Town Council News
Next meeting: Monday » 06.13.11 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. The public is invited to attend.
Actions at the May Council meeting included:
- appointment of Gail Littlefield to the Historic Preservation Commission.
- adopted Ordinance No. 2011-01: ZTA to Amend Article VII, Section 3 & 4 (see summary below).
- approved Resolution No. 2011-03; Regulations for the Use and Rental of McCathran Hall.
- adopted Resolution No. 2011-04; Resolution Regarding National Gateway Clearance Improvement Project (2)
- accepted the bid from GL Cornell for the purchase of a Hustler zero-turn lawn mower.
Town Election Results
- Mayor
- Georgette Cole 112 votes
- Council
- 3-year terms: Audrey Maskery 102 votes, Joli McCathran 105 votes
- 2-year term: Joe Clark 99 votes
- 1-year term: Alice Negin 111 votes
- Write-ins (1 vote each)
- 3-year term – John Tomlin
- 2 year term – Aimee Coogan, Kathie Evans, Vinny Negin
- 1-year term – Aimee Coogan
Many thanks to our Mayor and Council members for their willingness to serve!
Town Meeting Adopts FY2012 Budget and Tax Rate
The tax rate for the fiscal year beginning July 1 will remain the same as last year at $0.221/$100 assessed valuation, and the dwelling unit charge will remain unchanged at $224 per dwelling. Budget detail may be found on the Town website or copies are available at the Town Office. Please call Treasurer Mary Challstrom at 301-926-4498 if you have questions.
Summary of Ordinance 2011-01
On May 9th, the Town Council enacted Ordinance 2011-01 to establish limits for maximum enclosed area for dwellings in all residential zones. This ordinance also updates provisions for non-complying dwellings and is intended as an initial step for reducing the threat of mansionization. The ordinance will be effective June 8, 2011.
Town Council Organizational Meeting Set
The annual Organizational Meeting for the Mayor and Town Council is scheduled for May 23, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Room.
Planning Commission News
Next meeting: Wednesday » 06.01.11 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. The public is invited to attend.
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. Please contact the Town Office (301-926-2256) or [email protected]. The Historic Preservation Commission will review most permit applications as well.
Historic Preservation News
Next meeting: Tuesday » 06.21.11 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. Meetings are open to the public. The HPC encourages residents to come for an early consultation when planning a renovation.
The HPC hosted a workshop on window rehabilitation on May 7th in the Hall. The participants learned about the characteristics of windows in houses dating from before the 1940s, and the advantages of retaining and preparing them for use into the future. The topics covered included the structural and operational components of the most common window type in the Grove, the history and types of window glass, the advantages of old growth wood, methods for making the windows tight and increasing the thermal resistance. The presenter provided demonstrations of some of the techniques available and opportunities for further assistance to the attendees. This is the first of a series of workshops the HPC is planning on conducting to help answer questions about the care and maintenance of our precious historic houses.
Expert Advice At Our Fingertips
For attendees of the recent Historic Window Restoration Workshop –as well as for those who were unable to attend– please check out these videos, Part 1 & 2 (filmed by the City of Hagerstown) covering some of the insights that David Gibney shared with us in-person at McCathran Hall this May regarding old window weatherization and restoration.
https://vimeo.com/8443418
https://vimeo.com/8457147
Lake Committee News
Next meeting: Wednesday » 06.15.11 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. The public is invited to attend. New members are always welcome!
Lake Update:
The lake has been fixed up for the swimming season.
- The maintenance crew and the Cleanup volunteers have cleared the banks, repaired the fence, and delivered two new picnic tables.
- New sand has been delivered and spread around the beach (thanks to John Lottes.)
- Geese: Signs that they have been here (noise & poop & footprints), but they seem to be scarce, and there are no apparent nests.
Lifeguards Needed
We have two applicants, but need one or two more. Hours are Monday – Sunday, 12 – 6p.m… Applicants must be certified in Lifesaving, CPR and First Aid. The job pays $10 – $12 per hour. Please call John Hutchinson at 301-926-8767 for more details.
Party Permit
Permits for parties at Maple Lake must be obtained from Sally Mansfield, 301-977-3189. Residents are reminded that this permit does not allow you exclusive use of the lake but it will entitle you to use the picnic tables.
