April 29, 2019 Minutes

River Hill Board of Directors

Meeting Minutes

April 29, 2019

 

 

Opening (Agenda 1):

Richard Thomas, Board Chair, called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. The following members were in attendance: Matt Levine, Tony Miceli, and Adam White. Renee DuBois, Council Representative, and Susan Smith, Village Manager, were present. Dalia Shlash and Yamini Ananth, Student Member, arrived at 7:05 p.m. Harjeet Jandu and Angela Ling arrived at 7:20 p.m. Ms. DuBois left the meeting at 8 p.m. Ms. Ananth left the meeting at 8:37 p.m. Mr. Jandu left the meeting at 8:50 p.m.

 

Approval of the Agenda (Agenda 2):

Mr. Levine made a motion to approve the agenda with a change to move the Council Representative’s Report to Agenda Item 6Aii. Mr. Miceli seconded the motion. The motion passed (4-0-0).

 

Administrative Items (Agenda 3):

Mr. Levine made a motion to approve the April 1,2019 Minutes as submitted. Mr. Miceli seconded the motion. The motion passed (4-0-0).

 

Bicycle Advocates of Howard County (Agenda 4):

The Board met with Jack Guarneri, Bicycle Advocates of Howard County, to discuss traffic and bike safety concerns along MD 108. Mr. Guarneri raised concerns about the increased number of vehicle trips and related safety issues that will be generated by the proposed Erickson project. The Board and Mr. Guarneri discussed coordinating efforts and pushing to get the multi-modal path completed early in the development process. Mr. Guarneri briefly discussed the Complete Streets plan and changes needed in the zoning regulations.

 

Resident Speak Out (Agenda 5):

None.

 

Teen Advisory Committee Report (Agenda 6Ai):

Ms. Ananth reported that she and Ms. Tian had drafted a letter regarding the Teen Advisory Committee for the May newsletter and the application information will be shared with Clarksville Middle School and the high schools.

 

Council Representative Report (Agenda 6Aii):

Ms. DuBois thanked everyone who helped with village elections. She reported that the CA Board had approved the easement for the bike path connection at Quiet Night Ride/Grace Drive and one tree will be removed; the FY20/21 budget had been approved; and the draft 5-year Strategic Plan is available for review and comment online. Ms. DuBois noted that CA has cut down 1200 ash trees and CA has plans to replant with native species. There are another 1200 – 1500 ash trees on CA property that remain to be taken down. Ms. DuBois indicated adequate funding is needed for covenant enforcement and assistance with rain gardens.

 

Election Results (Agenda 3B):

Mr. Jandu, Election Committee Chairperson, presented the village election results (copy attached to the original Minutes) and thanked the volunteers. Mr. Miceli made a motion to accept the results of the election effective as of Friday, May 2 if no challenges are received. Mr. Thomas seconded the motion. The motion passed (6-0-1). Mr. Levine abstained. Student Advisory Vote – in favor (1).

 

FY20 Budget (Agenda 7A):

Ms. Smith reviewed the modifications made to the draft FY20 Operating Budget.

 

Executive Session (Agenda 8):

Mr. Thomas made a motion at 8:37 p.m. to move into Executive Session for the discussion of personnel matters. Mr. Levine seconded the motion. The motion passed (7-0-0).

 

Mr. Thomas made a motion to exit Executive Session at 8:55 p.m. Mr. Levine seconded the motion. The motion passed (6-0-0).

 

FY20 Budget Continued (Agenda 7A):

Mr. Thomas made a motion to approve the FY20 budget with an adjustment to the Staff Salaries in the FY19 4^th Quarter Estimate and an adjustment for additional employee benefit expenses in the FY20 Budget. Ms. Shlash seconded the motion. The motion passed (6-0-0).

 

Ad Hoc Playground Committee (Agenda 9Aii):

None.

 

Development Advisory Committee Report (Agenda 8Aii):

A question was raised whether the Cedar Creek development has met the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance requirements yet. Ms. Smith will research.

 

Traffic & Safety Committee (Agenda 8Aiv):

Mr. Miceli requested than an announcement go out to the community regarding the meeting with the Office of Transportation on May 13 due to the potential impact on on-street pool parking.

 

Watershed Committee (Agenda 8v):

The spring Pull and Plant will be held on June 1 at 10 a.m.

 

Village Manager’s Report (Agenda 9B):

A written report is on file with the original minutes. Ms. Smith thanked the Board Members for their work over the last year and recognized Ms. Shlash and Mr. Thomas for their contributions to the community. The Board briefly discussed options for additional programs to serve a broader spectrum of the community.

 

Board Chair Report: (Agenda 9C):

Mr. Thomas thanked the Board Members for serving the community, noted that he had enjoyed his time on the board, and wished the association the best in the future.

 

Board Speak Out (Agenda 10):

Ms. Shlash noted that the discussion with Jack Guarneri, Bicycle Advocates of Howard County, had made her think more about the impacts of the proposed Erickson project.

 

Adjournment (Agenda 9):

Ms. Ling made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:43 p.m. Mr. Levine seconded the motion. The motion passed 67-0-0).

 

Submitted by: Susan M. Smith, Village Manager

 

Minutes Approved:  May 13, 2019