Town Council News
Next meeting: Monday » 05.18.15 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. This is the Annual Organizational Meeting where new Council members take their oath of office. The public is invited to attend.
Actions at the April Council meeting included:
- introduction of Ordinance 2015-04; Adoption of FY2016 Budget
- approval of Ordinance 2015-01; ZTA (see summary below)
- tabled a vote on Ordinance 2015-03; Ordinance Adopting Amendments to Article IV, Sections 1 & 10 until the June 8th meeting of the Town Council pending additional language from the HPC.
Meet The Candidates, Be an Informed Voter!
Come to “Meets and Treats” on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. This is an opportunity to meet those willing to take on official duties for the good of the Grove and those who currently hold these responsibilities. Come with your questions, get a feel for Town government, put a face to a name and enjoy light refreshments!!
Town Meeting
Annual Town Meeting is set for May 9, 2015 at 8:00 p.m. in McCathran Hall with refreshments following the meeting.
Town Elections
Nominations for Mayor and Council are closed. The nominees are as follows:
- Mayor (1-year term) » Joli McCathran
- Council (1-year term)
- Council (3-year term) » John McClelland
- Council (3-year term) » Greg Silber
- Council (1-year term) » Alison Faupel
- Council (1-year term) » Bud O’Connor
- Council (1-year term) » Ed Roberts
Both Cindy Frei and Carolyn Rapkievian found it necessary to resign as members of the Town Council. They each had one (1) year remaining on their terms, therefore; two (2) one-year terms are open for this election. This year, Town Elections are on May 9, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
Absentee Ballots
Residents who wish to vote by absentee ballot must call Meredith Horan to arrange for this. Only ballots that are received by 7:00 p.m. on May 9th will be counted. Meredith can be reached at 301-926-1054.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The Washington Grove Town Council will hold a public hearing on Monday, May 18, 2015, 7:30 PM, in McCathran Hall. The purpose of this hearing is to take public comment regarding the proposed Ordinance 2015-04. This ordinance would adopt the Town Budget for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2015, through June 30, 2016, and levy an ad valorem tax on all assessable property within the Town of Washington Grove. Action on this ordinance would comply with State requirements to adopt the budget via an ordinance, and follow up presentation and voting on the budget at the Town Meeting.
Ordinance 2015-01 Summary
This ordinance adopts amendments to the Washington Grove Zoning Ordinance Article VII, Sections 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. The purpose of these changes is to add a vertical component to the definition of degree of non-compliance, make other updates to increase clarity and consistency and delete outdated provisions. Copies are available at the Town Office ([email protected] or 301-923-2256) or you may read it on the Town website; www.washingtongrovemd.org.
Council Recommends FY 2016 Budget
The Town Council has approved the Mayor’s submitted budget and tax rate for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2015. Anticipated income and recommended expenditures for the coming year (July 1, 2015 – June 30, 2016) are shown on the attached Town budget summary. The Town Council recommends that the Town property tax rate decrease from $0.30 to $0.2860/$100 assessed valuation, the constant yield tax rate. The dwelling unit charge, which is tied to the cost of trash and recycling collection, is proposed to increase $11 to $108 per dwelling based on a new 3-year contract. Copies of the budget detail will be available at Town Elections and at Town Meeting on May 9, but if you would like the budget detail in advance, the recommended FY 2016 budget is available on the Town website at washingtongrovemd.org or at the Town Office.
Questions may be directed to Treasurer Mary Challstrom at 301-926-4498 or Mayor Joli McCathran at 301-869-5358. Votes to adopt the proposed budget and tax rate will be taken by qualified voters assembled at the annual Town Meeting on Saturday, May 9. See you there!
To Steve Werts From the Mayor
Three Cheers for Steve!
CONGRATULATIONS to Maintenance Supervisor Steve Werts for winning the Ronald B. Sweitzer Municipal Employee of the Year Award sponsored by the Maryland Municipal League! Steve was selected for this prestigious award for the wide range of capabilities he possesses, the efficiency and truly amazing work ethic, and the pride and commitment he brings to his job as well. It was also noted the funds he saves the Town by being able to perform so many tasks in house such as fence repair and snow plowing. Please stop and congratulate him. The award will be presented to him at the Maryland Municipal League’s Annual Conference in June 2015 in Ocean City, Maryland. We can all take pride in his achievement.
Thank You, Carolyn!
Carolyn Rapkievian resigned as a member of the Town Council. Her resignation was accepted with regret. Many thanks to Carolyn for her hard work and dedication the Town. The Council unanimously voted Alison Faupel to fill the vacant seat until the next Town Election on May 9, 2015.
Thank You, Cindy!
Thanks go out to Cindy Frei for serving on the Town Council since November 2014. Cindy’s contribution to the Council will be missed.
