Garrett Park public meetings in 2024
33 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
GP Special TC
The Garrett Park Town Council will discuss a renovation of the Town Hall with Wiedemann Architects LLC. The council will also vote on authorizing a contract for a lighting project on Waverly Avenue between Montrose Avenue and the Penn Place Building. The meeting is scheduled for December 18, 2024 at 7:00 PM and will be held in hybrid format.
- Discussion with Wiedemann Architects LLC on Town Hall renovation
- Contract authorization for lighting project on Waverly Avenue (Montrose Avenue to Penn Place Building)
GP Special TC Approved
The Garrett Park Town Council unanimously approved a not-to-exceed $80,000 contract with Traffic Systems, Inc. for the Waverly Avenue lighting project, using ARPA funds. The council also agreed on key design decisions for the Town Hall renovation, including enlarging the auxiliary room to 375-400 square feet, adding first-floor storage, eliminating the second ramp, and including a sprinkler system. Solar panels and an emergency generator were deferred for future add-ons.
- Approved $80,000 contract with Traffic Systems, Inc. for Waverly Avenue lighting (unanimous)
- Agreed to enlarge auxiliary room to 375-400 sq ft in Town Hall renovation
- Agreed to include ~150 sq ft of first-floor storage; piano to remain in parlor/main hall
- Eliminated second ramp at rear addition; reduced sitework scope
- Moved rear terrace west to accommodate building expansion
- Included automatic sprinkler system in renovation scope
- Deferred solar panels and emergency generator to future add-ons
- Approved agenda unanimously
Contract Authorization - Waverly Lighting Project - Staff Memo and Attachments -
The Town Council discussed authorizing a contract with Traffic Systems, Inc. for the Waverly Avenue Lighting Project, with a not-to-exceed amount of $80,000. The base proposal is $69,293.85, and optional features like motion sensors and electrical outlets were discussed but not included. No formal vote was recorded in this memo.
- Discussed authorizing contract with Traffic Systems, Inc. for Waverly Lighting Project (not-to-exceed $80,000)
- Reviewed base proposal of $69,293.85 for lighting installation
- Considered optional motion sensing photocontrols and electrical outlet (approx. $1,000 per post)
- Noted Pepco-related costs to be capped at approximately $10,000
Town Hall Renovation Discussion - Staff Memo and Attachments - 12.18.24.pdf
The Town Council met with Wiedemann Architects to discuss the Town Hall renovation, focusing on Renovation Option 4 and an alternative proposal by Councilmember Paczkowski. No formal decisions were made; the discussion was to provide direction on design decision points for the next phase of design.
- Discussed Renovation Option 4 and Paczkowski's 'Max Out Plan' with architect
- No formal votes or approvals recorded
Contract Authorization - Third Party IT Security Assessment - Staff Memo and Att
The Town Council authorized a contract with ISM LLC for a third-party IT security assessment at a cost of $18,000, as recommended by staff. This action is required by Maryland law for all municipalities. The previous vendor retired, and another firm declined due to lack of capability. Funding is available in the FY 2025 budget.
- Authorized $18,000 contract with ISM LLC for IT security assessment
Contract Authorization - Penn Place Fire Alarm System - Staff Memo and Attachmen
The Town Council reviewed a staff recommendation to authorize a contract with EAI Security Systems, Inc. for $42,155 to replace the fire alarm system at Penn Place. The decision was not recorded in the minutes; the document only includes the staff memo and the vendor's quote. The project is funded by the FY 2025 budget and ARPA funds.
- No formal decision recorded; contract authorization was recommended by staff
GP TC
The Town Council will review contract authorizations for a third-party IT security assessment and a fire alarm system replacement at Penn Place. The body will also discuss updates to procurement procedures and fines and penalties.
