Black Crowned Night Heron - at Meadow Pond, June 2021 Cover photo by JON EISEN - "Nature and Community in Harmony" - Burke Centre ...
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“Nature and Community in Harmony”
VOLUME 48, NO. 9 THE BURKE CENTRE CONSERVANCY SEPTEMBER 2021
Black Crowned Night Heron
PERMIT NO. 853 at Meadow Pond, June 2021
BURKE, VA
U.S. POSTAGE PAID Cover photo by JON EISEN
PRSRT STD
AROUND BURKE CENTRE
Let’s Stuff the Bus -
September 11 & October 9!
Pictured above: Congressman Gerry Connolly, Supervisor Walkinshaw, and Stuff
the Bus workers collec ng food dona ons.
B
raddock District residents donated 44,320 pounds of food during
our last three Stuff the Bus food drives. The $73,000 worth of food
donations is a tangible demonstration of our community’s generosity
and spirit. But now we need to do it again!
According to the Feeding America Impact of Coronavirus on Food
Insecurity projections (published March 29, 2021), the food insecurity rate
in Fairfax County is 7.4%, up from 5.8% in 2019. That means about 86,716
people don’t have access to sufficient food because of limited financial
resources. Together, we can make sure that families in our community have
warm and nutritious meals tonight.
Get the Burke Centre Mobile App Our next Stuff the Bus Food Drive will take place both on Saturday,
September 11, in honor of National Day of Service, and on Saturday, October
isit the Apple or Google Play Stores from your 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Braddock District office (9002 Burke
phone, tablet or other device(s) to download the Lake Road, Burke, Virginia 22015), the Oaks Community Center (5708 Oak
Burke Centre community app (search “Burke Centre Leather Dr, Burke, VA 22015), and 19 additional locations throughout Fairfax
Conservancy”), designed specifically for Conservancy County. By donating, you can help fight hunger and feed hope here in our
members. community. I hope to see you there!
For Current Mobile App Users: For updates, including donation locations, most requested food items, and
The mobile app has recently been refreshed following an extensive update completed more, sign up for the Braddock District Email List by visiting
by the developer. The calendar is back up and running following this update, plus, the https://conta.cc/2XqJBMm or by emailing my office
app now features access to the digital pool pass for Burke Centre pool members. If you at Braddock@Fairfaxcounty.gov. Make sure to follow
do not have auto updates turned on for your device, please visit the Apple or Google me on Facebook @SupervisorJamesWalkinshaw,
Play store and select “UPDATE” to access the updated version. If you are interested on Twitter @JrWalkinshaw, and on Instagram @
in adding this free app to your device, please search for “Burke Centre Conservancy” SupervisorJamesWalkinshaw to get updates!
at the Apple and Google Play stores. It’s a convenient way to help keep up with
community news and activities. -Braddock Supervisor James Walkinshaw
Extra Pool Weekend - Saturday & Sunday, September 11 & 12, 2021
Ponds Pool Extended Weekend Many thanks to all Burke Centre pool members for making
Saturday & Sunday, 9/11-9/12 the 2021 pool season a success. We appreciate your patience
11 AM-6 PM, Both Days as we worked through operational transitions due to the
global pandemic as well as a new electronic pool membership
system. Please send email to your trustee or poolclerk@
B
urke Centre pool members are welcome to visit the
Ponds Pool during the extended weekend hours using burkecentre.org to share any input you may have that would
your current pool membership or guest pass. help to make your pool experience better next year.
PAGE 2 THE BURKE CENTRE CONSERVATOR SEPTEMBER 2021
CONSERVANCY BUSINESS
BURKE CENTRE CONSERVANCY
“Nature & Community in Harmony”
6060 Burke Centre Parkway
Survey time extended - Share Proposed Diversity,
Burke, VA 22015-3702
Office Phone: (703) 978-2928
Equity & Inclusion
your valuable input with the
Office Fax: (703) 978-5160
EMAIL: administraƟon@burkecentre.org
Charter Org. (DEICO) WEB SITE: www.burkecentre.com
Board of Trustees! MOBILE APP: Search “Burke Centre
Conservancy” @Google Play & Apple Stores
A
n organizing group of Burke
Centre residents has been working Conservancy Office Hours
T
he Board of Trustees is seeking community input regarding your preferred
with the Board for the past few Monday-Friday: 9:00 am-5:00 pm
method for attending monthly meetings - Virtual (i.e., Zoom, Teams, Sat. 9 am-Noon (RecepƟon services only)
etc.), In-Person or Other. The Board would also like to hear from you on a months to establish a Diversity, Equity &
couple of other items and has developed a brief survey (see below for link or QR Inclusion (DEI) group in Burke Centre.
Following several discussions, a draft ver- Assessment Mailing Address
code) to solicit your thoughts. We look forward to hearing from you! Payment Processing Center
sion of a charter organization agreement
P.O. BOX 105007
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JTH6B3C?fbclid=IwAR0 was developed and can be found on page Atlanta, GA 30348
SL5AF5kgel5TVz7NNp4HWObckC1XHdDfdCW-b_Dp3F- 13 in this issue for community review
and input. Also see Letters to the Editor, CONSERVANCY VOLUNTEERS
MYJSvjs0gK_Rdc All Board and commiƩee/organizaƟon mem-
starting on page 14, to view community
bers are volunteers; not paid employees of
Please note that surveys submitted without a valid Burke Centre discussion on the proposed group. the Conservancy. When you contact these fel-
address will not be counted. Thank you for your participation! low residents, please remember that they are
The Board will discuss this topic at their volunteering their own Ɵme to serve the Burke
Conservancy Office Closed on
September 7 Working Session and Sep- Centre community. Thank you!
tember 20 Board meeting, 7:30 PM, via
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
September 6 for Labor Day
Zoom. A vote on the proposed charter
draft agreement is anticipated for the COMMONS: MARC FLASTER, President
September 20th meeting. If you are unable commonstrustee@burkecentre.org
to attend the meetings, please feel free to LANDINGS: DENIS GULAKOWSKI, VP
T
he Conservancy office will reopen at 9 AM on Tuesday, September 7.
