Tentative Oella HOA Meeting Agenda - Monday, November 21st at 7pm

1. Call to Order — 7:00 p.m.
   
2. Meeting Minutes — Discuss/Revise/Approve
   
3. Treasurer’s Report
   
4. ARC Update
   
5. Landscaping & Common Areas
   
6. Old Business
1. Status of Timberpoint encroachments
   
2. Status of HOA/resident mediation
   
3. Short/Long Brick Row parking
7. New Business
8. Questions and comments from residents
9. Move to Adjourn

2011 Board of Directors Election Results

A resident volunteer verified a quorum of members at Monday's annual meeting (by way of attendees and proxy ballots). After a quorum was established, the election process commenced.

Each of the three candidates were announced and brief statements were given by each candidate. Before voting commenced, there was an open call for nominees from the floor — there were no additional nominees.

Two volunteers then collected the ballots and tallied results. The 3 candidates that announced candidacy were elected to the Board of Directors for a 3-year term. The detailed election results were as follows:

Candidate	Total Votes
Briana Wilson	56
Shirley McMonigle	52
Cynthia Roth	52
Henry Berger (write-in)	2

The board would like the thank the volunteers that tallied ballots as well as all that participated in the voting process by proxy or in person.

The board would also like to sincerely thank outgoing Director Lauer for her many years of service on the board and to the community.

2012 Proposed Budget

The Oella Homeowners Association 2012 proposed budget has been posted online. The past year's finances and the proposed budget will be discussed in detail at the Annual Meeting of Members, and the budget will be adopted at the regularly scheduled December 19th board meeting.

Members are encouraged to attend the Annual Meeting on November 14, 2011 at 7:15pm in the Westchester Center Main Hall to discuss any questions or concerns regarding the budget. Members are always welcome to attend the regular board meetings held on the third Monday of each month unless otherwise noted on the OHOA website.

An increase of 10% for both annual dues and parking assessments has been proposed in order to generate funds for much needed paving repairs and to increase our reserve fund contribution.

2012 Dues 10% increase
$372.46	New Annual Dues
$165.09	New Parking Assessment

Thank you for your attention. As a reminder, you may submit a proxy form if you are unable to attend the Annual Meeting so that your vote is counted toward the Board elections. If you have misplaced your proxy form, you may access a blank form online.

Reminder: All pets must be leashed outside of your own property

Periodically, the board receives complaints about off leash pets attacking other animals, using other peoples' yards to relieve themselves, and causing general interference in one's quality of life. We would like to remind residents that it is both a county law and an HOA rule that pets must be leashed when not on the owner's property. Failure to abide by the law can result in fines from Animal Control, and failure to abide by the HOA rule can result in fines and suspension of voting privileges. Even if you think no one minds if you pet, the nicest pet around, is off leash, someone does mind. Please be considerate of your neighbors and keep everyone (animals included) safe.

Oella HOA Board Candidates

Nominees may also be made from the floor. This list will be updated periodically prior to the meeting on Nov 14, 7:15pm, Westchester Center Main Hall.

Shirley McMonigle: I have lived in Oella for just over three years and I am ready to get involved representing my neighborhood. I have worked for the National Security Agency for over 26 years and have three degrees: an MBA, B.A. in Mathematics, and an A.S. in Computer Science. I have previous experience serving on a different HOA as Secretary and earlier this year submitted an ARC request and was approved to build a new deck.

Cynthia Roth: I moved into Oella in May of 2007 with my partner Dennis and my dog Isabel. I first fell in love with the historic beauty of Oella after visiting the artists in the Mill prior to its conversion into an apartment building. I worked for Verizon as a software analyst for 20 years and retired in 2004. Shortly after, I realized I was not ready to retire and took jobs as a computer programmer for the Howard County Health Department and the Anne Arundel County Health Department. I retired for good in June of 2008. Now that I am retired I feel I can put in time to try and help the community keep the historic beauty of Oella preserved.

Briana Wilson: I have lived on Pleasant Hill in Oella with my husband, dog, and two cats for just over a year now. I have a great love of history and hiking - two things Oella has plenty of. I have found my Oella neighbors to be very welcoming and friendly and I would love the chance to serve the community here to help promote and preserve the history, the hiking, and above all the friendliness that make Oella such a great place to live. I hope to use my project management skills to assist the board in any way I can. I thank you and look forward to being more involved in our community.

Annual Meeting of Members - Oella HOA

The annual meeting of members will be held on Monday, November 14, 2011 at 7:15pm in the Westchester Center main hall on Westchester Ave.

Members should have already received information regarding the meeting in the mail. Additionally, the materials are also being posted online...

