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Town Council News

Next meeting: Monday, July 11, 2005; 7:30 p.m., in the Council Room.
The public is invited to attend.

May Council actions included:

Adoption of recommended budget and tax rate for FY 2006.
Introduction of an ordinance change revising the current fee schedule.
Approval of a resolution opposing any of the DPWT options and supporting a rebuild of the existing Deer Park “humpback” Bridge.

Council Recommends FY 2006 Budget

The Town’s anticipated income and recommended expenditures for the coming fiscal year (July 1, 2005-June 30, 2006).

TOWG FY2006 Budget [pdf]
TOWG FY2006 Capial Improvements [pdf]
TOWG FY2006 Financial Plan [pdf]
The property tax rate is proposed to be reduced to the constant yield rate of $0.202/$100 assessed valuation. This will produce the same amount of revenue as last year when applied to an increase in assessed valuation. The dwelling unit charge is proposed to remain the same as last year at $125/dwelling. This charge is directly tied to the cost of refuse and recycling collection. Copies of the budget detail are available at the Town Office. Questions may be directed to Treasurer Mary Challstrom at 301-926-4498 or Mayor John Compton at 301-330-8264. Votes to adopt the proposed budget and tax rate will be taken by Townspeople assembled at the Annual Town Meeting on Saturday, June 11. Please come to the meeting!

Organizational Meeting Scheduled

The annual Organizational Meeting for the Mayor and Town Council is scheduled for June 20, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Room. The new council members will be sworn in at that time.

Town Elections

Nominations for Mayor and Council have closed. Town elections will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2005 from 4-7 p.m. at McCathran Hall.

The nominees are:

Mayor (1-year term) John Compton
Council (two 3-year terms) David Stopak
Georgette Cole

To vote in Town elections, you must be currently registered to vote with Montgomery County at an address in Washington Grove. To verify your registration with the County, please call County Voter Registration Information at 240-777-8683.

Town Meeting

June 11, 2005; 8:00 p.m.; McCathran Hall
In our unique form of government your voice can be heard. Come join in the discussion and see what it’s all about! This year’s meeting will see special recognition in the form of two new awards: The Mayor’s Distinguished Service Award and an Outstanding Renovation Award by the HPC.

Shady Grove Master Plan

Looks like the County Council will not get this plan until the fall but the PHED Committee may hold additional hearings in early June. An organization to express local opposition to relocation of County Service Park facilities to the Webb tract near the airpark has been formed.

Deer Park Bridge

Strong support for the existing one-lane bridge was voiced by both citizens and council members at the joint meeting of our Town Council and the Gaithersburg City Council held April 25th. The Mayor and Washington Grove Town Council subsequently passed a resolution supporting the rehabilitation of the existing Deer Park Bridge. A meeting of the Mayors and DPWT officials on this matter has been scheduled for May 24th. Finally (well, there is no “finally” yet) a meeting of the DPWT Facilities Planning Team to discuss their recommendation to the County Council has been re-scheduled for June 3rd.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the Montgomery County Historic Preservation Commission will hold a hearing concerning the designation of the humpback bridge to the Master Plan for Historic Preservation

When: May 25, 2005; 7:30 p.m.
Where: MRO Auditorium 8787 Georgia Ave.; Silver Spring

Water Main Replacement Update

Although the contractors were at another job for a brief time, they are back now and will stay on this job until it is complete. Water testing should begin in the next 2 weeks or so. To date, we have no new information about the 4th Avenue project.

Planning Commission News

Next meeting: Wednesday, June 1, 2005; 7:30 p.m. Council Room.
The public is invited to attend.

Building Permits

If you are going to erect a building or structure (including fences), make structural alterations to, or move any existing building or other structure, you must first obtain a building permit from the Washington Grove Planning Commission. The Town zoning ordinance governs setbacks, lot coverage and height. Applications are available at the Town Office at 301-926-2256. The permit fee is $10.00, payable to the Town of Washington Grove. Interior renovations, which involve electrical, plumbing, or load-bearing changes, generally require a County permit. A shed requires a County permit as well. The Town must first sign off all applications for County-required building permits. The Historic Preservation Commission will review most permits as well.

Building permits were issued for the following:

413 Center St. Fence
107 Grove Ave. Addition
122 Chestnut Ave. Fence
206 Chestnut Ave. Roof Alterations
352 Ridge Rd. New Home

Board of Zoning Appeals

April 23rd Hearing: Denied appeal of 406 Grove Ave. deer fence.
May 7th Hearing: Overturned Planning Commission denial of 103 Brown Street addition.

Historic Preservation News

Next meeting: May 17, 2005, 7:30 p.m. Council Room.
Meetings are open to the public.

