Meeting minutes of Town Council on April 7, 2009

As reviewed, approved, and accepted by the Town Council on May 5, 2009

Mayor Oland called the regular Town Council meeting to order at 7:45 p.m. Council Members, Frank Bennett, and David Preusch were present. Council Member-Elect James Ruspi was present. The Clerk and the Assistant Treasurer were present. There were six citizens present. Mayor Oland administered the Oath of Office to Council Member Jim Ruspi and to Board of Appeals Member Josh Pomeroy.

The minutes of the regular Town Council Meeting on March, 2009 were approved as submitted. The minutes of the Public Hearing to consider the proposed FY 2010 Budget on March 3, 2009 were approved as submitted.

Treasurer’s Report: The Assistant Treasurer reviewed the Profit and Loss Report for the month of March, 2009: total income for the month of March was $8,472.00. Property tax in the amount of $397.00 was received; income tax in the amount of $4,962 was received. Major expenses for March, 2009 were $2,734.00 for Waste Collection; Legal in the amount of $2,907.00; Consultants in the amount of $1,900; and Snow Removal in the amount of $1,463.00. Total net income for the month of March, 2009 was -$4,141.00. Looking at the Balance Sheet for the month of March, 2009, the fund balance for the general fund is $334,076.00; for the CIP account, the balance is $99,952.00; 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 March, 2009 is $817,966.00

Council Member Frank Bennett made the motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report for the month of March, 2009 subject to audit. Council Member Jim Ruspi seconded. Unanimously approved.

Discussion/Action Items:

Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission Update: Mayor Oland introduced Gary J. Gumm, Chief Engineer. Mr. Gumm noted that all designs for the pipeline should be

completed this summer. Rights-of-Way and easements are moving forward. Mr. Gumm noted that he had spoken to the developer regarding the water tank and the developer

indicated he would like to sign documents at one time for the tank right-of-way along the pipeline. The paperwork should be obtained within a few weeks. Mr. Gumm further noted that some residents wanted lines marked by WSSC. WSSC will coordinate with a consultant to mark property lines.

Council Member Ruspi noted that there had been stumbling blocks in the WSSC process and some of the documents from WSSC were contradictory.

Mayor Oland also noted that the Town had enjoyed working with Ramona Davis, Project Manager and Paul Gray.

Josh Pomeroy questioned the seismic activity discussed at a recent Council meeting. Mr. Gumm stated that in the excavation itself, that activity was not a problem. It was in the re-packing of trenches. WSSC can use a low-density filler and monitoring will be done by putting gauges on foundations of identified structures. Mr. Pomeroy questioned if that language should be included in any contracts as well as the identification of any sensitive properties. Mr. Gumm responded that it would be included in the contract with the contractor. Ramona Davis to discuss further at the May Council meeting.

Comptroller of Maryland – Deputy Chief of Staff: Mayor Oland introduced Craig Zucker, Deputy Chief of Staff for Peter Franchot. Mr. Zucker noted that Mr. Franchot had recently spoken with Ms. Cathy Toomer, Area Manager for the USPS, and any present and future mail collection at the contract station will reflect a Laytonsville postmark.

Mr. Zucker thanked the Town for its continued open lines of communication.

Appoint Election Judges: Mayor Oland proposed the following as Election Judges for the May 4, 2009 election: Barbara White, Dottie Tessier, Michele Shortley and Ruth Bennett.

Carlos Mosquera Painting, Inc. – Town Hall: Mayor Oland reviewed a proposal from Carlos Mosquera Painting to scrape, prime as needed, any caulking and painting for the North and South sides of the Town Hall building. The proposal is for $1,850.00. Mayor Oland noted that the funds are available in the current budget.

Proposed Ordinance to Amend Parking Ordinance #01-04: Mayor Oland noted that this proposed Ordinance will be reconsidered at the May 5, 2009 Council meeting.

Brad Taulbee – Review/Increase: Mayor Oland thanked Brad for his work as Assistant Treasurer. Mayor Oland noted that a review had been prepared by Treasurer Christine Wilkinson and based on the review and performance, he would recommend an increase of $750 as of April 1, 2009.

Candidates for May 4, 2009 Election: Mayor Oland noted that the following candidates had submitted their filing: Mayor: Charles W. Oland; Council: Frank Bennett, Danny J. Prats, Jr., and David Preusch.

Silver Star Banner Award: Mayor Oland requested comments from Council The material will be further reviewed and reconsidered at the May 5, 2009 Council meeting.

Town Parade – May 16, 2009: Mayor Oland reported that the Council will be riding in the Monster Truck this year. The theme for the parade is “Pride in our Historic Heritage”.

Town Safety Inspector: Mayor Oland distributed material regarding safety inspections for the Town. The material will be reconsidered at the May 5, 2009 Council meeting. The Safety Inspector for the April 1 – June 30 period is Council Member David Preusch.

Work Session – April 21, 2009: The Work session scheduled for April 21 has been cancelled.

Parking Violations: Mayor Oland reported that the Code Enforcement Officer, Mike Ryan, had issued a ticket for an untagged car and assisted in the removal of dump trucks on Maple Knoll Drive.

Action:

Appoint Election Judges: Council Member David Preusch made the motion to appoint Barbara White, Dottier Tessier, Michele Shortly and Ruth Bennett as Election Judges for the May 4, 2009 election. Council Member Jim Ruspi seconded. Unanimously approved.

Carlos Mosquera Painting, Inc.: Council Member Frank Bennett made the motion to approve the contract in the amount of $1,850 for scraping, priming as needed, any caulking and painting for the North and South sides of the Town Hall building. Council Member Jim Ruspi seconded. Unanimously approved.

Brad Taulbee – Review/Increase: Council Member David Preusch made the motion to increase Mr. Taulbee’s salary by $750 as of April 1, 2009 to $5,280/year. Council Member Frank Bennett seconded. Unanimously approved.

Council:

Citizens:

A resident discussed whether the Town was aware of a business being operated from a residentially-zoned property adjacent to ATCO. Mayor Oland requested documentation

Council Member David Preusch made the motion to adjourn the regular meeting at 9:10 p.m.  Council Frank Bennett seconded.  Unanimously approved.

Respectfully submitted,

Cathryn D. Buit

Clerk

April 7, 2009

NOTE: THE LAYTONSVILLE COMMMUNITY PARADE WILL BE ON SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2009 – RAIN OR SHINE. ROUTE 108 WILL BE CLOSED FROM BRINK/SUNDOWN TO MAPLE KNOLL FROM 11:00 A.M. UNTIL 2:00 P.M.