- Contract Authorization: Third Party IT Security Assessment
- Contract Authorization: Penn Place Fire Alarm System Replacement
- Community Preferences Survey for park design at 11321 Kenilworth Avenue
- Updating Garrett Park’s Fines and Penalties
- Updating the Town’s Procurement Procedures
Mayoral Appointment to Historic Preservation Committee - Memo - 12.09.24.pdf
The Mayor recommended the Town Council approve Perry Chapman's appointment to the Historic Preservation Committee for a full term ending November 2027. Chapman previously served on the committee and recently filled an unexpired term. The Council's decision on this appointment is not recorded in this memo.
- Recommended Perry Chapman's appointment to Historic Preservation Committee (full term to Nov 2027)
GP TC Approved
The Town Council unanimously approved two contracts: a not-to-exceed $25,000 third-party IT security assessment with ISM, LLC, and a $42,155 fire alarm system replacement at Penn Place with EAi Security Systems, Inc. The council also discussed but did not finalize updates to fines and penalties and procurement procedures, agreeing to revise the draft ordinance for future review.
- Approved $25,000 contract for IT security assessment (unanimous)
- Approved $42,155 contract for Penn Place fire alarm replacement (unanimous)
- Approved consent agenda including Nov 12 minutes and Historic Preservation appointment (unanimous)
- Approved agenda as amended (unanimous)
GP TC Manager's Report - Including Financials - 12.09.24.pdf
The Town Manager's report for December 9, 2024, presented November financials, noting a decline in local income tax revenue compared to last year due to an unusually large one-time payment in November 2023. The report also summarized the Yeandle Park Community Preferences Survey, which received 109 responses, with 90 from verified Garrett Park residents, and detailed maintenance activities and updates on the Maryland Time to Care Act. No formal decisions were made by the council in this report.
- Reported November financials: income tax revenue $226,096 vs $472,491 last year
- Summarized Yeandle Park survey: 109 responses, 90 from verified residents
- Noted maintenance team completed last mowing on Nov 26, 2024
- Scheduled briefing on Time to Care Act for Jan 13, 2025 council meeting
Updating Garrett Park's Fines and Penalties - Staff Memo and Attachments - 12.09
The Town Council reviewed staff recommendations to update fines and penalties for municipal infractions and misdemeanors, following earlier decisions to align with state maximums. Staff proposed tiered fines: $100 for Tier 1, $250 for Tier 2, and $500 for Tier 3 first offenses, with higher repeat-offense fines. The Council discussed the proposals and provided direction to staff, but no final vote was recorded in this memo.
- Reviewed proposed fine schedule for municipal infractions (Tier 1: $100, Tier 2: $250, Tier 3: $500 first offense)
- Discussed misdemeanor fines set at state maximum of $1,000 per incident
- Noted prior Council consensus to revise Charter and Code to reflect state maximum misdemeanor penalty
- Affirmed misdemeanor status for indecent exposure, vagrancy, firearms-related offenses
- Assigned ratings (1-3) to various infraction categories for fine development
Town Updates - Councilmember Paczkowski Memo and Attachments - 12.09.24.pdf
Councilmember Stephen Paczkowski presented a memo and attachments outlining a proposed budget and facility program for renovating Garrett Park Town Hall. The proposal sets a high-level budget of $1,926,300, including $813,000 for the historic structure, $744,000 for a new addition, and $369,300 for site work. No formal decisions were made; the memo is for discussion and planning.
- Proposed $1.93M Town Hall renovation budget (no vote)
- Proposed facility program with max buildable area (no vote)
- Proposed budget breakdown: historic $813K, new addition $744K, site $369K (no vote)
GP TC
The council will approve the agenda and a consent agenda that includes authorizing a contract with Turn Key Properties to rehabilitate the maintenance building. It will hear the FY 2024 financial audit results and the Town Manager’s report covering the October financial report, an MOU with SHA for Strathmore Avenue, an MOA for 11321 Kenilworth Avenue, and ARPA funding status. Unfinished business includes discussion of town hall renovation, masonry wall repair near the pool, the Waverly Avenue lighting project, and a proposed ordinance to set parking and driveway specifications.
