Columbia Association

CA Related Issues

CA Related Issues

As a former CA board members, I would like to see Columbia Association to shine as a self-governed homeowner association, with Jim Rouse vision. CA is unique in many aspects, with more than 100k people livining under CA, 90 million annual budget, no government structure, but only HOA.

I have received many questions regarding the recent opinion request from our office and Delegate Jen Terrasa to the Maryland Attorney General’s Office concerning the removal of board members. I wanted to provide a brief update. Because there is currently pending litigation involving issues very similar to the questions that were raised, the Office of the Attorney General has indicated that it will not issue an opinion on the matter at this time.

In addition, I have been reviewing several broader issues that have emerged from recent community discussions regarding Columbia Association (CA) governance and accountability. As a result, I am considering potential legislation during the next legislative session, including:

1. Limit CA Executive Compensation

CA is a community association, not a private corporation. Executive compensation should be reasonable and comparable to similar public-sector leadership positions, such as county executives and other local government administrators.

I believe the current compensation level (415 thousand dollars, plus many perks, probably half million dollars in total) warrants further review. For reference: our governor salary is 192k. Howard County County executive salary is 244k. US president salary is 400k.

2. Clarify Nonprofit Board Governance

I am interested in clarifying under Maryland law whether nonprofit board members should be considered employees of the organization they serve or independent elected representatives of the membership. I don’t think they should be considered employee, especially for CA since they are elected by each village.

3. Protecting Homeowners from Rising Annual Charges

Many families living in CA communities are facing steadily increasing annual charges (tax). Current law allows CA to impose an annual charge of up to 75 cents per $100 of assessed property value. The current rate is approximately 68 cents per $100 of assessed value. I am considering legislation that would reduce the statutory cap from 75 cents to 68 cents in order to provide greater protection and predictability for homeowners.

As always, I welcome feedback from residents as I continue evaluating these issues.

2023 Columbia Elections

This year’s election in Columbia is very competitive. Here is a summary of all village elections and CA board election. Since the CA president is interim, the next new board will determine who will be the next CA president.

  1. Dorsey Search
    • No election this year.
  2. Haper’s Choice
  3. Hickory Ridge
    • Candidate Forum, In-person
    • This in-person Candidate Forum at The Hawthorn Center will feature candidates for the Hickory Ridge Village Board and the Hickory Ridge Representative to the Columbia Association Board. Residents may submit questions for candidates as they enter the Forum. As many questions will be answered as time will allow. Masks are strongly-recommended for this event.
    • 7:00pm – 9:00pm
    • Hawthorn Center
    • 6175 Sunny Spring, Columbia, MD 21044
  4. Kings Contrivance
  5. Long Reach
  6. Oakland Mills
  7. Owen Brown
  8. River Hill
  9. Town Center
  10. Wilde Lake

What is happening with CA board of director election?

I received an email as following which calls CA to halt hiring their new CEO and campaigns for Columbia Association Board of Director Election. I have never seen such action before. When an organization in Baltimore put the money into CA election, it seems strange. What is the purpose of such campaign?

I saw a few developers’ names in the list and CA owns many lands in Columbia. That is one connection I can think of for the moment.

Here is the letter:

Chao,
 
Your name was among those recommended by a Rouse Project Steering Committee Member to receive this early announcement of the organization’s launch. We hope you’ll take a moment to learn more.
 
The Rouse Project is a budding coalition of leaders, residents and businesses that have come together to pursue a more vibrant and inclusive future for Columbia. Inspired by James Rouse’s vision and the ideals upon which Columbia was founded, we share a common belief that more can and should be done today to:Ensure our community is fully welcoming and inclusive.Protect and enhance amenities to meet the evolving needs of our residents.Promote equally connected and prosperous villages.Cultivate vibrant entertainment, art, culinary and cultural experiences.
PROGRESS IS ON THE BALLOT THIS APRIL
 
Our work begins with the Columbia Association (CA) Board elections on April 24th. As the “keeper of Columbia’s vision,” CA is responsible for leveraging the significant investments we make in annual CPRA assessments to protect and strengthen all of the unique attributes and values that have traditionally made Columbia a highly desirable place to live and work. 
 
