March 6, 2017 Minutes

River Hill Board of Directors
Meeting Minutes
March 6, 2017

Opening (Agenda 1):
Richard Thomas, Vice Chair, called the Board meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. The following members were in attendance: Harjeet Jandu, Liyan Zhang, and Jason Zagnit. Jennifer Zhang, Student Member and Susan Smith, Village Manager, were in attendance. Mr. Zagnit left the meeting at 8:07 p.m. at which time the meeting concluded due to a lack of a quorum. Board Members Robert Choi, Michael Cornell, and Mavourene Robinson were absent. A list of attendees is on file with the Minutes.

Approval of the Agenda (Agenda 2):
Mr. Jandu made a motion to approve the agenda. Mr. Zhang seconded the motion. Mr. Thomas made a motion to amend the agenda to move 5A. Village Elections and 7C. Committees/Liaisons ahead of 3. Resident Speak Out to enable the Board to act prior to loss of the quorum. Mr. Jandu seconded the motion. The motion passed (4-0-0) (Student Advisory Vote – in favor).

Administrative Items (Agenda 3):
Mr. Jandu made a motion to approve the February 6, 2017 minutes. Mr. Zagnit seconded the motion. The motion passed (3-0-1) (Student Advisory Vote – abstained).

Village Elections (Agenda 5A):
Mr. Jandu made a motion to approve the email vote in favor of including proposed changes to the by-laws on the ballot to: enable online/electronic voting and eliminate restrictions relating to absentee voting. Mr. Zagnit seconded the motion. The motion passed (4-0-0). (Student Advisory Vote – in favor). A copy of the email votes is on file with the original Minutes.

Student Member Committee Report (Agenda 7C):
Jennifer Zhang, Student Member and Teen Advisory Committee (TAC) Chairperson, reported on the success of the recent Bingo Schools-Out event planned by the TAC. She reported that: 42 people attended, participant ages ranged from school age children to retirees, and $84 was raised to offset expenses. Ms. Zhang invited the Board members and residents in attendance to attend or participate in the Claret Hall Cook-off. The Cook-off is a TAC-organized event and will benefit the Howard County Food Bank.

Resident Speak out (Agenda 4):
Lily Weiss-Lora (Empty Song Road) spoke about the proposed cell tower on Grace property and expressed concern about the health effects, the negative visual impact of the tower, and the impact on the planned Simpson Oaks development. Ms. Weiss-Lora provided a copy of the petition and signatures obtained and asked for the Board’s support of residents.

Sy Rahwanji (Quiet Night Ride) spoke about the proposed cell tower and expressed concern about increased exposure to radiation and related health effects. He noted there are other locations and high points on the property that are further away from homes where the tower can be placed.

Judy Ghirardelli (Hazel Thicket Terrace) spoke about the proposed cell tower and expressed concern about the impact on property values and potential health effects.

Dalia Shlash (Linden Linthicum Lane) stated that part of what attracted them to the community is the pathways and neighborhood tot lots. However, she is concerned about the safety and condition of the local tot lots. She drives to Swansfield for her children to use the playground, which is more up-to-date. She noted that the tot lots are isolated and made of wood and rusted metal. She expressed concern about outgassing from the wood and the emission of arsenic. Although she has spoken with CA and understands the plan is to continue to maintain the tot lots as they are, she believes it is time to update the tot lots in the community e.g., 3 – 5 centrally located. She asked for the Board’s support and provided photos and information on playground safety (on file with the original minutes).

Lisa Rahwanji (Quiet Night Ride) questioned whether the infrastructure needed to support the tower is compatible with a residential area.

Adjournment (Agenda 9):
Mr. Zagnit left the meeting at 8:07 p.m. at which time the quorum was lost and the Board Meeting concluded. The remaining members met with Ms. Smith and discussed the FY17 3rd quarter reports and 4th quarter estimate.

Submitted by: Susan M. Smith, Village Manager

Minutes Approved: March 20, 2017