13 September 1999 | Approved: 11 October 1999
The meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m. by Mayor John Compton. In attendance were Councilors Dave Gumula, Paris Pacchione, Nick Suzich, Dodie Tippens, Carol Uhlendorf and Allen Winter. Gaithersburg Gazette reporter Lori Launi also was present.
Pursuant to Article Section 10-508(a)8., State Government Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, at 7:36 p.m. in the McCathran Hall Council Room, the Town Council voted to meet in closed session to consult with staff about pending litigation. The closed session ended at 7:47 p.m. The regular meeting was reopened at 7:48 p.m.
Approval of Minutes
Carol Uhlendorf moved, Dodie Tippens seconded, that the Town Council minutes of August 9, 1999 be approved. Vote: 6-0. Carol Uhlendorf moved, Dodie Tippens seconded, that the Executive Session minutes of August 9, 1999 be approved. Vote: 6-0.
Treasurer’s Report
Carol Uhlendorf moved, Nick Suzich seconded, acceptance of the Treasurer’s report. Vote: 6-0.
Mayor’s Announcements
Mayor Compton announced the following:
- Labor Day Weekend event coordinator Craig English announced that in spite of the rainy weather, participation was the largest in 16 years. Matt Miller, at 7 years old, took SUPER GROVE honors. A T-shirt was presented to Craig English and the recreation equipment building was named for Mayor Ann Briggs at the potluck dinner.
- Phil Edward’s book on the Town’s first forty years is now available from Gail Littlefield for $18.
- Center Street between Maple Avenue and Maple Road is scheduled to be paved week of September 27.
- County will post larger signs prohibiting trucks over 3/4 ton on Washington Grove Lane. Discussed sending form letters to firms who continue to violate prohibition.
- State probation and parole office will possibly move to a location off of Oakmont Avenue near Shady Grove Road.
Annexation of Pammel Property at 3 Ridge Road
Mayor Compton presented comments for the record from the Montgomery County Planning Board. The Board confirms that the annexation meets State and County planning requirements and recommends that the applicant continue to support Countywide park operations by paying park taxes voluntarily or by a payment in lieu of taxes. Allen Winter moved, Carol Uhlendorf seconded, that Resolution No. 99-03 be adopted, authorizing the annexation of approximately .42 acres of land located at 3 Ridge Road also known as Parcel 660. Vote: 6-0.
Zoning of Pammel Property
Dodie Tippens moved, Carol Uhlendorf seconded, that Ordinance No. 99-04 be enacted, classifying the property annexed by Resolution No. 99-03 in the Town’s RR-1 zone. Vote: 6-0.
Council Reports
Planning Commission
Allen Winter reported the following:
- forum for discussion on tree preservation ordinance was well attended; though majority of speakers were opposed to regulations there were positive suggestions for improved tree maintenance and awareness.
- set September 28 for Commission work session on commercial corner uses proposed by owner.
- Mayor Compton reported that requests to operate adult day care and child day care in Washington Grove have been received. He asked that the Commission begin to gather information on these uses to determine if they are appropriate uses in Washington Grove and if so, under what conditions.
Public Safety
Allen Winter reported that a large number of vehicle windows in the Grove had been broken by a BB gun. The police have apprehended the shooter who did extensive damage in the surrounding area also. The Public Safety Committee will continue discussions on access, street signs and lighting.
Forestry
Carol Uhlendorf announced that the Forestry Committee will meet on October 12 to continue work on hall landscaping, tree inventory, and reforestation efforts. Dodie Tippens asked about the feasibility of transplanting oak seedlings and Nick Suzich asked about transplanting stock from the Town nursery.
Intergovernmental
Carol Uhlendorf reported on a goal for Maryland Arbor Day, April 5, 2000 – to plant a white oak in every town. Carol reported that our State representatives and the States Attorney will be invited to address the Council this fall.
Town Hall Improvements
It was suggested that the Town consider buying more tables for the Town Hall. Mary Challstrom described the power assessment done by Muscatello Electric related to air conditioning and power fluctuations. Muscatello also advised on installing additional outlets in the main hall for coffeepots.
Recreation Events
Dodie Tippens announced that 100 tickets will be sold to the Grove New Year’s Eve party with a limit of four per family. Mayor Compton suggested that the Town try to get some indication of demand to see if the four-ticket limit will permit a fair number of Townspeople to attend. It was the consensus of the Council that this was not necessary.
Lake
Dodie Tippens reported that Ed Mroczka has completed the teepee-like forms to provide screening for Maple Lake. The forms will support vines along the Town’s border with Newport Estates. Darrell Anderson will check the flow in Maple Spring monthly. The relay box and timer motor for the well pump have been repaired and the lake water level is up. Environmental Quality Resources has provided an estimate for dredging out a diving well of $3700. Dodie will get another estimate and possible budget sources will be explored.
Contracts
Carol Uhlendorf suggested that BFI be contacted about adding mixed paper to the Town’s recycling contract.
Recreation Facilities
Nick Suzich reported that some cracking has appeared on the recently resurfaced asphalt court. The contractor will be contacted to make repairs under the warranty. Nick also said that suggestions will be sought for a new piece of playground equipment for younger children, and that Woodward Park rules will be posted on the sign board.
Maintenance
Mayor Compton will ask Vicki Erhart or Kitty Vogan if they would be able to monitor street lights and report lights out to the Clerk for relay to Pepco. A workday will be scheduled soon to paint the exterior of the Maintenance Shop. Paris Pacchione reported that a barrier fence has been installed at the east end of Brown Street. It was reported that the sand filter still does not drain because the membrane has not been removed.
Heritage
Dave Gumula reported that a yearbook covering 125th anniversary activities is planned.
Roads and Walkways
Dave Gumula reported that 1st and 2nd Avenues are too narrow for emergency access. The avenues radiating from the Circle will be measured to determine which is best for emergency access. Dave also reported on parking practices that are not consistent with Town ordinances and may impede vehicular traffic. Paving work on Ridge Road must be completed this fall.
Other Business
Dave Gumula addressed the following public safety issues: first aid kits, Town Hall handicapped lift area and handicapped parking spaces.
Hall pathway lighting could be reinstalled inside the pathway without disturbing pavers. The gravel shoulders along the paths will not be replaced with sod until spring.
Mayor Compton suggested that a home be found to store the Town organ for an indefinite period. The organ has rarely been used and the Town could use additional storage space.
Mayor Compton suggested that an ad hoc committee be formed to work in conjunction with the Forestry Committee to address the dire condition of our aging urban forest. Will discuss this idea in detail at the October meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:40 p.m.