November 4, 2019 Minutes

River Hill Board of Directors

Meeting Minutes

November 4, 2019

 

 

Opening (Agenda 1):

Adam White, Vice Chairperson, called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. The following members were in attendance: Dave Dalpe, Angela Ling, and John Wan. Jeff Du, Student Member, Renee DuBois, Council Representative, and Susan Smith, Village Manager, were in attendance. Harjeet Jandu arrived at 7:07 p.m. and Matthew Levine arrived at 7:12 p.m. Tony Miceli was absent. Mr. Jandu departed the meeting at 8:36 p.m.

 

Approval of the Agenda (Agenda 2):

Mr. Wan made a motion to approve the agenda. Ms. Ling seconded the motion. The motion passed (4-0-0). Student Advisory Vote – in favor.

 

October 7, 2019 Minutes (Agenda 3A):

Ms. Ling made a motion to approve the October 7, 2019 Minutes as submitted. Mr. Dalpe seconded the motion. The motion passed (3-0-1). Mr. Wan abstained. Student Advisory Vote – in favor.

 

Streets for All in Howard County (Jennifer White, Horizon Foundation) (Agenda 4):

Ms. White distributed information about the Streets for All campaign and the National Complete Streets Coalition (a set is on file with the original minutes).The coalition of 18 organizations is advocating for connected streets, improved bicycle amenities, and pedestrian infrastructure that will benefit all residents of the community, including the disabled. The resolution passed by the County Council in October 2019 (CR-120) is viewed as a good first step. However, it will not necessarily result in in “substantive implementation,” due to a lack of binding requirements and accountability measures. The Coalition believes a complete streets law is really needed to achieve results. Ms. White asked the River Hill Community Association to join the Coalition. She provided a Streets for All Resolution for the Board of Directors to consider adopting. Joining the coalition will entail supporting Streets for All coalition activities and events, assisting in educating the community, and advocating for a complete streets law in Howard County.

 

CA Annual Update (Andy Stack, CA Board Chair) (Agenda 5):

Mr. Stack reviewed the CA Board FY19 Highlights, FY19 Financial Summary Report, FY19 Annual Charge Snapshot, and FY19 Capital projects in the village and the assessment share. Mr. Stack also discussed CA’s 5 Year Strategic Plan and new mission and vision statements and the CA Board’s strategic initiatives for FY20. (Copies of these materials are on file with the original minutes.) He noted that CA’s goal is to keep debt below $40,000,000 and to not borrow to fund the operating budget. CA’s capital budget has been approximately $20,000,000/yr. in recent years.  The capital budget is expected to be reduced to $15,000,000 for the next 10 years. This will impact the construction of new facilities and facility renovations. The upgrades to the Supreme Sports Club will be completed in FY21. The Columbia Gym is expected to be upgraded in FY22.

 

Resident Speak Out (Agenda 6):

Ron Briggs (Empty Song Road) expressed concern about the maintenance of the rental property located at 6413 Empty Song Road. He inquired whether it is possible to delay approval of home business applications for rental properties until the condition of the property is acceptable? Per Ms. Smith, Mr. Briggs concerns and suggestions have been already been shared with the Covenant Advisor.

 

New Business (Agenda 7):

None.

 

School Redistricting (Agenda 8A):

Mr. Levine summarized the status of the redistricting process. He noted that two members of the Board of Education, Chao Wu (former River Hill Columbia Council Member and CA Board Member) and Jen Mallo have presented alternative plans. The vote is scheduled for November 21.

He mentioned that depending on the outcome, some members of the community are considering whether to file a lawsuit.

 

The board discussed meeting with members of the Board of Education and County Council Member Jung. It was the consensus of the board to invite Ms. Jung to a Town Hall style meeting that will include an opportunity for questions and answers. The board agreed attendance at the meeting will be limited to residents of the village. Ms. DuBois agreed to facilitate the meeting. Ms. Smith will follow-up with Ms. Jung. The board’s goal is to hold a meeting in December.

