GREATER
SEVERNA PARK COUNCILGREATER
SEVERNA PARK COUNCIL
Meeting
July 10, 2007
Minutes
The meeting was called to order by President Maureen Carr-York at 7:30 pm at the Severna Park Library.
Maureen started the meeting with the introduction of several new members and participants. Krista Harkum is the new Delegate from Cape Arther, Marcia Werntz is delegate from Kensington and Craig Enck from Chartwell who will assist on the Airport Noise Committee with Denny Stam.
Secretary’s Report: Jerry Pesterfield presented the June minutes for approval. Without objection the minutes were approved as submitted.
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Steve Poland reported the following for June 2007:
Income – Dues $210.00, Dividend $10.00, Interest $1.52
Expenses – Community Center donation $250.00, PO Box rental $68.00, July 4th
booth fee $25.00, Office supplies/copies $41.72
Balances as of 06/30/2007:
Checking $1,778.69
Money Market $2,450.13
Beautification Fund $2,450.60
President’s Report: Maureen read the names of the 10 HOA’s that are delinquent with the 2007 GSPC dues. Arundel Plaza, Carrollton Manor,
Chartridge, Crain West, East Earleigh Heights, Evergreen, Fair Oaks,
McKinsey Woods, Round Bay, Twin Harbors
Special Guests:
Barbara Wilson representing Del. McConkey’s office
Danny Timtishin representing Senator Greenip’s office
Environmental Committee:
George Acree reported that a State representative would give an update on the North Cypress Branch Stream and Ecological Restoration Project on July 12th. They will be cleaning the gulches out all the way to the Magothy River until December.
The Severn River Association annually presents the “Blue Heron” award to the community with outstanding achievements for the Severn River. This year’s winner is West Severna Park. The award will be presented at the following meeting.
The
Severn River Association cordially invites you to our next talk of the
Save Our Severn (SOS) Speaker Series.
These talks are free and are open to the public - click the title above for full
series description.
Living
Shoreline Celebration
7 PM, Tuesday July 17, 2007
West Severna Park Community Association
443 Holland Rd
(Map)
Severna Park MD 21146 (This is not our regular meeting location)
The evening will include information on how to install living shorelines, and a short tour of a real living shoreline project site. Living shorelines protect shore areas from wave action, while enhancing habitat for Bay life like terrapins, crabs and small fish. Native grasses are planted to help stabilize the shoreline and provide habitat, and they are designed also to provide for wildlife passage.
Al mentioned that the Severn River Commission was developing a watershed plan. The legwork is being done by the Dept. of Public Works.
Questions were asked about Gypsy Mouth spraying. Al will provide Maryland Department of Agriculture Forest Service Management contact information at Headquarters as 410 841-5922 or Anne Arundel County at 301 782-7155
Bylaws Committee: Dan has put together a sample of what an online ballot process would look like to discuss with the Board. After the Board reviews it will be presented to the general membership for discussion.
Police Relations: Al presented the organization and job descriptions of key of positions within the County Police under Commander Johnson. As soon as we get an electronic copy we will send out to everyone.
The consistent behavior that ALL OF US CAN FIX is to:
Lock your cars when leaving them
Don’t leave cars running to dash into a business
Keep your garage doors closed when not present
Public Works: Dan reported the sewer line upgrade continues on Benfield and West Benfield Blvd. Most of the equipment and work has moved to West Benfield. Detour signs to be reviewed for accuracy.
It was also suggested that the new poles installed to separateWest bound Benfield traffic from merging traffic from Veterans Hwy be painted yellow instead of white.
Centennial/ASPIRE: The one mural has been completed and the other 3 are still planned.
GSPC had a tented booth at the 4th of July event. They sold popcorn to raise money and support for the Mural project. It was also an opportunity to provide awareness of the GSPC organization.
BWI Noise Committee: No activity to report.
Zoning/Legislation: Al reviewed a variety of issues that he is tracking. Below you will find the detailed list of current issues.
Z/L Agenda 7-10-07
Legislation, Planning and Capital Projects:
West Benfield sewer reconstruction.
Noise Bill-work session 7-10-07
Handicapped Parking Bill Council Bill 44-07, an ordinance which increases the fines for those persons that unlawfully park
Living Shoreline Celebration, 7 PM, Tuesday July 17, 2007, West Severna Park Community Assn, 443 Holland Rd
Severn River Association Annua Meeting
Severn River Commission June Meeting
Administrative Hearing Officer/Board of Appeals/MDE-Corps of Engineers/Circuit Court:
2007-93-R College Parkway Baptist Church, et al. R1 to R5 7 lots on steep slopes-mistake, Denied 7-2-07, T/L S. Mumma
BA 5-07-V Herbert Mitchell 4-26-07, buffer to steep slopes (Holly Ridge) Board-take no action. Watch
BA 82-06A, R. Dreams, Inc, (Beyerlein), 8351 Veterans Highway, 5-9-07 Postponed fr 3-29-07 (Shipley's Retreat)
Kelly Kenny, Asst County Attorney on Consent Decree. Procedural issues. Deliberation extended Watch
BA83-06-R M. Piera, 5-10 5:30 R2 to C3 denial, 977 Ritchie, Arnold, T/L S. Mumma Watch
2007-102-V C. Goldschmidt, 5-15, garage in front yard, 100 Edgewater Rd, (Round Bay) Planner W. Ethridge, Watch ????
