Chevy Chase Village public meetings in 2024

Board of Managers

The Chevy Chase Village Board of Managers will meet to approve minutes from the previous meeting, hear appeals for tree removal and property modifications, and discuss purchasing two new police cruisers. The board will also appoint members to local commissions and receive updates from the police chief and village manager.

• Tree removal appeal for 24 Quincy Street (Honey Locust, 19-inch diameter)
• Garage expansion variance at 111 Primrose Street (4.1-foot side-yard encroachment)
• Purchase of two police cruisers: Chevrolet Blazer EV ($80,000) and Ford Explorer Hybrid ($72,000)
• Variance for three external AC units at 43 West Lenox Street
• Outdoor therapeutic bath and deck variance at 108 Primrose Street (2.5- and 3-foot setback encroachments)

The Board approved the purchase of two police cruisers (a Chevrolet Blazer EV up to $80,000 and a Ford Explorer Hybrid up to $72,000), approved three variance requests with modifications for one, and made appointments to the Election Supervisors and Personnel Commission. The meeting was otherwise routine, with no action on reports or the Clyde's site plan discussion.

• Approved purchase of Chevrolet Blazer EV police cruiser (not to exceed $80,000) and Ford Explorer Hybrid (not to exceed $72,000) (6-0)
• Approved variance A-8558 for garage at 111 Primrose St., limited to existing footprint and requiring boundary survey (6-0)
• Approved variance A-8573 for three external AC units at 43 West Lenox St. (6-0)
• Approved variance A-8574 (a) and (b) for therapeutic bath and deck at 108 Primrose St. (6-0)
• Approved tree removal consent agreement A-2856 for 24 Quincy St. (deemed approved, no objection)
• Appointed Margaret Marcus to Election Supervisors (term to July 2028) (6-0)
• Reappointed Orrin Baird as Personnel Commission Chair (term to Sept 2025) and Gregory Ossi as member (term to Sept 2027) (6-0)
• Approved minutes of Nov 13, 2024 meetings (6-0)

Board of Managers

The Board will first convene in closed session to discuss personnel matters affecting a specific individual, then hold a regular meeting to approve minutes, receive the Treasurer's report, and review draft audited financial statements for FY2024. Discussion items include Montgomery County's Attainable Housing Strategies recommendations and a technical amendment to state code reaffirming municipal authority to regulate residential housing. The Board will also consider authorizing $150 Giant gift cards as holiday gifts for all full-time, temporary, and seasonal employees.

• Executive session to discuss personnel matters affecting a specific individual
• Presentation of draft audited financial statements for FY2024 by Lindsey & Associates, LLC
• Discussion of Montgomery County Council's consideration of Attainable Housing Strategies recommendations from the Planning Board
• Discussion of a technical amendment to State Code Section 20-509 to confirm municipal authorization to regulate residential housing
• Purchase authorization for $150 Giant gift cards for all Village staff as holiday gifts

Financial Review Committee

The Financial Review Committee will meet virtually to review the draft audited financial statements for fiscal year 2024.

• Review of DRAFT FY2024 audited financial statements

Board of Managers

The Chevy Chase Village Board of Managers will first convene in closed session for legal and personnel matters, then hold a regular meeting. They will vote on a variance request for a porch encroachment at 127 Grafton Street, discuss the Friendship Heights Sector Plan re-write and Montgomery County's Attainable Housing Strategies, and consider authorizing a $15,515 holiday party caterer contract and a $25,000 fence replacement at Brookville Road Park.

• Variance request A-8543: Replace and extend a screened porch at 127 Grafton Street that encroaches 10'-2" beyond the front building restriction line.
• Contract authorization: Holiday party caterer Balducci's Holdings, LLC for up to $15,515.
• Budget amendment and contract authorization: Transfer $25,000 from unrestricted reserves to replace the perimeter fence at Brookville Road Park.
• Discussion: Presentation of the Friendship Heights Sector Plan re-write process and timeline by Montgomery County Planning Department staff.
• Discussion: Montgomery County Council's consideration of Attainable Housing Strategies recommendations from the Montgomery Planning Board.

Parks & Greenspaces Committee

The Parks and Greenspaces Committee will consider the CPJ Proposed Planting Plan for the Buffer, seeking feedback on proposed plantings. Members will report on park problems, including the need for foot rests at benches on Center Street and Montgomery Street. The committee will also discuss a resident's request for additional screening of the Saks parking lot and receive information on the Maryland 5 Million Tree Initiative.

