Montebello Condominium Unit Owners Association

Advisory committee on Landscape Design and Management

Committee Meeting

1) The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.

 

Members present:  4

 

Members Absent:  3

 

Board Liaison:   Present

 

Guest:  1

 

2) The minutes were reviewed with various changes incorporated as suggested by committee members.  The minutes were unanimously approved as modified.

 

3) The Chair reported that the BOD had approved a resolution governing the appearance of candidates for the BOD at committee members and asked how the committee wanted to address the matter.  It was agreed that the Chair will invite the candidates to attend our next meeting and they could speak following the end of the Committee’s business.

 

4) Soil Test.  The FPM gave the Chair information about why our soil test is routed as it is.  McFall & Berry, our landscape maintenance contractor, takes soil samples each year in December.  They send the samples to their vendor (which is Lesco) for testing.  The vendor has a program to conduct soil tests on behalf of all their clients.  The lab Lesco actually uses is located in Ohio.  The results of the test are then sent from the Ohio to Lesco for their landscaping clients (McFall & Berry in our case) to use.  Based upon the test results, McFall and Berry selects the type and blend of chemicals/fertilizer to be use.  The Committee will want to review all of the options for soil testing and recommend a course of action as part of its final report.

 

5) Quantity of Chemicals We Use.  The FPM also provided information to help us calculate the amount of chemicals applied to the grounds.  The first calculation would serve as a baseline, since we have not captured this information in the past.   Subsequent calculations would enable the BOD as well as residents to compare the use of chemicals over time.  We will also need to know how much of what is put down is herbicides and how much is fertilizer.  The Committee agreed that we would ask one of our members to help us determine whether we had the necessary and sufficient information to make the calculation. 

 

6) A committee member noted that Fairfax County was suggesting the use of corn gluten meal to reduce the use of pesticides.  A suggestion was made that we ask McFall & Berry about the application of corn gluten.  The Chair suggested that we note ideas like this and raise them with our expert consultants to ensure we get a view of the suitability and usefulness for Montebello, especially given the multiple uses of our turf areas.  There was a question about whether or not sun-bathing, picnicking and other such uses of turf were permitted.  A member will check and report back to the Committee.

 

7) It was suggested that the Committee consider improving the safety of the playgrounds by expanding those areas and fencing them so that children would not be able to run into the parking area.  This would also have the additional effect of reducing turf.  The Chair suggested that we keep this recommendation in mind and also share it with another resident who is chairing an ad hoc working group focusing on children’s needs for the Community Center Lower Level Room.

 

8) Other Communities.   The Chair reported that she had discussed with the Environmental Resource Manager (ERM) at Reston the possibility of a Committee visit to Reston to view its landscape, plantings, habitat, etc., most of which is a result of expert consultation and resident volunteerism.  Reston was cited by Ray Smith, our guest at the previous meeting, as a fine example of how community common areas can be transformed into certified Community Habitats.  A date convenient to members will be set.  The Chair also suggested that we invite the ERM to lunch during our visit so we can pursue information about how they were able to execute their program, cost savings, etc.  Specifically, we should be sure to ask about what they did to convert turf areas to non-turf areas, what treatment they provide for recreational areas, cost considerations, etc.  The Chair will send something to all committee members to make specific arrangements for either April 19 or April 20.

 

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A committee member noted that Fairfax County was suggesting the use of corn gluten meal to reduce the use of pesticides.  A suggestion was made that we ask McFall & Berry about the application of corn gluten.

March 16, 2006