• Annual Meeting Announcement


• Proxy Form


• Board Election Ballot


• Board Nomination Form

Oella Fall Festival Saturday Oct 8

11am-5pm at Banneker Park.  Fun for the whole family.

Oella in the News Again: Oella Developer Receives Honors

Read about Charles Wagandt's latest honors here:

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/howard/bs-ho-neighbors-preservation-award-0925-20110921,0,6716461.story

Oella in the News: Jay Patel speaks at Charlestown

Read about Corner Store owner Jay Patel's speech about Oella at Charlestown Retirement Community:

Here

Tentative Oella HOA Meeting Agenda - Monday, September 19th at 7pm

1. Call to Order — 7:00 p.m.
   
2. Meeting Minutes — Discuss/Revise/Approve
   
3. Treasurer’s Report
   
4. ARC Update
   
5. Landscaping & Common Areas
   
6. Old Business
   
7. Parking Lot Maintenance
   
   1. Timberpoint encroachments
      
   2. Status of HOA/Drehoff mediation
      
   3. Short/Long Brick Row parking situation
      
   4. Parking Lot Maintenance
      
8. New Business
   1. Proposed ARC Rules and Procedures
9. Questions and comments from residents
   
10. Move to Adjourn
    

Tentative Oella HOA Meeting Agenda - Monday, August 15th at 7pm

1. Call to Order — 7:00 p.m.
   
2. Meeting Minutes — Discuss/Revise/Approve
   
3. Treasurer’s Report
   
4. ARC Update
   
5. Landscaping & Common Areas
   
6. Old Business
   
   1. Timberpoint encroachments
      
   2. Status of HOA/Drehoff mediation
      
   3. Short/Long Brick Row parking situation
      
7. New Business
   
8. Questions and comments from residents
   
9. Move to Adjourn
   

Tentative Oella HOA Meeting Agenda - Monday, July 18th at 7pm

1. Call to Order — 7:00 p.m.
   
2. Meeting Minutes — Discuss/Revise/Approve
   
3. Treasurer’s Report
   
4. ARC Update
   
5. Landscaping & Common Areas
6. Old Business
   1. Timberpoint encroachments
      
   2. Status of HOA/Drehoff mediation
      
   3. Short/Long Brick Row parking situation
7. New Business
   1. ARC Appointments
   2. Complaint regarding abuse of parking privileges at Long Brick Row
8. Questions and comments from residents
   
9. Move to Adjourn

Tentative Oella HOA Meeting Agenda - Monday, June 20th at 7pm

1. Call to Order — 7:00 p.m.
   
2. Meeting Minutes — Discuss/Revise/Approve
   
3. Treasurer’s Report
   
4. ARC Update
   
5. Landscaping & Common Areas
6. Old Business
   1. Timberpoint encroachments
      
   2. Status of HOA/Drehoff mediation
      
   3. Short/Long Brick Row parking situation
7. New Business
   1. ARC Transition Process
8. Questions and comments from residents
   
9. Move to Adjourn
   

Colonial Market Day at Banneker Park June 11

Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum, 300 Oella Ave., is celebrating its 13th anniversary with a Colonial Market Fair, June 11, from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The free living history event includes merchants, artisans, surveyors, games, food, children's activities, re-enactors and Benjamin Banneker's log cabin.

For more information call 410-887-1081, or e-mail farmstead1@verizon.net.

15th Annual Oella Memorial Day Kickball Game & Block Party

Date: Monday, May 31
Game time: 12:30pm
Location: Westchester Field
Chow time: 4:00pm
Location: Pleasant Hill

Games for adults & kids. Please bring a potluck dish, drinks, paper goods, and plasticware.

Tentative Oella HOA Meeting Agenda - Monday, May 16th at 7pm

1. Call to Order — 7:00 p.m.
   
2. Meeting Minutes — Discuss/Revise/Approve
   
3. Treasurer’s Report
   
4. ARC Update
   
5. Landscaping & Common Areas
   
6. Board Action Items from Management Report
   
7. Old Business
   
   
   1. Guidelines document approval status
      
   2. Timberpoint encroachments
      
   3. Status of HOA/Drehoff mediation
      
   4. Short/Long Brick Row parking situation
   
   
8. New Business
   
9. Questions and comments from residents
   
10. Move to Adjourn
    

Annual property inspections to be held the weekend of May 14-15

The annual HOA property inspections will occur the weekend of May 14-15. Maintenance violations and unapproved architectural violations will be noted, and owners will be notified in writing. The board thanks residents for their efforts at property upkeep and their compliance with the architectural approval process.

