Pool preparation bids approved at March MVF Board meeting

Before the Montgomery Village Foundation (MVF) Annual Meeting on March 24, a regular business meeting was held, at which several items were approved in preparation of the 2022 pool season.

In order to keep pools maintained and enjoyable, regular maintenance is performed each year, and a schedule of replacements—such as white coating—is in the Reserve Plan. However, the plaster finish at Peggy Mark Pool has become unacceptably abrasive, likely due to the flowing water in the current channel, and needs to be replaced sooner than expected. The MVF Board awarded a bid of $66,254 to Pool Service Company for this work to be performed before the 2022 pool season. Director of Recreation and Parks Duncan Mullis noted although the timeline was accelerated for this repair, the Reserve amount allocated was nearly double the proposed cost.                                                                                

Equally as important for all MVF pools are the chemicals used on a daily basis. Over the last 10 years, chemicals have been purchased from the same company, due to their reliability and competitive pricing. Staff has found that no other company is capable of providing the necessary chemical service at the price and quality. The Board agreed and approved a sole source bid for pool chemicals for the 2022 season to Amato Industries for $55,000.

Other Agenda Items
In addition to the pool preparations, the MVF Board reaffirmed an e-mail vote taken earlier in the month authorizing the EVP to pay the building permit fee of $19,386.50 to Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services for the Watkins Mill Pool repurposing project. This was the final step in permitting approval that allowed for the project RFP to be released. Staff anticipates a contractor to be selected in June and work on the outdoor fitness facility to begin in the fall.

The Board also appointed Clare Conlon, David Cline and Sharon Levine to the Scholarship Committee, with Conlon acting as chair. This committee is responsible for selecting the recipients of the MVF Scholarship at both Gaithersburg and Watkins Mill high schools each year.

In financial matters, the annual MVF Audit was presented for acceptance. New MVF auditors Lydon Fetterolf Corydon performed the 2021 Audit, which was reviewed and put forth to the Board by the MVF Audit Committee. Lydon Fetterolf Corydon gave MVF an unmodified opinion and found no deficiencies in reporting or processes. The MVF Board voted to accept the Audit.

After the Annual Meeting, the 2022-2023 Board was reconvened to elect officers and approve the corporate calendar. For the 2022-2023 term, Scott Dyer was elected President; Doniele Ayres was elected Vice President; Past President Pete Webb was elected as the third member of the Executive Committee; and Pam Bort was elected as the Executive Committee alternate.

President’s Remarks
In response to concerns expressed during Residents Time, Board President Pete Webb gave an update on the Watkins Mill Pool repurposing project, noting he had recently received several questions about the progress of the new amenity. He recalled several years ago, after multiple community meetings and opportunities for input, the MVF Board decided to close the pool and repurpose the site into an amenity that would get better use, as the expense to maintain and operate the pool far outweighed the amount of use/traffic the amenity received. Webb reminded the Board that a fitness amenity was a desired facility identified in the Vision 2030 plan, so the proposed project for the site was supported by the community.

He also said that when the decision to repurpose the pool was made, no one could have predicted the COVID-19 health pandemic and the effects it would have on the project timeline. Webb said the Board has done everything they could to expedite the process and keep the project on track, noting he was looking forward to the building and eventual opening of the fitness facility.

EVP Report
Executive Vice President (EVP) Dave Humpton was pleased to report that Senator Nancy King was instrumental in helping MVF secure a $700,000 bond from the state for 2023 to help fund the Watkins Mill Pool repurposing project; this funding will extend new capital and some reserve expenses that would have been spent on the project. He also reported that an additional $1 million in funding was secured for 2024 from the state for environmental projects in South Valley Park, including upgrades to Theater Pond, bridge replacement, potential path upgrades, playground upgrade and more. Humpton thanked Senator King for helping to secure these funds and commended MVF Recreation staff for their work with Senator King and her staff to identify these alternate funds for facility improvements.

Treasurer’s Report
CFO Daniel Salazar presented the Treasurer’s Report for the year-to-date (YTD) and the month ending February 28, 2022.

Overall Results ended unfavorable to budgeted projections; Net Income was unfavorable by $372,000 due to lower revenue from Investment Income, which was unfavorable by $497,000 (due to high inflation, high gas prices, the war in the Ukraine and an increase in interest rates). This was offset slightly by Capital Contribution Fees (favorable by $44,000 YTD); Personnel Expenses (favorable by $8,000); and Operating Costs (favorable by $24,000). Total Revenues and Total Operating Expenses through February were reported at just over $1 million each, both favorable to the budget.

Salazar said the Balance Sheet continues to reflect MVF’s strong financial position with $10.6 million in Cash and Investments. The Operating Fund maintains about $3 million in Undesignated Reserves.

The Delinquency Rate for February was reported at 12%, which is in line with the 5-year average.

Next Meeting
The next MVF Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 28, 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.