City Council Meeting - Monday, November 16, 2009

CITY OF TAKOMA PARK, MARYLAND
INAUGURATION AND SPECIAL SESSION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Monday, November 16, 2009

(Minutes adopted February 1, 2010)

PRESENT:
Mayor Williams Councilmember Clay Councilmember Robinson Councilmember Seamens Councilmember Snipper Councilmember Victoria Councilmember Wright		City Manager Matthews City Clerk Carpenter

The City Council convened at 7:30 p.m. in the Azalea Room of the Takoma Park Community Center -- Sam Abbott Citizens' Center, 7500 Maple Avenue, Takoma Park, Maryland.

Pat Loveless, 7620 Maple Avenue, commented on the election.

ADOPTION OF MINUTES

Minutes of July 27 and September 8, 2009 were adopted as corrected, upon motion by Councilmember Snipper, seconded by Councilmember Wright.

COUNCIL COMMENTS

Councilmember Victoria noted that she had been on the Council for four months. She commented that for several years she had gotten tired of the local arguments and had been paying less attention. After her four months on the Council, spending time with people on the Council and the staff, she was feeling better about how the City is run. She said the staff works incredibly hard -- all come with good intent.

Ms. Victoria said she was gratified by the candidates who ran, that they were sincere and had good discussions about issues. She encouraged residents to think individually about what they can do. If they don’t like something, volunteer.

Ms. Victoria said she would like to see the public works renovation go through, but the Council might want to think about cutting the geothermal from the project. She asked if there are ways to fundraise for the project to do some of the things that could make a significant contribution.

Mr. Seamens said he had enjoyed having Ms. Victoria on the Council. He said she was engaged in the community and willing to step forward to fill the vacancy on the Council (created by the resignation of Doug Barry). Mr. Seamens commented on Ms. Victoria’s sense of humor.

Mr. Seamens announced the reception following the swearing-in of the new Council, and the opportunity to swim for free at the Piney Branch Pool after the reception.

Mr. Seamens mentioned that the Crossroads Farmers Market was requesting approval from the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to accept WIC coupons. He also noted that Adventist Community Services was planning to provide food to low income residents registered to receive Thanksgiving food.

Mr. Seamens asked the City Manager to rethink how the City reaches out to the community about tree plantings in the right of way. He also asked for confirmation that it was advisable for the City to be planting sweetgum trees.

Ms. Clay thanked Councilmember Victoria for stepping up to serve on the Council. Ms. Clay thanked residents in her ward for their support. She also thanked those who challenge her.

Mr. Robinson thanked Ms. Victoria for her service. He thanked his Council colleagues and said he was grateful to be able to serve. He said he appreciates his ward, where residents volunteer, are engaged, think about things and end up coming to conclusions that are good for us all. He said he appreciates the City staff as well.

Mr. Snipper agreed.

Mr. Wright thanked Ms. Victoria for her service. He said she was a cool and rational voice, and had done an amazing job.

Mr. Wright thanked residents in his ward who came out to vote, and those who took the time to speak with him and host yard signs. Mr. Wright thanked his campaign manager, Greg Lebel, Howard Kohn, and Jim Kuhn, his treasurer. Mr. Wright said he was excited about working with his colleagues as the Council begins anew.

Clerk of the Montgomery County Circuit Court, Loretta E. Knight, administered the oath of office to Bruce R. Williams as Mayor.

Mayor Williams administered the oath or affirmation of office to Josh Wright, Colleen Clay, Dan Robinson, Terry Seamens, Reuben Snipper, and Frederick L. Schultz.

PRESENT:
Mayor Williams Councilmember Clay Councilmember Robinson Councilmember Schultz Councilmember Seamens Councilmember Snipper Councilmember Wright		City Manager Matthews City Clerk Carpenter

The new City Council convened.

Mr. Seamens thanked his campaign workers. He thanked Eric Mendoza for stepping forward to run for office.

Mr. Seamens said he was planning a Ward 4 youth summit and would be working with the Geneva Avenue Church of God on a gang forum. Mr. Seamens said he appreciated the Ward 4 voters.

Mr. Williams thanked all those who make it possible for him to do his job as Mayor. He thanked his partner, Geoff Burkhart who encourages and supports him. Mr. Williams also recognized Roger Schlegel, his opponent. Mr. Williams said Mr. Schlegel made it a better election. He commented that he had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Schlegel during the campaign and since then, and would continue talking.

Mr. Williams commented that it was clear that the Council needed to find better ways to communicate with more residents and different segments of the community. He said that as suggested by Mr. Schlegel, he intended to institute ward nights at the City Council and institute holding some meetings elsewhere. He said he would like to facilitate all the neighborhood associations getting together, and find ways for everyone to get more involved over the next two years.

Mr. Schultz said that he was genuinely honored to be elected to the City Council, and was genuinely excited to take on the opportunity. He commented on his appreciation for people who make the effort to run for office.

Mr. Schultz thanked all those in Ward 6 who took the time to answer their doors and speak with him. He found them willing to share candid comments. Mr. Schultz thanked his next door neighbor, Roger van Zee, Barrie Lee Howard, and his opponent, Navid Nasr. Mr. Schultz said that Mr. Nasr is very dedicated and committed, and his input will be welcome, particularly with regard to tenants. Mr. Schultz encouraged Mr. Nasr and others to get involved.

Finally, Mr. Schultz thanked his wife, Nancy, and friends and family who gave him their support.

Mr. Robinson thanked his wife, Sally, and his daughters. Mr. Robinson thanked the residents who nominated him and thanked every association in his ward. He said he takes constituent service very seriously.

Mr. Robinson commented that he and Councilmember Wright would have their work cut out for them in the next two years along Carroll Avenue.

Mr. Snipper moved the resolution, seconded by Mr. Robinson.

Mr. Williams commented on his appreciation for Ms. Victoria’s work on the sector plan.

Mr. Williams presented the resolution and a gift to Ms. Victoria.

The Council adjourned for the evening at 8:32 p.m.