• CPJ Proposed Planting Plan for the Buffer (feedback needed)
• Bench foot rest needs: Center Street (needs foot rest) and Montgomery Street (broken foot rest)
• Request by Mr. Marsh of 143 Grafton Street for additional screening of Saks parking lot
• Maryland 5 Million Tree Initiative information via Zoom
• Discussion of white pines in the buffer

Board of Managers

The Chevy Chase Village Board of Managers will hold a regular meeting including a discussion on Montgomery County's Attainable Housing Strategies, consider a resolution adopting the 2024 Hazard Mitigation Plan, and vote on a purchase authorization for a replacement pickup truck up to $69,000. The board will also hear presentations on two drainage projects and reappoint an election supervisor.

• Discussion of Montgomery County Council's consideration of Attainable Housing Strategies recommendations
• Resolution No. 09-01-24 adopting the Revised 2024 Montgomery County Hazard Mitigation Plan
• Purchase authorization for a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck not to exceed $69,000 from Criswell Chevrolet
• Presentations on Belmont Avenue Extended (Buffer Area) Drainage Project and Primrose Street Trench Drain Project
• Reappointment of Mary Sheehan as election supervisor for a four-year term through July 2028

Parks & Greenspaces Committee

The Parks and Greenspaces Committee will review the Buffer (Belmont Avenue Extended Area) project plans from the consulting engineer, aimed at repairing stormwater runoff damage and relandscaping. Feedback will be presented to the Board of Managers on September 9, 2024. The committee will also discuss organizing a Tree City recognition project and hear reports on other parks and green spaces.

• Presentation of Buffer (Belmont Avenue Extended Area) project plans by consulting engineer, including new inlets, piping, grading, and plant materials
• Feedback on Buffer plans to be presented to Board of Managers on September 9, 2024
• Discussion of Tree City recognition project, possibly with Tree Committee
• Reports on other parks and green spaces
• Setting next meeting date

The Parks and Greenspaces Committee expressed general support for CPJ's reconstruction proposal for the Belmont Avenue Extended Buffer but raised concerns about plant selection, irrigation system maintenance, and hydrangea rehabilitation. The Committee voted against starting a project to recognize the 'Tree City' designation, suggesting the Village Tree Committee take on that effort instead.

• Supported CPJ's Belmont Avenue Extended Buffer reconstruction plan with concerns
• Voted against starting a 'Tree City' designation recognition project

Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee will review minutes and receive updates from Chief Nesky on crime trends, staffing, East Side traffic issues, and implementation of the Lexipol contract. The committee will also discuss a messaging campaign urging residents to lock their vehicles. No final votes are expected; the meeting is informational and deliberative.

• Review and approval of March 6, 2024, meeting minutes
• Update on East Side traffic issues
• Implementation of Lexipol contract
• Discussion of resident messaging on locking vehicles
• Crime trends and staffing updates from Chief Nesky

The Public Safety Committee unanimously approved the minutes from its March 6, 2024 meeting. Chief Nesky reported that thefts from autos remain the top concern, with one vacancy and one officer on deployment. The committee finalized and mailed a letter to residents urging them to lock vehicles and remove valuables, with a reminder in the January Crier.

• Approved minutes of March 6, 2024 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved and mailed letter to residents urging vehicle locking and valuables removal

Board of Managers

The Board of Managers is holding a special meeting to discuss and potentially authorize a contract for the FY2025 Capital Project. The meeting will also include a closed session to discuss a contractual dispute with Village Counsel.

• Contract authorization for Village Hall HVAC System Replacement with Harvey W. Hottel, Inc.
• Closed session regarding a contractual dispute with Village Counsel

The Board voted to withdraw prior authorization for Engenium Group, LLC and instead authorized the Village Manager to contract with Harvey W. Hottel, Inc. for engineering design and construction of the Village Hall HVAC replacement, not to exceed $1,400,000. The motion passed unanimously (6-0). The Board then voted to adjourn into a closed meeting to discuss a contractual dispute with Village Counsel.

