Town Council News
Next meeting: Monday » 05.08.06 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room.
The public is invited to attend.
Actions at the April Council meeting included:
Voted to spend $1,000.00 for two bus stop benches as part of our joint effort with Montgomery County to improve the Ride-On bus stops along the Town borders.
Scheduled a Budget Work Session for April 24, 2006 at 7:30 p.m.
Casey Field
The Phase I Site Plan process has been held up by a new complication: the State Highway Administration wants part of the property for a storm water management for the ICC. Toll Brothers will have to reconfigure some lots, relocate the MPDU units, and may add more multi-family homes to the plan in order to make up lost lots. The revised site plan is expected soon, and could require major review if changes from the approved are material.
The condemnation proceedings have become further complicated by a change in legal counsel for M-NCPPC. This has also affected drafting of a Management Agreement incorporating land use restrictions and maintenance parameters intended to give M-NCPPC and the Town certain responsibilities for the field. The property owner wants the Phase One Site Plan approved before the condemnation is settled. Stay tuned…
Deer Park Bridge
The Town and Gaithersburg were finally provided DPWT’s cost estimates for rehabilitation or bridge replacement. Mayor Compton and the core Deer Park Bridge Committee will review the information provided by the County. It is problematic whether Gaithersburg will agree to take ownership and responsibility for bridge maintenance due to liability and cost concerns and uncertainties.
Town Budget Work Session Scheduled
Monday, April 24th 7:30 p.m. in the Council Room. Come, learn, and participate as the Town Council balances competing priorities putting together a budget for the Town meeting approval in June.
Town Elections
Nominations for Mayor and Council have closed. Town elections will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2006 from 4-7 p.m. at McCathran Hall. The nominees are:Mayor (1-year term) John Compton
Council (two 3-year terms) Darrell Anderson
Kathie Evans
To vote in Town elections, you must be currently registered to vote with Montgomery County at an address in Washington Grove. To verify your registration with the county, please call County Voter Registration Information at 240-777-8683.
Mayor’s Award Deadline Approaches
The deadline for the Mayor’s Washington Grove Award is April 30, 2006. This award aims to recognize recent outstanding volunteer service of any kind (cultural, social, governmental) above and beyond the call of duty that has contributed to the present and future well-being of our Town. Please call or write with your suggestions before April 30th. Contact the Town Office; 301-926-2256, PO Box 216, [email protected] or Mayor Compton (cell) 240-432-5700.
State Legislators Visit Set For May 8, 2006
Our State Legislators will attend the May meeting of the Town Council. The meeting will start at 7:00 p.m.. Come listen and talk to P.J. Hogan, Charles Barkley, Joan Stern, and Nancy King report on this session.
Ride-On Bus Stop Improvements Coming
The County is planning to add waiting pads and benches to five of the six pair of stops along the borders of the Town. Four stop locations will be slightly shifted to provide safer, drier, better access for bus riders: the stop near the Asplundh Co. on Railroad Street, the pair at Grove Rd. and Railroad Street, the stop at Center St. and the stop at #515 Washington Grove Lane. A map is available at the Town Office.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The Washington Grove Town Council will hold a public hearing on Monday, May 22, 2006, 7:30 p.m., in McCathran Hall, 300 Grove Avenue, Washington Grove, Maryland. This 2nd public hearing is to take public comment regarding Zoning Text Amendment 2005-07, which has been revised by the Town Council. The proposed amendment will clarify fence requirements (including deer fencing), create a new temporary use permit requirement for portable containers (PODS) and construction dumpsters, place expiration limits on building permits, and add two new definitions (accessory building & primary residence) to the ordinances.
Planning Commission News
Next meeting: Wednesday » 05.03.06 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room.
The public is invited to attend.
Building Permits
If you are going to erect a building or structure (including fences), make structural alterations to, or move any existing building or other structure, you must first obtain a building permit from the Washington Grove Planning Commission. The Town zoning ordinance governs setbacks, lot coverage and height. Applications are available at the Town Office at 301-926-2256. The permit fee is $10.00, payable to the Town of Washington Grove. Interior renovations, which involve electrical, plumbing, or load-bearing changes, generally require a County permit. A shed requires a County permit as well. The Town must first sign off all applications for County-required building permits. The Historic Preservation Commission will review most permits as well.
Building permits were issued for the following:
206 Chestnut Ave. » Fence
207 Maple Ave. » Trellis/Screen
415 Center St. » Fence
406 Grove Ave. » Addition
Historic Preservation News
Next meeting: Tuesday » 00.00.05 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room.
The public is invited to attend.
Reviews were written for the following:
406 Grove Avenue » Addition
Neighborhood Watch News
Report Crimes & Suspicious Activity!
Mont. Co. Police non-emergency: 301-279-8000
Town Office: 301-926-2256
Betsy Klinger: 301-977-3517
Keith Gillis/Leigh Partington: 301-208-1437
Incident Report:
March 23: Theft – 200 block of WG Lane – digital camera, xm radio & phone charger stolen. No sign of forced entry. Police were called.
April 5: Theft – 100 block of Grove Ave. – 2 silver mountain bikes were stolen from a garage.
Recreation Commission News
Next meeting: Wednesday » 05.24.06 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room.
The public is invited to attend.
Hawk Talk!
Sunday, April 23, 2006, 3:00 p.m.
