Town Council Minutes [ Jan-08a #1 ]
14 January 2008 | Approved: 11 February 2008
Mayor Compton called the regular meeting of the Town Council to order at 7:34 p.m. In attendance were Councilors Darrell Anderson, Charlie Challstrom, Georgette Cole, Kathie Evans, and Marida Hines. Also present were Treasurer Mary Challstrom, Maintenance Supervisor Jim Fletcher Town residents Sheldon Bierman, Karen Deely, Patricia Deely, Joan Mahaffey, Audrey Maskery, Jean Myers, Charlie Negin, Ed Roberts, and Bruce Rothrock.
Public Appearances
Ed Roberts came to ask for a personal meeting with the Mayor and a council member or two so that he can discuss his issues.
Approval of Minutes
Charlie Challstrom moved, Georgette Cole seconded that the Town Council minutes of December 10, 2007 be approved. Vote: 5-0. Councilor Stopak arrived after the vote to approve the minutes.
Treasurer's Report
On the behalf of the Woods Preservation Group, Georgette Cole requested money from this year's budget to help with the English Ivy removal project and for the construction of two (2) new bridges in the East Woods. She stated that there was $15,000 in the "Reforestation" budget and that only $1,500 was needed for the project. A discussion about herbicides and the procedure for the removal of the English Ivy ensued. Charlie Challstrom moved to approve up to $1,500 for the effort. Georgette Cole seconded the motion. Vote: 6-0 It was moved and seconded to accept the Treasurer's report for December. Vote: 6-0.
Maintenance Report
There were no questions concerning the Maintenance Report. Jim Fletcher informed the Mayor and Council that they could expect to see more WSSC crews in Town working on our antiquated water and sewer pipes. Discussion...
Formal Proposal to Change Turning Restrictions at Washington Grove Lane and McCauley Street
Darrell Anderson brought forth a formal proposal regarding changes at Washington Grove Lane and McCauley Street. Resident's comments and the discussion included; Jean Myers stated that the Town should make the right turn on to Washington Grove Lane more difficult. Someone else asked how this change in turning restrictions would help? Another person stated that the proposal would simply make this unsafe turn unsafe only on weekends. Pat Deely stated that the turn is less dangerous now and that it is a pain to drive through Town.
At this time, Darrell Anderson withdrew the introduction of the resolution. He will present it at the next meeting. Charlie Negin stated that once people see that you can make the turns at certain times, it will happen all of the time, its human nature. He also stated that he will present an adjoining resolution asking for closure of McCauley Street at the East side of Johnson Alley. Audrey Maskery commented on the break down of the corner at W.G. Lane and McCauley Street. Sheldon Bierman asked what this change would accomplish. Nothing - you are just inviting more people.
Gypsy Moth Spraying
Georgette Cole presented a contract with Helicopter Applicators Inc. for spraying the Town woods. The cost for the work is $12,403.20. Mayor Compton questioned the payment terms noting that payment in full 45 days before the work is done is not a standard practice. The Mayor will call H.A.I. to discuss this practice. Georgette Cole moved to approve the contract with H.A.I. for gypsy moth spraying of 182.4 acres for the amount of $12,403.20. Charlie Challstrom seconded the motion. Vote: 6-0.
What Constitutes Public Information - Discussion
Mayor Compton reviewed the circumstances that brought on the need for this discussion (e-mails concerning 103 Brown Street). A discussion about forwarding e-mails, and how to have e-mail discussions without having them broadcast all over Town ensued. Mayor Compton stated that the time had come to establish a policy and procedures for accessibility to public information in the Town Office. Kathie Evans asked the Mayor about his plan for addressing the violations at 103 Brown Street. Mayor Compton said that he would write a letter to the residents that would offer two (2) ideas to solve the problem. A discussion about other properties with violations, use of the code inspector, documents that could run with a property via land records, and procedures for using the code inspector ensued. Kathie Evans and Charlie Challstrom volunteered to draft a policy and procedures for accessibility to public information.
Mayor's Announcements
- Piedmont Crossing - nothing new.
- ICC/I-370 Intersection - Mayor Compton reported that the State Highway Administration proposed to change the intersection using underpasses instead of the original overpasses. M-NCPPC is considering the purchase of land near the loop for ball fields. The current SHA intersection proposal would push Amity Drive closer to the tree line and the Town. M-NCPPC has asked State Highway to tighten up the intersection but the request is apparently falling on deaf ears. Discussion...
- Hanagan Agreement - Mayor Compton reviewed. The original agreement, written by Charlie Challstrom, was sent to Town Attorney Bill Roberts and will go to Hanagan's for review. No money will change hands.
- LOS Condemnation - Mayor Compton reviewed. M-NCPPC has gone to the Court of Special Appeals and has requested that Judge Bernard stay further action on the condemnation until the appellate court decision. The timeline for the Special Appeal is 12 - 18 months. Discussion... It was decided that the next Council meeting on February 28, 2008 would be an executive session with Bil Chen and Bill Roberts.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:52 p.m.
