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

July-August 2013

Office: 301-384-8700 Direct: 301-873-4769

TERRI SHIPP
SRES, CNE, SFR REALTOR

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!

CALL, EMAIL OR TEXT ME TODAY FOR ALL OF YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS! E-mail: terri@LNF.com
I OFFER STAGING SERVICES, PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY, VIRTUAL TOURS & VIDEOS TO ALL OF MY CLIENTS!

VISIT MY WEBSITE

WWW.TERRISHIPP.COM

MONTPELIER TODAY

July-August 2013

2013 Board of Trustees

Bob Derrick, President Chair, Executive Committee 301 776-5008 derrickr@wans.net Jack Keating, Vice President Member, Executive Committee 301 325-0497 jjkjln@aol.com Lillian Fazio, Treasurer Chair, Finance Committee Chair, Tennis Committee 301 776-3267 lillian.fazio@aol.com Patricia Douville, Secretary Member, Executive Committee Chair, Social Committee Chair, Nominating Committee 301 490-7614 pldouville@verizon.net Paul Buehler, Trustee Chair, Facilities Committee 301 776-9886 buehler@freestate.net Brad Gimbert, Trustee 301 776-8366 mgimbert@verizon.net Tim Jacobs, Trustee 916 712-1731 tim@jacobszone.com Richard Mason, Trustee Chair, Security Committee 301 776-3555 rsmason@aol.com Jean Sorrentino, Trustee 301 776-3650 sorrentino12@verizon.net

MONTPELIER TODAY
THE NEWSLETTER OF THE MONTPELIER COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

July-August 2013
Inside this issue:

Presidents Letter Nomination Form April 2013 Board Meeting Minutes April 2013 ACCC Meeting Minutes May 2013 MCA Board Meeting Minutes Financial Report Security Committee Report GLO in the Garden ACCC Approval Form Helping Hands Advertising

4 5 7 8 9 10 14 16 19 22 23

MONTPELIER TODAY is published by the MONTPELIER COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. http://www.montpelieronline.org Community Information Line888-MCA-INF (888-622-4630) MONTPELIER TODAY is 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 15th of the month prior to publication. Please forward all association and newsletter correspondence to: P.O. Box 2503 Laurel, MD 20709-2503 or e-mail 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 888-622-4630 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. July-August 2013

Committees
Architectural Control & Compliance Michael Boddie, Chair 301 442-5253 Michael.boddie@aol.com Communications Tony Fleming, Chair 202 213-6856 tonyrfleming@gmail.com Elections & Swim Team Lynne Collman, Chair 301 776-3098 lbcollman@gmail.com Pool Mary Derrick, Chair 301 776-5008 derrickr@wans.net Welcoming Rilla Potter, Chair 301 776-0007 rillapotter@verizon.net Assistant to the Board Mary Hughes888-622-4630 x103 emhughes@comcast.net

2013 Advertising Rates For Montpelier Today

Per Issue

Full page Half page Quarter page Business card

$ 120.00 85.00 60.00 40.00

PrePaid Annual (6 issues) $ 648.00 459.00 324.00 216.00

License information, as required by the State and County, must be displayed on all advertisements

For Inquiries:
Mary Hughes, Editor
emhughes@comcast.net or 888-622-4630 x103

MONTPELIER TODAY

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Neighbors, The summer has ocially begun and we have many acvies planned for the community. Check out this month's copy of the Montpelier Today Newsleer. The ever popular Wednesday Night Pizza at the Pool has started. All you have to do is e-mail Lynne Collman at LBCollman@gmail.com, call the pool (301-317-0106) 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 tradional 4th of July Pot Luck is planned for Thursday; you bring the side dishes and your Community Associaon 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 hosng Montpelier's rst 5K (3.1miles) Run/Walk and a shorter Kids Fun Run by the pool grounds August 31st, starng 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. Aer crossing in front of the Mansion, we will be cung through a footpath onto Mt. Pleasant Drive by our original model homes (Pleasant Court) and nishing on Briardale Lane, entering the pool lot through the new path between the tennis and basketball courts. Check out our website: hp://montpelieronline.org/ for more informaon. In case you have been wondering, our new nature trail around the common grounds is 1/3 of a mile and has held up prey 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 spoed everything from walkers to joggers to baby carriages - no motor vehicles please! Speaking of the parking lot, we nally '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 Keang, our Associaon Vice President, to thank for his reless eorts. He also made sure we got great prices for repoinng our guard shack, oor les in the bathhouse and improved security lighng. 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 Nominaon Forms in this issue of Montpelier Today. They are coveted posions 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 Deereld 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 aracve 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 meengs at Deereld Community Center, preschool room. All meengs begin at 7 PM. Montpelier homeowners are encouraged to aend. ARCHITECTURAL CONTROL & COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE MEETINGS (ACCC) The next meengs of the ACCC will be Thursday, July 11 and Thursday, August 8, at 7 PM at the Deereld Community Center, preschool room.

