President, Merci Izquierdo-Whitaker, called the regular meeting of the Residents’ Council (the Council} to order at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, November 1, 2022. 55 association members attended including Council members, Pat Kasuda and Naomi McAfee, and Don Groves, Associate Executive Director.

The Council observed a moment of silence for those who have passed away.

Mission Moments
Merci Izquierdo-Whitaker read the following Mission Moment submitted by Phyl Lansing:
Honoree: Anne Kaufman
A resident on the Terrace level of Courtyard Crossing nominated new resident, Anne Kaufman,
for Mission Moment recognition. Anne moved to Charlestown in early August. Many people knew there was a new neighbor because Wilber, a pig, is outside her door and seems ready to greet anyone who walks by. While some people spend weeks dealing with boxes after moving, Anne invited neighbors to hear her son perform several guitar solos from her patio. She advertised it informally, reminding neighbors to bring chairs. She prepared light snacks for extra enjoyment. The neighbors were entertained and enjoyed good company while humming along. They are waiting for spring to come with the possibility of a repeat performance.

Anne came to Charlestown with a vision of being part of a vibrant community and her friendliness and enthusiasm help make that happen! If you see or hear about someone who lives the Mission Statement: Sharing our gifts to create a community that celebrates life, please pass that on to the Mission Moment Committee by contacting Phyl Lansing at CR403 or phyllansing@yahoo.com.

EXECUTIVE TEAM REPORTS

Merci Izquierdo-Whitaker, President
Thank you very much to all residents who took the time to complete the Holleran Resident Satisfaction Survey. I hope that you gave thoughtful attention to your answers and that you expressed your opinions and suggestions by writing many comments. This particularly important feedback encourages the Administration to continue activities that function well and provides guidance for improving others. Your comments also help the Board of Directors in their function of Management oversight.
A special thank you to the Resident Council members and others that volunteered their time to help residents to complete the survey during the Covid Booster Clinic, at the dining venues and at

Continuing Care. We are grateful for the Hershey bars provided by Resident Life Services, and we offer congratulations to the winners of the Golden Tickets.
Please remember to be generous in contributing to the Staff Appreciation Fund Campaign now
underway. It is the only tangible way that we can say a big “Thank You” to our very hard-working staff. As of yesterday 37.9%, of residents have participated with only two weeks to go. While contributions may be made throughout the year, the thrust of the campaign ends on November 11th. Let us help our employees have a great holiday season. They truly deserve our generosity in saying thank you for a job well done.
Do not forget to vote on November 8!

God bless our Veterans and may we never have to go to war again.

John Remias. Vice President
No Report

Diana Dunaway, Secretary
The draft minutes of the October Council meeting were amended. The number of people recommended for the positions on the board of directors was 25 rather than 35. There were no other additions or corrections to the draft minutes which the Council approved.

Mimi O’Donnell, Treasurer
The Council’s account balance at the end of September was $5,492.48. The Council deposited dues of
$24.00 and recorded expenses of $425.42 in October. Therefore, the balance as of October 31, 2022, was $5,091.06.

The proposed 2022-2023 Budget was submitted to Council members prior to this meeting. The budget was approved with no comments or corrections.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Benevolent Care, Carol Kefford
As you know the Benevolent Care Fund assists residents who have exhausted their finances through no fault of their own. The committee assists and supports the Philanthropy department to raise funds to ensure a “Home for Life”
The Committee met on October 26.
According to Patti Santoni the current funds as of the end of September are as follows:
• Total raised for BCF Campaign YTD $839,638 – vs $374,020 in 2021$81,689 came in as cash during the BCF Month Campaign.
• 2022 Telethon: The Telethon raised $117,000 vs $125,000 last year.
• Board Participation: 100% for total of $30,100.
• Cars for Care: 11 cars for a total of $14,325.00.
• Treasure Sale: YTD $104,271 net vs $42,000 in 2021 October Sale, $38,508 beating the last highest sale in 2018 by $1,000 or 145,000 for the year. Taking us close to $900,00 for the Year.
The committee also discussed Year-end giving and ways to assist in increasing the Foundation balance (which is like a savings account) that provides additional funds each year based upon the need. This year the total costs for Benevolent Care will be close to $1.5 million and approximately $500,000 will come from the foundation.
We also discussed ways to participate in 40th Anniversary Plans
Next Meeting Date: November 30, 2022, via zoom. Patti will set up the zoom link.

