27 October 2008 | Approved: 10 November 2008
Mayor Anderson called the regular meeting of the Town Council to order at 7:35 p.m. In attendance were Councilors Charlie Challstrom, Georgette Cole, John Compton, Kathie Evans and Marida Hines.
Approval of the Agenda
Georgette Cole moved to approve the agenda. Charlie Challstrom seconded the motion. Vote: 5-0.
Introduction of Ordinance 2008-07
Modifying Building Coverage Standards for Residential Zones: Georgette Cole moved to introduce Ordinance No. 2008-07. Marida Hines seconded the motion. This ordinance came in to being as a result of inconsistencies in current zoning. A discussion ensued. The Mayor and Council believe that both negative and positive effects of this legislation must be pursued. They also think that it is very important to give residents a clear explanation about this proposed change. The public hearing was set for December 8, 2008 at 7:00 PM. Charlie will research putting his spreadsheet on the Town website. Vote: 5-0.
Building Permit Application Process – Discussion
Mayor Anderson reviewed the current process including the issue of timing problems with HPC reviews. He suggested that the HPC review be moved to the beginning of the permit process. This could be a pre-permit application part of the process. Bob Booher said that there was contradiction in the way the ordinance is written. In its current form, by the time residents come to the HPC they have already decided what they wish to do and the HPC cannot effect change. There was a discussion about timing, the 30-day waiting period, the needs of residents, ways to strengthen the HPC review, turnaround time, imposing deadlines for submissions and the need for the HPC and the PC to sit down and discuss this process. A work session should be scheduled to revise the procedures.
Maryland Municipal League Geocache Resolution
Charlie Challstrom moved to introduce and approve Ordinance 2008-08. Georgette Cole seconded the motion. Charlie explained Geocaching in terms of a treasure hunt with no digging. The cache will be on Town property that is publicly accessible. There will be a meeting in the spring to educate the public.
Vote: 5-0.
Council Reports
See attached written reports.
Kathie Evans – Because of a shoulder injury, Kathie Evans had to give her report orally.
- Contracts – Kathie reported that the leaf contractor wanted to have a meeting to discuss increases in fuel charges and tipping fees.
- McCathran Hall – Kathie reported that the McCathran Hall Needs Committee met and discussed the cleaning of the Hall. It was decided to increase George’s hours by 1 hour per week until January 2009 and to have his work checked weekly. The committee also discussed gutter work estimates, interior painting, cleaning the Council Room floors and the Furnace Room project.
- Athletic Field – Kathie reported that there had been one complaint on Sunday. The complaint was that there were too many cars, they parked along Grove Road, kids playing on the tennis courts (not playing tennis) and trash was left. This was checked by a monitor and the problems were unfounded. There was a brief discussion about the need for signage that point to the public bathrooms that exist in Woodward Park.
- Georgette Cole asked for a general sense of the Council concerning how the Town’s reforestation monies could be spent. Rather than spending it all on new trees at Stadlers Nursery, she wondered if some could be spent on other reforestation projects like renting a spade and transplanting trees from the Town Nursery to other more desirable locations. The sense was yes.
- Charlie Challstrom asked the Council to take a stand on the MARC Rail cut backs. Discussion.
- It was suggested that letters from each Council member that addressed adding a stop in Washington Grove and potential parking issues might be in order. A draft letter concerning this issue will be on the agenda for November 10, 2008.
Mayor’s Announcements
- LOS Condemnation Update: Mayor Anderson reported that the Court of Appeals deferred the motion to include additional information that was submitted by M-NCPPC. They did not deny or accept anything. Oral arguments will be on December 9, 2008 in Annapolis.
- Deer Park Bridge – Mayor Anderson reported that the final inspection reports and recommendations from Montgomery County have not been completed yet. The deadline has long passed.
- Casey 6 & 7: Mayor Anderson had nothing to report at this time.
- Piedmont Park: The County Council approved funding for this purchase by M-NCPPC to develop a local park with ball fields.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:18 p.m.