GREATER SEVERNA PARK COUNCIL
Minutes of the April 13, 2004 Meeting
The meeting was called to order at 7:35 PM by President John Strange
Secretary’s Report: The minutes of the previous meeting were approved following the correction of the spelling of the name of Dr. Christine Amiss on page 4. 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.
Treasurer’s Report: Al Johnston, Vice-President and former Treasurer, presented the Treasurer’s report in the absence of Tom Decker. He reported a balance of $27,116.14 as of March 31, 2004. This includes $4325.13 in Beautification Trust Funds. The total is based on a previous balance of $26,945.01 with expenses totaling $154.15 for the month and income of $420.00 in dues. The treasurer’s report was approved as presented.
President’s Report: The following communities have paid dues for 2004 as of April 13th: Arnold Preservation Council, Arundel Plaza, Bendale, Ben Oaks, Bluff Point, Brittingham, Carrollton Manor, Chartridge, Chartwell, County Crusaders, Cypress Improvement, Cypress Landing, Fairwinds, Harlequin, Hollywood, Jennings Road, Kilmarnock, Kensington, Linstead, Magothy Forest, McKinsey Park, North Cape Arthur, Oakleigh Forest, Riverdale, 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 57% of last year’s total membership.
Communities should remember that a $5.00 additional fee will be added to the dues for those not paying by June 1st.
John Strange welcomed Dick Morgan, representing Severna Park High School’s PTSO, and Leonard Hall from County Crusaders.
Guest Speakers: Beth Slikker, Chairperson of the Education Committee, introduced Ms. Christine Amiss, Coordinator for the Extended Learning Program (precursor to the International Baccalaureate Program), Anne Arundel County Public Schools. Ms.Amiss presented a program, including visuals, of the background, benefits, and implementation of the program in our county high schools. The program was developed in 1968 in Geneva, Switzerland for world traveling students. There are currently 1489 schools in 115 countries with 442 in the United States. Anne Arundel County is in the process of starting the program at two schools: Annapolis High with 74 students enrolled and Old Mill High with 56 students – all enrolled in the ninth grade as this is the first year it is being offered. The number of applications has doubled for next year. The IB program attempts to provide extremely accepted qualifications for entry into higher education using world-wide standards, promote international understanding and cultural awareness, develop inquiry and thinking skills, and provide education of the whole person. The current Extended Learning Program is hoping to have authorization to be an International Baccalaureate Program by next year for grades 11 and 12.
The curriculum covers six subject areas: Language A1, Language A2, Experimental Sciences, Math and Computer Science, Arts, and Individuals and Society. The students must perform an individual piece of research – a 4000-word essay, complete the Theory of Knowledge course, complete IB exam requirements in all subject areas, as well as complete 150 hours of creativity, action, or service in order to graduate with an IB diploma.These students are well prepared for college with a well-rounded background. They know how to write papers, do research and manage their time well. The program gives them a competitive edge on their college applications. The criteria for selection for the program includes 8th grade students with a GPA of 3.0 in grade 7 and the first quarter of 8th grade and with scores in stanines 6,7,8 or 9 in the CTBS in reading, math, and language arts. The students must also have completed Algebra I and the first year of a foreign language with at least a B. Only one student from Severna Park is participating at Old Mill this year, but it increases to five next year. The cost of transportation for the entire program is about $60,000. Students are picked up at consolidated bus stops.
These students are integrated into the regular school activities and schedules. Class sizes are the 30’s, the same as any other class. 95% of the current students plan to continue in the program.
Maureen Carr-York, GSPC Director, introduced Rob Leahy, Chairperson of the Citizens Advisory Committee of Severna Park High School. Every school in Maryland is required to have a CAC. Part of their function is to advise the Board of Education on any issues related to education; however, they don’t lobby or fundraise. Members of the CAC are volunteers - any citizen may participate. You do not need to have a student at the school. The next meeting is scheduled for April 15th at 7 PM at SPHS. This year SPHS has been working on changing the starting time which is 7:17 AM. Due to transportation issues, some students must be picked up as early as 6 AM. Many studies show that the teenage biological clock is not designed for this. They naturally are awake later in the evening and arise late. The SPHS CAC cluster (all Severna Park public schools) has volunteered to run a pilot program with a later start time, preferably 45 minutes to one hour later, for the high school. This would involve many issues, including transportation, sports programs, after school jobs, etc. It has not been approved as of this time.
