Minutes

HCA Meeting Minutes 7/28/19
10:30 am Dawson Farm Park

·       Welcome Jeff Perkins
·       City Updates Jeff Perkins
o   Stone Ridge Pond Update
§  Plan for mid-August completion of heavy machinery and removal of fencing
§  Smaller work on vegetation in September/October
§  Financial penalties have been enacted secondary to delay
·       Question of where penalties go?  Do funds go back to City of Rockville and can any be redirected to the neighborhood?  To be determined.
o   FAST regulations
§  Minimal online information
§  Expediting smaller projects/permits/building projects, lessened regulatory review
§  Review pamphlet for more information
o   Richie Parkway drainage project
§  Working on getting city contact for updates
o   Downtown and Town Square recommendations
§  Meeting was recorded and is available for viewing online
§  Summary of recommendations
·       Improving signage
·       Increase advertising
·       Possibility of adding senior resource center/youth resources 
·       Change traffic flow
o   Sealing off North Washington? 
·       Full report will be provided to City in next 1-2 months
o   City commissions Marc Plante
§  Please volunteer on city commissions!  It is an easy application process.  
§  Forward any current volunteers
§  There is currently a Boards and Commissions Task Force at City level
§  Contact mayor and council @rockvillemd.gov for city input and suggestions

Previous Business
·       Budget Update Jackie Lin
o   < $2000 in bank account, does not include anticipated fees for 5013c
§  Next grant process for Rockville opens 12/19
·       Update on Maryland tax filings Jackie Lin
o   The HCA needs to be in good standing for Rockville
o   Due to changes to Federal Regulations on non-profits we now must file as an existing entity.  Regulations are retroactive, therefore HCA not currently established and delinquent
§  HCA BOD is trying to establish a 501c(3)  
o   501c(4) allows for political advocacy
§  Con: higher annual cost
o   C(3) does not allow political advocacy
§  Benefit for taking donations
§  Lower cost to establish and file
§  Articles for Rival in process w/ state, it is a difficult/lengthy process
·       The treasurer is waiting response to a request for assistance from county volunteer office.  Also looking for neighborhood volunteers w/ legal and tax expertise   

