Mayor John Compton called the regular meeting of the Town Council to order at 7:30 p.m. In attendance were Councilors Darrell Anderson (by phone), Charlie Challstrom, Patty Klein, Audrey Maskery, and Treasurer Mary Challstrom. Also present were Georgette Cole, Liz Everhart, Robert Johnson and Charlie Negin. Rob Gilmore arrived at 8:30 p.m. and Dave Cosson arrived at 8:40 p.m.

Approval of Agenda:

Charlie Challstrom moved to approve the agenda. Audrey Maskery seconded the motion. Vote: 4-0, approved.

Public Appearances:

There were no public appearances.

Approval of Minutes:

Audrey Maskery moved to approve the August 12, 2019 Town Council Meeting minutes. Charlie Challstrom seconded the motion. Vote: 4-0, approved.

Treasurer’s Report:

Treasurers Report 2019-August pdf
Audrey Maskery moved acceptance of the August 2019 Treasurer’s Report. Patty Klein seconded the motion. Treasurer Mary Challstrom reported things look less robust than expected due to late receipt of County revenue sharing funds. She also reported the adjusting journal entries will happen upon completion of the FY2019 annual audit, currently in progress. Vote: 4-0, accepted.

Patty Klein moved to transfer $15K from savings to checking in order to pay bills. Audrey Maskery seconded the motion. Vote: 4-0 for approval

Introduction of Ordinance 2019-14 Sale of Land Adjacent to 8 The Circle – Discussion:

Charlie Challstrom moved to introduce Ordinance 2019-14 pdf. Darrell Anderson seconded the motion. Charlie Challstrom distributed maps showing the land in question. Mayor Compton explained the land to be sold is of little use to the Town, presenting both maintenance and access/connection issues. The Mayor and Council discussed the following:

• Homes that access this back alley (#6 The Circle, #8 The Circle, 203 2nd Avenue)
• Current access from and around the house on #6 The Circle.
• A rear bay/bow window that overhangs the Town land to be sold.
• The 6-foot fences that exist in the area.
• Retaining sufficient land to insure open and wide access for emergency equipment..
• Whether selling this land would set an undesirable precedent.
• Other areas in Town where residents may want to purchase adjacent land.
• Obtaining input from all nearby residents (Hutchinson, Range, Gillanders, Polston, and Seegal).

Action: The Public Hearing will take place on 2 October 2019 at 7:30 p.m. before the Town Council meeting.

Introduction of Ordinance 2019-15 Expanding Applicability of the Public Ways and Property Permit – Discussion:

Charlie Challstrom moved to introduce Ordinance 2019-15 pdf. Patty Klein seconded the motion. Charlie Challstrom, explained the proposed change will extend the requirement for a Public Ways and a Property permit to driveway work . There was a discussion about driveway apron criteria and other issues involving Town land. Vote: 4-0, Introduction approved together with Introduction of Ordinance 2019-14.

Action: The Public Hearing will take place on 11 November 2019 at 7:30 p.m. before the Town Council meeting.

Appointment of an Alternate Commissioner to the Historic Preservation Commission – Mayor’s Nomination of Kirk Greenway – Discussion and Action:

Mayor Compton reported several residents expressed interest in the Alternate position on the HPC. Charlie Challstrom moved to approve the Mayor’s appointment of Kirk Greenway. Audrey Maskery seconded the motion. Vote: 4-0, appointment approved

Deer Management Bow Hunting Sessions – Update from Councilor Patty Klein:

Patty Klein reported archery season opened on 6 September. There is a hunting stand in the East Woods and the hunters will likely hunt this week.

