July 31, 2023 Board Minutes

River Hill Board of Directors

Meeting Minutes

July 31, 2023

 

Opening (Agenda Item 2):

Mr. Bruening called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. The meeting was held remotely via Zoom. The following members attended: Kevin Bruening, Moe Imran, and Rob Mekelburg. Renee DuBois (Village Manager) was present. The following guests attended the meeting: Ron Briggs, Tony Ndungu, Ilona Mallen, and Jennifer Lynott (Communications & Events Coordinator).

 

Approval of the (Agenda Item 3):

Mr. Bruening requested the addition of 1 item to the agenda under New Business – the discussion of opening new accounts for RHCA at Bank of America.

Mr. Mekelburg made a motion to add the requested item to New Business and approve the agenda as amended. Mr. Imran seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 3-0

 

Resident Speak Out (Agenda Item 4)

Ms. Ilona Mallen, former Chairperson of the Architectural Committee, inquired about her termination from the committee on May 5 and expressed her desire to be reinstated. She encouraged the Board and Ms. DuBois to consider holding a closed meeting after the adjournment of the open meeting already in progress to discuss the matter and respond to her.

 

New Business

Q4 FY23 (Agenda Item 5A)

The financial document was prepared in the format as required by Columbia Association and reflects $304,319 as River Hill’s share of the Annual Charge. Discussion about the YTD Actuals and YTD Budget along with the Variances occurred. The Cash Reserves, which must be reported to CA, have an Operating Reserve of approximately $121,500, which is roughly 20% or about 2 months’ worth of expenses. The document reflects an amount due from River Hill Community Association to Columbia Association in the amount of $666 to be paid as established in the management contract.

Mr. Mekelburg made a motion to approve the Q4 FY23 financial statements as provided. Mr. Imran seconded the motion. The motion passed with unanimous consent. 3-0

 

Bank of America Accounts (Agenda Item 5B)

Ms. DuBois stated that the Association has hired a new accountant and a new bookkeeper which should lower the accounting fees by approximately 1/3 or more. She requests to move the Association’s accounts from Sandy Spring Bank over to Bank of America, which would involve opening 2 deposit accounts at that institution. The switch will allow the new accountant and bookkeeper to have access to the accounts online and the ability to view deposit slips, checks, etc. whereas Sandy Spring Bank’s system does not allow for that. The Board of Directors must approve any new banking relationship established.

Mr. Mekelburg made a motion to approve the opening of deposit accounts at Bank of America. Mr. Imran seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 3-0

 

Adjournment (Agenda Item 6)

At 7:57 p.m., Mr. Mekelburg made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Imran seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 3-0

July 11, 2023 Board Minutes

River Hill Board of Directors

Meeting Minutes

July 11, 2023

 

Opening (Agenda Item 2):

Mr. Bruening called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. The meeting was held remotely via Zoom. The following members attended: Kevin Bruening, Mark Combs, and Rob Mekelburg. Mr. Moe Imran joined the meeting at 7:12 p.m. Renee DuBois (Village Manager) and Eric Greenberg (CA Representative) were present. The following guests attended the meeting: Ron and Laura Briggs, James Kirk, Chris Griffin, Syed Ahmad, Donnie, Tony, Cara H., Resident, Diagnostics’ iPhone, 856-986-0897, and Jennifer Lynott (Communications & Events Coordinator).

 

Approval of the (Agenda Item 3):

Ms. DuBois requested the addition of 2 items to the agenda, the appointment of Mr. Adam White to the Watershed Advisory Committee (WAC), and the discussion of a Development Advisory Committee Charter amendment.

