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Minutes
Minutes of the Board Meeting
January 10, 2008, VCCC Office, 7pm
The meeting was called to order at 7:02pm. There were 7 board members and 1 association member present.
FSCA Status
Old Business
1. Review of Community Events/Donations- The successful completion of our Holiday Lights, Holiday Police Buffet, and Four Seasons Women's Club donation were noted.
2. Membership Drive: There are currently 102 paid members as of today. Various strategies for increasing membership were discussed under our goals under new business.
3. Dairy Farm Oversight Committee: Two nominees, Joan Berry and Russell Dehart, were approved as nominees. Another resident, Mr. W. Decker, was mentioned as a potential representative at large because of his environmental expertise.
Approved Motion: Russell Dehart and Joan Berry shall be put forward as the FSCA's nominees to sit on the Dairy Farm Oversight Committee.
4. General Development Plan: The Countywide zoning revision that happens every 10 years will soon be looking for representatives. The Board is interested in learning of members who would be interested in being nominated for this influential position.
5. ByLaw Revision: The ByLaws of the Association were last revised in 2004. Some potential revisions were discussed. Andrew will look at historic materials for an electronic version of the current ByLaws to facilitate revisions.
Approved Motion: That a committee consisting of Ed Wyrwas and Ernie Munn will work with the President to review and present revisions to the ByLaws for a vote at a future general meeting.
New Business
1. Election of Officers
Approved Motion: Elect the slate of officers as presented.
President: Andrew Pruski
Vice President/Security Ray Piercy
Secretary: Joan Berry
Treasurer: Ed Wyrwas
Escrow: Verna Munn
Environmental Liaison Russell Dehart
Membership/Publications Jutta Schmidt
Community Liaison Chris Froehy
2. Web Master: Laura Mishaga will continue to update the web site.
Approved Motion: Up to $500 be allocated for the web master to purchase software for the web site.
3. Goals for 2008:
a. Increasing membership--Various approaches to increasing membership was discussed including more emphasis on the FSCA's accomplishments, membership incentives, and welcome packets. Jutta Schmidt and Russell Dehart volunteered to work on this effort.
b. Community events--There was a discussion about how many and what events should be continued or begun. The Board needs to continue honest evaluation of the desirability of continuing events that fall short of expectations and to continue to solicit ideas from members at meetings and through e-mails
4. February Meeting: The February meeting was cancelled. The change of meeting date will be announced on our web site and in the West County News. Any urgent Board business will be conducted through e-mail voting.
a. Approved Motion: Since the February meeting falls on Valentine's Day, the General Meeting IS rescheduled to March 13.
5. Speakers at Future Meetings:
a. Crofton is having speakers on fly ash on January 29 in a forum. Russell has been and will continue to work with contact for this event. The FSCA has agreed to help to publicize the event through the web site. We will work with the FSWC to see if we can use their sandwich boards to promote the event.
b. After the primary in February, the FSCA will invite nominees to come to our March meeting to discuss their position on the fly ash.
c. The issue of noise monitoring in the community was raised as a future discussion issue. Russell and Ray agreed to look into the possibility of purchasing an inexpensive decibel meter that we could make available to residents to track annoying noise levels. Any such monitoring would need to be confirmed by a Board member. There was a discussion about buying a decibel meter and look into the equipment.
6. Traffic Update (Presentation by Dave Daughters): Dave summarized the results of the recent Traffic meeting with County representatives including the reduction of speeds due to the flashing speed reminders and planned accident report analyses along Dairy Farm Road and at Rt. 175. Dave is pursing coordination with the Odenton Maple Ridge community to work with political forces to get a light at Dairy Farm Rd. and Rt. 175.
7. Development Issues:
a. Dave distributed a plat of new development planned on Old Dairy Farm Road. That road cannot be widened because there is no easement, i.e. property lines run up to the pavement. There are questions about the road width which cannot be met and potential removal of the right of access to plat 243.
b. Dave summarized the history of what was formerly known as the Tailor land fill between our community and the power plant on Waugh Chapel
c. A map of what is owned by developers and zoned residential between Four Seasons and Rt. 3 was displayed. As a community we need to anticipate potential development to forestall or control it. Were these areas to be developed, Waugh Chapel Road would almost certainly be 4-laned with impact on all properties adjacent to it.
