Montpelier Today. Celebrate the 4th of July!!

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1 The Newsletter Of The Montpelier Community Association Montpelier Today July-August 2013 Celebrate the 4th of July!! 2:00-4:00 PM Bike Parade, Field Games Pool Games 5:30 PM Pot Luck Dinner 7:00-9:00 PM Music and Dancing MONTPELIER TODAY 1 July-August 2013

2 Office: Direct: SELLING LAUREL SINCE 1989! WORK WITH AN EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONAL! MONTPELIER RESIDENT! 80+ HOMES SOLD IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD! SENIOR REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST! RELOCATION SPECIALIST! CERTIFIED NEGOTIATION SPECIALIST! TERRI SHIPP SRES, CNE, SFR REALTOR CALL, OR TEXT ME TODAY FOR ALL OF YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS! I OFFER STAGING SERVICES, PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY, VIRTUAL TOURS & VIDEOS TO ALL OF MY CLIENTS! VISIT MY WEBSITE MONTPELIER TODAY 2 July-August 2013

3 2013 Board of Trustees Bob Derrick, President Chair, Executive Committee Jack Keating, Vice President Member, Executive Committee Lillian Fazio, Treasurer Chair, Finance Committee Chair, Tennis Committee Patricia Douville, Secretary Member, Executive Committee Chair, Social Committee Chair, Nominating Committee Paul Buehler, Trustee Chair, Facilities Committee Brad Gimbert, Trustee MONTPELIER TODAY THE NEWSLETTER OF THE MONTPELIER COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION July-August 2013 Inside this issue: President s Letter 4 Nomination Form 5 April 2013 Board Meeting Minutes 7 April 2013 ACCC Meeting Minutes 8 May 2013 MCA Board Meeting Minutes 9 Financial Report 10 Security Committee Report 14 GLO in the Garden 16 MONTPELIER TODAY is published by the MONTPELIER COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. Community Information Line- 888-MCA-INFØ ( ) M O N T P E L I E R T O D AY i s published six times per year (Jan/ Feb, Mar/Apr, May/Jun, Jul/Aug, Sep/Oct, and Nov/Dec) by the Montpelier Community Association, Inc. Material for the newsletter must be submitted by the 15 th of the month prior to publication. Please forward all association and newsletter correspondence to: Tim Jacobs, Trustee tim@jacobszone.com Richard Mason, Trustee Chair, Security Committee rsmason@aol.com Jean Sorrentino, Trustee sorrentino12@verizon.net Committees Architectural Control & Compliance Michael Boddie, Chair Michael.boddie@aol.com Communications Tony Fleming, Chair tonyrfleming@gmail.com Elections & Swim Team Lynne Collman, Chair lbcollman@gmail.com Pool Mary Derrick, Chair derrickr@wans.net Welcoming Rilla Potter, Chair rillapotter@verizon.net Assistant to the Board Mary Hughes x103 emhughes@comcast.net ACCC Approval Form 19 Helping Hands 22 Advertising Advertising Rates For Montpelier Today Per Issue PrePaid Annual (6 issues) Full page $ $ Half page Quarter page Business card License information, as required by the State and County, must be displayed on all advertisements For Inquiries: Mary Hughes, Editor emhughes@comcast.net or x103 P.O. Box 2503 Laurel, MD or to: emhughes@comcast.net Advertisements are not an endorsement of products or services by the Board of Trustees or the Montpelier Community Association, Inc. SELLING YOUR HOME? If you have sold your home or are a new owner, please drop us a note listing the lot number and the name of the new owner. Requests for resale packages should be sent to the above address or call x102. If you are renting your home and have a mailing address other than Montpelier, please let us know. We want all members to receive their MCA correspondence and MONTPELIER TODAY in a timely manner. MONTPELIER TODAY 3 July-August 2013

4 FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear Neighbors, The summer has officially begun and we have many ac vi es planned for the community. Check out this month's copy of the Montpelier Today Newsle er. The ever popular Wednesday Night Pizza at the Pool has started. All you have to do is Lynne Collman at call the pool ( ) or sign up in person, so they know how much pizza to get. The cost is $3 / person, kids under 4 free and please bring a side dish or dessert that would feed 6. Our tradi onal 4th of July Pot Luck is planned for Thursday; you bring the side dishes and your Community Associa on provides the hamburgers, cheese burgers, hot dogs, condiments and drinks. We also plan to do some movie nights at the pool as soon as we can get our busy volunteers to hook all the equipment up! Our 'Flick n Floats' were very popular. The MCA is hos ng Montpelier's first 5K (3.1miles) Run/Walk and a shorter Kids Fun Run by the pool grounds August 31st, star ng at 8:30 AM. The course will start on our pool parking lot, cross the street and follow the length of Oxwell Drive to Montpelier Drive, down Montpelier Drive, entering the Montpelier Mansion property near Route 197. A er crossing in front of the Mansion, we will be cu ng through a footpath onto Mt. Pleasant Drive by our original model homes (Pleasant Court) and finishing on Briardale Lane, entering the pool lot through the new path between the tennis and basketball courts. Check out our website: h p://montpelieronline.org/ for more informa on. In case you have been wondering, our new nature trail around the common grounds is 1/3 of a mile and has held up pre y well to the April and May showers. It was constructed with the lling of our old asphalt parking lot, saving us the disposal cost and providing a new feature for our members to enjoy. We have spo ed everything from walkers to joggers to baby carriages - no motor vehicles please! Speaking of the parking lot, we finally 'bit the bullet' and refurbished the last major asset the Community owns. With two inches of new asphalt, parking stops, striping, planters and some new curbing and sidewalks, we have Jack Kea ng, our Associa on Vice President, to thank for his reless efforts. He also made sure we got great prices for repoin ng our guard shack, floor les in the bathhouse and improved security ligh ng. The MCA Board has bonded as a team over the years to not only manage the business of the Community, but to bring our investment up to the highest standards in 45 years. If you would like to join this team, we have included Nomina on Forms in this issue of Montpelier Today. They are coveted posi ons with minimal commitment of me (2 hours once a month) and all we want is your common sense in problem solving. Many Board Members have served for 5 years, so it might be just the me for you to come check us out. Visit us at the Deerfield Community Center preschool classroom on the second Tuesday at 7 pm, and see how easy it is and how much fun we have. We need your involvement to keep our community safe, healthy and a rac ve to buyers! Bob Derrick UPCOMING MCA MEETINGS FOR ALL MONTPELIER HOMEOWNERS BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETINGS Mark your calendar for Tuesday, July 9 and Tuesday, August 13 for the monthly board mee ngs at Deerfield Community Center, preschool room. All mee ngs begin at 7 PM. Montpelier homeowners are encouraged to a end. NOTE THE DATES ARCHITECTURAL CONTROL & COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE MEETINGS (ACCC) The next mee ngs of the ACCC will be Thursday, July 11 and Thursday, August 8, at 7 PM at the Deerfield Community Center, preschool room. MONTPELIER TODAY 4 July-August 2013