Mr. Bruening made a motion to add item 4E (WAC appointment) 7D (Development Advisory Committee Charter) and to approve the agenda as amended. Mr. Combs seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 4-0

 

Administrative Items

Announcement of Executive Session (Agenda Item 4A)

None

 

June 13, 2023, Minutes (Agenda Item 4B)

 

Mr. Bruening made a motion to approve the Minutes from the June 13, 2023, meeting. Mr. Combs seconded the motion. The motion passed with unanimous consent. 4-0

 

Board of Directors’ Calendar (Agenda Item 4C):

Ms. DuBois proposed changing the dates of the September and October Board of Directors meetings so as not to conflict with the Plan Howard Academy classes. The September meeting would be moved from Tuesday, September 12 to Monday, September 11, and the October meeting would be moved from Tuesday, October 12 to Monday, October 11.

Mr. Bruening made a motion to move the September and October meeting dates as proposed. Mr. Combs seconded the motion. The motion passed with unanimous consent. 4-0

 

Syed Ahmad appointment to the Architectural Committee (Agenda Item 4D)

Mr. Bruening made a motion to appoint Mr. Ahmad to the Architectural Committee for a 2-year term. Mr. Mekelburg seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 4-0

 

Adam White appointment to the Watershed Advisory Committee (Agenda Item 4E)

Mr. Bruening made a motion to appoint Mr. White to the Watershed Advisory Committee. Mr. Combs seconded the motion. The motion passed with unanimous consent. 4-0

 

Resident Speak Out (Agenda Item 5)

None.

 

Old Business

HCPSS Transportation Policy (Agenda Item 6A)

Mr. Bruening provided some background information related to the new policy adopted by the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) to discontinue bus service to approximately 3,500 students for the upcoming school year, and he shared a summary of his testimony from the last Board of Education meeting. Mr. Bruening explained that residents of the Village of River Hill are particularly affected by the removal of bus service for several parts of the neighborhood. Due to the expanded non-transportation areas, students will now be required to walk over the Route 32 bridge and along sidewalks that are only 1-2 feet from the roadway in certain places. Mr. Bruening recommended that the RHCA Board of Directors send a letter of concern to the HCPSS Head of Transportation and all Board of Education members.

Mr. Bruening made a motion to have the RHCA Board send a letter expressing their concerns related to the HCPSS transportation policy to the Head of the Department of Transportation and to all Board of Education members. Mr. Imran seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 4-0

 

New Business

Q4 FY23 (Agenda Item 7A)

The report was unavailable as it has not yet been provided by RHCA’s accounting firm. It was suggested that the Board hold another meeting on July 27 via Zoom to review the financial statements at that time.

Mr. Bruening made a motion to hold a Board Meeting on Thursday, July 27, at 7 p.m. to review the Q4 FY23 financial statements. Mr. Mekelburg seconded the motion. The motion passed with unanimous consent. 4-0

 

Clarksville Commons Mixed Use Development (Agenda Item 7B)

Mr. Bruening shared his notes from the presentation made by Greenstone Ventures, LLC, II, at the 6/13 Board meeting and from the 7/6 Pre-Submission meeting that was held at Claret Hall. The process to get the zoning changed for the Mixed-Use Development is lengthy, and it includes a public hearing next year (date still TBD). During the Pre-Submission meeting, audience members expressed concerns about overcrowding at Clarksville Elementary School, cutting down specimen trees to make way for the development, the already limited amount of parking for patrons of Clarksville Commons, and increased traffic along Route 108. The question of why they plan to build apartments instead of condos was also posed. Greenstone Ventures had a weak response to the question. The RHCA Board will continue to monitor the proposed project as it has both pros and cons.

 

Open Meetings Policy (Agenda Item 7C)

Ms. DuBois and Mr. Bruening provided background about the previous Board of Directors’ policy to only allow Village of River Hill residents to receive notifications of and attend (remotely or in-person) RHCA Board Meetings, Architectural Committee Meetings, and other meetings pertaining to Village residents.

