Town Council Meeting Minutes December 2002

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9 December 2002 | Approved: 13 January 2003

Mayor John Compton called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m. In attendance were Councilors Darrell Anderson, Betsy Klinger, David Stopak, Nick Suzich, and John Tomlin. Councilor Peggy Odick arrived in short order. Town residents Charlie Challstrom and Mike Voigt also were present.

Approval of Minutes

Darrell Anderson moved, Nick Suzich seconded, that the Town Council minutes of November 11, 2002 be approved. Vote: 5-0.

Treasurer’s Report

Darrell Anderson moved, John Tomlin seconded, that the Treasurer’s report for November be accepted. Vote: 6-0. Nick Suzich moved, Peggy Odick seconded, that the Treasurer be authorized to transfer funds, if necessary, to pay bills in December. Vote: 6-0.

Casey Field Update

The latest Casey Property at Mill Creek proposal has gone before the Development Review Committee who issued three major comments.

1. Construction of a majority of the dwelling units will be contingent on completing the connection of Amity Drive to Crabb’s Branch Way
2. Though approved in concept, siting for the major connected roadway must be reviewed by the Wetlands Committee
3. Storm water management plans must comply with newly adopted standard

David Stopak stressed that the Town should investigate annexing the open portion of Casey Field. He proposed that the open field would be owned by Montgomery County but maintained by the Town under an agreement with the County.

The Council discussed a proposal to hold eight acres of Casey property in reserve for a County elementary school. The Council agreed to send a letter from the Town to Kay Guinane supporting the need for schools.

McCathran Hall Event Parking

Overflow parking from events at McCathran Hall have made parking difficult for residents at 301 First Avenue and 215 Grove Avenue. Jim Fletcher will be asked to design signs to prohibit parking between Grove Avenue and Grove Road by those who don’t live there.

Shady Grove Master Plan

David Stopak asserted that the Town should take a position on development of the Shady Grove Metro Area. A number of Town residents have attended County charrettes held to gain input from citizens for preparation of an updated Shady Grove Sector Master Plan. Mayor Compton said that it was too early in the process for the Town to state a position. It was decided that interested Townspeople should be solicited to work together to develop a Town a position from among the final options. The Town Council would use this committee’s work to form a position in the coming months.

Deer Park Bridge

Ned Helme is attending the Gaithersburg Town Council meeting where discussion is underway about the Deer Park Bridge. It was suggested that County Deputy Director of Transportation Policy Edgar Gonzalez be invited to address the Town, possibly at the January public safety meeting.

Nagem Property, 104 Maple Road

(Firewood Business/Cherry Avenue Access) Mayor Compton reported that the ordinance prohibiting vehicular access on Cherry Avenue will be used pending review by Town Attorney Bill Roberts. Scott and Brenda Nagem are aware of this ordinance and Mr. Roberts will seek their cooperation to comply with the law. Any further action in this matter will be deferred to the next Town Council meeting.

Annexation of Railroad Park

Charlie Challstrom provided background information on Railroad Park which is located across Railroad Street from the Town’s Commercial Corner. Although Town-owned, Railroad Park is not within the Town’s corporate limits and is therefore subject to County zoning (currently I-1 industrial). In order to bring more complete Town control of this area, it is proposed that the Town annex the landscaped area of Railroad Park (about 2,295 square feet) which was improved in 1998-99 to memorialize the role of the B & O Railroad in the social and economic history of the Town.

• Darrell Anderson moved, Betsy Klinger seconded, adoption of Resolution No. 2002-05 expressing the Town’s consent to annex Railroad Park. Vote: 6-0.
• Darrell Anderson moved, Peggy Odick seconded, introduction of Resolution No. 2002-06 authorizing the annexation of the parcel known as "Railroad Park", containing 2,295 square feet, more or less, together with the Railroad Street right-of-way adjoining this parcel. Vote: 6-0.
• David Stopak moved, Peggy Odick seconded, introduction of Ordinance No. 2002-07 which proposes to classify Railroad Park as being within the Town’s Forest-Recreation (FR) Zone. Vote: 6-0.

The Town Council scheduled a public hearing on Annexation Resolution No. 2002-06 and Ordinance No. 2002-07 for Monday, February 10, 2003.

Speed Limit Assessment Study for Grove Streets

Mayor Compton reported that traffic consultant Joe Cutro will charge $1,150 to perform a speed limit study. The study will include using equipment to measure speed and vehicle counts. The Council approved the fee.

Sale of Surplus Parcel to Carolyn Luxford

Mayor Compton reported that the Town Council adopted an ordinance in 1987 approving the Town sale of Lot 7, Block 4, to adjacent property owners Carolyn Luxford and Warren Richardson. Mr. Richardson completed the deed and purchase of 1,050 square feet at 10 cents per square foot, which was the assessed value in 1987. Ms. Luxford would now like to complete the deed and purchase of 6,450 square feet at 10 cents per square foot as provided for in the 1987 ordinance. Mayor Compton questioned whether the Town Council would agree to this sale after 15 years, and/or whether the 1987 assessed value of 10 cents per square foot is a fair price in 2002. The Council agreed to table the matter until the next meeting when Ms. Luxford will be given the opportunity to be present.

Renewal of Contract with Town Forester

Betsy Klinger moved, Peggy Odick seconded, that the Town renew its contract with Forester Daniel Landry. Vote: 6-0.

Approval of Audit Report

Nick Suzich moved, John Tomlin seconded, that the Audit Report prepared by Lindsey & Salita for the year ended June 30, 2002, be accepted. Vote: 6-0.

Planning Commission

Darrell reported on the following:

• Subdivision Inquiry for Lot 6, Washington Grove Hills – Interest has been expressed in subdividing the lot at 346 Ridge Road into two parcels.
• WSSC Property Update – All four lots along Ridge Road have been sold. Errors have been found on the subdivision plat entitled "Washington Grove Park". This plat, which already has been filed in County Land Records, will be corrected and refiled. The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission has agreed to the builder’s request to run the sewer line along the rear of the property.
• Building Permits – John and Amy Porter, 302 Chestnut Avenue, have been granted a permit for a house addition. Ed Mroczka, 107 Grove Avenue, has applied for a permit to build a new chimney. This application has been sent to the Historic Preservation Commission for review.
• Revisions to Code of Ordinances – An ordinance proposing a series of revisions to the Town’s Code of Ordinances will likely be introduced in January.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:15 p.m.