12 April 1999 | Approved: 10 May 1999
The meeting was called to order at 7:57 p.m. by Mayor Pro Tempore John Compton. In attendance were Councilors Paris Pacchione, Nick Suzich, Carol Uhlendorf and Allen Winter. Town resident Charlie Challstrom also was present.
Approval of Minutes
Carol Uhlendorf moved, Nick Suzich seconded, that the Town Council minutes of March 8, 1999 be approved. Vote: 5-0.
Treasurer’s Report
Carol Uhlendorf moved, Paris Pacchione seconded, acceptance of the Treasurer’s report. Vote: 5-0. The Treasurer was authorized to transfer funds, if necessary, to pay bills in April. Vote: 5-0.
Mayor’s Announcements
John Compton announced the following:
- An agreement, transferring the maintenance responsibility for Ridge Road within the Town’s corporate limits from Montgomery County to the Town, was signed on April 2.
- The Town’s Board of Zoning Appeals will continue a hearing on the variance application of Anne Marie Murphy, 203 2nd Avenue, to permit the construction of a fireplace/chimney.
- Jim Pammel, co-owner of the property at 3 Ridge Road, has requested that his property be annexed into the Town under the same conditions previously offered by the Town. Conditions include a five-year property tax credit and inclusion in the Town’s RR-1 zone. John Compton asked that the Cator family, who own property at 17050 Railroad Street, be notified of the Pammel’s consent to annexation.
- The Greater Shady Grove Civic Alliance voted to support the Grove’s effort to preserve open space on the Casey property along Ridge Road.
- Street lights have been installed in the 500 block of Brown Street. Mary Challstrom will check with sales representative Ken Roth to see if the lights have the correct wattage high pressure sodium lamps.
- Debate continues between Montgomery County and CSX Transportation over who will pay for the detour signs required to reroute traffic when the train crossing is closed for major repairs. The Town continues to stress that the crossing repair is urgently needed for public safety.
- Ridge Road Speed HumpsCarol Uhlendorf moved, Paris Pacchione seconded, approval to install three watts-style speed humps on Ridge Road at locations determined by County and Town representatives. A notice about the speed humps will be included in the monthly bulletin. Vote: 5-0.
- Ordinance No. 99-01 to Grant Non-Exclusive Cable Franchise to Starpower Communications, LLCIt was moved and seconded that Ordinance No. 99-01 be enacted, granting a non-exclusive cable franchise to Starpower Communications. At a public hearing held prior to the Council meeting, resident and communications advisor to the Council Mark Frederiksen recommended that the Town grant the franchise to Starpower in the interest of its citizens. While citing the benefits of competition among cable providers, Mark contacted Gaithersburg officials who reported a positive experience with Starpower. Vote: 5-0.
Introduction of Ordinance No. 99-02 Modifying Regulations for the Use of Woodward Park and Sports Facilities
Nick Suzich moved, Carol Uhlendorf seconded, the introduction of Ordinance No. 99-02, modifying the Woodward Park regulations to remove the designation of specific days of the week for non-permit use. The intent of the ordinance is to allow greater flexibility in scheduling Town facilities while continuing to limit group permits. A public hearing on the proposed ordinance will be held on Monday, May 10, before the next Council meeting. Vote: 5-0.
1999 Leaf Collection and Disposal
One bid was received and opened:
- U.S. Lawns of Montgomery County $17,600
Allen Winter moved, Carol Uhlendorf seconded, that the 1999 Leaf Collection and Disposal contract be awarded to U.S. Lawns. John Compton noted that U.S. Lawns has had the Town contract for the past three years and the proposed 1999 contract price is the same as in previous years. He also noted two changes in the contract specifications mailed to all potential bidders: the fall leaf collection will end on December 31 rather than January 15, and the contract may be renewed for four years, one year at a time, subject to satisfactory performance by the Contractor and availability of funds. The current contract may be renewed for two years under the same stipulations. Vote: 5-0.
1999 Hall Access Paths Resurfacing
Three bids were received and opened:
| Company | Option A | Option B | Add Alt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fanning & Lynch, Inc. B | 12470 | 11845 | 1800 |
| Rosetta Landscape | 13750 | 12600 | 850 |
| Town Creek, Inc. | 18500 | no bid | no bid |
Nick Suzich commented that concerns raised by Rosetta Landscape in their cover letter indicate that they might be more careful. Paris Pacchione moved, Nick Suzich seconded, that the 1999 Hall Access Paths Resurfacing contract be awarded to Rosetta Landscape for Option A, provided that concerns raised by Rosetta can be resolved by April 23 and do not dramatically affect the contract price. Vote: 5-0.
Council Reports
Planning Commission
John Compton reported the following:
- A tree ordinance has been drafted.
- Discussions have been held with Mike Voigt about the possible annexation of Washington Grove Hills. Mike would like to subdivide and develop his Washington Grove Hills property and would consider annexation as an option.
- The Planning Commission has requested a zoning text amendment to clarify the definition of "accessory building".
Roads/Walkways
Roads/WalkwaysParis Pacchione reported that graveling of Town walkways will soon begin according to the prioritized schedule.
Heritage
Mary Challstrom reported that the Heritage Committee will meet on April 19 to plan a May 23 Open House. Paris Pacchione reported that Mayor Briggs drew a 125th commemorative inscription in the concrete at the Maintenance Shop Addition.
Forestry
Carol Uhlendorf reported that there will be a Forestry Committee workday on Saturday, April 17, to complete the Railroad Park plantings.
Recreation Events
Carol Uhlendorf reported that a petting zoo with ponies will come to Woodward Park on Sunday, April 18.
Recreation Facilities
Nick Suzich reported that the barley bales to control algae in the lake will be put afloat at the lake clean-up on April 24. If the barley doesn’t kill the algae, the Lake Committee will use a chemical treatment for algae control.
Public Safety
Allen Winter reported on a series of nuisance phone calls received by a resident. Allen said that he would arrange for police assistance with traffic control for the dedication of Railroad Park on May 15 and noted that the Newcomer’s Breakfast was a great opportunity to network with police and fire officials. Nick Suzich said that he would invite Officer Joe Pelaia to Maple Lake clean-up. Paris Pacchione reported that residents at 409 5th Avenue have experienced theft from their vehicle. Mary Challstrom reported that Washington Gas has been called to repair a gas leak in the regulator on Chestnut Avenue at Center Street.
Maintenance
Paris Pacchione reported that the Maintenance Shop Addition is virtually complete. After the lumber has cured, the building will be ready to paint. The 220 electrical outlet will be delayed until the next fiscal year when electrical work is budgeted.
Other Business
Monday, April 26, was set aside for a Council work session on FY 2000 Town budget.
Mary Challstrom reported that the Town has received a request for rehearsal space by a local swing band. The band, an offshoot of the Montgomery Village Community Band, would like to rehearse twice monthly in McCathran Hall. Mayor Briggs has devised a trial schedule of rehearsal dates over a period of several months. In return, the band would agree to perform once for the Town without charge. The trial schedule would allow the Town to assess the impact on neighbors. The Council approved the trial schedule by consensus.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:34 p.m.