February 28, 2023 Board Minutes

River Hill Board of Directors

Meeting Minutes

February 28, 2023

(Continuation of recessed 2/7/23 meeting)

 

 

Opening (Agenda Item 2):

Mr. Kirk called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. The meeting was held via Zoom. The following members attended: Kevin Bruening, Jim Kirk, Jian Ni, Muyiwa Odeniyide, Janet Munro, and Eric Greenberg. Renee DuBois (Village Manager) was present. The following guests attended the meeting: Jennifer Lynott (Communications & Events Coordinator), Eva Lambright (Covenant Advisor), Ron Briggs, Laura Brooks, Tara Capino, David Donovan, Dennis Kenez, Joel Hurwitz, and Alan Schneider.

 

Approval of the (Agenda Item 3):

 

Mr. Kirk made a motion to modify the agenda by adding Resident Speak Out to the administrative items in lieu of the Teen Advisory Report. Ms. Munro seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. 4-0

 

Administrative Items

Announcement of Executive Sessions (Agenda Item 4A)

None.

 

Board Meeting Minutes – January 10, 2023, and January 25, 2023 (Agenda Item 4B):

 

Mr. Kirk made a motion to discuss the January 10th and 25th meeting minutes.

Mr. Bruening seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.  4-0

Discussion ensued.

 

Mr. Kirk made a motion to table a discussion of the January 10th and January 25th minutes. Ms. Munro seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 4-0

 

Resident Speak Out (Agenda Item 5)

Ms. Capino spoke out in favor of the work Mr. Greenberg is doing on the CA Board. Ms. Capino discussed her concerns regarding the amount of CA assessment money paid as the annual charge versus what the lien payer actually receives and recommended that the assessments be lowered. She mentioned election integrity and requested to keep in-person voting. Mr. Kirk posed the question to Village Manager Renee Dubois regarding the consideration of online voting. Ms. Dubois stated that there is no provision for electronic voting at this time.

 

Teen Advisory Report (Agenda Item 6):

None. A report will be given at the next meeting.

 

Mr. Ni joined the meeting at 7:07 p.m.

 

Old Business

County Executive Calvin Ball Listening Sessions (Agenda Item 7A)

Members of the RHBOD have attended these meetings. Mr. Bruening mentioned his attendance at one of the meetings where the issue of noise was discussed and commented on acceptable noise levels in residential homes per County code (65 decibels for daytime hours, 55 decibels at night, 45 decibels during the overnight hours).

Ms. Dubois drafted a letter to Mr. Bruce Gartner, Administrator of Howard County Office of Transportation, concerning the noise issue along route 32 and the request for sound barriers. Mr. Kirk said that he would look into taking additional measurements of noise levels over a longer period and in different locations.

 

Mr. Kirk made a motion that the prepared letter be sent to Bruce Gartner and County Executive Calvin Ball. Mr. Bruening seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 5-0

 

 

HoCo By Design (Agenda Item 7B)

Ms. Dubois stated that HoCo By Design has moved to the Planning Board stage and needs to be added to the BOD March meeting agenda. Mr. Bruening mentioned that he will attend the Planning Board meeting on March 9, 2023 and that there will be three work sessions.

 

 

New Business Continued from 2/7/2023

HB 29- Residential Owners in Common Ownership Communities Bill of Rights

(Agenda Item 8E)

Ms. Dubois recommended that this item be tabled.

 

Ho. Co. 7-23 Candidates for Village Board or Columbia Council in a Village of Columbia – Reports of Donations and Disbursements (Agenda Item 8F)

This item has been withdrawn.

 

Ho. Co. 17-23 Elections in Villages of Columbia – Voting Rights (Agenda Item 8G)

This item has been withdrawn.

HB 80 – Real Property- Regulation of Common Ownership Community Managers (Agenda Item 8H)

This item was skipped because it does not have the necessary votes in the House.

 

HB 105 – Real Property – Condominiums and Homeowners Associations-Governing Bodies and Annual Meetings (Agenda Item 8I)

This item was not discussed.

 

RHCA Ethics Policy (Agenda Item 8J)

Ms. Dubois shared that the Ethics Policy has been modeled after the CAI policy; Ms. Dubois shared the Code of Ethics and asked that it be reviewed and for comments to be forwarded within the next week.

Mr. Briggs requested a copy.