• Withdrew prior authorization for Engenium Group, LLC HVAC contract (6-0)
• Authorized override of competitive bidding for HVAC project (6-0)
• Approved contract with Harvey W. Hottel, Inc. up to $1,400,000 (6-0)
• Adjourned to closed session for contractual dispute discussion (6-0)

Ethics Commission

The Village Ethics Commission is meeting virtually to discuss activity from the previous year. The agenda is primarily procedural.

• Discussion regarding the Prior Year’s Activity

The Ethics Commission met and discussed the previous year's activities, noting that the electronic process for receiving and reviewing Financial Disclosure Statements continues to work well. No public requests to review statements or reports of suspected misconduct were made. The meeting was procedural, with no formal decisions or votes taken.

• No formal decisions or votes taken during the meeting

Board of Managers

The Board will review Montgomery Planning Board’s Attainable Housing Strategies Recommendations. They will also consider a request to join other municipalities in seeking an amendment to State Code Section 20-509 regarding residential housing regulation. The agenda includes permit requests for a driveway and tree removal.

• Montgomery Planning Board’s Attainable Housing Strategies Recommendations presentation
• Special Permit Request for a driveway at 7 West Kirke Street
• Tree Removal Appeal for 17 West Irving Street
• Request to amend State Code Section 20-509 regarding residential housing regulation
• Contract extension for Charles P. Johnson & Associates, Inc.

Board of Managers

The Board will consider a budget amendment to transfer $10,000 from legal services to fund various community events. The meeting also includes an oath of office ceremony and the election of officers. Additionally, the Board will review a contract extension for refuse and recycling collection.

• $10,000 budget transfer from Legal-General Counsel to community events
• Election of Board of Managers officers
• Refuse and recycling collection contract extension with Goode Companies, Inc.
• Police personnel compensation amendment regarding court time
• Oath of office ceremony conducted by Karen Bushell

Building Facilities Commission

The Commission will review a staff report and discuss rental regulations for several local venues. The agenda also includes evaluating stainless steel versus plastic options for baby changing stations.

• Review of rental rules/regulations for Montgomery County Dept. of Recreation, Woman’s Club of Chevy Chase, Friendship Heights Village Center, and Town of Somerset
• Discussion of stainless steel and plastic baby changing station options

Board of Managers

The Board will review a special permit request for a driveway expansion at 5400 Center Street. They will also discuss the final report on stormwater funding and consider a contract extension for EnviroCollab, LLC.

• Special Permit A-8456: Driveway expansion at 5400 Center Street
• Final Report from Board Working Group on Stormwater Funding
• Contract extension for Landscape Architect EnviroCollab, LLC

Parks & Greenspaces Committee

The Committee will review proposed locations and species for upcoming tree plantings in the village right-of-way and parks. Members will also discuss adding shrubs and benches to park areas and address a request for additional screening near Saks 5th Ave Parking Lot.

• Proposed tree plantings at 5400 Center Street, 3933 Oliver Street, 4025 Oliver Street, and 5605 Park Street
• Discussion on adding shrubs and benches to park areas
• Request for additional screening from Saks 5th Ave Parking Lot

Board of Managers

The Chevy Chase Village Board of Managers will review reports from the village manager, police chief, treasurer, and several committees. Residents may speak during a designated public discussion period. The board will vote on Resolution No. 04-02-24 to adopt the fiscal year 2025 budget and levy property taxes under Maryland law, which establishes next year’s municipal funding levels and tax rates for residents.

• Vote on Resolution No. 04-02-24 to adopt the fiscal year 2025 budget
• Property tax levy authorized under §6-203 of the Annotated Code of Maryland
• Reports from Village Manager Shana R. Davis-Cook and Police Chief John Nesky
• Updates from the Environment & Energy, Parks & Greenspaces, Public Safety, and Community Relations committees
• Scheduled public discussion period for residents

Board of Managers

The Board of Managers will hold a public hearing on the draft FY2025 budget. The Board is also considering a resolution to transfer $106,000 from reserves to fund police contractor processing fees. Additionally, the Board will review contract authorizations for HVAC services and speed enforcement.

