9 April 2008 | Approved: 11 June 2007
Mayor John Compton called the regular meeting of the Town Council to order at 7:30 p.m. In attendance were Councilors Darrell Anderson, Linda Baim, Georgette Cole, Kathie Evans, Betsy Klinger, and David Stopak. Also present were; Maintenance Supervisor Jim Fletcher, Treasurer Mary Challstrom, Charlie Challstrom, John Tomlin, Ann Briggs, Bruce Rothrock, Keith Spangler-Vellios and George Paine.
Public Appearances
Ann Briggs came to remind people about the Meet the Candidates Forum on Wednesday the 18th at 7:30 PM. She also made the observation that the West Woods are in terrible condition. She asked if a mass clean-up could be organized. Ann feels that cleaning up the West Woods would help lessen some of the problems in that area. The West Woods look abandoned and a clean up would show that they are not. Judy Young announced that the WGUMC a Children’s Pageant on Sunday the 15th.
Approval of Minutes
Darrell Anderson moved, Betsy Klinger seconded that the Town Council minutes of March 12, 2007 be approved as amended. Vote: 6-0.
Maintenance Report
There was a discussion about the WSSC water main replacement on 4th Avenue. Jim Fletcher also reported that a vagrant who was living in the West Woods was asked to move on. Kathie Evans stated her disappointment that the man wasn’t advised of where to go for shelter.
Treasurer’s Report
Darrell Anderson moved, Linda Baim seconded, that the Treasurer’s report for March be accepted. Vote: 6-0.
David Stopak moved, Betsy Klinger seconded a motion to transfer funds. Vote: 6-0.
Adopt Recommended FY 2008 Budget & Tax Rate
Treasurer Mary Challstrom noted the change from $200.00 per month to $100.00 per month for website maintenance. There was a brief discussion about the real property tax rate. Kathie Evans moved to adopt the recommended FY 2008 Budget & Tax Rate. Georgette Cole seconded the motion. Vote: 6-0.
Cator/Harrison Property Annexation Update
Charlie Challstrom reported that the Harrison’s requested only two (2) changes in the proposed annexation agreement. They want the option of keeping the existing garage and they want assurances that the Planning Commission will not drag their feet on the approval of the plat of subdivision.
David Stopak moved to introduce Ordinance No. 2007-02, a zoning text amendment creating an RR-4 cluster zone in the Town. Georgette Cole seconded the motion. Vote: 6-0.
Kathie Evans moved to introduce Ordinance No. 2007-03, an ordinance authorizing the annexation of the Harrison property. Linda Baim seconded the motion. Vote: 6-0.
Betsy Klinger moved to introduce Ordinance No. 2007-04, an ordinance that establishes the zoning of the Harrison property. Vote: 6-0.
Mayor’s Announcements
Legacy Open Space Field Condemnation Update – Mayor Compton reported that M-NCPPC is opposing the condemnation because the LOS dedication is part of a preliminary plan and the Town can’t intervene in that process. The Mayor also reported that the hearing on the motion to summary judgment will be on April 24th. There was a lengthy discussion about legal strategies, appeals court, deed language, and precedent setting decisions. Mayor Compton asked for Council authorization to allow Bill Roberts to negotiate a land swap which would include the following:
- Declaration of covenants to be finalized after final approval of Phase 1 site plan.
- Town will not dismiss the pending litigation.
- Motion to summary judgment will not be postponed or cancelled.
Kathie Evans moved, Betsy Klinger seconded. Vote: 6-0.
Kathie Evans moved to recess and reconvene on April 23, 2007. Georgette Cole seconded the motion.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:53 p.m.