Town Council News
Second Council Meeting in April
The Mayor and Council will hold a second meeting of the Town Council on April 23, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Room. There will be no public appearances at this meeting. Discussions may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Woodward Park Soccer Field Use
Block Corner Surveys – Reviews of completed blocks 11, 12, 14, & 17.
Personnel Policy Review
Monthly Council Reports
Condemnation/Development Updates
Next meeting: Monday » 05.21.07 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room.
The public is invited to attend.
Actions at the April 9th Council meeting included:
introduction of Ordinance 2007-02, a Zoning Text Amendment to create an RR-4 Cluster Zone.
introduction of Resolution 2007-03, a resolution which authorizes annexation of the Cator/Harrison property at 17050 Railroad Street.
introduction of Ordinance 2007-04, an ordinance which assigns zoning of annexed property.
adoption of recommended budget and tax rate for TY 2008.
Mark Your Calendars !!!!
Town Meeting
May 12, 2007; 8:00 p.m. McCathran Hall
In our unique form of government, your voice can be heard. Come join in the discussion and see what it’s all about! Who will get the Mayor’s Distinguished Service Award…?
Town Elections
Nominations for Mayor and Council have closed. Town elections will be held on Saturday, May 12, 2007 from 4-7 p.m. at McCathran Hall. The nominees are:
Mayor (1-year term) – John Compton
Mayor (1-year term) – John Tomlin
Council (two 3-year terms) – Charlie Challstrom & Marida Hines
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.
Council Recommends FY 2008 Budget
The Town’s anticipated income and recommended expenditures for the coming fiscal year (July 1, 2007 – June 30, 2008) are shown on the attached Town budget summary. The property tax rate is proposed to remain the same as last year at $0.202/$100 assessed valuation. This will add approximately $70 to the average Town tax bill on owner-occupied property because of increased assessments. The dwelling unit charge, which is tied to the cost of refuse and recycling collection, is proposed to remain at $207 per dwelling.
Copies of the budget detail are available at the Town Office. Questions may be directed to Treasurer Mary Challstrom at 301-926-4498 or Mayor John Compton at 301-330-8264. Votes to adopt the proposed budget and tax rate will be taken by qualified voters assembled at the annual Town Meeting on Saturday, May 12. See you there!
Town Council Organizational Meeting Set
The annual Organizational Meeting for the Mayor and Town Council is scheduled for May 21, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Room. The new Council members will be sworn in at that time.
Notice of Public Hearing
The Washington Grove Town Council will hold a public hearing on Monday, May 21, 2007, 7:30 p.m., in McCathran Hall, 300 Grove Avenue, Washington Grove, Maryland.
Item #1: Proposed Zoning Text Amendment
The Washington Grove Town Council will conduct a public hearing on Monday, May 21, 2007, at 7:30 p.m., in McCathran Hall, 300 Grove Avenue, Washington Grove, Maryland. This hearing is to take public comment regarding Ordinance 2007 02, proposing to amend Article VII, Section 9, to establish a new RR-4 Cluster Zone that is based upon the standards and maximum density allowed under the existing RR- 4 zoning designation. A copy of the proposed amendment is available for inspection upon request to the Town of Washington Grove, P.O. Box 216, Washington Grove, Maryland 20880 (301-926-2256).
Item #2: Proposed Annexation
The Washington Grove Town Council will conduct a public hearing on Monday, May 21, 2007, at 7:30 p.m., in McCathran Hall, 300 Grove Avenue, Washington Grove, Maryland. The purpose of the hearing will be to take public comment regarding Annexation Resolution 2007 03, proposing annexation of approximately 2.0 acres of land located at the southwest corner of Railroad Street and Ridge Road, the same property as described in Liber 19908, Folio 800 among the Land Records for Montgomery County, Maryland. The proposed annexation would include Ordinance 2007-04 classifying the property in the Town’s RR-4 Cluster Zone (residential, one family, with maximum number of dwelling units based on 18,000 square feet lots).
Item #3: Establish Zoning of Annexed Property
The Washington Grove Town Council will conduct a public hearing on Monday, May 21, 2007, at 8:00 p.m., in McCathran Hall, 300 Grove Avenue, Washington Grove, Maryland. The purpose of the hearing will be to take public comment regarding Ordinance 2007-04, establishing zoning of approximately 2.0 acres of land located at the southwest corner of Railroad Street and Ridge Road, the same property as described in Liber 19908, Folio 800 among the Land Records for Montgomery County, Maryland. The property will be in the Town’s RR-4 Cluster Zone (residential, one family, with maximum number of dwelling units based on 18,000 square feet lots).
Mayor’s Award Deadline Approaches
The deadline for the Mayor’s Washington Grove Award is April 30, 2007. 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.
Casey 6 & 7
The Planning Board has approved Phase I of the Preliminary Plan proposing extension of Crabbs Branch Way under I-370 several hundred feet to access the 6-acre portion of Casey 6 along I-370 proposed for the ICC Western Maintenance Facility.
