Meeting minutes of Town Council Meeting on June 7, 2005

As reviewed, approved, and accepted by the Town Council on July 5, 2005

 

 

June 7, 2005

 

 

 

The Public Hearing to consider a Preliminary Plan of Subdivision submitted by Jones Farm, LC requesting the approval of 51.44 acres, consisting of 13 single family units on property in the Town of Laytonsville known as “Jones Farm” or “Rolling Ridge” as well as the existing Rolling Ridge structure was opened by Mayor Oland at 7:34 p.m.  The Mayor, Council Members Frank Bennett, David Preusch, and David Halperin were present.  Council Member Charles Bradsher was absent.  Mr. Stanley Benning, the Town Planner was present.  The Clerk and Treasurer were present.  There were 20 citizens present.  Mayor Oland introduced Mike Bingley, Elm Street Development, Jody S. Kline, Esq., counsel and a representative from the Charles P. Johnson & Associates, Inc.

 

Mr. Kline reported that the plan submitted this evening is in more detail but is the same plan as previously presented to the Town.  The Town Planner, Mr. Stanley Benning, submitted a letter dated June 7, 2005 indicating his review of the subject Preliminary Plan and recommending tentative approval of the area enclosed in the green dashed line on the Preliminary Plan.  This approval would be subject to the applicant’s submittal of letters of approval of all appropriate County approval agencies and certification that the applicant agrees to meet such requirements.  Mr. Benning does not recommend approval of Lots 6 through 9, 12, 13 and the Rolling Ridge lot mainly because of the lack of successful percolation tests.

 

Mr. Kline indicated that the applicant agrees with Mr. Benning’s comments.  Therefore, Phase I of the Preliminary Plan of Subdivision for the Jones Farm (Rolling Ridge) property is represented by the green dashed line area.

 

Council Member Frank Bennett indicated he will not approve any plan with more than a three shared driveways concept.

 

 

Council Member David Preusch discussed site locations of scenic views toward Sugarloaf Mountain (west).  Mike Bingley will discuss with John Clarke, Elm Street Development.

 

 

 

 

 

Richard Whittington                              Questioned exact location of proposed development

21738 Mobley Farm Drive

 

 

Sophia Voit                                          Questioned timeframe for starting construction.

7201 Brink Road                                  Mr. Bingley reported that it would depend on the

                                                            processing time of the plans and that it usually

                                                            takes 3-4 months; possibly late Fall, 2005.

 

                                                            Mrs. Voit questioned sidewalk in front of their

                                                            Residence.  Mayor Oland reported that the Town

                                                            Attorney was preparing an easement to accommodate

                                                            The installation of a sidewalk that would connect with the

                                                            Jones Farm property sidewalk.  Mr. Benning reported that

                                                            An 8’ hiker/biker trail is proposed and the plan should                                                               show a transition from the 8’ wide trail to a 5’ concrete

                                                            Sidewalk with curb and gutter in front of the Voit                                                                                   residence.

 

Chris Wilkinson                                    Questioned location of houses on individual parcels.

7000 Brink Road                                  Mr. Bingley reported that the houses are located

                                                            according to the topography of the lot and the

                                                            location of septic field.

 

Ecford Voit                                          Questioned the view from existing parcels.  Mr.

7201 Brink Road                                  Bingley reviewed Lots 10, 11, 12 and 13

 

Sheree Wenger

6715 Maple Knoll Drive                       As Chair of the Historic District Commission,

                                                            Mrs. Wenger indicated it was a pleasure working with

                                                            Elm Street Development.  Mrs. Wenger requested that

                                                            During the architectural review process, the HDC

                                                            Would like to have the opportunity review plans and

                                                            Make comments on the houses that are located outside

                                                            Of the HDC.

 

 

Mayor Oland closed the hearing at 7:55 p.m.

 

The regular meeting of the Mayor and Town Council   was called to order by Mayor Oland at 8:00 p.m.   The Mayor, Council Members Frank Bennett, David Preusch, and David Halperin were present. Council Member Charles Bradsher was absent.   Mr. Stanley Benning, the Town Planner was present.  The Clerk and Treasurer were present. There were 20 citizens present.

 

 

The minutes of the regular Town Council Meeting on May 3, 2005 were approved as submitted.  The minutes of the Work Sessions on May 17, 2005 were approved as submitted.

 

 

Treasurer’s Report:  Reviewing the Profit and Loss Report for the month of May, 2005, major sources of income were income taxes in the amount of $12,277.37.  Total income for the month of May, 2005 was $14,244.45.   Major expenses for May, 2005 were $1,136.00 for grounds maintenance; $4,161.44 for advertising (Charter). waste removal in the amount of $2,271.06.  Total expenses for the month of May, 2005 were $11,933.99.  Looking at the Balance Sheet for the month of May, 2005, the fund balance for the general fund is $150,645; for the CIP account, the balance is $76,537.00; and the balance for the fixed assets fund is $380,361.00.  The total assets for the Town of Laytonsville for the month of May, 2005 are $607,543.00.  Council Member David Preusch made the motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report as submitted, subject to audit.  Council Member David Halperin seconded the motion.  Unanimously approved.

