Mayor and Council Meeting, 1/21/2003

A meeting of the Mayor and City Council was called to order at 7:30 p.m., Mayor Katz presiding. Council Members present: Alster, Edens, Marraffa, and Schlichting. Absent: Council Member Somerset. Staff present: City Manager Humpton, Assistant City Managers Felton and Tomasello, Planner Patula, Police Chief Viverette, Project Manager Kappas, Human Services Program Manager Herndon, City Attorney Abrams, and Administrative Secretary Paxton.

I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Madeline Brasunas, Washington Grove Elementary School.

II. INVOCATION

The invocation was delivered by Dr. Anne Stewart, Interfaith Counseling Services, Gaithersburg, Maryland.

III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion was made by Council Member Alster, seconded by Council Member Edens, that the minutes of a Mayor and Council meeting held January 7, 2003, be approved.

Vote: 3-0-1 Abstained: Marraffa

IV. APPOINTMENT

Resolution Confirming Reappointments of the Mayor

This resolution confirms the following reappointments: Community Advisory Board, Carol Gimmel, 13528 Bonnie Dale Drive, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878 and Barbara Reuben-Powell, 17125 Queen Victoria Court, #303, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20877, two-year terms; Environmental Affairs Committee, John Hudson, 214 Tulip Drive, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20877, two-year term; and the Olde Towne Advisory Committee, Garrie Black, 16720 Shea Lane, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20877, indefinite term.

Motion was made by Council Member Edens, seconded by Council Member Marraffa, that a RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL CONFIRMING REAPPOINTMENTS OF THE MAYOR TO THE COMMUNITY ADVISORY BOARD, ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, AND THE OLDE TOWNE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (Resolution No. R-7-03) be approved.

Vote: 4-0

V. PRESENTATIONS

1. Proclamation
   
   Mayor Katz presented a Proclamation designating January 19 – 25, 2003, as "Gaithersburg/Germantown Jaycee Week" in the City of Gaithersburg to Angela Jandrew, President, Gaithersburg/Germantown Jaycees.
   
   
   
2. Certificates of Recognition
   
   Mayor Katz presented Certificates of Recognition to Madeline Brasunas (5th Grade), Washington Grove Elementary School, Darleen Grace D. Teves (9th Grade), Northwest High School, and Colin Wiencek (4th Grade), Gaithersburg Elementary School, who were winners in the City's Martin Luther King, Jr. Literary Arts Contest. The literary works were judged and chosen by members of the City's Multicultural Affairs Committee. The winners read their literary work as part of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day joint celebration held Monday, January 20th at Montgomery College in Germantown. Mr. Bill Schlossenberg, publisher of the Gazette, presented awards to the winners.
   
   
   
3. Presentation of the "GREAT" Award
   
   Vicki Connor, member of the City's Education Committee, re-introduced the new GREAT program explaining that GREAT stood for "Gaithersburg Recognizing Educational Achievement Today". Its mission is to promote and celebrate higher achievement and successes in Gaithersburg area schools. The goal of GREAT is to recognize schools, increase student success and to promote "best practices" models. Mayor Katz presented this month's GREAT Award to Adrian Talley, Principal and Vicki Connor, Instructional Assistant from Rosemont Elementary School. The school was recognized for the following three reasons:
   
   The first was their mentoring program that had an impressive increase in the number of adults participating. These mentors serve as role models developing friendships, helping with academics, and assisting students in the development of study skills.
   
   The second was their ongoing climate of caring as shown through their mini-walk for the homeless and food drive for needy families.
   
   And the third area of celebration involved all of their students from pre-scholars to upper grade students. The preschoolers have demonstrated acceleration in all areas of development-socially, emotionally, academically and cognitively. First graders have been making fast progress in both reading and math and Rosemont's ESOP students have been better able to make connections with the classroom curriculum. Upper grade students are showing improvement in writing answers to reading comprehension questions.
   
