GREATER SEVERNA PARK COUNCIL

General Community Meeting

March 09, 2010

Minutes

The meeting was called to order by President Jerry Pesterfield at 7:35 p.m. at the Severna Park Library.

Mr. Pesterfield notified delegates that tragically Brenda Reiber’s husband passed away unexpectedly. He asked the delegates to sign a card that was being circulated, and extended the Boards deep condolences to Brenda and her family. Donations are being accepted for a trust fund that has been set up for the children.

Mr. Pesterfield introduced Chris Isham, representing the Severna Park Chamber of Commerce; Senator Edward R. Reilly, District 33; and special guest speakers Doug Hart, Acting Director, Anne Arundel County Health Office, and Anne Meyers, Marketing Director “Partners In Care.”

Secretary’s Report: Kathy Michels produced the January meeting minutes which were distributed to the membership via email. Without objection the minutes were approved as submitted. The February Meeting was cancelled due to inclement weather.

Treasurer’s Report: Steve Poland, Treasurer, submitted the January-February Finance report which was read to the membership. Below are the key numbers from the report which will be filed for the record and audit purposes.

2010 General Operating Budget approved by the Board: $1,960

As of February 28, 2010:

Total Income = $1,405.00

Dues $805.00; Money Market / CD interest $0; Berrywood: Donation $100.00, Reimbursement $500.00

Account Balances = $29,661.84

BB&T checking = $ 4,390.75

SmithBarney money market = $ 271.09

SmithBarney (CDs (4) = $25,000.00

Beautification Trust Fund balance:

Bank of Annapolis = $ 2,465.95

BB&T Checking
#2163 (Office Depot) = $ 10.50

Annual Dues: 53 communities are in good standing 2010 YTD; 28 communities have paid their dues as of March 9, 2010. Ten communities are in arrears: 2009 (7); 2008 (1); 2007 (2).

Audit Report: Submitted to the Board and General Counsel and will be reported next month.

Without objection the Treasurer’s Report was approved as submitted by the GSPC Board.

President’s Report: Mr. Pesterfield commented that he prefers not to continue to make monthly reports on dues paid and in arrears since the information is covered in the monthly Treasurer’s report. He would like to speak on issues the greater Severna Park communities would like to have more information on. Therefore, two weeks prior to each general meeting, he will circulate an email to all communities requesting topics for discussion.

Senator Edward R. Reilly, District 33: Senator Reilly gave a brief overview of the 34 days left in the 2010 legislative session to work on 125 pending bills. Balanced Budget was submitted to Senate for review. $1 billion of $32 billion in Stimulus Bill funds received are recurring expenses. Recurring expenses being paid from next year includes $346 million federal stimulus dollars for Medicaid. If not appropriated by Congress will be a major problem for Maryland residents if the Bill is approved as submitted. Goal is to bring expenditures down, and encourage discussions on the 70 pieces of related legislation, including reductions associated with:

- Cutting $840 million from State budget affecting municipality’s Statewide; e.g., Ocean City and the Baltimore zoo

- Maryland state employees facing 12 to 14 furlough days

- $4 million loss from transportation/roads

- Aquaculture effort to encourage waterman to put out floats that are easy to handle. New businesses have to pay rental fees to support the 8 million oyster harvesting industry. Waiver of fees from small business owners passed 47-0.

- Unemployment fund disappearing and goal is to help businesses since so many people are out of work. $126-120 million grant to replenish unemployment benefits is high-- may have to look at options for lowering benefits.

New Hotline/Email Address to Report Potholes in AA County: County Executive Leopold recently pledged to repair reported potholes within two business days. The County Executive also set up a pothole hotline and email for citizens to report problems. "This is a public safety issue," Leopold said. "Pothole control is vital to safe driving. So, report it and we will repair it in two business days or less." To report a pothole, citizens may call 410-222-7045 or the appropriate road district. Citizens may also email concerns to potholes@aacounty.org.

For more information about potholes and how they are repaired, visit the Pothole Repair webpage at http://www.aacounty.org/DPW/Highways/PotholeRepair.cfm.

Special Guest Speakers:

Acting County Health Officer Doug Hart - Overview of County Health Dept. Functions

The Anne Arundel County Department of Health provides targeted clinical services, case management, disease prevention and health promotion services to all residents of Anne Arundel County. Has unique public health challenges and covers the city of Annapolis and BWI.

