September 2026 Board of Directors Meeting Minutes and Activity Reports

MORE – Board of Directors Meeting Minutes

September 14, 2026

Virtually present at meeting

• Casey Anderson – President
• Jali Fernando – Executive Director
• Alison Wells – Administrative Assistant
• David Beugelmans – Secretary
• Rob Lowe – Membership Director
• Neil Blake – Treasurer
• Michael Ullmann – VA Advocacy Director
• Dave Magill – MD Advocacy Director
• Kathy Mihm – Ride Programs Director
• Maris Finley – Activities Director

Executive Director Report (Jali)

• MoCo Epic preparations are largely complete.
  • Remaining work is final route adjustments, mainly on the Seneca Greenway.
  • Jali and Alison are finalizing vendor details.
  • Final orders for shirts, signage, and related items will go in after September 20.
• Registration is running at roughly 60% of last year’s pace, which creates some planning uncertainty.
  • Outreach will continue through sponsors, riding teams, regional trail groups, Montgomery Parks listings, media contacts, newsletters, bike shops, and trailhead posters.
  • Ride leaders will be asked to promote the event during their ride introductions.
  • Focus is on newer riders who may be interested in the skills clinics and shorter rides.
• Volunteers
  • Michael will attend Saturday with his son and can provide substantial volunteer help.
  • David will help both days and offered his truck.
  • Jali expects rented vehicles to cover transportation but plans to use the truck as a power source.
• Age requirement
  • Michael asked who set the event’s 10-year-old age limit.
  • Jali clarified that Sean set the limit, not the board or the event team.
• Leadership handover
  • Jali is transitioning recurring administrative responsibilities to Alison before going on leave.
  • Alison has already taken on many of the daily and weekly tasks.

Board Elections (Jali)

• Schedule
  • Nominations expected to open in early November and run for two to three weeks.
  • Elections to be completed about one week before Christmas.
  • Communications about the process to begin in late October.
  • Board members can confirm their intentions by email if needed.
• Positions and intentions
  • Rides, activities, membership, and secretary are part of this cycle.
  • David plans to run again for secretary.
  • Maris plans to run again for activities director, citing continued interest in organizing events.
  • Board encouraged Kathy and Maris to continue in their roles.
  • Rob expects to step down as membership director because work demands will likely keep him busy for the next one to two years.
• Treasurer continuity
  • Neil’s treasurer term has another year remaining, and he agreed to continue serving.
  • Board discussed advertising for a successor.
  • Neil preferred to serve the remaining year and revisit recruitment after MoCo Epic and into next summer.
• Membership director role
  • Rob described opportunities to automate some of the administrative tasks.
  • Jali and Alison will review the administrative workload with Rob in late fall or early winter.
  • Role to be redesigned around outward-facing work such as recruitment, event participation, tabling, communications, and partnerships.
  • Administrative tasks would shift to Alison where feasible.
  • If recruitment is unsuccessful, the board may consider merging the rides and membership responsibilities.
• Organizational milestones
  • MORE is approaching its 35th anniversary.
  • MORE expects to surpass 1,000 miles of trail next year.
  • Board agreed to feature these milestones in communications and recruitment.
• Regional representation
  • Rob and David raised a future strategic-planning discussion about more direct board representation for regions such as Montgomery County, Northern Virginia, Frederick, Annapolis, and the Eastern Shore.
  • Jali agreed this should be addressed separately from the election discussion.

Financial Update (Neil)

• Strong month overall.
• Monthly revenue
  • About $20,000 in donations: $10,000 to the general fund and $10,000 restricted for the Frederick Watershed.
  • Additional $1,000 donation for trail maintenance.
  • MoCo Epic revenue of about $11,800.
  • Two Seneca grant-reimbursement checks totaling close to $20,000.
• Budget outlook
  • Membership revenue is about $47,500 against a $75,000 budget. Neil expects to approach the target during the remaining high-volume months.
  • General donations are about $24,500 against a $35,000 budget.
  • Current deficit is about $27,000.
  • Reaching the budgeted deficit of about $22,700 appears likely.
  • Eliminating the deficit depends largely on MoCo Epic performance.
  • A planned $10,000 REI grant installment should further narrow the gap.
• Deferred MoCo Epic registrations
  • Question raised about how many current registrations came from riders who deferred their prior-year registration.
  • Jali said several people have used the assigned coupon codes. About $8,000 in credits remained unused at the last review.
  • Neil said $10,220 should ultimately be recognized either way, because credits expire after one year and unused credits revert to MORE.
• Cash and investments
  • Total cash, including PayPal, is about $843,000.
    • About $191,000 in the operating account.
    • About $29,000 in a second bank account.
    • $342,000 in a money-market account.
    • About $258,700 in a one-year CD.
  • Neil intends to keep funds in interest-bearing, low-risk accounts and may renew the CD with additional funds.
• Restricted funds
  • Grants working capital will be back at $50,000 after a $600 accounting correction.
  • Restricted balances are hard to deploy because projects are often either too large or too small for the available balance.
• Staff costs
  • Question raised about whether staff costs are over budget, with about $84,000 spent after eight months.
  • Neil explained that about $30,000 is allocated to MoCo Epic through October, bringing the full-year staff-cost budget to about $136,000. No overrun.
• Financial oversight
  • Neil proposed that Alison spend 15 to 30 minutes each month reviewing cash transactions and give the board a short summary confirming that statements reconcile with the reported financials.
  • Alison agreed to help after MoCo Epic. Late November was suggested as a start date.
  • Neil said MORE needs another signatory on the Atlantic Union account to provide coverage while Jali is on leave.

