22 September 2008 | Approved: 13 October 2008
Mayor Anderson called the regular meeting of the Town Council to order at 8:50 p.m. In attendance were Councilors Charlie Challstrom, Joe Clark, Georgette Cole, Kathie Evans and Marida Hines. Also in attendance were residents who elected to stay after the closing of the public hearing.
Approval of the Agenda:
Georgette Cole moved to approve the agenda. Kathie Evans seconded the motion. Kathie asked to change the order of topics to 3, 5, and then 4. The agenda was approved as amended. Vote: 5-0.
Potential Sale of Piedmont Park from Toll Brothers to M-NCPPC – Discussion
Mayor Anderson began the discussion by clarifying the location of Piedmont Park. The park is 9.6 acres east and below the Legacy Open Space property. It is often called the “2nd Field”. The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission wants to make this the park that is referenced in the Shady Grove Master Plan. The tree line is in jeopardy. The Town should present a position about this sale soon. Kathie Evans would like a more formal presentation on this subject. Mayor Anderson suggested that an explanation about this issue would be a good item for the next Bulletin. Joe Clark said that a discussion about the advantages and disadvantages of this sale is a must and suggested that the Town shouldn’t be in opposition of everything. Darrell stated that an agreement on this might help with what goes on the Casey 6 property. The Town needs to have a position on or before the Planning Board Round Table on October 20, 2008. More discussion… This will be an agenda item for the first meeting in October.
Mayor’s Announcements
- Deer Park Bridge – Mayor Anderson reported that he had received the Montgomery County inspection reports from 2005 through now. The reports indicate that the bridge is fine with the exception of one questionable spot. There was a brief discussion about the report.
- Casey 6 & 7: Mayor Anderson reported that there are still options being tossed around concerning this land. He also reported that Montgomery County seems to be listening to the Town about Casey 6 and he believes that the Town position on Piedmont Park will affect what is done on that property. Construction is probably 18 months away.
- LOS Update – Mayor Anderson reported that he had a conversation with the attorneys about legal costs going forward. There was a discussion about timelines and approximate dates for hearings, oral arguments to the Court of Special Appeals, the potential outcomes and when the Town could expect an estimate from the attorneys. September legal bills will be high. Mayor Anderson stated that the Council could expect estimates at the beginning of October.
Council Reports
See attached written reports. Charlie Challstrom noted that the discussions about Piedmont Park and Casey 6 & 7 show the need for an intergovernmental committee. There was no further discussion about the Council Reports.
New Business
There was no new business.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:37 p.m.