5 MONTPELIER COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC TRUSTEE NOMINATION FORM MUST BE RECEIVED ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 10, 2013 TO BE VALID The following member, in good standing of the Montpelier Community Association, Inc., is hereby submitted for consideration as a member of the Board of Trustees. NAME (Please Print) ADDRESS LOT# The term of service of a Trustee shall be one (1) year beginning with the October Board meeting. Duties as outlined in the Montpelier Community Association, Inc. Bylaws. Trustees shall have a fiduciary relationship with the Members and a duty of due care and diligence with respect to the property and affairs of the Association. Each Trustee shall: a. remain informed at all times about the business of the Association; b. attend and participate in Board meetings; c. obtain and read on a timely basis the monthly financial statements and the minutes Board meetings; d. act in the best interests of the Association; e. act in accordance with the provisions of the Articles, the Declaration, and the Bylaws; f. exercise reasonable diligence in carrying out and following through on responsibilities assumed or assigned to the Trustee If elected, I am willing to serve as a member of the Montpelier Community Associa on Board of Trustees. I agree to read, abide by, and enforce the Ar cles, the Declara on, and the Bylaws of the Associa on. Nominee s Signature Date Phone Number/ Nominations for Trustee to be elected shall be made by written petition of two (2) Members other than the nominee: Petitioner 1: Name (print) Signature Address Date Petitioner 2: Name (print) Signature Address Date Nominee: Please complete the Biographical Information Form on the back of this form. Your responses will be printed in the September issue of the Newsletter. Mail or otherwise deliver this completed form by or before August 10, 2013 to: Nominating Committee, MCA, Inc. P.O. Box 2503 Laurel, Maryland MONTPELIER TODAY 5 July-August 2013

6 BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION FORM FOR BOARD OF TRUSTEE CANDIDATES The informa on provided herein will be published in the September newsle er in a paragraph format. Number of years living in Montpelier Previous participation in MCA activities: Other relevant background information (participation in other community associations, boards, community work or other experience that would be relevant to the community (200 words or less): Specific MCA Board functions that are of interest (check one or more): Architectural Control and Compliance Communications Election Finance Governing Documents Grounds Maintenance/Facilities Nominating Pool Operations Security Social Activities Traffic Any additional information or comments: MONTPELIER TODAY 6 July-August 2013

