gaithersblog.net

The important thing to understand about the draft revised ordinance linked below is that it adds language to the R-90 zone that says:

Impervious areas in the front yard, or side yard when adjacent to a public right-of-way, shall be limited to a contiguous area that is no more than twenty-five (25) percent of the area of the front or side yard, or a contiguous area twenty-five (25) feet wide and the depth of the front yard, whichever is less. Lead walks (walkway to front door) measuring not more than five (5) feet in width are excluded. This section shall not apply to those properties requiring a historic area work permit for site development.

Basically this is intended to keep people from paving their entire front yard and using it as a parking lot. While the problem isn’t at all limited to this case, I expect that this ordinance will be somewhat helpful in dealing with the unauthorized conversion of single-family homes to multi-family dwellings; when that happens, the properties tend to sprout far more vehicles than are able to fit in a normal driveway. (Note that the City does attempt to put a stop to such overcrowding, but their tools are limited. The City has a web page on this issue, with information about how to report overcrowded homes, along with an excellent video and 26-page PowerPoint presentation on the topic.)

Note that most residential neighborhoods built over the past twenty years or so — Kentlands, for example — are not subject to this ordinance, and are instead more likely have homeowners association covenants which would control this sort of activity. Affected neighborhoods tend to be older, such as Deer Park, Diamond Courts, West Riding, Observatory Heights, parts of Brighton East, etc. The historic districts of Olde Towne are typically R-90, but are excluded from this ordinance, I assume because this sort of change is already regulated by the Historic Area Work Permit process. You can consult the City’s zoning map if you are uncertain as to the zoning of your property.

This is not a done deal, this is an announcement for a public hearing on the issue. So if you care one way or another, let the City know by sending them an email, or attending the public hearing next Monday evening.

From the City’s website:

Notice - Joint Public Hearing T-389, 2/2/2009

Posted 1/21/2009

CITY OF GAITHERSBURG
31 South Summit Avenue

Gaithersburg, Maryland 20877
Telephone: 301-258-6330

NOTICE OF JOINT PUBLIC HEARING

The City of Gaithersburg Mayor and Council and Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing at the time and place noted below.

Meeting: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Application Type: TEXT AMENDMENT
File Number:T-389
Applicant: GREG OSSONT FOR MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL

Day/ Date/Time: MONDAY FEBRUARY 2, 2009 AT 7:30 P.M.
Place: GAITHERSBURG CITY HALL

IMPORTANT

This is an ordinance to amend Chapter 24 of the City Code (City Zoning Ordinance) Article III, entitled, “Regulations applicable to particular zones,” Division 2, entitled, “R-90 zone, medium density residential,” § 24-32, entitled, “Dimensional restrictions,” to modify subsection (d) to establish new standards for impervious areas in front and side yards. This is an opportunity to publicly participate, other than providing written testimony that must be submitted before the public hearing record closes. Contact the Planning and Code Administration City Planner (listed below) at 301-258-6330 if you should have any questions and/or to learn more about this process and your ability to offer testimony and input.

• DRAFT Text Amendment T-389 (pdf file)
  NOTE: This form is provided in PDF format and can be viewed with the Adobe Acrobat Reader. This format will enable you to view the document as it appears in print. If you do not already have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed follow the link above to Adobe’s free download area.

CITY OF GAITHERSBURG
Rob Robinson III, Planner
Planning and Code Administration

The first Mayor and Council Meeting of September is being held on Tuesday, because of the Labor Day Holiday (Reminder: the parade starts Monday at 1:00 pm)

From the City’s website:

Agenda - Mayor and City Council Meeting, 9/4/2007
Posted 8/30/2007

City of Gaithersburg
AGENDA FOR A REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2007, 7:30 P.M.