NOTE THE DATES

MONTPELIER TODAY

July-August 2013

MONTPELIER COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC.

2013 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 2013-2014 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 Associaon Board of Trustees. I agree to read, abide by, and enforce the Arcles, the Declaraon, and the Bylaws of the Associaon.
Nominees Signature Date Phone Number/Email

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 20709
MONTPELIER TODAY 5 July-August 2013

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION FORM FOR BOARD OF TRUSTEE CANDIDATES

The informaon provided herein will be published in the September newsleer 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 Finance Governing Documents Nominating Pool Operations fic Any additional information or comments: Communications Election Grounds Maintenance/Facilities Security Social Activities

Traf-

MONTPELIER TODAY

July-August 2013

Montpelier Community Association, Inc.

Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes
April 9, 2013 Trustees in Aendance: Bob Derrick, Patricia Douville, Lillian Fazio, Brad Gimbert, Tim Jacobs, Jack Keang, and Richard Mason. Trustees Absent with Cause: Paul Buehler and Jean Sorrenno. Community Members Present: Laslo and Birgid Boesze, Susan Habig, Jennifer and Tim Tilghman and Mary Hughes. President B. Derrick called the meeng to order at 7:01 PM. There was a quorum to conduct business. Secretarys Report: Tricia Douville The minutes of the March 2013 board meeng were reviewed. Trustee Keang made a moon to accept the minutes. Trustee Fazio seconded the moon and it passed unanimously. Treasurers Report: Lillian Fazio Trustee Fazio distributed the monthly statements. Assessments collected to date $180,740. Leers were sent today for late assessments. One Gypsy Moth CD matured and $34,119.96 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 gure reported last month was inaccurate. A. Simmons, our accountant, led the Federal and State taxes and nothing was owed. The review has not been completed yet. ACCC: Michael Boddie, Chairperson (absent) Trustee Keang reported that there were three roune approval requests at the April meeng and a new member was added to the commiee, Colin Hebert. Pool Commiee: Mary Derrick, Chairperson (absent) Trustee Derrick reported that the pool was drained and inspected. It has been relled and is ready for pool season. Social Commiee: 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 Commiee: Richard Mason, Chairperson Trustee Mason distributed his monthly report. There were no crimes last month and two suspicious MONTPELIER TODAY 7 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 sll waing to the results of the study to see if Montpelier Drive qualies for speed humps. Trustee Keang was thanked for replacing the No Solicing sign on Montpelier Drive. Residents were encouraged to aend the April 18th informaon meeng on the Odell Road/Muirkirk Road/Cedarbrook Drive realignment. Tennis Commiee: Lillian Fazio, Chairperson Trustee Fazio reported that the crack repairs will be made this spring. Welcoming Commiee: Rilla Poer, Chairperson (absent) Trustee Mason reported that Ms. Poer and Ms. Mason plan to visit two new neighbors this weekend. Facilies Commiee: Paul Buehler, Chairperson (absent) Trustee Keang 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. Communicaons Commiee: 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 sll 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 informaon 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)

