Board approves items to prepare for summer activities at February meeting

At the February 24 Montgomery Village Foundation (MVF) Board of Directors meeting, several action items were approved in preparation for the summer season. Playground resurfacing, pool usage agreements and potential new Pickleball court locations were among some of the items discussed.

Each year the engineered wood fiber surfacing for playgrounds is inspected to maintain a safe play area for Village youth. The Board awarded a 3-year installation contract to Playground Specialists, Inc. for this service; the multi-year contract enables annual replacement in an efficient, cost-effective manner.

The Board granted the EVP authority to negotiate and execute Pool Usage Agreements with both Thomas Choice Condominium (TCC) and Thomas Choice Gardens Condominium (TCGC). Since 2015, TCC residents have been able to use Stedwick and Whetstone pools, via a 20-punch pass agreement with MVF; this agreement was extended another 5 years. TCGC was offered a 1-year agreement to Whetstone and Hurley Park pools, with the same 20-punch pass. With new units from Bloom Village and the Village Center coming fully online in the next several years, the Board agreed that staff needs to study usage so as to not hit capacity through additional long-term agreements. TCGC has its own pool amenity, which, according to TCGC representatives, is undergoing short-term maintenance; the 1-year agreement provides TCGC residents pool amenities for the 2022 season.

Since the installation of the dedicated Pickleball courts at North Creek Community Center, the amenity has been heavily used, and has become a new favorite among residents. Based on initial resident feedback, the Recreation Committee supported the idea of potentially adding more Pickleball courts at other locations in the community. The Board agreed, and authorized staff to proceed with gaining community input on additional Pickleball courts at Apple Ridge and/or Edward DeSimon recreation areas. More information about community input opportunities will be available in the coming month.

Other Agenda Items
Regarding MVF Office matters, the Board approved an update to the Computer Usage Policy, to include guidance on social media for employees. The update was also included in the MVF Personnel Manual. Additionally, the Oil and Sand Interceptor on the MVF Maintenance Facility is completely blocked and in need of replacement. This component of the sanitary system filters waste before it enters the WSSC system. A2Z Environmental was awarded the bid for the excavation, removal, disposal and replacement work for an amount not to exceed $19,825.

Finally, the MVF Board had an extensive discussion regarding the proposed North Creek Stream Valley Restoration Project. Ultimately, the Board authorized the EVP to negotiate and execute a Letter of Agreement (LOA)/Letter of Intent (LOI) with two environmental companies—GreenVest and RES—for the considered work in the stream valley. After hearing from several residents during Residents Time, the Board took up the discussion about this sensitive project, reviewing the differences between the non-binding LOA/LOIs and the executable Option Agreement that would come later in the project. Staff relayed that the LOA/LOIs were merely the first step in continuing the study process. Feedback from Northgate Homes Corporation, the Committee on the Environment and other residents will be compiled into preferred criteria for the eventual Option Agreements; the criteria would be provided to both RES and GreenVest to consider when submitting their respective Option Agreements. The Board will review any such submissions at a future meeting.

President’s Remarks
MVF Board President Pete Webb emphasized that the North Creek Stream Valley Restoration Project LOA/LOIs slated for discussion and action on the agenda were not contracts or binding agreements. He said the letters, which had been reviewed by MVF General Counsel Christopher Hitchens, allowed the environmental companies to gather the information needed to file more complete proposals. Subsequent Option Agreements from either/both companies would reflect community, Northgate and Committee on the Environment input, and eventually, only one Option Agreement would be chosen if the project were to move forward.

Webb also thanked those who provided feedback, input and comment during Residents Time and reminded those in attendance to submit their MVF Board of Directors election ballots by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 18.

EVP Report
Executive Vice President (EVP) Dave Humpton reported that Evergreen Director of Development Bob Caravona sent a letter to MVF noting Evergreen has heard the community, is re-evaluating their options, and when ready (likely several months), Evergreen would be back for continued community engagement. Humpton also noted that Montgomery Village will now fall into the new Montgomery County Council District 7, with a new councilmember as its representative. County elections will be held in June (primary) and November.

Regarding transportation issues, he explained a few potential impacts with the county’s Corridor Forward proposal. Specifically, the concept of the corridor connector, connecting the Village Center to the BRT along RT 355 through a dedicated bus system and the potential relocation of the RideOn Transit Center. Humpton was also awaiting a forthcoming announcement from WRS regarding the Lakeforest Mall site.

He further reported that the final planning of Bloom Village will result in 514 units over the 6 areas. The road leading into the new park was recently cut through (Stewartown Road extended), and construction on the park would begin this spring, with hopeful completion later this year.

Treasurer’s Report
MVF Treasurer Stephen Taylor presented the Treasurer’s Report for the year-to-date (YTD) and the month ending January 31, 2022, which was in a new format that consolidated the monthly summary.

Taylor reported that Overall Results started on a loss, with Investment Income unfavorable to the budget by $306,000 due to the volatility of the market. However, Operating Expenses were reported on target to the budget through January. He said the Balance Sheet continues to reflect MVF’s strong financial position with $11 million in Cash and Investments.

The Delinquency Rate for January was reported at 19.6%, which is slightly higher than same period in the previous year. Taylor noted the Assessment Receivables were down significantly, mainly due to the finality of the condominium lawsuit. CFO Daniel Salazar added that the Capital Contribution Fee was favorable to the budget by about $30,000 due to the sale of more new units than expected in Bloom Village.

Next Meeting
The next MVF Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 24, as a conference call/Zoom meeting, with the Annual Meeting immediately following at approximately 8 p.m. 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.