9 August 1999 | Approved: 13 September 1999
The meeting was called to order at 7:41 p.m. by Mayor Pro Tempore Paris Pacchione. In attendance were Councilors Dave Gumula, Nick Suzich, Dodie Tippens, Carol Uhlendorf and Allen Winter. Town residents Charlie Challstrom and Ed Roberts also were present.
Pursuant to Article Section 10-508(a)8., State Government Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, at 7:42 p.m. in the McCathran Hall Council Room, the Town Council voted to meet in closed session to consult with staff about pending litigation. The closed session ended at 8:05 p.m. The regular meeting was reopened at 8:06 p.m.
Approval of Minutes
Carol Uhlendorf moved, Nick Suzich seconded, that the Town Council minutes of July 12, 1999 be approved. Vote: 5-0.
Treasurer’s Report
Carol Uhlendorf moved, Allen Winter seconded, acceptance of the Treasurer’s report. Vote: 5-0. Dave Gumula moved, Carol Uhlendorf seconded, that the Treasurer be authorized to transfer funds, if necessary, to pay bills in August. Vote: 5-0.
Mayor’s Announcements
Paris Pacchione relayed the following announcements from Mayor Compton:
- Paris and Diane Pacchione attended First AME Church’s anniversary dinner and presented the church with a copy of the history of the Washington Grove Camp Meeting Association
- sent letter of congratulations to new police chief Charles Moose expressing interest in proposed new police district
- encouraged Council to attend September 7 Planning Commission meeting to listen to comments on draft Tree Preservation Ordinance; copies of Somerset and Gaithersburg tree ordinances available at Town Office
- Recreation building to be named for Ann Briggs on Field Day
- Planning Commission urgently needs Secretary to take minutes
- encouraged formation of Neighborhood Improvement Teams to suggest ways of enhancing landscaping in their area of Town
Appointments
Allen Winter moved, Carol Uhlendorf seconded,
to confirm the following:
- reappointment of Irene Carrato to the Planning Commission
- reappointment of Marc Hansen to the Board of Zoning Appeals
- appointment of Charlie Hawk to local Fire Board
Vote: 5-0.
Public Record Held Open in Pammel Annexation
At the request of Montgomery County Planning Board staff, Allen Winter moved, Nick Suzich seconded, that the public record on the Pammel annexation be held open for Planning Board comment at their meeting on September 9. Vote: 5-0.
"Accessory Building" Definition
Nick Suzich moved, Dorothy Tippens seconded, enactment of Ordinance No. 99-06 amending the Washington Grove Code of Ordinances, Article VII – Zoning, Section 4.2 Definitions, Accessory Building. The purpose of the ordinance is to clarify the definition of an accessory building and its relationship to a main building by deleting the words “a common wall or”. Vote: Gumula-Y, Suzich-Y, Tippens-Y, Uhlendorf-Y, Winter-Y.
Council Reports
Planning Commission
Allen Winter reported the following:
- draft tree preservation ordinance to be in August Bulletin for study prior to public comment at September 7 Planning Commission meeting
- new resident would like to operate small adult day care facility (3 or 4 adults) in Washington Grove. Legality under current Town ordinances will be studied and any proposed ordinance changes will be presented to Commission
Public Safety
Allen Winter set up a meeting with Ed Roberts to discuss emergency access in Town and specifically access to 6 Circle as well as other safety issues. A work session to include “Roads” and “Maintenance” Councilors will be set up in the future to discuss street sign improvements and emergency access.
Forestry
Carol Uhlendorf reported that she needs help watering Railroad Park trees, especially now that mandatory water restrictions call for watering only with a handheld hose. The Forestry Committee will meet on September 8 to plan the tree planting program and to begin the tree inventory.
Intergovernmental
Carol Uhlendorf reported that she will contact the office of the Montgomery County State’s Attorney to ask about the new Community Prosecution program. She also described activities being planned for Montgomery County’s observance of Celebration 2000.
Recreation Events
Dodie Tippens noted that Mousetrap Concert tickets will go on sale soon and that tickets to the New Year’s Eve celebration in McCathran Hall will go on sale in September.
Lake
Dodie Tippens reported that damage to the lake telephone and well pump was likely caused by an electrical storm. The phone line had to be repaired and phone replaced. The well pump, timer and relay are being looked at for repair. Nick Suzich moved, Dave Gumula seconded, that repairs to the well pump be authorized so that the lake water may be restored to the level of early summer, and that the diving board be removed until the water level rises sufficiently. Vote: 5-0. Dodie reported that the lake water will be tested as soon as possible and that dredging the diving well and more effective methods for cutting down on fence repairs are being discussed.
Maintenance
Paris Pacchione reported that the Town will be contracting for the removal of several large dead trees. A new electrical panel has been installed in the Maintenance Shop. The process for reporting street lights out will be included in the next Bulletin.
Other Business
Ed Roberts offered to supply a list of water saving techniques for the Bulletin. It was suggested that the Mayor and Council members have mail boxes at the Town office.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 p.m.