Work Session Meeting minutes of the Town Council

Work Session on November 13, 2007

As reviewed, approved and accepted by the Town Council on December 4, 2007

Mayor Oland opened the Work Session at 7:34 p.m. Council Members Frank Bennett, Charles Bradsher, David Preusch and Tom Wilkinson (late) were present. The Clerk was present.

Mayor Oland stated that the purpose of the Work Session was to discuss the evolution of the proposed round-about at Route 108 and Warfield Road. The Town of Laytonsville approved the Fulks South subdivision in the early to mid-1980s which included a round-about concept. The Town subsequently approved a preliminary plan for the Fulks South Subdivision which also included a proposed round-about. Recently, the developer, Laytonsville Communities, LLC requested an amendment to the preliminary plan to propose an alternative t-intersection in lieu of the proposed round-about.

Mayor Oland introduced James Ruff, civil engineer, who has worked on the round-about plan since its inception.

Mr. Ruff stated he was a civil engineer representing Natelli Communities (He said Natelli Communities. Mr. Ruff reported that in 2003, Macris, Hendricks & Glascock inherited the round-about project from another engineering firm. He noted that the design evolution for round-abouts has changed over the years. The round-about on the preliminary plan was conceptual in nature. In the Spring of 2004, communications began with the State Highway Administration regarding the design of Route 108 and Warfield Roads. In 2004-2006, the process continued; in January, 2007. the geometry of the round-about as the SHA would approve it, was developed. Mr. Ruff distributed a copy of the geometry plan for the round-about. This plan for the round-about is the concept that was found acceptable by the SHA.

Mr. Ruff reviewed three templates that portrayed large trucks and their progression through the round-about. He noted that 13 versions were submitted to the State for consideration.

Mr. John Matthews, off of Dorsey Road, questioned the driveway access for the apartments and the church on Laytonsville Road. Mr. Ruff responded that the driveways came in at grade to the round-about.

Mr. Charles Hendricks questioned whether the concept included sidewalks. Mr. Ruff responded that there are existing sidewalks and the plan would include wrap-around sidewalks. Mayor Oland questioned crosswalks. Mr. Ruff responded that the SHA (Mark Terry) responded that the State of Maryland does not have any information on pedestrians and pedestrian safety in round abouts versus intersections..

Mr. Matthews questioned the re-alignment of Route 108 and how does that affect the circle. Mr. Ruff responded that the Town’s vision is divided and ultimately, when the Route 108 By Pass is completed, the round-about would be torn out.

Mr. Stan Benning, the Town’s Planner, questioned that in considering the t-intersection proposal, are right/left turns; through lanes; acceleration/deceleration lanes included. Mr. Ruff responded that the plan might go to three lanes in the round-about.

Council Member Tom Wilkinson discussed island in the middle of a crosswalk to protect pedestrians. Mr. Ruff responded that this concept is not in the SHA’s detail currently.

Mayor Oland indicated that such a concept and level of detail would not be discussed until the Mayor and Council approve a concept.

Mayor Oland expressed concerns about the elevation of Route 108 from Olney. Mr. Ruff responded that the eastern access would remain at grade level; moving west, the grade level will be raised 4’.

Mayor Oland mentioned the large oak trees that would be impacted by a round-about. Mr. Ruff reviewed the geometric plan and which trees would be removed.

Council Member David Preusch questioned a WB 62 making a full 360 degree turn in the round-about controlled the size of the round-about. Mr. Ruff responded that what the SHA has as criteria is the right-of-way. Mr. Steve Crum, Macris, Hendricks, Glascock, reported that the SHA is not as stringent about pavement in a right-of-way. Montgomery County is more specific.

Mayor Oland questioned whether the apartments or the church on Laytonsville Road would require any additional dedication of property. Mr. Ruff responded that he thought there was sufficient right-of-way to accommodate any improvements for the round-about.

Council Member Wilkinson noted that there are 70% fewer accidents in a round-about.

Council Member David Preusch questioned how much more grading/concrete/asphalt/gravel base was needed in the new round-about design that would add a higher cost to the developer. Mr. Ruff responded that it was close to a 50% increase in area that caused the cost to increase, plus the fact that construction costs had gone up in general.

Mr. Benning suggested that the engineer go back to the SHA to further discuss the concept of the t-intersection and what the right-of-way requirements would be.

Mr. Ruff indicated that the SHA has seen the project and has approved the geometry of the t-intersection.

Council Member Wilkinson asked if the engineer could eliminate some of the inner circle by taking some of the road surface. Mr. Ruff responded that that is what the run-out strip is there for. The angles of the roads that approach the round-about determine the shape.

Mayor Oland indicated that the proposals would be voted on at the December 4 regular Town Council Meeting.

Mr. Ruff noted that the Town of Laytonsville currently has an amendment to the preliminary plan in the form of the proposed t-intersection to consider.

Mr. Bob Leggieri, Laytonsville Communities, LLC, reported that the cost to construct a round-about is $830,000 - $850,000. The cost to construct a t-intersection is approximately $250,000.

Mayor Oland indicated he was not in favor of adding one additional lane on Route 108 to accommodate the t-intersection. It was agreed by consensus that one additional lane on Route 108 to accommodate the t-intersection proposal would not be supported.

A discussion was held regarding the r-routing of Warfield Road out to Route 108.

The Mayor closed the Work Session was adjourned at 9:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Cathryn D. Buit

Clerk

November 13, 2007