Meeting
minutes of Town Council Meeting on March 6, 2007
As
reviewed, approved, and accepted by the Town Council on April 3, 2007
Mayor Oland called the Public
Hearing to consider the proposed 2007-2008 Budget and the establishment of an
ad valorem tax to order at 7:35 p.m.
The Treasurer, Chris Wilkinson, reviewed the proposed General Funds
Budget:
Total Income: $232,200
Total Expenses $228,700
Total Net: $
3,500
The Treasurer, Chris Wilkinson
reviewed the proposed CIP Budget:
Total Income $ 32,500
Total Expense $ 30,000
Total Net: $
2,500
Mayor Oland requested any
public testimony.
There being no testimony, the
Public Hearing to consider the Proposed 2007-2008 Budget and the establishment
of the ad valorem tax rate was closed at 7:50 p.m.
Mayor Oland called the Public
Hearing to consider the request submitted by Josh and Katherine Pomeroy to
order at 7:51 p.m. The request is to
add a 28’ x 30’ by 19’ outbuilding to include a two-car garage with additional woodshop
space and an additional room to serve as a seasonal greenhouse for the property
located at 21404 Laytonsville Road.
This request requires a waiver of the current height and footprint
requirement stated in Section 115 of the Zoning Ordinance.
Josh Pomeroy reviewed the
proposed plans for the 700 square foot building on a 21,700 square foot
lot. The structure would be 55’ from
the back wall of the main house.
Mayor Oland requested any
public testimony.
Phyllis Sterling Submitted
written testimony. Stated that she
would not
21401 S. Montgomery St testify specifically for or against
the waiver being requested
As a
member of the Historic District Commission, she wished to avoid any conflict in
any future proceedings before the HDC. Mrs.
Sterling wanted to take the opportunity to speak of the overarching challenges
set forth in Section 115 of the Zoning Ordinance.
There being no further
testimony, Mayor Oland closed the Public Hearing at 8:04 p.m.
The regular meeting of the Mayor and Town Council was
called to order by Mayor Oland at 8:05 p.m. The Mayor, Council Members
Frank Bennett, David Preusch, and Tom Wilkinson were present. Council
Member Charles Bradsher was absent. The
Clerk and the Treasurer were present. There were 9 citizens present.
The minutes of the regular Town Council Meeting on
February 6, 2007 were approved as
submitted.
Treasurer’s Report: Reviewing the Profit and Loss Report for the month of February,
2007 total income for the month of February, 2007 was $20,373.00 that includes
$14,414.00 in income taxes. Major expenses for February, 2007 were $2,568.00
for waste management; $938.00 in legal expenses; snow removal in the amount of
$1,769.00 and $954.00 in payroll expenses. Total expenses for the month of
February, 2007 were $8,477.00. Looking at the Balance Sheet for the month of
February, 2007, the fund balance for the general fund is $267,262.00; for the
CIP account, the balance is $79,182.00 and the balance for the fixed assets
fund is $383,938.00. The total assets for the Town of Laytonsville for
the month of February, 2007 are $730,382.00.
Council Member Frank Bennett made the motion to
approve the Treasurer’s Report subject to audit. Council Member Tom Wilkinson seconded the motion. Unanimously
approved.
Discussion/Action Items:
Proposed 2007-2008 Budget: Mayor Oland
reviewed the Public Hearing comments.
Proposed Ad Valorem Tax Rate: Mayor Oland
reported that no change would be necessary in the $.14 tax rate on real
property and the $.35 tax rate on personal property.
Elections: May 7, 2007: Mayor Oland reported that the Town elections will be held on May
7, 2007 for the positions of Mayor and two Council Members. Filing information has been
distributed. Mayor Oland suggested
that the following Election Judges be re-appointed: Barbara White, Dottie Tessier, Michele Shortly and Ruth
Bennett; Alternate Judges to be
re-appointed: Jill Ruspi and Esther
Whipp.
Stadler Family Agricultural Easement: Mayor Oland
reminded the Council that copies of the red-lined version of the Stadler Family
Agricultural Easement distributed to the Council on February 27 was being
reviewed. Phyllis Sterling commented on
two administrative changes and wanted further discussion on the term “hunting”
on page 4 of the Easement. It was
agreed by consensus that the term “hunting” should be removed from Article IV
(G) “Recreational Uses.”
Natelli Communities (Fulks South): In a letter
dated February 6, 2007, Natelli Communities as requested a two year extension
of their preliminary plan process.
Washington Gas: In a letter dated February 6, 2007,
Washington Gas confirmed that they will install all necessary gas mains,
services and metering to the Town Hall, 21607 Laytonsville Road, at no cost,
having considered the revenues they anticipate from the project. Two proposals to furnish and install the
equipment were received and reviewed.
Town Hall Front Porch: Mayor Oland
reviewed a bid from Bob’s Home Care in the amount of $5,554.00 to replace the
Town Hall’s front porch boards; prime top and bottom with oil base paint; prime
and paint top and bottom of porch with polyurethane; lay 8 ml plastic vapor
barrier under porch; and reinforce joists to comply with code: 16” on center.
FEMA: The Town has received a letter from FEMA
dated February 16, 2007 that confirms that the Town of Laytonsville residents
are now eligible to apply for federal disaster assistance for five years from
the date of their letter.
Town Parade: Mayor Oland reminded the meeting that the
Town Parade will be held on May 19, 2007.
Sponsors are: Town of
Laytonsville, Laytonsville Lions Club, Laytonsville Volunteer Fire Department
and the Laytonsville Elementary School PTA.
