PDF File of Meeting Minutes

MEETING MINUTES, June 8, 2010

GENERAL MEETING

Welcome

Mike Phillips, President of CGCA, welcomed the membership (approx. 35) to the meeting.  Also attending were Jennie Forehand, MD State Senator, Cheryl Kagan, candidate for MD State Senate, Elyse Gussow and Gerry Cashin, President and VP of Plymouth Woods Condo Association, and John Telesco, a member of the Rockville Bike Advisory Committee.

Treasurer’s Report

Susan VanGrack, Treasurer of CGCA, reported that the Association has $12,246.00.

Old Business

New Pond Park

Two questions were posed by members.  These questions were forwarded to Mike Critzer, Rockville’s Parks Services Manager.  His prompt responses are included below.  One member noted that there are no trash cans along the back walkway that boarder houses on the culde- sacs of Purdue and Carnegie Courts.

City response:  The park reconstruction Task Force members did consider and made recommendations on the number and locations of litter cans.  I recall discussing having a litter can along the pathway between the pond and the houses and it was generally agreed to not initially install a can along this pathway.  Most felt not having a litter can along this pathway would look and smell better, and there did not seem to be a litter problem along this section of pathway in the past . Litter cans were placed at, or adjacent to, high use activity areas including the playground, basketball court, picnic area, shelter area, and pond overlooks.  If we find we have a real need for a litter can along the rear pathway we can add one.

One member pointed out that the retaining wall on the SE corner of the pond by the stand of trees is unsafe because there is no fence and children who might be playing along the wall might fall.  The drop from the wall is approximately 5’.

City response:  There was consideration given to installing a fence on top of the retaining wall but the engineers determined it was not required by the building code, and Task Force members felt a fence was not necessary because of the very brief periods that any water would be next to the wall.  Also, nobody seemed to like the way a fence on top of this wall would look, or how it would restrict people from sitting on the wall.  Staff does not feel there is a safety problem because when the pond is full during a storm, the depth of water next to the wall would not exceed much more than 24 inches, and then only for a very brief time before draining out.  The area between the base of the wall and deeper water should have a good stand of reeds soon and this will help to create a barrier to deeper water around the edge of the pond.

Electronic Newsletter

During the prior meeting, a motion was made to move to an electronic newsletter (emailed).  Discussion at the current meeting pointed out that indeed many residents still need paper.  It was generally agreed that paper newsletters will continue.  Newsletters are produced at least twice per year preceding the twice per year CGCA membership meetings.

In order to reach as many members as possible, communications to the membership may include one or more of these methods:  mail, email, signs, and the CG ListServ.  We will be working with members to improve and broaden our communications methods.

Points to clarify:

Email List:  The executive officers maintain a list of email addresses.  This list has approximately 150 addresses and is estimated to reach only about one half of the homes in our neighborhood.  This list is used only for neighborhood issues and email addresses are masked to maintain privacy.  We will look for ways to expand the list.  Please join our email list by send an email request to any officer on the last page of this document.

CGCA ListServ:  The ListServ is run by Yahoo, and is public and free for everyone to join.  It allows all subscribers to post, read and reply to messages.  We encourage more neighbors to join.  It’s easy; simply send an email to collegegardens-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and you will get an email right back with directions.

Montgomery College Fence

City might conduct a survey to have greater input from the community.  The survey might also include a suggested plan, developed by the Executive Committees of the associations most impacted by the fence closure.  Stay tuned for updates.

Scarborough Square has 2 gated fence openings to MC. These gates have signs that say “Open Gate Hours Daily 5:30 AM – 11:00 PM.” Some neighbors may be using these openings to access MC. It was pointed out that they may be trespassing.

Follow Up:  Tom Miner spoke with Chris Natele, the Scarborough Square property manager on site.  He said the two gates are controlled by MC. He said that indeed they should be open from 5:30 am to 11.00 pm but he could not confirm that MC actually locks and unlocks the gates because he is not on site at those times.  Asked specifically if residents of Yale Village or College Gardens would be trespassing if they used the gates, Chris said no; he regularly sees people that are not Scarborough Square residents use the gates and is fine with it.  Should there be an increase in trash or similar problems, Scarborough Square might alter their position.  Concern was expressed about the 4th of July and whether MC will temporarily open the fence like they did last year.  CGCA will work with Plymouth Woods to make sure MC knows our desire to have the fence opened on that day to allow residents easier access to the fireworks ceremony.

