10 December 2007 | Approved: 14 January 2007
Mayor Compton called the regular meeting of the Town Council to order at 7:35 p.m.
In attendance were Treasurer Mary Challstrom, Maintenance Supervisor Jim Fletcher, and Town residents Sheldon Bierman, Nancy Haskett, Meredith Horan, Betsy Klinger, Charlie Negin, David Neumann, and Judy Young.
Public Appearances
Meredith Horan urged the Mayor and Council not to lift or ease the restrictions that currently exist at the intersection of McCauley Street and Washington Grove Lane. She believes that lifting any of the restrictions at the intersection will increase cut-through traffic, and present a real safety hazard. She presented a written statement and a NY Times newspaper article for the record.
Charlie Negin also urged the Council not to ease or lift the restrictions at the aforementioned intersection. He stated that doing this would increase traffic, increase speeders, and is inconsistent with the recent traffic-calming efforts made at Grove Road and Dorsey Street. He went on to suggest that the Town close the intersection altogether and open one of the others (Oak & W.G. Lane or Center & W. G. Lane). In addition he stated that easing or lifting the restrictions is a bad idea and suggested that professional advice about the intersection may be in order.
David Neumann echoed Charlie’s concerns and added that the Town has been derelict in its duties to keep the brush cut back at the intersections along Railroad Street as well.
Charlie Negin asked why this came about.
Darrell Anderson explained that it was to relieve an unnecessary burden on those who live on that side of Town and because residents don’t want to continue to make the turns illegally.
A discussion about convenience ensued. There was also a discussion about the original proposal and any further obligations of the Council. It was decided that an item describing the status of the proposal would be put in the next Town Bulletin.
Judy Young came to talk about the Alternative International Gift Market at the WGUMC.
David Stopak complained about the lack of snow plowing after the most recent snow fall. Kathie Evans explained how these decisions are made and suggested that Council members call her when they have concerns about the decision. John Compton stated that not plowing after this recent snow fall was the correct decision; however, sanding/salting may have been a good idea. Kathie asked if the procedure could be put in the next Bulletin.
Approval of Minutes
Charlie Challstrom moved, Georgette Cole seconded that the Town Council minutes of November 12, 2007 be approved. Vote: 6-0.
Georgette Cole moved, Kathie Evans seconded that the Town Council minutes of November 26, 2007 be approved. Vote: 6-0. Georgette Cole mentioned that the City of Gaithersburg trash pickup seen in the November 26th minutes will happen. A pickup spot will be determined at a later date.
Maintenance Report
Jim Fletcher took a few questions about the report. Kathie Evans gave Jim “kudos” for his efforts in keeping the drainage ditch that runs through Woodward Park clear of leaves.
Treasurer’s Report
Kathie Evans moved, Georgette Cole seconded, that the Treasurer’s report for November 2007 be accepted. Vote: 6-0
Approval of Audit Report
Charlie Challstrom moved to approve the Audit Report for FY 2006-2007. David Stopak seconded the motion. Vote: 6-0.
Gypsy Moth Spraying
Georgette Cole presented a handout showing egg case counts for fall 2007 vs. fall 2006. There is a marked increase in the areas that were not sprayed this year. A discussion about the bid process, sole source bids, and the Town doing its own spraying next year ensued. This item will be on the agenda in January 2008.
Discussion of Health and Safety of Town Dwellings
Mayor Compton reviewed the reasons for this agenda item making reference to 104 Maple Road. Mayor Compton also mentioned a meeting with County Inspector Rob Dejter on December 3, 2007. Kathie Evans explained much of what was discussed at the meeting. David Neumann brought up the State and County rental registration requirements. There was a discussion about instituting a new requirement for the registration of rental properties in the Town. This action could provide potential renters with information about a house including previous complaints. There was a discussion about Town code, a building inspector, violations, and implementation of this new procedure. It was agreed that further thought and discussion about this is merited.
Mayor’s Announcements
- Piedmont Crossing – nothing new.
- LOS Condemnation – Mayor Compton reported that the deadline for motions in this case has past. The judge denied a motion by Toll Brothers and by M-NCPPC. The judge approved the Town’s motion. The condemnation will move forward now, with the understanding that M-NCPPC may appeal. Discussion…
New Business
David Neumann asked if the new Planning Commission secretary, when hired, might also be hired to take minutes at the HPC meeting.
Mayor Compton proposed the appointment of Missy Yachup as the alternate member of the Planning Commission.
Georgette Cole moved to confirm the appointment. Darrell Anderson seconded the motion. Vote: 5-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m.