Mr. Bruening made a motion to rescind the Open Meetings Policy passed by the previous Board of Directors. Mr. Imran seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 4-0

 

Development Advisory Committee Charter Amendment (Agenda Item 7D)

A proposal to amend the Development Advisory Committee Charter was discussed, which seeks to allow for non-residents of the Village of River Hill to be a part of RHCA committees and/or workgroups. Mr. Bruening offered to draft the wording of the amendment and send it via email to the other Board members. Ms. DuBois suggested allowing Ex-Officio members to share their expertise with RHCA committees but not allow them to have voting privileges. Mr. Greenberg explained that the title of Ex Officio doesn’t pertain since the non-residents that may want to serve on various RHCA committees are not already holding an RHCA/CA office. Mr. Imran suggested that people that are interested in working with/on RHCA committees just be classified as volunteers.

 

Reports

Development Advisory Committee (Agenda Item 8Ai)

Mr. Imran and Mr. Mekelburg discussed developing a strategy and method to track the committee’s priorities and work efforts for various topics and projects related to development. They plan to advertise for more committee members through various communication channels including The Villager. Mr. Bruening mentioned that the County Council’s next public hearing on the General Plan (HoCo By Design) will be held on July 19 at 7 p.m. and that people can register to testify. Ms. DuBois recommended that the Board prioritize what they want to comment on and mentioned the opportunity to host a Town Hall in September if desired. Mr. Bruening suggested combining the Development Advisory items along with the Traffic & Safety Committee’s interests for a Town Hall in September. Mr. Mekelburg requested information and notes from past meetings related to specific projects that the Development Advisory and Traffic & Safety Committees had worked on recently.

 

Traffic & Safety Committee (Agenda Item 8Aii)

Mr. Combs and Ms. DuBois will set up a time to meet next week to determine what to focus on moving forward – primarily related to the noise barriers.

 

Watershed Advisory Committee (Agenda Item 8Aiii)

Ms. DuBois will contact River Hill High School and inquire about student interest and reactivating the committee.

 

Village Manager (Agenda Item 8B)

Ms. DuBois thanked the Board members for their strong presence and assistance with the very successful Independence Day Parade. She mentioned that she is open to their input on the event and how to make improvements for the future. Mr. Combs remarked that he’d like to see the school bands involved. Ms. DuBois mentioned that she is considering using shuttle buses next year to transport parade participants as needed, such as from the endpoint/reception area back to the schools to retrieve their cars, etc. She also made some good contacts with the 5th District Volunteer Fire Department and plans will be underway to work more collaboratively and hold events together.

 

Council Representative (Agenda Item 8C)

Mr. Greenberg reported that the CA Board will primarily be working on the Strategic Plan and will be looking closely at the last 5-year plan. They will also be working on the Ethics Policy. A Playground Pilot Study will get underway to form a general strategy for CA to make tot lot improvements and diversification throughout all of the Villages. Oakland Mills is the village that was selected for the pilot study, and each village can recommend someone to be a member of the workgroup that attends the 9 scheduled work sessions and report their findings. Mr. Bruening volunteered to represent River Hill and serve on the Playground Pilot Study workgroup committee. Mr. Greenberg also mentioned that the Columbia Gym will be undergoing a capital improvement renovation which is different than the annual Summer Shutdown. The work is expected to be completed during the first week of September. Mr. Bruening inquired about the additional funds that CA had available at the end of FY23. Mr. Greenberg stated that $3 million was transferred to the “Rainy Day” fund, which now has $8 million in it. Finally, the rate at which residents are assessed was discussed since the Annual Charge statements recently came out. Mr. Greenberg strongly recommended that residents talk to their mortgage companies to inquire whether the CA Annual Charge is escrowed or not. This is important for residents to know so that they’re not surprised when they receive the bill in the mail from CA each year in early July.

 

Board Chairperson (Agenda Item 8D)

Mr. Bruening shared that he greatly enjoyed the sense of community involvement, diversity of the community, and the “organized chaos” that makes the annual Independence Day Parade so successful.

 

Board Speak Out (Agenda Item 9)

Mr. Imran thanked Mr. Bruening for his leadership and patience as the new Board members settle into their positions.