• $10.3k net general increase
  • $33.8k general revenues
    • $12.7k other general ($10k and $1k make up most of this)
    • $11.8k MoCo Epic
    • $6.5k Memberships
    • $1.9k interest income
  • $23.5k general expenses
    • $10.6k staff costs
    • $7.0k MoCo Epic expenses
    • $1.6k IT costs (Adobe renewal)
    • $2.5k Winter party (event reservation)
    • $0.6k final AACo Epic invoice
• $34.6k net restricted increase
  • $40.0k restricted revenues
    • $28.0k grants working capital (Seneca grants received)
    • $10.0k Frederick Watershed (individual donation)
    • $1.0k General Trail Fund (donation for trail maintenance)
  • $5.4k restricted expenses
    • $2.4k Hashawha (signs)
    • $1.9k West MoCo (trimmer, parts, consumables)
    • $0.6k Locust Shade (concrete pad)

Membership Update (Rob)

• Second-strongest August on record for membership.
• Strong renewals and donor participation.
• Total membership now exceeds 2,050.
• September activity is tracking well.
• Membership revenue remains on pace with annual expectations.

IMBA Local Changes (Jali)

• Fee model
  • IMBA plans to replace per-member chapter fees with a tiered flat fee, starting with the planned rollout next year.
  • Casey confirmed this would end the current revenue-sharing model.
  • Whether MORE comes out ahead depends on the tier and fee IMBA assigns.
• Pricing
  • IMBA has not yet provided MORE’s tier or price. Jali will get those details at Wednesday’s IMBA meeting.
  • Board will compare the new fee to MORE’s current effective cost, estimated at roughly $16,000 to $16,500 per year.
  • Board will also look at how the fee changes as membership grows.
• Website integration
  • Chapters will be able to host the membership signup on their own websites through an embedded form or widget supplied by IMBA.
  • Jali will confirm the technical details on Wednesday.
• Membership levels
  • MORE would be able to set its own membership prices.
  • MORE could create its own categories, such as youth memberships for S’mores or NICA riders.
• EveryAction advocacy platform
  • Allows MORE to send action alerts with a one-click response form.
  • Members can edit a prepared message and enter their ZIP code. The system then identifies the right elected officials or land managers.
  • Casey confirmed MORE would be able to choose the recipients. Jali confirmed the platform supports that.
• Data migration and reporting
  • IMBA expects to import current CRM membership data and have the platform working by fall of next year.
  • Rob identified transaction-based reporting and better historical reporting as key requirements.
  • Jali will look into whether the optional donor-management integration would preserve MORE’s separation between membership data and donor data.

