June 2005 wlca meeting Mintues Board Members Present

June 2005 WLCA Meeting Mintues
Board Members Present: Jennifer Kalmanson, Temmy Kimes, Mary Lehman, Robert Lennon, Joan Norris, Susan Railey, Doris Reynold, Howard Rosenberg, Stan Shock, Barbara Sollner-Webb, Steve Steenrod, Lilia Toler
Committee Chairs Present: Jane Blewett (Environmental), Bill Ferguson (Zoning)
I. Reading/Approval of May Minutes: The minutes were read and approved without changes.
II. Treasurer's Report: As of May 31, 2005, WLCA had in its checking account $7,403.90. It also had four CDs totaling $4256.69 for assets of $11,660.59. The annexation fund had $1,500.00; the number of dues-paying households was 434.

III. Strategy for Posting General Meeting Signs/Request for funding: Lilia contacted Leo Goulden, the man who makes the West Laurel Rec Council signs for its community events. Mr. Goulden is willing to make signs but he wants to be reimbursed for the cost of materials. The signs will be 24” by 18;” they have plexi-glass covers and red tape around the edges and plywood backing, Mr. Goulden also makes the sign inserts with his tabloid-size printer. He can do large fonts and color printing. He advised Lilia that occasionally, the Rec Council signs are stolen, so WLCA might want to get an extra sign. The signs are attached to stop signs at key intersections throughout the community. They are secured at top and bottom with a 4” screw and nut that keeps them anchored and helps resist wind and weather. The cost of materials is about $20-$25 per sign. Lilia said she talked to John Dollen about the signs and the costs and he was supportive. Board members identified the following locations for the signs:

1. The intersection of Sweitzer Lane and Bounds Ave.;

2. The stop sign at Bond Mill Road and Sherwood Ave., which would have signs facing north and south;

3. The stop sign at Riding Stable Road and MD Rte.198;

4. The intersection of Bond Mill and Brooklyn Bridge Roads;

5. The intersection of Bond Mill Road and MD Rte. 198 (if we can figure out where to post it); and

6. Brooklyn Bridge Road in the vicinity of the I-95 overpass.

Bill Ferguson made a motion to authorize WLCA to spend up to $200 for eight signs. The money will be taken from the association’s office supply fund. Robert Lennon seconded the motion; it was approved by voice vote. The signs will be kept in our storage space at the West Laurel community building. Lilia agreed to be the association’s point of contact with Mr. Goulden for sign contents.

IV. Zoning Report\

1. 
   Reaching Hearts Court Appeal: Reaching Hearts has filed an appeal in Prince George’s Circuit Court seeking to overturn the county Planning Board’s denial of its application to join two parcels of land so it can build along Brooklyn Bridge Road. While the case would not likely be heard before the end of the year, Bill noted that WLCA, if it wants to oppose Reaching Hearts’ petition for appeal, must do so in writing by July 3. The board concurred that it wants to continue to oppose the project and support the Planning Board’s decision to deny Reaching Hearts’ application. Bill has given to Temmy Kimes examples of zoning cases where the association weighed in on Planning Board decisions. These written responses must be couched in legal language and based on arguments of precedent and the soundness of the initial decision. WLCA was notified by MNCPPC in a letter dated June 3, 2005, that it had 30 calendar days to oppose the Reaching Hearts’ petition. The board concurred the association will need some legal assistance with crafting its response to support and justify the Planning Board’s decision. Historically, WLCA has either backed off in such cases or prepared a statement without outside assistance. Bill made a motion that WLCA investigate the feasibility of taking action pursuant to the Reaching Hearts appeal of the Planning Board decision regarding its proposal to build a church/conference center/school. Barbara seconded the motion and it was approved by voice vote. The following actions will be taken: Temmy will talk with Burton’s Lane neighbors to determine their plans for responding to the petition. Bill will contact MNCPPC’s Legal Department for guidance and/or information on Reaching Hearts’ filing. Mary will ask Judy Thacher for help in getting a hard copy of Reaching Hearts’ court papers. Barbara Sollner-Webb will talk with attorney Susan Gray about helping us with our brief. A lot of communication will have to be done via email since we have slightly more than three weeks to submit our written response. Jennifer summarized the possible scenarios for the association: WLCA can give blank check for Susan to research/write a response; WLCA can gather basic information about its response and attempt to convene a special followup meeting to draft its written statement. Barbara said she can ask Susan to either do the legal legwork pro bono or for a nominal fee or if she can just give general guidance. In any case, Barbara wants Reaching Hearts’ court papers to show Susan Friday evening. We will ask that either MNCPPC’s Legal Department or Judy Thacher to obtain the court papers and fax them to Barbara at work.
   

