PRESENT:
Mayor Williams Councilmember Barry Councilmember Clay Councilmember Robinson Councilmember Seamens Councilmember Snipper Councilmember Wright		HCD Director Daines Chief Ricucci Captain Coursey Senior Planner Blanchard CSAFE Coordinator Kendall Crime Analyst Luy Assistant City Clerk Andia

 

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.

Mr. Snipper commented on bike rules that included stopping at all stop signs. He also commented on Washington Adventist Hospital’s press conference. He said that the new vision presented was of a health focused facility taking into consideration the community’s concerns and needs. 

Mr. Seamens stated that he was impressed with the Washington Adventist Hospital presentation. He said that it addressed many of the fears and needs of the community as well as his own concerns. 

Ms. Clay noted State Delegate Mizeur’s support of just cause eviction legislation.  Ms. Clay asked that the Council discuss and devise a strategy to help get the law passed.

Mr. Wright commented on a meeting with EYA which he and Mr. Williams attended. He said that they would invite EYA to present their revised plan at a City Council meeting.

Mr. Barry commented on the newly installed fence at the intersection of University Boulevard and New Hampshire Avenue. He said that he now hoped to push for the State to fund paving in the area. 

Mr. Robinson invited the community to help out at the New Hampshire Avenue clean-up on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. 

Mr. Williams commented on a meeting with two Maryland Restaurant Association representatives regarding foie gras.

Mr. Williams said he had been visited by representatives of cities that were interested in reestablishing sister city relationships. Mr. Williams also noted a visit by a representative of Cameroon who was interested in establishing ties with our community.

Pat Loveless, 7620 Maple Avenue, noted the Street Festival which would take place on Sunday, October 5. Mr. Loveless commented on the importance of voting in the general election and asked for clarification on the rules for absentee ballots and emergency absentee ballots. 

Seth Grimes, President of the Old Town Residents' Associations, stated that the association was unanimously in favor of the liquor license for the Avenue Ovens Restaurant.

Andy Kelemen, Philadelphia Avenue, announced that the Antique Car Show would take place on September 28 in Old Town. 

(1) Planned Restaurant at 7001 Carroll Avenue - Site of Former Taliano’s Restaurant

Ms. Clark, a representative of the Avenue Ovens Restaurant to be located at 7001 Carroll Avenue, stated that the restaurant was a 60-seat full service restaurant serving American food with an Eastern European flavor. She said that there was a preliminary plan for the design that depended on the end result of the Council meeting.

Mr. Williams said that the community was ready to welcome the restaurant with open arms.

Mr. Seamens asked if the Police Chief had weighed in on the request for a liquor license.

Chief Ricucci responded that the department had no objection.

Mr. Wright thanked Ms. Clark and said that the Council was equally anxious to eat at the restaurant.

Roz Grigsby, Executive Director of the Old Takoma Business Association, reported that their Board of Directors had voted in support of the liquor license for the restuarant.

(2) Resolution of Condolence to the Family and Friends of Dean Hoge

Mr. Wright expressed his deepest sympathy to Dean Hoge’s family and friends. 

Mr. Seamens said that Mr. Hoge was a dedicated active member of the Takoma Park community and contributed to many activities such as the Independence Day Committee.

Seth Grimes informed the Council that Mr. Hoge was also Secretary of the Old Town Residents' Association. He noted that a memorial service would take place on September 27 at the Takoma Park Presbyterian Church at 2:30 p.m.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2008-66 Offering Condolences to the Family and Friends of Dean Hoge. Moved by Councilmember Wright, seconded by Councilmember Seamens.    (VOTING FOR: Mayor Williams, Councilmember Barry, Councilmember Clay, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Seamens, Councilmember Snipper, and Councilmember Wright)

Resolution 2008-66 (attached).

(3) Resolution Opposing Slot Machines in Maryland

Mr. Wright said that the resolution was in opposition to the slots referendum. He recommended that people read the report by Former Attorney General Joseph Curran, Jr. and vote no on Question 2.

Mr. Williams stated that the slots referendum gave young people the wrong message that gambling helps pay for their education.

Mr. Robinson supported the resolution and asked why anyone would sponsor an addiction.

Mr. Seamens concurred with Mr. Wright and supported the resolution.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2008-67 Opposing Slot Machines in Maryland. Moved by Councilmember Wright, seconded by Councilmember Seamens.    (VOTING FOR: Mayor Williams, Councilmember Barry, Councilmember Clay, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Seamens, Councilmember Snipper, and Councilmember Wright)

Resolution 2008-67 (attached).

