Town Council Notes
Next meeting: Monday, February 11, 7:30 p.m., McCathran Hall.
The public is invited to attend. January Council actions included
· Adopted Ordinance No. 2001-03 changing composition of Planning Commission from
seven members to five members plus an alternate
Shady Grove Village/Casey Property at Mill Creek Status Report
A motion was passed at a Special Town Meeting held on January 5, to reallocate funds within
the current Town budget to oppose the special exception requested by KSI Services to permit
904 housing units on the Casey industrial parcel. It’s estimated that an additional $15,000 for
legal and other expert services may be needed to defend Town interests. The revised schedule for
the Special Exception “Shady Grove Village” includes a Planning Board hearing on staff
recommendations on Thursday, February 21, and a Special Exception application hearing before
the County Hearing Examiner on March 7 and 8 (Thursday and Friday).
County planners are anticipating that a revised subdivision plan will be filed soon by
Oxbridge, developers of Casey Property at Mill Creek, on the residentially-zoned Casey property
adjacent to Ridge Road. Meanwhile, County Legacy Open Space staff plan to recommend
preservation of the Casey field to the Planning Board at a separate hearing likely to be held the
evening of February 14. Stay tuned.
At the request of County Council member Phil Andrews, a meeting has been scheduled for
January 29 to give all parties interested in development of the Casey property a forum to interact.
Participants will include representatives from the Town, Shady Grove Civic Alliance, Oxbridge,
KSI, and County planning staff.
Washington Grove – 1612
“City, Town or Taxing Area”
A reminder to Washington Grove residents! Please fill in Washington Grove -1612 in the
appropriate box on your State income tax form. If someone else prepares your tax forms, include
this notice with your tax information and if you file electronically, be sure to select Washington
Grove under City, Town or Taxing Area. This does not increase your taxes, but does help ensure
that the Town receives its proper share of local income tax revenue. Thanks for your help.
Planning Commission News
Next meeting will be Tuesday, February 5, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall Council Room. The public is
invited.
Subdivision of Washington Grove Hills Lot
Two potential buyers have inquired about purchasing the house at 342 Ridge Road with the
intention of subdividing the lot to create another buildable lot. One buyer has said that she will
be prepared to present a subdivision plat to the Town Planning Commission at their meeting on
March 5.
Historic Preservation Commission Meeting
The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) had it first meeting on January 15. The discussion
centered on adopting a set of rules and procedures for the HPC as required by the new Historic
Preservation Ordinance.
The next HPC meeting will be Tuesday, February 19 beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the McCathran
Hall Council Room.
Town Clerk – Washington Grove
The Town of Washington Grove seeks a part time (30 hr/week) Town Clerk to provide
administrative support to the Mayor and Town Council and to assume responsibility for Town
administrative affairs and friendly and efficie nt operation of the Town Office during scheduled
public hours. Washington Grove is located between Rockville and Gaithersburg in Montgomery
County. Duties include writing and distributing minutes of meetings of the Council, Town
Meetings, and other scheduled public meetings and hearings. Administrative duties also include
maintaining the monthly and annual Town calendar, preparation of handbooks for Town
Council, Planning Commission, and other Town committees, maintaining Town employee
records, maintaining files of Town ordinances and resolutions, distribution and tracking of
procurements, preparation and distribution of the Town monthly newsletter, and preparation of
official Town communications; is responsible for mail collection and distribution, and will
respond to voice, e- mail, and fax messages; issue business licenses, recreation and alcohol
permits, prepare annual reports to State and County governments, and provide liaison functions
with various Town groups and individuals (e.g., Website coordinator, Hall scheduler, Town
archivist), and provide other duties as assigned to help with the efficient functioning of the
Town. Position requires computer skills in MSWord, Excel and other computer programs, and
strong interpersonal and organizational skills. Salary range is $17,000-21,000. Direct inquiries
and resumes by February 8, 2002 to the Town of Washington Grove at McCathran Hall, 300
Grove Avenue, P.O. Box 216, Washington Grove, Maryland 20880-0216; phone 301-926-2256;
fax 301-926-0111. website: https://www.washgrov.sailorsite.net/.
Washington Grove Film Society Presents
Sunday, February 3, McCathran Hall, 7:00 p.m.
The Mouse That Roared
Peter Sellers takes three roles in this outlandish satire, which also features Jean Seberg and Leo
McKern. The nearly bankrupt Duchy of Grand Fenwick declares war on the United States with
the aim of immediate defeat and the expectation of monetary reparations from the victor.
Needless to say, the plan goes awry. 1959, Britain, color, 83 minutes.
Foreign Policy and Religion
Woman’s Club Meeting, Thursday, February 21
7:30 p.m., home of Alice Mahaffey, 405 Brown Street
At a time when we are all very interested and concerned about world events, especially as it
pertains to the U.S. and the Middle East, Tad Stahnke can help us understand how religion can
shape foreign policy and our lives. Bring your questions!
