MINUTES FROM THE APRIL 26^th, 2007 WECA MEETING

A Town Hall Style Meeting

The meeting was called to order at 7pm by the current President, Patricia Woodward.

Old Business –

The Treasurer’s report: * reported that the T Rowe Price account balance was $978.44 and a further $80.00 was not yet deposited – this was advertising revenue.

Block Captain Update: * gave an overview of the Block Captain situation and stated that a third Block Captain had been found for Rose Hill. * was proposed to fill this position, * made a * motion to accept the candidate and * seconded the proposal. The vote was carried unanimously. Rose reiterated that volunteers were still needed for areas 3A and 6A. The former area stretches from 500-700 West Montgomery Avenue, (on the East side), and the latter from Buckingham down to I. 270. Rose also added that WECA was soon to lose another Block Captain at which point Michael Coxon of 711, Owens volunteered to take her place. * made a *motion to accept this nomination and * seconded it. The vote was carried unanimously.

WECA Board Members: * spoke of a nominating committee meeting that was held by phone, including * and * and herself. It was ascertained that all current members of the Board were willing to continue in their current WECA roles. They are Patricia Woodward – President, Andrew Field – Vice President, Jan Balkam – Recording Secretary, Jack Gelin – Corresponding Secretary and Helen Hillstrom – Treasurer. * made a *motion that the ‘slate’ be accepted, this was seconded by *. The vote was unanimously carried.

Maria Broadbent, Neighborhood Liaison, City Resources Program: Maria described her role and informed the group of a variety of programs that the City is offering. For further information relating to these please call Maria on (240 314 8345 or e mail - mbroadbent@rockvillemd.gov.

Scott Ullery, City Manager: Scott acknowledged and introduced Mayor Giammo, Chief Treschuk – the Police Dept., Art Chambers – Planning & Development Services, Bert Hall – Parks & Recreation and Craig Simoneau – Public Works. These City representatives were there to present various aspects and updates pertaining to the development and safety of the City and its residents. General discussion ensued and Scott addressed some issues that were of concern at previous meetings. One of these topics was the issue of abandoned or unsightly properties that were not being appropriately maintained. There was a suggestion that the City should admit a new proposal into the City Oridinance to curtail this problem. For example to allow a grace period of 90 days for a property owner and then make it a requirement for them to maintain windows and doors to a high standard, even if the landlord was not planning on the building being occupied. Scott pledged to make a proposal to the Mayor & Council concerning this matter. The ‘Burbanks’ building and a few other properties were discussed in detail. Most of these complaints had been followed up by City staff, but in most cases the owner/s had chosen not to disclose or make clear their long term intentions.

The District Courthouse: At the old Rockville Library location. Scott explained that there was still no money for the next fiscal year for redevelopment. However, there may be a possibility in 2009.

Rorzor Update & Town Center: Art Chambers explained in depth, some of the considerations as well as the examination of complex requirements that members of the RORZOR Committee had been reviewing. Some changes theyhope to implement is to ensure that any applicant needs to meet with neighborhood representatives before going before the Planning Commission and developing. RORZOR deemed it necessary for developers/applicants to give more notice of proposed expansions, - by e mail or postcard - in order for residents to be kept more appropriately informed. Art distributed a leaflet and addressed such topics such as: Revised Hearing Procedures, Mixed-Use Districts, Existing Projects and Development and Development Standards. He again stated that this project was a huge undertaking and its ultimate mission was to capture the essence of what the community wanted the environment to look like.

Mr Chambers responded to more questions concerning boarded up buildings and members of the group also requested that the City work more closely with the owners of these buildings. Mayor Giammo said that they had tried consistently and in some cases property owners simply were not moving ahead with their plans. After they’d purchased a lot - even when they were previously aware of its restrictions for certain developmental projects - some parties were still not forthcoming to City representatives about when they may make changes to bring the exterior of their properties up to a standard that locals deemed appropriate. Some other sites discussed were the Beall Grants lot – the owning company specializes in delivering ‘work force’ housing – Beall Elementary is over capacity at the moment so this precluded practical development, Fleet Street – they were revisiting what they hope to build there - and the Nicholson property – Mr Ullery had not heard anything from the latter for several months.

