Council Notes
Please note a change in the regular meeting schedule. The next meeting will be Monday,
March 13, 7:30 p.m., McCathran Hall. The public is invited to attend. February Council actions
included:
· scheduled work session on conditional zoning ordinance for Monday, March 6
· introduced ordinance authorizing transfer of a non-exclusive cable television franchise
· accepted audit report for year ending 06/30/99
· endorsed terms for an annexation proposal to the residents of Washington Grove Hills
· introduced ordinance to add low-density RR-4 residential zone
· authorized Mayor to begin discussions with owner of commercial corner to seek a
binding agreement for renovation of commercial corner and continuation of The Prime
Choice Caterers as a permitted business at the corner
Tentative March Council agenda items include:
· introduce annexation resolution for Washington Grove Hills
· action on conditional zoning ordinance
· action on RR-4 residential zone ordinance
Planning Commission
The Next meeting will be Tuesday, March 7, 7:30 p.m., McCathran Hall.
Discussion of Proposed Amendment to
Clarify and Expand Uses
Within Town Commercial Zone
Date: Thursday, February 24
Place: McCathran Hall Council Room
Time: 7:30 p.m.
An explanation of the proposed amendment and the text proposed to be
added is included with this Bulletin. Other topics to be discussed
include conditions to be attached to the request for rezoning of the
WSSC property.
Planning Commission Vacancy
Commission member Bill Glass has resigned having served on the Planning Commission since
August 1991. If you would like to be considered to fill this vacancy, please call Mayor John
Compton at 301-330-8264 or e-mail to [email protected]. The unexpired term runs through
June 2003. Commissioners are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council. The
Commission meets on the first Tuesday of every month and is charged with administering the
building and zoning ordinances of the Town. Commission activities include submission of an
annual report to the State and revision of the Town Master Plan at intervals of no more than six
years.
Your Lake Needs YOU, Again!
The first Lake Committee meeting for planning the upcoming season will be Tuesday,
February 22, at 7:30 p.m. in the McCathran Hall Council Room. New members and any
interested residents are especially encouraged to come. There is a lot of work to be planned for,
and long-range planning is also needed to preserve this unique environmental treasure. For
information call Chair Sharon Hurst (301-948-2424) or Councilor Dodie Tippens (301-869-
1682). Please do join us.
Summer in the Parks 2000
Parents are invited to come to an organizational meeting on Wednesday, February 23 in the
McCathran Hall Council Room at 7:30 p.m. The Town’s summer program for children ages 4-11
will begin July 3 and run through July 28. This relaxed program of creative projects, sports,
nature activities, and fun at the lake meets at McCathran Hall. The program runs from 1:30 to
4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Karen Kelly has volunteered to coordinate the program.
Please call Karen at 301-987-9529 if you have questions.
Think Spring!
Two Special Collections Planned
· Wednesday, March 29
· Wednesday, April 26
Collection may include furniture, appliances (but not those with Freon), rugs, large toys, small
auto parts, etc. Materials may not include construction by-products, large automotive parts, or
tires. Items must be placed curbside.
Income Tax Reminder
Remember to fill in “Washington Grove” under “City, Town or Taxing Area” on your Maryland
tax return. This does not increase your taxes, but does help ensure that the Town receives its
proper share of local income tax revenue.
Town Telephone Directory Available
A new Washington Grove telephone directory, produced and published by the Woman’s Club, is
available at the Town Office for $4. Additional copies for a household may be purchased for
$3. This 2000 edition includes fax numbers and e- mail addresses.
Telephone Directory Addendum
Attached to this Bulletin is an addendum page to be inserted in the new Town Directory. This
page includes names unintentiona lly omitted from the Directory and we apologize for any
inconvenience this has caused. Please call the Town Office (301-926-2256) to note additional
changes to be listed in the March Bulletin.
Spring Leaf Collection
U.S. LAWNS will make a service visit during the last week of March, with pick up completed by
April 1, weather permitting.
Dog Owners
Though courteous describes the vast majority of Grove dog owners, there are some dog owners
who allow their dogs to defecate or urinate on private property, most notably lawns and
shrubbery. Please walk your dog in one of the Grove’s many parks (avoiding paths) or pick up
after your dog. Your neighbors will appreciate this courtesy.
Apples for the Students PLUS — Last Week!!
Many thanks to all who have supported Washington Grove Elementary School’s program to
purchase educational tools with Giant Food receipts. This is the final week that APPLES
receipts will be issued. Receipts may be mailed or brought to the Town Office or taken directly
to the school. Thank you.
Public Hearing on Text Amendment to Permit Placing Conditions on Zoning or Rezoning Questions
at the hearing centered on the role of the Planning Commission in imposing conditions on a
rezoning (major role) and which houses would be affected by this ordinance (only new houses,
property being zoned or rezoned). The Town Council had questions about enforcement of this
ordinance as drafted and has scheduled a work session for March 6 to follow public hearings
which begin at 7:30 p.m.
Recreation Committee
Thursday, March 2 Join the committee to plan spring and summer events! McCathran Hall
Council Room at 7:30 p.m.
