GREATER SEVERNA PARK COUNCIL
GREATER SEVERNA PARK COUNCIL
Minutes of the December 14, 2004 Meeting
Welcome: The meeting was called to order at 7:35 PM by President John Strange.
Guest Speaker: Janet Owens, Anne Arundel County Executive, began her address to the group by presenting an article from the Baltimore Sun that noted that Anne Arundel County’s tax burden was the lowest in the metropolitan area at $4,910. with the highest being Baltimore City at $8,952. She provided a quick overview of the economic picture of the county. West County development is booming with extraordinary jobs being created. Ms. Owens envisions enormous opportunities for our residents and children. Muvico in Arundel Mills is the #1 movie theater in the United States. The school system is renovating three schools per year, but there is still a long way to go. School construction remains an overwhelming funding task. School capacity issues continue. Impact fees may need to be raised – doubled or even tripled. There seems to be no willingness to address any amendment to the revenue cap or to increase income tax. An informal poll of those present revealed only three people in favor of an increased piggyback tax. Without new revenues, infrastructure and school issues. She offered her thanks to the GSPC and Al Johnston, in particular, for their assistance with the Zoning Codes. There are currently 164 amendments. It is hoped that the new Codes will be completed by April. A second bay bridge is needed, but not in Anne Arundel County, rather further to the south.
One of the concerns is the rate of growth of those 80 years old and over in the county. Al Johnston, GSPC Vice-President, noted that he has been appointed to a task force to study the migration of the elderly. There are serious problems due to the lack of public transportation, lack of affordable senior housing projects, as well as a need for more senior centers. There is also difficulty in recruiting and retaining direct health care workers in assisted living and nursing homes. John Norville, GSPC Director, offered compliments to the Department of Aging for the programs that they offer.
Beth Slikker, GSPC Education Chairperson, inquired about the possibility of having magnet / charter schools. Ms. Owens noted that at least two are under consideration. A cause of great concern is the lack of adequate funding to meet federal and state mandates for special education students.
Residents of Cypress Landing expressed concern over the ongoing dealings with their community’s developer, which is now in the court system.
SCHOA noted their dissatisfaction with the installation of an inadequate speed hump, for which their community paid $2200.00. A meeting will be arranged with Ms. Owens.
Beth Slikker inquired about the illegal development of an island in the Magothy.
Maureen Carr-York, GSPC Director, discussed the development at the intersection of the Earleigh Heights Connector and Jumpers Hole Road.
Roberta Mason, Chartwell, commended the Health Department on their handling of the flu vaccine clinics. Ms. Owens noted that much of that was due to the training and spirit of cooperation that has developed between the Police, Fire and Health Departments since September 11th.
A resident of Whites Road expressed concerns about the high-priced Cattail Passage development and its impact on front footage assessments for current homeowners along the road.
In conclusion, Ms. Owens remarked that it has been a good year, always challenging and never boring.
Secretary’s Report: The minutes of the November 9th meeting were approved as submitted. Those interested in receiving the minutes by e-mail may sign-up at the entrance table or contact Michele Rose by e-mail at mrose@cablespeed.com. Please notify the secretary and/or the treasurer of any changes in the office of president or delegate for your community.
Treasurer’s Report: Jen Campbell, Treasurer, reported a balance of $ 27,004.88 as of November 30, 2004. This includes $4327.81 in Beautification Trust Funds. The total is based on a previous balance of $27,321.71 with expenses totaling $365.96 for the month and income of $46.38. The report was approved as presented.