2. 
   Shriners’ proposal/process for vetting traffic concerns of Bauer Lane residents: The Board believed the Shriners and their legal counsel were helpful and would work with the community to allay traffic and other concerns associated with the proposed Almas Temple on MD Rte. 198 and Bauer Lane extended. Mary floated the idea of inviting Bauer Lane residents (18 households) to an upcoming board meeting to communicate their concerns in more detail and explore solutions with the Shriners and their legal representative. Robert noted that if those residents have concerns, it is incumbent upon WLCA to represent them and facilitate a dialogue to resolve traffic and other issues. The board concurred we need to arrange for this meeting, possibly as soon as the July 14 monthly board meeting, John or Mary can contact Shriners’ attorney Mike Nagy to find out availability for such a meeting.
   

V. Environmental Report

A.Community Cleanup summary: Jane Blewett reported that the community cleanup had the best turnout in the last three years with about 25 people participating. Board members Lilia Toler and Steve Steenrod took part, as did the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. The weather cooperated and volunteers filled 20-25 large trash bags. On Sweitzer Lane, volunteers collected the most trash including asphalt shingles. All trash was taken to the community building and when Jane returned the following day, Park and Planning staff had removed it. Jane sent a write-up about the event to the Laurel Leader and Gazette neighborhood columns, thanking volunteers and Einstein Brothers for donating bagels. Robert asked that the minutes reflect that the board commended Jane for the entire cleanup effort and encouraged her to continue her good work on the environmental front.

B.Letter to Weis regarding sales circulars: Jane drafted and circulated to the board a letter to Weis supermarket management requesting it stop its community-wide drop of sales circulars that litter West Laurel. Bill commented that it was a great letter and suggested we copy the Laurel Leader. Some board members wondered whether we should give Weis an opportunity to respond first, but Bill and others thought the paper should be copied at the same time. Bill made a motion that the letter under John Dollen’s signature be sent immediately to Weis Management (at the All Saints Road store) with a carbon copy to the Laurel Leader. The motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.

VI. Membership Drive Update: Board members have not gone door-to-door yet with the new membership packets. Doris Reynold asked that we be given name tags to wear when we go out to talk to people. Stan found the nametags in the storage closet before the start of the meeting and will give them to anyone who wants one. Jennifer requested extra copies of the Hotline. Laurice has copies of the Spring 2005 issue for this purpose.

VII. New Business

1. 
   Help with organization/cleanup of old hard copy files: Mary, Bill, Joan Norris and Lilia Toler offered to help with organization/cleanup of filing cabinets in the community building storage space. We will ask Laurice to arrange a date to do thisl. Lilia reported that Laurice wanted another four to five-drawer filing cabinet. Susan Railey will check at work about the availability of surplus cabinets and get back to Lilia about a donation.
   

VIII. Roundtable: On membership: Stan said Dennis will produce and circulate more brochures for community distribution. Stan also will look into window stickers or refrigerator magnets with the letters WL for West Laurel. Robert commended the entire board for its work and spirit of cooperation. Bill reminded board members that this is the last monthly board meeting he will attend as Zoning Chair. The board agreed it needs to make filling this vacancy a top priority. Bill stated for the record his opposition to the Almas Temple proposal, mainly because of the potential for the organization to seek a liquor license for its special events, problems associated with regular, large gatherings by outside organizations that rent the facilities and the fact that as a nonprofit, the Shriners will not pay any tax to the county or state. That means this property is removed from the tax rolls and the county permanently loses the revenue it would otherwise realize from a for-profit entity. The board concurred it should request additional information about the Shriners’ rental policies and future plans for seeking a liquor license even for special events. Jennifer noted the Shriners’ and their attorney had sent mixed messages about use of the facility in terms of both purpose and frequency and we need to seek clarification. Barbara Sollner-Webb reported that State Highway appears to be in a quandary about which alternate it should recommend for the Inter-County Connector. Its problem is that the U.S. EPA has recommended strongly against the Masterplan alignment while Montgomery says the northern route would be bad for the master planning process in Montgomery County. Chuck Lipinski, a greater Colesville area activist speculates that perhaps a third route will be put forward. Barbara took part last week in the Subregion I Masterplan workshop. Members of Barbara’s group argued that MNCPPC should not to give in to Montgomery County and private developers who want to convert Fairland golf course to a more upscale course and housing development. Over at WSSC, citizens such as Barbara have a positive impression of the new general manager; he is very environmentally aware and improving working atmosphere of the bi-county agency. WSSC also is looking for new members to serve on its citizens’ advisory board.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.