Forestry News
Forestry and Beautification would like to thank several Town residents who have been volunteering to work with Steve Werts on our pet projects. Charlie Challstrom, Terry Cox, Don Henninger, Audrey Maskery, Bill Robertson, and Bruce Rothrock have spent a staggering number of hours over the past year making sure that Steve had the support he needed to make our projects happen. This is a great Town for volunteers and whether you do a little or a lot, we LOVE you all!
Anyone who is interested in working on Forestry and Beautification should contact our Chair, Carol Uhlendorf (301-926-1933). Suggestions for new trees to plant are also welcome.
Recreation Committee News
Next meeting: Wednesday » 06.15.11@ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. The public is invited to attend.
Music Weekend 2011 – June 17-19th
In the event of rain, all events will be in McCathran Hall.
- Friday Night
Cypress Trio
Pizza and beer at McCathran Hall, 7:30 p.m. - Saturday Morning
Recital
10 a.m. in McCathran Hall (Please contact Tami Williams is you wish to sign up; 301-869-8541.) - Saturday Night
King Soul
Gazebo, 7 to 11 p.m. - Sunday Morning
Homewood Brass
Baroque Breakfast at the Gazebo, 10:30 a.m.
Tennis Tradition Continues in The Grove
- Junior
Dates: July 5,7,12,14,19 and 21- Classes will be in the mornings with specific times TBA.
- Older juniors will meet on these same dates in the late afternoon.
- Cost is $30.00. Make checks payable to the Town of Washington Grove.
- Adult: Beginner/Intermediate
Dates: June 1,8,15,22 and 29; Time: Wednesdays 6:30-7:30 pm- Never played…come on out!
- It’s been”years”…come on out!
- Tune up the basics… contact point on the strings…come on out!
- Meet other players to hit with…come on out!
- Learn all the strokes!!!
- Cost is $35.00. Make checks payable to the Town of Washington Grove.
- Adult: Tennis Camp
Dates: June 30, July 5th – 8th (potluck snacks on the last night);
Time: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.- Review & upgrade the basic strokes
- Singles & doubles tactics
- Group competitions
- FUN, FUN, FUN!
Sign up by e-mail; [email protected], phone; 301-926-8767,
cell; 240-977-1701.
Flower show
The Woman’s Club Flower Show will be held on Sunday, May 22, in the Clubhouse. Our theme this year is “Goin’ to Graceland.” Your mailbox will soon sprout a pamphlet blooming with more details.
Yard Sale
The Woman’s Club annual yard sale will be Saturday, June 11, at the Clubhouse. Please note the date in last month’s bulletin was erroneous. Donations of clean items in good condition (no clothing please) may be left on the Clubhouse porch starting May 30.
WGUMC News
- June 5th and 12th -Starting around 1 pm, WGUMC will be having June church fix-up afternoons, including window repair.
- July 2nd-Church Yard Sale at the Parsonage!
- Our annual July 4th weekend yard sale fundraiser is back. Come to 101 Center St. on July 2nd for refreshments and bargains.
My Favorite Tree Lined Street
In celebration of the 2011 United Nations International Year of the Forest, the Maryland Forest Service would like to honor the beautiful tree lined streets of Maryland. Take a photo of your favorite tree lined streets and submit the photo, the street name and town, and your contact information to:
MD Forest Service, Attn: My Favorite Tree Lined St.
580 Taylor Ave, E-1 Annapolis, MD 21401
OR email to: [email protected]
Photos will be featured on the MD Forest Service website page, at the Sept. 2011 National Assoc. of State Foresters Conference and on the American Grove – Maryland Grove site, https://thegrove.americangrove.org/group/marylandgrove.
Start submitting your photos now through the end of this year. Any photos submitted will become the property of the MD DNR Forest Service.
Town Brush Pick-up from Storm Damage Ends
Town Maintenance brush pick-up of debris from the late winter storms has ended. Residents are reminded not to pile brush on Town property as mowing season is in full swing and the brush gets in the way. Your properly prepared brush will continue to be picked up by our trash contractor on Thursday mornings.
Bulk Trash Collection
The Town has scheduled a bulk trash collection for May 21, 2010. Materials may include furniture, appliances (nothing with freon like air conditioning units), rugs, large toys, small auto parts, etc… Material may NOT include construction by-products from your renovation projects, large automotive parts or tires. Items should not contain gasoline or motor oil. Please keep your metal separate from the rest of your trash. Items should be placed “curbside” by 7:00 a.m.