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.

Minutes of MSCA Annual Meeting 5-4-09

The annual meeting of MSCA was held at Beverly Farms elementary school on May 4, 2009, as publicized in advance and in accordance with our bylaws.

Bob Gross, President, opened the meeting at 7:35. Bob introduced the board members present and reviewed accomplishments from the past year. Thanks to efforts from the Vice President, Steve Schuck, Treasurer David Grossman, and Membership Chair Roger Hahn, annual dues collection went more smoothly and quickly than ever. About half of households particpated in the first wave, and a follow-up mailing is expected to increase the percentage. Treasurer David Grossman reported that collecting dues via the new Post Office Box helped manage the mail better as well. With the percent participation, the association will be able to fund its normal complement of activities. The largest expenses is, as always, landscaping and maintenance of the landscaped areas. A new landscape contractor was selected by the Board this year.

This is the first year in recent times where households not responding to the mailed request for information updates and dues will not be listed by name in the annual MSCA Directory. The Board had decided in a previous meeting not to list names and numbers of non-responsive members, since we are listing their names by permission only. We do solicit responses more than once, and do so by direct mail to the adddress so that everyone who wishes to participate may do so. Ideas for increasing participation to a goal of 80% were discussed, including more on-line group communication media.

Bob Gross 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, which is still progressing through the County’s planning phases. Second, the membership discussed the water main replacement project on the southern side of Montgomery Square. Homeowners are concerned about the overall condition of the road surface already and what it will look like after Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) finished its project. The President has continued to push for complete repaving, between WSSC and the County.

The Secretary, Tom Hall, reported that no new nominations had been received for the Officers of MSCA. All current officers, however, agreed to continue to serve if selected. A vote of those present was unanimous for retaining the current Officers.

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

Meeting was adjourned.

Minutes of Board Meeting 08-26-2008

The summer 2008 meeting of the MSCA Board of Directors was held August 26, 2008, at the home of the President, Bob Gross.

The President opened the meeting at 7:30. The Board discussed progress in dues collection, where an additional notice was mailed to homeowners who had not responded. The notice reminded people that we would not be listing information in the 2009 MSCA Directory for households not responding since we had no validation for their information to print. The notice resulted in an additional 40-50 collections, bringing up our participation rate considerably.

Vice President Steve Schuck discussed the preparation of the directory for printing. He has reformatted the data from a publishing format into a database so that more flexible reports, mailings, and printable directory listings can be tailored as needed. The layout of the book was demonstrated to the Board’s approval. The book will contain the bylaws, information on services by local residents, a cross index of street addresses to homeowner names (when available), and the main directory itself. Some advertising will help offset part of the printing costs.

The Board discussed how best to distribute various materials. It decided to mail out the formal request for dues, with return envelopes, to fit into a normal pattern of billing and payment, rather than use door-to-door flyers which might get discarded too easily. Bulk materials like the newsletters will continue to use local kids, while Block Captains will get involved by asking them to deliver the directories and keep any extras to give to new residents.

Ideas for the newsletter to accompany the directory were discussed, and relevant parts of the Montgomery County codes covering things like pet waste, unkempt yards, trash, leaves, and other topics will be included.

The state of the neighborhood roads was discussed and Bob Gross reported the substance of his conversations with County representatives. In brief, the County has insufficient funds to do all the work that it should do, so there is an indeterminate wait on getting roads resurfaced or repaired. After water main work in the southern portion of the Association, the water authority, WSSC, must repair the damage to the road. However, their practice is to pave just the areas trenched out, not the whole road. Getting the water authority and the County to collaborate and just fix the whole road at the same time was suggested by Bob, but without any action by the County. Short of hiring lawyers or lobbyists to be more aggressive in badgering the County, there appears to be no work forthcoming in the near term. Bob will continue to see if neighboring associations such as Regency Estates are lobbying the County on the same issues and align with them where possible. If an association member has the time and energy to pursue this more actively, he or she should volunteer for the Roads Committee chair and work on it.

Bob brought the Board up to date on the Seven Locks Sidewalk and Bikeway project. A new project manager has been assigned as the project moves ahead into the next planning phase, Phase II. In this phase, survey work for rights of way and topography will be done and a facility planning estimate will be completed. If this work is completed as scheduled, it will result in a budget request being submitted along with others in the June 2009 timeframe. The project manager will be happy to meet with representatives of the Association. This is another area needing volunteer help to stay in contact with County officials.

