April 21, 2014 Minutes

Kenny Kan, Board Chair, called the regularly scheduled meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. on April 21, 2014, at Claret Hall, 6020 Daybreak Circle, Clarksville, MD 21029.  Members present were Melissa Bradshaw, Deng Feng Liu, and Dipper Wettstein.  Michael Cornell, Council Representative, and Susan Smith, Village Manager, were present.  Tiffany Kan, Student Member, was absent. Kathy Chavers arrived at 7:02 p.m., Jenny Chu arrived at 7:03 p.m., and Liyan Zhang at 7:09 p.m. A list of attendees is on file with the Minutes.

Approval of the Agenda (Agenda 2):
Mr. Cornell made a motion to approve the agenda. Mr. Liu seconded the motion. The motion passed (4-0-0).

Administrative Items (Agenda 3):
Mr. Cornell made a motion to approve the Minutes from the March 17, 2014 meeting. Ms. Bradshaw seconded the motion.  The motion passed (5-0-1).

Resident Speak Out (Agenda 6):
None.

Executive Session (Agenda 7):
At 7:10 p.m., Mr. Kan made a motion to move into Executive Session for the purpose of personnel and legal matters and business transactions in the negotiation stage. Mr. Zhang seconded the motion.  The motion passed (7-0-0).

Mr. Wettstein made a motion to adjourn the Executive Session at 7:47 p.m.  Ms. Bradshaw seconded the motion.  The motion passed (7-0-0).

River Hill Watershed Advisory Committee – Update (Agenda 6)
Mr. Wettstein gave a brief status report on the activities of the Watershed Advisory Committee (WAC).  He noted that approximately $300 may be needed for materials for the storm drain painting project.  Ms. Smith noted that the draft budget can accommodate this expense. Ms. Smith made the Board aware of a request from Chesapeake Environmental Communications to partner with the Middle Patuxent Environmental Foundation on a grant application to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.  Mr. Kan made a motion to partner with the Foundation on this project.  Mr. Wettstein seconded the motion.  The motion passed (6-0-1).

Simpson Oaks Development – Advisory Committee Update (Agenda 7A):
Ms. Chavers reviewed draft testimony for the Planning Board meeting on May 1 (a copy is on file with the original Minutes).

Mr. Kan made a motion for the River Hill Community Association and to work with the developer and the County to address traffic and safety issues and housing density concerns.  Ms. Chavers seconded the motion.  Discussion.  The motion passed (6-1-0).

Mr. Wettstein made a motion to appoint Ms. Chavers to present testimony on behalf of the Association at the Planning Board meeting on May1.  Ms. Bradshaw seconded the motion.  The motion passed (7-0-0).

Mr. Wettstein made a motion to disband the Simpson Oaks Advisory Committee.  The motion failed for lack of a second.

Ms. Smith will draft the testimony and circulate it for review.

RHCA FY15 Operating Budget (Agenda 7B):
Mr. Kan and Ms. Smith reviewed the draft FY15 Operating Budget and Ms. Smith noted modifications made to reflect updated information for the FY14 4^th Quarter since the March 17, 2014 meeting.

Mr. Kan made a motion to approve the budget with the amendments presented.  Mr. Wettstein seconded the motion.  The motion passed (7-0-0).

Covenants – Grace Drive Properties (Agenda 8A):
It was the consensus of the Board to pursue the use restrictions agreed to by the property owners pending any unusual uses being identified during review of the Simpsonville Mill property.

RHCA Employee Manual Revisions (Agenda 8B):
Mr. Kan made a motion to approve the revised Employee Manual as presented with the amendments pertaining to the use of leave by all employees and the addition of bereavement and holiday leave for part-time employees who work 25+ hrs. per week.  Mr. Cornell seconded this motion.  The motion passed (7-0-0).

Village Revitalization Fund Grants (Agenda 8C):
It was the consensus of the Board to support the Village Revitalization Fund Grant process and procedures as presented.

Manager’s Report (Agenda 9A):
A written report is on file with the original Minutes.

Board Chair Report (Agenda 9B):
Mr. Kan thanked Ms. Chu and Mr. Liu for their contributions as Board Members for the last two years.  Mr. Kan requested that Board Member candidate interviews, a Simpson Oaks update, and the Watershed Advisory Committee presentation be included on the May 5, 2014 meeting agenda.

Council Representative’s Report (Agenda 9C):
Mr. Cornell reported that the CA Board expects to have a new CA President hired by May 5.  Mr. Cornell stated that he will not be running for another term.  He discussed the possible make-up of the new CA Board and mentioned that they will address a conflict that has arisen with representation of the Village of Oakland Mills.

Liaisons/Student Members (Agenda 9D):
None.

Board Speak Out (Agenda 10):
None.

Adjournment (Agenda 8):
Mr. Wettstein made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:21 p.m. Mr. Cornell seconded the motion.  The motion passed (7-0-0).

Minutes submitted by: Susan M. Smith, Village Manager

Minutes Approved:  May 5, 2014