Montgomery Square Citizens' Association

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.

Minutes of Board Meeting 3-16-06

The spring meeting of the MSCA Board of Directors was held at the home of the President, Bob Gross, on March 16, 2006.

Bob Gross, President, opened the meeting at 7:00. The Board discussed the upcoming printing of the community directory. Anne Stadnicki volunteers to put together the directory and have it printed at an estimated cost of about $850. Advertising revenue supplies about $600 of the cost, and Anne graciously subsidizes the rest in return for an ad placement. Bob volunteered to solicit additional advertisements from local merchants and the local pool clubs. A draft of the directory was shown, and a final round of updates – changes of information or ownership — were provided by the Treasurer, David Grossman from the dues renewal forms. David noted that a few checks were still coming in. He will supply a list of household not yet having paid, which will be given to Block Captains for a final collection push. The Board discussed whether to provide directories to all households, or only those that had paid dues. The decision was to continue the goodwill practice of providing the directory to all residents, encouraging them to give back in return, whether by dues or participation in the community governance.

Bob will be putting together a spring edition of the Tetragon, our community newsletter, which will thank those households who have paid dues on time. The Board acknowledged that there is always a chance of missing some names, but would do the best it can to get the list complete as of the cutoff date for publication.

The date for the annual meeting was set at May 15th, at 7:30-9:00 PM at Beverly Farms Elementary School. Bob is working on speakers. Volunteers for any positions on the Board or Committee Chairs are solicited and names should be volunteered to Tom Hall, Secretary, (301) 340-7491. We urgently need a Vice President, a Transportation Chair, and a Landscaping Chair.

The date for the community yard sale was moved to May 21st to avoid Mothers Day.

On landscaping, Bob will authorize the new landscaper to clean and mulch the beds and plant enough pansies to carry us over to the summer planting of annuals. Landscaping consumes the largest portion of our annual budget, but the Board agreed it was important to the character and value of homes in the community to keep the corners we maintain looking nice.

In closing, the President thanked everyone for coming.

Meeting was adjourned.

Minutes of Board Meeting 11-17-05

The fall meeting of the MSCA Board of Directors was held at the home of the President, Bob Gross, on November 17, 2005.

Bob Gross, President, opened the meeting at 7:00. The Board discussed landscaping first. Bob noted that the MSCA resident who had been doing this work, Bill Baruffi, had taken a job out of the area. The members expressed appreciation for the work Bill had done. Bob had obtained quotes from other firms doing landscaping in the area. A quote that was in the same range as our current expenses was received, and the Board voted to engage that contractor. Based on the delay in selecting a landscaper and to hold down costs for this winter, the Board agreed to skip the fall planting and to just maintain the beds neatly at this time.

The Board also reluctantly accepted the resignation of our Roads and Transportation chair, Bruce Avery, who could no longer serve in this capacity. That leaves several critical vacancies on the Board, and the Officers are actively seeking replacements as soon as possible. Vacant positions include the Vice President, Chair for Roads and Transportation, Editor of the Tetragon, and Chair for Improvements. If replacements cannot be found for departed members, sustaining the Association will be difficult. Alternatives were discussed and the decision was reached to solict for Officers and Board members in the December newsletter which we will publish shortly. If vacancies remain a problem, we will raise the issue at the Annual Meeting. Ideas for alternatives are solicited and may be presented for vote at the annual meeting.

The Association will start its annual dues collection effort with the December Tetragon. The dues will remain the same as last year, which will provide adequate revenue if the percent participation remains the same or can be increased.

Bob shared a letter that he had received from a representative of a neighboring citizens association about the development at Fortune Parc. The developers had notified the County planning office that they desired a change in the approved plan for development and had sent a very generic notice to the area’s several citizens associations. Upon inquiry, it developed that the change involved replacing two low-rise garden apartment buildings with two ten story condominium buildings. A hearing on the subject was fortunately postponed until December 8th, giving the associations time to prepare. The representative from the neighboring association solicited our support in expressing concern at the hearing. Based on the potential increase in traffic and higher skyline, the Board voted to support the concern and the Secretary will send a letter to the requestor so stating.

In closing, the President thanked everyone for coming.

Meeting was adjourned.

Minutes of MSCA Annual Meeting 5-23-05

The annual meeting of MSCA was held at Beverly Farms elementary school on May 23, 2005, as publicized in advance and in accordance with our bylaws.

Bob Gross, President, opened the meeting at 7:30. He introduced the guest speaker for the evening, Mr. Tom Pogue, Community Outreach Manager, Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T.) Mr. Pogue went through a brief presentation of DPW&T and its various divisions. For example, the Division of Operations handles things like traffic signals, while the Divison of Capital Development is concerned with projects such as the Seven Locks Bikeway, even large projects such as Strathmore Hall. Mr. Pogue explained that while individual requests and letters to the County do get read, coordinated input from local Citizens Associations such as ours are the best way to get things moving. He ended by demonstrating the resources available through the Department’s web site:

Montgomery County Department of Public Works and Transportation

Bob Gross then asked a few questions about local issues and opened the floor to questions from the members.

