Four Seasons Community Association
Minutes of the Board Meeting
April 12, 2007, VCCC Conferences Room, 7:00pm

Meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by Mariam Pelletier. Quorum was obtained via Board e-mail voters. There were eight (8) community members and two (2) invited guests present to discuss issues on the agenda.

FSCA Status

There were no amendments to the minutes of the last meeting posted to the web site.

Treasurer's  Report   N/A      

Correspondence:

E-mail:

o       Cunningham issues with berm location and burning will be covered under Old Business

o       Dustin Marshall -Unity Grant -Dustin wants to cooperate with FSCA in making and expanding future grants.

Hard Copy:

o       Notices of Village and Waugh Chapel community meeting which will be noted under New Business.

Old Business

1. Community Event -the date has been changed to Saturday, September 15^th 12:30p.m. to 4 p.m. because of extensive repairs being made to FSES.
2. Community Yard Sale -April 21st -Cancelled due to lack of interest.
3. Cunningham Issues
   1. Community members should direct issues with the extension of mining to Cunningham directly with copies to County Executive's office John Ontko sent a complaint to the State Director of Mining.  To him, the berm looked to be too close to the edge of community properties.  He learned from Mr. Jansek in the State Office of Mining that the measurement is taken from the center of the berm.  The State indicated that Cunningham is within their code.  Erika Garrett also complained that the berm is too close to be able to open the window.  The berm is nearly completely built.   It looks like the bottom of the berm is 102' from a dwelling to the bottom of the berm. There is confusion about the measurements between the agreement and the approval.  FSCA Board representative(s) will meet with Jamie and other County representatives of his choosing to determine the measurements to be enforced.  Residents will be notified of any compliance meetings and be invited to observe any County directed assessment through measurement with the appropriate notification of Cunningham of community representatives coming on to its property.
   2. The Cunningham burning permit was lifted when the County was contacted of the fly ash and other effluent problems.  There is nothing that the community association itself can do to enforce compliance.  If future problems are noted contact Mariam immediately.   Mariam said that she will forward a message to Brenda Rieber or people may try to contact her directly.   Cunningham has received a new 14-day permit.  They must reapply every 14-day chunks.  It was suggested that an alternative plan would be to call the fire department and possibly The Evening Capital.  Health related issues should be sent to the Health Department. 
   3. Mariam will contact Cunningham to determine when the plantings on the berm will take place to prevent the dust from the wind. 
4. New idea for Cunningham Money - Joan Berry  
   1. Joan suggested that the Board create a grant program open to applications by community members or organizations like scouts or local schools for projects that benefit the community.  This will mean developing a process for evaluating the grants and criteria for awards.  Dollar limits, or range, would possibly also apply. 

New Business

1. Mariam is planning a meeting on April 23 with other community groups to discuss area development concerns. 
2. Rick and Karen Berger spoke about the planned development of townhouses on Old Dairy Farm Road.  The first County mandated meeting will be April 24, Arundel High School, 6:00 p.m.  Mr. Tuner's 22 acres, has sold the house and 3 acres with the rest under contingency.  Other landowners with an additional 35 acres have contracts.  This would allow the building of 90 townhouses and 60 single family residences.  The rest of the area density has not been determined.  There are plans for another 100 townhouses.  Jamie Benoit, Eric Robey, and Brenda Rieber have been to talk to the Bergers.  This development would be visible from our community and the increase in traffic on Dairy Farm Road would complicate further entrance and egress from our community via that route.   Old Dairy Farm Road is designated 'historic scenic road'.  For additional traffic the road would need to be widened and a pumping station would be necessary to handle additional sewage.  Development may be inevitable, but the density and appearance may be subject to more control.

Andrew moved that someone speak on behalf of the FSCA and on the record calling on the historic designation of Old Dairy Farm Road to oppose townhouse development of that land.  Passed unanimously.

3. Event at the Dairy Farm on April 26 from 7 to 9 food, wine and beverages.  $12 in advance $16 at the gate.  This event is in support of keeping a farm on that land, rather than alternatives submitted to the Navy.
4. A mandated community meeting about building a Health Club and Office Space at Waugh Chapel  between Eckerd and the old Texaco station is scheduled on April 30 at 6:00.
5. Traffic News, etc.:  Used car lot on Waugh Chapel Road.  A line of site survey will be done and appropriate 'No Parking' signs posted.  The Courts have requested that there be no overnight parking on the rest.  There is a planned speed activated flasher on Waugh Chapel and additional chokers on Dairy Farm road at the community entrance. 

