Government]
New CFO for HCA Northern Virginia — “ HCA Northern Virginia has named Dustin Fosness the new chief financial officer (CFO), effective Oct. 19, 2020. In this role, Fosness will oversee financial operations for Reston Hospital Center, StoneSprings Hospital Center, and Dominion Hospital.” [Reston Hospital]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
Candidate Sought for Design Review Board — Reston Association is seeking a candidate for a design professional position on the board. The application is available online. Members must be in good standing to be considered for a committee. [RA]
Reston Hospital Center to host ‘Crush the Crisis’ Opioid Take-back Day — “With the opioid crisis still raging throughout the nation, Reston Hospital Center will be taking part in “Crush the Crisis,” an opioid drug take-back day, which will allow the community to safely dispose of unused or expired opioid medications.” [Reston Hospital Center]
Indictments Secured in Bihar Ghaisar Killing — “Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano said on Thursday that he has secured indictments that include manslaughter against the two U.S. Park Police officers who shot and killed Bijan Ghaisar, an accountant from McLean, Virginia.” [WTOP]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
A Review of Bonchon in Plaza America — “Locals can now celebrate the reopening of area restaurants, and for Reston residents, a big culinary–and exotic–treat has opened in Plaza America, a few doors down from Whole Foods. That’s Bonchon, a Korean restaurant group that offers both traditional and modernized Korean chicken dishes, plus much more. For anyone who craves chicken in any way, shape, or form, Bonchon is an ideal destination.” [Reston Connection]
Lasagna Love Helps Fight Food Insecurity — An association manager professional from Reston is using her love for cooking to help feed people facing food insecurity to the pandemic. [Reston Patch]
New Pumping Carving Contest Comes to Reston — Reston Association is challenging residents to create designs on pumpkins in “The Greatest Pumping Carving Contest.” Winners will be announced on Oct. 30. Registration is required. [RA]
More Time to Register to Vote— A federal court has extended Virginia’s voter registration deadline after an accidentally clipped fiber optic cable took down the Department of Elections website on Tuesday for hours on the final day of voter registration. Voters in Virginia will now be able to register until 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, in person or online. [NPR]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
Despite full support for a major replacement of Lake Thoreau Pool, Reston Association’s Board of Directors grappled with how to fund the project, which could cost up to $3.5 million.
At a meeting on Thursday night, board members said it was unclear how RA would fund the project as it develops the budget for the coming fiscal year. RA staff and CEO Hank Lynch suggested splitting the cost of the project between fiscal years 2021 and 2022.
The board’s latest meeting highlighted pressing and longstanding budgetary management concerns as RA determines next steps for moving forward with the project.
RA’s COO Larry Butler stressed the need for more structured longterm planning, including the developing of a five-and ten-year capital project plan for projects that exceed $250,000. Those plans would allow the board and the community to have a “true understanding or real costs,” he said.
“There’s a lot to be done in that realm,” Butler said.
Board Director Ven Iyer said the question of how to fund Lake Thoreau highlights RA’s habits of “fiscal irresponsibility.”
“In spite of bringing in 18 million a year, we are unable to find $3.5 million dollars to fix a pool,” he said.
For the pool, the most favored design includes a zero-depth wading pool in what used to be the facility’s deep end, expand the parking lot and bathhouse to meet Fairfax County and Americans with Disabilities Act code requirements, and incorporate an elevated observation and lounge deck.
Staff recommends splitting project costs between $1.6 million in 2021 and 1.5 million in 2022. Under this scenario, the board could defer upgrades to Lake Anne’s dam and renovations to Glade Tennis Court.
RA is expected to grapple with other major renovation projects, included the full-scale renovation of Shadowood Pool. Despite cosmetic changes in the last few years, parts of the facility are obsolete and ongoing sewage issues continue on the site.
Lynch also stressed that RA needs to allows its recreational facilities and working group to evaluate the association’s recreational needs, missed opportunities for amenities, and a review of the need or lack thereof of current amenities.
RA Board Director John Mooney suggested that the board consider financing certain project instead of pay-as-you-go funding.
“It’s not fair that current rate payers foot the bill for a facility that will serve multiple future generations of rate payers,” he said.
A motion to direct staff to explore an across-the-board seven-percent cut to all operational expenses failed to gain traction. Some board members said they were confident staff had already pared down operational expenses to the extend possible.
