Town Council News
Next meeting: Monday » 07.10.06 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room.
The public is invited to attend.
Actions at the May Council meeting included:
adoption of recommended budget and tax rate for FY 2007.
awarded trash and recycling collection contract to Montgomery County Sanitation & Recycling.
Council Recommends FY 2007 Budget
The Town’s anticipated income and recommended expenditures for the coming fiscal year (July 1, 2006 – June 30, 2007) are shown on the attached Town budget summary. The property tax rate is proposed to remain the same as last year at $0.202/$100 assessed valuation. This will add approximately $65 to the average Town tax bill on owner-occupied property because of increased assessments.
The dwelling charge, which is directly tied to the cost of refuse and recycling collection, is proposed to increase from $125/dwelling to $207/dwelling. The Town’s 3-year contract with Waste Management expires on June 30. A new 3-year contract with Montgomery County Sanitation was awarded at the May Council meeting.
The Town’s 10-year McCathran Hall loan is paid off next month, but increased electricity costs (52%) and costs for tree work offset any potential benefit. A number of capital projects have been postponed; however electrical improvements to McCathran Hall and further reforestation efforts survived the budget ax.
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 John Compton at 301-330-8264. Votes to adopt the proposed budget and tax rate will be taken by qualified voters assembled at the annual Town Meeting on Saturday, June 10.
Town Elections
Nominations for Mayor and Council have closed. Town elections will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2006 from 4-7 p.m. at McCathran Hall. The nominees are:Mayor (1-year term) John Compton
Council (two 3-year terms) Darrell Anderson
Kathie Evans
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.
Town Meeting
June 10, 2006; 8:00 p.m. at McCathan Hall
In our unique form of government your voice can be heard. Come join in the discussion and see what it’s all about! Who will get the Mayor’s Distinguished Service Award…?
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The Washington Grove Town Council will hold a public hearing on Monday, May 22, 2006, 7:30 p.m., in McCathran Hall, 300 Grove Avenue, Washington Grove, Maryland. This 2nd public hearing is to take public comment regarding Zoning Text Amendment 2005-07, which has been revised by the Town Council. The proposed amendment will clarify fence requirements (including deer fencing), create a new temporary use permit requirement for portable containers (PODS) and construction dumpsters, place expiration limits on building permits, and add two new definitions (accessory building & primary residence) to the ordinances.
Short Meeting to Follow Public Hearing
The Mayor and Council will meet on May 22, 2006 after the public hearing. The agenda will include but is not limited to:
award contract for road work.
approve bridge engineering consultant to review DPWT’s cost projections.
Casey Field
A revised Phase I site plan is “imminent” from Toll Brothers. It is needed to account for lots and land now needed for storm water management for the ICC. As a result, elements of the plan are being re-examined, including the organization of the road system, the mix of single and attached dwellings, grading and elevations, and compatibility along Ridge Rd. As a part of new Park and Planning procedures, a public meeting hosted by the developer will be scheduled to gather public input to the Phase I site plan prior to being brought before the Planning Board.
LOS Purchase
Discussions continue about the timing of condemnation, perhaps to coincide with an approved Phase I site plan, as we work to facilitate agreement between the Town, M-NCPPC and the owner. A LOS field management plan, for which the Town expects to take responsibility, is being drafted.
Deer Park Bridge
Rehab/Maintenance vs. Replacement? Discussion continues between WG, Gaithersburg and DPWT on at least two key aspects: how to weigh preservation, history and character in relation to cost and consequence of the options. Projected expenses necessary for maintenance, and also the lifetime of the bridge’s structural components remain controversial.
Planning Commission News
Next meeting: Wednesday » 06.07.06 @ 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.
Building permits were issued for the following:
301 1st Ave. » Fence
415 Center St. » Gazebo
Master Plan Update
Town residents are invited to participate in the update of the Master Plan for the Town of Washington Grove.
The Town’s Master Plan was last updated in 1995. Our Planning Commission members have compiled some recommended updates over the last several years, and more work is needed. This is an opportunity for Town residents to participate in focus groups on particular issues or segments of the Master Plan to draft recommendations for consideration by the Planning Commission. The amendment process, specified by State Law, will involve at least one public hearing by the Town’s Planning Commission after it has compiled a recommended Master Plan, and then the Planning Commission will make a recommendation to the Town Council for adoption of this plan.
For information about how you can help or if you just have comments, please call the Town Office.
Historic Preservation News
Next meeting: Tuesday » 06.20.05 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room.
The public is invited to attend.
Reviews were written for the following:
415 Center St. » Gazebo
500 Brown St. » Shed
CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS !!
In the Historic Preservation questionnaire many of you expressed an interest in volunteering to explore the issues of scale and preservation in Town. The first step will be establishing preservation goals as part of the Town’s Master Plan. The second step will be exploring methodologies used by other communities to successfully meet these goals. Contact Bob Booher, David Stopak, or Charlie Challstrom if you are interested in participating.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARDS
The 2nd annual Historic Preservation Award will be awarded at the Town Meeting.
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
Planning Commission News
Next meeting: Wednesday » 05.24.06 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room.
The public is invited to attend.
