Meeting minutes of Town Council Meeting on August 1, 2006                      

As reviewed, approved, and accepted by the Town Council on September 5, 2006

 

The regular meeting of the Mayor and Town Council was called to order by Mayor Oland at 7:30 p.m.  The Mayor, Council Members Frank Bennett, David Preusch, and Tom Wilkinson were present.  Council Members Charles Bradsher was absent.  The Clerk and the Treasurer were present.  There were 2 citizens present.

Mayor Oland administered the Oath of Office to Tom Wilkinson.

The minutes of the regular Town Council Meeting on June 6, 2006 were approved as submitted.  The minutes of the Work Session on June 20, 2006 were approved as submitted.  The minutes of the Public Hearing to consider a proposed Ordinance to amend the text of the Town’s Zoning Ordinance to amend Section 118 entitled “Special Exceptions” were approved as submitted.

Treasurer’s Report:  Reviewing the Profit and Loss Report for the month of July, 2006, Total income for the month of July, 2006 was $3,222.00.  Major expenses for July, 2006 were $1,923.00 for insurance (Town Hall); $868.00 for insurance (employees) and; $2,568.00 for waste management. Total expenses for the month of July, 2006 were $7,332.00 for a net income of -$4,110.00.  Looking at the Balance Sheet for the month of  July, 2006, the fund balance for the general fund is $182,807.00; for the CIP account, the balance is $65,588.00; and the balance for the fixed assets fund is $384,904.00.  The total assets for the Town of Laytonsville for the month of July, 2006 are $633,300.00.    Council Member David Preusch made the motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report as submitted, subject to audit.  Council Member Frank Bennett seconded.  Unanimously approved.

Mayor Oland introduced Senator Rona Kramer.  Senator Kramer reviewed some of the legislative highlights from the previous session:

 

Discussion/Action Items:

Washington Gas:  Mayor Oland reported that the Town had completed its application on July 20, 2006 to receive an estimate for Washington Gas to service the Town Hall.

Welcome Sign:  Mayor Oland reported that a Welcome Sign for Sundown Road has been planned in this year’s budget.  Several sites were discussed.

Sidewalk – Stadler Property:  A discussion was held about extending the sidewalk on Route 108 to the Town’s boundary line.  Mr. Stadler is proposing to complete the sidewalk to the Town’s boundary line.  Mayor Oland responded that once the engineer submits the metes and bounds for the easement which will be required, the Town will submit to Counsel for the preparation of an easement to the Town.

Appointments:  Mayor Oland reviewed the following appointment recommendations:

 

The Historic District Committee’s current open position received three applicants: Michele Shortley, Charles Hendricks and Danny Prats, Jr.

Filing Fees -2006:  The Filing Fee Schedule for 2006-2007 was reviewed.  Two changes:

            Excavation in the street:                           $4.35/linear foot

            Excavation in the sidewalk and grass area:            $2.20/linear foot

            Overhead wire                                                 $0.06/linear foot

            Poles being installed or replaced:                      $50 per pole

            Minimum per permit                                       $185

 

            Fees waived for work the Town has requested.

 

Proposed Ordinance to Amend Section 118:  A public hearing was held on July 11, 2006 to receive public comment regarding a proposed Ordinance to amend the text of the Town’s Zoning Ordinance to amend Section 118, entitled “Special Exceptions” so as to require that any approval or modification of a Special Exception by the Board of Appeals within the Town’s Historic District must comply with the requirements of or be consistent with the recommendations in the Comprehensive Master Plan for Laytonsville.

Proposed Request to proceed with amendment to Zoning Section of Land Plan to eliminate residency requirement:  Mayor Oland reported that a letter from Dorothy G. Techter dated June 11, 2006 requesting a change in both the land plan and the zoning Ordinance to eliminate the residency requirement.

Town Pavilion:  The Historic District Commission is currently reviewing the plans. It was recommended that quotations be received for both a 30 x 40’ and a 40 x 40’ pavilion be requested.

Town Sign Ordinance:  A drafted new Sign Ordinance has been received from Stanley D. Abrams.  The draft was distributed for review.  A Public Hearing will be held on September 5, 2006 to receive public comment.

Work Session:  There will not be a Work Session in August.

Light at Route 108 and Brink:  Mayor Oland reported that former Council Member David Halperin has been working diligently with the Montgomery County Roads Department representatives to change the sequence of the light and to add a left-turn arrow from Brink to Route 108.

Derwood Bible Church:  Mayor Oland discussed the draft of a letter to be sent to Derwood Bible Church requesting information on their plans for the property located at Route 108 and Griffith Roads.  It was agreed by consensus that the letter be sent.

Action Items:

Proposed Ordinance to Amend Section 118 of the Town’s Zoning Ordinance: Council Member David Preusch made the motion to amend Section 118 of the Town’s Zoning Ordinance entitled “Special Exceptions” so as to require that any approval or modification of a Special Exception by the Board of Appeals within the Town’s Historic District must comply with the requirements of or be consistent with the recommendations in the Comprehensive Master Plan for Laytonsville.  Council Member Tom Wilkinson seconded.  Unanimously approved.

Welcome Sign:  Council Member Frank Bennett made the motion to install a Welcome Sign on the North side of Sundown Road across from the residence at 6700 Sundown Road.  Council Member Tom Wilkinson seconded.  Mayor Oland and Council Member Wilkinson voted yes.  Council Member David Preusch abstained.

Appointments:

Council Member Frank Bennett made the motion to approve the appointments as submitted.  Council Member David Preusch seconded.  Unanimously approved.

Council Member Tom Wilkinson made the motion to approve Michele Shortley as the new member of the Historic District Commission.  Council Member Frank Bennett seconded.  Unanimously approved.

Filing Fee Schedule 2006-2007:  Council Member Frank Bennett made the motion to approve the Filing Fee Schedule with the following  additions:

New Residential Construction                                          $250.00

Right-of-Way/Utility Permit             

            Excavation in the street:                           $4.35/linear foot

            Excavation in the sidewalk and grass area:            $2.20/linear foot

            Overhead wire                                                 $0.06/linear foot

            Poles being installed or replaced:                      $50 per pole

            Minimum per permit                                       $185

 

            Fees waived for work the Town has requested.

 

Proposed Request to Proceed with amendment to Zoning Ordinance to eliminate residency requirement:  Council Member Frank Bennett made the motion that the Town not proceed with the request to amend the Zoning Ordinance and the Land Plan.  Council Member Tom Wilkinson seconded.  Mayor Oland and Council Member Wilkinson voted yes.  Council Dave Preusch abstained.

Proposed Request to Proceed with amendment to Zoning Section of Land Plan to eliminate residency requirement:  Council Member Frank Bennett made the motion that the Town not proceed with the request to amend the Zoning Ordinance and the Land Plan.  Council Member Tom Wilkinson seconded.  Mayor Oland and Council Member Wilkinson voted yes.  Council Dave Preusch abstained.

Sidewalk – Stadler Property:  Council Member Frank Bennett made the motion to approve the sidewalk proposal as submitted by Pete Stadler.  Council Member Tom Wilkinson seconded.  Unanimously approved.

Council:

 

Citizens:

 

Council Member Frank Bennett made the motion to adjourn at 9:15 p.m.  Council Member Dave Preusch seconded.  Unanimously approved.

Respectfully submitted,

 

Cathryn D. Buit

Clerk

August 1, 2006