Mr Chambers also informed the group that the following companies would be open for business,(if not already), in a few weeks: Greystone Grill, Waygoose, Gordon Biersch, Ten Thousand Villages, Herry’s Pizza, Robeks, The Papery, Toy Kingdom, Starbucks and Cosi.

Various questions were raised and answered about: the opening of the FOOD STORE – it will be a ‘Superfresh’ and typically as there is so much preparation involved in setting up food stores (plumbing, complex electrical work etc), opening will not be during the summer. It is expected after the submission of their building permit that the company will be moved in approximately by Thanksgiving. ROAD REPAIR through the main part of Town Center, this is being carried out as fast as possible and will only be impeded by the advent of further rain. The aggregate has been relayed and construction crews are working overtime and weekends to complete this project. Mr Chambers very much hoped that the street will be reopened in time for Memorial Day. OCCUPATION OF THE CONDOMINIUMS – it was reported that so far twenty-five of the condo’s had been moved into. The developer is now contemplating selling one of the blocks to another company who plan to market the property as rentals. CONCERNS ABOUT POSSIBLE ZONING CHANGES AFFECTING THE EQUITY OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY – Councilor Susan Hoffman addressed this point and stated that RORZOR was grappling with the prospect of mansionization at the moment. They were attempting to balance what is appropriate for residents, whilst also being aware of many peoples’ anxieties about the long term effect upon the value of their homes. Mayor Giammo echoed and it was stated that a series of hearings would be held with these points in mind and residents were encouraged to attend and share their views.

Public Safety and Traffic in Rockville: Chief Terry Treschuk gave a detailed update of many topics including traffic speed cameras, disaster planning, police department calls for police services and the upcoming July fourth celebration.

Firstly, he provided leaflets for the group about DISASTER PLANNING and public safety preparedness in the event of a hurricane/snow storm etc. The Chief had been working closely with other Montgomery County staff, practicing evacuation plans etc. He offered to come out and talk in more depth to neighborhoods if residents requested this of him.

Photo Enforced Speed Cameras: A number of speed cameras have been deployed in the City – three of them within the West End itself. They are at West Montgomery Avenue, Nelson Street and Great Falls Road near Julius West Middle School. Although some warnings had been given in the past few weeks, from April 30^th written warnings would desist and fines would begin to be issued proper. The Chief and Officer Main gave the group various pieces of information such as – over the period of one month warnings had totaled 2804, these were people driving significantly over the speed limit at approx. 39mph. 133 drivers had received multiple warnings and one specific person had received 5 warnings! The highest speed recorded had been 54 mph in a 25 mph zone. Future sites planned to be monitored include Mannakee and I 270 as there is a pedestrian crossing there that is regularly ignored by some drivers. This is likely to be implemented in December 2007 or January 2008. Chief Treschuk invited residents who request their street to be covered to go to the City’s website and give their input there. Mayor Giammo added that once these measures had served to slow down traffic it would possible to move speed deterrents around to target other traffic ‘troublespots’. Questions were raised by residents and answered primarily by Chief Treschuk - DRAG RACING IN ROSE HILL FALLS (9PM-2AM) – The Chief advised for a ‘live’ unit to be stationed at the development so that the speed of the offenders can be accurately measured and then appropriate action can be taken using this evidence.

Calls for Police Services: There were 1405 in the West End last year and in the first quarter of this year just 262 calls – Chief Treschuk said this was a ‘positive’ amount and it was low in comparison to many areas.

4^th July Programme: The celebration will once again be held at Montgomery College. Last year upward of 50,000 of people attended the event and left within a period of 1 hour 10 minutes. The Chief hoped to replicate this and make it even more efficient by scheduling ten extra officers to ensure a safe and comfortable night.

