PRESENT:
Mayor Williams Councilmember Clay Councilmember Robinson Councilmember Seamens Councilmember Snipper Councilmember Victoria Councilmember Wright		City Manager Matthews City Clerk Carpenter HCD Director Daines Police Chief Ricucci Police Crime Analyst Luy Code Enforcement Specialist Ciccone

 

The City Council reconvened 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 requested staff assistance for the townhouse property on Ethan Allen Avenue. Issues included tree pruning, no ADA sidewalks, lighting, and rats.

Ms. Clay commented that the vending machines in the building have unhealthy and expensive food that is not promoting good health. She asked if it would be possible to have a little store or at lease provide healthier choices for the children.

Ms. Clay noted the Folk Festival scheduled for Sunday. She said that volunteers were still needed.

Mr. Robinson commented on dogs off leash at Ed Wilhelm Field. He said he was not proposing to have a dog park there, but was asking for dog owners to have an opportunity to share the field. He said he hoped that the MOU could be expanded to include dog hours at certain times.

Mr. Wright commented on options for improving signage in front of the Community Center. Mr. Wright noted a need to communicate information about City collection of recyclables. He asked for an update on the change to 100% wind power.

Mr. Wright also commented on off leash dog hours. He noted a brochure from Brookline, Massachusetts that listed hours for dogs at various parks. He advocated for a way to have multiple uses of City parks, including dog exercise areas.

Mr. Williams announced that the Auditorium renovation would be starting and the Council would begin meeting in the Azalea Room.

Mr. Williams commented on the implications of the H1N1 flu outbreak. He said the City was reviewing the situation and would be proactive about it.

Mr. Williams commented on the impact of the State budget cuts on municipal highway user revenue funding and police aid. He said the City had lost about $577,000 of revenue as a result.

Pat Loveless, 7620 Maple Avenue, commented in opposition to the death penalty, encouraged voter registration for the upcoming election, and urged people to clean up after their dogs.

Pat Rumbaugh, Maple Avenue, spoke representing the Takoma Park Play Committee. Ms. Rumbaugh said that Takoma Park had been named as a "Playful City." She noted the upcoming Play Day at Heffner Park Community Center.

Colleen Depauw, Victory Tower, thanked the City Council for its support in having the Ride On Bus route adjusted so that Victory Tower residents could ride directly to the Community Center.

Ron Wiley, Adventist Community Services, suggested that the Council hold a symbolic meeting at Piney Branch Pool. Mr. Wiley commented on a number of ACS programs including those providing food assistance and computer training.

James Demaris, Ward 2, asked the City to put more sidewalks in his Elm Avenue neighborhood.

Ms. Matthews reported on the loss of $577,000 in State funding.

She provided an update on the Auditorium construction project, scheduled for completion in March 2010. Ms. Matthews clarified for the public that the project was all funded through other sources (Program Open Space, State Bond Bill funding, and a grant from Washington Adventist Hospital).

Ms. Matthews provided an update on funds for sidewalks. She said that Safe Routes to School funds and the majority of the City’s capital funds would be used for sidewalk installation. She said that staff would be bringing forward a recommendation as to priority areas. In response to a Council question, Ms. Matthews said staff could look at the possibility of using pervious concrete.

(1) Community Development Block Grant Program

Mr. Seamens said he would recuse himself from the discussion because of his relationship with organizations requesting funding.

Ms. Daines explained that the hearing was an opportunity for the community to identify needs of low and moderate income populations. The CDBG funds were to be used for 15% community service projects and the remainder on capital projects.

Ron Wiley, Adventist Community Services, commented in support of the proposal submitted by his organization. He said the funds would be used to provide a subsidy for low income families and young people to utilize the pool.

Pat Loveless, 7620 Maple Avenue, requested that funds be used to help low income kids.

(2) CompStat Program (Police Department)

Police Chief Ricucci and Crime Analyst Kyleen Luy made the presentation on the CompStat Program. They indicated that a community CompStat meeting would be held on September 30.

(3) First Reading Ordinance Providing for the 2009 City Election

The City Manager drew ward numbers to determine the order of nominations at the nominating caucus:  5, 1, 6, 2, 4, 3.

Motion to accept First Reading Ordinance 2009-46 Providing for the 2009 City Election. Moved by Councilmember Clay, seconded by Councilmember Wright.    (VOTING FOR: Mayor Williams, Councilmember Clay, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Seamens, Councilmember Snipper, Councilmember Victoria, and Councilmember Wright)

First Reading Ordinance 2009-46 (attached)

(4) First Reading Ordinance Authorizing FY 2010 Budget Amendment No. 1

Ms. Matthews explained that the budget amendment included a transfer of funds for the settlement agreement with TRG signed earlier in the year. She indicated that she would be proposing amendments to the ordinance at second reading.

Motion to accept First Reading Ordinance 2009-47 Authorizing FY 2010 Budget Amendment No. 1. Moved by Councilmember Clay, seconded by Councilmember Wright.    (VOTING FOR: Mayor Williams, Councilmember Clay, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Seamens, Councilmember Snipper, Councilmember Victoria, and Councilmember Wright)

First Reading Ordinance 2009-47 (attached)

(5) CONSENT AGENDA

Council Member Snipper requested that items A and C be removed from the consent agenda.

B. Single Reading Ordinance 2009-49 Approving the Purchase of a Leaf Collection Vacuum (attached)

D. Resolution 2009-52 Supporting Montgomery County’s Purchase of 8312 and 8316 Flower Avenue (attached)

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

A. Single Reading Ordinance Awarding a Contract for Legislative Advocate

Mr. Snipper commented that he did not feel that the item should be on the consent agenda because it included an opportunity to renew the contract for four years.

Ms. Matthews indicated that each renewal would be subject to review by the City based on the budget and evaluation of the firm. In order to change firms, another RFP would need to be issued.

Motion to adopt Single Reading Ordinance 2009-49 Awarding a Contract for Legislative Advocate. Moved by Councilmember Clay, seconded by Councilmember Snipper.    (VOTING FOR: Mayor Williams, Councilmember Clay, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Seamens, Councilmember Snipper, Councilmember Victoria, and Councilmember Wright)

Single Reading Ordinance 2009-49 (attached)

C. Resolution Approving the Development of Housing in the City (Gilbert Highlands, 8508-8510 Flower Avenue) be Financed Either Directly by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development or Through the Department’s Community Development Administration

Ms. Daines explained that the resolution endorsing the project was required by the State of Maryland. No commitment of City resources would be needed.

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

Resolution 2009-52 (attached)

(6) Discussion of Terms for Renewal of Memorandum of Agreement with Montgomery County for Rental Housing Inspections

Sara Daines and Marjorie Ciccone from City staff were present, along with Cynthia Lunda and Mr. McHugh from Montgomery County.

Council discussed the proposed renewal and changes to the contract. There was agreement to bring forward a resolution authorizing a new three-year agreement, with options for two three-year renewals.

(7) Discussion of Process for Large Grant Requests

Council discussed the proposed application process for those making larger grant requests of the City. Council indicated its general support for the process providing that there was a reporting process, evaluation and assessment of how funds had been spent.

The Council adjourned for the evening at 10:30 p.m.