7 Montpelier Community Association, Inc. Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes April 9, 2013 Trustees in A endance: Bob Derrick, Patricia Douville, Lillian Fazio, Brad Gimbert, Tim Jacobs, Jack Kea ng, and Richard Mason. Trustees Absent with Cause: Paul Buehler and Jean Sorren no. Community Members Present: Laslo and Birgid Boesze, Susan Habig, Jennifer and Tim Tilghman and Mary Hughes. President B. Derrick called the mee ng to order at 7:01 PM. There was a quorum to conduct business. reports. Neighbors should be on the lookout for a Toyota Camry with a donut re. If seen, get the license tag number and call the police. Trustee Mason is s ll wai ng to the results of the study to see if Montpelier Drive qualifies for speed humps. Trustee Kea ng was thanked for replacing the No Solici ng sign on Montpelier Drive. Residents were encouraged to a end the April 18th informa on mee ng on the Odell Road/Muirkirk Road/Cedarbrook Drive realignment. Secretary s Report: Tricia Douville The minutes of the March 2013 board mee ng were reviewed. Trustee Kea ng made a mo on to accept the minutes. Trustee Fazio seconded the mo on and it passed unanimously. Treasurer s Report: Lillian Fazio Trustee Fazio distributed the monthly statements. Assessments collected to date $180,740. Le ers were sent today for late assessments. One Gypsy Moth CD matured and $34, was deposited in another interest bearing account. One other CD matured and was put into the Reserve Account. $1,475 has been donated to the Morris Fund. The figure reported last month was inaccurate. A. Simmons, our accountant, filed the Federal and State taxes and nothing was owed. The review has not been completed yet. ACCC: Michael Boddie, Chairperson (absent) Trustee Kea ng reported that there were three rou ne approval requests at the April mee ng and a new member was added to the commi ee, Colin Hebert. Pool Commi ee: Mary Derrick, Chairperson (absent) Trustee Derrick reported that the pool was drained and inspected. It has been refilled and is ready for pool season. Social Commi ee: Patricia Douville, Chairperson The Easter Egg Hunt was successful and there are pictures on the website. The Yard Sale will be May 18 and the Memorial Day Potluck at the pool will be Monday, May 27. Security Commi ee: Richard Mason, Chairperson Trustee Mason distributed his monthly report. There were no crimes last month and two suspicious Tennis Commi ee: Lillian Fazio, Chairperson Trustee Fazio reported that the crack repairs will be made this spring. Welcoming Commi ee: Rilla Po er, Chairperson (absent) Trustee Mason reported that Ms. Po er and Ms. Mason plan to visit two new neighbors this weekend. Facili es Commi ee: Paul Buehler, Chairperson (absent) Trustee Kea ng reported on the capital improvements taking place at the pool and common grounds. The concrete in the pool area is complete and the sidewalk is also done. The parking lot will be milled and work will commence next week and take about three weeks before the lot can be used. A trail around the common grounds will be added. The ceramic le in the pool bathrooms is almost complete. Communica ons Commi ee: Tony Fleming, Chairperson (absent) No report. OLD BUSINESS Rules for the sponsored swim team program are needed. A new contract was given to Trustee Fazio for emptying the trash cans. A map or path s ll needs to be provided. The playground equipment is tabled for now with all the other projects in the works. Trustee Jacobs reported that the storm drain repairs on Oxwell have been postponed. No other informa on was available. NEW BUSINESS: Trustee Jacobs suggested that Montpelier try to get on the list for street repaving. Trustee Derrick sug- (Continued on page 8) MONTPELIER TODAY 7 July-August 2013

8 ACCC REPORT Deerfield Community Center Mee ng Minutes of April 4, 2013 Commi ee Members Present: Michael Boddie, Brian Dennis, Jack Kea ng, Ron Lenart and Pauline Pe. Commi ee Members Absent with Cause: None. Community Members Present: Lynn Ardolini, Ken Davidson, Carolyn Dennis, Bob Derrick, Susan Habig, Colin Hebert, and Mary Hughes. The mee ng was called to order at 7:02 PM by M. Boddie. The minutes of the March mee ng, transcribed by M. Hughes, were reviewed. J. Kea ng made a mo on to accept the minutes. R. Lenart seconded the mo on and it passed unanimously. OLD BUSINESS: Bri any Place The status of the repairs will be surveyed and if not made the fine of $100 a month will be assessed. A mo on to send an update to all concerned par es was made and seconded. The mo- on passed unanimously Ethan Court R. Lenart and M. Boddie visited the property and it has been cleaned up. The ma er is closed Granite Lane Trailer was again parked on the grass and there has been no response from the homeowner regarding the fine and viola on. A mo- on was made to turn this over to the a orney. It was seconded and passed unanimously Raven Way S. Habig responded to complaint regarding overgrown bushes and whether they are a fence. B. Dennis made a mo on that the shrubbery is not a growing fence and therefore not a viola on. P. Pe seconded the mo on and it passed unanimously. If any trash accumulates on the property, it must be cleaned up by the property owner regardless of where it originates Granite Lane A mo on was made to request that a ta ered car cover be removed. The mo on was seconded and passed unanimously Eastgate Lane Ma er regarding trailer is closed. Thank you. NEW BUSINESS: 8805 Oxwell Lane Homeowner and tenant requested approval for a 4 foot, chain link fence. K. Davidson answered ques ons from the commi ee. L. Ardolini was assured that shrubs or trees could be planted to screen the fence from view. The property lines were discussed as well as concerns regarding dogs. M. Boddie made a mo on to approve the request. P. Pe seconded the mo on and it passed unanimously Royal Ridge Lane R. Lenart made a mo on to approve the request to install new siding, roof, shu ers, doors and posts. P. Pe seconded the mo on and it passed unanimously. B. Dennis made a mo on to approve Colin Hebert as a new member of the ACCC. P. Pe seconded the mo on and it passed unanimously. The next mee ng of the ACCC will be Thursday, May 2, 2013 at 7:00 PM at Deerfield Community Center. The mee ng adjourned at 8:50 pm. (Continued from page 7) gested that he lead a Traffic Commi ee. Residents can call 311 and report pot holes to the county. Trustee Kea ng reported that the parking lot will be blocked for three weeks while repaving is done (star ng April 15). A no ce will go out on the list serv and the info line. Several long- me Montpelier members passed away recently: Paul Katz, Maria Gibney, and Goldstein. COMMENTS FROM MEMBERS: A member asked if something could be done about the no parking area on Montpelier Drive. Trustee Mason will call the Department of Public Works. A member noted that some residents do not clean the gu er area in front of their homes and the decaying leaves are ugly and dangerous. It is also bad for drainage and should not go into the storm drains. A no ce will go into the newsle er. It was also men- oned that there are some houses in disarray. The ACCC should be no fied. A member discussed an upcoming estate sale that they will be hos ng in the neighborhood. They own a business helping people downsize or transi on to new surroundings. They will be given informa on for the newsle er and encouraged to put informa on on the list serv. The next board mee ng will be held on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 7:00 PM at Deerfield Recrea on Center, preschool room. The mo on was made and seconded to adjourn at 7:52 pm. The mo on passed unanimously. MONTPELIER TODAY 8 July-August 2013

