May 3, 2021 Minutes

River Hill Board of Directors

Meeting Minutes

May 3, 2021

 

 

Opening (Agenda 2):

Susan Smith, Village Manager, called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. The meeting was held virtually via conference call using Zoom. The following members were in attendance: Eric Greenberg, Harjeet Jandu, Matt Levine, Tony Miceli, Jian Ni, Dipper Wettstein, and Adam White. Alex Oh, Student Member, Renee DuBois, Columbia Council Representative, and Susan Smith, Village Manager, were present. Dr. Brett Greenberger (Morning Light Trail) was in attendance. Shyam Pillai arrived at 7:37 p.m.

 

Approval of the Agenda (Agenda 3):

Mr. Levine made a motion to approve the agenda. Mr. Greenberg seconded the motion. The agenda was approved (7-0-0). Student Advisory Vote – in favor (1).

 

Announcement of Executive Session Meetings Held/To Be Held (Agenda 4A):

Ms. Smith announced the Board had held an Executive Session:

 

Virtual Executive Session on April 26, 2021 – Participants were Harjeet Jandu, Matt Levine, Jian Ni, and Adam White. Susan Smith, Village Manager, was also present.

 

Mr. Levine made a motion to move into Executive Session at 8:47 p.m. for the purpose of discussing legal matters and contracts in the negotiation stage. Mr. White seconded the motion. The motion passed (4-0-0).

 

Mr. Levine made a motion to adjourn the Executive Session at 9:00 p.m. Mr. White seconded the motion. The motion passed (4-0-0).

 

Ms. Smith reported that, if time permits, tonight the Board will likely hold an Executive Session following the regular meeting for the purposes of  discussing legal matters.

 

Board Meeting Minutes – April 26, 2021 (Agenda 4B):

Mr. Levine made a motion to approve the April 26, 2021 Minutes as submitted. Mr. Greenberg seconded the motion. Mr. Miceli made a friendly amendment adding that he left the meeting at 8:30 p.m. Mr. Levine seconded the motion. The motion passed. The motion passed (5-0-2). Mr. Greenberg and Mr. Wettstein abstained. Student Advisory Vote – in favor (1).

 

Election of Officers (Agenda 4C):

Mr. White nominated Mr. Levine to be Board Chair. Mr. Greenberg seconded the motion. Mr. Levine accepted the nomination.

 

Mr. Jandu nominated Mr. Miceli to be Board Chair. Mr. Wettstein seconded the motion.

Mr. Miceli accepted the nomination.

 

The Board agreed to vote by secret ballot. Votes were texted to Ms. Smith. Mr. Levine was elected as Board Chair (4-3-0). Student Advisory Vote – in favor (1).

 

Mr. Levine nominated Mr. White to be Board Vice Chair. Mr. Greenberg seconded the motion. The motion passed (5-2-0). Student Advisory Vote – in favor (1).

 

Resident Speak Out (Agenda 5):

Mr. Greenberger requested a dialogue with the Board to discuss what he considers mistreatment by the association. He and his wife were forced to obtain their own counsel with respect to a lawsuit in which the association was involved. He expressed concern that the association is setting a dangerous precedent leaving residents to deal with these situations on their own. He expressed frustration that the association has been unwilling to engage in a conversation about it. He also informed the Board that issues with the neighbor are continuing.

 

Election of Officers (Continued) (Agenda 4C):

Mr. Miceli made a motion to appoint Susan Smith as Village Manager, Secretary, and Treasurer for another year. Mr. Levine seconded the motion. The motion passed (7-0-0). Student Advisory Vote – in favor (1).

 

Board Member Responsibilities (Agenda 6A):

Ms. Smith reviewed in general the responsibilities of Board Members and called the Board’s attention to the following items in their packets requiring signatures: Fiduciary Responsibility Form, Code of Ethics, and Conflict of Interest Policy. She also reviewed the Board Training Policy and advised that each member should sign and return the acknowledgement forms when the various sections are reviewed.

 

Old Business (Agenda 7):

None.

 

Development Advisory Committee (8Ai)

Mr. Levine reported that he will attend the re-scheduled pre-submission meeting for the Scott property and recommended the association pay attention to this project.

 

He reported that the sales prices of the homes in the Cedar Creek development, both townhouses and single-family detached homes, had increased in price. He also reported that the Robinson Overlook project is expected to be fully leased when it opens.

 

Teen Advisory Committee (Agenda 8Aii):

Mr. Oh reported that he had written an article for the May newsletter regarding the Student Member and Teen Advisory Committees. He reported that June 1 is the deadline for applications.

 

Traffic and Safety Committee (8Aiii):

Mr. Miceli noted that he has been in conversation with the developer of the River Hill Square project and others regarding the need for a connection from the CA pathway to the retail project through the open space. He cited the need for safe access for teens after school, bikes, and the handicapped. He reported the developer is willing to contribute to the cost. Mr. Miceli inquired about the process and inquired whether the Board needs to send a formal letter in support.

 

Watershed Committee (Agenda 8Aiii):

Mr. White reported that Erickson Living has eliminated one stream crossing in their plans which he views as a positive for the environment. He reported that about 80 people had participated in the Community Clean-up on May 1 and a Pull and Plant is scheduled for May 22.

 

Mr. Wettstein asked to make a personal point of privilege and when acknowledged noted that he felt he was being attacked by Mr. White and didn’t understand why.

 

Village Manager (Agenda 8B):

A written report is on file with the original minutes. Mr. Levine made a motion to include a discussion of COVID-19 procedures on the agenda for the June meeting. Mr. Greenberg seconded the motion. The motion passed (7-0-0). Student Advisory Votes – in favor (2).

 

Columbia Council Representative (Agenda 8C):

Ms. DuBois noted that the new Columbia Council continue to meet on the 2^nd and 4^th Thursday of each month and had not yet met for May.

 

Board Chairperson (Agenda 8D):

Mr. Levine thanked the Board for electing him to be Chairperson for the year. The Board briefly discussed changing the date of the June meeting.

 

Board Speak Out (Agenda 10):

Mr. White indicated, in the best interests of the association and community, a desire to get along with Mr. Wettstein.

 

Mr. Wettstein indicated that he wants to focus on diversity-related issues and wants to change the perception of the village. He expressed interest in establishing a Diversity Committee and indicated that this might be a way to address some of the concerns.

 

Executive Session (Agenda 9) and Adjournment (Agenda 11):

At 8:36 p.m. Mr. White made a motion to adjourn the meeting and move into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing legal matters. Mr. Levine seconded the motion. The motion passed (7-0-0). Student Advisory Votes – in favor (2). Mr. Oh, Mr. Pillai, and Ms. DuBois left the meeting.

 

Submitted: Susan M. Smith, Village Manager

 

Minutes Approved:  June 7, 2021