Planning Commission To Have Five Members Plus Alternate
With adoption of Ordinance No. 2001-03 by the Town Council at their January meeting, the
Washington Grove Planning Commission will again have five members. However, a recent
change in State law permits appointment of an additional alternate member. The alternate
member will improve the opportunity for a quorum at meetings.
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. The Town must
first sign off all applications for County-required building permits.
Building Permits Issued
Hodges/Williams, 213 Grove Avenue, renovate/addition
In Memory of Diane Pacchione
In recognition of Diane’s commitment to preserving the history of our community, the Heritage
Committee has presented to the Town a copy of Places from the Past: The Tradition of
Gardez Bien in Montgomery County, Maryland. Diane was a dedicated member of the
Heritage Committee for many years.
Deer Park “Humpback” Bridge Master Plan Alignment to be Subject of Meeting
The Town has been invited to participate in a meeting to discuss realignment of the “Humpback”
bridge. This topic has been discussed several times over the last four decades. Darrell Anderson
and Ned Helme have agreed to represent Washington Grove at the meeting.
Summer in the Parks 2002
The Town’s summer program for children ages 4-11 will begin July 1 and run through July 25
with a campout finale on July 26. 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. This year, coordinators will be Karen Kelly, Joli McCathran, Terry
Strother and Missy Yachup.
Maple Lake Dock Replacement
Dodie Tippens
The Town Council has approved the Lake Committee’s request for funding a new dock at Maple
Lake to be built by A-J Marine Co. of Baltimore. The dock will be 12′ x 24′ (increased from 10′ x
24′) and will have greenheart pilings which is a type of ironwood used in heavy marine
construction. The superstructure and the decking will be constructed of a type of pressure-treated
wood which does NOT contain arsenic. The construction company plans to work on it over the
winter, depending on the weather. Ralph Hurst has kindly drawn up the plans and will see to
getting the County permit. Ed Mroczka has come up with a much improved design for the new
ladder. Everyone has worked hard on this project and we are pleased that it is finally settled.
Now we have to start looking for lifeguards and a swimming instructor again, and would
appreciate any leads.
Fall Leaf Collection Ends
Leaf collection ended for the season on January 1. U.S. Lawns will make a service visit the last
week of March with pickup completed by April 1, weather permitting.
Volunteers Sought for Town Elections Board and Fire Board Rep
A volunteer is needed to serve on the Town’s elections board. Members must be qualified voters
of the Town (registered to vote with Montgomery County at an address in Washington Grove)
and may not hold or be candidates for any elective office during their term of office. Current
term runs until March 2003. Candidate must be able to serve on Saturday, June 8, 2002, Town
Elections Day.
Candidates are also sought to serve on the Local Fire Board of the Gaithersburg-Washington
Grove Fire Department. Members approve financial transactions at monthly meetings. Please
call Mayor John Compton at 301-330-8264 if you would like to serve.
If I were Mayor, I would . . .
A contest for 4th Graders
The Maryland Municipal League’s statewide essay contest for 4th graders – “If I Were Mayor, I
Would . . .” lets you tell others what you would do as mayor to make your city the best place to
live for everyone. One winning essay will be selected from each of the Maryland Municipal
League’s 11 regional districts. Each winner will receive a $250 savings bond. The 11 winners,
along with their parents and a teacher, will also be recognized at the statewide Municipal
Government Week event in April. Essays must be received by MML no later than March 1. 4th
graders – ask your teacher about this contest!
Affordable Housing Conference
“The Challenge of the New Decade: Higher Density and Affordable
Housing”
Monday, February 25, 2002, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington
This Rockville conference will feature town meetings with Montgomery County Congressional
candidates and Maryland Gubernatorial candidates. Candidates will engage in a lively question
and answer period with opportunity for audience participation.
No Yoga Classes in February
The Town Hall floor will be refinished in early February and will be allowed to “cure” for
several weeks. Yoga classes will not be held in February but will resume in earnest on
Wednesday, March 6.
Clay Courts Closed for Winter
Please stay off the clay tennis courts until further notice. They should reopen on or around May 1.
Volunteer Sought to Arrange Flag Purchase
A volunteer is needed to research replacement of U.S. flags for the Town. Call the Town Office
to volunteer.
Questions About Snow and Ice Removal?
Call Councilor Nick Suzich at 301-869-9638 or e-mail [email protected].
Town Information
Office/Clerk -Treasurer
Phone: 301-926-2256
Fax: 301-926-0111
Mail: P.O. Box 216, Washington Grove, MD 20880
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.washgrov.sailorsite.net
Website Coordinator: [email protected]
Town Hall: Center Street & Chestnut Road, Washington Grove
Office Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Closed Wednesday mornings
Hall Scheduler Jenny Long 301-869-3824
Maintenance: Jim Fletcher 301-963-5850
Street Light Out: Vicki Erhart 301-208-9442
Building Permits: John McClelland 301-963-3328
County Animal Control: 301-279-1066
County Police Non-Emergency: 301-279-8000