12 October 2009 | Approved: 9 November 2009
Mayor Anderson called the regular meeting of the Town Council to order at 7:32 p.m. In attendance were Councilors Charlie Challstrom, Joe Clark, Sylvie Favret and Ted Kelly. Also present were Treasurer Mary Challstrom and Town residents Maria Montefusco, Konrad Ritter and Ed Roberts.
Approval of the Agenda
Joe Clark moved, Sylvie Favret seconded that the Agenda for October 12, 2009 be approved. Charlie Challstrom asked to add the snow removal contract bid as #9. Vote: 4-0.
Public Appearances
Konrad Ritter came to support the Town’s new streetlight initiative and offered to help. There was a discussion about new lighting technologies.
Maria Montefusco came to voice concern about three issues;
- There is a pile of mulch on Town property in front of 208 Chestnut Ave. that Town Maintenance has been mowing around all summer. She asked for assistance in getting the resident to remove it. Mayor Anderson agreed that is should be moved.
- The state of the Community Garden in Woodward Park.
- The illegal turns occurring regularly by both residents and non-residents at McCauley and Washington Grove Lane. Maria asked for new signs to be placed on both streets. There was a brief discussion about the Community Garden and about the illegal turns.
Approval of Minutes
Joe Clark moved, Charlie Challstrom seconded that the Town Council minutes for September 14, 2009 be approved with corrections. Vote: 4-0.
Joe Clark moved, Charlie Challstrom seconded that the Town Council minutes for September 28, 2009 be approved with corrections. Vote: 4-0.
Approval of September 2009 Council Reports for Posting on the Website
Charlie Challstrom moved, Joe Clark seconded that the reports from the Town Council for September 2009 be approved for posting on the Town website. Vote: 4-0.
Treasurer’s Report
There was a brief discussion about the 90% decrease in the Highway User Revenue from the State. Mary Challstrom also mentioned the unforeseen expenses that have occurred with the fire/sprinkler system in McCathran Hall. Joe Clark moved, Ted Kelly seconded that the Treasurer’s report for September 2009 be accepted. Vote: 4-0.
Joe Clark moved, Sylvie Favret seconded the motion to transfer funds in order to pay bills.
Vote: 4-0.
LOS Donation – Decision
Mayor Anderson stated that a decision needed to be made concerning the acceptance of the $50K anonymous donation.
Joe Clark moved to accept the donation. Charlie Challstrom seconded the motion. A discussion ensued. Vote: 4-0.
Election Reform Committee – Discussion
Mayor Anderson stated that he would like to get this issue moving quickly as it requires a Town Charter amendment. He would like this group to consist of Chairperson Mary Kay DuBois, one (1) Council person and two (2) residents. He would like the changes to be completed by January 2010 in order to be effective at the next Town election in May.
Snow Removal Contract Bids
Charlie Challstrom gave a brief history of the Town’s relationship with the current contractor (Lion Contractors) and the contract. He also stated that he believed that a committee discussion was necessary in making the decision about snow removal on the day of the weather event. The Town Clerk will compile the bid packet and send to Charlie for review. After that review, the packets will be sent out to at least three (3) companies. The sand vs. salt option was discussed. It was decided to specify sand as the Town’s first preference for treatment of ice on Town roads, especially at intersections and on hills.
Mayor’s Announcements
- Update on County Council Visits – Mayor Anderson reported that he has not been able to meet with County Executive Ike Leggett because of Mr. Leggett’s tight schedule.
- Casey 6 & 7 – Mayor Anderson announced that this Wednesday night there would be a Smart Growth Meeting. He believes that the height of the proposed salt barns and lights will still need to be addressed.
- Deer Park Bridge – Mayor Anderson reported that the City of Gaithersburg will be setting up a meeting with CSX Railroad, the Town of Washington Grove, the City and Montgomery County to address the issue of the height of the Deer Park Bridge.
- LOS Update – no news.
New Business
- The Town Clerk brought up the fact that it is becoming more and more evident that a boundary survey should be included in the Planning Commission requirements for a resident building permit application. She asked where to start with this. Mayor Anderson stated that this would be an ordinance change to Article IV and should be initiated by the PC.
- Joe Clark stated that the Community Outreach group would be meeting at one of the churches on Washington Grove Lane on October 22nd.
- Ted Kelly stated that the playground workday was very successful. He also asked for a timeline in order to get the use of the State Program Open Space funds for playground upgrades.
- Charlie Challstrom reminded folks about the Maryland Municipal League dinner. Darrell said that he would be attending.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.