Recreation items top February MVF Board agenda

by Mike Conroy

At the February 23 Montgomery Village Foundation (MVF) Board of Directors meeting, the Board approved several action items to replace components at current amenities, prepare amenities for the upcoming season or potentially enhance amenities in the future.

In June 2022, the MVF Board authorized the conversion of one of the Apple Ridge Recreation Area Tennis Courts at into 4 Pickleball Courts (2 permanent courts, 2 bring-you-own-net courts). That work, as well as repairs to the remaining tennis courts and basketball court, was awarded to Pro Recreation for $76,662. During the installation of the Pickleball courts, the tennis courts will receive crack repair, resurfacing and painting to keep the entire play surface on the same future repair schedule. The basketball court will receive asphalt milling and overlay for proper drainage; be repainted; and new poles and hoops will be installed.

The new Bison Basketball System (pole and hoops) will mirror those installed at Matin P. Roy Park and Whetstone Community Center. The Board approved the $14,170 purchase from Sports Unlimited. The installation is included in the work award to Pro Recreation.

The diversification of sports courts across the Village continues to be a priority for the Department of Recreation and Parks. With the successful installation of Pickleball and soccer courts at North Creek Community Center, the need for additional courts has grown. On recommendation from the Recreation Committee, the Board approved proceeding with gaining community input on the conversion of one the Hurley Park basketball courts into a multi-sport court. This potential conversion would add boarding to create another soccer court, and include basketball hoops to retain that function as well. Upcoming opportunities for input on this potential change will be announced online and in the Village News when they are arranged.

To standardize and outline expectations for the use of MVF facilities by the Montgomery Village Sports Association (MVSA), a new policy governing these procedures was adopted. MVSA has had a long-running partnership with MVF, but no formal policy has been put in place. The policy reflects other policies such as the policy for swim team use of MVF pools.

Each year, portable bathrooms are placed at 7 MVF park locations, and the supplier performs weekly services to keep them in proper useable condition. The Board approved a 3-year contract for the rental and services with Jiffy John for approximately $38,700 over the life of the contract.

In preparation for the 2023 pool season, bids were awarded for resurfacing Lake Marion and Stedwick pools; pool maintenance and cleaning services; and refinishing and maintenance to fiberglass slides. Both Lake Marion and Stedwick pools need to be resurfaced before the season starts, as the current surface has become too abrasive. High Sierra Pools was awarded the bid of $200,195 for Lake Marion Pool and Pool Service Company was awarded a bid of $68,667 for the work at Stedwick Pool.

To keep pools up to Montgomery County and MVF standards, annual maintenance and de-winterization is necessary when preparing for the season. Every 3 years, MVF contracts for this work to be performed; the contract was awarded to B&D Pools for 2023 with an option to extend services for 2024 and 2025, pending favorable performance in 2023. The contract cost each year is dependent on which pools need services, plus time and materials.

Lastly, the fiberglass slides at Peggy Mark, North Creek and Whetstone pools need regular maintenance to preserve the slides each season. The slides at Peggy Mark Pool are in need of a new gelcoat, and the slides at the other pools require preventative maintenance to extend their useful life. The Board awarded a bid of $15,701 to Amusement Restoration Companies for both services.

Other Agenda Items
To maintain MVF network systems, the Board approved a purchase of replacement network switches from the Dresner Group, MVF’s IT contractor, in the amount of $13,040.75, from Reserves. The Board also authorized the EVP to enter into new natural gas and electricity supply agreements, dependent on the proposed rates the day the agreements were drawn up.

Based on recommendation by the Communications Committee, Guidelines for Interaction and Commenting on Social Media were approved. The guidelines will serve as social media “page rules” and outline expectations of followers when interacting on MVF social posts. They can be found on each of MVF’s social media platform pages, as well as online at www.montgomeryvillage.com.

Finally, the Board approved President Scott Dyer to negotiate a contract with the selected candidate for the Executive Vice President (EVP) position. The Board has been working with executive search firm Baker Tilly since October through a national search process. Over 50 candidates applied for the position, and after several rounds of selection, the Board and staff interviewed the final two candidates in mid-February.

President’s Remarks
President Dyer thanked the candidates for the MVF Board of Directors Election and residents for attending the Meet the Candidates event prior to the meeting. Election information can be found in print and online (www.montgomeryvillage.com). MVF election ballots must be returned to the MVF Office, 10120 Apple Ridge Road, by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 17.

EVP Report
EVP Dave Humpton said the Chair of the Maryland General Assembly Environment and Transportation Committee supports a bill to reinstate the taskforce on Common Ownership Communities. This taskforce would work to establish and review legislation regarding common ownership communities, as well as foster larger discussion about these types of communities. He noted there was not much movement on any of the current proposed legislation, which was detailed in his report in the meeting packet.

Humpton also said staff is gearing up for summer programs and offerings, pool season and spring home project applications. He encouraged all residents to contact the Architectural Standards Department regarding exterior projects for a smooth process.

Treasurer’s Report
CFO Daniel Salazar presented the Treasurer’s Report for the preliminary report and unaudited estimates for the month ending January 31, 2023, noting that overall, all MVF funds were ahead of budget projections by approximately $462,000. This was driven by higher Revenues in Investment Income ($280,000), grant income ($92,000), Pool Membership Fees ($13,000) and Camps and Classes ($5,000). Personnel and Operating costs were favorable to the budget by $13,000 and $46,000, respectively.

Salazar said 158 units had been sold in Bloom Village, making Capital Contribution Fees favorable to the budget by over $6,000 for the month. He said the Balance Sheet continues to reflect MVF’s strong financial position with over $11.3 million of its assets held in Cash and Investments. MVF continues to hold over $3 million in Undesignated Reserves. The Delinquency Rate for January was reported at 19.1% (1,619 units), which is lower than both the 9-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, March 23; this will include the Annual Meeting which will start at approximately 8 p.m. The meeting will be held in person at North Creek Community Center, 20125 Arrowhead Road, with a financial report and awards for community members and MVF staff. Full meeting details and the meeting packet will be posted online at www.montgomeryvillage.com the week before the meeting.