Maintenace Efficiencies

Each year, staff is required to develop maintenance protocol to ensure that all CA owned facilities and lands are safe and that they meet user expectations. A major part of the budget is the 5-year Capital Improvements Program (CIP). The CIP provides the basis for reinvesting in CA owned buildings and for improvements to buildings and lands. The document also provides the necessary capital for the replacement of CA owned vehicles and rolling stock.

According to the latest audit, CA owns over $189 million in assets. Each year CA reinvests about $9.5 million back into buildings, land and equipment. This annual investment comprises about 5 percent of asset value per year.

The video in this post provides an explanation of the number of CA owned facilities and open space lands.

The CIP is divided into three funding categories:

Category 1 consists of the Board of Director’s significant priority projects. These include Symphony Woods Park development, improvements to the Lake Kittamaqundi shoreline and adjacent plaza area. The Board also feels that investments in dredging and watershed improvements are extremely important.
Category 2 projects are usually one-time, short-term improvements and the purchase of equipment. Last year, approximately $900,000 was spent improving the dam at Hobbit’s Glen Golf Club. The project was mandated by the State of Maryland, so CA had very little choice in where and how the money was spent.
Category 3 projects are improvements to all of the properties, buildings, and other fixed assets owned by CA. This category includes all of the Village Center buildings that are owned by CA, but are managed by the Villages. Whatever money is left from the $9.5 million total that has been designated for Category 1 and 2 projects is divided among the remaining facilities on a priority basis. Projects in the CIP are spread over a five year period to show the Board and CA annual charge payers where the money will be allocated and spent. All category 3 projects are evaluated by a staff team who review documentation, view the projects, and make recommendations to the CA president for final action.

Primary Focus Points:

• Investigate other types of uses for little used CA properties that would cut maintenance costs or generate income.
• Adopt a philosophy of being an energy company, i.e. look at ways to use alternative energy sources to reduce usage of fossil fuels with renewable energy sources.
• Investigate and implement reduced usage of electronic data center information storage that will significantly reduce power usage.
• Continue to closely monitor facilities and grounds to ensure that they are in sound condition and if repairs are needed, ensure that they are listed in the Capital Improvements Program.
• Obtain user input through focus groups or surveys to determine if improvements or changes to uses are needed. Continue to improve buildings to achieve maximum energy efficiency and conservation.