Communications, David Elder, Co-Chair
The Communications Committee met by ZOOM, October 24, 2022, with Mary Evans representing the Administrative Staff.
• Chandra will contact ESL IT Managers to produce a presentation for the residents to address the recurring common issues we are experiencing with the Wi-FiWi-Fi is a family of wireless network protocols based on the IEEE 802.11 family of standards, which are commonly used for wireless networking and allow nearby devices to exchange data by radio waves. Wireless local area networks (WLAN) are widely used in the world to link laptop computers, tablet co... READ MORE System.
• Evergreen Topics [Charlie Eichenlaub] * EXTRAS have been added on the website.
• CHARLESTOWN COMMUNICATIONS CHAT Zoom SESSION will continue for Residents who want to exchange Ideas.
• Residents are Strongly Encouraged to include their photo in the MyErickson Resident Directory.
• High -Definition upgrade: HD Fiber/cabling/hardware being installed (Chapel, etc.) which will also allow for the operation of Digital Closed Captioning.
• The Committee will endeavor to provide Hybrid In-person/ZOOM meetings next year.
• The Committee would like residents’ input on what else should be included in the
ccicharlestown.org help files.
Next Communications Committee meeting November 28, 2022, via Zoom, following the Website Subcommittee Zoom Meeting @ 1 PM

Conservation, Mark Buehlman Chair
During our October meeting, we covered a broad range of topics.
The recycling/reuse group updated the committee on recycling efforts. It was mentioned that electronic items, such as computers and printers, can be recycled at Best Buy. The recycling team provided recycling support during the recent Treasure Sale.
The Nature Trail Club presented an overview of its current efforts. Projects of mutual interest to both the Nature Trail Club and the Conservation Committee were discussed. As a result of those discussions, the committee has begun a detailed engineering study of water control and erosion issues on the trail. This report will be presented to management this month.
We discussed erosion control, not just on the Nature Trail but throughout the campus. We will invite Jason Spivey, General Services Director, to attend a future meeting to discuss this and other grounds-related issues.
The need for a separate recycling/reuse sub-committee is still being evaluated. Our next meeting is Tuesday, November 15th at 2:00 pm in BR1.

Dining Services, Mary Lee Seaman
No Report

Finance Committee, John Yoder, Chair
The Finance Committee met on October 25, 2022.
The quarterly financial report was reviewed by Jill Clippinger. She and Gladstone James responded to questions and answers. Overall, the trends were positive. Highlights of the report include:
• Occupancy rates continue to trend upward with independent living at more than 94% and both Assisted Living and Memory Care at or near capacity at over 98 and 97 percent, respectively.
• Sales activity remains strong. Year-To-Date there have been 152 settlements and 124 releases, for a net gain so far of 20. That is 8-above budget for the year.
• YTD operating revenue is over $72 million compared to about $60 million in expenses. As noted last month, revenue for the year has been augmented by $2.9 million from the CARES act. Unrealized income. (i.e., investments), continue to be in negative territory.
• Twenty-one residents were on Benevolent Care as of the end of September. During the month, the BCF (Benevolent Care Fund) took in more than $241 thousand vs. outflow of $146 thousand, thanks to contributions from employees, residents, the phonathon and, especially noteworthy, more than $38 thousand from the Treasure Sale.
A number of residents expressed appreciation for the informative workshop sponsored earlier this month by PNC Bank. It was agreed that we would ask them to consider offering a similar workshop annually.
The next meeting of the Finance Committee will be on November 29, 2022, at 9:00 A.M. in Brookside 1

