CITY OF TAKOMA PARK, MARYLAND
INTERVIEWS, REGULAR MEETING, PRESENTATION AND CLOSED SESSION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL


Monday, June 09, 2008
 
MINUTES


Mnutes adopted July 30, 2008.


Closed Session of June 2, 2008

On June 2, 2008, the Council voted at 9:33 p.m. to convene in closed session to discuss committee appointments and appointees, pursuant to Annotated Code of Maryland, State Government Article, Section 10-508(a)(1)(i). Motion to convene in closed session by Mr. Robinson; second by Mr. Barry (VOTING FOR: Williams, Barry, Robinson, Seamens, Snipper, Wright; ABSENT: Clay).

The Council convened in the Council Conference Room for the Closed session. Officials Present: Williams, Barry, Robinson, Seamens, Snipper, Wright; Staff/Others Present: Matthews, Carpenter. The Council discussed selected committee members, appointments, and appointees. Following the closed session, the Council adjourned for the evening.

CALL TO ORDER

PRESENT:
Mayor Williams
Councilmember Barry
Councilmember Robinson
Councilmember Seamens
Councilmember Snipper
City Manager Matthews
Deputy City Manager Ludlow
Assistant City Clerk Andia
 
ABSENT: 
Councilmember Clay
Councilmember Wright
 
The City Council convened at 7:30 p.m. in the Auditorium of the Takoma Park Community Center, Sam Abbott Citizens’ Center, 7500 Maple Avenue, Takoma Park, Maryland.

COUNCIL COMMENTS

Mr. Williams noted that the Farmer’s Market cancelled some activites due to inclement weather. He said that the Farmer’s Market would continue operations again on June 11 from 3 p.m.-7 p.m. on Holton Lane. 

Mr. Seamens stated that donations were low for the Independence Day celebration. He reminded the community that the events were supported by community donations. He thanked participants for dedicating their time and   thanked individuals for their participation in the Mana Food project.

Mr. Barry commented on a Washington Post article regarding Washington, D.C. and Takoma Park. He said that he would like for city staff to pay attention to these references. He said that it brought people into the City that otherwise did not really know about the City. Mr. Barry stated that positive references about the City brought value to the community.

Mr. Robinson said that he looked forward to talking to a friend from California to study and contrast their two home cities.

AGENDA SCHEDULING UPDATE

Mr. Williams noted that that there was an additional applicant to the Washington Adventist Land Use Committee to be interviewed. He reported that a resolution of suuport for a Class B alcohol beverage license for Tijuana Cafe was added to the rolling agenda. A worksession discussion on City Committees would be held at the next Council meeting.  

FOR THE RECORD

An official from the Government Finance Officers Association presented the City with a Certificate of Achievement. (Certificate attached.)

PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD

A representative from the Government Office of Finance presented the City with a Certificate of Achievement.

Pat Loveless, 7620 Maple Avenue, announced that the Jazzfest would take place on Sunday. He encourage recent high school gradutes to stay away from liquor and drugs. Mr. Loveless asked about high school student voter registration efforts.  

Mr. Williams state that the Jazzfest theme was New Orleans and that some of the funds raised would go to families in New Orleans.

Jackie Davison, Victory Tower, stated that she was concerned that residents of Victory Towers did not recieve notice about the parking lot on Carroll Avenue being occupied by the Jazzfest.

Ms. Matthews responded that she would look into the matter and contact her with information.

CITY MANAGER’S COMMENTS

Ms. Matthews state that a draft bill on mansionization was moving forward in the County Council. She said she would discuss getting the item on a future agenda with the Mayor. She commented on an article regarding crime in Langley Park. Ms. Matthews provided the Council with a copy of the article.

INTERVIEWS

1A. Washington Adventist Hospital Land Use Committee

The Council interviewed Ms. Diane Berkley-Robinson, Mr. Norman Ridgeway, and Ms. Jacquiline L. Davison for appointment to the WAH Land Use Committee.

1B. Emergency Preparedness Committee

The Council interviewed Ms. Rosa Sanchez for appointment to the Emergency Preparedness Committee.