The Board discussed landscaping plans and contracts. The decision was to retain the current contractor for the next season, with pansies to be planted for fall. Landscaping will continue to be the largest expense for the Association in 2009.

The meeting was adjourned at 9PM with the next meeting to be in October, only if necessary. If possible, review and production of the Directory and newsletter will be coordinated online.

Meeting was adjourned.

Minutes of MSCA Annual Meeting 5-19-08

The annual meeting of MSCA was held at Beverly Farms elementary school on May 19, 2008, as publicized in advance and in accordance with our bylaws.

Bob Gross, President, opened the meeting at 7:35. 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. Committee chairs for the Social Committee, Transportation, and the Improvements Committee are needed.

Treasurer David Grossman reported that over 175 households had already paid dues for 2008, and that the treasury of the Association was adequate for projected expenses. The largest expenses is, as always, landscaping and maintenance of the landscaped areas.

Bob Gross 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. We had asked the MSCA membership for input on this project to gauge whether the Board should represent the community as being generally in favor of the concept or not. Almost 100 participating members responded favorably to the idea, subject to some concerns that will have to be addressed when more detailed plans are available. A very few negative responses were also received, but the consensus was to support the County’s project at this time and watch for impacts to the homeowners along Seven Locks Road as special cases.

Second, the membership discussed the water main replacement project on the southern side of Montgomery Square. Homeowners are concerned about the overall condition of the road surface already and what it will look like after Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) finished its project. Information from the County to date is that WSSC will only repave the disturbed area in a strip along the road, not the whole road. The President has inquired about whether the County and WSSC can partner and do the whole road, but County funds are very limited for any repaving work and we have not found a way to convince the County to act as of yet. There may be recourse if the work done by WSSC is not done well enough for the County inspectors. The Board will continue to look for opportunities here, but could use some help in staying on top of this issue. A member noted that with more dues collected, MSCA could afford more legal and lobbying support to pressure the County and WSSC, but not with current resources. If a goal of 85% participation could be met consistently, a material difference would be possible.

The Board agreed to press for a higher participation goal and attendees discussed how to go about increasing dues collection, and the relationship between paying dues and receipt of the MSCA Directory, and/or inclusion as a listing in the directory. All combinations of the options were considered, with pros and cons debated with the membership at large. The consensus of the meeting was to continue thanking those who had paid, publicly in the Tetragon, and to target those who had not with a specific letter from the Board in the mail asking for their directory information and the dues payment. The Board was persuaded by the argument that if households do not respond with their desired directory listing names and telephone numbers, the Board cannot justify listing them in the 2008-2009 directory that is being prepared for printing. Absent knowledge of who the homeowners are and absent their permission to list them, the Board should discontinue listing the names of non-responsive homeowners. This will be explained in the mailing. The Board apologizes to anyone who may have paid and not been recorded properly, and they can correct any mistakes before printing. On the question of whom to give directories, the Board found that the consensus was for giving it to all households as a neighborhood resource and to maintain the value of advertising space in the publication, which helps offset printing costs. While some members did not initially like the idea of giving the directory to non-paying households, the overall benefit of doing so, along with the change to not list non-participating members, was accepted as a package by the Board.

Board members discussed the upcoming directory printing. Advertisements will be solicited, and any members who wish to have ads run for their businesses can contact the Vice President, Steve Schuck.

Bob reported that the annual Yard Sale was a success, with about the same number of households participating as in prior years. Efforts to get the advertising out and signs put up were appreciated. Thanks are due to Steve Schuck for the effort. Another large banner sign will be procured for next year.

Another local development issue discussed was the Montrose Road and Route 355 area. Plans for improvement to Montrose east from Rockville Pike to Georgia Avenue are on hold, and the State is holding up money for the Rockville Pike and Montrose Road overpass. However, a meeting on the overpass/intersection scheduled for June appeared to indicate that construction would start. No further information was available at the time of the meeting, however.

The Secretary, Tom Hall, reported that no new nominations had been received for the Officers of MSCA. All current officers, however, agreed to continue to serve if selected. A vote of those present was unanimous for retaining the current Officers.

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

Meeting was adjourned.

Minutes of Board Meeting 03-17-2008

The spring 2008 meeting of the MSCA Board of Directors was held March 17, 2008, at the home of Vice President, Steve Schuck.

