8 May 2006 | Approved: 10 July 2006
Senator P.J. Hogan and Delegates Barkley, King and Stern spoke and answered questions about the recent Legislative Session.
Mayor John Compton called the regular meeting of the Town Council to order at 8:22 p.m. In attendance were Councilors Darrell Anderson, Linda Baim, Georgette Cole, Betsy Klinger, and David Stopak. Also present were; Maintenance Supervisor Jim Fletcher, Treasurer Mary Challstrom, Charlie Challstrom, Ann Briggs, Elly Briggs, Sheldon Bierman, Bruce Rothrock, Meredith Horan, George Paine and Bob Clark from Montgomery County Sanitation & Recycling.
Public Appearances
David Neumann asked about recording the Town block surveys at the Land Records Office. He asked that the Mayor and Council do the resolution that is necessary to complete the recordation process. Mr. Neumann also submitted a complaint letter to the Mayor and Council about the condition of 100 McCauley Street and about the apparent commercial business that is being run from the property. A discussion ensued. Mayor Compton would like to schedule a meeting with the property owner, the residents and Town Officials in order to resolve the situation.
The issue of condemnation in reference to 333 McCauley Street came up. The property is open again. The Clerk volunteered to call the Montgomery County contact person again. It was suggested that perhaps a call from the Mayor might carry more weight.
Approval of Minutes
Darrell Anderson moved, Linda Baim seconded that the Town Council minutes of April 10, 2006 be approved as amended. Vote: 5-0.
Maintenance Report
Jim Fletcher gave the maintenance report. There was a brief discussion about the drainage on Pine Road and the ravine that runs through Woodward Park. Mr. Fletcher solicited a discussion about direct communications between him and all Council members. He suggested that taking direction from the Council person in charge of maintenance was a procedure that has ceased since he started attending the meetings and giving his own report. A short discussion ensued. Mayor Compton asked the Clerk to put this on the agenda for the July meeting of the Town Council.
Treasurer’s Report
Betsy Klinger moved, Darrell Anderson seconded, that the Treasurer’s report for April be accepted. Vote: 5-0.
David Stopak moved, Linda Baim seconded a motion to transfer funds. Vote: 5-0.
Award Trash/Recycling Contract
The Town received a late bid from Waste Management, our current refuse and recycling contractor. The Mayor and Council reviewed and discussed the three bids that were on the table. Montgomery County Sanitation and Recycling was not the low bidder but they only use small trucks which may save money on road repairs.
Georgette Cole moved, Betsy Klinger seconded, that the bid from Montgomery County Sanitation and Recycling be accepted. Vote: 5-0.
2006-2007 Annual Budget Draft #2
Linda Baim made a motion to recommend a budget with a dwelling tax charge of $207.00 per household per year and that would maintain last year’s tax rate of .202 cents per $100.00 of assessed valuation. Georgette seconded the motion. Vote: 5-0.
Mayor’s Announcements
- Development Update: Mayor Compton reported that Bill Chen is drafting a Meadow Management Plan. The Phase 1 site plan was re-drawn because of the State Highway Administration/ICC storm water management plan. A public hearing will be necessary because of the change.
- Deer Park Bridge: Mayor Compton reported that a meeting with Gaithersburg to discuss repair vs. replacement dollar figures presented by Montgomery County would happen soon. The Town will urge Gaithersburg to leave the ownership and maintenance option open for now.
- Annexation Update: Mayor Compton reported that Bill Roberts is working on a proposed new zone for this property.
Council Reports
Maintenance
see Maintenance Report.
Historic Preservation Commission – David Stopak reported that the HPC reviewed two (2) permit applications. He also reported that the HPC will undertake a review of the Town Ordinances with the idea of exploring & enhancing the Town’s preservation goals.
Planning Commission
Darrell Anderson reported that the PC will modify the Building Permit Worksheet by adding language that clarifies requirements for filing changes to submitted plans. Darrell also reported that the PC reviewed five (5) building permit applications. The PC also discussed 100 McCauley Street (home business violation), 333 McCauley Street (condemned by Montgomery County), 348 Ridge Road (forest conservation requirements), and 102 Ridge Road (failure to submit changes).
Intergovernmental
Darrell Anderson reported that he attended the April meeting of the local chapter of the Maryland Municipal League. The meeting was held at the County Homeland Security facility on Quince Orchard Road.
Playgrounds
Linda Baim reported that the tennis courts were being prepared for the summer season. New surface material, tapes and nets should be up by the end of May. Linda also reported that non-resident, uniformed adult soccer teams are using the soccer field without a permit again. New signs will be posted at the park entrance. A playground committee will be formed to make recommendations for replacement equipment in Woodward Park. So far, volunteers include; Karen Kelly, Lawren Selby and Amy Porter.
Forestry & Beautification
Georgette Cole reported that the spring tree planting by Stadler Nursery occurred on April 17th. Forestry met on April 12th where they discussed the draft Urban Forest Management Plan, Arbor Day, and the beautification of the corner at Grove Road and Center Street.
Roads & Walkways: Georgette Cole reported that the request for bids were out and expected before the May 22nd meeting.
Recreation
Betsy Klinger reported that the “Hawk Talk” was well attended by both children and adults. The next Recreation Committee meeting will be on May 24, 2006.
McCathran Hall
Betsy Klinger reported that the McCathran Hall Needs Committee came up with $18,000.00 in budget cuts in order to help with the Town’s current budget crunch. Many one-time improvements were moved to out years with the exception of an electrical upgrade, door repairs, furnace inspection/repairs, deep cleaning in the fall, and window washing.
Safety
Betsy Klinger reported that she had a discussion about in-lane flexible pedestrian crosswalk signs with someone from DPWT. She will bring the text of the guidelines to the Council. Betsy also reported that all incidents reported to Neighborhood Watch involved dogs or geese.