GREATER SEVERNA PARK COUNCIL

MINUTES

Board of Directors Meeting

Wednesday, March 24, 2010 ____________________________________________________

The meeting was called to order by President Jerry Pesterfield at 7:35 pm at Woods Memorial Church. A quorum was present. Attending were: Steve Poland, Al Johnston, Michelle Rose, Dan Nataf, Jerry Pesterfield, John Norville, and Kathy Michels.

Presentation: Potential Rezoning Plan - Earleigh Heights and Magothy Bridge Road: Maryland Financial Investors, Inc., presented their plan to evaluate and review options for the potential development of an upscale commercial property that would include 16 acres of retail property on the northeast corner of the intersection. The area is in desperate need of redevelopment. The study will evaluate the potential opportunities for attracting a gourmet food store as an anchor, preferably Whole Foods or Wegman’s, and upscale feeder stores and restaurants. The project includes 3,000 square feet of vacant stores, and potential investors will be cautious because they do not need more vacancies. The study will also address: (1) zoning changes needed, (2) logistical constraints, (3) current traffic congestion and improvements needed at the major road intersections, (4) investment possibilities for a larger retail area since it is unlikely that there will be homes added, and (5) anticipated demand and commitments from potential retailers. The positive points for the Severna Park area and County are the tax advantages, including state property tax income, and the potential benefits for increasing jobs in the area.

President Pesterfield commented that the Severna Park Council agrees that now is the time for growth in Severna Park, and would encourage an upscale development. But the Council is cautious because of the current traffic problems in the area, including pedestrian traffic, and the serious problems with the traffic lights at the intersections, and safety issues associated with traffic congestion. There are assisted living facilities in the area, and some residents have modest incomes and may not be prime customers. The Council is not against development and would embrace further discussions as the study progresses. Mr. Pesterfield thanked the participants for their presentation and asked them to keep in touch.

Secretary’s Report: The Minutes of the February 23^rd Board meeting were discussed. Without objection the minutes were unanimously approved as submitted.

Treasurer’s Report: The monthly treasurer’s report as of February 28, 2010 was discussed by Treasurer Steve Poland as follows:

- Total Account Balances $29,661.84

- Beautification Trust Fund 2,465.95

- Dues Deposited MTD 315.00

- Checks Outstanding MTD 147.19

It was agreed that Mr. Poland would “renew” the Council’s ToadNet account. The Treasurer’s Report was approved as submitted and is attached for the record (Attachment 1).

Current membership update was presented by Mr. Poland as follows:

- 53 communities in good standing

- 21 communities unpaid

- 10 communities in arrears

Mr. Johnston will check with Berrywood and Cyprus Landing. Mr. Pesterfield noted that when officers change he updates the membership email lists so that new officers are the contacts for annual membership dues. During the April 13^th general meeting of the GSPC, he will remind communities to notify him when officers do change.

(See Attachment 2 for membership update)

Audit Committee Report Presented by John Norville: Mr. Norville noted that the budget was approved by the GSPC and delegates during the January general meeting. Mr. Norville congratulated Mr. Poland on another excellent year and report, and thanked him for all his work. It was also noted that a tax report must be filed. Special thanks also to Anne DeMajistre, Audit Committee Chairman. The audit report was unanimously approved, as submitted, and will be presented at the April 13^th GSPC general meeting.

The official approved Annual Financial Audit Report for FY 2009 (Attachment 3) is filed for the record.

2010 GPSC Speaker’s Calendar Update: President Pesterfield noted the following:

- April - set and confirmed: Legislative update – King/Reilly/Eric Robey

- May - Mr. Nataf to confirm Chrysalis House

- June thru November confirmed except Leopold not confirmed. Mr. Johnston to obtain confirmation of date for Leopold so schedule can be finalized

- Mr. Johnston noted that Woods Church, Room 401, was scheduled and confirmed for November speakers

It was agreed to add time on the calendar in September or October to invite the candidates reported to be running for County Executive challenging Leopold, including Joanna Conti, democratic businesswoman, and Janet Owens, former democratic county executive. (See Attachment 4 – Updated Speaker’s Calendar)

