HANDOUTS

• Agenda
• June 20, 2002, Community Liaison Council (CLC) meeting minutes
• NIH Community Liaison Council Members (roster as of July 18, 2002)
• Dr. Thomas Gallagher's business card
• The NIH Record, July 9, 2002, Vol. LIVE, No. 14
• Stoney Creek Storm water Management Facility. [Public Meeting Notice of Meeting sponsored by the Department of Environmental Protection, Montgomery County, Maryland. Meeting Information: Bethesda Chevy Chase Regional Services Center, August 15, 2002, 7-9:30 p.m.]
• Huntington Terrace Survey [update] Community members' responses/data to a citizen association's survey conducted pertaining to public access to Metro at the Medical Center NIH.

WELCOME

Tom Gallagher convened his first CLC meeting and shared background information about his family, education, and employment in academia, the private sector, and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHSS). He established education programs in Paraguay, Bolivia, and Uruguay. He has held management positions with Nike, Inc., AT&T, and the state of Wisconsin. Most recently, he served as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Budget, Technology, and Finance at DHSS. He holds a B.A. degree in literature and a Master's degree in mass communication and journalism from Central Missouri State University, and a Ph.D. in educational research and psychology from the University of Kansas.

Dr. Gallagher stated that he would like to meet with members of the Council individually and to visit the meetings of the local neighborhood and citizens associations. He stated that he is a small town person at heart and hopes to relocate from Chevy Chase, MD, to a neighborhood within walking distance to NIH. He is learning about the history of the Bethesda area and about the NIH community, although he worked with NIH during his DHSS tenure. He believes that the mission of NIH is extremely important, yet he understands that quality of life is important to those who live nearby.

AUGUST CLC MEETING ADDED TO SCHEDULE

Dr. Gallagher felt that information about ongoing topics should be presented at an interim meeting of the CLC on August 22, 2002, at 4 p.m. Agenda items for this meeting include an update on issues concerning the perimeter fence and follow-up on the storm water pond management project. He noted there is a public meeting notice among the handouts, entitled Stoney Creek Storm water Management Facility. Dr. Gallagher urged CLC members and residents to attend this meeting. Sponsored by the Department of Environmental Protection, Montgomery County, Maryland, the meeting will be held at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Services Center (B-CCSC) on August 15, 2002, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. The Center is located at 4805 Edgemoor Lane in Bethesda.

INTRODUCTIONS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

CLC members introduced themselves and noted the names and locations of their neighborhoods. In addition, members provided details of issues and concerns of the associations each represents.

Ginny Miller said the zoning issue, presented at the June CLC meeting, pertaining to additional business at the corner of Old Georgetown and Greentree roads, was reported in the Gazette to be dropped. In addition, she reported noise from night time construction at the overpass at Old Georgetown Road and I-495 can be heard up to 1.5 miles away from the construction site. At the request of the Wyngate Citizens Association, Ms. Miller noted that signs stating the construction schedule will be posted by the Highway Administration.

Martin Klauber, Peoples' Council of Montgomery County, reported that Mr. Derick Berlage [former District 5 Councilmember] is the newly-appointed Chair of the Montgomery County Planning Board.

Ralph Schofer reported that his neighborhood is negotiating with the French School regarding their expansion project. He expressed concerns about the property development at the Goodwill headquarters situated on Rockville Pike; the traffic on Rockville Pike and an illegal bed & breakfast enterprise operating within the Maplewood area.

The Parkwood Residents Association asked Kira Lueders to urge the CLC to provide more information about the biodefense research facility. Dr. Gallagher stated this item would be addressed during the September CLC meeting.

Pat Southerland remarked that Huntington Parkway Citizens Association is concerned about the gas pipeline.

Jeanne Billings cited that traffic is the major concern of the Wisconsin Condominium Association.

Marilyn Mazuzan noted concern about the perimeter fence, Metro access, and the long walk to Metro from the Oakmont neighborhood, situated near Old Georgetown Road and Cedar Lane/Oakmont. In addition, she noted that the Oakmont Citizens appreciate NIH's recent efforts to reduce the noise of the chiller at the Bloch Building. Dr. Gallagher informed Ms. Mazuzan that NIH is hiring an acoustical engineer, who will seek additional ways to reduce the noise of the chiller.

