Announcements included a request by Jennie Kirby, Community Relations Specialist, OCL, NIH, for CLC members to view a map and map key posted in the meeting room that shows the NIH Campus and contiguous and other nearby neighborhood streets. Members were asked to update and correlate the numbers on the key to a section on the map delineating their neighborhood's parameters. This visual display will be used as a reference to orient CLC members and presenters during discussions pertaining to specific neighborhoods and their location near NIH.

Mr. Randy Schools of the NIH Recreation and Welfare Association reported the summer outdoor movie series will take place August 16 through 25, 2002 and will be located in the lawn area between Strathmore Hall Arts Center and the American Speech–Language–Hearing Association on Rockville Pike, near the Grosvenor Metro Station. Parking will include space at Metro and Georgetown Preparatory School. Arrangements for a shuttle to and from White Flint Plaza are being discussed. The series is partially underwritten by Comcast and Montgomery County. Mr. Schools noted special themes and activities appropriate to the movies being shown, including appearances of Elvis impersonators to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Elvis' death and the U.S. Air Force's The Airmen of Note to honor federal government workers and the military.

Further, Mr. Schools remarked that the Farmer's Market has been relocated from its site on the NIH campus to the DHHS Parklawn Building; and he noted that other locations, such as White Flint Mall, will be considered. Ms. Ginny Miller, CLC Co-Chairperson, suggested that Cabin John Park be considered as a location.

Ms. Hedetniemi prefaced her introduction of her successor by relating information about her meeting with Elias A. Zerhouni, M.D., who assumed the position of Director of the National Institutes of Health on May 20, 2002. In discussing the perimeter fence, she reported that Dr. Zerhouni expressed his interest in guarding the NIH, "a national treasure," and meeting the needs of the community regarding access to Metro. Dr. Zerhouni wants a flawless transition between OCL Directors.

Ms. Hedetniemi introduced OCL Director Designate Thomas Gallagher, M.S., Ph.D., who will assume his new role on July 1, 2002. She remarked on his career of public service with the federal government, the State of Wisconsin, and academic institutions in Kansas and Wisconsin, and also in the private sector with several major corporations. His spouse, Sonja, and sons reside with him in Chevy Chase, Maryland.

INTRODUCTION OF CLC MEMBERS

Ms. Hedetniemi asked the CLC members to introduce themselves and to name the organization they represent.

CLC QUESTIONS/ANNOUNCEMENTS

In response to questions posed by Mr.Eric Larsen, Sonoma Citizens Association, regarding NIH's guidance and authority regarding security measures, Ms. Hedetniemi referred Mr. Larsen to a handout, a letter from Dr. Zerhouni to Representative Connie Morella, which addressed these issues.

Ms. Miller had received a call from Howard Denis' office [Mr. Denis is District 1 Council member of the Montgomery County Council] about an appeal for further commercial zoning on Old Georgetown Road. There is a lobster sales enterprise situated on Old Georgetown Road at Greentree in the parking area next to the Bethesda Community Store, which itself has a zoning exception as an historic site. Although the issue is not pertinent to the Council's mission, she thought that community members may wish to attend any future hearings on the zoning issue that may impact communities between Battery Lane and Wildwood Shopping Center. Ms. Eleanor Rice of Locust Hill Civic Association, requested notification by e-mail of upcoming hearings regarding this zoning appeal.

Ms. Marilyn Mazuzan, Town of Oakmont, remains concerned about the NIH Bloch Building's level of noise from the chiller. Ms. Hedetniemi stated that the silencer kit for the chiller silencer would be installed as of June 28, 2002.

PRESENTATIONS

Regional Storm Water Management Facility on the NIH Campus, 30% Design Review
by Clarence Dukes, NIH Office of Facilities Planning (OFP), Office of Research Services (ORS)

Mr. Dukes introduced the individuals involved with the Montgomery County storm water management plans, including Craig Carson, John Hollister, Dan Harper, and Cameron Wiegand, all with Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (MCDEP), Watershed Management Division (WMD), Stu Robinson and Francis Agyei from A. Morton Thomas and Associates, Inc., and Ed Pfister and William (Kenny) Floyd, with the NIH Environmental Protection Branch.

Mr. Dukes introduced Mr. Harper, a senior engineer with MCDEP, WMD. Mr. Harper presented background and slides about biological conditions and the habitat in surrounding streams throughout Montgomery County. He presented an overview and analysis of conditions and different management areas for differing types of streams and provided information about how storm water runoff impacts stream conditions and erosion.

Mr. Hollister, a MCDEP staff engineer, presented planning objectives to restore the Rock Creek Watershed and the concept for a new regional storm water pond at the southeast corner of NIH. The 219-acre watershed that drains to the pond site includes much of downtown Bethesda. Objectives for building the pond include meeting environmental requirements under the NIH Master Plan, improving water quality in Stoney Creek, and reducing storm water flow rates and resulting erosion.

To date, the design process has included a feasibility analysis, a hydraulic analysis and a 30% design. Mr. Hollister presented the results of these efforts to the CLC. The hydraulic analysis evaluated the stormdrain capacity both under Wisconsin Ave. and along Glenbrook Parkway and determined the potential for flooding during very large storm events. The wet pond and forebay will cover 1.2 acres, with a maximum depth of six feet. During maximum flood containment, the pond will cover an area of 3.1 acres. The pond will include safety features, wetland vegetation, and include the preservation and relocation of existing trees. Drawing showing a preliminary plan and profile of the pond were included in the presentation.