The President, Bob Gross, opened the meeting at 7:30. The Board discussed printing the MSCA Directory for 2008, considering whether to distribute the directory to dues paying members of MSCA or to all residents. Advantages for giving the book to all residents won out, including making the book more attractive to advertisers. Discussion turned to the status of information and collection. As is normal, the current response rate is about 40%. The Board decided to get out a flyer with another call for dues, announcement of the yard sale, and a reminder about the annual meeting. It was decided to include a list thanking those residents by family name who had paid, along with apologies to any whose names we had missed, plus an encouragement to pay for those who have not. A last round will accompany directory distribution, with an insert asking for dues from those who still have not paid, with books being delivered by Block Captains for further encouragement.

Bob provided an update on the Seven Locks Sidewalk and Bikeway project. We had done a poll with the dues collection form to solicit comments from residents on this project. The majority of responses were in favor of such a project. Based on this response, the Board will continue to monitor the project for impacts on the neighborhood as designs mature, but will express to the County planners our support for the concept in general.

The Board noted the recent plantings and cleanup of the landscaped corners. Several residents have commented on the flowers favorably. Landscaping will continue to be the largest expense for the Association in 2008.

Board members from the southern portion of Montgomery Square are concerned about a water main replacement project being undertaken by the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC.) The project will cut a major trench in the roadways, which will then be covered by asphalt in a swath about three feet wide. That will leave the rest of the streets in their already deteriorating condition. The road condition has been raised as an issue with the County for years, but budget reductions have largely stalled resurfacing projects for neighborhood roads. Also, the less expensive resurfacing methods, such as the slurry method used on the northern section’s roads several years ago, are no longer favored by the County due to their limited useful life span. The preferred method of grinding down the surface and reapplying new asphalt is considerably more expensive and unlikely to happen any time soon. The Board discussed options for trying to get the County to work with WSSC and to consider doing the whole road instead of just the three foot strip. The County’s response to date is that they are doing a full study of County roads needing resurfacing and they will address the priorities identified by the study. Bob will pursue this with the County and local elected officials, but realistic chances of getting satisfaction are slim.

The next meeting was set for May 5, 2008, to discuss plans for the annual meeting on May 19, 2008.

Meeting was adjourned.

Minutes of Board Meeting 11-13-2007

The fall 2007 meeting of the MSCA Board of Directors was held November 13, 2007, at the home of Steve Schuck, who was approved by Board to fill the vacancy as Vice President.

The President, Bob Gross, opened the meeting at 7:30. He welcomed the new Vice President, particularly as an additional representative of the northern half of the community, with hope for expanding participation and interest in that area.

Topics discussed and conclusions were as follows.

Membership dues for 2008 will stay the same as the previous year, $50. While there may be more projects the association could undertake with more revenue, $50 is adequate for landscaping upkeep and a few social activities. With an active Improvements Chair, the association could entertain more ideas.

The President plans to get out our newsletter, The Tetragon, at the end of December. The Tetragon of this season includes the request for homeowner dues and directory updates. The Board discussed ideas for better communications, using e-mail. The directory does not have all members’ e-mail addresses, but we can pursue the idea of self-registration on a “moderated” listserv, such as at Yahoo Groups. Secretary Tom Hall volunteered to investigate.

The need for an updated paper directory was also discussed. Anne Stadnicki, who has volunteered most of the effort for the last few directories, would be able to help, but needs more help this time around. New Vice President, Steve Schuck, will take a look at the underlying data and see if he can get a publishing package to work with it.

Bob discussed the status of projects in the area, specifically the Potomac Sidewalk and Bikeway program. This program has proceeded to its next phase in the County’s capital project planning cycle, which will provide a design and cost information. This project is generally welcomed by MSCA since it will greatly improve the look and utility of Seven Locks Road for pedestrians and cyclists. However, several property owners are impacted by some of the designs, so continued vigilance in following the planning is required. Bob met with the County’s planning lead, Aruna Miller and the County’s contractor during the preliminary planning phase and had some impacts on the process. Steve will see if he can draft an article for the newsletter on this subject for Bob. The idea of putting some sort of “sense of the community” ballot in the newsletter was discussed, but the association has more need for someone to track the issue and volunteer as Roads Chair to work this.

On the subject of landscaping, the Treasurer, David Grossman reported that we had funds of about $12,000, and expected landscaping bills that would take two thirds of that. The Board remains concerned that bills are not submitted quickly to the Treasurer, and this will be addressed with the contractors.