GPSC Survey Report by Dan Nataf: Mr. Nataf discussed the status of the survey and confirmed that a group meeting of volunteers will take place the following week. Discussions to date have centered on previous survey and improvements. Good template and good start, but some basic problems with 1^st survey will be avoided, including very few specific elements, and too many general statements. Plan is to add new specifications in survey to sort through general attitudes, problems and solutions, including loss of library services. Lots of attention will be paid to transportation issues, schools, education, and recreation; and the development of new categories to address Severna Park Council, community priorities and importance, and ranking of opinions by scale of satisfaction. A new section will be added at the end of survey to poll community groups on what they do participate in or have an interest in. Mr. Nataf confirmed that the group is not public. It was noted that in looking at other surveys they normally start with a lot and reduce by compressing or taking out categories. Mr. Pesterfield suggested that an added item may be to get input about businesses in the area including retail stores that are not popular and ones that residents would like to see in the Severna Park area. He also noted that the survey should include vision questions about what is liked or not liked, e.g., not wanting a lot of commercial industries in community areas, proposed alternatives - urban vs. mid-urban communities. On behalf of the Board, Mr. Pesterfield thanked Mr. Nataf for his work and looks forward to an update during the April Board Meeting.

Beautification Committee Report by Michele Rose: Ms. Rose reported that a lot of research on criteria has been completed; next step is to collate data and put into a plan that lists the criteria for developing a Vision Statement for a possible GSPC Beautification Grant Program. Mr. Pesterfield noted that he may have a person, who is a member of Aspire, who may want to work on the Committee; he will confirm and let Ms. Rose know.

Zoning/Legislation Report by Al Johnston: Mr. Johnston reported that the county has a shortfall of $97.5 million.

Impact fees: Mr. Johnston noted that he got the amendment in and the Board of Appeals enacts and amends but the Court of Appeals has ultimate power. Spent time with critical area and solution to problem. Have to get candidates to work with next selector.

Overall result is not to give dollars back. Doesn’t know how much is involved, haven’t made up number yet. April 5 is due date. John Hammond, County Budget Officer, advised about $1 million but is probably closer to $7 to 10 million, and could be as high as $20 million. Mr. Dillon, CPA-MBA, is responsible for putting in the bill, but as of now doesn’t know how much will be in the bill.

GPSC Zoning/Legislation Report dated March 24, 2010, is filed and provided for the record (Attachment 5).

Change in format of meetings: Mr. Pesterfield discussed the change in format at meetings. Mr. Johnston will stay focused on high level legislative issues and not talk about zoning issues unless a case has closure or is of specific, special interest to the Greater Severna Park Area. It has also been decided not to focus on the zoning list by going down each item on the list since it is released in advance of meetings. However, delegates will be encouraged to ask questions on comprehensive rezoning plan and legislative issues..

General Development Plan: Mr. Pesterfield confirmed that the GDP will be administered as the Council goes through related topics which will be replaced and focus redirected to the area’s Comprehensive Rezoning Plan.

New Business:

AA County Police Communication Service Change Effective April 1, 2010: John Norville reported on the new communication service that allows the AA County Police & Community Together Unit (PACT) to send important, real-time valuable community information directly to residents using the latest technology. Effective April 1, 2010, the Police will no longer use email lists, and will begin using the “Nixle Community Information Service” to deliver to subscribed residents instantly via cell phone text messaging and/or email. Instructions for registering are attached (See Attachment 6).

4^th Quarter 2009 Economic Indictors Report for Anne Arundel County: The 4^th Quarter 2009 economic indicators for AA County provided by Mr. Pesterfield is accessible at: http://www.aaedc.org/images/stories/pdf/EconomicIndicators4thQTR2009.pdf

A copy was printed for the record.

Next Meetings: General Meeting: April 13, 2010 at 7:30 pm – Severna Park Library

Board Meeting: April 28, 2010 at 7:30 pm – Woods Church

The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 pm.

