PRESENT:
Mayor Williams Councilmember Barry Councilmember Clay Councilmember Robinson Councilmember Seamens Councilmember Snipper		City Manager Matthews Deputy City Manager Ludlow City Clerk Carpenter Finance Director Brooks

 

ABSENT: 

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.

Ms. Clay commented that her daughter had really enjoyed her lacrosse class taught Recreation Department staff.

Mr. Robinson noted that WSSC work had begun. He thanked staff for their efforts.

Mr. Seamens commented that over 700 families had signed up for assistance from Adventist Community Services. He thanked ACS for the work they do to help the community.

Mr. Williams announced that the City Council would be on recess until January 5, 2009.

Rosalind Grigsby, Executive Director of the Old Takoma Business Association, encouraged support of local Takoma Park businesses during the holiday shopping time.

Three young men spoke in support of the City beginning a basketball team for high school age youths and graduates through the Recreation Department. They also requested lights for playing night basketball behind Piney Branch Elementary School, and requested a homework club with tutoring.

Rob Ritchie spoke in support of the resolution supporting purchase of voting machines by the State which could accommodate instant runoff voting.

Ms. Matthews reported that almost 200 children had signed up for the winter basketball league to date.

(1) Auditor’s Presentation to the City Council of the FY08 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report

Greg Busnick and Aries Coleman made the presentation. Mr. Busnick reported that the auditors had given the City an unqualified opinion (the highest rating). He reported that there had been no difficulties performing the audit.

Ms. Coleman provided information on several minor issues related to monitoring of grant expenditures, capturing information on year end deferred revenue, and use of a signature stamp. She indicated that management was working to address the issues. Ms. Coleman also noted that all issues raised the year before had been addressed.

Councilmembers asked a number of questions about the report.

(2) Resolution Recognizing the 25th Anniversary of Adoption of the Takoma Park Nuclear-Free Zone Act and Declaring December 7-13, 2008 as Nuclear-Free Zone Week

Mr. Snipper noted that he was on the Nuclear Free Committee at one time. He said it had provided the opportunity to look at the City's procurement regulations and process and was able to set up a better procurement process. He noted that there were a few waivers issued over the years and, at times, a search for a non-nuclear alternative resulted in procuring a better and cheaper product.

Mr. Seamens requested that the nuclear free zone signs be reposted in the City.

Ms. Matthews said she would report back when the signs were put up.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2008-88 Recognizing the 25th Anniversary of Adoption of the Takoma Park Nuclear-Free Zone Act and Declaring December 7-13, 2008 as Nuclear-Free Zone Week. Moved by Councilmember Snipper, seconded by Councilmember Clay.    (VOTING FOR: Mayor Williams, Councilmember Barry, Councilmember Clay, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Seamens, and Councilmember Snipper; ABSENT:  Councilmember Wright)

Resolution 2008-88 (attached).

(3) Second Reading Ordinance Amending Takoma Park Code, Ch. 4.24, Making Technical Amendments to the Police Employees’ Retirement Plan

Motion Moved by , seconded by .    (VOTING FOR: Mayor Williams, Councilmember Barry, Councilmember Clay, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Seamens, and Councilmember Snipper; ABSENT:  Councilmember Wright)

Second Reading Ordinance 2008-54 (attached).

(4) Second Reading Ordinance Authorizing a PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) Agreement with Montgomery Housing Partnership for 7610 Maple Avenue

Ms. Matthews noted that the ordinance had been revised since first reading to change the number of units from specific numbers to percentages.

Motion to adopt Second Reading Ordinance 2008-53 Authorizing a PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) Agreement with Montgomery Housing Partnership for 7610 Maple Avenue (as amended).  Moved by Councilmember Seamens, seconded by Councilmember Clay.    (VOTING FOR: Mayor Williams, Councilmember Barry, Councilmember Clay, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Seamens, and Councilmember Snipper; ABSENT:  Councilmember Wright)

Second Reading Ordinance 2008-53 (attached).

Ms. Matthews noted that staff had concluded it would be better to not get overly detailed in the Code regarding the incentives. Regulations would be developed by staff.

