Meeting minutes of Work Session Meeting on September 16, 2003

As reviewed, approved, and accepted by the Town Council on October 7, 2003

The Work Session was called to order by Mayor Charles W. Oland at 7:35 p.m. Council Members Frank Bennett, Charles Bradsher and Tom Wilkinson were present. Council Member Dave Preusch was absent. The Clerk was also present. There were 10 citizens present.

Mayor Oland introduced John Clarke, Vice President of Elm Street Development, the owners of the Jones property. Mr. Clarke and Mr. Mike Blingley (Elm Street Development) wanted to re-start the process of introducing their plans for development of the acreage known as the Jones property. Mr. Clarke presented the meeting with the background of the property and reported that there are 25 acres remaining in the Town of Laytonsville and 50 acres remaining in Montgomery County. The remaining acreage has been sold. Septic testing has been done on the 25 acres in the Town. Plans for the historic Rolling Ridge house include selling the property to someone who is interested in rehabilitating it. The house has been designated as an historic site by Montgomery County. Constraints facing Elm Street include: the historical/environmental setting has been reduced to 25 acres (including the house) and the right-of-way for the proposed Route 108 By-Pass goes through the historical/environmental setting and, therefore, impacts the proposed septic fields.

The possibility of annexing the 50 acres into the Town was discussed. Mr. Clarke further discussed a possible 100’ dedicated right-of-way as opposed to the 150’ previously discussed.

Council Member Tom Wilkinson has meetings with the Historic Society of Montgomery County and with Maryland National Capital Park & Planning and will further discuss the status of the historic Rolling Ridge house and the proposed Route 108 By-Pass.

Mayor Oland recommended that the Town’s Land Planner, Stan Benning, be available whenever Elm Street Development plans are submitted to the Mayor and Council for review. Also, that Council Member Tom Wilkinson meet with Stan Benning after he meets with the Historic Society and MNCP&P.

J.B. Kline – Snow Removal: A contract for the 2003-2004 year has been received. The quote is the same as for last year’s contract. Item “h” should be added to the contract: include plowing of the Town Hall parking lot. Item will be placed on the regular meeting agenda for October.

Sound Recording: Mayor Oland asked the meeting if anyone knew of a vendor that could supply the Town Hall with a quote for recording equipment. Council Member Tom Wilkinson will contact a vendor and report at the next Work Session.

Montgomery Street Drainage: Council Member Frank Bennett has received several proposals from Macris, Hendricks and Glascock for the improvement of drainage on Montgomery Street. Council Member Bennett recommended that curb and gutter be installed on portions of Montgomery Street and that another inlet be installed. A public improvement easement would be needed from the abutting home owners. Cost of this quote was $61,646 with a 20% contingency. Mayor Oland reported that the Town did not have the necessary funding until the next fiscal year. A letter will be prepared addressed to the homeowners on Montgomery Street and Sunset to attend a meeting on Saturday, September 27 2003, (rain date: October 4, 2003)to meet with Council Members Dave Preusch and Frank

Bennett.

Town Hall Drainage: Goshen Enterprises has submitted a proposal to the Town to correct the drainage around the parking lot, fill in the side of the parking lot and correct the walk-way. The Council should review this information and determine the best solutions. Subject will be discussed at next Work Session in October.

Town Hall Basement Windows: MIG Corporation has submitted a proposal for the removal and replacement of the deteriorated basement windows in the amount of $750.00.

Council Member Tom Wilkinson recommended that the Town solicit another bid.

Town Hall Boxwoods: Resident Eric Wenger reported that it was his recommendation that the boxwoods be cut to uniform size. Eric Wenger and Tom Wilkinson volunteered to trim the boxwoods in late winter.

Town Hall Parking Lot Lighting: Mayor Oland will meet with an electrician to install a flood light for the Town Hall parking lot.

Town Hall Cleaning: Mayor Oland reported that resident, Phyllis Sterling, has stepped forwarded to accept this job.

Lions Club Board of Directors Indemnification Agreement: This Indemnification Agreement for the use of the Town Hall for the Lions Club monthly board meetings was discussed. Jake Cecere, Lion member, will be invited to the next regular Town Council meeting to discuss.

Mobley Farm Drive Sod Replacement: A proposal from Goshen Enterprises has been received in the amount of $725.00 for the replacement of sod. Project will be discussed at the October Work Session.

Town Charter: Mayor Oland requested that the council members review the material distributed: Sec. 2, Article 23A, Maryland Annotated Code and copies of other municipalities’ charters so that the topic could be discussed at the next Work Session in October. Mayor Oland recommended the formation of a committee to review the Town’s Charter.

Town’s Comprehensive Plan: Mr. Stan Abrams, Legal Counsel, had established guidelines in a March 13, 2003 memo regarding the review of the Town’s Comprehensive Plan. Mayor Oland requested that Eric Wenger, Chair of the Citizens Advisory Board, review those points and report back to the Mayor and Council at the January meeting.

Mayor Oland adjourned the meeting at 9:05 p.m.

Cathryn D. Buit

Clerk

September 16, 2003