PRESENT:
Mayor Porter Councilmember Austin-Lane Councilmember Barry Councilmember Clay Councilmember Seamens Councilmember Snipper Councilmember Williams		City Manager Matthews City Clerk Carpenter HCD Director Daines Senior Planner Blanchard Communications Director Moffet Police Chief Ricucci

 

Following the Administrative Function Session, the City Council convened at 7:30 p.m. in the Community Center Auditorium, 7500 Maple Avenue, Takoma Park, Maryland.

Mr. Snipper noted the death in Iraq of Jonathan D. Cadavero, CUC graduate.

Mr. Williams commented on his experience in reading at Piney Branch Elementary for the recent "Read Across America Day." He noted that members of the Police Department and Mayor Porter had also participated. Mr. Williams also noted that he, Ms. Porter and Mr. Snipper helped out with a recent Cub Scout pinewood derby.

Mr. Williams said that many people had questions about the stormwater fee increase, and why it is a fee. Mr. Williams noted that the fee increase was related to the implementation of the phase two federal stormwater standards and certain needed capital projects. He commented that because it is a fee, it is not tied to the property tax rate.

Mr. Seamens encouraged the support of the "Let a Child Read to You Program."

Mr. Seamens welcomed Ward 4 residents and the Takoma Park Community Action Group.

Ms. Clay noted that she, too, had participated in the reading program at Piney Branch Elementary School.

Ms. Clay pointed out the continued interest of the Long Branch Sligo community in traffic calming. She noted problems in her Ward: grafitti, and drinking and loitering in the Forest Park Woods. Ms. Clay thanked Public Works for having the signpost stub removed from the sidewalk on Route 410. Ms. Clay posed a question regarding the restoration of plants in the Elm Avenue right-of-way.

Ms. Clay commented on Police Department communication about crimes. She said she appreciated their recent efforts, but she did ask to be notified at the same time as residents.

Ms. Clay asked about the installation of speed cameras.

Ms. Porter responded that she would be scheduling a discussion of speed cameras in the near future.

Ms. Porter noted another reading event at Takoma Park Elementary School.

Ms. Porter noted a proclamation for the record:  "Children First" Day in Takoma Park (May 5, 2007).

Tebabu Assefa, Maple Avenue, commented on the Takoma Park Community Action Group. He described the group’s action plans for 2007, which include the May 5 rally. He said the purpose of the group is to galvanize resources and reinvigorate the community.

Nicole Koor, Maple Avenue, spoke about a nonprofit organization called "A Child’s Voice." She commented on problems that minority children and families encounter in the school system.

Darrel Perry, member of the Takoma Park Action Group, mentioned a bush that blocks a stop sign on Flower Avenue.

Yared Tebabu, Maple Avenue, spoke about a bridge over Sligo Creek that was in need of repair.

Pat Loveless, 7620 Maple Avenue, requested that the Council adopt a resolution regarding medical care of veterans. He commented on the war in Iraq and spoke about the value of having children speak at the Council meetings.

Diane Berkley, Ward 4 resident, commented on problems related to receiving Social Security widow payments.

Emily Palus, Elm Avenue, Vice Chair of the Arts and Humanities Commission, spoke on behalf of the Arts and Humanities Commission in support of developing the auditorium space into a multi-use venue. She encouraged the City to hire a consultant experienced with renovation, design, sound, lighting, and A/V needs and said they recommend that the FY08 Budget include implementation of the results of the study.

Howard Kohn, said that the Recreation Committee also supported the hiring of a consultant.

Seth Grimes, Willow Avenue, requested that the Council adopt a living wage ordinance. He read a letter signed by a number of residents asking the Mayor to schedule a discussion of the issue and asked the Council to act as if it is the law now. (Letter attached.)

Ms. Matthews reported that testing was being done on the second elevator in the Community Center. She said she hoped to have it operational by the end of the month. She also reported that TRG Construction had been on site to look at some of the door issues.

Ms. Matthews reported that the HCD Department had successfully obtained a Safe Routes to School grant in the amount of $149,000.

