10 March 2008 | Approved: 14 April 2008
Mayor Compton called the regular meeting of the Town Council to order at 7:35 p.m.
In attendance were Councilors Darrell Anderson, Charlie Challstrom, Georgette Cole, Kathie Evans, Marida Hines, and David Stopak. Also present were Treasurer Mary Challstrom, Maintenance Supervisor Jim Fletcher, Pastor Judy Young, and Town residents Sheldon Bierman, Kathi Kershaw, Chris Kirtz, Terry Kirtz, David Neumann, and Bruce Rothrock. Ed Roberts arrived at 9:30 p.m.
Public Appearances
Real estate agent Kathi Kershaw, along with property owners Chris and Terry Kirtz, came to ask the Mayor and Council for help with an encroachment problem that exists at 315 Grove Avenue. Kathi went on to explain that the title insurance company would not insure the property for the prospective buyer without assurances from the Town government concerning the fate of the porch which is located on Town property. There was a lengthy discussion. It was decided that additional language about non-compliant/non-conforming issues and about existing ordinances would be incorporated into the current document and sent to Town attorney Bill Roberts for review. The document would then be passed around via e-mail for review by the Town Council. Mayor Compton stated that the document could be ready as soon as the close of business on March 11, 2008.
Pastor Judy Young came to thank the Mayor and Council for the use of McCathran Hall for the silent auction. She announced that over $6,500.00 was raised to send the Town/WGUMC work crew to Mississippi for the home re-building mission. She also invited everyone to an April 4th slide show which will document the project.
Approval of Minutes
Georgette Cole moved, Charlie Challstrom seconded that the Town Council minutes of February 11, 2008 be approved as amended. Vote: 6-0.
David Stopak moved, Georgette Cole seconded that the Town Council minutes of February 25, 2008 be approved as amended. Vote: 6-0.
Treasurer’s Report
David Stopak moved, Georgette Cole seconded that the Treasurer’s report for February 2008 be accepted. Kathie Evans brought up the increase in the refuse and recycling contract. Discussion… Mary Challstrom stated that the Town could expect another increase on April 1, 2008. Vote: 6-0.
Darrell Anderson moved to transfer funds. Georgette Cole seconded the motion.
Vote: 6-0.
Maintenance Report
In addition to the written report, Jim Fletcher reported that the new bridges for the East Woods would cost approximately $650.00 each rather than the $500.00 that was originally reported. Kathie Evans thanked Bruce and Jim for clearing leaves from the Town drainage ditch in Morgan Park. She asked if the ditches were checked regularly. Jim explained that he checks them when we are expecting bad weather.
Soccer Field
It was reported that Town Attorney Bill Roberts recommended that the Town continue to use an ordinance to make any changes to policies and procedures pertaining to Woodward Park. Kathie Evans explained that the changes recommended by the committee were dropped in to the current ordinance (99-01) and renumbered (2008-02). There was a discussion about ordinances, resolutions and charter amendments. One of the proposed changes would be that only one weekend day would be a permitted day. There was a discussion about the pro’s and con’s of Saturdays or Sundays for this designated day. It was decided to substitute the word players where participants had been used.
Kathie Evans moved to introduce Ordinance No. 2008-02 as amended. Georgette Cole seconded the motion. Vote: 6-0.
The public hearing will be on April 14, 2008. Kathie Evans will work on a resolution concerning additional regulations for Woodward Park Use.
Resolution 2008-01 – Addition lf Mitigation Statement
David Stopak moved to adopt Resolution No. 2008-01; Resolution Adopting Completed Surveys of Block 10 Boundary and Johnson Alley Right of Way in the Town of Washington Grove. Georgette Cole seconded the motion. Vote: 6-0.
Charlie Challstrom, Marida Hines, and Georgette Cole volunteered to be on the committee to help the residents of Block 10 with mitigation.
External Intergovernmental Committee Proposal – Discussion
David Stopak explained his reasons behind this proposal; volunteers’ burn out, no true staff people employed by the Town, no real end to external border issues. David Neumann brought up the idea of a staff person to monitor County & M-NCPPC issues, do research, and continue to make contacts with appropriate people in both places. The idea of an Advisory Committee that would formally be a liaison but function with specific tasks, stay on top of current issues, and give progress reports to the Mayor and Town Council was discussed. It was decided to continue this discussion at the April 14th meeting of the Town Council.
Access to Public Records – Draft #2
After a discussion about the difficulty in attributing a dollar amount to volunteer time, protecting volunteers from nuisance lawsuits, and pre-approved records, the Mayor asked for a vote on draft #2.
Charlie Challstrom moved to approve the proposed Access to Public Records Policy. Darrell Anderson seconded the motion. Vote: 6-0.
Mayor’s Announcements
Mayor Compton announced that there were no updates concerning the LOS Condemnation or the Toll Brothers development
The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m.