Town Council News
Next meeting: Monday » 06.13.11 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. The public is invited to attend.
Actions at the April Council meeting included:
- approval of Mayor’s appointments to the Board of Supervisors of Elections: Mary Kay DuBois, Betty Knight, Kristin Perry; the HPC: Margot Bohan; the PC: Peter Nagrod.
- adoption of recommended FY 2012 budget and tax rate ($0.221/$100 assessed valuation).
- adopted Resolution No. 2011-02; Resolution of Appreciation
NOTICE OF SPECIAL TOWN MEETING
There will be a Special Town Meeting about the Deer Park “Humpback” Bridge on May 3, 2011 in McCathran Hall at 7:30 p.m. The purpose of this meeting is to consider options for negotiations with CSX other than lowering the tracks.
What about the Deer Park Bridge?
Included in this issue is an announcement about a Special Town Meeting on May 3 at 7:30 p.m. to provide an update on current negotiations and to decide what the Town should do moving forward. For the past year, the Deer Park Bridge Committee has met with CSX a few times and the Mayor has talked and met with them repeatedly. This also includes meetings or talks with Montgomery County transportation officials, MARC Train officials, the City of Gaithersburg, and others to gain support for lowering the tracks. It is now clear that CSX will not lower the tracks under any condition, and the Town has no support from any other potential advocate. Therefore, the Special Town Meeting is being called to allow the Mayor and Council to begin negotiations on options other than lowering the tracks. As you may remember, in January 2010 the Town voted in a Special Town Meeting to restrict our negotiations to the one option-lower the tracks. Because that is not likely to happen, the focus of the Special Town Meeting will be to broaden the options for negotiations, but still include lowering the tracks as an option. Otherwise, the Town will not be able to work to mitigate the impacts of CSX’s next best option, which is to raise the bridge. In order to broaden the scope of negotiations, we need to have 50 residents present on May 3 to discuss this change. The Town also may vote not to change our focus, but this is what Special Town Meetings are meant to decide. Please come!
May 9th Meeting Announcement
In addition to meeting with the District 39 Delegation, the Town Council will also take care of some Town business at this meeting. The public is invited to attend.
Town Council Organizational Meeting Set
The annual Organizational Meeting for the Mayor and Town Council is scheduled for May 23, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Room.
Council Recommends FY 2012 Budget
The Town’s anticipated income and recommended expenditures for the coming fiscal year (July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012) are shown on the attached Town budget summary. The Town Council recommends that the Town property tax rate remain the same as last year at $0.221/$100 assessed valuation. The dwelling unit charge, which is tied to the cost of trash and recycling collection, is proposed to remain at $224 per dwelling. Reductions in State highway user revenue, County municipal tax duplication revenues, and the Town’s share of State income tax revenue, are projected to continue for at least the next several years.
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 Darrell Anderson at 301-963-8555. Votes to adopt the proposed budget and tax rate will be taken by qualified voters assembled at the annual Town Meeting on Saturday, May 14. See you there!
The FY2012 Budget: in Tight Times
The Town Council has approved the Mayor’s submitted budget and tax rate, with a bit of tweaking, for the 2012 Fiscal Year (FY), which is included elsewhere in this edition of the budget. It is a budget that was developed in light of a fairly distressing reality: our income tax revenues will be down dramatically from what was budgeted in FY2011; our Highway User Revenues will be a bit higher this year (thanks to the Maryland Municipal League and our State Delegation) but nowhere near the average historical level; and reductions of income from smaller categories practically across the board. With this challenge, the Council was able to approve a 12% cut in expenses (excluding the legal expenses that ended this year related to the LOS litigation). It is a sparse budget but focused on keeping those things going that progressed last year and eliminating those items that have traditionally been considered placeholders in the past, such as the Property Acquisition Set-Aside that has been unused in budgets for more than a decade. The FY2012 budget and tax rate is lean and realistic but still allows the Town to make incremental progress in all areas until things get economically better.
What the Town will spend the majority of its discretionary budget on (excluding items such as salaries for Town employees, utilities, and contracts for trash and recycling, snow and leaf removal, and other fixed-price services) is maintaining the Town’s appearance, providing recreational opportunities for adults and children, and taking care of our tree canopy. And the good news for many is that two falling trees in the past year (not a good thing) have provided the opportunity to finally acquire a new tennis fence.