New Business
·       Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) 2021 Patti Westenberg
o   Looking for committee members
o   Proposal must spend $25,000
o   Proposal ideas for Elwood Smith grounds
§  Invasive tree removal
§  Picnic grounds
§  Natural playground
§  Restroom access
§  Walkway by waterways
o   Due by December/January
·       Traffic Update- Marc Plante
o   Sits on city committee
o   City has been active on citizen concerns
o   Meets monthly 4th Tuesday, meetings are open to public
o   Pedestrian study
§  Majority incidents are pedestrian caused
§  Commission is working measures in Town Center
o   Hungerford specific concerns
§  Mt Vernon Place pedestrian crossings to RM trail
·       There had been safety concerns regarding limited sight lines
o   No Parking x 2 car spots have been added at every pedestrian crosswalk to increase sight lines
§  West Edmonston right turn lane onto Wootton Pkwy
·       Traffic study will be completed when school is in session to evaluate bus traffic and turning radius
·       Anticipate September evaluation, likely recommendations shortly thereafter
·       They are optimistic that a turn lane addition will be feasible
§  Ride On Flex
·       Hungerford is “transit desert”
o   We are part of one year pilot study
·       Flex/on demand service via an ap
o   “corner to corner service”
o   Between Hungerford, Rockville Town Square and metro
·       If we don’t utilize as a neighborhood during pilot we may loose the service
·       FREE for seniors and students, $2/ride otherwise
§  Wootton Pkwy speeding concerns from neighborhood residents
·       Will bring up to commission at next meeting
§  Please bring up and forward any concerns! 
·       Monique Ashton
o   RM Cluster Coordinator  
§  Currently communicates to neighborhood via local PTA.  They are attempting to also work out communication directly with neighborhood organizations
§  Advocate and engage w/ principals, leadership and families
§  We have a strong cluster
·       RM # 7 in Maryland
·       Successful first year for BRES
o   Good principle
o   World Language school
§  Currently there are at least 45 minutes per week of language instruction for ALL students
·       Issues for next year and a planned reduction in resources have been restored for 2020
o   Possible reduction again in 2021, will need more community involvement to advocate to keep school wide resources  
o   Opening ceremony coming soon
§  County is looking at expanding IB program county wide/decentralizing the IB program.  RM is currently the only school that pulls from across county
·       1000 IB applicants per year, ~ 300 get in
·       IB is essential to strength of RM cluster
§  Boundary issues
·       RM Specific
o   6 portables at RM already, cluster is constantly growing Overcrowding is a concern.
§  Possible strategies: move kids out vs build more schools in cluster
§  MCPS is building new high school in Crown to open ~ 2025, 5 cluster boundary study including RM will be involved with the Crown boundary decisions
·       County study
o   MCPS has a request for proposal out for overall analysis
§  We are several years out from the actual boundary study
§  Everything is on the table for the county
·       Plan to address volume and diversity concerns
§  Significant capacity is on the outskirts of the county, a lot of growth/need is in city centers
§  Potential to move IB to move volume
§  The process needs significant eyes and cross checks from community
·       Errors can be made on county level
§  Next meeting on FRP 7/29
o   Pedestrian Advocacy Committee
§  Meets monthly, first Thursday of month at 7pm
§  Currently working on pedestrian portal
·       Tracks heat maps and issues being reported
§  Meetings are open to everyone
§  Eyes Up Rockville
·       Advocacy campaign to bring awareness to pedestrian safety
§  Group is addressing E-scooters and safety
·       Pilot program in county
·       200 scooters in Rockville, 200 more coming
·       Scooters are considered bikes and should conform to bike rules
·       Riders should be 18 years and up
·       There are many pros and cons to program
·       If you find one you can call the City for removal
·       Villages Update Trish Evans
o   Summary: the Villages concept began as an opportunity for neighborhoods could help each other.  Started as senior support so that seniors can age in place.  Current iteration is more multigenerational. 
o   Local examples: King Farm, Twinbrook just incorporated (East Rockville and West End are looser)
§  KF has more senior members
§  Twinbrook very socially oriented
o   City does not dictate structure, Villages are locally organized
§  City provides support only
·       Free city rentals
·       Software support
·       Logistical support
·       Woodley Waves
o   5013c has been established to try and save the group
·       Deer population
o   Request for city response on overpopulation
o   Update from Beryl Feinberg
§  There has been a unanimous vote by mayor and council to approve a culling
·       Coordinated by Parks and Rec committee
·       There is a longstanding plan with pilot plan already approved
o   Awaiting approval from State DNR
·       Update anticipated in December
·       Next summer/fall first pilot culling, unclear which Rockville park

Future Dates
·       National Night Out August 6
o   National police night/organization
o   Potluck
o   6-8 @ ES
o   Bounce house provided by Rockville
·       September 28th
o   Candidate Forum 1:30pm
§  There is a possible conflict with televised City dates 
o   Community wide yard sale in morning
o   HCA meeting  
·       October 26 Trunk or Treat 

















Hungerford Civic Association
Minutes of January 26, 2019 Meeting

ATTENDEES
Bill Dillinger, outgoing president
Jeff Perkins, incoming president
Lok Samson, vice president
Jackie Lin, treasurer
Andi Kronzek, outgoing secretary
Patti Westenberg, social committee chair
Laura Rhodes, bylaws committee chair
Monica Berger
Ladda Cole
Bill Meyer
Gotthard Szabo

