GREATER SEVERNA PARK COUNCIL

The meeting was called to order by President Maureen Carr-York at 7:35 pm at the Severna Park Library.

Secretary’s Report: Wes Adams produced the December meeting minutes which were distributed to the membership via email. Without objection the minutes were approved as submitted.

Treasurer’s Report: Jerry Pesterfield, on behalf of Steve Poland, Treasurer, submitted the December Finance report which was read to the membership. Below are the key numbers from the report which will be filed for audit purposes.

Income – Dues $0.00 (no 2010 dues yet received), Money Market $0.29, CD interest $167.50
Account balances (as of 12/31/2009)
BB&T checking = $ 3,013.15
SmithBarney money market = $ 271.09
SmithBarney CDs = $25,000.00
Beautification Trust Fund balance (as of 12/31/2009)
BankAnnapolis = $ 2,465.95
BB&T Checking
Checks paid in December – None

President’s Report: 52 Communities in Good Standing YTD 2010/11 Communities in Arrears.

President Maureen Carr-York thanked the delegation and especially Jerry Pesterfield for his support and work on behalf of the GSPC, and commented that it has been an honor and joy to serve as President for four years and on the Board of Directors for three years before that. She is eager to help and provide information to the new President, Jerry Pesterfield. She advised that she is leaving because she is running for County Council to replace Cathy Vitale whose term ends in December 2010. She turned the leadership over to Jerry Pesterfield and John Norville of the Nominating Committee to discuss the final outcome of the votes for the 2010 GSPC.

Nominating Committee: Chairman John Norville and Jerry Pesterfield reported on the e-voting and final audit, and asked if any community delegate not voting by email was present and wanted to cast a vote. The Whitehurst Community delegate was present and voted yes for the entire slate of candidates. It was announced that there were 47 communities voting yes for the entire slate of candidates resulting in a super quorum. It was also noted for the record that the audit is available for review by delegates. The 2010 elected Council members are:

John Norville thanked Julie Krause and Charlie Miller for their assistance on the 2009 Nominating Committee. He also thanked all voting Delegates for the super quorum needed. Mr. Norville also announced that the GSPC is looking for candidates for December 2010 Election to serve in 2011. He then presented a Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of the Board and the Delegates to departing President Maureen Carr-York, which read:

“The Greater Severna Park Council – Certificate of Appreciation to Maureen Carr-York – for her many years of faithful service and contributions to the Greater Severna Park Community, including serving as President. From the G.S.P.C. Board of Directors and Delegates, January 2010.”

Special Guest: County Councilwoman Cathy Vitale: Addressed the Delegation regarding the year in review and year ahead. Areas of high concern discussed were:

- Anticipated budget shortfall in 2011 and need to cut services state-wide. About $82 million in projects will not move forward, the county has turned back $41 million in State funds on core projects including education, public safety and public works, parks and recreation, and library services due to concerns about having the matching funds.

She commented that it will be hard to justify $17-18,000 in bonuses along with $138,000 annual salaries for some county employees. Most programs including signature projects are on hold. County Executive Leopold projects a $93 million negative balance.

- The Severna Park High School construction feasibility study amounting to $747,000 is in the budget

according to John Hammond, but residents need to send letters of support to County Executive Leopold.

- Cathy Vitale said it may be possible to “undue” slots at Arundel Mills depending whether they can get 8,500

- The draft Bill concerning zoning, under Article 18, in small business districts along Ritchie

GSPC Board Member Dan Nataf presented the proposed 2010 GPSC Community Survey. The last survey was conducted in 1992. Mr. Nataf requested volunteers from the GSPC and communities with the goal of bringing together a planning coalition to create a comprehensive survey providing backing and guidance for goals and priorities of GSPC for planning purposes. Recommended a cross-section of participants from all communities and reasonable participation to develop a survey questionnaire and on-line survey with the goal of setting up special interest Q/As for areas of high concerns, including residents in Round Bay and forestry and critical tree issues related to Ritchie Highway maintenance. Motion to adopt the proposal and provide funding was approved without objection.

