Parking lot barrier installation approved for North Creek Community Center

Earlier this year, and previously in 2018, vehicles using the North Creek Community Center parking lot for driving lessons have left the lot and caused potentially dangerous situations. One car ended up in the pool, and the other went through a fence and into a tree. Luckily, in both cases, there were no serious injuries, but there was significant property damage. Fortunately, the pool was not opened at the time of either incident. In response, and to help prevent this type of accident in the future, the Montgomery Village Foundation (MVF) Board of Directors approved the installation of a barrier along the parking lot at their June 24 meeting.

Long Fence was awarded a bis of $23,020 to install a TimBarrier StreetGuard guardrail. The timber rails are backed with steel plates and will maintain an aesthetic look on the property over a typical steel guardrail system. This is the same type of barrier often found on low-speed roadways in parks and private developments. The project will be funded from DU Reserves.

Other Agenda Items
Changes to the MVF Community Center Use Policy were approved; the policy had not been updated since 2016. Generally, the policy governs how and who can use MVF-owned community centers for classes, activities, meetings and other group uses, excluding Private Rentals, which operate under specific other guidelines. Changes included updates to the language for types of organizations as well as the pricing structure. The changes will take effect with the Fall 2021 rental period. The updated policy can be found on line at www.montgomeryvillage.com.

The Board also approved the final 2021 Pool Schedule, which includes the summer, late summer and fall open times, as well as the morning lap swim times. The schedule was released in phases in 2021 due to changing procedures and policies from COVID-19. In the event that North Creek Pool is able to open at the end of the season, a swap will be made with Peggy Mark Pool hours. The full schedule can be found online at www.montgomeryvillage.com.

President’s Remarks
MVF Board President Pete Webb noted that pools were open, and that summer programming, including the Independence Day Celebration, was underway. He also presented Upcounty Regional Services Center Director Catherine Matthews with a Community Service Certificate for her years of advocacy and support of the upcounty, including Montgomery Village. Matthews is retiring from her position with the county at the end of June; her long-time support will be missed.

EVP Report
Executive Vice President (EVP) Dave Humpton briefed the Board on the Montgomery County Airpark meeting that had occurred the evening before, noting the purpose of the meeting was to further the dialogue with county officials, FAA, Montgomery County Revenue Authority (MCRA) and stakeholders regarding noise, the number of touch-and-go flights, air traffic and other concerns at the Airpark.

He said a major topic of discussion was the ability of the MCRA to reduce number of touch-and-gos at the Airpark. A representative from the FAA said MCRA did not have any authority to do so—it’s a public airport, uses government funds and its mission is in line with FAA goals to provide training and recertification for pilots. At the meeting it was reported that noise levels have not changed since the last noise study over 20 years ago. No new residential development has been added along the Airpark in that time. County officials said they would have to look into the potential for a new noise study.

Humpton also asked if a control tower would provide more accountability for pilots. The FAA noted the process to establish a tower is very long, and most community airports are do not have a tower. Even if one were to be built by the county, it would need to be staffed by FAA-trained individuals. It was noted that the addition of a tower may not effect much change, but would cost a lot of money.

During his report, Humpton also said that 6th District Police Commander Mike Ward would be taking a new position in another state, and his replacement has not been named yet. He also mentioned that the condominium lawsuit had reached the end of any appeal process, with MVF receiving support from all the courts that the condominiums could not break their contract and leave MVF. MVF is now in the process of collecting past due assessments and would soon begin the process to recuperate the legal costs they are entitled to.

Treasurer’s Report
CFO Daniel Salazar presented the Treasurer’s Report for the year-to-date and the month ending May 31, 2021. He noted that overall, MVF is ahead of budget; Net Income was reported favorable by $615,000 primarily from investments which are up $242,000; Capital Contribution Fees which are up $39,000; and Pool Memberships which are up $38,000. He also said Personnel and Operating Costs were favorable to budget by $113,000 and $135,000, respectively. Contributions to Reserves CTR in the amount of $562,270 made in accordance with the budget for the month.

Salazar said the Balance Sheet continues to show MVF’s strong financial position, with $10.7 million in Cash and Investments, which were reported up $1.2 million from this time last year. MVF is currently carrying $2.75 million in Undesignated Reserves.

He noted that Accounts Receivable had grown $144,000, mostly due to the lawsuit with the condominiums. Delinquencies, however, were reported to be 10.4% (beating the 5-year average and the same period last year).

Next Meeting
The next MVF Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 22, as a conference call. 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.