Lesley Hildebrand, representing Huntington Terrace Citizens Association as alternate to Lorraine Driscoll, requested a moment at the end of the meeting to present an update to a survey conducted in her neighborhood. Further, she noted that passage time to Metro would double or triple to walk around instead of across the NIH Campus.

Randy Schools, NIH Recreation and Welfare Association (R&W) and Bethesda-Chevy Chase Chamber of Commerce, noted that the placement of the Farmers' Market at Glen Echo will not go forward and another location will be pursued. In addition, he reminded the Council that the outdoor movie festival will take place on the lawn between Strathmore Hall Arts Center and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. He said he is working with citizen groups nearby Georgetown Preparatory and Holy Cross schools about parking during movie nights, which will supplement parking available at the Grosvenor Metro Station.

In response to a query about the Bethesda Little Theater's use of the auditorium at the Clinical Center, Mr. Schools noted that recent security measures do not permit any events that are not mission-related to use NIH facilities after 6 p.m. weekdays or on Saturdays or Sundays. He reported that the NIH Orchestra now rehearses at Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville and at Georgetown Preparatory School; and the 2002-2003 FAES Concert Series was moved to the Landon School on Wilson Lane in Bethesda.

Paul Van Nevel mentioned that the NIH Alumni Association (NIHAA) is working on a memorial in honor of Dr. Donald S. Fredrickson, a former NIH Director.

Bel Ceja stated that the NIHAA wants to work amicably with the NIH, and reported that current concerns include the perimeter fence and biodefense lab.

Ina Feinberg noted that City Commons' residents use the Campus for pet exercise. She noted interest in maintaining a good relationship with the NIH.

Stella Serras-Fiotes of NIH's Office of Facilities Planning (OFP) stated that she continues to work on topics of concern to the CLC as they appear in the agenda and endeavors to be timely and responsive to issues set forth by the members.

Ms. Miller recommended that information about the access to the Kiss and Ride area be publicized to the local community. In addition, members noted that it would be helpful to include information about vehicle entrances serving only NIH employees and those serving visitors.

Lastly, Dr. Gallagher reported that he has met with the NIH Director, Dr. Elias Zerhouni, who expressed his desire to develop a top notch scientific facility, while maintaining the quality of life for those working at and those living near the NIH Campus. Dr. Gallagher expressed his intention to find collective ways to approach the best solutions for both the NIH community and its neighbors.

PRESENTATIONS

Washington Metro Area Transit Authority's (WMATA) Metro Canopy Project

by R. Wayne Thompson, Manager of the Project Communications Branch, Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications and Marketing, Department of Communications, WMATA

Mr. Thompson introduced colleagues from WMATA including, Ronald Williams, Robert Gagne, and Joanne Ferreira. He presented an overview of the canopy program, including information on the design and installation of the canopy.

He noted that Metro construction began 30 years ago and that parts of Metro have been in operation for 26 years. [Medical Center Metro has been operational since 1984.] The canopy program is meant to protect escalators from weather and to deter deterioration. He reported the life of an escalator is 25 years; however, escalators exposed to the elements have a useful life of 15 years. In 2001, escalators that were exposed to the elements had a 79% availability for use (the escalator availability was 91% for the overall system).

The Metro system has targeted 53 entrances at 39 different stations to be covered with tempered, laminate-reinforced, 5/8^th inch thick glass panels and painted steel canopies, to reflect the design of the existing vaulted arched ceilings at underground Metro stations. There were 167 submissions to the design competition, and the Silver Spring, MD, architectural firm, Lourie & Chenoweth, LLC, of Silver Spring, MD, has been awarded the contract. Among the criteria for awarding the contract were budget, materials, maintenance, and bird control.

A pilot program calls for canopy installations at the Medical Center, L'Enfant, Brookland, and Virginia Square Metro stations. Construction will take about three months at the Medical Center Station. The remaining 49 stations will begin installation of canopies in 2005.

