Town Council Minutes [ May-02 ]
13 May 2002 | Approved: 8 July 2002
Mayor John Compton called the meeting to order at 7:50 p.m. In attendance were Councilors Darrell Anderson, Tricia Knox, Peggy Odick, Nick Suzich, Dodie Tippens and Dave Gumula. Town residents present were Ann Briggs, Elly Briggs, Bob Evans, Charlie Challstrom, Carol Uhlendorf, Michael Voigt, David Neumann and John McClelland. Mary Challstrom, Treasurer and Nancy Hsu, property owner were also present. In attendance from the State Legislature were P.J. Hogan, Joan Stern, Charles Barkley and Paul Carlson.
Public Appearances
Michael Voigt expressed concern about deer ticks. Surrounding developments are pushing the deer population into our yards and woods. Mayor Compton suggested that perhaps Park and Planning could be of some help. There was also discussion about a State managed hunt. Nancy Hsu (owner of 342 Ridge Rd.) wanted clarity concerning the Town Ordinance forbidding two kitchens in a single house. John McClelland, Planning Commission Chairman, brought two other properties with similar violations to the Mayor and Council's attention (201 Washington Grove Lane; 415 Center Street). Discussion ensued with reference to County vs. Washington Grove Zoning Codes. Charlie Challstrom reminded us of our consistent interpretation of the definition of a "Dwelling Unit" (Article VII, Section 4.2) and of "Use Regulations" (Article VII, Section 7.2). He also cited the Lawson case as an example. Further discussion was suspended until the Mayor and Council can get more information from the Town Attorney. John McClelland also brought up some parking issues and proposed the hiring of a "Code Enforcement Officer" to ease the burden on the Mayor, the Council and the Residents. John McClelland will do some research and John Compton will put it on the agenda for Town Meeting.
Approval of Minutes
Peggy Odick moved, Tricia Knox seconded, that the Town Council minutes of April 8, 2002 be approved. Vote: 6-0.
Treasurer's Report
Nick Suzich moved, Darrell Anderson seconded, that the Treasurer's report for April be accepted. Vote: 6-0. Dave Gumula moved, Nick Suzich seconded, the authorization to transfer funds to pay bills in May. Vote: 6-0.
Adoption of Recommended FY 2003 Budget & Tax Rate
Dodie Tippens moved, Peggy Odick seconded, that the FY 2003 budget, as amended, be adopted and presented. Vote: 6-0. Mayor Compton asked if next year he could be provided with more detail from groups requesting budget money.
Resolution for Access to the Town Attorney
Peggy Odick moved to amend some language in the Resolution, Nick Suzich seconded, Vote: 5-1. Peggy Odick moved, Darrell Anderson seconded to accept the amended Resolution for Access to the Town Attorney. Vote: 6-0.
Discussion : Adoption of Montgomery County Landlord/Tenant Affairs Code
Peggy Odick moved, Darrell Anderson seconded, the introduction of an ordinance amending Article XIII of the Town Code to permit Montgomery County's Landlord/Tenant Affairs (Chapter 29) to apply in Washington Grove. Vote: 6-0. The required public hearing will be at the July 8, 2002 Council meeting, notice will be published in the June Bulletin and we hope to get a County representative to speak on this issue.
Casey Property at Mill Creek/Shady Grove Village/Status Report
Mayor Compton reported that we have engaged the design firm of Bennett Frank McCarthy to produce a community plan that would meet the needs of all involved in the Casey Property development. Three meetings have been held and things are going well. To date, they are under budget. The next meeting is 20 May 2002.
Council Reports
Planning Commission
Darrell Anderson reported that the Commission met on May 7, 2002. A quorum was not present so official business was not conducted. No votes were taken. Informal discussions were held on the following items:
- Cator Property: representatives from the Cator property were present. Their annexation plans were discussed. Further discussions were deferred until questions are answered regarding the best use of the property (see Council minutes from 4/8/02).
- A subdivision plan for Lot 6 in Washington Grove Hills, 346 Ridge Road, was discussed. John McClelland will review site plans, when submitted, and report to the Commission.
- Vicki Andrews reported that she is waiting to hear from the Town Attorney on the issue of Town-owned lots and the Forest Reserve.
Forestry and Beautification
- Arbor Day was a success. The first stage in planting barrier plants along Washington Grove Lane was completed.
- The Town tree inventory training sessions are scheduled to begin Wed. May 15 at 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, May 19 at 10:00 a.m. After training, the teams will work independently to complete the tree inventory.
Public Safety
Tricia Knox reported complaints about speeders in Washington Grove. She proposed that we lower our speed limit to 15 mph. This would be a good topic for the Town Meeting. It was reported that most of the speeders were in Town watching the soccer games. A discussion about permitted use of the field ensued.
Lake
Dodie Tippens reported that the lake clean-up party was well attended and successful. Ed Mroczka is still working on the ladder design and will install with the help of Jim Fletcher. A swimming instructor/lifeguard and 2 lifeguards were hired. One guard backed out so Dodie and Sally Mansfield will start the interviewing process again. The Lake personnel do not know Town residents, therefore, Lake Permits will have to be checked.
Recreation Events
Summer In The Parks has hired 2 experienced teachers, 3 aides and enlisted 5 young volunteers. The Committee is still searching for a third teacher. Music Weekend's plans are set and July 4th plans are well advanced. Arrangements have also been made for the Town Meeting party food and drink.
Other Business
Date for the Organizational Meeting is June 17, 2002.
Councilors Annual Reports are due May 31, 2002.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:40 p.m.
