10 December 2001 | Approved: 14 January 2001
Mayor John Compton called the meeting to order at 9:29 p.m. In attendance were Councilors Darrell Anderson, Dave Gumula, Nick Suzich, and Dodie Tippens. Town residents Bob Booher and Shelley Winkler also were present.
Approval of Minutes
Dave Gumula moved, Darrell Anderson seconded, that the Town Council minutes of November 12, 2001 be approved. Vote: 4-0.
Treasurer’s Report
Darrell Anderson moved, Dodie Tippens seconded, that the Treasurer’s report for November be accepted. Vote: 4-0. Dave Gumula moved, Darrell Anderson seconded, that the Treasurer be authorized to transfer funds, if necessary, to pay bills in December. Vote: 4-0.
Mayor’s Announcements
Mayor Compton announced that Chris Kirtz would be a non-voting designate member on the Historic Preservation Commission until he meets the residency requirements of a member.
Casey Fields/KSI Development Issues/Status Report
Mayor Compton reported that the Town has engaged the services of a community land planner, a traffic consultant, and a historic preservation consultant in connection with Casey Property at Mill Creek (Oxbridge) and Shady Grove Village (KSI) development projects. At a Development Review Committee meeting on the revised Oxbridge plan, the Town continued to stress the importance of reviewing the entire tract as a whole. A public hearing on the Special Exception petition filed by KSI Services is scheduled before the Hearing Examiner on February 4 and 5, 2002. Prior to the public hearing, Park and Planning staff will issue a report to the Planning Board and the Board will make a recommendation on the petition for a Special Exception at their meeting on January 24.
Special Town Meeting Date Set
Mayor Compton said that a Special Town Meeting should be held in early January to get feedback from Town residents on the use and funding of expert services to defend the Town’s interests with regard to the 904-unit residential plan proposed by KSI Services. The Council scheduled a Special Town Meeting for Saturday, January 5 at 1 p.m.
Audit Report
Nick Suzich moved, Dodie Tippens seconded, acceptance of the Audit Report for the year ending June 30, 2001, prepared by Lindsey & Salita. Vote: 4-0.
Resolution Directing Historic Preservation Commission to Undertake Comprehensive Review of Code of Ordinances
Darrell Anderson moved, Nick Suzich seconded, adoption of Resolution No. 2000-06 directing the Historic Preservation Commission to undertake a comprehensive review of the Town code. Vote: 4-0.
Proposal by Snider & Associates to Survey and Plat Block 17 "Washington Grove"
Nick Suzich moved, Dodie Tippens seconded, acceptance of the proposal submitted by Snider & Associates to survey and plat Block 17. Mary Challstrom reported that Town Attorney Bill Roberts had reviewed and approved the proposal’s scope of services. Vote: 4-0.
Ordinance to Change Composition of Planning Commission from Seven Members to Five Members Plus an Alternate
Action on Ordinance No. 2001-03 was deferred until a later date.
House Address Numbers Sign Project
Mayor Compton showed the house address number signs crafted by Jim Fletcher. A decision on how to administer this project was deferred.
Council Reports
Recreation Facilities
Nick Suzich announced that Amy Porter has agreed to chair the Playground Committee.
Town Hall Improvements
Mary Challstrom reported that the McCathran Hall floor will be refinished beginning February 4 and refinishing is expected to take five days. Use of the main hall will not be permitted in February while the floor cures.
Roads and Walkways
Dave Gumula presented a report evaluating and recommending sign and lighting improvements at the following locations:
- Maple Avenue between Brown Street and Railroad Street – recommended adding signs to identify Maple Avenue at Brown Street and Railroad Street; recommended adding street light to pole at Railroad Street and Maple Avenue to illuminate Maple Avenue
- Washington Grove Lane entrance to Maple Lake Road – recommended installing street light to illuminate crosswalk and entrance to Maple Lake
- Entrance to McCathran Hall – recommended removal of PEPCO pole and street light as redundant and unsightly
- The Town Council approved adding signs to identify Maple Avenue at Brown Street and Railroad Street. They also approved adding a street light to illuminate Maple Avenue between Railroad and Brown facing away from the Thomas Brown residence at 16 Maple Avenue. Reuse of the streetlight fixture at McCathran Hall will be explored.
Planning Commission
Darrell Anderson reported the following:
- Revision of the Master Plan continues and will include statements on the Cator property and Roberts Oxygen.
- Darrell Anderson will represent the Town in upcoming meetings with Montgomery County to discuss possible Oakmont Avenue improvements and realignment of the humpback bridge.
- Commission reiterated support for Ordinance 2001-03 to change the composition of the Planning Commission from seven members to five members plus an alternate.
- A building permit was approved for the Kirtz/Shoemaker house at 102 Center Street.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:45 p.m.