July-August 2013

ACCC REPORT
Deereld Community Center Meeng Minutes of April 4, 2013 Commiee Members Present: Michael Boddie, Brian Dennis, Jack Keang, Ron Lenart and Pauline Pe. Commiee Members Absent with Cause: None. Community Members Present: Lynn Ardolini, Ken Davidson, Carolyn Dennis, Bob Derrick, Susan Habig, Colin Hebert, and Mary Hughes. The meeng was called to order at 7:02 PM by M. Boddie. The minutes of the March meeng, transcribed by M. Hughes, were reviewed. J. Keang made a moon to accept the minutes. R. Lenart seconded the moon and it passed unanimously. OLD BUSINESS: 12203 Briany Place The status of the repairs will be surveyed and if not made the ne of $100 a month will be assessed. A moon to send an update to all concerned pares was made and seconded. The moon passed unanimously. 9207 Ethan Court R. Lenart and M. Boddie visited the property and it has been cleaned up. The maer is closed. 8718 Granite Lane Trailer was again parked on the grass and there has been no response from the homeowner regarding the ne and violaon. A moon was made to turn this over to the aorney. It was seconded and passed unanimously. 12504 Raven Way S. Habig responded to complaint regarding overgrown bushes and whether they are a fence. B. Dennis made a moon that the shrubbery is not a growing fence and therefore not a violaon. P. Pe seconded the moon 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. 8717 Granite Lane A moon was made to request that a taered car cover be removed. The moon was seconded and passed unanimously. 12411 Eastgate Lane Maer 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 quesons from the commiee. 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 moon to approve the request. P. Pe seconded the moon and it passed unanimously. 8911 Royal Ridge Lane R. Lenart made a moon to approve the request to install new siding, roof, shuers, doors and posts. P. Pe seconded the moon and it passed unanimously. B. Dennis made a moon to approve Colin Hebert as a new member of the ACCC. P. Pe seconded the moon and it passed unanimously. The next meeng of the ACCC will be Thursday, May 2, 2013 at 7:00 PM at Deereld Community Center. The meeng adjourned at 8:50 pm.

(Continued from page 7)

gested that he lead a Trac Commiee. Residents can call 311 and report pot holes to the county. Trustee Keang reported that the parking lot will be blocked for three weeks while repaving is done (starng April 15). A noce 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 guer area in front of their homes and the deMONTPELIER TODAY 8

caying leaves are ugly and dangerous. It is also bad for drainage and should not go into the storm drains. A noce will go into the newsleer. It was also menoned that there are some houses in disarray. The ACCC should be noed. A member discussed an upcoming estate sale that they will be hosng in the neighborhood. They own a business helping people downsize or transion to new surroundings. They will be given informaon for the newsleer and encouraged to put informaon on the list serv. The next board meeng will be held on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 7:00 PM at Deereld Recreaon Center, preschool room. The moon was made and seconded to adjourn at 7:52 pm. The moon passed unanimously. July-August 2013

Montpelier Community Association, Inc.

Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes
May 14, 2013 Trustees in Aendance: Paul Buehler, Bob Derrick, Patricia Douville, Lillian Fazio, Brad Gimbert, Jack Keang, and Richard Mason. Trustees Absent with Cause: Tim Jacobs and Jean Sorrenno. Community Members Present: Michael Boddie, Ma Derrick, Rilla Poer and Mary Hughes. President B. Derrick called the meeng to order at 7:01 PM. There was a quorum to conduct business. Secretarys Report: Tricia Douville The minutes of the April 2013 board meeng were reviewed. Trustee Keang made a moon to accept the amended minutes. Trustee Mason seconded the moon and it passed unanimously. Treasurers 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 leers have gone out. This years delinquent assessments will be added to the list for legal acon. 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 acon will be discussed at the June board meeng. There is approximately $15,000 outstanding long-term delinquent assessments that have been working their way through the legal system. A dra of the accountants review of the MCA nancial books is available and Trustee Fazio will distribute it electronically to board members for comments. When nalized, it will be posted on the web site. Trustee Fazio will aend a court hearing for the MCA about a homeowners delinquent payment on June 14. Aer 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 meeng in May due to lack of a quorum. The correct email address to reach him is Michael.boddie@aol.com and cell phone is 301 442-5253. Mr. Boddie reported that solar panels are generally being approved by the ACCC and Maryland law supports the homeowners right to install them even if they appear to violate exisng covenants. Communicaons: Tony Fleming, Chairperson (absent) No report. Facilies: Paul Buehler, Chairperson Improvements to the common grounds and pool will be completed Wednesday with the installaon of striping, speed bumps and bumpers. The gate was open today, but it will be kept closed unl Thursday. New lighng 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 Keang said that it should have been done before the lot was resurfaced. It will be put on the list of potenal 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 invesgated by the Treasurer. Trustee Buehler wanted to purchase a $2500 wooden pirate ship for the playground, but Trustee Fazio suggested that it would be beer to wait unl 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 condion. 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 condion to use. Weeds in the playground will also be removed by our landscapers. Pool Commiee: Mary Derrick, Chairperson (absent) Trustee Derrick reported that the pool passed the Health Department inspecon and is ready for pool season. Social Commiee: Patricia Douville, Chairperson The Yard Sale is adversed in the Leader and Pennysaver. Yard sale signs will also be put up and maps are ready. Amvets will pick up donaons aer 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 aer 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 reecve sheet or screen and
(Continued on page 10)

