Changes to Village-wide criteria headlined the September MVF Board of Directors meeting

At its September 26 meeting, the Montgomery Village Foundation (MVF) Board of Directors considered and approved a number of updates to architectural criteria. Modified documents included both Village-wide and specific community criteria. MVF Director of Architectural Standards Dee Wirth outlined the changes as follows:

• Updates to the A/C Units Village-wide criteria, which included clear photo-drawn reference to the types of A/C units based on the style of window.
• Updates to the Fuel Tank Village-wide criteria, which included clear photo-drawn references to the types of fuel units, and the potential requirement of screening to reduce the impact to the neighboring homes or road view.
• Updates to the Maryland Place Homes Corporation Criteria to include patio doors and front doors, (commonplace in all community criteria), as well as completion dates for approved projects; community design details and features; privacy fence height for elevated decks; stair additions; and an alternative shed design.
• Updates to the Eastgate Homes Corporation Criteria to include patio doors and garage doors; modification or addition details to original and replacement features, such as siding profiles and size; and completion date for approved projects.

There was also discussion regarding adoption of Village-wide Landscaping Criteria; the Board heard concern on this item during Residents Time. Wirth, with recommendation from the Architectural Review Board (ARB), proposed formalizing the current Landscaping guidelines as criteria, with an update to include guidance on low-impact landscaping, per Maryland law. Noting opposition and confusion expressed by some residents about the criteria, the Board decided to table the adoption for additional review and discussion of the proposed criteria and the original guidelines at an upcoming Board meeting. 

Other Agenda Items
The Board also approved recommendations from the Nominating and Election committees in preparation for the 2025 MVF Board of Directors Election. Revisions to the annual notices, documents, and application only included date changes for the upcoming election and Student Representative program.

Finally, in preparation for annual assessment notices, the Board authorized ordering of the 2025 assessment coupons, return envelopes, and postage from Bank-A-Count Corp for a bid of $21,630.15 plus an additional 10% for any changes in direct debit enrollments or any other unforeseen costs. Notices and coupons will be mailed to Village residents once rates are set with the approval of the 2025 MVF Budget at the Thursday, Oct. 24 meeting.

President’s Remarks
MVF Board President Doniele Ayres commended MCPD Chief Yamada and 6^th District Commander Stancliff for their participation in the September Community Safety Meeting, where they reviewed crime statistics and answered resident questions about operations in Montgomery Village. She also thanked Senator Nancy King for arranging a meeting with the State Highway Administration (SHA) to discuss proposed intersection improvements on MD 124 that pose traffic and safety concerns for Village residents. Ayres also expressed her empathy for the Village residents who were impacted by recent shooting events, noting that the police are working all leads to solve the crimes. She added that MVF is committed to supporting residents and working with the police on community safety issues.

EVP Report
MVF EVP Mike Conroy echoed Ayres’ sentiments regarding recent meetings and safety initiatives. Conroy also provided updates on Montgomery County Department of Transportation (DOT) projects in the Village. He noted the All Way Stop signs to be installed at intersections along East Village Avenue will be completed by mid-October. He said notice will be given as soon as DOT provides installation dates.

Additionally, drainage work was completed on Montgomery Village Avenue near Lakeshore Drive and Waterhouse Road in response to a request made in June 2022 regarding excessive flooding on the roadway after large rainstorms. A county investigation revealed that the runoff pipe was undersized, and completed a storm drainage system upgrade to increase the pipe size from 15 to 24 inches. They also repaired existing inlets and replaced one of the manholes with a new inlet to move drainage off the road.

Treasurer’s Report
MVF Treasurer Tom Wills presented the Treasurer’s Report for the for the year-to-date (YTD) and month ending August 31, 2024. Wills reported that overall, MVF funds were favorable to the budget by approximately $1.4 million, driven by higher Revenues in Investments ($678,000), Grant Revenues ($191,000), Camps and Classes ($108,000) and Pool Membership/Fees ($65,000). Personnel costs exceeded the budget by $13,000, primarily due to increased temp wages for pool staffing, while Operating costs were favorable to the budget by $35,000. He noted total Revenues were $7,831,885 and Operating Expenses were $6,392,581 through August (0.35% over budget).

Wills said in total, 371 units had been sold in Bloom Village and 27 units sold in Overlook, contributing to favorable Capital Contribution Fees through the end of the month.

Wills noted the Balance Sheet continues to reflect MVF’s strong financial position, with $13.4 million held in Cash and Investments, and more than $3.1 million in Undesignated Reserves. Assessment Receivables saw an overall increase from last year, and the Delinquency Rate for August was reported at 10.9% (924 units), 0.2% lower than the 10-year average. Last year’s delinquency rate was slightly lower at 10.2% (868 units).

Next Meeting
The next MVF Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24 via Zoom. Residents are invited to attend; full meeting details, the meeting packet and/or participation instructions will be posted online at www.montgomeryvillage.com the week before the meeting.