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MARCH 2013 New Mark News YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER Calendar Thursday, March 7 – Board of Director’s meeting at the clubhouse, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 10 – Daylight Saving Time begins Tuesday, March 12 - Garden Club meeting at the clubhouse, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 13 – NMC Annual meeting at the clubhouse, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 17 – Saint Patrick’s Day Monday, March 25 – Passover begins at sundown Sunday, March 31 – Easter Thursday, April 4 – Board of Director’s meeting at the clubhouse, 7:30 p.m. Thursday & Friday, April 11 & 12, City’s spring leaf collection. Saturday, April 20 – Peerless Rockville presentation of New Mark Commons: Edmund Bennett’s Mini- New Town and Its Legacy, at the NMC clubhouse, 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 22 – Earth Day NMC Garden Club e guest speaker for the March 12th meeting will be Amanda Laudwein, Nutrient Management Advisor for the University of Maryland Extension Service. She will discuss water management “WATER—Too Much, Too Little, Wrong Place.” e meeting will be held in the NMC clubhouse, 607 Tegner Way, starting at 7:30 p.m. Please RSVP to Mary Lee at 301-738-0310 or Rose Sharkey at [email protected]. NMC Annual Meeting, March 13, 2013 e New Mark Commons Homes Association annual meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 13th th , at 7:30 p.m. in the Clubhouse. e current Board delivers the State of the Community update and new board members are elected at the annual meeting. e terms of two Board members, Jeff Miller and Lori Nicely, will expire in March. Jeff is running again, but Lori is not. Currently, there are three candidates running for two positions, Jeff Miller, Mike Rabkin, and Magnus Turesson. e candidate’s statements can be found later in the newsletter. If you are interested in seeking a position on the Board, please notify Jim no later than March 7th (phone, 301-340-0288; email: [email protected]). Please provide a brief statement that outlines why you are interested in serving and any other information you feel may be relevant. e meetings are held once a month and provide you with an opportunity to gain a better appreciation of how your Homeowners Association works. If you need additional information, please call Jim. In order to achieve a quorum, 96 members (25% of the community) must be accounted for either in person or by proxy. Spring leaf collection! See page 9

Transcript of R CMMNITY NESLETTER Calendar NMC Annual Meeting, March...

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March 2013

New Mark NewsY o u r C o m m u n i t Y n e w s l e t t e r

CalendarThursday, March 7 – Board of Director’s meeting at the clubhouse, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 10 – Daylight Saving Time begins

Tuesday, March 12 - Garden Club meeting at the clubhouse, 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 13 – NMC Annual meeting at the clubhouse, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 17 – Saint Patrick’s Day

Monday, March 25 – Passover begins at sundown

Sunday, March 31 – Easter

Thursday, April 4 – Board of Director’s meeting at the clubhouse, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday & Friday, April 11 & 12, City’s spring leaf collection.

Saturday, April 20 – Peerless Rockville presentation of New Mark Commons: Edmund Bennett’s Mini-New Town and Its Legacy, at the NMC clubhouse, 10:00 a.m.

Monday, April 22 – Earth Day

NMC Garden Club

The guest speaker for the March 12th meeting will be Amanda Laudwein, Nutrient Management Advisor for the University of Maryland Extension Service. She will discuss water management “WATER—Too Much, Too Little, Wrong Place.” The meeting will be held in the NMC clubhouse, 607 Tegner Way, starting at 7:30 p.m. Please RSVP to Mary Lee at 301-738-0310 or Rose Sharkey at [email protected].

NMC Annual Meeting, March 13, 2013The New Mark Commons Homes Association annual meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 13thth, at 7:30 p.m. in the Clubhouse. The current Board delivers the State of the Community update and new board members are elected at the annual meeting.