I. CALL TO ORDER

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

III. INVOCATION

IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Minutes of a Regular Meeting of the Mayor and City Council Held August 6, 2007
Background Material (pdf format)

Minutes of a Regular Meeting of the Mayor and City Council Held August 20, 2007
Background Material (pdf format)

V. CONSENT ITEM
(resolutions for approval by the City Council that do not need discussion)

Resolution to Resolution of the Mayor and Council Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into a Contract to Purchase One (1) 2008 Utility Body Truck with Lift Gate. ($39,098)
Background Material (pdf format)

VI. APPOINTMENTS

1. Resolution of the Mayor and City Council Establishing A City of Gaithersburg Ad Hoc Committee for Skate Components within City Parks and Confirming Appointments Made by the Mayor Thereto
   Background Material (pdf format)

2. Resolution of the City Council Confirming Appointments and Reappointments to the Arts and Monuments Funding Corporation, Beautification Committee, Board of Appeals, Communications Committee, Education Committee, Environmental Affairs, Market Square Advisory Committee, Personnel Review Board, Planning Commission, and Police Chief’s Advisory Council
   Background Material (pdf format)

VII. OATH OF OFFICE TO PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBER

VIII. OATH OF OFFICE TO BOARD OF APPEALS MEMBERS

IX. PRESENTATIONS

1. Proclamation of the Mayor and City Council Designating September, 2007, as “National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month” in the City of Gaithersburg
2. Proclamation of the Mayor and City Council Designating September 24, 2007, as “Family Day - A Day to Eat Dinner With Your Children” in the City of Gaithersburg
   

X. COURTESY REVIEW

SDP-07-002, Proposal to Amend a Schematic Development Plan (SDP), Known as Washingtonian South Seven, Located in the Washingtonian Center Subdivision in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The Approved Plan has Two Office Buildings (Eight Stories and Six Stories) and Contains 350,000 Square Feet of Office Space and a Four Level Parking Garage. The Amendment Proposes Two Eight-Story Office Buildings Consisting of 400,000 Square Feet and a Five-Level Parking Garage. The Property is 322,066 Square Feet (7.39 acres) of Land. The Parcel is Located at 9711 Washingtonian Boulevard, Washingtonian Center, Parcel K, South of the Springhill Suites Hotel and North of Negola’s Ark Veterinary Hospital and is in the Mixed Use Development (MXD) Zone
Background Material (pdf format)

XI. PUBLIC APPEARANCES
(public is invited to speak on any subject that is not a public hearing topic on tonight’s agenda – each speaker three minutes)

XII. FROM THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL/ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Board/Commission/Committee Vacancy Update
• Upcoming City Events

XIII. FROM THE CITY MANAGER

XIV. PUBLIC HEARINGS

1. JOINT - T- 381, Proposal to Amend Chapter 24 of the City Code (City Zoning Ordinance), Article III, Division 22, §24-160G.5, Entitled “Waiver of Development Standards.” so as to Amend §24-160G.5(a) so that the City Council May, by Resolution, Waive the Building and Structure Height Requirements in Any District in the Corridor Development Zone (CD Zone) as Follows: for a Commercial District to Allow a Height Not to Exceed Five (5) Stories, or Sixty (60) Feet
   Background Material (pdf format)

2. JOINT - T-382, Proposal to Amend Chapter 24 of the City Code (City Zoning Ordinance), Entitled” Zoning,” Article III, Entitled, “Regulations Applicable to Particular Zones,” Division 15, Entitled, “I-3, Industrial and Office Park,” §24-143, Entitled, “Uses Permitted by Right,” to Add New §§ 24-143(12) and 24-143(13), so as to Allow Full Service and Limited Service Hotels as Permitted Uses in the I-3 Zone if Certain Conditions are Met

   Background Material (pdf format)

3. JOINT - Z-306, Amendment to Sketch Plan, Humane Society (HSUS) Property, the Application Requests up to 300,000 Square Feet of Office Development in Structures Between 6 and 12 Stories and up to 250-300 Residential Units in Structures in Between 6 and 12 Stories on Approximately 10.5 Acres of Land. The Subject Property is Located East of I-270, South of the Existing Terminus of Professional Drive, and West of MD Route 355, North Frederick Avenue, in the Mixed Use Development (MXD) Zone
   Background Material (pdf format)