• Resolution to transfer $106,000 from reserves to fund police operations and speed camera fees
• Public hearing on the draft FY2025 budget
• Contract authorization for HVAC replacement project services with Engenium Group, LLC
• Amendments to the Photo Speed Enforcement Contract with Modaxo Acquisition USA, Inc.
• Appointments to the Community Relations Committee and Tree Ordinance Board

Parks & Greenspaces Committee

The Parks and Green Spaces Committee will review engineering plans for the Buffer Area Drainage Project, which outlines new inlets, piping, grading, and planting materials to manage park water flow. Staff will also discuss routine maintenance tasks, including hydrangea pruning and removing an invasive buttercup-like plant that is spreading through park beds. A status update is requested on relocating a trash can near the Betty English Garden.

• Review engineering plans for the Buffer Area Drainage Project with consulting engineer CPJ
• Discuss spring pruning and fertilizing of buffer area hydrangeas
• Evaluate landscaping options to remove invasive Ficaria verna from park areas
• Request status update on relocating a trash can at the Betty English Garden

Building Facilities Commission

The Building Facilities Commission will review hall conditions and improvements since March 2020. The meeting also includes a discussion regarding planned maintenance and improvement projects.

• Review of hall conditions and improvements since March 2020
• Review of events since July 2021
• Discussion regarding planned maintenance/improvement projects

Election Supervisors

The Election Supervisors will meet to discuss the 2024 election process. This agenda consists only of this discussion and procedural items.

• Discussion regarding the 2024 Election Process

Board of Managers

The Board of Managers will hold a public hearing regarding the draft budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024. The agenda also includes presentations on Village Hall HVAC replacement and proposed public improvements.

• Public Hearing: Draft Budget for FY2025
• Village Hall HVAC System Replacement Report presentation
• Primrose Street Stormwater Remediation Project authorization
• Bench placement at Kirkside Drive and Grove Street
• Street maintenance contract extension with Stanley Concrete, LLC

Public Safety Committee

The Chevy Chase Village Public Safety Committee will review and approve the minutes from its February 7, 2024 meeting, hear a presentation on the proposed FY2025 public safety budget from Chief Nesky, and discuss recent crime incidents involving unlocked vehicles. The meeting is open for discussion among committee members and the chief.

• Review and approval of February 7, 2024 meeting minutes
• Presentation of proposed FY2025 public safety budget by Chief Nesky
• Discussion of recent crime incidents involving unlocked vehicles

Board of Managers

The Board of Managers is conducting a work session to review revenue projections and expenses for the FY2025 budget. The session covers income tax estimates, property tax rates, and proposed capital projects. Public hearings are scheduled for March 11 and April 8, 2024; no public comments will be taken during this specific work session.

• Proposed FY2025 income tax revenue estimate of $3.5 million
• Proposed real property tax rate of $.0672
• Increased Montgomery County property tax duplication reimbursement to $329,013
• Estimated $2,050,199 draw on reserves for the FY2025 budget
• Planned capital projects including Municipal Storm Drain and Boxwood Area projects

Board of Managers

The Board of Managers will review a Compensation and Classification Study Report. The meeting includes requests for several contract authorizations, extensions, and multiple commission appointments.

• Presentation of the Compensation and Classification Study Report by JER HR Group, LLC
• LexiPol contract authorization not to exceed $19,950
• Feather & Associates contract extension for a consulting arborist
• Level Green Landscaping, LLC contract amendment and extension with a cost increase not to exceed $3,532
• Appointments for the Building Facilities, Ethics, Financial Review, and Public Safety commissions

Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee will receive an introduction to the Village Police Force and Communications Center. Members will also review a preview of the FY2025 public safety budget and a proposal from Lexipol for general order management.

• Introduction to Village Police Force and Communications Center
• Preview of FY2025 Public Safety Budget
• Lexipol proposal for General Order Management and Updating
• Discussion of public safety issues and priorities

Tree Committee

The Chevy Chase Village Tree Committee is meeting to discuss reforestation requirements. The agenda contains only this discussion item plus procedural items (call to order and adjournment).

• Discussion of reforestation requirements

Board of Managers

The Board of Managers will review findings from the Montgomery County Planning Department regarding the Friendship Heights Urban Design Study. The meeting also includes discussions on forming a stormwater funding working group and several committee appointments.

• Presentation of Friendship Heights Urban Design Study findings
• Proposal to form a Board Working Group to analyze stormwater funding
• Appointment of Joanne Kyros to Election Supervisors
• Appointment of Byron Anderson, Meredith Griffin, and Mel Oncu to Public Safety Committee