10 October 2011 | Approved: 14 November 2011
Mayor Cole called the regular meeting of the Town Council to order at 8:35 p.m. In attendance were Councilors Joe Clark, Sylvie Favret, Audrey Maskery, Joli McCathran, Alice Negin and Bill Robertson. Also present were Treasurer Mary Challstrom, Planning Commission Chair Charlie Challstrom and residents Ann Briggs and Ernie Kawasaki.
Approval of Agenda
Bill Robertson moved, Alice Negin seconded that the agenda be approved. Vote: 6-0.
Public Appearances
Ann Briggs asked if the Towne Crest re-development project would be monitored by an ad hoc committee. There was a brief discussion about how this might be done.
Approval of Minutes
Alice Negin moved, Audrey Maskery seconded that the Town Council minutes for September 12, 2011 be approved. Vote: 6-0.
Treasurer’s Report
- The final cost of the new fence over the current and past fiscal year is about $15,000. Joe Clark moved, Alice Negin seconded that the Treasurer’s Report for September 2011 be accepted. Vote: 6-0.
- Joe Clark moved, Alice Negin seconded that the Treasurer’s Report for September 2011 be accepted. Mary Challstrom made note of the tremendous savings realized by having Town Maintenance do the tennis fence installation. Vote: 6-0.
- Sylvie Favret moved, Alice Negin seconded the motion to transfer funds from savings to checking in order to pay bills. Vote: 6-0.
- Treasurers Report 2011-10 pdf
Sylvie Favret moved, Alice Negin seconded the motion to transfer funds from savings to checking in order to pay bills. Vote: 6-0.
Well Failure at 300 Ridge Road
Mayor Cole reported that in response to the failed well at 300 Ridge Rd., Toll Brothers offered to add two extra homes to the list of homes covered in the bond being held by the Town. This action would reduce the amount offered to each home by $1,176.47. Mayor Cole also reported that the daughter of the resident at 300 Ridge Rd. is going to pursue getting the full $10,000.00 from Toll. A discussion about the Town’s role, getting legal advice, potential liability, the original agreement between Toll & M-NCPPC, an official statement of policy, contacting Phil Andrews and the original list of homes ensued. The Mayor will convey to Toll Brothers that the Town has no official position about this and will let Park & Planning, Toll and Mrs. Voigt (and her daughter) work this out on their own.
Maintenance Proposal for WG Meadow Conservation Park
Mayor Cole reviewed the issue of ownership of this land. The Town bought the fee, has the deed of ownership and owns the property. Park and Planning holds a deed of dedication that charges them with preserving the property as Legacy Open Space and passive parkland. This deed of dedication governs the use of the land and the Town must approve any change in use. The Mayor and Council agreed that the Town attorney should be called in for a review of the maintenance agreement when the process is farther along and out of the draft document stage. In the meantime, the Mayor asked the Council to thoroughly review the Draft document produced by the Committee and be ready for further discussion at the November meeting. Any proposed changes to this document should be e-mailed to Ernie Kawasaki.
Council Reports
- Minor corrections were made to the September Council Reports. Audrey Maskery moved, Sylvie Favret seconded that the September Council Reports be approved for posting on the Town website. Vote: 6-0.
- Town Council Reports – October 2011 pdf
Joe Clark brought up the fact that a few residents were still dumping their private brush on Town property. A discussion ensued after which it was decided to run an item about brush pickup in the next Town Bulletin and include language about the "Grover the Gopher" sign. Joe will follow up with the resurrection of the "Grover" process.
Joli McCathran brought up the Archivist position. The HPC has selected someone whom they would like to hire. She would be a contract labor person at $20.00 per hour. Joli and Georgette will work on the contract. Joe Clark moved to approve the hiring of an HPC Archivist. Alice Negin seconded the motion. Vote: 6-0.
Bill Robertson reported that the "notice to proceed" letters will go out to the leaf contractor and the snow removal contractor shortly. This year the leaf contract will specify that the pickup will be for residential leaves only. Leaves from the common areas will be dealt with by Town Maintenance. He also reported that Town Maintenance would be purchasing a spreader in order to salt/sand our own roads when needed.
Mayor’s Announcements
Deer Park Bridge Update – Mayor Cole reported that she, Ann Briggs and Charlie Challstrom met with two (2) County representatives about this subject. CSX has yet to start the permitting process with Montgomery County. CSX must do this.
New Business
There was no new business.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:56 p.m.