The terms of two Board members, Jeff Miller and Lori Nicely, will expire in March. Jeff is running again, but Lori is not. Currently, there are three candidates running for two positions, Jeff Miller, Mike Rabkin, and Magnus Turesson. The candidate’s statements can be found later in the newsletter. If you are interested in seeking a position on the Board, please notify Jim no later than March 7th (phone, 301-340-0288; email: [email protected]). Please provide a brief statement that outlines why you are interested in serving and any other information you feel may be relevant. The meetings are held once a month and provide you with an opportunity to gain a better appreciation of how your Homeowners Association works. If you need additional information, please call Jim.

In order to achieve a quorum, 96 members (25% of the community) must be accounted for either in person or by proxy.

Spring lea

f

collection

!

See page

9

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new mark Commons homes association, inc.

Website www.newmarkcommons.net

Mail Address New Mark Commons P. O. Box 4206, Rockville, MD 20849-4206

Administrator Jim Denny [email protected]

Board of Directors

Margaret Chao, President Jeff Miller, Vice President John Hansman, Secretary/Treasurer Dunja Baker John Brown Lori Nicely Ellen Stein

Committee Chairpersons

Architectural Control Mary Lee

Community Enhancement Richard Berman

Lake Richard Berman

Landscaping/Grounds Vacant

Pool Nancy Wood

Swim Team Sean Hart Peter Kaplan John O’Neal

Trees Gene Silverman

NM News Designer Barbara Quinn

t h u r s d aY, d e C e m B e r 6 , 2 0 1 2

Ann and Marty Reiss, along with Mark Wetterhahn were present for Community Forum to discuss the latest expansion plans for the Potomac Valley Nursing and Wellness Center. The proposed addition to the existing building has been removed from the plans at this time.

Jim informed the Board that seven residents have not paid the second installment of the 2012 home owners’ association dues. This includes four residents who have outstanding balances from prior years. One home has been foreclosed. The bank committed to pay the HOA dues for the period of April 27, 2012 to December 31, 2012.

The cleanup of the woods along the bike path held on November 3rd was a success. We received a grant for $500 from the City of Rockville to help defer some of the expenses of the cleanup.

Jim gave the Board the proposed budget for 2013. He also included income and expenditures as of 11/30/2012 versus the 2012 budget. The Association’s governing documents set forth the maximum amount the dues can be raised. In recent years, the dues increases have been held within or under the annual Consumer Price Increase (CPI). Our Covenants state the increases in dues have to be within the annual increase in the CPI on a cumulative basis since January 1, 1968. The percentage of increase in the CPI for the Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area for the period of September 2011 to September 2012 was 2.8%. Jim presented a proposed budget for 2013 that reflected a 2.8% increase. The 2.8% increase is equal to $26 to $30 increase per household for the year.

The Board approved a $4,200 bonus for Jim. After discussion, John Hansman made a motion that the Board approve the budget with the changes noted. Jeff Miller seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

A meeting to discuss the expansion plans for the Potomac Valley Nursing and Wellness Center is scheduled for December 12th at 7:00 p.m. at the Nursing and Wellness Center.

The Area Meeting to review the proposed expansion plans for the Jehovah’ Witness Church was held at City Hall on November 7, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. There were concerns about traffic flow through the parking lots and the number of new parking spaces for the size of the addition. There was also a concern expressed about automobile headlights shining into NMC residences that back up to Maryland Avenue near the church.

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New Mark Commons NewsletterG e n e r a l i n f o r m a t i o n

Published monthly (except August and December) by the New Mark Commons Homes Association, Inc. P. O. Box 4206, Rockville, MD 20849-4206

Distributed free-of-charge to the 384 homes within the community.

n e w m a r k C o m m o n s a d m i n i s t r a t o r

Jim Denny, 301 340 0288 [email protected]

a d v e r t i s i n g r a t e s

$35.00 full-page ad $27.50 half-page ad $22.50 quarter-page ad $18.00 any ad less than 1/4 page

The last page may be reserved for full-page ads for only an additional $15.00.

Small listings for public services or sale of used goods are free to residents in good standing and $5.00 for all others.