Sewer Line Replacement on Ridge Road and Grove Avenue – Update:

1. Grove Avenue Project – Mayor Compton explained the project is replacement of the old (~60y?) sewer line between Brown and Center, and also many of the lateral lines connecting the sewer to houses. To reduce tree impacts, WSSC has proposed to do the main line replacement with minimal trenching as used on 4th Avenue some years ago. However before the Public Ways and Property Permit is issued by the Town, the lateral lines must be located, tree impacts assessed, and engineering and trenching plans revised. There was discussion about potential pitfalls with this sewer replacement. WSSC would like to do the work next Spring.
2. Ridge Road Project – Mayor Compton reported all laterals have been located and a thorough discussion about this work took place during two different meetings. Because WSSC will be trenching into newly paved segments, they have agreed to re-paving the full width of the road (rather than patches). The segment between Brown and 112 Ridge, that is on the Town’s plan for repair in the future, will also be re-paved, and WSSC has proposed to do necessary road bed work in that stretch at a cost of ~$1900 to the Town.

Action: Darrell Anderson moved to approve the additional funds in this year’s plan for road work. Audrey Maskery seconded the motion. Vote: 4-0, funding approved.

Purchase of Speed Humps – Update from Councilor Darrell Anderson and Discussion:

The Town Council revisited the decision to buy speed tables (July). Darrell Anderson reported the cost to purchase the type of speed tables discussed at previous meetings is $3,450.00 each, and hence the current budget would only allow for the purchase of one speed table. There was a discussion about the following:

• Speed reduction properties of speed tables that are 3 inches or 4 inches high.
• The effectiveness of the 3.5 inch high and ~7-ft wide asphalt speed humps on Ridge Road compared to the speed tables on Washington Grove Lane.
• Cost of 7-ft. vs. 14 ft. wide humps.
• Clearance for handicapped vehicles and hot rods.

Action: The Council rescinded the previous decision and approved instead ordering a single speed hump that is 3 inches high and 7 feet wide for trial installation at Grove Road and Oak Street, at a cost of ~$2,000.00.

Installation of Concrete Benches in Certain Public Areas – Update from Councilor Audrey Maskery:

Audrey reported she ordered 3 benches for placement in McGregor Park (McCauley Street and Grove Road), on Maple Avenue (near 111), and at The Circle (near 17). She will ask for input from residents about additional benches after these have been installed and tried for a bit. The benches cost $300.00 each.

Resolution 2019-13 Providing For Proper Governance of WG Committees – Update & Discussion:

Resolution 2019-13 pdf The update and discussion about this resolution was lengthy.

Rob Gilmore reporting on an August 27th meeting with committee chairmen he organized to get feedback, hear concerns and identify common ground regarding the content of the draft Resolution. Mayor Compton clarified the meeting was not a special Town Council meeting, but rather a gathering of interested parties to discuss the issues raised by the Resolution. Rob Gilmore referenced the minutes distributed via-mail. He summarized the meeting as productive, and that it concluded with the Chairs agreeing to have their committees discuss the draft Resolution and provide input to the Town Council on the following questions:

• Should Committees have operating procedures (…Bylaws)?
• Should the Town Council require committees to adopt rules/procedures?
• Are there specific rules/procedures the committee thinks should adopted?

The following items/questions were discussed:

• Whether there are issues or problems in committee operation that should be addressed?
• Whether the current content in the draft resolution was too prescriptive?
• Should these be left to each Committee to address, or is there a role for the Town Council?
• Whether the use of an ordinance or resolution was too prescriptive and “heavy-handed”?
• Options for addressing Committee operations: by Resolution, by Ordinance, or by providing Policies or Guidelines recommendations. Or a combination?
• The nature of our committees: are they really public bodies, or unofficial volunteer groups.
• Applicability of the Open Meetings Act (OMA).
• What, if any, are the consequences of identifying “Recognized Committees”.
• Should the Council Liaison to a town committee be responsible for ensuring the spirit of the OMA requirements are followed?
• Whether a Council Liaison should have a role in committee spending (based on approved town budget?)
• Annual election of committee Chairpersons.
• Allowing a Councilor to serve as Chair or Co-chair.
• How can current committees be recognized in a positive way?