1C. Arts and Humanities Commission

The applicant was not present.

REGULAR MEETING

(2)  Second Reading Ordinance Adopting the FY09 Tax Rate

Motion to adopt Second Reading Ordinance 2008-24 Adopting the FY09 Tax Rate. Moved by Councilmember Barry, seconded by Councilmember Snipper.    (VOTING FOR: Mayor Williams, Councilmember Barry, Councilmember Seamens, and Councilmember Snipper; AGAINST: Councilmember Robinson; ABSENT:  Councilmember Clay, and Councilmember Wright)

Second Reading Ordinance 2008-24 (attached).

(3) Second Reading Ordinance Adopting the FY09 Stormwater Budget

Mr. Snipper moved that the Council convene at the Stormwater Management Board; seconded by Mr. Seamens. The motion carried.

Motion to adopt Second Reading Ordinance 2008-25 Adopting the FY09 Stormwater Budget. Moved by Councilmember Barry, seconded by Councilmember Snipper.    (VOTING FOR: Mayor Williams, Councilmember Barry, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Seamens, and Councilmember Snipper; ABSENT:  Councilmember Clay, and Councilmember Wright)

Second Reading Ordinance 2008-25 (attached).

(4)  Second Reading Ordinance Adopting the FY09 Budget (including FY09-13 CIP Budget).

Motion to Accept Second Reading Ordinance 2008-26 Adopting the FY09 Budget (including FY09-13 CIP Budget). Moved by Councilmember Barry, seconded by Councilmember Snipper.    (VOTING FOR: Mayor Williams, Councilmember Barry, Councilmember Seamens, and Councilmember Snipper; AGAINST: Councilmember Robinson; ABSENT:  Councilmember Clay, and Councilmember Wright)

Second Reading Ordinance 2008-26 (attached).

(5)  Second Reading Ordinance Adopting the FY09 AFSCME Pay Plan

Motion to Accept Second Reading Ordinance 2008-27 Adopting the FY09 AFSCME Pay Plan. Moved by Councilmember Snipper, seconded by Councilmember Barry.    (VOTING FOR: Mayor Williams, Councilmember Barry, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Seamens, and Councilmember Snipper; ABSENT:  Councilmember Clay, and Councilmember Wright)

Second Reading Ordinance 2008-27 (attached).

(6)  Second Reading Ordinance Adopting the FY09 Management and Non-Union Staff Pay Plan.

Motion to Accept Second Reading Ordinance 2008-28 Adopting the FY09 Management and Non-Union Staff Pay Plan. Moved by Councilmember Snipper, seconded by Councilmember Robinson.    (VOTING FOR: Mayor Williams, Councilmember Barry, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Seamens, and Councilmember Snipper; ABSENT:  Councilmember Clay, and Councilmember Wright)

Second Reading Ordinance 2008-28 (attached).

BREAK

The Council recessed for a scheduled break and reconvened at 8:20 p.m.

PRESENTATION

(7)  Presentation on the Purple Line and Transit Center

Michael Madden from Maryland Transit Administration presented information on the Purple Line and Transit Center. (Presentation materials attached.)

The Council asked a number of questions, including questions that focused on funding of the proposal and how MTA was dealing with opposition to the Purple Line.

CLOSED SESSION

Closed Session of June 9, 2008

At 9:30 p.m., on June 9, 2008, the Council voted to convene in closed session to discuss matters related to collective bargaining negotiations with UFCW Local 400, pursuant to Annotated Code of Maryland, State Government Article, Section 10-508(a)(9). Motion to convene in closed session by Mr. Barry; second by Mr. Seamens (VOTING FOR: Williams, Barry, Robinson, Seamens, Snipper; ABSENT: Clay, Wright).

The Council convened in the Council Conference Room for the closed session. Officials Present: Williams, Barry, Robinson, Seamens, Snipper; Staff Present: Ludlow, Matthews. The Council received a briefing and provided direction to staff regarding the negotiations.

Following the closed session, the Council adjourned for the evening.