Motion to accept First Reading Ordinance 2008-57 Amending Chapter 16.04 of the Takoma Park Code Revising Stormwater Permit Fees for Multi-Family, Commercial, Industrial and Institutional Properties. Moved by Councilmember Clay, seconded by Councilmember Snipper.    (VOTING FOR: Mayor Williams, Councilmember Barry, Councilmember Clay, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Seamens, and Councilmember Snipper; ABSENT:  Councilmember Wright)

First Reading Ordinance 2008-57 (attached).

A. Resolution 2008-89 Requesting the Maryland General Assembly and State Board of Elections to Purchase Voting Equipment that Can Accommodate Instant Runoff Voting (attached)

B. Resolution 2008-90 Confirming the City's Intention to Purchase a Recycling Truck Through the Pennsylvania Capital City Automotive and Equipment Contract (attached)

C. Single Reading Ordinance 2008-58 Authorizing the Purchase of a Replacement Recycling Truck (attached)

D. Resolution 2008-91 Authorizing the Execution of Grant Agreement with the Community Foundation for the National Capital Region for the Silver Spring/Takoma Park Community Indicators Project (attached)

E. Resolution 2008-92 Providing for the City Council’s Holiday Recess (Tuesday, November 25, 2008 - Monday, January 5, 2009) (attached)

F. Resolution 2008-93 Providing for an Appointment to the Committee on the Environment (Milford Sprecher) (attached)

G. Single Reading Ordinance 2008-59 Authorizing the Purchase of Software Modules and Database Conversion (attached)

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

The Council recessed for a scheduled break at 8:27 p.m.

After the break, Mayor Williams allowed Robert Goo to comment on Ordinance 2008-57 (accepted earlier in the evening) revising stormwater permit fees.

Mr. Goo was supportive of the ordinance and its incentives. He said the Friends of Sligo Creek supported the ordinance. He encouraged the City to develop a rainscape program similar to Montgomery County’s program.

Mr. Goo had a number of questions about the ordinance. Mayor Williams asked the Public Works Director to provide responsive comments at second reading of the ordinance.

Ms. Ludlow introduced the recommended firm, I Studio. She said that seven bids had been received. The firm stood out because of their focus on green building and expertise in working with and operation of multiuse spaces. She said the schedule called for them to report back to the Council on January 12.

Mr. Williams commented on the importance of green features. He expressed interest in having a second door installed at the back of the room.

Mr. Robinson asked what the Council would see on January 12.

The representative of the firm said they would come back with plans based on the preliminary work already done. They would take that scheme, provide details to create a schematic design, plans, elevations and sections. They would provide some 3-D renderings showing shapes and finishes.

Mr. Seamens encouraged the firm to provide advice on other approaches which may cost less. He said improved acoustics was an important part of what the Council envisioned.

Ms. Clay asked about the different firm names. The representatives responded by explaining the history of the firm.

Mr. Williams said he did not want to expand the scope of the project but would be interested in taking into consideration the Azalea Room as well.

The representatives indicated that that would require a schedule change.

Robert Goo commented that he was familiar with the firm and supported the ordinance.

Charlie Pilzer commented that he had been very interested in the project and was following the issue. He commented that he was surprised that there was little citizen participation in this phase of the project. He said he hoped that the ad hoc auditorium committee would still be able to participate.

Mr. Seamens asked Ms. Ludlow how she envisioned getting community input.

Ms. Ludlow said the input from the public had helped format the concept plan. She said there may be questions or ideas that staff would wish to bounce off the community. She indicated that the schedule was tight.

Motion to adopt Single Reading Ordinance 2008-60 Awarding a Contract for Architectural Services for Renovation of the Auditorium. Moved by Councilmember Clay, seconded by Councilmember Seamens.    (VOTING FOR: Mayor Williams, Councilmember Barry, Councilmember Clay, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Seamens, and Councilmember Snipper; ABSENT:  Councilmember Wright)

Single Reading Ordinance 2008-60 (attached).

The Council adjourned for the evening at 9:47 p.m.