9 Montpelier Community Association, Inc. Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes May 14, 2013 Trustees in A endance: Paul Buehler, Bob Derrick, Patricia Douville, Lillian Fazio, Brad Gimbert, Jack Kea ng, and Richard Mason. Trustees Absent with Cause: Tim Jacobs and Jean Sorren no. Community Members Present: Michael Boddie, Ma Derrick, Rilla Po er and Mary Hughes. President B. Derrick called the mee ng to order at 7:01 PM. There was a quorum to conduct business. Secretary s Report: Tricia Douville The minutes of the April 2013 board mee ng were reviewed. Trustee Kea ng made a mo on to accept the amended minutes. Trustee Mason seconded the mo on and it passed unanimously. Treasurer s Report: Lillian Fazio Trustee Fazio distributed the monthly statements. The receipt of Assessments has slowed so we might have received all that we are going to this year. Reminder le ers have gone out. This year s delinquent assessments will be added to the list for legal ac on. Trustee Derrick requested no delay in passing delinquents to the MCA lawyer since there has been some success in obtaining payments when our lawyer gets involved. The new delinquent accounts and legal ac on will be discussed at the June board mee ng. There is approximately $15,000 outstanding long-term delinquent assessments that have been working their way through the legal system. A dra of the accountant s review of the MCA financial books is available and Trustee Fazio will distribute it electronically to board members for comments. When finalized, it will be posted on the web site. Trustee Fazio will a end a court hearing for the MCA about a homeowner s delinquent payment on June 14. A er the parking lot repaving and other repairs are complete, there will be just under $100K in Reserve and the treasurer asked that the board keep that in mind when considering new projects. ACCC: Michael Boddie, Chairperson Mr. Boddie reported that there was no mee ng in May due to lack of a quorum. The correct address to reach him is Michael.boddie@aol.com and cell phone is Mr. Boddie reported that solar panels are generally being approved by the ACCC and Maryland law supports the homeowner s right to install them even if they appear to violate exis ng covenants. Communica ons: Tony Fleming, Chairperson (absent) No report. Facili es: Paul Buehler, Chairperson Improvements to the common grounds and pool will be completed Wednesday with the installa on of striping, speed bumps and bumpers. The gate was open today, but it will be kept closed un l Thursday. New ligh ng has been added to light the tennis courts benches and the walking trail is in use. Weed killer is needed for the baseball diamond. The landscapers will be asked to drag/rake the diamond. Trustee Buehler asked if a fence could be put around the dumpster to hide it from view. Trustee Kea ng said that it should have been done before the lot was resurfaced. It will be put on the list of poten al projects to compete against shade for the volleyball court picnic area, etc. The dumpster charge is $218 monthly, but an $800 charge needs to be inves gated by the Treasurer. Trustee Buehler wanted to purchase a $2500 wooden pirate ship for the playground, but Trustee Fazio suggested that it would be be er to wait un l Fall when there could be money added to the Reserve Account. There was some debate about the safety of the homemade boat and how well it would last out in the rain. The cover for the barbeque and concrete pad at the volleyball court picnic area was also discussed. The three grills are in bad condi on. Before purchasing new ones, someone should check on the list serv to see if anyone wants to donate one. There was some concern that a donated one would not be in good enough condi on to use. Weeds in the playground will also be removed by our landscapers. Pool Commi ee: Mary Derrick, Chairperson (absent) Trustee Derrick reported that the pool passed the Health Department inspec on and is ready for pool season. Social Commi ee: Patricia Douville, Chairperson The Yard Sale is adver sed in the Leader and Pennysaver. Yard sale signs will also be put up and maps are ready. Amvets will pick up dona ons a er 2 pm, but they must have your address and it must be labeled. The Memorial Day Potluck is scheduled for Monday, June 28 and the MCA will provide hot dogs and drinks. The 5 K organizers asked if the pool could be opened for the runners a er the August 31 race. The pool chairperson and the manager will discuss the idea. Three Flick and Floats are planned. Trustee Derrick donated a projector and a reflec ve sheet or screen and (Continued on page 10) MONTPELIER TODAY 9 July-August 2013