Council revokes Planned Unit Development plan-Thistle Rd

Read the full story here. http://www.explorebaltimorecounty.com/news/113111/council-revokes-planned-unit-development-plan-first-time/

Thisle Run stream cleanup this Saturday 9am

Come to the stream clean up of Thistle Run organized by the Friends of Patapsco Valley and Heritage Greenway on Saturday, April 30 from 9-12 (rain or shine). The stream runs along Thistle Rd, which intersects Frederick Rd at Dimitri's Restaurant. Parking will be at 214 Thistle Rd, which is the second  driveway on the right. The stream is in a deep valley in this area, but for those who would prefer less challenging terrain, folks will be needed to cleanup along the road as well.

Please wear sturdy shoes/boots, and bring your own gloves if possible (we will have some gloves). Long pants and long sleeves are recommended. A couple shovels always come in handy as well. Please arrive at 8:45 for registration and a breakfast of donuts, coffee and juice.as usual). Water and snacks will also be provided.
If possible, RSVP to Julia Graham at jig58@verizon.net , so she knows how much food to order.

Oella Community Garden in the news

Read about our opening day here. http://www.explorebaltimorecounty.com/community/112989/community-garden-takes-root-oella/

Earth Day celebration at Banneker Park Saturday April 23 10-4

Earth Day Celebration -- hosted by Benjamin Banneker Historical Park & Museum, 300 Oella Ave., April 23, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Family oriented event. Free. Isha McKnight, 410-887-1081.

From 10-1, the community garden will hold it's groundbreaking and offer a free planting activity for kids.

Oella resident designs iPhone app

Read the story here. http://www.explorebaltimorecounty.com/business/112641/designer-answers-call-iphone-applications/

Tentative Oella HOA Meeting Agenda - Monday, April 18th at 7pm

1. Call to Order — 7:00 p.m.
   
2. Meeting Minutes — Discuss/Revise/Approve
   
3. Treasurer’s Report
   
4. ARC Update
   
5. Landscaping & Common Areas
   
6. Board Action Items from Management Report
   
7. Old Business
   
   
   1. Guidelines document approval status
      
   2. Timberpoint encroachments
      
   3. Status of HOA/Drehoff mediation
      
   4. Short/Long Brick Row parking situation
   
   
8. New Business
   
9. Questions and comments from residents
   
10. Move to Adjourn
    

New grass at Long Brick Row and Timber Point

The landscaper has planted grass seed to prevent soil erosion in small areas at Long Brick Row and Timber Point. Please try not to walk on the grass or allow dogs to urinate on it until it is established. Young grass is delicate.

To prevent continuing erosion of the Timber Point hillside resulting from runoff from the uphill proerty, mowing of the area will be stopped.

Tentative Oella HOA Meeting Agenda - Monday, March 21st at 7pm

1. Call to Order — 7:00 p.m.
   
2. Meeting Minutes — Discuss/Revise/Approve
   
3. Treasurer’s Report
   
4. ARC Update
   1. ARC Appeal Hearing — 760 Oella Ave
5. Landscaping, Snow Removal & Common Areas
   
6. Board Action Items from Management Report
   
7. Old Business
   1. Collections Policy
      
   2. Guidelines document approval — status
      
   3. Timberpoint encroachments
      
   4. Status of HOA/Drehoff mediation
      
   5. Account Appeal (730 Pleasant Hill)
      
   6. Proposal from Oella Company (regarding parking for 781 Oella Ave)
      
   7. Short/Long Brick Row/Association Parking Guidelines
      
   8. Status of ARC violation/appeal (regarding window installation at 760 Oella Ave)
      
8. New Business
   1. Timber Point Erosion
9. Questions and comments from residents
   
10. Move to Adjourn
    

April 5th Talk by Architectural Historian Dr. Henry K. Sharp

Roots of the American Industrial Revolution traced to 1771 Ellicott City, two decades before 1793 Cotton Mill in Pawtucket, Rhode Island

Contrary to popular history, the American Industrial Revolution did not begin in 1793 in Pawtucket Rhode Island in Samuel Slater’s Cotton Mill. Instead its beginnings can be traced to Ellicott City in 1771 where the Quaker Ellicott Brothers established a flour-milling industrial village on the banks of the Patapsco River.

These are the findings of architectural historian Dr. Henry K. Sharp, whose earlier research can be found in his very popular book, “The Patapsco River Valley, Cradle of the Industrial Revolution in Maryland.” Dr. Sharp will be revealing these finding and other discoveries as part of an illustrated lecture on Tuesday, April 5 in the Banneker Room of The George Howard Building in Ellicott City.