Piedmont Crossing Phase I Site Plan
Still under review at Park & Planning. Revisions are anticipated to resolve, among other issues, inadequate buffer forestation and other compatibility problems along Ridge Road, on the field, and with the Amity community.
LOS Condemnation
On April 24th the trial judge has scheduled up to four hours to hear arguments on motions for partial (by the Town) or complete summary judgment (by M-NCPPC, Toll Brothers) that argue that the Town does, or does not, have the legal right to condemn the LOS property. Discussion with M-NCPPC to resolve the case continues.
Planning Commission News
Next meeting: Wednesday » 05.02.07 @ 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.
Historic Preservation News
Next meeting: Tuesday » 05.15.07 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room.
The public is invited to attend.
HPC House History Updates & Anecdotes Form
The HPC has been working with webmaster, Bill Saar, to provide residents past and present with the opportunity to add “Updates & Anecdotes” to the existing house histories posted on the town website. We’re soliciting input for ALL houses in town (not just those considered “Contributing Structures”). Do you have interesting comments to share about former owners, tenants or sojourners? Births, deaths, weddings? Renovations? Was your house featured in a film? Do you have a special interior or exterior photograph to share? Have you given a special name to your home?
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:
Speeding: – Speeding continues to be a complaint from residents. The speeders range from Grove residents and visitors to contractors and delivery trucks. When the roads are wet or icy, speeders lose control of their vehicles more easily; when the weather is nice, more children are likely to be outdoors playing. Please make an extra attempt every day to keep your speed down to 15 mph.
March 29: Attempted theft. 200 block Chestnut Road – Resident reported seeing an individual (not a Grove resident) removing a bicycle from another resident’s garage. Police were summoned to the location and questioned the individual, but took no further action.
April 1: Vagrancy. West Woods – A resident out dog walking discovered evidence of someone living in the West Woods near the edge of Kelley Park. A black tarp covered two suitcases full of clothing. On April 2, more items and a structure were found at the site. Police were summoned to the location but found no one. Police found no ID in the belongings, but they planned to return later in the evening hoping to catch the individual.
April 8: Vagrancy. West Woods – Another resident out dog walking saw a man with a campfire at the same location as reported April 1. The resident summoned the police, who then called the fire department to put out the fire. The man was obviously living at the site. The man was told to pack up his things and move on.
Please report criminal or suspicious activity to your Neighborhood Watch Block Captain or Coordinators. Filing a police report, too, helps the police department keep track of criminal incidents and is necessary for police to take action. Of course, for emergency situations call 911.
Recreation Committee News
Next meeting: Wednesday » 05.30.07 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room.
The public is invited to attend. New members always welcome!
Mousetrap Concert #4
Paul Katz & Friends: Cello, Piano, Violin;
Sunday, April 22nd at 3p.m. in McCathran Hall.
Call Ann Briggs (301-926-6347) or Alice Negin (301-926-2858) for tickets
Calling All Kids for Music Weekend!
There will be a children’s recital and reception on Saturday, June 16th at 10 a.m. in McCathran Hall. Acts may include playing an instrument, singing, dancing or other musically related happenings. To get on the program, please call or e-mail Tami Williams; [email protected] or 301-869-8541. You must make your own arrangements for an accompanist.
Maple Lake News…
Lake Committee Meeting
Wednesday, May 9, 2007; 7:30 p.m.; Council Room
New members are always welcome!!
Come Fete Dodie Tippens
Queen of Maple Lake, at a Potluck Brunch on Sunday, April 29, 11 am until 2 p.m., McCathran Hall Long-time resident Dodie Tippens will be honored at a brunch. Please bring a breakfast goodie to share and join her many friends to toast Dodie and Ed as they embark on new adventures! Beverages and table service will be provided.
Maple Lake Cleanup
The annual cleanup will be on Saturday, April 28th at 10 a.m. Please join in and bring your leaf rake, shovel, and wheelbarrow if you have one. Donuts & Goodies will be served! Rain date is Sunday, April 29th at 3:30. Call John Hutchinson at 301-926-8767 for details or questions.
Forestry Committee News…
Celebrate Arbor Day in Washington Grove on April 21, 2007. We have a special project this year-our West Woods. It’s not just Maple Lake over there! Come help show the world that Washington Grove cares about its forest preserve. Meet at McCathran Hall at 10AM for coffee and donuts. We’ll hand out trash bags and discuss the areas of the West Woods that need the most attention. Please wear protective clothing and gloves. Arrangements will be made for bags to be picked up by Jim Fletcher. We will use the Lake parking lot and/or Daylily Lane as a collection point.
Woman’s Club News
Flower Show
The Grove bursts into bloom and thoughts turn to the Woman’s Club Flower Show. This annual event is scheduled for Sunday, May 20, at the Woman’s Club House. Our theme this year is “The Beatles”. Be on the lookout for the Flower Show flyer arriving at you doorstep soon.
