Town Council News
Next meeting: Monday » 01.09.06 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room.
The public is invited to attend.
Actions at the December Council meeting included:
Approval for up to $500 to construct an ice skating rink in Woodward Park.
Approval of the FY 2005 audit report.
Continued work on the Implementation Resolution for the Municipal Infraction Ordinance (No. 2005-08).
Continued work on the General Revisions (No. 2005-07) to Articles IV and VII of the Code of Ordinances.
Development Updates…
Casey Field: On the matter of the Legacy Open Space field, the Town formally filed a lawsuit to condemn the Legacy Open Space field while awaiting an official response from the Planning Board legal staff with their opinion on how Town condemnation affects the approved Preliminary Plan. Meanwhile, the developer has not yet responded to the various issues raised about the Phase I site plan at the Development Review Committee.
Cator Property: An annexation proposal from the current owners which included subdivision of the property into four residential lots was discussed. Further negotiations will take place to determine how to proceed.
Deer Park Bridge: The Mayor and Council are still waiting for information from the County Dept. of Public Works & Transportation with regard to building a new bridge vs. rehabilitating and maintaining the bridge as we know it.
Planning Commission News
Next meeting: Wednesday » 01.04.06 @ 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.
NEW NOTIFICATION PROCESS
The following building permit applications will be reviewed at the next PC meeting
(The list may not be all inclusive):
102 Ridge Rd. » Addition
Building permits were issued for the following:
414 Brown Street » Fence
404 5th Ave. » Fence
Historic Preservation News
Next meeting: Tuesday » 01.17.06 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room.
The public is invited to attend.
Reviews were written for the following:
301 W.G. Lane » Garage Roof
205 Grove Ave. » Breezeway & Shed
Project under discussion:
125 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:
Nov. 14: On the Casey property – A hunter wearing camouflage with a high-powered bow and arrows was seen in a tree. Police will only take complaints of poaching from the property owner but the Town cautions residents to be aware that they may see this activity.
Nov. 19: On Washington Grove Lane – A resident discovered that her garage and car had been entered during the night. A purse (including credit cards but no cash) which was left in the car was ransacked but nothing was taken. A bicycle was taken and abandoned nearby.
Dec.5: 100 block of Chestnut Ave. – A coyote was spotted walking down the middle of Chestnut Avenue. Sightings seem to be increasing and Keith Gillis has passed along some useful facts and suggestions.
Close garbage lids tightly
Do not leave pet food outside.
Do not leave small pets outside unaccompanied, especially at night.
If you compost, use a compost bin to keep food scraps out of reach.
Recreation Committee News
Next meeting: Wednesday » 01.26.06 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room.
The public is invited to attend.
Kudos! Art Show and Holiday Concert
To all organizers and participants in the Art Show and Holiday Concert, a hearty Grove thanks! It is our good fortune to live in a place where talent abounds and people with imagination, energy and determination reside to pull it all together.
Final Recyclable Yard Waste Pick Up
Waste Management will not pick up big brown bags or containers of recyclable yard waste again until early March. Anything that is still road-side is your responsibility. Town Maintenance will continue to collect your reasonably-sized brush piles.
Leaves Are Falling…
Leaf pickup will begin November 1st. New and long-time residents alike are reminded that the Town contracts for the removal of leaves in bulk each autumn. US Lawns will make regular but unscheduled pickups of leaves raked or blown into windrows within six feet of any walkway or roadway, excluding Railroad Street, 2nd Ave., 3rd Ave., 4th Ave., 5th Ave., and Boundary Street. This service begins November 1 and ends January 1, 2006, or as soon thereafter as we agree that the work is complete. This is your opportunity to have leaves removed without the additional work and expense of bagging. Weather frequently affects this process, as rain can restrict movement of large trucks on the avenues. Also, one or two spectacular fall weekends in November or early December usually see most of us raking at the same time. As the contractor will time pickups based on the availability of full truckloads for vacuuming, if you rake when most other people rake the windrows will probably disappear relatively quickly. If you feel that a particular pile has been ignored for an inordinate amount of time, please call Tom Land at 301-869-4334 or at [email protected].
Please place your windrows with an eye towards traffic visibility and flow, and don’t include brush or limbs that foul the vacuum. Happy raking! It’s the rite of autumn, particularly in a town graced by so many beautiful deciduous trees.
Christmas Tree Disposal
Beginning in late December, Christmas trees will be picked up roadside by Town Maintenance staff. When you place your tree out for collection, please remove all tinsel, ornaments, the stand and any other metals.
Christmas Caroling Party
Thursday, December 22, at 7 p.m. in McCathran Hall. Candles and song books will be provided. After caroling around the Circle, we’ll return to the hall for cookies and cocoa! All are welcome!
Washington Grove Film Society Presents
His Girl Friday
Sunday » 01.08.06 in McCathran Hall, 7 p.m.
Tickets $7 at the door
Yoga Class Continues Tuesday Evenings
Start the New Year right with relaxing yoga in McCathran Hall on Tuesday evenings from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Classes are taught by Terry Strother and are $10 per session.
Annual White Elephant Auction
The next Woman’s Club meeting will be our annual White Elephant Auction on Thursday, January 19, 7:30 p.m., at the NEW home of Brenda Gumula, 207 Maple Avenue. Bring that “one-of-a-kind” holiday gift or item that someone ELSE will love to the auction, whose proceeds will go to the Community Outreach Fund. This event is always a lot of fun and new neighbors are especially invited to attend. This is also a good opportunity to get your 2006 dues taken care of ($15/year). See you there and Happy New Year from the Woman’s Club!!
– Robin Menge
New Year’s Eve Party
featuring the band…
Alexander Mitchell & Friends
Saturday » 12.31.05, 8:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. in McCathran Hall
Adults $25
A great way to welcome 2006, and right in your own backyard! The band offers a mix of Celtic, Folk, Cajun and general goodtime dance stuff. Beer, wine, soft drinks, water and party munchies will be on hand, plus champagne at midnight. Bring your favorite appetizer to enter in our Favorite Appetizer Contest. Tickets are available at the door or from Ralph Hurst (301-948-2424). Invite your friends! Accomplished musicians are Joe Hermann, Alex and Tom Mitchell, and Paul Oorts.