8. Community Advocacy Newsletter: Dave recommended beginning an advocacy newsletter on issues, particularly growth and traffic involving representatives from the FSCA, FSWC and Security Patrol. Jutta volunteered to help put such a publication together if others will contribute materials. Ed will ask the women's club from a point of contact. Some of the outstanding issues that remain are: how often to publish (bimonthly or quarterly); Identification of resources, e.g., editing, publishing; and distribution options. Such a newsletter would focus on advocacy issues, such as renewing the reporting of crime statistics, development in the area, and following legislation that would impact the community, rather than events.
9. Nominees for Dairy Farm Oversight Committee: There was a discussion about potential nominees. Some interested parties were not considered because, although invited, did not attend the committee to talk to the Board about their qualifications and positions.
Approved motion: Russell DeHart and Joan Berry will be our nominees to the Dairy Farm Oversight Committee.
10. Public Announcements: Andrew Pruski publicized the County Executive's Community Day on February 9th at the Village Community Center 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for community leaders and encouraged Board members to attend.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Joan Berry, Secretary
Minutes of the Board Meeting
March 13, 2008, VCCC Office, 7pm
The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. There were 8 board members, association members and guests from Old Dairy Farm Road Association present.
FSCA General Business
The January Minutes were approved
T
Old Business
1. Fly Ash Update: Russell Dehart and Andrew Pruski reported on ideas from the Crofton Fly Ash forum. They indicated that complaints may be called to 410-537-3215, and this number will be listed on our Web site. The Forum gave the community an opportunity to give opinions on proposed regulation. The FSCA submitted our comments in writing. We questioned merely visual analysis of air quality looking for dust without taking air samples which fell short of community concerns. Other items in the letter were reviewed and will be available on our web site. There is currently only a 1-year moratorium on new fly ash deposits. Wayne Curry is litigating on some water quality issues at Summerfield. We are now in a holding period as we await the outcome of various legislative and regulative actions.
2. Committee Reports:
Bylaws: The bylaw committee met and began review . Their suggestions will be evaluated by an attorney before bringing them to a General Meeting for a vote by the association as required by current bylaws.
Website Update: Jutta Schmidt reported that the FSCA will be publishing an issue-oriented newsletter. In addition we plan to purchase a sandwich board to advertise meetings.
Noise Meter: Dave Daughters indicated that he talked to Brian Smith of the West County Police who is knowledgeable about noise issues. As a result of this conversation, Mr. Smith has given us a noise meter on an indefinite loan. This eliminates the need to buy one. Russell Dehart and Chris Froehy will together work with the noise issues. Should there be a suspected violation with reading from the resident's property line (not the house); Mr. Smith should be called and he will take an official reading, and speak to the violator to abate the violation.
3. Public Safety: Dave Daughters reported that there was a sexual assault in the community from a man promoting home improvement. He was arrested on sex offense, burglary, and assault. Dave recommended that people not invite such people into their home but use known businesses for home improvement to avoid scams.
4. Traffic Study: Dave Daughter reported on his unsuccessful attempts to get a traffic light and to correct traffic line-of-site issues at Route 175 with the State. In 2007 there were 14 accidents there. Dave is now Involved the Maple Ridge homeowners to get a light there. These two communities will be approaching Del. King with the information for intercession with the State.
New Business
5. Reliable Contracting (BBSS): Rob Scribner updated the community on grading behind the site to fill in part of a pit using dirt instead of fly ash. Reliable has applied for a mining permit. The area in question is zoned W3 and some RA on the back side which allows mining with a 5-year special exception. In answer to questions, Mr. Scribner indicated that has been no fly ash brought in since September and none uncovered since November.