Maple Lake Preparation
The Lake Committee is again working hard to prepare Maple Lake for the 2015 swimming season. Much appreciation to Hutch and entire Committee for their dedication to this wonderful Town amenity.
Emergency Response Volunteers Sought
Following on the heels of the Mayor’s training in municipal emergency response preparedness, we are seeking residents interested in volunteering to coordinate and/or serve on a temporary task force to research and recommend a Town response plan, to recommend purchase of emergency supplies, etc. Please contact the Town Office if you are interested in assisting with this project.
Planning Commission News
Next meeting: Wednesday » 05.06.15 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. The public is invited to attend.
If the spring/summer renovation bug has reared its head at your house, be sure to get a copy of the revised procedures to apply for a Town Building Permit which will help you through the Town’s process. The procedures are available from the Town Clerk or from the Town’s website. In addition, the house files in the Town Hall may have some helpful information on your property, another resource when planning home modifications. The Historic Preservation Commission and the Planning Commission are here to help you with your project.
Historic Preservation News
Next meeting: Tuesday » 05.19.15 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. Meetings are open to the public.
Recreation Committee
Next meeting: Wednesday » 05.06.15 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room.
Summer in the Parks 2015!!!
Don’t forget, SITP enrollment forms are due to Jenn Hix (411 Washington Grove Lane; PO Box 565) by April 30, 2015.
Playground Committee
Next meeting: Wednesday » 05.13.15 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. All are invited to attend.
We go camping at night!
“Tangled in images of stars and clouds and firelight – we go camping at night!”
- When: Saturday, June 13, 2015 (rain date TBA)
- Where: Athletic Field in Woodward Park
- Bring: Tents, Drinks, S’more Sticks, Guitars, Neighbors
- Supplied: Firepits, S’more Fixins
Music Weekend is Coming!
June 19, 20, 21, 2015; Mark your calendars!!
MAGIC MIC NIGHT!
Friday, June 19th, 7:00 p.m. in McCathran Hall. It’s Open Mic Night… Bring your Acts and your Tracks – there will be beer and that’s the facts! If you plan on entertaining us please e-mail [email protected] ASAP so we can get an idea of how many to expect. Come joint the scene… all the cool people with be there.
Maple Lake News
Next meeting: Tuesdasy » 05.12.15 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room.
Geese Arriving at the Lake
We are using the Humane Society’s protocol again to humanely prevent eggs from hatching this spring. In the past several years a pair of geese has nested in an area easily accessible to our egg-oiling team. They drive away the other geese during nesting season and then leave when their eggs do not hatch. Please do not feed or harass the nesting pair or disturb the nest. If you see a nest built, please call Ann Philips or John Hutchinson. We encourage visitors to the lake to take along a plastic bag and scoop droppings. THANKS!
Combo Changed
The Lake gate combination was changed on April 20. Please call a Committee member or the Town Office for the new numbers.
Lifeguards for Maple Lake
We have the following guards for this summer: Kelly Schreiber, Lainey Selby, Eli Stopak and Sara Hunt. We are also looking for part-time subs with Red Cross lifeguard certification to fill in as needed. Please call David Harmon (301-972-1417) if you know of any candidates.
Woman’s Club News
Come to our Annual Flower Show (Sunday May 31, 2015). You’ll soon be receiving flyers for this year’s Flower Show on May 31st. Bring your entries in the morning and come back in the afternoon to enjoy the show!
Thanks to everyone who came out to stuff the eggs, hide the eggs and watch the kids find the eggs, our Annual Egg Hunt was a great success. Especially thanks to Sylvia Appleby and Barbara Engle for hosting this year’s event.
Do you have some of those complimentary shampoos, conditioners, soaps and other toiletries that hotels leave in your rooms? As an ongoing Community Outreach project, the Woman’s Club would like to collect them for distribution to residents in our local shelters. You can drop them off at any time, in one of the painted cans on Wendy Weisbard’s porch at 119 Grove Avenue.
In Loving Memory of George T. Paine
1953 – 2015
You are warmly welcome to join the family of George T. Paine to remember and celebrate his life on Saturday, May 16, from 3:30 pm to 8:00 pm, in McCathran Hall, Washington Grove, Maryland.
We will gather for remembrance and sharing at 3:30 pm, followed by a casual potluck picnic in true Grove tradition and togetherness.
If you are so inclined, you are welcome to bring Grove flora, photos, train memorabilia, or any items that remind you of George.
Donations may be made to the George Paine Memorial Fund, payable to the “Town of Washington Grove” with the notation “George Paine Memorial Fund.” The funds will be used for a memorial for George, as determined by his family.
Please contact any of the planning committee with any questions:
- Missy Yachup [email protected]
- Mark Dubnick [email protected]
- Georgette Cole [email protected]