April
SECTION 5 OF THE VILLAGE OF CHEVY CHASE
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Date: April 5, 2022
Place: Village Hall, 5906 Connecticut Avenue
Time: 7:30 PM
Present: Greg Chernack, Pat Xeller, Maryann Luongo, and Ashley Kavanaugh. Josh Galper joined by phone.
Agenda Item: Greetings and IntroductionsChairman Greg Chernack called the meeting to order and welcomed those in attendance.
Agenda Item: Review and Approval of March Council Meeting MinutesChairman Chernack moved that the minutes from the March meeting be approved; there was a second, and the motion passed.
Agenda Item: Residents commentsThere were no resident comments.
Agenda Item: Discussion of Draft FY 2022-23 BudgetThe Town Manager presented a draft FY 2023 budget to the Council. After a detailed discussion of all the line items, income, and expenditures, the draft was approved with no changes. The draft will be sent to residents for their review in advance of the Annual Meeting on May 3.
Agenda Item: Manager’s Report-There were three private tree removals granted this month.
-There were two building permits approved. Both are repairs to their existing driveways with no increase in impervious surface. The Manager noted there have been two recent incidents where residents did work without obtaining prior approval and a permit. One completed drainage work in their backyard and the residents abutting them are concerned. In a separate incident, there was a play structure installed in a backyard and a resident near them is concerned with the view. We are working with both residents to make certain all the appropriate requirements on the backend.
-The State Highway Administration and members of the District 18 delegation will hold a community zoom meeting on April 13 at 6 PM to discuss SHA’s recent “Maryland 185 Needs Analysis” report. The Manager will attend the meeting and also make sure all residents are aware.
-The Manager will take part in a monthly zoom meeting with Councilmember Andrew Friedson’s office tomorrow.
-The Manager asked the Council if they would like to again make a donation to the Chevy Chase Fire Department and the Bethesda Chevy Chase Rescue Squad. For the past several years, Section 5 has donated $5000 to each organization. Chair Chernack moved that the donations be made; there was a second, and the motion passed.
-The Manager said that all entities receiving American Rescue Plan Funds are required to file a report to the State of Maryland by April 30. We must specifically state that we intend to file for “lost revenue” which will allow us to use the funds for “any service traditionally provided by government.” We are not required to calculate the revenue lost. The “lost revenue” option was presented by the State when Treasury realized reporting would be too complicated for most small municipalities.
-No new candidates were nominated for the two spots on the Council so Maryann and Josh are running unopposed. We will declare them elected at the May 3 meeting.
-Lindsey & Associates has sent us an audit engagement letter for the FY 2022 audit. There is a modest price increase from $9100 to $9500. The Council agreed to the increase and authorized the Manager to sign the letter.
-A new speed hump was installed on Thornapple Street east of Brookville. Several neighbors have sent emails to the Section in appreciation.
AdjournmentChairman Chernack adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be held May 3, 2022, at 7:30 PM at the Village Hall, 5906 Connecticut Avenue. The Village Hall has handicapped access. Everyone is welcome.