Statistics:

- $50 million in annual funding is provided 50/50 by County and State of Maryland to support 730 employees and county health programs

- Lost $2.1 million in funds but have not reduced programs or services

- Services a population of 512,790; covers 416 square miles; and 534 miles of coast line

- Cancer mortality rates higher in Anne Arundel County compared to State but the rate is coming down. Highest rate are: (1) lung, (2) breast and (3) radium in wells. County does test for radium in wells

- Health Dept. Clinics have given 30,000 H1N1 vaccine shots and 17,000 seasonal flu shots since December

- Mr. Hart recommends that everyone get an H1N1 shot since Clinics have vaccine. He also noted that the H1N1 and

Seasonal flu shots will be combined into one shot next year

- Oral rabies vaccine: Cases of animal rabies in raccoons reduced from 60-70 cases in 1998 to 10 in 2008. Vaccine is dropped from helicopters and by set baited traps

- 64% of children are at healthy weight

- Infant mortality rates are below the state average except among the African-American community

County Health Department key health services and operations:

- Screening services, information and publicity related to healthy lifestyles

- Behavioral and Community Health Services, including: adult addition clinics, school health room nurses, dental health for children; and epidemiology and immunization services

- May-September reviews public beaches and posts reviews to website

- Emergency County Department of Anne Arundel County, Glen Burnie: Incident command in charge of emergency centers. Was very active during snow storms.

Contact Information: Main office located at: 3 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401

Phone: 410-222-7095

www.aahealth.org

www.aasalud.org

Flu Information line: 410-222-7343

Partners In Care Anne Myers, Marketing Director – Overview of Organization and its Functions

Ms. Myers gave an overview of the non-profit organization, which uses a time exchange model as the foundation for its network of support for older adults. You can earn points for “reciprocity exchange” for helping which can be saved and used by you when you need help and support. Partners In Care is a 501©3 community based nonprofit, registered in the Sate of Maryland. Donations are tax-deductible.

The goal is to build a stronger community by engaging people to help each other with the tasks involved in day to day operations. The Severna Park branch was started by three Severna Park women over 15 years ago. Partners In Care of Maryland serves Anne Arundel County, Baltimore, Calvert, Howard and Frederick counties, and the Eastern Shore.

Services are matched to individual needs and schedules and may include grocery shopping, transportation, handyman help, yard work, friendly visit, or advocacy. Neighbors volunteer their time and talent to help each other to live with dignity, choice, and independence. Programs you can support include:

- Ride Partners (drive and take to medical appointments, pharmacies, grocery stores, and on errands of all kinds)

- Repairs with Care

- Just in Case – Emergency Kits for Seniors (purchasing kits that provide 3 days of food - $75 per kit)

- Warm Houses

- Health Watch Emergency Response

- The Boutique: Sells upscale, resale clothing, jewelry, accessories, books, and household items.

To Volunteer:

Go to www.partnersincare.org

Call: 410-544-4800 or 800 227-5500

Address: 6 S. Ritchie Highway, Pasadena, MD 21122

Education Committee: Brad Meyers reported that Folger McKinsey Elementary School will be closed for two-years. Work will start in June, the Manager’s group in charge of the Severna Park Middle School construction will move to the Folger project for 24-months. The Board of Education passed the budget which has been moved to County Executive Leopold. Benfield Elementary and Severna Park High are still in the budget. Mr. Pesterfield recommended that the contract company be contacted to keep presence on project and focus on high school renovation.

SPHS Citizens Advisory Council (CAC) Annual Cluster meeting will be held at Severna Park High School in the Principal’s Office at 6:00 pm on March 16, 2010. The meeting is open to the public.

Sex Offenders: New bill sponsored by Delegate King and Severna Park Chamber of Commerce requires sex offenders to stay 1,000 yards from schools. Need to ensure support from County Executive Leopold.

Environmental Committee: Ann Jackson/Ed Krause.

- Earth Day is April 24^th – St. Martin’s in the Field rain barrels preorder $60.00

- Chesapeake Bay Foundation looking for support

- Noted Cypress Creek stream restoration to clean up sewage spill will be completed end of third quarter of next year

- Environmental Committee Report for GSPC Meeting is attached as Appendix A.

Police/Community Relations: Buck Brown reported the following:

Police-Community Relations Council: There were two speakers at the Police-Community Relations Council in January. The first discussed the school safety program. The discussion was similar to the information presented to GSPC in the past. The schools provide space, office equipment and computer to the resource unit. Social media sites have changed how students communicate. Events are often orchestrated on line. Sometimes by outsiders. Crimes are reported to the Superintendent of Schools but police can’t discuss misdemeanors including destruction of property. There is a push for legislation to expand list of offences that can be reported to schools. School disciplinary records are not open to the police. Truancy is tied to delinquency. In 2009 the AAC unit was one of two National Resource Units cited in the country.