Next steps for pond design involve additional public input, a presentation to the Montgomery County Planning Board, a site walk, and a subsequent opportunity for input from the CLC in September or October. After completion of the 60 percent design in the September timeframe, applications for permits will be submitted to comply with regulatory requirements of Montgomery County and the State of Maryland. Design will be completed in March 2003, and with final approval, advertising and submission of bids for construction will take place May 2003, construction would begin in fall 2003, with completion six to eight months thereafter.

Questions

Council members asked questions about the site and design, storm events and peak flow, excavation, truck hauling of soil, disruption to contiguous neighborhoods, timing of "disruptive" services, and balancing the new ecosystem, e.g., mosquitoes, geese, and other insects and animals. Specific concerns (listed below) will be addressed during the next presentation to the CLC.

Mr. Ralph Schofer, Maplewood Citizens Association, asked about several aspects of the pond and its proposed location on the NIH Campus. Mr. Harper stated that excavation and soil removal to an off site location would be handled by a contractor. Further, Mr. Harper provided an ecosystem strategy to keep the mosquito situation in check, including introducing frogs and dragonflies to control mosquitoes, and deterring resident geese by planting tall grass.

Ms. Debbie Michaels, Glenbrook Village Home Owners Association, asked about noise factors associated with the pond construction and whether the nearby area of Glenbrook would be disrupted by the construction. Mr. Harper cited daytime hours of 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for pond construction. MCDEP will coordinate the relocation of an underground PEPCO transmission line around the pond so that service disruptions will either be minimized or eliminated. MCDEP will notify any affected PEPCO customers in advance of the relocation work.

Clarification about the position of the pond and its relationship to the proposed location of the fence was requested. Ms. Serras-Fiotes noted that the pond would lie outside of the proposed Campus pedestrian fence and would be situated at the southeast corner of the NIH Campus, south of the Lister Hill Building of the National Library of Medicine.

Mr. George Oberlander, Huntington Parkway Citizens Association, asked how the pond area would vary during seasonal rains. Mr. Harper stated that it would take 5 inches of rain to fill the entire pond area of 3.1 acres, as occurs during a tropical storm, which typically happens once every 10 years. Mr. Oberlander asked about the soil embankment surrounding the pond. Mr. Harper said it would be four to six feet above the existing elevation and 20 feet wide and may be visible from Wisconsin or Woodmont Avenues.

Mr. Harper indicated that the pond performance will be evaluated under a number of storm events. These events are described by the probability of receiving an amount of precipitation based on historical records. For example, rain amounts of at least 2.6 inches over 24 hours have occurred in half of the years on record, which means that on average, we are likely to see this precipitation amount once every two years. This is called a 2-year storm. For safety reasons, the pond and potential flooding will be evaluated for more severe storms, such as a "hundred year storm", the most recent being hurricane Agnes in 1972, when flooding was 1.5 feet deep on Wisconsin Avenue. Mr. Harper presented a drawing showing the extent of possible flooding (without the pond) due to a 100-year storm. Flooding issues downstream of the pond site will be discussed in greater detail at the next public meeting held by MCDEP.

Dr. Harvey Eisen, Edgewood Glenwood Citizens Association, asked if in addition to the pond at the southeast corner of the NIH Campus, there were plans to address the spillover from the pipes near Maple Ridge and Glenwood, which also affects the runoff and erosion of tree roots near the Whitehall drain. Mr. Floyd responded that NIH is looking into this issue as well.

Ms. Rice asked about the anticipated time for silt buildup and the need for future dredging of the pond to sustain the desired objectives. Mr. Harper estimated that it would be 30 to 50 years before dredging would be required and that the pond's forebays will require follow-up work every 5 to 7 years and can be accessed easily for this to take place.

Ms. Rice asked for further information about the watershed area and runoff associated with the creek at the northeast side of the Campus at Rockville Pike and Cedar Lane. Ms. Kristen O'Connor, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) offered her assistance in addressing these concerns. In addition, it was noted that Mr. Doug Redmond of M-NCPPC has been coordinating with MCDEP in regards to scheduling a future Montgomery County Planning Board meeting.

Ms. Hedetniemi suggested that these concerns and follow-up questions be addressed by the Storm water Management team during the next meeting of the CLC in July. She asked members to send written questions and comments to her office in advance of the July 18 CLC meeting.

CLC Appreciation Presentation
by Ginny Miller, CLC Co-chair

Ms. Ginny Miller, Co-Chair of the CLC, thanked Ms. Hedetniemi for her years of service as the NIH OCL Director and presented her with a parting gift. Ms. Miller remarked on the qualities that Ms. Hedetniemi brought to often contentious situations and how with leadership, compassion, and understanding, she has always stood up for the community and been its worthy liaison.

Ms. Hedetniemi remarked that the CLC had together created an unprecedented blend of members of federal, private, and public communities. She cited the many accomplishments of the CLC whose endeavors have been engaging and rewarding, even though sometimes frustrating for its various entities. Ms. Rice followed up by thanking Ms. Hedetniemi for her long time service and encouraged CLC members to continue to bring their invaluable perspectives to the work of the Council and remarked on the importance and value of their collective institutional memory. Ms. Hedetniemi thanked the Council for their good wishes and thoughtful gift; and, in turn, presented Ms. Miller with a parting gift.

Presentation of Initial Design Concept for the NIH Perimeter Fence
by Stella Serras-Fiotes, Director, OFP, ORS, NIH