Mayor Appoints Legacy Field Committee
The Mayor has appointed a special Committee to work with the Montgomery County Parks Department (MCPD) to assist the Town in developing a management plan for the Legacy Open Space easement of “natural open meadow” as approved in the settlement of the LOS litigation. Town resident Ernie Kawasaki will chair the Committee. The Committee will develop a plan with MCPD that will be presented to the Town in an informational meeting or Special Town Meeting. It is anticipated that the term of the Committee will be for no more than one year.
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Hear Ye! Hear Ye! This year’s Annual Town Meeting and Town Elections will take place on May 14, 2011. Vote for the candidates of your choice on Saturday, May 14, 2011 between 4 and 7PM. Come to the Annual Town Meeting on May 14th beginning at 8:00 p.m. Stay for a party afterwards to say thank you to Darrell Anderson, our outstanding, out-going Mayor.
Current Nominations
The following nominations have been turned in to the Board of Supervisors of Elections:
- Georgette Cole » Mayor
- Joe Clark » Council (2yr.)
- Audrey Maskery » Council (3yr.)
- Joli McCathran » Council (3 yr.)
- Alice Negin » Council (1 yr.)
This year the two Council members whose terms are up are Georgette Cole and Joe Clark. Audrey Maskery and Joli McCathran have agreed to run for those three (3) year terms. The remaining two (2) year term occurred upon the resignation of Marida Hines earlier in the year. As per our Charter, Joli McCathran was appointed for the vacancy left by Marida until the next election. Joe Clark has agreed to run for that two (2) year term. Ted Kelly resigned in March thus leaving a term with one (1) year remaining. Alice Negin is running for that term.
Opportunity to Meet with Our State Delegation
Prior to the May 9 Town Council meeting, our District 39 State Delegation–Senator Nancy King and Delegates Charles Barkley, Kirill Resnik, and Shane Robinson–will provide an update on the 2011 Legislative Session. At 7:30 p.m., the Delegation will present their accomplishments and struggles in passing the Fiscal Year 2012 Maryland budget and other legislative priorities. A follow-up discussion period will give an opportunity for Town residents to ask questions of Delegation members and/or make comments on the Legislative Session. It is important that the Town stay engaged with our Delegation given the amount of help and assistance we ask of them each year. Please try to come with questions about your priorities or concerns. The meeting will be held in the Town Council room at McCathran Hall, but can be moved to the upper Hall if enough people attend.
Planning Commission News
Next meeting: Wednesday » 05.04.11 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. The public is invited to attend.
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. Please contact the Town Office (301-926-2256) or [email protected], or see permits for more details. The Historic Preservation Commission will review most permit applications as well.
Permits were submitted for the following:
- 202 Ridge Road » addition
Historic Preservation News
Next meeting: Tuesday » 05.17.11 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. Meetings are open to the public. The HPC encourages residents to come for an early consultation when planning a renovation.
FINAL CALL! To Register
for HPC’s Window Restoration Workshop @McCathran Hall. The date for the workshop, Saturday, May 7th, 9am-1pm, will be here before you know it!
Learn from expert historic restoration craftsman, David Gibney, how to:
- Replace glazing compound
- Replace broken panes
- Add weather-stripping and caulk
- Remove, clean, and reinstall window sashes
- Install new ropes and pulleys
- Repair minor damage, AND more…
All who would like to attend this workshop must register by April 25th. The fee to register is $20/person. Please make your check out to The Town of Washington Grove and mail it to: HPC Window Workshop, P.O. Box 301, Washington Grove, MD 20880
Forestry News
The Forestry Committee and the Woods Group would like to extend major KUDOS to all who turned out for the Arbor Day work-fest! Because of the grrrreat turn out, flowers were planted, new paths were made, TONS of mulch was spread, tree rounds were rolled and a good, muddy time was had by all! KUDOS also to the hot dog cookers and food preparers. After all that hard labor, the food really hit the spot…yum!!
Recreation Committee News
Next meeting: Wednesday » 06.15.11 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. The public is invited to attend. New members always welcome!
Let There Be Swimming!
Swim lessons will be offered in the afternoon following Summer In The Parks from June 30 to July 28. Look for the Swim Lesson sign-up form in the next Bulletin.
SUMMER IN THE PARKS 2011!!!
It’s that time again!!! Summer is right around the corner! We are excited to announce that Coach Raymond will be joining us again this year and we have a month’s worth of fun activities for all children between kindergarten and 8th grade!
The SITP enrollment form for campers is included in this newsletter. Enrollment forms for campers are due back by April 30th, 2011 to Emily Cavey (240-632-9587 or via email at [email protected]). If you are interested in applying for an employment or volunteer position, contact Samantha Beres at [email protected]. Applications for volunteer and counselor positions will be due by April 30.