The HPC reviewed permit applications for the following properties;

352 Ridge Rd. New Home
206 Chestnut Ave. Roof Alterations

Neighborhood Watch News

Report Crimes & Suspicious Activity!
Mont. Co. Police non-emergency: 301-279-8000
Town Office: 301-926-2256
Betsy Klinger: 301-977-3517

Incident Report:
April 22: Resident reported three times interrupting a passerby who seemed to be closely checking out a home, yard and car on Chestnut Road. Thank you to our alert dog-walkers!

Recreation Committee News

Next meeting: May 25, 2005, 7:30 p.m. Council Room.
The public is invited to attend.

Calling all Kids for Music Weekend!

There will be a children’s recital on Saturday, June 18th at 11:00 a.m. in McCathran Hall. If you play an instrument or sing and would like to perform at the children’s recital please call or e-mail Tami Williams at 301-869-8541; [email protected]. You may play/sing alone or with friends. If you need an accompanist you must make your own arrangements. Parents will be expected to sign up for one of the following: setting up chairs/Hall, bringing a baked good or snack, bringing juice/coffee/tea, and cleaning up afterwards.

Music Weekend: June 17 – 19, 2005

Friday, June 17; 8:00 p.m.
An eclectic concert in McCathran Hall featuring, solo piano music, an opera music group, the Back Porch Band and more.

Saturday, June 18; 8-10 p.m.
Back by popular demand, The Rock ‘n Roll Relics will perform at the Gazebo. Just try to stay in your seats, we dare you!

Sunday, June 19; 10:30 a.m.
Baroque Breakfast at the Gazebo. Bring a goodie to share, your favorite outdoor chair, and enjoy music by Homewood Brass as it fills the air!

Lake Committee News

Next meeting: June 9, 2005, 7:30 p.m. Council Room.
New members are always welcome! The lifeguards and swimming instructor have been hired and we’re ready to go. Kudos to all who helped with the lake clean-up!

Swimming Lessons Update

In conjunction with the new Summer In The Parks program, we are adding swimming lessons this Summer for children who will be entering grades 6 – 9 in the fall. There will be 2 classes: 1:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m., with a limit of 12 students per class. Please be sure to include your child’s entering grade on the registration form. As previously announced, the younger children will be in classes from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.. Please return the registration forms as soon as possible to Sharon Hurst (409 Chestnut Ave.) or to the Town Office.

Woman’s Club News

Next meeting: June 16, 2005, 7:30 p.m.; 103 Grove Avenue. Enjoy the tasting treats of Jim Davis at the home of Sandy Klingenberg. This is not to be missed. A fee will be charged. For more information call Ann London, 301-590-1012.

Woman’s Club Yard Sale

June 4, 2005; 8 a.m.- 1 p.m. at the clubhouse. (Rain date is June 11, 2005) Donations may be left on the porch of the Clubhouse any time from May 31st – June 3rd. Please no books or clothing and remember: if you wouldn’t buy it, don’t donate it! Call Cynthia Werts, 301-926-1668, or Mary Kay DuBois, 301-926-8941, with questions. NO EARLY BIRDS!!

Annual Woman’s Club Flower Show

Dream of Summer Sunday, May 22, 2005, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. at the Clubhouse
Refreshments will be provided.

New Chairs Are Coming!

At long last we will be getting new chairs for McCathran Hall. If all goes well, you will be sitting on one at the Town Meeting on June 11th. The Town will keep 50 of the best old metal chairs for the SITP program, give 10 chairs to the Woman’s Club and find a good home for the remaining chairs. Anyone interested in purchasing a folding metal chair (at a very reasonable price) may do so at the Woman’s Club Yard Sale on June 4th.

Party at Maple Lake

Come one, come all to a last day of school party at the lake. Meet at the lake after school on June 15th to celebrate the beginning of summer vacation. Please bring a snack or drink to share. All children must have a responsible adult present with them.

Soccer Field Severely Damaged

Some time in March the soccer field in Woodward Park was severely damaged by a reckless driver. Although Town Maintenance has made an attempt to repair the damage, there are still ruts in the field and those using it should be careful. People who live close to the soccer field are urged to call the Montgomery County Police if they see cars driving around in the field.

2005 Grove Tennis Camps

Sign up by e-mail; [email protected] or by phone 301-926-8767.

Adult Beginner/Advanced Beginner: FREE
Friday, June 3 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 4 4 – 6 p.m.
Sunday, June 5 4 – 6 p.m.
Adult Camp: $30.00
Sunday, July 10 4 – 6 p.m.
Monday, July 11 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 12 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 14 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Friday, July 15 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Junior Tennis: TBA

Clerk’s Corner

Spring weather brings bigger bushes. If you have bushes that hang into the roadway, please make an effort to prune them a bit so that they don’t limit visibility or scratch automobiles. Thanks!

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