I want to thank all of the Members who have taken the time to comment on my column. It means a lot to know I’m striking a cord with you and even more that I’m causing some of you to think about our Montclair community.  Thank you!

We closed out 2007 with tremendous successes by our committees, staff, contractors and the Board.  Every event went on without a hitch providing recreation opportunities to every age group.  Communications has clearly improved as evidenced by this newsletter, an up-to-date website, information now available on the ArmstrongConnect® website and the timely ArmstrongConnect® e-mails.   Maintenance has dedicated many hours to the significant improvements of the playgrounds and entranceways.  Our Covenants’ expanded enforcement has resulted in the identification and correction of many long-standing issues.  Homeowners and REALATORS alike have noticed these improvements and the upgrades from hundreds of approved Property Improvement Requests (PIRs).  Our new landscaping contractor set a high standard for the maintenance of the common grounds while our 18th hole capital improvement project addressed a major and long standing eyesore.  Ways were found to reduce costs.  We have recognized our past with a new historic area and have invested in the future of our lake through the removal of 38,000 cubic yards of silt.  New Neighborhood Watch programs have responded to security concerns and new paint has freshened up the MPOA Conference room.  All of these activities and accomplishments lead me to ask you this: What do YOU think?

You will soon receive your 2008 Annual Meeting Packet.  I urge all of you to immediately take the time to look it over and commit to voting.  You will be asked to select up to four members of the Board and to express your support for the proposed FY2009 budget.  The budget has the full support of the Budget & Finance Committee, the professional staff and the Board.  The needs have been scrutinized and we have placed before you a realistic budget.  The proposed assessment increase of $35 (per year) is less than the cost of one Starbucks coffee per month.  On behalf of the Board I am asking each of you to express your support for all of the efforts put forth on this budget by voting YES!

After you review the proposed FY2009 budget you will also be given an opportunity to complete a survey and express your answers to my question above, “What do YOU think?”  The Board is asking the Membership to give us your recommendations as to the allocation of resources, against the major budget areas for which we have flexibility, and the priorities we have given them.  For example, if you like the 2007 improvements made to the common areas, you support the planned expenditures in the proposed budget and want to see more in future budgets, here is your opportunity to tell us to “Do More.”  If you enjoy the events and you think the level of resources should be maintained at the proposed budgeted level, you can send that message “Maintain.”  You may believe that the maintenance of the common areas and flowers beds has little or no impact on the value of your home.  If you want that effort scaled back in future budgets, here is your chance to tell us, “Do Less.”  The Board wants to hear from you.  Tina often asks me why can’t I read her mind?  PLEASE, help us read your minds by filling out the survey.

What is in store for 2008?  The proposed FY2009 budget provides the start up funding for a long rang renovation of our common areas and entranceways.  It is my desires to keep the near term focus on Waterway Drive.  I have been reaching out to our neighbors and you can expect to see improvements of the common areas that are adjacent to Henderson Elementary and the shopping center.  The new owners of the Montclair Country Club have also pledged to address remaining problems where their property is visible from Waterway Drive.  With the expansion of Route 234 completed we can finally give attention to the Southlake entranceway and medians.  Restocking of the game fish in Lake Montclair will be complemented by earnest efforts to bring our wild fowl population under control.  The Events Committee has proposed the expansion of the successful Friday Night Movies under the Stars and the return of the Adult Beach Party.  We will also continue to press for improved safety measures for Henderson Elementary.

Next year we will be preparing to celebrate the 40th anniversary of our Montclair community.  I hope you will join us, on one of the many committee or volunteer efforts, and share with us your talents and your gift of time.  You will find getting connected with your neighbors fun and satisfying.  Please take the time to vote.  Online voting is EASY!

Please keep those that serve close to your heart and foremost in your prayers.

James V. Cech
President, MPOA