14 July 2003 | Approved: 11 August 2003
Mayor Compton called the meeting of the Town Council to order at 7:38 p.m. In attendance were Councilors Darrell Anderson, Betsy Klinger, Tom Land, Peggy Odick, David Stopak, John Tomlin, and Treasurer Mary Challstrom. Also in attendance were residents: Jean Myers, Meredith Horan, Leesa Brandon, and Karen Kelly. Resident George Paine arrived later. Mayor Compton began the meeting with swearing in newly elected Councilor Tom Land.
Public Appearances
Jean Myers stated that she came to the meeting to go on the record as being unhappy with Town maintenance. Ms. Myers said, "Things aren’t getting done and, as a taxpayer, I object!" She sited several examples, with drainage being the most important. Discussion. Mayor Compton said that we will try more close supervision with Town maintenance. Complaints should be given to the Clerk and to David Stopak in order to get on the list.
Meredith Horan came to report about a safety meeting that was held by citizens on Sunday, July 13th. There have been several "near misses" with bicycles and cars at the intersection of Oak Street and Maple Road. Residents would like a "Pedestrian Crossing" sign and crosswalks painted along Maple Road near Oak Street. Ms. Horan suggested that we get an estimate from Highway Safety Services near the Montgomery County Airpark.
George Paine came to report his displeasure with the way that trash people are handling the trash removal and the cans. They throw the cans in the road and it is causing gridlock. Mr. Paine also expressed his concern with the Town-imposed limited site line at the intersection of Grove Road and Railroad Street. A discussion about pruning and painting crosswalks at some intersections ensued.
Approval of Minutes
Peggy Odick moved, Darrell Anderson seconded that the Town Council minutes of 12 May 2003 be approved. Vote: 6-0.
Election of Mayor Pro-Tem
Betsy Klinger moved, Tom Land seconded the nomination of Peggy Odick as Mayor Pro-Tem for a one year term. Vote: 6 – 0.
Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Mary Challstrom reported that revenues were in line with those projected for FY 2003. Peggy Odick moved, Betsy Klinger seconded, that the final Treasurer’s report for FY 2003 be accepted. Vote: 6-0. Darrell Anderson moved, Peggy Odick seconded, that the Treasurer be authorized to transfer funds if necessary. Vote: 6-0.
Council Reports
Planning Commission
Darrell Anderson reported that, in an effort to help residents with the parking problems in Town, the Planning Commission would like to begin a series of meetings with individuals or groups that are impacted by this issue. A PC member will be appointed to this Study Group. The Planning Commission drafted a new ordinance (re: porches) amending Section VII, Article 3.329. The vote was unanimous. Copies will be given to the Town Council. The Planning Commission questioned the spending of Town funds for an outside review of the plans for #8 Circle. Mayor Compton explained the use of budgeted money by the HPC as appropriate use for the preservation of one of the older cottages. Discussion. Darrell Anderson also reported that the Commission would like to recommend to the Town Council that Irene Carrato be recognized for her 12 years of service on the Planning Commission. The Town Council agreed that recognition is in order. The Commission also recommended that the Town Council ask the Town attorney to get an injunction against Mr. Nagem (104 Maple Road) to stop driving on Cherry Avenue, rather that the proposed fence barrier. Discussion. The Planning Commission is monitoring the situation with the LeCompte property (333 McCauley Street). Montgomery County is now officially involved and ordered the abandoned property to be boarded up. The Board of Zoning Appeals will meet on July 19 to consider the application of "Twice Is Nice", a used clothing & antique store that caters to women, for the Commercial Corner.
Forestry & Beautification
Darrell Anderson reported that the Committee did not meet this month. However, a training session for tree inventory volunteers was held by Town Forester Dan Landry on June 24th. Seven residents attended and four asked to be included to volunteer but could not attend.
Recreation Events
Betsy Klinger reported that the Recreation Committee is on track with the coming activities. Craig English has volunteered to do the Labor Day festivities for another year.
