Work Session Meeting minutes of the Town Council Work Session on November 16, 2004

As reviewed, approved and accepted by the Town Council on December 7, 2004

Mayor Oland called the Work Session to order at 7:30 p.m. Council Members Frank Bennett and David Halperin were present. Council Members Charles Bradsher and David Preusch were absent. The Clerk was present. There were three citizens present. Mr. Victor K. Tervala, Institute for Government Services was present.

Town Charter: Mayor Oland re-introduced Victor Tervala and began the second half of the review of Mr. Tervala’s draft of the Laytonsville Town Charter dated August, 2004.

Only those sections that were discussed at length or had changes requested are being addressed:

Section 708: Nominations: Delete

Section 712: Special Elections (b): delete “no more than twenty (20) days”

Section 805: Amendments After Adoption of Budget: new process to the Town.

Section 810: Tax Levy (a): delete “as it deems necessary”.

Section 816: Tax Anticipation Borrowing: Mayor Oland reported that this expanded language is appropriate.

Section 819: Purchasing and Contracts: It was agreed that for any purchases over $5,000.00 a competitive bid for purchases and contracts would be included in the Ordinance .

IX Personnel: Mayor Oland reported that the Town’s insurance company, Local Government Insurance Trust, had recommended that the Town adopt Personnel Policies. This issue is somewhat addressed in Mr. Tervala's draft.

Section 1004: Sidewalks; Powers: The Town does not current have (c) “To require that the owners of any property abutting on a sidewalk keep the sidewalk clear of all ice, snow and other obstructions or (d) To require and order the owner of any property abutting on any public way in the Town to perform any project authorized by this section at the owner’s expense according to reasonable plans and specifications. If, after due notice the owner fails to comply with the order within a reasonable time, the Town may do the work, and the expense shall be a lien on the property and shall be collectible in the same manner as are Town taxes or by suit at law.”

XIV General Provisions: Mayor Oland discussed the need for an urban renewal section requirement. Mr. Tervala will draft an appendix to include urban renewal guidelines.

Mr. Tervala will create a new draft with the requested changes. The document can then be reviewed by the Mayor and Council and the Town’s attorney. The completed document will be reviewed at the December 14, 2004 Work Session.

A public hearing will be established on February 1, 2005 for public comment regarding the completed document.

Town Hall Alarm System: A comparison of the two quotes received from ADT and Splaine was distributed for review. The Mayor and Council will vote on the proposals submitted at the December 7, 2004 regular Town Council meeting.

Mayor Oland discussed the condition of the outbuildings on the Town Hall property. A joint meeting between the Historic District Commission and the Mayor and Council will be held on January 17, 2005 to discuss.

Citizens Advisory Board: Chair Eric Wenger submitted a draft of the Laytonsville Comprehensive Plan for review. A vision statement should be included and Mr. Wenger is trying to re-construct a statement and will submit it to the Mayor and Council. Copies of the Comprehensive Plan were distributed to the Council and to Mr. Stan Benning, Town Land Planner. The draft will be further discussed at the Work Session on December 14, 2004.

Preliminary Plan – Natelli Communities: Mayor Oland reported that a preliminary plan had been received and will be reviewed by the Mayor and Council. The plan will be discussed at the Work Session on December 14, 2004.

Resident Sheree Wenger requested that the historic Rolling Ridge house be restricted to being occupied before the remaining two units planned in the Elm Street (Rolling Ridge) development plan are sold. This requirement should be a stipulation in the Annexation agreement between the Town of Laytonsville and the petitioners (Elm Street/Rolling Ridge).

Mayor Oland will discuss appropriate language with Elm Street’s legal counsel, Jody Kline.

Mayor Oland adjourned the Work Session at 8:40 p.m.

Cathryn D. Buit

Clerk

November 16, 2004