10:15 AM | MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
  • Outgoing President Bill Dillinger was asked if he hears from the city often. He said he gets emails, but not much specifically relating to Hungerford, except about the proposed development at the corner of Edmonston and Rockville Pike.
  • The issue of the stormwater pond enhancements being over schedule was raised; it was supposed to have been completed by the end of 2018.
  • A discussion was held regarding the City of Rockville’s proposed changes to the APFO.
    • Parents are concerned about the proposal to raise school capacity to 150%. The Bayard Rustin PTA submitted a resolution to the city to oppose raising the threshold to 150%. The county threshold is 120%.
    • A discussion was held regarding smart growth vs. how school capacity is affected. While opinions varied regarding growth, the objection to raising the capacity threshold was unanimous.
    • Concerns were raised about who should have authority over issues such as this: the city, the county or the board of education. Concerns were also raised about the lack of clarity and transparency from the city and county.
    • The city is voting on the APFO on Monday, so there’s not much we can do because of the timing. Incoming President Jeff Perkins suggested that we cultivate a relationship with someone at the city level so that we can have a discussion when issues like this arise. We can go on the record about our concerns. (Hjarman Cordero, senior neighborhood resources coordinator, is our current contact with the city.)
    • Other civic associations (West End, East Rockville) have taken a stand with the city against raising the threshold. Twinbrook didn’t take a stand.
    • Question was raised as to whether the proposed increase in school capacity is “all or nothing.” Is there a middle ground? Can waivers, exemptions, policy change, redistricting be considered? Some of these issues were brought up to the city council, but were not seriously entertained.
    • Do we need a strategy to communicate with the Board of Education, not just the county? As BOE is a state-chartered agency, it would behoove us to get state representatives, like recently-elected Julie Palakovich Carr, involved. By doing so, maybe we can get accuracy and transparency.
    • What is the benefit of our taking a stand on this issue at this late date? We would be on record as an association that we oppose school overcrowding.
    • A motion was made, seconded and passed that Lok Samson will draft a statement reflecting our position that the threshold should remain at 120%. Once drafted, she will circulate it to the board for comment, then submit it to the city.

10:50 AM | HUNGERFORD CIVIC ASSOCIATION STRUCTURE
  • Bill Dillinger said that because there hasn’t been much interest or involvement by community members, the president has traditionally “run the show” (made decisions regarding meetings and who to invite). Now that there’s a new regime with board members who are active and interested, maybe it will be run in a more inclusive way.
  • Question was brought up about possibly converting the association from a 501(c)(3) to a 501(c)(4) someday. Does that affect our position with the city council? Once we get settled, we can revisit the nonprofit designation.

10:55 AM | TREASURER’S REPORT – JACKIE LIN
  • We spent about half of the $1,000 grant we got from the city last year. There are no time limits or restrictions about what we spend it on, but it may be difficult to justify a request for another grant if we haven’t spent down this one.
  • Patti Westenberg applied for a 2019 $1,000 city grant, which will have to be used within a one-year time frame. If approved, money can be used toward a Little Free Library at Elwood Smith (Patti’s husband will build it) and stream cleanup (62 families have signed up; we need to show a 50% community involvement match). Landscape Committee may also be able to use some of the funds from the grant.
  • The balance in the association’s account is $1,729.24.

11 AM | BYLAWS – LAURA RHODES
  • Laura said there are only a few substantive changes; most are stylistic. Some of the updates or clarifications include:
    • Definition of member of civic association.
    • The dues requirement has been removed, but the board has authority to decide to
charge dues if and when deemed necessary.
    • Officers’ terms changed from one year to two years.
    • Meeting frequency.
    • Special meetings.
    • Establish relations with neighboring civic associations.
  • Motion was made, seconded and passed to approve the bylaws.
  • The new slate was approved: Jeff Perkins, president; Lok Samson, vice president; Jackie Lin, treasurer; Sumeera Younis, secretary.

11:10 AM | GAVEL IS PASSED (METAPHORICALLY) FROM BILL DILLINGER TO JEFF PERKINS
Jeff said he’s happy to take on the role of president. He wants to get city more involved. Also wants to get more community members involved so that we can better represent our neighborhood.
  • Committees – Chairs of standing committees serve on the board.
    • Traffic Committee – Should this committee be standing? No, just as issues arise. Bill Dillinger will participate and chair, if necessary. Traffic issues may include:
      • A dedicated right turn lane from West Edmonston onto Wootton.
      • Maybe we should contact Bayard Rustin principal and neighbors regarding traffic concerns. Should the city revisit issues we had prior to the school being built?
      • If you see a traffic issue, like traffic backing up at school during dismissal, take photos. Better for city to see hard proof.
      • Connect Fleet to Wootton? Not fair to East Jefferson, as they get all that traffic. But the issue has been taken out of the master plan, so may be moot.
      • Question was raised regarding permit parking around RM.
    • Community Outreach Committee – not standing.
      • Should we have block captains?
    • Social Committee, chaired by Patti Westenberg, is standing.
    • Landscape Committee is standing. Ask Frank Cole if he will continue to chair.
  • Free trees are available to Rockville residents. Visit rockvillemd.gov to sign up.
  • Lok called attention to the calendar of activities that was made available to attendees. Some ideas in the works are a summer fun day and a dog play day.