Education Committee: Brad Meyers provided a brief update on the Severna Park High School Construction Feasibility Study, and encouraged all communities to be proactive in their support of funding in the 2011 Budget by completing the online survey at http://www.aacps.org/. It was also stated that Severna Park Middle School’s $53 million revitalization project is on target to be completed by summer 2010.

Police Relations: Buck Brown discussed Anne Arundel County Police efforts to compile basic statistics on how the County is doing on gang activity especially in the Crofton area based on recent incidents. The greater Severna Park Area is relatively free of gang activities, but John Norville commented that he attended the AA county police community meeting where discussions centered on the growing gang activity that the police are monitoring in the Brooklyn Park area. He advised delegates that they should attend the monthly meetings to obtain more information and keep up to date on gang related activities and concerns.

Public Works: Ric Neseth of North Severna Park commented on the traffic concerns of the North Severna Park Community, particularly those of the residents of Marbury Road. The Association does not expect the volume to disappear, but they are actively pursuing ways to improve timing of lights to see if changes can be made to the traffic signal to slow down traffic since over 1,000 cars are coming through Marbury.

Aspire Report – Earl Schaffer advised delegates that the February 24 Awards Recognition Dinner will be held at Chartwell. Nominations are due end of January. GSPC has nominated John Norville for the award.

Zoning/Legislation: Discussion of the various bills, cases, etc. concerning zoning and legislation being followed was presented by Al Johnson –

GSPC Zoning/Legislation Agenda 1-12-10, Boldface=Discussion, Regular Typeface= Information Only

Board of Appeals Rules Hearing 1-28-09, Proposed changes presented. Hearings pending.

Growth Action Network, http://growthaction.net/#news, Joint Meeting with Planning and Zoning Officer, Larry Tom 1-26-10, Review of pending legislation.

Slots Bills. 81-86 12-7-09, Bill 81 excludes Arundel Mills, Bill 82 permits Arundel Mills. Both 81-09 & 82-09 passed, County Executive Signed 82-09 and Vetoed 81-09. Petition drive initiated by a consortium of Community organizations and Laurel Park interests.

Comprehensive Rezoning Process, Applications 12-1-09 through 2-12-10. Application form now on County Webpage. GSPC will review all applications within the GSPC defined boundaries. 50+ estimate.

(Art 15 Stormwater, Art 16 Permits (webpage), Art 17 Subdivision, Art 18 Zoning, revisions scheduled to be introduced in January. Draft Design Manual and Draft Article 16 & 17 now on County webpage)

Administrative Hearing Officer/Board of Appeals/MDE-Corps of Engineers-Zoning Complaints:

BA 51-06V (2006-152-V) 747 B & A Blvd, Special Exception-3 vehicle limit-10,000 lbs limit, (OSPIA). Rhodes Conference Robin White Zoning Inspector 6-30-09.

Maryland Marvels-Severn School Gym, traffic issues-League games:12-20 and 12-27. OSPIA has Concerns.

2009-44-S KHI Deep Creek Villas 12-4-09 SE Asst Living, Bellerive Dr. (APC, BCC, Broadneck-watch)

Special Exception Granted, 63 page Decision with conditions in the critical area. Appealed 1-4-10.

Board of Education 1-6-10 Offer-$2M for eight classrooms at Broadneck High School. Accepted unanimously.

2009-22-R Blanchfield-Gerst, 5-7-09, Jumpers Hole Rd, R5 to C2, AHO Granted 6-4-09 Covenants received.

Telcon with Ginger Reeves. Kensington will review at their December 15^th Board meeting.

BA 2-09A (2008-303-V) West Haven, 10-14-09. 280 Tolstoy Ln, path+parking (watch), Eight hearings, 56 attendees.

BA 45-09A K. Faulkner, 11-17-09 6:30PM, 101 Ritchie H’way, AHO denied nonconforming, Oppose 9-29-09.