Services provided by youths 18 years of age and younger are free to residents and $5.00 for all others.

s u b m i t t i n g a n a d

All advertisements must be submitted to the administrator electronically by email, or on a CD. Acceptable formats are pdf or jpeg in black and white. The ad must be sized properly for the ad purchased. Any changes required for the ad copy or layout will be charged an additional fee of $40.00.

Advertisements, along with checks payable to “New Mark Commons” should be submitted to Jim Denny, Administrator. Call 301 340 0288.

All listings, advertisements, letters to the editor, articles, and notices must be submitted to the NMC Administrator or before the last day of the prior month and must be signed by the author. Under no circumstances will the NMC Administrator or editor take information over the telephone.

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Jim showed the Board the blueprints of the potable water, storm water, and sewer connections for the townhome section of the community. While some of the blueprints were easily interpreted, it was determined that a meeting with the City of Rockville Public Works would be beneficial. Jim scheduled a meeting with Brian Plymale, Assistant Supervisor with the Public Works Department for December 13th or 14th.

Jim informed the Board that Mr. B. Moradi, who resides at 878 New Mark Esplanade, has agreed to the policy the Board adopted to remove a tree on the Association owned property. Jim will solicit additional proposals for the removal of the tree and present them at the January Board meeting.

The Board received a copy of the rules governing portable on demand storage units (PODs), other temporary storage containers, and dumpsters used by the Eastgate Homes Corporation, part of the Montgomery Village community. Jim mentioned he also contacted the management companies at Rockshire Village and the King Farm to determine if they had policies in place concerning PODs and neither community had a policy in place concerning PODS. The Board asked Jim to draft a POD, dumpster, or temporary storage unit policy with the points being the units are temporary and that they are used only for construction, remodeling, or moving related purposes and that they are not to remain in place over thirty days.

The Board accepted a proposal from Sivert Enterprises for snow removal for the winter of 2012–2013.

Jim gave the Board a proposal for a replacement reserve study from Miller & Dodson Associates of Annapolis, MD. The last reserve study was performed in late 2008. After discussion, it was decided we did not need a new reserve study at this time but a motion was approved that states the community should commission a new reserve every ten years.

Jim gave the Board two emails from Linda Silversmith expressing her concern regarding grass cutting, leaf collection, soil conditioning, and the mulching of trees and shrubs throughout the community. She also mentioned three contractors that may offer a more green approach to landscape maintenance. Jim will contact the three contractors listed and determine if they would be a candidate for our community’s landscape maintenance contract.

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t h u r s d aY, J a n u a r Y 3 , 2 0 1 3

Rocio Snowdy, City of Rockville’s Neighborhood Resources coordinator had several topics to share with the Board.

�� Organizational license plates for the City of Rockville are now available from the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration.�� The City’s annual coat drive is still going on. Coats can be dropped off at several sites throughout the City. Please check the City website for locations. �� Construction continues on the new Choice Hotel along Maryland Avenue in front of the theaters.

Jim informed the Board that four residents have not paid the second installment of the 2012 home owners’ association dues and have outstanding balances from prior years. After discussion, it was decided that if payment is not received by February 1, 2013 for the first dues invoice this year, the Association will accelerate the amount due for the entire year and file claims in District Court.

The three-year terms of Board members Jeff Miller and Lori Nicely expire in March. Lori mentioned she will not be running for another term on the Board.

Jim gave the Board the final proposed budget for 2013. He also included income and expenditures as of 12/31/2012 versus the 2012 budget. Jim is projecting we will be under budget this year. The major saving was in the Snow Removal category. We budgeted $24,000 for 2012, but only spent $2,150. Projected income is $341,497 which is $913 more than expected. Projected expenses are $321,254 which is $19,330 under budget. The total projected under budget will be $20,243.

We have not received any further notices concerning the expansion plans for the Jehovah’s Witness Church since the Area Meeting held at City Hall on November 7, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.