Proposed Waiver of Height and
Footprint Requirement – 21404 Laytonsville Road: Mayor
Oland reported that he had no problem with the waiver. The request is to add a 28’ x 30’ by 19’
outbuilding to include a two-car garage with additional woodshop space and an
additional room to serve as a seasonal greenhouse for the property located at
21404 Laytonsville Road. This request
requires a waiver of the current height and footprint requirement stated in
Section 115 of the Zoning Ordinance.
Mayor Oland noted that the change in Section 115 allows the Council to
review requests on a case-by-case basis.
Rolling Ridge (Jones Farm)
Historic Structure: At the
February 6, 2007 meeting Mayor Oland reported that the owner of the Historic
Structure, ElmStreet Development, had been requested to develop a
security/maintenance plan. Mike Bingley, ElmStreet Development, introduced a
site plan with a 6’ high chain-link fence to be installed 25’ away from the
structure and with a 12’ wide gate. Mr.
Bingley had met with the Historic District Commission previously and the HDC
was in agreement with the proposed fence.
Mayor Oland requested the Elm
Street post “No Trespassing” signs and also submit in writing a report on the
following:
Mayor Oland further inquired
as to when power would be available to the historic structure. Mike Bingley reported that Pepco submitted
an estimate that within the next 60 days they would run the primaries.
Sheree Wenger, Chair of the
Historic District Commission, submitted a letter to reinforce a completion date
of May 1, 2007 for the discussed items.
Further, a report of the scheduled maintenance should be submitted to
the Historic District Commission by the 15th of each month for
ongoing items.
The Historic District
Commission represented by Sheree Wenger and Phyllis Sterling submitted changes
requested to the HDC’s Guidelines:
Fences: should include “The rear
corners of the structure will define the front yard.” and Stoops, Steps, &
Railings, Porches and Decks should include:
Second story or two-story decks are not permitted.” It was agreed by consensus to approve the two
requested changes.
Mayor Oland indicated he would
like the Council to review the Historic District Guidelines as a whole. A copy of the current Guidelines will be
distributed to the Council for their review.
Work Session – March 20, 2007: The Work
Session for March 20, 2007 has been cancelled.
Action Items:
Proposed 2007-2008 Budget and Proposed Ad Valorem Tax
Rate: Council Member Tom Wilkinson made the motion to adopt an
Ordinance to adopt the Town Budget for the fiscal year July 2, 2007 through
June 30, 2008 and to levy an ad valorem tax rate of $.14 tax rate on real
property and the $.35 tax rate on personal property. Council Member Frank Bennett seconded. Unanimously
approved.
Proposed
Waiver of Height and Footprint Requirement – 21404 Laytonsville Road: Mayor Oland made the motion to
approve the request to waive the current height and footprint requirement on
the property located at 21404 Laytonsville Road to include a garage of 710
square feet with a 155 square foot loft at a height of 19’ and a 10’ set
back. Council Member Frank Bennett
seconded. Unanimously approved.
Stadler Family Agricultural Easement: Council
Member Frank Bennett made the motion to accept the Stadler Family Agricultural
Easement with the administrative changes in two titles and the term “hunting”
on page 4, from Article IV (G) “Recreational Uses,” be removed. Council Member Tom Wilkinson seconded. Unanimously
approved.
Natelli Communities (Fulks South): Council
Member Frank Bennett made the motion to approve the extension request for the
Fulks South Development submitted by Natelli Communities for another two
years. Council Member Tom Wilkinson
seconded. Unanimously approved.
Washington Gas: Council Member Tom Wilkinson made the motion
to notify Washington Gas to install all necessary gas mains, services and
metering to the Town Hall, 21607 Laytonsville Road and to covert the current
oil furnace to a natural gas furnace.
Council Member David Preusch seconded.
Unanimously approved.
Bethesda Refrigeration Service, Inc.: Council
Member Tom Wilkinson made the motion to accept the contract submitted by
Bethesda Refrigeration Service, Inc. in the amount of $6,810.009 to furnish and
install a new ultra-gas-fired furnace at the Town Hall, 21607 Laytonsville
Road. Council Member David Preusch
seconded. Unanimously approved.
Town Hall Front Porch: Mayor Oland
made the motion to approve the estimate submitted by Bob’s Home Care in the
amount of $5,554.00 to replace the Town Hall’s front porch boards; prime top and
bottom with oil base paint; prime and paint top and bottom of porch with
polyurethane; lay 8 ml plastic vapor barrier under porch; and reinforce joists
to comply with code: 16” on center.
Council Member David Preusch seconded.
Unanimously approved.
Council:
Citizens:
Sheree Wenger inquired about the usage of space in a
residential zone that is apparently being utilized as warehouse space.
Mayor Oland reported that he had spoken to Town
Counsel, Stan Abrams, and that Mr. Abrams indicated that parking/storage does
not support the primary use of property in the residential zone.
Council Member Frank Bennett made the motion to have
Legal Counsel contact the property owner in question that the current usage is
not in compliance with approved uses in the Residential Zone. Council Member
Tom Wilkinson seconded. Unanimously approved.
Mrs. Wenger also reported that the State Highway
Administration trucks continue to deposit salt/chemicals on Maple Knoll Drive.
Council Member Tom Wilkinson made the motion to
adjourn at 10:00 p.m. Council Frank Bennett seconded. Unanimously
approved.
Respectfully submitted,
Cathryn D. Buit
Clerk
March 6, 2007
NOTE: The Town of Laytonsville, the Laytonsville
Lions Club, the Laytonsville Volunteer Fire Department and the Laytonsville
Elementary School Parent Teacher Association are jointly sponsoring the 2007
Laytonsville Community Parade on May 19, 2007.
Route 108 will be closed from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on that date.
NOTE: A permit from the Town is required for the
following: apron, driveway, fence,
swimming pool and tree removal. Please
visit www.laytonsville.md.us