- Authorization – Contract with Turn Key Properties for rehabilitation work to the Maintenance Building
- FY 2024 financial audit results presentation by Chris Lehman, SB & Company, LLC
- Town Manager’s report – MOU with SHA for Strathmore Avenue and MOA for 11321 Kenilworth Avenue
- Discussion of Town Hall renovation
- Waverly Avenue Lighting Project (fixture and pole selection from Penn Place to Montrose Avenue)
GP Special TC
The Garrett Park Town Council will meet in open session to consider a motion to enter a closed session. The closed session would be used to consult with legal counsel about town infrastructure, as permitted by Maryland Code Sec. 3-305(b)(7). No other agenda items are listed.
- Motion to enter closed session to obtain legal advice on infrastructure (per Md. Code Sec. 3-305(b)(7))
GP TC
The Town Council will hold a public hearing and vote on a lot coverage variance for 10818 Kenilworth Avenue. The body will also consider contract change orders for road and sidewalk improvements and a new travel policy for officials and staff.
- Variance application for relief from lot coverage at 10818 Kenilworth Avenue
- Change Order No. 1 and No. 2 to SFMS, LLC Contract for Road and Sidewalk Improvements Project
- Resolution No. 2024-4 adopting a Travel Policy for elected officials and staff
- Purchase of replacement pickup truck
- Proposed ordinance amending Chapter 7 of Town Code regarding parking and access driveway facilities
GP TC
The Town Council will hold a public hearing and take action on a demolition permit application for 10915 Clermont Avenue. The body will also consider an ordinance to update parking and driveway facility specifications.
- Public hearing and permit application for demolition at 10915 Clermont Avenue
- Ordinance No. 2024-5 regarding parking and access driveway facility specifications
- Resolution No. 2024-3 adopting the 2024 Montgomery County Hazard Mitigation Plan
- Proposal to join a multi-municipality letter to the Montgomery County State Delegation regarding Md. Code Land Use Art. Sec. 20-509
- Review of Final FY 2024 Financial Report
GP TC Manager's Report - Including Financials - 09.09.24.pdf
The Town Manager's report presented final FY2024 financials showing revenues exceeded budget by $143,524, primarily due to higher income tax receipts, and operating expenses were $124,931 under budget. The Town Hall renovation project has $1,998,857 available as of July 1, 2025. A community meeting for Yeandle Park design is scheduled for September 17, and the Town received a recommendation for a $500,000 federal earmark for Town Hall funding.
- FY2024 revenues exceeded budget by $143,524
- FY2024 operating expenses under budget by $124,931
- Town Hall renovation funding available: $1,998,857 as of July 1, 2025
- Community meeting for Yeandle Park design scheduled for September 17
- Senate Appropriations Committee recommended $500,000 earmark for Town Hall
- Road and Sidewalk Improvements Project ongoing, with Kenilworth Avenue paving delayed
GP TC Approved
The Town Council unanimously approved a demolition permit for the house at 10915 Clermont Avenue, despite the Historic Preservation Committee's desire to preserve it, due to significant foundation issues. The council also introduced but then withdrew Ordinance No. 2024-5 on driveway regulations, directing staff to revise it. Additionally, the council authorized the mayor to work with other municipalities on a letter to the state delegation regarding multi-family housing regulations.
- Approved demolition permit for 10915 Clermont Avenue (unanimous)
- Withdrew introduction of Ordinance No. 2024-5 on driveway and curb regulations (unanimous)
- Directed staff to revise Ordinance No. 2024-5 with specific changes
- Authorized Mayor to reword multi-municipality letter on land use authority
- Approved consent agenda including minutes and Resolution No. 2024-3 (unanimous)
Demolition Application 10915 Clermont Avenue - Staff Memo and Attachments - 09.0
The Town Council received a staff memo and attachments regarding a demolition permit application for 10915 Clermont Avenue. The Historic Preservation Committee has no objection to the demolition but recommends a two-month delay for salvage and photography. No final decision was made in this document; the Council is expected to consider the application and provide direction.
