Meeting minutes of Town Council Meeting on November 4, 2003

As reviewed, approved, and accepted by the Town Council on December 2, 2003

November 4, 2003

The Maryland Municipal League met with the Mayor and Council and interested residents on November 4, 2003 at 6:30 p.m. to provide an overview of the function of the MML and how municipalities operate. Mayor Willard Oland introduced Scott Hancock, Executive Director of the MML and Mr. Hancock encouraged the Town staff to take advantage of any training opportunities offered by the MML; he explained the benefits of the Local Government Insurance Trust (sponsored by the MML); and he explained the legislative advocacy provided by the MML. Ms. Linda Burrell, Manager – Member Relations and Education of the MML reviewed the MML Quick Guide and reported that each Council Member will be provided with a copy. The Town of Laytonsville functions as a commission form of municipal government. Ms. Burrell discussed the aspects of Council Members working together, the importance of residents’ confidence in a Town’s elected officials and the ethics involved in an elected official’s conduct.

Mr. Hancock further discussed the Certificate Program offered by the MML which covers nine core and five elective courses. A handout was distributed regarding Open Meetings Act requirement and he mentioned that the laws of the State of Maryland do not allow the public to participate in a public meeting. The MML encourages the Town to establish rules regarding the recording (video or audio) by other than the municipality.

Mr. Oland thanked the representatives from the Maryland Municipal League and presented them with a letter of appreciation.

The regular meeting of the Laytonsville Town Council was called to order by Mayor Charles W. Oland on November 4, 2003 at 7:40 p.m. in the Laytonsville Town Hall. Council members Bennett, Bradsher, Preusch and Wilkinson were in attendance. There were 10 citizens present. The Clerk and Treasurer were also present.

The minutes of the regular Town Council meeting of October 7, 2003 and the minutes of the Work Session of October 21, 2003 were approved as presented.

Discussion Items:

Treasurer’s Report: The Treasurer reported that the major income for October, 2003 was waste removal fees in the amount of $540.40. .Major expenses for October, 2003 were furnishings in the amount of $1,240.00 and ground maintenance in the amount of $1,660.00, and waste collection in the amount of $3,378.00. The total income was $540.50 and total expenses were $9,983.83. The General Fund balance is $71,891.97; the CIP balance is $76,798.88 and Fixed Assets $392,133. The total of the Town income, funds and assets is $540,824.21. Council Member Dave Preusch made the motion to accept the Treasurer’s report as submitted, subject to audit. Council Member Tom Wilkinson seconded. Motion approved.

Mayor:

Mayor Oland thanked the Maryland Municipal League for the presentation.

Update from Chairs: Eric Wenger, Chair of the Citizens Advisory Board, reported that the last meeting of the Citizens Advisory Board was on October 14, 2003 and the topics were the Route 108 By Pass and that the Committee was working on reviewing and expanding the scope of the Comprehensive Plan.

Sheree Wenger, Chair of the Historic District Committee, reported that the Committee was developing guidelines for the Historic District; and that two current issues have been addressed by the Committee regarding satellite dishes in the Historic District section of the Town.

Mayor Oland reported that the Board of Appeals met on November 3, 2003 with nothing major to announce.

2003 Audit: Chris Wilkinson distributed copies of the FY 2003 Audit for the Town of Laytonsville prepared by Lindsay & Associates. If there are any questions, please contact Chris.

Veterans Photo Display: Mayor Oland thanked Phyllis Sterling for her considerable efforts in compiling pictures, maps, clothing, articles and memorabilia from the Town’s veterans. The front room of the Town Hall is nicely decorated and residents are encouraged to participate. An Open House will be held on November 8, 2003 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and a veteran’s group photo will be at 12:00 noon.

Mayor Oland also announced that on November 8, 2003 the Town of Brookeville will dedicate a white oak tree to the Town of Laytonsville commemorating former Mayor Charles White’s retirement.

FEMA: Mayor Oland reported that he met with representatives of FEMA on October 14, 2003 regarding the Town’s expenses incurred in the aftermath of Hurricane Isabel. The Town reported a total expense of $1,920 and it is thought that the Town will be reimbursed at a rate of 75% of cost.

