9 May 2005 | Approved: 13 June 2005
Senator P.J. Hogan and Delegate Charles Barkley spoke and answered questions about the recent Legislative Session.
Mayor John Compton called the regular meeting of the Town Council to order at 7:55 p.m.. In attendance were Councilors Darrell Anderson, Betsy Klinger, Tom Land, David Stopak, John Tomlin, Treasurer Mary Challstrom and Maintenance Supervisor Jim Fletcher. Town residents Charlie Challstrom, Don Tippman, Satoshi Amagai, Jaime Holtzclaw, Carol Uhlendorf, George Paine, Deborah Chambers, Kris Grisham, and Meredith Myers were also present. Gazette reporter Sara Stephanini attended this meeting as well.
Approval of Minutes
Darrell Anderson moved, Tom Land seconded, that the Town Council minutes of April 11, 2005 be approved with corrections. Vote: 5-0.
Maintenance Report
Maintenance Supervisor Jim Fletcher requested that Mayor Compton visit the new residents at 104 Maple (Scott Nagem property) to explain about the fence replacement behind the property. Jim listed the maintenance issues that were addressed during the past month and said that he was gearing up for the mowing season. Mayor Compton asked Jim to re-secure the Maple Ave/Center St. chain because people were driving around it.
Treasurer’s Report
John Tomlin moved, Tom Land seconded, that the Treasurer’s report for April be accepted. Vote: 5-0.
Tom Land moved, Darrell Anderson seconded a motion to transfer funds. Vote: 5-0.
2005-2006 Annual Budget
Treasurer Mary Challstrom answered questions about the draft budget. There was a discussion about the high cost of Worker’s Compensation coverage from IWIF.
Darrell Anderson moved to accept the tax rate of .202/$100.00. Tom Land seconded the motion. Vote: 5-0.
John Tomlin moved to forward the 2nd draft of the 2005-2006 annual budget to Town Meeting. Betsy Klinger seconded the motion. Vote: 5-0.
The June organizational meeting was scheduled for the 20th at 7:30 p.m..
Introduction of Municipal Infractions Ordinance & Revised Fee Schedule
Mayor Compton reviewed the fees and asked for further questions. David Stopak asked about Board of Zoning Appeals language. Discussion…
David Stopak moved to introduce Ordinance 2005-01; Revised Fee Schedule, Tom Land seconded. Vote: 5-0.
Municipal Infractions Ordinance 2005-02
Mayor Compton explained the purpose of this new ordinance and explained that the principal intent is to allow the Town to have a civil, not criminal, method of dealing with violations. This ordinance would also give the Town a method of recovering its legal expenses. The Mayor and Council reviewed Tom Land’s work on Article IX. A lengthy discussion ensued resulting in the conclusion that the Municipal Infractions Ordinance could not be introduced at this meeting. A public hearing would be schedule for July 11, 2005 to take public comment about the Fee Schedule only.
Cator Property Annexation
Mayor Compton talked about the proposed 4-lot plan. The Planning Commission rejected 4 lots but the Mayor believes that the Town should stay more flexible on this. Mayor Compton also suggested that annexation discussions should happen with the developer in order to have some control over the project. The most the Town could do right now is to reaffirm our intent to do the annexation.
Resolution on the Deer Park Bridge Replacement
Nancy Helme presented a draft resolution. Discussion… Tom Land moved to accept the draft resolution with changes. Betsy Klinger seconded the motion. Vote: 5-0. The Mayor and Council support historic preservation of the Humpback Bridge. Mayor Compton & the HPC will write letters supporting this position.
Council Reports
Maintenance
see Maintenance Report.
Historic Preservation CommissionDavid Stopak presented a survey prepared by the HPC in order to determine residents’ interest in preserving the character of Washington Grove. A discussion about the best way to ask the questions ensued. The survey will require more thought. David will go back to the HPC with the comments of the Mayor and Council. Mayor Compton asked about the Outstanding Preservation Award that will be presented at the annual Town Meeting. The HPC decided on a plaque.
Roads & Walkways
John Tomlin reported that the bids for road repairs went out last week.
Planning Commission
Darrell Anderson reported that the PC report was covered during earlier discussions about annexation and the ordinance revisions.
Forestry: Darrell Anderson reported that the new trees were being planted by Stadler Nursery.
Safety
Betsy Klinger reported one incident of suspicious behavior. The police were not called. Betsy also reported that we have new Neighborhood Watch coordinators (Keith Gillis & Leigh Partington) and new block captains. A meeting for all block captains will be scheduled.
Betsy Klinger also reported that the WGUMC and the sub-committee had a meeting today. The church representatives revised the proposed ordinance to remove any reference of "religious and charitable organizations". John Tomlin believes that the negotiations are breaking down, the church representatives are unwilling to compromise and that they have exhausted their possibilities for input. The deadline of September 2005 was set for the resolution of this issue.
Maple Lake
Tom Land reported that Maple Lake is ready for the swimming season. The lifeguards & instructors are hired.
Mayor’s Announcements
- Mayor Compton reminded the Council that their Town Meeting reports should be sent to the Town Clerk by June 4, 2005. The Mayor also discussed the agenda for Town Meeting and said that the Mayor’s Distinguished Service Award would be presented then.
- Casey FieldMayor Compton reported that the County Council would probably not receive this plan until the fall.
New Business
Mayor Compton reported that we would not be represented at the annual Maryland Municipal League convention. He would like to give our proxy to the City of Gaithersburg. The Council agreed.
The Mayor and Council received a letter from the residents at 406 Grove Ave. asking them to address the issue of deer fences with a new ordinance.
John Tomlin moved to adjourn. Tom Land seconded. Vote: 5-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:53 p.m.