Discussions on the budget are expected to continue in coming meetings.
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
Cellphone Pioneer Fades Into History — “Reston, Virginia-based NII Holdings, whose predecessor Nextel Communications pioneered the push-to-talk cellphone in the 1990s, has filed a petition for dissolution of its business. The Verified Petition for Dissolution was filed in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware.” [WTOP]
Police Investigate Sunoco Gas Station Robbery — The Fairfax County Police Department is investigating a robbery at the station, which is located at 13470 Coppermine Road. A man assaulted an employee and demanded cash from the register at around 12:14 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8. He disappeared from the scene, police said. No injuries were reported. [Fairfax County Police Department]
At-Large Listening Session Set This Week — After a series of district-focused meeting, Reston Association is hosting an at-large listening session on Thursday. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. via Zoom. [Reston Association]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
Be Wary of Deer Crashes — The Fairfax County Police Department is warning residents that fall is breeding season for deer. Deer crashes are a particular safety concern between October and December. [FCPD]
At-Large Listening Session Set for Next Week — The last of Reston Association’s five listening sessions will take place on Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. on Zoom. [RA]
Reston Contractor to buy Alexandria Tech Company — “Reston-based government IT contractor Xenith Solutions LLC announced Thursday it will acquire Alexandria-based tech company TRI-COR Industries (TCI). Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.” [Virginia Business]
Photo via Marjorie Copson
Virginia Prepares for Possibility of Vaccine Dispersal — “The Virginia Department of Health sent a letter to health care providers informing them that the department is preparing for the potential release of a vaccine for COVID-19 as early as Nov. 1. The letter represents a “call to action” to health care providers to prepare to provide a vaccine but does not mean that a vaccine will be available in November, the department said.” [Reston Patch]
Activities in a Box Now Available — Reston Association is now offering Activities in a Box for members who are age 55 and above is available for pre-order. Each box includes different activities and a link to connect virtually for coffee or happy hour. [RA]
More Business Can Apply for Small Business Grant Program — More business sectors can now apply for the Rebuild! Va Grant Fund, a program intended to help small businesses and nonprofit organizations whose operations were disrupted by COVID-19. [Fairfax County Government]
Reston Association’s Board of Directors is working through various funding options for the planned renovation of Lake Thoreau Pool.
Although most residents appear to agree on a plan presented by design consultant Kimley-Horn, RA must now determine the best way to finance the multi-million project.
At previous community meetings, members have expressed support for a lean design concept that would largely work within the existing footprint of the aging site. A zero-depth wading pool would be installed on the facility’s deep end, the parking lot would be expanded, and the bathhouse would meet county and federal code requirements for individuals with disabilities. A lounge observation deck is also planned in the new design.
The first concept is expected to cost between $2.9 and $3.5 million while a more extensive rehaul. Would cost between $3.8 million and $4.6 million, according to meeting materials.
RA staff recommends that the board adopt the first concept and split project costs between fiscal years 2021 and 2022. Other major projects above $250,000 would be pushed forward by two years.
At a meeting on Thursday, Oct. 8, RA’s board will discuss whether or not the project should be fully funded within the next two fiscal years. Other planned topics. Of discussion include eliminating or repurposing facilities that do not offer value to members and are costly to operate.
The discussion comes as RA tackles current and anticipated projects. In a 2019 reserve study, consultant DMA Reserves identified more than 1,300 capital assets and offered a suggested replacement plan.
Between 2021 and 2031, RA hopes to tackle ten major pool and tennis projects that would cost more than $250,000. Some projects have been deferred.
For example, renovations to the Lake Newport Tennis Court have been deferred until 2022 until a “more intensive renovation” will be conducted, according to meeting materials.
The board will also discuss other issues, including a review of the role of the Recreation Facilities Working Group and an analysis of the 2019 reserve study. The meeting takes place via Zoom.
