June 2005 WLCA Meeting Mintues
Board Members Present: Jennifer Kalmanson, Temmy Kimes, Mary Lehman, Robert Lennon,
Joan Norris, Susan Railey, Doris Reynold, Howard Rosenberg, Stan Shock, Barbara SollnerWebb, Steve Steenrod, Lilia Toler
Committee Chairs Present: Jane Blewett (Environmental), Bill Ferguson (Zoning)
I. Reading/Approval of May Minutes: The minutes were read and approved without changes.
II. Treasurer's Report: As of May 31, 2005, WLCA had in its checking account $7,403.90. It also
had four CDs totaling $4256.69 for assets of $11,660.59. The annexation fund had $1,500.00; the
number of dues-paying households was 434.
III. Strategy for Posting General Meeting Signs/Request for funding: Lilia contacted Leo
Goulden, the man who makes the West Laurel Rec Council signs for its community events. Mr.
Goulden is willing to make signs but he wants to be reimbursed for the cost of materials. The
signs will be 24” by 18;” they have plexi-glass covers and red tape around the edges and plywood
backing, Mr. Goulden also makes the sign inserts with his tabloid-size printer. He can do large
fonts and color printing. He advised Lilia that occasionally, the Rec Council signs are stolen, so
WLCA might want to get an extra sign. The signs are attached to stop signs at key intersections
throughout the community. They are secured at top and bottom with a 4” screw and nut that
keeps them anchored and helps resist wind and weather. The cost of materials is about $20-$25
per sign. Lilia said she talked to John Dollen about the signs and the costs and he was
supportive. Board members identified the following locations for the signs:
1. The intersection of Sweitzer Lane and Bounds Ave.;
2. The stop sign at Bond Mill Road and Sherwood Ave., which would have signs facing
north and south;
3. The stop sign at Riding Stable Road and MD Rte.198;
4. The intersection of Bond Mill and Brooklyn Bridge Roads;
5. The intersection of Bond Mill Road and MD Rte. 198 (if we can figure out where to post
it); and
6. Brooklyn Bridge Road in the vicinity of the I-95 overpass.
Bill Ferguson made a motion to authorize WLCA to spend up to $200 for eight signs. The money
will be taken from the association’s office supply fund. Robert Lennon seconded the motion; it
was approved by voice vote. The signs will be kept in our storage space at the West Laurel
community building. Lilia agreed to be the association’s point of contact with Mr. Goulden for sign
contents.
IV. Zoning Report\
A. Reaching Hearts Court Appeal: Reaching Hearts has filed an appeal in Prince George’s
Circuit Court seeking to overturn the county Planning Board’s denial of its application to
join two parcels of land so it can build along Brooklyn Bridge Road. While the case would
not likely be heard before the end of the year, Bill noted that WLCA, if it wants to oppose
Reaching Hearts’ petition for appeal, must do so in writing by July 3. The board concurred
that it wants to continue to oppose the project and support the Planning Board’s decision
to deny Reaching Hearts’ application. Bill has given to Temmy Kimes examples of zoning
cases where the association weighed in on Planning Board decisions. These written
responses must be couched in legal language and based on arguments of precedent and
the soundness of the initial decision. WLCA was notified by MNCPPC in a letter dated
June 3, 2005, that it had 30 calendar days to oppose the Reaching Hearts’ petition. The
board concurred the association will need some legal assistance with crafting its response
to support and justify the Planning Board’s decision. Historically, WLCA has either backed
off in such cases or prepared a statement without outside assistance. Bill made a motion
that WLCA investigate the feasibility of taking action pursuant to the Reaching Hearts
appeal of the Planning Board decision regarding its proposal to build a church/conference
center/school. Barbara seconded the motion and it was approved by voice vote. The
following actions will be taken: Temmy will talk with Burton’s Lane neighbors to determine
their plans for responding to the petition. Bill will contact MNCPPC’s Legal Department for
guidance and/or information on Reaching Hearts’ filing. Mary will ask Judy Thacher for
help in getting a hard copy of Reaching Hearts’ court papers. Barbara Sollner-Webb will
talk with attorney Susan Gray about helping us with our brief. A lot of communication will
have to be done via email since we have slightly more than three weeks to submit our
written response. Jennifer summarized the possible scenarios for the association: WLCA
can give blank check for Susan to research/write a response; WLCA can gather basic
information about its response and attempt to convene a special followup meeting to draft
its written statement. Barbara said she can ask Susan to either do the legal legwork pro
bono or for a nominal fee or if she can just give general guidance. In any case, Barbara
wants Reaching Hearts’ court papers to show Susan Friday evening. We will ask that
either MNCPPC’s Legal Department or Judy Thacher to obtain the court papers and fax
them to Barbara at work.