The lecture is sponsored by The Friends of the Patapsco Valley and Heritage Greenway, a local environmental and historical preservation group with a mission to protect and restore the environment, history and culture of the Patapsco River Valley. The lecture will be the highlight of the group’s Annual Meeting which will begin at 7 pm. Dr. Sharp will be introduced at 7:30 pm.

The public is invited to attend the lecture to hear firsthand the findings of Dr. Sharp. By busting the myth of New England’s claim as the cradle of the Industrial Revolution, the entrepreneurial Ellicott Brothers are finally getting recognition long overdue.

For further information on the lecture, please contact Charles Wagandt, 410-465-1700.

About Dr. Henry K. Sharp

Dr. Sharp received his BA, MA and PhD from the University of Virginia. He is an architectural historian and has written widely on historical subjects in addition to his lectures in Paris. He has done historical archeology in the Chesapeake region, medieval archeology in France and classical archeology in Sicily.

About The Friends of the Patapsco Valley and Heritage Greenway

The Friends of Patapsco Valley and Heritage Greenway Inc. (FPVHG) is dedicated to preserving, protecting, interpreting and restoring the environment, history and culture of the Valley between Daniels and Elkridge, Maryland.



1771 Ellicott City is the cradle of the American Industrial Revolution according to recent findings by noted architectural historian Dr. Henry K. Sharp.

Uproar over Subway sandwich shop coming to Old Ellicott City

A Subway is going in to the former Sweet (Fisher's) bakery.  People are not pleased.  Read about it here.

Tentative Oella HOA Meeting Agenda - Monday, February 21st at 7pm

1. Call to Order — 7:00pm
2. Meeting Minutes — Discuss/Revise/Approve
3. Treasurer’s Report
4. ARC Update
5. Landscaping, Snow Removal & Common Areas
6. Board Action Items from Management Report
7. Old Business
1. Guidelines document approval status
2. Timberpoint encroachments
3. Status of HOA/Drehoff mediation
4. Short/Long Brick Row parking situation
5. ACM Issues
6. Proposed resetting of terms of office for board seats
7. Status of ARC violation/appeal (regarding window installation at 760 Oella Ave)
8. New Business
1. Revisting of how annual meeting minutes are handled/approved
2. Account Appeal (730 Pleasant Hill)
3. Proposal from Oella Company (regarding parking for 780 Oella Ave)
4. Status of outstanding violations from previous inspection
5. Resident inquiry regarding guidelines document review/process
9. Questions and comments from residents
10. Move to Adjourn

State funds to be used to convert community center into offices

The state has awarded $100,000 to convert the former Oella Community Center into offices.  Read it.

Plan for an Apartment Complex & Garage in Historic Ellicott City

Read about it here.

GOCA Events

Wed. Feb 9, 7pm--Regular GOCA membership meeting

Sat. April 2, 7pm-midnight--Oella Ball (Hollywood Bollywood); tickets available at The Country Store

Sun. April 24, 1pm--Children's Easter Egg Hunt

Sat April 30 & Sun. May 1, 8-11am--Oella Spring Cleaning and Tree Planting

Wed. June 8, 7pm--GOCA meeting

Historic Oella calendars available at The Country Store.

Damaged trees on HOA common area

The heavy snow and ice of this winter have taken their toll on some trees in our common wooded areas. Please do not allow children climb these trees or hang from damaged limbs. We will have our tree specialist inspect damaged trees after the snow and ice season concludes.

Our landscaper has been instructed to remove fallen limbs from HOA common areas as soon as he is able.

If a limb falls on a power line, call BGE. Please do not try to remove the limb yourself. If a limb falls on an HOA-owned parking or common area, please e-mail the board or contact ACM.

Residents are reminded that they are responsible for any tree limbs that hang over their private property or fall onto their property (regardless of who owns the tree).

Tentative Oella HOA Meeting Agenda - Monday, January 17th at 7pm

1. Call to Order — 7:00pm
2. Meeting Minutes — Discuss/Revise/Approve
3. Treasurer’s Report
4. ARC Update
5. Landscaping, Snow Removal & Common Areas
6. Board Action Items from Management Report
7. Old Business
1. Guidelines Document Approval Status
2. Timberpoint encroachments
3. Status of HOA/Drehoff mediation
8. New Business
1. Short Brick Row parking
2. ACM Issues
3. Proposed resetting of terms of office for Board seats
9. Questions and comments from residents
10. Move to Adjourn

New management company contact person

Instead of Alan Mangen, please contact the following person at ACM for Oella HOA matters:

Amber Courtock
Assistant Community Association Manager
9198 Red Branch Road
Columbia, MD 21045
Phone: (410) 997-7767 extension 134
Fax: (410) 997-8876
www.acmhome.com