Photo via handout/RA
Senior Girl Scout Builds Turtle Platform — Mercer Thomas built a turtle platform on Lake Thoreau as part of her Gold Award to help the turtle population in Reston. Thomas needs the community’s help to track her project. [Reston Association]
Final Construction of STEAM Project Underway — Students from South Lakes High School’s STEAM team is working on the final construction phase of “Part & Parcel,” a temporary sculpture to be installed in the Lake Thoreau spillway in Reston. [Public Art Reston]
Metro Plans Next Phases of Reconstruction, Capital Projects — “Metro will rebuild deteriorating outdoor platforms at Arlington Cemetery, Addison Road, and four Green Line stations north of Fort Totten next year, continuing its robust capital program to keep the system safe and reliable for the next generation of riders.” [Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority]
Reports of Stolen Campaign Signs Increase — “With less than a month until Nov. 3, and 2020’s contentious political climate, local police and sheriff’s departments are fielding reports of stolen, damaged and vandalized campaign signs.” [WTOP]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
New Roles for County Bus Drivers — Fairfax County Public Schools’ bus drivers are taking on new roles during a hiatus in in-person learning. Some were matched with temporary jobs based on their skill set. [NBC 4]
Volunteers Sought for Laptop and Book Distribution — Volunteers are “greatly needed” to help schools in Reston and Herndon, according to Fairfax County Public Schools. Volunteers can sign up to help with curbside library book distribution, weekend food distribution packing, helping with laptop distribution, and other tasks. [Fairfax County Government]
Virtual Appraisal Roadshow Set for Tomorrow — Reston Association is hosting a virtual appraisal roadshow from 11 a.m. to noon tomorrow (Tuesday). Experts will be on-site to educate the audience about facts and the worth of items selected by residents. [RA]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
Reston-based Company Lands Huge Contract — “The U.S. Army awarded Reston-based Fortune 100 defense contractor General Dynamics Corp.’s land systems division a potential five-year, $1.22 million contract.” [Virginia Business Monthly]
Committee to Discuss Local Transportation — Reston Association’s Multimodal Transportation Advisory Committees opening the floor fr comment from residents about the state of transportation in Reston. The meeting is set for Oct. 8 via Zoom at 6:30 p.m. [Reston Association]
Traditional Trick-or-Treating Not Recommended by County — “Fairfax County government and the health department will recommend against traditional trick-or-treating but will not cancel it altogether. The county’s guidance is in line with the Centers for Disease Control recommendations for Halloween and other fall activities.” [Reston Patch]
Photo via vantagehill/Fickr
Reston Association’s biannual Approach Roadshow typically allows patrons to uncover treasures already in their possession during an in-person event.
This year’s treasure hunt experience will go virtual due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Residents will get the change to present one valuable such as jewelry, coins, porcelain, artwork and heirlooms.
Appraisal experts will offer facts and information on the item, its worth and what can be done with it. Participants should email a photo of their item to [email protected]. Private appointments with experts are also possible.
The event takes place on Oct. 6 from 11 a.m. to noon. Members pay $14 while all others pay $16. Registration is open online.
Photo via Reston Association
Reston Association’s Environmental Advisory Committee is in the process of developing a pilot program that will encourage local restaurants to reduce the use of single-use plastics.
The voluntary program is currently in the planning stages by the committee, according to a recent news release by RA.
With the program in the background, the committee hopes to raise awareness about the dangers of using single-use plastics, which are made from petrochemicals and are made to be used once. Examples include bottles, straws, plastic cutlery, and bags.
Here’s more from RA on the issue:
By 2050, plastic in the ocean will outweigh fish, according to sources cited by the EAC. Single-use plastic comes at a steep price to the environment, which we will be paying for millennia. For example, a single plastic bottle can take 450 years to degrade.
The Green Education Foundation offers a number of tips on how to use less plastic. They include refraining from using plastic straws, particularly in restaurants. The foundation also recommends reusable produce bags for grocery shoppers. Plastic bags can take 1,000 years to degrade.
Details on the pilot program will be released on the program has launched, according to RA.
Local Career Fair Coming Soon — The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority is hosting a virtual and respelling career fair on Oct. 8 from 1-4 p.m. The fair is open to all industries and levels of experience. [FCEDA]
A Thank You from Reston Association — Nathan Wheeler, RA’s aquatics facility supervisor, thanked RA members in a recent video for their patience with this year’s abridged and varied pool season. [Reston Today]
Early Voting Continues in Fairfax County — So far, Fairfax County residents have cast 7,760 in-person votes during the first week of early voting at the Fairfax County Government Center. Voting is open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. [Fairfax County Government]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
