Meeting minutes of Town Council Meeting on October 3, 2006

As reviewed, approved, and accepted by the Town Council on November 7, 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 Member Charles Bradsher was absent. The Clerk was present.

The minutes of the regular Town Council Meeting on September 5, 2006 were approved as submitted. The minutes of the Public Hearing on September 5, 2006 to repeal and re-enact with amendments the Town’s Sign Ordinance were approved as submitted. The minutes of the Public Hearing on September 5, 2006 to amend the Town’s Parking Ordinance were approved as submitted.

Treasurer’s Report:  The Treasurer’s report for the months of September and October will be presented at the November 7, 2006 regular Town Council meeting.

Discussion/Action Items:

Laytonsville Volunteer Fire Department Easement: Mayor Oland reported that the Town now has an easement for the sidewalk across the LDVD property from the Fire Department. This easement will connect Parcel #600 to the existing sidewalk across from Laytonsville Elementary School. The easement will be recorded in Montgomery County.

Rolling Ridge (Jones Farm) Recordation: Mayor Oland reported that he will record the mylar record plat for the Rolling Ridge subdivision when the final comments have been received from Montgomery County regarding well and septic.

Mayor Oland reported that DPS has signed off on the Brink Road improvements as requested by the Town.

J.B. Kline Snow Removal Contract 2006-2007: Mayor Oland reviewed small increases in this submitted contract: plowing services - from $95 to $100 per hour; spreading remains the same.

Town Picnic: Mayor Oland reported that a total of $6,145 has been received from sponsors and $315.80 had been received from the donation jars for the benefit of the coastal communities, post Katrina. Mayor Oland thanked Jim O’Hair for the outstanding job he did in chairing the picnic again this year. Jim O’Hair reviewed the picnic and noted that there were more kids’ games; clown and face painting were popular; the cake

walk was very popular; Choo Choo Charlie was again popular; and the goal was to have families mingle. Jim would like to move toward an annual homecoming themed picnic. The third Saturday in September, 2007 is tentatively scheduled for the next picnic. Jim thanked all sponsors and reported that a video was being prepared by Dave Galt.

Town Pavilion: Mayor Oland has requested four suppliers/contractors to submit bids. More information will be available at the November Town Council meeting. Council Member Tom Wilkinson suggested that sponsors could donate benches for the pavilion.

Clean Renewable Energy: Mayor Oland reported that the Town participates with Montgomery County in the purchase of 5% of wind energy and that the County was interested in increasing that to 10%. Montgomery County is offering the Town the opportunity increase the Town’s portion to 10% as well.

Property Tax Credit: The Town has received a flyer from Council President George Leventhal indicating the availability of a property tax credit for senior citizens and others struggling to make ends meet. Households that earn up to $60,000 can be eligible for a tax credit that averages nearly $750.

Work Session: The Work Session scheduled for October 17 has been cancelled.

Verizon Franchise Agreement: Montgomery County and Verizon have agreed to provide a fiber optic bundling system of services. Municipalities have a separate franchise agreement with Comcast at the current time. Negotiations are under way with Verizon for similar services. Municipalities may have to share attorney fees – the Town’s portion would be $76.00.

Action Items:

Council Member David Preusch made the motion to accept J.B. Kline Snow Plowing Services Snow Treatment Proposal for the 2006-2007 season. Council Member Tom Wilkinson seconded. Unanimously approved.

Council Member Frank Bennett made the motion to increase the Town’s portion of clean renewable energy to 10%. Council Member David Preusch seconded. Unanimously approved.

Council:

Council Member Tom Wilkinson inquired about the property on Warfield Road turning onto Route 108 at the Shopping Center and wondered if any portion could be utilized as an access to the shopping center. Mayor Oland responded that that property was privately owned and that Montgomery County had denied a similar request when the Shopping Center was being developed.

Citizens:

Sheree Wenger inquired as to the status of Council Member Charles Bradsher. He should be returning to Maryland within the next 5-10 days.

Phyllis Sterling noted that at the Germantown Oktoberfest held at the Ridge Road Recreation Park, the officer that handled the burglaries that included Mobley Farm Drive will receive a commendation. The presentation will be Saturday, October 7, 2006 at 11:00 a.m.

Pete Stadler discussed transferring property owned by Laytonsville nursery properties and has found that the tax assessment used in on the highest and best rate. The portion of the Stadler property zoned as Agriculture on the Town’s Zoning Map has been requested to remain in the agriculture definition in perpetuity by the Stadlers. Mr. Stadler noted that the Town’s Cluster Agreement requires that 20% of property must be designated as open space. This 22 acres is suggested to have easement granted for specific uses. Therefore Mr. Stadler is requesting that the Town consider two easements: 1) the agriculture easement in perpetuity; and 2) easement for the open space land that the Town does not want to be disturbed.

Mayor Oland will research the appropriate language to effect such easements and discuss with the Council further.

Council Member Frank Bennett made the motion to adjourn at 8:35 p.m.  Council Member Tom Wilkinson seconded.  Unanimously approved.

Respectfully submitted,

Cathryn D. Buit

Clerk

October 3, 2006

REMINDER: THE LAYTONSVILLE HOMECOMING 2006 PORCELAIN ORNAMENTS ARE ON SALE AT THE TOWN HALL.

TREE LIGHTING AT THE TOWN HALL ON DECEMBER 9, 2006 – 4:30 P.M.