Board Meeting Minutes

The monthly board meeting for Dec. 2, 2002 was held at the home of Kim Ford, Vice President.

The Board heard from a resident about what can be done in cases where an a nearby property is not kept clean. This is an all-too-frequent question and it is always best if neighbors can politely persuade the property owner directly. If a complaint comes to the Board, the first recourse we pursue is usually a letter from the President of MSCA to the homeowner requesting that the property be put in order. This usually works, but when it does not, there is an appeal that any resident can make. The office of the Montgomery County Health Inspector can be contacted and will take action in severe cases. The inspectors will write a letter to the homeowner advising them that, if conditions which pose a health or safety concern are not corrected, a $500 fine may be imposed.

The Board next welcomed a new committee chair, Bruce Avery, for Roads and Safety. Bruce has been a Montgomery Square resident since 1969.

Joel Dorfman presented a draft of the December Tetragon, which was discussed at length. The issue will go out in December promoting the holiday party and will contain the annual dues collection material. Dues for the calendar year 2003 are being collected starting now and, by action of the Board, were set at $50. The Tetragon will contain some reprints about our community from the Gazette, with permission.

President Bob Gross displayed a proposed plan for the development of the Fortune Park property, located between Seven Locks Road, Montrose Road, Fortune Terrace, and I-270. Plans are quite extensive, calling for some light commercial park buidlings near I-270, with medium-to-high density residential housing designed to support employees for the growing number of businesses in the area. In combination with other proposed projects, including a renovation of the Cabin John Mall area and the property across from it on Seven Locks Road, there is a lot to keep an eye on.

The Board discussed soliciting proposals for year-round landscape maintenance from local providers. The President will pursue this alternative and provide pricing information.

The next Board meeting was set for the second Monday in February.

Meeting was adjourned.