submit your input to your neighborhood landingstrustee@burkecentre.org
If you need immediate assistance over the holiday, please contact the
trustee via email (right column or admini- OAKS: STEVEN SHAPIRO
Emergency After Hours line at 1-866-878-2430. Please use the After
stration@burkecentre.org (or both). oakstrustee@burkecentre.org
Hours line only for urgent matters such as a fallen tree blocking road access,
PONDS: LEE SCHMIDT, Secretary
problems during a community center use, etc. Always dial 9-1-1 for life-threat-
Late charges
pondstrustee@burkecentre.org
ening emergencies. Use the Fairfax County Police Non-Emergency number to
WOODS: BRANDON WHITEMAN
& delinquent
report noise complaints, parking issues on VDOT streets, etc. at 703-691-2131.
woodstrustee@burkecentre.org
assessment interest
AT-LARGE: JUSTIN DAY
Regular collection is scheduled for September 6th with no anticipated service
atlargetrustee1@burkecentre.org
interruptions. Please report missed pickups by calling 703-257-7100. Here is
resume October 1st
AT-LARGE: MARCI LAWSON, Treasurer
some general information from Patriot Disposal Services for your reference: atlargetrustee2@burkecentre.org
https://www.patriotdisposalservices.com/faq-residential.
T
he Board of Trustees recently APPEALS BOARD
All Burke Centre pools will be open on September 6 according to the currently
voted to resume the application DAVID CHESTERMAN, Chairman
published pool hours under POOLS at www.burkecentre.com.
of late charges and delinquent COLEEN CHESTERMAN
Traffic Calming Measures:
assessment interest, effective October 1, JULES RADICE
2021. GREG SMITH
Results for Heritage Landing Rd & Burnside Landing Dr During the beginning of the pandemic the ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD
staff was directed to suspend late charges CARMEN ALVARADO (Chairman/Ponds)
T
he ballots submitted for traffic calming measures on Heritage Landing and delinquent assessment interest to LAURA KUNKLE (Landings)
Road and for Burnside Landing Drive have been tallied. The measures did accounts due to the uncertainty of the JONATHAN POSEY ΈAt-Large)
not pass because there were not enough ballots returned. To pass, more economy and the COVID-19 pandemic. MICHAEL SHUMAKER ΈPondsΉ
than 50% of the occupied homes in the ballot area must return a ballot in support KAREN DELANEY (Landings)
of the traffic calming plan for the plan to be implemented. At their August meeting, the Board voted
to resume the procedures set forth in ARB Applica on Deadlines:
The ballot area for Burnside Landing encompassed 222 homes; this measure Section II, Remedies for Non-Payment, of 5 PM on 9/7 for SEPT. mee ngs
needed 112 ballots returned with a “yes” vote. Only 89 ballots were returned with Administrative and Policy Resolution No. 5 PM on 10/4 for OCT. mee ngs
a “yes” vote. There were 42 “no” votes. There were 91 ballots not returned. 5A-1, relative to the application of interest arbapplicaƟons@burkecentre.org
charges and acceleration of delinquent
The ballot area for Heritage Landing encompassed 90 homes; this measure assessments, to become effective October Conservancy Management Staff
needed 46 ballots returned with a “yes” vote. Only 34 ballots were returned with a 1, 2021. PATRICK GLOYD, ExecuƟve Director
“yes” vote. There were 19 “no” votes. There were 37 ballots not returned. (patrick@burkecentre.org)
Please contact the Finance Department Jeannie Winslow, Director of AdministraƟon
Many thanks to the Traffic Calming Task Force members who worked so hard to if you have any questions or concerns (jeannie@burkecentre.org)
help find solutions to traffic concerns in these busy areas. Any questions may be regarding this policy or your assessment Darryl Payne, Finance Administrator
(darryl@burkecentre.org)
submitted to: bcctrafficcommittee@gmail.com. Thank you for your interest, and account: darryl@burkecentre.org or James McCormick, F&R Administrator
we appreciate all who participated in the process. randi@burkecentre.org. (james@burkecentre.org)
SEPTEMBER 2021 THE BURKE CENTRE CONSERVATOR PAGE 3
Margaret spoke in support for the organization and
BOARD OF TRUSTEES (BOT) requested that the draft charter be distributed to
residents so that they can see what the organization
intends. Mr. Dorantes then spoke in non support of
T
he following summarizes Board actions made during the August 16, 2021 Board of Trustees (BOT) DE&I group and inquired on how to submit a letter
meeting, held via Zoom teleconference. Thank you to all who participated in this meeting. Please note to the Board.
that this summary is in draft format, subject to change, and will not be approved until the next Board
of Trustees meeting. Please contact Jeannie Winslow at the Conservancy office, 703-978-2928 | email: c. Formation of Traffic Committee: Mr. Gloyd
j
jeannie@burkecentre.org
@ g, if you have any questions about the meeting summary. reported that this item had been tabled from the
previous meeting. Trustee Shapiro mentioned
his background as a professional traffic engineer
Board of Trustees Meeting
for their consideration and addressing a
few concerns. Mr. Morse expressed some spending 25 years working for the Virginia
8/16/2021, 7:30 PM, via Zoom concerns about the amount of time Board
and volunteers would be spending on this
Department of Transportation (VDOT). Trustee
Shapiro mentioned that his background could be
DRAFT SUMMARY group and felt those resources were needed instrumental in resolving issues regarding traffic in
to work on other priorities at this time. Mr. the community. Trustee Shapiro then mentioned a
1.
