GREATER SEVERNA PARK COUNCIL
Minutes of the June 8, 2004 Meeting
The meeting was called to order at 7:32 PM by President John Strange.
This is a joint meeting including the Broadneck Federation, the Arnold Preservation Council, as well as the Greater Severna Park Council.
Secretary’s Report: The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as submitted. Anyone 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.
Those who usually receive the minutes by mail probably received them late as they were sent without postage and many were returned. Appropriate postage was then attached and they were mailed again. Michele expresses her apologies. Please notify the secretary and/or the treasurer of any changes in the office of president or delegate for your community.
Treasurer’s Report: John Strange announced that our Treasurer, Tom Decker has had to resign due to health reasons. Al Johnston will assume the position temporarily until a new treasurer can be found. If anyone would like to volunteer for the position, please contact Al or John. (Post meeting note: Jen Campbell has accepted and been appointed as the Treasurer for the rest of the year. Thanks, Jen!) Al reported a balance of $27545.66 as of April 30, 2004. This includes $4325.13 in Beautification Trust Funds. The total is based on a previous balance of $27,474.75 with expenses totaling $51.80 for the month and income of $122.71. The treasurer’s report was approved as presented.
President’s Report: John Strange reported that the following communities have paid dues for 2004 as of May 31st: Arnold Preservation Council, Arundel Plaza, Bendale, Ben Oaks, Berrywood, Bluff Point, Brittingham, 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, 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, and Whitneys Landing, Woodbridge Forest . This represents 85% of last year’s total paid membership. Any community that has not paid for this year must now include a late fee of $5.00 with their dues.
Guest Speaker: Al Johnston introduced the guest speakers from the Anne Arundel County Department of Planning and Zoning which included Joe Rutter, Director, Lois Villemaire and Suzy Diffenderfer. Mr. Rutter prefaced his remarks by noting that the entire zoning regulation package is available by hard copy or CD at 2664 Riva Road in the drafting section, as well as on the web at www.aacounty.org/planzone/zoning/zoningordinance.cfm. He noted that this is a total, comprehensive re-write of the zoning regulations. It is nearly impossible to directly compare these proposed regulations (200 pages) with the current ones (500 pages) which were adopted in 1971. He suggested that people should do this by comparing a proposed use. The repetition, duplications and inconsistencies have been eliminated, terminology updated and standardized, as well as making it more user friendly. The staff of the Office of Law and Office of Planning and Zoning worked together to prepare this draft. It was not written by committee. This is a piece of law, not a plan and must be legally defensible and able to be interpreted in a consistent manner. The current code has many subdivision requirements imbedded within. They have been removed and are being placed in a subdivision regulation. Both of these proposals must be submitted to the County Council as a package. The subdivision regulations will be completed within the next two weeks and should be available for review before the end of June. The zoning draft has been out since March 8th and over 100 changes have been made so far based on community and individual input. Comments are welcomed and taken seriously. Questions and comments may be made by phone at 410-222-7437 or e-mail at NewZoningLegislation@aacounty.org. The entire package will not be introduced to the County Council before August. Then there is a 30-day period before they are allowed to start the hearing process.
Lois Villemaire and Suzy Diffenderfer expanded on the comments made by Mr. Rutter. They also explained, in greater detail, the need and reasons for the revision, the goals and what they hoped to accomplish, defined the new terminology and overviewed all of the eighteen titles of Article 27 (Zoning Code). Due to space constraints, all of this information will not be included in the minutes, but is available on the county web at www.aacounty.org. It was noted that some of the terms have been changed to conform to those in the general development plan to eliminate confusion. Many charts have been included for simplification. What would appear to be missing portions have been relocated to Article 26 (Subdivision and Development Regulations). Mr. Rutter noted that there has not been a rush for variances in response to these new proposals. In response to a question about cluster development, it was noted that many changes have been made in the new code that will simplify and standardize the calculations for density. P&Z are also proposing a 30% open space requirement in residential developments as there currently is none. Larry Masterson, Woodbridge Forest, commented on the weakness of enforcement and inquired about legislative intent. Mr. Rutter noted that enforcement is part of Inspections and Permits as opposed to Zoning, but they work closely together. P&Z have recommended significant increases in fines and enforcement. Legislative intent cannot be enforced and have been proposed to be removed. The General Development Plan should set the intent. Ruffin Cooper, SCHOA, inquired about compatibility of development of adjacent properties with existing properties. Mr. Rutter explained that this has been incorporated into the Subdivision Code. He also noted that their department cannot enforce deals made by developers with communities unless it is in writing and included with the covenants.
Jumpers Hole Road Improvement Project:
John Strange resumed discussion of this subject that had been tabled from the May meeting, by reading the motion that had previously been made by Roberta Mason, Chartwell. The motion read that, “The Greater Severna Park Council take a position against widening Jumpers Hole Road.” Roberta then noted that she would like to amend the motion to read as follows, “The Greater Severna Park Council notes that the County’s April 5, 2004 Jumpers Hole Road Traffic Study does not justify any shifting or widening of Jumpers Hole Road before 2025. Additionally, the Greater Severna Park Council will continue to participate in the remainder of the study.” The amended motion was seconded and discussion followed. Al Johnston reported that all but $80,000 had been removed from the project which would only be enough to complete the study. Cathy Vitale, County Council District 5 Representative, noted that there was no money in the budget for this project and that the study would focus on the best method and location for pedestrian traffic along the road. Ken Carlson, Chartridge, distributed information regarding the concerns, including pictures of Jumpers Hole Road demonstrating the safety issues of his community. Jeff Moore, Chartwell, expressed concerns that widening the road would make it less safe. He also felt that improvements in crossings would better address the concerns. John Strange addressed the group as a delegate of West Severna Park. He felt that it was too early in the process of this study to take a position at this time and that it should wait until the study is completed and has been reviewed in its entirety. Al Johnston moved to table the motion and it was seconded and carried by a vote of 21 in favor and 1 against.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
BWI Noise Committee: Denny Stam
Denny read a portion of a letter from Ellen Sample, Director of Noise Abatement for the MAA, in appreciation of participation in the committee updating FAA regulations for BWI. The letter also indicated that a public workshop will be convened for public input in July or August – at a date yet to be determined.
