PRESENT:
Mayor Williams Councilmember Barry Councilmember Clay Councilmember Robinson Councilmember Seamens Councilmember Snipper (by phone) Councilmember Wright		City Manager Matthews City Clerk Carpenter Deputy City Manager Ludlow Public Works Director Braithwaite Finance Director Brooks

 

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.

Mayor Williams reported that he had hosted the Mayor of a city in Cameroon on Tuesday. They had discussed challenges in infrastructure maintenance.

Mr. Barry announced that he would be stepping down from the Council effective May 28. He said it had been an honor to serve and that he would miss staff and his colleagues on the Council.

Mr. Seamens reported that he had attended a County Council meeting where the Piney Branch Pool was to be discussed. The County Council postponed the discussion until May 11. He encouraged supporters of the pool to urge the County Council to support funding.

Mr. Snipper commented that the Police Department had reported a substantial reduction in crime for Takoma Park. He said the Chief’s efforts had paid off.

Mr. Wright thanked the City Manager for her work in the evenings and over the weekend responding to Council requests regarding the budget.

Catherine Gibney, Lincoln Avenue, expressed concern about the property tax rate and the public hearing process.

Karen Vernon, Hayward Avenue, Chair of the Folk Festival, submitted a letter requesting $5,000 to support the 2009 festival. She noted reduction in other sources of funding.

(1) CONSENT AGENDA

A. Resolution 2009-18 Recognizing Public Service Recognition Week (May 4-10, 2009) (attached) 

B. Resolution 2009-19 Recognizing National Police Week (May 10-16, 2009) and Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15) (attached)

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

(2) Final Reconciliation Discussion

The Council discussed its reconciliation of the budget. The following suggestions were put on the table and accepted or rejected:

- accepted addition of $57,000 to make up the shortfall from reduction of Highway User Revenue funds;
- accepted addition of $10,000 for the Piney Branch Pool;
- accepted $15,000 in emergency assistance funding;
- accepted $5,000 for the Folk Festival;
- accepted reduction of the Unappropriated Reserve and Contingency;
- accepted reduction of funds for the police overhire (42nd police officer);
- accepted reduction of the vacant crossing guard position;
- accepted $25,000 for the Community Indicators Project;
- accepted deletion of the $50,000 unprogrammed affordable housing funds;
- accepted addition of $25,000 for paving of Palmer Lane;
- accepted reduction of the tax rate by approximately two cents;
- rejected further reduction of the tax rate;
- rejected bonding 100% for renovation of the Public Works facility;
- accepted bonding for a portion of the Public Works facility cost;
- rejected delay of renovation of the Public Works facility to a future year;
- accepted funding for the bridge repair;
- rejected increase in the rental license fees;
- rejected not filling the recreation manager position;
- accepted funding 100% wind power;
- rejected environmental manager position.

The Council adjourned for the evening at 11:14 p.m.