The Board again discussed possible mergers with neighboring associations, in part because of the difficulty in recruiting active volunteers from within MSCA. The members noted significant differences in funding models and expenses between the various community associations, which would have to be addressed. Previous discussions with Regency Estates were cordial, but ended with a recommendation to cooperate and share where appropriate. Steve Schuck was asked to contact an officer from Potomac Woods Citizens Association to see what their opinions would be on this subject. The idea of polling the MSCA membership was discussed but deferred since we have no concrete plans on the table to choose from anyway. Merger remains an option if an adequate level of participation in MSCA leadership positions cannot be sustained.

In closing, the President thanked everyone for coming.

Meeting was adjourned.

Minutes of MSCA Annual Meeting 5-29-07

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.

Minutes of Board Meeting 5-1-2007

The spring 2007 meeting of the MSCA Board of Directors was held at the home of the President, Bob Gross, on May 1, 2007.

The President opened the meeting at 7:00. Topics discussed and conclusions were as follows.

Membership Dues: As of April 30, 2007, $8,450 had been received from 161 MSCA families. Roger Hahn will follow-up sometime after the May flyer/reminder is distributed and solicit additional contributions.

Yard Sale/Annual Meeting: Bob Gross will make flyers announcing the Yard Sale and the Annual Meeting scheduled for May 20 and May 29, respectively. He will place ads for the sale in the Gazette and the Post and will seek a speaker for the annual meeting. Teri Pflum will assist him with the yard sale. The Dorfman family will be requested to distribute the flyers as they did the MSCA newsletter.

Landscaping: The Board voted to approve the purchase of flowers for planting in the communal areas in the amount of approximately $750.00.

Bike Path: Bob Gross and Alfred Hirschman spoke at the County Planning Commission hearing on the Seven Locks bicycle path on April 25, 2007. They spoke in favor of the project, however, not as it is currently formulated as it may impact negatively on certain neighbors. The Director of the project will meet with Bob Gross for a walking tour of the proposed path in order to better understand these design issues and see the impact on specific homes along the route.

Fortune Park: The Board expressed its inclination to side with the Fortune Park developer in its debate with the City of Rockville regarding the approval of a separate access road for the commercial enterprises in the planned shopping center. At the MSCA Annual Meeting, the Board will solicit the sense of the community association on this issue.

In closing, the President thanked everyone for coming.

Meeting was adjourned.

Minutes of Board Meeting 11-26-06

The fall meeting of the MSCA Board of Directors was held at the home of the President, Bob Gross, on November 26, 2006.

The President opened the meeting at 7:00. The Board discussed the next issue of the Tetragon. Bob will craft the message from the President, and we will include vacancy notices for the Board of Directors, landscaping progress, next meeting times, a bikeway update, and dates for spring events.

The date for the annual meeting was set at May 29th, 7:30-9:00 PM, location to be determined. The Board will again solicit candidates for all offices and committees. We urgently need a Vice President, a Transportation Chair, and a Landscaping Chair.

The date for the community yard sale was set for May 20th to avoid Mothers Day.

On landscaping, Bob will authorize the landscaper to plant pansies for the fall. The Treasurer noted that the some bills had not yet come in for work done this summer, and the Board asked to get a final accounting promptly from the landscaper for the year.

The Board discussed several projects that affect our local area. One, the Seven Locks Bikeway study continues in its preliminary planning phase. Information about the project can be found on the Montgomery County Department of Public Works and Transportation web page www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dpwt under “Capital Projects and Construction.” Specific information about the project can be found by clicking here: Division of Capital Development.

The second major project is the development at Fortune Park. The primary site developers, Folger & Pratt, have filed change requests with the County that alter their proposed development in several ways. The County already approved a change to replace several garden apartments with high rise buildings. The new changes affect the commercial areas, altering the concept for a high-line hotel to a more residential suites style, and changing some of the store layouts to include a major, upscale, grocery store to be announced, and moving from above-ground parking to covered parking in that area. With the change, the developers want to make access to and from the development easier for those living west of I-270. The Board had a chance to view the plans and comment on them, and opposed a new ramp from the development onto Montrose Road westbound. Traffic from I-270 already merges with Montrose Road at this point, and people wishing to turn south on Seven Locks have to cross several lanes quickly, with limited sight of traffic coming over the bridge from the east. The proposed ramp from Fortune Park onto Montrose Road would add to this problem.