Public Safety
Betsy Klinger reported about several crimes of opportunity in Town and at Maple Lake. Betsy and David Stopak will write up an item for the Town Bulletin that urges people to lock their car doors, doors to their homes and garage doors. The item for the Bulletin will remind residents to report these crimes to the Police and then to the Town Office. Betsy also reported that there were holes in the fence at the Lake and evidence of fire on the diving board.
McCathran Hall
Betsy Klinger reported that Heritage Builders are too busy to give an estimate on the shingle repairs. She got one estimate from Chris Tscida and wants to get another.
Contracts
Tom Land reported that trash pickup and recycling has been difficult. Tom asked the Clerk for a copy of the Waste Management agreement. Tom stated the he would like to take e-mail complaints about trash at his office and phone messages on his home machine. Maple Lake – Tom Land’s report about Maple Lake was covered in the safety report. Town Council Minutes 14 July 2003 Page 3
Website
Peggy Odick presented a resident’s idea of a link on our website that would allow people to see Grove pictures taken at Town events (ie. 4th of July etc.). The Council discussed it, paying particular attention to monitoring content, and decided that Peggy should get input from Bill Saar. Peggy will also ask Bill to enlarge the thumbnail pictures on our Webpage.
Maintenance
David Stopak met with Jim Fletcher in order to discuss the best way to over see the maintenance of the Town. Peggy Odick requested that the ruts in the park across from the Evans’ be filled in and seeded. There was also discussion about cutting back the bamboo and pruning around stop signs.
Roads & Walkways
John Tomlin reported that he agreed with the crosswalk idea brought to the Council by Meredith Horan. John also stated that he would like to stay on top of the proposed sewer repairs on First Avenue. He asked the clerk to call WSSC and arrange a meeting to discuss the work and walk the area. John also thought that the "No Outlet Sign" on the right side of Ridge Road near Center Street should be placed in a more visible spot.
Mayor’s Announcements
- Nagem (Cherry Ave.) Update: The Mayor and Council discussed the proposed fence barrier and blocking access to Cherry Avenue. Mayor Compton reported that Town Attorney Bill Roberts is writing a letter to Mr. Nagem telling him to move his equipment. Jim Fletcher will post a "No Parking, Violators Will Be Towed" sign.
- Casey Field Update: The current plan will not go to the Planning Board until September at the earliest. Most of the issues have been worked out including the approval of the lower road crossing by the Wetlands Committee.
- Shady Grove Master Plan Update: Because of the large number of master plans up for review, the County Council requested that the schedule for reviews be extended by 3 months.
- Railroad Park Annexation Update: Mayor Compton reviewed this item to bring Tom Land up to speed. The final step in the process will happen this week. The Clerk will monitor the County’s recommendations and report to the Council.
WGUMC School Update
Mayor Compton reported that the only information available concerning the results of a meeting with the Administrators of the Washington Grove United Methodist Church and the congregation on July 3, 2003. The rumor is that the Church Administrators withdrew their support for the school. Discussion. Mayor Compton stated that it looks like the Town has a little time to examine our options and would like to form a volunteer group to help determine what the Town wants. The Mayor will also talk to the Town attorney in order to determine correct, comprehensive language for any Ordinance changes. Discussion.
Speed Study
(Substituted this for the Road Paving Project): Mayor Compton reported that the results of the Speed Study completed by Joseph Cutro did substantiate lowering the Town speed limit from 25 to 15mph. A discussion about the study ensued. Peggy Odick moved, Betsy Klinger seconded the introduction of Ordinance No. 2003-03 reducing the Town speed limit to 15 mph. and adding the text "other motorized vehicle" to Article III, Section 7, Part b.
Ordinance Revision Update
Darrell Anderson and the Planning Commission are working on the revisions.
Peggy Odick moved, Darrell Anderson seconded the motion to adjourn. Vote: 6-0
The meeting was adjourned at 10:53 p.m.