2007-45-S Spectic, LLC, 5-17-07 expansion nonconforming 6apartments 321 Magothy Rd (Manhattan Bch)
T/L Brian Oates, Denied 6-22-07
2007-93-R, 6-7-07, Collge Parkway Baptist Church R1 to R5 17.33 A, mistake, 7 new lots, T/L S. Mumma, Denied 7-2-07
BA 65-06-V John Barry, 8-15 6:30PM, steep slopes, Park Dr (Old Severna Park) J. Furry-Planner, T/L B.Warman.
BA 17-07-V Dreamcraft Homes(2006-395-V) 7-26-07 3 5:30M, dwelling setback, slopes, 481Lymington. T/L Frank Galloway, Planner: John Fury
BA 75-06R(2006-0222R), BA 76-06R(20006-0223R), Severna Park Market Center LC, 10-18-07 Rebuttal. R5 to C3,
T/L Adrienne Croll (Berrywood) & Judy Todd (Berrywood Ridge). SHA prior ownership argued as a mistake.
BA 51-06-V. Boyer, (2006-152-V) dwelling-conditions-100' bog buffer, (Olde Severna Park) 747 B & A Blvd, Postponed 8-2.
Recission/modification under Sec. 18-16-404.
BA 88-06-A Converse Group, Postponed to 9-3-07, subdivision plat S2004-062, P2005-052, 22 Truck House Road
BA 1-07-A Dutchship (Little Dobbins)(CBF) (MRA) Motion to Dismiss granted 4-3, 4-3-07 Watch Appeal
BA 3-07-A, David Clickner, pier with no principal structure, excess impervious surfaces, 7-31-07 6:30PM, Land Trust purchase. Watch
Court Cases:
Paul Gunby Jr. v. OSPI, et al, Court of Special Appeals 2005, 1180. Community riparian rights. T/L Bryan Warman
BA 128-R Steven Curtis, 8657 Veterans H’way, C2 request in R2 zone, County Council mistake for not affirmatively
considering during rezoning. Vote 5-2 to deny. Appealed to Circuit Court 2-2-07 as Case C-2007-120132.AA
County Office of Law will appear. GSPC watch but not appear. File Compleete, Not Scheduled 7-10-07. 222-1431
Board of Appeals Deliberation Meeting 6-25-07
BA83-06-R M. Piera, R2 to C3 using new survey, Granted 6-2
BA 82-06A, R. Dreams, Inc, Shipley's Retreat appeal of reinstated nonconforming use, Denied-Unanimously
BA 5-07-V Herbert Mitchell, buffer to steep slopes (Holly Ridge) GSPC Watch, Granted with conditions Unanimously
Community Meetings:
Miller Propery, 1285 B&A Blvd, (opposite Glven Oban), additional lot, Library, 7-30-07 6:00PM
Brockmeyer Property, 122 Arundel Beach Road, 5 lots, Library 7-17-07 7:00PM
Wagner Property, 160 Jumpers Hole Road, minor subdivision to create bulk parcel, Library 7-24-07 6:15PM
Truck House Road Property, 0 Truck House Rd, resubdivision of platted community, Library 7-26-07 6:00PM
Subdivisions:
1 Admiral Drive, Minor-North Severna Park, S94-023 P06-80, M32P25L1, Modification to Final-T/L John Hubbard
Community Meeting 6-7-07, Prepared to file Final Subdivision Plan. Resolution
406 Ash Circle-Minor Severna Forest, (Stafford) S1994-023 P2006-80, 7-18-06, Planner Karen Llaanes7458
Community Meeting 6-13-07, Prepared to file Final Subdivision Plan Resolution
Arnold Hgts, Final, S1998-108 P2006-73, 3 Units Age, Lighthouse Dev, ADC H1, x7458
Listman Truck House Rd. Minor 1 exhisting, 2 new, TM 23, P277, 4.99A
Michaelson subdivision-Community Meeting 8-28-06, Cypress Creek Community 4SFD Merged Lots T/L E. Krause
Quadrangle C06-0062, 400 Jumpers Hole Rd, Residential Age Restricted 4SFD Condo Planner Bill Love x7458
Napier Property (John Taylor), 8419 Woodland Rd, 2SFC, MS 1978-057, P 2006-91 Planner Gary Maragos x7458
Cattail Passage, no stormwater treatment facility-Wayne Howard telcon 7-18-06, email Jeff Torney.