Buy a Seat Program: Dick Morgan, Chairperson of the Auditorium Seating Committee for Severna Park High School PTSO, gave a brief presentation about this new program. The current seating is the original, wooden seating placed there over 40 years ago. The cost of replacing it is approximately $150,000. The Board of Education does not have the funds, so this committee has begun the first initiative with the “Buy a Seat” campaign. Seats may be purchased for $150.00 each, side rows of 12 seats for $1650.00 and center rows of 14 seats for $1950.00. Brass name tags will be placed on each seat with the donor’s name. SPHS is one of only two high schools in this county that still have this type of seating. The school is hoping to receive support from communities and local businesses. If interested in purchasing a seat or donating to the program, please contact Dick at 410-647-6450 or see the school’s web site at: www.severnaparkhigh.org/ptso/index.html.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
BWI Noise Committee: Denny Stam
In Denny’s absence, Jennifer Campbell, Carrollton Manor, reported on the March meeting with the FAA and MAA. In response to a proposal to widen the turn of one of the departing routes, they decided against it as it was felt that it would interfere with arriving planes. A consultant has been hired to analyze the noise impact. Their report will be placed on the GSPC web site. Noise standards were set 12± years ago by the Department of Transportation and need to be updated. Therefore, it would appear that it needs to be addressed at the federal legislative level. Al Johnston will provide the names of the appropriate contact persons at the next meeting. John Strange offered the assistance of the GSPC in forming a group to pursue this matter.
Beautification and Community Enhancement Committee – Larry Masterson
Al Johnston reported, in the absence of the chairperson, that the median strip of Ritchie Highway is being improved with plans to continue this work to Route 50 over the summer. It includes some planting, but mostly maintenance.
Education: Beth Slikker
Beth noted that there are four candidates for the open seat on the School Board, two of which live in Severna Park – Michael Leahy and George Schmidt. The other two are Jackie Allsup and Pam Bukowski. Janice Holmes, Olde Severna Park, and Maureen Carr-York, GSPC Director and Brittingham delegate, will be representing the GSPC during the School Board Nominating process. The next convention hearing is on April 14th at 7:00 PM at Severna Park High School.
Michael Leahy made a brief presentation regarding his candidacy. He expressed concerns about the state of the infrastructure and state of the curriculum. He has found considerable apathy on the part of the general public and encouraged all communities and organizations to send delegates to the convention.
Police Community Relations: Carroll Hicks
Carroll reported on the March 17th meeting of the Eastern District Police Community Relations Committee where the Sargent of the Year award was presented to Ted VanArsdale, who has 23 ½ years service on the force. In addition, handouts were made available regarding identity theft.
Public Works: Dan Nataf
A private consulting company has completed the Jumpers Hole Road Improvement / Sidewalk Study which Dan has not yet seen. Further info to follow. Mark Jacobs, Cypress Glen, expressed concerns about huge potholes next to the traffic circle at Arundel Beach Road and Leelynn which have been patched unsatisfactorily. Dan will call about it. Ann Demajistre, Ben Oaks, inquired about a new development on Benfield and the resultant road destruction which Dan will also call about. Michele Rose, Kilmarnock, noted the increase in drivers running the red light at Jumpers Hole Road and Benfield.
Zoning / Legislation: Al Johnston
The General Assembly ended on April 12th. The structural deficit was not resolved. Budget adopted $23.8 billion. No slots
HB 677 McConkey: referendum BOE selection of members WITHDRAWN.
HB 1204 Mobile Telephone Sales and Use Tax – DIED IN COMMITTEE.
County budget presentation – 5/4/04.
