TC REPORTS – February 2016

HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION – Georgette Cole

Archives: A conference call with Christian Skipper (MD State Archives) took place from 8:00-10:00 PM. The goal of this meeting was to gain additional information on questions regarding the Draft Records Management Plan and to establish an agenda in preparation of the joint TC/PC/HPC Work Session scheduled for Monday, January 25, 2016. Bob compiled a rough list of issues and questions that HPC members have regarding the use of the State Archives as the repository of the Town’s official records: Why transfer records What records are and are not appropriate to transfer How to transfer records Where and how are the records kept Who can do the work in preparing these records for the MSA When does this need to happen Bob sent the list to Mr. Skipper for his review prior to the January HPC meeting. This enabled Mr. Skipper to have time to prepare and comment on the issues set forth for discussion during the conference call. Members of the Computer Consulting Team, along with our Town Archivist, were also on hand to provide further information. At the work session on Monday, January 25th, arrangements will be made for a teleconference with Mr. Skipper, who will not be able to attend in person. An agenda for the joint meeting was discussed, as well. Topics for general discussion will include: Review history and background of the project – foundation of law Purpose of the Records Management Plan Simplify the list of issues prepared by the HPC to use as an agenda for the joint work session – all pertinent materials will be included in the group packet

WASHINGTON GROVE MEADOW CONSERVATION PARK – Georgette Cole

Nothing to report

SHADY GROVE CROSSING – Georgette Cole

Nothing to report.

MAPLE LAKE – Alison Faupel

Nothing to report

PLAYGROUNDS – Alison Faupel

Nothing to report

SAFETY – Alison Faupel

Nothing to report

FORESTRY & BEAUTIFICATION – Audrey Maskery

Forestry and Beautification: Pine tree fell on house at 317 Brown Street, no damage to house. The tree was removed by W Musser (tree contractor) plus adjacent pine that appeared to be in danger of falling due to root heave and water saturated ground. The next meeting of F&B will be at 7:30 pm on Wednesday, February 17 in the Council room. Woods Group: The January 4th meeting identified priority action items in Parkton Woodland Services Forest Stewardship Plan. Short term:

1. West Woods cleanup is scheduled for March 12, with a rain date of March 13 or 19.
2. Blow down areas in West/East woods require attention. Steve Werts has suggested cutting up and chipping up fallen trees for accelerated decomposition on forest floor. He will prepare a cost estimate for the work. General agreement that public safety should be addressed and decisions made on ‘case-by-case’ basis on dead trees, including removing upper portions leaving lower trunks in place for wildlife habitat.
3. Signage: Charlie reported on types of boundary markers available for our unmarked town lands. Boundary markers along non-fenced boundaries must be installed by a professional surveyor. Charlie will investigate costs. Additional signage noting property use restrictions with appropriate language will be added at a later date.

Longer term: Invasive control: (East/West Woods) to begin in the spring 2016 in accordance with the Forestry Report. Some work to be contracted out, other work may be accomplished by Town efforts such as digging out Japanese barberry and removing MAM (mile-a-minute) and stilt grass identified during its growing season. Wisteria removal will require contractor. Contracted work exceeding $5,000 requires a sealed bid process.

1. Develop ‘ball park’ cost estimates for contracted work for presentation at Town Council meeting on January 11th) FY16 Woods Group budget = $34,000. Plan to request same level for FY17. To date, there is $22,000 remaining in FY16 budget. Planned expenses for remaining funds include: (a) $2,500 for boundary markers (and surveyor fees), and (b) contracted bids for invasive removal – pending. Any remaining FY16 funds (up to $5000.00) can be used for new plantings.
2. FY17 funds will be used to cover costs for fencing exclosures.
3. Nico’s trees – will use existing funds to plant larger indigenous trees following invasive removal, eg. areas where MAM was removed.

The February Meeting of the Woods Group will be on 2/1/16 at 7:30pm in the Council Room. The Group meets monthly on the first Monday.

MAINTENANCE – Audrey Maskery

• Christmas trees removed from Town roads and taken to the recycling station.
• Removed Christmas decorations from Town Hall, gazebo and train station.
• Reconditioned Town equipment, took Town truck for emissions test (passed).
• Snow blower checked, snow blade checked and hooked up; extra gas purchased ready for heavy snowfall forecasted by local weather stations.
• Removed snow from Town roads, sanded streets and widened intersections & roads. Snow removal started at 2.30am and continued through to 6.30am.
• Repaired Town Hall door and light fixture.