The next discussion took a more philosophical tone. It covered the following:

• The expectation that committees would address and adopt aspects of their own operations.
• The Town Council developing guidelines to aid committees in organizing their own operating procedures.
• The idea that less formal committees (those with no formal operating procedures or guidelines) may present a less friendly atmosphere to new volunteer residents. Conversely, committees with overly prescriptive procedures may discourage volunteer resident participation on committees.
• Volunteering should be a fun, pleasant experience in order to sustain committee membership.
• Using the Liaison to play a role in spending and in leadership.
• The pros and cons of using Roberts Rules of Order

Action: Charlie Challstrom moved to table Resolution 2019-13. Patty Klein seconded the motion. Extended discussion followed:

Rob Gilmore stated if the draft Resolution is tabled, he was concerned that the incentive for addressing the issue will be removed, and no action would result. Before acting he would like to wait for the input from the Committees expected in October, which he expects to address the central issues (noted above)

Darrell Anderson expressed support for Rob’s concerns. He urged the Council not to walk away just because of the controversy over addressing issues affecting Committee effectiveness. He stated that people don’t feel listened to, that the process has been started, and that we owe it to everyone to see this play out.

Mayor Compton suggested the resolution should not be tabled unless there already another action/proposal to take its place.

Patty Klein argued that the draft Resolution is not the proper format to address the Town Council’s concerns that committees should have operational procedures or bylaws, and stated the current draft Resolution content is too prescriptive, taking a ‘one size fits all’ approach. She favored to instead develop guidelines with criteria committees could follow.

Audrey Maskery expressed her dismay at the emotional conduct of parts of the discussion. Her committee has no problems and she is distressed over the controversy generated by the draft Resolution.

Charlie Challstrom called the question; Whether to table Resolution 2019-13?
Vote: 2 FOR (Challstrom, Klein); 3 AGAINST (Darrell Anderson, Rob Gilmore, Mayor Compton), 1 ABSTENTION (Audrey Maskery). Note that in the event of the tie, the Mayor was called on to vote. Resolution not Tabled.

Additional discussion continued:

• Anticipated feedback from the Committees in October
• Revising the draft the Resolution, or …
• Changing the approach of the Town Council to recommendations rather than requirements.
• Possibly having further meetings and discussion with Chairs and residents in a special Town Council meeting.

Mayor Compton stated that all opinions should be in writing and sent to the Council. Public input should happen at a public open meeting.

Town Council Reports :

Charlie Challstrom moved to approve the Council Reports for posting on the Town website. Audrey Maskery seconded the motion. Patty Klein suggested minor edits to the EPSC report. Vote: 5-0, as amended.

Mayor’s Announcements:

• Montgomery County Pedestrian Master Plan – Mayor Compton encouraged the Council to review this item on the County Planning Board’s website.
• Vehicles on Brown Street – The trailer parked on Brown Street in front of 414 was given an official warning and it disappeared shortly after the notice was posted. The unregistered car in front of 201 Brown Street was moved after a request from the Mayor.
• County Executive Outreach. Marc Elrich is holding community gatherings in various locations in the County and has approached Washington Grove as a place for one of these gatherings in October. Shelley Winkler is the Town contact.

New Business:

Cherry Avenue Stabilization: Betsy Klinger met with Mayor Compton about the stabilization of Cherry Avenue and asked if the Town could work on diverting water that comes into her yard. Mayor Compton noted that Maintenance Supervisor Steve Werts has proposed a solution for the problem and he will meet with Steve. Robert Johnson, Chair of the Stormwater Management Committee, volunteered to bring this to their next meeting.

Deed Preparation for Sale of Town Land: Charlie Challstrom did a good job getting the deed started by adapting the easement deed document to one appropriate for the sale. It is in the Town attorney’s hands for review.

Code Inspector – Audrey Maskery asked if the Code Inspector could be used to enforce the Town’s rules about too many cars parked at a residence. Discussion… Patty Klein stated the handrails at the Commercial Corner will soon become a safety problem is not repaired.

Action: Mayor Compton will check into this.

Adjournment:

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:55 p.m.

Kathryn L. Lehman
Town Clerk

TC REPORTS – September 2019

HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION – Darrell Anderson

Meetings: The regular monthly meeting was held on August 20, 2019. The next regularly-scheduled meeting will be held September 18, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. in the McCathran Hall Council Room.

Permit Reviews
There were no reviews this month.