11:25 AM | NEW BUSINESS
  • Issue of underground infiltration facility at Ritchie and West Edmonston was raised. Water pools and attracts mosquitoes. From a health standpoint, the city should fix or remediate this problem based on epidemiologists’ recommendations.
  • The website (www.hungerford.us) is our official means of communication, but we should also send minutes through listserv.
  • Next meeting is tentatively scheduled for May, and may be combined with a Mothers’ Day activity. We will ask the city if we can reserve Elwood Smith again.

11:35 AM | ADJOURN


 



Hungerford Civic Association Meeting

September 21, 2016


Meeting called to order at 7:05 p.m.

7:05 p.m.
Report by Bob Rappaport, City of Rockville Acting City Police Chief
  • Crime statistics were not available but in general, Hungerford is a safe neighborhood and Rockville is a safe city, due in part because it’s the seat of government and there is lot of police presence.
  • Auto theft and vehicle vandalism are crimes of opportunity. Be sure to lock your car and take valuables out or leave them in the trunk.
  • If electronics are stolen, it’s possible that they can be tracked.
  • It’s important to report incidents, even if nothing is taken. It helps the police department know where to direct their resources.
  • Keep lights on around your house at night. Those wishing to do harm will choose a house that is dark, vacant, and has unlocked windows and doors
  • Crime rate in Rockville has been decreasing every year for the past five years.
  • While some gang members may live in Rockville, there are no specific gangs in the city.
  • A police commander can be assigned to our civic association to act as a liaison between the neighborhood and the police department.

7:25 p.m.
Report by Hjarman Cordero, City of Rockville Senior Neighborhood Resource Coordinator
  • International Night will be held on Friday, November 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. at F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, 603 Edmonston Drive.
  • MCPS is scheduled to begin a feasibility study for a Richard Montgomery High School addition project. Work sessions will be held at the school on September 28 at 3:30 p.m. and October 13 at 7 p.m. The PTA will make a presentation at the school on November 15 at 6:30 p.m.
  • The mayor and council will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, November 1 at 7 p.m. at City Hall to gather community input for the development of the operating budget and Capital Improvements Program for FY 2018. Visit rockvillemd.gov/budget.
  • Community input is being sought regarding Bus Rapid Transit studies in Rockville. You can contact the county or Rockville mayor and council.



7:30 p.m.
Report by Janet Kelly, City of Rockville Human Rights Mediation Coordinator
  • The City of Rockville has a voluntary, confidential and free community mediation program.
  • Examples of individuals/groups that may want to make use of the program include landlords or tenants; neighbors; business owners or consumers; students; employers or co-workers; friends; members of an organization/group; and family members (excluding divorce matters and domestic violence).
  • The program provides an alternative to going to court.
  • For more information or to schedule mediation, contact Janet Kelly at 240.314.8316 or jkelly@rockvillemd.gov.



7:40 p.m.
Hungerford Civic Association Treasurer’s Report/Elliott Fein

  • We had a starting balance of $1,371.
  • We spent $450 (city grant) for a December mailing to let people know how we communicate. Gotthard Szabo said that we picked up a few new subscribers. About 100 people belong to the FaceBook group; that number is increasing. About 120 people subscribe to the listserv. Aaron suggested that everyone spread the word about how we communicate to their neighbors.
  • Frank Cole, landscape committee, was reimbursed $220 for maintenance of the Dogwood Crape Myrtle project.
  • The current balance is $1,171. 
  • Aaron suggested that we continue to not collect dues unless we spend down the balance.
  • We should consider applying for a matching grant from the city. The deadline for the fall cycle is October 16.


7:50 p.m.
Report by Frank Cole, Hungerford Civic Association landscape committe·   

  • Frank drew up designs for signage; the projects would be in the $3,000 range. Permitting, wiring, easements and school construction make it complicated.
  • We may want to do something at the pond (next year after the storm water management project is completed) or maybe something at the bridge at Dogwood. Ideas are welcome.
  •  A question was raised as to how the deer population affects landscaping. Frank said that crape myrtle are deer resistant.