Shredding days will be held in the county for personal papers on May 15 @ Cancun Cantina parking lot in Glen Burnie and Northern District police station. There will be bike registration at the police station also.  April 28 overlook park on Dorsey road bicycle registration.

There have been PG gangs looking to steal or break in cars cruising with lights off.  If you see any of these cars in your neighborhood, please call the police or 911.

6. Four Seasons Women's Club plant sale is on Saturday, April 21, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Please support the Women's Club in this, their only, fundraising event.

7.      Andrew announced that the last membership count is 168 members.  If you want information broadcast to the membership, please submit things electronically as it makes it easier to post to our web site and send out in e-mails.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Joan C. Berry, Vice President

Four Seasons Community Association (FSCA)
Board of Governors
May 10, 2007, VCCC Office, 7:00 p.m.

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.  There were 5 Board members, one community member, 2 guests and 2 presenters attending.

Attendees:  Mariam, Joan, Andrew, Ed, Verna, Paul Zimmerli,   Guests:  Rick Berger, Harry Sinclair

FSCA Status

• The web minutes were approved as posted without objection.

• The Treasurer reported a total of 158 members to date.

• Since the beginning of the year, the escrow account has increased.

Correspondence Received          

• E-mail:  Comments on County RFP Submission to Dairy Farm by We Care

• Hard Copy:

  • Site Plan and Subdivision Applications

    • Recreation Pad in the Village

    • Plans for Village South

    • BGE Master Substation Expansion

  • Facility Use Reapplication

Old Business

1. Community Event - the FSCA looking for volunteers to to distribute fliers or to help with this September 15 event.  E-mail Mariam to sign up.   

New Business

1. Eric DeVito from Ribera Development LLC presented their plant for development on Old Dairy Farm Road.   The following questions and issues were raised:

a.       Questions about traffic (the 17' wide designated Scenic/Historic Old Dairy Farm Road), density, flood plain, facilities, adequate facilities and impact fees for the school, the BRAC impact starting 2009, building as an age limited project that Ribera does not want to do, and the timing of the build based on the County's process. 

b.      It was pointed out that traffic projections on Waugh Chapel Road with this additional development would approach the volume on Aris T. Allen Blvd. in Annapolis.  This could mean that the County would want to 4-lane Waugh Chapel Road.  It was opined that the affected communities would fight 4-laning vigorously.

c.       The zoning appropriateness of townhouses.  It was clarified that they can be built anywhere there is 10 acres according to zoning code.

d.      The building of something like Saddle Brook versus townhouses which may be more like starter homes was mentioned.

e.      We requested that they share the traffic study when it is complete.

f.         The question about assisting to build another school.

g.      Mr. De Vito opined that this project was not large enough to build a community center. 

h.       In opposition, Rick Berger made a plea to get community backing to try to cut the density rather than 200 townhouses.  Mariam has met with the nearby community associations with 1500 homes total.  With this number of potential people affected, we should be able to get community involvement for the lower density. 

2.       FSCA is actively soliciting and will review bids for mowing our recreational property off of Symphony Lane so that mowing can begin June 1 or shortly thereafter.    

3.       Fall Event at the Dairy Farm:  Because those present liked the idea of an event on the farm the Saturday before Halloween, Joan and Miriam will work with Oksana to refine a plan.    People were in support of having hayrides.  The spook house may also be available and the maze may also be open.  It was suggested that it be an afternoon event because we will be back in Standard Time by then.  Anyone wanting to help plan and execute this event should contact Miriam or Joan.

4.       Other

a.       Dave Daughters has had successful bypass surgery and should come home next week.

b.      It was suggested that FSCA support the County if they get the bid for the dairy farm.  However, we need to know the details of what the County plans.  The non-release of the plans by the County because it's the Navy's policy not to release information as these are closed bids.  We hope to bring this information to the community as soon as it becomes public.

c.       Rick Berger read a letter from Dave Daughter about the increasing traffic counts on Waugh Chapel Road.

d.      Joan summarized the required County meeting on the "Recreation Pad" for the L.A. Fitness and Bank of America in the corner near the old Texaco station.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Joan C. Berry, Vice President

Four Seasons Community Association (FSCA)
Board of Governors
September 13, 2007, VCCC Office, 7:00 p.m.

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.  There were 4 Board members, one community member, 2 guests and 2 presenters attending.

Attendees:  Mariam, Andrew, Laura, Ed

FSCA Status

•          The web minutes were approved as posted without objection.

