12 January 2004 | Approved: 9 February 2004
Mayor John Compton called the meeting to order at 7:38 p.m. In attendance were Councilors Darrell Anderson, Betsy Klinger, Tom Land, Peggy Odick, David Stopak, and John Tomlin. Town residents Charlie Challstrom, David Neumann, Jamie Holtzclaw, Satoshi Amagai, and Bud O’Connor also were present, as was Treasurer Mary Challstrom.
Approval of Minutes
Darrell Anderson moved, Betsy Klinger seconded, that the Town Council minutes of December 8, 2003 be approved. Vote: 6-0.
Treasurer’s Report
John Tomlin moved, Peggy Odick seconded, that the Treasurer’s report for December be accepted. Vote: 6-0.
Council Reports
Planning Commission
Darrell Anderson reported on the following:
- Annexation on Oakmont Street – George Young (8611 Oakmont St.) approached The Planning Commission with a request for annexation of his property. The property in question is across the railroad tracks adjacent to Hershey’s Restaurant. The Planning Commission decided that there was no compelling reason to consider the request right now. A discussion about this decision ensued. Mayor Compton believes that it would be in the Town’s best interest to talk to Mr. Young and, perhaps, encourage him to talk to his neighbors in order to determine their interest as well. More discussion about the historical significance of annexing this property took place. Mayor Compton will discuss this further with John McClelland, Planning Commission Chair.
- Town Ordinance Revisions – The Planning Commission finished its review of the Town Ordinances and Darrell Anderson will present the proposed changes.
Public Safety
Betsy Klinger reported that all is quiet on the Neighborhood Watch front. The surveys concerning special needs will go out soon. It seems that the 911 Emergency Service has a major disconnect between the dispatcher and the emergency vehicles. Chris Kirtz and Mary Challstrom have volunteered to work on directions to every house. Recreation – Betsy Klinger reported that no one has stepped forward to organize the Summer In The Parks program for this year. She asked that the Clerk put a last call for help in the January Town Bulletin. Mary Kay Dubois and Missy Yachup will co-chair the Recreation Committee after Kathi Carey-Fletcher steps down in June.
Contracts
Tom Land reported that there have been no complaints about our trash and recycling service for two weeks. He was hopeful about the trend.
Historic Preservation Commission
Peggy Odick reported that the Commission has adopted by-laws and four sections of rules and procedures. She then deferred to David Neumann, a member of the HPC. Mr. Neumann reported that the HPC hasn’t had time to comment on the up-coming Town Ordinance revisions and they would like to do so. He also stated that a new commissioner needed to be appointed to take the place of Clare Cavicchi.
Maintenance
David Stopak reported the new speed limit signs are up, the Miller Drive barrier has been erected, the water that accumulated on Ridge Road at the 90 degree turn (211 Ridge Road) was successfully pumped into the woods and that the tree work was finished. The Mayor and Council discussed the method used to pump the water. They decided that renting the pump was the most economical way to take care of the problem until the corner can be rebuilt in the spring. They also discussed Jim Fletcher’s winter project list.
Recreation Facilities
David Stopak reported that the new piece of playground equipment has been ordered. The next thing to do is call for volunteers to help with the site preparation.
Roads and Walkways
John Tomlin reported that bid packages for road repairs have been sent. A call to the bidders asking their intent should be done before the next Town Council meeting. A discussion ensued about the WSSC water line replacement project. Mayor Compton will prepare a letter to the affected residents.
Ordinance Revisions
Darrell Anderson & Bud O’Connor addressed the Mayor and Council about the revisions. They defined and explained the changes. A discussion ensued concerning open porches and the floor area ratio ideas. Town Attorney Bill Roberts will provide suggestions for our Ordinances as they apply to places of religious worship and auxiliary uses.
ICC Meeting Agenda
The Mayor and Council agreed that, because of publicity, the ICC meeting with the State Highway Administration should happen as soon as possible. The Clerk will try to schedule the meeting during the last week of January.
Mayor’s Announcements
- Nagem Property Update – Bill Roberts, Town Attorney is seeking an injunction against Mr. Nagem for the operation of a wood business on his property and is pursuing criminal charges for moving the fence located on Town property.
- Casey Field Update – Ridge Road residents received the newest plan for the development known as Casey Field at Mill Creek Crossing. Mayor Compton reviewed the new plan stating that there are still environmental issues with the houses near I-370 and storm water management issues concerning adherence to the new SWM regulations instead of the old regulations. Mr. Totah must still submit a SWM plan.
- Other issues still include objections to the density of the development, overall impact on the Town, the view from the Town, and the need for a more viable buffer. Mayor Compton will send a letter outlining our objections.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:16 p.m.