Town Council Minutes [ Apr-02 ]
8 April 2002 | Approved: 13 May 2002
Mayor John Compton called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. In attendance were Councilors Darrell Anderson, Tricia Knox, Peggy Odick, Nick Suzich, Dodie Tippens and Dave Gumula. Town residents Paris Pacchione, Jim Leng, David Neumann, Charlie Challstrom, Bob Booher, David Stopak and George Paine. Also present were Nancy Hsu, Joe Snider, Shirl Harrison and Steve Harrison. Treasurer Mary Challstrom was also in attendance.
Public Appearances
Shirl & Steve Harrison, along with Joe Snider, presented information regarding the annexation of the Cator property (17050 Railroad Street). This was not a formal annexation proposal. There was lots of discussion with the conclusion stating the need for a trip to the Montgomery County Planning Department and The City of Gaithersburg's Planning Dept. by the Harrisons. The Harrisons should consult with Park & Planning for advice in consideration of the Railroad and traffic impacts. They should also ask P & P about appropriate development and uses for their site. The trip will be for information only, not approval. The Harrisons were advised to attend next month's Planning Commission meeting on May 7, 2002 and report the results of their consultations.
Paris Pacchione presented information regarding 3 proposed sites for the new 6th District Police Station.
Approval of Minutes
Peggy Odick moved, Darrell Anderson seconded, that the Town Council minutes of March 11, 2002 be approved. Dodie Tippens requested the addition of the word "County" (top of pg. 2) in order to clarify which Planning Board was being referenced. Vote: 6-0.
Treasurer's Report
Peggy Odick moved, Dave Gumula seconded, that the Treasurer's report for March be accepted. Vote: 6-0. Dave Gumula moved, Nick Suzich seconded, the authorization to transfer funds to pay bills in April. Vote: 6-0. Treasurer Mary Challstrom spoke about where funds might come from to finance the engagement of a design firm for the Casey Field.
Casey Property at Mill Creek/Shady Grove Village/Status Report
Mayor Compton reported about an April 2, 2002 meeting with Oxbridge and Mr. Totah. A discussion ensued in reference to county road standards and the extension of Amity Drive. Representatives from Gaithersburg who called for development to be done in phases raised the issue of school over-crowding. The discussion then moved to the idea of hiring a design firm to produce a development plan for the Casey Field that would best suit The Town. Peggy Odick moved to engage a design firm, not to exceed the cost of $15,000.00, Dodie Tippens seconded. Vote: 5-1.
Appointment/ Fire Board Representative
Darrell Anderson moved, Peggy Odick seconded, to confirm the appointment of Patricia Deely to the position of Gaithersburg/Washington Grove Fire Board Representative. Vote: 6-0.
Discussion - Block 17 Survey
David Neumann presented his concerns about the results of the Block 17 Survey with regard to the encroachment of private homes on public land and how the Town intends to remedy the problem. The Council agreed to defer decisions about this issue until next months meeting, pending the acquisition of Joe Snider's final report and a discussion with Bill Roberts in reference to an Abandonment Ordinance and procedures.
Council Reports
Planning Commission
Darrell Anderson reported on the following:
- Master Plan Review - The Commission reviewed the draft plan and made additional changes. These will be submitted to the Town Council at the May meeting.
- Town Ordinances - The Commission discussed the relevance of reviewing Town ordinances in view of recent development and subdivision issues. The Commission would like input from both the Town Attorney and the Historic Preservation Committee before setting an agenda for this topic.
- Town Owned Lots and Property - deferred to next meeting pending input from Bill Roberts.
Forestry
- Arbor Day is April 20, 2002 at 10a.m.
- Dan Landry, Town Forester, will begin training volunteers for the Tree Inventory. Sessions will be on Wed., May 16, 4-6p.m.and Sun., May 19, 10a.m. - Noon.
Public Safety
Tricia Knox reported on the work of the maintenance staff both completed and on going. Specifically discussed were the need for a more permanent solution to the drainage problem in the parking area in Woodward Park and the replacement of a bench and maintenance of the memorial across from 500 McCauley Street. Maintenance wants Council input. Also discussed were a request by Sarah Steele for a "Narrow Road" sign for Johnson Alley and a request by Ann Briggs to use the maintenance staff to pick up the sample chairs for "Sit Survey" at Sunday's Mousetrap concert. There was also a discussion about the on-going problem of speeders and stop sign runners.
Lake
Dodie Tippens reported that the dock work is completed. Jim Fletcher and Ed Mroczka are going to build the ladder and a ramp from the berm for increased safety. Dodie and Sally Mansfield continue to interview for lifeguards and instructors.
Recreation Events
The next Mousetrap concert is Sunday, April 14, at 3p.m. The Recreation Committee continues with plans for the Town Meeting party, Music Weekend and the 4th of July festivities.
Roads and Walkways
Dave Gumula presented a report with recommendations for road improvements for the coming year. Most discussed was the need for a barrier at the entrance of the Casey Field. Also discussed was the need for several new stop signs. It was proposed that rather than putting up additional stop signs, we should consider painting crosswalks on the road. The Council also discussed the damage of the construction machines from the Washington Grove Hills development on Ridge Road. An extension of Road Damage Bonds was suggested.
Other Business
Mayor Compton received a request from Shelley Winkler to install a bench on Town property, at her expense, for people to sit on while waiting for the school bus.
Peggy Odick reminded the Council that Senator PJ Hogan will be attending our May meeting and it will start at 7:00p.m.
The filming of a movie will take place in Washington Grove at the end of April.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:57 p.m.
