March 3, 2014 Minutes

Kenny Kan, Board Chair, called the regularly scheduled meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. on March 3, 2014, at Claret Hall, 6020 Daybreak Circle, Clarksville, MD 21029.  Members present were Deng Feng Liu, Dipper Wettstein and Liyan Zhang.  Tiffany Kan, Student Member and Susan Smith, Village Manager, were present.  Melissa Bradshaw, Kathy Chavers, and Jenny Chu were absent. Michael Cornell, Council Representative, was absent. A list of attendees is on file with the Minutes.

Approval of the Agenda (Agenda 2):
Zhang made a motion to approve the agenda as amended with the removal of Zoning Regulation Amendment (Agenda 4). Mr. Wettstein seconded the motion. The motion passed (4-0-0) Student Advisory Vote – in favor).

Administrative Items (Agenda 3):
Mr. Liu made a motion to approve the Minutes from the February 10, 2014 meeting with the addition of Ms. Chu making the motion to adjourn the Executive Session and Ms. Chavers seconding the motion. Mr. Zhang seconded the motion.  The motion passed (3-0-1) (Student Advisory Vote – in favor).

CA Strategic Plan (Agenda 5):
Anne Brinker, CA Director, Organizational and Strategic Planning, gave a presentation on CA’s new Strategic Plan that will be effective May 1, 2014.  Ms. Brinker reviewed the process that was used to develop the plan, the Mission Statement, Vision Statement, Values, and Goals.  She distributed a handout.  Ms. Brinker stressed that the new goals include the continual evaluation of programs, services, and facilities and the use of metrics in order to meet the changing needs of the community and that CA staff is working towards the goals.  Ms. Brinker identified examining the make-up of the community in order to be responsive and improving the functioning of the CA Board as the two “top” goals CA is working on.  There was a discussion of “Why I Pay CA” and how the budget relates to the goals.

Resident Speak Out (Agenda 6):
None

Simpson Oaks Development – Advisory Committee Update (Agenda 7):
Ms. Smith reviewed the update provided by Ms. Chavers that will be published in the March newsletter (copy attached to the file).  It was the consensus of the Board that the Committee should meet before the end of next week (March 14) and that an update should be provided at the March 17 meeting.  It was also the consensus of the Board that input from the Association should be sent by the end of April.  There was discussion on the adequacy of the community amenities being provided by the developer.

RHCA FY14 Operating Budget (Agenda 8):
Ms. Smith and Mr. Kan outlined the FY15 budget assumptions being used in the development of the draft.  The Board discussed the potential impact of the N2 Publishing magazine: River Hill Living.  The budget assumptions include anticipated losses in newsletter and rental revenue, increased insurance expenses and staff salaries, and expenses due to the FY14 audit.  It was the consensus of the Board that the recommended assumptions be used.  A draft budget will be presented at the March 17 meeting.

Manager’s Report (Agenda 9A):
A written report is on file with the original Minutes. A brief update on the status of the River Hill Garden Center Variance Petition was given by Ms. Smith and Mr. Wettstein.

Board Chair Report (Agenda 9B):
Mr. Kan asked to have a Simpson Oaks development update and the Howard County Business Association included on the March 17 agenda.

Council Representative’s Report (Agenda 9C):
None.

Liaisons/Student Members (Agenda 9D):
Ms. Kan reported that River Hill High School will hold its annual yard sale on March 22, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. and encouraged members to attend.  A brief update on the TAC Blanket-making and Movie Night event was given.  It was suggested that Boy Scout Troop 618 or the National Honor Societies might be interested in finishing up the blankets.

Mr. Wettstein reported that representatives from the River Hill Watershed Committee met with North Bay Adventure Camp to identify was to collaborate.  Mr. Wettstein reported that engineering funds for a new indoor pool were included in CA’s FY15/16 Capital Budget.  He asked the Board to send a letter in support of aquatics and tennis facilities.  It was the consensus of the Board that this should be an item on the March 17 agenda.  Mr. Wettstein will prepare a draft.

Board Speak Out (Agenda 10):
None.

Adjournment (Agenda 8):
Mr. Zhang made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:33 p.m. Mr. Wettstein seconded the motion.  The motion passed (4-0-0) (Student Advisory Vote – in favor).

Minutes submitted by: Susan M. Smith, Village Manager

Minutes Approved:  March 17, 2014