Update on Ordinance Adopting an Amendment to the WG Zoning Ordinance to modify Definition of Dormer and to Modify the Minimum Lot Line Standards for the RR-3 Zone
It was suggested that the HPC and Planning Commission have a joint meeting to discuss the modifications of minimum lot line standards for the RR-3 zone. At the same time, there should be a discussion of a potential ordinance to prevent the demolition/removal of historic properties.

Status of Sale of Land at 409 5th Avenue
The Town Council has set the date for the Public Meeting for comments on the ordinance for the sale of the land to the O’Connor’s. The draft ordinance includes suggestions from the Town attorney. It included all the elements the HPC had suggested in the spring. Thus, the HPC reviewed and approved a revised recommendation letter finalizing HPC responsibilities for the process. The letter will be forwarded to the Mayor with the final Exhibit C that was approved at a previous HPC meeting.

Looking ahead, the HPC would like the Town Council to create a process that will forever flag the properties completing the sale of Town-owned property to make sure that future building permits are not issued that conflict with the stipulations of the sale ordinances.

National Register Nomination Progress
MHT is still reviewing the final Draft. The HPC would like to include text on the Amity extension planning and the proposed bike path before the Board of Governors meeting in October.

Master Plan 2019
The HPC continues to work on sections being reviewed by the Master Plan Committee.
The Woods committee requested that the HPC provide historic descriptions of the East and West Woods for inclusion in the Masterplan. Section 6 Environmental Concerns will be considered in August. The HPC has provided comments for this section.

The historic description on Section 8 (Commercial Corner) provided by Gail Littlefield was approved to be forwarded to the Master Plan Working Group. An HPC sub-group will begin working on Section 9 (Development and Preservation Strategies).

Request for sale of a portion of the rear alley abutting 8 The Circle
A request has been made by Maggie Range to purchase a portion of the rear alley abutting her property at 8 The Circle. A plat showing the portion and a meets-and-bounds description were provided by the Planning Commission. There is no original construction conflicting with the portion in question. After a brief discussion, the HPC agreed that there were no historic issues generated by the potential sale and authorized the Chair to compose an official recommendation letter of approval and send it to the Mayor.

STREET SIGN RESTORATION PROJECT – Darrell Anderson

Nothing to report.

ROADS & WALKWAYS – Darrell Anderson

WSSC Meetings
After a meeting in July with WSSC to review planned work on Ridge Road that would impact our recent repaving, the Town received a proposal for payment of the section of Ridge Road (intersection of Ridge and Brown) that would not be impacted nor was repaved. This was thought to be a good solution because this would complete the repaving of Ridge Road scheduled for repaving this year. However, there were some misunderstandings that resulted in another meeting with WSSC at the end of August. It now seems that they understand our position and will submit another proposal to the Town.

Also, during August, Town representatives met with WSSC to review future replacement of sewer lines on Grove Avenue between Brown Street and almost to Center Street. We still are discussing having a better understanding of the exact lines to be replaced and the laterals leading to houses along Grove Avenue and Chestnut Road (that abut Grove Avenue).

One speed hump was ordered for replacement at the current Grove Road speed hump. It should be installed by the end of September. The Grove Road speed hump will be moved to Chestnut Road between Center Street and Oak Street, and the current two speed bumps at the stop signs on Oak Street will be removed. The Council will decide if they will be moved to another location.

Lighting Committee
The Lighting Committee met on August 28, 2019; the next meeting will be on September 25, 2019, in the McCathran Hall Council Room. A list of 3 questions that were produced by a meeting of all Committee Chairs on August 27, 2019, were presented and discussed. The Committee approved answers to the 3 questions, which will be submitted to the Mayor. They were:

1. Should committees have rules and procedures? The Lighting Committee voted that in concept this is appropriate, but that each Committee should decide that on their own.
2. Should the Town Council require Committee rules and procedures? No
3. Should some rules and procedures (from a list of 10) be implemented for all Committees? Numbers 1-8 should be left to individual Committees to implement; yes, to number 9; and, for number 10, all Committees should have defined leadership.

