|
PRESENT: | ||
|
Mayor Williams Councilmember Clay Councilmember Robinson Councilmember Seamens Councilmember Snipper Councilmember Victoria Councilmember Wright |
Deputy City Manager Ludlow City Clerk Carpenter Public Works Director Braithwaite Police Chief Ricucci Community Development Coordinator Blanchard | |
Councilmember Wright commented that he supported putting the discussion about dog parks on a worksession agenda.
Councilmember Clay noted that she had been out for several weeks to help her family because her father had passed away.
Councilmember Robinson also noted support for holding a discussion about dog parks.
Councilmember Victoria reported that the Safeway on University Boulevard would be closing. She noted that it was the only large scale supermarket within the city limits. A new store would be opening on October 10.
Mayor Williams noted the successful Play Day and Touch a Truck event. He congratulated the Recreation Department and the Play Day Committee. Mr. Williams also noted that the Street Festival would be held October 4. Mr. Williams reported that Takoma Park had received a $93,000 grant from the Maryland Energy Administration for community energy efficiency improvements. Finally, Mr. Williams commented that he and Councilmember Victoria had attended a meeting at Montgomery County Park and Planning regarding the Takoma/Langley Sector Plan. The schedule had been changed and the Montgomery County plan adoption had been extended by a year.
Pat Loveless, 7620 Maple Avenue, commented on the Takoma Park Folk Festival and the City election.
Rosalind Grigsby, Executive Director of the Old Takoma Business Association and Coordinator of the Street Festival, noted the upcoming festival scheduled for October 4.
Bob Sheldon, 319 Boyd Avenue, invited the Council to attend a beer tasting fundraiser for the Takoma Foundation, to be held at the Cady Lee Mansion.
Ms. Ludlow invited Chief Ricucci to comment.
Chief Ricucci invited the Council and residents to attend a meeting regarding the new CompStat Program. He explained that the program was a system to effectively manage law enforcement strategies.
Legislative advocates Michele Douglas and Ann Ciekot were present for the discussion. Jeremy Crandall, legislative aid to Delegate Heather Mizeur, was also present. Topics discussed included: just cause eviction, State budget cuts, revenue generating options for municipalities, marriage equality, green issues, and potential modification of Takoma Park’s alcohol licenses.
Charles Thomas, Chair of the PSCAC, was present for the discussion. Terrill North, applicant, was also present.
Mr. Thomas presented his report (attached).
Councilmembers made a number of comments. It was suggested that advisory committees were not expected to carry out programs, but rather to provide advice to the Council. There was a suggestion to focus on neighborhood watch. Other suggestions included reviewing how the Committee was structured and a review of its role.
Mr. Williams proposed that Chief Ricucci be asked to present his suggestion about forming a Police Chief’s advisory board. Following that, the Council would decide how to move forward with the PSCAC.
Ms. Victoria noted that the public comments on the issue were mixed. She said she stood by the position that the larger number of residents supported the traffic calming.
Motion to adopt Second Reading Ordinance 2009-50 Authorizing Installation of New Hampshire Gardens Traffic Calming Measures. Moved by Councilmember Victoria, seconded by Councilmember Wright. (VOTING FOR: Mayor Williams, Councilmember Clay, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Seamens, Councilmember Snipper, Councilmember Victoria, and Councilmember Wright)
Second Reading Ordinance 2009-50 (attached)
Ms. Braithwaite noted that the project was funded through a grant from Maryland Department of the Environment and the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. She encouraged people to view the project.
Motion to adopt Single Reading Ordinance 2009-51 Awarding a Contract for the Linden Avenue Retaining Wall and Stormwater Structure. Moved by Councilmember Snipper, seconded by Councilmember Robinson. (VOTING FOR: Mayor Williams, Councilmember Clay, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Seamens, Councilmember Snipper, Councilmember Victoria, and Councilmember Wright)
Single Reading Ordinance 2009-51 (attached)
Ms. Braithwaite described the bid process. Four bids were received. She explained that the project involved a build in place green roof, as described in the bid detail. She said that a determination had been made that the low bidder was for a pre-built system that did not meet the bid specification. She recommended that the contract be awarded to the next lowest bidder, Autumn Contracting.
Council questioned Ms. Braithwaite about the green roof structure, maintenance, and furnishings. Ms. Braithwaite described the expertise relied upon to design the roof. She indicated that maintenance for the first year would be paid through the Stormwater Fund. Furnishings for the seating area were not included and would need to be budgeted for separately.
Council questioned Ms. Braithwaite about D.C. Greenworks’ interest in the project. She indicated that a community build project was not part of the grant as written. Everything had to be lined up in a certain way to meet the State’s requirements. She said she would be meeting with the organization to discuss options for future projects.
Motion to adopt Single Reading Ordinance 2009-52 Awarding a Contract for Installation of a Green Roof on the Community Center Deck. Moved by Councilmember Seamens, seconded by Councilmember Robinson. (VOTING FOR: Mayor Williams, Councilmember Clay, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Seamens, Councilmember Snipper, Councilmember Victoria, and Councilmember Wright)
Single Reading Ordinance 2009-52 (attached)
(6) CONSENT AGENDA
A. Resolution 2009-57 Authorizing Execution of a Memorandum of Agreement with Montgomery County for Rental Housing Inspections (attached)
B. Resolution 2009-58 Providing for Appointments to the Ethics Commission (attached)
Motion to adopt the consent agenda. Moved by Councilmember Seamens, seconded by Councilmember Wright. (VOTING FOR: Mayor Williams, Councilmember Clay, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Seamens, Councilmember Snipper, Councilmember Victoria, and Councilmember Wright)
The Council adjourned for the evening at 10:18 p.m.