20 May 2013 | Approved: 10 June 2013
Mayor Georgette Cole administered oaths of office to Town Councilors Carolyn Rapkievian and Bill Robertson.
State Senator Nancy King and Delegates Charles Barkley and Kirill Reznik reported on the 2013 legislative session.
Mayor Cole called the meeting to order at 8:35 p.m. In attendance were Councilors Audrey Maskery, Joli McCathran, Bill Robertson, Greg Silber, and David Young. Also present were Treasurer Mary Challstrom, Planning Commission Chairman Charlie Challstrom and resident Bruce Rothrock.
Approval of Agenda
David Young moved, Audrey Maskery seconded, that the agenda be approved. Mayor Cole added two items under New Business: Application for Use of the Gazebo and Policy for One-Time Use of Woodward Park. Vote: 5-0.
Council Areas of Responsibility
Mayor Cole announced the following assignments for Council Areas of Responsibility. These assignments will be published in the June Bulletin.
2013-14 Council Areas of Responsibility
- Audrey Maskery: Forestry and Beautification, Memorials
- Joli McCathran: Historic Preservation Commission, Parks and Playgrounds,
- Meadow Park liaison
- Carolyn Rapkievian: Lake, Safety, Web Site
- Bill Robertson: Maintenance, Roads and Walkways
- Greg Silber: Contracts, Recreation, Intergovernmental
- David Young: Planning Commission, McCathran Hall
Election of Mayor Pro Tempore
Bill Robertson moved, Audrey Maskery seconded, the nomination of Joli McCathran to serve as Mayor Pro Tem for the coming year. Vote: 5-0.
Approval of the Minutes
Bill Robertson moved, Audrey Maskery seconded, the Town Council minutes of April 8, 2013 be approved. Vote 5-0 as amended.
Approval of the Treasurer’s Report
- David Young moved, Bill Robertson seconded, approval of the April treasurer’s report. Vote: 5-0. Joli McCathran moved, Greg Silber seconded, approval to transfer $10,000 from the Town’s money market account to checking to pay bills. Vote 5-0.
- Treasurers Report 2013-05 pdf
Council Reports
- Bill Robertson moved, Audrey Maskery seconded, approval of the April Council reports for posting to the Town website. Vote: 5-0.
- Town Council Reports – May 2013 pdf
Mayor’s Announcements
- Mayor Cole reported that the Town is awaiting recommendations of the County Hearing Examiner with regard to Towne Crest redevelopment. She also reported the Clay Tennis Court Committee should be fully constituted by the end of May and notice of their meetings will be published in the Bulletin.
- Charlie Challstrom reported on the May 15 hearing before Circuit Court judge Joseph Dugan. The Town of Washington Grove appealed the Montgomery County Planning Board’s granting of forest conservation variances to Towne Crest redevelopment. The judge affirmed the decision of the Planning Board.
New Business
- Mayor Cole reported Town resident Grace Ruback will apply to use the Gazebo for an event on May 31. In the Town Clerk’s absence, Joli McCathran and Bill Robertson will assist with paperwork necessary for this use.
- Town Clerk Kathy Lehman received a request from a non-resident for a one-time use of Woodward Park for an event. Because the applicant indicated that as many as 40 cars could be involved, Kathy asked the Mayor and Council for guidance. Information on the Town website needs to be clarified. It was suggested that a separate application for One-Time Use of Woodward Park be drafted, to include requirements for a Town sponsor, a maximum number of vehicles allowed, and at the suggestion of Bill Robertson, a deposit to cover potential damage or other costs to the Town. A draft will be prepared for discussion at the June 10 Council meeting.
- Bruce Rothrock asked about piles of yard waste that are beginning to appear along some Town roads. For a number of years now, Town policy states that properly prepared yard waste should be placed curbside for collection by the Town’s contractor – piles will not be picked up by Town maintenance. Mayor Cole reported that citizen education is ongoing.
- Bill Robertson reported that lacrosse practice on the Town’s hard tennis court has damaged the newly installed fencing. Bill will try and stop this practice.
The meeting was adjourned at 10 p.m.