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Last updated: January 31, 2008
Buildings and Grounds Committee
It was a real pleasure to see how the new building and the surrounding grounds helped to facilitate our ministry in the first full year in the new space.
New Well
We had a significant challenge this year with the deterioration of our well. After attempting to move the pump higher in the shaft without result, additional testing was performed that showed our flow rate had diminished to 3/4 gallon per minute from its original rate of 4 gallons per minute. The B & G committee recommended that a new well be drilled and, with Session approval, we moved forward with this project. It would be an understatement to say that the most difficult aspect of this process has been dealing with the state government in obtaining construction approval, finding a suitable location and then working through the numerous testing procedures. All of this was managed effectively by Marla Hembree, who, through her long term work in testing our water quality, has developed relationships with state officials which in turn provided much better access and response than we ever could have had without her. Marla put in months of hard work on this project, organizing and soliciting volunteers to get everything done as quickly as possible. We all owe Marla a debt of gratitude for her work and if you see her on Sunday please offer your thanks – (Center section, second pew, on the left from the rear, 11:00 service, her husband Greg on the aisle). While the testing goes on as I write this, our well is complete and functional and will be able to provide all of the water we need for the coming decades. While our flow was not great ( 1 1/2 gallons per minute) we drilled much deeper than is normally the case (800 feet), which in turn provides a tremendous amount of water within the shaft that rests in reserve until it is needed. Combined with the old well, our new supply produces more than double our peak usage over the past year. Thanks to all of you who provided your resources, your time and your talents to pull this whole thing off.Ongoing Maintenance
The new building functioned as it should, with some minor service, balancing and adjustment of the mechanical systems necessary during the change in the seasons. Our lawn care needs were met by W.D. Giampa Lawn and Landscape. Snow removal for the parking lot this winter season will be provided by Premium Lawn and Landscape of Fairfax Station. Removal of snow from the walks and patios will be taken care of by volunteers and Mr. or Mrs. Romero. Mr. Nguyen, our long time cleaning service provider, decided to stay with us after initially retiring last year. This was a great turn of events as he has really performed an exceptional job over the years for us and would be hard to replace. We also enjoy additional cleaning services by Mrs. Romero, three times a week to keep the high use areas clean throughout the week.Future Projects
This spring, the Boy Scout troop is planning several Eagle Scout projects that will be focused on the construction of a meditation garden in the space between the church and manse as well as a patio/picnic area in the rear of the building. We are excited about these improvements and look forward to the potential uses that the improvements will provide.Budget and Finance
Thankfully, we came in under budget, spending $63,129 of the $72,740 budgeted. Also, as I mentioned in last year’s report, an account has been created that will help to fund the various furnishing needs that the congregation deems necessary. If you see a particular need and would like to help through the donation of funds, a designated gift to this account would be a wonderful way to do so.Respectfully submitted by
Elder David Wright
Chair, Buildings & Grounds Committee