November 5, 2018 Minutes

River Hill Board of Directors

Meeting Minutes

November 5, 2018

Opening (Agenda 1):

Richard Thomas, Board Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. The following members were in attendance: Angela Ling, Tony Miceli, Adam White, and Cindy Tian, Student Member. Susan Smith, Village Manager, was also present. Dalia Shlash and Yamini Ananth arrived at 7:06 p.m. Renee DuBois arrived at 7:07 p.m. Harjeet Jandu, Board Member, and Chao Wu, Columbia Council Representative, were absent.

Approval of the Agenda (Agenda 2):

Mr. Miceli made a motion to approve the agenda. Mr. White seconded the motion. The motion passed (4-0-0). Student Advisory Vote – in favor (1).

Administrative Items (Agenda 3):

Mr. Thomas made a motion to approve the October 1, 2018 Minutes as presented. Mr. White seconded the motion. The motion passed (6-0-0). Student Advisory Votes – in favor (2).

Cedar Creek Pathway Connections (Agenda 4):

Doug Cann, Land Development Manager, and Scott Rouk, Director of Planning, Chesapeake Realty Partners, gave an overview of the project and presented plans to install pathways connecting the Pointers Run neighborhood to the Cedar Creek development and the planned bikeway along Grace Drive. A copy of the initial plan is on file with the original minutes. Their proposal includes connection to the existing Columbia Association (CA) pathway and the sidewalk at the Quiet Night Ride/Grace Drive circle, the addition of a sidewalk in the county right-of-way on the north side, and a pedestrian refuge island. Based on feedback from CA staff, requiring annexation of the Cedar Creek development into Columbia to install the pathway on CA property, the developer plans to modify the design and place the pathway fully inside the county right-of-way around the circle. This will require the removal of the existing, mature street trees.

Resident Speak Out (Agenda 5):

Residents in attendance provided input on the plans. Joan Morton (Hazel Thicket Terrace) expressed safety concerns about the location of the crosswalk/pedestrian refuge island due to speeding on Grace Drive and the number of accidents at the circle. She suggested relocating the crossing to Quiet Night Ride. Ms. Morton also expressed concern about the loss of trees and vegetation which would result in additional noise from MD and have a negative visual impact on nearby homes. Sy Rahwanji (Quiet Night Ride) inquired about the extent of clearing and sediment control measures and expressed concern about speeding on Grace Drive and the loss of trees. Mark Sarney (Quiet Night Ride) supported the connections and stressed the importance of safety and maintaining trees. He also expressed concern about the removal of the existing tree buffer between the rear of the homes on Quiet Night Ride and the development. Tom Mateya (Red Clover Lane) questioned whether the existing street trees would survive even if the pathway is located on CA property. Per Mr. Mateya and Mr. Rouk, the tree roots would need to be cut to install the pathway. This could result in long term damage including dieback of limbs or the entire tree(s).

Free Use Request (Agenda 6A):

Mr. Thomas made a motion to approve the free use of Claret Hall on December 2 for a Troop 618 Boy Scout Eagle Court of Honor. Mr. Miceli seconded the motion. The motion passed (6-0-0). Student Advisory Votes – in favor (2). The Association is the Chartering Organization for this troop.

Employee Benefits Expansion (Agenda 6B):

Ms. DuBois made a motion to extend employee-paid dental, vision, voluntary life, voluntary accident, and voluntary critical illness insurance and an employer-paid life insurance benefit to eligible part-time employees. Mr. Miceli seconded the motion. The motion passed (6-0-0). Student Advisory Votes – in favor (2).

Employee Handbook Revisions (Agenda 7A):

Ms. Smith reviewed revisions made to the draft. Ms. DuBois made a motion to approve the revisions to the handbook including a maximum 8-week personal/unpaid leave of absence, making up lost wages for 2-week military training exercises, and the changes needed for the expansion of benefits for eligible part-time employees. Ms. Ling seconded the motion. The motion passed (6-0-0). Student Advisory Votes – in favor (2).

Ad Hoc Playground Committee Report (Agenda 8Ai):

Ms. Shlash reported that the improvements to the Indian Summer Tot Lot (RH 25) are expected to begin the week of November 12. Construction is expected to take approximately 35 days, weather permitting.

Development Advisory Committee Report (Agenda 8Aii):

Ms. DuBois will attend the Robinson Overlook pre-submission meeting.

Teen Advisory Committee (TAC) Report (Agenda 8Aiii):

Ms. Ananth and Ms. Tian reported on the success of the Halloween event despite the need to cancel the outdoor crafts and games due to the weather. They received a lot of positive feedback. The volunteers worked quickly to set up the Haunted House. The next event the TAC will assist with is Breakfast with Santa on December 8.

Traffic and Safety Committee Report (Agenda 8Aiv):

Mr. Miceli reported that he had met with Puskar Kar, State Highway Administration, to discuss issues along MD 108 and at the exit ramps from MD 32 at Great Star Drive and MD 108. They also discussed the Erickson Living’s proposed entrance on MD 108

Watershed Committee (Agenda 8Av):

Mr. White reported on the installation of the rain garden and discussed an oyster bed class.

Village Manager’s Report (Agenda 8B):

A written report is on file with the original minutes.

Village Board Chair’s Report (Agenda 8C):

Mr. Thomas requested an update on revisions to the Architectural Guidelines and specifically inquired about electric vehicle charging stations. He noted the county had repaired lawns on Golden Star Place.

Council Representative Report (Agenda 8D):

None.

Board Speak Out:

It was the consensus of the Board to seek professional input from an arborist prior to taking a position on the location of the pathway(s) proposed at the Quiet Night Ride/Grace Drive circle. Mr. Miceli will follow-up with the county regarding the concerns raised about speeding on Grace Drive.

Mr. Thomas requested an update from the Police liaison.

Adjournment:

Ms. DuBois made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:40 p.m. Mr. Miceli seconded the motion. The motion passed (6-0-0). Student Advisory Vote – in favor (2).

Submitted by: Susan M. Smith, Village Manager

Minutes Approved:  December 10, 2018