XV. ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS, AND REGULATIONS
(ordinances, resolutions, and regulations to be introduced or adopted following appropriate procedures required by the City Code, or resolutions that may require discussion by the Mayor and Council prior to approval)

1. Resolution of the Mayor and City Council Approving RC-39: Road Code Waiver Request for Lane 3, Part 2, of Watkins Mill Town Center, SP-05-0013, Revision to RC-33
   Background Material (pdf format)

2. Resolution of the Mayor and City Council Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into a Contract for Construction of a Storage Shed at the Public Works Facility ($163,300)
   Background Material (pdf format)

3. Resolution of the Mayor and City Council Awarding Matching Grants to Amberfield HOA, Kentlands Condominiums III, and Fireside Condominiums ($13,800)

   Background Material (pdf format)

XVI. POLICY DISCUSSION AND STAFF GUIDANCE
(discussion by the Mayor and Council about previous public hearing topics and other policy matters)

Resolution of the Mayor and City Council Amending Section 27 of the City Charter to Modify the Procedures for Registering to Vote in City Elections (Ready for Final Action)

Background Material (pdf format)

XVII. FROM THE ASSISTANT CITY MANAGERS, CITY ATTORNEY AND OTHER STAFF

XVIII. ADJOURNMENT

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ANNOUNCEMENT

Notice to the general public is hereby given that the Mayor and City Council of the City of Gaithersburg will conduct a work session on Monday, September 10, 2007, to:

• Receive Staff Presentation on Upcoming City-Wide Citizen Survey
• Discuss Proposal for Safety Netting at Kelley Park Ballfields

On a 4-1 vote, the City Council tonight enacted an anti-solicitation ordinance. The approximate text of what was adopted can be found (as a PDF) here.

Please do read the whole thing to understand what all it says, but the meat of it is in this section:

Prohibited Conduct

1. It shall be unlawful for any person, while occupying as a pedestrian any portion of a public or private roadway, sidewalk, driveway, parking area, or alley, including drive lanes, medians and curbs, to solicit or attempt to solicit employment, donations, alms or subscriptions, from any pedestrian who temporarily exits a vehicle, or from any person occupying or traveling in a vehicle, on a roadway, sidewalk, driveway, parking area, or alley.

2. It shall be unlawful for any person occupying or traveling in a vehicle, or who temporarily exits a vehicle, to solicit or attempt to solicit employment, donations, alms or subscriptions, from a person who is a pedestrian on a public or private roadway, sidewalk, driveway, parking area, or alley, including drive lanes, medians and curbs.

The council had a little trouble with this bit:

(f) Effective Date

It is the intention of the Council that this ordinance not go into effect until an employment center, located either within the City of Gaithersburg or in an area of Montgomery County, Maryland proximate to the City’s corporate boundaries, in accordance with the laws and requirements of the respective jurisdiction, is open and operating on a regular schedule.

in that the “It is the intention” clause seemed a little too wishy-washy; that was replaced during the Council session with language that left the Council’s intent out of it, and just affirmatively stated the conditions under which the law would go into effect.

There was some debate over whether to pass the ordinance. Ms. Edens appeared not to like it at all, despite having expressed support for it in the past. She said that she was concerned that it was a bad law, that it would be difficult to enforce in a non-discriminatory fashion, it would be challenged, and it wouldn’t do what people seemed to want it to do. She also stated that she preferred that the laborers be offered “carrots” instead of this stick, although she offered no suggestions as to what sort of carrot should or could be offered, or what the City could do if it turned out some of the laborers just don’t like carrots. Ms. Edens was the only Council member to vote against the ordinance.

