BOARD OF GOVERNORS MEETING of the RODGERS FORGE COMMUNITY, INC.
Minutes of the Meeting held on Wednesday May 14, 2014
Rodgers Forge Elementary School Activity Room in Rodgers Forge in Baltimore County, MD
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting convened at 7:04 P.M. with Vice-President Jennifer Helfrich presiding and Carol Zielke,
recording secretary. Members in attendance (20): Ginny Allen, Doug Campbell, Alison Dax, Alex Dippel, Jean Duvall,
Jill Fisher, Christie Hammann, Eric Helfrich, Jennifer Helfrich, David Lampton, Janice Moore, John Rinehart, Roxanne
Rinehart, Del Schmidt, Janine Schofield, Stu Sirota, Lawrence Swoboda, Bryan Tillman, Ryan Wagner, and Carol Zielke;
Members Excused (1): Michael Bayer; Members Absent (0): New Member (1): Paul T. Kastner; Guests (4): Wendy
Bennett, Brian Zavin, Shawn Kimberly, and Kim Daley. A Board Quorum is (12) of (22) current serving members.
Welcome: Vice-President J. Helfrich opened the meeting for President Sirota who was arriving late. She
announced that Senator James Brochin, who was scheduled as Guest Speaker, had postponed his
presentation until the June 11th Board meeting.
Approval of Minutes: Vice-President Jennifer Helfrich asked for approval of the April Meeting Minutes.
Motion (G. Allen, C. Hammann, 2nd): The Rodgers Forge Board of Governors approves the April 9th, 2014
Minutes RFC, Inc. Motion passed.
Presentation by Guests: Homeowners who live in the 300 block of Murdock Road addressed the Board
about an empty home in their group that is in serious disrepair and has been unoccupied for about 10 years.
Vice-Pres. Helfrich reviewed for the Board the many code violations, fines, bank foreclosure on property,
and payoff of back taxes at a June Tax sale in 2013. Later in the meeting the Board discussed possible
approaches to the problem property.
Treasurer’s Report: Janice Moore reported (attached to these Minutes). The Accounts Overview from BB&T
OnLine® shows: $20,349.29 (checking) and $21,163.30 (savings) with a total of $41,512.59. Janice
requested Board action or advice on unanticipated expense requests:
 Motion (G. Allen, L. Swoboda, 2nd): The Board approves increasing the donation for the 4th of July
Parade from the approved $225 to $250 in order to remain a corporate member on the
acknowledgements. Janice explained that the organizers had upped the qualifying monies for being
designated a corporate member. Motion passed.
 Motion (C. Hammann, J. Helfrich, 2nd): The Board approves charges of $254.40 made by Janice
Moore via RF DEBIT CARD for purchase of yard signs and magnetic signs for Dumpster Day. Janice
explained that these were last minute expenses that exceeded the previously approved budget for
the Dumpster Day Committee.
 Janice and the Board asked guidance on how to handle a problem check from an advertiser and its
corresponding bank fee.
 Janice announced she is giving each RFC, Inc. officer a key to the storage room. Committee Chairs
should contact an officer to obtain the key for access and return it as soon as possible.
New Board Member Appointment: Stu introduced Paul Kastner to serve in Mary Byer’s place on the Board.
Paul Kastner spoke briefly about himself and his family who have lived in RF since 1996. His children attend
our local public schools. Paul has been with the Maryland National Guard for 30 years. He expressed the
desire to give back to his community. Paul Kastner’s appointment to the Board received unanimous
approval from Board members present (Vote by paper ballot).
President’s Report:
 Smart Meters: Stu related that he received a letter from homeowner about Smart Meters. Did the
Board wish to invite a speaker to address this topic and relevant issues? The Board discussed posting
information on the blog or a letter to the editor instead.
 TU Women’s Softball Field: A follow-up meeting occurred with Senator Brochin, Delegate Lafferty, J.
