January/February 2006 Drum Point Property Owners’ Association 401 Lake Drive, Lusby, MD 20657 www.dppoa.org office@dppoa.org GET OUT THE VOTE DPPOA Charter Ballot In Mail February 7 Ballots will mailed to all Drum Point Property Association members for the crucial vote on the Revised Charter. Your vote is critical as 2006 is the year slated to bring all of Drum Points governing documents into the 21st Century. The Revised Charter must be approved by two-thirds of the Association members. In round numbers, with approximately 800 members in “good standing” , at least 530 members must vote “Yes” in order for the Charter to be approved. In this case not voting or mailing your ballot will be counted as a “NO” vote. Maryland State Law requires that ballots not returned be considered as a NO vote. Exercise Your Rights. Vote!!! All Ballots must be signed and returned to the office No Later Than April 7. Harry and Harriet Homeowner Any Street Drum Point, MD 20657 2 This job is tough on my psyche. Your Board comes up with what I think is a common sense, “slam dunk” proposal to get the community more involved in its own welfare, and it fizzles like a wet firecracker. The last DPPOA newsletter published an article in the last issue concerning the start of a “Block Captain” program to be the nucleus for community-based programs — ranging from Emergency Planning to Neighborhood Watch. I refuse to accept the fact that the adult members of this community do not understand that we cannot be dependent on outside resources for help in a major disaster. The resources of virtually every County, State, and Federal entity in the area were essentially immobilized by the lack of communication. The simple and undeniable fact is that we cannot depend on outside agencies in the case of a natural disaster, a Calvert Cliffs nuclear plant meltdown/leakage, or a major calamity at the LNG terminal. Isolated on a peninsula surrounded on three sides by water and with only one road out, we are on our own! As President of this Association for three years, I have become familiar with what your Association knows, and does not know, about this community and what our response, as a community, would be in a large-scale disaster. (We are not talking 60 mph wind Isabel, here; we are talking a real disaster). Your association has a very good grasp of the land records of the community. We know who owns what houses and who owes us money. We know what roads we have and how to maintain and protect them. We know very little about who actually lives in most of the houses. We have no idea how many elderly or disabled live 406 Lake Drive in the community. We don’t know how many homes are vacant for most of the year and how many are lived in full time. . Help us help you. We don’t know whether or not the owners are living in the home or renting them out. We don’t know who the boat owners are (important as an evacuation option) or what their boat capacities are. We don’t know how many people have back-up propane or fuel oil heat or emergency generators – or chain saws. We don’t know who has medical training or where they live. We don’t know how many ham-radio operators are in the community. We don’t even know how many Sheriff’s deputies or State Troopers, with their radioequipped police cruisers, might be trapped in here with us. We have no phone-tree organization – or comprehensive email listing. This is pretty basic stuff. But it requires somebody “on the ground” to collect it for us – and just as importantly, keeping it current. (We see time and again that bad information is worse that no information at all. People die looking for live folks they were told might be endangered.) We need “on-the-ground” Block Captain volunteers to help us get the data. From there we can start to address the specifics of who does what in regards to Emergency Response training, Neighborhood Watch and the rest. The “Block Captain” program, with individuals dedicated to getting to know their neighborhood and identifying problems – and other volunteers – has been conceived to do just that. . Even if you do not think this is something the Association should handle, how about helping to take care of your neighbor? We are talking lives here. Call 410-326-6148 John Gray President, DPPOA President’s Page 3 Help Wanted: :PPOA 6ad ;lecij Volunteers are needed to run in the 2006 Board of Directors election and to serve on the Directors Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee recruits candidates to run for the Board of Directors. At the present time, there are four seats on the Board of Directors up for election: three openings for three years on the and one opening for two years. This is the opportunity for the community membership to determine the course of action the community will be taking in the future. Persons willing to commit time and energy to their community are encouraged to contact the office at 410.326.6148. Spring Clean Up April 15 Spring Clean Up for residents of Drum Point has been set for April 15. Tom Gagnon, long-time volunteer and organizer of the Spring and Fall Clean Up Days, has arranged for dumpsters to be placed on the vacant lot across from the DPPOA Office at 401 Lake Drive. Only vehicles with valid Drum Point decals will be allowed to deposit the clean-up debris in the dumpsters. No tree branches or lawn debris can be deposited in the dumpsters. This program has been very successful in the past and allows residents to get rid of litter and other items that are no 411 Dogwood Drive longer needed. There is no charge to residents for this service. In the past, as many as five dumpster of litter have been filled on Clean-Up day. Calvert County provides the dumpsters for Drum Point. Members of the Board of Directors and other volunteers will be on hand to assist residents in unloading their vehicles. Suit Filed Neighbors Allege Property Values Lessened Through Owner’s Non-Compliance Calvert County Planning and Zoning has initiated a suit against a Drum Point resident for failure to comply with county zoning requirements. Property owners in the neighborhood have formed a group, Citizens Concerned About Conditions of Cole’s Cove. A spokesman, Jerauld Kluckman, met with the Board in December regarding the property located at 12779 Mill Creek Drive. Kluckman said the issues are: 1. The house being built was virtually destroyed by fire in 1984 and the property owner moved into a workshop. 