Garrett Park public meetings in 2023

Council Documents

The Town Council will review the FY 2023 financial audit results and discuss the renovation of the Town Office. The meeting includes a vote to adopt Ordinance No. 2023-5 to amend the FY 2024 Budget.

• Adoption of Ordinance No. 2023-5 amending the FY 2024 Budget
• Presentation of FY 2023 Financial Audit Results by SB & Company, LLC
• Proposed ordinance regarding real property sale disclosures for Town regulations
• Discussion of stormwater infrastructure ownership and maintenance with County
• Updates on Strathmore Avenue light pole decorations and speed measuring signs

Council Documents

The Town Council will review the October financial report and potential funding for Town Hall renovations. The meeting includes an introduction of Ordinance No. 2023-5 to amend the FY 2024 Budget and a vote on a contract with Turn Key Properties.

• Introduction of Ordinance No. 2023-5 amending the FY 2024 Budget
• Authorization of contract with Turn Key Properties for Town Office Renovation
• Discussion of Waverly Sidewalk Replacement Project
• Discussion regarding Kenilworth Avenue/Argyle Avenue intersection reconfiguration
• Review of October Financial Report

Council Documents

The Town Council is meeting for a retreat to clarify expectations for the Mayor and Council. The session will focus on identifying a shared vision and prioritizing town goals for the next one to two years.

• Clarification of Mayor and Town Council expectations
• Identification of shared town vision and success factors
• Prioritization of town focus areas for the next 1-2 years

Council Documents

The Garrett Park Town Council will hold a special meeting in open session. The meeting features a session with Montgomery County District 4 Councilmember Kate Stewart.

• Open session with Montgomery County District 4 Councilmember Kate Stewart

Council Documents

The Town Council will review the September financial report and updates on the Town Office renovation. The meeting includes discussions regarding traffic calming on Weymouth Street and potential reallocation of ARPA funds.

• Authorization for the purchase of a replacement pickup truck
• Proposed reallocation of ARPA funds
• Discussion of Town Hall conceptual designs
• Installation of traffic control or calming measures on Weymouth Street
• Updates on camera installation at Penn Place

Council Documents

The Town Council will hold a public hearing regarding conceptual designs and renovation options for the Town Hall. The meeting also includes a vote to enter a closed session to discuss a specific personnel matter.

• Public Hearing: Town Hall Renovation Options/Conceptual Designs
• Vote to Enter Closed Session regarding a personnel matter

Council Documents

The Town Council will consider ordinances regarding small wireless telecommunications facilities and the acceptance of a gift deed for 'Grotto Lot'. The meeting also includes presentations on Town Hall building assessments and reports on town office renovations.

• Adoption of Ordinance No. 2023-4 to amend Chapter 12 regarding small wireless telecommunications facilities
• Adoption of Ordinance No. 2023-3 to accept a gift deed for 'Grotto Lot' on Argyle Avenue
• Authorization of contract for leaf removal services
• Authorization of contract for exterior painting services for Penn Place
• Change Order No. 1 to RemacUSA, Inc. for demolition at 11321 Kenilworth Avenue

Regular Meeting 09.11.23

Wiedemann Architects and Axias, Inc. presented three conceptual design options for Town Hall, ranging from modest updates to a larger addition with historic restoration. Axias, Inc. reported that recommended capital expenditures for a ten-year study period total $334,500. No final design option was selected during the meeting.

• Approved July 10, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved August 10, 2023 special meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved modified agenda (unanimous)

RemacUSA, Inc. Contract - Change Order 1 - Staff Memo and Attachments - 09.11.23

Town staff recommended that the Town Council authorize Change Order No. 1 for the demolition of 11321 Kenilworth Avenue. The additional cost is attributed to incorrect utility markings by WSSC and the need for sheeting and shoring during excavation. The total project cost remains below the $75,000 budget.

• Staff recommended approval of $8,392.44 change order for RemacUSA, Inc.

Authorization - Contract for Exterior Painting Services for Penn Place - Staff M

Town staff reviewed five bids for the exterior painting and carpentry of the Penn Place building. Staff recommended awarding the contract to Earn Contracting, Inc. based on their professional expertise and project structuring, noting that most bids exceeded the $70,000 budget.

