Text Box: DISPLAY CASE FINALLY HERE; TOWN POP-UPS EXHIBITED The long-awaited display case for the entrance to the town hall has finally arrived and been installed. It exhibits the intricate scenes of life in Glen Echo created in pop-up form by town artist Carol Barton. These scenes were featured in an article in National Geographic last year. Text Box: NEW DUMPSTER ORDINANCE BEING DRAFTED FOR TOWN By David Chitwood Town attorney Norman Knopf has drafted an amendment to Glen Echo’s street and building code ordinance which would regulate dumpsters placed on town streets and require that they not impede traffic or adversely affect public safety. The amendment would prohibit the placement of mobile storage units on sidewalks (a recent occurrence in Glen Echo), and it would seek to prevent street and sidewalk damage from those on town streets. It would not regulate dumpsters in private yards or driveways. It would require a permit costing $25. Mayor Beers said at the Mar. 12 town council meeting that she expected the ordinance to be introduced at the April Council meeting. After it is introduced, it will be circulated to townspeople. Councilmember Matney commented that the sidewalk blockage language might be vague and the mayor added that the proposed municipal infraction fine may be too steep, e.g., a $500 fine for violation of any part of the ordinance even if damage did not occur. Councilmember Matney pointed out that reflectors or reflective tape would reduce the possibility of nighttime vehicular collision. Text Box: having 56-58 lights, the cost of purchase would exceed $100,000. Additionally, the town would have to hire someone to replace burned-out bulbs. It was not clear to the council who would own the poles if the town bought the lights. The Mayor commented that this decision has been regarded favorably by large municipalities. Councilwoman Arber pointed out that Pepco itself could be the firm contracted by the Town to replace bulbs, and some newer styles of bulbs had life expectancies of 15 years. Councilman Steve. Matney noted that the town could wait before making a decision until other municipalities reacted; it might be possible for the town to participate in a large contract involving more than one municipality The mayor said that purchase of the lights may pay off in 10-15 years. She added that if most municipalities purchase the lamps, then the maintenance cost assessed by Pepco to the few remaining municipalities could rise even further. (Ed. Note: If the town decided to buy the streetlights it could select lights that are more energy-efficient, longer lasting, provide less glare and in a style more appropriate to a historic township. Text Box: STREET LIGHTS (FROM PAGE 1)

next town council meeting

 

Monday,  April 9—8:00 p.m.

Glen Echo Town Hall

Contact the clerk-treasurer to add an item to the agenda
Text Box: TREASURER’S REPORT February 2007 Pepco (streetlights) $871.83 Condon-Reed (hall A/C system) $13,277.00 Charlie Wells (flyer delivery) $200.00