Beautification and Community Enhancement Committee – Larry Masterson
Larry reported that there are now 10.4 miles of planting along the medians of Ritchie Highway from Severna Park to the MVA in Glen Burnie. He was in receipt of a letter from the Arnold Preservation Council who is interested in improvements that might continue further to Route 50, which he is pursuing. John Strange offered his compliments to Larry for the wonderful job that has been done up until now.
Education: Beth Slikker
Beth reported that the Governor has not made a decision regarding the candidates for the Board of Education and is not expected to before July 1st.
The superintendent received all of the requested money for his budget and now has located an extra $3 million that he would like to utilize for programs that had been left out of the budget. He has found another $2 million from other programs that was appropriated by the County Council. The gifted and talented programs would be one of the recipients.
Beth also reported that there were several hundred more suspensions this year than there are seats at the new academy that is supposed to handle expelled or suspended students. She plans to ask the BOE members to explore the possibility of having in-house suspensions as part of the overall plan of caring for unruly students.
The resolution for Adequacy of Facilities has been tabled by the County Council until at least July. They would like to see the schools present a plan.
Police Community Relations: Carroll Hicks
Carroll reported on the May 19th meeting for Eastern District whose guest speaker was the Director of Personnel for the AAPD. She noted that tuberculosis was on the rise in the county. In addition, she explained the 6-month application process for police officers and civilian employees of the AAPD. The next police academy begins in August.
Public Works: Dan Nataf
No report in his absence.
Zoning / Legislation: Al Johnston
Planning and Capital Projects:
Resolution 10-4 & Bill 43-03, Adequacy of School Facilities.
World War II Memorial Kevin Cooley 410 315-8489, Construction complete, landscaping pending.
Earleigh Heights Fire Co. Siren, Board meeting 6-1-04. Bill Smith, 647-2107, Secretary & contact.
Community Center Capital Program. Pools now open. Therapy in operation.
Zoning Code Revision, Rutter presentation 6-8-04 http://www.aacounty.org/PlanZone/indes.cfm.
Administrative Hearing Officer/Board of Appeals:
Olde Severna Park Letter. Janice Holmes 647-2514, MOTION Passed
WaWa et al. Special Exception & Variance Petition denied by AHO Property is capable of development other than WaWa
without a variance. BA 11-04S, 12-04S, 13-04V, 14-04V, MOTION PASSED, Hearing 6-2-04 continued 8-17-04.
Procedure problems.
BA17-04A, POSPONED TO 11-?Chuck Converse, Spec Excep (Com Septic) MOTION PASSED.
2003-0159R Raymond Woodard et al, (9 Jones Station Properties), BA 75--83-03, 4-7-04. MOTION PASSED. Standing
Challenged. Work Session 6-9-04, 5:00PM.
BA124-03A Sosnoski & Clement Hardware, R5 to C3, 2.58A, Work Session 4-9-04 5:00 PM
Subdivisions:
SP Gateway Village, S04-018, P04-041, S/P 4-22, 10:00AM, Jeff Torney 410 222-7458, T/L Bob Cooper.
St. Martin’s Retreat, S04-030, P04-066, Jeff Torney 410 222-7458 Cattail Assoc. Sketch 5-6-04 2:00PM Task Leader Ed
McNabb 410 544-8510, 222-7482. 35 houses proposed.
Barranco Properties C2004-002, Planned Comm Proj. 3 Bldgs. 5-6-04, 11:00AM. Jeff Torney x7458
Benfield Crossing, C2003-017, 1.51A Retail expansion with access from Exxon Station Sketch Plan 10-23-03. Mike Murray,
410 222-7960. SCHOA Covenants. Task Leader: Bob Cooper. Intersection of Veterans Hwy, Benfield Blvd and Route 97.
Have proposed a Dunkin Donuts and outdoor car wash center. Part of the property included an agreement with the developer
of Shipley’s Choice. The homeowners association has a say in the use of it. The owner has re-subdivided it so that he will be
building on the part not covered under their covenants.
NEW BUSINESS
Gail Smith, Community Services Specialist for the County Executive’s Office, reported that the County Council approved the budget for FY 05 with full funding for public education and an increase in fire fighters. There is no tax increase and the property tax has decreased. More money was found to assist in the huge backlog of road repairs. Ms. Smith also provided fliers regarding the Anne Arundel and Annapolis Emergency Response Team. They are recruiting groups of volunteers from the community to assist in their own neighborhoods in the event of an emergency when the first responders are overtaxed. A 20-hour training program will begin on July 23rd. She encouraged the GSPC to send 4-6 individuals to either the July or October training session. They would prefer groups with a minimum of three participants.
Gail also provided information on a program titled Neighbor to Neighbor that will provide assistance to survivors of Hurricane Isabel who is also seeking volunteers to help with clean-up and minor repairs.
The library will not be available for the general delegate meeting July; therefore, the meeting will be held at the Big Vanilla Community Room at 7:30 PM.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 PM
Executive Board – Wednesday, June 28th at 7:30 PM at the Severna Park Library.
GSPC General Meeting – Tuesday, July 13th at 7:30 PM in the community meeting room of the Big Vanilla.
Respectfully submitted,
Michele Rose, Secretary