PRESENT:
Mayor Williams Councilmember Barry Councilmember Clay Councilmember Robinson Councilmember Seamens Councilmember Snipper Councilmember Wright		City Manager Matthews Deputy City Manager Ludlow City Clerk Carpenter City Planner David Suls

 

The City Council convened at 7:32 p.m. in the Auditorium of the Takoma Park Community Center--Sam Abbott Citizens' Center, 7500 Maple Avenue, Takoma Park, Maryland.

Ms. Clay asked the City Manager for information on the status of installation of playground equipment for Jackson Boyd Park.

Ms. Matthews responded that the funding has been carried over to FY09. She said the Public Works Director anticipated that the work would be done in July.

Ms. Clay commented on the state of the sidewalk in front of the parking lot by the Fire Station construction site. She requested assistance in having the sidewalk made accessible for strollers.

Ms. Clay also commented on long term parking of portable storage units (PODs) in front of homes and on dumping of mulch deliveries in the public right-of-way.

Mr. Wright said he would be speaking with his Council colleagues about the budget process for next year. He said his goal was to put together a proposal for Council review before the recess.

Mr. Wright commented about power outages and lack of redundancy in the power lines in the area along Dundalk and Boston Avenues.

Pat Loveless, 7620 Maple Avenue, commented on the recent JazzFest. He said it was a tremendous event.

Ms. Matthews noted that her quarterly report (January 1 - March 31, 2008) was included in the agenda package. She noted the amazing amount of work performed by the CSAFE staff.

Ms. Matthews commented on the recent water main break. She clarified that there was no "boil order" in effect for Takoma Park due to the break.

Ms. Matthews announced that her executive assistant, Peggye Washington, has been selected as member of the year by the Montgomery County Chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals. The group had also recognized Ms. Washington for her commitment to excellence.

(1) Resolution Authorizing Submission of Maryland Municipal League Legislative Action Requests

Motion to adopt Resolution 2008-45A, authorizing submission of Maryland Municipal League Legislative Action Requests. Moved by Councilmember Snipper, seconded by Councilmember Seamens.    (VOTING FOR: Mayor Williams, Councilmember Barry, Councilmember Clay, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Seamens, Councilmember Snipper, and Councilmember Wright)

Resolution 2008-45A (attached).

(2) Resolution of Support for a Class B Beer/Wine Liquor Alcohol Beverage License for Tijuana’s Mexican Cafe, 949 University Boulevard East

City Planner David Suls was present, along with Mr. Escobar, the restaurant owner.

Mr. Williams asked if there was any opposition in the community.

Mr. Suls stated that Mr. Escobar had reached out to the community through Councilmember Barry and the CDA. Mr. Suls indicated that there was no dissent or negative feedback from the community.

Mr. Snipper asked if there were other restaurants with a liquor license nearby.

Mr. Escobar responded that Samantha’s was a few blocks from his restaurant.

Mr. Seamens requested some assurance from Mr. Escobar that the patrons would not have problems with alcohol.

Mr. Escobar indicated that it was a family restaurant.

Mr. Wright commented that a liquor license can make a restaurant profitable. He requested that Mr. Escobar distribute alcohol responsibly.

Mr. Barry said he was impressed with Mr. Escobar’s track record with his restaurants.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2008-46A, supporting a Class B Beer/Wine Liquor Alcohol Beverage License for Tijuana’s Mexican Cafe, 949 University Boulevard East. Moved by Councilmember Wright, seconded by Councilmember Barry.    (VOTING FOR: Mayor Williams, Councilmember Barry, Councilmember Clay, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Seamens, Councilmember Snipper, and Councilmember Wright)

Resolution 2008-46A (attached).

A. Resolution 2008-47, Reappointing Julie Boddy, Linda Gunter, Jim Kuhn, Jay Levy and Robert Rini to the Nuclear-Free Takoma Park Committee (attached).

B. Resolution 2008-48, Appointing Rosa Sanchez to the Emergency Preparedness Committee (attached).

C. Single Reading Ordinance 2008-30, Authorizing Execution of a Contract for Mechanical Engineering Services for Municipal Building Third Floor Air Conditioning System Evaluation and Design (attached).

D. Single Reading Ordinance 2008-31, Authorizing the Purchase of Replacement Decorative Street Light Poles and Fixtures for Takoma Junction (attached).

Motion to adopt the consent agenda (by roll-call vote). Moved by Councilmember Clay, seconded by Councilmember Wright.    (VOTING FOR: Mayor Williams, Councilmember Barry, Councilmember Clay, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Seamens, Councilmember Snipper, and Councilmember Wright)

(4) Discussion of City Committees

The City Council discussed the material provided by staff on City Committees and the draft document setting forth committee policies. During the discussion, the Council indicated that it wanted more two-way communication with committees, to provide more clear direction to committees, and to have the committees address Council priorities, when appropriate.

The Council was supportive of establishing a system of Council liaisons to committees, when appropriate, for the purpose of facilitation of communication between the Council and the committee.

The Council discussed residency and organizational representation on committees. It was suggested that there should be a solid set of rules that make sense and stand the test of time, to deal with these two issues when they come up in the future.

There was discussion about committees reporting to Council, with direction that all committees should report at least annually, but some may need to report more frequently. Councilmembers supported the idea of requesting committees to provide specific and actionable recommendations and that committees should be mindful of resource limitations.  The Council was interested in having committee reports staged to have the report prior to the time for reappointments.

The Council indicated that they felt there was a need for member orientation and training, including ethics training, and to provide direction to committees that they cannot represent the City or solicit funds on behalf of the City.

Councilmembers expressed interest in limiting terms for committee members and chairs, but wanted to hear comments from committees on this issue.

The Council discussed the role of the staff liaison with recognition of the amount of staff time devoted to committees. There was a strong sense on the Council to minimize staff time when possible while recognizing the value of staff technical support. The Council discussed having committees prepare their own minutes.

The Council recessed for a scheduled break at 9:15 p.m. and reconvened at 9:22 p.m. to continue the discussion.

The Council discussed residency in more detail. There was a strong interest in appointing City residents to committees, but the Council did recognize that there may be reasons to have non-residents at times.

The Council agreed to generally not interview committee applicants at Council meetings. Applicants are to be interviewed by the ward Councilmember or Council liaison unless the full Council wishes to conduct interviews in certain circumstances.

The Council discussed the issue of committee applicants being current on City taxes, fines, fees and penalties. The City Clerk was asked to come back with revised language.

The Councilmembers discussed organizational appointments, term limits for chairs and members, and agreed that they wanted comments from committees on this issue.

The Council indicated that it wanted vacancies on committees advertised more broadly. The Council supported the idea of a handbook for committees.

The Council adjourned for the evening at 10:19 p.m.