 

HB 147 Street Racing and Exhibition Driving-Prohibited Acts, Enforcement, and Penalties

Discussion ensued. The prepared letter is being reviewed and edited by Mr. Kirk, Ms. Munro, and Ms. Dubois. Ms. Dubois asks that the Board vote on moving these letters forward. Mr. Odeniyide cautioned against language in the bill regarding the “seizure of vehicles” and requested this language be removed.

 

Mr. Kirk made a motion to approve the letter as amended. Mr. Odeniyide seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. 5-0

 

SB 229 – Vehicle Laws-Noise Abatement Monitoring Systems-Authorization, Use, and Penalties

Mr. Kirk made a motion to send the prepared letter in support of the bill. Ms. Munro seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 5-0

 

Election Items (Agenda Item 8K)

Ms. Dubois shared that the Election Handbook has been updated. Minor modifications include wording related to requirements of the candidates including the following updates:

  • Candidates must provide proof of residency.
  • Candidates may submit a 150-word candidate statement.
  • Candidates may submit a headshot photo for printing purposes.

This information has been forwarded to the Board.

 

Reports

Committee/Liaison Reports

Development Advisory Liaison (Agenda Item 9i)

Mr. Bruening will attend the Planning Board Meeting on 3/9. He discussed the HoCo By Design Appendix and again referenced the amount of infill that is planned and his concerns. He will forward the most recent version to the Board.

 

Traffic & Safety Committee (Agenda Item 9ii)

Mr. Kirk reviewed the letters that had been prepared by Ms. DuBois.

 

Mr. Kirk made a motion to submit the SB229 Noise Abatement Monitoring Systems letter as written. The motion was seconded by Ms. Munro. The motion passed unanimously. 5-0

 

Sound Barrier Liaison (Agenda Item 9iii)

Ms. Munro reviewed the progress and the letters being sent requesting sound barriers be made a priority. Mr. Kirk will look into doing additional sound measurement studies.

 

Village Manager (Agenda Item 9B)

Ms. DuBois stated that the Ethics Policy will be reviewed at the next meeting. Additionally, approval is required for the 990 and 990T. The next meeting will also include discussion of the budgeting process and contract renewals. Ms. Dubois discussed the issue of variance in the financial report as health insurance coverage of 3 staff members vs 2 staff members.

 

Mr. Kirk made a motion to approve the variance report with the explanation. Mr. Odeniyide seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 5-0

 

Columbia Council Representative (Agenda Item 9C)

None. Mr. Greenberg was absent from the meeting.

 

Board Chairperson (Agenda Item 9D)

Mr. Kirk requested that all information to be sent to the Board in the Board Package several days before the meeting to allow for enough time to review the materials.

 

Board Speak Out (Agenda Item 10)

Ms. Munro suggested adding a secretary position as a Board position to keep track of action items.

 

Adjournment (Agenda Item 11)

At 8:00 p.m., Mr. Kirk made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Bruening seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 5-0

February 7, 2023 Board Minutes

River Hill Board of Directors

Meeting Minutes

February 7, 2023

 

 

Opening (Agenda Item 2):

Mr. Kirk called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. The meeting was via Zoom. The following members attended: Kevin Bruening, Jim Kirk, Jian Ni, Muyiwa Odeniyide, and Janet Munro. Renee DuBois (Village Manager) was present. The following guests attended the meeting: Jennifer Lynott (Communications & Events Coordinator),

Eva Lambright (Covenant Advisor), Ron Briggs, Lisa Adegbeerr, Carlos Acker, Dennis, Gordon Collins, Xin, Eileen Harrity, Deb Borker, Norine, Phyllis Kelley, Deb Jung, Junnan, Adewale Adegbeera, Elizabeth Jayne, Andrea Beri, Huiyang Li, Skye Anderson

 

Approval of the (Agenda Item 3):

Mr. Bruening requested to make a change to the agenda to include swapping item 8C (RHCA Ethics Policy) for 8B (Howard County Budget Requests) and to bring forward 8G (SF 229-Vehicle Laws – Noise Abatement Monitoring Systems – Authorization, Use and Penalties.

 

Mr. Bruening made a motion to approve the changes to the agenda. Mr. Kirk seconded the motion. The motion passed with unanimous consent. 5-0

 

Mr. Kirk made a motion to approve the agenda as amended. Mr. Odeniyide seconded the motion. The motion passed with unanimous consent. 5-0

 

Administrative Items

Announcement of Executive Session (Agenda Item 4A) None

 

Board Meeting Minutes – January 10, 2023, and January 25, 2023 (Agenda Item 4B):

 

Tabled.