Two other council members — Alster and Sesma — also expressed concern that the law would be challenged and that it wouldn’t do what people wanted, but they voted for it anyway. Mr. Marraffa expressed strong support for the law, and Mr. Schlichting largely kept quiet.

There was no talk of passing this as “emergency” legislation, and thus — assuming that the County stays on track with their Day Laborer center (and in that regard, it appears that the trailers were delivered to Crabbs Branch Way sometime this morning), then all the angst over delaying the ordinance until the labor center is in operation will have just been for show; the labor center will likely have been in operation for some time before the first laborer or employer can be cited for violating this ordinance.

Update: Sebastian Montes has an background article on this topic in today’s Gazette. As the decision came after the Gazette’s publishing deadline, it does not discuss the outcome; I expect they will have an update on this before the day is out.

If passed, it will be the first such law in Montgomery County. County Executive Isiah Leggett (D) has said he will wait until Gaithersburg makes its decision before announcing his position on the issue.

Civic groups such as the state chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union and the county chapter of the NAACP have threatened to sue Gaithersburg if it enacts the law. They argue that the law violates the First Amendment. Numerous communities across the country have enacted similar measures, many of which have been shot down by courts.

To my knowledge, the courts have trouble with these laws when there is no place provided where these rights can be exercised, which is part of why the law was written to be dependent on the existence of a labor center.

From the City’s website:

City of Gaithersburg
AGENDA FOR A REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2007, 7:30 P.M.

I. CALL TO ORDER

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

III. INVOCATION

Pastor Sarah Lewis, St. Luke’s Lutheran Church

IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Minutes of a Regular Meeting of the Mayor and City Council Held February 5, 2007
Background Material (pdf format)

V. CONSENT ITEMS
(resolutions for approval by the City Council that do not need discussion)

1. Resolution of the Mayor and City Council Awarding a School Playground Matching Grant for a New Playground at Gaithersburg Elementary School ($6,000)
   Background Material (pdf format)

2. Resolution of the Mayor and City Council Authorizing the City Manager to Award a Contract for Sanctioned Official Services for City Sponsored Programs for Adult and Teen Softball to Greater Washington Softball Umpires Association ($9,075)
   Background Material (pdf format)

3. Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute a Renewal of Retention Agreement with Special Counsel Stanley D. Abrams, Esq. ($24,000)

   Background Material (pdf format)

VI. PRESENTATIONS

1. Introduction of New Police Officers
2. Readings by the Winners of the National CHARACTER COUNTS! Week Adult Heroes in OUR Community Writing Contest
3. Presentation of the City of Gaithersburg’s Government Finance Officer’s Association (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
4. Certificate of Appreciation Presented to Beautification Committee Member Frank Mate
5. Certificate of Recognition Presented John Stepek, Recipient of the 2007 Mid – Atlantic Recreation and Sports Alliance Award
6. Presentation from the Humane Society

VII. PUBLIC APPEARANCES
(public is invited to speak on any subject that is not a public hearing topic on tonight’s agenda - each speaker three minutes)

VIII. FROM THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL/ANNOUNCEMENTS

•  Upcoming City Events

IX. FROM THE CITY MANAGER

X. ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS, AND REGULATIONS
(ordinances, resolutions, and regulations to be introduced or adopted following appropriate procedures required by the City Code, or resolutions that may require discussion by the Mayor and Council prior to approval)

1. Resolution of the Mayor and City Council Authorizing the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) Agreement With the Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County on Behalf of Forest Oak Towers Apartments
   Background Material (pdf format)

2. Resolution of the Mayor and City Council Awarding a Matching Grant to The Orchards Homeowners Association ($5,000)
   Background Material (pdf format)

XI. POLICY DISCUSSION AND STAFF GUIDANCE
(discussion by the Mayor and Council about previous public hearing topics and other policy matters)

