January 3, 2011 Board Minutes

Frank Saletel, Vice Chair, called a regular meeting of the River Hill Village Board to order at 7:06 p.m., on January 3, 2011, at Claret Hall, 6020 Daybreak Circle, Clarksville, MD 21029. Members present were Trevor Greene, Todd Harrison, Tony Miceli, and Asmi Panigrahi. Michael Cornell, Council Representative, was present. Susan Smith, Village Manager, was present. Mr. Harrison departed the meeting at 7:50 p.m.

Approval of the Agenda (Agenda 2):
Ms. Panigrahi made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Mr. Greene seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously (5-0-0).

Resident Speak Out (Agenda 3):
None.

Ian Kennedy, Deputy Chief of Staff to the County Executive (Agenda 4):
Mr. Greene provided an overview of the River Hill Bicycle Lane Proposal (on file with the original minutes). Mr. Greene emphasized the need for improved connections within the village as well as with the rest of Columbia and the County. These needs have risen to the forefront as a result of the work of the Association’s Traffic and Safety and Master Plan Committees, MD 32 expansion plans, the use of the Ten Oaks Ballroom as a transportation hub, and concerns about the impact that BRAC will have on transportation. The Association has identified Great Star Drive as the Association’s highest priority for bike lanes. Mr. Greene explained that the Columbia Association (CA) has capital funds for the construction of an open space amenity in the village. The Village Board expressed a desire to reallocate these funds to enable the installation of bike lanes and directional signage along Great Star Drive.

Mr. Kennedy explained that it is the County’s policy to evaluate roadways for bike lanes when repaving is scheduled to be done e.g., Steven’s Forest Road. Unfortunately, funds for repaving are limited. The County is in the process of drafting bike lane regulations. Mr. Cornell noted that CA is going to be looking at its pathway/bicycle system comprehensively. The development of a county-wide bike network, a connection across the Middle Patuxent River through the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area, connections to the village center, the need for bike racks, and the creation of a working group/steering committee were discussed. Mr. Kennedy will investigate the implementation of the concept presented by the Board. On January 24, the Village Board will be meeting with Councilperson Sigaty, Phil Nelson (CA), and Mark DeLuca (DPW) to discuss these matters.

New Business (Agenda 5): None

Old Business (Agenda 6):
A. Apiary Legislation – The Board discussed CB 55-2010. Mr. Green made a motion that the Board send a letter to the County Council clarifying the Village Board’s position regarding CB 55-2010 with reference to the written testimony presented to the Planning Board. Ms. Panigrahi seconded the motion. The motion passed (4-0-0).

Executive Session (Agenda 7): At 8 p.m. Mr. Saletel made a motion to close the meeting for the purpose personnel matters, potential litigation, and terms or conditions of business transactions in the negotiation stage. Mr. Greene seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously (4-0-0). At 8:10 p.m. Mr. Green made a motion to adjourn the Executive Session. Mr. Miceli seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously (4-0-0)

Reports (Agenda 8):
A. Village Manager – Ms. Smith distributed correspondence from Kimco Realty. The Board discussed the CA FY12 budget testimony. It was the consensus of the Board to include the following items in the testimony: improvements to the exterior doors and countertops at Claret Hall, the reallocation of funds for a community playground to bike lanes, and support for the master plan position. The Hobbits Glen Clubhouse was discussed. Improvements have been made to the fairways, greens, bunkers, and sprinklers, yet membership has decreased by 50% in recent years. Mr. Cornell noted that in order to attract users to the course, the clubhouse has to be improved. However, the source of funding for replacement or renovation of the clubhouse has not yet been decided. Funding options may include increased fees to golfers and/or increased capital outlays. He noted that staff is investigating the possible use of an external firm to manage the golf course.
B. Chairperson – None.
C. Council Representative – Mr. Cornell noted that the CA Board had recently met with the County Delegation. CA is looking for opportunities to work collaboratively with the State and the County. He noted that CA is reviewing and providing input on the downtown Columbia sign and design guidelines.
D. Liaisons – Mr. Miceli reported that he and Mr. Runser have been meeting with merchants and will prepare a summary. He stressed the importance of meeting with Kimco Realty and identified issues with security and facility improvements that the merchants have been raising. Ms. Panigrahi reported that the Teen Advisory Committee will be meeting on January 10 and that plans are underway for the TAC to obtain volunteers to help with the School’s Out event. Ms. Panigrahi will follow-up with the Committee about writing articles for The Villager. Mr. Miceli and Ms. Panigrahi will draft language for a by-law amendment to permit up to two (2) teen members on the Village Board.

Board Speak Out (Agenda 9):
None.

Adjournment (Agenda 10):
Mr. Greene made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:15 p.m. Ms. Panigrahi seconded the motion. The motion passed (4-0-0).

Minutes submitted by: Susan M. Smith, Village Manager

Minutes Approved: January 24, 2011

Action Items
January 3, 2011

Village Board
* Frank/Village Manager will coordinate letter to County Council regarding CB55-2010.

Village Manager
* Provide Ian Kennedy with list of streets requiring tree pruning
* Provide Ian Kennedy with electronic version of bike proposal
* Draft testimony on CA’s FY12 budget and circulate for comment
* Present testimony at CA Budget Hearing on 1/20/11
* Provide McDonald’s owner with website/newsletter link

Facilities Coordinator
* Coordinate with Easy Method regarding lease renewal

Covenant Advisor

Events/Newsletter Coordinator

Other