The many years of service by current Board Members is commendable, however, the glaring lack of diversity on the Board – in age, race and income – sits in stark contrast with the diverse communities they were elected to represent.  We believe it is time for new leadership that:Reflects the diversity and experience of the people it serves.Reimagines the priorities and vision of the CA Board to better align with the needs of Columbia residents, businesses and nonprofit organizations.Addresses antiquated systems of governance that fall short of modern best practices.Promotes ongoing community engagement and participation.Addresses social issues like equity and inclusion in a more relevant and public manner.
HELP RENEW COLUMBIA’S PROMISE
 
This is your call to action. The most important thing we can do now is spread the word to our neighbors, friends and colleagues. We’ll keep you updated as each village finalizes its voting and candidate processes. For now, we ask that you:Visit our website and pledge to vote in the CA Board election on April 24th.*Forward this email to 10 friends and encourage them to do the same.Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to receive timely information and help spread the word.If you are a dynamic and passionate CA lien holder interested in serving on the CA Board or know of someone who might be, contact community@therouseproject.com for more information. 
 
 
*Some villages will offer early mail-in and electronic voting. Copyright © 2021 The Rouse Project, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website.

Our mailing address is:
The Rouse Project100 S Charles St Ste 1600Baltimore, MD 21201-2725

The list of steering committee members:

  • Victor Broccolino
  • Brad Canfield
  • George Carroll
  • Regina Clay
  • Larry Cohen
  • Vince Cullotta
  • Rev. Paige Getty
  • Dr. C. Vernon Gray
  • Jamison Hibbard
  • Sherman Howell
  • Jessica Mahajan
  • David Nitkin
  • Jean Parker
  • Wendy Slaughter
  • Sabina Taj
  • Frank Turner
  • Ken Ulman

2020 CA Scholarship Application starts

For more than 25 years, Columbia Association (CA) has been recognizing high school seniors for outstanding service to their community. Up to six $2,500 scholarships will be awarded to graduating seniors from local high schools who have shown a history of providing community service to benefit Columbia residents and those in the Columbia area.

For details, eligibility requirements and application, go to ColumbiaAssociation.org/scholarship. Completed applications must be submitted by March 15.

Travel to Sister Cities in Ghana and China

Travel to Sister Cities in Ghana and China

Would you like to visit some of Columbia’s sister cities? These two 2019 trips will allow adults and families to visit Tema, Ghana, and Liyang, China, on tours organized by travel agents who are members of our Tema and Liyang sister city committees. They are reasonably priced and offer the opportunity to travel with people from this area.
10-day trip to Tema, Ghana — August 12-23
15-day trip to Liyang, China — October 16-31
Information sessions will be held from 7-8:30pm at Columbia Association Headquarters, 6310 Hillside Court, on the following dates:
Ghana — Wednesday, May 29
China — Tuesday, June 18
https://www.columbiaassociation.org/facilities/international-exchange-multicultural-programs/international-exchanges/adult-sister-cities-opportunities/

CA board postponed decision to change from HOA to CBA

Columbia Association postpones decision to pursue recognition as a “community benefit association”   MARCH 7, 2019 – A proposal to recognize Columbia Association (CA) under state law as a “community benefit association” is now being targeted for 2020 instead of 2019.   Since its founding in 1965, Columbia Association has been classified under Maryland Corporations Law as a private, non-stock corporation. When the state Homeowners Association Act (HOA Act) passed in 1987, CA was classified as a homeowners association as well.

CA’s Board of Directors had been considering requesting that the Maryland General Assembly recognize Columbia Association as a new kind of entity called a community benefit association, instead of a homeowners association. The original timeline would have brought the request to lawmakers in Annapolis for a vote in the 2020 legislative session.

However, a recent court decision created potentially detrimental financial effects for CA. The proposal to be recognized as a community benefit association could address this issue while maintaining the transparency protections of the HOA Act for anyone who lives or works on or owns property that is part of Columbia Association.

CA changed its timeline given the possibility that the bill could still be considered in the remaining weeks of the 2019 legislative session, pending approval by CA’s Board of Directors. CA released information to the community, and it hosted meetings with the public and with managers and board members from Columbia’s 10 village community associations.

With so little time left in the 2019 legislative session, and given the feedback heard from the community, CA’s Board of Directors will continue their conversation in 2019 regarding recognition as a community benefit association in order to request filing of the bill when lawmakers return to Annapolis in 2020.

Columbia Association is very different than traditional homeowners associations. CA serves an entire community of homeowners, renters, commercial property owners, businesses and the people who work in Columbia, and provides far more services – including facilities, programs and activities – to a greater population than a typical HOA.

When state lawmakers consider changes to the Maryland Homeowners Association Act, that legislation is usually in response to issues at much smaller homeowners associations – and frequently will have unintended negative consequences on Columbia Association. Recognizing Columbia Association as a community benefit association would acknowledge its unique structure and the many and diverse stakeholders it serves, while protecting CA from legislation intended for more traditional HOAs. Becoming a community benefit association would change nothing about the way CA operates.

For more information about this proposal, including a list of frequently asked questions, visit ColumbiaAssociation.org/CBA.