False Alarm Program: Cpl. Richard Colmus of the Crime Prevention Unit discussed the false alarm program. In 2008 there were 31216 alarms sounded. Of these only 230 were actual crimes or a 97.26% false alarm rate. Nationally the average is 97.98%. The false alarms waste police time, increase police complacency and delay response time when service is needed. In 2008 there were approximately 18,000 alarm sites in AAC. It is expected the number increased by 4,000 sites in 2009. 80% of the false alarms are user error. 20% are equipment error (bad sensor, battery). The goal is to reduce the number of false alarms by 30%-40%.

Now alarms must be registered with the county. There is no fee for the registration which is done on line at www.crywolf.us/annearundel/. In AAC fines are levied on the third and all subsequent false alarm activations. I’ve attached two handouts provided at the meeting. They are:

Anne Arundel County False Alarm Reduction Program -https://www.crywolf.us/annearundel/GeneralDocs.aspx?rpt=2
False Alarm Prevention Tips - https://www.crywolf.us/annearundel/GeneralDocs.aspx?rpt=3

Public Works Committee/ GSP Survey Update: Dan Nataf – No report. Mr. Pesterfield noted that the GSP Survey update was delayed in starting and Mr. Nataf will provide an update at the next general meeting. The Committee will hold its first meeting on March 22^nd.

Aspire Report: Earl Schaffer – No report.

BWI Noise Committee: Deny Stam/Jeanne Carpenter: No report.

Planning/Zoning/Legislative Committee: Al Johnston discussed the various bills, cases, concerning zoning and legislation being followed.

See Appendix B for a complete list of planning, zoning and legislation.

Impact Fees: A motion was approved for Mr. Johnston, Committee Chair, to attend the Board of Appeals meeting on March 10, 2010, on behalf of the GSP Council’s opposition to enactment of Bill 1210 proposing continuation of Impact Fees at the 2009 rate. This would result in the return of significant dollars back to developers that is needed for County infrastructure. Fees would be refunded to anyone who has already paid them. Fees are built into the cost of the development.

Community Websites: Mr. Johnston noted that there are 670 communities in county and each community needs to make a decision on use of community websites and email addresses.

Audit Committee: No report.

Bylaws Revision: No report.

Unfinished Business: No report.

New Business: No report.

Next Meeting Dates: Board of Directors: Wednesday, March 24, 2010 -7:30 p.m. Woods Church

General Meeting: Tuesday, April 13, 2010 – 7:30 p.m. Severna Park Library

The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 pm.

Very Respectfully Submitted,

Kathleen J. Michels, GSPC Secretary

March 14, 2010

Appendix A

Environmental Committee report for Greater Severna Park Council Meeting

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Submitted by Ann Jackson and Ed Krause, Watershed Stewards

Severn River Association www.severnriver.org

Meeting (third Tuesday at 7 pm at Calvery Methodist Church)

Next: March 16, 2010

· Creek Clean up on April 10 with Clean Streams. Clements Creek and Maynadier Creek. Details provided at March meeting and on website after meeting.

· February 16 meeting topic was: Churches Making a Difference for the Severn River. Three churches have large environmental projects that they presented information about. The churches are St. Mary’s Catholic Church in downtown Annapolis, Heritage Baptist church on Forest Drive and St. Phillips Episcopal church on Bestgate Road.

Watershed Action Group www.gspwag.org

Earth Day event is April 24. Lots of exciting exhibitors. Rain barrels can be pre-ordered from their website for delivery to Earth Day event. Cost is $60. Same place as last year-St Martin’s on Benfield Road. Flyer attached.

Magothy River Association www.magothyriver.org

The Magothy River Association held its eighth annual “State of the Magothy River” presentation on Wednesday, February 17, 2010. The meeting featured the annual Magothy River Index. Go the website for a copy of the Index. Quote from MRS President Paul Spadaro: “This year, I am disappointed to report that the aquatic health of the Magothy River dropped again, to 28% – we are giving letter grades for the first time and it got a “D” grade. As a result of this poor water quality, the MRA has suspended our efforts to grow and restore underwater grasses in the Magothy, which we have done every year since 2003. I believe a “D” grade doesn’t mean that the Magothy River is “Doomed.” If we implement a strategy that builds on personal stewardship and community restoration, and demands legal and political actions to enforce environmental regulations and control development, we can clean up our river.”