 

Adjournment (Agenda Item 10)

At 9:29 p.m., Mr. Mekelburg made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Combs seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 4-0

June 13, 2023 Board Minutes

River Hill Board of Directors

Meeting Minutes

June 13, 2023

 

Opening (Agenda Item 2):

Mr. Bruening called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. The meeting was held remotely via Zoom. The following members attended: Kevin Bruening, Mark Combs, Moe Imran, and Rob Mekelburg. Renee DuBois (Village Manager) and Eric Greenberg (CA Representative) were present. The following guests attended the meeting: George and Holly Stone (Greenstone Ventures), Dr. Corinne Happel (Neighbors for Buses), and Jennifer Lynott (Communications & Events Coordinator).

 

Approval of the (Agenda Item 3):

 

Mr. Bruening made a motion to approve the agenda. Mr. Imran seconded the motion. The motion passed. 4-0

 

Administrative Items

Announcement of Executive Session (Agenda Item 4A)

Executive Session held on May 23, 2023, for personnel matters and legal matters.

 

May 23, 2023, Minutes (Agenda Item 4B)

 

Mr. Bruening made a motion to approve the Minutes from the May 23, 2023, meeting. Mr. Combs seconded the motion. The motion passed with unanimous consent 4-0.

 

Leslie Barnett, CA Presentation (Agenda Item 4C):

None.

 

George Stone/Clarksville Commons Presentation (Agenda Item 4D)

Mr. and Mrs. Stone shared their vision for the development of Phase 2 of Clarksville Commons. The plan is to have mixed use residential and commercial on the approximate 3.5-acre parcel. A pre-submission community meeting will be held on Thursday, July 6 at Claret Hall. Following that meeting, an application for the change in zoning will be submitted to Howard County’s Department of Planning and Zoning. The Stones’ goal is to begin construction by the end of 2024.

 

Resident Speak Out (Agenda Item 5)

None.

 

Old Business

HCPSS Transportation Policy (Agenda Item 6A)

Dr. Corinne Happel spoke about HCPSS’ Policy 5200 which cancels bus service for approximately 3,500 children beginning this fall. Dr. Happel, a resident of Ellicott City, has already spoken to several groups as both a parent and Board-Certified Pediatrician regarding the lack of transparency by the HCPSS Board of Education in making this decision. It affects all families with children in HCPSS, not just those that have had bus service cancelled. Dr. Happel encourages residents to express their concerns over Policy 5200 by speaking out during the Public Forum period at HCPSS Board of Education meetings and via email to transportation@hcpss.org. She also encourages residents to follow the “Neighbors4Buses” group on Facebook, which is called “Neighbors Buses” at https://www.facebook.com/groups/2481593048731404/user/100091637506253/. For additional information, email neighbors4buses@gmail.com.

 

Mr. Greenberg pointed out that by passing Policy 5200, HCPSS has created a liability issue for Columbia Association by necessitating students to rely on CA pathways to use for their walking routes. CA Pathways are unlit, and with the new non-transportation areas, students would likely be walking to school in the dark and on potentially icy, unsafe pathways at certain times of the year. Mr. Greenberg stated that CA will need to discuss this at an upcoming CA Board of Directors meeting.

 

Mr. Bruening made a motion to have the RHCA Board draft a letter expressing their concerns related to the HCPSS transportation policy. Mr. Mekelburg seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 4-0

 

New Business (Agenda Item 7A)

None.

 

Reports

Development Advisory Committee (Agenda Item 8Ai)

Mr. Imran and Mr. Mekelburg requested a definition of parameters for the committee. Mr. Bruening offered to share pertinent background information and links to the various Howard County departments such as DAP (Design Advisory Panel), CC (County Council) and more.

 

Traffic & Safety Committee (Agenda Item 8Aii)

Mr. Combs requested a history of the previous Board’s work to request sound barriers for River Hill. Mr. Bruening offered to share past correspondence from RHCA to Howard County. Ms. DuBois agreed to arrange a meeting with the past Chair of the RHCA Board, Mr. James Kirk, to obtain the necessary background information and to continue the sound studies. Ms. DuBois pointed out that the Board can draft a letter regarding transportation priorities to be submitted to Howard County Government each year. She also stated that Senator Guy Guzzone should be contacted about River Hill’s request for sound barriers.

