Board Meeting Minutes

The annual meeting of MSCA was held at Beverly Farms elementary school on May 29, 2007, as publicized in advance and in accordance with our bylaws.

Bob Gross, President, opened the meeting at 7:45. Bob introduced the board members present and highlighted existing vacancies on the board, asking for volunteers. He emphasized that all positions were open to new volunteers, including his. The position of Vice President is especially important, and Committee chairs for the Social Committee and the Improvements Committee are needed.

Treasurer David Gross reported that over 170 households had already paid dues for 2007. From discussions, the Board will use the Block Captains to ask for one more round of payments. Bob noted that the bulk of the funds go to landscaping and gave several examples. A member drew attention to several bushes on the Inspection House Road island, and some trees that needed attention. There was also some discussion about the selection of plants and the need for deer resistant varieties. Bob will convey these issues to the landscaper.

Bob went over many items of local interest dealing with development issues. First, he gave a review of the Seven Locks Road Sidewalk and Bikeway Project. The study phase of this capital improvement project has begun, and there have been several meetings to kick off the study. The County Planning Commission has approved proceeding to a more detailed planning stage. There was some discussion about whether this would be considered a useful project to Montgomery Square, or more of a nuisance. Since there is no bike path there now, projected usage is difficult to predict. There will likely be some in favor, and some opposed. The possibility of a survey of the community was discussed, and a volunteer to run such a survey may be available from the attendees.

The second development issue discussed was the Fortune Parc project. The developers had asked the County for approval for a change in the site plans for the project. They proposed changing several four-story rental garden apartments into 8-10 story condominium buildings similar to the one already being constructed. Several objections to the proposal and to the process for handling it were advanced by local citizens associations. Ultimately, the county approved the changes, which introduced an underground garage, added more green space, and eliminated the rental properties in favor of owned properties. As with the bike path, there was discussion about how to know how many MSCA residents have what opinions on the subject. There was a general sense of the meeting against the large amount of local development. Again, something of a survey may be possible if volunteers are willing.

In open discussion, some members discussed service from Ride-On and the desirability for more frequent runnings on the #38 line. David Grossman had previously e-mailed the County on this issue without effect, but will revisit it again with them. Another discussion was on sightings or bears and coyotes. Information on coyotes in our area is posted on the MSCA website at www.montgomerysquare.org/coyote.htm.

Another discussion involved governance of Montgomery Square Copenhaver Swim Club and delays in buying back membership bonds. The Officers noted that the pool and the citizen's association (MSCA) are legally unrelated entities and the association cannot directly help with such issues. However, we did get a briefing from the pool at the last annual meeting and referred interested members to the appropriate officers of the swim club.

As in prior meetings, Bob mentioned that there had been some discussion about mergers with other local citizens associations, specifically Regency Estates. They have rejuvenated their association and do a good job pubishing newsletters and keeping up with local issues. Their newsletters are online at: www.regencyestates.org. However, the way that the associations collect money and use it are quite different. The current thinking is to continue to cooperate and team up on issues of joint concern, such as roads and development. Attendees suggested expanding the distribution of the Regency Estate Newsletter to Montgomery Square residents, and the Board may follow up on this possibility.

Secretary Tom Hall called for nominations for the Board and for the Officers of the Corporation. He noted that the President, Secretary, and Treasurer had agreed to continue in office if no volunteers came forward. There was some interest and a sign-up sheet captured those who may be willing to do some work for the association. There were no formal nominations from the floor and the current Officers were re-elected unanimously.

In closing, the President noted that he wished to thank the Officers and volunteers. He thanked everyone for coming.

Meeting was adjourned.