Meeting minutes of Town Council Meeting on May 1, 2007                      

As reviewed, approved, and accepted by the Town Council on June 5, 2007 

 

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, Charles Bradsher,  David Preusch and Tom Wilkinson were present.  The Clerk and the Treasurer were present. There were 10 citizens present.  Members of Boy Scout Troop #1323 were present.

The minutes of the regular Town Council Meeting on April 3, 2007 were approved as submitted.

Treasurer’s Report:  Reviewing the Profit and Loss Report for the month of April, 2007: total income for the month of April, 2007 was $5,205.00 that includes $1,494.00 in property taxes.  Major expenses for April, 2007 were $2,604.00 for waste management.  Total net income for the month of April, 2007 were $-5,831.00 (reflects sidewalk and road repair).  Looking at the Balance Sheet for the month of April, 2007, the fund balance for the general fund is $263,625.00; for the CIP account, the balance is $79,183.00 and the balance for the fixed assets fund is $383,938.00.  The total fund balance for the Town of Laytonsville for the month of April, 2007 are $726,746.00. 

Council Member Tom Wilkinson made the motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report subject to audit.  Council Member Frank Bennett seconded the motion.  Unanimously approved.

Discussion/Action Items:

Outlot A:  Outlot A at Route 108 just past St. Paul Methodist Church has been for sale in Montgomery County’s tax sale since the 1980s.  Mayor Oland has contacted legal counsel, Stanley D. Abrams, regarding the Town’s purchase of  Outlot A.  Mr. Abrams referred Mayor Oland to Miller, Miller and Canby.  Mr. Robert Gough, Miller, Miller and Canby, will represent the Town of Laytonsville at the tax sale on June 11, 2007.  There is $5,018.72 in taxes due; $326.29 is owed to the Town of Laytonsville.  This purchase will complete the northwest section of the proposed Bypass.

 

 

 

Morningstar Community Church:  A letter has been received from the Pastor of Morningstar Community Church, Pastor Carey Snellings requesting that the Laytonsville Lions Club sign be removed from their property line.  Mayor Oland has requested that the

Laytonsville Lions Club review the placement of the sign.  Mayor Oland reported that the Town’s Sign Ordinance was amended in 1985 to include annexed property  (Section 128.04  (f)) that allows signs on property other than their own property (with restrictions).

Town Parade:  The Town of Laytonsville,  the Laytonsville Lions Club, the Laytonsville Volunteer Fire Department and the Laytonsville Elementary PTA are sponsoring the Laytonsville Community Parade on May 19.  Mayor Oland noted that Town Council Members will be at 10:30 on 1st Street on that date. 

ElmStreet (Rolling Ridge) Update:  Mayor Oland introduced Mike Bingley.  Mr. Bingley distributed copies of the Bucher/Borges report.  ElmStreet Development has conveyed an easement to Pepco and approved by Pepco.  Mayor Oland reported that the Historic District Commission will review the report and Mike Bingley will be advised if there is a need for him to attend the June regular Town Council meeting.

Mike Bingley reported that a signed contract (with contingencies) has been received for the historic Rolling Ridge residence.

Town Hall Pavilion:  Mayor Oland reported that an inspector has been to the Town Hall from Montgomery County to inspect the well & septic system as it affects the proposed pavilion.

Complete Plant Health Care/Lawn Care:  Mayor Oland thanked the Wengers (Complete Plant Health Care/Lawn Care) for the fertilizer and weed control that was recently applied to the Town Hall’s grounds.

Scout Recognition:  Mayor Oland introduced Troop 1323.  The Troop was attending the regular Town Council Meeting to qualify for their first class badge (citizenship in action).

Town Logo Contest:  Mayor Oland reported that there were five entries for the logo contest.  Michele Shortley won first place.  The logo will be framed and displayed at the Town Hall and another framed logo will be sent to the Maryland Municipal League.

Work Session:  Mayor Oland reported that the Council and the Historic District Commission will conduct a joint Work Session on May 2, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. at the Town Hall.  The purpose of the Work Session is the review of the Guidelines and Procedures of the Historic District Commission.

Cease and Desist Order:  Mayor Oland reported that in 2004 the residents at 7200 Brink Road applied for a fence permit.  Since construction of the fence had not begun within six months of the permit’s issuance, the Historic District Commission determined that the permit had expired.  Another application was submitted by the residents as a reinstatement of the 2004 application.  The Historic District Commission determined that the application requirements were not complete.  Since the fence was under construction, a Cease and Desist Order was issued. 

 

Action Items:

Outlot A:  Council Member Tom Wilkinson made the motion to confirm the authorization for the Town to purchase Outlot A, Fulks North – Plat 17107 from the Tax Certificate Holder.  Council Member David Preusch seconded the motion.  Unanimously approved.

Cease and Desist Order:  Council Member David Preusch made the motion to make personal contact within a one week time frame (May 9, 2007) with the residents at 7200 Brink Road to receive compliance from the owners to complete the Historic District Commission’s Work Permit application.  Council Member Tom Wilkinson will contact the owners.  Council Member Charles Bradsher seconded the motion.  Unanimously approved.

Council:

Council Member Tom Wilkinson commended Goshen Enterprises on the repairs recently completed on the Town’s sidewalks.  Council Member Wilkinson noted that a tree on Brink Road is leaning dangerously over the road.

 

Citizens:

Phyllis Sterling questioned the time of  the Route 108 road closure on the day of the parade.  Mayor Oland responded that Route 108 will be closed from approximately 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Sheree Wenger reported that some members of the Historic District Commission will attend the May 31 and June 1 meeting of the Maryland Preservation Trust seminar and requested expense reimbursement to members in the amount of $400.00.  The Mayor and Council agreed to the reimbursement by consensus.

The Work Session scheduled for May 15, 2007 has been cancelled.

Mayor Oland noted that Montgomery County Council Member Mike Knapp had called regarding a request from Montgomery County to conduct a meeting regarding the Oaks landfill warehouse use and a gas-to-energy program. 

Council Member Tom Wilkinson made the motion to adjourn at 8:45 p.m.  Council Frank Bennett seconded.  Unanimously approved.

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Cathryn D. Buit

Clerk

May 1, 2007    

 

 

 

NOTE:  APPLICANTS ARE NEEDED TO REPRESENT THE LAYTONSVILLE AREA ON THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY FIFTH POLICE DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVISORY BOARD.  MEETINGS ARE HELD THE THIRD WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH AT 7:00 P.M. AT THE FIFTH DISTRICT STATION, 20000 AIRCRAFT DRIVE, GERMANTOWN.  THOSE INTERESTED SHOULD CONTACT CAPT. THOMAS DIDONE, THOMAS.DIDONE@MONTGOMERYCOUNTYMD.GOV OR CALL THE STATION AT (301) 840 2650.