8 March 2010 | Approved: 12 April 2010
Mayor Anderson called the regular meeting of the Town Council to order at 7:32 p.m. In attendance were Councilors Charlie Challstrom, Joe Clark, Georgette Cole, and Marida Hines. Also present were Treasurer Mary Challstrom and residents Ann Briggs and Peggy Erickson. Councilor Kelly arrived during Public Appearances.
Approval of the Agenda
Georgette Cole moved, Joe Clark seconded that the agenda for March 8, 2010 be approved. Mayor Anderson requested the addition of Special Group for Maintenance as #10 and Charlie Challstrom requested the addition of Special Brush Pickup Discussion as #11. Vote: 4-0.
Public Appearances
Peggy Erickson (#12 The Circle) thanked Charlie Challstrom for the terrific job that he did with managing the snow removal this winter. She requested that the Council develop a plan that included a receiving site for excess snow in order to prevent the “storage” of snow on private property. A discussion ensued. Peggy also mentioned the Preserve America program and said that she would like to see the Town apply for this status.
Ann Briggs came to ask the Council to release the monies for the invasive species removal in the West Woods. It is necessary to secure the contract now, in order to get the best price for this work. The Mayor and Council agreed and gave Ann the go-ahead.
Approval of Minutes
Joe Clark moved, Georgette Cole seconded that the Town Council minutes for February 8, 2010 be approved. Vote: 5-0.
Georgette Cole moved, Marida Hines seconded that the Town Council minutes for February 22, 2010 be approved. Vote: 5-0.
Treasurer’s Report
Joe Clark moved, Georgette Cole seconded that the Treasurer’s report for February 2010 be accepted. Vote: 5-0.
Charlie Challstrom moved, Ted Kelly seconded the motion to transfer funds in order to pay bills. Vote: 5-0.
Approval of Budget Transfers Resolution (2)
Joe Clark moved to accept Resolution 2010-05. Georgette Cole seconded the motion. Vote: 5-0.
Schedule Budget Work Session
After consulting the Town Calendar, the first Budget Work Session was scheduled for March 22nd and the second one was scheduled for April 26th.
Voter Education Meeting
Mayor Anderson suggested that there wasn’t enough time to have the massive volunteer meeting that has been discussed and do a good job of it. He believes that the meeting in question should be a voter education meeting only and asked for Council input. A discussion ensued resulting in a decision to put something in the April Town Bulletin concerning the clarifications recently made to the election process. This may also be sent out via e-mail as a Grove Alert.
Approval of February 2010 Council Reports for Posting on the Website
Charlie Challstrom moved, Georgette Cole seconded that the Council Reports from February 2010 be approved for posting on the Town website. Vote: 5-0.
Special Group for Maintenance
Mayor Anderson reviewed his mission statement for the committee. Discussion…
Mayor’s Announcements
- Casey 6 & 7 Update – Mayor Anderson reported that a meeting has been scheduled for February 23, 2010, here in McCathran Hall.
- LOS Condemnation Update – nothing to report.
- Deer Park Bridge – Mayor Anderson reported that he and others met with Gaithersburg officials last week. Gaithersburg is fine with all of the options with the exception of removing the bridge. They stated that they will not oppose lowering the tracks. The Mayor also reported that Senator Cardin wants the Town to get Montgomery County officials to approve the track lowering option and schedule a meeting to address the MARC commuter concerns.
New Business
Marida Hines mentioned that the idea of streamlining communications to residents without using the Yahoo listserve is still in the works. Discussions continue.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m.