GREATER SEVERNA PARK COUNCIL
Minutes of the May 11, 2004 Meeting
The meeting was called to order at 7:38 PM by President John Strange
Secretary’s Report: The minutes of the previous 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: Tom Decker, Treasurer, reported a balance of $27,474.75 as of April 30, 2004. This includes $4325.13 in Beautification Trust Funds. The total is based on a previous balance of $27,116.14 with expenses totaling $75.14 for the month and income of $433.75. The treasurer’s report was approved as presented.
President’s Report: John Strange announced that the following communities have paid dues for 2004 as of April 28th: Arnold Preservation Council, Arundel Plaza, Bendale, Ben Oaks, Bluff Point, Brittingham, Carrollton Manor, Chartridge, Chartwell, Chartwood, County Crusaders, Cypress Glen, Cypress Improvement, Cypress Landing, Fairwinds, Harlequin, Hollywood, Jennings Road, Kilmarnock, Kensington, Linstead, Lower Magothy, Magothy Forest, McKinsey Park, North Cape Arthur, Oakleigh Forest, Olde Severna Park, Riverdale, Rugby Hall, Severna Forest, Severndale, Severn Heights, Severna Enclave, Sheffield Park, Shipley’s Choice Community, Solomons Ridge, Swann Point, Westridge, West Severna Park, Whitehurst, and Whitneys Landing. This represents 83.1% of last year’s total paid membership. Communities should remember that a $5.00 late fee will be added to the dues for those not paying by June 1st.
A motion to include Pointfield West Citizen’s Association as a new community member of the GSPC was approved by affirmation. John welcomed their delegate, Michael VonDiezelski.
Guest Speaker: John Strange introduced the guest speaker, Michael Busch, Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates, who is in his 18th year in the General Assembly. He noted that one of the most contentious issues this year is the expansion of gambling in Maryland – slot machines. It is still under debate, with discussions regarding the possibility of a referendum in November, as most states that have implemented slots have done it this way. Some of the other significant initiatives that were debated this year include the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Act (to fund clean-up of the bay and critical areas) , Brown Fields (clean-up of industrial sites to make them environmentally clean), and the Transportation Plan (doubles registration fees for car, SUV’s and trucks after July 1, 2004 to fund the transportation and road systems). The Thornton Commission Initiative to equitably fund education was also debated heavily. It has a $1.3 billion price tag. There are two mandates under Maryland law – one is to have a balanced budget and the second is to fund an adequate and equitable education for every child. Currently there is a $2 billion gap in the in the general fund budget due to cuts in income taxes and estate taxes made during the previous administration, as well as the amount needed to fund Thornton. Therefore, additional funding sources must be found, services cut, or Thornton must be extended past 2008. He discussed several options, but at this time the issues are still unresolved. Mr. Busch addressed questions and comments about funding Thornton, the lottery proceeds, horse racing, and slot machines. He concluded by noting that the economy in Maryland is improving, partly due to the amount of money that the federal government spends and grants to businesses and organizations here, such as Johns Hopkins and NIH and their spin-offs. In addition, the unemployment rate is very low in Anne Arundel County at 2.2%.
County Council: Cathy Vitale, District 5 Representative, reported that the public budget hearings are likely to be very quiet this year as most issues are generally ones that involve schools. Since the County Executive has fully funded the Board of Education budget, the County Council cannot add anything to it. Pasadena and Harman Elementary Schools have been funded. There will be no tax increase, the piggyback tax remains the same, the property tax rate has decreased; however, assessments have increased. The county has a significant backlog in road maintenance for which the County Council is looking for further funding. They have also been studying construction projects and seeking cost savings. North Cypress restoration of the streams has been fully funded, including the retrofit. Many storm water management projects have been put on hold, except for Ferry Farms and Robinson Landing Road which have been funded in next year’s budget. The Community Center has received another $50,000.00 grant. There is no funding for Kinder Farm Park until 2008 and no funding for the Visitor’s Center for at least six years. Ms. Vitale has asked Dennis Callahan, Director of Recreation and Parks, to explain the change in priorities. Benfield Elementary will be part of a feasibility study. Cathy has requested that Severna Park Middle School be moved up in the renovation list. She was also pleased to note that the 5th District is the only one with no failing schools in Anne Arundel County. Jones Station Firehouse is being expanded. She has requested Public Works to consider yellow-green lights at B&A Trail pedestrian crossings. Work is continuing on the Earleigh Heights fire siren issue. In conclusion, Ms. Vitale reported on the Adequacy of Facilities Ordinance for Schools to which the Council will probably be requesting modifications.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
BWI Noise Committee: Denny Stam
Denny had no report at this time as he has been out of the area recently.