CA considering classification as a “community benefit association”

Please provide your input to the CA board at Board.Members@columbiaassociation.org

Columbia Association’s (CA) Board of Directors is considering requesting that the Maryland General Assembly recognize CA under state law as a “community benefit association.”

The Columbia community is invited to learn more about the proposal at an information session on Tuesday, March 5 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Wilde Lake Interfaith Center, 10431 Twin Rivers Road. There will also be a CA Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, February 28 and a CA Board of Directors work session on Thursday, March 14.

Since its founding in 1965, Columbia Association has been classified under Maryland Corporations Law as a private, non-stock corporation. When the state Homeowners Association Act (HOA Act) passed in 1984, CA was classified as a homeowners association as well. However, Columbia Association is very different than traditional homeowners associations. CA serves an entire community of homeowners, renters, commercial property owners, businesses and the people who work in Columbia, and provides far more services – including facilities, programs and activities – to a greater population than any other HOA.

When state lawmakers consider changes to the Maryland Homeowners Association Act, that legislation is usually in response to issues at much smaller homeowners associations – and typically will have unintended negative consequences on Columbia Association. Recognizing Columbia Association as a community benefit association would acknowledge its unique structure and the many and diverse stakeholders it serves, while protecting CA from legislation intended for more traditional HOAs. Becoming a community benefit association would change nothing about the way CA operates.

That is because this proposal also retains all protections for anyone who lives, works or owns property in Columbia. For example, CA would still be required under its bylaws and state law to provide the openness mandated by the HOA Act, such as the ability to attend and comment at open work sessions and meetings, and the ability to inspect and copy CA’s books and financial records, including salary information.

For more information about this proposal, including a list of frequently asked questions, visit ColumbiaAssociation.org/CBA. To provide input on the proposal, email CBA@ColumbiaAssociation.org.

2016 Election Result for Columbia Association Board of Directors

2 Comments

There was only one contested election in Harper’s Choice: Alan Klein (with 190 votes) won
Bob Fontaine ( with 167 votes). Source: http://harperschoice.org/2016-village-election-results/

In the same post, it seems that CA’s constant guest audience Joel Hurewitz lost in his village election narrowly.

Jeanne Ketley did not run from Town Center again this year. I remember another gentleman is interested in the position. But I googled around and could not get his name and information related to his election.

Updated: Lin Eagan is the new Council Representative from Town Center.

 

My Article on CA Monthly

My latest article on Columbia Association’s Monthly magazine.

image

 

River Hill is the newest of Columbia’s 10 villages, dating back to 1991. It had been around for nearly two decades by the time I moved here in 2010. Like those who were drawn to elsewhere in Columbia, there was much we found attractive about living in River Hill — the trails and pathways, the village center, the great schools and accessibility.

And as with Columbia, there’s much about River Hill that continues to change. While the village is still relatively new, there are many developments that have been completed, are going on now or are coming soon both in and around the area.

River Hill Garden Center has expanded and Clarksville Commons is being built. There’s a proposal for the auto park to expand as well. New retail stores may be added. New homes could soon be constructed. The U.S. Postal Service wants to open a new post office in the area after the previous one closed some five years ago. And the state and county governments recently announced that Route 32 would be widened from north of Clarksville up into Carroll County. All of this taken together is a sign of how the village and general area are growing.

There’s also plenty already here. I’m glad to see that River Hill Village Center is doing well. Our family enjoys going to River Hill Pool, which recently received an honorable mention in Howard Magazine’s annual awards as one of the best pools for kids. We like Columbia Gym, Columbia Association’s fitness club in the village center. That’s usually where we start our walks around the village. Besides CA’s pathways, there’s the system of trails in the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area, a 1,021-acre natural preserve.

River Hill is home as well to a couple of annual events. This will be the fifth year of the River Hill Health Fair, which is hosted by the River Hill Community Association and Coalition Halting Obesity in Children Everywhere, or CHOICE, a nonprofit founded by River Hill High School students. And every 4th of July brings the River Hill Independence Day Parade, which includes the fun and popular Precision Lawn Chair Marching Dads, who are better seen live since no description will do them justice.

This is a great community. I am calling upon our residents to participate in our meetings and share their perspectives to help make this an even better place to be.

Chao Wu

Online version is located at Columbia Association’s website:

http://www.columbiaassociation.com/Home/Components/News/News/962/343

Clarksville Post Office Reopen Update

Talking points tonight are:
1: USPS will build a new post office in Clarksville. The project is approved already. There will be 30 days appealing time and move forward for a solution, i.e, look for a location.

2: a place with 5000 square feet, 40 parking lots, full operation , not just a small counter.

