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May

Date: May 10, 2016

Place: Village Hall, 5906 Connecticut Avenue

Time: 7:30 PM

Present: Chris Richardson, Nancy Pines, Greg Chernack, Ashley Kavanaugh, six Section 5 residents

Agenda Item: Welcome

Chair Chris Richardson called the meeting to order and welcomed those in attendance.

Agenda Item: Introduction of Council Members

Chris, Nancy and Greg introduced themselves.

Agenda Item: Approval of April Council Meeting Minutes

Chris moved that the minutes from the April Meeting be approved; there was a second and the motion passed unanimously.

Agenda Item: Chairman’s Report

Chris gave a brief summary of the important Section events from the past year; the biggest and most significant event being the passing of longtime resident and beloved Town Manager Frances Higgins. Chris praised Frances’ dedication and good stewardship of the Section, and he noted she will be greatly missed.

Agenda Item: Presentation of Proposed FY 2017 Section 5 Budget

The Town Manager presented the proposed FY 2017 budget to the Council and residents present. After a detailed discussion of all the line items, income and expenditures, the budget was up for a vote.

Agenda Item: Council Votes on Proposed FY 2017 Section 5 Budget

Chris moved that the budget be passed as submitted, there was a second, and the motion passed unanimously.

Agenda Item: Residents Vote on Tax Rate

Greg Chernack moved that the Council recommend the tax rate be set once again at zero; the Council was in agreement. The residents in attendance voted unanimously in favor of the recommendation of the Council, and the tax rate will be set at zero.

Agenda Item: Citizen Concerns and Suggestions

A resident raised the issue of sight lines at intersections, and asked that the Section cut back hedges on certain properties. Underwood and Brookville, as well as Williams and Brookville, were cited as especially difficult to see and posing a significant safety threat. The Town Manager said these two intersections had already been identified and the landscaping crew was set to address the areas this week. The Council agreed that this work is critical to safety, and it is necessary for home owners to comply. The Town Manager said that a few weeks ago there was a scary incident when a Section 5 resident was biking to school with her child, and the child was struck by a car while in the crosswalk at the intersection of Thornapple and Connecticut Avenue. Fortunately, the child was not physically harmed. The Section will put something in the June newsletter as a reminder about the importance of cross walk safety.

There was also discussion regarding various other subjects including potholes, Pepco poles no longer in use, and the possibility of LED lighting. The Town Manager will look into each subject.

Agenda Item: Manager’s Report

The Town Manager gave a brief update regarding current Section 5 projects.

  • Tree pruning began last week and will continue on a regular basis. Residents and specific streets will be notified in advance for parking purposes.
  • Section 5 will bid out tree work for the FY 2017.
  • The Section is planning to do a walk-thru of all Section streets, sidewalks, curbs, gutters and drains to determine a comprehensive plan for addressing maintenance needs. Once we have completed the walk-thru and determined the scope of the project, we will send it out to bid.
  • The Leland Street speed hump will be repaired this week. The Metro bus route will be rerouted for several days.
  • Reminder of June 4th Shred Event in conjunction with Section 3 and Martin’s Additions.
  • Reminder of June 25th Bulk trash collection.
  • No new building permits issued this month.
  • The Council approved installing two new trash cans in the Section as well as adding a few dog waste stations.
Adjournment

Chris adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be held June 7, 2016, at 7:30 PM at the Village Hall, 5906 Connecticut Avenue. The Village Hall has handicapped access. Everyone is welcome.