• Staff recommended awarding the contract to Earn Contracting, Inc. (Base bid: $89,600)

Presentation - Town Hall Building Assessment and Conceptual Designs - Staff Memo

The Town Council received a presentation from Wiedemann Architects LLC and Axias, Inc. regarding the assessment of Town Hall building conditions and three conceptual renovation designs. The presentation included costs for addressing deficiencies and the three design alternatives.

• Received presentation on Town Hall building assessment and conceptual designs

Mayoral Committee Appointment - Arboretum - 09.11.23.pdf

Mayor Joanna Welch requested Town Council approval to appoint Jill Joseph to the Arboretum Committee. This appointment would fill the unexpired term of Charlie Kaylor, who resigned on August 7, 2023.

• Proposed appointment of Jill Joseph to the Arboretum Committee (term ending March 9, 2025)

Authorization - Contract for Leaf Removal - Staff Memo - 09.11.23.pdf

The Assistant Town Manager submitted a recommendation to authorize a three-year contract for once-weekly leaf removal services. The provided document is a staff memo; it does not record a final vote or decision by the Town Council.

• Proposed three-year contract with Bethke Landscaping for once-weekly leaf removal at $31,300 annually

Ordinance No. 2023-3 Adoption - Grotto Property Gift Deed - Staff Memo and Attac

The Town Council is processing Ordinance No. 2023-3 to accept the donation of the Grotto property at 4703 Argyle Avenue. The property will be subject to covenants preserving the stone grotto and prohibiting new buildings. The FY 2024 budget includes $20,000 for the removal of invasive trees and initial cleanup.

• Introduced Ordinance No. 2023-3 on July 10, 2023, to accept Grotto property gift deed
• Passed motion on April 10, 2023, to express intent to accept full parcel and authorize legal/survey work
• Allocated $20,000 in FY 2024 budget for invasive tree removal and cleanup

Ordinance No. 2023-4 - Small Cell (2023 Code Amendments) - Staff Memo and Attach

The Town Council is considering Ordinance No. 2023-4 to amend Chapter 12 of the Town Code regarding wireless telecommunication facilities in public rights-of-way. The proposed changes aim to align town standards with Montgomery County and FCC regulations. No final vote on adoption is recorded in the provided text.

• Introduced Ordinance No. 2023-4 on July 10, 2023

Council Documents

The Garrett Park Town Council will meet for a special session to discuss an amendment to the contract with Key Sanitation. This contract covers refuse, recycling, and yard waste collection for the town.

• Authorization of contract amendment with Key Sanitation for refuse, recycling, and yard waste collection

Special Meeting 08.10.2023

The Town Council unanimously approved an amendment to the contract with Key Sanitation, Inc. to increase monthly trash collection costs. The increase is due to a Montgomery County tipping fee rise from $60 to $70 per ton.

• Approved contract amendment to increase monthly trash collection cost from $6,227.25 to $6,804.25 (unanimous)

Key Sanitation Fee Increase Request - Staff Memo - 08.10.23.pdf

The Town Manager submitted a memo recommending a contract amendment for Key Sanitation, Inc. due to a Montgomery County tipping fee increase from $60 to $70 per ton. The proposed increase would raise the monthly cost from $6,227.25 to $6,804.25 from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024. No decision was recorded in this document.

• Proposed monthly trash collection increase of $577 (pending Council discussion)

Regular Meeting 07.10.23

The Town Council approved the meeting agenda and the June 12, 2023, minutes following specific modifications. The council heard a presentation from traffic engineer Will Zeid of Gorove Slade regarding speed bumps, right-of-way plantings, and intersection safety, though no decisions were made on those recommendations.

• Approved modified agenda (unanimous)
• Approved modified June 12, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Ordinance No. 2023-4 Introduction - Small Cell (2023 Code Amendments) - Staff Me

Town Manager Barbara B. Matthews submitted a recommendation for the Town Council to introduce Ordinance No. 2023-4. The proposed ordinance would amend Chapter 12 of the Town Code to update standards for small wireless telecommunications facilities in public rights-of-way. No vote is recorded in the provided text.

