Columbia Association Board of Directors
Meeting
February 27, 2020
Nancy’s Notes
Resident Speak-Out
Louis Barbie of OM spoke out against a proposal from Ginny Thomas regarding a request she has made for $15-20K. He says this proposal doesn’t include residents’ input, there is no real statement of work presented, there was no community involvement. Ms. Thomas says she is no longer asking for money and wants the Board to come back with a process from CA to involve the community.
Shari Chase spoke about her wish to meet with Mr. Matthews but hasn’t been able to get that appointment. She spoke about a difficult time with inclusion in a class for her son. He has autism. He needs someone with him. The mother insists the child has not hurt anyone as the teacher stated. She is very upset about her son being excluded. Her son is 23 years old and was accused of hurting someone at the CA facilities. He has been banned with threats of calling the police if he returns. She loves CA and wants him to be able to use the facilities again. Board members suggested we get all the facts before any steps are taken.
Evangeline Schindler from OM has photos to show the space in question for proposed development of the space in Stevens Forest. She loves the area and the facilities there. The space is not at all underutilized. It is heavily used by children and families. She spoke out against the proposed study and development. She loves the natural area and the many spaces there for their family to enjoy. The goal to respect the land, and have nature be part of their every day life is what matters to her. Evangeline was unhappy that this has not been publicized to the community. Therefore there was no community input.
Capital Budget Discussion
Operating Budget Discussion
Release of Funds for Repair of Stonehouse
She says her Village Board asked in a 5-1 vote, to come up with a process for the village to get community input to create a space or spaces the community would like to have. When asked why CA staff is asked to do this, she feels the final decisions are always with the CA board. She feels it’s important that the CA staff be involved. I spoke against involving CA staff. It seems appropriate that residents in the village, if they feel connected to this concept, should form a committee to determine how to reach residents and then how to find a way to move forward with this. The Board voted to table a proposal by the Oakland Mills representative to create a process using CA staff to get resident input into making changes, the area to be determined, to create an inter generational space with things residents would like to have in their community. The CA Board agreed to table this until the NC policy is determined.
Inner Arbor Trust Report
The IAT’s bond was approved.
Spring will soon be here.
Stay warm!
Nancy McCord
Paid!