John Telesco, a member of the Rockville Bike Advisory Committee, noted that MC’s master facilities plan makes no mention of bicycles or pedestrians.

Jennie Forehand, MD State Senator said she did not believe there was any funding at stake from antismoking groups.  This was in response to a question about whether MC’s no-smoking policy is tied to funding it has received.

A motion was made and seconded that reads,”CGCA will formally ask the City to resend their letter of 3/22/10, with a request for a response to MC, the MC Board of Trustees, the New President, and Dr.  Ackerman.”

A vote was taken:  24 For, 2 Opposed.  The motion passed

A motion was made and seconded that reads, “CGCA will write a letter to Montgomery County Ride-On asking them to modify the Bus 45 route to include a stop on Mannakee at the Montgomery College bus stop.” It was generally felt that this stop might increase ridership on the Bus 45 and that increased ridership might prevent reduced bus service and / or reduced hours of operation.

A vote was taken:  34 For, 0 (zero) Opposed.  The motion passed.

New Business

Additional Playground Equipment

City Council member and CG resident Mark Pierzchala proposed adding new playground equipment to CGES and asked CGCA for $2500 to show community support as he approached the City to pick up the rest of the cost.  This equipment would help foster inclusion of specially enabled children, and is also targeted at children who have outgrown play equipment but are not yet using the adult-size facilities.  Examples, but not necessarily the same equipment, can be seen at the Rockville swim center and Mattie Stepanik Park in King Farm in the form of “Bank Shot Basketball.” The equipment would belong to and be maintained by the City, but would be on MCPS property.  The owner of this local firm lives in Rockville and is willing to sell the equipment at or near cost.  Marl Pierzchala will also meet with CGES PTA and seek funds.

Some questions and concerns were voiced.  Is the equipment really needed?  There are already 2 similar facilities nearby.  Might this have an impact on rainwater penetration?  Is there a real need?  A motion was made and seconded that reads, “CGCA will provide $2500.00 towards the cost and installation of specialized playground equipment for specially-abled children to promote inclusiveness in their play.”

A vote was taken:  20 For, 7 Opposed.  The motion passed.

In a post-vote note, Pierzchala mentioned that if the idea did not receive support from the school or the PTA, the money would not be spent, and in any case, would not be needed for some months.  Support from the school and the PTA would be seen as an expression of need.  Also, the idea is that the City of Rockville would provide the bulk of the funds if approved by the Mayor and Council.

National Night Out

Susan VanGrack is spearheading the NNO this year and actively seeking volunteer help.  It is scheduled for Tuesday, August 3rd and will be held in our new CG Park.  This NNO will trend more towards an old fashioned, small-town get-together.  Specifically omitted will be the moon-bounce type of equipment.  Rather there might be clowns, face-painting, cotton candy machine, bike parade, 3-legged races, etc.  CGCA will arrange for burgers and dogs (including the veggie kind) and will ask for families to bring more substantial salads and side dishes to share.  A point was made that CGCA should check with the City to make sure the park is not double booked.

Volunteers will be needed and Don Mann was to first to volunteer to help at the grill.  Thanks Don!  Other volunteers should contact Susan VanGrack at (301) 279-2266 or SVanGrack@writ.com.  A motion was made and seconded that reads, “CGCA will allocate up to $1000 to pay for expenses associated with NNO in 2010.”

A vote was taken:  34 For, 0 (zero) Opposed.  The motion passed.

Note:  Traditionally, NNO costs approximately $500 so $1000 should more that cover it.  Note:  City Council member and CG resident Mark Pierzchala doesn’t recall ever losing more that $200 or $300 on it over the years, once donations and raffle were taken into account.  CGCA appropriated more than that to cover costs but always did decently on the return.