• Proposed reducing allowable equipment box size from 28 to 12 cubic feet
• Proposed changing facility setback between same-operator sites from 1,000 to 500 feet
• Proposed requiring a 2-year deployment plan
• Proposed disallowing tree pruning except as minimally reasonably necessary
• Proposed requiring replaced poles to be removed within 180 days
• Proposed requiring noise abatement for cooling fans
• Proposed requiring annual certification of facility use
• Proposed adding a provision for variance requests

Resolution No. 2023-3 - Permit Fee Schedule - Staff Memo and Attachment- 07.10.2

The Town Council adopted Resolution No. 2023-3 to establish a new permit fee schedule. This resolution revokes all prior fee schedules and takes effect immediately.

• Adopted Resolution No. 2023-3 establishing a new Permit Fee Schedule

Ordinance No. 2023-3 Introduction - Grotto Property Gift Deed - Staff Memo and A

The Town Council reviewed a staff recommendation to introduce Ordinance No. 2023-3 to accept a donated property parcel known as the Grotto property. The donation includes covenants to preserve the stone grotto and prohibit the construction of buildings on the lot.

• Proposed Ordinance No. 2023-3 to accept gift deed for Grotto property at 4703 Argyle Avenue
• Budgeted $20,000 in FY 2024 for removal of invasive trees and initial cleanup of the property

MML LAR Submission - Memo - 07.10.23.pdf

Mayor Joanna Welch submitted a Legislative Action Request to the Maryland Municipal League (MML) proposing a statewide streaming tax. The proposal aims to replace declining revenue from cable subscriber PEG grants used for municipal communication. The Mayor is seeking the Town Council's support for this request.

• Proposed a statewide streaming tax via the MML Legislative Action Committee

GP TC Manager's Report - Including Financials - 07.10.23.pdf

The Town Manager presented a preliminary financial report for June 2023 showing higher-than-expected revenues and lower-than-budgeted operating expenses. The report notes the launch of a new website and the start of a household composting pilot program.

• Authorized $15,000 for a pilot household organic waste composting program

Gorove Slade Presentation - Staff Memo and Attachments - 07.10.23.pdf

Assistant Town Manager Kayla J. Buker presented reports from Gorove Slade regarding speed bumps, right-of-way plantings, and intersection safety. The engineering firm recommended against speed bumps on Weymouth Street based on traffic volume and speed data, suggesting a new stop sign instead.

• Proposed adding stop-control to the northbound approach of Weymouth Street at Oxford Street
• Recommended against installing speed bumps on Weymouth Street due to failure to meet volume and speed criteria

Procurement Discussion - Staff Memo and Attachments - 07.10.23.pdf

Assistant Town Manager Kayla J. Buker presented a proposal to update and codify the Town's procurement policy. Staff recommended that the Mayor and Town Council provide direction on several proposed changes to be drafted into a formal ordinance.

• Proposed adding emergency procurement standards and change order authority
• Proposed adding ethics in procurement and disposition of goods language
• Proposed adding bonding requirements and sole source procurement guidelines
• Proposed updating formal procurement thresholds from $25,000 to $50,000
• Proposed maintaining the $10,000 threshold for Council approval of expenditures

Cambria Park Play Structure - Staff Memo and Attachments - 07.10.23.pdf

The Town Manager provided a memo regarding a damaged spiral slide at Cambria Park that is out of warranty and lacks available repair parts. Staff recommended that the Town Council discuss three proposed alternatives for the structure. No decisions were recorded in this document.

Lumber & Light Proposal - Staff Memo and Attachment - 07.10.23.pdf

The Town Manager submitted a recommendation for the Town Council to accept a proposal from Lumber & Light, LLC. The proposal covers construction administration and procurement services for the Town Office renovation project. The project is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

• Staff recommended authorization of Lumber & Light, LLC proposal for construction administration and procurement services ($14,200)

Penn Place Entry Door Replacement - Staff Memo and Attachment - 07.10.23.pdf

Town Manager Barbara B. Matthews recommended the purchase of metal replacement doors for the Penn Place Post Office annex from LokTek, LLC. The proposed doors are intended to provide ADA compliant access and match the existing visual appearance. The document is a staff memo; no council vote is recorded.