2. Although a building permit was issued for the repairs, construction has never been completed, and the building continues to deteriorate. 3. Several boats owned by the property owner and others have sunk and are allowing fuel to seep into the water. 4. Complaints to the Department of the Environment and the Army Corps of Engineers have been to no avail. The group claims that the property owner has been uncooperative with County officials and other agencies who have attempted to resolve the issues. An attorney, Regis Johnston, has been retained by the group to represent them in their attempts to “clean up” the property. The group has requested the DPPOA Board assist them in this suit by providing a letter of support to the court on their behalf. Kluckman also requested financial support from the Board, stating that several thousand dollars have already been collected from members of the group. The Board agreed to obtain an opinion from its attorney, Corinne Rosen regarding Association participation and to provide $1,000 in financial support. Attorney Corinne Rosen has reviewed the case to ensure the community’s interests are being protected. A Court Hearing was scheduled for late December. A continuance was granted, and the new Court date will be February 7. 4 Safety Issues Cited School Buses Asked to Cease Using Bay Drive Causeway Following concerns voiced by Drum Point residents living on and near the Bay Drive Causeway, the Association Board has sent a letter to the Transportation Department of the Calvert County School District. The letter to Leon Langley, Chief of Transportation reads: “Dear Mr. Langley: It has come to the attention of this office that school bus drivers have recently begun using our Bay Drive Causeway to transport students in Drum Point. Given the narrowness of this community-owned road at 18 feet and its proximity to bodies of water on both sides, the roadway is not a suitable route for school buses – particularly in inclement weather conditions. In view of the above, the Drum Point Property Owners’ Association strongly recommends that readily available – and safe – alternate routes be utilized and that use of the Bay Drive Causeway cease immediately. Thank you, John Gray, President” Mister Langley has advised the Association that the driver has been directed not to use the Bay Drive Causeway in the future.. He advised this was a new driver who was not completely familiar with the route. DPPOA Dues Vote Required As required in the DPPOA By-Laws, a public vote on the Drum Point Property Owners’ Association Dues for the 2006 –2007 fiscal year will be held on March 25, 2006. The vote will be held at the March General Meeting. The Board of Directors is recommending the dues remain at $25.00 per year. Plan on attending since quorum of 35 is required for the vote Fee Collection Program Brings in over $3600 Since the establishment of the delinquent road fees began last year, more that $3,600 has been collected. Max Munger, DPPOA Treasurer, said that more than $2500 was collected as the result of delinquency letters warning of possible legal action were mailed to property owners. Nearly $800 was collected as a result of the property being sold and the delinquent funds being collected at closing. Seven claims were filed and four resulted in more than $400 being collected at a cost of $170. Since the bulk of the collection effort is being performed by volunteers, costs are minimal. These first efforts were directed at persons with balances due in excess of $100. The next effort will be directed at those owing more than $50. Munger Named Treasurer Max Munger, long-time community volunteer and activist has been named Treasurer of the Drum Point Property Owners’ Association Board of Directors. He fills the vacant position formerly held by Craig Sellers who resigned from the post in December, citing travel requirements of his consulting business. Sellers said that he was unable to give the job the effort required in these next few months. Sellers will continue as a member of the Board of Directors. Munger has spent the last two months doing the conversion process of the DPPOA accounting process to a professional 565 Beech Drive version of Quick Books. This program will simplify all the billing and accounts receivable processes handled in covenant fees, Association Dues and in providing correct information for the County in the STD Billing process. He will serve as Treasurer until new officers are elected at the July Board of Directors meeting. 