12 April 2010 | Approved: 14 June 2010
Mayor Anderson called the regular meeting of the Town Council to order at 7:32 p.m. In attendance were Councilors Charlie Challstrom, Joe Clark, Georgette Cole, and Marida Hines. Also present were Treasurer Mary Challstrom and residents Kathie Evans, Mary Kay DuBois, Deborah Mehlferber, Paula Puglisi, Ed Roberts and Kitty Vogan.
Approval of the Agenda
Joe Clark moved, Georgette Cole seconded that the agenda for April 12, 2010 be approved. A request was made to modify the language in item #6 to read Adopt Recommended FY2011 Budget & Tax Rate. Vote: 4-0.
Public Appearances
Kathie Evans came to talk about drainage, specifically the ditch through Morgan Park. She stated that this area always has water in it, that she knows there is money in the budget to do something about the problem and wanted to know why nothing has been done.
-Deb Melhferber came to talk about the drainage, specifically the ditch through Woodward Park. She stated that because of neglect over the last 20 + years, a foot of silt has accumulated in the ditch and that the tributaries are silted as well. The area is always wet, nothing drains anymore and the trees are dying because of it. The ditches worked just fine 20 + years ago and she asked the Council to please spend the money that was in the budget to make them work again.
-Mary Kay DuBois added that she believes at least five (5) trees are dead or dying because the entire area from 111 Maple Ave. to the Town Garage is always wet. She also reported that WSSC had not yet fixed the drain pipe that they crushed in Feb/March and that is making the situation worse.
-Mayor Anderson stated that the Town needs to get the services of one who has professional experience with this type of problem.
There was further discussion which included; hiring an expert, use of sump pumps, on-going maintenance issue, neglect, mosquito dangers and broken drain pipes in the area.
-Joe Clark said that this was a maintenance responsibility and he would handle it. He also stated that this issue needed a short-term plan right now and then a long-term plan that included how to maintain the ditches.
-Ed Roberts stated that the depth of the gravel on 2nd Avenue and the fact that the McCathran’s have no gutters have caused drainage problems in that area. He went on the say the Ms. Seegal’s work hasn’t been an improvement either. He further discussed swales, drains and land swaps.
Approval of Minutes
Georgette Cole, Joe Clark seconded that the Town Council minutes for March 8, 2010 be approved. Vote: 4-0.
Georgette Cole moved, Joe Clark seconded that the Town Council minutes for March 22, 2010 be approved. Vote: 4-0.
Treasurer’s Report
After a brief discussion about how to identify the various maintenance items throughout the Town budget, it was suggested that an “m” could be placed next to items that include maintenance dollars. Joe Clark moved, Georgette Cole seconded that the Treasurer’s report for March 2010 be accepted. Vote: 4-0.
Charlie Challstrom moved, Georgette Cole seconded the motion to transfer funds in order to pay bills. Vote: 4-0.
Code Inspector’s Report – 103 Brown St. & 517 W.G. Lane
- 517 W.G. Lane – defer to next meeting.
- 103 Brown Street – The Mayor stated that enforcement on the violations at this property should occur upon receipt of a clear report from the Town Code Inspector and after a formal recommendation by the Planning Commission.
Adopt Recommended FY2011 Budget & Tax Rate
Joe Clark brought up the issue of a tax increase in order to make up for the recent cut in road funds from the State. Discussion…
Charlie Challstrom moved to recommend a tax increase of two (2) cents on the real property tax rate at the annual Town Meeting. Joe Clark seconded the motion. Vote: 4-0.
On behalf of the HPC, Charlie Challstrom asked for the restoration of a $5,000 place holder that was cut in an earlier work session. The Council recommended that the HPC try to find another source either in a revenue-neutral or non-matching grant.
-Charlie Challstrom moved to recommend the budget as re-worked and presented in draft #2. Georgette Cole seconded the motion. Joe Clark stated that the salary place holder for the maintenance position seemed very low. A discussion ensued. Vote: 3-1 (abstention/Clark).
Draft Ordinance No. 2010-04; Regarding Increase in Fees for Building Permits – Introduction
Joe Clark moved to introduce Ord. No. 2010-04. Georgette Cole seconded the motion. Vote: 4-0.
Maintenance Committee Updates
Joe Clark stated that the committee had met twice. He also said that the first two priorities for the re-vamped job description of the Maintenance Supervisor are Safety of residents and the maintenance of Town property. There was a discussion about contracting out the mowing of specific areas and long term landscaping plans. A meeting soliciting input from Town residents will occur on April 28, 2010 at 7:00PM.
Approval of Council Reports from March 2010 for Posting on the Website
Georgette Cole moved, Marida Hines seconded that the Council Reports from March 2010 be approved for posting on the Town website. Vote: 4-0.
Mayor’s Announcements
- Casey 6 & 7 Update – Mayor Anderson reported that comments concerning the mandatory referral to M-NCPPC are due on April 29, 2010.
- LOS Condemnation Update – nothing to report.
- Deer Park Bridge – Mayor Anderson reported that the State will do a study on the disruption of commuter traffic that could result from using the option of lowering the railroad tracks to accommodate the use of double-stacked trains. He also reported that CSX would like to meet with the Town about the results of the study and the cost of lowering the railroad tracks.
New Business
The Mayor and Town Council scheduled an executive session for 8:30 PM on April 26, 2010.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m.