Annual Strategic Planning Retreat fosters great discussion

On Saturday, June 7, the Montgomery Village Foundation (MVF) Board of Directors spent several hours discussing topics related to the future of Montgomery Village. The Board developed ideas and avenues for exploration, including a financial overview in advance of the Annual Budget; other relevant financial considerations; two important recreation amenities; a new branding campaign; and areas of pedestrian safety.

CFO Daniel Salazar began the session with a brief financial overview, including an updated 5-Year Plan and projection for the upcoming budget process. Salazar noted that over the next 5 years, additional revenue is expected through the final build out of both Bloom Village and the Village Center; however, the MVF Assessment Ceiling is projected to hit its cap before the 2028 budget. Salazar said the budget comprises approximately 60% Personnel Costs, and the continual increases in minimum wage have a great impact on the budget, especially on the Designated User Fee, which includes seasonal staff costs. He said a more accurate projection would come in the next several months through the budget process.

EVP Mike Conroy reminded the Board of the process to increase the ceiling cap, saying that it was last raised in 2008 and projected to only last until 2013. The $5 ceiling increase that was approved has been managed well and has lasted nearly 20 years. He said there would be an educational component for the community about the need to raise the ceiling, and the Board expressed the need to start the process well in advance of the 2027 budget cycle.

In another financial discussion, Salazar outlined how payments are applied to homeowner accounts, specifically when not paid in full, presenting a draft policy for feedback. The Board assessed where any cash flow burden should fall, asked Salazar to research additional impacts with his staff, and discuss it with the Audit Committee before bringing a more formal policy for future approval.

Finally, the Board considered the current economic climate and government/business layoffs and the potential byproduct of increased delinquencies. Similarly, they mentioned how this or other political factors could affect renters, eventually leaving landlords in a lurch for tenants, and also becoming delinquent. Salazar noted that there were similar concerns during COVID, and MVF fortunately did not experience any prolonged periods of negative cash flow. He added that in the event trends emerged in this direction, MVF has enough liquidity to sustain operations for a significant period.

Regarding recreation amenities, discussion centered on the North Creek Lake Islands and play equipment at Lake Whetstone. Director of Recreation and Parks Duncan Mullis reported a reduction in size of the islands at North Creek Lake due to erosion, noting the need to develop a strategy at the lake. Conversation with the County—which is responsible for structural maintenance of the lake—revealed the islands were not considered structural, and therefore not included in their agreement. After consulting with an environmental restoration firm, Mullis noted the suggested fortification effort could carry a multi-million dollar price tag. The Board directed staff to evaluate options to maintain the health of the lake and investigate possible grant monies available to aid in any potential restoration.

Additional conversation centered on the play equipment and amenities currently offered at Lake Whetstone Park. Conroy explained the historical context of the park, and the nature-themed intent the Kettler Brothers planned at this location. However, the question raised focused on creating more active play value in the future. Several Board members relayed their experience at the park, noting that as a  family-oriented space, updated equipment cold be a positive change. Mullis said the current play equipment is approximately halfway through its useful life. The Board asked staff to think about additional play features when this equipment is due for replacement, keeping the “natural” theme, and remaining in line with the Recreation Strategic Plan.

Conroy reviewed the previous Strategic Goal of creating a welcome video for the website, and how the result of this initiative was poised to turn into a new branding campaign; he led discussion on ways the Board envisioned using the theme to emphasize new goals. Several Board members gravitated toward the use of video to help educate residents on all things Montgomery Village, inviting them to “Join the Conversation.” General ideas included emphasizing the value of Montgomery Village; answering common questions; showcasing activities and amenities; learning about the community; highlighting Village history; and providing access to important information.

The final topic of the retreat revolved around focus areas for pedestrian safety. Conroy suggested this be the next area of advocation the Board should dedicate attention to. He talked about concurrent efforts by the County and State to increase pedestrian safety in and around Montgomery Village and encouraged discussion regarding specific locations that could use attention. Board members noted high pedestrian traffic volume around the Village Center, particularly at the Centerway Road, Whetstone Drive and Stedwick Drive entrances. Additionally, there were questions and concerns for pedestrian safety due to changes in Ride On service, the childcare center currently under construction along Stedwick Road, and how the new traffic models in Silver Spring may be applicable to some areas in Montgomery Village.