Old Business

Community Day

•          Plans for Community Day are ready to go. Emails are being sent out by Andrew Pruski. Flyers were mailed to all residents concerning details for the event. Dave Daughters has contacted the police and they will be registering bicycles and they will have a police car on display.

New Business

Elected Officials

• County Councilman Jamie Benoit and Delegate James King attended our meeting and they addressed FSCA concerns. There were approximately 25 people in the audience. Several attendees were not FSCA residents, but were representatives from adjacent community stakeholder groups.

• In Summary, County Councilman Benoit discussed several issues including: the Dairy Farm Project, growth in and around West County, taxes (including the strain on govt. revenues), fly ash, and development. Councilman Benoit fielded numerous questions about the concern of development near Four Seasons including Summerfield Road, Waugh Chapel II, and Reliable's properties. Councilman Benoit updated residents about the fly ash pit near FSCA. He has proposed legislation to ban fly ash. He asked that residents attend the County Council meeting on Monday.

Councilman Benoit requested that residents have a say in development by attending Administrative Hearing meetings and County Council meetings. One way to stop development is for the County Council to rezone property or deny the approval of utilities on site. He also mentioned that citizens need to attend the General Development Plan meetings were zoning is addressed.

County Councilman Benoit shared is grave concerns about the $1.5 million school maintenance backlog. He stated that due to the property tax cap, revenues for our county are limited and we can keep up.

He concluded by stating that he would include FSCA members on County Committees. Councilman Benoit stated that these town hall meetings are examples of his dedication to reach out to citizens.

• In Summary, Delegate James King discussed several issues including: the upcoming state deficit, growth in and around West County, taxes, the state's role in the concerns over fly ash, and improving roads. Delegate King fielded numerous questions about the state deficit. Delegate King stated that he felt the state is spending too much money and it has a spending problem, not a revenue problem. He stated that like his checkbook at home, the state should not spend more then it takes in. By the law the state has to have a balanced budget, unlike the federal govt. which can make money. Delegate King, like County Councilman Benoit, feels that any loophole that allows development on Fort Meade without proper taxes owed; should be changed.

• Delegate King said he is working closely with state agencies to obtain funding for roads and infrastructure improvements proper to Fort Meade's expansion. He is concentrating on route 3 and 175, arties in his district.

• Delegate King believes that we cannot add any more taxes and fees to business or citizens. Maryland is one of the highest tax states in the country. We need to have economic growth and development.

• Delegate King was also concerned about the fly ash situation in Gambrills. He is concerned that the Maryland Dept. of Environment dropped the ball. They are supposed to reviewing all deposits into the fly ash mine.

• In conclusion, Delegate King was happy to attend this town hall meeting. He asked residents to contact him if they have any concerns.

Two Motions Passed at the Meeting

Elected Officials

1. FSCA approved a motion to support a ban on dumping future fly ash in the areas adjacent to our community.
2. FSCA also passed a second motion which was to oppose any development on Summerfield Road. Summerfield Road is the land owned by Reliable Inc. or one of its subsidies, where fly ash is either deposited or used in the making of concrete. Residents were also informed that Reliable Inc. has intentions to develop the land at some point. Concerns over additional traffic were discussed at the meeting. The greatest concern is that if any additional traffic light is added or there is an increase in traffic on Waugh Chapel, it will likely become a four Lane road. FSCA will keep you posted on future developments.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:52 pm.

Four Seasons Community Association
Minutes of the Board Meeting
October 11, 2007, VCCC Office, 7pm

The meeting was called to order at 7:04pm.  There was a quorum of board members and an additional guest.

FSCA Status

• The minutes were approved as posted.
• The Treasurer provided his report.
• The Escrow report was reviewed.

Old Business

1. Community Day - Mariam discussed the itemized expenses from the event. 
    
2. Nominating Committe - Joan is heading this committee, and Ed and Andrew are also working on nominations. Three current Board members, Mariam, Verna, and Laura, are stepping down.  Discussion of other potential members ensued.
    
3. October Event at Navy Dairy Farm - On October 27th, from 1-4pm, the FSCA Potluck Picnic will be held at the marketplace at the Dairy Farm.  Additional ways to publicize the event, to include letters in the papers and the the Suburban Scene, were brought up and discussed.  Extra items like cups, straws, plates, napkins, plastic ware, etc., might be needed.  Mariam has some supplies left over from the Community Day event and will purchase some of the other items.  There was discussion on having a drawing at the Potluck event.  Additionally it was decided to get a few other gift certificates as prizes such as a $25 gift certifcate to Applebees and a $35 gift certificate to Four Seasons Grille. 