 

Watershed Advisory Committee (Agenda Item 8Aiii)

Ms. DuBois will contact River Hill High School and inquire about student interest and reactivating the committee.

 

Village Manager (Agenda Item 8B)

Ms. DuBois that the personal property tax return has been filed. She also discussed the energy cooperative that CA uses for all the villages for cost savings. Ms. DuBois also shared the Mr. Jian Ni submitted his resignation from the RHCA Board of Directors effective June 15, 2023, so plans need to be made to appoint a new Board member.

 

Council Representative (Agenda Item 8C)

Mr. Greenberg reported that he and Andy Stack (Owen Brown’s CA Representative) will co-chair the CA Board of Directors this year. Mr. Stack will serve as the Board Chair through October, and Mr. Greenberg will serve as the Board Chair from November through April 30, 2024. Their focus will be on the search for a new CA President and the strategic plan. He also shared that all 23 of CA’s pool are open and staffed for the summer. Mr. Greenberg discussed the current plans for Howard Hughes Corporation to continue building residential units in downtown Columbia and queried, “Where are the schools to support all these units?”. The response from Howard Hughes Corporation is “Kids don’t live in these units.”

 

Board Chairperson (Agenda Item 8D)

None.

 

Board Speak Out (Agenda Item 9)

Mr. Imran requested consistent formatting for the Board’s signature line for emails. Ms. DuBois clarified that the signatures should include River Hill Community Association and not River Hill Village. Mr. Combs shared ideas to fill the vacant seat on the Board and Ms. DuBois explained that the spot will be advertised in The Villager and electronic notifications to the community. The Board agreed that letters of interest would be accepted, and candidates interviewed at the August 22 Board of Directors meeting. Mr. Mekelburg and Mr. Imran expressed their interest in interviewing students that applied to be on the RHCA Teen Advisory Committee.

 

Adjournment (Agenda Item 10)

At 10:02 p.m., Mr. Combs made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Bruening seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 4-0

May 23, 2023 Board Minutes

River Hill Board of Directors

Meeting Minutes

May 23, 2023

 

Opening (Agenda Item 1):

Mr. Bruening called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. The meeting was held in person at Claret Hall. The following members attended: Kevin Bruening, Mark Combs, Moe Imran, and Rob Mekelburg. Renee DuBois (Village Manager) was present. The following guests attended the meeting: Leslie Barnett (Assistant Director of Programs & Services, Columbia Association) and Jennifer Lynott (Communications & Events Coordinator).

 

Approval of the (Agenda Item 2):

 

Mr. Combs made a motion to approve the agenda. Mr. Mekelburg seconded the motion. The motion passed. 4-0

 

Ms. Leslie Barnett presented information on behalf of the Columbia Association. She shared that there are several art exhibits, multicultural events, live webcams set up at the Lakefront for the Lakefront Live series, a food truck schedule for the outdoor pools, a Community Chess Day and much more.

 

Administrative Items

Announcement of Executive Session (Agenda Item 4A)

Executive Session held on April 26, 2023, subject to Section 11B-111 (4) (i) Discussions of matters pertaining to employees and personnel, and (iv) Consultation with staff personnel, consultants, attorneys, board members, or other persons in connection with pending or potential litigation or other legal matters.

 

April 25, 2023, and May 4, 2023, Minutes (Agenda Item 4B)

 

Mr. Bruening made a motion to approve the Minutes from the April 25, 2023, meeting. Mr. Combs seconded the motion. The motion passed with unanimous consent 4-0.

 

Mr. Bruening made a motion to approve the Minutes from the May 4, 2023, meeting. Mr. Combs seconded the motion. The motion passed with unanimous consent 4-0.

 

Board of Directors Calendar Correction (Agenda Item 4C):

Ms. DuBois explained that there was an error on the FY24 Board Meeting Calendar and that March 11, 2024, is a Monday, so the meeting should be moved to March 12 in order for it to occur on a Tuesday as regularly planned.

