November 15, 2022 Board Minutes
River Hill Board of Directors
Meeting Minutes
November 15, 2022
Opening (Agenda Item 2):
Mr. Kirk called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. The meeting was hybrid held in person at Claret Hall and virtually via Zoom. The following members attended: Kevin Bruening, Jim Kirk, Janet Munro, and Muyiwa Odeniyide. Student Advisory member Arthur Wang also attended. Renee DuBois, Village Manager, was present. The following guests attended the meeting: Danyiel D’Antonio, J. Smart, Boy Scout Troop #618 scouts, and Jennifer Lynott (Communications Coordinator).
Approval of the (Agenda Item 3):
Mr. Bruening made a motion to amend the agenda to allow Boy Scout Troop #618’s Charter Renewal (Item 8A) to occur prior to Item 4 Administrative Items and Ms. Munro seconded the motion. There was no dissent.
New Business
Boy Scout Troop #618 Charter Renewal (Agenda Item 8A)
Several scouts from Troop 618, sponsored by the River Hill Community Association, attended the board meeting along with Troop 618 Committee Chair, Danyiel D’Antonio and Scoutmaster J. Smart. It was approved at the board meeting to recharter the troop’s numerous scouts and trained adult leaders for another year. Troop 618 has a long 30 plus year history and an impressive number of Eagle Scouts that are celebrated each year. Scoutmaster, J. Smart, and the scouts provided a presentation for the Board of Directors. Mr. Michael Cornell will still serve as the Charter Representative for Troop #618.
Mr. Kirk made a motion to renew Troop 618’s charter for another year. Mr. Bruening seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Administrative Items
Announcement of Executive Session (Agenda Item 4A)
An Executive Session was held remotely on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, to discuss personnel matters.
Board Meeting Minutes – October 11, 2022 (Agenda Item 4B):
Mr. Bruening made a motion to approve the October 11, 2022, Minutes. Mr. Kirk seconded the motion. The motion passed by unanimous consent.
Architectural Committee Member Appointment (Agenda Item 4C)
Ms. Munro made a motion to appoint Mr. Kirk to fill the vacancy on the Architectural Committee effective immediately, for a two year term ending December 31, 2024. Mr. Bruening seconded the motion. The motion passed 3-0-1. Mr. Kirk abstained.
Resident Speak Out (Agenda Item 5)
None.
Teen Advisory Report (Agenda Item 6A):
Mr. Wang reported the Haunted Hallows Eve event was well attended and recommended more volunteers assist in the future. Mr. Wang shared plans for the upcoming Dunkin’ with Santa event scheduled for Saturday, December 3 at Claret Hall. He also reported on the recent Master Gardeners Nature Crafts for Kids session that was held on Election Day when HCPSS was closed.
Mr. Wang left the meeting following the conclusion of his report.
Old Business
RHHS Letter Re: Lockdowns (Agenda Item 7A)
The letter to River Hill High School regarding the school’s response to lockdowns which occurred in October was drafted and unanimously approved via email. The Board needed to ratify the letter at the meeting.
Mr. Kirk made a motion to ratify the letter from the Board regarding the lockdowns that occurred at RHHS in October. Mr. Bruening seconded the motion. The motion passed with unanimous consent.
Student Advisory Member Position Description (Agenda Item 7B):
Ms. DuBois submitted a position description for the Board to review. The agenda item was tabled until the next meeting.
Reports
Committee/Liaison Reports
Development Advisory Committee Liaison (Agenda Item 9Ai):
Mr. Bruening discussed the “HoCo by Design” 10-Year Plan for Howard County. Part of the plan involves the allowance for subdivision of residential units as it relates to proposed Maryland legislation that intends to remove Single Family Home Zoning. Discussion of how this new law could potentially impact the River Hill Covenants occurred. Ms. DuBois explained that the Covenants only relate to the exterior of the home and that state law will prevail regardless of the Covenants. Additionally, if New Town Zoning is no longer in effect, empty lots such as the open space on Indian Summer Drive in Pheasant Ridge could be sold and developed. Anything related to the redevelopment of a Village Center requires input by the Village Board of Directors. Discussion occurred about the need for this information to be shared with residents via The Villager.
Traffic & Safety Committee (Agenda Item 9Aii):
None.
Watershed Advisory Committee (Agenda Item 8Aiii):
None.
Sound Barrier Liaison (Agenda Item 8Aiv):
None.
Village Manager (Agenda Item 8B):
None.
Columbia Council Representative (Agenda Item 8C):
Mr. Greenberg was absent from the meeting.
Board Chairperson (Agenda Item 8D):
Mr. Kirk thanked Board members for their participation in the Bagel and Coffee discussions and would like to continue this after the holidays.
Board Speak Out (Agenda Item 10):
Mr. Bruening reported that he recently saw State Highway Administration employees working on the sidewalk along Great Star Drive at the bridge over Route 32. He expressed that this shows evidence of their commitment to make the needed repairs which also includes the off ramp from Route 32 to Great Star Drive.
Ms. Munro inquired about community engagement events, i.e., the River Hill Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, Coffee & Conversation sessions. Ms. DuBois encouraged members of the Board to try to attend the Association’s events on a regular basis to be a more visible presence.
Adjournment (Agenda Item 11):
At 8:26 p.m., Ms. Munro made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Kirk seconded the motion. The motion passed with unanimous consent.