MONTPELIER TODAY

July-August 2013

TREASURERS 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 aend a court hearing scheduled for June 14 in Upper Marlboro with our aorney. 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 informaon on the website, Facebook and email list serv. Montpelier Drive has been classied as a residenal street and is being evaluated for possible trac calming devises for Fiscal Year 2014 including redoing sidewalks and possibly a curbed median strip for owers. A complaint was made about the lack of equipment brought to a recent re in which neighbors were providing shovels to the reghters. Trustee Mason will discuss this with Mary Lehmans oce. Nine members are aending the 911 Call Center tour and there is sll 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 Lehmans oce. A reminder from the police department: 311 is for nonemergency use. Call 911 for emergencies.

Tennis Commiee: Lillian Fazio, Chairperson Trustee Fazio reported that weather has delayed the repairs but she will stay on the company. Welcoming Commiee: Rilla Poer, Chairperson Ms. Poer reported that the commiee welcomed the Myers on Gramercy Lane, the Jis on Cedarbrook Lane, the Taylors on Valerie Lane and the Walshs 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 informaon 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 prohibing 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 speakers are sll needed. Trustee Buehler said he had pickleball. She will get more informaon for the board some large speakers that might work. about the requirements so a discussion can take place at Water aerobics will start in June. the next Board meeng. A new contract has been submied for trash pick-up and Security Commiee: Richard Mason, Chairperson removal around the common grounds. Invoices will be Trustee Mason distributed his monthly report. submied as a way to indicate work has been completed There were three Breaking & Enterings (B & Es) last and payment is due. month (on Shadetree and Oxwell). The Pepco incident of cung down trees in Montpelier The next board meeng will be held on Tuesday, June 11, was cricized by many in the community so Trustee Ma- 2013 at 7:00 PM at Deereld Recreaon Center, preschool son worked with Mary Lehmans oce to nd out from room. The moon was made and seconded to adjourn at the County Public Works Department what happened and 8:10 pm. The moon passed unanimously.
(Continued from page 9)

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July-August 2013

Budget vs. Actual Continued

WEDNESDAY PIZZA AT THE POOL

Every Wednesday night weather perming come on down to the pool for pizza , delicious desserts and good company. We will supply Looking for Pizza the paper products; we ask you to bring a side dish or delicious Mommas or Pops to carry on dessert. (Enough to feed 6 people) RSVP before 3pm each Wednesday. Call pool: (301) 317-0106 or Email lbcollman@gmail.com Time: 6-7pm Locaon: Pool Cost: $3/person Lynne Collman & Sue Thompson (under 4 free)
MONTPELIER TODAY 12 the summer tradition- Pizza at the Pool- starting in 2014. We will show you the ropes. Interested? Please contact us!! July-August 2013

The Pizza Mommas are retiring the end of the 2013 season.

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 patrioc pride!

Potluck dinner at 5:30

Hot dogs, hamburgers, drinks and paper products provided by MCA. Bring an appezer, 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 31st, 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: http://montpelieronline.org/ and info line 888 MCA-4630. 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 sll to be determined. They will be posted at the pool, online, and on the MCA Info line. Stay tuned!

