Board Meeting – On July 13, 2023, President Mulston called to order the meeting of the Board of Directors (Board) of Reston Citizens Association (RCA) at 6:58 pm. This was a dinner meeting at Hidden Creek Country Club.
Individual Attendees were Lynne Mulston, President; Gary Maupin, Vice-President; Shawn Endsley, Secretary; Vincent Dory; Connie Hartke; Dennis Hays and Michele Silver. Joe Leighton, Treasurer, was absent. President Mulston determined that a quorum of 7 of 8 members was present and the meeting could proceed.
There were four guests: Mac Cummins, Reston Association (RA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and his spouse, Wendy; and Larry Butler, retired RA Chief Operating Officer (COO), and his spouse, Melanie.
Adoption of Agenda – President Mulston asked for adoption of the agenda. Upon motion made by Director Hays, and seconded by Vice-President Maupin, the Board unanimously approved the proposed agenda.
Approval of Minutes – President Mulston asked for approval of the minutes of the May 22, 2023, Board meeting. Upon motion made by Vice-President Maupin, and seconded by Director Hays, the Board unanimously approved the minutes of the May 22, 2023, meeting.
Approval of Treasurer’s Report – President Mulston then asked for approval of the Treasurer’s Report. Upon motion made by Secretary Endsley and seconded by Director Silver, the Board approved the Treasurer’s Report by a vote of 6 to 0 with one abstention by Director Hartke.
Welcome Max Cummins, RA CEO, and Larry Butler, RA Retired COO – President Mulston introduced Mr. Cummins and his spouse, Wendy, to the Board. Mr. Cummins outlined his background for the Board and noted his upcoming one-year anniversary as RA CEO on Labor Day. Mr. Cummins stated that a critical focus of his tenure is dealing with the aging infrastructure of RA. When asked of their impressions of Reston, Mr. Cummins and his spouse both noted that Restonians are very passionate about their community.
President Mulston then introduced Mr. Butler (who recently retired as RA COO) and his spouse, Melanie.
Larry Butler Resolution and Plaque Presentation – President Mulston noted that Mr. Butler had served RA and the Reston Community for 40 years in various capacities with RA. She noted that Mr. Butler had represented the heart and soul of the Reston Community for those 40 years. In honor of those years of dedication and service President Mulston presented Mr. Butler with a card and resolution (both signed by all members of the Board). Finally, President Mulston provide Mr. Butler a plaque honoring Mr. Butler for those years of dedication and service to RA and the Reston community.
Mr. Butler provided his thoughts on events in Reston during his tenure. He noted that the stream restoration projects were longer term projects that benefited the community. Mr. Butler regretted that RA was unable to complete any indoor infrastructure projects such as an indoor tennis facility.
Individual Board members thanked Mr. Butler for his time and effort spent on behalf of the Reston community. Specifically, Vice-President Maupin noted that Mr. Butler’s knowledge and experience would be sorely missed as the community moves forward. Director Hays thanked Mr. Butler for his help over the years facilitating the outdoor activities in Reston.
Golf Courses Update – Director Hartke and President Mulston then presented updates on the two Reston golf courses.
Reston National Golf Course (RNGC) – Director Hartke noted that one developer had withdrawn from participation at RNGC. Director Hartke indicated a remaining developer was instructing the course manager on areas for restricted grass cutting. These actions might increase pressure on the surrounding communities to acquiesce to development. Director Hartke noted that RNGC is not subject to RA Covenants but may be subject to Fairfax County ordinances regarding grass height at commercial establishments. Despite the designation as a golf course in the proposed Reston Comprehensive Plan and the rejection of a Site-Specific Plan Amendment (SSPA) developers have not given up their desire for redevelopment.
Hidden Creek Golf Course (HCGC) – President Mulston noted unsubstantiated rumors that Westwood Country Club in Vienna, VA is considering HCGC as a sister club.
At this point in the meeting Mr. Cummins and his spouse and Mr. Butler and his spouse left the meeting.
Reston Comprehensive Plan (RCP) Task Force Updates – On June 14, 2023, the Planning Commission heard testimony from residents regarding the RCP. President Mulston testified on behalf of RCA and Vice-President Maupin testified in his personal capacity. Planning Commissioner Carter asked the Planning Commission to defer voting on the RCP to give time for incorporation of public comments into the RCP. The Planning Commission agreed to do so. After this meeting new state statutory amendments regarding public notice and hearing requirements altered the timeline for approval of the RCP. The new approval process for the RCP is as follows:
July 19 – Second Planning Commission public hearing and decision
July 27 – Town Hall Meeting with Supervisor Alcorn to review the RCP.
Date to Be Determined – Publication of RCP Mark-up for public review and comments.
September 12 – Public hearing and potential decision by Board of Supervisors (BoS)
Reston Civic Center (aka Reston Town Center North (RTCN)/Bowman Towne Center (BTC)) Task Force Meeting – Vice-President Maupin reported that Chairperson Hanley has stated that further meetings of the Task Force should be delayed until the RCP has been approved. No meetings are expected until September after the BoS has approved the RCP.
Vice-President Maupin noted that the current focus is on maintenance at BTC. Residents are hoping that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will compel the County to complete the required maintenance.
Parking Reimagined Resolution and Board Action – Vice-President Maupin and Director Hays drafted a resolution on Parking Reimagined for Board consideration and action. The resolution asks that the proposed Parking Reimagined be withdrawn and reworked to conform with the One Fairfax Policy, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and other guiding principles. The resolution also asks that the delegation of authority to County Staff be removed and the BoS remain accountable for requested changes. Upon motion made by Secretary Endsley with a second by Director Hartke the Board then discussed several further edits to the proposed resolution. After discussion, the Board decided to defer approval of the resolution to July 14, 2023, with approval by email. (See Action Subsequent to Board Meeting below).
Recruiting New Members to the Board – President Mulston asked for input on recruiting new members to the Board. A suggestion was made to ask the defeated Democratic primary candidates for the Virginia House of Delegates if those individuals would consider joining the Board. The Board agreed that these individuals should be asked for their interest in joining the Board.
Other Business – President Mulston noted that this was Director Dory’s last meeting. Director Dory is relocating to Indiana. The Board thanked Director Dory for his participation and service.
Closing – President Mulston noted the next meeting of the Board would be August 28, 2023.
President Mulston then asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 pm. Upon motion made by Director Dory and seconded by Director Hays, the Board unanimously agreed to adjourn.
Action Subsequent to Board Meeting – On July 14, 2023, President Mulston solicited email approval for the amended Parking Reimagined Resolution. The Board unanimously approved the resolution attached hereto as Attachment No. 1.