New members were encouraged to introduce themselves.
Old Business:
Motion: Approve minutes of the May 13, 2003 meeting.
Vote: Approved.
Discussion: The number of dues paying members is now about 2/3 of the 640 homes. This has increased dramatically with the current method sending out notices.
Motion: Accept the Treasurer’s report.
Vote: Approved.
Motion: Approve the Board’s consensus recommendation to set aside $10,000 in a “rainy day fund”.
Vote: Approved.
4. Update on “Train noise” – A Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) official confirmed that in Mid‑September Final Rules governing the establishment of Quiet Zones were sent from the Department of Transportation to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). If and when OMB approves the rules, the FRA will publish procedures and designate offices for interested communities to contact and receive guidance about how to proceed.
New Business:
1. RCHCA received a letter regarding “Renew Montgomery”. Rock Creek Hills has been selected for this program, which will fund miscellaneous repairs to the infrastructure (e.g., sidewalks, gutters, etc.). Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
2. The Maryland‑National Capitol Park and Planning Commission’s (M‑NCCPPC) decision to remove trash cans from the parks was discussed. Copies of M‑NCCPPC’s press release from July 22, 2003 were available.
There was extensive about the removal of the trash cans, the budgetary issue, “carry‑in, carry‑out”, and the use of the soccer fields in the park.
Motion: The Board will compose a letter to M‑NCCPPC expressing opposition to removal of the trash cans from the parks. In addition, the letter will:
· Present reasons for opposition;
· Suggest an increase in fees for using the soccer fields to cover the cost of maintaining trash cans in Rock Creek Hills Park;
· If the trash cans are removed, RCHCA requests:
o An education campaign to ensure that park users are aware of the new policy;
o Signs informing park users of the new policy in multiple languages (English and Spanish, at a minimum);
o Sufficient resources to maintain the appearance and safety of the park.
Vote: Approved
A second motion, simply opposing removal of the trash cans, was introduced and withdrawn.
3. Disposal of tree debris from hurricane Isabel was discussed. The Montgomery County Department of Public Works and Transportation has two options for recycling tree debris depending on the nature of the debris.
· Curbside pickup of brush "tied into bundles with twine. Bundles should not exceed 30 inches in diameter. Each branch should not be larger than 4 feet in length, and 4 inches in diameter." http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/tmpdsws.asp
· Branches larger than 4 inches in diameter may be dropped off at the Highway Services facility at 8710 Brookville Road (Building B) , Silver Spring. This facility is open Monday through Friday (7:30 AM - 8:00 PM), Saturday (7:30 AM - 5:00 PM), and Sunday (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM). For additional drop off locations, please call Highway Services (240 777 7623).
There are currently no plans to provide curbside pickup of branches larger than 4 inches in diameter.
4. The RCHCA Board will be elected at the January meeting. Marty will not be running. Anyone interested in running for a position on the Board, or serving on the Nominating Committee should contact a current Board member.
5. Upcoming events:
· October 26, 2003 - Halloween Parade & Potluck Dinner
· Holiday Decorations Contest
· January 24, 2004 (tentative) – RCHCA Meeting & Potluck Dinner
6. Carol Franek, Director of the Grace Episcopal Day School, welcomed us to the facility. The school hosts a number of events that are open to the public (e.g., October 18th bookfair). She invited members of RCHCA to participate in these events. She also asked that neighbors inform her if there are any problems caused these events or other activities at the school.
Motion: Motion to adjourn
Vote: Approved.