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July-August 2013

SECURITY COMMITTEE REPORT

Crimes in Community: B&E on 4/9/13 at 12200 block of Shadetree Lane where engraved electronic items were stolen in mid aernoon. Burglary 4-16-13 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 12300 block of Shadetree Lane. Shed broken into, generator and other items stolen. Aempted 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 4-21-12. B&E via back window @ 12200 block of Shadetree Lane in aernoon 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 lile stolen since residents followed our recommendaon of remove it or lose it. Police patrolled for a few nights aer incidents and found no addional suspicious acvity. 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 Georges County Police and to MCA Community. Muirkirk Rd at Odell Rd Improvement: Informaon meeng was held at Montpelier Elementary School on April 18, 2013. Project Manager, Maureen Cissel, told us that the project will start Spring 2014. There will be a trac light and Murikirk will have paved shoulders. This will help slow trac on Muirkirk Rd. Plans have not started for improving Muirkirk Rd from VA Manor Rd to 197. either in person, via phone or email. Tell them you will call the police if it happens again. Call PG Police nonemergency number @ 301-352-1200. Mt. Pleasant Drive Update: Pepco has admied to the Countys Public Works and Mary Lehman's oce 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 coordinaon with the County Tree Program Manager. Prince Georges County Public Works is requesng that both their oce and Montpelier be noed before Pepco takes any acon of this type again. Montpelier Drive Update: Prince Georges County Dept of Public Works has requested a major upgrade on Montpelier Drive, now that it is a residenal street. This means sidewalks will be handicap accessible and there will other improvements besides trac calming to help maintain a safe speed. This will hopefully be funded in FY 2014. Patch paving is being done in June 2013. 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, 2013. This is a professionally run and state of the art New Grocery Store Scam: Recently a Montpelier resident facility. Contact Richard Mason if you would like to orwas distracted while in a checkout line at Shoppers Food ganize a tour of this facility. and the cashier rang up the next person's groceries with her groceries. While loading her car, our resident noced Cizens Police Academy: Sandi Jimenez, Orwood Lane, that she was charged for extra groceries. She reported Principal of High Point High School, and Richard Mason, this to the store manager who apologized and credited Orwood Lane, graduated from the Cizens Police Acadethe extra groceries back to her credit card. Don't be dis- my on Tuesday, 6-11-2013 at Police Headquarters. Please tracted while purchasing. call or email Richard Mason if you would like to know more about this excellent program. Police Night Out: The Prince Georges County Police, Beltsville Staon, invite all Montpelier residents to their County Ambulance Policy: 'The Fire/EMS Department 30th Annual Night Out on August 6th at the Sellman has an ambulance fee billing program. The County conRoad, District 6 Staon. Volunteers are appreciated. This tracts with a 3rd party to aempt collecon from insur6 to 8 PM event is posted on our group email, website, ance companies. While the 3rd party may send noce and our facebook. Contact Richard Mason for details. about the bill to a cizen, the cizen should never receive a bill for ambulance service, and should forward anything Staying Safe on internet social networks: Be extra care- looking like a bill to their insurance company. The County ful if you receive an email that has a friend's name in the will never aempt collecon from the cizen. email address. Don't open it if it is not their address. Cizens Advisory Council (CAC) Meeng: Guest speaker, Door-to-door solicitaon: If solicitor does not leave or Police Chief Mark McGaw, gave us an update on many (Continued on page 15) returns, call his company and request no more contact, MONTPELIER TODAY 14 July-August 2013

NEVER HEARD OF IT? (Youre not the only one!) COME DOWN TO THE TENNIS COURTS . . .

SATURDAY, JULY 27th 9 AM12 PM

. . . and see what it is all about.

KIDS (10 and up) to SENIORS

All equipment will be provided as well as instrucon. Pickleball uses a paddle and wie-type ball. The play is a combinaon 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 www.montpelieronline.org or contact our organizer, Gina Oliva atgina.oliva09@gmail.com.

(Continued from page 14)

acvies. County Council announced plans for a new Police Headquarters in Upper Marlboro. Police also plan to build a new District VI Staon 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 reducon in the county. Community Oriented Police Ocers (COPS) are involved with many residenal, business, Explorers Post groups, Christmas in April, Child and Adult ID, and many other specic projects. The police will help us with our 5K run on August 31st with trac control. I presented an overview of the Cizens Police Academy.

I had the privilege of presenng the Montpelier check for the Ocer Adrian Morris Fund to Major Dan Weishaar, Commander of District VI. Thanks to our residents for your contribuons. The police and CAC volunteers appreciated our gi. There will be another ceremony at Police Night Out on 8-6-13. Richard Mason Security Commiee Chairperson 301 776-3555 rsmason@aol.com