Very Respectfully submitted:

_____________________________

Kathleen J. Michels, GSPC Secretary

March 30, 2010

Attachment 1

GSPC Board Meeting

March 24, 2010

Treasurer’s Report

Account balances (as of 02/28/2010)

BB&T checking = $ 4390.75

SmithBarney money market = $ 271.09

SmithBarney CDs (4) = $25,000.00

Beautification Trust Fund balance (as of 02/28/2010)

BankAnnapolis = $ 2,465.95

________________________________________________________________________

Dues deposited MTD = $ 315.00

Checks outstanding MTD

#2164 ToadNet $ 29.95

#2165 Office Depot = $ 7.74

#2166 John Norville = $ 100.00

#2167 Al Johnston = $ 9.50

Attachment 2

GREATER SEVERNA PARK COUNCIL

Membership UPDATE

March 24, 2010

The list of Greater Severna Park Council communities and their membership status includes:

53 Communities in Good Standing YTD 2010

2010 dues paid by: Arnold Preservation Council, Belleview Estates,

Bendale, Ben Oaks, Berrywood, Bluff Point, Cape Arthur,

Carrollton Manor, Chartridge, Chartwell, Colchester, County Crusaders,

Crain West, Cypress Improvement, Cypress Landing, Kilmarnock,

Lower Magothy, Magothy Forest, McKinsey Park, North Severna Park,

Pointfield West, Severna Enclave, Severna Forest, Severndale,

Shipley's Choice Community, Shipley's Choice Homeowners,

Shipley’s Retreat Homeowners, Swann Point, Westridge, Whitehurst,

Woodberry Farms, Woodbridge Forest.

2010 dues unpaid: Brittingham, Cattail Passage, Chartwood,

Evergreen, Fair Oaks, Fairwinds, Glen Oban, Harlequin, Hollywood,

Kensington, Lake Waterford, Linstead, North Cape Arthur,

Oakleigh Forest, Olde Severna Park, Point Field Landing, Round Bay,

Twin Harbors, West Severna Park, Whitney's Landing, Williams Woods.

10 Communities in arrears

For 2009 -- 10: Berrywood Ridge, Berrywood South,

East Earleigh Heights, Jennings Road,

Manhattan Beach, Severn Heights, Sheffield Park

For 2008 – 10: Jones CA

For 2007 - 10: Arundel Plaza, McKinsey Woods

Attachment 3

Greater Severna Park Council

Annual Financial Audit Report – FY 2009

FINAL-APPROVED

To: Jerry Pesterfield, President GSPC April 13, 2010

CC: GSPC Board of Directors

Official copy is on file with GSPC Secretary.

Approved by GSPC Board of Directors: March 24, 2010-Yes. Rev.

Approved by GSPC Delegates: April 13, 2010-

From: GSPC Audit Committee:

Anne DeMajistre, Chairman, Delegate, Accounting Studies

John Norville, GSPC Director/Delegate, Certified Management Systems Auditor,

MS Financial Management.

Summary

The GSPC President appointed the Audit Committee and asked them

“to review the financial records and accounting procedures/practices, and present the findings at a designated meeting”, per the GSPC Dec. 2003 By-Laws Article IV, Section 3, a. Duties of the President.

This 2009 Audit Committee met March 7 at the home of Chair Anne DeMajistre and conducted this audit of only 2009 records, using the 2002 - 2008 Audit Reports and processes as guides and checklists.

John Norville was the Audit Committee Chair in 2003 – 2008. Anne DeMajistre was co-chair in 2008.

In our opinion the GSPC financial statements present fairly in all material respects the financial position and activities of the GSPC, and the 2009 Treasurer followed the proper procedures and processes, as determined by the best of our judgments.

Scope of the Audit

The audit included:

Examining each of the 2009 monthly Treasurer’s Reports to the Delegates at the GSPC monthly meetings.
Verifying that the Community Associations’ dues and other receipts were deposited. Observed that the $1890 total amount of deposits was equal to the anticipated amount given the number of communities that paid dues. Fifty-two communities paid 2009 dues at the nominal rate of $35, and one community also paid for 2007 and 2008.
Comparing the Report data to the corresponding Bank Statements for all three Accounts
Examining each of the checks, including BB&T check book checks #2139 through #2161 for proper signature of the Treasurer. The check signatures were verified as correct.

While it is relevant that the bank returns photocopies of only the fronts of the checks, the committee did not deem this to be an impediment to the audit.

Evaluating that the Payees and Purpose of the checks seemed legitimate and authorized.
Verifying that each of the monthly Account Statement amounts agreed with the amounts on the checks,
Examining the Treasurer’s 2009 GSPC Balance Sheet and the 2009 Statement of Income and Expenses / P & L, both approved by the Board of Directors February 23, 2010 and submitted and received Delegates’ approval on March 9.
Verifying that the GSPC Board approved the 2009 Budget on January 26, 2010 and the Delegates approved the budget on March 9, 2010.