Elections

June 2010 marked the end of the two year term for the officers of the CGCA.  Four people were nominated to succeed them for a two-year term from June 2010 to June 2012:  Tom Miner, President; Susan VanGrack, Vice-President; Kathy Goldgeier, Secretary; and Don Mann, Treasurer.  A vote was taken:  34 For, 0 (zero) Opposed.  The people mentioned above are now the officers of CGCA and will serve a two year term until June 2012.

A special point was made to thank the outgoing President, Mike Phillips and VP Ciaran Murphy for their service and contributions to College Gardens.

The meeting was adjourned.

PDF File of Meeting Minutes

MEETING MINUTES, September 22, 2009

GENERAL MEETING

Welcome

Mike Phillips, President of CGCA, welcomed the membership (approx 40) to the meeting.

Treasurer’s Report

Susan VanGrack, Treasurer of CGCA, reported that the Association has approximately $9000.00 in the bank.

Old Business

Fence Closure at Princeton Place and Montgomery College No Smoking Policy Orlando Heyliger, Rockville’s Neighborhood Resource Coordinator addressed the meeting, starting with a recap of the situation.

• Fence opening at the top of Princeton Place was closed by Montgomery College March 2009 to address the problem of students parking and congregating near the circle and smoking as a result of the MC smoking ban implemented August 2008.  Area neighbors had complained and expressed safety concerns.

• An option of rerouting the path to a new opening deeper into the woods of Anderson Park has been withdrawn by the City and MC.

• Under consideration is an option that is used by American University to resolve a similar neighborhood-college conflict.  This option uses a pass card system to allow access through a controlled gate.  The cards are distributed by the neighborhood to residents upon request.

• The City Manager’s office is drafting a letter to the County Ride-On bus department suggesting a change to route and additional times for the bus that services College Parkway.

Ted Rutherford said the City does have some ability to legislate smoking in city parks.  A working group (crated by whom?) has an appointment with the new MC President on October 7th.

The initial task force had some communication problems between the members.  Mike Phillips is to provide names, email addresses, and phone numbers to taskforce members Pauline Wright, Ted Rutherford, Ken Hoffman, and David Kindermann.

Ann Hoffman suggested CGCA continue to put pressure on MC and the new MC President to modify their strict no smoking policy.

Gerry Cassel, President of the Plymouth Woods Association said Eylse Glasgow, the PWA Secretary, was at a MC meeting at the same time as the CGCA meeting, to provide public comments.

A motion was made and seconded that read, “The CGCA favors reopening the pedestrian walkway between Princeton Place and Montgomery College.” Some discussion followed, pointing out that this motion, as presented, did nothing to address the original problems of parking, smoking, and group loitering on Princeton Place.

A vote was taken: 12 for, 25 opposed. The motion did not pass.

A second motion was offered by Mark Pierzchala and seconded that read, “The CGCA favors reopening the pedestrian walkway between Princeton Place and Montgomery College, as long as there is adequate protection for the upper Princeton Place residents from the adverse effects of the MC Tobacco Free policy.” Some discussion followed, mostly around the definition of adequate protection.

A vote was taken: 28 for, 0 opposed. The motion was passed.

Mark Pierzchala offered another motion that was seconded.  This motion read, “Be it resolved that CGCA form a task force to define the term ‘adequate protection’ in the previously passed motion.  The membership of the task force will include representatives of upper Princeton Place and also of the wider College Gardens Community.  Membership will be 5 people.” Some discuss followed.

A vote was taken: 27 for, 1 opposed, 1 abstained. The motion was passed.

Mark Pierzchala offered to notify Mayor and Council of the two passed resolutions.

Pond Update

Construction has been delayed during the year due to inclement weather.  Soon a new split rail fence will be constructed along the back of the homes that back up to the construction.  The old fence is rotting and needs to be replaced.  Construction is scheduled to be completed the week of October 16th.  Planting of vegetation will follow shortly.  The chain link fence surrounding the construction will moved in closer reopening the path behind the pond.

New Business

Neighborhood Watch had some discussion about the old watch program.  It was generally felt that a formal Neighborhood Watch was not needed by all residents should the spirit of watch out for neighbors, which would include:  getting to know all your immediate neighbors and their phone numbers and calling 911 if you see or suspect something wrong.  The City has a Watch program.  CGCA will consider having someone from the City at the next meeting.