Trails

• Virginia (Michael)
  • Edgar Tillett jump line
    • Final walkthrough completed, with minor alignment adjustments.
    • County approved staging dirt and opening a gate that would otherwise block delivery.
    • Brock committed to completing the work. He has not yet provided an invoice.
  • Prince William County
    • The former parks leader moved to a role in Falls Church. Janet Barnick is now interim parks head.
    • Michael and Martin plan to meet with Janet to move stalled projects forward.
    • This includes Martin’s Locust Shade project, which has been awaiting approval for about eight or nine months.
  • James Long Park
    • County tourism and parks staff discussed whether the park could host a large race to draw visitors and hotel stays.
    • Past permitting restrictions limited races to weekday mornings.
    • Alan Wagner, who is connected with the park and runs a racing-related business, may help move the permitting discussion forward.
  • Equipment repair invoice
    • Michael received a $2,600 invoice for equipment repairs, maintenance, installation, and hauling.
    • The invoice included a $500 charge waived in exchange for machine rental.
    • Michael noted the machinery was acquired recently.
    • Some equipment was borrowed for non-MORE work.
    • There were no competing bids and no clear records of the rental credits.
    • Neil clarified that work done without prior approval does not comply with the expenditure policy. Michael is not obligated to reimburse an unapproved expense.
    • Board recommended notifying Tony and Brock in writing that future expenses need advance approval and detailed invoices.
    • Invoices submitted after work is completed may be rejected or paid at the requester’s risk.
    • Michael will first speak with Tony about the bill, advance notice for large expenditures, and how equipment borrowing relates to any rental or goodwill credits.
    • Board’s intent is to set oversight guardrails, not to automatically bar legitimate trail-fund expenditures.
• Maryland (Dave M.)
  • Rosaryville
    • Contractor walkthrough completed for the roughly $200,000 project covering adaptive-trail improvements, interior trails, and signage.
    • Bids are due October 2.
    • Only one contractor attended, and there are concerns about that contractor’s references.
    • Dave is recruiting additional qualified bidders, including Andrew and Brock.
  • Seneca Greenway
    • Brock and Ironwood completed three reroutes, along with additional volunteer hand-built work.
    • Dave is updating the MoCo Epic GPS tracks. The reroutes are small enough that the oversized maps do not need changes.
    • Dave is pursuing an 80-foot bridge over the Seneca Bluffs stepping-stone crossing. The expected grant cannot cover engineering, so separate engineering arrangements are needed.
    • Possible parking lot and trail project at Riffle Ford Road could add three to four miles of trail if DNR acquires the WSSC property.
  • Bridge engineering
    • Dave purchased engineering drawings for an 8-foot bridge design, since the existing 12-foot design is excessive for shorter crossings.
    • The drawings cost about $3,500 and save only about $500 in lumber per bridge. Dave said the reduced construction burden on volunteers justifies the purchase.
  • Maintenance procedures
    • Todd Bauer informally approved solo use of gas-powered string trimmers and mowers for Montgomery County trail maintenance. Current expectation is that volunteers work in pairs.
    • Todd will raise a possible policy revision in the lead-up to MoCo Epic and over the winter.
  • Patuxent
    • Dave is coordinating a roughly $275,000 Phase 2B grant effort with equestrian groups and state legislators, including Senator Katie Fry Hester.
    • Legislators indicated the project could be a priority for the next grant cycle.
    • Park staff are rebuilding a washed-out 30-foot bridge.
    • Longer term, a multi-year program could connect 20 to 30 miles of the Patuxent River corridor. This may require wildlands variances.
  • Bethesda bike park
    • The Walt Whitman High School mountain bike club proposed a bike park and jump lines near the Capital Crescent Trail between Massachusetts Avenue and River Road.
    • Existing informal features in that area were recently removed.
    • Montgomery Parks is separately budgeting for a bike park in Olney.
    • Casey will discuss the proposal with Matt Fulton and other Montgomery Parks contacts.
    • Dave will provide the students’ proposal and coordinate next steps.

Ride Program Update (Kathy)

• Night-ride permits
  • Permits secured for Montgomery County parks and Schaeffer Farm.
  • Park managers now require the ride date and coordination with the park manager. Some also require notice within 24 hours.
  • Permits specify valid dates and times. Ride leaders may need to confirm rides before going out.
  • Kathy will send consolidated notices for recurring Thursday rides where possible.
  • Kathy will coordinate individual notices for leaders like Tom Newton, whose rides move among parks.
  • The stated reason is to help park staff know who is in the woods at night and respond if help is needed.
  • Ride leaders should carry or display their permits and be ready to show them to park staff or police.
• Patapsco
  • Eric Crawford exchanged numerous emails on Patapsco permits, but the discussion stopped before a final list or process was set.
  • Jali said Patapsco officials are concerned about illegal night rides and have been giving Eric difficulty.
  • Kathy noted the illegal activity is separate from sanctioned MORE rides.
  • Jali will follow up with Eric before going on leave.
  • Suggestion raised to eventually take inconsistent night-ride policies to Sandy Olek in Maryland’s Office of Outdoor Recreation.
  • Jali viewed that as a longer-term or last-resort step for this season. She recommended raising it at the next broader DNR and outdoor recreation meeting.
• E-bike rides
  • A rider offered to lead e-bike-specific rides.
  • Class 1 e-bikes can participate in dedicated e-bike rides. One ride may be scheduled later in September.
  • Kathy noted that non-Class 1 e-bikes on trails remain a separate enforcement concern.

