December 4, 2017 Minutes

River Hill Board of Directors

Meeting Minutes

December 4, 2017

Opening (Agenda 1):

Harjeet Singh Jandu, Board Vice Chair, called the Board meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. The following members were in attendance: Renee DuBois, Tony Miceli, and Liyan Zhang. Dalia Shlash arrived at 7:11 p.m. Yamini Ananth and Cindy Tian, Student Members, Eva Lambright, Covenant Advisor, and Susan Smith, Village Manager, were in attendance. The following Board Members were absent: Robert Choi and Richard Thomas. Chao Wu, Columbia Council Representative, was absent. Ms. Lambright left the meeting at 7:35 p.m. Ms. Ananth and Ms. Tian left the meeting at 8:41 p.m.

Approval of the Agenda (Agenda 2):

Mr. Jandu made a motion to amend the agenda to modify Executive Session (Agenda Item 5) to Potential Litigation matters only and to remove the Council Representative’s Report (Agenda Item 8C) and substitute Executive Session – Personnel Matters in its place.  Mr. Zhang seconded the motion. The motion passed (5-0-0). Student Advisory Votes – in favor (2).

Administrative Items (Agenda 3):

Ms. DuBois made a motion to approve the November 6, 2017 Minutes as submitted. Mr. Miceli seconded the motion. The motion passed (5-0-0).

Resident Speak Out (Agenda 4):

David Elsaesser (Whistling Winds Walk) spoke out about the Erickson Living proposal. He noted that the extension of Linden Linthicum Lane across MD 108 and the addition of a signal is a valuable change. He does not support the relocation of the Sheppard Lane intersection to the west. He noted this change benefits the development of the Garden Center property, not the Erickson project, and the angle of Sheppard Lane with MD 108 is still not ideal as a 90-degree angle will be safer. He expressed concern about the extra phases that will be needed at this light and the resulting increased wait time for vehicles. He questioned who in the County is advocating for the community and stated that this project is piecemeal zoning and should really be a part of comprehensive zoning.

Executive Session – Potential Litigation (Agenda 5):

Mr. Miceli made a motion to move into Executive Session to discuss potential litigation at 7:25 p.m. Mr. Zhang seconded the motion. The motion passed (5-0-0). Ms. Ananth and Ms. Tian left the room for this portion of the meeting.

Mr. Jandu made a motion to end the Executive Session at 7:35 p.m. Ms. DuBois seconded the motion. The motion passed (5-0-0). Ms. Ananth and Ms. Tian returned to the room.

Erickson at Limestone Valley Project (Agenda 6A):

In preparation for the Design Advisory Panel (DAP) meeting on December 6, the Board reviewed the draft input (a copy is on file with the original minutes) and discussed the project including the incorporation of a community playground, the need for the road enhancements to be completed during the first phase of construction, and the value of the proposed Linden Linthicum Lane extension and signal. Ms. DuBois made a motion that she and Mr. Miceli collaborate to amend the draft and that it be reviewed by the Board prior to submittal to the DAP.  Mr. Miceli seconded the motion. The motion passed (5-0-0). Student Advisory Votes – in favor (2).

River Hill Square Development (Agenda 7A):

In preparation for the DAP meeting on December 13, the Board discussed the feedback from the February 8, 2017 DAP meeting and the revised plans. Concerns raised included: the need for an improved (visual and physical) buffer with the residential areas, noise buffering, the necessity of the right-out exit, and the need to move the buildings towards MD 108. Ms. DuBois made a motion that based on the discussion, she and Mr. Miceli prepare written input outlining the Board’s concerns and that it be reviewed by the Board prior to submittal to the DAP. Ms. Shlash seconded the motion. The motion passed (5-0-0). Student Advisory Votes – in favor (2).

Committee Reports (Agenda 8A):

i. Teen Advisory Committee – Ms. Ananth and Ms. Tian reported on the success of the Breakfast with Santa event. They explained that the Teen Advisory Committee has decided to hold a Bob Ross Paint Night in March.

ii. Ad hoc Playground Committee – Ms. Shlash reported that the community meeting to solicit input on the tot lot locations has been re-scheduled to January 18 at 6 p.m. at Claret Hall.

iii. Development Advisory Committee – No additional information.

iv. Traffic and Safety Committee – Mr. Miceli reported that the committee is trying to schedule a meeting with the State Highway Administration. He also made the Board aware of the issue with vehicles using the right turn lane onto Linden Linthicum Lane to continue through on MD 108.

v. Watershed Advisory Committee – None.

Village Manager Report (Agenda 8B):

A written report is on file with the original minutes. Ms. Smith informed the Board that she will be meeting with key personnel from CA’s Department of Open Space and Facility Services on December 6. Ms. Smith reported that selections for the flooring, countertop, and cabinets for the Meeting Room kitchenette renovations have been submitted to CA and the work is scheduled for February. To minimize the loss of revenue during February, staff has been working with the multi-use renters to relocate their uses to Claret Hall.

Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Agenda 8C):

Mr. Jandu made a motion at 8:41 p.m. to move into Executive Session for discussion of personnel matters. Mr. Zhang seconded the motion. The motion passed (5-0-0). Ms. Ananth and Ms. Tian left the meeting at this time.

Ms. DuBois made a motion to move out of Executive Session and adjourn the meeting at 8:58 p.m. Mr. Zhang seconded the motion. The motions passed (5-0-0).

Board Speak Out (Agenda 9):

None.

Submitted by: Susan M. Smith, Village Manager

Minutes Approved:  January 9, 2018