Surveying and engineering services to rehabilitate failed storm drain approved by MVF Board

Montgomery Village Foundation (MVF) Director of Recreation and Parks Duncan Mullis informed the MVF Board of Directors at its May 23 meeting that a storm drain near Normandie Pool (at the end of Walker House Road), which is on MVF property, has failed. The corrugated metal pipe has separated in multiple places, and the rock headwall in the same area has also succumbed to severe erosion. The storm drain takes water from Walker House Road and Normandie parking lots into Walkers Run.

Mullis noted staff contacted three storm drain rehabilitation companies, and all three companies noted that engineered plans were needed to proceed with the repairs. Staff then identified three engineering companies to provide repair plan proposals; however, only Charles P. Johnson and Associates, Inc. (CPJ), provided a quote for this work. CPJ recently completed the Lake Whetstone Dam Breach Study, and MVF works with CPJ annually to update the lake’s Emergency Action Plan. Mullis also noted MVF Reserve Funds were available for the storm drain repairs. The MVF Board awarded the surveying and engineering services to CPJ for a total cost of $15,855, and authorized an additional 10% for unforeseen expenses.

Other Agenda Items
Executive Vice President (EVP) Mike Conroy reported that MVF replaces computers every 5 years and in 2024, 11 computers are slated for replacement. There is $16,200 in Reserves for the replacement purchase; however, the costs come in slightly higher, at $19,900 due to a specialized laptop. The Board approved the purchase the computers per the required specs, at a cost of $19,967.94 from Reserves from The Dresner Group, and authorized an additional 10% for any further unforeseen circumstances.

The Board also reaffirmed an electronic vote from May 3 approving negotiated Billable Service Rates for the Brightview Contract for 2024–2026. Due to the timeliness of setting the rates for billing current projects and budget preparation, the electronic vote was necessary in advance of the May meeting.

In personnel-related items, Conroy reported the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) was passed in 2023; however, final regulations were passed in April 2024, which will go into effect on June 18, 2024. With the passage of the final regulations, the MVF Personnel Manual needed to be updated to reflect compliance with reasonable accommodations MVF can provide under the Act. The Personnel Committee recommended the update to the full Board, which approved the changes to the Reasonable Accommodation section of the MVF Personnel Manual to include language regarding PWFA.

The Board also appointed long-time Village resident Robert Pettis to the Architectural Review Board (ARB). Pettis holds degrees in architectural and structural engineering, and has been a local realtor for many years. His familiarity with the architectural review process, homes in the Village, and architectural background will be an asset to the committee.

President’s Remarks
MVF Board of Directors President Doniele Ayres acknowledged the upcoming Memorial Day Weekend, honoring fallen service members and their family members who may still be in the Village, and thanking them for their contributions. She thanked the MVF staff who have worked to get the pool season ready in advance of the heavy traffic expected for the opening weekend.

EVP Report
EVP Conroy also noted the opening of MVF pools and encouraged everyone to enjoy them this season. He said Activity Cards and new stickers can still be picked up at the MVF Office, 10120 Apple Ridge Road.

Conroy also updated that shade structures over the bench areas and one attached to the top of the play structure were put in place last week at David B. Humpton Park, 9701 Stewartown Road. The additional crushed stone was installed in the dog park to cut down on the worn grass and mud that forms after storms.

In addition, Conroy reminded the Board that the MVF Annual Board Planning Retreat is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 1, in person in the North Creek Board Room, 20125 Arrowhead Road. He said discussion topics include a financial overview in advance of budget preparations; updates on some non-MVF development projects in and around the community; community celebrations; and discussion about the previously proposed pilot parking program. The retreat is open to the public and the full agenda and meeting information will be posted online in advance of the retreat.

Conroy concluded by saying that the July 4^th Parade and Celebration is fast approaching, and a fantastic event is planned to celebrate Independence Day. The parade will kick off at 10 a.m., followed by music, fun and food at the Apple Ridge Recreation Area, 10101 Apple Ridge Road, until 1:30 p.m. Details can be found online at www.montgomeryvillage.com.

Treasurer’s Report
MVF CFO Daniel Salazar presented the Treasurer’s Report for the for the year-to-date and month ending April 30, 2024. Salazar reported that overall, all MVF funds were ahead of budget projections by approximately $478,000, driven by higher Revenues in Grant Revenues ($192,000), Camps and Classes ($122,000) and Pool Membership/Fees ($43,000). Personnel and Operating costs were favorable to the budget by $66,000 and $53,000, respectively. He noted total Revenues were $3.7 million and Operating Expenses were $2.7 million through April; both were favorable to the budget.

Salazar said 339 units had been sold in Bloom Village and 22 units sold in Overlook, making Capital Contribution Fees favorable to the budget through the end of the month.

He said the Balance Sheet continues to reflect MVF’s strong financial position having $13.5 million held in Cash and Investments, with more than $3.7 million in Undesignated Reserves. Assessment Receivables saw an overall increase from last year, and the Delinquency Rate for April was reported at 18.3% (1,549 units), 0.8% lower than the 10-year average. Last year’s delinquency rate was slightly lower at 16.4% (1,388 units).

Next Meeting
The next MVF Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 27 via Zoom. Residents are invited to attend; full meeting details, the meeting packet and/or participation instructions will be posted online at www.montgomeryvillage.com the week before the meeting.