- Received demolition permit application for 10915 Clermont Avenue (no vote)
- Historic Preservation Committee recommended approval with two-month delay for salvage and photos
Ordinance No. 2024-5 for Introduction - Staff Memo and Attachment - 09.09.24.pdf
The Garrett Park Town Council considered introduction of Ordinance No. 2024-5, which would amend Chapter 7 of the Town Code to eliminate the Town's reimbursement for new driveway aprons and instead require construction per Montgomery County standards. The ordinance also adds criteria for permit review and limits curb entrances to one per property per street, with exceptions for large lots. The minutes do not record a vote or final adoption; introduction was the action under consideration.
- Introduced Ordinance No. 2024-5 to amend Chapter 7 (driveway aprons)
- Eliminated Town reimbursement for driveway apron construction (proposed)
- Required driveway aprons to meet Montgomery County standards (proposed)
- Added criteria for Town Manager permit review (proposed)
- Limited curb entrances to one per property per street, with exceptions (proposed)
Section 20-509 Joint Municipal Letter - Staff Memo and Attachments - 09.09.24.pd
The Town Council discussed a draft joint municipal letter to state legislators requesting a technical amendment to Maryland Land Use Code Section 20-509, which would clarify municipal authority to regulate all residential housing types, including multi-family. No formal vote was taken; the council provided feedback on the letter's content. The letter is part of a broader effort by several Montgomery County municipalities to address the county's Attainable Housing Strategies initiative.
- Discussed draft joint municipal letter to state legislators on Section 20-509 amendment
- Authorized Mayor Keller to work with neighboring municipalities on Section 20-509 amendment (July 8, 2024)
Town Hall Renovation - Staff Memo and Attachments - 09.09.24.pdf
The Town Council reviewed a staff memo on the Town Hall renovation, confirming Option 4 as the selected design with a cost estimate of $2,682,165. Identified funding totals $1,998,857, leaving a shortfall. The council discussed next steps, including confirming the architect and proceeding to design development, but no formal votes were recorded in this memo.
- Confirmed Option 4 as the renovation alternative (no vote recorded)
- Authorized obtaining cost estimate for Option 4 (from Dec 11, 2023 motion)
- Noted $300,000 Maryland Legislative Bond Initiative award for project
- Noted $500,000 Congressionally Directed Spending recommended by Senate Appropriations Committee
GP Special TC
The Garrett Park Town Council will consider authorizing the execution of a lease with In The Kitchen LLC, doing business as Black Market Bistro. The proposal will be presented by Town Manager Matthews. No other agenda items are listed.
- Authorize execution of lease with In The Kitchen LLC d/b/a Black Market Bistro
GP TC
The Town Council will review a demolition permit application for 4517 Clermont Place and a contract award for the Yeandle Park Creation Project. The meeting also includes updates on road improvements, town office renovations, and town hall funding.
- Contract award for Yeandle Park Creation Project design and construction specifications
- Demolition permit application for 4517 Clermont Place
- Selection of lighting fixture for Waverly Sidewalk Project
- Increase in authorized value of Turn Key Properties contract
GP TC
The Town Council will discuss a proposed reconfiguration of the Kenilworth Avenue and Argyle Avenue intersection and review survey results regarding a gate at Kenilworth Avenue. The council also faces an action item to authorize a lease with In The Kitchen LLC d/b/a Black Market Bistro. Updates on town office renovations and the 2024 election are also scheduled.
- Authorization of lease with In The Kitchen LLC d/b/a Black Market Bistro
- Discussion of Kenilworth Avenue/Argyle Avenue intersection reconfiguration
- Review of resident survey results for a gate at the end of Kenilworth Avenue
- Contract authorization for an Archivist candidate
- Presentation on the 2024 Town Election
GP Special TC
The Town Council will consider a proposal to reconfigure the intersection of Kenilworth Avenue and Argyle Avenue. The meeting also includes discussions regarding council committee assignments and administrative responsibilities for 2024/2025.