There was a meeting held on December 12th at 7:00 p.m. at the Nursing and Wellness Center to discuss their expansion plans. They have decided not

to build the two-story addition to the rear of the center at this time. They plan to construct a new storm water management system, install a new storage building, enlarge an existing shed, and install a new auxiliary diesel generator. There were concerns expressed about the height on the new sheds.

A public hearing is scheduled for January 9, 2013 at City Hall to review the proposed development plans for the site of the former Giant Food store on North Washington Street.

The Board accepted a proposal from Titan Tree Care to remove the large maple tree and grind the stump in front of 878 New Mark Esplanade.

Jim presented to the Board proposals from four landscape contractors. The prices ranged in price from $44,034 to $79,000 per year for maintenance of the common areas of the community. After discussion, the Board accepted the proposal from Stolburg Landscaping for $44,034.

Jim, Margaret, John Hansman, and Ellen met with Brian Plymale, Assistant Supervisor and Osmond Barton, Engineering Technician in the City’s Public Works Department on December 13th. They reviewed the blueprints of the potable water, storm water, and sewer connections for the townhome section of the community. Brian and Osmond explained the City’s right-of-way and the City’s responsibilities for water and sewer line maintenance and repair.

Last month John Hansman offered to compile a history of reserve fund expenditures. Jim distributed to the Board a spreadsheet that John created. John told the Board he will be reviewing historical records this coming month and will have a more complete list of reserve projects at the February Board meeting.

The NMC annual meeting is usually held in the middle of March. After discussion, March 13, 2013 was selected as the date for the annual meeting

The accounting firm of DeLeon & Stang has scheduled the NMC annual audit for February 18th and 19th.

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Annual Meeting & Election of Board Members

Wednesday, March 13, 2013, 7:30 P.M.

AGENDAQuorum call

Proof of notice of meeting

Introduction of officers

Approval of minutes

President’s report

Treasurer’s report

Committee reports

Election of directors

Questions and open discussion

Drawing for door prizes

Adjournment

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Jeff Miller

Dear Neighbors,

My name is Jeff Miller, and it has been an honor to have served on the NMC Board of Directors for the past three years.

My wife Betsy and I have lived in NMC since August of 1992, raised our two adult daughters here, and have had a great time doing so.

I have spent the last ten years as a certified Action Coach business coach. I own my own business, and work with all types of businesses, from engineers, accountants, attorneys, home builders, high end design/build companies, and everything in between, helping them to maximize their company’s potential by providing short-term assistance and long-term training and education.

As a past President of the Rockville Chamber of Commerce, I was part of the group which created and implemented the Buy Rockville Campaign. This campaign was designed, in part, to create a culture of local living, taking advantage of this great community we live in. I also served as the Chairman of the Manna Food Center, Montgomery County’s only food bank providing meals to children, the elderly and the working poor who would otherwise go hungry. I have seen firsthand how local involvement can and does make a difference on a daily basis.

In addition to serving on the NMC Board, I am currently the Vice President of Development for the Corporate Volunteer Council of Montgomery County.

I now look forward to continuing to apply my experience and passion to our New Mark Commons community.

Regards,

Jeff

Mike Rabkin

My name is Mike Rabkin.  My wife, Stacy, and I have lived in New Mark Commons for almost 7 years, and I’ve lived in the DC area over half of my life.  We just had a baby last June (Joanna, whom you may have seen at the pool last summer or on our frequent walks with her since).  I’m the owner of From Car to Finish LLC, a national new vehicle negotiating service and information research provider, and support Rockville business as well whenever possible (I’m listed with Rockville Rewards).  Previously, I worked as an editor and researcher for Checkbook Magazine (a local nonprofit consumer group) for over 15 years, and moved on from it to start my business.

