TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR March 18, 2025 (virtual) CALL TO ORDER: MAYOR DIA COSTELLO, 7:29PM Mayor: Dia Costello Councilmembers: (CM) Julia Wilson, Dawn Tanner, Dan Spealman, and Matt Stiglitz Town Manager: Angie Zeidenberg Residents: Emily Parsons, Gloria Levin, JoAnne Murray, Patrick Hooper, Jan Shaut, Colleen Perlman, Erin Polak, Matt Polak, Michele Rosenfeld Lawyer for Polak residents). Town Attorney: Ron Bolt COUNCIL COMMENTS CM Stiglitz asked about the Irish Inn parking lot payments. MAYOR UPDATES Mayor Costello updated the Council on the Irish Inn parking lot payments = currently paid in full through June 2025. Further discussion about a possible increase in monthly rent will be discussed at work session budget meeting on March 27. Mayor applauded the Livable Committee, especially to CM Wilson and CM Spealman, on their efforts for a successful Winterlude. CM Spealman announced that $800.00 was raised for the Greentree Shelter and was very pleased with the great turnout for the annual event. There will be discussions about future payment options before the event next year. The Town Election process was reviewed: open positions (2 council members and 1 mayor), timeline: coffee and conversation with residents on March 22 at 9:00-10:30, declare candidacy by April 15, Happy Hour with town and candidates on April 18, and election on May 5, 2025. There was some discussion on whether candidate bios were required or optional. (will be confirmed by charter). Will need volunteers to help with election process. Encourage residents to run for Council and Mayor positions. 1 Harvard Avenue = Due to the congestion during Post Office hours and suggestions of making changes to upper Harvard Ave. (one-way traffic; post office vehicles, moving mailbox into further parking area). MCDOT engineer, Michael Paylor, consulted as a change will affect exit on to MacArthur Blvd. They recommend collecting data by having a resident count the number of cars traveling on Harvard Avenue for one hour at the busiest and least busy times for comparison for preliminary information and share the information then with MCDOT. RESIDENT COMMENTS JoAnn Murray raised the concern of smaller post offices being closed. VARIANCE HEARING Mayor Costello began by summarizing the reason for the Variance Hearing, noting that a variance was originally granted in October 2020, prohibiting screening on the front Harvard Ave side porch. After three years, transparent screening was installed without notifying the Town which them prompted a hearing for an amendment to the variance. Neighbors supported the new screening, and Erin Pollak, the homeowner, apologized for failing to notify the town and request an amendment. Residents Jan Shaut and Collen Perlman, who live directly across from the porch, highlighted the positive impacts ofthe screening, such as improved privacy, noise reduction, and aesthetic benefits. Michele Rosenfeld, the Polaks' attorney, discussed the variance approval process, emphasizing the standards of light, air, neighborhood character, and potential negative impacts on surrounding properties. Town Attorney, Ron Bolt invited further comments, and resident JoAnn Murray inquired ifthe variance would apply to future property owners, to which Attorney Bolt confirmed it would, as the variance is recorded and tied to the property. Council Member Stiglitz raised concerns about setting a precedent for future variance requests, but the Polaks' lawyer assured that each request is unique. Council Members Wilson and Spealman expressed support for Glen Echo's neighborly spirit, while also asking questions about the potential impact of future screening requests and whether the porch would need a variance regardless ofthe screening. Resident JoAnn Murray wanted clarification about the possible change of material used as a screening and was told that it would be required to stay the same. In the end, Attorney Rosenfeld reiterated that the Polaks' request for 2 modification meets the standards for variance provisions in the town code, based on the evidence and testimony presented. MOTION TO APPROVE THE VARIANCE AMENDMENT: CM Spealman requested all related town's lawyer fees are paid by Erin and Matt Polak which the Polak's lawyer and both Erin and and Matt Polak agreed to. Motion made for Friendly Amendment for Erin and Matt Polak to pay legal fees in agreement that they can keep up the screening. Motion made by CM Wilson; 2nd CM Tanner; All in Favor MOTION TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 10 MINUTES Motion made by CM Spealman; 2nd CM Wilson; ALL in Favor MOTION TO APPROVE FINANCIAL REPORTS FOR JANUARY Motion made by CM Spealman 2nd CM Wilson; AlL in Favor TOWN OPERATIONS REPORT March 27th Budget Work Session Town Hall elevator is almost near completion Website changes - Town Hall application, permits and updates with new email addresses to be more efficient for residents. RESIDENT COMMENTS: None ADJOURNMENT 9:18PM CM Tanner; 2nd Spealman; AlL in Favor Minutes prepared by: Angie Zeidenberg Approved: Date: a - CogelB 5 4/a25 Mayor, Dia Costello 3 4