Members form oversight group, criticize board conduct and meeting length

Two Reston residents used the public comment period at the Jan. 23 Reston Association Board meeting to criticize board conduct and announce a new member oversight group.

Ed Abbott, who identified himself as a member and left a Lake Robin Lane address, said association members had voiced concern about strained staff relationships, lack of collegiality and “excessively long executive sessions.” Abbott announced formation of the Reston Association Members Board Oversight group (Rambo) to review board agendas, minutes and videos and to present findings during public comment periods at selected monthly meetings. "Our goal is to provide positive feedback that is detailed enough to be actionable," Abbott said.

Karen Anton, who gave a Dry River Court address, called out what she described as "bullying, name calling" and public denigration of staff, and urged directors to check their egos and consider an independent, facilitated board retreat. Anton said long late-night meetings—motions presented after midnight—amount to poor governance and asked the board to insist that "no good governance happens after 10 p.m." She urged directors to publicly address incivility when it occurs.

The board accepted both speakers' comments; no formal action was taken during the public comment period. After public comment, the board amended the consent calendar to remove a legal committee recommendation concerning 1650 Valencia Way and later deferred that matter to April for further consideration.