by Mike Conroy
Since being hired as Director of Recreation and Parks in August 2017, Duncan Mullis has been leading his team in a strategic planning exercise to help guide the future of Recreation and Parks offerings and amenities for the next several years. The detailed plan, called “MV: A More Active Tomorrow,” aims to “positively impact the quality of life for the Montgomery Village community through enhancing programs, parks, pools and facilities.”
The seven-month-long process has engaged residents, staff, committees and the Montgomery Village Foundation (MVF) Board of Directors to produce a set of goals for each of the department’s key areas: programming, aquatics, parks and facilities. The plan proposes realistic goals for meeting diverse community needs and shifts some current practices to make recreation opportunities available on a broader spectrum.
The Board adopted the plan at its June meeting, after previewing and making suggested changes during the annual retreat earlier in the month. The full Recreation Strategic Plan—including goals, survey finding and demographic information—can be found online at www.montgomeryvillage.com.
Other agenda items
Several architectural criteria were reviewed and approved by the Board. In The Heights of Stedwick, a new gate style for residents to choose from was approved, as a result of scheduled inspections and an appeal to the Architectural Review Board (ARB). In South Village, a new trim color—McCormick #110 “Greystone”—was approved to give residents a third color option for this area of their homes. In The Reach (East Village), changes to the fence criteria were approved, resulting in a more cost-effective option for residents that still retains the overall design of the original fence to remain intact. All of these updates were approved by the individual homes corporations and the ARB before coming to the MVF Board.
During the Board retreat on June 2, the Board reviewed the Mission, Vision and Strategic Goals of the organization. During the discussion, several suggested additions were noted, reflecting the Board’s recognition and appreciation for the Village’s diversity; the need for inclusion and engagement of all residents in MVF activities; partnering with the police and schools that serve the community; and the desire to promote business and economic development in Montgomery Village. The proposed changes were adopted.
Revisions to the MVF Collection Policy were also approved. The edits made to the policy did not change the terms for collection or acceleration, but more accurately reflect the language that is used by the county court system in order to keep the efficiency of the collections process.
Finally, the Board awarded a bid to Brigade Holdings, Inc. through a Pepco grant to upgrade the LED lighting fixtures at the MVF Office. The upgrade from the fixtures installed in 2015 will cut the kilowatt hour output in half, resulting in an annual energy savings of $2,320.
EVP Report
Executive Vice President (EVP) Dave Humpton noted that staff has been busy with the summer season in full swing. He said camps are engaging, pools are being used and summer programs are in full swing. Humpton relayed that Montgomery Village has and has had a strong resident presence on the UpCounty Advisory Board (UCAB) and commended those dedicated to serving in that capacity.
Additionally, Humpton talked about how discussion from the Board retreat prompted investigation into whether or not Montgomery Village could apply for status as an Enterprise Zone. He said that while the application must be approved by the county and the state, based on initial findings, if approved, Montgomery Village could benefit from the designation, which would offer development incentives in the area. Humpton expressed the desire to establish a business roundtable to discuss the potential and support the endeavor.
Treasurer’s Report
MVF Treasurer Bob Carey gave the financial report for both the month of May and year-to-date (YTD). Carey once again noted MVF’s strong financial position with $8.6 million in Cash and Investments showing on the Balance Sheet. He reported that Revenue for the month was ahead of budget by $37,000, and ahead of budget by $250,000 YTD. Overall, all areas are favorable to the budget, except Village News advertising.
Personnel and Operating costs were reported as below budget due to previously unfilled positions and prudent spending by staff. It was noted that Personnel Costs would rise in the coming months due to seasonal staff.
Next Meeting
The next MVF Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 26 in the North Creek Board Room, 20125 Arrowhead Road. The meeting begins promptly at 7:30 p.m. with Residents Time. Residents are invited and encouraged to attend. The meeting agenda and information packet will be available online at www.montgomeryvillage.com the week of the meeting.