- Proposed reconfiguration of Kenilworth Avenue/Argyle Avenue intersection
- Town Councilmember committee assignments
- 2024/2025 delegated administrative areas of responsibility
GP TC
The Garrett Park Town Council is scheduled to vote on the fiscal year 2024–2025 Capital, Operating, and ARPA budgets, award a contract for road and sidewalk improvements, and extend tree service agreements. The meeting also covers renovation updates for Town Hall and the Town Office, an MOU with SHA regarding Strathmore Avenue, and new business including summer meeting scheduling. These budget and infrastructure decisions directly affect local services, property maintenance, and community programming.
- Adoption of Ordinance No. 2024-4: FY 2024–25 Capital, Operating, and ARPA budgets
- Contract award for the Road and Sidewalk Improvements Project
- One-year contract extension for tree service companies
- Adoption of Ordinance No. 2024-3: Historic Preservation Committee adjunct members
- Updates on Town Hall and Town Office renovations; MOU with SHA for Strathmore Avenue
GP Special TC
The Town Council will conduct a public hearing for Ordinance No. 2024-4 regarding the Capital, Operating, and ARPA budgets for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024. The council will also consider a contract award for refuse, recycling, yard waste, and large item collection.
- Public hearing for Ordinance No. 2024-4 (Capital, Operating, and ARPA budgets)
- Contract award for refuse, recycling, yard waste, and large item collection
GP TC
The Town Council will discuss upcoming roadway and sidewalk improvements as well as renovations to Town Hall and the Town Office. The meeting includes the introduction of ordinances for budget adoption and committee appointments. The council will also consider a contract award for waste collection services.
- Introduction of Ordinance No. 2024-4 (FY 2024-2025 budgets)
- Contract award for refuse, recycling, yard waste, and large item collection
- Introduction of Ordinance No. 2024-3 regarding committee appointments
- Discussion of roadway and sidewalk improvements
- Updates on Town Hall and Town Office renovations
GP TC
The Town Council will consider adopting ordinances for a budget amendment and real property sale disclosures. The meeting also includes reports on sidewalk replacement applications, building renovations, and a town charter update.
- Adoption of Ordinance No. 2024-1 amending the FY 2024 Budget
- Adoption of Ordinance No. 2024-2 regarding real property sale disclosures
- Report on Waverly Sidewalk Replacement HAWP application
- Updates on Town Hall and Town Office renovations
- Discussion regarding a gate at the end of Kenilworth Avenue
GP Special TC
The Special Town Council will discuss the FY 2025 budget development process. This includes reviewing revenue outlooks, committee funding requests, and property tax rates. The council will also review capital funds for projects such as Town Hall renovation and Cambria Park redesign.
- FY 2025 budget development review
- Review of unexpended capital funds as of January 31, 2024
- Discussion of Town Hall renovation and Cambria Park redesign/renovation
- Real and personal property tax rate review
GP TC
The Town Council will consider an outside audit engagement letter and a contract for Community Center drainage work. The meeting includes the introduction of two ordinances regarding the FY 2024 budget and real property sale disclosures.
- Authorization of an outside audit and FY 2024 annual financial report
- Contract award for Community Center Drainage and Site Improvements
- Introduction of Ordinance No. 2024-1 to amend the FY 2024 Budget
- Introduction of Ordinance No. 2024-2 regarding real property sale disclosures
- Selection of lighting fixtures for the Waverly Sidewalk Project
GP TC
The Town Council will consider an agreement with the State Highway Administration for median maintenance on Strathmore Avenue. The meeting also includes discussions regarding a real property sale disclosure ordinance and review of town penalty provisions.
- Authorization of MOU with State Highway Administration for MD 547 median maintenance and tree pruning
- Proposed Ordinance for Real Property Sale Disclosure regarding Town Regulations
- Review of Penalty and Fine Provisions in Town Charter and Town Code
- Reconsideration Request for lighting fixture selection for Waverly Sidewalk Project
- Town Manager's report on 11321 Kenilworth Avenue and office renovations