10 November 2008 | Approved: 8 December 2008
Mayor Pro Tempore, Georgette Cole, called the regular meeting of the Town Council to order at 7:33 p.m. In attendance were Councilors Charlie Challstrom, Georgette Cole, John Compton and Marida Hines. Also present were Treasurer Mary Challstrom, Maintenance Supervisor Jim Fletcher and Town residents Sarah Steel and Terri Johnson.
Approval of the Agenda
John Compton moved, Marida Hines seconded that the Agenda for November 10, 2008 be approved. Vote: 4-0.
Public Appearances
Sarah Steel came to express her concern about the deteriorating telephone pole barrier on her property along Johnson Alley behind her home and the crumbling pavement in the same area. She is worried that someone will hit her house. She is in no position to maintain this. She turned the discussion over to Charlie Challstrom to discuss findings in the recent Johnson Alley survey and his accompanying research which involved the 1964 Equity Case done by former Town Attorney Bob Myers. The discussion included;
- New information concerning a 6 x 20 ft. strip of Johnson Alley that apparently belongs to John Bell (owner of 410 & 412 4th Ave.). Property transfer may have occurred with no deed in the 1964 Equity Case.
- Making Johnson Alley a “No Thru Street” by ordinance, closing it temporarily.
- Restrictions on road repairs based on the “new ownership”.
- Liabilities
- Restrictions on delivery trucks, oil trucks, propane trucks, newspaper trucks etc…
- How residents could access and exit their properties.
- Emergency vehicle access.
- Public notice/hearings.
John Compton proposed a public discussion before an ordinance is written. Sarah stated that this is a clear and present danger to body and property. Jim Fletcher asked if something could be done more expeditiously for safety reasons. Further discussion about safety ensued ending in the decision to put up temporary barriers to close the road. Signs that say “Road closed to thru traffic. Public discussion on December 8, 2008 in McCathran Hall” will be placed on poles in the roadway.
Approval of Minutes
John Compton moved, Marida Hines seconded that the Town Council minutes of October 13, 2008 be approved with corrections. Vote: 4-0.
Charlie Challstrom moved, John Compton seconded that the Town Council minutes of October 27, 2008 be approved with corrections. Vote: 4-0.
Maintenance Report
Kathie Evans asked, via Georgette Cole, if maintenance could post a sign that stated the closure of the athletic field for the winter season. There was a lengthy discussion. It was decided that posting a sign may be more confusing than helpful. A wait and see approach will be taken.
There was a brief discussion, but no resolution, concerning what to do about 300 feet of unused rubber hose that is too heavy to do the job for which it was originally purchased.
Treasurer’s Report
Georgette Cole moved, John Compton seconded that the Treasurer’s report for October 2008 be accepted. Mary Challstrom reported that of the $40K transferred for other areas to legal expenses, there is $4,000 remaining for the fiscal year. She also reported that the income tax revenue number will be more accurately reported in the beginning of December.
Vote: 4-0.
Mayor’s Announcements
Mayor Pro-Tem Georgette Cole announced that the State delegates will be asked to attend the meeting on the 24th of November. She also reported that Mayor Anderson had received an e-mail response from County Council member Mike Knapp about the Piedmont Park purchase. Georgette asked about a letter to MARC Rail. Charlie Challstrom volunteered to draft a letter to MARC Rail concerning the proposed cut-backs in service. He will emphasize the positive and propose a shift in services rather than cutting them altogether.
- L.O.S. Condemnation Update: John Compton reported that he had the 25 page lawyer’s rebuttal to N-NCPPC arguments concerning the lower court opinion. Copies of this rebuttal will be in the Town Office.
- Intergovernmental Committee Update: Charlie Challstrom reported that he represented the Town at both the Gaithersburg West Master Plan meeting and the Gaithersburg Capitol for a Day event. He made good contacts and came away with helpful information from both events.
New Business
There was no new business.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:41 p.m.