 

Mr. Bruening made a motion to accept the change of date for the March Board of Directors meeting from Monday, March 11, 2024, to Tuesday, March 12, 2024. Mr. Imran seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 4-0

 

Committee/Liaison Assignments (Agenda Item 4D)

See Below

 

Resident Speak Out (Agenda Item 5)

None.

 

Old Business

FY24 Budget (Agenda Item 6A)

Ms. DuBois explained the changes to the FY24 Budget which include changing the audit fee and raising it to $10,000 per CA’s direction. She also discussed the possibility of RHCA qualifying for employee retention tax credits and that she would be doing some research. Additionally, Ms. DuBois discussed the new rates proposed for facility rentals which increase the rental cost to customers.

 

Mr. Combs made a motion to approve the revised FY24 Budget. Mr. Mekelburg seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 4-0

 

Mr. Combs made a motion to approve the new rental rates. Mr. Mekelburg seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 4-0

 

Q1 FY23 (Agenda Item 6B)

Ms. DuBois explained that the Q1 FY23 financial statements needed to be changed in order to make a category correction for checks.

 

Mr. Combs made a motion to approve the revised Q1 FY23 financial statement. Mr. Imran seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 4-0

 

Q2 FY23 (Agenda Item 6C)

Ms. DuBois explained that the Q2 FY23 financial statements needed revision due to the continuing “clean-up” process as described in Agenda Item 6B.

 

Mr. Combs made a motion to approve the revised Q2 FY23 financial statement. Mr. Imran seconded the motion. The motion passed with unanimous consent. 4-0

 

New Business

Q3 FY23 (Agenda Item 7A)

 

Mr. Combs made a motion to approve the Q3 FY23 financial statement. Mr. Imran seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 4-0

 

Ratify April 2023 Election Results (Agenda Item 7B)

Mr. Imran made a motion to approve/accept the election results from the April 2023 Village Elections. Mr. Combs seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 4-0

 

April 2024 Annual Meeting (Voting) Date & Hours, Place, and Quorum (Agenda Item 7C)

Ms. DuBois stated that Village Elections will be held on April 20, 2024, with voting taking place at Claret Hall from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ms. DuBois explained that the second meeting, if necessary due to the quorum of 172 not being met, will be held on May 7, 2024.

 

Mr. Combs made a motion to approve the notice of quorum. Mr. Mekelburg seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously 4-0

 

HCPSS Transportation Policy Open House (Agenda Item 7D)

Tabled. Item will be placed on the next meeting agenda as Old Business.

 

Board Training (Agenda Item 7E)

Ms. DuBois stated that 5-10 minutes at every Board of Directors meeting will be set aside for training.

 

Reports

Development Advisory Committee (Agenda Item 8Ai)

Mr. Imran and Mr. Mekelburg will co-chair the Development Advisory Committee.

 

Traffic & Safety Committee (Agenda Item 8Aii)

Mr. Combs will chair the Traffic & Safety Committee which includes the Association’s studies and requests for sound barriers along Route 32 and police enforcement of speeding violations and modified car engines.

 

Watershed Advisory Committee (Agenda Item 8Aiii)

Ms. DuBois will contact River Hill High School and inquire about student interest and reactivating the committee.

 

Village Manager (Agenda Item 8B)

No report.

 

Council Representative (Agenda Item 8C)

None. Mr. Greenberg was absent from the meeting, but he will send a report via email to the entire Board of Directors.

 

Board Chairperson (Agenda Item 8D)

Mr. Bruening provided a summary of Mr. Greenberg’s report.

Board Speak Out (Agenda Item 9)

Mr. Mekelburg stated that he is concerned about the plan to fill in the pond and build a development at the Scott Property along South Trotter Road. Mr. Combs has questions about the formula used by CA to determine each Village’s assessment share.

 

Adjournment (Agenda Item 10)

At 9:45 p.m., Mr. Bruening made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Mekelburg seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 4-0