Candidate Forum – CGCA will be sponsoring a candidate forum in conjunction with Woodley Gardens and Plymouth Woods associations.  Date and location will be announced shortly CG Directory is scheduled to be published again.  Block captains will be around in the next few weeks to verify and collect data for the directory.  The cost of the directory will remain at $5; a second directory can be purchased for $3.

Paperless Newsletter (emailed) was proposed by the CGCA Executive Committee.  An option for any residents to continue receiving paper copy will be available.  Benefits of a paperless newsletter will be that it is better for the environment, less paper use, and helps us all be more ‘green.’ Lower production cost saves money and might allow for more frequent newsletters.  It was noted the CGCA bylaws might need to be modified for an e-newsletter.

A motion was made and seconded are read, “A motion is made to amend the CGCA bylaws to allow for delivery of an e-newsletter, provided residents have the option to continue receiving a printed copy.”

A vote was taken: 27 for, 0 opposed, 0 abstained. The motion was passed.

New Bench – a resident, Naomi Miner, called the City, inquiring if a new bench could be installed at the corner of Yale Place and College Parkway.  This bench would provide a good place to sit at the best location to watch sunsets.  It is also a good place for people to watch sporting events on the field.  Mike Critzer, of the City’s Parks Departments, has a bench that can be installed but wanted the CGCA to allow for some discussion.  It was generally agreed that a bench would be good as long as it did not interfere with winter sledding on ‘the hill.’ In fact it might be a good place to sit and watch the sledding on the hill.

Matching Grants – Orlando Heyliger, Rockville’s Neighborhood Resource Coordinator reminded the meeting that matching grants up to $1000 were available for neighborhood programs.  Orlando can be contacted at oheyliger@rockvillemd.gov .

Restaurant Week – in new Rockville Town center is October 5th through the 11th.  More information is available at www.buyrockville.org.

Conflict Resolution Day is sponsored by the City, October 15th, at the Rockshire Community Center.

New paid parking hours in Town Center will be in effect Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.  See http://www.rockvillemd.gov/news/2009/09-september/09-15-09.html for complete details.  A resident and owner of a Town Center business said many merchants are struggling already and feared the new extended paid parking hours will further hurt their business.  She suggested posting blog comments at http://rockvillecentral.com/ and emailing Mayor and Council to reconsider the new extended hours.

The meeting was adjourned.

PDF File of Meeting Minutes

MEETING MINUTES, November 18, 2008

GENERAL MEETING

Mike Phillips, President of CGCA, welcomed the membership (approx 40) to the meeting.

Pond Update

Lisa Soukup, of the City of Rockville’s Public Works Department gave an in-depth presentation of the upcoming pond construction.  This project has been under consideration since 1999, with a complete concept study performed in 2006.  Lisa showed a large poster of the pond design.  Construction is expected to begin after the holidays.

HMF Paving, Inc., of Frederick, MD is expected to be awarded the construction job by the Major and Council on November 24th, based on their low bid and history of working with the city.  The bid from HMF is for $1,389,481.50.  Because of the lower bid, four optional “addons” are expected to be included in the overall project:  basketball courts overlook deck on the bigger pond, a deck over the inflow of the smaller pond, and concrete pads around the picnic tables.  The pond project is scheduled to be completed by August 2009.  We hope the park will be ready for National Night Out but we cannot predict what delays may impact the construction.

Part of the new pond construction project includes stream restoration.  This restoration work will occur in the woods behind the nine houses on College Parkway.  EQR is the firm that will be doing the stream restoration work.  Stream restoration is expected to be completed by February 28, 2009.

Interesting Note:  Stream restoration in general cannot take place from March 15th to June 1st because that is fish spanning season.

Based on a question about sand volleyball courts, Mike Critzer of the City’s Recreation and Parks Department said they were planning on adding a new sand volleyball court.  It is not on the final design plans but there are 2 flat areas that seem suitable for this use.  The volleyball court would be installed by City employees and is therefore not part of the pond renovation project.