I am a passionate consumer advocate, and as a board member, will work hard to make sure the association gets the best possible quality and price with each service provider we choose. (I’ve helped Jim Denny with research for past service providers already.)  I’m a big believer in fiscal responsibility as well, and will look to continue the traditions of our HOA of living within our means while still sustaining the best possible quality of life for our community.  I’m also a member of the New Mark Commons Google group, and am a frequent contributor when residents need a service provider (I’m the one who tends to look up the Checkbook magazine ratings for who’s highly rated ion a particular profession).   I have a strong belief in maintaining a sense of community.  My wife and I are very fond of New Mark, and I will do everything possible to preserve the original vision of the community, while also working to make prudent changes to keep it viable for present and future homeowners.  To give credence to that statement, I’ve served as a member of the New Mark Architectural Control Committee for the last 2 years, because while I have an interest in preserving the look and feel of the community, I want to make sure residents are given the chance to modernize/upgrade their homes to make them more livable and efficient.

CandidateS

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Magnus Turesson

My name is Magnus Turesson and I have lived on Bentana Way in New Mark since 2008 with my wife Beth who grew up in New Mark and our three children Anna, Charlotte, and Elise. You may know us.

I very much hope to have the opportunity to work on the New Mark Commons board and serve this lovely community and its residents.

I see value in taking pride in our grounds and properties that will benefit the entire community. Through smart work, loyalty to our principles, communication and civic involvement, I want to help New Mark Commons organize and prevail as a vocal community in Rockville as the city implements changes and developments.

I have an interest in preserving the look and feel of the community. I want to make sure that all residents have the resources they need to be safe and comfortable in the community, whether it be through maintaining the recreation areas, safe walking areas or the aesthetics of the community property and landscape.

I believe in a strong community that is proactive and safe for our children, our seniors, and residents of all ages. With fresh ideas and views on how this community can improve I intend to serve on the board to improve our living. I am interested in maintaining and safeguarding our community values here, together with all the residents of New Mark Commons.

CandidateS(Continued)

ClaSSifiedS

mid-daY doG walk/Pet VisitI'm an adult New Mark Commons resident, available between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.to walk or visit house-bound pets. $15 for a 20 minute walk or house visit. Please call Kirsten Hall at 301-309-1315.

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2013 NEW MARK COMMONS

HOMES ASSOCIATION INC.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION

Vote for TWO

Jeff Miller_________ Mike Rabkin__________ Magnus Turesson_________

___________________________ ___________________________ Signature Address

How to Vote for Members of the Board: Article III, Section 1 of the Covenants states that every person, group of persons or entity who is a record owner of a fee interest in any Living Unit which is or becomes subject by covenants of record to assessment by the Association shall be Class A members of the Association. Class A members shall be entitled to one vote for each living unit in which they hold the interest required for membership. (Note: Only one vote per household) Three candidates are running for two open slots on the Board. Please exercise your right to vote. If you cannot attend the meeting, complete the ballot that appears above and drop it through the mail slot at 514 New Mark Esplanade or mail it to NMC, P.O. Box 4206, Rockville, MD, 20849. Ballots must be received by March 13th. If you want your vote to be confidential, put your unsigned ballot into a sealed envelope, which is clearly marked with the words “Ballot-Elections”. Sign your name and address on the outside of the envelope. Remember, your vote cannot be counted unless you sign either the ballot itself or the sealed envelope.

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City Encourages Residents to Attend the Citizens Police Academy

See What it Takes to be a Rockville City Police OfficerThe Rockville City Police are now accepting applications for the upcoming Citizens Police Academy, where residents will have the opportunity to go behind the badge.

The course is offered for free and gives students an idea about what it takes to be a Rockville City Police Officer. Participants will learn about all aspects of the police department and receive hands-on training. Topics covered include Crime Scene Process, Firearms Training Simulations, and more.

The 10-week course begins March 19 and will consist of a weekly Tuesday evening class at the Glenview Mansion, 603 Edmonston Dr. Open for people age 18 and older, participants who complete the program recieve a graduation certificate at the end of the course.

Interested applicants can email Corporal Ken Matney at [email protected] for more information on the class and how to register. Registration is available until the academy start date of March 19.