Council members asked for clarification mainly about the canopy's overall dimensions, its resistance to wind dynamics and weather, whether the Medical Center station would be open and accessible during construction, and maintenance concerns. Mr. Gagne commented the canopy design and dimensions vary for each of the four canopies. He said the slope is approximately a 15-degree angle and the height of the canopy at the back is 14 to16 feet. Mr. Williams noted at the top of the escalator the canopy would be 22 feet high and extend about 13 feet beyond. A five-foot parapet wall will be built to support the structure. He noted that a structural engineer had examined the design and the wind-loading factor is fine. Further, he said that the function of the canopy is to protect the escalator and that the design meets code compliance and the criteria of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

Ms. Miller expressed concerns about the "wind tunnel" effect that occurs in the Medical Center Metro station. Mr. Williams noted that the canopy would not relieve this effect, which is due to thermal-dynamics. When asked by Dr. Gallagher whether there is a way to alleviate the "wind tunnel" effect, Mr. Williams said that it could not be easily dealt with, because the effect begins in the train tunnels. Other limiting factors include the mechanical systems, venting, air conditioning, and fire and smoke issues.

Construction will be scheduled during weekend and weekday times beginning at 12:30 or 1 a.m. to 4:30 or 5 a.m. The station will not be closed during construction nor will this project affect the construction planning for the NIH Visitors' Center. In response to queries about the construction interfering with access to the entrance, Mr. Williams said the construction area would be cordoned. Mr. Schools asked for information for NIH employees and the community about what is taking place. Mr. Thompson said a brochure is being designed and copies will be provided for distribution.

Deborah Snead of B-CCSC requested that WMATA work with Montgomery County, Metro's neighbors, and NIH regarding construction times. She offered to facilitate getting information out to the Bethesda public. Mr. Thompson introduced Joanne Ferreira, WMATA's Community Relations Program Manager, who will liaison with NIH and B-CCSC.

Suggestions were made to WMATA representatives to examine the cleaning and maintenance of the top and underneath sides of the canopy where deposits collect due to temperature differences. Mr. Williams said that past 20 years' experience at the Grosvenor and Congress Heights Stations proved the favorable use of man-lifts and pressure washers to clean surfaces and that while the pilot program is in effect, construction, glazing, and cleaning would be evaluated along with other processes. During the three months' construction time, steps include building the parapet wall, fabricating the super structure fitting together the glass and steel, and installing the electrical lighting system with fiber optics to accent the structure and parapet walls and downlight the perimeter.

Members were assured that there will be no power shut downs in the Bethesda area due to this work. They asked to be made aware in advance of the construction schedule and cleaning times of the canopy after its installation.

Dr. Gallagher thanked the WMATA team for their presentation.

NIH Master Plan Update

by Stella Serras-Fiotes, OFP, ORS, NIH

Working Groups to Reconvene

Ms. Serras-Fiotes reported that the Agenda Subcommittee recommended reconvening the Transportation Working Group (TWG) and the Environmental Impacts Working Group (EIWG) during the first and second weeks of September. Issues for update and consideration include laboratory emissions, traffic impact at the five vehicle entrances, car emissions and pollution due to vehicle concentration at entrances during rush hours.

Mr. Southerland said the Environmental Protection Agency had a ruling change regarding nitrous oxide that should be reviewed by the EIWG.

Perimeter Fence Public Comment Period

Ms. Serras-Fiotes responded to a member's query about the time frame for the review of security plans and measures and the opportunity for public comment. She said that the fence project would be submitted to the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) on August 2 and would be distributed to the CLC and addressed at the August CLC meeting. There is a 60- to 90- day review period. The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) will review the plan, discuss it at a September Planning Board meeting and provide comments to the NCPC. It is anticipated that NCPC will discuss the project at its regular October or November public Commission meeting.

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS

Huntington Terrace Citizens Association Survey

Ms. Hildebrand distributed copies of an interim survey of 61 households in the Huntington Terrace area. The survey tallies responses about household members' and visitors' frequency of use of Medical Center Metro and if proximity and access to Medical Center Metro was a consideration that drew residents to this neighborhood. Forty-eight per cent, or 29 of 61 households surveyed, indicated two residents and visitors use Metro. Forty percent, or 24 of 61 households have residents who use Metro on a daily basis. To the query, "How much will your household be affected if the NIH fence is closed?" replies were: 12% "not much"; 35% "moderately"; and 53% "extremely."

Dr. Gallagher thanked Ms. Hildebrand for sharing this information and asked how many households were in the Huntington Terrace sampling universe. She replied there are 300 houses in this neighborhood and that her Association would continue trying to contact non-respondents.