President’s Report: The list of Greater Severna Park Council communities who have paid dues for this year as of November 30th includes: Arnold Preservation Council, Arundel Plaza, Bendale, Ben Oaks, Berrywood, Bluff Point, Brittingham, Cape Arthur, Carrollton Manor, Chartridge, Chartwell, Chartwood, County Crusaders, Cypress Glen, Cypress Improvement, Cypress Landing, Fair Oaks, Fairwinds, Harlequin, Hollywood, Jennings Road, Kilmarnock, Kensington, Lakeland II, Linstead, Lower Magothy, Magothy Forest, Manhattan Beach, McKinsey Park, North Cape Arthur, North Severna Park, Oakleigh Forest, Olde Severna Park, Pointfield West, Riverdale, Rugby Hall, Sabrina Park, Severna Forest, Severndale, Severn Heights, Severna Enclave, Sheffield Park, Shipley’s Choice Community, Shipley’s Choice Homeowners, Solomons Ridge, Swann Point, Westridge, West Severna Park, Whitehurst, Whitneys Landing, and Woodbridge Forest. If you believe that your community has paid and is not listed here, please contact Jennifer Campbell, Treasurer. Currently, 58 communities have paid. There are still a number of dues outstanding; however, the community of Colchester paid during the meeting. A $5.00 late fee, in addition to the $35.00 membership fee, must now be included for those paying after June 1st.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
By-laws Ammendment: John Norville
John Norville, Director and Nominating Committee Chairperson, reported once again that there is a need for a Vice-President of Public Affairs to appear before the Administrative Hearing Officer as there is a regulation that the person appearing must be an officer of their organization. Therefore, the GSPC Board is recommending a By-laws ammendment to read as follows:
ARTICLE V
OFFICERS
Section 1.
The elected Officers of the Council shall be a President, a Vice President, a Vice President of Public Affairs, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. In addition, there shall be four elected Directors, one of whom will be an ex-officio Director who is a past President, officer or director. They shall be elected by Council delegates, and shall serve as the Board of Directors of the organization. Together they will constitute The Board of Directors and shall be charged with carrying out administrative functions on behalf of the Council as well as other duties as charged by the President and shall meet every month unless otherwise determined by the President.
In addition, under Section 3, the following would be added:
[add] 3. The Vice President of Public Affairs, in addition to all other officers, is authorized to officially represent the Council at all outside meetings of all organizations, such as government meetings, hearings, and appeals. The Vice-President of Public Affairs shall obtain any Council authorizations as required elsewhere in the By-Laws and shall make periodic reports to the Council and to the Board of Directors.
The succeeding two paragraphs will be re-numbered from 3 and 4 to 4 and 5.
There being 31 delegates present, a hand vote was taken with unanimous approval.
Nominating Committee: John Norville
John submitted the names of the proposed slate of officers for 2005 as follows:
President: John Strange
Vice-President – Maureen Carr-York
Vice-President of Public Affairs – Al Johnston
Secretary – Vacant
Treasurer – Jen Campbell
Directors – Dan Nataf (Emeritus)
Carroll Hicks
John Norville
Larry Masterson
There were no additional nominations from the floor. Nominations from the floor will be accepted at the January meeting. Anyone interested should be willing to attend two meetings per month.
John also expressed his thanks to Bob Cooper who had to resign not only from the committee, but also as a delegated.
Education Committee: Beth Slikker
Beth clarified that Michael Leahy is a member of the Board of Education and the Rob Leahy is the president of the Severna Park High CAC. In January, she plans to discuss the new school budget. The BOE has authorized a complete survey of what they own. Roberta Mason inquired about who maintains the exterior of the schools, specifically Severna Park Middle School, which needs significant work. Cathy Vitale, 5th District County Councilman, gave a brief explanation. It was suggested that Sharon Morrell, SPMS Principal, be contacted for further information. Further questions were posed regarding who maintains the easement areas between communities and the schools. Beth noted that charter schools appear to be high on the BOE’s priority list.
Cathy Vitale’s Report:
Cathy has a tour planned of Severna Park Middle School on December 22nd as she has received many complaints regarding the inadequate facility for the students. Attempts are being made to move the school up on the priority list. She noted that the BOE does not to hear from our district as loudly and as often as they hear from other districts, so funds are going to other sections of the county. Severna Park Middle School is still an open school.
The Community Center has received only $310,000 of the $500, 000. requested. It is a s real bargain in comparison to the services that it provides.
Cypress Landing and Sheffield Park are working on bond issues with their communities. Cathy advised Cypress Landing residents to contact the county attorney, Linda Schuett, to make sure that she lets them know if a motion for extension is filed on the bond.
The County Council has been busy working on the Zoning Codes. She is expecting that the B&B issues have been resolved for the most part. There are still problems with community standing due to expansion of geographical boundaries by community associations.
A proposal by the county executive to have the county take over Compass Pointe Golf Course will be discussed further at a future time.
