Meeting minutes of Town Council Meeting on September 6, 2005                    

As reviewed, approved, and accepted by the Town Council on October 4, 2005.    

 

 

The public hearing to consider a proposed Ordinance to amend the Town of Laytonsville’s Building Permit Ordinance (Ordinance No. 9-52-1, as amended on May 7, 1982, September 1, 1981 and August 5, 2003) so as to authorize and require the posting of a bond or other security when issuing building permits where damage to Town of public property or public rights-of-way may occur was called to order by Mayor Charles W. Oland at 7:30 p.m.  Mayor Oland requested citizen comment.

 

Pete Stadler                              Mr. Stadler questioned the nature of the bond.  Mayor

P.O. Box 5009                         Oland responded that the Town could accept certified

Laytonsville                              check, an insurance bond or a performance bond.

 

 

With no further comment, Mayor Oland closed the hearing at 7:32 p.m.

 

The public hearing to consider a proposed Ordinance to establish procedures and regulations with respect to regulating elections with the Town of Laytonsville was called to order by Mayor Charles W. Oland at 7:33 p.m.  Mayor Oland requested citizen comment.

 

With no comment, Mayor Oland closed the hearing at 7:35 p.m.

 

 

The regular meeting of the Mayor and Town Council was called to order by Mayor Oland at 7:35 p.m.  The Mayor, Council Members Frank Bennett, David Preusch, Charles Bradsher and David Halperin were present.  The Town Planner, Stanley O. Benning was present.  The Clerk and the Treasurer were present.  There were 11 citizens present.

 

The minutes of the regular meeting of August 2, 2005 were approved as submitted.  The minutes of the Public Hearing on June 7, 2005 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 were approved as submitted.

 

 

Treasurer’s Report:  Reviewing the Profit and Loss Report for the month of August, 2005, major sources of income tax in the amount of $5,161.51.  Total income for the month of August, 2005 was $6,517.37.   Major expenses for August, 2005 were $3,916.00 for grounds maintenance (included the cost of the demolition of the two sheds); and $2,098.75 for accounting.  Total expenses for the month of August, 2005 were $12,772.13, for a net income of $-6,254.76.  Looking at the Balance Sheet for the month of August, 2005, the fund balance for the general fund is $137,132.11; for the CIP account, the balance is $44,854.88; and the balance for the fixed assets fund is $263,552.15.  The total assets for the Town of Laytonsville for the month of August, 2005 are $445,539.14.00.  Council Member Frank Bennett made the motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report as submitted, subject to audit.  Council Member David Halperin seconded the motion.  Unanimously approved

 

 

Town Picnic:    Mayor Oland reported that Bar-T will supply games and a moon bounce for the Town Picnic scheduled for September 17, 2005.

 

Mayor Oland reported that at the last meeting, the Picnic Committee agreed that any proceeds from the picnic will be sent to the Laytonsville Volunteer Fire Department for the Hurricane Relief Fund.

 

Derwood Bible Church Proposal:  Mayor Oland reported that the letter addressed to Montgomery County Council as approved by the Mayor and Council at the August 2, 2005 regular meeting was presented to the Upper Montgomery County Citizens Board stating that the Mayor and Council unanimously voted to oppose the granting of an approval for a change in water service category as submitted by Derwood Bible Church for the proposed development of a parcel of land located at Route 108 and Griffith Road.  Mayor Oland submitted another draft of a letter regarding Private Institutional Facilities and amending the County’s Zoning Code for the Council’s consideration.  The drafted letter was approved by consensus by the Mayor and Council for submission to Montgomery County Council.

 

Jones Farm (Rolling Ridge) Preliminary Plan – Phase II:  Mike Bingley (Elmstreet Development) and Sally Stewart (Charles P. Johnson and Associates) presented a display map.  Mr. Bingley reported that Elmstreet had submitted a Forest Conservation Plan for the Rolling Ridge property to the Town for review and was now submitting Phase II (remaining lots) to the Mayor and Council for their consideration.  Mayor Oland reported

that the Forest Conservation Plan had been submitted to Mr. McGee of Benning and Associates for review.

 

Town Planner, Mr. Benning reviewed the Jones Farm (Rolling Ridge) preliminary plan with portions of the Fulks South approved preliminary plan and noted:

 

  1. The widening of Brink Road should be accomplished to permit parking.  Mr. Benning recommended approval of this request subject to receipt of all State and County approval letters.

 

  1. The driveway to Lot 6 reflects congestion at the cul de sac and should be turned to face the drive to the historic Rolling Ridge house.

 

  1. Public Utilities:  suggested 30 feet for private driveway.

 

  1. Lots #11 and 12 should have a 30 foot buffer easement along the fronts to preserve existing vegetation.

 

  1. Elmstreet should provide the Town with a detailed drawing of a sewer line back to the historic Rolling Ridge house.  The plan should show sewer line, public utilities and driveway.

