Bid for Watkins Mill Outdoor Fitness Center approved by MVF Board

Since 2019, the Montgomery Village Foundation (MVF) Board of Directors and staff have been working on the repurposing of the previously closed Watkins Mill Pool. The pool was closed due to underutilization and the overhead costs associated to keep it running each year as another pool facility. In February 2020, the MVF Board approved that the site be turned to an outdoor fitness space; staff has been working with KCI Technologies and Montgomery County on plans and permits since.

In the interim, an RFP for the project was released in March 2022, with a return date of June 10. Three bids were received by this time for the project, which includes: the demolition of the existing building and pool facility; necessary site work; installation of required stormwater management facilities; relocation of the existing playground to be adjacent to the outdoor gym; planting of required trees and shrubs; installation of a path network connecting the entrances to the amenities; addition of a 4-foot- high fence around the perimeter of the park; installation of a utilities building; installation of other site furnishings; and the creation of the fitness space, which will include an exercise track, fitness equipment with fabric shade structure, and overhead lighting.

Of the total cost of the project, $700,000 will be funded via a state bond initiative, secured by Senator Nancy King. The remaining balance will be funded from the Capital Contribution Fund, as this will be an amenity the entire community can enjoy, and may also be used for MVF-sponsored classes.

At the July 28 MVF Board meeting, the Board awarded a bid of $1,106,223 to Keller Brothers, Inc. for the project. Keller Brothers has performed other work in Montgomery Village, including the Peggy Mark Pool renovation.

Additionally for this project, the Sediment Control plans were approved by Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services; a bond for the sediment control permits is required by the county. The Board authorized the EVP to pay the $16,382 permit bond and fees as related to the Watkins Mill Outdoor Fitness Area project.

Other Agenda Items
Mullis also reported that the annual goose count had recently taken place. The count revealed a total of 551 geese counted in the same locations as counted each year. He said this number fell in the range of normal expectancy, and there were no significant changes in geese population reported .

President’s Message
MVF Board Vice President Doniele Ayres presided over the meeting in President Scott Dyer’s absence. Ayres encouraged any suggestions for the 2023 DRAFT MVF Budget be submitted to the MVF Office, or directed to Executive Vice President (EVP) Dave Humpton.

EVP Report
EVP Humpton reported that there had been a lot of recent discussion about security cameras and camera programs. He said East Village was able to arrange a program with RING, and talked about it during a recent Presidents’ Council meeting, and the county has expanded their discussions into legislation. He said the chief of police will be developing regulations and information regarding the security camera program. This important tool will help deter and solve crimes.

Humpton also noted that a Public Safety Meeting was held earlier in the week. Sixth District Commander Eric Stancliff discussed issues with staffing and recruitment county-wide; the dedicated MV Team was taken offline for the foreseeable future to compensate for staffing needs elsewhere in the 6th District. Humpton also said that Stancliff’s report of crime statistics was overall positive, noting downward trends in comparison to the same period last year. Stancliff also reported that academy class numbers had declined.

Humpton said the Department of Natural Resources, Land Acquisition and Planning had reviewed the Watkins Mill Recreation Area State Grant and that the project would be placed on an upcoming Board of Public Works agenda for approval. It is expected to move forward in August.

Treasurer’s Report
MVF CFO Daniel Salazar presented the Treasurer’s Report for the year-to-date (YTD) and the month ending June 30, 2022, reporting that overall, all MVF funds were behind budget projections by approximately $750,000, predominantly from Investment Income (-$1.2 million). This is offset by Capital Contribution Fees (CCF) which are favorable to the budget by $117,000, Pool Membership and Fees (up $52,000) and Camps/Classes (up $29,000). Additionally, Salazar said Personnel and Operating costs were lower than expected by $153,000 and $78,000, respectively.

Total Revenue through May was reported at $3.5 million, 23% lower than the budget. Operating Expenses were reported at $3.8 million, favorable to the budget by 7.2%. CCF was reported at $179,000 versus the $70,000 assumed in the budget; he noted that as of June 30, 90 new units had been sold in Bloom Village.

Salazar said that although Investment Income returned a loss, if this Reserve Fund detail is removed from the picture, the rest of the Operating Fund is highly favorable to the budget.

He said the Balance Sheet continues to reflect MVF’s strong financial position with over $10.1 million of its assets held in Cash and Investments. MVF continues to hold nearly $3 million in Undesignated Reserves. Assessment Receivables reported an overall decrease from last year of $223,000, which shows that the collection process is working and payments are being made on time.

The Delinquency Rate for June was reported at 6.3% (534 units), which is lower than both the 5-year average and last year at this time.

Next Meeting
The next MVF Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 25, as a conference call/Zoom meeting. Residents are invited to join the call; full meeting details, the meeting packet and/or participation instructions will be posted online at www.montgomeryvillage.com the week before the meeting.