School walkers will be detoured around construction, as the path through the park will be closed as soon as construction begins.  It was suggested that school walkers walk up College Parkway and cross at Yale Place since there is an adult crossing guard on duty there.  Alternatively, school walkers can walk up Auburn Avenue to Tulane and walk into the back of the school properties.

The new playground will be closed for a couple of weeks initially during the beginning of construction.  But it should be available for most of the time otherwise.

Elise Cary, Assistant City Forester, said a number of trees will be removed during the construction.  They have tried to keep trees wherever possible.  But many trees are old and damaged and need to be removed.  Twice as many new trees will be planted as old trees are removed.  All new trees are covered by a 5 year warranty.

Some neighbors whose property borders the new playground asked for more trees to be planted as a buffer against sight and sound from the playground.  Mike Critzer said he would look into that.

A question about possible lighting inside the new pond/park was brought up.  At this time lighting is not in the plans as park use is not encouraged after dark.  There is electric in the park if a future development were to include lighting.

Questions or concerns during construction can be emailed to nlewis@rockvilleMD.gov.  Questions about the trees can be emailed to Forester Inspector at pperez@rockvilleMD.gov.  Monthly construction updates will be emailed or made available on a website.  CGCA will attempt to post these updates or links for the community.

Montgomery College No Smoking Policy

Sometime during the summer, MC implemented an absolute smoking ban on all MC property.  This smoking ban has resulted in students and faculty who smoke to congregate right off the MC property.  Problem areas have emerged behind Plymouth Woods and on the cul-de-sac at Princeton Place.  In these areas, smokers gather before, between, and after classes to light up.  Cigarette butts, wrappers, and trash are showing up in greater quantities.  Additionally, Princeton Place is being used for parking for many students since it is very convenient to “their” new smoking area.

Numerous neighbors in the affected areas showed up at the meeting to express their concern and to ask for action.  Some noted they have seen large groups of smokers, hookahs, possible marijuana use, as well as making-out in parked cars.  Parents said they were not comfortable with their young, impressionable kids seeing groups of students hanging out and smoking in front of their property.  Some residents said they felt intimidated by the groups hanging out in front of their property.

Supposedly, MC has sent numerous emails to students and faculty directing smokers to the Mannakee side of campus.  This seems to have had little affect in reducing smokers on the College Gardens side.

One neighbor said they had read that a meeting of the MC Board of Regents was having a meeting at the Germantown campus on 11/20.  It might be good for someone from the CGCA leadership to try to attend the meeting to raise the issue and our concerns.

Jenny Kimball, Assistant to the City Manager, was at the meeting.  Rockville has approach MC to complain about the problem.  The City has no authority over MC or the use of MC property.  A possible action discussed was to turn Princeton Place into a permit parking zone.  It was noted this also penalizes the area residents who enjoy on street parking.  Jenny will continue to lobby the college on behalf of the neighbors.

A motion was made (and passed with none opposed) that CGCA’s position is that MC should rescind or modify their no-smoking policy.

It was suggested that MC could set aside designated smoking areas on their property for smokers.

Elyse Gussow, President of Plymouth Woods Condo Association, said they had met with MC on 9/29 to complain about the smoking policy and received no satisfaction.

Another motion was made (and passed with none opposed) that CGCA would appoint a 3 member task force to “organize a meeting with similar area HOA’s and Condo Associations to develop a common, united position that can be brought and presented to MC.” And if MC continued to refused to take steps to alleviate the problem, then the issue would be brought up to elected county and state officials.  It was noted that these officials should take notice as between the 4 area associations there are approximately 3000 voters.  It was further pointed out that only the county and the state wield any actual power of influence on MC.

Other items

New courthouse construction begins Monday, 11/24.  The new courthouse is to be located on the site of the old library at the corner of Jefferson St. and Maryland Ave.  Watch for increased traffic and consider alternate routes.

The meeting was adjourned.