7:55 p.m. 
Report by Gabe Kosarek, P.E., City of Rockville project manager
  • An overview of the storm water management project was given. Mr. Kosarek showed a photo of the existing facility and renderings of the two concepts that are being considered to improve the quality and quantity of storm water management.
  • Two weeks ago, the city met at the pond with 18 Hungerford community members. About 1/3 of the attendees preferred concept one, 1/3 preferred concept two, and 1/3 had no preference.
    • Discussion included:
    • how the ecosystem, habitat, wildlife and trees will be affected
    • function of the channel in concept one
    • overflow/spillway
    • lifespan of each option
    • pros and cons of installing a fountain
    • disruption to the community during the project
    • expense of each option
    • impact of climate change
  • The construction will take about six months; the timing is affected by the seasons.
  • A general consensus indicates that those at the meeting prefer “concept three,” a combination of concepts one and two.
  • The city will disseminate information about the project via the listserv, website and Rockville Reports.


8:45 p.m. 
Meeting adjourned




 JANUARY 20, 2016 MEETING OF HUNGERFORD CIVIC ASSOCIATION
HELD AT ELWOOD SMITH COMMUNITY CENTER

7:05 p.m. 
President Aaron Fein called the meeting to order and introduced Vice President Bill Dillinger, Treasurer Elliott Fein and Recording Secretary Andi Kronzek. Approximately 30 people were in attendance.

Treasurer’s Report
  • Checking account balance is $1,371.49. 
  • The expense of the mailing to announce this meeting was $449.71. The city gave us $450 for the mailing, so that covered it. 
  • $174 of the balance in the account is earmarked for landscape projects. 
  • Question was raised regarding dues, and where the balance came from. Balance is from old dues. Since we spend so little, there’s not really a point to collecting dues. 

7:10 p.m.
Report by Hjarman Cordero, senior neighborhood resources coordinator
  • In advance of the impending winter storm, Mr. Cordero discussed snow emergency guidelines and distributed a hand-out. The information can also be found on the website (rockvillemd.gov).
  • The community is invited to the Asian Pacific American Task Force Lunar New Year Celebration on Saturday, February 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre.
  • The Rockville Leadership Program gives community members a behind-the-scenes look at our city’s government. Starting April 7, it is a free six-session program for individuals age 16+. An entire session will be devoted to leadership. Visit rockvillemd.gov for details.
  • City is seeking volunteers to shovel snow for seniors.
  • After March 15, we can apply for another matching grant from the city.
  • Question was raised regarding parking on Ritchie Parkway during snow emergencies.
  • Aaron said the city has several e-mail lists to subscribe to in order to stay informed on issues of interest. Visit rockvillemd.gov/list.aspx


7:15 p.m.
Report by Ann Wallas, AICP, Rockville 2040 Long Range Planning team
  • Ms. Wallas displayed a poster titled, “Process for Revising the City’s Comprehensive Master Plan.”
  • She urged everyone to stay informed and involved. Visit the Rockville 2040 webpage, rockvillemd.gov/masterplanupdate
  • The city held listening sessions last fall, including a meeting with Hungerford at Elwood Smith on October 15, to hear community input.
  • Four city-wide forums will be held from April through June to decide on high-level goals and objectives to guide the future of the city. A plan will be drafted, and the city will return to neighborhoods for comment. They will then present a draft to the Planning Commission, hopefully by the end of this year (although the process is a little behind schedule). The planning commission then makes a recommendation to the Mayor and Council.
  • A question was raised concerning whether the city is legally bound to follow the plan. Ms. Wallas said the plan does not have force of law; the zoning ordinance has force of law.
  • A discussion was held as to what constitutes a conservation district, such as Lincoln Park
  • Some of the key issues in Hungerford are aging housing stock, if future purchasers will see the value in the neighborhood and want to invest, connections to Town Center, Twinbrook, walking and biking.
  • City is hearing across the age spectrum that Rockville is boring and they want stuff to do. There is currently no bowling, billiards, roller skating rinks.
  • Question was asked regarding if the issue of power lines could be addressed in the plan. Ms. Wallas said it could be a worthwhile recommendation, but who will pay for it?
  • Ms. Wallas distributed a survey that attendees filled it out and returned to her. Results will be posted on the website.