 

Appointment of Election Committee Members (Agenda Item 4C)

Residents Ron Briggs, April Battle and Jennifer Lynott (staff member & resident) were brought for consideration of appointment to the Election Committee.

Mr. Kirk made a motion to appoint the above residents Ron Briggs, April Battle, and Jennifer Lynott to the Election Committee. Mr. Bruening seconded the motion The motion passed unanimously. 5-0

 

Tentative Meeting Date of February 28, 2023 (Agenda Item 4D)

Due to time constraints and illness, a continuation of the meeting was proposed for February 28, 2023 at 7 p.m.

 

Mr. Bruening moved to make a motion to continue the meeting on February 28, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Kirk seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. 5-0

 

Resident Speak Out (Agenda Item 5)

David Donovan discussed the upcoming elections and CA Representative position. He expressed his opinion of a flawed election process and suggested the addition of a ballot question, online communication, and invitations to residents to vote.

Lisa Adegberra- Discussed towing of parked vehicles in the townhouse community.

 

Teen Advisory Report (Agenda Item 6A):

None.

 

 

Old Business (Agenda Item 7A)

Tabled.

 

New Business

RHCA Q2 Financial Statements & CA Reports (Agenda Item 8A)

Mr. Odeniyide requested an Executive Summary page to accompany the financial statements.

 

Mr. Odeniyide made a motion to accept the Q2 Financial Statements. Mr. Bruening seconded the motion. The motion passed with unanimous consent.

 

HoCo Budget Requests (Agenda Item 8B)

County Councilwoman Deb Jung discussed the upcoming work sessions to be held in June, July, September, and October to review the Draft General Plan. There will be (3) public meetings for testimony. Ms. Jung encourages residents to send their concerns to the entire Howard County Council via email. Ms. Jung expressed her personal concerns with the amount of proposed development in Columbia. The current process is for the Planning Board to summarize their findings on the Draft General Plan which is then sent to the County Council. Ms. Jung stated that she will attend an upcoming RHCA meeting to give an overview of what’s included in the General Plan sometime in the next 6 months. The vote on the General Plan is scheduled to occur by the end of October or November. After the General plan is passed, then APFO (Adequate Public Facility Ordinance) establishes the percentage by which schools can be filled in Howard County.

Ms. Jung asked RHCA to send their budget requests to her and noted that sound barriers along MD 32 are at the top of her list., additional police presence in River Hill, and street tree replacement.  The County Executive is putting the budget together now, so budget requests need to be submitted soon. Ms. Jung encourages emails to be sent to all members of the County Council with concerns about the proposed development and recommends that RHCA set up a meeting with State Senator Guy Guzzone.

 

Mr. Bruening made a motion that a letter be drafted to request funding for sound barriers and other community priorities such as additional police presence in River Hill. Mr. Kirk seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 5-0

 

Separate Discussion not on Agenda: Ballot Questions

Ms. Munro discussed her desire to include ballot questions during elections this year to include the possibility of requiring background checks for candidates running for a position on the RHCA Board of Directors (BOD), a process for the recall of the Columbia Council Representative, and the requirement of pre-approval from RHCA for the location and timing of food trucks in the community. Mr. Odeniyide stated that the BOD gets information from the HOA Attorney regarding procedures and process.

Additionally, Mr. Odeniyide expressed concern about having this on the ballot because the BOD does not have the authority to regulate public streets.

 

SB 229 – Vehicle Laws-Noise Abatement Monitoring Systems-Authorization, Use, and Penalties (Agenda Item 8G)

Discussion of the new wording added to the law that is similar to the law permitting use of speed cameras. Motorists in violation would first receive a warning and the second violation would involve a civil fee not to exceed $70.

 

Mr. Kirk made a motion that a letter be drafted in support of SB 229. Ms. Munro seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 5-0

 

HB 147 – Street Racing/Exhibition Driving (Agenda Item 8F)

Discussion of one section of the bill regarding the penalties for revving a vehicle’s engine may be too extreme/steep.

 

Mr. Kirk made a motion that a letter be drafted in support of HB 147. Mr. Bruening seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 5-0

 

Ho.Co. 7-23 Candidates for Village Board or Columbia Council (Agenda Item 8D)

Discussion held about the proposal by the Howard County Delegation to provide more transparency for the election process in Columbia to include a record of expenditures and donations during the election cycle to be voted on by the State Legislation.