Lighting fixtures and bulbs
The Committee reviewed various PEMCO lighting fixtures and LED lights. After discussion of the various types, the Committee was informed that PEMCO may give us samples of lights and shields. If purchased, the lights will cost approximately $700 each and $200 each for an arm fixture.

Attributes
The Committee now has a light meter that will help in developing an assessment of current lighting to compare with that recommended by various lighting standards and governmental agencies.

The Committee reviewed a letter from Conrad Ritter, written during the last lighting assessment in 2009 that fairly described the same issues being undertaken by the current committee. The main issue then, as now, is how to determine what the Town residents want for roadway and walkway lighting.

Light Pole Inventory
Charlie Challstrom presented a map of Town light poles with their designated PEPCO number. The Committee members divided up the list of approximately 100 poles and will visit each to confirm the placement and number, as well as take pictures of the existing light fixtures. This project will be complete by the September meeting of the Committee.

WASHINGTON GROVE MEADOW CONSERVATION PARK – Darrell Anderson

Montgomery County Parks conducted the final spraying for invasive species in the Meadow during the first week of September.

CENSUS LIAISON – Charlie Challstrom

As the Town’s designated Census Liaison, I completed review of the Local Update of Census Addresses (LUCA) feedback materials regarding my earlier review of the residential address list compiled for Washington Grove. This LUCA review should help to ensure a more accurate and complete count of our residents for the 2020 Census.

MCCATHRAN HALL – Charlie Challstrom

McCathran Hall Cleaning: The weekly cleaning of McCathran Hall by the SEEC team continues on Tuesdays. SEEC is a progressive nonprofit agency providing an array of services to help people who have significant disabilities live, work and thrive in their own communities.

MONTGOMERY MUNICIPAL CABLE (MMC) – Charlie Challstrom

The Town is a participating member of MMC, a nonprofit organization established to operate a cable station on behalf of municipalities in Montgomery County. MMC provides a weekly email “MMC Inside Scoop” to highlight the latest programming, and this weekly MMC message is distributed to those who are part of the Washington Grove Yahoo Group.

PLANNING COMMISSION – Charlie Challstrom

Building Permits: Planning Commission (PC) report on the following requests –

• 112 Grove Ave – fencing approved
• 118 Grove Ave – fencing approved
• 119 Grove Ave – fencing approved, with a condition regarding 7-foot setback from Grove Road, or 6-foot to 4-foot height transition
• 211 Maple Ave – garage reconstruction approved
• 203 Second Ave – demolition of the shared shed is on hold pending resolution of a request for shed reconstruction for 315 Grove Ave
• 203 Washington Grove Lane – fencing approved
• 205 Washington Grove Lane – fencing approved
• 213 Washington Grove Lane – approved maintenance and repairs of block wall of garage
• 215 Washington Grove Lane – relocated fence approved

Sale of Town Property Adjacent to 8 Circle: Maggie Range has submitted a letter to Mayor Compton requesting purchase of a portion of Town-owned land adjoining her property, including parts of a former alley and a former park, containing 169 square feet. The PC reviewed the diagram provided with Maggie’s request, and noted the retention of public access to Grove Avenue for all five homes in Block 11. The PC authorized the Chairman to compose a letter of endorsement for submission to the Mayor and Council. The PC recommends the Council introduce the draft Ordinance to authorize this sale and schedule a public hearing.

Amendment for Public Ways and Property Permit: The PC concluded that applying the Public Ways and Property Permit process for residential driveways and parking areas will better enable the Town to promote reliance on sustainable permeable surfaces and better protect the public property of the Town from adverse effects of stormwater runoff. The PC recommends the Council introduce the draft Ordinance to amend Article III, Section 14, and schedule a public hearing.

Joint PC/HPC Work Session: A joint PC/HPC work session is being scheduled to address issues of common interest. Issues identified thus far include dormers, half stories, and additional zoning conditions to support preservation of historic structures.

Minimum Lot Standards for the RR-3 Zone: Further PC consideration of RR-3 Zone standards and conditions may await an application for a zoning text amendment from the affected property owners.