Review of Bank Accounts

Two bank accounts and one brokerage account held by the GSPC (there are no additional accounts) were reviewed:

A. The BB&T bank (Member FDIC) Checking Account 2009 bank statements

Jan. 1, 2008 beginning balance per the 2008 Audit Report of: $1,230.24

Dec. 31, 2008 ending balance per the 2008 Audit Report of: $1,924.17

Jan. 1, 2009 beginning balance per the 1/31/2009 bank statement of: $1,924.17

Dec. 31, 2009 ending balance per the 12/31/2009 bank statement of: $3,013.15

Typical checks were for printing and postage for Delegates and Board Meetings Minutes, a security guard for monthly meetings as required by the library for the hour after closing, purchase of documents, copying, State Farm liability insurance, P.O. Box, web domain fees and one payment for new checks. The Committee noted that the monthly security guard expense ended on September 9, 2009 and accordingly no checks to a security guard were written after that date.

No donations as authorized by the Board and by the Delegates were recorded in the monthly Minutes, and accordingly no donations were disbursed.

The Committee commends the Treasurer for continuing the sound practice of writing purposes of all checks in “Memo” spaces.

No irregularities were found.

B. CitiGroup / Smith Barney Money Market Account and Certificates of Deposit (FDIC insured):

Money Market

2008 Beginning balance per 2008 Audit Report: $3,585.20

2008 Ending balance per 2008 Audit Report: $4,547.81

2009 Beginning balance per 1/31/2009 statement: $4,547.81

2009 Ending balance per 12/31/2009 statement: $271.09

Money Market dividends of $15.78 were re-invested into the account.

Semi-annual interest payments from two CDs totaled $615.00 which was deposited into the Money Market account.

One CD matured December 1, 2009 for $5,000 plus interest of $167.50. Interest was deposited into the Money Market Account. Principal rolled over into an 18-month CD at rate of 1.3%.

NOTE: The bank’s method of calculating the total account value as shown on monthly statements was complex, but 2009 earnings were in accordance with the promised interest rates.

The Board authorized the Treasurer to purchase $10,000 of additional FDIC insured CDs with $5,000 of CD funds (rollover shown above) and $5,000 of Money Market funds through Smith Barney, to stagger the maturities dates to obtain higher Interest rates. Four CDs are held now as follows:

CD Maturity Date Term Interest Rate Principal Amount

5-28-10 1.5 year 3.9% $5,000.00

11-26-10 2 years 4.2% $10,000.00

12-16-10 1 year 0.65% $5,000.00

6-20-11 1.5 year 1.3% $5,000.00

Note: A decision will be needed in May and November and December, 2010 regarding re-investment.

$75 Annual Custodial Fee was withdrawn from the Money Market Account.

No other withdrawals or transfers were made in 2009 on this account.

No irregularities were found.

C. The Bank Annapolis – Business Savings Account (Member FDIC), known as the “Beautification Fund” [“Trust Fund”] is funded solely by contributions. No membership dues are credited to this account, whose funds are used only for donations and beautification of Severna Park purposes. There were none in 2009.

2008 Beginning Balance per 2008 Audit Report: $2,453.68

2008 Ending Balance per 2008 Audit Report: $2,459.82

2009 Beginning Balance per 1/31/2009 statement: $2,459.82

2009 Ending Balance per 12/31/2009 statement: $2,465.95

Interest of 0.25% monthly yielded $6.13. No withdrawals or transfers were made in 2009 on this account.

No irregularities were found.

Additional Comments

1. The Personal Property Return (Form 1), required by the State of Maryland – Department of Assessments and Taxation is due annually.

The GSPC By-Laws Article IV, Section 3, d. require that, “the Treasurer maintains the record file of such reports”, and this has been done.

The web site for the MD Dept. of Assessments and Taxation, Taxpayer Services Div. https://sdatcert1.resiusa.org/certificate_net/ lists the GSPC “Dept. ID # D00112672” and states (as viewed on March 6, 2010) that “This entity is in Good Standing”. The Committee considers this page as positive evidence of the successful filing of all required paperwork as of that date.

2. The 2009 Audit Committee again commends Treasurer Steve Poland for maintaining very organized records and for having the annual financial statements prepared and ready for Approvals by the Board and the Delegates, thus facilitating the audit.

