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May

Date: May 4, 2021

Place: Video Conference Call Only Due to COVID-19

Time: 7:30 PM

Present: Greg Chernack, Pat Xeller, Maryann Luongo, Philip Giordano, Josh Galper, Ashley Kavanaugh, Julie Sparacino, and one Section 5 resident

Agenda Item: Introduction of Council Members

(Note: Chairman Chernack was traveling and so Vice-Chair Pat Xeller led the meeting.) Vice-Chair Xeller called the meeting to order and welcomed those in attendance. After a round of introductions, Greg Chernack, Philip Giordano, and Pat Xeller were sworn in as council members for two-year terms.

Agenda Item: Approval of April Council Meeting Minutes

Vice-Chair Xeller moved that the minutes from the April meeting be approved; there was a second, and the motion passed.

Agenda Item: Chairman's Report

Vice-Chair Xeller gave a brief report on the events of this past year in Section 5. She noted it was an interesting and complicated year due to Covid-19, but that the Section overall fared well. The Section is financially sound, and we are all looking forward to getting back to in-person meetings and events in the near future.

Agenda Item: Presentation of Proposed FY 2022 Section 5 Budget

The Town Manager presented the proposed FY 2022 budget to the Council and residents present. After a detailed discussion of all the line items, income, and expenditures, the budget was up for a vote.

Agenda Item: Council Votes on Proposed FY 2022 Section 5 Budget

Vice-Chair Xeller moved that the budget be passed as submitted, there was a second, and the motion passed unanimously.

Agenda Item: Residents Vote on Tax Rate

Vice-Chair Xeller noted that as in past years, the Council recommends the tax rate be set at zero. The residents in attendance voted unanimously in favor of the recommendation of the Council, and the tax rate will be set at zero.

Agenda Item: Citizen Concerns and Suggestions

There were no citizen’s concerns.

Agenda Item: Manager’s Report

-The Town Manager noted there were two building permits issued this month, as well as one tree removal permit.

-The next Bulk Trash Collection will be Saturday, June 5.

-The Manager said that the Section is waiting on guidance from the State and County regarding any possible Fourth of July events, but we are hopeful we will be able to hold our annual parade and party.

-The Manager provided a brief update on the possible American Rescue Plan allocations. Originally the State said Section 5 would receive close to $585,000. MML has now asked all the municipalities to provide their budget expenditures from last year. What seems likely is that we will receive an amount much lower than the preliminary estimates released by Congress back in March. We should have a better sense of those numbers and other guidance when we hear from Treasury between now and May 11.

-The Manager provided an update on Thrive Montgomery. The County Council will hold its Public Hearing on Thrive Montgomery 2050 on June 17 at 7:00 P.M. Also, the Planning Board will hold its Public Hearing on its new housing recommendations on June 24. The Town of Chevy Chase is currently working on another draft letter for the County Council, which will focus on four main topics: concern about the Thrive Montgomery 2050 development process, the need for ensuring compatibility no matter the housing type, the importance of including the necessary infrastructure and transportation investments during the forthcoming budget process, and the significance of including multi-strategy economic development and environmental policies in the Thrive Montgomery 2050 document.

Adjournment

Vice-Chair Xeller adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be held June 8, 2021, at 7:30 P.M. via GoToMeeting. Everyone is welcome.