 

The board agreed they’d like to have regular interactions with the elected officials representing River Hill residents. Based on the discussion, it was the consensus of the board to contact the members of the Howard County delegation representing District and request an annual update.

 

FY20 1^st Quarter Financial Statements (Agenda 8B):

Ms. Smith reviewed the comments received from CA regarding the association’s FY20 1^st Quarter Financial Statements and shared the modifications made to the previously approved statements to correct deferred revenue on the balance sheet. Mr. Dalpe made a motion to approve the revised FY20 1^st Quarter Financial Statements and revised Variance Analysis. Mr. Levine seconded the motion. The motion passed (5-0-0). Student Advisory Vote – in favor.

 

Teen Advisory Committee Report (Agenda 9Ai):

Mr. Du reported that the annual Halloween event held on Friday, October 25 went well and estimated that approximately 500 people attended. The TAC is now starting to prepare for the Breakfast with Santa events that will be held on December 7.

 

Ad Hoc Playground Committee (Agenda 9Aii):

Ms. Ling asked what more can the association do to get CA to upgrade a tot lot in the Pointers Run neighborhood? Ms. DuBois noted that currently the draft FY21/22 budget includes $500,000/year in capital funds for tot lots and a focus on health and safety updates. She stated that CA needs to establish a tot lot policy. She recommended the association and residents voice requests at an upcoming CA board meeting during Resident Speak Out.

 

Development Advisory Committee (Agenda 9Aiii):

Mr. Levine requested an update on the Robinson Overlook project.

 

Traffic & Safety Committee (Agenda 9Aiv):

Mr. Dalpe reported that an organizational meeting of the Traffic & Safety Committee has been scheduled for November 19 at 7 p.m. An announcement was placed in the November newsletter requesting interested residents RSVP. To date one resident has RSVPed.

 

Mr. Levine asked that an announcement be sent reminding residents to park cars on driveways and in garages to facilitate snow removal on the roads.

 

Watershed Committee (Agenda 9Av):

Mr. White reported that the committee has been discussing the change in recycling policy in the public schools. A sign has been designed for the rain garden. Mr. White will investigate whether there has been architectural review and approval.

 

Manager’s Report (Agenda 9B):

A written report is on file with the original minutes. The following members will attend the Covenant Training session: Mr. Levine, Mr. Wan, and Ms. DuBois. Ms. Smith informed the board that new TULIP coverage has been bound effective November 1, 2019 and outlined the insurance options that clients will have when signing rental agreements. Mr. Levine made a motion that the association absorb the additional cost of the TULIP coverage for all rental contracts signed prior to October 1, 2019. Mr. White seconded the motion. Discussion. The motion passed (5-0-0). Student Advisory Vote – in favor.

 

Ms. Smith provided an update on the “senior center without walls” concept being discussed with Lanlan Xu and Sunny Yan, Howard County Chinese School. It was the consensus of the Board to handle the proposal as a rental contract initially e.g., 3 months, allowing time to develop more program details, meet with Office on Aging, investigate liability issues, and factor in staff time and other associated costs.

 

Ms. Smith reviewed staff recommendation for installing security cameras at the River Hill Meeting Room. Mr. Wan made a motion to table a decision pending feedback on issues raised regarding daycare uses. Mr. White seconded the motion. Discussion. The motion passed (5-0-0). Student Advisory Vote – in favor.

 

Council Representative Report (Agenda 9C):

None.

 

Board Chairperson Report (Agenda 9D):

None.

 

Board Speak Out (Agenda 10):

Mr. Wan thanked the board members for his appointment.

 

Adjournment (Agenda 11):

Mr. Wan made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:43 p.m. Ms. Ling seconded the motion. The motion passed (6-0-0). Student Advisory Vote – in favor.

 

Submitted: Susan M. Smith, Village Manager

 

Minutes Approved:  January 6, 2020