PDF File of Meeting Minutes

MEETING MINUTES, June 3, 2008

Pre-Meeting

Mark Pierzchala met with Rockville officials who have worked with the Civic Association on the park and playground.  Mike Critzer, Lee Soukup, Susan Strauss, and Mark Wessel explained the plans for the park and playground renovations to Mark and a few members of the Executive Board and Task Force for the park and playground.  Ms Soukup gave a detailed review of approximately 54 engineering and architectural diagrams.  The plans are close to completion but some changes were necessary.  For example the structure that drains the pond had to be separated from the overlook deck above it and is now 20 feet away from it, for safety reasons.  Mr. Critzer described the playground design.  The new playground is expected to be ready by July 4.

GENERAL MEETING

Mark Pierzchala, President of the CGCA, welcomed the membership (more than 40) to the meeting.  Sue VanGrack, treasurer, announced that the CGCA bank account has $7803.  After a thorough cost accounting for the March social, Mark said that $826 went to the Girl Scouts.

Park and Pond

Mike Critzer, park manager, said that the low bidder gets the contract to build the playground.  There will be a low maintenance, very safe rubber surface.  The play equipment has already been delivered to the contractor.  Installation should start in about 2 weeks and then be completed in 2 to 3 weeks, depending on rain.

Ms Lee Soukup discussed the plans for the pond.  The contract is going out for bid.  She went through the architectural and engineering drawings, showing locations of the paths, the shelters (existing and new), bridge over one section of the pond, the two decks, drain structure, boulders, fountain, seating wall, plantings, and the trees.  One issue is the stream behind the houses on College Parkway.  Mayor and Council should have approval between September and November.  There is a 3 month delay from time the bidding process opens.  Then construction should start sometime between November and January and should be completed in the June-August 2009 timeframe.  It is important to keep to the schedule to ensure the $430,000 grant from the EPA.

Basketball Courts

Mark led a discussion on whether to keep the basketball courts, given that the new CGES school has two courts.  Members spoke articulately for and against the courts.  Those is favor cited that this is the only recreational area for the entire College Gardens neighborhood, including the townhouses and apartments, and that the young people needed the courts.  School functions have first priority on the school’s courts.  The need for players of all age groups to have access was emphasized.  Ted Reuther moved that we endorse project construction of the basketball courts as part of the park.  The motion was seconded.  Someone noted that the survey about the park showed that the basketball courts highest on the list of options.  The motion was voted on, 27 for, 1 against.

Zoning

Dean M…. , Zoning Administrator for Rockville, said that the Planning Commission, after many meetings (e.g., RORZOR, Task Force, public hearing), sent a letter to the Mayor and Council to transmit the zoning document and map.  HE expects a hearing June 16 or 30 with the

Mayor and Council.

Home-based businesses will not require input from up to 10 visits per week.  For 10-20 visits, the business must register.  After 20, the business must keep a log of visits.  There is a new zone for businesses for Stonestreet, on the West side but there is some grandfathering allowed.  Mixed use zones allow more flexibility, corridor zones, high density.  There is height allowance of up to 150 feet in transitional zones.  There is a requirement for a 30 degree back slope between commercial and residential zones.  This does not apply if a school sits between the two zones.  The recommendation is that national parking standards should apply.  Mansionization zoning is to change the way height is measured….???  A new park zone will exist for all City park areas and public school sites.  There is no grandfathering in residential areas.  There is an opportunity for neighborhood conservation districts.

There is no change in the definition of family, up to 5 non-related persons in a house.  The Planning Commission did not alter definition of accessory structures.  The Mayor and Council will decide what goes into a neighborhood plan.

Money to Celebrate Park

Mark asked for $50 to have some sort of celebration when the new park is completed.  There was a motion to that effect, seconded, and voted with the ayes winning.  Note:  at end o meeting, Ted Reuther and Paul O’Brien volunteered to donate the money.

National Night Out

Mark announced that the National Night Out will be August 5 and asked for funds to help cover the costs.  A motion was made and seconded and the ayes took the vote.

Other Business – none.

Elections

Mark asked for nominations for new officers of the CGCA.  Those nominated also won.  They are:  Michael Phillips, President; Ciaran Murphy, Vice-President; Susan VanGrack, treasurer; Tom Miner, secretary.

The meeting was adjourned.