Grounds Committee, Mike Rose, Chair
The Grounds Committee met on Tuesday, October 25, 2022, with Mike Rose presiding. There were 10 members present but no Staff. An apology from Kevin Crawford was later received. He was covering an emergency for Charlestown.
Topics covered were:
• Lake algae is gone thanks to an application of chemicals. However, the fountain is not operating and, again, needs repair.
• The two remaining lampposts have been painted.
• There was much discussion on the condition of grass, etc. due to pet damage. The committee will confer with the Pet Owners Group for ways to alleviate this situation, including the possibility of controls/charges to pay for the damage repair.
• Funds reserved in the Brightview contract for unfinished work have been refunded to Charlestown.
• The need for a Master Plan, to include a landscape architect, was discussed and it was decided that a plan should be developed by Charlestown with advice from a landscape architect and referred to Merci for submission to the Board of Directors.
• Road striping is ongoing.
• Fall re-sodding/planting will occur at BR 102 will where a locust tree will be removed, and a cherry tree pruned.
• There was a brief discussion about the increasing deer population. An article will be written for the Sunburst suggesting that the deer not be fed. A committee member will consult with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for possible help in deer control.
• A vote was conducted on providing an access to the Shortline Trail. It failed unanimously.
• It was a consensus of opinion that when an apartment (especially at the terrace level) is vacated, the renovations needed should include the exterior as well as the interior areas.

Health and Wellness, Jean Tribulski, Co-Chair
The Health Services Committee met Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at 11:00 am in BR 1.
Please notice that we have been requested to use the name “Health Services Committee” until the
name Health and Wellness is approved during the Bylaws changes in the summer of 2023. The new head of the Dietary Focus Group is Katie Hausner.
A Charlestown resident requested that the Health Services Committee do an evaluation or assessment of the St. Agnes Emergency Department. This is not within the scope of the committee. The concern seemed to be about a diversion to another hospital. The diversions are decided by the Emergency Response Team and their dispatcher when either staff or beds are not available.
Another concern was that there was not uniformity in Mobility and Balance testing at the Medical Center on the Annual Medicare Wellness checks.

The next Health Services meeting is November 8, 2022, at 11 am in BR 1.

Housekeeping, Sebastian Petix, Chair
No Report

Legislative/Political, Paulette Hammond, Co-Chair
Fourteen people were in attendance, meeting in BS Classroom 1 at 10 am.
Pat Payne interviewed John Olszewski, Jr. and Pat McDonough, candidates for County Executive, and Pat Young and Albert Nalley, candidates for County Council District 1. Paulette Hammond interviewed Eric Ebersole and Joseph Hooe, candidates for House of Delegates, District 44 A. Those interviews can be seen on TV792 and on-line at ccicharlestown.org.
The League of Women Voters delivered 1,000 copies of the Voters Guide for distribution to Charlestown residents.
The winning candidates for House of Delegates and County Councilman, District 1,and unopposed candidate for Senator in 44 A & B, Charles Sydnor, will be invited to attend a Community Meet and Greet in the Conference Center on Thursday, December 1st. Watch for further details.
Update on Ranked Choice Voting (RCV). At the SW Democrat meeting, Anthony Brown answered a question about how to adopt RCV by saying some election laws can be changed by the legislature, but others require a constitutional amendment. He was not sure which procedure would be required to change RCV laws.
Eric Ebersole suggested starting with a low-level office, maybe candidates for the Board of Education
Pat suggested a Zoom call with the Montgomery Delegate who introduced RCV for Montgomery County.
The meeting adjourned at 11:10 am. The next meeting of the Legislative/Political Committee will be November 9th at 10 am in BS Classroom 1