• Staff recommended authorizing $36,517 for LokTek, LLC to purchase, deliver, and install replacement entry doors

Council Documents

The Town Council will review an ordinance to amend small wireless telecommunications regulations and vote on a new permit fee schedule. The meeting also includes reports on the June financial report, a compost pilot program, and town office renovations.

• Introduction of Ordinance No. 2023-4 regarding Small Wireless Telecommunications Facilities
• Adoption of Resolution No. 2023-3 for a new Permit Fee Schedule
• Introduction of Ordinance No. 2023-3 to accept a gift deed for 'Grotto Lot' on Argyle Avenue
• Authorization for replacement doors at the Post Office entrance to Penn Place
• Authorization of a contract with Lumber & Light, LLC for Town Office Renovation

Regular Meeting 06.12.23

The Town Council unanimously awarded a demolition contract for 11321 Kenilworth Avenue to RemacUSA, Inc. Council members also agreed upon a series of permit fee increases and new charges to be formalized in a future resolution. The Council decided to cancel the August meeting.

• Awarded demolition contract for 11321 Kenilworth Avenue to RemacUSA, Inc. (unanimous)
• Increased variance application fee from $50 to $450
• Increased new residence construction fee from $500 to $600
• Increased building addition fee from $250 to $300
• Established $125 fee for curb cut/driveway/parking pad permits
• Increased deck and porch permit fees from $75 to $150
• Established $225 fee for demolition permit applications
• Canceled the August Town Council meeting

Special Meeting 05.08.2023

The Town Council met with the Maryland District 18 Delegation to discuss the 2023 legislative session and local concerns. Town officials stated their opposition to potential statewide efforts to centralize municipal elections. No formal votes were recorded during the meeting.

• Expressed opposition to centralized municipal elections

Regular Meeting 05.08.2023

The Town Council discussed proposed changes to permit fees and directed staff to recalculate fees based on external billable costs only, not staff costs. For categories with no external costs, a 15% increase was directed. The Council also agreed to maintain ARPA funding for Town Office and Town Hall renovations, and directed staff to explore hiring a historic preservationist for the pool wall repair.

• Directed staff to recalculate permit fees using only external billable costs (majority opposed including staff costs)
• Agreed to maintain ARPA funding for Town Office and Town Hall renovations
• Directed staff to explore hiring a qualified historic preservationist for pool wall repair
• Adopted Resolution No. 2023-2 thanking Councilmember Dobosz for service (unanimous)
• Approved April 10, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved agenda with added item on driveway apron issue (unanimous)
• Directed staff to obtain additional quotes for Cambria Park slide replacement and explore full play structure replacement
• Deferred decision on summer meeting hiatus to June meeting

Town Election 2023 - 05.08.23

The Town Council received a report from Chief Election Judge Jenny Krivanek on the May 1, 2023 election. Voters elected Todd A. Eisenstadt, Stephen Paczkowski, and Phil Schulp to two-year councilmember terms. The report covered election integrity and procedures overseen by the appointed judges.

• Received election report from Chief Judge Jenny Krivanek

Ordinance No. 2023-1 Introduction- Chapter 29 Opt In - Memo and Attachments - 02

The Town Council is considering Ordinance No. 2023-1 to adopt Montgomery County Code Chapter 29 regarding landlord-tenant relations. This change would allow the licensure of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) within the town. The proposed ordinance includes a delayed effective date of July 1, 2023.

• Proposed Ordinance No. 2023-1 to opt into County Code Chapter 29

Chapter 29 Exemption Discussion - Staff Memo and Attachments - 01.09.23.pdf

Town Manager Barbara B. Matthews issued a memo recommending that the Mayor and Town Council discuss the Town's current exemption from Montgomery County Code Chapter 29 (Landlord-Tenant Relations). The recommendation follows a case where a resident could not proceed with an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) because the Town's opt-out prevents the County from processing rental housing licenses.

• Staff recommended discussion on whether to change policy regarding the exemption from County Code Chapter 29