Rent the Woman’s Clubhouse!
Planning a surprise birthday bash, family reunion, graduation gala, wedding reception, planning
session or business meeting . . . consider the charming wooded setting, spacious main room,
screened porch, kitchen and restroom facilities of the Woman’s Club House. For information or
reservations call Kitty Vogan at 301-840-9416. Heat and air conditioning!!
Woman’s Club Meeting
Thursday, February 17 FENG SHUI Cindy Miller will speak about Feng Shui, an ancient
Chinese practice that is influencing interior designs and lifestyles. Find out more about
harmonizing your space! 7:30 p.m. at the Woman’s Clubhouse
Woman’s Club Meeting — Thursday, March 16 PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZER Susan Levin
coaches people with organization problems in their homes, home offices or other places of
business. Please bring questions about your organizational dilemmas! 7:30 p.m. at the Woman’s
Clubhouse
Spring Cleaning?
Woman’s Club Yard Sale
Remember the annual yard sale to benefit the Woman’s Club when you do your “spring
cleaning”. The sale will be held on Saturday, June 3. If you have items to part with now (no
clothing please), call Mary Kay DuBois at 301-926-8941 or Kitty Vogan at 301-840-9416.
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. Please
allow at least 10 days for review by the Commission. Call John McClelland at 301-963-3328 if
you have questions about zoning code requirements. Interior renovations, which involve
electrical, plumbing, or load-bearing changes, generally require a County permit. All
applications for County-required building permits must first be signed off by the Town.
Voter Registration
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. If you need to register, please call
them soon so you will be eligible to vote at Town elections and at Town Meeting on Saturday,
June 10.
Town Elections
Persons may be nominated for elective office in the Town by filing a certificate of nomination on
or before the second Monday in April with the:
chairman of the Supervisors of Elections
Mary Kay DuBois
119 Maple Avenue
301-926-8941.
The certificate of nomination must be in writing and signed by at least two qualified voters of the
Town. No person may file for nomination to more than one elective Town public office. All
nominees must be qualified voters of the Town. Councilors must have resided in the Town for at
least one year immediately preceding the election. The Mayor must have resided in the Town
for at least two years immediately preceding the election. The following terms expire in June:
· Mayor — 1-year term
· Town Councilor — 3-year term
· Town Councilor — 3-year term
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Ordinance Authorizing Transfer of
Non-Exclusive Cable Franchise
Date: Monday, March 6, 2000
Place: McCathran Hall Council Room
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Town Council will take public comment on an ordinance
authorizing the Town, as a co-franchisor along with Montgomery
County and other County municipalities, to approve the transfer of the
current cable franchise operated by Prime Communications-
Potomac, L.L.C., to Comcast Cable of Maryland. Negotiations between
the County Cable Office and the prospective franchisee are ongoing. A
public hearing was held on February 15 on behalf of the County and
participating municipalities. Pending the successful completion of
negotiations, action on this ordinance may be delayed. Copies of the
proposed ordinance are available at the Town Office.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Proposed Zoning Text Amendment to
Add Low Density RR-4 Residential Zone
Date: Monday, March 6, 2000
Place: McCathran Hall Council Room
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Town Council will take public comment regarding a proposal
initiated by the Town’s Planning Commission to amend Sections 2 and
9 of the Town Zoning Ordinance. The amendment proposes to add a
low density RR-4 residential zone appropriate for areas to be annexed.
The proposed minimum lot size of 18,000 square feet will help to meet
forest conservation requirements. Copies of the proposed amendment
are available at the Town Office.
Maple Lake News
The dredging of the lake to increase the depth of the diving area has been completed. We now
have an additional 6 feet of depth totaling approximately 14 feet, which will give us a good
margin of safety for divers. This project was partly funded by a grant from the Local
Government Insurance Trust, for which the Town had made a successful application. The diving
board will be reinstalled in time for the Memorial Day weekend.
Dog Bite
On February 7, a child was bitten on the back of her leg while fleeing from a dog at large on
Maple Road. The child was taken by ambulance to Shady Grove Hospital emergency room, and
is now doing well. The dog has been under a 10-day home quarantine for possible rabies on
orders of the County Dept. of Animal Control. Residents are reminded that the issue of dogs that
bite and are running loose is a public safety concern. Being good neighbors includes the
necessity of protecting children (and adults) from the danger of serious attacks. It is also
important that the dogs at large themselves be protected from potential dangers, such as cars,
trains and other dogs. In order to protect the community the Animal Control Department should
be notified at 301-279-1066, the number on page 1 of the new Town Directory. When a dog is
reported loose, an officer will pick up the dog to keep it off the street, but the dog will be
returned to the owner on payment of a fine. Let’s not allow a real tragedy to happen. For more
information, there will soon be brochures from Animal Control available at the Town Office, or
call them at 301-279-1066.
New Councilor for Public Safety
Due to the unusually large number of tasks undertaken by the Planning Commission in recent
months, Allen Winter has passed the mantle of public safety responsibilities to Councilor Paris
Pacchione. Please call Paris (Chris) at 301-963-7787 with public safety concerns.
