Town Council News
Next meeting: Monday » 07.13.09 @ 7:30 p.m. & Monday » 07.27.09 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. The public is invited to attend.
Actions at the June Council meeting included:
- adoption of Resolution 2009-03; Budget Transfer Resolution FY 2009.
- adoption of Ordinance 2008-07; Modifying Building Coverage Standards for Residential Zones and Maximum Height Standards for Accessory Buildings.
- appointment of David Stopak as a full member of the HPC.
- appointment of Bob Booher as a full member of the HPC.
- appointment Sandy Klingenberg and Ed Roberts as ex-officio members of the HPC.
- appointment of Ed Roberts as a member of the Fire Board.
Town Meeting Adopts FY 2010 Budget & Tax Rate
The tax rate for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2009 will remain at the constant yield rate of $0.181/$100 assessed valuation and the dwelling unit charge, which is directly tied to the cost of refuse & recycling collection, will increase to $224.00 per dwelling.
Town Election Results
- Mayor (1 yr): Darrell Anderson
Write-Ins: Ann Briggs, Charlie Challstrom,
Marc Hansen, Robin Menge,
Bill Saar, John Tomlin - Council (3 yr): Ted Kelly, Sheldon Bierman
Write-Ins: Sylvie Favret, Kathie Evans, David Stopak, John Tomlin
Ordinance 2008-07 Summary
The Mayor and Town Council approved Ordinance No. 2008-07, with amendments, on Monday June 22. This ordinance is the first step in the initiative to address lot coverage standards in our zoning ordinances. The purpose of this step was to make all small lots–7,500 square feet or less–have the same lot coverage standard (40%) regardless of zone. This ordinance only affected 15 lots in the RR-1 zone, which is a zone normally for lots of much larger size, and in reality affects fewer lots because many of these smaller lots in RR-1 already are near 40% coverage. This step was done to set the stage for the next step in the process, which will be to address lot coverage and/or house size in all zones. The Planning Commission and Historic Preservation Commission have been meeting for the past 4 months to address lot coverage and other ordinance changes that will reduce the chance for mansionization—the building of very large houses on small lots in areas with smaller houses. To assure continued progress on this initiative, the Town Council added an amendment to Ordinance No. 2008-07 that the ordinance will not become permanent unless the Town Council adopts the second step in the process within 18 months. This will assure that progress continues to be made toward the overall goal of reducing the risk of mansionization. The new ordinance also clarified the height standard for accessory buildings to be 1.5 stories. Joint work sessions to work on these follow-up ordinances will continue between the Planning Commission and Historic Preservation Commission. Please stay in touch with develop.m.ents so you can have input as this initiative continues. The overall goal of the initiative is to review and change, where necessary, Town standards associated with infill and re-development so that homes and additions are built in a manner that prevents overcrowding; ensures adequate light, air, and access; and protects the character of the community.
Casey 6 and 7 Update
As part of the Shady Grove Sector Plan, the Montgomery County Service Park (facilities on Crabbs Branch across Shady Grove Road near the Metro) is being dismantled and moved. Two facilities are being planned near the Town. At the June 8th Town Council meeting, the Council voted unanimously to oppose the purchase of Casey 6 and 7 by the County for potential sites for two of the service facilities. A letter was drafted by the Mayor and delivered to the Montgomery County Planning Department, all County Council members, and the County Executive.
On June 29, Montgomery County held an informational meeting for the public to see what their architects have planned for the sites. The one of more concern to the Town is Casey 6, which abuts the end of Brown Street Extended and Robert’s Oxygen. This facility may hold emergency road equipment and salt domes, as well as piles of sand, bricks, etc., that will be used by County services. A few Town residents (~15) attended the session and asked questions to clarify the County’s intentions and to make suggestions. A follow-up meeting will be held in the middle of July to hear how they will address out concerns. Because the next issue of the Bulletin will not be out by then, a notice of this meeting will be distributed through the Yahoo group and other outlets. This next meeting is critical and we need to have a large showing. Please stay tuned.
