GREATER SEVERNA PARK COUNCIL
Minutes of the February 10, 2004 Meeting
The meeting was called to order at 7:35 PM by President John Strange
Welcome: John Strange announced that our scheduled speaker, Dr. Martha Smith, was unable to attend.
Secretary’s Report: The minutes were approved as submitted via mail and e-mail with one correction. On page 3 of the January minutes, under the Education Committee, it was noted that the education forum will be held in April, instead of March. If anyone has signed up for e-mailed minutes and is not receiving them, please check with Michele Rose to confirm your correct address. Those interested in receiving the minutes by e-mail may sign-up at the entrance table or contact Michele by e-mail at mrose@cablespeed.com.
Treasurer’s Report: Al Johnston, vice-president, introduced the newly elected treasurer, Tom Decker. Al gave his final report indicating a balance of $26,945.01 as of January 31, 2004. This includes $4322.44 in Beautification Trust Funds. The total is based on a previous balance of $26,379.92 with expenses totaling $72.78 for the month and income of $637.87 ($630.00 in dues). Al also reminded everyone that incorporated communities should have received their Personal Property Return which must be completed and returned. Failure to file can result in having the corporate charter revoked. John Strange noted that as a non-profit organization (i.e. community associations), there is no fee for filing.
President’s Report: John reported that the following communities have paid dues for 2004 as of February 10th: Arundel Plaza, Ben Oaks, Bluff Point, Cypress Landing, Fairwinds, Linstead, McKinsey Park, North Cape Arthur, Oakleigh Forest, Riverdale, Severndale, Severn Heights, Shipley’s Choice Community, Solomons Ridge, West Severna Park, Whitehurst, and Whitneys Landing. This represents 29% of last year’s total membership.
The Greater Severna Park Council is working with Anne Arundel Community College and the Severna Park Camber of Commerce to sponsor a Candidate’s Forum for Judges of the Circuit Court, A. A. County, District 5 on Thursday, February 26th starting at 7:00 PM at the Cade Building, Room 219. Dan Nataf, GSPC Director, will be the moderator. There are three sitting judges and five challenging candidates.
John introduced new representatives: Eric White, Riverdale on the Magothy and Michaelle Mullins, Cypress Landing.
Snow Removal Video: The recently received video regarding snow removal policies in Anne Arundel County was shown. More information may be obtained via the web site: www.aacounty.org/dpw/snowinformation or by calling Road Operations Division at 410-222-7045 M-F, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Plowing schedules are set in order of priorities and according to the amount of snow received. To contact the Snow Center for events with more than 4” of snow, call 410-222-4040. For events with less than 4”, you may reach the Northern District (north of West Benfield Road) at 410-222-6120 and Central District (south of West Benfield Road) at 410-222-7940. A pilot global positioning system is being tested. People may contact the web site to request service for their street if necessary. For information regarding state roads, contact 410-841-1002. This video is available in the library.
State of the Magothy: Paul Spadaro, President, Magothy River Association
Paul reported that his organization, in existence since 1946, is concerned with preserving and protecting the Magothy River. He issued an open invitation to the third annual “State of the Magothy River” meeting on Wednesday, February 18th at 7:00 PM in Room 101, Florestano Allied Health Building (West Campus), Anne Arundel Community College. They are hoping to complete the presentation in 2 hours. Speakers and themes will center on the MRA activities in 2003 and plans for 2004. A free Magothy River watershed map showing names of the creeks and coves, suitable for framing will be available. The MRA web page is: www.magothyriver.org. Paul may also be reached at 410-
647-8772. He reports that the Magothy is doing very well. The MRA has been working to restore oysters. There are more there than in the last 30 years. Water clarity has also improved is spite of the large amount of rain last year. The group also has a very active diver-training program and the meeting will have a rare underwater video presentation. One of the MRA’s projects this year is to attempt to install “filter socks” to filter fertilizers and road chemicals. They are an all-volunteer organization with individual memberships for $10.00 and communities for $25.00.
Zoning / Legislation: Al Johnston, Vice-President, Chairperson
§ A motion was made and passed unanimously to have Cypress Landing accepted as a member of the GSPC. Al noted that the siren at Earleigh Heights fire station is currently not working. He has spoken to the Maryland Department of the Environment regarding the noise problem from the siren, but tabled the discussion to the next meeting due to time considerations.
§ A motion to join the Advocates for Sensible Planning, including payment of the $30.00 membership fee, was passed by affirmation.
§ Board of Elections Primary will be held March 2nd.
§ The Transportation Advocates for A. A. Co. had a Board meeting. Al represents GSPC there. There was discussion regarding research on 501c3’s regarding lobbying the County Council. Handicapped transportation needs were identified. They are also studying commuting patterns.
