MVF Board of Directors approved solar panels on MVF facilities pursuant to state authorization

During the Thursday, June 22, Montgomery Village Foundation (MVF) Board of Directors meeting, the Board authorized Executive Vice President (EVP) Mike Conroy to enter into a contractual agreement with Mledtech, LLC to install solar panels on six MVF facilities, contingent on the State of Maryland authorizing proceeding with the project. Adding solar panels to MVF facilities has been a key Organizational Green Plan priority for MVF and will not only make its operations greener, but will significantly decrease its utilities expenses.

In 2022, MVF received a commitment from the State of Maryland for funding of $800,000 to install the solar panels on MVF facilities. MVF staff sent out the RFP to nine companies and also publicized the bid in trade publications. MVF received one bid from Mledtech, LLC to install 775 solar panels onto the following six MVF facilities: North Creek Community Center, MVF Office and Maintenance Facility, Whetstone Community Center, Stedwick Community Center, Peggy Mark Pool and Bowie Music Pavilion. The bid from Mledtech is for $733,000, which is within the $800,000 commitment from the state.

Agenda Items
The Board also moved to approve two other items during the meeting. The Board approved a bid of $13,182.74 from MVF Reserves from The Dresner Group (MVF’s IT contractor) for updates and equipment for the MVF server room. As technology has advanced and The Dresner Group has helped manage and reduce physical equipment, most of the infrastructure in MVF’s server room can be consolidated. In conjunction with the replacement of network switches (approved in February 2023), the remaining equipment can be consolidated into one server rack.

In a separate action, the Board moved to appoint Allan Prigal and Jeff Lehman to the Architectural Review Board (ARB).

President’s Remarks
Filling in for Board President Scott Dyer, Vice President Doniele Ayres said it was wonderful to celebrate Juneteenth earlier in the week, and she was looking forward to the Village’s July 4th Celebration, along with the 5K Race and 1 Mile Fun Run. She encouraged the Board and others to check out the website for more details about these upcoming events. She also welcomed the new members to the community, thanked those residents who are willing to serve in the community, and encouraged residents to consider volunteering on an MVF committee or other opportunities to serve by visiting the MVF website.

EVP Report
EVP Mike Conroy noted the Watkins Mill Fitness Park, which is part of Watkins Mill Recreation Area, 19501 Club Lake Road, is almost ready to open; MVF is awaiting one final permit from the county and expects that permit very soon. Once the permit is complete, staff will set a date for and announce the grand opening.

He said the water fountains for the dog park at David B. Humpton Park, 9701 Stewartown Road, are scheduled to be completed by June 30.

Conroy noted MVF is in full swing with summer activities; that includes camps, pools, swim lessons, concerts, and the boat dock. He said it is a busy time for staff, and there is a lot for residents to do.

Conroy mentioned on Saturday, June 24, MVF held the annual goose count, Boating Safety Day, and Rake the Lake all at Lake Whetstone, and the Starlight Anthem Signature Concert at the Bowie Music Pavilion in the evening.

MVF’s Student Rep, Obehi Eromosele, began her summer internship at MVF earlier in the week. Eromosele will work on tasks with each of the MVF departments and see firsthand how various items that are discussed and then passed by the MVF Board of Directors are then implemented in the office and/or community.

Treasurer’s Report
MVF CFO Daniel Salazar presented the Treasurer’s Report for the year-to-date and month ending May 31, 2023. Noting that overall, all MVF funds were ahead of budget projections by approximately $794,000. This was driven by higher Revenues in Investment Income ($174,000), grant income ($259,000), Camps and Classes ($110,000) and Pool Membership Fees ($38,000). Personnel and Operating costs were favorable to the budget by $139,000 and $36,000, respectively.

He reported total Revenue was $4,579,693, and Operating Expenses were $3,184,661 through May; both were favorable to the budget.

Salazar said 211 units in Bloom Village and 9 Overlook Condominium units had been sold, making Capital Contribution Fees received through May $119,000 versus $97,000 prescribed in the budget.

He said the Balance Sheet continues to reflect MVF’s strong financial position with more than $11.1 million of its assets held in Cash and Investments. MVF continues to hold more than $3.6 million in Undesignated Reserves. Assessment Receivables has seen an overall decrease, and the Delinquency Rate for May was reported at 9.3% (786 units). MVF’s current rate is 1.9% lower than the 9-year average delinquency for the month of May (11.2%). Last year’s delinquency rate was slightly higher at 9.6% (812 units).

Next Meeting

The next MVF Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 27, 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.