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April

Date: April 21, 2020

Place: Held by Conference Call only due to COVID-19

Time: 7:30 PM

Present: Greg Chernack, Philip Giordano, Scott Livingston, Maryann Luongo, Pat Xeller, Ashley Kavanaugh, Joe Toomey, and four section 5 residents.

Agenda Item: Greetings and Introductions

Chairman Greg Chernack called the meeting to order and welcomed those in attendance.

Agenda Item: Review and Approval of March Council Meeting Minutes

Chairman Chernack moved that the minutes from the March meeting be approved; there was a second, and the motion passed.

Agenda Item: Residents comments

There were no resident comments.

Agenda Item: Discussion of Draft FY 2020-21 Budget

The Town Manager presented a draft FY 2021 budget to the Council and residents on the call. After a detailed discussion of all the line items, income, and expenditures, the draft was approved with no changes. The draft will be sent to residents for their review in advance of the Annual Meeting on May 12.

As part of this discussion, Section Building Administrator, Joe Toomey, presented the Council with the results of the recent Sidewalk Rehabilitation Bid. After a discussion, the Council decided to accept the bid of Chamberlain Contractors. Chairman Chernack moved that the Town Manager is authorized to accept the bid and enter into a contract with Chamberlain Contractors; there was a second, and the motion passed.

-The Town Manager noted that last year’s FY 2020 budget stipulates that the Council shall set aside $30,000 for the Section’s capital improvement fund. The Manager asked the Council to make a formal motion and vote regarding the money transfer. Chairman Chernack moved that the Town Manager should transfer $30,000 from the main bank account to the separate account marked for capital improvements; there was a second, and the motion passed.

-The Section 5 Council also voted unanimously to donate $5000 each to the Chevy Chase Fire Department and the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad.

Agenda Item: Manager’s Report

-The Town Manager noted there were five building permits issued this month, as well as three tree removal permits.

-Since there were only two open Council seats up for election this year, and only two candidates who submitted and declared their nomination, Maryann Luongo and Josh Galper will be automatically elected at the May meeting with no need for a ballot election. A special thank you to Scott Livingston for his many years of service on the Council and congratulations on his retirement. Chairman Chernack also thanked Scott for his longtime service to Section 5.

-The Town Manager noted Underwood resident, Lyric Winik, recently created a community listserv. The listserv is only open to residents currently living in Section 5. It is privately moderated and not affiliated with the municipal government of Section 5.

-The Town Manager and Chairman Chernack received an email from a resident with concerns about the possible commercial development on the west side of Connecticut Avenue near Manor Road. The resident is urging the Council to work with other area municipalities to prevent or slow such development. There was a discussion led by Chairman Chernack, and the Town Manager was asked to locate recent traffic surveys associated with Connecticut Avenue.

Adjournment

Chairman Chernack adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be held May 12, 2020, at 7:30 PM by conference call. Everyone is welcome.