Directory
The Woman’s Club has begun work on our new Washington Grove Directory. Within the next two weeks, you should receive by mail a questionnaire to report information for your family to include in the directory. Please complete the questionnaire and return it by May 1. All who return it by the deadline will be included in a $50.00 drawing. Thank you, in advance, for cooperating with us to provide this important service to the Town.
Yard Sale
Our annual Yard Sale is scheduled for June 9 at the Club House. We are accepting donations of household goods. No clothing, please. You may drop off donated items at the Mahaffey home at 102 Ridge Road. Please call to arrange a time (240-631-8064).
Many Thanks!
Big “thank you’s” to Pat Deely and her volunteers for creating magic at the Egg Hunt. A good time was had by all!!
Have you paid your dues? $15.00/year
Spring 2007 Leaf Pickup Ends
Our leaf contractor completed the final spring pickup on April 3rd. Any piles created after that date should be placed in brown yard waste bags or recyclable yard waste containers for pickup by Montgomery County Sanitation & Recycling.
Yard Waste Recycling is Back
As of March 7th, Montgomery County Sanitation & Recycling will pick up your recyclable yard waste in the big brown bags and in properly marked containers. Please leave your bags and containers “curbside” on Thursdays and watch your yard waste disappear.
Bulk Trash Pick-up Scheduled
A bulk trash pick-up is scheduled for Saturday, April 21, 2007. Collection may include furniture, appliances (not those with Freon), rugs, large toys, small auto parts, etc… Materials may not include construction by-products, large automotive parts, or tires. Please place all items “curbside” by 7:00 a.m.
GO GREEN!
Last month’s Go Green column caught the eye of a Gaithersburg Gazette reporter, who was astounded by the novelty of using rags for cleaning. Go figure. This month we will continue the spring cleaning theme with a discussion of environmentally friendly cleaning methods. This does not mean purchasing premium priced products with pictures of trees on them. Check out the following simple recipes at https://www.metrokc.gov/health/asthma/facts/greencleaning.htm, reprinted with permission from Public Health–Seattle & King County.
Tub and sink cleaner: Baking soda, liquid soap. Sprinkle baking soda on the porcelain fixtures and rub with wet rag. Add a little of the liquid Murphy’s soap to the rag for more cleaning power. Rinse well to avoid leaving a hazy film.
Window and mirror cleaner: White vinegar, water. Put 1/4 cup of white vinegar in the spray bottle and fill to the top with water. Spray on the surface. Rub with a lint-free rag. For outdoor windows, use a sponge and wash with warm water with a few drops of liquid Murphy’s or castile soap in it. Rinse well and squeegee dry.
Linoleum floor cleaner: White vinegar, water. Mop with a mixture of 1/2 cup vinegar in a bucket (pail) of warm water. The vinegar odor will go away shortly after the floor dries.
Toilet bowl cleaner: Baking soda, liquid soap. Sprinkle baking soda inside the bowl as you would any scouring powder. Add a couple drops of soap in also. Scrub with a toilet bowl brush and finish outside surfaces with a rag sprinkled with baking soda.
All purpose cleaner for spots on woodwork, tile and linoleum: Murphy’s liquid soap. Add a few drops of liquid soap to a wet washcloth and rub surface briskly.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
9100 Gaither Rd.
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
301-947-3304
Habitat ReStores are retail outlets where quality used and surplus building materials are sold at a fraction of normal prices. Proceeds from ReStores help local affiliates fund the construction of Habitat houses within the community. Many affiliates across the US and Canada operate successful ReStores – some of which raise enough funds to build an additional 10 or more houses per year. Materials sold by Habitat ReStores are usually donated from building supply stores, contractors, demolition crews, or from individuals who wish to show their support for Habitat. In addition to raising funds, ReStores help the environment by rechanneling good, usable materials into use.
Gypsy Moth Spraying
The Town made the cut for gypsy moth spraying by the State. The spraying generally occurs during the first three weeks in May. Information about the exact date of the spraying can be found by calling 1-800-492-2106 or going to the website www.mda.state.md.us. If you use the 800 number you must call every morning and listen to a recorded message. According to the MD Dept. of Agriculture, the website is a bit easier than the telephone but both offer spraying information. The entire Town will not be sprayed. The affected area is the southeast corner of the Town. Residents in these areas were notified by the MD Dept. of Agriculture via US Mail. A map showing the area can be viewed at the Town Office.
Ultimate Frisbee in Woodward Park
Ultimate Frisbee enthusiast, Ethan Goffman, has volunteered to come to the soccer field in Woodward Park on Sunday, April 22nd at 3:00 p.m.. He will teach anyone who shows up how to play Ultimate Frisbee. It is a very simple team sport, appropriate for ages 7 to 70, and is played something like soccer. If you already know the game, come help the others learn and have some fun! Please bring or wear one white and one black t-shirt. If field conditions are unfavorable, this event will be postponed until April 29th. Call Nathaniel Klinger 301-325-4786 for more details.
Clerk’s Corner
Bulletin Deadline is the 12th of the month!
Your junk mail is your own, recycle it at home :o)