11 October 2010 | Approved: 8 November 2010
Mayor Anderson called the regular meeting of the Town Council to order at 7:30 p.m. In attendance were Councilors Joe Clark, Georgette Cole, Sylvie Favret, Ted Kelly, Joli McCathran and Bill Robertson. Also present were Treasurer Mary Challstrom and Town residents Charlie Challstrom, Birgit Henninger, Janet Lottero, Ann Philips, Paula Puglisi, Bruce Rothrock, Ken Shapiro and Linda Winter.
Approval of the Agenda
Joe Clark moved, Sylvie Favret seconded that the agenda for September 13, 2010 be approved. Mayor Anderson moved the LOS Condemnation Update to the third position.
LOS Condemnation Update
Mayor Anderson reported that the Town of Washington Grove owns the 12- acre parcel of land known as the Legacy Open Space field. The Mayor has the deed and settlement was October 4, 2010. A letter of explanation will be mailed to every resident and property owner tomorrow (10/12/10). He went on to say that some kind of field party will happen within the next two (2) weeks. He also thanked John Compton for his vision. There was a bit more discussion about the details and then everyone in the room applauded.
Public Appearances
Ann Philips presented a letter about cats at large to the Mayor and Council (see Exhibit A).
Janet Lottero read the letter. Rather than enforcement through Montgomery County Animal Control, Janet and Ann asked for support in an education effort. This would involve sending a U.S.H.S. brochure called “A Safe Cat is a Happy Cat” to each household and including one in every Welcome Packet to newcomers.
Linda Winter offered to get brochures at no charge from her employer, the United States Humane Society.
Birgit Henninger said that when they had no dogs, cats came freely into the yard and the bird population dropped. Now that they have dogs, that has changed. She went on to say that the only time she and her two dogs have a problem is when they encounter a loose cat.
Janet Lottero stated that for a Town that is a wildlife sanctuary to allow cats to run free seems counter to that philosophy.
Joe Clark asked if one could talk to the people who are letting their cats run free.
The answer was that, in general, this does not work. Most of these conversations are unsuccessful.
Ann Philips asked for Town Council support and education for residents.
Paula Puglisi stated that her yard is frequented by visiting cats, yet she has plenty of birds as well. She also said that she is happy to be educated about the subject.
Joli McCathran expressed concern about who approves the contents of the Welcome Packets and went on to say that it should be the Woman’s Club.
Mayor Anderson reminded people that the Town adopted the Animal Control Laws of Montgomery County and that is who would enforce the law. He went on to ask the Council if they would support the education efforts. The Council agreed. It was decided that the Councilor in charge of Safety (Sylvie Favret) would help with a letter that will accompany the brochures.
Approval of Minutes
Joe Clark moved, Bill Robertson seconded that the Town Council minutes for September 13, 2010 be approved. There were two (2) minor corrections. Vote: 6-0.
Georgette Cole moved, Ted Kelly seconded that the Town Council minutes for September 27, 2010 be approved. There was one minor correction. Vote: 6-0.
Approval of Council Reports from September 2010 for Posting on the Website
Georgette Cole moved, Joe Clark seconded that the Council Reports from September 2010 be approved for posting on the Town website. Georgette Cole noted that Ted Kelly’s report was not included and that he should send it to the Town Clerk before posting. Vote: 6-0, as amended.
Treasurer’s Report
- There was a brief discussion about Town Attorney Bill Roberts’ invoices, the second FEMA payment from the February blizzard, changes that resulted from the Special Town Meeting and the energy grant. Joe Clark moved, Georgette Cole seconded that the Treasurer’s Report for September 2010 be accepted. Vote: 6-0. Georgette Cole moved, Joe Clark seconded the motion to transfer funds in order to pay bills. Vote: 6-0.
- Treasurers Report 2010-10 pdf
Speeding Enforcement Programs – Discussion
Ted Kelly stated that there was nothing new to add to this issue. He went on to say that Mayor Anderson has made himself available to residents who have enforcement issues and that is a good first step. Ted will contact Officer Tillery.
There was a discussion about speed humps vs. speed tables.
Mayor’s Announcements
- Deer Park Bridge – Mayor Anderson reported that he was waiting for information from Gary Hayward. CSX is anxious to meet with Darrell. Georgette asked about a backup plan. Joe Clark said that he knew someone that he could call to do the work if Gary’s person fell through. Joli offered to contact a CSX lobbyist but would like to be brought up to speed on the issue first. The Town Council gave Joli some additional information.
- Reorganization of Council Responsibilities – Mayor Anderson announced the following:
- Joe Clark » Maintenance & McCathran Hall
- Georgette Cole » Mayor Pro-Tem, Forestry & Beautification, Planning Commission
- Sylvie Favret » Safety & Maple Lake
- Ted Kelly » Intergovernmental, Memorials, Website
- Joli McCathran » Historic Preservation Commission, Recreation, Playgrounds
- Bill Robertson » Contracts, including Roads & Walkways
- There was a discussion about the up-coming road work bids and priorities. Joe Clark proposed the following order; Hickory Rd., Grove Rd., Chestnut Rd. then Brown & Grove intersection.
New Business
There was no new business.
Councilor Kelly left at 9:50 PM.
The regular meeting adjourned at 9:50 PM.
The Executive Session began at approximately 10:00 PM
The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m.