May 5, 2014 Minutes

Susan Smith, Village Manager, called the regularly scheduled meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. on May 5, 2014, at Claret Hall, 6020 Daybreak Circle, Clarksville, MD 21029.  Members present were Kathy Chavers, Kenny Kan, Esti Schabelman, and Liyan Zhang (available remotely).  Liyan Zhang arrived at 7:26 p.m. and Dipper Wettstein arrived at 7:55 p.m. Melissa Bradshaw, Michael Cornell, Council Representative, and Tiffany Kan, Student Member, were absent. A list of attendees is on file with the Minutes.

Approval of the Agenda (Agenda 2):
Mr. Schabelman made a motion to approve the agenda with the following changes: Resident Speak Out and Old Business to move before Agenda Item 3 – Administrative Items and the addition of Business Matters in the Negotiation Stage to Executive Session. Mr. Kan seconded the motion.  The motion passed (4-0-0).

Resident Speak Out (Agenda 4):
Elisabeth Hoffman, (5917 Gentle Call, Clarksville) spoke out about the Property Standards Evaluation Program.  She noted that some of the feedback residents are receiving is counter to the goals of the Watershed Advisory Committee such as having weed free lawns, disconnecting downspouts to help water infiltrate, and using chemical cleaning products.  She also noted that the “tone” of the card was a concern.

RHCA FY14 Operating Budget (Agenda 8A):
Ms. Smith presented a revised FY15 Budget that reflected updated assessment share information.  Mr. Kan made a motion to approve the FY15 Budget as amended.  Ms. Chavers seconded the motion. The motion passed (4-0-0).

Simpson Oaks Development – Update (8B):
Ms. Chavers provided an update on the Planning Board meeting.  She noted that the developer did not raise any objections to annexation and stated that the Planning Board had inquired whether the Village of Hickory Ridge was also interested in annexation.  There was discussion about the 100’ setback to stream buffers and the density of the development.  Per Ms. Chavers, the Planning Board did not vote on the zoning change.

River Hill Watershed Advisory Committee (WAC) – Update (Agenda 6):
Bruce Eberle, WAC Member, presented information on the storm drain painting project the WAC is planning for Great Star Drive.  He reported that there are 50 storm drains that will need to be painted and the Committee plans to involve local volunteers.  They plan to utilize the website, Facebook, and listserv to advertise.  The date of the event was discussed and may be adjusted.  Mr. Kan made a motion that the Board send a letter to the Department of Public Works in support of the project.  Ms. Chavers seconded the motion.  The motion passed (5-0-0).

Lauren Marcus, WAC Chairperson, presented information on the Committee’s plan to conduct a study of the stormwater retention pond located behind the Columbia Gym.  The concept is to partner with North Bay and to involve local students with the goals of improving water quality and expanding resident use of the area.  A grant application with a request for $1,000 in funding has been submitted to the Department of Natural Resources.  It is estimated that $2,500 is needed for the project.

Administrative Items (Agenda 3):
Mr. Kan made a motion to approve the Minutes from the April 21, 2014 meeting. Ms. Chavers seconded the motion.  The motion passed (4-0-1).

Election of Officers and Appointment of the Village Manager (Agenda 5):
Mr. Zhang nominated Mr. Kan to be the Board Chairperson.  Mr. Wettstein seconded the motion.  The motion passed (5-0-0).

Mr. Zhang nominated Mr. Schabelman to be the Board Vice Chairperson. Mr. Kan seconded the motion.  The motion passed (5-0-0).

Mr. Kan made a motion to appoint Ms. Smith as Village Manager for FY15.  Ms. Chavers seconded the motion.  The motion passed (5-0-0).

Village Elections (Agenda 9A):
Mr. Wettstein made a motion to accept the Election results as presented by Ms. Smith.  Mr. Kan seconded the motion.  The motion passed (5-0-0).

Mr. Wettstein made a motion to establish a Committee to examine the Association’s Election Rules and Legal Documents to make recommendations regarding holding Village elections when the positions are uncontested.  Mr. Kan seconded the motion.  The motion passed (5-0-0).

Board Membership – Candidate Interview(s) (Agenda 9B):
The Board interviewed Choith Atlani (5900 Whaleboat Drive, Unit 301) for the open position on the Board of Directors.  Ms. Chavers made a motion to appoint Mr. Atlani to a two-year term on the Board.  Mr. Zhang seconded the motion.  The motion passed (5-0-0).

Board Meeting Calendar (Agenda 9C):
Ms. Smith presented the draft calendar.  Discussion.  Mr. Wettstein made a motion to approve the calendar with the following revised dates: June 11, July 14, and December 8, 2014.  Mr. Kan seconded the motion.  The motion passed (6-0-0).

Executive Session (Agenda 7):
At 9:02 p.m., Mr. Wettstein made a motion to move into Executive Session for the purpose of personnel matters and business transactions in the negotiation stage. Mr. Zhang seconded the motion.  The motion passed (6-0-0).

At approximately 9:15 p.m., Mr. Kan made a motion to adjourn Executive Session.  Mr. Zhang seconded the motion.  The motion passed (6-0-0).

Manager’s Report (Agenda 10A):
A written report is on file with the original Minutes.

Board Chair Report (Agenda 10B):
Mr. Kan noted that interviews for the Student Member and Teen Advisory Committees will be conducted at the June meeting.  There was discussion of Board Member Liaison responsibilities.  Mr. Atlani and Mr. Schabelman will be the liaisons for Safety and Development issues.  Ms. Chavers will be the liaison for Special Events.

Council Representative’s Report (Agenda 10C):
None.

Liaisons/Student Members (Agenda 10D):
Ms. Chavers stated that she will write up a summary of the Planning Board meeting on the Simpson Oaks Development.

Board Speak Out (Agenda 10):
None.

Adjournment (Agenda 8):
Mr. Wettstein made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:24 p.m. Mr. Zhang seconded the motion.  The motion passed (6-0-0).

Minutes submitted by: Susan M. Smith, Village Manager

Minutes Approved:  June 11, 2014