11 February 2008 | Approved: 10 March 2008
Mayor Compton called the regular meeting of the Town Council to order at 7:37 p.m.
In attendance were Councilors Darrell Anderson, Charlie Challstrom, Georgette Cole, Kathie Evans, and David Stopak. Also present were Treasurer Mary Challstrom, Maintenance Supervisor Jim Fletcher, Pastor Judy Young, and Town residents David Neumann and Bruce Rothrock.
Public Appearances
Pastor Judy Young announced the Leap Day Silent Auction on February 29, 2008 at 7:30 PM and the Environment Ethics meeting on March 14, 2008 at 7:30 PM. Judy also presented a resolution to the Mayor and Town Council asking for their support of the Alliance for Global Warming Solutions by signing a resolution and by joining the group. Discussion…. The Mayor asked Judy for additional information. The Mayor and Council will review the additional information during the next two (2) weeks and this will be an agenda item for the February 25, 2008 meeting.
Approval of Minutes
David Stopak moved, Georgette Cole seconded that the Town Council minutes of January 14, 2008 be approved. Vote: 5-0.
Charlie Challstrom moved, Darrell Anderson seconded that the Town Council minutes of January 28, 2008 be approved. Vote: 5-0.
Maintenance Report
In addition to his written report, Jim Fletcher stated that there was very little damage from the recent high wind storm. There was a brief discussion.
Treasurer’s Report
Georgette Cole moved, Charlie Challstrom seconded that the Treasurer’s report for January 2008 be accepted. Treasurer Mary Challstrom encouraged the Mayor and Council to share information about budget needs as soon as possible for planning purposes. Vote: 5-0.
Discussion and action on Resolution 2008-01; Adoption of Survey of Block 10 Boundary and Johnson Alley Right Of Way
David Stopak moved, Georgette Cole seconded the motion to introduce Resolution 2008-01. Darrell Anderson asked what problems may arise from accepting this survey. Charlie Challstrom explained the problem of a shift in the boundaries of block 10 due to a previous error. A discussion ensued. David Neumann would like to see a memo from the surveyor explaining the error and complications of Block 10. He would like to see the memo attached to the Block 10 survey. The Mayor proposed that the Council consider adoption of the block 10 survey and the Johnson Alley right of way at the next meeting.
Lower Ridge Road Survey Proposal – Discussion
The discussion started with an explanation that the Town property along lower Ridge Road was marked but not surveyed at the time of annexation. Charlie Challstrom believes that because the new homes on lower Ridge Road have good, visible property markers, a group of volunteers could measure from those points and put wooden stakes in the ground with some confidence in their accuracy. There was a discussion about grading, contacting Montgomery County to request that the Town be shown visible markers, and asking Toll Brothers if a survey had been completed yet.
Code Inspector Procedures – Discussion
It was reported that John McClelland was working on the procedures for the Code Inspector Larry Plummer but was having difficulty contacting him. Discussion… Mayor Compton said that he would send an e-mail to John McClelland asking for a status report.
Public Information Policy – Introduction
Kathie Evans summed up the proposed draft Public Information Policy. There was a discussion about how to handle requests that were vague. It was decided that further work had to be done with regard to putting an appropriate dollar amount to volunteer time and the issue of releasing pre-approved records without filling out a form. This item will be placed on the agenda for the next meeting.
Mayor’s Announcements
- Piedmont Crossing – nothing new.
- LOS Condemnation – Mayor Compton reported that Attorney Bil Chen filed a response to a motion for reconsideration filed by M-NCPPC.
- 103 Brown Street – Mayor Compton is going to write a letter laying out the options for fixing the violations at this property. The Mayor stated that the issues at hand were that a change of plans was not filed with the Town and that the home doesn’t appear to meet the requirements set forth in the Board of Zoning Appeals hearing.
- 107 Pine Avenue – Mayor Compton reported that proactive measures, via a letter, had been taken with regard to the illegal second dwelling on this property. The next step is to use the code inspector.
- Hanagan Agreement – Mayor Compton reported that he will review and resolve the issues with this agreement.
New Business
Charlie Challstrom brought up the fact that any changes in the turning restrictions at the intersection of McCauley Street and Washington Grove Lane had to be done by ordinance. He also indicated that the same method must be used, retroactively, for the recent changes in stops at Ridge Road & Brown Street and at Grove Road & Dorsey Street. Charlie volunteered to work on the stop sign ordinance.
Georgette Cole reported that she did additional research into other gypsy moth spraying vendors and methods of payment. The new bid is $6,500.00 more than the bid from Helicopter Applicator’s Inc. The Town will accept the H.A.I. contract.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:46 p.m.