11 July 2005 | Approved: 8 August 2005
Public Hearing on the Proposed Fee Schedule and Wording Changes to Town Ordinances:
Mayor Compton called the public hearing to order at 7:40 p.m. In attendance were Councilors Darrell Anderson, Georgette Cole, Betsy Klinger, Tom Land, and David Stopak. Also present were; Paula Puglisi, Ed Roberts, George Paine, Sat Amagai, Jaime Holtzclaw and Gazette reporter Sebastian Montes. Ed Roberts asked how long the record would be open. He wanted to present written comments about the ambiguities in the proposed changes. Lengthy discussion… Mayor Compton explained that this ordinance change was merely a "housekeeping" chore. It removes fees that are scattered throughout the Town Ordinances and puts them all in one place; the new Article XIV. More discussion… Tom Land stated that language concerning the Board of Zoning Appeals transcript fees was omitted from this revision. The Mayor proposed that they get input from Town Attorney Bill Roberts about the BZA fees and vote on this ordinance change at the next meeting of the Town Council. The public hearing closed at 8:13 p.m.
Mayor John Compton called the regular meeting of the Town Council to order at 8:13 p.m. Linda Baim and Treasurer Mary Challstrom arrived shortly after the call to order.
Approval of Minutes
David Stopak moved, Tom Land seconded, that the Town Council minutes of May 9, 2005 be approved with corrections. Vote: 5-0.
Maintenance Report
Maintenance Supervisor Jim Fletcher reported that mowing is on-going and the crew is vigilant with its clearing of brush. Jim obtained 2 bids for the removal of a large oak tree that fell across Chestnut Avenue near 113. The Mayor and Council chose the lower bid of $2,700.00 from Cutters Tree Service. Jim also reported that he and Georgette Cole are handling a complaint about a tree behind 11 Quantum Place. The ownership of the tree appears to be split between the Town and the property owner. Jim recommended that Town Forester Dan Landry be consulted on this. Jim is working with Linda Baim on maintenance of the tennis courts and also hopes to get the basketball court lined soon. There was also a discussion about people driving on the soccer field.
Treasurer’s Report
Tom Land moved, Betsy Klinger seconded, that the Treasurer’s report for May be accepted. Vote: 5-0.
Appointments to Planning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Fire Board
David Stopak moved, Tom Land seconded, the following appointments;
- Peggy Ebner – Planning Commission
- Marc Hansen – Board of Zoning Appeals
- Patricia Deely – Fire Board
At this time, Mayor Compton brought up the idea of 2 council meetings per month. Linda Baim asked why we couldn’t try to be more prepared, more concise and more efficient. Discussion… David Stopak asked why we couldn’t have special work sessions to help lighten the load. More discussion ensued, which included timing agenda items, e-mailing council reports to each other before the meetings, the benefit of allowing for open discussions at meetings, and other meeting styles. They agreed to try e-mailing the council reports to the Mayor two days in advance of the next meeting and setting a goal of a 3-hour meeting (maximum).
Road Bid Opening
The AB Veirs estimate for this years road work is $13,920.00. The E & M Asphalt estimate is $18,925.00. Someone asked if both bids included the sunken area on Brown Street near Pine Road. The Clerk was asked to call both companies to clarify and e-mail the results to the Mayor and Council. Darrell Anderson moved to accept the AB Veirs bid, provided that it includes the area in question on Brown Street. Georgette Cole seconded the motion. Vote: 6-0
Council Reports
Planning Commission
Darrell Anderson reported that the addition and new garage plans for 103 Brown Street were approved. He also reported that the Board of Zoning Appeals asked the Planning Commission to look at the fence definition. The PC believes that the definition is adequate with the exception of the fact that there is no height limit for a fence erected inside the setback. They recommend a 10 foot limit. The PC is also considering the addition of a temporary use permit that would cover dumpsters, canvas carports, and pods. There would be no fee and it would last for 90 days. Darrell also reported that they are working on a definition for a kitchen. Discussion…
Playgrounds
Linda Baim reported that the playgrounds and the tennis courts are being used a lot.
Website
Linda Baim reported that Bill Saar still complained that he wasn’t getting the Town Bulletin in a timely manner. The Clerk disputed this fact. Discussion… The Clerk agreed to contact Bill.
Roads & Walkways
see road bid opening.
Forestry
Georgette Cole reported that Carol Uhlendorf wanted to resign from her position as chair of the Forestry Committee. She will continue until someone steps up. Forestry will meet in September. Georgette also reported that she had walked Washington Grove Lane and will talk to Stadler’s Nursery about what would be suitable and available for that area. She recommends that the Town write letters to the residents involved and ask them to pick from a list of available trees rather than forming a committee to decide what to plant. The goal is to have a plan in place by September.
Recreation
Betsy Klinger reported that Music Weekend and July 4th events went well.
McCathran Hall
Mayor Compton stated that the telephone pole in front of the Town Hall is ugly and particularly noticeable now that the tree has been removed. It was reported that the Town Council Minutes Mayor would appoint an Air Conditioning committee and would like Allen Winter to be involved.
Safety
Betsy Klinger reported that Neighborhood Watch letters and magnets would be coming soon. She also mentioned that Lake users had expressed concerns about the dangers of crossing Washington Grove Lane to get to Maple Lake. Betsy reported that she has called the County about the missing "No trucks on WG Lane" sign and is waiting for an answer. A discussion about crosswalks and flashing lights ensued.
Maple Lake
Tom Land reported that the new schedule of Summer In The Parks and swimming lessons has caused a bit of a problem but it all seems to have worked itself out. The lake is really being used this summer. Tom also reported that 2 koy were found dead shortly after an application of cutrine.
Maintenance
see Maintenance Report.
Historic Preservation Commission
David Stopak reported that the HPC questionnaire is ready for distribution. They would like it in the September Town Bulletin. Linda Baim moved to approve the HPC document for distribution. Tom Land seconded the motion. Vote: 6-0. David also reported that Carolyn Luxford (115 Chestnut Ave.) came to the last HPC meeting. She still wants to demolish her cottage and put up a pre-fabricated home. The HPC will continue to try to offer her ideas/help for preserving the cottage.
Deer Park Bridge Consultants Study
Nothing to report.
Ordinance revision Charitable, Religious & Educational uses within Residential Zones
Because of the late hour, Mayor Compton suggested that this discussion be tabled until the August meeting. A brief discussion ensued, ending in the decision to hold a special work session on ordinance revisions on July 25, 2005.
Mayor’s Announcements
- Casey Field – Mayor Compton reported that the legal opinion from M-NCPPC had been rendered and approved, however it was sent back because of typing errors.
- Deer Park Bridge – The Montgomery County Historic Preservation Commission hearing is scheduled for July 14th.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:24 p.m.