Watershed Stewards Academy www.arlingtonecho.org

The current class of Watershed Stewards is working on their capstone projects. A website for the program: www.aacountywatershedstewards.org is in progress and slated to go online in the near future.

Constellation Energy grant

Reminder of application deadline of March 16.

Use a Google search for EcoStar to find the application and information about the grant.

Chesapeake Bay Foundation www.cbf.org

Measure your Bay Footprint with the CBF nitrogen calculator. Go to website and click on Measure Your Bay Footprint.

Chesapeake Environmental Protection Association www.cepaonline.org

The CEPA presented a program on February 26 at Southern High School called The Health of the Bay and You, featuring J. Charles Fox, Special Assistant to the EPA Administrator for the Chesapeake Bay and Tom Horton Environmentalist and Author. Tom Horton’s Monograph “GROWING! GROWING! GONE! The Chesapeake Bay and the Myth of Endless Growth” was distributed free to all attendees. Go to the CEPA website for more details.

Maryland League of Conservation Voters www.mdlcv.org/chapters

The League is forming an Anne Arundel Chapter. Their professed goal is to make county politicians accountable by researching and tracking the statements and voting records of office holders and candidates and publishing the results for voters. Where appropriate, they will endorse and support candidates’ campaigns. The League is sponsoring a Kick-Off Reception on March 10th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 10th at 164 Conduit Street in Annapolis. Suggested donation of $50. Mayor Josh Cohen and County Councilman Ron Dillon will be in attendance.

APPENDIX B

GSPC Zoning/Legislation Agenda 3-9-10, Boldface=Discussion, Regular Typeface= Information Only

Legislation, Planning, Zoning and Capital Projects:

Anne Arundel Budget Progress Presentation by John Hamond, County Delegation Meeting, 2-5-10. ($33M)

General Development Plan as amended by Bill 64-09 now available at Map Room $40.00.

Community Association List-Privacy changes: available: Gov use only, Non-profits, General Use.

Bill 82-09 Zoning – Video Lottery Facilities, 24K+17K=41K signatures on Petition, 19.5K valid required.

Bill 7-10 Small Business District, 2-1-10, Enacted new bulk requirements, Mosker-Forthofer application.

Bill 5-10 Board of Appeals Rules 2-16-10, Changes by Board-Charter question.

Bill 12-10 Impact Fees 4-5-10, Postpones effective date of new schedule & refund of fees paid under current schedule.

Resolution to oppose.

Growth Action Network, http://growthaction.net/#news,

Joint Meeting with Planning and Zoning Officer, Larry Tom 2-2-10, 39 Slide-Stormwater Management as

relates to pending Design Manual, Article 16-Stormwater, Article 17-Subdivision (adequate facilities)

Article-18-Zoning. Comprehensive Rezoning Process, Applications 12-1-09 through 2-26-10. Application form

now on County Webpage. 280 mentioned. GSPC will review all applications within the GSPC defined boundaries.

Comprehensive Rezoning applications:

List of Probable applicants in the GSPC area.

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

Webpage for AHO: http://www.aacounty.org/AdminHear/Calendar.cfm, Webpage for Board of Appeals:

http://www.aacounty.org/BdofAppeals/Calendar.cfm

AHO New requirement for Resolutions, Informal Action of Directors now on County webpage.

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.

Corkys Smoke Shack, 500 Ritchie Highway, (410) 544-4440, setback from property line. Inspector Ann Hatcher will

visit site 3-3-10. Roadside Vendors License issued 1-26-10

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

Special Exception Granted, 63 page Decision-conditions in critical area. Hearing 4-13-10, may be withdrawn.

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.

Ongoing discussions. Telcon with Ginger Reeves 1-8-10.

BA 5-10V G. St. Denis, 3-11-10 5:30PM 750A Dividing Rd AHO granted variance-width & area (Manhattan Beach

watch only)

BA 2-09A (2008-303-V) West Haven, 10-14-09. 280 Tolstoy Ln, path+parking (West Haven, et al-Berrywood-watch),

Eight hearings, 56 attendees. Order 1-22-10 Granted 6 conditions, Suggestion to P&Z on parking,

BA 45-09A K. Faulkner, Nonconforming Granted 2-4-10, 101 Ritchie H’way, AHO denied nonconforming,

Oppose 9-29-09. Tenant Twin Enterprises source of complaint-large Cat Tractors.