1. Z-303(o), Proposal to Rezone 1.2099 Acres of Land, Currently Known as Lot P-87, the Duane Property, Located Off Game Preserve Road Between Arrowsmith Court and Travis Avenue in the City of Gaithersburg, From the Existing C-2 (General Commercial) Zone to the E-1 (Urban Employment) Zone, Under the Optional Method of Rezoning, in Accordance With §24-196 (map amendments) and §24-198 (optional method) of the City Code (Ready for Final Action)

   Background Material (9.3M - pdf format)

2. An Ordinance to Repeal and Reenact With Amendments Section 15-4 of the City Code, Entitled “Loitering,” so as to Clarify Existing Language With Regard To Prohibited Conduct, and Section 15-9, Entitled “Solicitation in Roadways,” so as to Expand the Applicability of the City’s Prohibition on Solicitation Specific to this Chapter (Ready for Final Action)

   Background Material (pdf format)

XII. FROM THE ASSISTANT CITY MANAGERS, CITY ATTORNEY AND OTHER STAFF

XIII. ADJOURNMENT

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THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL

WILL BE HELD MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2007, 7:30 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 31 SOUTH SUMMIT AVENUE

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UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETING AND WORK SESSION ITEMS
This list is not all-inclusive, and does not reflect priorities or scheduling
But is intended to provide a glance at future items to come before the City Council.

March 5 Meeting:

Presentations
-Winter Lights Sponsors
- Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection on the Clean Energy Rewards Program

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WORK SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT

Notice to the general public is hereby given that the Mayor and City Council of the City of Gaithersburg will not conduct a Work Session on Monday, February 26, 2007.

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COMMUNITY WORKSHOP ANNOUNCEMENT

On Monday, February 26, 2007, the City will host a Community Workshop at Lakelands Park Middle School located at 1200 Main Street, to give the public an opportunity to review initial concept plans for the new Gaithersburg Indoor Aquatic and Recreation Center at Edison Park Drive. Displays boards will be available for viewing beginning at 6:30 p.m. City staff and the design firm, SORG Architects, will make a presentation
at 7:30 p.m., followed by ample opportunity for questions and answers.

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MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS

ARE TELEVISED LIVE ON CABLE CHANNEL 13
AND ON THE
INTERNET AT
www.gaithersburgmd.gov/tv

From the City’s website

Master Plan Items Currently Under Review:

UPDATED 2/2/2007: The City is requesting feedback on the Historic Preservation Element from citizens and interested parties, with comments to be directed to the Planning and Code Office. Printed copies of the Element are also available for review at City Hall during regular business hours.

• Historic Preservation Element - Draft (2.5M)

• Chris Robinson writes, City looks to tap out early alcohol sales:

  An ongoing concern about early morning alcohol sales has Gaithersburg looking at putting a lid on the practice.

  Residents have long claimed a slew of indecent behavior such as public urination and littering in the Olde Towne area is the result of beer sales that begin as early as 6 a.m. at one convenience store.

  In lieu of pursuing state legislation, the city has discussed with the county board of license commissioners limiting sales hours through liquor licenses issued in specific areas, Assistant City Manager Fred Felton said.

  My understanding is that the 7-11 in question, in the Duvall Center, is the only beer and wine outlet in a fairly wide area that begins alcohol sales that early in the morning. This has the effect of bringing many people to that location who otherwise have no reason to be there; in many cases they will buy single beers, drink them in the nearby neighborhood, and toss the empties into front yards, sometimes even stashing an extra for later in the bushes of a private home. Sometimes they proceed on to their jobs — or homes if they are coming off the night shift — and sometimes they find a place in the area to hang out or take a nap. If opening times for beer outlets were more uniform, many of these people would likely patronize stores closer to their homes or jobs. It is also fairly obvious why the 7-11 would be reluctant to help with voluntary restrictions, as these early sales are drawing customers from a much wider area than would be typical for a neighborhood convenience store.

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• Sebastian Montes writes, Labor center gets initial nod from planners:

  The county’s planned day-laborer center off Shady Grove Road is set for a public hearing before the Planning Board Thursday, and has been recommended for approval by planning staff.