AGENDA APPROVAL: President Flaster called Streitmater inquired about the context and few of his accomplishments in the community such
the meeting to order at 7:31 PM and made a motion criteria for chartered organizations and as the Fairfax County Parkway and Burke Centre
to approve the agenda as presented. The motion asked the Board to make this information Parkway interchange issue as well as the crosswalk
was seconded by Vice President Gulakowski and passed available for the community to review. installation at Oak Leather Drive. Mr. Gloyd stated
unanimously, 7 yes votes. the next step in forming this committee would be
Another resident, Catherine, thanked for the Board to direct the staff to develop a draft
2. MINUTES APPROVAL: President Flaster deferred the Board for the time and effort to TOR, which was done by unanimous consent.
voting on the July meeting minutes until the September consider the group, and spoke in support
meeting to allow sufficient time to review the drafts. of the organization mentioning potential d. Delinquent Assessment Interest Charges: Mr.
opportunities it could bring to the community. Gloyd recalled that during the beginning of the
3. PRESIDENT’S REPORT AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: pandemic, the staff was directed to suspend late
President Flaster indicated that after further review he has Michael stated that he did not support the charges and delinquent assessment interest to
decided to postpone the vote on the formation of a DE&I formation of a DE&I group and discussed accounts due to the uncertainty of the economy
group to allow more information about it to reach the reasons that he believed such an organization and the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, the staff
community. President Flaster stated that the information could be dangerous to the community. Mr. met with the Budget & Finance Committee and
will be available through the September Conservator as Sawak from the DE&I organizing group the question was raised about whether or not this
well as the web site. President Flaster also announced the addressed a few of the concerns from other suspension should continue. Trustee Lawson
August 19th Food Truck Night and encouraged residents to residents. Mr. Sawak then asked the Board made a motion, seconded by Trustee Gulakowski,
participate. what the threshold would be for deciding to direct the staff to resume the procedures set
on the creation of the charted organization. forth in Section II, Remedies for Non-Payment,
4. RESIDENT INPUT: No input was offered. President Flaster clarified that there is no of Administrative and Policy Resolution No. 5A-
specific answer, however, the Board would 1, relative to the application of interest charges
5. NEW BUSINESS: review all community input to help them
decide on what’s best for the community. BOT BRIEFS - continued on page 5...
a. Appointments: Trustee Shapiro made a motion, seconded
by Trustee Gulakowski, to appoint the following members
to the Tennis Court Task Force (TCTF):
• Paul Fisher of 5808 Wood Laurel Court
• Ross Kendall of 9926 Stone Wood Court
• Pamela Patterson of 6235 Wilmette Drive
• Ronald Relich of 9838 Natick Road
• Jon Weber of 6152 Lucas Pond Court
Mr. Gloyd explained the next steps would be for the staff
to send out an email to the appointees with suggested
kickoff meeting dates. The motion passed unanimously, 7
yes votes.
b. Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DE&I) Organization
Proposal: Mr. Gloyd indicated that during the last
meeting, the Board recommended that the proposed
DE&I group be formed as a Burke Centre Conservancy
(BCC) chartered organization rather than a committee.
The Terms of Reference (TOR) draft had been updated
based on that recommendation. Community feedback
that had been received was also shared with the Board
as part of the discussion. President Flaster stated that
this agenda item was for information only, and then
opened the floor for resident input. Mr. Townsend from
the DE&I organizing group spoke, thanking the Board
PAGE 4 THE BURKE CENTRE CONSERVATOR SEPTEMBER 2021
BOT BRIEFS -- continued from page 4...
and acceleration of delinquent assessments, to BOARD OF TRUSTEES (BOT)
THE COMMONS
become effective October 1, 2021. The motion (if any): Scout Day, Beer and BBQ Board Meeting,
passed unanimously. President Flaster advised that Halloween Decoration Contest, Wine Garden,
this item should be highlighted in the September Virtual Bingo, Spooky Shred, Cluster Orientation,
Conservator so that the community is aware. Volunteer Reception, Toy Collection, and Holiday MARC FLASTER
Decoration Contest. President Flaster inquired Board President &
e. Review of Survey Monkey Responses: Mr. Gloyd about the protocol for these events if they need to Commons Trustee
reported on the Survey Monkey results to date: be canceled due to potential COVID restrictions.
Mr. Gloyd stated that the situation remains
• Future of the Conservator newsletter:
T
fluid and the staff will advise of deadlines as hings never quite seem to slow down in Burke
-61.54% of the 130 votes voted were in favor of they approach so the Board can make informed Centre, even in summer when most of us try
it being published online through the web site and decisions on events as they come up. The motion to take some time off. In fact, it’s been a busy
mobile app. passed unanimously, 6 yes votes and 1 recusal year, with a number of issues that have dominated
-33.08% voted in favor of keeping the printed [Day]. the agenda. Here’s my recap on the latest events and
version. discussions:
-5.38% voted for other. h. Walden Drainage Issue: Mr. Gloyd stated that
there were no updates on this issue, and is still Tennis Task Force. Taking a holistic and well-consid-
• Trustee and Neighborhood Council meetings: waiting to hear back from the Walden community. ered approach towards our tennis policies and activi-
-61.54% voted in favor of continuing with the on- ties is long overdue and thanks go to Trustee Shapiro
line meetings. i. Status of Basketball Goals at Mantle Rd: Trustee in agreeing to oversee the task force. It’s taken a little
-29.23% voted in favor of resuming in-person Schmidt made a motion, seconded by Trustee longer than we’d like, but I think we are close to final-
meetings. Gulakowski, to direct the staff to reinstall all of izing the composition of the group and it should start
-9.23% voted for other. the basketball goals at the Mantle Road courts up soon. More to follow as the group convenes and as
except one goal on the end, closest to the tennis it develops its recommendations.