Helfrich, and representatives from TU attending. The university agreed to take time to look into
moving the field away from the property line. G. Truelove added that he thinks TU is responding to our
protests. Pres. Loeschke came out for a visit and saw the proximity of the fields. She was concerned
about liability if an accident occurred.
May 14th, 2014 MINUTES RFC, Inc.
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 DMS: Stu reviewed the letter chain with BCPS officials. Delegate Lafferty is very concerned and
Councilman Marks is working behind the scenes. Stu reported that an architect who has worked on
past school designs has expressed support for the suggestions offered by the group of planners from
the community. Stu, however, has not seen much response from the BCPS.
 E-mail Votes: President Sirota reminded Board members that per the By-Laws, only the President can
initiate an e-mail vote. Board members asked if a petty cash fund could be established for emergency
expenses of committees.
Motion (J. Moore, J. Rinehart, 2nd): The Board approves giving the Executive Committee a maximum
of $300 for unexpected expenses for a single event. Motion passed.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Architecture: J. Duvall, Chair, reported on the April and May applications.
Doors and Windows
234 Overbrook Road: paint new front door brick red. APPROVED (A. Dax, ls).
107 Dunkirk Road: install new 6/6 windows by Anderson. APPROVED (J. Duvall, ls).
Decks and Patios
109 Brandon Road: remove rotting ground level deck and replace with concrete and red brick patio with decorative
block walls and cap for step up to low porch. APPROVED. (J.D, ls).
180 Brandon Road: application received May 5th for new deck of composite wood with vinyl white banister & railings.
The white vinyl material for banister and railings does not meet guidelines. PENDING (J. Rinehart is handling).
144 Stanmore Road: 12x16’ deck with fencing underneath and on top and steps with landing projecting an additional 3
feet. DENIED AS REQUESTED. Committee members met with homeowner to explain setback requirements
requiring a revision of deck size and orientation of steps to reduce deck projection and to discuss reason for denial
of fenced enclosure under deck and privacy fencing on top. PENDING submission of revised plan. (C. Zielke, J.
Duvall).
Fences:
310 Old Trail: removal 2 huge cedar trees touching front of house, replace front gutter and install 3 foot tall picket
fence to match original. APPRPVED. (C. Zielke, ls).
213 Brandon Road: replace old rear yard fence with 6 foot tall shadow box fence. Neighbors submitted letters
approving fence height. APPROVED (J. Duvall, ls).
66 Murdock Road: replace old fence in rear yard with 6 foot tall shadowbox fence. APPROVED. (A. Dax, ls).
333 Old Trail: applied for 45 feet of shadowbox fence 6 foot tall between his property and 335 Old Trail. The neighbor
refused the new fence so homeowner will apply for a new concrete patio in rear yard to replace old one. PENDING
new application. (J. Duvall).
Parking Pads & Sheds:
100 Murdock Road: install concrete parking pad behind home that backs up to apartments. Approved dimensions of
pad to be 18 feet wide by 8 feet deep with option to extend to 10 feet deep if necessary. Depth was negotiated to
allow for legally required 13 foot alley clearance beyond pad. APPROVED (J. Duvall, ls).
169 Regester Ave at corner of Pinehurst & Regester: requested 21 foot by 12 foot parking pad, 7 foot x 8 foot shed (no
sketch provided) and new fence (height & style not supplied). Committee members inspected site and requested
additional information from homeowner. Corner parking pad DENIED, shed & fence of unknown style and
dimensions DENIED. (J. Duvall, ls). The owner asked committee to meet with her regarding shed type, dimensions,
style and location of fence. Duvall’s negotiation with homeowner went well. DENIED PARKING PAD FOR CORNER
HOUSE; the fence & shed are PENDING submission of revised application. (Duvall, Montessorro, and Rinehart).