Town Council to Hear from Residents on Casey 6 & 7
Monday, July 13, 2009, 7:30 p.m., McCathran Hall
At the regular Town Council meeting on July 13, we would like to have public input on Casey 6 and 7. A short introduction will precede the hearing to bring everyone up to date on the latest proposals from the County. If you cannot make the meeting, please post a letter or email to the Town Office so we can include your ideas as the Council develops a strategy for interacting with the County planners and/or political system as we move forward. The Town Council already is on record as opposing the purchase of Casey 6 and 7 for parts of the Service Park; however, it is likely that the County will push forward regardless of our opposition. I know this is a time when most of you would like to be thinking of summer activities, but we don’t often get to choose our battles or their timing. The County will be advertising another meeting sometime shortly after our July 13 meeting and the Council would like to go into that meeting on the same page as the Town. The County’s meeting will be open to the public, so if anyone can attend and express their views appropriately.
Town Opt-In E-mail List is Coming!
In March of this year the Mayor and Town Council asked Marida Hines to identify other possible ways to disseminate information to residents. One of the many options she identified was an “opt-in” email list. In the next couple of weeks, the Town will be creating an “opt-in” e-mail list that Town residents will be invited to join. This service will deliver to you time sensitive information or news from the Mayor and Town Council. Ted Kelly Ventresca, as the Town Council member working with our Town website, and webmaster Bill Saar are working on the flow and functionality and will have the link available for you to sign up and “opt-in” during the coming weeks on the home page of the Town website; www.washingtongrovemd.org
Stay tuned!
Planning Commission News
Next meeting: Wednesday » 08.05.07 @ 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 for a major building permit (addition/renovation) is $40.00. The fee for a minor building permit (fence/shed) is $10.00. Checks should be made 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 permit applications as well.
Historic Preservation News
Next meeting: Tuesday » 07.21.09 @ 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.
Folks who are contemplating the attention their old home requires are often faced with decisions about whether to repair, replace in-kind, replace with an appropriate substitute, or use a combination of these treatments. Our friends at the Maryland Association of Historic Districts have given the subject some thought: Why Repair is favored:
- Environmentally:
conserves resources, reduces waste, spares landfills, reuses embodied energy, eases energy consumptive transportation and manufacturing processes which almost always produce toxic by-products. Most historic buildings are already designed for maximum heating, cooling, light and ventilation. - Economically:
Repair is far more labor intensive than replacement and labor tends to be local. Such labor also tends to be skilled labor which means higher wages going directly into the local economy. Techniques for repair and replacement in-kind tend to use local materials and create a local market for salvaged material contributing further to the local retail economy. Finally, repair ensures the preservation of historic materials and craftsmanship which retain authenticity. - Psychologically:
Repair and replacement celebrates craftsmanship and authenticity and strengthens our ties to the past. It becomes our way of understanding our past, preserving its distinctiveness and creating a sense of place.
Recreation Committee News
Next meeting: Wednesday » 07.22.09 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. The public is invited to attend. New members always welcome!
July 4th Festivities Schedule
- Woodward Park:
– 11 a.m. Costume Judging
– 12 Noon Flag Raising/Parade - McCathran Hall:
– 12:30 p.m. Ceremony, Awards & Popsicles
Are You A Muskrat?
Make the Muskrat Band your Fourth of July tradition. No audition required! If you play or have ever played a band instrument, you are invited to join the Muskrat Band for the 4th of July parade. Is that old horn still in the attic? Get it out and join the fun!! Please contact Eric Selby; [email protected] or 301-963-7073.
Summer TENNIS in the Grove 2009
To sign up call or e-mail Linda Baim 301-926-8767
[email protected]
Tune up for Summer – Adult Camp $35
- Sun. July 5th 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
- Mon. July 6th 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
- Tues. July 7th 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
- Wed. July 8th 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
- Thurs July 9th 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
(Tennis…..and potluck snacks)
Camp will concentrate on:
– Review & upgrade the basic strokes
– Singles and doubles tactics
– Group competitions
– FUN!!