• Frequency of Neighborhood Council meetings: courts, in accordance with the recommendation
-31.54% voted in favor of holding the put forth by the Bass Pond Cluster Committee DE & I Committee Proposal. We deferred the vote
Neighborhood Councils on a monthly basis. effective October 1st, 2021. Kevin, a resident from on the proposal until the September meeting because
-65.38% voted in favor of holing Neighborhood the Ponds community, the spoke in non-support it’s important that full information regarding this
Councils on a quarterly basis. of reinstalling the basketball hoops. Kevin gave charter be shared in as many ways as feasible with
-3.08% voted for other. background information on people coming to our residents. Notably, the draft charter can be found
use the basketball courts last summer that were elsewhere in this month’s Conservator. Your Board
After further discussion on the results, the Board not from the community. These individuals were of Trustees is very much interested in your opinions,
decided to extend the survey deadline in order causing issues and disturbances at the courts. positive or negative, and feel free to contact the Con-
to receive a larger response from the community Another resident from the community, Chris, then servancy staff or reach out to your individual Trustee
and to promote the survey through the September spoke in non-support for reinstalling the basketball with your comments and opinions. This will all be
Conservator distribution. They will review the results hoops. Chris mentioned a few instances from last taken into consideration when the Board meets later
again at the September BOT meeting. summer as well of people using the courts that this month and votes on the proposal.
were not from the community causing disruption
f. Burke Centre Pools Update: Mr. Gloyd provided and threatening violence. The motion failed with 4 BCC Member Survey Questions. Surveying our
statistics stating that as of August 6th there were no votes (Gulakowski, Shapiro, Day, Flaster) and 3 residents for their input on specific issues hasn’t been
2,603 applications, 0 pending, 108 approved yes votes (Schmidt, Lawson, Whiteman). done much in the past and we are learning as we go.
waiting on payment, 2,196 valid, 16 invalid, To make sure that we can reach out and obtain reliable
and 283 in drafts. He also mentioned that pool j. Department of Forestry Grant Application: data, we are extending the survey deadline and also
labor shortages are being reported by the pool Trustee Whiteman made a motion, seconded by posting in the Conservator for additional input. As the
management industry. Due to these labor shortages Trustee Lawson, to authorize the staff to file for Landings Trustee has pointed out, the decisions on vir-
Atlantic Pool Services has proposed some changes a Virginia Trees for Clean Water Program grant tual vs. physical meetings and the timing of Neighbor-
to the pool hours during the school week. The to plant 120 native trees and shrubs in various hood Council meetings are not permanent ones, but
Ponds, Landings and Oaks pools are normally clusters’ open space as proposed by Open Space changing the complexion of the Conservator from a
open 3 to 7 PM, and will change to 4 to 8 PM Committee member Craig Willett. The motion paper version to all electronic is not one easily revers-
on weekdays. The Commons pool is normally passed unanimously, 7 votes yes. ible. The mail service delivery quality of the Conser-
open at noon during the week and will change its vator is getting worse, not better. Personally, if we do
hours to to 4-8 PM. Mr. Gloyd added that he is 6. TREASURER’S REPORT: Mr. Gloyd stated that decide to go electronic, I would like to see some sort
working out details with Atlantic to make up for there was no report due to the implementation of the of opt-in method of receiving a paper Conservator,
the lost hours by keeping a pool open for an extra new TOPS One system. Once it is available it will be but I recognize the difficult and continual bookkeep-
weekend. He indicated that the Ponds Pool is under forwarded to the Board for review. ing that this would entail. It may be possible to drop
consideration for being kept open on the weekend off copies of the Conservator with the Burke Centre
after Labor Day. 7. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT: Mr. library or other storefronts, but that hasn’t been sorted
Gloyd deferred making a formal report for the sake of through yet. We stand ready for your input and further
g. Proposed Community Events with Cost time and asked the Board if they had any questions. discussion on this matter.
Estimates: Trustee Day made a motion, seconded
by Trustee Shapiro, to direct the staff to proceed 8. ADJOURNMENT: President Flaster made a Formation of Traffic Committee. Another good idea
with the planning and implementation for the motion to adjourn at 9:32 PM. The motion was from Trustee Shapiro that we are moving forward
following Conservancy events subject to any seconded by Trustee Gulakowski and passed on, and one that will look at traffic calming matters,
limitations imposed by future COVID restrictions unanimously, 7 yes votes. THE COMMONS - continued on page 6...
SEPTEMBER 2021 THE BURKE CENTRE CONSERVATOR PAGE 5
BOARD OF TRUSTEES (BOT)
changed, given the variability of the subject) the Con-
servancy office is back to its normal schedule where
members can visit without arranging an appointment
in advance. The Delta variant of Covid 19 has dis-
THE LANDINGS FIGURE 1
Burnside Landing Dr
rupted what had been a steady,
Heritage Landing Rd positive return to “normalcy”.
# of Homes 222 90 As always, the Conservancy
DENIS GULAKOWSKI Ballots Received 131 53 follows federal, state and local
Board Vice President & % of Homes Responding 59 59 jurisdictional guidelines with
Landings Trustee YES Ballots Needed to Pass 112 46 respect to Covid 19 and will
YES Ballots Received 89 34 publish any changes through
G
reetings neighbors! Meteorologically, sum- the media I mentioned previ-
NO Ballots Received 42 19
mer is still here, but practically speaking, it is ously.
Ballots NOT Returned 91 37
over. A successful pool season is completed,
the newly applied pool pass system worked rather Another item covered in our
Conservator; a member does not have to physically
well and children are back to school, both locally and last trustee meeting was the resumption of delinquent
do anything to get the information. The electronic
away at college. Since my last report, the trustees and assessment interest charges. In early 2020, the Board
means are active; one has to go out of one’s way to ac-
staff have been busy attending to a variety of issues. of Trustees temporarily suspended those charges due
cess the other means mentioned above. Additionally,
Before I address those, however, I’d like to provide
not all our members are comfortable with electronic to the financial strains placed on families from the
the results of the traffic calming project for Burnside Covid 19 situation. As things have improved and the
means. If you agree with me, select the appropriate
Landing Drive (BLD) and Heritage Landing Road economy responds, the board believes it is now ap-
answer on the Conservancy survey at: https://www.
(HLR). The measures to add speed humps failed. (See propriate to reinstate the process.
surveymonkey.com/r/JTH6B3C?fbclid=IwAR0SL5A
FIGURE 1 for the numbers.)
