Town Council Minutes [ May-03 ]
12 May 2003 | Approved: 14 July 2003
The meeting began at 7:00 p.m.. In attendance from the State Legislature were P.J. Hogan, Joan Stern, Charles Barkley and Nancy King. The Legislators each gave a review of this year's session.
Mayor Compton called the regular meeting of the Town Council to order at 8:17 p.m. In attendance were Councilors Darrell Anderson, Betsy Klinger, Peggy Odick, David Stopak, Nick Suzich, Treasurer Mary Challstrom, and Maintenance Supervisor Jim Fletcher. Jennifer Gallasch from AB Viers Paving Company attended the meeting. Also in attendance were residents: Bill Miller, Patrick Malone, Jean Myers, Audrey Maskery, and Planning Commission Chairman John McClelland. Resident George Paine arrived later.
Public Appearances
Residents Bill Miller and Reverend Patrick Malone came to discuss the idea of establishing of a school at the Washington Grove United Methodist Church. The school would be a co-op with other area parishes and this building would be used to house lower grades. Discussion.. Treasurer Mary Challstrom pointed out the Ordinance restrictions. More discussion.
Jean Myers and Audrey Maskery presented a question about the quorum number. How is it that so few (50) can speak for so many (515 residents) as happened at the recent Special Town Meeting? Ms. Myers and Ms. Maskery suggested that the number be raised. Discussion. Mayor Compton stated that the real issue is that people had the obligation to come to the Special Town Meeting and they did not. If the Mayor is presented with a petition with 25 valid signatures he/she has to call a Special Town Meeting. Our Charter requires it. The Mayor cannot choose the topic. More discussion.
Approval of Minutes
Peggy Odick moved, Darrell Anderson seconded that the Town Council minutes of 14 April 2003 be approved. Vote: 5-0.
Treasurer's Report
Peggy Odick moved, David Stopak seconded, that the Treasurer's report for April be accepted. Vote: 5-0. Nick Suzich moved, Darrell Anderson seconded, that the Treasurer be authorized to transfer funds to pay bills in June if necessary. Vote: 5-0.
Adoption of Recommended FY 2004 Budget & Tax Rate
David Stopak brought up the idea of increasing our cash reserve and the pluses and minuses of doing so. Perhaps this could be brought up and discussed at Town Meeting. Nick Suzich asked for the $3,000.00 for tennis court coloring to be moved from FY 2005 to FY 2004 in the event that the volunteers were able to put it together in FY 2004. The Council agreed. Darrell Anderson moved, Peggy Odick seconded the adoption of the recommended FY 2004 budget and tax rate with changes.
Council Reports
Maintenance
Jim Fletcher e-mailed his report to John Tomlin who sent it on to the Mayor and Council. Mayor Compton asked Jim Fletcher to check the drainage problem near a speed hump on Ridge Road. The resident at 301 First Ave. asked (via e-mail) that the "No Parking During Hall Events" sign be put back on her side of the Center Street. Mayor Compton asked Jim to make 2 more signs. There was also a discussion about the Cherry Avenue barrier installation.
Contracts
Nick Suzich reported that the leaf pickup is finally finished. There is a little problem with the recyclable yard waste but calls to appropriate people have been made. We are waiting for Program Open Space response. The Town is finished our part.
Maple Lake
David Stopak reported that the clean-up at Maple Lake was very successful.
Public Safety
David Stopak reported that he would like to set up another meeting about a Neighborhood Watch program. Mr. Stopak asked if something to generate interest could be put in the next Bulletin.
Roads
Peggy Odick reported that Jennifer Gallasch from AB Viers rode around with Jim Fletcher to gather information for the road repair estimate. Ms. Gallasch presented the Mayor and Council with an informal estimate which included an explanation of how our unique job could be calculated. Discussion. It was determined that the Mayor and Council needed a more detailed and specific estimate for the job and will review it at the next meeting.
Recreation Events
Betsy Klinger reported that all plans are set for the upcoming events. Volunteers are needed to do the July 4th hot dog picnic or it will not happen. Ms. Klinger asked that a notice be put in the Bulletin to ask for volunteers.
McCathran Hall
Betsy Klinger reported that the quest for storm windows in the lower part of "old" McCathran Hall is ongoing. Ms. Klinger is also getting estimates for replacing shingles for re-staining the Octagon.
Planning Commission
Darrell Anderson reported that the Planning Commission approved a subdivision at 346 Ridge Road and discussed a subdivision plan for 205 Maple Road.
- The Commission also passed a motion to encourage the Town Council not to grant special exceptions for parking on Town parkland or forest conservation areas. Mayor Compton would like to appoint volunteers to serve on a parking committee. Mayor Compton will also talk to Mr. McMahon about parking his truck on Town property.
- Bob Ellis, developer on the WSSC lots, will be asked to replace a tree adjacent to the construction entrance on Ridge Road. The Planning Commission will also monitor the road work at the same location to assure compliance with original terms of the contract.
- The Planning Commission also proposed that no long-term storage agreement be made with the owner of Action Hauling. John McClelland thinks that the Town should charge more money for the use of the land and that $100.00 per year is a ridiculous amount. How about a commercial lease? Discussion.
- The continued non-compliance by Mr. Nagem (104 Maple Road) was discussed. The Planning Commission strongly urges the Council to solve the problem. The issue of a Town Oak tree that over-hangs 104 Maple Avenue was also discussed. Mr. Anderson does not want to put our Town Forester in a confrontational situation with the resident and will not set up a meeting with him. A report was issued by Town Forester Dan Landry and submitted to the Town. Mr. Anderson repeated the fact that property lines must be established. Mayor Compton asked if we should write Mr. Nagem a letter outlining the consequences if he were to cut down the tree on his own. Ms. Odick believes that the Council should "pick their battles" carefully with Mr. Nagem. Mr. Fletcher suggested that perhaps taking a little weight off of the tree might help the situation. More discussion.
- The Planning Commission is of the opinion that classifying Twice Is Nice, a consignment shop that would like to open in the Town's Commercial Corner, as an Antique Store would be a stretch. The Mayor and Council agreed and advised John McClelland to send the owner of the store to the Town Board of Zoning Appeals.
Forestry & Beautification
There was no Forestry meeting this month. However, Mayor Compton would like to go on record as stating that Railroad Park has too many trees in it and some should be moved. The landscape timbers are being re-shaped by the tree roots.
Mayor's Announcements
Casey Field Update - Mayor Compton is unclear about the status of the Oxbridge Development. However, the Montgomery County Public School System has said that the lower field was the only part under consideration. There are still road issues. Mayor Compton indicated that he would call Steve Kaufman, attorney for Mr. Totah, and get an update on the status.
David Stopak moved, Peggy Odick seconded the motion to adjourn.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:20 p.m.
