Service Awards Presented at May MVF Board Meeting

by Mike Conroy

During the May 25 Montgomery Village Foundation (MVF) Board of Directors meeting, several individuals who serve the community were honored with service awards for their long-term commitment to Montgomery Village.

MVF Board President Scott Dyer presented awards to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) Chief Scott Goldstein and Community Services Officer Kimberly Jones for their respective retirements and friendship to the community, as well as to Northgate Homes Corporation Board Member Jane Hatch for 35 years (and counting) of service to the community, including 23 years as president. He remarked that Goldstein’s expertise and leadership have helped expand and improve MCFRS during the last 8 years in his post as Chief; Officer Jones’ smile, positive attitude and gift for engaging the public was critical in making connections between residents and law enforcement; and Hatch’s leadership efforts in Northgate have resulted in state funding, exterior maintenance programs and general advocacy and upkeep of the community.

Agenda Items

The Board approved two technology-related items during the meeting: the purchase of new computers for MVF staff and renewal of the IT Vendor contract. Per the budget and MVF Reserve Study, a number of computers are replaced each year. For 2023, 10 computers will be replaced. The Board approved the Reserve purchase of $18,163.97 for the requested equipment.

Additionally, the contract with the current IT Vendor, The Dresner Group, is due for renewal/renegotiation at the end of the year. In order to provide continuity of service, especially with the potential for larger technology-related changes in the near future, the Board authorized EVP Mike Conroy to negotiate and execute a new contract with The Dresner Group through 2028.

President’s Remarks

Dyer was grateful to have opened the David B. Humpton Park (on the former golf course property) shortly before the meeting. He noted that many MVF Board members, staff (past and present), elected officials, residents and pets were in attendance; the opening marked the establishment of the first dog park in Montgomery Village. Dyer was excited for the opportunities this park would bring for residents to enjoy a new amenity. He noted the second phase of the park (planned for 2025) would bring community garden plots.

EVP Report

Executive Vice President (EVP) Mike Conroy echoed Dyer’s sentiments on the David B. Humpton Park opening, and thanked all staff involved for their work in getting the park opened in time for Memorial Day weekend. He also reviewed the highlights of the MVF Board of Directors Retreat held earlier in the month, calling out further work/study based on the Presidents’ Council Parking Subcommittee Parking Survey, as well as updates/extension to the Vision 2030 Plan. He was pleased with the retreat and the conversations and ideas shared during the work session.

Conroy noted forthcoming county legislation that would reinstate the Airpark Community Advisory Committee, which would work to make suggestions for the Montgomery County Airpark and other airports in the county. He said one stipulation of the legislation is membership in the committee, which includes an appointed representative from Montgomery Village; once the legislation is passed, MVF will need to identify a representative for this role. A public hearing on this Bill is scheduled for Tuesday, June 13 at 1:30 p.m.; those wishing to testify must sign up with the county by Monday, June 12.

Lastly, Conroy introduced his new Director of Communications, Ruth Stadius. He said Stadius comes to MVF with over 20 years of communications and marketing experience, is highly skilled in team building and planning, and will be a great fit for the organization. He was excited to see where she leads her team and the future of communications efforts in the Village.

Treasurer’s Report

MVF CFO Daniel Salazar presented the Treasurer’s Report for the year-to-date (YTD) and month ending April 30, 2023, reporting that overall, all MVF funds were ahead of budget projections by approximately $761,000. This was driven by higher Revenues in Investment Income ($2,626,000), grant income ($259,000), Pool Membership Fees ($40,000) and Camps and Classes ($80,000). Personnel and Operating costs were favorable to the budget by $89,000 and $9,000, respectively.

Salazar noted total Revenue was $3.8 million, and Operating Expenses were $2.5 million through April; both were favorable to the budget. Additionally, he reported 183 units had been sold in Bloom Village, making Capital Contribution Fees favorable to the budget by approximately $9,000 for the year.

He said the Balance Sheet continues to reflect MVF’s strong financial position with more than $11.4 million of its assets held in Cash and Investments. MVF continues to hold more than $3.4 million in Undesignated Reserves. Assessment Receivables has seen an overall decrease, and the Delinquency Rate for April was reported at 16.5% (1,402 units), which is normal for the beginning of the quarter. He expects to see a decreasing trend through the rest of the quarter, as residents pay off balances to receive their Activity Cards.

Next Meeting

The next MVF Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 22, 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.