5 2006 General Meeting Dates General Membership meetings for the Drum Point Property Owners’ Association for the 2006 Calendar Year are scheduled as follows: Sat., March 25 - 10:00 a.m. Wed., June 28 - 7:00 p.m. Wed., September 27 - 7:00 p.m. Sat., December 9 - 10:00 a.m. All members of the Association are invited to all meetings. Members in “Good Standing”, those who have paid all Dues and Covenant Fees may participate in any elections or any matter brought before the membership. In order for any business to be conducted at the General Meeting, a quorum of 35 property owners must be attendance. County Locking Henhouse Door After many months of hearing complaints about the Master plan violations at the Lusby Town Center Food Lion Shopping Center, the Calvert County Commissioners have taken steps to prevent a repeat. The Planning and Zoning Commission staff has been divided into the Planning and Zoning staff and the Board of Zoning Appeals staff. This division of responsibility between the two groups will provide “Checks” and “Balances” making a repeat of what happened at the Lusby Center Shopping Center less unlikely. Additionally, an Advocate position has been advertised. When filled, this position will ensure permits keep moving through the system, giving a point of contact for citizens. The Zoning Ordinance Review process is being modified to include requiring a public hearing when changing a road in a town center . In addition, another staff member will perform architectural review duties instead of using private contractors. In a related issue, there has been no report from the Ethics Commission on the Lusby Town Center matter. This complaint was filed because of the alleged rezoning violations and change in the Master plan at the Lusby Center Shopping Center. Budget Committee Budget Revised At the December General Membership Meeting Max Munger, Treasurer, reported on the delay in developing and presenting a revised 2006 budget. The revision is necessary to include significant repayments from the STD from previous years; include new cash balances forward and increase adjustments for escalated costs for many budgeted categories. Munger and Rhea Webster will be meeting with the county to modify the STD budget and reporting process and quarterly draw requirements. We are also implementing changes to our covenant fee and association dues billing procedures. The revised budget will now include the first engineering phases of DPPOA’s proposed road improvement plan announced in an earlier newsletter. The transition of our current accounting software to QuickBooks is nearly complete. Accounts are created to show contingency, equity/reserve and liabilities. A display of DPPOA/Special Tax District current net worth and operating budgets will be ready for the March General Membership Meeting. . A comprehensive reconciliation of the Road Bond account has produced another $5000 in forfeitures of bond money. As usual, DPPOA is encouraging all community residents to attend the General Meetings. SOUTHERN CONNECTOR NEWS The State of Maryland has set aside funding for the extension of the Southern Connector from H. G. Trueman Road to Route 2,4. Some $9.1 million has been set aside as the state’s contribution to this road. The Southern Connector is designed to relieve the heavy congestion on Rousby Hall Road and the intersection of H.G. Trueman in Lusby center. Calvert County is responsible for the construction of the road from the intersection of Olivet Road and Rousby Hall Road. Terry Carlson, newly appointed Director of Public Works for the County said construction on the road should begin in Summer 2006, 6 Delegate Anthony O’Donnell, (R) District 29C, Calvert, St. Mary’s Counties, addressed residents of the Drum Point community at the December DPPOA General Meeting. Much of his presentation regarded the Lusby Town Center and issues raised by local residents. He stated the decision to move the parkway on the Food Lion development was made by County officials. The State Highway Department is concerned about the impact of the development on Rousby Hall Rd., a state highway. Under present Master plan Rules, each developer is responsible for required improvements to the roads adjacent to the development. His opinion was that development of other shopping areas in the Lusby Town Center should be expedited to coordinate road improvements. He commented that the State Highway Department has said the intersection at Rousby Hall and H.G. Trueman Roads will remain at its present service level, Grade “D”, when the Food Lion Center opens. O’Donnell stated that he has recommended to Calvert County officials that no Use and Occupancy permits be issued for the Lusby Center Shopping Center until road improvements are completed. Del. O’Donnell Addresses Drum Point, Lusby Issues, Concerns at December General Meeting The traffic circle presently being constructed at Rousby Hall and Olivet Roads, may not be completed until Spring, 2006. This circle will be the terminus of the proposed Southern Connector from Rousby Hall to Routes 2/4. He further commented that this circle’s unusual construction may present problems to inexperienced drivers. Since it is a County project, he will contact the district engineer, Greg Welker and express the concerns of the community. John Zalusky asked about the availability of federal funding of highway, especially Rousby Hall Rd from Drum Point in case of a major disaster such as Hurricane Katrina or problems at the liquefied natural gas plant or Calvert Cliffs nuclear plant. O’Donnell responded by stating that the power plant has plans in place for emergencies and 12938 Pine Lane the federal government evaluates the plant’s plans and the communities ability to carry out those plans. Noting the interest in Planning and Zoning issues, O’Donnell commented residents of southern Calvert County have been very effective in focusing attention on the concerns of area. Bay Drive Causeway Repair Renovation Moves Forward Long awaited repairs to the Bay Drive Causeway are moving forward. The first step in selecting a contractor have been taken and the Requests for Proposal issued. The project will involve improving the drainage from Lake Charming and installing rip rap to minimize erosion and road damage from storms. In addition, the project may require some repair to the road surface. It is now believed the costs will be less than the $200,000 initially set aside by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA will pay for 75 per cent of the repair costs and Drum Point the remaining 25 per cent. Hopefully, repairs will be completed by the end of summer. LUSBY CENTER UPDATE In December, the basic footprint of the Giant shopping center (Lusby Commons) was approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission. The developer, RVG Development, had an appeal hearing in January on its request to fill in some 5,000 square feet of wetland. 