September 19, 2016 Minutes

River Hill Board of Directors
Meeting Minutes
September 19, 2016

Michael Cornell, Board Chair, called the regularly scheduled meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. on September 19, 2016, at Claret Hall, 6020 Daybreak Circle, Clarksville, MD 21029.  Board Members present were, Harjeet Jandu, Mavourene Robinson, Richard Thomas, Jason Zagnit, and Liyan Zhang. Also present were Chao Wu, Columbia Council Member, and Susan Smith, Village Manager. Robert Choi arrived at 7:04 p.m. Jennifer Zhang, Student Member was absent. Mavourene Robinson left the meeting at 7:40 p.m. A list of attendees is on file with the Minutes.

Approval of the Agenda (Agenda 2):
Ms. Robinson made a motion to approve the agenda. Mr. Wu seconded the motion. Ms. Smith made a motion to amend the agenda by moving Agenda Item 8D. Committee/Liaison Reports after Agenda Item 5. Resident Speak Out. Ms. Robinson seconded the motion. The motion passed (6-0-0).

Administrative Items (Agenda 3):
Mr. Zagnit made a motion to approve the August 15, 2016 Minutes. Mr. Thomas seconded the motion. The motion passed (4-0-2)

Resident Speak Out (Agenda 5):
None.

Reports – Development Advisory Committee (Agenda 8D):
Ms. Robinson reported that members of the Development Advisory Committee had met with Kent Shuebrooks, Chief, Land Development Division, Department of Planning and Zoning, on September 14. His power point presentation and the Subdivision and Land Development Review Process flow chart were shared as a part of the Board’s information packet. The Board discussed the role of the DAC and the upcoming pre-submission meeting for the River Hill Garden Center property.

Columbia Downtown Update (Agenda 4):
Greg Fitchitt, VP Development, Howard Hughes Corporation, gave an update on the status of downtown Columbia. He discussed the proposal for Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to fund construction of a public parking structure and road improvements.  Mr. Fitchitt also discussed adding 900 residential units for affordable housing in the downtown area. Mr. Fitchitt responded to questions and distributed handouts to the members (on file with the original Minutes).

FY17 1st Quarter Financial Statements & Variance Analysis (Agenda 6A.)
Ms. Smith reviewed the 1st Quarter Financial Statements. There were no variances in the CA reports requiring an explanation. Mr. Thomas made a motion to approve the financial statements as presented. Mr. Wu seconded the motion. The motion passed (6-0-0).

CA FY18 Budget (Agenda 7A):
The Board discussed the CA Budget and determined that at this time the Association has no CA budget requests for FY18. Mr. Zagnit inquired about CA’s energy use and will be provided with Mr. Scharfenberg’s contact information.

Manager’s Report (Agenda 8A):
A written report is on file with the original minutes. Ms. Smith reminded the members of the required training. Ms. Smith thanked the Board Members who attended the 25th Birthday Celebration and Health Fair and shared the County Council’s resolution. Ms. Smith reported that CA will hold the “Exploring Columbia on Foot” walk series in River Hill on October 6th. She also reminded the Board the Columbia Villages are co-sponsoring a Board of Education Candidates’ Forum to be held at the Other Barn on October 13 at 7 p.m. Ms. Smith provided an update on meeting with the State Highway Administration to discuss noise from MD 32, the fireplace insert replacement, and new classes. Ms. Smith recommended that a Category III request be submitted for renovating the kitchenette at the River Hill Meeting Room. The Board supported the request. It was the consensus of the Board that liaison responsibilities for each member will be discussed at the October meeting.

Board Chair’s Report (Agenda 8B):
Mr. Cornell thanked the Board Members for attending the Birthday Celebration and Health Fair.

Council Representative’s Report (Agenda 8C):
Mr. Wu reported on the costs of pond management, CA’s new Sister City in Haiti, the establishment of a Sister City Planning Committee for a city in China, October 13 FY18 budget hearing, the Downtown Columbia Partnership’s request for $500,000 in funds from CA in FY18, and a request by the Howard County Veterans Foundation for a memorial at the Columbia Lakefront.

Liaisons/Student Member (Agenda 8D):
None.

Board Speak Out (Agenda 9):
Mr. Jandu inquired about closure of the SportsPark for private events on Saturday evenings which are prime times for community use.

Adjournment (Agenda 11):
Mr. Cornell adjourned the meeting at 9:45 p.m.

Minutes submitted by: Susan M. Smith, Village Manager

Minutes Approved:   October 10, 2016 (as amended)