Susan McConkey, 207 Cypress Creek Road, Community Meeting 7:00PM 7-16-06, Jones Elementary School
St. Martins Retreat "New", Final 13 Units, Cattail Assoc. S2004-030, P2006-0055, 13 lots, Jeff Torney x7458
Sullivan's Retreat, Nantucket North, LLC, Final 16 Age, 4-13-06, S2004-060, P 2006-0053Bill Love x7458,
Century 21 Office Project Ritchie Highway. Gary Hoffer, Public Meeting 6-29, north of former Sunoco Station.
Items to be discussed and noted for follow:
ANNE ARUNDEL WEEK IN REVIEW
Friday's at 7pm and 10pm, Saturday's at 6am,
9am,noon, 3pm, 6pm and 9pm, Sunday's at 6am, 9am,noon, 3pm, 6pm and 9pm,
Monday's at 6am, 9am,noon and 6pm, Tuesday's at 8am, 4pm and 8pm, Wednesday's at
8am, 4pm and 8pm, Thursday's at 8am, 4pm, 8pm
Direct Constituent Service Line is (410) 222-2222 Will be answered
8:30 to 4:30 Monday through Friday.
Whitney's Landing dredging request County-caused damage. Meeting 8-30-06, T/L Denny Stamm.
Beautification: No report
Education: Maureen read a written report submitted by Education Committee Chairperson Michele Rose listed below:
First, I would like to thank Beth Slikker for her long service to the GSPC and this committee in particular. My hope is that she will still remain a vital member of the committee. I am also hoping that we can obtain several more committee members to represent elementary, middle and high school levels. Anyone interested, should contact me by phone at 410-544-8302 or e-mail at mrose@cablespeed.com. We can probably accomplish much of the work by e-mail, in case anyone is already feeling overburdened with meetings.
The Board of Education passed an $871 million budget on June 20th, but still feels that they are going to be desperately short of what is needed. Therefore, they are looking at ways to cut expenses. They have managed to find the funding for the International Baccalaureate Middle Years program, which hopes to enroll 100 students at Annapolis Middle, Old Mill Middle North and MacArthur Middle. Cuts have been made that will leave 100 open positions vacant, which includes 50 teaching positions. They will also adjust the indoor temperatures by two degrees, increase walking distances for bus riders and decrease travel expenses for staff. In any event haggling over school spending between the County Executive, County Council and the school board continues, as it has for as long as one can remember – some years are just better than others. The on-line poll conducted by the BOE on its website indicated that those responding wanted more money spent on education; however, less than 50% of those wanted increased taxes for it. Only about 2000 people participated in this poll.
The KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program Harbor Academy) charter school has outgrown its present location in the Sojourner-Douglass College and is fighting to stay open while still trying to find a suitable location. The county has now offered to provide funding for portable classrooms, but they have already lost many of their teachers who have left in anticipation of the closure. This is still a fluid situation.
The petition to change the new school board appointment process, which replaces the School Board Nominating Convention, has failed due to lack of sufficient valid signatures. The new School Board Nominating Commission went into effect July 1st. Still awaiting names of appointees to the commission.
Severna Park High School has a new principal – Jason Dykstra, formerly of Southern High. One of the administrators from Severna Park High, Mary Alice Todd, has been promoted to principal at Southern. She will be replaced by an administrator from Southern, William Smith. Rocco Ferretti, formerly from Central Elementary, will become the new principal at Shipley’s Choice Elementary. Their previous principal had been moved to the Central Office and is now being reassigned as the principal at South Shore Elementary.
Most of you have read or heard about the cheating scandal
at Severna Park High
School, which involved three students who were accused of cheating on an AP
(Advanced Placement) exam. The other students were required to retake the exam.
Those students involved in the cheating are or have gone through the
disciplinary process for students, which is meant to be confidential. The
previous principal, Dr. Hamilton, had pledged to develop a Code of Honor for
SPHS in conjunction with students and parents. Since Dr. Hamilton has now
retired, it will be up to the new principal to decide what further steps may be
taken. This situation was unfortunate, but in no way represents the majority of
students.
Another situation that received press and editorial coverage was the graduation ceremony at SPHS. There has been an on-going problem with disrespectful behavior by students and some
parents / audience involving the tossing of inflatable items and doing the wave. It is a particular problem during the delivery of addresses by distinguished guests, as well as student leaders. Having had four children graduate from SPHS, I have seen the increase in this activity over the years. There is plenty of blame to go around to all parties involved.
New Business: none
Unfinished Business: none
Next Meetings:
General Meeting - August 14, 2007 7:30 pm Severna Park Library
Board Meeting- July25, 2007 7:30 pm Severna Park Library
The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 pm.
Respectfully Submitted
Jerry L. Pesterfield
GSPC Board Secretary