3. Disclaimer – None of the appointed committee members is a CPA.

4. The Audit Committee thanks John Norville for his many years of dedicated service on the Committee and Chairmanship and appreciates his willingness to serve again this year.

5. The Chairman thanks the GSPC Treasurer, the Board, and the Delegates for their support and patience.

Conclusion

In our opinion the GSPC financial statements present fairly in all material respects the financial position and activities of the GSPC, and that the 2009 Treasurer followed the proper procedures and processes, as determined by the best of our judgments.

Respectfully submitted on April 13, 2010 to the GSPC Delegates and Approved.

Signed:

Anne DeMajistre, Audit Comm. Chairman and Delegate GSPC

John A. Norville Director and Delegate GSPC

Attachment 4

GSPC Speaker Calendar Planner

· January – Elections/Vitale/Dan Nataf

· February – meeting cancelled ~~AAC Health Officer Doug Hart~~

· March – AAC Health Officer Doug Hart

o Partners in Care

· April – Legislative update-King/Reilly

o Eric Robey

· May – Carole Sanner P&Z

o Chrysalis House (Note: Dan Nataf to confirm)

· June – Gangs/Police Commander update/Leopold *

· July – AAC Public Works-Ron Bowen

· August – BRAC-Bob Leib/Leopold *

· September – Kinder Farm Park & 4H **

· October – Dept. Natural Resources Police **

· November – Gangs/Police Commander/Leopold *

o (Al Johnston confirmed meeting room 401 at Woods Church scheduled and confirmed during 3/24/10 Board Mtg)

· December – Nominating Committee / New District 5 AAC Council

Winner

o Vic Bernson, Board of Education

* Al Johnston to confirm Mr. Leopold’s attendance*

** Jerry Pesterfield will invite the candidates reported to be running

for County Executive challenging John Leopold, including Joanna Conti,

democratic businesswoman, and Janet Owens, former democratic county

executive **

Attachment 5

Nixle Community Information Service Attachment 6

Anne Arundel County Police - New Communication Service

The Anne Arundel County Police Department Eastern District Police & Community Together (PACT) Unit will begin to utilize a new communication service that allows us to send important, real-time, valuable community information directly to residents using the latest technology.

As of April 1^st, 2010, we will no longer be using the group email list we have been using for the past several years to keep in touch with our community association leaders. We want to improve on being able to provide you, your community associations and your neighbors with timely and relevant information, however we have found that the current method of maintaining a group email list with the current contact information for the over 200 community associations in the Eastern District has become inefficient as a good communications medium. Beginning April 1^st, 2010, we will begin using the Nixle Community Information Service.

The Nixle Community Information Service allows us to create and publish messages to be delivered to subscribed residents instantly via cell phone text messaging and/or email. Notifications can also be accessed online via Nixle’s web site at http://www.nixle.com. Messages may include urgent alerts, community specific advisories, traffic advisories, and notifications about police department community events and meetings.

This service is reliable, simple to use and free. Residents receive messages by phone as part of their text messaging plan (otherwise standard text message rates apply). You, your community association members, and your neighbors can choose the way in which alerts, advisories, and notifications are received, whether it is by email, text message, and/or over the web.

You, your community association members, and neighbors can now receive important, official information directly from the Anne Arundel County Police Department Eastern District via Nixle. Go to http://www.nixle.com to register. Please register now!

Again, simply go to http://www.nixle.com to register. When pulling up the site, if you do not see “Anne Arundel County Police Department – Eastern District”, click the Setting tab, then click the link to “Search for more agencies, community groups near you”. Type “Eastern District” in the “Find” box. Leave the “Near” box blank. NOTE: To receive the community information from Eastern District, you must be registered for “Anne Arundel County Police Department – Eastern District”.

Citizen questions about the service and its capabilities can be answered through Nixle’s Frequently Asked Questions found at http://www.nixle.com/consumer_faqs.html.

Should you need additional assistance call Sgt. Kathy Pleasant at the Eastern District (410-222-6145). The Eastern District is testing Nixle to determine if others police districts would benefit from it. Please register and get your neighbors, family members etc… to register. Again, the information we put out through Nixle will be real time alerts that you need to be aware of. If you don’t sign up you will not get this information. Please register now!!

4^th Quarter 2009 Economic Indicators for Anne Arundel County Attachment 7