March 20, 2017 Minutes

River Hill Board of Directors

Meeting Minutes

March 20, 2017

Opening (Agenda 1):

Michael Cornell, Chair, call the Board meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. The following members were in attendance: Harjeet Jandu, Richard Thomas, and Jason Zagnit. Chao Wu, Council Member, and Susan Smith, Village Manager, were in attendance. Mr. Zagnit left the meeting at 8:05 p.m. at which time the meeting concluded due to a lack of a quorum. Ms. Robinson arrived at the meeting at 8:55 p.m. at which time the meeting re-convened. Board Members Robert Choi and Liyan Zhang were absent. Jennifer Zhang, Student Member, was absent. A list of attendees is on file with the Minutes.

Approval of the Agenda (Agenda 2):

Mr. Thomas made a motion to approve the agenda. Mr. Jandu seconded the motion. Mr. Thomas made a motion to amend the agenda to move 8C. Council Representative Report ahead of 8A and to add an Executive Session as part of 7B. FY18 Draft Budget. Mr. Jandu seconded the motion. The motion passed (4-0-0).

Administrative Items (Agenda 3):

Mr. Zagnit made a motion to approve the March 6, 2017 minutes. Mr. Wu seconded the motion. The motion passed (3-0-1).

Cell Tower – WRGrace Property (Agenda 4):

The following people met with the Board to discuss the plans for a 199’ cell tower and the status of an alternative location: Barbara Pivec (Partner, Calvert Crossland LLC), Tyler Mills (Partner, Calvert Crossland LLC), George Rich (Partner, Calvert Crossland LLC), Doug Cann (Chesapeake Realty Partners), Nizam Usta (Global Director of Facilities, W.R. Grace), Rich Badmington (VP – Communications, W.R. Grace), and Rich Puffinburger (Site Manager, W.R. Grace). An overview of the need for the project was provided by Ms. Pivec. Mr. Badmington explained that Grace is looking at ways to achieve what is best for cellular service and for Grace’s neighbors. Ms. Pivec explained that Calvert Crossland is investigating the feasibility of an alternate location on the eastern side of the W.R. Grace complex. They expect to have the study completed within the next 30 – 45 days. Mr. Badmington committed to meet with the community following completion of the new studies and prior to making a final decision and moving forward with construction of the cell tower.

Resident Speak Out (Agenda 5):

Ms. Lily Weiss-Lora (Empty Song Road) spoke in opposition to the proposed cell tower citing outdated regulations, potential health impacts on Pointers Run and Simpson Oaks residents, and an impact on wildlife. She provided an updated version of the petition previously provided. Ms. Weiss-Lora inquired whether an alternative to the 2^nd location is being evaluated. The response from Calvert Crossland LLC was that “they are not there yet.”

Mr. Matt Brenner (Grateful Heart Gate) asked that Grace support the concerns of the community and relocate the tower to the east side of the property and meet with the community again before the tower is built.

Mr. Philip Toy (Grateful Heart Gate) thanked everyone that came to the meeting and stated he doesn’t want to see the tower.

Mr. Sy Rahwanji (Quiet Night Ride) thanked Grace for being present and shared his concerns regarding the view of the proposed tower from his home.

Ms. Judy Ghirardelli (Hazel Thicket Terrace) asked whether any studies have been conducted about the impact of cell towers on property values and stated she would not purchase a home in sight of a cell tower. She stated that moving the location would be a show of support for the community’s concern.

Cell Tower – W.R. Grace Property (Agenda 6A):

The Board volunteered to host the next community meeting. Mr. Cornell will thank the representatives from Grace for attending.

FY17 3^rd Quarter Financials & Variance Analysis (Agenda 6B):

Ms. Smith presented the 3^rd Quarter Financials. Mr. Thomas made a motion to approve the FY17 3^rd Quarter Financials and Variance Analysis as presented. Mr. Jandu seconded the motion. The motion passed (4-0-0).

Donation Requests (Agenda 7A):

Mr. Jandu made a motion to approve the following donations: Atholton High School Post Prom Party ($100), River Hill High School Post Prom Party ($100), 5^th District Volunteer Fire Department ($100), and towards floor planks listing the Columbia Villages in the Chrysalis (up to $140). Ms. Robinson seconded the motion. The motion passed (4-0-0).

FY18 Draft Budget (Agenda 7B):

Ms. Smith presented a draft FY18 budget. Discussion. Mr. Thomas made a motion to publish the draft FY18 budget with the changes discussed. Mr. Jandu seconded the motion. The motion passed (4-0-0).

Village Manager’s Report (Agenda 8A):

Ms. Smith made the Board aware of the schedule of meetings being held by the County on development regulations (March 28, 29, and 30) and a meeting about the County’s capital projects for new fire and police stations in Columbia (April 5).

Board Chair Report (Agenda 8B):

Mr. Cornell suggested that as part of the zoning regulation modifications that the Association consider suggesting that the required distance from communication towers to residential properties be reevaluated.

Board Speak Out (Agenda 9):

Mr. Jandu thanked the Teen Advisory Committee for organizing the Claret Hall Cook-off event which was very successful.

Adjournment (Agenda 10):

Ms. Robinson made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:32 p.m. Mr. Thomas seconded the motion. The motion passed (4-0-0).

Submitted by: Susan M. Smith, Village Manager

Minutes Approved:  April 3, 2017