MEMORIALS – Audrey Maskery

Nothing to report

PLANNING COMMISSION – John McClelland

Rain Water Management:

• Residents of 409 5th Ave expressed concern about the dramatic increase in rain water run off onto their property. The residents have dug a ditch from 5th Ave (front) that travelers along the southern side of their property to 6th Ave. They expressed concern for potential foundation issues and erosion. The removal of brush, honeysuckle, etc… from Wade Park and the restoration of Political Hill were cited as coinciding with the increase in rain water runoff. Steve Werts stated that a solid manhole cover (located on 5th Ave between Wade Park and 409 5th Ave) was substituted for one that had a number of 1” holes. These holes previously drained water directly into the sewer system instead of overflowing onto the mentioned property.
• Montgomery County will be contacted for “natural” storm water management ideas throughout the Town in addition to this area. A map of the various creeks that our runoff runs into will also be sought.

Block 11:

• The Planning Commission recommended that Steve Werts will proceed with the walkway reconstruction utilizing the existing bricks – looking to begin/complete over the next few months depending upon the weather.
• The owner of 8 The Circle will be allowed 60 days after the completion of the walkway to remove the encroaching stairs. A letter to the property owner should be sent by the Mayor with regular follow ups regarding the walkways progress.

Archival Records: David Hix has volunteered to be the PC liaison for this new venture. West Woods: A request for bids regarding the surveying of the west woods boundary and placing boundary markers will be made.

MCCATHRAN HALL – John McClelland

• Janitorial services are fine
• Defibrillators – nothing new to report

ROADS & WALKWAYS – Bud O’Connor

During, and after the Blizzard of 2016, Steve Werts battled the 30” of snow the Grove received. Roads were cleared very promptly, quite an achievement by Steve. Along with some existing potholes and road irregularities, modest damage did occur during that huge effort. When the roads completely clear of snow, a survey will be done with AB Veirs to identify problem areas with a short term plan and longer term plan created.

WEBSITE – Bud O’Connor

Updating of content continues, more focus will be put on archival Town Council and Planning Commission minutes being reintroduced to the website.

RECREATION – Bud O’Connor

A plan was hatched for Summer in the Park during the last Rec committee meeting. Kids Dance continues. Yoga continues. Afternoon Exercise class is underway.

WOODS GROUP – Greg Silber

A West Woods trash clean-up has been scheduled for Saturday, March 12th with Sunday, March 13th as a rain date. March 19-20 will be alternate dates if both the 12th and 13th are rained out. Arrangements have been made with the Town Crest manager to use their parking lot. Supplies for the clean-up will be ordered through Mary Challstrom. Volunteers are needed and everyone is welcome! As noted earlier, the Woods Group has reviewed Parkton’s “Forest Stewardship Plan for the Town of Washington Grove” and is now working to implement a number of the report’s short-term and long-term recommendations. Among those initiated in this fiscal year are:

• Continued work with Town Maintenance and a contractor to fell potentially dangerous hanging tree limbs and partially blown-down trees, and topping off dead-standing trees along trails for public safety and to protect maturing trees; and
• Issuing a contract RFP to various surveying companies to confirm the westernmost boundary of the West Woods, and to purchase and install markers along this boundary.

Next fiscal year budget planning is underway and will likely include a request for a funding increase to further implement and sustain a number of longer term actions identified in the Stewardship report. These are expected to primarily include invasive plant removal (primarily in the East Woods, but on larger scales than in the past) and planting new trees in some areas after invasive species have been removed. The Woods Group noted that several fire hydrants in the East Woods may be leaking causing excess ponding in the surrounding area, wasting water, and potentially affecting water pressure in other hydrants in the line system. The Group expects to work through the Town to contact WSSC about inspecting and, if needed, repairing the hydrants. This Group meets the first Monday of each month, 7:30PM.

CONTRACTS – Greg Silber

With January’s heavy snow fall, the Town used a contractor to assist Town Maintenance with a handful of particularly troublesome spots on Town roads.

INTERGOVERNMENTAL – Joli A. McCathran

I am attending the Maryland Mayor’s Association (MMA) Conference in Annapolis on February 5 and 6, 2016. This conference is to connect with other mayors and support the Maryland Municipal Leagues 2016 Legislative Priorities by meeting with our representatives. MML’s Legislative Committee is proposing to put advocacy behind restoring Highway User Revenue dollars and protecting Project Open Space dollars as well as 3 strategic engagement position statements regarding police body cameras, foreclosures, and tax equity. Of course, I am continuing to seek support for MC 16-23, Closed Swimming Lakes.