 

  1. Design of Street “A”: requires additional detail.

 

 

Mayor Oland questioned the Historic District Commission Chair, Mrs. Wenger, regarding the relocation of the driveway for Lot 6.   Mrs. Wenger responded that the Historic District Commission is scheduled to meet on September 19 and would review this information.

 

Council Member David Preusch questioned whether Elmstreet Development had spoken with the property owners regarding Lots #10 and 11 to accommodate any concerns.  Mr. Bingley responded that they had spoken to homeowners contingent to these lots.

 

Council Member David Preusch reminded Elmstreet Development that the walkable community aspect should be incorporated into their planning.  Mr. Bingley discussed a paved walkway to the existing pond and a gravel path around the pond.    Mr. Benning would like to see an informal walkway along the proposed Route 108 Bypass.

 

Mr. William Ludwig questioned the driveways and the proposed parallel parking along Brink Road.

 

Mr. Benning requested that Charles P. Johnson & Associates prepare a revised Phase II plan showing the requested changes as approved by the Mayor and Council and subject to letters of approval of all state and county approval agencies and the Historic District Commission of the Town of Laytonsville.  

 

Mrs. Wenger requested copies of the Phase II revised preliminary plan.

 

Council Member David Preusch questioned Mr. Bingley regarding any stormwater management plans for the Rolling Ridge development.  Mr. Bingley reported that the plans have been submitted to Montgomery County.  Charles P. Johnson & Associates will show stormwater management concept on the revised Phase II preliminary plans.

 

Mayor Oland noted that the Historic District Commission will review the revised Phase II preliminary plans at their September 19 meeting and the Town Council will review the Phase II preliminary plans at their regular meeting on October 4.

 

Brink Road Bridge:  Mayor Oland reported that Montgomery County reported that the Brink Road bridge would be replaced at an approximate cost of $1,689,000.

 

Town Hall Pavilion:  A pavilion at the Town Hall was discussed.  Resident Matthew Crase is working on his Eagle Scout project and the Mayor and Council agreed by consensus that Matthew Crase should be authorized to proceed with the investigation of   a pavilion at the Town Hall, subject to the Mayor and Council and the Historic District’s Commission’s review.

 

Layton’s Village Shopping Center:  Mayor Oland reported that a tenant has applied for a beer and wine store at the shopping center.  This application qualifies under the Town’s Zoning Ordinance Section 110.02 (f).

 

Presentation of Certificate:  Mayor Oland presented Council Member Frank Bennett with a Certificate of Achievement for long and exemplary service.  Council Member Bennett was inducted in the Maryland Municipal League’s Hall of Fame.

 

Work Session:  Mayor Oland and Council agreed by consensus that there will not be a Work Session on September 20, 2005.

 

 

Action Items:

 

Proposed Ordinance to Amend Building Permit Ordinance:  Council Member Frank Bennett made the motion to close the record on the hearing for the Proposed Ordinance to

Amend the Town of Laytonsville’s Building Permit Ordinance.  Council Member David Halperin seconded.  Unanimously approved.

 

Council Member David Halperin made the motion to adopt the proposed Ordinance to amend the Town of Laytonsville’s Building Permit Ordinance (Ordinance No. 9-52-1, as amended on May 7, 1981, September 1, 1981 and August 5, 2003) so as to authorize and require the posting of a bond or other security when issuing building permits where damage to Town of public property or public rights-of-way may occur.  Council Member Charles Bradsher seconded.  Unanimously approved.

 

Proposed Ordinance to establish procedures and regulations with respect to regulating elections:  Council Member David Preusch made the motion to close the record on the hearing to consider a proposed Ordinance to establish procedures and regulations with respect to regulating elections within the Town of Laytonsville.  Council Member Charles Bradsher seconded.  Unanimously approved.

 

Council Member David Preusch made the motion to adopt the Ordinance to establish procedures and regulations with respect to regulating elections with the Town of Laytonsville.  Council Member David Halperin seconded.  Unanimously approved.

 

 

Council:

 

Council Member David Preusch has contacted Montgomery County regarding the street sweeping needed on Sundown Road.

 

Council Member David Halperin has received a request regarding “School Bus Ahead” sign on Brink Road.  Montgomery County Public School system is working with the State Highway Administration regarding requirements.   Council Member Halperin also reported that the Montgomery County Department of Transportation was reviewing school bus stops for safety issues.

 

Citizens:

 

Council Member David Halperin reported that his step-daughter, Heather, was a final runner up for the National American Teen pageant.

 

Sheree Wenger reported that the Laytonsville Town Picnic Committee was still looking for door prizes.

 

Council Member David Halperin made the motion to adjoin the regular meeting.  Council Member Frank Bennett seconded.  Unanimously approved.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.

 

 

Respectfully submitted.

 

 

 

Cathryn D. Buit

Clerk

September 6, 2005     

 

 

 

REMINDER:  PLEASE BE AWARE OF ANY SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD AND REPORT IT TO THE PROPERTY AUTHORITIES.  HELP KEEP LAYTONSVILLE SAFE!