Porches and sidewalks:
335 Old Trail: replace front and rear old concrete walk, patio and porch where worn & crumbling. APPROVED. (A. Dax, ls).
16 Regester Ave: replace in kind porch and part of concrete sidewalk. APPROVED. (J. Rinehart via e-mail).
133 Stanmore Road: restore concrete front porch, steps, and walk to replicate original. APPROVED. (J. Duvall, ls).
Roofs:
207 Stanmore Road: repair bay window roof with CertainTeed™ Grand Manor fiberglass shingles, color Colonial Slate;
repair slate roof and replace gutters with white aluminum gutters. APPROVED (J. Duvall, ls).
173 Dumbarton Road: replace roof with CertainTeed™ Grand Manor fiberglass shingles, color Colonial Slate.
APPROVED. (A. Montessorro, ls).
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113 Stanmore Road: replace roof with CertainTeed™ Grand Manor fiberglass shingles, color Colonial Slate. APPROVED.
(A. Montessorro, ls).
103 Regester Ave: replace roof with GAF Camelot ll fiberglass shingles, color Antique Slate. APPROVED. (A.
Montessorro, ls).
Vacant House Restoration:
231 Murdock Road (vacant house, new owner): submitted application to repair, refurbish, and restore all doors to
replicate original; replace sidewalk with new concrete sidewalk to replicate original; repair front porch; replace
deteriorating slate roof with CertainTeed™ Grand Manor fiberglass shingles, color Colonial Slate. APPROVED. (J.
Duvall & A. Dax, ls). Added note: applicant tried to install Slateline shingles rather than the approved CertainTeed™
product and was about 1/3 completed when Jean discovered the substitution and insisted that the approved
roofing be installed. Correct material was installed the next day. Added note: The owner will renovate entire
interior, install new wiring and pipes, and install air conditioning (not subject to review by Architecture Committee).
Jean noted that the committee approves 90% of applications but that 10% of applications have problems.
She discussed three recent problems: solid board fences - can we deny solid board fence using the county
regulation governing blockage of light and air as county residents have successfully utilized against such
fences? It was suggested that we check with county about this regulation; attempted installation of
unapproved roofing material - Jean asked that Board members keep a watchful eye for roofing packets
delivered to yards and notify the Architecture Committee immediately if products other than those on
our Guidelines list are delivered; oversized decks – She discussed a recent deck application where the
requested deck projection with landing and steps to grade exceeded our guidelines but met county
regulations. RFCA guidelines stipulate a 12 foot maximum deck projection to include any added
projection due to steps. In some cases our maximum 12 foot projection cannot be approved. She
showed a recent application. President Sirota said to send a letter denying the original deck.
 Motion (J. Duvall, C. Hammann, 2nd): The Board approves the Architecture Committee Report and
President Sirota’s recommendation to deny original design at 144 Stanmore Road and to schedule an
appeal at the June Board meeting. Motion passed, unanimous.
The President was to send homeowner e-mail notification of appeal.
Membership Committee: President Sirota asked for a volunteer to assume Chairmanship of the
Membership Committee. Christie Hammann responded she was willing and had past experience.
Tree Rodgers Forge: President Sirota communicated to the Board via E-mail the committee’s proposal
concerning the Tree Canopy Restoration Program in Baltimore County (paper copy attached to these
Minutes). Stu related that the Board must accept proposal before the county would start work.
 Motion (J. Helfrich, J. Fisher, 2nd): The Board accepts the offer to study the tree canopy in Rodgers
Forge. The Board discussed. John Rinehart asked if residents would be required to plant a tree (No the
program is voluntary). Jennifer Helfrich said the proposal is designed to make separate county agencies
work together to improve the tree canopy in older neighborhoods. Motion passed: 18 Yes; 2 No; 1
Abstention.
 With regard to a question about Stu’s April 1st letter to Councilman Marks and the E-mail vote by the
Executive Committee concerning the Committee’s Recommendations for Implementing the CEQ Report,
Stu agreed to send out the full E-mail chain to the Board (paper copy attached to these Minutes). Vice
President Helfrich mentioned that she considered the vote committee work since in his March report to
the Board Larry Folgelson outlined what he wanted to go into the letter.
