Ms. Clay commented on a Ward 2 resident who was brushed by a car while in a crosswalk at Ethan Allen and Elm Avenue. She asked that staff look at installing a lit flashing sign at the crosswalk or find some other way to improve pedestrian safety there.
Mr. Wright announced a community meeting at his home on Monday, December 8, 7:30 p.m. He asked residents who would be attending to RSVP.
Mr. Wright noted that there would be a Montgomery College Board of Trustees meeting on November 19 where the Board would be briefed on the facilities master plan. He encouraged residents to attend.
Mr. Wright requested that the crosswalks be repainted in Old Town to have them line up with the new handicapped ramps.
Mr. Seamens announced a meeting of the Ritchie Citizens Association to be held on November 18.
Mr. Seamens requested a list of programs provided for high school-aged youth at the Community Center.
Mr. Williams announced that there would be walk in registration for the winter basketball league on Saturday, November 22, in preparation for the start of the season on December 8. Mr. Williams also noted that he and Mr. Wright had attended the ceremony where the Friends of Mike Morrissey presented the proceeds of the golf tournament to the Friends of the Library.
Mr. Williams said he had spoken with the Public Works director about WSSC work that was not completed and the asphalt patches left on the street by WSSC. He said that pressure needed to be applied to get repairs done immediately as some streets were desperately in need of work.
Mr. Williams encouraged residents to contact him if interested in holding an inaugural event in Takoma Park.
Sabrina Baron, President of Historic Takoma, Inc., commented on the story of B.F. Gilbert, the founder of Takoma Park. He had closed sale on the first 100 acres on November 24, 1883. He built some of the early roads and amenities, and became the first mayor. Ms. Baron noted that there was a founder's day celebration in Takoma Park over many years, but it was discontinued in the recent past.
The resolution was amended to strike "2008" to make November 24 of each year B.F. Gilbert Day.
Motion to adopt Resolution 2008-87 Declaring November 24 as B. F. Gilbert Day in Takoma Park. 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 2008-87 (attached).
Ms. Ludlow commented that there was a lot of concern in the business community about how the Purple Line would affect the businesses, but they also had expressed support for the Purple Line.
Mr. Erwin Mack commented on his work with Ms. Ludlow. He noted it was not an adversarial process. There was not any great opposition to the Purple Line, but there was some puzzlement as to the need for the large width of right of way. Businesses also had concerns about maintenance of the proposed green area. The discussions with the businesses had resulted in some proposed revisions to the resolution.
The Council discussed proposed amendments and accepted some and rejected others. Mr. Barry moved the amendments; second by Mr. Seamens. The resolution was amended.
Laurie Kelly spoke in support of the resolution. She suggested emphasizing pedestrian mobility and noted that the end result of the Purple Line would be to make the area less reliant on cars so that fewer parking spaces would be needed.
Motion to adopt Resolution 2008-86 Regarding the Purple Line (as amended). Moved by Councilmember Wright, seconded by Councilmember Robinson. (VOTING FOR: Mayor Williams, Councilmember Barry, Councilmember Clay, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Seamens, Councilmember Snipper, and Councilmember Wright)
Resolution 2008-86 (attached).
Linda Walker explained that Montgomery Housing Partnership was requesting a 100% abatement of property taxes for 10 years for the property at 7610 Maple Avenue. The Council had approved the purchase of the property.
Representatives of MHP were present for the discussion. They described the condition of the property which had been abandoned for almost three years. The plans included adding three stories to the building, a community center, redoing bathrooms, kitchens, and windows, adding a new elevator and green features where practical.
Mr. Williams said that the County had impressed upon him what an expensive project it would be because of the price of the property and the condition. He said he would request use of $130,000 of the City’s affordable housing funds, but if it was committed, he would be uncomfortable with a 100% PILOT.
Mr. Snipper expressed some concern with the 40% of median income, he said he would prefer a lower income requirement for tenants but understood that there was not flexibility. He noted that it was a really important project.
Mr. Robinson suggested a phased reduction of the PILOT over the 10 years.
Mr. Williams also suggested a reduction.
MHP representatives indicated importance of the PILOT in obtaining the financing and the necessary financial support because of the condition of the building.
Motion to accept First Reading Ordinance 2008-53 Authorizing a PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) Agreement with Montgomery Housing Partnership for 7610 Maple Avenue (effective January 1, 2009). Moved by Councilmember Clay, seconded by Councilmember Seamens. (VOTING FOR: Mayor Williams, Councilmember Barry, Councilmember Clay, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Seamens, Councilmember Snipper, and Councilmember Wright)
First Reading Ordinance 2008-53 (attached).
Motion Moved by , seconded by . (VOTING FOR: Mayor Williams, Councilmember Barry, Councilmember Clay, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Seamens, Councilmember Snipper, and Councilmember Wright)
First Reading Ordinance 2008-54 (attached).
Staff requested that the ordinance be rejected at second reading. A new ordinance would be brought forward on November 24.
Motion to adopt Second Reading Ordinance 2008-38 Amending the Takoma Park Code to Revise the Stormwater Review Fee and Permit Fee for Institutional, Industrial and Commercial Facilities. Moved by Councilmember Clay, seconded by Councilmember Wright. (VOTING FOR: None.; AGAINST: Mayor Williams, Councilmember Barry, Councilmember Clay, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Seamens, Councilmember Snipper, and Councilmember Wright)
A. Single Reading Ordinance 2008-55 Awarding a Contract for Tree Planting (attached).
B. Single Reading Ordinance 2008-56 Awarding a Contract for Waterproofing of the Community Center Concrete Deck (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, Councilmember Snipper, and Councilmember Wright)