One question concerned snow removal (or lack thereof) for long periods after a snowfall, compared to other jurisdictions. Mr. Pogue clearly admitted that the County doesn’t pay to get clearing done compared to, say, the City of Rockville, where citizens pay extra taxes for city services. County road clearing is done by priority – the size and traffic volume of the roads, and our neighborhood courts are among the lowest priority. However, the County will improve communication about the status of road clearing with a new web site feature this winter, allowing residents to track the plowing status by zones and to report to the County if you believe you have been missed by accident.

Another question concerned the confusing flashing yellow light at Twin Oaks. Mr. Pogue answered that this is one of a few “pilot” sites for a proposed new traffic signal convention, part of a Federal Program. The meaning of the signal is simply “Use Caution,” but motorists report being unsure what it means, with some preparing to stop and even causing accidents. A letter with an opinion on the lights can be sent to DPW&T.

A recurring question about the new development at Fortune Parc, now named Park Potomac Place prompted discussion about traffic impacts. Mr. Pogue noted that this development is in the approved County Master Plan. The planning process considered the traffic impacts. A dedicated ramp to I-270 will help traffic from part of the development, but it is true that traffic from the townhomes (the “Brownstones”) will use Seven Locks and Montrose Roads.

In response to some of Bob Gross’s questions, Mr. Pogue covered the status of some local projects and issues. A Falls Road bike path to connect from the village to the path into Rockville from Dunster Road is in the facilities planning stage. Pedestrian signals have been improved with countdown timers at several intersections. Post Oak Road will be repaved sometime this year, one of the very few in the County to get repaved as budgets have run far behind the needs for paving operations in recent years. A discussion of repaving other areas, filling depressions and choosing quieter road surfaces continued from this question. In answer to other questions on taffic calming, complaints about trash in yards, etc., Mr. Pogue directed the members to the web site for rules and information and on how to contact the County on these subjects.

After thanking Mr. Pogue, Bob noted to the members present that these questions illustrate the need for someone to fill the Transportation Committe chair, currently vacant. A general call for new volunteers was also issued. Secretary Tom Hall announced the results of the call for nominations for officers of the association. The standing officers volunteered to continue in their positions. There were no new nominees offered. Re-election of the remaining current slate was unanimous, but the Board continues to need a Vice President. Volunteers for this or any other position on the Board should contact the President at any time.

Bob Gross then quickly covered recent events and successes. The community yard sale was being scheduled for June 11 and 12, with voluntary contributions again solicited for charity. We will not hold a Block Party this year unless a new volunteer can be found to organize it. Last year’s successful event was enjoyed by many residents but the organizers are not free to run it again this year. Bob also covered the budget and fiscal health of the association. With over 200 dues paying residents, the Association raises enough money for significant landscaping and beautification all year long, plus special events such as the ones mentioned.

In closing, the President thanked everyone for coming.

Meeting was adjourned.

Minutes of MSCA Board Meeting 4-14-2005

The MSCA Board met on April 14, 2005 at the home of the President, Bob Gross.

The treasurer had submitted his report in advance, indicating that approximately 160 households had paid dues, netting $8,155. The balance on hand in our account is around $9,500. We discussed the landscaping and noted that the pansies had come back for the most part. Bill Baruffi, who handles our landscaping, recommended we rake the mulch rather than replace it, and stay with the pansies until summer planting is due, in about the third week of May. This will save some money, and the Board concurred. We discussed the lansdscaping budget. Bob Gross will research costs further and we will set a target budget “not to exceed” amount within which landscaping operations must fit. For summer planting, deer-resistant plants will be preferred. The Board reviewed the upcoming calendar of events and adjusted some of the dates. The Block Party will have to be postponed because our organizer does not have time to plan and execute it at this time. The Yard Sale and Annual Meeting dates were not correctly computed in previous discussions and were set to the appropriate dates. The Yard Sale will be Sunday, May 15; and the Annual Meeting will be Monday, May 23rd. Ann Stadnicki will back-up Joan Clowes in making arrangements and Ann will get out a flyer with these dates and reminders on dues. We will also solicit for volunteers for Board Positions. The speaker for the Annual Meeting is still undetermined, but Bob will locate one and announce that shortly for the flyer. Bruce Avery discussed some issues with local roads that we had been able to resolve. He will follow up on some issues, including slurry coating for the southern portion of the community roads, and repairs to the walls at Post Oak and Seven Locks Roads. A question was raised by a resident about mosquito control. The Board decided that it was out of our charter to arrange any special spraying or other potentially controversial environmental actions. People with concerns may contact County or State authorities about health concerns from insects in our area. Bob thanked everyone for their support and adjourned the meeting.