Master Plan Update: A 2019 Master Plan Work Session was held on August 21. Discussions included: changing zoning of the East Woods and West Woods from Forest and Recreational (FR) Zone to Forest Preserve (FP) Zone using a Zoning Text Amendment and a Local Zoning Map Amendment; updated Master Plan Section 2 on Municipal Growth Areas including a fifth growth area comprising the CSX Railroad tracks and parcels on the Oakmont side; updated Master Plan Section 5 descriptions of parks, forest preserves, and historic areas; and updated Master Plan Section 6 descriptions of management issues including additional sensitive areas. A copy of the latest 2019 Master Plan Working Draft and the draft minutes from each work session are available on the Town web site.

CONTRACTS – Rob Gilmore

Nothing to report

DOG PARK – Rob Gilmore

Nothing to report

WOODS – Rob Gilmore

The Woods Committee held a meeting on Tuesday, September 3, 2019, at 7:30 p.m. at McCathran Hall. The Committee discussed the commencement of the deer archery session in the East and West Woods, which was approved by the Town Council in August, and which will begin on September 6th consistent with the 2019 MD-DNR deer archery season.

The co-chairs distributed copies of the Council-approved (2019-11) “Resolution Authorizing Deer Management Bow Hunting Sessions” to the committee members for their information. The Committee addressed the recent issues regarding when to plant additional trees in the Nicho’s Trees area, and communications among membership and leadership concerning those issues. Committee co-chairs distributed a draft of by-laws, and a committee member circulated a draft statement of committee norms for review. Finally, the committee briefly discussed the three points listed at the Committee Chairs meeting on August 27th in response to the draft “Resolution on Town Committee Governance” introduced at the August Town Council meeting. In the next month, the Committee intends to further discuss these matters, to finalize a proposed set of by-laws and procedures, and to present to the Town Council the Woods Committee’s perspectives on the draft resolution.

SHADY GROVE CROSSING – Rob Gilmore

Nothing to report.

WEBSITE – Marida Hines

See Communications Work Group

RECREATION – Marida Hines

The next meeting of the Recreation Committee is October 16, 2019.

On Labor Day weekend, the Recreation Committee staged the traditional softball game and also held a Weenie Roast at Maple Lake that was a great success despite light rain, with the hottest item being Washington Grove baseball caps available for purchase.

The rest of the 2019 games, including field events, races, croquet match, etc., are being held the weekend of September 7/8 due to concerns that changes in the Montgomery County school year calendar that have suppressed turnout in recent years. On Saturday September 7, six contests for children and adults are scheduled. Later in the day are three bike races, followed by two running races. The fun will continue on Sunday with a morning Doubles Tennis match, a mid-day Croquet Tournament and the first Annual Badminton Tournament, a field game and a potluck dinner featuring awards for the winners.

COMMUNICATIONS WORK GROUP – Marida Hines

The Communications Working Group has begun Usability Testing of the Town website. Arlene McCrehan and Marida Hines have conducted tests with Alex Lembesis, Jinny Jones, and Kathy Lehman. These first tests have already revealed several issues with the site that are both technical and editorial in nature. Testing will resume in late September after both testers are available again. Annika Land has gone back to college but Gray Yachup has agreed to contribute to the project by participating in a test. In addition, Judy Mroczka will participate when they return. That will bring the sampling to the minimum of five participants (three women and two men) but a more representative sample should include a few more, specifically a younger person (preferably female) and one person aged 30-60 (preferably male). The current tally is:

• One person under 30
• One person 30 – 60
• Three people over 60

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & SAFETY COMMITTEE – Pat Klein

The EPSC met on August 25th and discussed the following matters.

The committee has scheduled a presentation by representatives of the County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS) and County Fire and Rescue Services in recognition of September as Preparedness Month. The event will take place in McCathran Hall on Saturday, September 21, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. ESPC members noted the new Stormwater Management Committee is working on an RFP to engage a consultant for stormwater issues with a focus on the West Woods.

