May 2005

TOWN OF BLADENSBURG
WORKSESSION
May 3, 2005

I. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor McGrory called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. with Council Members Ficklin, Hoffman, James and Watson present.

II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Council Member Hoffman moved to approve the March Council Meeting and April Worksession minutes as presented. Council Member Ficklin seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

III. CAPITAL PLAZA, NEWTON GREEN SENIOR HOUSING PROJECT UPDATES: Larry Taub. The owner of the Capital Plaza property is moving forward signing a lease with Walmart.

The Newton Greene housing project will need zoning text amendment for special exception in order to move forward. Mayor McGrory moved to support the concept of the zoning text amendment, directing Town staff to negotiate with the owners of Newton Green to be annexed. Council Member James seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

IV. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Project List: The List was reviewed and updated.

It was agreed that the employee evaluation system will be approved at the June Council Meeting.

John Shay will research the Towns Open Space funding obligation to MNCPPC.

Council Member Ficklin moved that Council Member Watson represent Mayor and Council on the Town Center Taskforce. Council Member Hoffman seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

CDBG Funds: Risks and Benefits of changing the fund usage to Town Center start-up money were discussed.

Council Member James moved to change the name of the Promotion Committee to the Events Committee, with Patriotic Events under its umbrella. Council Member Hoffman seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Council Members Ficklin and James will complete the Legislative Form for MML re: Absentee Landowners records.

V. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Proposed Carwash in Colmar Manor: The Town Clerk will send a letter to MNCPPC stating the Town wishes to go on record as a Party of Interest.

Public Comment Protocal: The Town Clerk will draft a procedure for public testimony at meetings.

Trash Facility on Lawrence Street: Mayor McGrory moved that the Council direct a staff member to attend the May 10th hearing on this issue. Council Member Watson seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Request for Trip to Sunnyvale CA, in Lieu of MML Conference: Council Member Ficklin moved to approve this trip to see first hand how this city operates. Council Member James seconded the motion. After discussion, Council Member Ficklin withdrew his motion. This will be on the June Worksession agenda.

Council Projects: Council Member Ficklin suggested that, in reviewing the Projects List, discussion on a topic should only take place if clarification is needed.

VI. CLARIFICATION OF STAFF REPORTS: No clarifications necessary.

VII. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Reminders of upcoming events were made.

VIII. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, Council Member Watson moved to adjourn the meeting to go into closed session. Council Member James seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,
Pat McAuley, Town Clerk