10 TREASURER S REPORT To date, current late assessments are $5,130 (18 homeowners) and long term late assessments are $14,621. The Review is complete. I have a copy which will be posted on the web page. I also have copies of the Personal Property, Federal and State tax forms. Our trash service, BFI, will credit us for the month of May billing as no pick-ups were made in May. I will a end a court hearing scheduled for June 14 in Upper Marlboro with our a orney. Lillian Fazio, Treasurer why. It turns out a Pepco individual made a mistake in having the trees removed and Pepco will dig up the stumps and replace the trees in the fall. Trustee Mason will put the informa on on the website, Facebook and list serv. Montpelier Drive has been classified as a residen al street and is being evaluated for possible traffic calming devises for Fiscal Year 2014 including redoing sidewalks and possibly a curbed median strip for flowers. A complaint was made about the lack of equipment brought to a recent fire in which neighbors were providing shovels to the firefighters. Trustee Mason will discuss this with Mary Lehman s office. Nine members are a ending the 911 Call Center tour and there is s ll room for a few more. Trustee Mason was asked if the county has plans to charge insurance companies for ambulance use. He will ask Mary Lehman s office. A reminder from the police department: 311 is for nonemergency use. Call 911 for emergencies. (Continued from page 9) speakers are s ll needed. Trustee Buehler said he had some large speakers that might work. Water aerobics will start in June. Security Commi ee: Richard Mason, Chairperson Trustee Mason distributed his monthly report. There were three Breaking & Entering s (B & E s) last month (on Shadetree and Oxwell). The Pepco incident of cu ng down trees in Montpelier was cri cized by many in the community so Trustee Mason worked with Mary Lehman s office to find out from the County Public Works Department what happened and Tennis Commi ee: Lillian Fazio, Chairperson Trustee Fazio reported that weather has delayed the repairs but she will stay on the company. Welcoming Commi ee: Rilla Po er, Chairperson Ms. Po er reported that the commi ee welcomed the Myers on Gramercy Lane, the Ji s on Cedarbrook Lane, the Taylor s on Valerie Lane and the Walsh s on Silverbirch Lane. Several more visits are planned for new neighbors. OLD BUSINESS Funds for the (PG County Policeman PFC) Morris Family Fund can be disbursed. Trustee Mason will give the treasurer the informa on to write the check and Trustee Mason will personally deliver the check to the appropriate agency. The parking issue for the Montpelier Drive residents who had signs in their front yard prohibi ng any parking has been resolved. The residents have been given passes which can be used by their visitors. NEW BUSINESS: Trustee Fazio was approached by a resident to ask the board if the tennis court area could be used for playing pickleball. She will get more informa on for the board about the requirements so a discussion can take place at the next Board mee ng. A new contract has been submi ed for trash pick-up and removal around the common grounds. Invoices will be submi ed as a way to indicate work has been completed and payment is due. The next board mee ng will be held on Tuesday, June 11, 2013 at 7:00 PM at Deerfield Recrea on Center, preschool room. The mo on was made and seconded to adjourn at 8:10 pm. The mo on passed unanimously. MONTPELIER TODAY 10 July-August 2013

11 Continued on next page MONTPELIER TODAY 11 July-August 2013

12 Budget vs. Actual Continued WEDNESDAY PIZZA AT THE POOL Every Wednesday night weather permi ng come on down to the pool for pizza, delicious desserts and good company. We will supply the paper products; we ask you to bring a side dish or delicious dessert. (Enough to feed 6 people) RSVP before 3pm each Wednesday. Call pool: (301) or lbcollman@gmail.com Time: 6-7pm Loca on: Pool Cost: $3/person (under 4 free) Lynne Collman & Sue Thompson The Pizza Mommas are retiring the end of the 2013 season. Looking for Pizza Mommas or Pops to carry on the summer tradition- Pizza at the Pool- starting in We will show you the ropes. Interested? Please contact us!! MONTPELIER TODAY 12 July-August 2013

13 July 4 AT THE POOL Bike Parade, Field and Pool Games from 2-4:00. Decorate your bike, stroller, scooter or other ride and show your patrio c pride! Potluck dinner at 5:30 Hot dogs, hamburgers, drinks and paper products provided by MCA. Bring an appe zer, salad, side dish or dessert to share. Music and Dancing from 7-9. R.S.V.P. by July 2- Sign-up at the pool SAVE THE DATE Montpelier 5K Run/Walk & Kids Fun Run Saturday, August 31 st, 2013 Labor Day weekend All festivities will start at 8:30 AM. More information, such as registration, prizes and course details will be available shortly on our website: and info line 888 MCA VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED. Felipe Arzayus, Event Organizer, kfl.arzayus@verizon.net Tricia Douville, Social Chair, pldouville@verizon.net Watch a movie at the pool under the stars... Flick and Floats at the pool are back! Dates are s ll to be determined. They will be posted at the pool, online, and on the MCA Info line. Stay tuned! MONTPELIER TODAY 13 July-August 2013