7:40 p.m.
Landscape Committee Report | Frank Cole

  • Frank talked about the Crape Myrtle project, and said that we got wonderful support from the city. He plans to hold a meeting in about a month to discuss other possible projects.
  • Discussion was held regarding Certified Weed Warriors and whether they need the city’s permission to do work in Rockville.
  • A suggestion was made that the Hungerford Civic Association can encourage the city to exercise maintenance on the work that the landscape committee does.
  • Maybe someone from the city, such as Jason Bible, can come to a meeting to address landscape issues.
  • Discussion was held regarding signage for entrance to Hungerford. Frank said the landscape committee will look into it.

7:55 p.m.
General Discussion

  • Gotthard Szabo reported that 15 new neighbors joined the listserv as a result of the recent mailing.
  • Gotthard will create a Hungerford Facebook group to be used in tandem with the listserv and website.
  • Aaron suggested we don’t want to lose our identity by using nextdoor.com.
  • Aaron said there are 650 homes in Hungerford, and 120 people are subscribed to the listserv (represents about 60-70 families, or 10% of homes). Why so little interest? Maybe because we don’t have big issues. Aaron says it would be good to be prepared to mobilize in case issues arise.
  • Aaron encouraged everyone in attendance to tell at least one neighbor to get involved.
  • Suggestion was made to ask realtor Stephanie Horwat if she could inform the association when  new neighbors move in.
  • Aaron put out a sign-up sheet for people to commit to volunteering to deliver a mailing to homes every six months.
  • In April (exact date TBA), the mayor and council will hold a walking meeting in Hungerford. They asked what issues we would like to discuss. Ideas included:
    • Preserving character of neighborhood – restricting mansionization
    • City needs to do more when a homeowner allows a house to deteriorate
    • Invasive species in parks
    • Elementary school - traffic and environmental impacts from idling cars
    • Dogwood Park - playground equipment needs to be upgraded, lights are always on
    • Rental properties
    • Neighborhood entrances
    • Need more garbage cans with dog bags; dog park
  • It was suggested that the summer picnic be reinstated.
  • Aaron said there seems to be some trash in the neighborhood; let’s pick it up.

8:30 p.m.Meeting adjourned
SEPTEMBER 10, 2015 MEETING OF HUNGERFORD CIVIC ASSOCIATION
ELWOOD SMITH COMMUNITY CENTER

7:05 p.m. 
President Aaron Fein called the meeting to order and introduced Vice President Bill Dillinger, Treasurer Elliott Fein and Recording Secretary Andi Kronzek. Approximately 25 people were in attendance.

7:10 p.m.
Police Report presented by Rockville Chief of Police Terry Treschuk
·         There are not a lot of serious issues in Hungerford.
·         Police rely on our eyes and ears, so if you see something, say something.
·         Police would like to join our listserv so we can communicate directly with them.
·         Remember to lock your car and remove valuables.
·         Encouraged us to visit the Rockville Police Department facebook page.
·         Scammers – can do whole program about that at another meeting. Current scams include utilities, asphalt, tree people with Virginia tags.
·         Having a big dog, or even a “beware of dog” sign, can be a deterrent to crime.
·         City will come to your house to do a free security assessment and report – bushes, lighting, windows, etc.

7:20 p.m. 
Presentation by Tom Howley, supervisor of community enhancement, code enforcement division, Rockville City Police Department
·         Must have hawker/peddler or solicitor’s license to go door to door. 
·         Discussion was held regarding overcrowding, and how many unrelated persons may live in a rental.
·         If you notice a lot of cars often parked at a residence and/or a lot of kids often hanging around a residence, contact the city and they will investigate. Ivania Segura is the housing codes inspector tasked to this neighborhood (240-314-8337 or isegura@rockvillemd.gov).
·         In general, there is no pattern of violation of code enforcement in Hungerford.
·         Snow removal regulations were discussed.
·         A question was raised regarding hazards caused by elevation differences in the new sidewalks and driveway aprons that have recently been poured. Mr. Howley said he would pass that concern on to the public works department.