   

VI. PUBLIC DISCUSSION

Proposal for a Second Addendum to the Annexation Agreement for the Casey-Goshen Tract (Hidden Creek)

City Attorney Abrams stated the proposal involves the negotiations with the developers of Hidden Creek. A brief history was given stating that twenty years ago the Casey-Goshen Tract was annexed into the City and the annexation agreement, at that time, provided for more than 1600 dwelling units. Attorney Abrams outlined the proposed addendum to the original annexation agreement between the City and the developers as follows:

The developer will reduce the permitted density in Land Bay III from 727 dwelling units to 462 units.


The developer will release the City from any potential claims for damages.


The developer will file an amendment to the previously approved sketch plan and pending schematic development plan.


Amendments will request approval of 462 units comprising of 16 single-family detached units, 116 2 over 2 condominium units, and 330 townhouse units.


The City will review and act on the amended Sketch Plan and SDP.


The developer will implement a package of road improvements to Goshen Road, Odend'hal Avenue, and MidCounty Highway.


The City will grant the necessary easements across property previously dedicated to the City under the original Annexation Agreement. The easement will permit the construction of sewer facilities and stormwater management facilities which are necessary to implement this project.


The City will act upon the necessary road code waivers as part of the plans which are going to be filed.


The developer will contribute $75,000 for Girard Street traffic calming facilities.


The City will recommend that Montgomery County approve a credit for the road improvements against the County-wide impact tax.


The developer will pay all normal development fees, building permit fees, and all associated fees.


The City will agree not to impose a City impact tax or any other special assessment on the project.

In conclusion, he stated that on February 3, 2003, the City Council will vote on a resolution authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute the second addendum to the Annexation Agreement. On February 18, 2003, a joint public hearing will be held on the sketch plan and schematic development plan amendment.

Mayor Katz announced that any written testimony submitted to the City will become part of the record.

Speaker from the audience:

Shantin Preuninger, 4 Sanders Court, applauded the Mayor and City Council, City Attorney, and staff for their perseverance on this project. She stated that their efforts show that they care about the citizens of Gaithersburg.

There were no other speakers at the public discussion.

VII. FROM THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL/ANNOUNCEMENTS

Council Member Marraffa

1. Announced that a closed executive session was held by the Mayor and City Council on January 7, 2003 to discuss a legal matter. The meeting began at approximately 8:35 p.m. and adjourned at approximately 8:45 p.m.
   
   
2. Wished all a Happy New Year!
   
   

Council Member Schlichting

1. Commended the committee responsible for coordinating the joint celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Montgomery College.
   
   
2. Announced that closed executive sessions were held on January 11, 2003 from 12:15 p.m. to approximately 12:45 p.m. for the purpose of discussing a personnel matter and from 3:30 p.m. to approximately 4 p.m. to provide direction to the City Manager. The closed sessions were held at the Marriott Waterfront Hotel in Annapolis during the Mayor and City Council Annual Retreat.
   
   

Mayor Katz

Announced that the City will host the State of the City Dinner on Thursday, February 6, 2003, 6:30 p.m. at the Gaithersburg Hilton. Members of the City's Boards, Committees, Commissions, and other civic partners have been invited as a thank you for their involvement with the City. The event is on a first come, first serve basis as space is limited. Anyone interested in attending can call 301-258-6310.

VIII. FROM THE CITY MANAGER HUMPTON

Announced an informal Budget Public Forum will be held on Thursday, January 30, 2003, at 7:30 p.m., in the Gallery at City Hall.

IX. FROM THE ASSISTANT CITY MANAGERS, CITY ATTORNEY AND OTHER STAFF

City Attorney Abrams

Announced a joint community work session will be conducted on Monday, January 27, 2003, at 7:30 p.m. to discuss the Casey-Metropolitan Grove Master Plan Special Study Area. Mr. Abrams confirmed with the Mayor and City Council that his attendance was not needed for this work session.

X. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before this session of the City Council, the meeting was duly adjourned at 8:08 p.m.