Marty
Durbin, President, called the meeting to order.
Announcements:
Ø
New directories have
been distributed
Ø
Directory updates have
been removed from internet copies of the newsletter
Ø
Planned events and
meetings:
o
September 28 – Annual
Concert in the Park
o
October 8 – RCHCA Meeting
o
October 26 – Halloween
Parade and Potluck
Ø
Information about RCHCA
and neighborhood events is available on the internet at: www.rchca.org
Ø
The Rock Creek Hills Citizens’ Association e-mail
network, rchcanet, is for families of Rock Creek Hills.
To join rchcanet or to ask a question about it, contact
Sam Hoxie via email at samhoxie@comcast.net. Be sure to
include your name and address if you would like to join so that we may verify
your connection to the neighborhood. Thanks!
Old Business:
Motion: Approve minutes of the January 25, 2003 meeting.
Vote: Approved.
Discussion: A typo was identified
on the line “total expenses”.
The “replacement grills”, which replaced the
grills stolen after the Halloween potluck, were discussed.
Motion: Accept the Treasurer’s report.
Vote: Approved.
Guest Speaker: Steve Blackistone, neighbor and member of the Bethesda‑Chevy
Chase Rescue Squad
Steve discussed the proposed ambulance fees. Some of the points Steve made were:
·
The Bethesda‑Chevy
Chase Rescue Squad, along with other local volunteer organizations, provides
services and equipment at no cost to the County.
·
There is no assurance
that the funds raised would be used for fire/rescue. The assumption is that the funds would be placed
into the General Fund.
·
Residents already pay
taxes for fire/rescue services.
·
The proposal does not
consider administration fees.
The following topics were covered in a general discussion of the issue:
·
Does the Bethesda‑Chevy
Chase Rescue Squad serve the Chevy Chase section of Washington, D.C.?
Yes. The Chevy Chase section of Washington, D.C.
supports the BCC Rescue Squad during their annual fund raising. The BCC Rescue Squad does not receive any funding
from the County.
·
The proposed fees for
ambulance services are higher than those in neighboring localities.
·
Neighborhood Watch,
Safe Houses, and the idea of a directory of medical professionals were mentioned.
New Business:
1.
There was discussion
concerning the potential uses of a portion of the money in the treasury.
Some of the suggestions were:
a.
Set aside a portion
to cover future expenditures
b.
Gateway signs at entrances
to the community
c.
Beautification of the
traffic circles (e.g., landscaping and maintenance)
d.
Outside help to get
“fresh” copies of the covenants and provide covenant information to the affected
homeowners.
The Board will present a list
of proposed uses for a portion of the treasury in the summer newsletter.
These will be discussed at the October meeting.
2.
Beltway noise – The
State study of Beltway noise did not justify the construction based on the number
of homes affected by Beltway noise and State standards. RCHCA had its own noise study performed several
years ago.
3.
The lack of mowing
along the Creek was discussed. Some
concerns based on the lack of mowing are:
·
The reduced the amount
of parkland available for play area, dog walking, and recreation
·
The high grass provides
a harbor for ticks
·
Evasive species are
flourishing
·
Newly planted trees
are at risk
Reductions in the budget for
the Parks and Planning Commission are considered the cause of the reduced mowing.
The County Council directed that all trash cans be removed to reduce
expenses.
Concerned residents can write
to the County Council and ask them to increase the budget for the Park and Planning
Commission and/or volunteer to help maintain the parks via the County “Weed
Whacker” program. To volunteer for the
“Weed Whacker” program, call the Park & Planning Commission.
The Board will write a letter
to the County Council concerning the park conditions.
4.
Additional bags to
clean up pet waste are needed at Rock Creek Hills Park.
5.
There was some discussion
of the low annual RCHCA dues as compared to the mandatory dues of some Homeowners
Associations. RCHCA dues are voluntary.
6.
There was a brief discussion
concerning television antennas and satellite dishes.
Federal regulations will preempt any covenants or local regulations.
7.
The question of street
cleaning was raised. Most of the streets
in the neighborhood could use cleaning after last winter’s snows.
The Board will look check to
see if the streets are scheduled to be cleaned.
8.
The Town of Kensington
will be rehabilitating the Kensington Cabin.
9.
It was suggested, based
on the difficulties plowing the streets after last winter’s major storm, that
residents get together and either only park on one side of the street, or in
driveways when snow is anticipated.
Motion: Motion to adjourn
Vote: Approved.