Meeting minutes of Town Council Meeting on December 2, 2003

As reviewed, approved, and accepted by the Town Council on January 6, 2004

December 2, 2003

The regular meeting of the Laytonsville Town Council was called to order by Mayor Charles W. Oland on December 2, 2003 at 7:35 p.m. in the Laytonsville Town Hall. Council members Bennett, Bradsher, Preusch and Wilkinson were in attendance. There were 7 citizens present. The Clerk and Treasurer were also present.

The minutes of the regular Town Council meeting of November 4, 2003 and the minutes of the Work Session November 18, 2003 were approved as presented.

Discussion Items:

Treasurer’s Report: The Treasurer reported that income in the amount of $19,000 was received from income and property taxes during the month of November, 2003. Total expenses for November, 2003 were $11,877.12 and include expenses for Town Hall ground maintenance, payroll, legal expenses and heating fuel. The General Fund balance is $111,867.61; the CIP balance is $75,157.75. The total of the Town income, funds and assets is $579,158.72. The balance sheet reflects $108,975.51 in the General Fund checking account. The Treasurer will investigate alternatives to earn interest on some of the funds in the checking account.. Council Member Tom Wilkinson made the motion to accept the Treasurer’s report as submitted, subject to audit. Council Member Dave Preusch seconded. Motion approved.

Mayor:

Mayor Oland requested updates from the various Chairs. Phyllis Sterling reporting for Sheree Wenger reported that the Historic District Commission is proceeding to develop meeting procedures and guidelines for the Commission.

Eric Wenger reported that the Citizens Advisory Board reported that two items of urgency came to the forefront of the Board’s consideration and asked the Mayor and Council to proceed with the architectural controls and a commitment to a dedicated right-of-way for the proposed Route 108 By Pass as submitted by the Board at the November 18, 2003 Work Session.

Historic District Commission Dues: The Historic District Commission has requested that the Mayor and Council approve their request to join the Maryland Association of Historic Commissions for a fee of $50.00. The membership will provide guidance and training. The request was approved by consensus.

Walter Cooper Reception: Mayor Oland would like to recognize Walter Cooper for his past service to the Town of Laytonsville by sponsoring a reception for him. It was suggested that donations be made in the interim to Walter Cooper by residents of the Town.

FEMA: Mayor Oland reported that the Town of Laytonsville received a reimbursement in the amount of $1,497.00 from FEMA due to Hurricane Isabel.

Verizon Pedestal: Mayor Oland spoke with a Ms. Hudson from Verizon regarding the Mobley Farm Drive pedestal. Verizon reported that an engineer will review the condition of the pedestal within the next six months.

Montgomery Street Drainage: Mayor Oland reported that on 11-03-03, letters were sent to two residents on the street requesting permission to install inlets on their property line.

Howard Street Parking: Mayor Oland spoke to Jim Scott (Atco) regarding overflow parking onto Howard Street. Some improvement has been noted.

Mobley Farm Drive: Mayor Oland reported that Tommy Troxler will fill and oil cracks on Mobley Farm Drive.

Charter Review: The Town sent a letter on November 12, 2003 to the Institute for Governmental Service and requested that the Institute review the Town’s charter.

Waste Removal: Mayor Oland reported that a contract has been signed with Montgomery County Recycling and Sanitation, Inc. and a memo to residents will go out on December 15, 2003 regarding the new pick up days, container requirements, recycling, etc.

Veterans Day Display: Mayor Oland recognized Phyllis Sterling for her efforts in collecting pictures and memorabilia for the Veteran’s Display at the Town Hall.

Work Session on December 16, 2003 Cancelled: Mayor Oland reported that there will not be a Work Session on December 16, 2003.

Outlot A: Mayor Oland reported that this lot was sold at a tax sale two years ago. Mayor Oland contacted Montgomery County and determined that Tax Group LLC is the current owner of the tax certificate. Mayor Oland recommended that the Town look at this three acre lot across from Mobley Farm Drive as a terminus for the Route 108 By Pass. Mayor Oland will contact the attorney representing this property to see if there is any interest in selling the certificate. Council agreed by consensus.

Code Enforcement Officer: Mayor Oland talked with Pete Ayton and Stanley Snouffer regarding this position. Stanley Snouffer will respond to Mayor Oland. Mayor Oland requested that the Council members review Stan Abrams recommendations of the proposed parking ordinance and email the Clerk within the week with any comments and suggestions. A hearing will be held before the January 6, 2004 Town Council Meeting.

Citizens Advisory Board/Development Style and Route 108 By Pass: Mayor Oland reported that the Board’s request has been sent to Town Attorney, Stanley Abrams for his input. Mayor Oland recommended that this information should be incorporated into the final Master Plan.

Town Hall Gutters/Roof: Mayor Oland reported that Carlos Mosquera’s company cleaned the Town Hall’s gutters and reported that the roof’s paint was chipping. A letter will be sent to Jack’s Roofing regarding any type of warranty.

Town Welcome Sign: Mayor Oland reported that the welcome sign going toward Etchison had fallen. The Clerk has called Sterico signs and requested a proposal to repair the sign and re-install the sign lower to the ground.

Lions Club Indemnification Agreement: Mayor Oland reported that the agreement has been signed by both parties.

Work Session – January 20, 2004: The Route 108 By Pass will be discussed at this Work Session. Mr. John Clarke, Elm Street Development and Mr. Richard Allan, Mayor of Brookeville, have been invited to share their ideas. Transportation funding is on a very tight budget in the state.

Mail Boxes on Route 108: Mayor Oland reported that a search of the records reflected only that a 5 foot right of way was granted by residents on Route 108.

Larry Halvorsen requested that the Mayor and Council approve his installation of a mailbox in the sidewalk at his residence. Approved by consensus.

Council:

Council Member Dave Preusch noted that the Maryland Municipal League Convention is to be held in June, 2004 and that he would be interested in applying for a grant to help defray costs. The Town will help underwrite some costs if any Council Member is interested in attending the convention.

Citizens:

Phyllis Sterling reported that the display in the Town Hall front room currently featured antique toys. Mrs. Sterling further reported that the Laytonsville Historical Center recently acquired an antique register which is on display in the Center. Mrs. Sterling suggested that a baby photo display of Town residents be presented in the front room of the Town Hall for the month of January, 2004. Mrs. Sterling reported that the grading at the storm drain culverts at Howard Street had been completed; the Laytonsville Elementary School parking lot has been completed; and that residents on Howard Street report that portion of the sidewalk is not being maintained.

Action Items:

Town Hall Drainage: Two proposals have been received – one from Great American Landscapes, Inc. in the amount of $6,938.00 and one from Goshen Enterprises in the amount of $5,435.00 to repair the Town Hall walkway. Council Member Tom Wilkinson made the motion to accept the proposal from Goshen Enterprises to replace the current walkway with pavers, grade around walkway, build two window wells on south side of Town Hall and dispose of septic material. Council Member Dave Preusch seconded. Motion unanimously approved.

Council Member Tom Wilkinson made the motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m. Council Member Dave Preusch seconded. Meeting adjourned.

Cathryn D. Buit

Clerk

December 2, 2003