(4) CONSENT AGENDA

A. Resolution 2008-68 Supporting the Proposed Restaurant at 7001 Carroll Avenue (Resolution 2008-68 attached)

B. Resolution 2008-69 Accepting the Recommendations and Conclusions in the June 2008 Report of the Takoma Park Recreation Committee (Resolution 2008-69 attached)

C. Single Reading Ordinance 2008-39 Authorizing the Purchase of New Police Department Uniforms (Single Reading Ordinance 2008-39 attached)

D. Resolution 2008-70 Authorizing Execution of a Memorandum of Agreement with the Takoma Foundation for the Community Center Mosaic Project (Resolution 2008-70 attached)

E. Single Reading Ordinance 2008-40 Awarding a Contract for Speed Cameras (Single Reading Ordinance 2008-40 attached)

Motion to adopt the Consent Agenda. Moved by Councilmember Clay, seconded by Councilmember Wright.    (VOTING FOR: Mayor Williams, Councilmember Barry, Councilmember Clay, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Seamens, and Councilmember Wright; ABSTAIN:  Councilmember Snipper)

(5) Safe Takoma Update and Introduction of New Operations Manager

Seth Grimes, Faith Wheeler, Chief Ricucci, Andy Keleman, and Ronni Miller were in attendance to give the Council an update on Safe Takoma, Inc.

Ms. Miller, Operations Manager, introduced herself to the Council. She briefly spoke to the Council about her work background, successful projects, and future plans for Safe Takoma. 

Mr. Grimes reported that Safe Takoma now had the personnel resources to carry out the Neighborhood Safety Perspectives program. He said that the program was a periodic physical assessment of the conditions of the neighborhood and a periodic survey of opinions.

In response to a question from Mr. Wright, Mr. Grimes responded that the City gave Safe Takoma $30,870 of which approximately $11,000 was spent. He said that Safe Takoma had not yet received the remaining $44,000 of City funds.

Mr. Wright asked if they have looked into other sources of money. He said that he understood that the money given by the City was to help get Safe Takoma started. 

Ms. Miller responded that they had met with Commander Brown from the District of Columbia. She said that the Commander seemed very eager to see the program continue. 

Mr. Grimes said that Safe Takoma was engaged in a search for sources of grant funding.

Ms. Clay noted what the cost would be to do such an assessment in all six wards. She said that her concern was that residents would ask why these safety measures were not being done in every ward. She also said she was concerned about the safety measures Safe Takoma would like to enact. She said that she felt it was beyond the normal level of police and resident engagement.

Mr. Seamens said that he was happy to see the growth of the organization and said he looked forward to the work it plans to do with the young people of the community.

Mr. Robinson asked about providing opportunities for young people.

Ms. Miller responded that they would work to provide the older youth with skills that were typically involved with work, such as waking up early, being on time, and dressing appropriately.

Mr. Williams recommended that the 7000 block of Westmoreland Avenue be included to the list of streets to be assessed. He concurred with Ms. Clay’s comment about police and resident engagement. He said that the City should be careful about how they approach City residents.

(6) Report from the City’s Crime Analyst

Chief Ricucci presented the newly hired Crime Analyst, Kyleen Luy. She presented her report (attached).

The Council recessed for a scheduled break at 8:42 p.m. and reconvened at 8:52 p.m.

(6) Report from the City’s Crime Analyst (Continued)

Councilmembers asked questions about cooperation with surrounding jurisdictions and the Police rebate formula as it relates to calls for service. They expressed interest in receiving crime statistics by ward.

(7) Proposal for an Additional Police Dog

Chief Ricucci explained his request for a third police dog.

Councilmembers asked questions about the use of the dog and the cost. There was general support for adding the third dog.

(8) Proposal for CSAFE Interns

Ms. Kendall outlined the goals of the initiative, which were to prevent crime and increase communication among stakeholders in Ward 6 neighborhoods. The two proposed interns would focus on education, awareness, and community involvement.

Mr. Barry noted that the sum of money requested was a one time request. He said that CSAFE was well established and was working to enhance and improve the quality of life in Ward 6.

Ms. Kendall said that people were more comfortable reporting crimes to civilians than to a police officer. She said that the police community liaisons knock on doors and attend meetings, but do not walk around with a badge and gun. 

Ms. Clay said that she was in support of the proposal.

Mr. Wright concurred.

Mr. Seamens asked if the money seized by the Police Department could be used for CSAFE.

Mr. Williams suggested that the Council wait for the City Manager’s return to discuss the financial questions.

Mr. Williams summarized that the Council was tentatively in favor of the proposal, but wanted to receive additional information from the City Manager.

The Council adjourned for the evening at 10:23 p.m.