7:30 p.m.
Presentation by David Levy, chief of long-range planning

Master Plan Update
·         Brief history of the plan was given.
·         Fleet Street Extension was proposed as two lanes each way, but out of concern for kids, it is now recommended to be one lane each way with a sidewalk/hiker & biker trail. RM PTSA opposed the extension.
·         Jefferson Street – it is recommended over time to connect through Woodmont. Reserve the right of way to preserve what would be necessary “if something big happened.”
·         Mr. Levy said he’s happy the HCA is reactivating, as this neighborhood is the one most affected by the Rockville Pike planning process.
·         Mr. Levy asked for input on vision and principles. Can contact the city directly, or attend the listening session for our planning area, which is scheduled for October 15.
·         For a comprehensive master plan update, visit rockvillemd.gov and click on “Rockville 2040”.

Discussion on egress from the neighborhood at rush hour – Fleet/Wootton/1st/Viers Mill
·         “Toughest spot in city.”
·         Suggested inviting someone from the traffic and transportation division to a meeting to address the issue.
·         There are few ways to get across tracks and to go west.

Discussion on proposed new elementary school
·         All four other elementary schools in the cluster are overcrowded with no solution, per MCPS. Three years ago, RM cluster was designated a priority by MCPS.  JW is getting an expansion.
·         Proposed plan design, including entrance and exit, was shown.
·         740 students maximum; 99 parking spots; 12-15 buses.
·         MCPS is working on traffic study to submit to the planning commission, which meets October 14 (packet is available one week prior to the meeting). Suggested that mostly everyone is at work during drop-off and pick-up so not much traffic impact is anticipated.
·         Attendees expressed concern about traffic and safety issues, saying MCPS doesn’t seem to care about citizens’ concerns, and hoping the city does a better job of listening to citizens.
·         School is projected to open in August 2018. We will know if that date is accurate when the county budget is approved for the prior fiscal year.
·         MCPS starts a boundary study 18 months in advance of planned completion of the school.

8:10 p.m. 
Presentation by Hjarman Cordero, senior neighborhood resources coordinator
·         Mr. Cordero introduced himself as a liaison between the city and the community. If you have an issue in the neighborhood, contact him at 240-314-8137 or hcordero@rockvillemd.gov.
·         City offers a yearly community grant for $1,000 worth of goodies (such as moon bounce and popcorn machine) for neighborhood events. Contact the city 10 weeks prior to the event.
·         A $1,000 community matching grant is available for projects and activities that benefit the community (such as newsletters, beautification projects, signs to publicize meetings). Has to be matched in sweat equity.
·         October 1 is the deadline for Good Neighbor Award nominations. Recipients will be recognized at the October 19 mayor and council meeting.
·         Touched on moratorium with Pepco re forestry – taking down trees. Will talk more about this at a future meeting.

8:20 p.m. 
Treasurer’s Report
·         We have a business economy checking account at Bank of America with a $1,156.75 balance. No money has gone in or out for over a year.
·         It was suggested that we should not collect dues because we haven’t used what we have.

8:25 p.m.
General Discussion
·         Frank Cole suggested that beautification should be one of the focuses of this body. He volunteered to head a beautification committee. Discussion was held regarding money the city makes available for beautification. The process can be onerous, but may be worth a try.
·         Question was raised regarding bylaws.  Aaron said our meetings have been informal.
·         The new school will be a big theme for the next few years.
·         How often should the association meet? Suggestion was made for board and committee chairs to meet monthly, with general meetings held quarterly.
·         Discussion regarding how to communicate. Use the listserv primarily. Aaron said we should apply for the city grant to pay for a mailing to make initial contact with all 650 households. Also suggested we remain independent from nextdoor.com.
·         We have a website, www.hungerford.us, but it doesn’t come up in a search, so how do people moving into the neighborhood find out about us? Carole Henn said she will investigate if there is a link on google pages. Aaron will talk to Hjarman Cordero about asking the city to post civic association websites on the city website.
·         Aaron indicated that the mayor and council had expressed interest in conducting a neighborhood walk in Hungerford. He will tell them we can move forward with that. Also, maybe we will invite them to one of our meetings for a Q&A.
·         Idea of street captains was raised.

8:35 p.m.
Meeting adjourned


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