F5kgel5TVz7NNp4HWObckC1XHdDfdCW-b_Dp-
3FMYJSvjs0gK_Rdc. If you have a question, don’t hesitate to email me at
As you can see from the table, less than 60% of the af- landingstrustee@burkecentre.org.
fected owners on each roadway responded. There has
You will also notice in the survey other questions con-
been speculation as to the causes, to include people Now I’ll leave you with the image of golden leaves
cerning frequency of neighborhood council meetings
being on vacation during the ballot reception and falling from the trees, akin to the melodious harmony
and type of council and trustee meetings (virtual or in
mail-in period, people not being aware of the purpose
person). Please fill in those as you prefer. of the Roger Williams 1955 hit song, Autumn Leaves.
of the ballot, people not understanding the ballot and Just remember, as nice as they look, they’ll need to be
people not caring about the issue. There is no scien- raked.
As of now, (and by the time you read this it may have
tific method of determining which of these reasons
are accurate, but the fact remains that there wasn’t suf-
ficient yes responses to allow the project to continue.
According to VDOT protocol, the soonest the need
can be revisited is in two years. That said, one of the
issues I mentioned above considered by the board and
on its way to enactment is a Traffic and Pedestrian beginning, largely worked. We’ll take a look at this
Safety Committee, initially proposed by Trustee Sha- THE COMMONS - continued from page 5... in 2022 and make any further adjustments as neces-
piro of the Oaks and subsequently supported by the re- sary.
mainder of the Board of Trustees (BOT). The commit- including the speed bump process. We’re not going
tee will have under its purview such topics as parking, to be able to control or dictate the number of vehicles By the time you read this, the pool season will likely
towing, guardrails, traffic lights, caution signs, pedes- driving within Burke Centre but may be able to come be over, and so now is the time, while fresh in ev-
trian safety and general neighborhood-related traffic up with some practical measures that will assist eryone’s mind, to provide the Conservancy staff (or
concerns. Hopefully such a comprehensive approach everyone. your Trustee) with any suggestions that you might
will be a most effective way of dealing with these type have about improving the pools experience for next
situations. Status of Basketball Goals at Mantle Road Court. year. This not only includes operational aspects,
I was the tie-braker on the motion to open up the but also any of the policies or rules that we have in
For those of you who are regular readers of my courts again after they were closed last year due to a place. Where you see room for improvement, please
column, you know one of my major concerns is the number of complaints regarding their use. I voted no, let us know.
ability to get the word out to the community. Lack of because I was not satisfied that we had a solution that
awareness amongst Conservancy members is an ongo- could best mitigate the kinds of problems that we had Community Events. We have a great schedule lined
ing problem, despite the various means of commu- last year. And I did not want us to spend hours and up for the fall—but this to a large extent depends on
nication employed. The Traffic Calming Committee hours of the community’s time and resources again the rise of Covid-19 cases and its implications on
(TCC) received some queries after owners received recirculating this matter, as we spent in 2020. I’m event attendance. As much as I was looking forward
the blank ballots, asking for an explanation as to what mindful that we have an amenity that we are not fully to a BBQ aligned with an in-person Board of Trust-
was happening. For some reason, not everyone got the using and that we do need to come up with a better ees meeting, this likely will need to be pended until
word. The Conservancy employs a monthly newslet- way to allow use again. later in the fall. We have scheduled the volunteer
ter, the Conservator; an email letter, the Buzz, a digi- dinner event for early December, but this may be
tal signboard at a major community roadway intersec- Pools. Kudos go to our Burke Centre residents for adversely affected as well. I don’t see the outdoors
tion (Roberts and Burke Centre Parkway) and a smart returning to the pools after last year’s diminished Boy Scout event, scheduled for the second week of
phone application. The reason I’m mentioning this is attendance, and also to Atlantic Pool Services man- September, to be adversely affected by Covid-19 and
that the BOT is considering eliminating the Conserva- agement for skillfully overseeing the pool staff so at this writing (late August) is still a go.
tor in lieu of the electronic means. It would certainly that the pool hours could largely remain constant
save money, but in my personal opinion doing so and the impact of the labor shortage lessened on our That’s all for this month. See you in October.
would eliminate the only passive method of commu- residents. All reports that I received indicated that the Regards, Marc
nication. By passive I mean, each home receives the new check-in process, albeit with some glitches at the
PAGE 6 THE BURKE CENTRE CONSERVATOR SEPTEMBER 2021BURKE CENTRE
AT-LARGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Article III, Sec 3(c); BCC By-laws, Art. VI; and draft
activities of a DEI organization; they also submitted
MARCI LAWSON a draft “charter” for the BOTs consideration. The BCC office document called Policy Precepts for the
Board Treasurer & draft charter states in the second paragraph that the BCC Community). The current list of official BCC
At-Large Trustee DEI organization “shall offer a focal point for Burke charter groups are: Boy Scout Troop #1345, Burke
Centre residents to celebrate community diversity; CARES, Burke Centre Garden Plot Association,
Hot topics: Diversity, Traffic, Conservator, and obtain guidance for gaining access to Conservancy Burke Centre SHARE, Burke Centre Swim Club,
Basketball resources, and participate in activities and events Burke Pickleball Association, Burke Toastmasters,
which help to raise awareness and ensure that all and Friends of Burke Centre Library.
residents feel included, valued and respected.” (To
G
reetings, neighbors! I hope each of you
is well. At the August Board of Trustees view the draft DEI charter, visit the BCC web site In my somewhat brief experience as a trustee over the
(BOT) meeting, we discussed the following under the “Documents” tab. It is also published past 2.5 years, I have found the threshold for BOT
topics: (1) the formation of a Diversity, Equity, and elsewhere in this issue.) Numerous residents have approval of a proposed charter group to be low. So
Inclusion (DEI) organization, (2) the formation of offered their thoughts—both “for” and “against” such long as the group has met the charter requirements
a Traffic Committee, (3) whether the Conservator an organization—in the Conservator, to trustees via listed above, such groups have been routinely
should continue to be distributed in hard copy, and (4) email, and at BOT meetings. approved. I don’t believe the proposed DEI charter
whether to re-open more basketball goals at the Ponds group should be asked to fulfill stricter requirements.
