| Minutes of MSCA Board Meeting 10-27-09
The fall meeting of MSCA Board was held at the home of the President, Bob Gross, on September 27, 2009. The President, opened the meeting at 7:40 and welcomed a new neighbor and volunteer. The Board discussed the repaving of the southern portion of Montgomery Square. It was the opinion of the Board that the President’s frequent contacts with the County on this subject should be credited with success in lobbying for this improvement. While the work was still in progress, this is a great benefit overall. A question was raised as to whether the speed humps would be re-installed after paving. The President had inquired about this with the County and determined that they would be.
Treasurer David Grossman reported annual dues collection had ended with a total of $12,470, from about 250 households. Landscaping expenses have stayed under control with the new contractor and we should end the year with some reserves.
Vice President Steve Schuck discussed the printing schedule for the annual MSCA Directory and the fall Tetragon newsletter. Sequencing of dues collection with the printing of the Directory is important to minimize the possibility of missing the names of participating members. The fall Tetragon will come with the solicitation for 2010 dues and information updates. Tetragons and Directories should be distributed through Block Captains, maintaining the duties and opportunities for these volunteers to participate. The Board revisited the decision not to list non-responsive households by name and phone number, and decided to stay with the program and not guess at names and phone numbers, relying instead only on the returned dues and information sheets.
Based on inquiries from a couple of households, the Board discussed whether MSCA can or should assist in the upkeep of the Montgomery Square signature brick walls at the main entrances on Seven Locks Road and Falls Road. Previous research had indicated that the walls are within the property boundaries of the homeowners at those corners and that while MSCA does landscape on the homeowner’s property, it is by permission of the property owner only, and not an obligation on either party. However, there was a sense that the signs defined the community identity and were in the interests of the community. Previous precedents noted by the Secretary, Tom Hall, were that the Board had paid to repaint and reletter the signs themselves many years ago. In another case, a homeowner contracted at her own expense to refurbish the brick wall on her property to meet her requirements. Subject to funds available and the size of potential expenditures, the Board may choose to assist property owners in maintenance of the signs and, if practicable, the walls over time. However, the potential size of the problem and cost estimates would be required. A volunteer was selected to survey the affected walls and see about getting estimates for the next meeting.
In closing, the President thanked the Officers and volunteers.
Meeting was adjourned.