Maintenance/Engineering, Gordon Piche’
Our committee met on Tuesday, October 25th at 2pm, in the General Services’ Conference Room with General Services’ Kevin Crawford. Also in attendance were the Council President and Vice President.
• PROJECTS SCHEDULED FOR 2022 – Brookside Renovations are going well with expected completion by the end of the year. Action continues on the interior signage updating project. Alternative interim usage of the Refectory space continues; the return of the Refectory to be a dining facility is expected be at least 3 years away. The Herbert’s Run/ST Charles bridge support washout needs repair, engineering is engaged. The A/C bridge units are still not working correctly and continue to be worked on by General Services. Caton Ridge building support renovations are still underway and expect to be completed early 2023.
• PROJECTS SCHEDULED FOR NEXT YEAR 2023 – The replacement elevators for Charlestown Square and Chapel Court are delayed. Renovations are planned for Herbert’s Run but not expected for the Auditorium Stage. Roof replacements for Buildings 8 (Arborside) and 9 (Green Tree Court) are scheduled.
• ITEMS OF CONCERN THAT NEED ATTENTION AND NEW ISSUES – Some of the roadway wood guard rails are in bad condition – an incremental approach for replacement is being considered. Additional lighting for the crosswalk at the East end of Brookside is being reviewed. Recommendation to build a covered walkway from Bldg1 Medical Center entrance to the parking lot is still under consideration. The gutter downspout problems at BR-T17 the Fireside Dining Area have been fixed but remain at The ST. Charles. The original Charlestown buildings are experiencing window and exterior door operational issues and need repair; replacement is available on a case by case as needed basis; residents should contact General Services. The door at the Northwest corner of Harborview leading to the swimming pool patio needs power operation and GS is fixing the situation. A flow meter test is in process for proposed HVAC auto shutdown of the water system when breaks in the system occur.
Next scheduled mtg November 22, 2022, at 2pm in the General Services Conference Room

Resident Life, Joe Carrick, Committee Co-Chair
The Highlights of the Resident Life Committee Meeting of October 19th are:
• SHORTLINE Trail: John Remias and John Yoder met with the Executive Team including General Services Director, Jason Spivey. Sheldon Smith of the Catonsville Rails to Trails organization is working on a feasibility study for the Shortline Trail. Discussion is ongoing, including residents’ ability to access the trail safely and keeping the access point secure.
• CCICHARLESTOWN.ORG Website: Hope Tillman provided a short session on CCICharlestown.org website. She demonstrated its capabilities and provided a brief history of the website. This website is a means for Council committees to communicate with residents. It is also a tool for residents including 2 weeks or more of menus.
• PHOTO BOOK: A Resident Photo Book questionnaire is being developed to determine resident participation. In the past, Charlestown has produced such a book every 5-years, but COVID
prevent the 2020 book. The goal is to produce such a book for Charlestown’s 40th Anniversary.
• The DIB subcommittee will be presenting an event in the Conference Center on December 6th and 7th, called Tapestry – Sharing our stories that shape us. This is a chance for us to get to know each other on a more personal basis. More information on this will be coming to you soon.
• The DIB subcommittee continues to plan for a Joint DIB Resident/Staff Council.
• Members of the Resident Life and Safety & Security committees have been working with Don Grove and his team to provide residents with an updated information magnet, which will

include some department names and phone numbers and one that provides Fire Prevention information. We are working to have both magnets available early 2023.
Our Next Meeting is November 16th at 2 PM in BR-2

Safety and Security, Justine Parezo, Chair
At our October meeting, we had a good discussion about some important continuing concerns, but all are still under consideration. More information should be available next month.
The committee is still trying to determine what is the best way to get the safety pendants in the hands and around the necks of residents. Craig Nelson reported that one firearm was returned because someone called him. If you have firearms, ammunition, even hunting knives or anything like that, for disposal call Craig or Shawn from security and they will arrange for an officer from Baltimore County Police to come and pick it up.
Someone expressed concern about crime or incidents that might take place outside of Charlestown and whether that put us at risk in any way. Justine spoke with the captain from our precinct, and he reported that this is the safest precinct in Baltimore County. He also said that he has an extremely close working relationship with Craig. If something were to happen, that would put Charlestown at risk in any way, the police will block off the entrance to our community. They are very aware of our needs. And work closely with our safety department.

