Greater Severna Park Council Board Meeting, May 27, 2008

Present: A. Johnston, D. Nataf, J. Norville, W. Adams, D. Stam, Steve Pollen, M. Carr-York, Roy Higgs.

 Absent: Jerry Pesterfield

 Call to order: 7:40 p.m.

  Minutes approved.

 Treasurer’s report: three communities paid dues this month.

 July 4^th celebration.  Linda Zahn asked GSPC for sponsorship of children’s activities. Previously the GSPC had presented a booth, but volunteers are lacking for this year.  A car entry seems more possible, but lots of GSPC board members will be out of town that day.  Maureen will inquire further about any sponsorships.

 Shelter Group: they have modified plans, but there is still opposition to the proposal near Kensington.

 Environmental committee: SRA meeting May 28 – Critical Area Commission chair will make a presentation about HB 1253 amendments to critical area commission increasing their power…

 Education Committee – discussion about education budget and strategies for expressing Sev. Park’s interests.  Resolution: GSPC shall express budget concerns to board of education and county council in support of full funding of teaching positions and feasibility studies at Folger McKinsey and to have SPHS prioritized for next year’s capital budget considerations.  This resolution was approved.  John Norville was absent for this vote.

 Speakers for 2008: June’s focus is Ron Bowen from the county’s public works/transportation.  July – AAC recycling and trash group will discuss county’s situation.  August - AAC Police Commander for the Eastern District.  Tentative speakers for other months: September is Superintendent Maxwell.  October is GDP presentation.  November – AAC fire safety.

 Zoning and Budget:  Adoption of budget is Thursday (29^th) – check Web site for details.   Al mentioned the issue of ‘resubdivision’ – e.g., Old Sev. Park, No Sev Park, Rugby Hall.  Do community covenants bind zoning/subdivision decisions? The board of appeals voted to support the developer and county in saying that covenants don’t bind the county’s zoning decision.  In Severna Forest, another case, but here the one house/one lot idea is embodied in the plats – is that an ‘implied covenant?’  The motion to dismiss was denied.  Al gave a summary of the current situation with regard to the Severna Forest case, focusing especially on access to the status of the sketch plan.  Al will discuss this with C. Vitale.

Al mentioned a series of council proposals:

• Res 29-08 – PAB appointments - 3 by CE and 4 by CC by resolution within 60 days of when the council takes office.  
   
• Res 22-08 – Veto by CE, reconsideration by vote of five on CC if CE doesn’t act.
   
• Res 23-08 – Appointment of Ethics commission, currently appointed by CE with approval of CC – change to 3 – 4 CE/CC
   
• Legislative counsel – CC wants it to have ability to certify legal documents.
   
• Extra 15 days to consider the budget – earlier submission

New business:

John Norville made a motion that a certain individual (Karl Neidhart – a person with notable contributions) be recognized by a ‘certificate’ of appreciation. The motion passed.

Community disaster preparedness meeting on June 11 at the AACC Pascal Center from 7-9 p.m. 

Motion to adjourn passed at 9:15 p.m.