Dr. Gallagher stated that any demographic information about the neighboring communities is helpful, especially for OCL's planning of the health fair.

Dr. Lueders asked if the previous CLC meeting minutes might be made available on the OCL web site in advance of the next meeting, in addition to their distribution at the meeting.

Jennie Kirby, OCL, explained the time line to review the minutes, which includes fact checking and attribution of statements and comments by participants; yet, she thought it possible to provide an earlier draft. Dr. Gallagher indicated that options and procedures will undergo review by the OCL.

Dr. Gallagher asked the Council for corrections to the minutes of the June meeting. There were none stated.

The meeting was adjourned.

Future CLC Agenda Items

August 22, 2002

• Update on issues concerning the perimeter fence by Ms. Serras-Fiotes
• Discussion and follow-up on public meeting about the storm water plan
• CLC comments on NIH Security Plan for submission to M-NCPPC and NCPC

September 19, 2002

• Updates from the TWG and EIWG meetings

October 17, 2002

• NIH "Share the Health" community health forum

TBD

• Natural gas pipeline should be discussed when the contract is awarded or when progress or developments warrant discussion

ACTION ITEMS

• OCL will notify all CLC members about the added CLC meeting on August 22, 2002, at 4 p.m. in the Natcher Conference Center, Room D, Building 45.
• Dr. Gallagher will monitor and provide updates to Ms. Mazuzan about the noise made by the chiller at the NIH Bloch Building.
• Mr. Thompson, WMATA, will supply brochures, which explain the Metro canopy pilot program, to the OCL for distribution to the CLC and appropriate NIH offices.
• Mr. Thompson, WMATA, agreed to update the CLC about the canopy project as the schedule is developed.
• OCL will notify TWG and EIWG members and establish meetings to take place during the first and second weeks of September. (A change in an EPA ruling about nitrous oxide should be reviewed by the EIWG.)
• Ms. Serras-Fiotes will obtain information about the EPA ruling and will ask Fred Heider to assist in addressing this issue.
• OCL will examine the distribution of the prior CLC meeting's minutes before the next month's meeting.

ATTENDEES

CLC Members:

• Lorraine Bell, Palladian Partners, Inc.
• Jeanne Billings, Ph.D., Wisconsin Condominium Association
• Bel Ceja, NIHAA
• Anthony Clifford, Division of Engineering Services, ORS, NIH
• Harvey Eisen, Ph.D., Edgewood Glenwood Citizens Association
• Ina Feinberg, City Commons of Bethesda
• Tom Gallagher, Ph.D., Office of Community Liaison
• Morton Goldman, Sc.D., Luxmanor Citizens Association
• Jeanne Goldstein, Montgomery County Civic Federation
• Jennie Kirby, OCL, OD, NIH
• Martin Klauber, People's Council of Montgomery County, MD
• Terry LaMotte, Palladian Partners, Inc.
• Eric Larsen, Sonoma Citizens Association
• Kira Lueders, Ph.D., Parkwood Residents Association
• Marilyn Mazuzan, Town of Oakmont
• Ginny Miller, Wyngate Citizens Association
• John B. Murgolo, Battery Lane Tenants Association
• Kristin O'Conner, M-NCPPC
• Lucy Ozarin, M.D., Whitehall Condominium Association
• Sharon Robinson, OCL, OD, NIH
• Tim Saunders, Aldon Management Corporation
• Ralph Schofer, Maplewood Citizens Association
• Randy Schools, R&W, NIH
• Stella Serras-Fiotes, OFP, ORS, NIH
• Richard Sipe, Camelot Mews Citizens Association
• Deborah Snead, B-CCSC
• J. Paul Van Nevel, NIHAA

Alternates to CLC Representatives:

• Lesley Hildebrand for Lorraine Driscoll, Huntington Terrace Citizens Association
• Pat Southerland for George Oberlander, Huntington Parkway Citizens Association

Guests:

• Joanne Ferreira, WMATA
• Robert Gagne, WMATA
• Tom Hayden, ORS, NIH
• Bruce Hopkins, Aldon Management
• R. Wayne Thompson, WMATA
• Ronald Williams, WMATA