March 18, 2019 Minutes

River Hill Board of Directors

Meeting Minutes

March 18, 2019

 

 

Opening (Agenda 1):

Richard Thomas, Board Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. The following members were in attendance: Matt Levine, Angela Ling, Tony Miceli, and Adam White. Cindy Tian, Student Member, and Susan Smith, Village Manager, were present. Yamini Ananth arrived at 7:06 p.m. Renee DuBois, Council Representative, arrived at 8:30 p.m. Harjeet Jandu and Dalia Shlash were absent.

 

Approval of the Agenda (Agenda 2):

Mr. Levine made a motion to approve the agenda as submitted. Ms. Ling seconded the motion. The motion passed (5-0-0). Student Advisory Vote – in favor (1).

 

Administrative Items (Agenda 3):

Mr. Thomas made a motion to approve the March 4 , 2019 Minutes. Mr. Levine seconded the motion. The motion passed (5-0-0). Student Advisory Vote – in favor (1).

 

Robinson Overlook – Update (Woda Group) (Agenda 4):

Andy Cohen, Senior Vice President, Woda Cooper Companies, introduced himself and other members of the team. He gave an overview of Woda Cooper and the Robinson Overlook project. A handout (on file with the original minutes) was provided which includes a project timeline. The Site Development Plan will be submitted in March.

The River Hill Board of Directors raised the following concerns at the March meeting: overcrowding at Pointers Run Elementary School and Atholton High School; vehicular and pedestrian safety on Grace Drive; adequate play space and amenities for children; and the aesthetics of the buildings and amount of hardscape. Woda Cooper will be requesting an exception to the school capacity test portion of the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance and anticipates that the public hearing before the County Council will occur in the June/July 2019 timeframe.

 

Resident Speak Out (Agenda 5):

None. Residents in attendance had their questions answered during the Robinson Overlook update.

 

FY19 3^rd Quarter Financial Statements & Variance Analysis (Agenda 6A):

Ms. Smith provided an overview of the statements. Mr. Miceli made a motion to approve the FY19 3^rd Quarter Financial Statements and Variance Analysis as submitted. Mr. Levine seconded the motion. The motion passed (5-0-0). Student Advisory Votes – in favor (2).

 

 

 

Robinson Overlook (Agenda 7A):

There was no further discussion on this topic. Questions had been answered during the presentation.

 

Newsletter Advertising Rates (Agenda 7B):

Ms. Smith reviewed modifications made to the proposed rate changes. Mr. Miceli made a motion to approve the newsletter advertising rates and related contract changes as presented. Mr. Levine seconded the motion. The motion passed (5-0-0). Student Advisory Votes – in favor (2).

 

 FY20 Budget (Agenda 7C):

Ms. Smith provided an updated draft budget and gave an overview. She noted some fields may change upon closer examination during the month of April. Ms. Smith reviewed staff’s wish list of items to purchase prior to the end of the year. Staff is still obtaining cost information for capital purchases. Mr. Thomas made a motion to approve for publication and resident input the draft FY20 Budget with the changes discussed and giving Ms. Smith flexibility to reallocate spending category funds established in the FY19 Budget for end of year items staying within the FY19 Budget totals. Mr. White seconded the motion. The motion passed (5-0-0). Student Advisory Votes – in favor (2).

 

Executive Session (Agenda 8):

It was the consensus of the Board that an Executive Session was not needed.

 

Development Advisory Committee Report (Agenda 9Ai):

A question was raised about the status of the Cedar Creek development relative to APFO and whether the schools test has been applied?

 

Teen Advisory Committee (9Aii):

Ms. Tian reported on the Teen Advisory Committee’s Coffee, Crafts and Karaoke event held on March 17. $100 was raised and will be donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Dunkin Donuts provided a generous in-kind donation of donuts and donut holes for the event. Ledo Pizza provided two gift certificates which were presented to the winners of the Karaoke competition.

Ms. Ananth reported that she and Ms. Tian will be writing an article for the May issue of the newsletter to raise awareness about the Teen Advisory (TAC) and Student Board Member Committees and advertising the deadline for applications. Five (5) members of the current TAC will be graduating in May, leaving five (5) members eligible to apply to return. They indicated there is interest in applying for the Student Member Committee from current members.

 

Traffic & Safety Committee (Agenda 9Aiii):

None.

 

Watershed Committee (Agenda 9iv):

Mr. White reported on: Columbia Cleans Day on Saturday, March 30, 10 a.m. – noon, Rain Garden and Oyster Reef Ball making event on April 6, 1 – 4 p.m., and a Native Plant Sale at Howard County’s GreenFest on April 13, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Howard Community College. Ms. Ananth will send Mr. White contact information for local Girl Scout troops to help obtain volunteers.

 

 

Village Manager’s Report (Agenda 9B):

A written report is on file with the Minutes. Ms. Smith reported on an enforcement matter related to properties accepted by CA’s Architectural Resource Committee.

 

Board Chair Report: (Agenda 9C):

Mr. Thomas noted that the legislative change to re-classify the Columbia Association as a Community Benefit Association is on hold for now; but, is expected to be a topic of further discussion in the future.

 

Council Representative Report (Agenda 9D):

Ms. DuBois noted that the Columbia Association (CA) Board is working on a 5-year strategic planning effort and expressed her view that residents need to be included in the process.

 

Board Speak Out (Agenda 8):

None.

 

Adjournment (Agenda 9):

Mr. White made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:26 p.m. Mr. Levine seconded the motion. The motion passed (5-0-0). Student Advisory Votes – in favor (2).

 

Submitted by: Susan M. Smith, Village Manager

 

Minutes Approved:  April 1, 2019