MVF Board deems no further action on parking proposal
by Mike Conroy
At the March 23 Montgomery Village Foundation (MVF) Board of Directors meeting, the Board considered a request from the Patton Ridge Homes Corporation regarding use of parking spaces in the North Creek Community Center (NCCC) parking lot to provide parking relief to residents. The issue had previously been brought before the Recreation Committee, who noted a number of areas needing more research. This input was sent to the Board for discussion and direction.
The Board reviewed the concerns, including: administration/enforcement of parking agreement; adequacy of lighting; potential conflicts with events held at the center; responsibility and cost of snow plowing; program cost and revenue; and zoning requirements. The committee also raised the issue of an exclusive agreement with Patton Ridge at a facility where repairs and maintenance were funded by all Designated Users.
After considerable discussion, the Board determined that implementing a program like this is not feasible at this time. Although the need for more parking is a common thread throughout the Village, various directors noted that the NCCC lot is the only potential location for a program of this kind, and the limited number of spaces that could be made available does not justify the administration, logistics and security concerns of implementation. The Board agreed to add the issue of parking (Village-wide) to its annual retreat agenda for further discussion.
Other Agenda Items
During the meeting, the Board appointed Mary Helen Amery, Jim Andary, Clare Conlon and Sharon Levine to the Scholarship Committee, naming Amery as the committee chair. They also awarded a bid for summer camp bus service to Rills Bus Company in Westminster. The $4,229 contract provides bus service for eight field trips for various MVF camps. Finally, the Board accepted the 2016 Financial Statement Audit, which provided an unmodified opinion of MVF finances for 2016.
EVP Report
Executive Vice President Dave Humpton reported on two transportation issues affecting the Village. He said the Watkins Mill Interchange Project has been funded by the state, but would need to be continually monitored. This project is proposed to be coordinated with updates to I-270. He also noted that the Supplemental Report to the Midcounty Corridor Study was released by the county. The report, which can be found online at www.montgomeryvillage.com, states that no alternative by itself provides adequate relief to the area, but in conjunction with Bus Rapid Transit, some relief can be accomplished.
Humpton also noted that the current legislative session is coming to a close soon. He said the proposed legislation requiring homeowner associations to perform reserve studies had passed the House and would soon go to the Senate; MVF expressed support for this bill. Humpton also noted the proposed legislation regarding lowering the quorum requirements for passing bylaw amendments, saying that MVF was supportive of the lower percentage required for passing amendments, but was against the portion stating that owners could be up to 90 days delinquent and still vote; he noted the latter was still a part of the proposed legislation.
Treasurer’s Report
Board Treasurer Bob Carey gave a brief financial summary for the month of February and the year-to-date (YTD). Carey said the Balance Sheet reflects MVF’s continued strong financial position, showing over $8.1 million in Cash and Investments. He noted that the recent Return on Investments was very good. He also said that Expenses were favorable to the budget, noting that Landscaping expenses would be higher next month due to the recent snow event.
Next Meeting
The next MVF Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 27, in the North Creek Board Room, 20125 Arrowhead Road. The meeting begins promptly at 7:30 p.m. with Residents Time. Residents are invited and encouraged to attend the Board meeting. The meeting agenda and information packet will be available online at www.montgomeryvillage.com the week of the meeting.