Work Session minutes and Council minutes, Nov. 2008

SECTION 5 OF THE VILLAGE OF CHEVY CHASE

MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION

Date: November 11, 2008

Time: 6:30 PM

Place: 5906 Connecticut Avenue, Chevy Chase Village Hall

Present: Margy Abbott; Peter Gray; Frances L. Higgins; Chris Richardson; Ira Rosenbaum; Andrew Smith; Alan Beal; 1 Section 5 resident

The purpose of this meeting was to discuss proposed front and rear set backs. A resident asked if there is anything in the County code that is not included in the material on County zoning which the manager provided. No one knew if there is such material. It was suggested that the Council determine if there is such material before it decides to enact an ordinance which is more stringent than the County's. Margy asked if a house which has a footprint that extends into the front setback may place an addition over the present house. Alan said that the County would allow this building.

There was considerable discussion concerning a corner lot's front and rear setbacks. The Council did not decide on a more stringent requirement for corner lots than the County has but intends to discuss this further at the next Council meeting.

Someone asked Alan about how the Town of Chevy Chase and Martin's Additions have constructed their zoning ordinances. Alan said that Jakubiak, a town planning company, looked at the architectural style of the Town's houses and made suggestions about how the Town could preserve its unique atmosphere. The Town took this information and used it to construct its zoning ordinances. Jakubiak has also worked with Martin's Additions to help it create zoning ordinances; however, Martin's Additions took a different approach than the Town and created a construction committee that determined which ordinances would address problems previously identified which have been created by the construction of very large houses.

Alan said that the County is presently constructing an ordinance which would deal with lot coverage; however, this ordinance would not preclude very large homes being built in some of the Chevy Chase towns.

SECTION 5 OF THE VILLAGE OF CHEVY CHASE

MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING

Date: November 11, 2008

Time: 7:30 PM

Place: 5906 Connecticut Avenue, Chevy Chase Village Hall

Present: Margy Abbott; Peter Gray; Frances L Higgins; Chris Richardson; Ira Rosenbaum; Andrew Smith; 2 Section 5 residents

Andrew moved that the October 14, 2008, Work Session minutes and the Council minutes of the same date be accepted as revised. Peter seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Peter said that the word feet should be added to the proposed fence ordinance after the number 3 in Sec. 10-300 (5). Everyone agreed with this addition. Andrew moved that the proposed fence ordinance be enacted. Peter seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. The manager will have the web master add this addendum to the fence ordinance listed on Section 5's web site

Andrew suggested that the Council meet at 6:30pm before the December Council meeting to discuss zoning. The Council agreed.

The manager said that construction workers have been parking their vehicles over the curb on Dalkeith St. and have destroyed the curb in some places. When the construction project is finished, the manager will use the permit deposit from this project to repair the curbs. Margy asked if the deposit will cover these costs. The manager was not certain; however, she said that she would bill the construction company for any additional costs for the curb repair. Andrew moved that the Dalkeith Street Restricted Parking ordinance be enacted as presented. Chris seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Margy said the inlet protection plan to prevent soil from draining into Section 5's storm drains should be included in the construction site protocol material when someone applies for a building permit. The Council agreed; the manager will have a copy of the inlet protection plan placed on the web site in the construction site protocol

Margy said that Section 5 has received approximately $10,000 from the State for income taxes. She said that Section 5's expenses to date are within the budget. She expressed some concern that this year the State income tax money may be considerably less than in past years. The manager will contact the State if Section 5 has not received a payment by the end of November. Andrew said that Section 5 should investigate the possibility of subsidizing the production of energy from wind power.

Permits granted:

• 3601 Underwood St. – backyard fence replacement
• 7205 Connecticut Ave. – second story addition, front porch

The manager signed the contract with the Village for additional police protection for Section 5. The manager asked the Council if it is permissible to have Officer Oglesby, a Capital Park Police person, conduct a one night course on basic home and personal safety for women. The Council agreed. The manager will contact Officer Oglesby about a convenient date and send a flyer to the residents announcing the course.

Andrew moved that the meeting adjourn; there was a second and it passed unanimously. The next Council meeting will be Tuesday, December 9, 2008, at 7:30pm at the Village Hall, 5906 Connecticut Ave. There will be a work session at 6:30pm on the same date and at the same place.