Interventions by MSCA, through various meetings with County planners, have also brought progress at the Seven Locks Road and Montrose Road intersection. New sidewalks, ramps, and an island are designed to enhance pedestrian safety at this major intersection, which will see even more foot traffic as Fortune Park development proceeds.

The Board fixed dues for 2007 at the same amount as prior years, $50. In response to a question about the nature of MSCA’s incorporation and whether dues should be considered tax deductible, it was the Board’s non-professional opinion that we should not advise anyone that payments are tax deductible. Although we are a not for profit corporation, we are not a charitable organization per se.

In closing, the President thanked everyone for coming.

Meeting was adjourned.

Minutes of MSCA Annual Meeting 5-23-06

The annual meeting of MSCA was held at Beverly Farms elementary school on May 23, 2006, 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.

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 will be a kick-off public meeting for the study on June 7, 2006. (See related New article posted on this site for more information: News Update 5/29/06.) Opportunitoies to comment on the project are available, and can be sent to the study project manager as noted in the news update.

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.

Bob next introduced speakers from two of our local pools, starting with Montgomery Square/Copenhaver Swimclub. The representative addressed their plans for renovating the pool, which will involve a staged modernization effort, starting with the party area this year, changes to the deck, a new baby pool, handicapped accessible changing rooms, a family changing room, and bathhouse renovations. Financing will come based on increased land value and be paid off over time.

The second pool was Regency Estates, which has just finished a complete replacement of their entire pool. Extolling the virtues of having a community pool, the speaker described the new geometry of the pool, which will maintain an approved 3 meter diving area, and which will allow concurrent use of the pool for both swim team practice and open swim. The pool will open on time for Memorial Day and have an open house for the neighborhood.

Following on the presentation from Regency Estates Pool, Bob mentioned that there had been some discussion about mergers with other local citizens associations, specifically Regency Estates. They did not have an active association for a while, but have rejuvented their group 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 dues we collect and the landscaping work it provides are not things that Regency Estates practices. The current thinking is to continue to cooperate and team up on issues of joint concern, such as roads and development.

Bob Gross next introduced our featured speaker, Mr. Brian J. Feldman, our representative to the Maryland House of Delegates from District 15. Delegate Feldman noted that we seem to be in a period of increased activism by local citizens associations, and the larger the groups that these associations represent, the more “voice” they have with elected officials. He represents a large district, ranging from our area, out to Poolesville and up to Clarksburg. Contrary to what the newspapers portayed, Delegate Feldman felt that the State legislature did have a successful and productive year. Our delegations from Montgomery County were able to significantly increase revenues from the State to the County in several key areas, including education, school construction, and environmental issues. The legislature passed and the Governor signed the Healthy Air Act, and funded Project Open Space projects in Montgomery County. A bill improving pensions for K-12 teachers passed, as did a tuition freeze for the University of Maryland. The State did not, however, do anything with slot machines, nor did it get the new computerized voting machines to generate a paper trail to be used in recounts. Delegate Feldman is particularly active in supporting bio-technology initiatives, establishing tax credits and encouraging venture capital for growing this technology area in the County. Funding for stem cell research was approved by the State, for example.

Taking questions from the audience, Delegate Feldman explained a new law on providing “Early Voting” opportunites in Maryland. This would allow voters to vote at convenient polling places 5 days in advance of election day itself, rather than have to use the traditional absentee ballot mail-in system. The Governor opposes this initiative and is trying to get it reconsidered as a ballot question. Delegate Feldman favors the law as being designed to improve voter turnout. A discussion of why the two sides differ was very instructive. An audience member asked Delegate Feldman about the possible effect of exit polling of early voters, which was of some concern at least to some people.

In closing, Delegate Feldman again emphasized that citizen activism counts. When groups of citizens work together to get assistance from their elected officials, they can make a big difference. He offered to assist us in any way he can on state-level issues.

Bob Gross then quickly covered recent events and successes. The community yard sale was again successful, with over a dozen households formally participating, and others joining on an ad hoc basis. Treasurer David Grossman reported that dues collection has been successful overall, with revenues of approximately $10,000. Anne Stadnicki again organized publication of our community phone directory, which generated ad revenue as well. Anne passed out information on trends in local home sales, which have seen a slowdown in recent months similar to all markets in our area.

Sectretary 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, but that we were still short a Vice President and several key Committee Chairs. There were no 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, including those already noted above. He also commended Kim Ford, who arranged for the meeting room and assisted in dues collection. He thanked everyone for coming.

Meeting was adjourned.