14 SECURITY COMMITTEE REPORT Crimes in Community: B&E on 4/9/13 at block of Shadetree Lane where engraved electronic items were stolen in mid a ernoon. Burglary on 8700 block of Oxwell Lane. Owner le garage door open while working in back yard. Leaf blower was stolen from garage. Burglary 4/28/13 at block of Shadetree Lane. Shed broken into, generator and other items stolen. A empted break in at 9200 block of Montpelier Drive. Unable to gain entry because of double bolt lock and no key in lock. Unreported B&E on Silverbirch Lane B&E via back block of Shadetree Lane in a ernoon of 5/4/12. Police came immediately. TV's and other electronic equipment taken via front door. No alarm system. Five automobile break ins the night of 5/18/13. Slim Jim used so no damage to cars. Very li le stolen since residents followed our recommenda on of remove it or lose it. Police patrolled for a few nights a er incidents and found no addi onal suspicious ac vity. Police did say that over 25% of homes did not have outside light on at night. Outside lights ON at night do deter crime. Increased crime in South Laurel emphasized to both Prince George s County Police and to MCA Community. Muirkirk Rd at Odell Rd Improvement: Informa on mee ng was held at Montpelier Elementary School on April 18, Project Manager, Maureen Cissel, told us that the project will start Spring There will be a traffic light and Murikirk will have paved shoulders. This will help slow traffic on Muirkirk Rd. Plans have not started for improving Muirkirk Rd from VA Manor Rd to 197. New Grocery Store Scam: Recently a Montpelier resident was distracted while in a checkout line at Shoppers Food and the cashier rang up the next person's groceries with her groceries. While loading her car, our resident no ced that she was charged for extra groceries. She reported this to the store manager who apologized and credited the extra groceries back to her credit card. Don't be distracted while purchasing. Police Night Out: The Prince George s County Police, Beltsville Sta on, invite all Montpelier residents to their 30th Annual Night Out on August 6th at the Sellman Road, District 6 Sta on. Volunteers are appreciated. This 6 to 8 PM event is posted on our group , website, and our facebook. Contact Richard Mason for details. Staying Safe on internet social networks: Be extra careful if you receive an that has a friend's name in the address. Don't open it if it is not their address. Door-to-door solicita on: If solicitor does not leave or returns, call his company and request no more contact, either in person, via phone or . Tell them you will call the police if it happens again. Call PG Police nonemergency Mt. Pleasant Drive Update: Pepco has admi ed to the County s Public Works and Mary Lehman's office that the trees removed on Mt. Pleasant and Cedarbrook were cut down in error. They apologized and promised to remove the stumps this Spring. They will plant new trees, mulch, and water them this Fall. I have requested that we select the trees in coordina on with the County Tree Program Manager. Prince George s County Public Works is reques ng that both their office and Montpelier be no fied before Pepco takes any ac on of this type again. Montpelier Drive Update: Prince George s County Dept of Public Works has requested a major upgrade on Montpelier Drive, now that it is a residen al street. This means sidewalks will be handicap accessible and there will other improvements besides traffic calming to help maintain a safe speed. This will hopefully be funded in FY Patch paving is being done in June Local Telephone Scam: A call to a Montpelier resident saying a family member was kidnapped and will be killed if money is not wired to caller. Resident handled properly by hanging up. Tour New 911 Call Center: A group of 10 residents toured the new County 911 call center in Bowie on May 21, This is a professionally run and state of the art facility. Contact Richard Mason if you would like to organize a tour of this facility. Ci zens Police Academy: Sandi Jimenez, Orwood Lane, Principal of High Point High School, and Richard Mason, Orwood Lane, graduated from the Ci zens Police Academy on Tuesday, at Police Headquarters. Please call or Richard Mason if you would like to know more about this excellent program. County Ambulance Policy: 'The Fire/EMS Department has an ambulance fee billing program. The County contracts with a 3rd party to a empt collec on from insurance companies. While the 3rd party may send no ce about the bill to a ci zen, the ci zen should never receive a bill for ambulance service, and should forward anything looking like a bill to their insurance company. The County will never a empt collec on from the ci zen. Ci zens Advisory Council (CAC) Mee ng: Guest speaker, Police Chief Mark McGaw, gave us an update on many (Continued on page 15) MONTPELIER TODAY 14 July-August 2013

15 NEVER HEARD OF IT? (You re not the only one!) COME DOWN TO THE TENNIS COURTS... SATURDAY, JULY 27th 9 AM 12 PM KIDS (10 and up) to SENIORS... and see what it is all about. All equipment will be provided as well as instruc on. Pickleball uses a paddle and wiffle-type ball. The play is a combina on of ping pong, badminton and tennis, with a smaller court and slightly lower net. It can be played indoors or out. For more info, go to or contact our organizer, Gina Oliva atgina.oliva09@gmail.com. (Continued from page 14) ac vi es. County Council announced plans for a new Police Headquarters in Upper Marlboro. Police also plan to build a new District VI Sta on north of Beltsville, probably in the Konterra area in 3 or 4 years. Crime was down in the County by 13.2% and down in District VI by 17% YTD. District VI has best crime reduc on in the county. Community Oriented Police Officers (COPS) are involved with many residen al, business, Explorers Post groups, Christmas in April, Child and Adult ID, and many other specific projects. The police will help us with our 5K run on August 31st with traffic control. I presented an overview of the Ci zens Police Academy. I had the privilege of presen ng the Montpelier check for the Officer Adrian Morris Fund to Major Dan Weishaar, Commander of District VI. Thanks to our residents for your contribu ons. The police and CAC volunteers appreciated our gi. There will be another ceremony at Police Night Out on Richard Mason Security Commi ee Chairperson rsmason@aol.com MONTPELIER TODAY 15 July-August 2013

