9 April 2012 | Approved: 21 May 2012
Mayor Cole called the regular meeting of the Town Council to order at 7:33 p.m. In attendance were Councilors Joe Clark, Audrey Maskery, Joli McCathran, Alice Negin and Bill Robertson. Also present were Treasurer Mary Challstrom, Planning Commission Chairman Charlie Challstrom and residents Ann Briggs, Jenny Long, Joan Mahaffey, George Paine, David Young and Pastor Judy Young. Sylvie Favret arrived at 8:10 p.m.
Approval of Agenda
Joe Clark moved, Audrey Maskery seconded that the agenda be approved. Vote: 5-0.
Public Appearances
Judy Young announced that the WGUMC’s Spring Festival will be on April 14th. Grove Relief will be doing another Rebuilding Together project in Germantown on May 19th. She encouraged everyone to participate in both events.
Joan Mahaffey expressed her gratitude to Town Maintenance for picking up her leaves. She had missed the deadline for pickup by our leaf contractor. She also expressed her complete dissatisfaction with the new streetlight bulbs calling them “an invasion”. She went on to say that they are simply too bright and asked the Mayor and Council to read her letter. A discussion ensued.
Jenny Long asked if there would be a candidate’s forum. Mayor Cole explained that these forums usually only happen when there is a contested election. This year the election is not contested.
Approval of Minutes
Alice Negin moved, Bill Robertson seconded that the Town Council minutes for March 12, 2012 be approved. Vote: 5-0, as amended.
Joe Clark moved, Audrey Maskery seconded that the Town Council minutes for March 26, 2012 be approved. Vote: 5-0.
Treasurer’s Report
- Joe Clark moved, Alice Negin seconded that the Treasurer’s Report for March 2012 be accepted. The Treasurer fielded a few questions. Vote: 5-0.
- Alice Negin moved to transfer $20K from savings to checking in order to pay bills. Joe Clark seconded the motion. Vote: 5-0.
- Treasurers Report 2012-04 pdf
Approval of Recommended Budget
Joli McCathran moved, Audrey Maskery seconded that the recommended budget for FY 2013 be approved. A brief discussion ensued. Vote: 6-0.
Mayor Cole reminded Council members that the deadline for the May Bulletin was hard and fast because of a Charter requirement stating that each household must receive a copy of the budget summary two (2) weeks before the Annual Town Meeting. The Bulletin must be out on the 28th of April.
Resolution 2012-02
Town Position on the Towne Crest Redevelopment Proposal: Joe Clark moved to introduce Resolution 2012-02. Alice Negin seconded the motion. Mayor Cole explained that the resolution was necessary in order to publicly document the Town’s position concerning the redevelopment proposal as first presented. She explained that results of a meeting last week with representatives and attorneys from both sides indicate that changes to the proposed plan will be forthcoming. The hearing has been postponed until September 7, 2012. Vote: 6-0.
Bill Robertson moved to adopt Resolution 2012-02. Joe Clark seconded the motion. Vote: 6-0.
Illegally Parked Cars – Discussion
The Mayor and Council discussed cars that are being parked in a manner that impedes traffic in a two (2) locations; Maple Road and Chestnut Road. In both cases, neighbors talked to neighbors and the parking issues seem to have gotten better. The Mayor and Council also discussed boats parked on Town property, vehicles (registered and unregistered) parking on Town property and vehicles blocking fire lanes. There are a few trouble spots; Chestnut Road, Maple Road, Hickory Road and Daylily Lane. The most blatant violations seem to occur on Daylily Lane. Mayor Cole asked the Council to come up with some ways to help residents with the parking problems that exist in Town. It was suggested that a No Parking Sign be installed in front of 7 Daylily Lane in order to keep this area open for people to turn around. It was moved and seconded that a No Parking Sign be installed on Daylily Lane. Vote: 6-0.
Woodward Park Use
Joli McCathran reported that she met with new community liaison Officer Zimmerman. They discussed enforcement, a document known as “Agent of the Property”, towing cars and use of the non-emergency police service. Officer Zimmerman said that he would make his officers aware of our enforcement situation. It was noted that the signs at Woodward Park needed to be updated. David Young volunteered to help with a Spanish translation. There is still no Field Coordinator and no permits for organized play of any kind have been issued.
Council Reports
- Sylvie Favret moved, Alice Negin seconded that the Council Reports for March 2012 be approved for posting on the Town website. Vote: 6-0.
- Town Council Reports – April 2012 pdf
Audrey Maskery showed a picture of the plaque that was purchased in memory of Mary Kay DuBois. It will be mounted on a bench at Clapperton Courts.
Mayor’s Announcements
Deer Park Bridge Update – Mayor Cole reported that there was nothing new about this item. A response from CSX is expected around April 23rd.
Removal of Lights/Empty Poles – Mayor Cole brought to the Council’s attention the pole with a streetlight that is located just outside the doors of McCathran Hall. It has been suggested that the pole and light be removed. A discussion about lighting ensued. The Council does not want to remove or add lights without adequate public input, but wanted to take advantage of a Pepco contractor being available in the near term. A conditional vote on the two poles in question was devised pending further investigation. Joe Clark moved to approve the removal of the pole and light outside McCathran Hall upon the receipt of a unanimous approval from the neighbors (Styles, Greenberg, Richters, Stolz) and the removal of the pole and light on Cherry Ave. upon the receipt of a unanimous approval of the neighbors (Hildebrand, Chapman, Leng, Grissmer). Alice Negin seconded the motion. Vote: 6-0.
Bill Robertson moved to approve the removal of an empty pole on 1st Ave. across from 305 and one on Chestnut Rd. across from the Town Office. Audrey Maskery seconded the motion.
Vote: 6-0.
Additions to lighting in Town will be deferred until the May meeting. Bill Robertson asked for full shields on all of the lights surrounding Woodward Park.
New Business
- Charlie Challstrom brought up the block corner survey project. He stated that the Planning Commission recommends that Block 3 be the next priority. The reason behind this was the Towne Crest redevelopment project. The cost for this survey will be $2,500.
- Mayor Cole announced that the search for a new Town attorney will begin with a Request for an Expression of Interest perhaps going to the MML website.
- Mayor Cole also requested that folks drop the use of the name “LOS Field” and start using the name “Washington Grove Meadow” or simply “The Meadow”.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:10 p.m.