Planning and Capital Projects:
Jumpers Hole Road Project H478823, Dan Anderson. Joint request to study. 144-page report received 4-9-
04 which includes two options. Option 1 – 5’ sidewalk next to Chartridge, 4’ shoulder, 2-12’ traffic lanes, and
a 4’ shoulder on the Chartwell side. Option 2 – 5’ sidewalk next to Chartridge, 4’ shoulder, 3 – 12’ lanes
(turning lane in the middle), an 8’ shoulder that would contain a designated bicycle path. The county has
requested a response by 5-5-04. Al made a motion to request that the Department of Public Works open the comments
until May 19th which was approved by affirmation. Oren Omar, Chartwell, requested that Chartwell be allowed five
minutes at the next meeting to express their position.
Earleigh Heights Siren Fire Co. – All will meet with Bill Smith to discuss further.
TransAAAC, 3/31/04. presentation by Balto Metro Council. Ritchie Highway, north of Jones Station and Robinson
Roads are one of the worst traffic areas.
North Branch Cypress Creek Committee, Grant App., Chesapeake Bay Trust, Lou Heck 410 647-6191
GSPC sent grant program support letters 3-1-04. Sean Crawford 410 699-9401 Ron Etzel 410-222-7575. No word yet.
Community Center Capital Program. Bond bill died in both House and Senate Committees.
Zoning:
Administrative Hearing Officer (AHO) /Board of Appeals:
BA 100-03A Richland Homes Permit to demolish 110 Water Street which involves the merging of two lots versus the
ability to build on both. Hearing 3-2-04, Continued to 6-22-04. Olde Severna Park position letter received. A motion of
resolution to support Olde Severna Park in this case was approved by affirmation.
2003-201S, 203S & 367V, 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, Notice mailed 3-30-04.
Rescheduled 5-11-04 6:30 PM. The building will now have a brick front.
2003-0159R Raymond Woodard et al, (9 Jones Station Properties), BA 75--83-03, 4-7-04. GSPC standing to appear
challenged. Petitioner brief due 4-14, protestants brief due 4-21
2003-0328R Sosnoski & Clement Hardware, R5 to C3, 2.58A, 4-21-04. Resolution previously approved.
Subdivisions:
New subdivision sign Jumpers Hole Road – involves Sabrina Park community which opposes the development of the
narrow strip of land at the intersection of Earleigh Heights Connector Road and Pineview Avenue. Will be reviewed at
the next GSPC Board meeting.
SP Gateway Village, SO4-018, PO4-041, S/P 4-22, 10 AM, Jeff Torney 410-222-7458, T/L Bob Cooper. Al presented
a visual plan of the Veteran’s Highway development which includes 3-story, 2-story, and single-story retail and office
buildings, and over age 55 residential units with underground parking. The appearance will be similar to the new
Crofton shopping center.
St. Martin’s Retreat, SO4-030, PO4-066, Jeff Torney 410-222-7458 Cattail Assoc. Sketch 5-6-04 2:00 PM. Task
Leader Ed Mc Nabb 410-544-8510, 222-7482. Located at the end of St. Martin’s Lane with six houses in the community
of Severna Forest.
Barranco Properties C2004-002, planned commercial project with 3 buildings, 5-6-04, 11:00 AM
NEW BUSINESS
Janice Holmes, Olde Severna Park, reported that ASPIRE is requesting a small grant ($2500.00) from Kodak to enhance an architectural drawing that includes a pedestrian access to the center of Severna Park. She will bring the drawing to the GSPC meeting next month.
Michael Busch, Speaker of the House, is the scheduled guest speaker for May. There are no further scheduled speakers from June to December. There have been discussions of several ideas, but none definite. Al Johnston suggested that June be set aside as a work session for the new zoning code. It was suggested that Cathy Vitale be requested for July.
The library will not be available for our general delegate meetings in June and July. Further information about
another location to follow.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:43 PM
Executive Board – Wednesday, April 28th at 7:30 PM at the Severna Park Library.
GSPC General Meeting – Tuesday, May 11th at 7:30 PM in the meeting room of the Severna Park Library.
*** Special note: The June 8th and July 13th general delegates meetings will be held at the Big Vanilla community meeting room.
Respectfully submitted,
Michele Rose, Secretary