9 June 2008 | Approved: 7 July 2008
Mayor Anderson called the regular meeting of the Town Council to order at 7:34 p.m. In attendance were Councilors Charlie Challstrom, Georgette Cole, John Compton, Kathie Evans, and Marida Hines. Also present were Treasurer Mary Challstrom, Maintenance Supervisor Jim Fletcher, and Town residents John Tomlin, and Ann Briggs. John Burrell, from Local Government Insurance Trust, came to present the Town with an award.
Approval of the Agenda
Georgette Cole moved, Charlie Challstrom seconded that the Agenda for June 9, 2008 be approved. Kathie Evans asked to add a discussion concerning 104 Maple Road. Vote: 5-0. The agenda was approved as amended.
Local Government Insurance Trust Award Presentation
Jon Burrell gave a brief history of the 20 year partnership with the Town and of how L.G.I.T. began. There was a discussion about Worker’s Compensation rates, health insurance, and various Maryland laws regarding health care. He then presented the Mayor with a framed photograph of a black-eyed susan.
Mayor Anderson delivered the oath of office to Councilor Georgette Cole.
Public Appearances
David Stopak came to ask about the properties known as Casey 6 & 7 and the potential for the relocation of the bus depot to this area. David stated that this is just one more thing at our borders with which the Town must contend. He asked who would benefit from this move and went on to say that the County should be protecting this historic place. The Town should take a strong stand against this. The Town will pay the price and a developer will benefit from the Urban Village proposed near the Shady Grove Metro. John Compton suggested that this strong a reaction would be ill advised at this time, as there is no plan and nothing has been decided. Darrell Anderson said that the door had been opened for a dialogue and now was the time to decide what might be in the Town’s best interest. He also said that it was premature to argue about this until a proposal is presented. The Shady Grove Civic Alliance will get a presentation on June 10th. John Compton will report back after the meeting.
Approval of Minutes
Georgette Cole moved, John Compton seconded that the Town Council minutes of April 14, 2008 be approved as amended. Vote: 5-0.
Charlie Challstrom moved, John Compton seconded that the Town Council minutes of April 28, 2008 be approved. Vote: 5-0.
Charlie Challstrom moved, John Compton seconded that the Town Council minutes of May 19, 2008 be approved. Vote: 5-0.
Treasurer’s Report
Kathie Evans moved, Charlie Challstrom seconded that the Treasurer’s report for May 2008 be accepted. Vote: 5-0.
John Compton moved to transfer fund. Kathie Evans seconded the motion. Vote: 5-0.
Maintenance Report
In addition to his written report, Jim Fletcher discussed the possibility of on-going work by WSSC to repair our aging sewer/water system and Town involvement in the process, the location of a WSSC cut-off valve near 305 Washington Grove Lane, a downed limb in the West Woods that was causing problems at the Maple Lake shed, hiring extra help for special projects like cleaning Ann’s Folly, clearing Chestnut Avenue all the way to Washington Grove Lane, and a limb over-hanging the Stopak property.
Final Review of Resolution 2008-03
Resolution Regarding Usage of Woodward Park: It was noted that the reference to Project Open Space should be corrected to Program Open Space. Kathie Evans announced that Bill Robertson has volunteered to be the Woodward Park Coordinator and that five (5) people had volunteered to be sponsors for non-resident teams. There was a brief discussion about signage. It ended with the decision to post one sign on the gate post near the entrance to the parking lot and one on the roofed bulletin board. Kathie will take care of getting the signs translated into Spanish as well.
Mayor’s Announcements
- Casey 6 & 7: Mayor Anderson reported that he met with some representatives from Montgomery County about this issue. The proposal is for the school bus lot to relocate to Casey 7 and EMOC (Equipment and Maintenance Operations Center) to Casey 6. EMOC would be a fenced and locked facility with operational hours between 7AM & 4PM. The area would also house the Day Laborer Center.
- Deer Park Bridge: Mayor Anderson reported that he talked to Mr. Whang (project manager) from Montgomery County Department of Public Works & Transportation. It was reported that the bridge is dire need of replacement. The current study will be completed in August and the results could come in September, making real discussions at the end of the month a distinct possibility. In the meantime, Mayor Anderson would like to assemble the original Deer Park Bridge group, go over the history and get ready. With the right political pressure, the County Council could order the bridge to be rebuilt as is. Ann Briggs suggested that this new noise about the Deer Park Bridge appears to be coming from the executive level and that County Executive Isiah Leggett should be contacted.
- Legacy Open Space Field: M-NCPPC requested a stay in the trial that would determine the fair market value of this property and it was denied. Depositions will probably take place this summer. Mayor Anderson and John Compton are working with both attorneys.
- Lower Ridge Road Wells Agreement: Mayor Anderson wondered how the developer would do the before and after testing of the wells on lower Ridge Road and stated that the current agreement doesn’t really include any insurance of the water supply. Discussion… Charlie Challstrom suggested that real insurance from the developer would be the installation of a water line for these residents. There was a discussion about having nothing to lose by asking for this to be included in the site plan.
- 104 Maple Road: Kathie Evans began the discussion by asking if anything had been sent to the landlord concerning the number of cars at the property. Mayor Anderson explained that he met with the residents of the home and the untagged cars on the property would be gone by next Friday (6/20/08). If the cars aren’t moved, the Mayor will send a letter to the property owner.
Mayor’s Appointments
- Charlie Challstrom moved to endorse the appointment of Steven Werts as a regular member of the Planning Commission. Kathie Evans seconded the motion. Vote: 5-0.
- Kathie Evans moved to endorse the appointment of Satoshi Amagai as a regular member of the Board of Zoning Appeals. Georgette Cole seconded the motion. Vote: 5-0.
- Georgette Cole moved to endorse the appointment of John Tomlin as an alternate member of the Board of Zoning Appeals. Charlie Challstrom seconded the motion. Vote: 5-0.
New Business
There was a brief discussion about members’ availability on Mondays in July and August. The regular schedule may have to change.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m.