Tenant Twin Enterprises source of complaint-large Cat Tractors. Excellent nonconforming Petitioner case.

BA 47-09A B. Frantom, 11-18-09 Granted 1201 B & A Blvd, Arnold, nonconforming boat repair/storage & firewood.

BA 68-09A R. Warren, 12-21-09 5:30PM 407 South Dr, crane to life boats illegal NCU, (L Magothy Beach)

Board of Appeals Deliberations:

BA 45-09A K. Faulkner, 12-3-09, Nonconforming Use Granted noting zoning violation, Decision pending.

Case C-08-133214 (BA 76-06R, 20006-223R) Berrywood et al v Marketplace. 7-6-09, Request for $2,306.50

Order under Rule 7-116. Judgment issued 11-6-09. Valley-Hi has made payment.

Case C-07124679 (BA 82-06A), R. Dreams, Inc (Beyerlein), 8351 Vet H'way, (Shipley's Retreat) Denied,

8-9-07, 2-15-08 Remanded. Board of Appeals Board Denied, 12-18-08, Appealed 1-14-09 Procedures-New

Case C-09137689 new # for C-07124679, Hearing 11-9-09. Judge Silkworth-under advisement. Letter.

Court of Special Appeals Cases, Clerk 410 260-1450, Court of Appeals Clerk 410-260-1500.

Case 60, 2009 Term, Chesapeake Bay Foundation Inc, et al, (Little Dobbins Island), dismissed by Board of

Lack of Standing. Multiple Parties (MRA, CAC) Briefing Cycle until approximately 1-20-10.

Case 2250 Sept Term 2007 Steve Curtis v. AA Cnty (Circuit Court Case C-07-120132, BA82-02A)

Application for C2 in R2 zone, Applicant argued County Council made a mistake for not affirmatively

(Crain West). Zoning Enforcement cleared to enforce Consent Order, District Court schedule February

Cattail Associates 1-12-10 7:00, St. Martins Church, 19 SFD at 516 & 524 St. Martins Lane.

Sketch Plans/Subdivisions Approved: http://www.aacounty.org/LandUse/SubActivity/index.cfm

Severn River Association 1-19-10 7:00PM, Calvary Methodist Church, Annapolis, Techniques for local

Magothy River Association, Acquisition of Dobbins Island project. NBC News 1-4-10

Greater Severna Park Watershed Action Group 1-7-10, Earth Day 2010 Planning.

EPA Outlines Framework for Holding States, D.C. Accountable for Reducing Chesapeake Bay

C:\gspc\agenda\zlagenda\zlagenda 1-12-10, Al Johnston 410 647-1380, j202gspc@comcast.net

Following adoption of the 2009 General Development Plan, the Office of Planning and Zoning will initiate a Comprehensive Zoning process. The application period for the 2010 Comprehensive Zoning will be held between December 1, 2009 and February 12, 2010. The Comprehensive Zoning Application and Instructions are now available on the County website.

“Policy: Comprehensive zoning changes must demonstrate the following criteria: (2009 GDP Final Draft p115)

1) The change in zoning will further one or more of the established goals and policies in the adopted GDP or Small Area Plan.

2) The change is zoning will not be contrary to an establish goal or policy in the adopted GDP or Small Area Plan.

3) The change in zoning will allow a land use that is compatible with the surrounding land uses, so as to promote the health, safety and welfare of present and future residents.”

Brenda Reiber – from County Executive Leopold’s office advised the delegation that ‘Community Connection Day’ will be held at Old Mill High School on March 28 from 6 to 8:30 pm. All county agencies will be present providing a constituent open house to speak one on one with County Executive Leopold and Department Heads including the Director of Planning and Zoning. She also mentioned the State Census Office will do active outreach to ensure reaching minority communities.

Next GSPC Meetings: Board Meeting: Wednesday, January 27, 2009 – 7:30 p.m. Woods Church