POPLAR HILL ASSOCIATION

Poplar Hill Association Minutes

October 2020 Annual Membership Meeting

Sunday, October 4, 2020 5 p.m. | Video Conference Call

 

Due to concerns about the corona virus, the Annual Meeting of the Poplar Hill Association was held via video conference call.

 

Board members present: Jay Newman, Sue Joslow, Andy Frake, Rosie Smith, Harry Quigley, Louise Ramm, Noah Kodeck, Neil McAslan, David Nes, Ellen Stokes, Randy Knepper

 

Call to Order: Jay Newman called the meeting to order at 4 p.m.

 

1. Guest Speaker Brandon Scott – President/Baltimore City Council

Mr. Scott, who won the City’s Democratic primary election for mayor, spoke to members about his priorities, should he be elected in November. They are:

 

• Fighting crime through police reform, targeting the most violent offenders, focusing on the origin of weapons and bringing solutions for substance abuse. Employing a multi-agency approach to these problems

• Modernizing Baltimore’s “outdated government structure” through the addition of a city administrator (effectively a COO). He spoke about the need to professionalize city government rather than hiring relatives and friends, noting it is not enough to change people without changing the system. He would establish a culture where excellence is expected and rewarded, and leaders would be held responsible.

 

Rebecca Marks contact info provided – neighborhood liaison.

Rebecca Mark, Neighborhood Liaison for City Council President Brandon Scott (District 5, District 6, District 8 and Jewish Community Liaison) Rebecca.mark@baltimorecity.gov 443-615-2262.

 

2.  Tony Bridges – Delegate 41st. District

Delegate Bridge mentioned his support for the Protect Act this past session, which included state police patrolling I83. The bill was vetoed by governor but the legislature hopes to override in 2021.

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3.  Sandy Rosenberg – Delegate 41st. District

Delegate Rosenberg noted that the legislature will not tackle veto overrides right away, as they take time to consider whether to amend or override. Regarding public schools – delegates may override the governor’s veto of the Kirwan education funding bill and a bill to fund renovation of city high schools. Addressing the digital divide may become part of Kirwan legislation. COVID has brought serious societal problems into new light.

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4.  Election of Board Director & Officers - Randy Knepper            
 

Existing Directors – Reelected for 2-year Terms:

Sue Joslow, David Nes, Ellen Stokes, Harry Quigley
 

New Directors – Elected for 2-year Terms:

Idalis Bicknell, Deborah Young-Hyman

Board Members in Current Terms that are not up this year – For Info Only
 

Existing Directors – Currently in Middle of 2 yr. Terms:

 Randy Knepper, Andy Frake, Jay Newman,  Neil Mc Aslan, Louise Ramm
 

Officers Elected by Board – Jay Newman, President. Sue Joslow, Vice President. Ellen Stokes, Secretary.

Louise Ramm, Treasurer. Randy Knepper, Parliamentarian.                                        

 

5.  Treasurer’s Report – Louise Ramm
As of October 1, we have $15,140 in the bank. There are 99 paid members out of 125 households. Reminder will go out in January re annual dues.
 

6.  Community Updates – Jay Newman
 

a)            Boys Latin

Completed the purchase of St. Joseph Manor. They have begun construction, most of it  internal to the 1999 brick building, converting it to dorms. They expect 4 faculty members the first or second quarter of 2021. Fall 2021 they will welcome their first boarding students.
 

b)            Ivy Book Store has now relocated and reopened.
 

c)            Cross Keys purchased by Caves Valley Partners.

They are expected to improve common areas and add a high rise apartment building in back, adjacent to Jones Falls Expy.
 

                d)            Overlook Development

Blue Ocean wants to build 2nd apartment bldg. of 6 stories behind the Falls. Lots of community opposition. A number of individuals and groups went to court to block construction of Blue Ocean’s second apartment building behind The Falls. . The case is now on appeal at MD Court of Appeals and won’t be heard until at least Jan 2021.

 

e)            Tree Maintenance

Neighbors are reminded that the City will not take down trees on private property even if they are next to the road. If you have trees adjacent to the street, encourage you to have them inspected for safety.

 

 

 

7.            Community Updates – Sue Joslow
a)            Falls/Northern Road Study

On October 29 at 6p there will be a virtual meeting hosted by DOT official Valerie Lecour, who will present options for the interchange, asking for input and feedback.  Valerie.lecour@baltimorecity.gov.

 

                b)            Events Update – Potluck Dinner/Family Event

This event is on indefinite hold. We hope to schedule when the pandemic is over.

 

c)            Voting

The deadline to request a ballot is Oct 20. Oct 26-Nov 2 is the voting window. Ballot boxes have cameras, monitored by Election Commission. Ballots are to be picked up once or twice a week.
 

8.            Angie Taylor for RPCC

 

                a)            RPCC Board member Angie Taylor spoke briefly about the status of the center. The center is open but congregations are choosing not to meet at this time. The center is having some financial challenges as weddings and other rental events have cancelled. RPCC has a modest reserve fund that they are using. Their annual budget is $136K. They appreciate our support, helping them keep this green space available to all. RPCC is considering walking trails for dogs and a farmers market. They appreciate our involvement as volunteers and for Board members.

 

                                Question was asked if RPCC is a 501c3 for fundraising? Answer is yes.

Question regarding whether there is a plan for the structure at the rear of the property. Answer not yet, except to clean it up.            

 

9.            Poplar Hill Road Update – Jay Newman

a)            Poplar Hill Road has been maintained by city for 70+ years. In discussion with lower ranking city officials, an attempt made to arrange for paving. City took position that it was a private road – with no obligation to pave or maintain. Garbage and plowing were said to be done as a courtesy to residents. We hired a consultant expert in these issues in City. He reviewed the history of the road and legal considerations as to what city is required to do. We hope to meet in 4-6 weeks with Poplar Hill residents to go over the consultant’s reports, and the implications of private vs public. The City has taken the position that Winding Way, Bryn Mawr and Harriton are also private.
 

10.          Poplar Hill Park – Harry Quigley

a)            Harry noted that parents like using the park to get little kids outside. He appreciates any ideas and comments from neighbors, and thanks the volunteers who keep it maintained.

 

11.          Questions/Comments - Membership
 

Q Gabby Spiegel voiced concern that the city will stop plowing and providing other city services to Poplar Hill Rd residents...

A There is no indication that they would halt plowing and trash collection. We will be getting input from residents, and then will attack the problem at a higher level after Jan. 1.

 

Q – Water main break at Clarks Hill & Falls, repaired again recently, is a continuing problem. We will tackle that along with Poplar Hill issues as well.

 

Deborah Hyman expressed appreciation for being appointed to board.

Jay Newman encouraged anyone to reach out to Board members with any questions.

 

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 5:30 p.m.