§ Al is looking for volunteers to help with the zoning issues. Please contact him at 410 647-1380 if you can help!!
§ In response to questions regarding the construction at the intersection of Jumpers Hole and Benfield Boulevard, the former site of O’Shea’s. To Al’s knowledge, BB&T (formerly Farmers Bank) is constructing a new bank there.
Capital Projects:
Jumpers Hole Rd Project #478300, Dan Anderson, Project Manager 410 222-7566. Task Leader: Al Johnston – no action
Jones Station Park & Ride Commercial Development. Meeting 2-7-04 Adel Stevens 410 767-3695. Meeting did not take place to Al’s knowledge. (Post meeting note: Al was notified on 2/12/04 that there was a meeting with Cathy Vitale and Joe Rutter in attendance representing A. A. Co. and who objected to the proposed commercial use. No decision is expected before March or April.)
North Branch Cypress Creek Committee, Grant App., Chesapeake Bay Trust, Lou Heck 410 647-6191. Preliminary activity has begun, but are waiting for more.
Community Center Capital Program. $660,593, Under roof. Task Leader: Pat Haun. The two pools are under roof. They are still in need of about $1 million to complete the project. A motion was made to Support HB 442, SB 132, Bond Bill with a $500, 000 Matching Grant for the Community Center.(This would be the second Bond Bill with matching grant that they have received.) The motion passed by affirmation. A hearing on this bill is to be held the first week of March.
Zoning:
Zoning Code Revision, Joe Rutter presentation to GSPCC 1-15-04. Lois Villemair review 2-5-04. May be introduced to the County Council in mid to late March.
Administrative Hearing Officer/Board of Appeals:
GSPC standing before the Board of Appeals – currently, only an officer has a guaranteed presence.
2003-201S, 203S & 367V, WaWa et al. Special Exception & Variance Petition denied by Administrative Hearing Officer. He noted that the property is capable of development other than WaWa without a variance, 40% reduction of required setback to Trail is not a “trivial modification”, proposed development will alter character of neighborhood. WaWa has appealed BA 11-04S, 12-04S, 13-04V, 14-04V. The hearing is scheduled for May 11th. A motion was made and passed with 23 delegates in favor and none opposed to have the Planning and Zoning Committee to appear before the Board of Appeals to oppose these special exceptions and variances.
2003-0430S Chuck Converse, Special Exception (community septic system for five townhouses) AHO Denied petition since Water & Sewer Map amendments are the function of the County Council. MDE and Health Department approvals also required, but procedure not clear. Citation to denial in prior case. Magothy River Association objects also. Health Department letter cites COMAR as grounds for denial. Letter from Riverdale on the Magothy 2-3-04. Eric White, President, Riverdale, will be the task leader. The community has retained counsel.
2003-0159R Raymond Woodard et al, (9 Jones Station Properties), BA 75--83-03, Hearing 4-7-04, 4:00 PM.
2003-0328R Sosnoski & Clement Hardware, R5 to C3, 2.58A, BA124-03, Hearing 4-21-04.
2003-0471S, 2003-0472V Koch Homes, Hearing 1-20-04, Adjourned to 3-4-04. Revised traffic study.
Subdivisions:
Cypress Landing West 3d Revision, Sketch 3-18-04, 11:00 AM, Steve Callahan 410 222-7455. This time they are proposing to go under the B&A Trail by planning to raise the grade of the trail six feet and put a bridge across the trail. To be discussed in more detail next month.
2003-333R Concord Builders, Inc (Moore 2.34 A), 2003-0334 (Hruzd 10.05A). R2 to MXD-R 10-21-03.(Veterans Highway), sewer to Veterans main. Task Leader: Bob Cooper, SCHOA, to give report next month.
Quadrangle, et al, S84-126, 400-4 Jumpers Hold Road, Lori Allen, 410 222-7458. Jumpers Hole Road. Study will
impact. 30-Day Zoning Violation Notice 10-8-03. Task Leader, Roberta Mason, Chartwell. No activity
Sonneborn Property, S2001-038, Sketch Plan Approved 9-23-03 with conditions, Lori Allen 410 222-7458
Rutter Sketch Plan Requirement. Task Leader, Bill Stark, Manhattan Beach. No activity.
Dyas, Michael Property, 9.9A, 17 lots, S 03-069, Sketch Plan 10-16-03 9:00 AM . Lori Allen, 410 222-7458. No activity.
Benfield Crossing, C2003-017, 1.51A Retail expansion with access from Exxon Station Sketch Plan 10:00 AM 10-23-03. Mike Murray, 410 222-7458. SCCA interest? Task Leader: Al Johnston. No activity.