To watch a Rockville 11 video with footage from the 2012 Citizens Police Academy, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdW1oJdRHAQ on the City of Rockville’s YouTube channel. For more information about the Rockville City Police Department, go to www.rockvillemd.gov/police.

Friends of the Rockville Library Book Sale

Saturday, March 9 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Our winter book sale will take place in the first floor conference room of the library.  Most books will still be $1 or less and we will have lots of categories, including fiction, non-fiction, classics, children›s books, cookbooks, travel, politics, religion, computer books, art and coffee table books.

r i G h t i n Y o u rneighborhood

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r i G h t i n Y o u rneighborhoodPeerless Rockville presents Modern Living for a Modern City

This spring in a series of illustrated presentations and walking tours, Peerless Rockville welcomes you to re-discover the timeless appeal of several of Rockville’s most loved modern planned neighborhoods. Through these events, residents will learn more about the city’s growth and development as we focus attention on several neighborhoods of Rockville’s recent past.

Free and open to the public, the series will highlight five neighborhood communities from the early postwar housing boom to mid-century planned development to the “new town” movement popular at the end of the century. The series will culminate in an evening lecture and panel discussion at Rockville City Hall, offering guest lecturers and residents an opportunity to discuss the factors that influenced modern development, the significant elements of each time period and the special features of each community that have contributed to its success and left lasting imprints.

The schedule for the upcoming series:

Building Houses, Creating Community: Joseph Geeraert and Twinbrook, featuring Professor Richard Longstreth of George Washington University, Saturday, March 23, 10 am at the Twinbrook Community Center Annex

Woodley Gardens: A Traditional Red Brick Neighborhood with a Modern Feel, featuring Historian Joan Zenzen, Saturday, April 6, 10 am at the Rockville Senior Center

New Mark Commons: Edmund Bennett’s Mini-New Town and Its Legacy, featuring Professor Isabelle Gournay of University of Maryland, Saturday, April 20 at 10 am at New Mark Commons Clubhouse

Americana Centre: Home-Owning from a Different View, featuring Historian Teresa Lachin, Saturday, April 27, 10 am at the Red Brick Courthouse

Re-Designing Suburbia: Smart Growth in Action at King Farm, featuring Rockville’s Chief of Planning, Jim Wasilak, AICP, Saturday, May 4, 10 am at King Farm Community Center

Modern Living in Rockville: Panel discussion featuring the speakers and architect Elizabeth Milnarik as moderator on Thursday, May 9, 7:30 pm at Rockville City Hall.

The City’s spring leaf collection for New Mark Commons is scheduled for April 11th and 12thLeaf Collection Tips

�� Residents should rake leaves into the gutter or immediately adjacent to the pavement if there is no curb or gutter. �� Rake leaves immediately before or during the collection week to avoid the accumulation of leaves near and on the streets, which can lead to fire hazards or grass damage if left too long.�� Limbs, rocks, and other heavy objects must be removed.�� Leaves should not be placed in plastic bags. Residents who prefer to bag their leaves may place the leaves in biodegradable Kraft paper bags and place them at the curb for collection on their regular weekly yard waste collection day.�� The City leaf collection crews will complete any unfinished areas on the following Saturday.

DO NOT USE ANY PLASTIC BAGS!Do not rake leaves into the gutter after the city collection.

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Sewer Backups

A Guide for City of Rockville Customers

Did you know that discharging your fats, oils and grease into your home sewer and water lines can result in sewer backups? The discharge of fats, oils and grease (FOGs) into the City of Rockville’s sanitary sewer system and storm drains is a rapidly increas-ing problem that results in the unnecessary spending of thousands of tax dollars each year to remove blockages and repair sani-tary sewers.

When FOGs are deposited down the drain they cool and solidify to form hard deposits that decrease sewer line capacity and cause blockages and breaks. This can result in raw sewage overfowing from manholes and back-ing up into homes.

