A brief overview of each of our present standing committees is included below. Ad hoc committees are also occasionally created to address needs within the community. Any currently-existing ad hoc committees are included below.     

 

 

 

The Architectural Control Committee (or ACC) reviews all proposed exterior and architectural changes to properties within Fallsmead. It is comprised of a dedicated group of homeowners that volunteer their time to interpret the community guidelines and evaluate exterior modification proposals. They also conduct periodic inspections to determine compliance with community architectural standards and approved plans for alterations. 

 

 

Communications (Chair and Fallsmead Forum Editor: Larry Arnold)
Committee Members: Jim Beller (Neighborhood Email List), Melani Harig (Website Admin/Print Directory Editor)

The Communications Committee serves as the primary information conduit for the neighborhood. The Committee is responsible for developing and maintaining the Fallsmead website, Facebook group, and print neighborhood directory. Our neighborhood newsletter, the Fallsmead Forum, reports on the current status of community projects being handled by the Board and activities of members of the Fallsmead community. Email alerts are also periodically sent out to the neighborhood containing current neighborhood information.     

 

 

Finance (Chair: Nikhil Bijlani)
Committee Members: Adam Band, Ben Brown, Jeff Cornish, Pat Donohue, Mike Jacobs, Aaron Schmerling, Eric Wexler
 

The Finance Committee’s main responsibilities are (a) recommending a Certified Public Accountant to the Board to conduct the annual audits of the Corporation’s books, per Art. VII, Sec. 6 of the Bylaws; (b) reviewing the annual audit reports upon their receipt, and promptly thereafter presenting to the Board their review findings; (c) regularly viewing FHC’s statements of accounts, to be provided by the Treasurer to the Committee’s members on at least a quarterly basis; (d) assisting the Board in scheduling and obtaining an updated reserve study or engineering report from a qualified professional no less than every 5 years, as required by Art. V, Sec. 9 of the Declarations; (e) recommending a required level of annual funding for the Replacement Reserve Fund at the Board’s preceding December meeting, based on projected reserve requirements and annually updated adjustments of the Fund; (f) advising Committee Chairs in developing and managing committee budgets, and recommending projected annual budget adjustments/additions in advance of the Board’s December meeting; and (g) presenting at the Board’s November meeting a recommendation concerning the following year’s Membership dues amount.

 

 

 

The Grounds and Maintenance Committee is responsible for maintenance and repair of the common property within Fallsmead. This includes overseeing and negotiating any contracts with outside landscapers, lawn care providers, or other necessary grounds and maintenance contractors (with the exception of the pool); developing and implementing community-wide landscape and landscape-related enhancements (such as our new benches and picnic tables); and maintaining our playground, walking paths, and more. This committee also keeps the Board informed of common areas in need of improvement.

 

 

 

The Legal Affairs Committee assists with routine HOA matters involving the covenants, contracts, regulations and insurance. When novel issues arise, the Committee may make recommendations to the Board on whether to seek outside legal counsel.

 

 

 

The Nominating Committee seeks candidates to run for the Board and oversees the annual election.

 

 

 

The Pipestem Culvert Bridge Ad Hoc Committee provides oversight of the project to replace the culvert bridge at the Pipestem Place entrance to Fallsmead Park. 
 

 

 

The Pool Committee reviews and oversees contracts for the pool management company, which provides the lifeguards and maintains the pool operation during the pool season.  It also oversees the maintenance of the pool and associated structures throughout the year. 

 

 

 

The Social Committee organizes/co-organizes community social events such as neighborhood picnics, parades, pool parties, house decorating contests, holiday events, and adult happy hours. The committee also identifies ways the neighborhood can participate in charitable events such as toy/food drives, etc.  

 

 

 

The Swim Team Committee oversees the overall running and budgeting of the Fallsmead Sharks Swim Team, including recruiting coaches; organizing meets as part of the Montgomery County Swim League; and getting information about the swim team out to the neighborhood and parent volunteers.

 

 

Tennis (Chair: Mark Fellman)
Committee Members: Stan Bissey, Devar Burbage, Terry Dalle-Tezze, Neil Shiffman, Ed Tennent
 
The Fallsmead Tennis Committee is responsible for the repair and maintenance of the Fallsmead courts, nets, and other equipment and supplies for tennis, pickleball, and wallball. The Committee is also responsible for overseeing contracts for repair and maintenance of the courts and equipment.