 

Mr. Bruening made a motion that a letter be drafted in support of Howard County Bill 7-23. Mr. Kirk seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 5-0

Recess (Agenda Item 9):

At 8:57 p.m., Mr. Kirk moved to recess the meeting until February 28, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. Ms. Munro seconded the motion. The motion passed with unanimous consent.

January 25, 2023 Board Minutes

River Hill Board of Directors
Meeting Minutes
January 25, 2023

 

Opening (Agenda Item 2):
Mr. Kirk called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. The meeting was virtually via Zoom. The following members attended: Kevin Bruening, Jim Kirk, Jian Ni, Muyiwa Odeniyide, Janet Munro. Renee DuBois, Village Manager, was present. The following guests attended the meeting: Jennifer Lynott (Communications & Events Coordinator), Evamarie Lambright (Covenant Advisor), Ron Briggs, resident.

Approval of the (Agenda Item 3):
Mr. Kirk proposed that the agenda be amended to include the Sound Barrier letter as prepared by Ms. Munro.

Mr. Kirk made a motion to approve the agenda as amended. The motion was seconded by Mr. Odeniyide. The motion passed with unanimous consent.

Administrative Items (Agenda Item 4):
Mr. Bruening disclosed that portion of his income (0.25%-0.50%) is invested in single family housing and (2-2.5%) of his income is invested in multifamily housing through a
REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) in Anne Arundel and Prince Georges Counties in Maryland. However he stated that he can act objectively and does not feel that it will influence his decision, unless the BOD asks him to recuse himself. Mr. Odeniyide asked if he exercised control over the investment. Mr. Bruening said that he does not. Mr. Ni mentioned that he has a similar situation with investments outside of Maryland. Mr. Kirk thanked Mr. Bruening and Mr. Ni for their candor and asked if anyone had objections or concerns.
Mr. Odeniyide and Ms. Munro had no concerns. Mr. Kirk had no concerns.

Resident Speak Out (Agenda Item 5)
None.

Business (Agenda Item 6)

A. HoCo by Design
Ms. Dubois screen shared a letter prepared by Mr. Kirk expressing the RHBOD’s position on HoCo by Design’s vision and general plan for Howard County. Discussion ensued.

Mr. Kirk made a motion to send the letter as submitted to HoCo By Design before January 31, 2023 and to the Columbia Association by January 26, 2023. The motion was seconded by Ms. Munro. The motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Kirk made a motion to give Ms. Dubois permission to edit and or excerpt the letter as necessary to present to the County, to Columbia Association, and in The Villager. The motion was 2nd by Mr. Bruening. The motion carried 4- 1-0 abstentions.

Sound Barrier Liaison (Agenda Item 6B):
Letter was emailed to BOD and an email vote was taken.

Ms. Munro made a motion that the email vote be ratified. Mr. Kevin Bruening 2nd the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

Board Speak Out (Agenda Item 8):
None.

Adjournment (Agenda Item 9):
At 7:57 p.m., Mr. Kirk made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Munro seconded the motion. The motion passed with unanimous consent.

January 10, 2023 Board Minutes

 

River Hill Board of Directors

Meeting Minutes

January 10, 2023

 

Opening (Agenda Item 2):

Mr. Kirk called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. The meeting was hybrid held in person at Claret Hall and virtually via Zoom. The following members attended: Kevin Bruening, Jim Kirk, Janet Munro, Jian Ni, and Muyiwa Odeniyide. Eric Greenberg, Columbia Council Representative, and Renee DuBois, Village Manager, were present. The following guests attended the meeting: Ron Briggs, Sarah Rohbin, Gretchen Conley, and Jennifer Lynott (Communications Coordinator).

 

Approval of the (Agenda Item 3):

Ms. DuBois proposed that the agenda be amended to move Mr. Greenberg’s report to follow the Teen Advisory Report due to time commitments.

 

Mr. Kirk made a motion to amend the agenda as proposed by Ms. DuBois. Mr. Greenberg seconded the motion. The motion passed with unanimous consent.

Mr. Kirk made a motion to approve the amended agenda. Mr. Greenberg seconded the motion. The motion passed with unanimous consent.

 

Administrative Items

Announcement of Executive Session (Agenda Item 4A)

An Executive Session was held on December 15, 2022, for personnel matters.

 

Board Meeting Minutes – November 15, 2022, and December 13, 2022 (Agenda Item 4B):

 

Mr. Kirk made a motion to approve the November 15, 2022, and December 13, 2022, Board Minutes. Mr. Bruening seconded the motion. Mr. Ni abstained from the vote. The motion passed 4-0-1.

