11 April 2011 | Approved: 9 May 2011
Mayor Anderson called the regular meeting of the Town Council to order at 7:30 p.m. In attendance were Councilors Joe Clark, Georgette Cole, Joli McCathran and Bill Robertson. Also present were residents Eric Gleason, Bruce Rothrock, David Stopak and Maintenance Supervisor Steve Werts.
Approval of Agenda
Georgette Cole moved to approve the agenda. Bill Robertson seconded the motion. Because a majority of the Council was not present, Mayor Anderson moved item 7 (Ordinance 2011-01: Zoning Text Amendment to Amend Article VII, Sections 3 and 4) to the next Council meeting. He put McCathran Hall Rental Policy as new item 7. Vote: 4-0.
Public Appearances
David Stopak came to ask for pre-emptive help with a problem that he is afraid may happen at his daughter’s Bat Mitzvah in October. He acknowledges the work that the Council and others have done to tighten up the rules at McCathran Hall but disruptions from a particular resident continue to cause problems for private rentals. He wants to be sure that his daughter’s special event will not be ruined by a visit from this resident or, worse yet, the police. David went on to say that no one knows what to do, short of a legal battle that will cost money. Many Mayors have tried and he is still holding the entire Town hostage. He asked how long that people have to put up with this behavior. A discussion ensued.
Approval of Minutes
Georgette Cole moved, Bill Robertson seconded that the Town Council minutes for March 14, 2011 be approved. Joli McCathran asked to change the word “dirt” to “soil” in the Council Reports. Further clarification of the zero-turn mower purchase under New Business was added. The minutes were approved as amended. Vote: 4-0.
Treasurer’s Report
Georgette Cole moved, Joe Clark seconded that the Treasurer’s Report for March be accepted. Vote: 4-0.
Georgette Cole moved, Joe Clark seconded the motion to transfer funds from savings to checking in order to pay bills. Vote: 4-0.
Bid Opening – Zero-Turn Mower
The sealed bids were opened and the results are as follows:
| Company | 52 inch | 60 inch |
|---|---|---|
| Gaithersburg Equipment Co.(TORO) | $5,390(27HP) | $6,618(24HP) |
| GL Cornell (HUTZLER) | No Bid No Bid No Bid |
Demo SuperZ $8,388(25HP) New SuperZ $9,997(31HP) New X-1 $7,999(26HP) |
| Lawn & Power (X-Mark) | $6,830(23HP) | $7,290(25HP) |
The Mayor and Council decided to eliminate the 52" mower from consideration. The discussion included comparison of specs, comparison of warranties, needs of the end users and safety. It was decided that more information was needed and the decision about this purchase will be postponed until the next meeting. The Mayor will obtain additional warranty information and the Clerk will put a spread sheet together that contains the mower specs.
McCathran Hall Rental Policy
There was a discussion about the wording concerning noise. Some changes were made. The Clerk will incorporate the changes to the existing document and send it back to the Council for review.
Mayor’s Appointments: The following appointments were brought forth by the Mayor:
Board of Supervisors of Elections (2 year terms): Mary Kay Du Bois, Betty Knight, Kristin Perry
Historic Preservation Commission (3 year term): Margot Bohan
Planning Commission (5 years): Peter Nagrod
Joli McCathran moved to approve all of the Mayor’s appointments as presented. Georgette Cole seconded the motion. Vote: 4-0.
Mayor’s Legacy Field Maintenance Committee
Mayor Anderson reported that the committee will have its first meeting on April 14th at 7:30 PM. This committee will be the eyes and ears for the LOS Field. He explained that the easement on the property is for natural open meadow use only. Mayor Anderson also stated that he thought this committee would exist for about one year. The issues to monitor are; Community Gardens, types of trails (hard or soft) and Maintenance. Park and Planning will hold a public hearing in the near future to explain their vision for this space. It was suggested that the committee and the Council be provided with copies of the Deed of Conservation Easement.
Mayor’s Announcements
- Budget Approval – After a discussion about the previous changes the potential increase in our State road fund money, Joe Clark moved to accept and recommend the Annual Budget for FY 2012. Georgette Cole seconded the motion. Vote: 4-0.
- Joe Clark moved to hold the tax rate at $0.221/$100 assessed valuation. Georgette Cole seconded the motion. Vote: 4-0.
- Deer Park Bridge Update: The Mayor stated that a Special Town Meeting needed to be scheduled to discuss how the Town would like to go forward in the future negotiations with CSX. The meeting was scheduled for May 3, 2011 at 7:30 PM.
- Resolution of Appreciation No. 2011-02 – Mayor Anderson presented the resolution. Georgette Cole moved to introduce Resolution No. 2011-02. Joli McCathran seconded the motion. A discussion ensued. The Council made some simple languages changes.
- Joe Clark moved to adopt Resolution No. 2011-02 as amended. Bill Robertson seconded the motion. Vote: 4-0. Copies and plaques will go to attorneys Bil Chen, Bill Roberts and the anonymous donor.
Council Reports
Bill Robertson moved to approve the Council Reports. Joe Clark seconded the motion. There was no discussion. Vote: 4-0.
New Business
There was no new business.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m.