Events Update (Maris)

• Season results
  • The Lake Fairfax picnic wrapped up the season’s picnic series.
  • Lake Fairfax, Lake Accotink, and Wakefield events were well received.
  • Guided rides helped participants navigate trail systems with complex layouts.
  • Attendance exceeded last year’s levels.
• Membership and revenue
  • Events consistently generate memberships and merchandise sales, including jerseys, socks, and bottle openers.
  • Alison reported five memberships from the Patuxent picnic and six from Lake Fairfax.
  • Rob noted additional renewals may show up after attendees complete their transactions.
  • At each event, Maris promotes membership, donations, and volunteering.
  • Maris connects the events to trails supported by MORE’s advocacy, grants, and volunteer work.
  • Jali said members appreciate that MORE offers many activities, even when they can’t attend every one.
• 2027 budget
  • Board encouraged Maris to be more ambitious in the 2027 budget request, given how much labor the events take and how successful they have been.
  • Maris said the current budget effectively supported four or five activities.
  • More funding could cover better supplies, expanded merchandise, and equipment so volunteers don’t have to bring their own.
• Simplified events
  • Kathy proposed adding several weekend ride-focused events with minimal food, using existing ride leaders and a short membership presentation.
  • Maris agreed this fits the goal of getting members onto unfamiliar trail systems with less event complexity.
  • Michael suggested Laurel Hill with Bunny Man Brewery as an informal post-ride stop. Multiple ride groups and a S’mores ride could finish there without MORE providing a meal.
  • Maris noted a similar approach worked at a prior Emmitsburg event and will consider brewery-adjacent locations for next year.
• Upcoming events
  • Remaining calendar includes the fall camping trip, MoCo Epic, and the Holiday Lights Ride.
  • Maris and Tom are coordinating the Holiday Lights Ride with the City of Gaithersburg. More information to come.

Activity Reports

President – Casey Anderson

• [*]

Jali Fernando – Executive Director

• MoCo Epic preparations (marketing, communications with suppliers, rider communications, supplies inventory and shopping, logistics, etc.)
• Submitted midway report to REI for Cooperative Grant
• Assisted in Lake Accotink Ride & Picnic
• Worked with IMBA staff on MORE video feature, coordinated with interviewees
• Working with Alison to transition tasks for maternity leave
• Regular donor management and thank you letters
• Regular email, newsletter, and social media communications

Secretary – David Beugelmans

• Coordinated board meeting and finalized minutes

MD Advocacy Director – Dave Magill

• Led contractor walkthrough at Rosaryville for upcoming Oct 2 bid date for the RTP project there.
• Oversaw Ironwood building 3 reroutes along the Seneca Greenway
• Led volunteer hand build at one of the Greenway reroutes
• Pursuing discounted engineering services or contractor services to develop a siting and foundation plan for a possible 80-foot bridge on Seneca Bluffs trail
• Purchased lumber for new wider railings for a bridge on the Greenway
• Purchased engineered design drawings for an 8-foot-long equestrian bridge
• Discussed use of gas-powered trimming equipment on a solo basis in MoCo parks
• Working with the president of the Walt Whitman High School mountain bike club to put forward a bike park proposal along the Capital Crescent Trail in Bethesda
• Met with state Sen. Hester and several equestrian groups to pitch a possible LBI grant for Patuxent Phase 2B

VA Advocacy Director – Michael Ullman

• Second visit to Edgar Tillett in Ashburn. Brock walked the future jump line and committed to the project. Dirt to be staged this month, with work to begin shortly after.
• Met with Prince William employees at James Long Park. Discussed various racing opportunities. Tourism department from the county is trying to see if a race at James Long would be feasible to pitch to USA Cycling.
• In discussions with county to see if they want to have MORE assist with the Rollins Ford pump track. Some trail liaisons would be identified and an MOU would be drafted.

Membership Director – Rob Lowe

• [*]

Ride Program Director – Kathy Mihm

• Secured night riding permits for MoCo Parks, including Fairland, Cabin John, Black Hills, Little Bennett, Seneca Greenway
• Discussed and trained new ride leader for e-bike rides in MoCo
• Updated and revised 2026 MoCo Epic map
• Completed trail map for PAX trails
• Helped clean out shed at SGBP for MoCo Epic prep.
• Attended Lake Accotink summer picnic

Treasurer – Neil Blake

• $10.3k net general increase
  • $33.8k general revenues
    • $12.7k other general ($10k and $1k make up most of this)
    • $11.8k MoCo Epic
    • $6.5k Memberships
    • $1.9k interest income
  • $23.5k general expenses
    • $10.6k staff costs
    • $7.0k MoCo Epic expenses
    • $1.6k IT costs (Adobe renewal)
    • $2.5k Winter party (event reservation)
    • $0.6k final AACo Epic invoice
• $34.6k net restricted increase
  • $40.0k restricted revenues
    • $28.0k grants working capital (Seneca grants received)
    • $10.0k Frederick Watershed (individual donation)
    • $1.0k General Trail Fund (donation for trail maintenance)
  • $5.4k restricted expenses
    • $2.4k Hashawha (signs)
    • $1.9k West MoCo (trimmer, parts, consumables)
    • $0.6k Locust Shade (concrete pad)

Activities Director – Maris Finley

• We had 2 very successful Ride & Picnic events the past month:
  • Lake Accotink/Wakefield
  • Lake Fairfax (hosted at The Bike Lane)