Redland Station Homeowners Association
Board of Directors Open Meeting
Purpose of Meeting: Regular Meeting
Date: 04/10/2025 at 7 PM via Zoom
Proposed Agenda:
- Call to Order
- Roll Call/Quorum Check
- Proof of Notice of Meeting
- Reports from Officers, Chairs & Directors
- President
- Vice-President
- Treasurer
- Secretary
- ACC Chair
- Grounds Chair
- Unfinished/Planned Business
- Proposed Contract: Authorized Towing
- Proposed ACC Amendment: Fence Height Increase (4ft to 6ft maximum)
- Proposed ACC Amendment: Radon Mitigation Guidelines and ACC Oversight Summary
- New Items / Community Open time
- Adjournment
Zoom Meeting ID: 814 1774 7873
Zoom Meeting Passcode: 482601
Join the meeting via Zoom by going to https://bit.ly/rshaopenzoom, joining via the Zoom app on your device, or calling (301) 715-8592 using the above meeting ID and passcode. The Board can be reached by email at [email protected] or by USPS mail to RSHA Inc., 7899 Briardale Ter, Derwood, MD 20855. We hope to see you at the meeting!
Contract Proposal: Authorized Towing
The Board is looking at adopting a contract with a towing company, Authorized Towing, to providing as-needed vehicle towing and relocation services for our community. The contract’s purpose (removing illegally parked vehicles) aligns with RSHA’s goals of maintaining community welfare and enforcing existing parking regulations outlined in the governing documents and county regulations. This contract would be a call-in style towing agreement.
Radon Mitigation Guidelines and ACC Oversight Summary
This document addresses the increasing concern regarding naturally occurring radon gas in homes in Redland Station that were built in the early 1970s. It provides recommendations based on guidelines from Montgomery County and the EPA. The guidelines emphasize the importance of conducting radon testing, especially during the winter months. Additionally, it explains the jurisdiction of the Architectural Control Committee (ACC) over the exterior appearance of radon mitigation systems. Homeowners are required to submit detailed applications for approval, ensuring that the systems are located at the back of the houses, are unobtrusive, and comply with community aesthetics while also following county regulations.
Fence Height Amendment (4ft to 6ft Maximum)
The Board has received a resident inquiry regarding the possibility of modifying the current fencing height standards, as outlined in the Redland Station Homes Association Governing Documents and Architectural Control Committee (ACC) Standards. The resident has expressed interest in a fence height exceeding the existing 4-foot limit specified in Article VIII, Section 2 of the Declaration of Covenants and Restrictions and Section II.B of the ACC Standards, proposing a height of 6 feet to enhance privacy and functionality.
This request raises questions about the authority and process for amending fencing regulations, which are addressed in both the Governing Documents and ACC Standards. The ACC has previously explored potential solutions, such as metal fences with vertical slats to balance height, visibility, and neighbor considerations, and presented these to the Board last year. However, uncertainty remains regarding whether changes to fencing standards can be approved by the Board, the ACC, a combination of both, or if a community vote is required, potentially necessitating a 2/3 majority per the amendment provisions in Article X of the Articles of Incorporation and Article XII of the Declaration.
Proposed Action:
- Discussion: The Board is asked to review the current fencing standards, the resident’s inquiry, and the ACC’s prior research on alternative fencing options.
- Decision: Determine whether to direct the ACC to update its research on feasible fencing alternatives that align with community aesthetics and neighbor considerations, with the understanding that legal guidance may be required.
- Next Steps: If approved, recommend consultation with an attorney to clarify the authority and process for amending fencing standards under the Governing Documents, ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations and community input requirements.
Recommendation: The ACC recommends that the Board provide a clear directive on whether to proceed with further research and legal consultation. The ACC remains neutral on the outcome, prioritizing the preservation of homeowners’ views, sight-lines, and the overall community character, as mandated by the Governing Documents.