Mantle Road court. I’ll discuss the proposed DEI The BOT is now considering approval of the proposed Finally, in my personal view, I think a DEI
organization last. DEI organization as a “charter group.” organization would bring value and camaraderie to
both its members and other BCC residents; I support
First, regarding the formation of a Traffic Committee, So What Is a Charter Group? it. Similar diversity organizations operate in many
we discussed the creation of a committee to study A “charter group” is an organization with a BOT- companies, government workplaces, communities and
and make recommendations on parking, traffic, road approved written charter agreement providing homeowners’ associations.
usage, etc. The Oaks Trustee, Steve Shapiro (a former desirable (or necessary) services to a large segment
professional traffic engineer), generously offered to of BCC residents. The charter explains the group’s While the proposed DEI organization has been an
lead the committee. purpose and other key information. A charter group agenda item at multiple BOT working sessions and
must meet the following requirements: (1) at least meetings, due to community interest, the BOT intends
Second, regarding whether the Conservator should 50% of the members must be BCC members, (2) to discuss this matter again at the September 7th
continue to be printed in hard copy—vice made it must provide community service, (3) it must Working Session and then vote on the charter at the
available solely on the Burke Centre Conservancy maintain liability insurance, (4) it must submit an September 20th BOT meeting. If you are interested in
(BCC) web site—while this has been a topic at many annual report to the BOT, and (5) it must obtain the discussion, please join us at the next two meetings
meetings, the BOT decided to delay a decision until annual BOT approval. In exchange for meeting these to be held via Zoom.
receiving more resident input. The reason for this requirements, BCC may choose to provide some
discussion is because printing is costly, and the BOT level of financial support, which may take the form Well, that’s all for this month. I hope each of you
is wondering if BCC funds should be spent elsewhere. of free use of community centers, free advertising is enjoying the warm weather, the great outdoors,
If you have an opinion on this matter, please take the (i.e., in Conservator, social media, etc.), and other and your families and friends. If you would like to
“Survey Monkey” on this matter and/or contact your support, as requested/approved. In other words, a provide comments on the contents of this article
neighborhood trustee. “BCC charter group” (from a BCC rules standpoint) is or on any other BCC topic, feel free to email me at
simply a group that has requested to operate in BCC, atlargetrustee2@burkecentre.org.
Third, regarding whether additional basketball goals while complying with the above requirements, that
at the Ponds’ Mantle Road court should be re-opened, may be provided some financial support. A charter
at the August meeting, the BOT voted “no”— not to group does not, however, operate as an extension
of BCC or of the BOT. In contrast, “boards” and
re-open more goals. As you may recall, in 2020, after
numerous complaints about crime, noise, and trash “committees” (i.e., the www.facebook.com/BC.Conservancy
surrounding supposed non-resident men’s league ARB, the Appeals Board,
use of this court, the BOT voted to close some of the the Budget and Finance
goals; the closure appears to have solved the problem. Committee, the Election
Recently, however, some residents requested the Committee, and the Open
BOT to re-open more goals and so, the BOT voted to Space Committee) do
do that; the trustees’ votes were split. I voted “yes” operate as an extension of
to open more goals, however, I do understand there BCC.
are valid arguments on both sides. No BOT decision
is forever though; hopefully, in the future, all of the Further, unlike charter
goals can re-open. groups, boards and
committees are fully funded
Fourth, regarding the possible formation of a DEI with BCC assets—much
organization, this topic has been getting quite of bit of of which derived from
attention lately. A few months ago, two BCC residents member assessments. In
made an articulate presentation at a BOT meeting contrast, charter groups’
requesting to establish an organization focused funding is very low and is
on diversity, equity and inclusion; they stated the often little more than free
proposal was supported by over 100 BCC residents. access to community centers.
These same residents submitted an article, printed in (See, BCC Declaration of
the Conservator, explaining the purpose and possible Covenants and Restrictions,
SEPTEMBER 2021 THE BURKE CENTRE CONSERVATOR PAGE 7The Conservancy conducted a survey of about 7200
BOARD OF TRUSTEES (BOT) residents and owners to gauge interest in keeping or
ending the distribution of the Conservator by mail.
The vote was almost 2 to 1 in favor of discontinuing
The Charter limits access to Burke Centre
THE OAKS
mail delivery. But this result was based on only
facilities and funding. DEICO is limited to two 130 survey responses, that’s less than 2% of the
meetings a month at the Community Centers. copies distributed to Burke Centre residents and
STEVE SHAPIRO (Meetings during non-prime rental time.) The homeowners.
Oaks Trustee Conservancy may authorize additional use of
the community centers, subject to payment of I don’t care if you see what’s in the Conservator on
appropriate fees. The Board of Trustees is under an electronic screen instead of a printed page, but
N
eighbors – It’s late August and it feels as hot no obligation to fund other DEICO’s activities I do not want this decision to be made by only 130
and muggy as any summer in recent memory. and events. people. Please respond to the survey sent by the
By the time you are reading this it will be Conservancy if you can find it in your inbox, spam,
mid-September, and I hope the weather will be better, The DEICO will be reviewed yearly by the Board promotions or trash groups. ALSO - I have set up
schools will be open, and life will be returning to of Trustees and may have its status nullified by two email addresses: SaveTheNewspaper@gmail.
normal. the Board of Trustees if it is determined that com and PitchTheNewspaper@gmail.com. Please
DEICO no longer serves the interests of the send me ONE short email to the email address that
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee (DEI- Burke Centre community. reflects your preference. Please include your name
CO): A few months ago the Board of Trustees (BOT) and address so I can verify it’s a valid response from
received a presentation from two of our neighbors that I know that some of my friends and neighbors are
a resident or owner of a home in The Oaks.