Pat Rudolph, Past President
After 13 years serving as one of the resident members of the Charlestown Board of Directors, Naomi McAfee has decided to step down. Over the last month or so many of you suggested possible replacements – people to step into that role. Twenty-five people were suggested. Seventeen of them said no. Eight people chose to apply. The Nominating Committee was delighted with the quality of the applicants. After reviewing the applications, five were forwarded to the Residents’ Council. Those applicants will be interviewed by the Residents’ Council and the R.C. will then vote on those five using a rank order process. From those five, three will be chosen. Those names will go forward to the administration and to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors makes the final decision. We are currently in line to get those nominees to the Board of Directors by their deadline, which is the end of November.

OLD BUSINESS
None

NEW BUSINESS
The Residents’ Council budget was approved as read.

COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS FROM RESIDENTS AND GUESTS:
Merci Izquierdo-Whitaker introduced Don Grove, Charlestown Associate Executive Director.

Don started by thanking the Residents’ Council for the time that they put into our community. He said he especially appreciated hearing things about safety and security and how the Safety and Security Committee reached out to the precinct.

Next, he gave an update on some of the activities going on such as the Halloween contest in both independent living and in continuing care that Don hosted and the Fall Festival open to residents, families, and employees. He said they tried to focus on bringing residents and employees together for a community celebration. He thanked residents for their participation. Next year Charlestown will celebrate our 40th anniversary which will provide plenty of opportunities for community celebrations.

Another point of focus is the residents’ survey. He said the participation goal was 80%. As of November 1st, participation was at 69%. They hope to get to 70% by extending the deadline to Friday.

The Staff Appreciation fund drive runs through November 11. As of October 31st, about 38% of residents have donated a total of $157,000.

A ceiling water pipe installed in 2010 broke, flooding the dental suite and physical therapy area. Repair work will be completed tomorrow. When we have floods, maintenance does look for patterns or anything they can do to prevent future problems.

The proposal to open the Short Line Trail to access by Charlestown residents is still being considered. At this point they are gathering information regarding what is involved in that process with security as the utmost importance.

A new grounds supervisor has been hired to begin in November. A major discussion point throughout the interview was holding vendors accountable so they expect improvement in that area the residents have requested.

Charlestown sales are 14 over the projected budget for the end of the year. Occupancy here is growing at a faster rate than in some of our sister communities.

The board of directors met last week. A top issue for the board was budget approval. As of tomorrow, residents will receive letters explaining the changes in the monthly service package for 2023. There will be a Town Hall meeting on November 17th where the board will be present to discuss the changes in the budget and some of the capital improvement projects budgeted or approved for next year.

Another big discussion topic for the board was long-range planning. They were pleased with the direction the project is taking and have started to look at funding to forward the projects. At the top of the list is a sit-down restaurant in the historic district and includes some projects for outside the buildings. In remodeling projects windows are considered and usually updated if they have not been replaced in several years, Don then asked for questions.

Veronica Coleman said she has security concerns about the idea of opening the property to the trail and wanted to know how many people would use that access. Don said he could not answer that question but that he has heard from many people for and opposed to opening access. He said that they were in process of getting an understanding about what would be involved, with the cost, the risks, or concerns and that all factors are being included in the discussion.

Veronica Coleman said she realized that, but she has heard that there have been breaches of the fences and that this just makes another soft point. Don said he is not aware of anything recent but one of the things this project would include was that the fence in that area would be more secure than it is now.

Veronica Coleman said the second point she wanted to address was the renovations in Brookside. She said it was nice to see clean ceilings, walls, floors, and carpets but that the decorators were not too successful in the artwork. She said it is a mishmash of stuff. Don’s response was that he has received other complains about the artwork and that they have asked the vendors responsible to come back and do walk-throughs to discuss what has been done and what are the options.

Michael Rose added that he has done his own little survey about the work done at Brookside and that people are pleased

Merci Izquierdo-Whitaker asked if plastic covers can be put on corners when they paint. Don said other people have asked about that and that corner guards are in the works.

President Merci Izquierdo-Whitaker adjourned the meeting at 7:57 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Diana Dunaway
Residents’ Council Secretary