Ms. Matthews then introduced Chief Ricucci to comment on the recent robberies.

Chief Ricucci described steps taken to address the recent robberies. He said he had initiated a detail involving extra patrol officers and plain clothes officers. He said he would be meeting with the business owners. Chief Ricucci said he had been talking with Prince George's County and had asked for assistance from Montgomery County. He stressed the need for the community's help in reporting suspicious activity. He pledged to keep the community informed.

Ms. Matthews reported to Council that Historic Takoma, Inc. was again requesting $2500 for City sponsorship of the House and Garden Tour.

Ms. Porter said the Council needed to have an overall discussion about funding but she would support the sponsorship in the meantime.

There was Council consensus for the $2500 to sponsor the House and Garden Tour.

(1) Proposed Urciolo Development (#820070110) - Eastern and Laurel Avenue

Ms. Blanchard briefly described the review process for the project.

Seth Grimes, President of the Old Town Residents Association, said people in his neighborhood viewed the project as a positive development, which would add to the viability of the business district. He noted that the residents would like to see a restaurant in Old Town. Mr. Grimes also commented on the current pedestrian safety issues caused by the two way driveway that leads to the rear parking lot. Mr. Grimes said the community views the project favorably.

Sabrina Baron, President of HTI, said the group believed the project would be a beneficial development and will spark revitalization of Old Town.

Lorraine Pearsall, Vice President of HTI, said "do it, we love it."

Mr. Williams asked that the record be kept open to receive comments from WACO, who would be meeting the following evening.

There was no objection.

Ms. Austin-Lane said she appreciated Mr. Urciolo’s tenacity. She said she believed the community was rallying behind him.

The public hearing was closed at 8:32 p.m.

(2) Council Compensation Committee

The Council interviewed Tebabu Assefa, Steve Shapiro and Roberta Valente for appointment to the Council Compensation Committee.

The Council urged other applicants to apply to serve and set a deadline of March 16 for applications.

(3) Proposed Urciolo Development (#820070110) - Eastern and Laurel Avenue

Ms. Blanchard said there were no substantial staff recommendations on the project.

Council briefly commented on the project after clarifying the schedule for Park and Planning review. Councilmembers noted that WACO's prime concern had been the stormwater issue; efforts made to date were appreciated by the community on the stormwater issue; the project had the potential to add to the tax base and the vitality of the business community; Mr. Urciolo's efforts to work with the staff and community were appreciated.

(4) Old Takoma Business Association Request for Funding

Rosalind Grigsby, Executive Director of the Old Takoma Business Association, John Hume, Dan Robinson, Jean Ha, and Greg Moorin were present. The provided an update of activities of OTBA. Ms. Grigsby requested an additional year of funding for the Main Street Program in the amount of $25,000

Councilmembers made suggestions for activities and areas of focus, suggested creating a plan for promotion, and suggested ways to reach out to other commercial areas in the City.

A number of Councilmembers indicated their support for continued funding (Porter, Austin-Lane, Williams).

The Council recessed for a scheduled break at 9:33 p.m. and reconvened at 9:47 p.m.

(5) Discussion of Auditorium Renovation

Mr. Williams introduced the discussion by explaining that an informal group had been looking at ideas for renovation of the Auditorium to create a multi-function space. They determined that the project was more complicated than originally throught, and they were recommending that a consultant be brought in.

Emily Palus, Howard Kohn, Diana Kohn, and Lonni Moffet were present for the discussion.

The Council was supportive of proceeding with a modestly priced feasibility study to develop modestly priced options for the renovation.

Mr. Seamens said he believed that until the Council decided not to build a gym, any extra resources should go toward that project.

(6) Legislative Report

Ms. Matthews presented the legislative report. She encouraged Councilmembers to attend the bond bill hearing for the gym funding before the appropriation committees.  Ms. Clay and Ms. Porter agreed to attend.

Ms. Matthews also updated Council on other legislation of interest to the City.

Following the Worksession, the Council adjourned for the evening at approximately 10:10 p.m.