BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BERRY HILL }'IAI{OR
HOMEOI{NERS ASSOCIATION
INC.
AI{NUAT MEETING MINUTES
Ed*-ard Holland
III,
President
Elliott Simone, Vioe Prerident
Barban DeVoe, Tre.asurer
B€stdcs B€rrr&rd, Member
Beverlv Horcroft , Member
Elizabefh Johnson, Member
Cellne Mclrrughlin, Board Spctnlht
May 7,2012
The annual meeting of Berry Hill Manor Homeowners Association,Inc. was held on Tuesday, April lA,2Al2 aI
Mattawoman Middle School. The President, Edward Holland III, called the meeting to order at7.00 PM with
32 homes represented by their presence and 7 by proxy.
President Holland opened the meeting by welcoming everyone and introdueed guest speakers to the meeting:
SheriffRex CofTey, Charles County, Mr. Reuben Collins, Vice President of the Charles County
Commissioners; and Mr. Stephen Salvas, Lieutenant, Commander of Communiry Services, Charles County
Sheriff s Department.
Sheriff Rex Coffey
SheriffCoffey remarked on the declining crime levels in Charles County. Overall crime numbers are down
I YzVo, even with an increase in the County's population. SheriffCotTey noted that current crime rate is the
lowest ever recorded in Charles Counf. In response to questions, SheriffCoffey noted that he is unaware of
any significant problems with cars parked at the Rail Trail, and that the Trail has been safe to use. Sheriff
Coffey was asked if he knew the percentage of County crime committed by non-County residents. Sheriff
Coffey replied that he did not have this statistic, however, 20o/o of County jail inmates are from the District of
Columbia and Prince George's County. Sheriff Coffey noted that crime is practical non-existent in Berry Hill
Manor.
Commissioner Reuben eollins
Cornmissioner Collins reiterated the Sheriff s comments on the safety of the County; he also noted that Charles
County is one of the nation's most affluent counties. The big issue facing the Counf is growth management.
The County is currently reviewing the comprehensive 6 year plan that will guide growth in the County in the
coming years. The County is putting in place progmms to address infrastructure needs, such as stormwater
management. Commissioner Collins invited residents to attend his monthly open house meetings at the Capital
Club House. The schedule for these meetings can be obtained from the County Commissionersl website.
Commissioner Collins responded to a number of questions from homeowners as follows: The new branch
librarry on the corner of Smallwood and St. Patrick's Drive is expected to open in October 281?. The other
branches will remain open. There r+as a discussion with Commissioner Collins regarding speedhumps in the
neighborhood. In the past, the County has not looked favorably on the installation of speedhumps but
Commissioner Collins indicated that the current Board of Commissioners may be more favorably disposed
towards speedhumps or other traffic calming approaches. Sheriff Coffey noted that he can increase
enforcement of speeding infractions in the neighborhood; however this is not likely to be effective in the long
run. With regard to the school zones, Commissioner Collins noted that while the Board of County
Commissioners plays a role by allowing growth in certain areas of the County, the final decisions
on school
zones are made by the Charles Counfy- Board of Education.
Lieutenant Stephen Salvas
Lieutenant Salvas advised that the Community Policing Department is now fully staffed. Although Berry Hill
Manor does not have an assigned Community Policing Officer he can be contacted through presilent Holland,
at any time, to respond to homeowners' concerns. Lt. Salvas weicomed homeowners of Berry Hill Manor
to
attend the Sheriff s Advisory Committee meetings in rvhich President Holland has attended several of these
(President Hcrlland has forwarded meeting notices to BHM homeowners).
Introduction of Board of l)irectors
After the eomments from the guest speakers, President Holland introduced'rhe Board of Directors:
Vice President Elliott Simmons, Treasurer Barbara DeVoe, Board Members. Beatrice Bernard and Elizabeth
Johnson. President Holland mentioned that Board Member Beverly Howcroft was excused from the annual
meeting. In addition to the Board of Directors, President Holland introduced the backbone of the Board
... Board Specialist Celine Mclaughlin. President Holland resumed the meeting agenda. A motion u,as made
and seconded to dispense with the reading of the 2011 annuai meeting minutes. The minutes were unanimously
approved as rwiften.
Report of the President
President Holland noted an increase of parking in common areas; he adviseii &at the Board would authorize
of improperly parked vehicles. Parking on paved surfaces is acceptable; parking on grassy areas is not.
lowilt-g
President Holland noted that the Board will take legal action with regard io covenant oiolutiin*, iinecessary.