6. Ribera Development - Old Dairy Farm Road Presentation: Eric Devito gave an update on the Turner property, now called Highland Farms, has been revised so all the single residences are brought to the road front and townhouses moved to the back of the property. The proposed development now contains 77 units (down from 99), with 20 single units. It was noted that a second development of 44 single family homes is planned farther along Old Dairy Farm Road. In response to questions, the following points were made:
The entrance and exits for Highland Farms have remained the same.
Old Dairy Farm Road is scenic and historic road and we don't want planning to decide after the fact that would vitiate the historic status. Development that is allowed should not ignore the traffic, which then must be corrected after it is built. Andrew opined that traffic is our biggest concern.
Sewage is no problem as a line runs right through the middle of the Turner property.
Ribera indicated that there was a possibility that they would help pay for a light at Rt. 175. Mr. Devito did indicate that they would be willing to work with us in approaching the State to get approval for that light.
Members asked if there were other steps that could be taken to send some of the traffic away from Four Seasons.
Having observed how dark the exit near Four Seasons is at night, Helen Wyrwas asked if there could be additional lighting to make the entrance with increased traffic safer.
Ribera indicated that currently a sketch plan is under development for approval. Ribera
will file a final plan with engineering details once they get sketch approval. The sketch
plan for the second 44 single house development has not yet been completed.
Any development plan necessitates an adequate public facilities. If one of the schools is
closed, age restrictions might be placed on some houses to allow development to go
forward.
Highland Farms will be a Home Owners Association which means that trash and snow
removal will be paid by the community and its roads will be private.
7. Delegate James King Representative, Valerie Kwiatkowski summarized current activities.
Regarding fly ash issues, she mentioned that Del. King sits on economic regulation committee. The fly ash bill sponsored by Del. McConkey died in committee. MDE talked to the AAC delegation about fly ash, but Del. King was unable to get adequate answers to his questions. Revised legislation will be submitted that will now include air as well as water pollution. Delegates King and McConkey are taking any suggestions. Having air testing machines available was raised and should be addressed by MDE to Del. King within 10 days.
Del. King also sits on the BRAC committee. Valerie brought about 10 copies of the BRAC booklet. Additional copies can be gotten by calling Del. King's office.
The school plans showed tremendous backlogs on school capital improvement plans. The delegate will work with communities to get supplements funds outside the state.
8. County Executive Representative, Brenda Reiber, reported on:
The new County Recycling plan and handed out some 50/50 fliers. Information may also be found on the County web site. The selling of recyclables provides the County with $1 million a year.
9. Old cars/vans on our streets: Dave Daughters clarified that old car wrecks cannot be cited if they have tags. The County is trying to get those without tags off the street.
10. Discussion and Possible Motions by the Board
Rejoin Greater Crofton Council as Voting Member ($75) There was a discussion with some opposition to joining that organization. There was no motion to join the organization.
Join Greater Odenton Improvement Association (Lifetime Membership $150) There was a discussion about various advantages, including the ability to learn about BRAC issues. We will check as to review bylaws and or have them able to come and speak to a General meeting.
Purchase Road Signs and Necessary Equipment: Andrew talked about the road signs, an upgraded web site, and newsletter options to advertise events and increase participation. Helen Wyrwas talked about the experience with the FSWC. Jutta suggested that we be issue specific. A motion was approved that $1,000 be given to a committee be formed to investigate and purchase the signs (up to 3) and where to store the signs. [Andrew, Jutta, Ray, Russell)
Permission to write a letter to the county on road and sidewalk conditions regarding sidewalk cracks about the process for repair of street pot holes. Helen Wyrwas moved that FSCA to write a letter to Councilman Benoit for someone to come and address a General meeting. The motion was passed.
Discussion on next Board of Governors (BOG) Meeting and next General Membership Meeting. Andrew announced that the meeting dates will be April 10 as BOG and May 8 as the General Membership meeting.
Approve Goals for 2008: What does our association want to do? Reestablishing a newsletter and better publicity are prominent in this year's goals. Questions were raised about welcome packets for new residents. Increasing membership was also raised. A motion was approved that the FSCA include in its goals
Create a newsletter and signs that will help us raise our membership to 300
and