Gypsy Moth Report
Last fall the Maryland Department of Agriculture surveyed the Town for gypsy moth egg cases
and found the counts quite high in several areas. The State will monitor the caterpillars and
spray in May with B.t. (Bacillus thuringiensis). If conditions warrant, the Town will contract for
an additional spray of B.t. in the most heavily invested areas. For more information, call
Councilor Carol Uhlendorf at 301-926-1933.
Heritage Preservation Tax Credit Program
Maryland is one of the few states that offers owners of historic properties a State income tax
credit equal to 25 percent of qualified capital costs incurred during rehabilitation. For
information or to request a Heritage Preservation Certification Application, call the Maryland
Historical Trust’s Office of Preservation Services at 410-514-7627 or 410-514-7628. Grove
Heritage Committee member Gail Littlefield at 301-990-6567 is also available to answer
questions.
Phil Andrews Invited to Address Council
County Council member Phil Andrews will address the Town Council beginning at 7:00 p.m. on
Monday, March 13. Phil represents District 3, which includes Washington Grove.
Have You a Road Improvement to Recommend?
To aid in budget preparation and long-term planning, the Town Council is soliciting
recommended road improvements. Call Councilor Dave Gumula at 301-869-5118 or send email
to [email protected].
Town Information
Office/Clerk-Treasurer
Phone: 301-926-2256
Fax: 301-926-0111
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.washgrov.sailorsite.net
Mail: P.O. Box 216
Washington Grove, MD 20880-0216
Town Hall: Center Street & Chestnut Road
Washington Grove
Office Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Closed Wednesday mornings
Maintenance 301-963-5850
Hazardous Materials Disposal
Sunday, March 5
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Shady Grove Transfer Station
Deadline for Next Town Bulletin
March 13
Montgomery County to Collect Town Taxes
Beginning this July, Washington Grove Town taxes will appear on the County tax bill and will
be collected along with County taxes at no cost to the Town. There are a number of advantages
to becoming part of the consolidated tax bill. Beginning this year, semiannual bills will be sent
to all owner occupied properties unless the homeowner opts to pay their taxes on an annual
basis. Town administrative and mailing costs will be eliminated. Confusion in mortgage
company escrow accounts caused by the necessity to pay two bills is eliminated and the
requirement to verify payment of municipal tax bills as a separate step in the settlement process
at the time of property transfer is eliminated.
Moms Club Musical Activity
Thurs., March 23 Come join the Moms for activities, refreshments and fun! Town Hall at
10 a.m. Call Martha Crews at 301-527-8273 to sign up.
Proposed Zoning Text Amendment Concerning Permitted and Special
Exception Uses Within the Commercial Zone
This amendment is intended to clarify and expand permitted uses, either
by right or special exception, within the commercial zone of the Town,
while still meeting the general purposes of the commercial zone of the
Town as set forth in Section 8.11 of the Town Zoning Ordinance.
The Zoning Ordinance states clear parameters for the appropriate
conduct of commercial activities within the commercial zone, e.g., not
to burden the Town of Washington Grove with increased noise, litter,
and pedestrian or vehicular traffic. In addition, nuisances, litter, and the
physical relationship between the commercial and residential zones are
clearly addressed by the current Code of Ordinances.
This proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance is intended to be
consistent with the true intent of the Code of Ordinances, by allowing
businesses of minimal adverse impact to be conducted within the
commercial zone while still allowing for a safe and healthful condition
for the Town, its residents, visitors thereto, and sojourners therein.
This amendment proposes the following:
· To amend Section 4.2 Definitions to add a definition for
“household service business”
· To amend Section 8.2B Special Exceptions, to add a
paragraph (c), allowing, by special exception, for the
establishment of personal and household service businesses
within the Town’s commercial zone
· To amend Section 8.2 Use Regulations to add subparagraphs (h)
through (p) allowing additional permitted uses
Proposed text is as follows:
4.2 Definitions
Household Service Business — A business offering services to the public
generally on a retail level for the repair, maintenance, service or upgrade
of personal property typically found in a household, excluding,
however, any such services relating to motor vehicles, vessels, aircraft
or petroleum-powered equipment.
8.2 Use Regulations
h. Electronics, computer and television repair for the public
generally.
i. Upholstery repair for the public generally.
j. Day spa, defined as a business operation which provides weight
or fitness training, manicure and/or pedicures, but does not
include massages, baths or any such similar services.
k. Photography studio for the public generally.
l. Locksmith for the public generally.
m. Watch repair for the public generally.
n. Copying, facsimile, printing, mailing and/or shipment center for
the public generally.
o. Training and/or tutoring services for the public generally.
p. Bicycle sales and/or repair for the public generally.
8.2B Special Exceptions
c. In addition to the service businesses permitted by right pursuant
to Section 8.2 hereof, such Household Service Businesses may
be allowed by special exception provided that the applicant
shows by clear and convincing evidence that said use would not
significantly burden the Town of Washington Grove with
increased noise, litter or pedestrian pr vehicular traffic or present
an increase in risk to the health or safety of the residents of the
Town of Washington Grove, visitors thereto, or sojourners
therein.