14 April 2003 | Approved: 12 May 2003
The meeting began at 7:00 p.m.. Representatives from the Department of Public Works and Transportation discussed the current study that will decide the fate of the Deer Park Bridge. They gave a short presentation and took questions.
Mayor Compton called the regular meeting of the Town Council to order at 7:38 p.m. In attendance were Councilors Darrell Anderson, Betsy Klinger, Peggy Odick, David Stopak, Nick Suzich, John Tomlin and Treasurer Mary Challstrom. Also in attendance were Lake Committee Chairperson Dodie Tippens, Erin Danielczyk from Waste Management and property owner Tom Appleby.
Public Appearances
Tom Appleby expressed his concern with people not picking up after their dogs and asked if the Town had adopted the Montgomery County "Pooper Scooper" Laws. He also expressed his displeasure with the condition of, and activities at, the Commercial Corner.
As a citizen, Mary Challstrom read a letter in which she outlined problems with Town maintenance. She also presented a 1989 Job Description for the maintenance supervisor in order to demonstrate the length of time that this has been an issue.
Erin Danielczyk from Waste Management came for the awarding of the Town Refuse/Recycling Contract. The new three-year contract was awarded to Waste Management. A discussion about our concerns with changes within the company ensued. The Mayor and Council discussed and agreed to try same-day pick up for both trash and recycling. Nick Suzich moved, Darrell Anderson seconded, that the refuse & recycling contract be awarded to Waste Management. Vote: 6-0 Approval of Minutes – Darrell Anderson moved, David Stopak seconded that the Town Council minutes of 10 March 2003 be approved. Vote: 6-0.
Treasurer’s Report
Peggy Odick moved, Nick Suzich seconded, that the Treasurer’s report for March be accepted. Vote: 6-0. Nick Suzich moved, Peggy Odick seconded, that the Treasurer be authorized to transfer funds to pay bills in May. Vote: 6-0.
Draft Budget Review for FY 2004
Treasurer Mary Challstrom presented the proposed budget for FY 2004. Lake Committee Chairperson Dodie Tippens asked for an increase in lifeguard pay in order to attract good people. She asked for a $4,000.00 increase in the Lake budget. Safety Councilor David Stopak thought this was a "no brainer". Mayor Compton questioned the amount of the increase and discussion ensued. The general sense of the Council was to agree to an increase now in order for Dodie to advertise the job at $10.00 – $12.00 per hour. The idea of a "staying bonus" was discussed with the Council agreeing that this would be a good way to keep the guards working through our entire season. Town Council Minutes 14 April 2003 Page 2
The Town’s extensive road repairs were discussed as well as the traffic study and the need for additional road assessments by knowledgeable people. Perhaps Jeri Cauthorn from DPWT or Ollie Mumpower from Gaithersburg would have some ideas.
The Budget Work Session is scheduled for April 28, 2003 at 7:30 p.m.
Council Reports
Planning Commission
Darrell Anderson reported that the Commission discussed a business license application made by "Twice Is Nice". The second-hand apparel and antique store would like to rent space in the Town’s Commercial Corner. The Commission believes that the license could be approved under Section 8.2.c by adding the words "and clothing" at the end of the sentence. The Commission would like input and direction from the Town Council. The Council thought that this use could be allowed by special exception through the Board of Zoning Appeals. Discussion. The ongoing parking problem within the Town was discussed and the Commission deferred to the Mayor and Council to set up a committee that would review this issue. Mayor Compton strongly believes that the problem is a land use issue and therefore, should be handled by the Planning Commission. A discussion about equal enforcement of our Ordinances ensued. The Clerk requested that someone respond to Pete McMahon. Darrell Anderson offered to give Mr. McMahon some suggestions about how he might increase his own parking area. Mayor Compton suggested that the original petitioners be asked to attend a Planning Commission meeting in order to get a sense of what the residents want. Darrell Anderson offered to help get in touch with the petitioners. Mr. Anderson also presented a drawing of a barrier that would severely inhibit ones ability to make illegal turns at McCauley Street and Washington Grove Lane. The Council liked the idea.
Forestry & Beautification
Darrell Anderson requested a proclamation for Arbor Day from the Mayor. He also brought up the subject of trash along Washington Grove Lane. Perhaps the Committee could organize a trash clean-up.
Website
Betsy Klinger reported that Bill Saar would appreciate comments from the Council with regard to the lay-out, pictures etc. a more "Grovey" feel is what the Council would like. Discussion.
McCathran Hall
Betsy Klinger reported that the Town Hall was in need of a few things; cleaning, painting, storm windows for the lower hall, exterior shingle replacement & staining and carpenter bee treatment. The most pressing issues are the exterior work.
Roads
Peggy Odick reported that AB Viers Paving came through the Town in order to obtain adequate information for an estimate on our road repairs. Jennifer from AB Viers will attend the May Town Council meeting. There was discussion about the Waste Management trucks being the main cause of the Pine Road and Brown Street repairs that are needed and how to avoid the same situation in the future.
Historic Preservation Commission
Peggy Odick reported that the HPC is working on their list of contributing structures.
Memorials
Mayor Compton suggested that instead of renaming Mulch Alley, we make a "MASH-type" sign and recognize people that way. Mayor Compton will contact the person requesting the renaming and tell them about the plan.
Public Safety
David Stopak reported that the Safety Meeting is scheduled for April 29th at 7:30 p.m.. Mr. Stopak has been unable to get a commitment from the Police Department however; the Fire Department will definitely give a presentation. Mayor Compton offered to call the Police Department as well. Mr. Stopak also reported that the residents at 404 Brown Street are not happy with the new street light that will go in on Maple Avenue.
Contracts
Nick Suzich reported that our grand total for snow removal this year is $7,800.00. Mary Challstrom has applied for federal assistance with the overage. Bulk trash pick up is scheduled for April 26th. Program Open Space paperwork is closer to being finished. Staking out placement of the new equipment still has to happen. Jim Fletcher will help him with this.
Maintenance
John Tomlin reported that he sent Jim’s maintenance report to the Mayor and Council prior to the meeting and received no comments. Brush pickup was discussed as was the trash along Washington Grove Lane.
Intergovernmental
John Tomlin had the occasion to meet Christopher Van Hollen and extended an offer to come visit the Town of Washington Grove.
Mayor’s Announcements
- Nagem Update – A letter to Mr. Nagem about vehicular access to Cherry Avenue has been drafted.
- Casey Field Update – The current Oxbridge plan is still in the Wetlands Committee review process. Maryland Department of Environmental Protection is perplexed about placement of the road and has asked it to be staked.
- Shady Grove Master Plan Update – The next meeting will be on June 4th. The meeting on April 9th did address the reservation of some land in this sector at a possible school site.
- Railroad Park Annexation – in the PHED Committee. Town Clerk will monitor this.
Other Business
Nagem Tree (104 Maple Road) – Dan Landry, Town Forester, looked at the Oak tree in question and found it to be sound. He recommends against removal.