Beautification and Community Enhancement Committee – Larry Masterson
No report in Larry’s absence.
Education: Beth Slikker
Beth reported that Michael Leahy and Pam Bukowski are the two candidates from the run-off election at the School Board Nominating Convention. Their names will be submitted to the Governor as the choices of the Convention for the open seat on the A.A. Co. School Board. Maureen Carr-York, GSPC Director and Brittingham delegate, represented the GSPC during the School Board Nominating process and shared her experience with the group. She strongly encouraged that all communities become involved in the future. Janice Holmes, Olde Severna Park, who also represented the GSPC at the convention, noted that there were only 118 delegates voting this year.
In addition, Beth announced that Eric Smith, Superintendent Anne Arundel County Public Schools, applied for a comparable position in the Miami- Dade school system, but was not selected. Janet Owens, Anne Arundel County Executive, fully funded the Board of Education budget. Due to this fact, the County Council cannot add further funds to it. A new discipline policy has been formulated which creates more uniformity; however, it also allows less flexibility for the school administrators. Magnet schools are expected to be postponed.
Police Community Relations: Carroll Hicks
Carroll reported on traffic initiatives to be held on six weekends to combat drag racing problems. This is a 5-point offense. He also reported on a series of crimes in the area. including pizza robberies in the Green Tree Apartment complex, an Old Mill student with a stun gun, and marijuana growing operation.
Public Works: Dan Nataf
No report.
Zoning / Legislation: Al Johnston
General Assembly:
Civic Assn. Liability Bill to reduce minimum number of members from 40 to 20 died in Committee. (Please see Al for
clarification regarding this bill.)
Planning and Capital Projects:
Gypsy Moth Spraying. The Maryland Department of Agriculture was quoted in THE CAPITAL to the effect that the
only spraying in Anne Arundel County will be in Pasadena. Severna Park egg-mass counts last fall were very low,
hence no spraying.
Zoning:
Zoning Code Revision, Joe Rutter and staff will be present for June GSPC meeting. Draft on County web page
http://www.aacounty.org/PlanZone/indes.cfm. Companion revision of Subdivision Code, containing many elements of
current Zoning Code, still pending. Advocates for Sensible Planning meeting weekly. Maureen Carr-York and Al
Johnston, GSPC attendees. Not expecting the new Subdivision Code for many weeks.
Administrative Hearing Officer/Board of Appeals:
BA 100-03A Richland Homes Permit to demolish 110 Water St. Hearing 3-2-04, Continued to 6-22-04
BA 11-04S, 12-04V, 13-04V and 14-04S WaWa, et al, continued until 6-2-04. AHO denied application for both
variances and special exceptions. WaWa appealed. Property is capable of development other than WaWa without a
variance or special exceptions
BA17-04A, 6-9-04 4:00PM 2003-0430S Chuck Converse, Spec Excep(Com Septic) Liz West, Planner, Mettie Smith,
Cty Atty, David Plott, Community Atty, Tony Christhilf, Petitioner Atty. (Riverdale Restaurant property)
BA 75--83-03, Raymond Woodard et al, (9 Jones Station Properties) Post hearing arguments filed during April.
Decision pending.
BA124-03A Sosnoski & Clement Hardware, R5 to C3, 2.58A, heard on 4-21-04, Decision pending.