Tune up for Summer – Junior Camp $25
- Tuesdays: July 7, July 14, July 21
- Thursdays: July 2, July 9, July16
Tennis Times:
- 8:00 – 8:30 ages 5-7
- 8:30 – 9:15 ages 8-9
- 9:15 – 10:00 ages 10 – 12
- 5:30 – 6:30 ages 13 +
All checks should be made payable to the Town of Washington Grove
Hikers of all ages – Join us on a hike!
Meet (for carpooling) at McCathran Hall at noon for these next two hikes:
- Sunday, July 19 – Greenbriar State Park
Questions? Contact: John Klinger 301-977-3517 - Sunday, August 2 – Catoctin Mountain Park
Questions? Contact: Nancy Helme 301-926-1781 or Betsy Klinger 301-977-3517
Pack trail food and camera!
Neighborhood Watch News
Report Crimes & Suspicious Activity!
Mont. Co. Police non-emergency: 301-279-8000
Town Office: 301-926-2256
Joe Clark: 301-869-7944
Keith Gillis/Leigh Partington: 301-208-1437
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.
Lake Committee News
Next meeting: Thursday » 07.16.09 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room.
Swim Lesson Reminder
The swimming lessons schedule is posted on the doors to the Council Chambers at McCathran Hall.
Party Permit Required
If you wish to have a party at Maple Lake, you must get a party permit. Please note that this permit does not allow you exclusive use of the lake but it will entitle you to use of the grill and the picnic tables. The contact person for a Maple Lake Party Permit is Sally Mansfield 301-977-3189.
Woman’s Club News
Next meeting: Friday » 07.31.09 @ 6:30 p.m. in Clubhouse.
Come join friends and neighbors at the Woman’s Clubhouse for a relaxing, candlelight wine-food pairing dinner with Jim Davis of The Really Good Food Company. Those of you who have attended this event before know how fabulous Jim’s cooking is—otherwise come see what you’ve been missing! Jim is offering his culinary skills and wine pairing expertise at a very reasonable $20 per person. We need firm numbers so Jim knows how much food to prepare—please *RSVP* to Joan Mahaffey at 240-631-8064 or at [email protected] by Friday, July 24th All Grovers (and guests!) are invited to join in this culinary event.
Yard Sale Thank-You
Special thanks to Joli McCathran, Georgette Cole, and a host of hard-working volunteers for another successful Yard Sale. Thanks for all the excellent donations this year. Doesn’t it feel good to have more space at your place? *And* know that your unused items have been recycled to new homes!
WGUMC News
Summer Schedule–We’re on our summer schedule, with worship services at 10am on Sunday mornings, including Sunday school through 8th grade. All welcome!
Play Group–We’ll be meeting two mornings in July, Tuesday July 7th and Wednesday July 22nd. Our time is 9:30-10:30am, downstairs in the church. We get together so children can play and parents and grandparents can talk! More information available from Judy at [email protected]
Mark your October calendars–For a Variety Show/ice cream social at the church, on the evening of October 3rd! Note change of date. Dust off those talents, and stay tuned for details…
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Yard Waste Pickup
Don’t forget that your yard waste will be picked up by our trash contractor if properly prepared. Bundles must not exceed 4ft. in length or 30 inches in diameter. Separate pieces may not exceed 4 inches in diameter. You may also place your yard waste in large brown paper bags, available at home improvement centers, or in properly marked re-useable containers.
If you are missed, please call or e-mail Charlie Challstrom 301-926-4498 [email protected]
Clerk’s Corner
Summer In The Parks is at McCathran Hall for most of July. Please watch for the kids!
Please remember that your dog’s waste is yours to deal with. Putting it in other’s trash cans out of convenience should not be an option. Thank you!