Work Session Meeting minutes of Town Council Meeting on October 21, 2003

As reviewed, approved, and accepted by the Town Council on November 4, 2003

October 21, 2003

The Work Session was opened by Mayor Charles W. Oland at 7:35 p.m. Council Members Frank Bennett, Tom Wilkinson and the Clerk were present. Council Members Dave Preusch and Charles Bradsher were absent.

Refuse Collection:

Bid packages to consider replacing Waste Management’s refuse collection services were mailed to five contractors on October 17, 2003. The Mayor and Council will open any received sealed bids at the regular Town Council Meeting on November 4, 2003. A termination letter to Waste Management was drafted by Stan Abrams, Town Counsel, for review by the Mayor and Council.

Charter:

After review of the material distributed to the Council Members at the Work Session on September 16, 2003, it was Mayor Oland’s recommendation that the Institute for Governmental Services at the University of Maryland, be engaged to review the Town’s Charter. Mayor Oland will introduce this request at the November 4, 2003 regular Town Council meeting for approval.

Write-In Ballots:

Stan Abrams has reviewed the Town’s provision and it has been determined that the following language will appear on the election notices “No provision is made for write-in ballots.”

Town Hall Drainage:

Council Member Frank Bennett and resident Eric Wenger met with Great American Landscapes and a new proposal was submitted for the replacement and grading of the sidewalk at the Town Hall. A comparison of received quotes will be submitted at the November 18, 2003 Work Session.

Parking Regulations on Public Rights-of-Way:

A memorandum from Stan Abrams dated September 24, 2003 was reviewed. The information will be discussed at the November 18, 2003 Work Session. It was decided at this Work Session that the Town should instruct Stan Abrams to draft an Ordinance regarding the prohibition of overnight parking on Maple Knoll Drive.

Town Hall Water:

Ben Franklin Plumbing tested the drinking water at the Town Hall and results should be forthcoming from the lab in the next week.

Town Hall Generator:

During the recent power outages from Hurricane Isabel, it was recommended that the Town Hall consider the purchase of a generator to provide water for interested residents and perhaps allow the Town Hall to serve as a shelter. Resident Pete Stadler noted that any water consumption in a facility that serves over 25 people requires state regulations be imposed. Resident Phyllis Sterling recommended that any provisions regarding water and shelter should be coordinated with the Laytonsville Volunteer Fire Department.

S. Montgomery Street Drainage:

Council Member Frank Bennett requested another meeting with the residents affected by the S. Montgomery Street Drainage issue. Council Member Bennett recommended that at this point, only a storm drain would be necessary. At some future point, a stone shoulder could be considered to protect the street from breaking up. A tentative meeting was scheduled for the residents to meet at the Town Hall on November 8, 2003 at 1:00 p.m.

Reimbursement for Hurricane Isabel expenses:

Mayor Oland met with representatives of FEMA and Montgomery County regarding the reimbursement of clean up expenses from Hurricane Isable.

Citizens:

Construction Noise at Laytonsville Elementary School:

It was noted that construction noise at LES begins as early as 8:20 a.m. on Sundays. Mayor Oland will contact the Project Manager.

Phyllis Sterling noted that she had received feedback from some residents regarding a proposed hog farm at the former Mars property and the concern of additional truck traffic through Laytonsville.

The Work Session was closed at 8:25 p.m.

Cathryn D. Buit

Clerk

October 21, 2003