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10 September 2001 | Approved: 8 October 2001

Mayor John Compton called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m. In attendance were Councilors Darrell Anderson, Dave Gumula, Tricia Knox, Peggy Odick, Nick Suzich, and Dodie Tippens.

Approval of Minutes

Peggy Odick moved, Dave Gumula seconded, that the Town Council minutes of August 13, 2001 be approved. Vote: 6-0.

Treasurer’s Report

Dave Gumula moved, Nick Suzich seconded, that the Treasurer’s report for August be accepted. Vote: 6-0. Nick Suzich moved, Dave Gumula seconded, that the Treasurer be authorized to transfer funds, if necessary, to pay bills in September. Vote: 6-0.

Mayor’s Announcements

Mayor Compton announced the following:

  • In response to a report that Montgomery County now says they will not modify the Washington Grove Lane speed hump as agreed upon, the Mayor said that he would call Dave Loughery to protest.
  • A street light pole at the end of Brown Street has been toppled. Mary Challstrom has spoken to Lighting Maintenance about repairing the pole. The four Town-owned streetlights on Brown Street should be added to the Local Government Insurance Trust’s list of Town property.
  • Discussions are ongoing with the attorney and surveyor engaged by Shirl Cator Harrison to work on annexation of the Cator property on Railroad Street.
  • Kudos to Craig English, Joli McCathran, Birgit Henninger and the legions of other volunteers who contributed to the success of the Labor Day Weekend festivities. Also to Molly Debelius on achieving the distinction of SUPER GROVE.

Appointment to Planning Commission

Darrell Anderson moved, Peggy Odick seconded, to confirm the reappointment of Robert Evans to the Planning Commission. Vote: 6-0.

Bid Opening-Maple Lake Dock replacement

One bid received. A Baltimore firm, A-J Marine, Inc., bid $13,960 to replace the Maple Lake dock. Dodie Tippens said that questions remain about materials to be used for the pilings and decking. Jim Nicholas of A-J Marine said there are several possible methods to drill the pilings. Dodie reported that the Lake Committee would meet to discuss the bid and would then likely meet with Mr. Nicholas to determine if a reasonable price could be negotiated for the work.

Casey Field Development Issues/Status Report

Mayor Compton reported on the meeting with Richard Knapp of KSI, who plans to build 900 units of productivity housing on the industrial property owned by the Casey Trust located between Shady Grove Road and Roberts Oxygen. At least 35% of the units must be affordable to families with incomes below the County median income. KSI plans to open and operate the rental property. Town representatives met with Park and Planning staff to discuss preservation of Ridge Road and the Casey field. They also discussed the importance of planning both residential and industrial parcels together. Town representatives also met with the Development Review Committee at Park and Planning. Mayor Compton reported that Steve Kaufman, attorney for Oxbridge, said that Oxbridge plans to submit a different subdivision plan moving development away from the Town and giving the Town 16 acres. The Mayor said that he and a small group of volunteers continue to meet with County and State politicians to make them aware of the Town’s preservation issues. He also reported that the Planning Commission, as part of the required six year review of the Town Master Plan, is drafting a statement to express the current thinking about Ridge Road and the Town’s eastern border along Ridge Road and adjacent to property owned by the Casey Trust.

Historic Preservation Commission Ordinance

Mayor Compton said that most of the testimony given at the public hearing on the proposed ordinance expressed support. The Mayor suggested that Town attorney Bill Roberts incorporate two of Marc Hansen’s suggestions for improving the ordinance. First, that failure of the Historic Preservation Commission to provide advice within the specified time period will be deemed as “no comment” and the permit process would continue. Second, to change the time period for comment by the Historic Preservation Commission to the Board of Zoning Appeals from 60 days to 30 days. (Section 5.e.) Amendments l. and m. to Section 5. regarding the Commission’s ability to adopt guidelines, have been drafted by Bill Roberts to make explicit some of the powers implicit in the proposed ordinance. Tricia Knox asked if guidelines developed by the Historic Preservation Commission would be subject to review by the Town Council and if the Council would have a liaison to the Commission.

Council Reports

Planning Commission

Darrell Anderson reported that the Planning Commission decided to put off consideration of the request by the Cator family to annex their property until a resolution is reached in the Casey Fields development.

A list of privately owned buildable lots in the Town suggests that the Commission study the current Town building code to determine if it addresses the possible subdivision of large properties where multiple lots are in joint ownership. The Commission seeks direction from the Town Council about the petition from residents asking the Town to obtain correction plats for those blocks emanating from the Circle in order to improve the Town’s survey data.

A review of County and State law doesn’t show a clear way to declare Ridge Road a "scenic rural road".

Regarding the proposed ordinance to change the composition of the Planning Commission to include an alternate member, the Commission suggested that Section 2. read as follows: "The Commission shall consist of five members. In addition, a member of the Town Council shall serve on the Planning Commission in an ex officio capacity . . ."

Forestry

Darrell Anderson reported that Dan Landry would continue to advise Town residents on the overall health of their trees in September. A process for beginning the tree inventory will be presented to the Forestry Committee at their next meeting.

Public Safety

Tricia Knox reported that Paul and Vicki Andrews had their car tires slashed at Maple Lake on Tuesday, August 28. Kristen and Glenn Perry had the passenger window on their Jeep broken out while parked in their driveway over the Labor Day weekend. Nothing taken.

McCathran Hall

Peggy Odick reported that Hawkins Floors would be coming to assess the condition of the floor in the octagon and to give the Town an estimate for refinishing and repairs.

Lake

Dodie Tippens reported that the Town continues to monitor and control algae growth and water aeration for late summer/early fall swimming.

Recreation Events

Dodie Tippens announced that Kathy Lehman would direct the Town choir for the holiday concert. Brian Rennex will teach a class in tango and salsa on Saturday, November 17, and yoga classes will begin again soon.

Other Business

Dodie Tippens reported that Betsy Klinger, Barbara Leng and Shelley Winkler helped to organize an activity for children held at the Casey field. Children were told about the importance of history and preservation of Washington Grove and encouraged to participate in the future of the Town. The children made pictures and wrote letters to be sent to the County Planning Board.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:14 p.m.

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