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

(APC, Severn View) Covenants with Severn View for approval.

Board of Appeals Deliberations:

2-26-10: BA 68-09A (1977-0003-N) Robert O. Warren, Jr, 407 South Dr. Nonconforming crane use, Granted. (Lower Magothy Beach)

3-10-10: Four cases, none in GSPC area.

Circuit Court Cases (Clerk of Court 222-1431):

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

Order under Rule 7-116. Judgment issued 11-6-09. Berrywood Treasurer distributed Costs award.

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

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

Case C-09137689 new # for C-07124679, Hearing 11-9-09. Circuit Court Order 1-12-10, by Judge Silkworth,

Board of Appeals denial of nonconforming use reversed. (Shipley’s Retreat)

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

Case 60, 2009 Term, McHale, et al, (CBF, Little Dobbins Island), dismissed by Board of Appeals-Lack of Standing.

Multiple Parties (CBF, MRA, CAC) Briefing Cycle completed, Stayed pending Ct of Appeals case.

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 considering during rezoning,

(Crain West). Consent Order, District Court Petition for Contempt Order filed per Atty James Chance in

District Court 2-4-10. CASE # 0702SP01579-2005, Hearing estimated for May-June. Tim Kingston, Zoning

Enforcement Inspector. Mr. Curtis has filed for comprehensive rezoning, 2-4-10. Case files obtained.

Pre-submission Community Meetings Calendar at: http://www.aacounty.org/LandUse/CalendarPreSub.cfm

Cattail Associates (St Martins Manor) 1-12-10, 19 SFD at 516 & 524 St. Martins Lane. (8ps) (Severna Forest).

Menzies’ Property, 2-4-10 6:30PM 479 Blackshire Rd, amended plat of lots 9 & 10, (Chatham Hills, Chartwell)

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

Admirals Ridge, Sketch 1-13-10, 1395 Ritchie, Arnold. 42 Units, S2006-34, TM 39/313

Park View at Severna Park, 180 Ritchie Highway & 15 W. Earleigh Hgts Rd under construction. 103 Units, $16M.

Environmental Items of Note not covered above:

Maryland Tributaries Meeting MDE 3-6-10 Sponsored by the Secretaries of MDE and DNR. FROM

VOLUNTARY TO REGULATORY. MDE Secretary Wilson moderated. Speakers: Jeff Lape, Director

EPA Chesapeake Bay Program. Three work sessions on TMDL Program details, Watershed Implementation

And Modeling, Monitoring & Pending Regulations—Anne Arundel Pilot Program including Design Manual,

& Articles 16, 17 & 18 revisions.

Sustainable Communities Advocacy Day, 1-27-10, Introduction of SB 285 Smart Green and Growing –The

Sustainable Communities of Act of 2010 (80p) Revises the Smart Growth Subcabinet to add Health & Mental

Hygiene, Labor & Licensing, Energy Administration to the existing Planning, Agriculture, Budget, Business

& Economic Development, General Services, Housing & Community Development, Natural Resources,

Transportation, Higher Education, & Planning. Establishes procedures to obtain Federal funding under recent

Executive Order 13508 & HR 3852, Tax credits, etc. 26 sponsoring organizations. HB 474 enabling legislation.

Environmental Legislative Summit 1-26-10, 26 Organizations with Messrs Cummings, Miller, Busch & Ms.

McIntosh. & others on pending HR 3852-S1816 $2B, Presidential EO 13508, Maryland legislation: Chesapeake

Conservation Corps. Sustainability Communities, Stormwater Retrofit Fee, Transit Development, Recycling.

Maryland Department of Planning, sponsor-MDE & DNR Secretaries attended..

MDP Planning Directors Workshop 1-21-10 EPA TMDL program for the Chesapeake Bay

Severn River Commission 3-4-10, Oyster Growth in the Severn. Review of GA legislation. Stormwater Regs.

Severn River Association 3-16-10, Calvary Methodist Church, Annapolis.

Magothy River Association, 2-17-10 State of the Magothy,

C:\gspc\agenda\zlagenda\zlagenda 3-9-10, Al Johnston 410 647-1380, j202gspc@comcast.net

INFORMATION ON COMPREHENSIVE ZONING

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 26, 2010. (NEW DATE). The Comprehensive Zoning Application and Instructions 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 in 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.”

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