Montgomery Square Citizens' Association

Montgomery Square Newsletter March 2012

In December, Santa visited Montgomery Square and met with neighborhood
kids. He also picked up toys, canned goods and other non-perishable items from our residents, which he donated to Rockville’s Stepping Stones Shelter. Way to go Vasilia Contos for organizing this event.

A regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Montgomery Square Citizens Association (MSCA) was held as announced in e-mail newsletter.  The meeting was on November 8th at the home of the Vice President, Steve Schuck.   Attendees included the officers, our Membership Chair, and an interested volunteer.

President Bob Gross led the meeting, and discussed the block party held the previous month.  All agreed that it was a great success and MSCA thanked everyone involved in an e-mail to those members who have signed up to receive MSCA e-announcements.  The adjoining neighbors were all supportive and there were no complaints about noise or traffic.  Social Chair Vasilia Contos was recognized for her wonderful contribution to the neighborhood.   Many neighbors volunteered, and participation was very good from the community, including many families with younger kids.  The Board noted that it had authorized a monetary “tip” to the very well-received band that performed at the event.

In discussing the positive results, there was considerable discussion about whether the Association should actually do more.   That would require more revenue, so this led to discussion about raising dues to collect more to do more, and to generate some more reserve for contingencies.   Opinion was split.  Even if a few dues payers did not go along with an increase, more money in total could still be collected.  But the goal was to increase community cohesion and participation, and losing even a few dues payers would run contrary to that goal.  On the issue of reserves, no specific scenario requiring reserve funds was identified, since the association is not responsible for any of the real property and operates only on a voluntary basis to cover expenses like painting the signs.  Ultimately, since the Board had agreed at the prior meeting to remain at $50/year, there was not enough of a consensus to revisit the issue for the upcoming year (but that could change depending on the discussion at the next Board meeting).

Returning to the issue of liability insurance from the prior Board meeting, the President (without giving any legal advice) reviewed the laws that apparently apply.  There was some concern that the officers and volunteers needed greater protection against claims.  State law appears to say that having the Association carry a specified minimum level of liability insurance would shield the officers and volunteers as well as can be reasonably achieved.  Research by Board members indicated several sources for such insurance at rates within the Association’s ability to pay.  Price and coverage options would need to be compared between companies and the Secretary collected the potential sources offered and will follow up with multiple companies to get competitive quotes.

Discussion of follow-on social events was lively.  Possible candidates include a backyard movie, which would probably have to wait for spring, and ice skating at Cabin John, which had been done in prior years.  The idea of an ice skating event with pot luck food in a party room will be pursued.  A visit by Santa on a fire truck, also popular in prior years was suggested.  Discussion of any religious sensitivities did not suggest it would be a significant problem and was never a problem in the past, so it will be investigated to see if local fire companies are willing to participate.

The Vice President introduced a survey he proposed to solicit neighborhood input on the Association’s activities.  He covered the questions to be asked, and after some discussion, the set of topics was approved.   The survey will be hand delivered by Block Captains to each home and due back in December in time to summarize the results for the board and for possible inclusion in a newsletter.  A newsletter to solicit dues and update membership updates is due to go out in December, with planned events if they can be definitely scheduled.

As noted at the previous meeting, reconstruction of the damaged home on Whites Ford way was to begin.  It was reported at this meeting that demolition had occurred and the project was underway.

Other topics of local interest noted were the proposed county regulation on “Big Box” and other stores, requiring participation and dialog with neighboring community associations.  As a community association, the Board generally endorsed this idea, but noted that it had a long way to go to actually be approved by the County.  If an opportunity to comment should arise, the President will follow the process to get input from the Board and, time permitting, from interested residents.  The President did remind the Board that it is the chartered duty and authority of the Officers to represent the community when called upon, and not every issue needs to be or can be taken to the membership at large.

Also of keen local interest, the County is discussing the building of a new school off Wooten Parkway to address overcrowding, and the same process would apply if comments are to be submitted.  The President reiterated the need for someone to volunteer for the position of Education Chair to help keep the Board and MSCA community abreast of school issues, and to help prepare testimony for MCPS and County Council hearings on school proposals and issues that are important to our community.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:15.

The block party was a blast today and the weather couldn’t have been nicer.

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Feel free to send more pictures to msquare@tonycode.com.   If you need a copyright please add the watermark before forwarding.

Thanks!

A regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Montgomery Square Citizens Association (MSCA) was held as announced in e-mail.  The meeting was on September 26th at the home of the new Social Chair, Vasilia Contos.  Attendees included the officers, less the Treasurer (who submitted a report in advance), plus our Membership Chair.

President Bob Gross led the meeting, and updated the Board on items of interest.  He reported that the house on Whites Ford Way that was burned out has been scheduled for demolition and rebuilding in place.  Work should begin shortly.

The President expressed his desire to adhere more closely to the bylaws as published in matters such as scheduling regular meetings, proper use of the name MSCA, Inc., and the schedule for dues collection.  This will mean a slight shift in when dues are collected.   There was a discussion of the legal status of the Association and the issue of liability and insurance coverage.  The Secretary clarified that the Association is a registered non-profit corporation in Maryland, which conveys some protection to officers and volunteers under state law.   It is not a charity, but does qualify as a civic association under IRS code and is registered as a 501(c)(4) non-profit with the IRS as well as with the State.   It owns no property and has no assets other than the treasury.  However, greater protection for officers and volunteers might apply if the association had its own liability insurance anyway.   This will be investigated and pricing sought for the next meeting.

A discussion of annual dues resulted in the decision to retain the $50/year rate that has held for the past several years.  The treasury is relatively healthy, with a consistent balance over $10,000 and income from dues meets annual expenses with some room for discretionary projects or social events.   With a new volunteer as Social Committee Chair available to organize such an event, the Board had previously approved the planning of a block party at the intersection of Devilwood Drive and Smoketree Road.   Based on cost estimates provided for food, entertainment, drinks, and other supplies, a budget was requested by the Social Chair to expend up to $1700.  The request was approved unanimously by the Board at this meeting.  Discussion of details of planning, promotion, and permits followed.   A flyer advertizing the event on Sunday October 16^th will be distributed door to door.  The landscaper will ensure that the fall planting of flowers is accomplished prior to the party.  The President noted that it was the intent of the Officers and the Board in holding social events and doing the landscaping is to be more visible in promoting community welfare, increasing participation in the Association and making the community an attractive and desirable place to live.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:00.