  The plan is to set up two 60-foot trailers side-by-side on a half-acre lot in a county-owned cluster of industrial operations along Crabbs Branch Way, more than half a mile from the nearest home.

  While the task force recommended that a center is better than doing nothing, it also set strict criteria for where a center is suitable — which Cathy Drzyzgula, a task force member and neighbor to the current informal gathering spot in Olde Towne — says the proposed site meets.

  She is also hopeful that Leggett’s plan can draw broad support from people looking for practical solutions — a sentiment she feels has gotten lost in the fray of emotion and controversy.

  ‘‘[T]his choice represents a middle path, since it pleases neither extreme, but instead the larger share of people who hold moderate views on the issue,” she wrote in an e-mail to The Gazette. ‘‘It will help the workers, without putting an undue burden on a particular residential area. … It is easy when looking at an issue to try and define ‘the two sides,’ but in this case the middle is just as important as the extremes.”

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• Chris Robinson writes, Gaithersburg teen stabbed by group:

  The Gaithersburg teenager was attacked at about 7:30 p.m. Jan. 29 by a group of unknown people wearing masks, county police spokeswoman Officer Melanie Hadley said Tuesday. She did not know where on his body or how many times he was stabbed.

  The time and place of this incident would appear to make this the same incident as the first one in my earlier report here.

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• Chris Robinson writes, Residents want bilingual police chief:

  Residents at a forum last week said it is important to have a bilingual, technology-savvy city police chief take control of the city’s force when long-time chief Mary Ann Viverette retires in May.

  Though most said the new chief should have prior leadership experience and a knack for communication, there was no clear majority on whether the candidate should be selected from the city’s current ranks or from outside the department.

This Wednesday, February 7 2007, the Planning Commission will meet to discuss three topics: Minor revisions to the plans for Watkins Mill Town Center (if I’m reading it correctly, the developer wants to change the orientation of some rooftop decks), an issue regarding site plan requirements for older neighborhoods, and something — it’s unclear what, exactly, having to do with Crown Farm. Regarding the Crown Farm discussion, the only recent additions (from 1/26/07) to the Crown Farm Record are some emails between the city and some residents in the slice of unincorporated County between Washingtonian/Rio and Crown Farm; the residents are concerned about the impact of the Crown Farm development on their neighborhoods. The agenda does not make clear if this is the issue that staff plans on raising.

The site plan requirement issue is concerning, I think. Some of the older neighborhoods in the City were built before the CIty started to require site development plans; examples listed include Deer Park, West Riding, Rosemont, Walker’s Addition and Observatory Heights. There appears to be some concern that modifications, alterations and additions to homes in these neighborhoods require “nothing more than a residential building permit”, and thus there is not the opportunity for public input that exists in the newer developments in the City.

Personally, I think that there is a significant chance that many people purchased homes in these older neighborhoods specifically because of the lack of this intense sort of public scrutiny over what one can and cannot do with one’s property. I think that a change such as this would represent a taking of property rights, and I’m strongly opposed to its adoption.

SITE PLAN

AFP-07-002 –  Watkins Mill Town Center
MXD Zone
Metropolitan Grove Road
Elevation Revisions for Fairgate Townhouses
AMENDMENT TO FINAL PLAN REVIEW

Background Material ( pdf format: Large File - 7.5M)

DISCUSSION

T-373 — Single-Family Lot Review
Ordinance to Amend Zoning Ordinance § 24-168

Background Material (pdf format)

FROM STAFF

SDP-06-005 — Crown Farm
MXD Zone
Fields Road/Sam Eig Highway/Omega Drive

Mixed Use Development
Background Material

On Monday, February 12 2007, the Mayor and City Council and the Planning Commission will hold a joint work session on two parallel applications (Z-304 and SDP-06-004) related to the rezoning and redevelopment of the Broadstone apartments parcel, on the northwest corner of West Deer Park & South Frederick. The new background materials are not yet up; the following pictures are from the previous presentation before the Mayor and City Council (in particular, they’re taken from this pdf document, which contains additional pictures).