Parks & Recreation Department News: Bert Hall gave details of the 19^th Annual Memorial Day plans for the 26, 27 and 28^th May. KC and the Sunshine Band will perform on Sunday and local youth rock bands at 2pm on Saturday and Sunday. Many other local community groups and institutions wil participate in the celebration and over twenty restaurants have signed up to sell their offerings at a ‘Taste of Rockville’. If the repairs are completed they plan to use the Town Center stage. He encouraged resident to check the City website for further information of ‘ Ride & Stride’, an initiative to either run, walk,or ride a bike in the local area – leaflets are also available.Mr Hall told the group that at THE JULY 4^TH firework event there will be a pop group playing in the parking lot area and food vendors will also be there for 1.5 hours before the fireworks begin. Residents posed questions about the fevent and Mr Hall addressed them in the following manner – he will try to provide a map of the best viewing areas and due to the construction of Richard Montgomery High School it is still an open question as to when the event may move back to that traditional site. However, the College has superior parking . RENT FREE FACILIITY FOR WECA etc – An addition is being added to the Swim Center, this is to include a Fitness Center (1500 sq. ft.) and will also provide a room for local groups to meet in. The Fitness Center will have 30 stations for working out, be competitively priced so residents can either sim only, use the Fitness area only or combine the two. It is anticipated to be completed by May 2008. Mr Hall then detailed varius areas of the neighborhood where upgrades were taking place, eg: at Welsh Park two rather old bridges were being ‘redone’. Mr Hall also addressed a complaint that the City paid too much for a rock band in the past (Hootie and the Blowfish), and he replied that they are attempting to showcase lots more local talent as will be shown from Memorial Day and throughout this year’s events.

Public Works – Recycling Program and Beall Avenue’s Sidewalks:

Craig Simoneau stated that the recycling issue went before the Mayor and Council and at the moment a twice weekly, semi-automated collection is favored. Mr Simoneau will have firm numbers by May 7^th . PROJECT GATEWAYS: The gateways are thought to enhance, welcome and urge drivers to slow down when entering the City. They are planned for West Montgomery Avenue/Nelson. And at Maryland Avenue/Great Falls, also at the latter location the City has funded a median and landscaping is hoped to follow in the very near future – signage is a few months away. BEALL AVENUE SIDEWALKS: A contiguous sidewalk is planned from N Washington St to Nelson St, with medians, landscaping and signage at the N Washington end. The first part of the plan will be implemented by November 2007. The first section of sidewalk will stretch from N Van Buren to Beall Elementary School ( Luckett St) and will improve pedestrian safety. A federal grant totaling $100,000 from the ‘Safe Route to Schools’ program was received by the City and has helped speed the whole project. the remaining two sections Lynch to Mannakee and Mannakkee to Nelson will be constructed together and Phase II is hoped to be completed by the Summer/Fall of 2008. Then, Emad Elshafei addressed the group’s concerns about various areas they thought required attention. A Left Turn Lane on W Montgomery coming from Gt Falls Road was discussed as was the ‘pollution’ of public signs. Another resident requested a sidewalk on Anderson and was told that it was in the cip and that it was a goal of the City to install sidewalks but that this was on a priority basis. #Residents were encouraged to make their opinions known and canvass their neighbors in order to let the City know of their opinions. Also discussed was the possibility of street lighting on Beall Avenue which was proposed by Andrew Field, who’d tried to apply for some available funding. Another resident raised the point of lack of parking, they asked if the parking lot of the Old Library couldn’t be used. Unfortunately Mr Ullery had asked the same question of the County but due to liability problems this idea had been declined. Mr Simoneau also assured residents that new road markings were about to be painted in on E Middle Lane to avoid further confusion due to the lack of obvious lanes at this point.

Upcoming Events in Rockville:

Phyllis Marcuccio promoted Science Day at Mongomery College, from 12-5pm, 41 exhibits from robots to rockets. A good family fun day and suitable for people of all ages.

* also promoted the Library Speaker Series with Mr Van Hollen, entitled ‘Facing The 110^th Congress’, on May 5^th.

Scott Ullery thanked all residents who had attended the evening meeting and acknowledged the City staff too.

The meeting was adjourned by Patricia Woodward, WECA President at 8.54pm.

Respectfully submitted, Jan Balkam.

**Please note that the next WECA will be at the usual location of Rockville Presbyterian Church, Harrison Street and will be held on Thursday, May 17^th.**