WEB Site: Stu provided details on an electronic contract from a local contractor (interviewed by himself and
Eric) to redesign and maintain our WEB site. The site will allow for filling out Architecture Applications, Dues
Payments, etc. and Board control of site. The proposed contract of $3200 included $2200 basic web site +
$1000 for added features. This is above the $2500 allocated by Board. A down payment of $2200 is needed.
 Motion (D. Schmidt, J. Helfrich, 2nd): The Board approves a cash down payment of $1100 (½ of $2200)
to Entice Design.com to develop Web site. Motion passed.
 Motion (D. Schmidt, A. Dax, 2nd): The Board approves an increase from $2500 to $3200 in monies to
pay for the Web site. Motion passed.
May 14th, 2014 MINUTES RFC, Inc.
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Picnic Committee: The Annual Picnic is scheduled for Saturday June 14th at the Tot Lot. Janine reported
that vendors have been calling and that the previous chair provided a packet with details on running the
event. The following Board members volunteered to assist in planning: Christie H., Ginny A. & Ryan W.
Janine S. will arrange for ponies, and Dave L. will obtain the permit from the county.
Nominating Committee: Stu called for formation of a Nominating Committee. Board members who
volunteered to serve on the committee are: Jean Duvall, Doug Campbell, and Paul Kastner. Stu said that he
would not be running for a Board position this fall.
 The June newsletter will include a call for candidates to run for open Board positions at the Annual
Meeting in September.
 Any Board member whose term is expiring must sent a letter to the Nominating Committee stating
intent to re-seek a position.
Dumpster Day: J. Schofield thanked everyone who helped out for a very successful event. The community
filled 9 dumpsters. Bateman’s will refund $100 to Janice for the gift certificate so that each of the 12 TU
student volunteers could receive individual gift cards.
 Motion (J. Helfrich, S. Sirota, 2nd): The Board approves $242.12 to reimburse Janine for gift
certificates, gloves, and food for Dumpster Day. Motion passed.
External & Government Affairs Committee: J. Helfrich reported that the GTCCA was concerned about the
presence of liquor on site at the new theatre complex in Towson creating problems with student drinking.
The Baltimore County Police are cracking down on underage drinking - a job made more difficult because
the police cannot enter the new complex which will have private security forces. In addition county police
are concerned about crimes of opportunity against TU students when the bars let out. Jennifer brought up
the community’s concerns about the TU Women’s Softball field and Dumbarton Middle School.
OLD BUSINESS: None.
NEW BUSINESS: None.
Motion made to adjourn meeting. Motion passed.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:10 P.M.
Date & Place of next meeting of RFC. Inc. Board of Governors: Wednesday, June 11th, 2014 at the
Dumbarton Middle School Cafeteria at 7:00 P.M.
______________________________________ Date Approved: _______June 11, 2014___________
Carol Zielke, Recording Secretary
The following items are attached to the May 2014 Minutes: E-mail Notification and Agenda for May Board Meeting;
Board Member Sign-In; Guest Sign-In; Excused Absence Request; Treasurer’s Accounts Overview May 14, 2014;
Announcement of Towson 4th of July Parade and Fee Increase for Corporate Member Sponsorship; RFCA Financial
Review fiscal year 2011-2012; RFCA Financial Review fiscal year 2012-2013; April 25th, 2014, E-mail Notification
Nominating Paul Kastner to Board Position; RFCA Confirmation Form from Paul Kastner; Report on Rodgers Forge and
Towson University Meeting April 18, 2014 Concerning TU Women’s Softball Field; May 2014 Architecture Committee
Report; E-mail Draft Letter to EPS and attached Rodgers Forge Work Plan Proposal Outline-TREE RODGERS FORGE; E-
mail Chain of April 1, 2014 Letter to Councilman Marks and attached Tree Rodgers Forge Committee
Recommendations for Implementing the CEQ Report; Listing of Dumpster Day Expense Reimbursement for
food, gift certificates, and gloves; County Councilman David Marks Fifth District Newsletter May 2014.
May 14th, 2014 MINUTES RFC, Inc.
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