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.