Conceptions of loyalty floated between Columbia Association board members as they discussed the organization's Code of Ethics Policy during the Board of Directors' Work Session Thursday night in Columbia.
The Columbia Association's Code of Ethics and Conflicts of Interest Policy became a highlighted discussion in February after an a board member filed a complaint against Alan Klein, who represents Harper's Choice, claiming he violated the policies through actions and comments about the Inner Arbor Plan. The CA Board endorsed the plan, which calls for a curated arts park to be built on 16 acres of Symphony Woods, which CA owns.
Although the board voted multiple times to support the proposal, Klein remained skeptical and was later accused of testifying against the plan outside of the board.
During the work session, Andrew Stack, representing Owen Brown, said it is important for all board members to maintain a sense of trust and loyalty.
"CA was formed for a purpose," Stack said. "The purpose is for the well being of the residents. The decisions we make need to be for that well being. If it's against the best interest, how can it be for the well being?"
Wilde Lake representative Nancy McCord said it is the board's right to speak out and debate the issues at hand.
"But, once the decision has been made by the group, it goes out to the public," McCord said. "You can say, 'I didn't vote for it' … but you can't go out and make a big stink and get people to go at it from the outside."
Board member Gregg Schwind, of Hickory Ridge, agreed.
"Once we, as a board, decide to go in a direction, we have to have that duty of loyalty to suck it up and keep a lid on it and support what the organization has chosen to do."
Stack then clarified that any decisions can be reopened, reviewed and possibly revised with the board members' discussion and approval.
Symphony Woods concerns
Following a brief discussion about the board format and committee structure, Chairwoman Jeanne Ketley, board member for Town Center, acknowledged the board's decision "to leave things the way they are."
Residents also shared their thoughts and concerns with the board about Symphony Woods and the noise level at Merriweather Post Pavilion.
Long Reach resident Russ Swatek, who is a former CA Board chairman, said the Symphony Woods stage for the annual Capital Jazz Fest at Merriweather generated plenty of garbage and damage.
"There are still ruts [at Symphony Woods]," Swatek said. "There are still tire tracks throughout the whole woods. … It's going to take a long time for that park to recover."
Since Merriweather is "obviously using Symphony Woods to contribute to public nuisance," Swatek urged the board to follow up with the problem.
"The bass notes tend to penetrate things rather than be reflected," he said. "It will be a long time before the city council and state delegation get to the problem."