The Capital has provided a Freedom of Information Act request to the county. Therefore, e-mails sent to the County Council representatives, as well as other government officials are also being sent to The Capital. If you have an issue of a personal nature, please call Cathy’s office first. Her home number is 410-544-4937. Use these if there is an issue with a member of the A. A. Co workforce, as she would rather have this information verbally, rather than having personal information published in the newspaper.
BWI Noise Committee: Denny Stam
Denny noted that he is still waiting to for an announcement of the date of the next meeting.
Beautification and Community Enhancement Committee – Larry Masterson
No report in Larry’s absence.
Police Community Relations: Carroll Hicks
Carroll Hicks, Director and Chairperson, noted that the Eastern District Police Community Relations Council met on November 17th. Their guest speaker again was James Weed, Director of the Emergency Management Bureau who presented a Power Point presentation. Dan Nataf suggested that perhaps links to this information could be placed on the GSPC web site at: www.gspcouncil.org.
Public Works: Dan Nataf
Dan reported that he has received a letter from the State Highway Administration indicating that the will create a left turn / straight through lane at the intersections of Whites Road and Ritchie Highway, as well as at Cypress Creek Road and Ritchie Highway – hopefully, within the next few months. There was a request for a no right-turn-on-red sign on Whites Road at Ritchie Highway south due to difficulty in seeing oncoming traffic at that intersection. There was discussion about the sign on southbound Ritchie Highway that allows right turns at Robinson and Route 648. The arrows on the road need to match the signage there. Further discussion was held about the no turn from 7 AM to 7 PM on Benfield Boulevard at Evergreen Road across from Severna Park High School – whether it should be for school days or weekdays only.
Planning /Zoning/Legislation: Al Johnston
Al reported that he has 333 pieces of paper amending the two Zoning bills.
As a point of information, any community/organization that is incorporated needs a resident agent who should check to make sure that the community / organization is in good standing with the Maryland Department of Corporations (410-767-1330) each year. The best time to contact them is between 8:30 and 9:00 AM. About this time of the year each year, the Department of Assessment and Taxation mails out a Personal Property return. Most communities don’t have any personal property; however, it must be sent in or else the corporate status will be lost and a revision will need to be done. It only requires that the names of the officers be listed.
School capacity calculations continue to be a problem, but that problem is added to in Severna Park by the aging population that is being replaced by younger couples with children. The formula does not take that into account. The State Department of Education provides the formula that must be used.
There is a state highway surplus auction of property at 8318 Ritchie Highway on 12/15/2004.
Jumpers Hole Road project report is out and on a CD which Al will review in the future.
Local lot variances – posted signs – if seen, particularly on back roads, make sure that Al is contacted and aware.
Subdivisions:
SP Gateway Village, S04-018, P04-041, Jeff Torney 410 222-7458, T/L Bob Cooper. Final 12-27-04.
Cattail Passage, S2002-040, P 2002-084, 15 Units on Jennings Rd, Lori Allen, x7485, Sketch Final Pend.
Variance Review 9-16-04 9:00AM on Whites Rd, Chesapeake Rm, Comm Meet 11-10-04 7:00 PM Libr –
Community and developer working together. Community has also met with the Elks Lodge.
NEW BUSINESS
None reported.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Gail Smith, Community Specialist for the County Executive’s Office, announced that the Community / Condo Association course is going to be repeated again on February 19th through March 12th, 2005. John Norville highly recommends this course. In addition, she encouraged everyone to recycle, particularly over the holidays. Brochures also were available for DPW projects. Lastly, she announced the Model Government Program to be held in March. This program gives 11th graders the opportunity to shadow the county executive, county council reps and department heads.
Beth Slikker reported that the Magothy River Association is legally objecting to the possibility of having a house built on Dobbins Island, as well as objecting to the large house placed illegally on the Little Island in the Magothy. The MRA has retained an attorney and would welcome any monetary donations to their legal defense fund. Donations may be sent to P.O. Box 550, Severna Park, MD 21146.
OLD BUSINESS
None reported.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 PM.
Executive Board – Wednesday, January 26th at 7:30 PM at the Severna Park Library.
GSPC General Meeting – Tuesday, January 11th at 7:30 PM in the meeting room of the Severna Park Library.
(Special note: A quorum is needed for elections at this meeting!!!!!)
Happy Birthday, Al!!
Respectfully submitted,
Michele Rose, Secretary