March 18, 2013 Meeting Minutes

Todd Harrison, Board Chair, called the regularly scheduled meeting to order at 7:07 p.m., on March 18, 2013, at Claret Hall, 6020 Daybreak Circle, Clarksville, MD 21029.  Members present were Tony Miceli, Dipper Wettstein and Liyan Zhang. Kaede Johnson (Student Member) and Susan Smith (Village Manager) were present.  DengFeng Liu and Michael Cornell (Council Representative) joined the meeting at 7:09 p.m. Kenny Kan and Tiffany Kan (Student Member) joined the meeting at 7:34 p.m. Jenny Chu was absent.

 A list of attendees is on file with the Minutes.

Approval of the Agenda (Agenda 2):
Mr. Harrison made a motion to approve the Agenda as presented.  Mr. Wettstein seconded the motion. The motion passed (4-0-0) (Student Advisory Vote – 1 in favor).

Administrative Items (Agenda 3):
The March 4, 2013 minutes were tabled. 

Resident Speak Out (Agenda 4):
None

7400 and 7450 Grace Drive Rezoning Request (Agenda 5):
W. Brian McGowan, representative for W.R. Grace & Co., explained the company’s request to change the zoning of the two properties from R-ED zoning to PEC zoning.  The homes on these properties have been removed and a change in zoning will bring the zoning in line with the other properties owned by Grace.  Grace is currently erecting a 90,000sq.ft. 3-story, office building which is expected to be completed in spring 2014, weather permitting.  Mr. McGowan explained that the 66+ acre parcel located to the west of the main facility (backing to River Hill properties on Quiet Night Ride) has been for sale for the last 5 years and that within the last 6 months there has been some interest by potential buyers.  This parcel is zoned PEC.

7410 Grace Drive Rezoning Request (Agenda 6):
Rajneesh Kathuria, Managing Partner of Bistro Blanc restaurant, and Sang Oh, counsel representing the Chesapeake Conference Association of 7^th Day Adventists explained that the Conference Association is seeking to sell the 3 acre property.  Bistro Blanc is interested in purchasing the property to construct a 3-story Class B office building and relocate the restaurant to the first floor.  Therefore, a change in zoning from R-ED to POR is being requested.  The location’s proximity to MD 32 is an asset. Access to the site will not change.  However, the sewer and water infrastructure that has been installed may need to be redone.  There was discussion of permitted uses in the POR zone.  Mr. Oh indicated that the property owners will consider a separate agreement with the Community Association to exclude specific uses.

John Powell, Administrator, Howard County Office of Transportation (Agenda 7):
Mr. Powell explained the role of the new Office of Transportation.  He explained that a new agency, the Regional Transit Agency of Central Maryland, is being formed that is expected to result in cost savings and improved services.  The Board discussed the need for improvements to bike and pedestrian accessibility along MD 108.  Mr. Powell indicated that changes in regulations are being considered that would result in the State Highway Administration being more proactive.  He also indicated that Howard County hopes to obtain funding from the Transportation Fun for bike, pedestrian, and mass transit improvements.  The need for bus service to River Hill was discussed.  Mr. Powell indicated that the routes are being reconsidered and routes west of MD 29 are being evaluated.  He also discussed Bus Rapid Transit from Sykesville/Clarksville to Gateway Corporate Park and the Fort Meade area.

Senate Bill 794 (Agenda 8A):
Mr. Wettstein made a motion to ratify the email votes approving the letter sent to the Maryland Senate’s Judicial Proceedings Committee regarding Senate Bill 794.  Mr. Kan seconded the motion.  The motion passed (6-0-0).  (Student Advisory Votes – 2 in favor.)  A copy of the votes and the letter send are on file with the original minutes.

Village Center Master Plan Committee – Update (Agenda 9A):
Robert Runser, Chairperson, presented recommendations for the Draft Village Center Master Plan public comment period.  A copy of the proposal is on file with the original minutes.  Mr. Kan made a motion to approve the proposal for the Public Comment Period steps 1 – 7 as presented.  Mr. Miceli seconded the motion.  The motion passed (6-0-0) (Student Advisory Vote – 2 in favor).

Mr. Wettstein made a motion to use the Draft v4 (revised) version and Executive Summary for the Public Comment Period.  Mr. Kan seconded the motion.  The motion passed (6-0-0) (Student Advisory Votes – 2 in favor).  Staff will coordinate with Mr. Runser to publicize the comment period and have copies available for review.

RHCA Events – Health Fair Update (Agenda 9B):
Athena Kan provided an update on the Health Fair being co-sponsored with CHOICE.  She reported that 600 letters had been sent out to providers and potential sponsors.  To date the following had committed to sponsorships:  Capitol One, Walgreens, ReMax, and River Hill Optical.

Council Corner Articles (Agenda 9C):
The Board discussed Mr. Levine’s input on the January 2013 Council Corner article.  Mr. Miceli made a motion to have the Village Manager include an article in the newsletter commenting briefly on the January 2013 column and to have staff develop a method enabling residents to comment about future Council Corner columns online.  Mr. Kan seconded the motion.  The motion passed (6-0-0) (Student Advisory Votes – 2 in favor).

Executive Session (Agenda 10):
At 8:45 p.m., Mr. Kan made a motion to move into Executive Session for a discussion of personnel and legal matters.  Mr. Liu seconded the motion.  The motion passed (6-0-0).  Kaede Johnson and Tiffany Kan left the meeting. 

At 9:05 p.m., Mr. Wettstein made a motion to end the Executive Session.  Mr. Zhang seconded the motion. The motion passed (6-0-0). 

Kaede Johnson and Tiffany Kan returned to the meeting.

FY14 Draft Budget (Agenda 11A):
Mr. Kan and Mrs. Smith reviewed the draft budget. Mr. Kan mane a motion to approve the draft budget with and adjustment to the staff salary line (9) to $221,000. Mr. Wettstein seconded the motion.  The motion passed (6-0-0) (Student Advisory Votes – 2 in favor).

 Ms. Smith will incorporate this change and the draft budget will be made available for public comment.

Manager’s Report (Agenda 10A):
The written report is on file with the minutes.  It was the consensus of the Board to revisit the rezoning requests for the Grace Drive properties at the April 22^nd meeting.  The Board asked that staff notify residents of the requests and the upcoming Planning Board Hearings.

Board Chair Report (Agenda 12B):
None

Council Representative Report (Agenda 12C):
Mr. Cornell reported the following:

• Inner Arbor Trust – The CA Board will be voting at their next meeting on the CA Board Members who will sit on the 501c (3) being created.  Six Members are running and 2 will be elected.  Two Resident Members will be appointed and Phil Nelson, CA’s President, will serve as the fifth member.
• Lake Kittamaqundi Pathway – The CA Board will be voting in April on which pathway option to install.  The least expensive option is closest to the Waterside townhouse community.  The most expensive option includes an elevated bridge.
• Tennis Bubble – The plans for a new tennis facility will be coming up for review.
• Dog Park – The Dog Park is moving forward.
• Aquatics – The Board is considering the 4 alternatives for enclosing a pool on the east side of Columbia.

Liaisons (Agenda 8D):
Mr. Johnson reported that the RHHS Yard Sale had fewer attendees than last year.

Mr. Johnson requested a copy of the Master Plan.

Board Speak out (Agenda 11):
None.

Adjournment (Agenda 11):
Mr. Wettstein made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:42 p.m.  Mr. Kan seconded the motion.  The motion passed (6-0-0). (Student Advisory Votes – 2 in favor.)

Minutes submitted by: Susan M. Smith, Village Manager

Minutes Approved:  April 22, 2013