want to start a group that will be a focal point for the concerned that negative things will happen because
celebration of community diversity. This has become of the DEICO; that the good intentions of DEICO’s
a contentious issue discussed in emails and in the Cluster Committees: I played hooky and skipped
founders will be highjacked by mean spirited agitators
Conservator. Because of the extent of this discussion, with more assertive agendas. I don’t think that will
the Board of Trustees Working Session at the
the Trustees have decided to postpone a vote on giving beginning of August to attend a National Night Out
occur, and sections of the charter will protect the
formal status to the DEICO until the September BOT party organized by my local Cluster Committee. We
meeting so that additional voices can be heard. community if it does.
all had a great time. Here are a few questions to help
you determine if you should consider joining your
In spite of the well-intentioned goals of the DEICO, As a grandson of immigrants, I have experienced
cluster committee:
one of the main issues raised by some of my friends what it feels like to be treated as someone different,
and our neighbors is that by chartering this organiza- an outsider. I support the goals of the DEICO. I have
When you walk through the paths and parking
tion the Trustees will be giving privileges to some decided to vote for the current charter proposal for the
lots do you see something that needs to be
people that will not be available to others. The discus- DEICO.
improved or fixed?
sion of the DEICO thus far has resulted in a revised
Do you love nature and would like to help
charter proposal to address this and other community Future of Conservator: This may be the last time you
plant new trees, or cut back invasive species?
concerns. Key elements of the revised charter are: read this column in the Conservator Newspaper that is
Would you like to know your neighbors better,
mailed to you. You will continue to “get” the Conser-
or would you like your kids to know the
The DEICO is now proposed as a Chartered vator because it is in our By-Laws as one way for the
neighboring children better?
Organization, NOT a Committee of the Board Conservancy to serve legal “Notice” to homeowners.
of Trustees. DEICO will not have special access But if the Conservancy stops mailing it you will have to
If you answered yes to any of these questions you
to, or special influence on the Board of Trustees. get it on line through the Conservancy web site or the
should write to me at OaksTrustee@BurkeCentre.
The DEICO will have the same status as the phone app.
org and I’ll put you in touch with your Oaks Cluster
Boy Scouts, Burke CARES, and Burke Centre
Committee.
SHARE. The August issue of the Conservator arrived at my
home about a month after the July BOT meeting. As
The DEICO charter is focused on serving our I said last month, I’m in favor of discontinuing the
That’s it for now. Don’t forget to say hello if you see
Tucker and me walking around the community.
neighbors in Burke Centre. The charter states printed edition of the Conservator. Because, in my
that “The services and programs provided by opinion, the printed edition isn’t getting to you in a
this charter organization must be utilized by Sincerely yours,
timely manner. Steve Shapiro, Oaks Trustee
only Burke Centre residents.”
PAGE 8 THE BURKE CENTRE CONSERVATOR SEPTEMBER 2021THE PONDS
LEE SCHMIDT
BOARD OF TRUSTEES (BOT)
that all residents feel included, valued and respected. The proposed group will be discussed at both Board
Board Secretary & Ponds meetings in September - 9/7 & 9/20/2021 - please join us or send input to pondstrustee@burkecentre.org.
Trustee
C
urbside Appeal: As we all want to “hold up” the
value of our property, what should be done if the IMPORTANT
neighboring properties don’t seem to be cooperat- NOTICE
ing (at least, in your opinion)?
First, talk to your neighbor; tell them what you feel is
A
ll cluster reps that are
detracting property values and ask them to make some
planning to obtain plants
changes. If it is an actual violation of the Burke Centre
from the Fairfax Releaf
Conservancy (BCC) Architectural Review Board (ARB)/
program this fall are reminded to
property Standards, you can call the ARB staff about it
submit a completed ARB applica-
(even anonymously if you wish). Examples could be:
tion before receiving the plants; i.e.,
insufficient landscaping maintenance, unscreened trash/
submit on or before the September
recycling toters in front of house, multiple items scattered
7 ARB deadline, with a 90-day
about, etc.
completion time. Please include a
brief description with a sketch of
Diversity Equity Inclusion (DEI): Is now the time for
where the plants will be placed,
a DEI chartered group devoted to building awareness of
noting whether or not it’s a tree or
the levels of service to and respect for all members of our
woody shrub, and if it’s replacing a
BCC community? It is apparent that many BCC entities
lost tree/shrub. Email Stephanie@
are not as diverse as the BCC community is! I believe
burkecentre.org with ARB applica-
exclusionary policies and practices do not exist in BCC—
tion questions.
mostly, because of our compliance with the Fair Housing
Act; is this really true? Please see page 13 to view a draft
Watch for BCC’s Fall 2021 free tree
charter agreement for a proposed DEI group which aims
giveaway dates and plants that will
to offer a focal point for Burke Centre residents to cel-
be available. Email BCCfreetrees@
ebrate community diversity; obtain guidance for gaining
gmail.com to be placed on the mail-
access to Conservancy resources, and participate in activi-
ing list.”
ties and events which help to raise awareness and ensure
SEPTEMBER 2021 THE BURKE CENTRE CONSERVATOR PAGE 9BOARD OF TRUSTEES (BOT)
Walden acknowledged receipt of the requested
information from the Conservancy, but still have
not provided a copy of the video they previously
referenced.
Board Working Session (TOR) for a committee to fit with the structure
of a charter organization, and it to the organizing IX. STATUS OF BASKETBALL GOALS AT
Draft Summary group and Board for review. Mr. Townsend,
from the DE&I organization, confirmed that the
MANTLE ROAD COURT: The Board revisited
this item from last year where concerns had been
8/3/2021, 7:30 PM, via Zoom (*Approval organizing group had reviewed the draft charter raised about the behavior of the players using
of this draft pending next Board meeting.) agreement and was in favor of moving in this this particular basketball court. After hearing the
direction. Mr. Townsend reported that the group complaints expressed by neighbors, the Board
C
I. ALL TO ORDER: President Flaster has added three new members to the organizing decided to temporarily remove most of the goals,
called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM. group, and 50 new members to the Facebook leaving only a few remaining. After the goals
The agenda was approved with unanimous group. were removed the issue seemed to have resolved.