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GLO in the GARDEN

Hi Neighbors!! diseases which eventually will kill the tree. When choos ing a tree, consider one that is nave to the area. It will I just aended the annual training day for Master Gar have a longer healthier life. Hard wood trees originally deners sponsored by the University of Maryland Exten covered the lands of Maryland. sion. My mind is swimming with informaon that I want to share with you. Last year, the county planted new trees in our subdivi sion. Unfortunately, some of the work was done in Au For the last several years there has been a great eort gust when the temperatures were elevated and many of underway to clean up the Chesapeake Bay. The results of the trees were not watered adequately. They are now this eort have not been as successful as was hoped it dying. would be. If the tree has sever Several Maryland Counes have been given funds to al dead branches plant trees whose purpose is to cut down or prevent the from mid to top, it is water runo from the road ways. There are also agen a clear sign it is in cies that are looking at the way trees have been planted decline. Also, don't in the past and the results of the failure to use proper be fooled by the planng techniques. Eventually these failures result in shoots growing out greater cost to the counes when the dead and dying from the boom of trees have to be removed or when cracked sidewalks the tree. They are damaged by tree roots must be xed. called suckers. Root suckers compete New guide lines are now provided that will prevent many with and eventually of these problems if they are ulized. overtake the trees' First, pick the right tree for the selected space. Look at trunk and then the the dimensions of the tree when it is fully mature. Will tree will die. Phone that tree t in the space in ten years? The roots of the the county and ask tree must spread out like a fan or arms stretching out for the tree to be An example of a tree in decline with dead from the trunk. If the tree is too large, you will see the removed. Con branches from the middle to the top. roots push up into the driveway or a concrete walkway. tact: Department of Public Works, 301 499 8520, email PGCTRIP Don't plant trees close to the house. Their roots can grow Center@co.pg.md.us, or FAX 301 324 2772. under the foundaon. Also, the tree branches will whip Gloria Hynes into the house during a wind storms. Master Gardener 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 . During the training session, Doctor Richard Rothjens, a Senior Agronomist said that 80% of tree disorders can be aributed to failure to consider the requirements for trees as shown above. Oen mes, years will pass before the tree will begin to die. It tries to deal with the adverse condions and emits a hormone when under stress. It may then become more vulnerable to borers and other MONTPELIER TODAY 16

An example of suckers. The suckers compete with your tree robbing it of nutrients needed for healthy growth.

July-August 2013

COVENANTS AND SOLAR ENERGY IN MARYLAND

As a Montpelier homeowner, you must request PRIOR APPROVAL from the Architectural Control & Compliance Commiee before making changes to the exterior of your home, including installaon of any solar collecon 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 restricons that homeowner associaons can place on their members who want to install solar collecon systems. The following is intended to provide our members with some of the informaon that the ACCC uses in these maers.
MARYLAND SOLAR ENERGY FACTS

In 2012, Maryland installed 79 MW of solar electric capacity, ranking it 8th naonally.

Maryland ranks 14th in the country in cumulave installed solar capacity. There is enough solar energy installed in the state to power The government wants you to install solar panels at 11,500 homes. your house, and will even give you a tax break to do In 2012, $205 million was invested in Maryland it, but your neighbors may not be as thrilled with to install solar on homes and businesses. This the idea. Many neighbors and homeowners associ represents a 74% increase over the previous aons think that solar panels are ugly and might year, and is expected to grow again this year. lower home values, but many states have laws that override any HOA covenants seeking to deny the Average installed residenal and commercial photovoltaic system prices in Maryland fell by right to install solar PV systems. The HOAs can pro vide guidelines on color, where and how the solar

26% last year. Naonal prices have also dropped steadily by 13% from last year and 34% from 2010. hp://www.seia.org/statesolarpolicy/maryland

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 email: __________________________________________________ Please mail to:

MCA P.O. Box 2503 Laurel, MD 20709-2503

...or call/email a chairperson or board member to volunteer.

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(Continued from page 17)

deed; declaraon; contract; bylaws of a homepanels are installed, but they cant substanally owners or condominium associaon; security indelay installaon of the solar panels or increase strument; and any other instrument aecng the transfer or sale of real property or interest in real the cost. property. The only condion for this protecon is Maryland has a long-standing law protecng the that the owner own or have rights for the exclurights of solar energy system owners. The original sive use of the roof or exterior walls of a structure. law prohibited restricve land use covenants that There are a few excepons to the law: Historic imposed unreasonable limitaons on the installa- Property and Ground Mounted Panels. on of solar collecon panels on the roof or exterior walls of improvements and which became For more informaon: eecve aer July 1, 1980. (The grandfathering Public Informaon Ocer - MEA date was removed in 2008). The Maryland Real Maryland Energy Administraon Property Code was amended in April 2008 by H.B. 60 West Street, 3rd Floor 117. Under the new law (eecve October 1, Annapolis, MD 21401 2008) restricons on use that act to signicantly Phone: (410) 260-7655 increase the cost of a solar collector system or sig- Phone 2: (800) 723-6374 nicantly decrease its eciency are prohibited. E-Mail: meainfo@energy.state.md.us The denion of "restricons on use" includes any Web Site: hp://www.energy.state.md.us covenant, restricon, or condion contained in a

MONTPELIER HOMEOWNERS: ACCC COVENANT ENFORCEMENT

Replacing your fence or driveway?