The City has published the agenda for the Monday, February 5 regular meeting of the Mayor and City Council. From my perspective, there are three items of particular interest: The return of the City Manager’s Day Laborer report, further discussion funding for the review of the Kentlands Commercial Special Study Area (this has been contentious in the past), and a report on the Mayor and Council’s strategic planning retreat. I do also note the lack of any agenda item regarding the anti-solicitation ordinance. This could come up in the City Manager’s day laborer report.

Agenda - Mayor and City Council Meeting, 2/5/2007
Posted 2/2/2007

City of Gaithersburg
AGENDA FOR A REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2007, 7:30 P.M.

I. CALL TO ORDER

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

III. INVOCATION

Rick Price, First Church of Christ, Scientist

IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Minutes of a Regular Meeting of the Mayor and City Council Held January 16, 2007

Background Material (pdf format)

V. APPOINTMENTS

Resolution of the City Council Confirming an Appointment and Reappointments by the Mayor to the Beautification Committee, Commission on Landlord/Tenant Affairs, Education Committee, and Multicultural Affairs Committee
Background Material (pdf format)

VI. PRESENTATIONS

1. Gaithersburg Celebrates African American History Month With a Tribute to Dr. Marsha Coleman Adebayo, “The Woman Who Dared,” Sponsored by the Multicultural Affairs Committee
2. Civil Air Patrol Presentation
3. Annual Report on Historic Preservation in the City of Gaithersburg
4. City Manager Report on the City’s Strategic Planning Retreat Held January 19-20, 2007
   2007 Draft Strategic Plan (pdf format)

5. City Manager’s Day Laborer Report
6. Discussion on Process, Timing and Funding for Review of Kentlands Commercial Special Study Area
   Background Material (pdf format)

VII. PUBLIC APPEARANCES
(public is invited to speak on any subject that is not a public hearing topic on tonight’s agenda - each speaker three minutes)

VIII. FROM THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL/ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Board/Commission/Committee Vacancy Update
• Upcoming City Events

IX. FROM THE CITY MANAGER

X. ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS, AND REGULATIONS
(ordinances, resolutions, and regulations to be introduced or adopted following appropriate procedures required by the City Code, or resolutions that may require discussion by the Mayor and Council prior to approval)

1. Resolution of the Mayor and City Council Authorizing the City Manager to Purchase Fiberglass Sculptures for the All Aboard the Art Train Public Art Project ($38,650)
   Background Material (pdf format)

2. Resolution of the Mayor and City Council Awarding a Matching Grant to Washingtonian Towns Homeowners Association ($3,750)
   Background Material (pdf format)

XI. POLICY DISCUSSION AND STAFF GUIDANCE
(discussion by the Mayor and Council about previous public hearing topics and other policy matters)

T-380 - An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 24 of the City Code Entitled "Zoning," Article III Entitled "Regulations Applicable to Particular Zones,” Division 15 Entitled “I-3 Zone, Industrial and Office Park,” to Eliminate Redundant and Conflicting Provisions and Renumber Accordingly (Ready for Final Action)

Background Material (pdf format)

XII. FROM THE ASSISTANT CITY MANAGERS, CITY ATTORNEY AND OTHER STAFF

Staff Recommendation to Close the Mayor and City Council Record on Z-303(o), Proposal to Rezone 1.2099 Acres of Land, Currently Known as Lot P-87, the Duane Property, Located Off Game Preserve Road Between Arrowsmith Court and Travis Avenue in the City of Gaithersburg, From the Existing C-2 (General Commercial) Zone to the E-1 (Urban Employment) Zone, Under the Optional Method of Rezoning, in Accordance With §24-196 (map amendments) and §24-198 (optional method) of the City Code
Background Material (pdf format)

Staff Guidance on Memorandum Dated February 1, 2007. for Residential “Parking By Permit Only” for a Portion of Brighton Drive

Background Material (pdf format)

XIII. ADJOURNMENT

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THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
WILL BE HELD TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2007, 7:30 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 31 SOUTH SUMMIT AVENUE

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UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETING AND WORK SESSION ITEMS
This list is not all-inclusive, and does not reflect priorities or scheduling But is intended to provide a glance at future items to come before the City Council.

