MVF Recreation and Parks to proceed with bocce court concept and pilot disc golf course

At the Oct. 24 Montgomery Village Foundation (MVF) Board of Directors meeting, the Board approved the MVF Recreation and Parks Department to proceed with the concept of adding a bocce court at both Lake Whetstone Park and William Hurley Park, based on survey feedback where most residents said they were interested in the sport and supported both locations. MVF staff will investigate the best court application and present the finalized plan to the Recreation Committee and the MVF Board of Directors at a future meeting.

The Board also authorized the purchase and installation of a pilot, nonpermanent, 9-hole multi-golf course at the Apple Ridge Recreation Area and MVF Office, based on favorable survey feedback showing interest in disc golf and multi-golf. The temporary targets are easily installed and can be adjusted to minimize the impact on adjacent property owners. Pending the success of the pilot, a permanent disc/multi-golf course could be investigated in the future.

Other Agenda Items

In other actions, the MVF Board:

• Approved the 2025 MVF Operating Budget and set the 2025 assessment rates and service fees.
• Sanctioned changes to the Collection Policy to remove mention of PaySafe Cash as a payment option.
• Adopted the 2023 401(k) Agreed-Upon Procedure Report.
• Authorized the Executive Vice President (EVP) to purchase a new postage machine at a cost of $17,945.40 from Reserves.
• Accepted the new Community Center Use Policy for Private Use of MVF Facilities to replace the Procedures for Private Use of MVF Facilities.
• Accepted the Community Center Use Policy for Organizational Use of MVF Facilities to replace the Montgomery Village Community Center Use Policy.
• Awarded the repair of a failing storm drain outfall on MVF property near the Normandie Pool at the end of Walker House Road to Busy Ditch, Inc. for a total of $67,650, plus an additional 10% for unforeseen expenses from Reserves.

President’s Remarks

Keeping her comments brief, MVF Board Vice President Susan Prince urged residents to be mindful of the increased neighborhood activity and pedestrians as it got darker earlier, and especially for Halloween. Prince also presented a Community Service Award to Ashton Foster who departed the MVF Recreation Committee after 7 years of dedicated service and thanked him for his commitment.

EVP Report

EVP Mike Conroy noted two upcoming community meetings and urged Board members to attend either or both if possible. He reminded those in attendance of the New Residents Welcome Reception, a fun, annual event that welcomes the newest residents in the Village. The event is scheduled for 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at North Creek Community Center, 20125 Arrowhead Road.

Conroy also mentioned the important Recreation Services Community Meeting, cohosted by Montgomery County Recreation, scheduled for 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14 at Lake Marion Community Center, 8821 East Village Avenue. Recreation staff from MVF, Montgomery County, the City of Gaithersburg, and Identity, Inc. will present opportunities currently available and will welcome residents to share their experiences and express their needs for future recreation services. Food and shuttle services will be provided, and residents can learn more here.

He also provided an update on M-83 Highway (MidCounty Highway Extended), noting the Montgomery County Planning Board held outreach meetings to gain feedback to consider removing the M-83 Highway from its Master Plan of Highways and Transitways (MPOHT). The Planning Board will hold a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14, at the M-NCPPC Building, 2445 Reedie Drive, Wheaton, before making a recommendation to the County Council. The hearing will provide residents with the opportunity to testify their position on M-83. Those who can’t make the meeting, but wish to provide written comment can do so by emailing the Planning Board at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by noon on Thursday, Nov. 28.

Treasurer’s Report

Treasurer Tom Wills presented the Treasurer’s Report for the year-to-date (YTD) and month ending September 2024.

Wills reported that overall, all MVF funds were ahead of budget projections with Net Income higher to the budget by approximately $1.6 million, driven by higher Revenues in Investments (+$792,000) Grant Revenues (+$452,000), Camps and Classes (+$109,000) and Pool Membership/Fees (+$61,000). Personnel and Operating costs were favorable to the budget by $111,000 and $87,000, respectively. He noted that total Revenue was $9,009,495, and Operating Expenses were $7,071,678 through September; both were favorable to the budget.

Wills said 378 units in Bloom Village and 27 Overlook Condominium units had been sold, contributing to Capital Contribution Fees received through September at $285,988 versus $225,000 prescribed in the budget.

He said the Balance Sheet continues to reflect MVF’s strong financial position with $13.4 million of its assets held in Cash and Investments. MVF continues to hold close to $3.1 million in Undesignated Reserves. Assessment Receivables has seen an overall increase, and the Delinquency Rate for September was reported at 6.7% (565 units). MVF’s current Delinquency Rate is 0.4% lower than the 10-year average for the month of September (7.1%). Last year’s rate was slightly lower at 6.3% (537 units).

Next Meeting

The next MVF Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12 in the North Creek Board Room, 20125 Arrowhead Road. Residents are invited to attend; full meeting details and the meeting packet will be posted online at www.montgomeryvillage.com the week before the meeting.