10 July 2000 | Approved: 14 August 2000
Mayor John Compton called the meeting to order at 7:41 p.m. In attendance were Councilors Darrell Anderson, Dave Gumula, Paris Pacchione, and Dodie Tippens. Town resident David Bent also was present.
Public Appearance
David Bent, 407 5th Avenue, expressed support for the continued operation of the Post Office at the commercial corner and stated that the Post Office has been and still is an essential ingredient to cohesion in the Town. Mayor Compton said that most scenarios for the future of the commercial corner include the Post Office, but the upcoming Master Plan review will also examine a scenario with no commercial uses at the corner.
Approval of Minutes
Dave Gumula moved, Dodie Tippens seconded, that the Town Council minutes of May 8, 2000 be approved as corrected. Vote: 4-0. Marida Brinkworth demonstrated how articles in the Town Bulletin about important issues requesting public comment could be better conveyed.
Treasurer’s Report
Dave Gumula moved, Paris Pacchione seconded, that the Treasurer be authorized to transfer funds to pay bills in July. Vote: 4-0.
Appointments
Dodie Tippens moved, Paris Pacchione seconded, to confirm the following:
- reappointment of Allen Winter as Council liaison to the Planning Commission
- reappointment of Vicki Andrews to the Planning Commission
- reappointment of Ralph Hurst and Charlie Challstrom (alternate) to the Board of Zoning Appeals
- reappointment of Bob DeFilippis and Don Henninger to the Fire Board
Vote: 4-0.
Mayor’s Announcements
Mayor Compton announced the following:
- Letter was received from Margaret Voigt, 275 Ridge Road, expressing opposition to Town’s annexation of her property.
- County determined no need for traffic control at Grove Road/Railroad Street intersection while humpback bridge is undergoing repairs. Bridge should reopen in early August.
- County sediment/storm water staff have found that the storm water filter at end of Brown Street is not functioning. Following an independent assessment from other inspectors, a letter will be sent to the Ward Corporation directing them to make necessary repairs.
- Volunteers are being sought to chair and serve on a committee to review Master Plan section on commercial corner. Committee recommendations are targeted to go to the Planning Commission in November.
- Mayor will be interviewed for the Municipal Notebook program on Montgomery Municipal Cable channel 45, scheduled to air September 7 through September 10.
Tree Advisory Committee Report
Mayor Compton commended the Committee on their report and said that he would like to be present when interviews are conducted for a Town Arborist. The Mayor asked for a status report on the tree inventory and said that the inventory will include all trees on public land excluding those in the forest reserve. Darrell Anderson said that he would like to develop a Forestry Committee education packet that could be distributed to every household in Town. Other report priorities included removal of invasive plants and aggressive management of Town trees. Maintenance staff will be asked to mulch the row of old oaks near the fireplace, followed by other large trees in Woodward Park.
Council Reports
Maintenance
Paris Pacchione reported that Jim Fletcher planted holly trees donated by Gioia Mueller and several new flower barrels. Drainage problems in Morgan Park and along Brown Street near the Hicks/McCullough residence were discussed. An assessment will be sought from a civil engineer to find out if grading or trenching would improve the drainage problems.
Public Safety
Paris Pacchione reported that Community Services Officer Robert J. Mills of the County Police Germantown District gave a presentation on protecting homes and property.
Roads and Walkways
Dave Gumula led a discussion about the schedule of road and walkway repairs for the next two years. He said that speed humps should be considered for Maple, Grove, and Chestnut Roads, and reported that walkways near the Circle would be graveled soon.
Forestry
Darrell Anderson said that he planned to schedule a Forestry Committee meeting before the next Council meeting.
Recreation Events
Dodie Tippens reported that the 4th of July festivities and picnic had been very successful. After 17 years, Craig English will not be able to organize and run the Labor Day Weekend sporting events this year. John Hutchinson has agreed to step into the fray and asks for volunteers. The Washington Grove Film Society has organized a film series for the fall and winter months.
Lake
Dodie Tippens reported that several residents have asked the Lake Committee if a volleyball court could be set up at the lake. Site improvements could include clearing an appropriate area, tree removal, sand, and poles to hold the net. An effort will be made to determine the level of interest in volleyball at the lake. Because competitive bids will be required for lake drainage improvements and dock replacement, Dodie proposed that an ad be put in the Gazette inviting contractors to bid on the project.
Other Business
Mayor Compton reported that Southern Living magazine would like to include a piece on Washington Grove. The magazine learned about the town through architect Gregory Wiedemann.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:37 p.m.