Committee members discussed a recent newspaper report on municipal governments grappling with an onslaught of ransomware attacks. The EPSC will invite Marilynn Frey to their next meeting to learn more about the Town’s efforts for information technology (IT) security and protection. She serves as the Town’s Records Management Officer and an IT consultant.

ESPC members are awaiting updates from Mayor Compton following his 311-call requesting County inspection of the deteriorating handrail at the steps behind the Post Office. The committee also identified six pairs of bus stop locations serving Town residents along the County-maintained roadways noting safety concerns associated with the lack of crosswalks at four of these locations. The EPSC recommends the Mayor (and/or other Town representative(s) as designated by the Mayor) meet with the County Department of Transportation (DOT) to discuss this pedestrian safety issue, visibility and location improvements needed for stop lines on both sides of the Deer Park Bridge, and dangers associated with the eroding pavement edge along Railroad Street at its highest point opposite the Deer Park Bridge.

The committee discussed the latest draft “Town of Washington Grove Risk Management and Safety Procedures” and agreed to submit the document to the Mayor and Town Council for review/approval. The committee reviewed their recent draft bylaws and shared their concerns about the proposed 2019-13 “Resolution Providing for Proper Governance of Washington Grove Committees.” Committee members agreed that the resolution as presented were over-prescriptive and may have the unintended consequence of discouraging volunteer participation in committees. The Chair planned to attend the upcoming meeting of Committee Chairs on August 27th to convey the EPSC concerns. The committee discussed a simplified bylaws drafted by the Chair, and agreed that it would serve the EPSC’s needs better, and agreed to adopt it after copy-editing. The next EPSC meeting will be on September 26, 2019.

MAPLE LAKE – Pat Klein

The Committee met on August 15, 2019 and discussed the following matters.
The perimeter fence is in good condition. The pump timer may need some repair and Steve will be consulted. Life guards will be present until September 2nd (Labor Day weekend). A list of supplies to be replenished including some umbrellas and chairs will be replaced before next season. There have been no security issues at the Lake. A non-resident from Town Crest asked to do a private photo-shoot at the Lake but her request was denied with explanation that the Lake is accessible only to residents. Party permits will now include a requirement to identify swimmers and non-swimmers to the lifeguards for their awareness.

A discussion led by the Stormwater Management Committee Chair provided an update on the planned RFP for West Woods stormwater management which will help prevent runoff and preserve the integrity of Maple Lake. Water quality (coliform) testing and algal treatments continue at the Lake without incident. A town resident raised concerns about potential for any blue-green algae (microcystin toxicity) concerns given reports at other regional lakes and waterways. Information from MD-DNR, MDE, and CDC was gathered and NatureWorksCWA was contacted to inquire if any additional water testing was necessary. The draft committee governance resolution was briefly discussed germane to whether the Lake Committee needs to develop bylaws. The Chair and co-chair plan to attend the meeting scheduled on August 27. The next Lake Committee meeting will be held on September 19, 2019.

FORESTRY & BEAUTIFICATION – Audrey Maskery

First fall meeting will be held 11 September.
Three new benches purchased for placement around town arrived 4th September.

MAINTENANCE – Audrey Maskery

Brush trimmed and removed from roads and Avenues; particularly on corners to provide clear view of oncoming traffic. Washington Grove Lane, Brown Street, Cherry Avenue, 5th Avenue, Chestnut Avenue.

Concrete pad constructed ready for the new air conditioner recently purchased for the Town Hall Archive Room. Electric conduits for the air conditioner painted to match the Town Hall siding.

Basketball court lines re-painted after the court received a blacktop coating and re-hung the nets. Replace boards on the bench by the Basketball Court.

Picked up all storm related detritus and took to the dump. Cut grass in tennis court area and cleared lines in the clay court. Prepared the Craig English Athletic Field ready for the Labor Day games.

Filled low areas with gravel on Grove Avenue and 1st Avenue.

MEMORIALS – Audrey Maskery

Nothing to report.

PLAYGROUNDS – Audrey Maskery

Maintenance has filled cracks in the basketball court, black toped; then re-marked the playing area.

INTERGOVERNMENTAL

Nothing to report.