Work Session Meeting minutes of the Town Council Work Session on September 21, 2004

As reviewed, approved and accepted by the Town Council on October 5, 2004

Mayor Oland called the Work Session to order at 7:45 p.m. Council Members Frank Bennett and David Preusch were present. Council Members Charles Bradsher and David Halperin were absent. The Clerk was present. There was one citizen present. Mr. Victor K. Trevala, Institute for Government Services was present.

Mayor Oland discussed the temporary vacancy on the Town Council with the military activation of Council Member Charles Bradsher and the temporary appointment of a Council Member. Stanley Abrams’, Town Counsel, memorandum dated September 17, 2004 was reviewed.

Town Charter: Mayor Oland introduced Victor Trevala and reviewed Mr. Trevala’s draft of the Laytonsville Town Charter dated August, 2004.

Section 405: Suspension of Elected Officers. This provision is new to the Town Charter and it was recommend to adopt this provision.

Section 406: Vacancies in Office: It was recommended that Mr. Trevala review Mr. Abrams comments in his memorandum dated September 17, 2004 regarding the temporary appointment of a council member and make his recommendation.

Section 408: Removal from Office: Discussion was held regarding the definition of “formally excused absences” of council members.

Section 412: Procedure for Enactment of Resolutions and Ordinances: This Section is a new format to the Town’s current Charter.

Section 602: Enumeration of Specific Powers was reviewed with the following recommendations:

Delete Item (10) Bridges

Delete Item (12) Cemeteries

Delete Item (19) Elevators

Delete Item (20) Explosives and Combustibles

Mayor Oland distributed a copy of Washington Grove’s Charter addressing insurance and recommended similar language be included in Laytonsville’s Charter.

Mayor Oland distributed a copy of Sykesville’s Charter addressing zoning as a general power and recommended that planning powers as well as zoning powers be defined in the Charter.

Section 705: Notice of Elections: Mayor Oland recommended that “but not more than twenty (20) days” be stricken from the draft regarding notice of upcoming elections. Mayor Oland also pointed out that Laytonsville does not currently have registered voters and recommended that the Town Charter include voter registration.

Another Work Session was tentatively established for November 16, 2004 to continue the review of Mr. Trevala’s draft.

Proposed Resolution to Adopt General Guidelines Used by the Historic District Commission: Chair of the Historic District Commission, Sheree Wenger, updated the meeting regarding the HDC guidelines and Mr. Scott Whipple’s comments. Mr. Whipple is from the Maryland Historic Trust. Mrs.Wenger further stated that the HDC’s guidelines should be reviewed yearly. Stan Abrams’ proposed Resolution regarding the guidelines will be presented at the regular Town Council Meeting on October 5, 2004.

Proposal for Town Hall Alarm System: ADT, Accutech and Brinks were contacted regarding submitting proposals for a burglar alarm system for the Town Hall. ADT was the only company to submit a proposal. Mayor Oland recommended the installation of an alarm system and that the expense should be a budgeted item. A fourth company, Splain, will be contacted to submit a proposal.

Request for Web Site Linkages: The Mayor and two Council Members in attendance recommended that there should not be any web site linkages on the Town’s web site.

Mayor Oland indicated to the meeting that Jody Kline, Counsel for Jones Farm, LC, has amended their Petition for Annexation for the historic Rolling Ridge property from an R-3 designation to a request for Agricultural Zoning. Stan Abrams has indicated that because of the substantive change, another hearing will be required.

Mayor Oland adjourned the Work Session at 9:30 p.m.

Cathryn D. Buit

Clerk

September 21, 2004