Board Meeting Minutes

Present were Bob Gross (Pres.), Kim Ford (VP), Tom Hall (Sec.), David Grossman (Treas.), and committee chairs/members Josh Carin, Joan Clowes, Ann Stadnicki, Joel Dorfman, and Lynn Hirschman.

Bob reported that he and Kim Ford had bought and planted pansies at the Montrose Road entrances to carry us through until summer plantings can be made.

David reported that we are starting the fiscal year with approximately $6600 in the bank after paying all bills. He has kept track of households who have paid dues, by block. He can mark up a map so that volunteers can solicit dues from the remaining households. We discussed trying to use block captains. Josh volunteered to visit as many homes as possible and encourage them to become active in paying dues. We would like to raise the percentage of participation so that we can afford to do more for the neighborhood.

Ann Stadnicki reported that the directory was essentially ready to print and turned in money received for advertising. Bob would like to push one more time for local merchants to take out ads, so we will wait for the end of the week before committing the directory to the printers. It was noted that the map at the center of the directory did not show the new section on Aqueduct by the water tower, so Ann will draw this in.

Josh discussed landscaping plans. The Falls Road entrances are well maintained by neighbors, but we need to plant annuals and mulch. A juniper needs to be moved from the Seven Locks island over to the Chillam entrance; and the island needs more perennials and small shrubs, leaving a smaller area to be filled with annuals. Josh will get some drawings and estimates for signs, and depending on cost we may buy one now and another later. The need for a permit and fee to the county was discussed.

Speaking of the county, Bob reported that the use of the free service to cut down dead trees - calling 240-777-ROAD, was successful.

The ice skating party was described as successful, with about 25 residents participating. Josh' company (Gepetto's Catering) provided the food, which was pronounced excellent by those in attendance. The next event will be the yard sale - Sunday 12-3PM on May 5th. Ann volunteered the use of her real estate signs with covers/posters to direct people to the event. We will investigate getting a banner-type sign for the Inspection House Road island. The timing should work out to put out a flyer for people to sign up for the yard sale, as well as one to pay dues, and to deliver these along with the new directory.  Local kids will be used to distribute the directory and fliers. At the suggestion of one of Bob's daughters, participants in the yard sale will be asked to voluntarily donate a small fraction of their proceeds to a charity chosen by the board -- one of the local shelters for the homeless of the abused. Joan will do the advertising and write the flyer text for Joel to get printed. Kim will write the dues reminder.

Lastly, we discussed zoning issues. The master plan for Fortune Park has been approved, as has a zoning change to allow for greater density at the Cabin John Shopping Center, for which there are conceptual plans but no specific approvals yet. Concerns about the density and traffic on Seven Locks were expressed, so we need a Roads chair to keep on top of such things (currently vacant.) An article in the Potomac Almanac was also brought to our attention by Bob. A staff recommendation to the board which has to approve the new Master Plan included a last minute attempt to get approval for widening Seven Locks, Montrose, and River Roads. The board has consistently rejected widening proposals for the section of Montrose Road between Falls Road and Seven Locks Road and did so again in this case.  Tom took an action to look into this and write a draft letter to the board on the subject.

Meeting was adjourned.