A treat for all ages, Master Class Falconer and breeder Paul DuBois will bring one or more hybrid Peregrine Falcons to McCathran Hall for his talk on hawks and falcons. Did you know that falcons can dive at speeds up to 300 feet per minute and fly at 60 miles per hour? Invite your friends and neighbors to this free event. Sponsored by the Washington Grove Recreation Committee.
Call for Film Ideas…
The Film Society committee wishes to thank everyone for their support during the past season. We are currently planning next year’s series and are seeking suggestions about films to include. As we have in past years, we will be looking for films that won’t be found at the local Cineplex. Of particular interest are foreign films, and other films that may not be well known but are worthy of note. The films should be two hours in length or less, without graphic violence or sex scenes; they should be discussible as well as entertaining. Ideas for the family film are particularly welcome. In addition, anyone interested in joining the committee will be most welcome. If you have ideas for films or want to join the committee, please contact Freda Temple by e-mail, [email protected] or by phone, 301-926-3066 by April 22, 2006. Freda Temple
Maple Lake News…
Next meeting: Thursday » 04.27.06 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room.
New members always welcome!
Maple Lake Clean-up Day
Saturday, April 29, 2006 at 10 a.m. Please join in and bring your leaf rake, shovel, and wheelbarrow if you have one. Rain Date is Sunday, April 30th. Call John Hutchinson at 301-926-8767 for details or with questions.
Goose Nooze
In our efforts to prevent a repeat of the unsavory beach conditions of two years ago, when the geese raised goslings, we have obtained a federal permit to treat the eggs so that they will not develop. Please do not harass the geese now sitting on and defending the nest, or take the eggs. We have access to new eggs now, but if the geese abandon this nest and build another, we may not be able to find or reach it. If eggs are removed, the female will lay more, and stay longer in the area. When no goslings hatch, we expect the geese to abandon the nest and leave (within 4 weeks). Please do not take your dog to the lake if it chases geese, for the same reasons. And, please don’t feed the geese or ducks. Thanks! A. Philips
Swimming Lessons
The Lake Committee is happy to report that Courtney Osborne, our long-time swim instructor, will be returning again this summer. Sharon Hurst will once again arrange for the signing-up for lessons, and there will be further information later on.
Woman’s Club News
Next meeting: Thursday » 04.20.06 @ 7:30 p.m. in Clubhouse.
Back by popular demand, Paul McDermott, Professor Emeritus and Speaker’s Bureau, Montgomery College, will present “Strollin’ On The C&O Canal”, a special living history presentation of the historical and cultural geography of the C&O Canal.
C&O Canal Walk
Sunday, April 23rd, 2:00 p.m., “Strollin’ Your Family Along the C&O Canal”. This is an easy family walk that’s sure to be fun. Light refreshments will be provided. Details about the meeting place and walking course will be provided at a later date.
Thinking Of Spring?
Get in the spirit by volunteering to work on the annual Woman’s Club Flower Show! It’s a lot of fun-so anyone who is interested should call Joli McCathran (301-869-5358) or Georgette Cole (301-330-6740). The show is scheduled for Sunday May 21, 2006.
Forestry Committee News…
Next meeting: Wednesday » 05.31.06 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room.
The public is invited to attend.
Arbor Day Celebration!
The Forestry & Beautification Committee is planning an Arbor Day ceremony and activities for April 22, 2006 (rain date 4/23). Come to McCathran Hall at 10 AM (coffee and donuts will be available) for speeches followed by the usual Arbor Day activities. This year we will be cleaning and planting in the area around McCathran Hall.
Searchin’ For Trash Help
Special thanks go out to Jeanie Myers for all her help with pruning and with trash pickup. Forestry and Beautification is now over-seeing a new volunteer group; THE TRASH BRIGADE. They need volunteers! The Town has purchased reflective safety vests, will supply bags and recycling containers. We have Jeanie but she can’t do it alone. To volunteer for THE TRASH BRIGADE, please contact Jeanie Myers, 301-301-869-4373, or [email protected].
Spring 2006 Leaf Pickup Ends
Our leaf contractor completed the final spring pickup on March 31st. Any piles created after that date should be placed in brown yard waste bags or recyclable yard waste containers for pickup by Waste Management.
Yard Waste Recycling is Back
On or about March 1st, Waste Management began collecting your recyclable yard waste in the big brown bags and in properly marked containers. Please leave your bags and containers “curbside” on Wednesdays and watch your yard waste disappear.
No Trump!
The Bridge Club meets Monday nights 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. at the Horan’s, 127 Maple Avenue. Chuck Kershaw is back to teach/mentor players. All levels are welcome. For more information please call 301-926-1054.
Change In Bulk Trash Collections
Because of changes in Montgomery County’s recycling policy, our bulk trash collection must be done on 2 different days. Therefore, bulk trash must be sorted into 2 piles; “metal only” and “other”. Metal only collections occur on Mondays. All other bulk items will be collected on Saturdays, as usual. The Town has scheduled a bulk trash collection on Saturday, June 10th and a metal only bulk collection on Monday, June 12th. Please mark your calendars and make note of the changes. Questions may be directed to the Town Office 301-926-2256.
Clerk’s Corner
Drive 15, enjoy the scene. It’s spring, slow down and smell the flowers!
See some litter, pick it up, all the day you’ll have good luck!