 

Appointment of Sarah Rohbin to Architectural Committee (Agenda Item 4C):

 

Ms. Munro made a motion to appoint Ms. Sarah Robhin to the Architectural Committee for a two-year term ending on 1/1/2025. Mr. Kirk seconded the motion. The motion passed with unanimous consent.

 

Resident Speak Out (Agenda Item 5)

Mr. Ron Briggs expressed his appreciation for Village manager Renee DuBois and Columbia Council Representative Eric Greenberg and inquired about better informing and encouraging residents to be mindful of storing their refuse containers (trash & recycle bins) out of sight as required by the covenants. Ms. Dubois responded that the Association is exploring ways to welcome new residents and make sure they are informed.

 

Teen Advisory Report (Agenda Item 6A):

Student Advisory Member Jennifer Gao shared plans for the Lunar New Year Festival planned for January 20, 2023. In addition, the Teen Advisory Committee will be making plans for a Bingo/Trivia event and a Technology Help event in the spring.

 

Mr. Ni left the meeting at 8:00 p.m.

 

CA Representative Report (Agenda Item 8C):

Mr. Greenberg stated that the upcoming CA Board Meeting would focus on drafting a position statement for HoCo By Design which recommends a total transformation of the Village Centers. Mr. Greenberg stated concerns about the planned growth and the lack of infrastructure (schools, roads, etc.). The CA Board of Directors questions the connectivity to outparcels and whether this is something that is to be entirely funded by CA. Additionally, Mr. Greenberg stated that there seems to be no strategic plan to bring new commerce to Downtown Columbia which is also a concern.

 

Mr. Greenberg left the meeting at 8:42 p.m. after the conclusion of his report.

 

Old Business

County Executive Calvin Ball Listening Sessions (Agenda Item 7A)

This is the second year for the Listening Sessions as part of the County’s budget process. Each listening session is led by a different person with a specialty focus. Ms. Munro stated she planned to attend the Jan. 25th session and present testimony about the need for noise barriers. Mr. Kirk asked the Board to coordinate their attendance at various sessions. Ms. DuBois pointed out that none of the sessions focus on representing the schools.

 

HoCo By Design (Agenda Item 7B)

The potential elimination of New Town Zoning, the possible subdivision of single-family homes and changes to the Village Centers is concerning.

 

Mr. Kirk made a motion that the River Hill Board of Directors would draft a position paper to be approved by all and affirmed at the next meeting to be sent to Columbia Association and the County. Ms. Munro seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously with unanimous consent.

 

New Business (Agenda Item 8A)

None

 

Reports

Committee/Liaison Reports

Development Advisory Committee Liaison (Agenda Item 9Ai):

Mr. Bruening discussed HoCo By Design and stated that he planned to attend the Zoning Board meeting on January 12. He also stated the plan seems to support some businesses at the expense of others.

 

Traffic & Safety Committee (Agenda Item 9Aii):

Mr. Kirk shared that new issues are arising with the speeding, modified cars, and multiple car shows being regularly held in Clarksville. Recently motorcycles/dirt bikes have been spotted racing on River Hill pathways. Mr. Kirk wants to explore some dates for another Town Hall to discuss these issues and the lack of police presence.

 

Sound Barrier Liaison (Agenda Item 9Aiii):

Ms. Munro stated that she planned to attend one of the County Executive’s Listening Sessions to ask for sound barriers.

 

Village Manager (Agenda Item 9B):

Ms. DuBois shared news that the Watershed Advisory Committee needs a chairperson and reorganization. She mentioned reaching out to River Hill High School’s Watershed Committee teacher sponsor to inquire about local students that may be interested. The Columbia Clean-Up Day is scheduled for March 25 and that Pull & Plants will continue to be scheduled. It was also reported that there were 2 pre-submission meetings held. The first was regarding an addition being planned for the St. Louis School in Clarksville. The second meeting was regarding the conversion of the former Pizza Hut building into a Popeye’s. The building behind the former Pizza Hut will be demolished and an auto parts store will go in its place. The former Ruby Tuesday site will have the plywood entrance covered over with blue wrap. The proposed “Coming Soon” sign is not allowed according to the covenants.

 

Board Chairperson (Agenda Item 9D):

None.

 

Board Speak Out (Agenda Item 10):

Ms. Munro asked about the status of the Election Committee and requested a copy of the Election Guidelines.

 

Adjournment (Agenda Item 11):

At 9:12 p.m., Mr. Kirk made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Munro seconded the motion. The motion passed with unanimous consent.