He asked residents to support the annual ice cream social at the Morrissey's residence and to take
advantage of
the community' s rvebsite (berryhi llmanorhoa. org).
Report of Committee Chairpersons
Mrs.Shayaskedresidentstosignup;sheneedsacoupleof
volunteers to assist with the organization of the NNO event. She also asked residents, who can,
to provide
chairs and tables. Also, if anyone can provide raffle gifts, it would be much appreciated. Mrs.'Shuy
*"ntioned
the turnout of over 100 homeowners and friends to lait year's NNO event. In addition, she discus..d
ho*
BHM children rvon NNO arvards at the county level.
Mr. Simmons asked all residents to keep offthe new sod
placed in Grey Run Drive. He advised residents that he was open to all suggestions regarding
grounds
maintenance and that he can be contacted at his email address, available on tttr website.
Grounds maintenance
suggestions w'ill be fonvarded to the committee for approval. Mr. Simmons asked for volunteers
to add to the
Grey Run Drive trash pickup list. A number of volunteers signed up.
Mr. Hangarter discussed the Architecfural Review Control
process' he noted that the committee has 3L) days to respond to ARC requests but typically responds
in less time
depending on the complexity of the request. Two hornlowners in attendance had a number of questions
on the
process with regard to a specilic ARC approval. After some discussion, President Holland
advised that the
homeowners in question agreed to drop the issue until after the meeting.
Financial Report and Dues
-
Treasurer, Barbara DeVoe
Mrs' DeVoe discussed the 2011 budget and expenditures and the 2012 budget.
In response to a question on the
on Grey Run Drive, Mrs. DeVoe adviied funds wele in the budgetio sod
P{din8
the left-side of Grey Run
Drive, andthatthis rvork would iikeiy be done in the Fallza]f,..
Unfinished Business
Covenant Violations: President Holland noted that there has been much activity
with regards to covenant
violations. President Holland advised all complaints should be in writing, using
the coniplaint form on the
wqbllte' Neighborhood Lighting: Mrs. Devoe explained the current proposalio install two
street lights in the
neighborhood- After much discussion, homeowneis voted not to procledwith street
lighting.
New Business
Speedins: This item was discussed earlier in the meeting while Sheriff Coffey was in
attendance. Everyone
agreed that speeding in the neighborhood was a matter o?corrr"* but something
that is hard to put a stop to.
Election of Board Members: President Holland mentioned that the current six
elected Board Members wish to
continue serving the homeowners. He pointed out that there has been zur inerease
in transpareney and
welcomed everyone to follow events by visiting the BHM website- President
Holland stated that he believes
that r'he current Board has done a rvonderful job listening to homeowners and
rvish to continue the positive
feedback between homeowners and their Board. In addi-tion, the Board
dismissed any idea of increasing annual
assessments but will ensure that they continue to push the BHM brand
as far as mainLining the common areas.
He also mentioned that no homeowner respondedto a general request
seeking volunteers to serve on the Board.
Nonetheless' President Holland sought nominees to serve on the Board fromihe
{loor. After three requests for
nominees from the floor' President Holland closed the Board nomination process.
The current six Board
Memlrers listed on BHM communications will remain in place for a three-year
term.
other Issues: President Holland opened up the meeting to other issues from those in
attendance. A homeorvner
recommended that rve send an email to all residents regarding trash and
the need to cover recyclingbins to
prevent pap€rs from being blown from the bins. Another resident complained
of the profusion of jeer in the
neighborhood and suggested looking at ways to control the population, perhaps
through culling via a
sharpshooter. One homeowner mentioned that the yellow linei along
ciry nutr DrivJshould 6e repainted.
Another issue raised was building befier relations with BHM II. Pasi Board president
Gunter Finkenauer,s
suggestion was approved by the Board and Mr. Finkenauer agreed to
chair the ad-hoc committee to engage with
BHM II on issues of mutual concern. in addition to vlr. Finklnauer, Messrs. Kenneth
Culbreath and William
Srveeney agreed to also sen'e on the ad-hoc committee. President
Holland thanked everyone for attending the
meeting and adjourned the meeting at g:45 pM.
Submitred by:
Approved by:
Celine Mclaughlin
Board Specialist
President
.*}4A