The Mapleleaf Online

Barbara H March 29th, 2010

March 8, 2010

MCA Executive Committee Meeting

Attendees: Allen Myers, president; Janet Maalouf, vice-president; Hugh Barteman, treasurer; Barbara Harrison, secretary; Deedee Lynch, Social Committee chair; Ralph Shofer, NIH liaison; John Lawall, French School liaison.

Secretary’s Report Barbara will circulate the updated draft minutes from 1/7/2010 for email approval.

Treasurer’s report Hugh had several members who paid double. He will apply the payments to next year’s membership unless they direct otherwise. Our account balance on Jan 8, 2010 was $7975.79. Expenses through March 8, 2010 have included lunch and parking for 10/30/09 zoning meeting, Verizon for January, February, and March, and January Mapleleaf printing. These expenses totaled $460.71. Income during the same period was $475.20 from 19 memberships. The final checking account balance on March 8 was $7990.28, which includes $890.00 from our FAES legal fund. The report was unanimously accepted.

LIAISON REPORTS

CAB – no report

NIH – Ralph Shofer reported that NIH concern that Ft. Belvoir may receive more Federal funds for BRAC transportation improvements than Montgomery County. Also, the NIH has received complaints that the vehicle inspection station doesn’t have a berm to separate it from traffic. Ralph was asked to raise the issue of cigarette smokers outside the Garden Lane gate on Cedar Lane.

BCDS – Allen reported that there was supposed to be a meeting on March 9 and Allen sent out a proposed agenda. Due to Larry Shulman’s travel, the meeting was rescheduled to April 20. Allen noted that the school is required to meet with the neighborhood once per quarter as per their lease.

French School – John Lawall reported that there is a new CAO, Deidre McLaughlin. Eric Veteau is the new principal. The new leadership may not be fully aware of special exception requirements about neighborhood liaison. Apparently a new traffic management plan that has been in place for some time was never submitted to the Board of Appeals. The school is checking into it. John thinks Martin Klauber, People’s Council, has taken action on this. The traffic management plan (TMP )is a requirement of the special exception, so any changes should also be documented appropriately.

Neighborhood Watch – Montgomery County Police Department informed Allen that they cannot put signs on the private road for Bethesda Crest and suggested that BC form a separate neighborhood watch program. Allen responded that it is more efficient to be in Maplewood, as they are part of the community. No answer yet. Spruce Tree Village road status has also been queried.

FAES Property – Allen reported the good news that the Hearing Examiner’s Report recommended denial of the project. FAES has requested to withdraw the application, but asked that it be dismissed without prejudice. This is on the Council agenda for March 16^th. If there has been a decision, they cannot re-file within 3 years, which might affect the FAES ability to sell the property to a developer. We need to decide when to give back our legal fund donations, but want to wait a while longer. Martin Grossman, the Hearing Examiner, reported that the project would be okay as a townhouse development, but also said it was too dense. Grossman also noted that the proposed project might violate the NIH master plan, which was designed not to put pressure on existing zoning of the adjacent neighborhoods.

Social Committee - DeeDee Lynch reported on the spring social event plans. The event will be held rain or shine at the Maplewood Alta Vista Park rec center from 3 to 5:30 p.m., with set up from 2 -3 and cleanup from 5:30 to 6. The park and ball field are reserved. Pizza in the usual amount has been ordered from Armand’s, which can deliver more if needed. Armand’s will bring ice chests with coke products. DeeDee will arrange for additional soft drinks, water, and juice boxes and will use borrowed coolers from neighborhood volunteers. Also being considered is a pie contest – with pies then available as dessert. There will be a children’s craft table, 2 face-painters, and a moon bounce. The size of the latter will be determined by the electricity limitations of the rec center circuits. The moon bounce company has insurance. If we are using extension cords, they will need to be covered so they aren’t a hazard. There may be a cupcake walk, possibly with donated cupcakes. Two parents have volunteered to organize a kickball game out on the field. We will have wristbands to ID neighborhood members. There may be live music – not amplified. Linda Hubbard will contact the Fire Department to arrange for fire trucks. We generally give a donation to Bethesda Fire Dept. in recognition. A Maplewood memories table will be set up so that people can bring old photos and share stories of the neighborhood. Park Police have a canine corps and might be willing to bring the dogs.

DeeDee will bring a helper signup sheet to the general membership meeting. High school kids may also earn volunteer credit for helping. The event is free for members and families. They will be able to buy membership or pay a fee per family to attend for the day. This was set at $10 to encourage maximum neighborhood participation. Two realtors may help sponsor the event. We will put an ad in our newsletter and distribute a flyer the week before – delivered by hand. The overall budget of $1625 is for:

$350 for pizza, drinks, ice and set up (plates, napkins), including tips. Armand’s will buy back cokes.

$300 for additional drinks and chips

$175 for park permit

$600 for entertainment

$100 for crafts table

$100 miscellaneous – wristbands, trash bags, etc.

Allen asked that DeeDee write this up for membership approval at the March meeting. He noted that attendance is likely to 150.

OLD BUSINESS

BRAC Update – Jan reported that there is nothing much new. The TIGR grants fell through. Allen noted that they are proposing a bike path on the south side of West Cedar Lane. This would be an 8-foot path replacing the current 4-foot sidewalk. Fire hydrants would need to be moved. A public meeting on this will occur the same night as our general membership meeting – it will be at 7 p.m. at North Chevy Chase Elementary.

Ways to Gain Membership – We hope that the social event will boost membership.

Maplewood/Alta Vista Playground Equipment - is waiting to be installed when weather permits.

NEW BUSINESS

Maplewood Alta/Vista Rec Center Closure – The County is planning to close the Maplewood/Alta Vista center. They had already cashed our reservation check, so we still have it for our social, but it is officially closed April 5. The rec center was originally built for neighborhoods to use, but now is rented county-wide. We were at 19% utilization, where 20% was the cut off. The building is not air conditioned, which limits its appeal. The fate of the building will be determined after a public hearing. It could be turned over to another entity to run. Allen will talk with Maplewood Football also.

Appointment of Nominating Committee Chair

Ralph agreed to chair the committee. He will need at last 2 additional volunteers from among the members. Jan asked to be replaced as VP.

Articles for Newsletter

· Social committee article or ad – DeeDee

· Call for Nominating Committee members and Leadership volunteers – Ralph

· Snowplowing issues/DOT rep to address membership meeting – Allen

· President’s column – Allen

· Prom Breakfast – Allen

· County Budget issues: Ride-On Bus route 30 and Maplewood/Alta Vista Rec Center Closing – Allen

· FAES status – committee will be asked to write an article

· BRAC – Jan will write up if there’s anything to report.

· Neighborhood watch – Frank will be asked if there’s space

· Neighborhood helper’s list – Jan

Agenda Items:

· DOT representative – Snow Plowing – 45 minute

· Maplewood Rec Center closing

· FAES update

· BRAC update

· Report on Spring Social and approval of Spring Social budget

Other New Business

· Resurfacing of roads – We won’t know until May

Prepared by Barbara Harrison

3/13/10

• Executive Committee minutes
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