CALLING ALL KIDS !
There will be a children’s recital and reception on Saturday, June 17th at 10:00 a.m. Acts may include playing an instrument, singing, dancing or other musically related happenings. To get on the program, please e-mail or call Tami Williams at [email protected]; 301-869-8541. If you need an accompanist, you must make your own arrangements. Parents will be expected to sign up for one of the following: setting up chairs, baked goods or snacks, juice/coffee/tea and cleaning up.
Music Weekend Is Coming!
FRIDAY, JUNE 16, 7:00 PM
SWING BAND DANCE!
LIVE MUSIC, PIZZA & BEER !!
McCATHRAN HALL
SATURDAY, JUNE 17, 10 AM
CHILDREN’S RECITAL
McCATHRAN HALL
SATURDAY, JUNE 17, 7-11PM
ROCK & ROLL RELICS
THE GAZEBO
Bring a picnic to enjoy before the concert!
(In the case of rain, this event will take place in McCathran Hall from 7 – 10 PM)
SUNDAY, JUNE 18, 10:30 AM
BAROQUE BREAKFAST
HOMEWOOD BRASS CONSORT
THE GAZEBO
Bring a breakfast goodie to share. Beverages and table service provided.
(In the case of rain, this event will be held in McCathran Hall)
Maple Lake News
TBA @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room.
New members always welcome!
Maple Lake Clean-up Day – Huge Success!
Maple Lake was the beneficiary of a major clean up last month. Thanks to all who volunteered their time to help clean up our lake! Because of your efforts, we will be the beneficiaries of our wonderful resource for another great summer of fun!
Party Permits
If you plan to use Maple Lake for a party, you must have a party permit. Permits are available from Sally Mansfield 301-977-3189. Please remember that this does not entitle parties to exclusive use of Maple Lake.
Forestry Committee News…
Next meeting: Wednesday » 05.31.06 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room.
The public is invited to attend.
Arbor Day Update
This event took place on the rain date (April 23rd). Many thanks to all those Council members and residents who were able to attend and to those who helped finish the work during the following week. Come see their handy work around the Town Hall. It looks great!
Trash Brigade Update
Big thanks to all our “trash pickers”!! Your services are greatly appreciated.
Woman’s Club News
Next meeting: Thursday » 06.15.06 @ 6:30 p.m. in Clubhouse. at the home of Sandy Klingenberg (103 Grove Ave.)
Come for a wine-food pairing dinner with Jim Davis of The Really Good Food Company. The cost is $20.00 per person. Please RSVP to Kathi Kershaw at 301-948-8004 or [email protected] by June 8th.
Flower Show
The Annual Woman’s Club Flower Show will be held on May 21, 2006 in the Clubhouse. You should be getting your show brochure this week. We’re looking forward to seeing you there!
Yard Sale is a go!
Saturday, June 10, 2006; Clubhouse
Devon Cohen has agreed to chair this year’s Woman’s Club Yard Sale. She will announce where you can drop off donations after the Flower Show. The Club is seeking folks who can assist in setting-up, pricing, clean-up, bake sale, and any other tasks needed to pull this event off.
If you can volunteer to help, please reply directly to Devon at [email protected] ASAP. Many thanks to her for spear-heading this fun, fund-raising event. Start your spring cleaning!
Don’t Poo-llute the Bay
Please take a moment to pick up your pets’ waste. It could end up in local streams (especially when dropped down our storm drains) which feed into the Chesapeake Bay. Do your part to keep the shellfish and fish in the Bay healthy and plentiful, and our Bay beaches pristine.
Bulk Trash Collections
The Town has scheduled a bulk trash collection on Saturday, June 10th and a metal only bulk collection on Monday, June 12th. Please mark your calendars and make note of the changes. Questions may be directed to the Town Office 301-926-2256.
Reminders…
Town Maintenance does not pick up firewood (in any condition) or piles of leaves.
Waste Management does pickup your properly bagged yard waste. Yard waste/brush pickup is part of our trash contract. In other words, we pay for it, whether you put it out or not. In this time of competing budget priorities, the Mayor and Council would like to urge all residents to let Waste Management take care of your brush removal. It’s simple…
Bag it! Place leaves, grass, bush and other yard trimmings in large brown paper bags available at grocery and home improvement stores.
Can it! Use reusable containers such as trash cans with appropriate stickers or marked “recycling”.
Bundle it! Brush can be tied in bundles not larger than 30″ in diameter, 4′ in length with individual pieces not to exceed 4″ in diameter.
No Dumping, Please!
The Mayor and Council would like to remind residents that dumping (grass, leaves, brush, debris) on Town parkland is not permitted. Areas in Morgan Park (along Brown Street) have intentionally been left to “over-grow” in order to provide a natural sound barrier. They should not be used as a dumping area for residents or their lawn service contractors.
Recently, LARGE piles of freshly cut grass have appeared on Mulch Alley. If your grass is cut by a lawn service, please be sure that they are not dumping in our parkland or our woods. Residents are urged to call Town Maintenance (301-963-5850) or the Town Office (301-926-2256) with questions concerning what is permitted in Mulch Alley. Thank you!