Photography Workshop for Ages 8 and Up!
Sunday, May 1, 2 p.m., McCathran Hall
Would you like to take better photos or be able to edit the images you take? Would you like to be exposed to new ideas, new tools, and new techniques? How about meeting other Grove folks with an interest in photography? The Recreation Committee is sponsoring a workshop led by photographer and Grove resident Ritchie Jacocks. Bring your camera(s) and your questions to McCathran Hall on May 1.
Lake Committee News
Next meeting: Wednesday » 05.11.11 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. The public is invited to attend. It’s time to start planning for geese, lifeguards, swim instructors and other priorities. For more information, please contact John Hutchinson (Hutch); 301-926-8767.
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Town Directory Reminder
Time is running out to return your forms. Even if your information has not changed since last time, please verify to ensure your entry will be accurate and current. Direct any questions to [email protected] or to Mimi Bolotin at 301-977-7331.
Spring Egg Hunt
The hunt will be on April 23 from 1-3 p.m., starting at The Gazebo and ending up at Town Hall. Now is the time to start filling eggs. Eggs are available for pickup at the homes of Amanda Roberts (123 Grove Road) and Joan Mahaffey (102 Ridge Road). They are packed in bags of 12, and labeled by age group. Please return the filled eggs to the same two locations by Thursday, April 21.
We still need volunteers to hide eggs and help out with crafts, games, and refreshments. Please contact Barbara Engle (301-424-8847 or [email protected]).
Woman’s Club April Meeting
Apropos of Earth Day and Arbor Day, celebrate the “Champion Trees of Montgomery County.” Joli McCathran, from the Montgomery County Forestry Conservancy Board, DNR and the Maryland Big Tree Program, DNR, will describe the program and share stories about some of these treasures throughout our county. The meeting will be Thursday, April 21 at 7:30 p.m. at the clubhouse.
Woman’s Club Flower Show
Mark your calendars for the Annual Flower Show on Sunday, May 22. Our theme this year is “Goin’ to Graceland.” You can expect a flier with more details by US mail a week or two before the show.
Woman’s Club Yard Sale
Our Annual Yard Sale will be Saturday, June 4, at the Club House. Please start collecting items in good condition which you no longer need (no clothing please). We are asking you to hold onto your items until after the Flower Show after which the clubhouse porch will be open for drop offs. Proceeds from the yard sale have traditionally paid the insurance on the Club House as well as helping to support community projects like the Acorn Library and Summer in the Parks.
If you have not yet paid your annual dues, a check made out to the Woman’s Club of Washington Grove for $15 can be sent to Cynthia Werts at PO Box 354. Thanks!
WGUMC News
Thanks so much for all your support at the WGUMC Apr. 9th Spring Gathering, Dinner, Comic Relief Fashion Show, Bake Sale, and Silent Auction! Special thanks also for the music contributed by David Rapkievian and Tom Clifford, to the actors who participated in Comic Relief, and to the generous donors of items for the Silent auction. The event helped us raise over $2,000! Many thanks.
Upcoming in April and May:
- April 21st-6:30 p.m., All are welcome to a Lenten soup and homemade bread supper; followed at 7:30 p.m. by the Maundy Thursday Communion service.
- April 24th-Easter Sunrise Service will begin at 6:10am in the field on Ridge Road, followed by Easter breakfast at church, and the 11 am Easter service!
- May 8th-Mother’s Day 11am worship will be a “Family Friendly” service, with music and program intended for both children and adults, led by the Sunday school.
PEPCO Smart Meters Move Forward
The Maryland Public Service Commission has approved the first phase of Pepco’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure Customer Education Plan. The approval has cleared the way for the company to begin installing smart meters in Maryland in June 2011 with completion targeted at the end of 2012. All residential and business customers will receive a new meter. Smart meters provide two-way communication between customers and Pepco. The meter records daily use that will help customers better understand their electric use and target ways to save. Meter installers from Scope Services, Inc. will install the new meters. Customers will be notified of the meter exchange several weeks before the work will be conducted.
Clerks Corner
Did You Know… Each year, an estimated 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags are expended worldwide? Billions end up as litter each year.
BULK TRASH COLLECTION
The Town has scheduled a bulk trash collection for May 21, 2010. Materials may include furniture, appliances (nothing with freon like air conditioning units), rugs, large toys, small auto parts, etc… Materials may NOT include construction by-products, large automotive parts or tires. Items should not contain gasoline or motor oil. Please keep your metal separate from the rest of you trash. Items should be placed “curbside” by 7:00 a.m.