16 GLO in the GARDEN Hi Neighbors!! I just a ended the annual training day for Master Gardeners sponsored by the University of Maryland Extension. My mind is swimming with informa on that I want to share with you. For the last several years there has been a great effort underway to clean up the Chesapeake Bay. The results of this effort have not been as successful as was hoped it would be. Several Maryland Coun es have been given funds to plant trees whose purpose is to cut down or prevent the water run off from the road ways. There are also agencies that are looking at the way trees have been planted in the past and the results of the failure to use proper plan ng techniques. Eventually these failures result in greater cost to the coun es when the dead and dying trees have to be removed or when cracked sidewalks damaged by tree roots must be fixed. New guide lines are now provided that will prevent many of these problems if they are u lized. First, pick the right tree for the selected space. Look at the dimensions of the tree when it is fully mature. Will that tree fit in the space in ten years? The roots of the tree must spread out like a fan or arms stretching out from the trunk. If the tree is too large, you will see the roots push up into the driveway or a concrete walkway. Don't plant trees close to the house. Their roots can grow under the founda on. Also, the tree branches will whip into the house during a wind storms. Trees should never be planted too deep. Make sure the roots of the trunk are given space to extend out from the tree. Tree roots need AIR as well as WATER. Do not mound mulch around the tree trunk. That encourages insects to invade the root system. Water should drain away from the tree. Lastly, do not cover the surface around the tree with other plants that will rob the roots of oxygen. diseases which eventually will kill the tree. When choosing a tree, consider one that is na ve to the area. It will have a longer healthier life. Hard wood trees originally covered the lands of Maryland. Last year, the county planted new trees in our subdivision. Unfortunately, some of the work was done in August when the temperatures were elevated and many of the trees were not watered adequately. They are now dying. If the tree has several dead branches from mid to top, it is a clear sign it is in decline. Also, don't be fooled by the shoots growing out from the bo om of the tree. They are called suckers. Root suckers compete with and eventually overtake the trees' trunk and then the tree will die. Phone the county and ask for the tree to be An example of a tree in decline with dead removed. Contact: Department of branches from the middle to the top. Public Works, , PGCTRIP Center@co.pg.md.us, or FAX Gloria Hynes Master Gardener During the training session, Doctor Richard Rothjens, a Senior Agronomist said that 80% of tree disorders can be a ributed to failure to consider the requirements for trees as shown above. O en mes, years will pass before the tree will begin to die. It tries to deal with the adverse condi ons and emits a hormone when under stress. It may then become more vulnerable to borers and other An example of suckers. The suckers compete with your tree robbing it of nutrients needed for healthy growth. MONTPELIER TODAY 16 July-August 2013

17 COVENANTS AND SOLAR ENERGY IN MARYLAND As a Montpelier homeowner, you must request PRIOR APPROVAL from the Architectural Control & Compliance Commi ee before making changes to the exterior of your home, including installa on of any solar collec on system. This request must include signatures from neighbors who will be able to see the panels from their home. The MCA and ACCC understand that some members do not like solar panels; however, Maryland law limits the restric ons that homeowner associa ons can place on their members who want to install solar collec on systems. The following is intended to provide our members with some of the informa on that the ACCC uses in these ma ers. MARYLAND SOLAR ENERGY FACTS In 2012, Maryland installed 79 MW of solar electric capacity, ranking it 8th na onally. Maryland ranks 14th in the country in cumula- ve installed solar capacity. There is enough solar energy installed in the state to power 11,500 homes. In 2012, $205 million was invested in Maryland to install solar on homes and businesses. This represents a 74% increase over the previous year, and is expected to grow again this year. Average installed residen al and commercial photovoltaic system prices in Maryland fell by 26% last year. Na onal prices have also dropped steadily by 13% from last year and 34% from h p:// solar policy/maryland The government wants you to install solar panels at your house, and will even give you a tax break to do it, but your neighbors may not be as thrilled with the idea. Many neighbors and homeowner s associa ons think that solar panels are ugly and might lower home values, but many states have laws that override any HOA covenants seeking to deny the right to install solar PV systems. The HOAs can provide guidelines on color, where and how the solar JOIN A MONTPELIER COMMITTEE Architectural Control & compliance Communications Election committee Finance Facilities (Grounds) Governing Documents Pool Operations Nominating Security Social Tennis Benevolent Fund Name: Address: Phone(evenings) or Please mail to: MCA P.O. Box 2503 Laurel, MD or call/ a chairperson or board member to volunteer. MONTPELIER TODAY 17 July-August 2013

18 (Continued from page 17) panels are installed, but they can t substan ally delay installa on of the solar panels or increase the cost. Maryland has a long-standing law protec ng the rights of solar energy system owners. The original law prohibited restric ve land use covenants that imposed unreasonable limita ons on the installa- on of solar collec on panels on the roof or exterior walls of improvements and which became effec ve a er July 1, (The grandfathering date was removed in 2008). The Maryland Real Property Code was amended in April 2008 by H.B Under the new law (effec ve October 1, 2008) restric ons on use that act to significantly increase the cost of a solar collector system or significantly decrease its efficiency are prohibited. The defini on of "restric ons on use" includes any covenant, restric on, or condi on contained in a deed; declara on; contract; bylaws of a homeowners or condominium associa on; security instrument; and any other instrument affec ng the transfer or sale of real property or interest in real property. The only condi on for this protec on is that the owner own or have rights for the exclusive use of the roof or exterior walls of a structure. There are a few excep ons to the law: Historic Property and Ground Mounted Panels. For more informa on: Public Informa on Officer - MEA Maryland Energy Administra on 60 West Street, 3rd Floor Annapolis, MD Phone: (410) Phone 2: (800) meainfo@energy.state.md.us Web Site: h p:// MONTPELIER HOMEOWNERS: ACCC COVENANT ENFORCEMENT Replacing your fence or driveway? STOP and SUBMIT an ACCC Approval Request Form first. Covenants are enforced and fines are levied and collected. If you are planning any work to the exterior of your home, first fill out the ACCC Approval Request Form located in every Montpelier Today newsle er and on-line at Submit to: MCA ATTN: Architectural Control & Compliance Commi ee P.O. Box 2503 Laurel, MD Or by to emhughes@comcast.net. Mee ngs are the first Thursday of every month at 7 PM at Deerfield Community Center. ALL EXTERIOR CONSTRUCTION, ADDITIONS, ALTERATIONS, SHEDS, FENCES, (INCLUDING REPLACEMENT) REQUIRE PRIOR APPROVAL No construc on, addi on, or altera on of a Montpelier home shall be made without prior approval (see approval form on preceding page) from the Architectural Control & Compliance Commi ee. This includes satellite dish installa on. All exterior colors and materials shall blend harmoniously with the neighboring dwellings. IF YOU ARE REPLACING YOUR EXISTING ROOF OR SIDING WITH THE SAME COLOR AND NO ALTERA- TIONS, YOU MAY PROCEED AFTER NOTIFYING THE ACCC ( Michael.boddie@aol.com or x101). All other changes/replacements require PRIOR APPROVAL. Proceeding without prior approval shall cons tute a covenant viola on subject to enforcement, including fines. BOAT, CAMPER, RV, TRAILER ENFORCEMENT Boats, campers, RVs, trailers must be in storage by November 1. Boats, campers, RVs, and camping trailers must be in storage from November 1 through March 31. Viola- ons can result in a fine of $250 per month. USE OF PODS, DUMPSTERS, ETC. The ACCC requests no fica on before placing a POD, dumpster, or similar structure on any lot. Please include the maximum me that the structure will be on the lot. Use an Approval Form for no fica on. RENTING YOUR HOME. N -. Printable copy of the MCA Governing Documents and the ACCC Approval Form can be found online: MONTPELIER TODAY 18 July-August 2013