B. Shriners’ proposal/process for vetting traffic concerns of Bauer Lane residents: The
Board believed the Shriners and their legal counsel were helpful and would work with the
community to allay traffic and other concerns associated with the proposed Almas Temple
on MD Rte. 198 and Bauer Lane extended. Mary floated the idea of inviting Bauer Lane
residents (18 households) to an upcoming board meeting to communicate their concerns
in more detail and explore solutions with the Shriners and their legal representative. Robert
noted that if those residents have concerns, it is incumbent upon WLCA to represent them
and facilitate a dialogue to resolve traffic and other issues. The board concurred we need
to arrange for this meeting, possibly as soon as the July 14 monthly board meeting, John
or Mary can contact Shriners’ attorney Mike Nagy to find out availability for such a
meeting.
V. Environmental Report
A. Community Cleanup summary: Jane Blewett reported that the community cleanup had
the best turnout in the last three years with about 25 people participating. Board members
Lilia Toler and Steve Steenrod took part, as did the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. The
weather cooperated and volunteers filled 20-25 large trash bags. On Sweitzer Lane,
volunteers collected the most trash including asphalt shingles. All trash was taken to the
community building and when Jane returned the following day, Park and Planning staff had
removed it. Jane sent a write-up about the event to the Laurel Leader and Gazette
neighborhood columns, thanking volunteers and Einstein Brothers for donating bagels.
Robert asked that the minutes reflect that the board commended Jane for the entire
cleanup effort and encouraged her to continue her good work on the environmental front.
B. Letter to Weis regarding sales circulars: Jane drafted and circulated to the board a
letter to Weis supermarket management requesting it stop its community-wide drop of
sales circulars that litter West Laurel. Bill commented that it was a great letter and
suggested we copy the Laurel Leader. Some board members wondered whether we
should give Weis an opportunity to respond first, but Bill and others thought the paper
should be copied at the same time. Bill made a motion that the letter under John Dollen’s
signature be sent immediately to Weis Management (at the All Saints Road store) with a
carbon copy to the Laurel Leader. The motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.
VI. Membership Drive Update: Board members have not gone door-to-door yet with the new
membership packets. Doris Reynold asked that we be given name tags to wear when we go out
to talk to people. Stan found the nametags in the storage closet before the start of the meeting
and will give them to anyone who wants one. Jennifer requested extra copies of the Hotline.
Laurice has copies of the Spring 2005 issue for this purpose.
VII. New Business
A. Help with organization/cleanup of old hard copy files: Mary, Bill, Joan Norris and Lilia
Toler offered to help with organization/cleanup of filing cabinets in the community building
storage space. We will ask Laurice to arrange a date to do thisl. Lilia reported that Laurice
wanted another four to five-drawer filing cabinet. Susan Railey will check at work about the
availability of surplus cabinets and get back to Lilia about a donation.
VIII. Roundtable: On membership: Stan said Dennis will produce and circulate more brochures
for community distribution. Stan also will look into window stickers or refrigerator magnets with
the letters WL for West Laurel. Robert commended the entire board for its work and spirit of
cooperation. Bill reminded board members that this is the last monthly board meeting he will
attend as Zoning Chair. The board agreed it needs to make filling this vacancy a top priority. Bill
stated for the record his opposition to the Almas Temple proposal, mainly because of the
potential for the organization to seek a liquor license for its special events, problems associated
with regular, large gatherings by outside organizations that rent the facilities and the fact that as a
nonprofit, the Shriners will not pay any tax to the county or state. That means this property is
removed from the tax rolls and the county permanently loses the revenue it would otherwise
realize from a for-profit entity. The board concurred it should request additional information about
the Shriners’ rental policies and future plans for seeking a liquor license even for special events.
Jennifer noted the Shriners’ and their attorney had sent mixed messages about use of the facility
in terms of both purpose and frequency and we need to seek clarification. Barbara Sollner-Webb
reported that State Highway appears to be in a quandary about which alternate it should
recommend for the Inter-County Connector. Its problem is that the U.S. EPA has recommended
strongly against the Masterplan alignment while Montgomery says the northern route would be
bad for the master planning process in Montgomery County. Chuck Lipinski, a greater Colesville
area activist speculates that perhaps a third route will be put forward. Barbara took part last week
in the Subregion I Masterplan workshop. Members of Barbara’s group argued that MNCPPC
should not to give in to Montgomery County and private developers who want to convert Fairland
golf course to a more upscale course and housing development. Over at WSSC, citizens such as
Barbara have a positive impression of the new general manager; he is very environmentally
aware and improving working atmosphere of the bi-county agency. WSSC also is looking for new
members to serve on its citizens’ advisory board.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.