Danielle Endler

The meeting began with administrative formalities, including a statement regarding the electronic format due to the Governor's declared state of emergency for the coronavirus, referencing policies on electronic participation. A significant portion of the meeting involved remarks from the outgoing chairman, reflecting on his three years which included navigating lease renewals, governance matters, and the worldwide pandemic, highlighting accomplishments such as closing on the Bank of Alexandria build, expanding holiday light shows, christening the Vulgino Conservatory, and opening new overpasses. The board then proceeded with leadership transitions, electing a new Chair and filling vacancies for Vice Chair, Treasurer, and At-Large member of the Executive Committee. Following this, the auditors presented the results for the year ended June 30th, 2020, noting unmodified opinions on financial statements and compliance reports, meaning no material weaknesses were found. Financial highlights indicated a decrease in net position by $2.2 million, largely due to impacts from COVID-19 on enterprise functions like retail and facility rentals. The auditors also noted one item for improvement in internal controls over license renewals.

The Board Meeting addressed several key items. Following the Treasurer's report, the Board unanimously approved the minutes from the July 17, 2025 meeting and approved the August 5, 2025 meeting minutes with two abstentions. A significant discussion centered on Member Jurisdiction Appropriation Rates for FY 2027, where the Board approved a recommendation to set the per capita rate at $3.20 for Capital and $2.36 for Operating, incorporating a 2.0% inflation adjustment. The Capital Budget for FY2026 through FY2030 was adopted as presented, including a review of past projects and proposed future renovations such as ADA improvements at Rust Manor and Carlyle House exterior work. The Marketing team provided an update on recent successes and new initiatives like SMS/MMS cross-promotion. Finally, the Board approved a set of administrative items, which included awarding construction contracts for café deck expansion and interior renovations, approving resolutions of support for transportation authority applications, and authorizing the reaffirmation and dissolution of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority Foundation. Following a closed session to discuss legal and personnel matters, the Board unanimously approved awarding performance incentive program shares.

The meeting included introductions for the new Executive Director and a new Park Operations Superintendent. Key discussions involved the Treasurer's Report, noting that checking accounts are FDIC insured and that the final audit report would be released in December; Reservoir Park received two architecture/landscape awards which were suggested to be displayed via a QR code. Administrative items, including approval for Bull Run Watermain Extension, Upton Hill Ocean Dunes Locker Renovations, W&OD Broad Run Bridge Decking Improvements, and Reservoir Park Budget Revision, were unanimously approved. The Board received a detailed report on funds held with The Community Foundation of Northern Virginia (CFNOVA), including investment returns and grants awarded for field trips, with a report noting approximately 560 students were served in Spring 2025. A presentation on the 10 Year Financial Forecast highlighted potential impacts from severe weather and changes in jurisdiction appropriations. The Board unanimously approved the proposed 2026/2027 Fees and Charges. The meeting concluded with a Closed Session to discuss legal and real estate matters, followed by authorizing the Executive Director to execute Memoranda of Understanding based on decisions made in the closed session.

The meeting included discussion of the fiscal year 2020 audit. The auditor presented opinions and reports, including an unmodified report on the financial statements and a report on internal controls and compliance. Key financial highlights were reviewed, such as the statement of net position, changes in pension and OPEB liabilities, and the impact of COVID-19 on the Parks Fund. There was also a review of long-term debt, pension trust fund, and OPEB information. The committee discussed a recommendation related to license renewals and an IT review. Subsequent events, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the issuance of infrastructure revenue bonds, were also addressed.

The meeting addressed the policy on electronic participation due to the state of emergency declared in Virginia for the Coronavirus. A key discussion point was the public comments received regarding waterfowl hunting access to boat ramps. The board deliberated on a resolution to allow waterfowl hunters access to boat ramps, considering a new law enacted by the Virginia General Assembly that allows local governments to regulate firearms on public lands. The resolution specifies that firearms must be unloaded and stored in cases while being transported to or from the boat ramp.