February 10, 2014 Minutes

Kenny Kan, Board Chair, called the regularly scheduled meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. on February 10, 2014, at Claret Hall, 6020 Daybreak Circle, Clarksville, MD 21029.  Members present were Melissa Bradshaw, Jenny Chu, Deng Feng Liu, and Liyan Zhang.  Tiffany Kan, Student Member, Michael Cornell Columbia Council Representative, and Susan Smith, Village Manager, were present.  Kathy Chavers arrived at 7:20 p.m. Dipper Wettstein was absent. A list of attendees is on file with the Minutes.

Approval of the Agenda (Agenda 2):
Mr. Cornell made a motion to approve the agenda as submitted.  Mr. Liu seconded the motion. The motion passed (5-0-0) Student Advisory Vote – in favor).

Administrative Items (Agenda 3):
Mr. Cornell made a motion to approve the Minutes from the January 6, 2014 meeting. Ms. Bradshaw seconded the motion.  The motion passed (4-0-1) (Student Advisory Vote – in favor).

Resident Speak Out (Agenda 4):
None – Ms. Lu and Mr. Snow will speak under Agenda Item 5C and Mr. Rahwanji will speak under Agenda Item 5A.

River Hill Garden Center Variance Petition (Agenda 5B):
Mr. Runser introduced Richard Smith, a resident of Clearview Estates, who has been coordinating the opposition to the variance petition.  Mr. Runser provided an update on the status and reviewed the draft letter (copy included with the original minutes) outlining the process that the Board has taken regarding testimony.  Mr. Runser also reviewed a revised version of the Master Plan Committee’s (MPC) testimony and a consolidated version of the MPC and River Hill Garden Center Committee’s testimony (copies included with the original minutes).

Mr. Kan made a motion to: authorize Robert Runser and Richard Smith to submit the letter to the Hearing Examiner outlining the process; authorize Robert Runser to make a decision on which testimony to give pending the Hearing Examiner’s response; and authorize Robert, Dipper Wettstein, and Susan Smith to finalize the draft MPC testimony and consolidated version of the testimony. Mr. Kan asked for Board comments to be submitted to Ms. Smith by close of business on Wednesday, February 5 in order for the letters to be finalized by close of business on Friday, February 14. Ms. Bradshaw seconded the motion.  The motion passed (5-0-0) (Student Advisory Vote – in favor).

Comprehensive Zoning/Development Update (Agenda 5C):
Brian Snow and Shun Lu, both Clarksville residents and representatives of the group Clarksville Residents Against Mortuary (CRAM), spoke about the Comprehensive Zoning process, the Donaldson Funeral Home, and the Hoddinott property.  They discussed the public safety, traffic, cultural, and environmental impacts of these projects.  CRAM had been working with other groups to force a referendum on these and other recent zoning changes. Mr. Snow and Ms. Lu -reported that the Howard County Board of Elections has determined that the petition is not valid due to ambiguous text.  The group is objecting to this. Senator Alan Kittleman and Delegate Liz Bobo have expressed concern and are investigating whether the decision made by the Board of Elections can be addressed at the state level. They also reported that CRAM is appealing the decision approving the Conditional Use for the funeral home to the Court of Appeals.

It was the consensus of the Board to include an update on these matters in the March newsletter.  Mr. Snow and Ms. Lu will provide their input to Ms. Smith by Tuesday, February 18.

Simpson Oaks Development – Advisory Committee Update (Agenda 5A):
Ms. Chavers reported on the Simpson Oaks Advisory Committee meeting held on February 6.  She noted that Sang Oh attended the meeting and had noted that the developer does not see a benefit to annexation.  She and Mr. Kan discussed the potential for school capacity concerns at Atholton High School. Mr. Sy Rahwanji, 6445 Quite Night Ride, expressed concerns regarding the traffic that would be generated by the development and estimated that 1,700 trips/day would be generated.  He is concerned that this will place a burden on the entire community.

Mr. Kan made a motion authorizing Mr. Rahwanji, Ms. Chavers, and Mr. Kan to work on drafting a simple letter for the Zoning Board Hearing on February 19 that would outline the general concerns and to appoint Ms. Chavers and Mr. Rahwanji to represent the Association on the 19^th.  Ms. Chavers seconded the motion.  The motion passed (6-0-0) (Student Advisory Vote – in favor).

Maryland Common Ownership Community Managers Act (Agenda 5D):
Ms. Smith provided an update on the draft legislation.  Ms. Bradshaw made a motion in favor of the village community associations hiring an outside lobbyist, if needed, and to request the use of Contingency Fund.  Ms. Chavers seconded the motion.  The motion passed (6-0-0). (Student Advisory Vote – In favor).

RHCA 990 & 990T (Agenda 6A):
Mr. Cornell made a motion to approve the 990 and 990T as presented.  Ms. Bradshaw seconded the motion.  The motion passed (6-0-0) (Student Advisory Vote – In favor).

Free Use Request (Agenda 6B):
Mr. Cornell made a motion to approve a free use of Claret Hall by the Howard County Association for the Deaf.  Ms. Bradshaw seconded the motion.  The motion failed (0-6-0) (Student Advisory Vote – opposed).

Executive Session (Agenda 7):
At 8:45 p.m. Mr. Cornell made a motion to move into Executive Session for the purpose of legal matters.  Mr. Liu seconded the motion.  The motion passed (6-0-0).

Ms. Chu made the motion to adjourn the Executive Session at 8:50 p.m.  Ms. Chavers seconded the motion.  The motion passed ((6-0-0).

Manager’s Report (Agenda 8A):
A written report is on file with the original Minutes.  It was the consensus of the Board to include the following items on the March 3 agenda:  Simpson Oaks Advisory Committee Update, presentation on CA’s Strategic Plan, and a meeting with representative(s) from the Howard County Business Association. Ms. Smith made the Board aware of N2 Publishing’s plans to publish the River Hill Living magazine beginning in May. .

Board Chair Report (Agenda 8B):
None.

Council Representative’s Report (Agenda 8C):
Mr. Cornell Reported on:

• CA Presidential search;
• CA Budget – CA Board will have to prioritize projects e.g., new indoor pool vs new tennis facility;
• Inner Arbor Trust – received 501(c)3 designation by the IRS;
• Lake Kittamaqundi – pathway to be completed in the fall;
• Petite Louis – opened at the Lakefront;
• Compensation Study – 43 positions are being recommended to be raised to the minimum level; $330,000 budgeted and only anticipate $115,000 will have to be used;
• Hobbits Glen Turn House – due to cost ($350,000 – $500,000), the turn house has been removed from the construction budget; CA staff is considering the use of Category III funds.

Liaisons/Student Members (Agenda 8D):
Ms. Kan reported that River Hill High School will hold its annual yard sale on March 22, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. and asked for the Association’s help publicizing the event.

Board Speak Out (Agenda 10):
None.

Adjournment (Agenda 8):
Ms. Chavers made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:19 p.m. Ms. Bradshaw seconded the motion.  The motion passed (6-0-0).

Minutes submitted by: Susan M. Smith, Village Manager

Minutes Approved:  March 3, 2014