Town Council Minutes [ Apr-04 ]
12 April 2004 | Approved: 10 May 2004
Mayor John Compton called the meeting to order at 7:46 p.m. In attendance were Councilors Darrell Anderson, Betsy Klinger, Tom Land, and Peggy Odick. Town residents Charlie Challstrom, Ann Briggs, Barbara Hawk, Kathi Carey-Fletcher, Jamie Holtzclaw, Chris Kirtz, Terry Kirtz, Jim Leng, and Barbara Leng were also present, as were Treasurer Mary Challstrom and Robert McLaren from U.S. Lawns.
Public Appearances
Barbara and Jim Leng asked the Mayor and Council to approve funding for a barrier to prevent vehicular access to the Legacy Open Space field along Ridge Road. Vehicular activity in the field has increased, the police have been called and safety is now a big issue. Mayor Compton agreed that something should be done and tabled further discussion until the Council Reports are given.
Approval of Minutes
Tom Land moved, Betsy Klinger seconded, that the Town Council minutes of March 8, 2004 be approved. Vote: 4-0. Darrell Anderson moved, Tom Land seconded, that the Public Hearing minutes of February 2, 2004 be approved. Vote: 4-0.
Treasurer's Report
Peggy Odick moved, Tom Land seconded, that the Treasurer's report for March be accepted. Vote: 4-0. Tom Land moved, John Tomlin seconded, that the Treasurer be authorized to transfer funds. Vote: 4-0. Treasurer Mary Challstrom reminded the Mayor and Council of the 4/26/04 Budget Work Session. Mayor Compton stated that he now had a conflict with this date and requested a change. The meeting was re-scheduled for 4/27/04.
McCathran Hall Committee
Barbara Hawk gave a summary of the McCathran Hall Committee report and recommended that the Town continue to keep good Hall records for future use. A long discussion ensued. Charlie Challstrom recommended that the McCathran Hall regulations be changed by ordinance not by resolution thus allowing for public comment about any changes. Mayor Compton asked the Council to take the committee report home and come back with comments next month.
Leaf Collection Bid Opening
The Town received one completed bid package from U.S. Lawns in Olney. Rob McLaren from U.S. Lawns was present to answer any questions. The bid showed no change in price from last year. Betsy Klinger moved to accept the bid of $18,600.00 for leaf collection in 2004 and it was seconded by Darrell Anderson. Vote: 4-0.
Award Road Repair Contract
After composing a priority list for the Town paving projects and discussing the $30,000 cap for the work, a motion was made. Betsy Klinger moved, Tom Land seconded, that road repair contract be awarded to AB Viers and Sons Paving Company. Vote: 4-0.
Council Reports
Planning Commission
Darrell Anderson reported that Carolyn Luxford (115 Chestnut Ave.) came to the Commission with plans to demolish her existing house and build a new one in its place. The new house will not meet the set back requirements and she is asking to use the surplus parcel that she purchased in 2002 to solve her problem. The deed specifically prohibits the use of the land in question to meet set back requirements. The Planning Commission said no to the request.
The Commission also discussed the demolition of a house at 350 Ridge Road and the proposed sale of the Voigt property (306 Ridge Road). Darrell also reported that Peggy Ebner has agreed to take over the Permitting Officer duties.
McCathran Hall
Betsy Klinger reported that Ed Mroczka will finish the new storm windows for the lower Hall by April 21st. He is re-building 4 old ones and custom building 2 new ones. Betsy also reported that she has received one estimate of $375.00 for the gutter work needed on the Hall. She will get another one.
Neighborhood Watch
Betsy Klinger reported that the NW signs are posted. She also said that reported activity consisted of kids' seen snooping around houses on The Circle, speeders, an apparent break-in at 333 McCauley Street, and vehicular activity in the Legacy Open Space field. More discussion about barrier to prevent vehicular access ensued. The Mayor and Council are in favor of prohibiting vehicular access. Mayor Compton will discuss this with Maintenance Supervisor Jim Fletcher.
Contracts
Tom Land reported that Waste Management has changed our route supervisor again. The new man managed our account several years ago and is familiar with the challenges that our Town presents.
Mayor's Announcements
- Shady Grove Master Plan Update - The Planning Staff will recommend that the Master Plan contain the original density around the Shady Grove Metro and not the new 7,000 units proposed by the County Executive. The Staff will also recommend that the Legacy Open Space field remain a passive recreation area.
- Nagem Update - It appears that Mr. Nagem is moving but will not be selling his house. The Mayor and Council will still advise Attorney Bill Roberts to go forward with the legal action.
New Business
Deer Park Bridge - Consultants are finished with the preliminary study and ready to start on the Purpose and Needs Study. Mayor Compton is concerned that the Town of Washington Grove is not considered in this study. He will ask about that at the next meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:27 p.m.
