MVF Board reaffirms opposition to M-83 Highway with Resolution

At the January 26 Montgomery Village Foundation (MVF) Board of Directors meeting, the Board reaffirmed its opposition to the building of the M-83 Highway through the enaction of a Resolution which echoes previous sentiments by the Board. MVF has long been opposed to the building of the roadway, which would cut directly though the Village, if ever built.

Fortunately, Montgomery County has no plans to build the roadway, and has not allocated funds for it in the CIP. Additionally, despite being in conflict with other county growth plans, the project remains in the Master Plan of Highways; MVF has asked for investigation into its removal. Following a presentation in December by Transit Alternatives to Midcounty Highway Extended (TAME), the Board realized a need to reaffirm its position on M-83, and communicate that to the new Montgomery County Council and other area leaders. The Resolution incorporates highlights and concerns from MVF’s previously approved Transportation Priorities, as well as the TAME presentation and the MVF Committee on the Environment.

The Resolution, as well as the Transportation Priorities can be found online at www.montgomeryvillage.com/mvf/mvf-policies.

Other Agenda Items
The Board approved a number of items in preparation for the 2023 pool season including: the 2023 Pool Schedule and revisions to the Activity Card Policy, Pool Operating Policy and Swim Team Use of Facilities. The revisions were based on operational changes during the 2022 season and include: swapping days that North Creek and Stedwick pools are closed; outside pool membership fee increases in accordance with DU Fee increases; establishing a timeline for exiting facilities once they close for the day; and moving swim teams from Hurley Park to other facilities in order to expand the swim lesson program.

In other Recreation-related items, MLEDTech was awarded a bid to install LED lights at Watkins Mill and North Creek sports courts in the amount of $162,865. The lights at these facilities will be more efficient and better than those currently at the courts. Additionally, separate push-button timers for each set of courts will be installed, reducing the overall energy consumption. The Board also authorized staff to proceed with the Design/Build process for the Stedwick Pool and Bathhouse renovation project—the next pool in line for major renovation. Based on feedback from meetings, surveys and general input, staff will continue the process keeping core features of the pool as the basis for an RFP and subsequent meetings and design reviews.

Aquatic Environmental Consultants, Inc. (AEC) was awarded a sole source bid for pond management of MVF’s smaller bodies of water. AEC has maintained many of MVF’s water systems for years, and has been the vendor of choice for over a decade. The work performed each year helps control filamentous algae, pondweeds, hydrilla, duckweed and watermeal, as well as maintaining diffuser systems and fountains. North Creek Lake was added to the contract, which was approved in the amount of $15,060.

The EVP was authorized to negotiate and execute new Excess Umbrella Insurance, as well as new a new Billable Fee Schedule with BrightView. In terms of insurance, MVF’s current provider, Philadelphia Insurance, will only provide $5 million in umbrella coverage due to external factors in the insurance marketplace; previously, they provided a $10 million policy. An additional $5 million policy was awarded to StarStone National Insurance Company not to exceed a $46,313 premium. Regarding the BrightView Billable Fee Schedule, an amendment was necessary to compensate for rising costs and inflationary pressures. This schedule is for work outside the scope of the fixed-price contract, and does not pose a significant impact to the 2023 Budget; most notably, tree removal, additional mowing services and the hourly labor rate were impacted.

Finally, the Board approved revisions to the Architectural Criteria for Poplar Spring to include patio and garage door criteria and removing outdated graphics to eliminate confusion or incorrect exterior updates.

President’s Remarks
Board President Scott Dyer thanked the candidates for the MVF Board of Directors Election and residents for attending the Meet the Candidates event prior to the meeting, noting a second opportunity would be offered before the Thursday, Feb. 23 meeting as well. He said the MVF Annual Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 23 in person, at North Creek Community Center, 20125 Arrowhead Road, and encouraged all residents to vote in the election.

Dyer noted he had recently testified in front of the City of Gaithersburg City Council regarding the Lakeforest Mall redevelopment project and as the project moves forward, updates will be shared with the Board and the public. He also mentioned that there was an online rumor that Montgomery Village would or should be annexed by the City of Gaithersburg; there is no truth to the rumor and news should be obtained from the Village News or www.montgomeryvillage.com.

He ended his remarks with a moment of silence for International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

EVP Report
EVP Dave Humpton noted that he recently met with Kumar Barve, Chair of the Maryland State Environment and Transportation Committee, who deals with all the HOA bills put forth during the general assembly each year. Humpton said the homeowner “Bill of Rights” is being introduced again, however it conflicts with the Real Property Code, would impede MVF operations and adversely affect MVF’s budget. He felt the state should reconvene the Maryland Task Force on Common Ownership Communities which ended its work in 2006; given the numerous bills and issues since 2006, a new task force could bring community leaders together in a coordinated effort to improve common ownership community statutes.

Humpton also relayed that MVF does not own the Central Park property yet, and until such time as it’s opened, it is off limits to users. He said while it may look ready to go, a number of issues still need to be addressed, including: lighting, shade structures, stormwater management and paving before the park can be turned over to MVF.

Finally, Humpton addressed the trash and security issues mentioned during Residents Time, noting they are local HOA/condominium association issues, and recently, he was asked to not interfere with the local association business. He cited problems with enforcement, resident responsibility, weather and education/behavior as underlying issues, and offered that residents should work with county officials regarding rodent problems and mitigation. Regarding security, he recommended hosting another meeting with 6th District Police Commander Eric Stancliff for an update on crime and police activity in the area.

Treasurer’s Report
MVF CFO Daniel Salazar presented the Treasurer’s Report for the preliminary report and unaudited estimates for the year ending December 31, 2022, noting that overall, all MVF funds were ahead of budget projections by approximately $67,000, despite losses in Investment Income. Overall Revenue was reported at $8.67 million, with $8.14 million in Operating Expenses, leaving Net Income of approximately $549,000 ($482,000 without the use of planned Undesignated Reserves).

Salazar reported the $1.36 million was added to the Reserve Fund, as prescribed in the budget. Capital Expenses of $561,000 were significantly less than the previous year due to the finalization of the North Creek Pool Renovation. Capital Contribution Fees (CCF) were reported at $346,000 versus $183,000 expected in the budget, mainly due to Bloom Village settlements, which now total 151 units settled.

Investment Income was reported down by approximately 13.4% for the year, however, MVF has still earned $1.35 million over the life of the portfolio. He said the Balance Sheet continues to reflect MVF’s strong financial position with over $10.3 million of its assets held in Cash and Investments; MVF continues to hold $2.9 million in Undesignated Reserves.

The Delinquency Rate for December was reported at 6.6% (558 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, Feb. 23, as a conference call/Zoom meeting. Join at 7 p.m. for a “Meet the Candidates” event, to get to know and talk with the candidates running for the MVF Board of Directors. 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.