Town Council Minutes, September 2002

The Budget Amendment Hearing was called to order by Mayor Charles T. White on September 3, 2002 at 7:35 p.m. in the Laytonsville Town Hall. A transfer of $800.00 to Equipment Purchases ($300.00 from Furnishings and $500.00 from Office Supplies) and a transfer of $1,000.00 to Insurance (from Furnishings) were discussed. The original budget under discussion was adopted May 7, 2002.

The regular meeting of the Laytonsville Town Council was called to order by Mayor Charles T. White on September 3, 2002 at 7:40 p.m. in the Laytonsville Town Hall. Council members Bradsher and Wilkinson were also in attendance. Councilman Preusch joined the meeting later. There were eight citizens present. The Clerk and Treasurer were also present.

The minutes of August 6, 2002 were approved, with the correction on page two, under "Citizens" that the Stadler family had "within a period of twenty years" and not "after a period of twenty years." Councilman Wilkinson moved that the minutes be approved with the above correction. The minutes were approved as corrected.

Treasurer:

The balance on hand as of August 30, 2002 is $24,035.88. There was a Net Loss for ihe month of $6,473.91. Councilman Wilkinson made a motion that the Treasurer's Report be accepted as presented, subject to audit. Councilman Bradsher seconded the motion. Motion approved.

The Mayor reported that a call was received from Washington Gas Light regarding the deteriorating sidewalk at the school. Washington Gas reported that because of the length of time that had passed (over eighteen years) they could not go forward with any repairs or replacement of the sidewalk. The Town will have to repair the sidewalk at its own expense.

LGIT Update: The Mayor met with the Local Government Insurance Trust representative and reviewed the Town's coverage. The Mayor reported that the Town is adequately covered. The LGIT file containing detailed insurance coverage information is available for review at the Town Hall.

WSSC Update: Since there were residents that did not respond to Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission's original inquiry about water service to the Town, the Mayor sent out a letter dated August 29, 2002 to those residents requesting their response.

Council:

Clerk:

Councilman Wilkinson has been in contact with Sterico Signs regarding the "Welcome to Laytonsville" signs. Sterico reported that the signs should be installed any time.

Councilman Wilkinson reported that he has obtained information regarding other municipalities and the rental of their facilities. It was Mr. Willard Gland's suggestion that square footage should be utilized in the computation of rental fees. Service clubs should receive a discount. Mr. Wilkinson suggested that any agency/club or individual renting the Town Hall should reimburse the cost of utilities. Councilman Wilkinson reported that the Town should not subsidize any rental.

A Building Permit was issued to James R. Crase 21505 S. Montgomery to erect a shed on his .property. The Mayor performed a visual site inspection on August 19, 2002.

The hand-lettered commercial signs located at the front and rear of the Layton's Village Shopping Center have been removed.

Laytonsville's web site has been "reserved" and currently has a message banner that more information will be available soon. The web address is www.laytonsville.md.us.

Citizens: Mr. Willard Oland inquired about several items:

Wenger Special Exception approved at the July meeting. It was determined that the original two year renewal stipulation still remained.

The parking lot of the Town Hall should be illuminated; that the appropriate “Exit” signs

and fire extinguishers should be installed in the Town Hall;

Cold patch should be used in the cracks of the sidewalk; and that the cracks in the street

pavement should be tarred.

Appropriate steps have already been taken to illuminate the parking lot and the Fire Marshall has been contacted regarding code enforcement for the Town Hall.

Ms. Sophia Voit reported that the appearance of the gas station at the comer of Route 108 and Sundown Road is quite unsightly. Ms. Voit volunteered to draft a letter to the owners of the station. The Mayor will also prepare a letter to the owners of the station. The Mayor indicated he had spoken with the Manager of the station.

Unfinished Business:

The Mayor reported that the Town had received a second bid from the F.O. Day Co. regarding the Sunset Street paving request. The second bid is $20,000.00. Councilman Wilkinson moved that the discussion be tabled until the next Council Meeting on October 1, 2002.

Town of Laytonsville

Minutes - Meeting of September 3, 2002

Page Three

Mr. Pete Stadler delivered the Reclassification of Zoning form and check in the amount of $200.00 on behalf of Laytonsville Nurseries, Inc. and Laytonsville Properties to the Mayor representing his request to have 107.09 acres reclassified from Agricultural Zone to Residential, one acre.

Councilman Wilkinson reported that he had been in contact with the Maryland Park & Planning Department regarding the availability of funds for the improvement of the grounds at the Town Hall.