2004-089V, 2004-088V, Louis Reeder, heard on 4-29-04, AHO granted both variances.(Earleigh Heights Crossover and
Jumpers Hole Road.)
Subdivisions:
SP Gateway Village, S04-018, P04-041, S/P 4-22, continuing discussions: Task Leader, Bob Cooper. Bob reported that
since last fall, the development has grown larger in size and the number of units, as well as increasing from three stories
to four. Re-grading has also been done that makes it even higher. SCHOA is very concerned about this. Following the
meeting, the developer started making changes to lower it. Further revisions have not yet been seen.
St. Martin’s Retreat, S04-030, P04-066, Planner, Jeff Torney 410 222-7458 Cattail Assoc. Sketch 5-6-04, major
revisions required. Task Leader Ed McNabb 410 544-8510, 222-7482
Barranco Properties C2004-002, Planned Commercial Project-3 Bldgs. Sketch 5-6-04, Planner Jeff Torney 410 222-
7458, major revisions required. (backs-up to Berrywood Ridge Community)
Benfield Crossing, C2003-017, 1.51A, Retail expansion with access from Exxon Station Sketch Plan Planner Mike
Murray, 410 222-7960. Charles McKenzie (developer) Continuing Discussions Task Leader Bob Cooper. This is
property next to Exxon Station at Benfield Boulevard and Veterans Highway. This includes a 4-bay car wash and donut
shop. SCHOA has covenants that allow them input into the development.
No activity:
Quadrangle, et al, S84-126, 400-4 Jumpers Hold Road, Lori Allen, 410 222-7485. Jumpers Hole Road study will
impact. 30 Day Zoning Violation Notice 10-8-03. Task Leader, Roberta Mason, Chartwell.
Sonneborn Property, S2001-038, Sketch Plan Approved 9-23-03 with conditions, Lori Allen 410 222-7485. Rutter
Sketch Plan Requirement. Task Leader, Bill Stark, Manhattan Beach.
Listman, Truckhouse Road, S#2002-045, P#2002-085 4.9 A, 9 Units, Jeff Torney, 410 222-7458, Sketch Plan 11-26-03,
1:00PM. Task Leader: Al Johnston
Jumpers Hole Road Improvement Project:
Oren Omar, Chairperson for the Chartwell Advisory Group, presented his community’s view of the Jumpers Hole Road Sidewalk / Traffic Study that was recently completed. This is the first part of a continuing study. Both preliminary options involved road widening. Jeff Moore, engineer and Chartwell resident, then presented his analysis of the report, including a handout. He felt that the study did not address whether there was a need for changes to be made to Jumpers Hole Road or whether sidewalks were needed or on which side they would be needed, but rather how to accommodate a sidewalk on the east side of the road. Based on the study, there is no need to widen or move the road due to traffic. The gentlemen expressed concerns that changes to the road would lead to increased and faster traffic, making the road less safe. They also felt that the cost was not justified. Some of their suggestions for further options were pedestrian crosswalks with or without a crossing guard along with a sidewalk from Idlewilde to Yorkshire to tie in with a crosswalk so that students could cross over Jumpers Hole Road and proceed to Severna Park Middle School through the Chartwell Community. Discussion followed with many opinions expressed.
Roberta Mason made a motion that the Greater Severna Park Council take a position against widening Jumpers Hole Road. The motion was seconded. Discussion was tabled until the June meeting due to the lateness of the hour and the need to vacate the library meeting room.
NEW BUSINESS
Joe Rutter, Director of Planning and Zoning for Anne Arundel County, is the scheduled guest speaker for June. He is expected to discuss the draft copy of the revised Zoning Code.
The library will not be available for our general delegate meetings in June and July, therefore the meetings will be held at the Big Vanilla Community Room at 7:30 PM.
The meeting was adjourned at 10.00 PM
Executive Board – Wednesday, May 26th at 7:30 PM at the Severna Park Library.
GSPC General Meeting – Tuesday, June 8th at 7:30 PM in the community meeting room of the Big Vanilla.
Respectfully submitted,
Michele Rose, Secretary