 

Discussion/Action Items:

 

Preliminary Plan Amendment – Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission – Jones Property:    An amended preliminary plan reviewing 10 proposed lots plus 1 new lot for the property mentioned has been received.

 

W. Drew Stabler Property:  A notice of Public Hearing on June 2, 2005 was received from Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission on the subject property.  The Town of Laytonsville responded to Maryland National Capital Park & Planning Commission in a letter dated April 18, 2005.

 

Town Picnic:  James O’Hair is the Chair for the Town picnic scheduled for September 17, 2005 on the grounds of the Town Hall, 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.  Entertainment and activities were discussed.  Veronica Mariani, Laytonsville Volunteer Fire Department reported that LVFD will provide the stainless steel grill, “Minnie” and public safety items.

 

Senator Rona Kramer:  Senator Kramer will attend the July 5, 2005 regular Town Council meeting to discuss the legislative session which ended in April.

 

Demolition of Town Hall Sheds:  The Town will have 3 bids for the demolition of the two sheds on the Town Hall property to consider.  Mike Seebold (resident) has contacted the Town and is interested in salvaging some of the wood.  Residents should let the Clerk know of any interest in the wood from the sheds.

 

Preliminary Plan of Subdivision – Jones Property (“Rolling Ridge”):  Mayor Oland opened discussion regarding the Preliminary Plan of Subdivision submitted by Jones Farm LC.    As noted in the Public Hearing this same date, the Land Planner and the Applicant have agreed to proceed with the proposed Preliminary Plan of Subdivision as outlined in the green dashed lines.  Council Member Frank Bennett questioned access of Lots #10 and 11.  Access is through a common driveway.  There will be no more than three lots on a “pipe-stem” driveway.

 

Council Member Preusch reiterated his comments about situating houses to preserve views.  Mr. Preusch also stressed the Walkable Communities concept as presented in the draft Comprehensive Plan for the Town.  Walkways can be approved subject to the final subdivision plan approval.

 

Mayor Oland inquired if the engineer, Charles P. Johnson & Associates, would notify the approving agencies.  It was agreed that CPJ would notify the agencies and that review comments and approvals would be sent to the Town.

 

Council Member Frank Bennett moved to accept Phase I as designated on the Preliminary Plan map outlined in green dashed line as presented.  Council Member David Preusch seconded the motion.  Unanimously approved.

 

Montgomery County Transportation and Environmental Committee:  Committee will meet on June 30, 2005 to discuss private institutional facilities in the RDT zone.  Mayor Oland recommends that a letter be addressed from the Town to the Montgomery County Council and the Planning Board requesting that a nine-month moratorium on private institutional facilities in the RDT zone be implemented.  It was agreed by consensus to send the letters.

 

State Highway Administration:  Mayor Oland and Jim Ruff, Macris Hendricks and Glascock, attended a meeting with the State Highway Administration on June 7, 2005.  When engineers submitted the roundabout at Warfield Road, the proposed Route 108 Bypass was not taken into consideration.  Mayor Oland will call Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission regarding the location of the water tower relative to the roundabout.  The SHA is not ready to go forward until they know the location of the water tower.  The roundabout at Sundown and Brink Roads looks promising.  Subsequent traffic counts qualify the roundabout for two lanes. 

 

The SHA advised Mayor Oland that the proposed Route 108 Bypass has to be included in the County priorities list.  Maryland National Capital Park & Planning does not recognize the proposed Route 108 Bypass; MNCP&P prefers to widen Route 108 through the Town.

 

Work Session on June 21, 2005:  The Mayor and Council agreed to cancel the Work Session on June 21, 2005.

 

Action Items:

 

Council Member David Preusch made the motion to close the record on the Public Hearing to consider the Preliminary Plan of Subdivision for the Jones Property (“Rolling Ridge”).  Council Member David Halperin seconded.  Unanimously approved.

 

Council:

 

Council Member David Halperin reported that the Montgomery County Public School system has been notified about the possible acquisition of P. 248.

 

 

Citizens:

 

Mayor Oland reported that a scheduled meeting to discuss citizens’ concerns regarding the proposed project at Route 108 and Griffith Road would be appropriate; perhaps in August.

 

Phyllis Sterling responded that citizens felt that what position the Town of Laytonsville does take towards the proposed project will have an impact.

 

Sophia Voit reported that speed on Brink Road continues to be a problem

 

 

Council Member Frank Bennett made the motion to adjourn the meeting.  Council Member Dave Halperin seconded.  Meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.

 

 

 

Cathryn D. Buit

Clerk

June 7, 2005