In an effort to address this problem, the City has adopted the Water Quality Protection Ordinance, which precludes residents from pouring cooking fats, oils and grease down their drains. (To view the full ordinance please visit www.rockvillemd.gov/environ-ment/regulations).

General Disposal Guidelines:

Grease: Cooking oil should be poured into a heat-resistant container and disposed of, after it cools off, in the garbage, not the drain. Some people assume that washing grease down the drain with hot water is satisfactory. This grease goes down the drain, cools off, and solidifies either in the drain, the property owner’s line or in the main sewer. When this happens, the line constricts, and eventually clogs.

Paper Products: Paper towels, disposable (and cloth) diapers, and feminine products cause a great deal of problems in the prop-erty owner’s lateral as well as in the City main. These products do not deteriorate quickly, as does bathroom tissue. They be-

come lodged in portions of the lateral/main, causing sewer backup. These products should be disposed of in the garbage.

City of Rockville Public Works Prevention Programs: Every attempt is made to prevent backups in the public wastewater system before they occur. Sewer lines are specially designed to prevent accumulation and stop-pages.

In addition, we have maintenance crews that are devoted to inspecting and cleaning wastewater lines throughout the City on a regular schedule.

Degreasing chemicals are also injected into lines in areas that are prone to stoppages, such as those near restaurants, apartments or high density housing developments.

Even with our maintenance schedule, backups are often beyond the City’s control. Most that do occur are confined to the sewage pipeline, rather than backing up into a home.

Sewer backups are an unfor-tunate but common prob-lem in U.S. cities and towns. Although municipal depart-ments make every effort to prevent such incidents, they still may occur.

The following information is offered to help City of Rockville residents under-stand why backups happen, how they can be prevented, and what steps citizens should take if a sewer back-up affects their property.

Department of Public Works and

Safety and Risk Management

Preventing Sewer Backups

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Sewer Backups: Information and Advice

A sewer backup creates a stressful and emotional situation for the homeown-er/renter. In some cases it may cause safety concerns as well as significant property loss. A proper response to a sewer backup can greatly minimize property damage and diminish the threat of illness.

The City of Rockville makes every ef-fort to be responsive to a residents’ needs and concerns when a sewer backup occurs. The City of Rockville has a crew whose sole duty is to in-spect, clean and maintain sewers on a daily basis. Unfortunately, because a sewer is not a closed system, many things put into the sewer can clog the system. While the City has adopted rules prohibiting the discharge of any substance likely to cause a sewer ob-struction, and can try to educate the public about the problems they cause, there is really no way we can abso-lutely prevent this from happening.

General Information

What To Do If I’ve had a Sewer Backup

If you experience a sewer problem within the City of Rockville service area, please call 240-314-8567 and state that you are reporting a sewer emergency. Backed up sewer lines, line breaks, sewage odors and over-flowing manholes are considered an emergency.

If the problem is in the sewer lateral, the homeowner or business is to

correct the problem as the owner of the property is responsible for maintaining and cleaning the sewer lateral from the building (or home) to the cleanout.

Remember to call the city first - before calling a plumber. We will check the sewer main and inform you of our findings. If the problem is not in the main line sewer, you will be advised to contact a plumber or sewer/drain cleaning service.

Please be aware that City crews are only responsible for clearing a block-age on the City side of the lateral and are not authorized to enter your home or business to clear a block-age from inside of the property, nor are they trained in cleanup or able to help in the removal of personal belongings.

Insurance and Claims for Property Damage

The City may not pay for damages caused by sewer back ups unless they are caused by a direct act or negligence of the City. This rarely occurs.

During the 2008 legislative session, Maryland’s General Assembly passed a law requiring homeowner insurers to offer coverage for losses caused by water and sewer backups as local governments are not typically liable for these losses.

Securing this insurance on your own is essential to protect against a sewage backup and any related damage.

