On the subject of the need for the BOD to end the seemingly endless misunderstandings that stem from secrecy and inaccessibility, I would like to remind everyone of how things used to be better. 

This list is not meant to be a complete history , but to illustrate how committees which operate as open forums come up with creative solutions which are revenue neutral or low cost. 

ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF COMMITTEES TO  WHICH NINA KUCH HAS CONTRIBUTED AND TO WHICH SHE CAN ATTEST 

SAVE THE TREES 

Over the years we had three different Area Development chairmen who solved very different problems.

Area Development Committee 1

            Developer's first plan was to build where Mt. Eagle park abuts Montebello

With others, established that there were vestigial remains of Civil War battlements.  We convinced Fairfax County to save the "historic site."

 Montebello is promised that the park area will be restored when construction is completed. 

Area Development Committee 2

Developer wanted to relocate Montebello’s right of way to Metro at the bottom of the ravine to the right of the trail and clear cut the trees along the present path. Sid Steele marshaled evidence of marine clay soils and we were able to keep the right of way where it is today. 

Area Development Committee 3 under the leadership of Fred Hechlinger

            Preservation of the walking path to Metro.

            Fred has provided leadership in making Montebello a political force in Fairfax county. 

COMMUTER BUS RUN SAFETY 

            I was a member of the original Ad Hoc Bus Committee.  I organized a two part  survey of commuter riders. A very high percentage of riders participated because questionnaires were distributed on the bus.. I designed a two part survey. Part 1 was open ended , asking for suggestions . From the answers a second survey was compiled. The community voted on the most promising suggestions. I called every participant and advised each of them of the results of the survey.

            One of the most productive ideas  to emerge from the survey was to have the bus driver  wait between runs at the turn around instead of the community center. This provided a warm, safe place for riders  to sit and wait before runs. 

LOW COST IMPROVEMENTS TO QUALITY OF LIFE AT MONTEBELLO 

Operations  Committee 

            Example 1.  Exploring the feasibility of Bulk purchases. An outstanding example of problem solving, based on Charles Becherer’s suggestion, led to the replacement in many  units of old toilets with new water efficient toilets, resulting in large savings to Montebello’s water bill. 

               Example 2. The committee documented small improvements needed to improve Montebello’s curb appeal. This did not save money because Montebello then hired an engineer who produced a nearly identical list. But the effort did bring some problems to the attention of management, .