19 Member No: Name: Address: Telephone: MONTPELIER COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Architectural Control Committee Approval Form Date: House Type: Framingham Jamestown Gramercy Eton Type of Alteration: Addition/modification of basic structure Fence Shed For Architectural Committee Use Only Project No: Date Received: Letter Sent: Siding/Paint Deck Other (Including PODS, Dumpsters) Describe the alteration in detail. Information about dimension, materials and design must be included with this form or the project will not be considered by the ACC. Include any statement of special circumstances that may require deviation from established and published guidelines. Any changes to the exterior of your home, including paint color, siding and windows, will require the approval of the neighbors on each side and in back of your home. Siding must blend harmoniously with the neighborhood. The neighbors residing across the street must also be contacted if the project, when completed, can be seen from their property. Major landscaping projects such as retaining walls, etc. must also be approved. Plans for major alterations must be submitted to the ACCC two weeks before the meeting. Applications for approval of PODS, dumpsters, or similar structures should check the Other box and must include the maximum time that the structure will be on the lot. Attach the following: Note (1) Copy of plat of your property showing location on your property of the requested alteration. Note (2) Detailed scale drawing or copy of blue prints of proposed alteration. I understand that these items are needed for the committee to make an informed decision about the requested alteration. When completed we agree to allow the ACCC to inspect this project. Neighbor comments: Signature of requester Name (Print) Address Concur/Non-concur Signature Name (Print) Address Concur/Non-concur Signature Name (Print) Address Concur/Non-concur Signature Name (Print) Address Concur/Non-concur Signature The homeowner requesting approval of a project (requester) will contact the neighbor(s) residing on each side of his home to obtain their concurrence or comments. In the event the requester resides on a corner lot, the neighbor residing adjacent to his rear property line must be contacted. The neighbors residing across the street must also be contacted if the project, when completed, can be seen from their property. Space for their name(s), address, concurrence or comments is provided above. If the required neighbor approvals are not obtained by the requester the ACC will contact the neighbors to get their comments which will delay processing of the request. Neighbor comments will be considered by the ACC in making a decision. Those neighbors that non-concur in a project will be notified in writing of the action taken by the ACC and advised of their right to appeal. If a project requiring ACC approval is started without such approval it shall be considered in violation of the covenants of the Association. Mail completed forms to MCA ACC Committee, P.O. Box 2503, Laurel, MD Note (1) Prince George's County law requires a building permit for all structural changes or additions to your home. MONTPELIER TODAY 19 July-August 2013 Revised 1207

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22 The 35th Anniversary of the Montpelier Summer Concert Series FREE Montpelier Mansion Grounds 9652 Muirkirk Road at Route 197 in South Laurel Two-Hour Concerts at 7:30 PM Friday, July 12th-Caribbean: Soca, Reggae, Calypso Friday, July 19th-SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK-THE TEMPEST Friday, July 26th-THE WINSTONS-Motown & Soul Friday, August 9th-JENNIFER ROSE & THE Mixx-Country & Rock Bring some friends, a picnic, a blanket and/or a chair. Free public and handicapped parking is available via both the Montpelier Drive and Muirkirk Road entrances off Route 197, 1/4 mile West of the Baltimore/Washington Parkway (Route 295) For information or to receive a concert brochure call The South Laurel Recreation Council HELPING HANDS REMOVED FROM ONLINE VERSION MONTPELIER TODAY 22 July-August 2013

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26 PAINTING Quality Service Reasonable Prices Neighborhood References by Request Interior/Exterior Painting Serving the Laurel Community Since 1995 Drywall/Plaster Repairs Our painters average 15+ years experience Wood Replacement Pressure Cleaning Referred by Angie s List Licensed and Insured MHIC #66985 Call George Supsic (301) Montpelier Resident Phone: / Fax: lucyyoung2005@yahoo.com MONTPELIER TODAY 26 July-August 2013

27 We charge by the job, not by the hour! No Job Too Small Free Estimates WSSD #71122 MD Hour Service Alex s Electrical Service Inc Fax All work performed by a MASTER Electrician Servicing Laurel and surrounding com- munities for the past 25 years! Montpelier Specialist Licensed & Bonded State Masters Lic#1291 Residential & Commerical MONTPELIER TODAY 27 July-August 2013

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