SCCA Board Meeting Minutes

The Board discussed a Shipley’s Choice resident who is making landscaping changes on SCCA property without permission from the Board of Directors. Jim and Ike have informed him that he cannot make changes on SCCA property without permission from the Board. Yet he continues to make changes without permission. While many of his actions have resulted in favorable improvements, the Board has concerns about disruptions to utilities, potential impact on drainage and erosion, and other concerns. On August 4, a resident complained that Mr. Bradford was altering the landscape on SCCA property behind his house. Ike reported to the scene and observed Mr. Bradford removing a large tree. The Board voted unanimously to send Mr. Bradford another letter and if he persists in his unauthorized activities on SCCA property, the Board will pursue action through an attorney.

The current balance in the SCCA budget is $7982: $1464 is funds held for the playground and $5500 has been obligated for tree removal on three properties. The unobligated budget is $1018.

Membership on the Board was discussed. Rebecca, Ed, Jen and Mary’s two-year terms end this year. The Board agreed to pursue a new director for the vacant director position resulting from John Norville’s passing. Ike will assume recruiting and nominating responsibilities.

The County’s legal office has approved SCCA’s request to form a Special Community Benefit District for purposes of dues collection. A subcommittee comprised of Ike, Jim, Rebecca, Jen, Dan and Tyler will coordinate efforts to circulate a petition for 2/3 of Section 1 and 2 households to sign.

The annual in-person meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. The Board will hold an ad hoc video meeting on September 3, 2025.

Tyler discussed electricity brown-outs (temporary losses of electricity in households) and he suggested they seem to occur more frequently. Jim will contact BGE for information.

Ed inquired about asking the County to replace street lights in Shipley’s. Ike will contact the program manager who coordinated the traffic signal installation.

Jen suggested having a community forum on e-bike safety with information provided by AA County police. Jen will pursue a point of contact and Ike will follow-up with the police and the president of SCHOA for a potential collaborative meeting at the clubhouse.

Three SCCA households brought dead trees to Jim and Ike’s attention. Jim and Ike are scheduled to assess the trees with a tree removal company on Tuesday, June 9.

A member of the SCCA community requested SCCA budget information and meeting minutes. The group agreed it’s in the community’s interest to make this information available. Ike will send meeting minutes to Tyler to post on the SCCA website. Budget information is already available in the annual newsletter.

Ike provided an update on SCCA’s efforts to establish a Special Taxing District for purposes of collecting dues. Ike last heard from Lori Blair, Deputy County Attorney, on the matter on April 21, at which time she indicated she was reviewing our request and would get back to Ike. She has not provided further information. Ike called Ms. Blair on Tuesday, June 2, and left a message; she has not responded. Ike will contact Council Member Fiedler on Monday, June 8, to ask for her support and intervention.

Rebecca informed the group she does not intend to serve as SCCA treasurer beyond her current term. The Board thanks Rebecca and is VERY sorry to see her leave the Board.

The Board agreed to send a letter to a SCCA community member, thanking him for his efforts on common area maintenance and stating he must contact the Board prior to making any changes on SCCA property.

The Board agreed to pay annual dues for membership in the Growth Action Network. The Board agreed not to pursue Pete Foley’s proposal to install cameras at the entrances to the neighborhood to monitor cars for crime prevention.

Ike updated the group on the special taxing district initiative. He informed them he submitted documents to the County’s STD coordinator who in turn submitted our request to the County’s Law Office for review.

The Board voted in favor of regularly scheduled meetings to occur the first Thursday of every other month at 7:00 p.m., and agreed to schedule ad hoc meetings more frequently as needed.

There were no problems signing in to Google Meet for SCCA Board meeting purposes.

Mary and Jen mentioned the community has inquired about when the new traffic light will be activated and whether or not the crossing guard will remain after the light is activated. Ike has been posting information from the County’s project manager on SCCA’s website and Shipley’s Choice Facebook page.

The Board voted 9 to 1 in favor of pursuing a Special Community Benefits District for purposes of dues collection. Ike, Jim, Rebecca and Jen will serve on a committee to coordinate the application to the County.

Mary continues to submit paperwork for a playground grant from the County.