New Business

1. Summerfield Village - the grading permit application has been summitted.
2. Ways to encourage membership were discussed.  Andrew will work on the membership application brochure for 2008.
   
   Motion: To have paid "Member of the Month" win $25 gift certificate starting this November by drawing at the meeting. Motion was approved unaimously. 
   
   Motion: To spend $600 on postage and paper for membership flyers.  Motion was unanimously approved.
    
3. Mariam and Ed will work on a budget for 2008. 
4. Traffic update: Four sets tubes are out to detect speed on Waugh Chapel.  Police are involved in catching those who speed up after entering Four Seasons on Dairy Farm Road, past the flashing speed sign.  Current "No parking" signs along Waugh Chapel are for enabling line of sight for traffic making left turns onto Waugh Chapel.  Thefts from, and of, cars are up in Anne Arundel County overall.  Currently GPS systems are highly coveted targets.  Dave Daughters did some digging and found that the land between the BG&E substation and the Four Seasons community was sould a few years ago to Waugh Chapel 98, LLC.  This lef to discussions of how to determine ties between companies and how to learn about new exception applications and hearings affecting our community.  Basically, the only surefire way is to monitor the AA county website to see what notices are put online. 
5. Topic for November meeting: There was some discussion on bringing back the newsletter, either by paying someone in the community or by paying someone to professionally produce it.  This will be brought up in the November meeting.  Also, a note was made to discuss the number of meetings per year during the November meeting. The next meeting will be November 8th, 2007.
6. The FSWC has made an informal request for a grant.  This will be discussed during a future meeting (possibly in November) when more details are provided.
7. Mariam and Laura will be working on the Holiday Lights contest this year. 

The meeting adjourned at 8:22pm.

Four Seasons Community Association
Minutes of the General Meeting
November 8, 2007, VCCC Office, 7pm

The meeting was called to order at 7:05pm.  There were 5 board members and 7 association members present.

FSCA Status

• The minutes were approved as posted.
• The Treasurer provided his report.
• The Escrow report was reviewed.

Old Business

1. Dairy Farm Even - Attendence was very limited, however we did get new members. 
    
2. Nominating Committe - There was discussion and a motion formed on featuring a $50 1st prize, $30 2nd prize, and a $25 3rd prize.
   
   MOTION: The holiday lights contest will award the following prizes: $50 for 1st prize, $30 for 2nd prize, and a $25 for 3rd prize.
    

New Business

1. Nominating committee to announce candidates - Ray Piercy was nominated by Andrew and Chris Froehry was also nominated.  Additional new candidates included Jutta Schmidt and Russ Dehart.  Board members from this year choosing to remain on the board included Andrew Pruski, Verna Munn, Joan Berry, and Ed Wywras.  A motion was made to approve the slate, since up to 8 board members are allowed by the current bylaws.
   
   MOTION: The Board Members of FSCA for 2008 will include Ray Piercy, Chris Froehry, Jutta Schmidt, Russ Dehart, Andrew Pruski, Verna Munn, Joan Berry, and Ed Wywras, with actual positions to be decided in January 2008.

2. Election - N/A (not needed)
3. Four Season's Women's Club (FSWC) Request - Joyce Rogers of FSWA sent a letter requesting support by donation.  There was some discussion of newsletter.  A motion was put forth regarding the donation.
   
   MOTION: The FSCA will grant the request of $2,000 donation to FSWC.
    
4. Donation to Police Holiday Buffet - Dave Daughters, President of Western District Police Relations Council, presented the request for a donation to the Police Holiday Buffet.  There was some discussion of the event and how any extra monies or donations are handled.  A motion was put forth to make a donation.
   
   MOTION: The FSCA will make a donation of $1200 for the Police Holiday Buffet.
    
5. 2008 Membership Drive - Stamps have been ordered.  There was discussion of the pamphlets and who would help in folding.
6. Membership Incentives -  The first drawing was tonight.  Leigh Couture was the lucky winner.
7. Ideas for meetings - Andrew passed out a list of ideas and suggestions for 2008.  He presented the ideas, and the Board will look further into them in January.  The next board meeting will be January 10, 2008.
8. County Executive - Brenda from the County Executive's office spoke briefly on the noise abatement program, lighting issues in the community, and the model government program in schools. 
9. Traffic Update - Dave Daughters provided an update on Old Dairy Farm Road development.  A Traffic committee meeting is coming up on December 10, 2007.

The meeting adjourned at 8:19pm.