Maintenance bids top February MVF Board agenda

Bids to repair or replace equipment at facilities was a major topic at the February Montgomery Village Foundation (MVF) Board of Directors meeting. On the list were parking lot lights at the MVF Office; resurfacing Whetstone Pool; and ceiling repairs at Lake Marion Community Center.

Pole lights in the MVF auxiliary lot and along the sidewalk near the building are due for replacement. As with all replacements, newer lights that provide greater coverage and better efficiency are always considered; the new fixtures will be LED to meet those requirements. Kolb Electric was awarded the bid for replacement at a price of $18,410.22.

The Whetstone Pool was reconstructed in 2013, including a new plaster-coated finish. After 7 years of use, it has become increasingly abrasive and requires larger repairs each year. Along with the plaster recoat, an automatic water level controller will be added to the pool. Pool Service Company was awarded the bid for the work at a cost of $80, 943.

An inspection of the Lake Marion Gym ceiling revealed that sections of the original ceiling (installed in 1987) are starting to pull away from the trusses, with potential to fall to the floor below. Repairs will include resecuring the drywall and repainting the acoustic panels. Klappenberger and Son will perform the work for $24,145.96. All projects will be funded from their respective Reserve Funds.

Other Agenda Items
In keeping with the community tradition of volunteerism, several residents were appointed to committees during the meeting. Residents Clare Conlon, David Cline and Sharon Levine were appointed again as the Scholarship Committee; John Driscoll and Louis Mayer were appointed to the Architectural Review Board; and Christine Scott was confirmed as the Chair of the Communications Committee.

Finally, the Board approved a Resolution to be sent to the Court of Special Appeals (CSA) in support of requesting their recent decision in the condominium lawsuit be designated as “reported.” On February 16, the CSA ruled to uphold the Circuit Court’s decision noting that the three condominiums were not able to terminate their relationship with MVF based solely on language contained in their respective Supplementary Declarations. MVF is asking the Court to designate the ruling as “reported” for the knowledge of future boards of directors, given the annual turnover on association boards. The Resolution will accompany a letter to the Court from outside legal counsel.

President’s Remarks
oard President Pete Webb thanked the MVF Board of Directors candidates and residents on the call for their participation and attendance in the Meet and Greet that took place before the meeting. He also noted the information provided during Residents Time regarding the Montgomery County Airpark and Airpark Liaison Committee, and asked that Executive Vice President (EVP) Dave Humpton follow up and report back as necessary.

EVP Report
EVP Humpton gave an update on potential legislation that could impact MVF and/or the local associations in Montgomery Village. He said MVF is watching a number of bills in the House before they move to the Senate, specifically two bills regarding Reserve Studies, which MVF supports. He said a full list of bills on the watchlist is included in his EVP Report, which can be found online at www.montgomeryvillage.com.

Regarding the condominium litigation, Humpton said he was surprised with the fast turnaround of the decision from the Court of Special Appeals, but pleased with the ruling to uphold the decision of the Circuit Court. He noted that approximately $300,000 in legal fees has been spent on the case thus far, and Heron’s Cove and Normandie-on-the-Lake II have continued to withhold assessment fees owed. He said he would continue to keep the Board and the community informed with any new updates in the case.

Finally, Humpton reported that construction at the North Creek Pool was progressing, and that MVF recently received the building permit for the bathhouse, which means other parts of the project, including the elevator for ADA access can begin. He is hopeful to remain on track, and will continue to provide updates as they are available.

Treasurer’s Report
CFO Daniel Salazar presented the Treasurer’s Report through the end of January 2021. He noted that overall results through the end of the month were a good start versus the budget. Net Income was reported as favorable by $34,000, even though Revenue was unfavorable by about $45,000; he noted the surplus in Operating Costs (mainly Landscaping and Maintenance) to be the largest factor in remaining on track. Salazar said the Capital Contribution Fee for the month was approximately $12,000, which was double the budget projection.

The Balance Sheet was reported to show $11 million of MVF assets in Cash and Investments. Accounts Receivables increased to approximately 22% ($190,000), with the majority of that being money owed by the two condominiums who have not paid MVF because of the pending litigation. The Delinquency Rate was reported at 18.8%, which was down from the same period last year.

Next Meeting
The next MVF Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 25, as a conference call with the Annual Meeting to follow at approximately 7:45 p.m. Residents are encouraged to join the to hear an address from the Board President, get a financial report, and congratulate community service and employee recognition award winners. Full meeting details, the meeting packet and/or participation instructions will be posted online at www.montgomeryvillage.com the week before the meeting.