3: the old post office location,3000 square feet, is too small.

4: site review committee to make recommendation.

5: luck stone site was discussed.

6: probably the new post office will be operational in one year.

Please share your thoughts with Richard Hancok, Real Estate Specialist for USPS at: United States Postal Service, Facilities Service Office, P.O. Box 27497, Greensboro, NC 27498-1103; orrichard.a.hancock2@usps.gov. Written testimony will be accepted until Tuesday, March 1.
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Some thoughts on CA membership

CA is currently thinking of revisiting the membership structure and how we can improve the customer service.

1) CA’s service is essential to our residents’ life such that we should keep our membership affordable. Our annual charge billed by CA covers 60% of CA’s expenses each year.

2) The current promotional membership structure is not desirable. Many residents may find the membership fee attractable when singing in. After two-year or three-year promotional period ends, the huge spike on the membership fee just make them unhappy. If we look at the first argument, we should just set a yearly rate, probably increase the rate a little it annually.

3) Two key questions are:
a) What is the expected percentage that CA residents will become CA members? We want an affordable rate for our residents. Right now, we have 20.62% participation rate, i.e., out of 97,000 residents, 20,000 join CA membership annually. It has been close 20% for several years. If we consider families/households rather than individuals, the ratio is much higher. It is around 38.4%.

b) For non-CA residents, what is the proper rate? Right now, non-resident's membership price is 25% over that of the resident. We also want our neighbors to use our facility.

Symphony Woods Revisited

I got another reader’s response and would like to share two pictures related to Symphony Woods. This will be a place for record in the future for Symphony Woods when we could not get a full picture of this project or lose track of this. Previous post from Andy Stack is a good reference. This is another reference for the two designs for this vision. The original one was abandoned and a new design (current one) was proposed.

Revised Paumier Plan (Original Plan)

Revised Paumier Plan

Inner Arbor Plan (Current One)

inner arbor plan

Major CA facility list (more than 3 or 5 million dollars)

More than 5 million dollars
Building Name Built Year Insured Value
Athletic Club 1971 6,833,400
The Columbia Gym 1999 8,426,900
Supreme Sports Club 1986 13,085,500
More than 3 million dollars
Building Name Built Year Insured Value
Athletic Club 1971 6,833,400
The Columbia Gym 1999 8,426,900
Fairway Hills Golf Club Historic 3,114,900
Hobbit’s Glen Golf Club 2015 4,090,000
Ice Rink 1970 4,078,300
Kahler Hall 1970 3,123,100
Public Works Garage 1993 3,075,100
Slayton House 1967 3,421,900
Stonehouse and 1975 3,812,900
Supreme Sports Club 1986 13,085,500
Swim Center 1970 4,544,300

Major CA facility list (more than 1 million dollars)

Total insured values of CA assets are $102,406,000 (more than 100 million dollars). I am listing all facilities with insured values more than 1 million dollars.

More than 1 million dollars
Building Name Built Year Insured Value
Amherst House 1988 1,384,700
Athletic Club 1971 6,833,400
Claret Hall 2000 1,267,000
The Columbia Gym 1999 8,426,900
Dasher Green Pool 1974 1,457,100
Fairway Hills Golf Club Historic 3,114,900
Hawthorn Pool 1987 1,392,400
Hobbit’s Glen Golf Club 2015 4,090,000
Hobbits Glen Maintenance Buildings 1995 1,001,700
Horse Center 1979 1,070,700
Ice Rink 1970 4,078,300
Kahler Hall 1970 3,123,100
Linden Hall 1993 1,220,300
Locust Park Neighborhood Center 1972 1,137,600
The Meeting Room 1996 1,074,000
Oakland Manor 1811 2,267,500
The Other Barn 1969 2,768,300
Owen Brown Community Center 1974 2,076,400
Phelps Luck Neighborhood Center 1973 1,491,600
Public Works Garage 1993 3,075,100
Rose Price House 1,730,500
Slayton House 1967 3,421,900
Stevens Forest Neighborhood Center 1970 1,368,000
Stonehouse and 1975 3,812,900
Supreme Sports Club 1986 13,085,500
Swansfield Neighborhood Center 1969 1,176,700
Swim Center 1970 4,544,300

Heat with Dannon Garth Pond

In the CA meetings I attended so far, there were not so many people. However, a little pond called “Dannon Garth Pond” invited more than 30 people. The residents’ speak-out took more than one hour.

I believe one key element leading to this huge crowd is the lack of effective communication between staff and residents.  Residents are busy and difficult to reach. Staff are busy. Contractors working on the field sometimes did lousy job to communicate with the residents affected. Then residents were not satisfied and came out speaking loudly.