12913 Buoy Way Previous requests were denied. RVG stated they now have approval from the Maryland Department of the Environment and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. On January 18, RVG’s plan to fill in the wetlands was approved by the Appeals Board. Kevin Neilson, the local RVG developer, stated that comments from the Drum Point community and the Chesapeake Ranch Club were instrumental in the decision. 7 Planning for the Future Where do we go from here? Drum Point is in a state of flux. More and more new homes are being built, previously wooded areas are being cleared and the growth never seems to stop. What are we doing about this growth? How will the community handle this unprecedented growth that has changed our community from the quiet beach community into a bedroom for the industries moving into the area. Several years ago, Civil Engineering students from the University of Maryland studied the Drum Point infrastructure. The study included storm water management, road construction, access to public water and public sewage, and natural gas as an alternative heat source. . As plans are being made for the updating our roads, it became evident that before making major road improvements, it would be wise to investigate storm water management and access to public water before proceeding. The Chesapeake Ranch Water Company has agreed to supply water to Drum Point provided a “substantial number” of residents request public water. What is not known is if this is the best alternative for our community. Other possibilities include forming a Drum Point Water Company, or tapping into the Calvert County municipal system. Likewise, where do we go for information on storm water management? We must face the issue that with more homes, there will be more runoff into the Bay, creating more pollution. How can this runoff be stopped or slowed down? The Board is presently evaluating a proposal from Henkels & McCoy, an engineering consulting from Blue Bell, PA to do a professional evaluation of options. In preliminary talks, Henkels & McCoy have agreed that the basic studies donn by the University of Maryland students provide the correct basic information, no recommendations were made. Their company will evaluate the material and make recommendations as to the best options available. The Board will keep the residents informed and provide information on what is learned as well as the options available to the community as well as cost factors. Draw Down MAY Affect Drum Point Calvert County’s proposed draw down of the Aquia aquifer was the subject of a public hearing January 17. The proposed draw down, in the planning stage since 2003, is designed to supplement the County’s public water needs. While the present draw down levels are sufficient for today’s usage, further growth in the southern part of the County will require additional water. The proposed draw down will be from the Aquia aquifer, the deeper of the two major aquifers. Present indications are the project demands of the Aquia aquifer are based on the concept that it will have to sustain the growth in the area on its own. Reportedly, two major users, Patuxent River Naval Air Station and the St. Mary’s municipal water systems are considering shifting from the Aquia aquifer to a deeper one. In the worst case scenario, some wells in the area may be affected by the draw down. Most residents in our community draw water from the shallower Piney Point aquifer. For those wells that are affected, Barry King, has publicly stated that Calvert County will compensate the property owner on a case by case issue. If you are concerned about your well, check your well for a well head tag number. This number begins with a CA. Call the County at 410.535.1600, Ext. 2329. This office can tell you which aquifer the well is drilled into. It is expected that relatively few wells in Drum Point will be affected by the draw down of the aquifer. Wells closest to the well itself are most susceptible to being affected.. The contractor who prepared the study for the Maryland Department of the Environment, Earth Data, estimates that possible some 200 wells may be affected. The record will be kept open 21 days for republic comment upon the plan. The DPPOA learned of the hearing from the Chesapeake Ranch Water Company. It had been announced only in the legal classified ads of the Recorder. It is apparent the County must improve its public information. 8 Drum Point Property Owners’ Association 401 Lake Drive Lusby, Maryland 20657 410-326-6148 www.dppoa.org office@dppoa.org Notice of DPPOA Meeting Saturday March, 25, 2006 10:00AM Call to Order Approval of Minutes Discussion of Budget Revisions Nominations From Floor Approval of Dues New Business Old Business Member Comments Adjournment Who Reads the Newsletter? In this issue, five Drum Point addresses are included somewhere in the newsletter. If you find your address hidden in any story is this issue, contact Rhea at the office, 410.326.6148 and collect a $5.00 prize. Work Begins on Boat Ramp Bart Grover, of At Last Services, Inc. began work to repair the Drum Point Community Boat Ramp on Monday, January 23. Repairs will include extending the end of the ramp to make launching and recovery of boats easier for all. The work will take approximately one month, weather permitting. All necessary environmental and county permits have been filed and approved.