August 7, 2017 Minutes

River Hill Board of Directors

Meeting Minutes

August 7, 2017

Opening (Agenda 1):

Richard Thomas, Board Chairperson, called the Board meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. The following members were in attendance: Robert Choi, Renee DuBois, Dalia Shlash, and Liyan Zhang. Chao Wu, Columbia Council Representative, Jennifer Zhang, Student Member, and Susan Smith, Village Manager, were in attendance. Mr. Miceli was absent. Mr. Zhang left the meeting at 8:25 p.m.

Approval of the Agenda (Agenda 2):

Ms. Shlash made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Ms. DuBois seconded the motion. The motion passed (5-0-0). Student Advisory Vote – in favor (1).

Administrative Items (Agenda 3):

Ms. DuBois made a motion to approve the July 10, 2017 minutes as presented. Mr. Wu seconded the mooring. The motion passed (5-0-0). Student Advisory Vote – in favor (1)

Resident Speak Out (Agenda 4):

The following residents spoke out about the need for a community playground that is more up to date: Xuexia (Sherry) Chen (Garden Walk, Columbia), Yan Sunny Sun (Winter Grain Path, Clarksville). Ms. Sun also spoke about the need for a local senior center for older adults to socialize.

The following people spoke out about Erickson Living’s proposal for a continuing care facility, David  Elsaesser (Whistling Winds Walk, Clarksville) spoke about: the proposal to move Sheppard Lane and cited the benefit of creating a perpendicular intersection to the east; the lack of a possible connection to Auto Drive due to environmental factors; the lack of additional capacity being added to MD 108; the use of CEF zone when other zones could be utilized but would have to wait for comprehensive zoning in 2023. Harry Dunbar (Columbia) noted that Sheppard Lane is a historic road. Jack Sacchetti (Same Voyage Way, Clarksville) noted that the proposed community will significantly change the character of the community and expressed concern that no effort has been made to create a community consensus.

Teen Advisory Committee Appointments (Agenda 5A):

Mr. Choi made a motion to appoint the following students to the Teen Advisory Committee: Ashley Chen, Jeffrey Du, Tobias Eegholm, Anna Feng, Catalina Lennon, Alena Shen, Carol Wang, and Isabelle Zhan. Mr. Wu seconded the motion. The motion passed (5-0-0). Student Advisory Vote – in favor (1).

Traffic & Safety Committee Charter Revisions (Agenda 5B):

Mr. Thomas made a motion to table the revisions until Mr. Miceli is present. Ms. DuBois seconded the motion. The motion passed (5-0-0). Student Advisory Vote – in favor (1)

Community Playground/Tot Lot Upgrades (Agenda 5C):

Ms. Shlash discussed the options of a community playground and alternatively upgrading two tot lots and reiterated the need for visibility and parking. She noted that 8,000 – 10,000 sq. ft. is needed for a community playground and identified two possible sites: in the open space between Linden Linthicum United Methodist Church and Whistling Winds Walk, and the grassy area on Indian Summer Drive.

CA FY19/20 Budget Input (Agenda 5D):

Ms. DuBois made a motion to request funding in CA’s FY19/20 budget for planning and construction funds to build a community playground or two update/enhance 2 tot lots, Mr. Choi seconded the motion. The motion passed (4-0-0). Student Advisory Vote – in favor (1). Ms. Smith will obtain cost estimates for inclusion and will coordinate with Ms. Shlash to draft the request for review.

Assessment Share Formula (Agenda 6A):

Mr. Thomas reviewed the draft. Ms. DuBois made a motion to redraft the letter and develop attachments to supplement the key points. Mr. Wu seconded the motion. The motion passed (4-0-0). Student Advisory Vote – in favor (1). Ms. Smith and Mr. Thomas will coordinate to make the revisions.

FY18 Budget (Agenda 6B):

Ms. Smith explained the need to amend the budget to reflect the grant to the Watershed Committee from the Chesapeake Bay Trust. Ms. DuBois made motion to approve the revised FY18 Operating Budget as presented. Mr. Choi seconded the motion. The motion passed (4-0-0). Student Advisory Vote – in favor (1).

Board Member Responsibilities & Training (Agenda 6C):

Ms. Smith collected training acknowledgement forms from members.

Village Manager’s Report (Agenda 7A):

A written report is on file with the original minutes. Ms. DuBois made a motion to have the Development Advisory Committee (DAC) host a follow-up meeting with Calvert Crossland, W.R. Grace and residents to review modified cell tower location. Mr. Choi seconded the motion. The motion passed (4-0-0). Student Advisory Vote – in favor (1).

Board Chair Report (Agenda 7B):

None.

Council Representative Report (Agenda 7C):

Mr. Wu noted the following: CA will sign the Paris Climate Agreement, Clarksville Elementary School needs before & after staff; CA will be meeting with the Department of Planning and Zoning to discuss New Town zoning.

Liaisons/Committees (Agenda 7D):

Ms. Shlash will coordinate with Ms. Smith to identify and publicize a date for a community playground meeting to solicit input from the community.

It was the consensus of the Board to refer the letter from Mr. Richard Klein to the Traffic & Safety Committee for a response.

Board Speak Out (Agenda 8):

None

Adjournment (Agenda 9):

Ms. DuBois made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 11:05 p.m. Mr. Choi seconded the motion. The motion passed (4-0-0) Student Advisory Vote – in favor (1).

Submitted by: Susan M. Smith, Village Manager

Minutes Approved:  September 11, 2017