CITY OF TAKOMA PARK, MARYLAND
PRESENTATION, REGULAR MEETING AND WORKSESSION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Monday, September 08, 2008
MINUTES
(Minutes adopted October 27, 2008.)
Closed Session of September 2, 2008
On September 2, 2008, at 9:30 p.m., the City Council voted to convene in closed session to receive a briefing from the City Manager on a personnel matter related to the separation of a City employee and the related investigation, pursuant to Annotated Code of Maryland, State Government Article, Section 10-508(a)(1)(ii). Motion to convene in closed session by Mr. Wright; second by Mr. Seamens (VOTING FOR: Williams, Robinson, Seamens, Snipper, Wright; ABSENT: Barry, Clay).
The Council convened in the Council Conference Room at 9:36 p.m. for the closed session. Officials Present: Williams, Robinson, Seamens, Snipper, Wright; Staff/Others Present: Matthews, Carpenter. The Council was briefed on the personnel matter. Following the closed session, the Council adjourned for the evening.
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PRESENT: |
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Mayor Williams
Councilmember Barry
Councilmember Clay
Councilmember Robinson
Councilmember Seamens
Councilmember Snipper
Councilmember Wright
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Public Works Director Braithwaite
City Clerk Carpenter
Deputy City Manager Ludlow
Communications Director Moffet
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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. Wright commented on the problem of political signs being stolen from yards. He suggested that anyone who sees signs being stolen report the theft to the police.
Mr. Wright announced a meeting with the Police Chief and Ward 1 association presidents to discuss crime prevention as days get shorter.
Mr. Wright requested that the Mayor schedule discussions and resolutions on two issues: 1) the proposal for slot machines in Maryland; and 2) issues of transgender discrimination.
Ms. Clay requested a meeting with the City Manager, City planners, and the Public Works Director to address the problems at the Elm and Lincoln circle.
Mr. Seamens noted that October 14 would be the last opportunity to register to vote in the November 4 election.
Mr. Robinson noted that the Pinecrest area was looking at traffic calming and safety. He said he would like to meet with the City Engineer and other staff to see what would make most sense for the area.
Mr. Robinson announced that the Committee on the Environment would be meeting on Sept. 9 to brainstorm how to engage with the City Council.
Mr. Williams noted the Folk Festival scheduled for September 14.
Mr. Williams also noted that M-NCPPC discussion on the Montgomery College mandatory referral had been extended to a later date.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Minutes of July 14, 2008 were adopted upon motion by Mr. Seamens; second by Mr. Wright.
Roz Grigsby, Executive Director of the Old Takoma Business Association, announced the availability of the first annual Old Takoma Calendar, produced to encourage people to shop locally and support local businesses.
Ms. Ludlow reported on City preparations for Tropical Storm Hannah.
Ms. Ludlow reported that Sligo Creek Parkway would be closed until January for WSSC construction work.
Ms. Ludlow announced Sick of Signs Week activity. She clarified that temporary signs on private property were permissible but that such signs were not permitted on public property. She reinforced Councilmember Wright’s comments about not removing signs from private property. In response to a question from Mr. Williams, Ms. Ludlow agreed to provide additional information about the City and County sign laws.
PRESENTATION
Ms. Briana Gowing, External Affairs, Verizon Maryland, Inc., provided information on fiber optic services available in Takoma Park.
David J. Robertson, Executive Director of COG, and Stuart A. Freudberg, COG Environmental Coordinator, made a presentation on the Draft National Capital Region Climate Report.
BREAK
The Council recessed for a scheduled break at 9:15 p.m. and reconvened at 9:25 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING
A. Single Reading Ordinance 2008-36 Awarding a Contract for Purchase of Two Replacement Trucks for the Public Works Department (attached)
B. Single Reading Ordinance 2008-37 Authorizing the Purchase of a Large Truck Tire Changer for the Public Works Department (attached)
Motion to adopt the Consent Agenda. Moved by Councilmember Barry, seconded by Councilmember Clay. (VOTING FOR: Mayor Williams, Councilmember Barry, Councilmember Clay, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Snipper, and Councilmember Wright; ABSENT: Councilmember Seamens)
WORKSESSION
Ms. Braithwaite presented her proposed amendments. She noted the Department's interest in assessing reasonable fees relative to fees of other jurisdictions. She said she wanted to maintain incentives for reduction of impervious area and to achieve better water quality and flow control. Ms. Braithwaite said that applicants must go through the Montgomery County permitting process as well, which incudes erosion and sediment control.
Councilmembers asked whether the fees would be sufficient for the back and forth involved in the process. Councilmembers also questioned the implication of capping the fee for large developments.
Ms. Ludlow noted that the upcoming deadline to submit local bill requests to the Montgomery County or Bi-County Delegations. She requested Council suggestions for legislation.
Council discussed the following: legislation to help renters who face utility disconnections when property owners fail to pay utility bills; just cause eviction; improved disclosure of property tax costs for new homeowners to help evaluate the true cost of home ownership; changes to the ticket fine structure to allow some or all of the revenue to return to the entity writing the ticket; and ways to assist with funding of environmentally friendly home improvements.
Ms. Ludlow agreed to write up the information for Council review.
ADJOURN
The Council adjourned for the evening at 10:23 p.m.