Listman, Truckhouse Road, S#2002-045, P#2002-085 4.9 A, 9 Units, Jeff Torney, 410 222-7485, Sketch Plan 11-26-03, 1:00 PM. Task Leader: Al Johnston. No activity.
BWI Noise Committee: Denny Stam, Chairperson
Denny noted that their last meeting had been cancelled due to inclement weather. Very few reports regarding the noise have been received, so they plan to wait until the spring. He will try to have the airport manager, as well as Ellen Sample, Director of Noise Abatement MAA, to attend the June or July GSPC meeting to make a presentation.
Beautification and Community Enhancement – Larry Masterson, Chairperson
No report in Larry’s absence.
Education: Beth Slikker, Chairperson
Beth reported that there are 27 formerly retired teachers that have been rehired particularly to work in struggling schools or to meet the school systems need for more specialized teachers. Almost all are part-time. The Board of Ed voted to give the teachers their 1% raise. Later, the school board decided to add the administrative employees. The Bill for these funds will be voted upon on Monday, February 16th. Following discussion, delegates were encouraged to contact Cathy Vitale, County Council District 5 representative, with your opinion. The BOE has considered approving a performance audit at a cost of $500,000. Beth also reported that there are 262 teachers currently teaching in our school system that are not accredited. They have four-year degrees and are working toward their certification.
The School Board Nominating Convention will be held on May 4th at South River High School. Maureen Carr York, GSPC Director, and Janice Holmes, Old Severna Park, have volunteered to represent the GSPC. Those wishing to attend the SBNC would be required to attend one of three convention hearings to be held on April 6th at Old Mill High, April 14th at Severna Park High, and April 22nd at Northeast High, as well as the convention. Registration begins each of the nights at 6:15 PM. The GSPC will pay the $8.00 pre-registration fee for each of our two representatives. The open position this year is an at-large seat. Communities are encouraged to send representatives. More information may be found at the web site: www.geocities.com/sbncaacnty. Or you may call 410-266-sbnc(7261).
At the April GSPC meeting, there will be an educational forum to include the activities of the CAC’s, magnet schools, and the extended learning (IB) program. The forum should last no longer than 30 minutes.
North Cypress Branch: Lou Heck, Chairperson
No report at this time in the chairperson’s absence.
Police Community Relations: Carroll Hicks, Chairperson
The last meeting was held on January 21st. An officer from the Fire Marshall’s office and his Labrador retriever, an arson and explosive investigation-trained dog were the featured guests, where they gave a demonstration. Carroll also distributed free gun locks. They may also be obtained from your local police station.
Forms for the Citizen Police Academy were available. The program was developed to increase the understanding of the daily operations of the A. A. Co. Police Department to the general public. Classes are held every Thursday evening from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM for 14 weeks. There is no fee. Information and applications may be obtained by calling Lt. Pam Davis or Sgt. Terry Crowe at 410-222-1950 or they may be contacted by e-mail at p91087@mail.aacounty.org or p90875@mail.aacounty.org.
Carroll also noted that major crimes are down 2.6% from Jan – Nov., 2003. Robberies decreased by 3.5%. Robberies occurred at McDonald’s and Blockbuster in Severna Park during the month of January. In March, the GSPC will have a guest speaker from th Police Department.
Public Works: Dan Nataf, Director, Chairperson
Dan reported that a dedicated left turn arrow will be placed at the signal for Lynwood Road at Benfield Road. He expressed some concerns as to whether that would create further back-ups on Benfield. Another left turn signal will be placed on the signal at Veteran’s Highway at the entrance to the Police Department
Website Update: Dan Nataf, Director, Chairperson
The new web site can be reached at www.gspcouncil.org. There are links there to some of the member community web sites. If other communities would like to have a link there, please contact Dan.
John Norville, Director, advised that Anne Arundel Community College is offering a “Community and Condo Association Management” course on Saturdays 9-11 AM from March 13-April 10 at the Arundel Mills campus. It will cover administrative and legal issues. The fee is $65.00, including supplies. If interested, call 410-777-2325.
Tom Decker, Treasurer, Chartwell, reported that the new development of Williams Woods had approached Chartwell a couple of months ago and offered them $50,000 to allow them to become part of Chartwell. The offer was not accepted. Since then, the developer has advised that prospective first buyers are not interested in that and would like to form their own community.
Beth Slikker reported that HB65 – Election Law-Voting Systems – Voter-verified Paper Records hearing was held today. She will report on it further at the March meeting.
Executive Board – Wednesday, February 25th at 7:30 PM at the Severna Park Library.
GSPC General Meeting – Tuesday, March 9th at 7:30 PM in the meeting room of the Severna Park Library.
The scheduled speaker will be from the Anne Arundel County Police Department.
The meeting adjourned at 9:27 PM.
Respectfully submitted, Michele Rose, Secretary