Feb 20 Meeting:

Presentations

-Introduction of New Police Officers
- Humane Society
- National CC! Week Adult Heroes Writing Contest

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WORK SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT

Notice to the general public is hereby given that the Mayor
and City Council of the City of Gaithersburg will conduct a
Joint Work Session on Monday, February 12, 2007, to discuss:

Z-304, an Application to Rezone 14.157 Acres of Land, Currently Known as Part Parcel A Lots N-943; N-994; N-888; & N-939, the Broadstone Apartments, Located at the Intersection of MD 355 and West Deer Park Road in the City Of Gaithersburg, From the Existing R-20 (MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL) Zone to the CD (Corridor Development) Zone, in Accordance With §24-196 (Map Amendments) and §24-160G.6 (Procedure for Application and Approval) of the City Code

SDP-06-004, the Applicant Requests the Redevelopment of 14.157 Acres of Land,Currently Known as Part Parcel A Lots N-943; N-994; N-888; & N-939, the Broadstone Apartments, Located at the Intersection of MD 355 and West Deer Park Road in the City of Gaithersburg, Proposed Plan Includes 334 Multi-Family Units, 53 Townhomes, and 28 Two-Over-Two Units

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There were several stories of interest in this week’s Gazette. A number of them addressed the County’s day laborer plans; I’ll put those in a separate post following this one.

• Chris Robinson writes, Annapolis retreat puts city’s needs in focus:
  

  Public safety, Olde Towne revitalization and thoughts on a new senior center were topics of extensive discussion at Gaithersburg city leaders’ annual retreat in Annapolis on Saturday.

  Public safety

  Council members also discussed public safety in Olde Towne, after a spike in violent crimes the past few months in and around that area drew concerns in recent public meetings.

  City leaders said a police beat system would let officers focus on specific parts of the city.

  However, the city currently employs 50 officers and Police Chief Mary Ann Viverette has said they would need 10 more officers before beginning that system due to the draw it would have on police resources, Humpton said.

  The city will hire three to five more officers this year, he said.

  Katz encouraged the city to examine whether police can increase an emphasis on Olde Towne in lieu of the beat system.

  Viverette has been briefed about the request and the city is examining the possibilities, Humpton said Tuesday afternoon.

  Two Gaithersburg residents and two reporters attended the meeting.

• Chris Robinson writes, Revised affordable housing regulations win approval:
  

  Gaithersburg mayor and City Council unanimously approved the revised regulations for the affordable housing ordinance during a meeting last week.

  In a nod to the proposed Broadstone Apartment redevelopment project, which could displace about 350 families that currently live there, the approved ordinance allows eligible tenants displaced by redevelopment to have first pick of the affordable homes once they are available.

  A change also was made in the per-unit fee required of residential developers in Olde Towne from $2,500 to $1, although the mayor and City Council would annually review the amount.

• Chris Robinson writes, Gaithersburg men robbed, beaten with chain:
  

  Two Gaithersburg men were beaten and robbed by eight men at the Festival at Muddy Branch shopping center parking lot Saturday night, police said.

  One of the suspects beat the men with a chain, but no other weapons were involved, Wagner said.

  The 36-year-old victim was taken to a hospital where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries, Wagner said. His status is unknown as of Monday evening.

  Anybody with information about the crime should call Gaithersburg police at 301-258-6400.

  This would be the same incident I posted about a couple of days ago.