Zoning Ordinance: Mayor Oland reported to the Council that the Town’s updated Zoning Ordinance has been completed and is available in hard copy upon request. If no comments were received from the Council within the next week, the Zoning Ordinance will be posted on the web site.

Mayor Oland reported that he had prepared a letter to the new owners of the Mars Property, adjacent to the Town of Laytonsville. The Linthicums were invited to attend a regular Town Council Meeting to discuss their plans for this property and to meet the Mayor and Council.

Fulks Farm South: Two agency responses have been received: from Montgomery County Department of Permitting and from Verizon in response to the preliminary plan for subdivision submitted by the Natelli Communities.

Mobley Farm Drive Repairs: Mayor Oland reported that Council Member Dave Preusch completed the erosion repairs on Mobley Farm Drive. Mayor Oland requested that Council Member Bennett review cracks on Mobley Farm Drive.

Montgomery Street Drainage: There will be a meeting on November 8, 2003 at 1:00 p.m. at the Town Hall for the residents of the S. Montgomery Street area to continue their discussion of the drainage requirements.

Stadler Property Pre-Preliminary Plan: A Pre-Preliminary Plan has been received from the Stadler Family and is being reviewed by Stan Benning, Town Planner. The Pre-Preliminary Plan will be discussed at the November 18, 2003 Work Session.

Trash Removal: Mayor Oland reported that one bid package had been received from Montgomery Sanitation and Recycling, Inc.

Council:

Council Member Dave Preusch reported that the utility box’s foundation at the end of Mobley Farm Drive was washing away. Mayor Oland to review. Council Member Preusch further discussed the Laytonsville Elementary School parking lot and the possible exacerbation of the S. Montgomery Street drainage requirements. After review, the parking lot expansion does not appear to negatively affect the drainage of S. Montgomery Street.

Citizens:

Phyllis Sterling reported that there was a problem with the parking of numerous cars on Howard Street/Atco. Mayor Oland reported that the Town’s attorney was working on a parking ordinance and this issue will be addressed at the same time. Mrs. Sterling will assess residents to determine their position on this matter and report at the next Town Council meeting.

Action Items:

Victor Litz Invoice: Council Member Tom Wilkinson made the motion to amend the approval of the Victor Litz Invoice in the amount of $1,018.00 to $1,240.20 for the purchase of a sound recording system for the Town Hall. Council Member Bennett seconded the motion. Motion unanimously approved. The additional expense reflects the purchase of a recording unit.

Charter Review: The Town of Laytonsville has utilized the services of the Institute of Governmental Services in the past and Mayor Oland would like to have the Institute meet with the Mayor and Council regarding the Town’s Charter. Council Member Dave Preusch made the motion to engage the Institute of Governmental Services to review the Town’s Charter. Council Member Tom Wilkinson seconded the motion. Motion unanimously approved.

Town Hall Walkway/Drainage: Two proposals have been received to replace the Town Hall’s walkway. Council Member Frank Bennett made the motion to proceed with pavers to replace the existing brick walkway and to request that Goshen Enterprises and Great American Landscapes re-submit their bids. Council Member Dave Preusch seconded the motion. Council Member Tom Wilkinson abstained. Motion approved.

Trash Removal: Mayor Oland opened the bid received from Montgomery County Sanitation and Recycling, Inc., 22210 Dickerson Road, Dickerson, MD. The received quotation sheet was reviewed by the Mayor and Council. Mr. Bob Clark from Montgomery County Sanitation and Recycling, Inc. was present to answer any questions. Council Member Frank Bennett made the motion to accept Item #C: $14.00 for twice-weekly curbside trash pick up; Item #E: $405.00 for bulk special pick up; Item #F: $4.05 for once-weekly recyclable collection and Item #G: $4.15 for once-weekly yard waste collection. Council Member Tom Wilkinson seconded the motion. Motion unanimously approved.

Mayor Oland recognized County Council Member Michael Knapp at the meeting. Council Member Dave Preusch requested that Mr. Knapp request the County Department of Transportation sweep county roads in the Town after every winter season.

Council Member Frank Bennett made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:10 p.m.

Council Member Tom Wilkinson seconded. Motion approved. Meeting adjourned.

Cathryn D. Buit

Clerk

November 4, 2003