STOP and SUBMIT an ACCC Approval Request Form rst.

Covenants are enforced and nes are levied and collected. If you are planning any work to the exterior of your home, rst ll out the ACCC Approval Request Form located in every Montpelier Today newsleer and on-line at www.montpelieronline.org. Submit to:
MCA ATTN: Architectural Control & Compliance Commiee P.O. Box 2503 Laurel, MD 20709

OR SIDING WITH THE SAME COLOR AND NO ALTERATIONS, YOU MAY PROCEED AFTER NOTIFYING THE ACCC (email Michael.boddie@aol.com or 888 6224630 x101). All other changes/replacements require PRIOR APPROVAL. Proceeding without prior approval shall constute a covenant violaon subject to enforcement, including nes.

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. Violaons can result in a ne of $250 per month.

Or by email to emhughes@comcast.net. Meengs are the rst Thursday of every month at 7 PM at Deereld Community Center.

USE OF PODS, DUMPSTERS, ETC.

The ACCC requests nocaon 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 nocaon.

ALL EXTERIOR CONSTRUCTION, ADDITIONS, ALTERATIONS, SHEDS, FENCES, (INCLUDING REPLACEMENT) REQUIRE PRIOR APPROVAL
No construcon, addion, or alteraon of a Montpelier home shall be made without prior approval (see approval form on preceding page) from the Architectural Control & Compliance Commiee. This includes satellite dish installaon. All exterior colors and materials shall blend harmoniously with the neighboring dwellings. IF YOU ARE REPLACING YOUR EXISTING ROOF MONTPELIER TODAY 18

RENTING YOUR HOME

. N .
Printable copy of the MCA Governing Documents and the ACCC Approval Form can be found online:

July-August 2013

Member No: Name: Address: Telephone:

MONTPELIER COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Architectural Control Committee Approval Form Date: For Architectural Committee Use Only Eton
Shed Other (Including PODS, Dumpsters)
Project No: Date Received: Letter Sent:

Email:

House Type: Framingham Jamestown Gramercy Type of Alteration: Addition/modification of basic structure Fence Siding/Paint Deck

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.

Signature of requester

Neighbor comments:
Name Name Name Name (Print) (Print) (Print) (Print) Address Address Address Address Concur/Non-concur Concur/Non-concur Concur/Non-concur Concur/Non-concur Signature Signature Signature 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 20709.
Note (1) Prince George's County law requires a building permit for all structural changes or additions to your home.
Revised 1207

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The 35th Anniversary

of the

Montpelier Summer Concert Series

Montpelier Mansion Grounds 9652 Muirkirk Road at Route 197 in South Laurel

FREE

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-Motow n & 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 301-776-2805

The South Laurel Recreation Council

HELPING HANDS REMOVED FROM ONLINE VERSION

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July-August 2013

PAINTING
Interior/Exterior Painting Drywall/Plaster Repairs Wood Replacement Pressure Cleaning

Quality Service Reasonable Prices Neighborhood References by Request

Serving the Laurel Community Since 1995 Our painters average 15+ years experience Referred by Angies List

Licensed and Insured MHIC #66985

Call George Supsic (301) 490-4847

Montpelier Resident
Phone: 301-776-2355/301-221-0745 Fax: 301-776-2355 E-mail: lucyyoung2005@yahoo.com

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We charge by the job, not by the hour!

No Job Too Small

Free Estimates

Alexs Electrical Service Inc.

301-490 490-2484 301 301-490 490-3170 Fax 301
All work performed by a MASTER Electrician

410 798-6408
WSSD #71122 MD 24148 24 Hour Service

Servicing Laurel and surrounding communities for the past 25 years !

Montpelier Specialist
Licensed & Bonded State Masters Lic#1291 Residential & Commerical

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