Minutes of the WECA General Meeting, March 13, 2008
The meeting, attended by 89 residents and City Staff, was called to order at 7:02 pm by Patricia Woodward, president. Patricia thanked Jenny Kimball, WECA’s interim Neighborhood Liaison, for her assistance is organizing tonight’s meeting. She then set ground rules for the meeting, rules established to ensure that WECA residents would all have an opportunity to raise their concerns and ask questions.
Introductions and remarks were then made by Scott Ullery, City Manager, and Susan Hoffman, Mayor.
Representatives of several City departments then discussed specific topics and later answered residents’ questions.
Police Department – Terry Treschuk
A. Topics Discussed
-update on the vacant structures ordinance
-photo radar camera on W. Montgomery and other sites
B. Residents’ Concerns/Questions
-poor visibility at the corner of N. Van Buren and W. Montgomery
-pedestrian safety on Maryland Ave.
-license plate identification from speed camera photos
-future use of the Burbank’s building
-enforcement of turn restrictions on Argyle
-possibility of parking restrictions on Nelson
Recreation and Parks – Burt Hall
A. Topics Discussed
-spring and summer events in Town Square and Town Center
-update on the acquisition of the old Post Office Building for possible use for the Police Department
-renovations at the Swim Center (new meeting room and update of fitness center)
-Karn Park (new park at Evans and Laura Lane)
B. Residents’ Concerns and Questions
-parking at old Post Office if acquired by Police Department
-additional uses of the old Post Office
-location of July 4th activities
-update on the Redgate Golf course
-skate park
Public Works – Greg Simoneau
A. Topics Discussed
-Stormwater Management Utility
-implementation of new refuse and recycling programs
-water line replacement
B. Residents’ Concerns and Questions
-disposal of old trash cans and recycling bins
-co-mingling vs. single stream recycling
-possible credits for the Stormwater Management Utility fee
-impervious surfaces
Community Planning and Development Services – Ed Duffy
A. Topics Discussed
-Town Center grocery store delays
-Beall’s Grant redevelopment
-Draft Zoning Ordinance
-Fleet Street development
B. Residents’ Concerns and Questions
-number of new units at Beall’s Grant
-possible construction of a church on the properties located at 406 and 408 Great Falls Road
-parking lot at the Rockville Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses
-home based businesses (current and proposed regulations)
-occupancy levels in Town Square
- RORZOR: rezoning of properties, transition areas, lot sizes, implementation date
-proposed courthouse on old library site
Move The Courthouse update – Frank Anastasi
270 Sound Wall update – Don Kettlestrings
Following Don’s efforts since 2001, the State has agreed to extend the sound wall on 270 from the W. Montgomery interchange up to the shopping center. Funding and County approval are now needed. Don asked for support from Mayor and Council for the wall as funding of Rockville’s share, approximately $250,000. Each stated their support of the wall. More information is needed before a commitment can be made on the funding, however.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Rose Sharkey (for Jan Balkam)