In the event of a sewer backup, the ho-meowner’s insurance company will be responsible and respond to this type of an event and arrange for the majority of any clean-up.

Cleaning Advice

As the resident or owner has the responsibility to minimize damage, the following general cleaning tips may be of use (this does not replace the need for professional remediation):

Assure that there is no risk of electrical shock before entering the wet areas.

Completely dewater the area and empty water into the toilet or sink. DO NOT dump the water outside.

Furniture, floor coverings and other debris should be disposed of via the City of Rockville’s Bulk Trash Pickup.

Disinfect the floor and wall surfaces with 1/4 cup of bleach to each 1 gallon of water.

Ventilate and air-dry flooded areas after disinfection.

Exercise safety measures while cleaning the flooded areas and wear personal protective gear that fits the exposures (rubber boots and waterproof gloves).

The City of Rockville, however is one of the few jurisdictions to offer a “good-will” policy for no-fault sewer backups. This policy allows for limited and discretionary payments towards cleaning and sanitizing damaged property or towards payment of your insurance deductible. This good-will policy will only apply if City crews detemine that the blockage was in a City maintained portion of the sewer line,

The good-will payment may only serve as reim-bursement of interior cleaning expenses and/or deductible payments. Any good-will payment will be subject to review by the City and its insurer.

You are still advised to utilize your homeowner’s coverage to assure a more thorough clean-up of any damaged areas and absent coverage, you will be responsible for any payments that exceed the City’s good-will policy.

indoor plumbing

cleanoutsedge of pavement or

back of sidewalk

street

sewer lateral

publicsewermain

homeowner maintained City of Rockville maintained

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This party is for NMC residents age 21 and over and their guests. The pool will close at 7pm this evening for the event.

• Music, Festive hors d’oeuvres, beer, & wine will be served in the Club House

• Admission is $15.00 per person (resident or guest), payable in

advance, checks should be made out to New Mark Commons

• RSVP with payment no later than Friday, June 7, 2013

Payment or Questions can be directed to Nancy Wood at [email protected], 144 New Mark Esplanade, 301-309-1894.

NMC Presents the 3rd Annual Neighborhood

Saturday, June 15, 20137pm to 11pm

Summerkick-off

Pool Party

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B & B Custom Renovations

Call or e-mail Brian Dawson today for an estimate and references Licensed and bonded in Maryland and Virginia 571.643.6246 [email protected] http://www.bandbcustomrenovations.com

B & B Custom Renovations LLC is a per-sonal, detail-oriented home improvement company started by two lifelong friends. We specialize in kitchen and bathroom remodel-ing, flooring, interior/exterior painting, power washing and sealing, handyman tasks, etc.

We do lots of work in New Mark Commons and know lots of your neighbors.

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MONTE J. LOEB & ASSOCIATES CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

15825 SHADY GROVE ROAD, SUITE 130 ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND 20850

301-216-0555

PROMPT PERSONALIZED SERVICE FOR INDIVIDUALS AND SMALL BUSINESSES

TAX PREPARATION Individual

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Individuals Small businesses

ACCOUNTING SERVICES

SMALL BUSINESS CONSULTING

I guarantee my fee for individual tax return preparation. I will tell you my total fee in advance, and promise never to exceed it without your prior approval. I would be happy to meet with you evenings or weekends.

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ARE YOU READY FOR SPRING? THE MARKET IS HEATING UP

ACTIVITY IS ROBUST INVENTORY IS LOW!!!

Now is the time to list your home for Spring! Let me help you evaluate what you need to do &

update you on new listings coming on.

Call Me at 301-529-3125

Tell Your Friends how Special New Mark Is!

I Appreciate Your Business, Your Referrals, Your Friendship And Feel Fortunate to Live Here!

ALWAYS WORKING FOR YOU AND THE BEST FOR NEW MARK!

I LIVE HERE! I WORK HERE! I LOVE IT!

TOP OFFICE PRODUCER Over 2000 Families Successfully Moved Member of RELOCATION Services

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