Board consent.
V. BCC MEMBER SURVEY QUESTIONS: Trustee Schmidt asked to revisit this item to consider
II. RESIDENT INPUT: Mr. Willett stated that Mr. Gloyd indicated that survey questions when to put the rest of the goals back up to allow full
the Virginia Department of Forestry is offering have been published through Survey Monkey court use. Mr. Gloyd reached out to the neighboring
another grant this year with a September 3, 2021 and inquire on matters such as the future of clusters for feedback on this issue. He stated that
deadline. He requested permission to apply on the the Conservator newsletter, virtual or in- information was received back from the Bass Pond
Conservancy’s behalf to receive less than a $5,000 person Board Meetings, and frequency of cluster, and they are recommending a phased approach
matching fund. He added that the volunteers will Neighborhood Council Meetings. The deadline with goals first being restored to the side court to
be reusing covers and stakes to plant more than 50 for the survey questions is August 12th at which allow multiple people to use the courts at a time.
trees. He also mentioned that this program will run point the Board will review and discuss the
parallel with the Fairfax Re-leaf program which results. Additionally, they would like to add the goal at the far
will be happening around the same time. Residents end, nearest to the tot lot, to allow half court games.
will be asked to put in their requests for plants, and VI. DELIQUENT ASSESSMENT INTEREST Reps from the Bass Pond cluster suggested seeing
the clusters will be asked to participate as well by CHARGES: Mr. Gloyd stated that this item was how things go with those goals added, and if there are
submitting requests. The next step would be to put brought up by the Finance Administrator, Darryl no issues then they would recommend adding the last
together a proposal, and Mr. Willett said that he Payne, for the Board’s consideration. Mr. Gloyd goal at the other end, nearest to the tennis court. After
intends to reuse the same application from 2019 reminded the Board that at the beginning of the a brief discussion, the Board decided to vote on this
and update it as needed. There will not be as many pandemic, they directed the staff to suspend late item at the next meeting but to delay implementation
expenses since volunteers will be reusing materials, charges and delinquent assessment interest to to allow for community input.
and they will be receiving some of the trees from accounts due to the uncertainty of the economy
the Re-leaf program. The purpose of the grant is to at that time. Mr. Payne would now like to know X. COMMUNITY EVENTS UPDATE: Ms.
get reimbursement for the labor and for any trees if the Board would like to reinstitute that policy. Winslow reviewed information detailing the
that may need to be purchased. Mr. Gloyd asked Mr. President Flaster directed Mr. Gloyd to create a budget for the upcoming events throughout the
Willett to forward the proposal so that it can then be draft proposal with an effective date of October rest of the year. She reported the Open Mic Night
given to the Board. 1, 2021, for consideration at the August 16th had been cancelled due to lack of participation,
Board meeting. and that the staff will try to host this event again
III. TENNIS TASK FORCE (TCTF): Mr. Gloyd in the future. The upcoming Scout Day was also
indicated that there are some pending appointments VII. FORMATION OF TRAFFIC mentioned as there were a few activities that will
for the TCTF that will be voted on at the upcoming COMMITTEE: Mr. Gloyd mentioned that be removed to better fit the budget and lessen
August 16th Board Meeting. Ms. Winslow this item was brought up by Trustee Shapiro, permitting and insurance requirements. The staff
mentioned a kickoff meeting is being tentatively and stated that some of the issues being raised will be seeking approval at the August 16 meeting
planned for mid-August after the appointments are are about the status, age, and type of guard to move forward on the upcoming events. It was
made at the Board meeting. rails used throughout Burke Centre as well as clarified that costs for these events are covered in
a schedule for replacement. Mr. Gloyd also the operations budget. President Flaster expressed
IV. DE&I COMMITTEE PROPOSAL: Mr. Gloyd mentioned that with Trustee Shapiro’s help, the concerns that with rise of the Covid variant,
briefed the Board on the proposed Diversity, Equity, Conservancy contacted VDOT to raise the issue caution would be needed with planning to allow
and Inclusion Committee (DE&I). The Board was of traffic safety near Kohl’s and Chick-Fil-A. enough time to cancel if needed.
looking into what would be the most appropriate Mr. Gloyd stated that a committee could serve
governance structure if they were to approve the as a contact with VDOT on various issues such XI. NEW BUSINESS/FUTURE WS & PENDING
formation of this group. Mr. Gloyd stated that as speed humps and other concerns. Mr. Gloyd ITEMS: The items to be added to the August
after discussion with Conservancy’s legal counsel, stated that the staff would put together a draft 16 agenda included the proposal for Delinquent
several Board members thought the best structure TOR for Board review. Assessment Interest Charges mentioned by Mr.
would be a Chartered Organization instead of a Payne, and the VA Department of Forestry Grant
committee for a couple of reasons. For example, VIII. WALDEN DRAINAGE ISSUE: Mr. Application mentioned by Mr. Willett.
a chartered organization would allow a DE&I Gloyd discussed previous input received from
group to act more autonomously. DE&I would also the Walden (condominiun association) Board XII. AUGUST MEETING AGENDA: A
have more advantages with planning events and of Directors stating that they had requested draft agenda for the August 16th meeting was
fundraising. They would also be free to raise funds, this item remain on the Board’s agenda. He discussed.
fund projects, and can work in cooperation with reported that the information requested from
Burke Centre. As a chartered organization DE&I the Conservancy by Walden had been provided XIII. ADJOURNMENT: President Flaster made a
can pitch programs to the Conservancy through the to them, and that he also asked them to motion, seconded by Vice President Gulakowski,
staff and Board of Trustees. Mr. Gloyd stated that forward the video they previously referenced to adjourn the meeting at 8:37 PM. The motion
the staff had adapted the draft Terms of Reference which shows their concerns about drainage. passed unanimously.
PAGE 10 THE BURKE CENTRE CONSERVATOR SEPTEMBER 2021You can also read
