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PRESENT: | ||
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Mayor Williams Councilmember Clay Councilmember Robinson Councilmember Schultz Councilmember Seamens Councilmember Snipper Councilmember Wright |
City Manager Matthews City Clerk Carpenter Police Chief Ricucci Public Works Director Braithwaite | |
Karen Anderson, Woodland Avenue, requested that fencing be added at Forest Park to separate it from the private properties.
Vic Simon, Chaney Drive, commented on the bonding for the Public Works facility. He suggested that the bond issuance would be a guarantee of the need to lay of employees over the next few years.
Marguerite Cyr, Boyd Avenue, reported on the condition of Boyd Avenue, and indicated that a bad pothole situation was developing in front of 403 Boyd. She also commented that years ago there were meetings about traffic on Boyd Avenue. A no right turn from Ethan Allen Avenue onto Jackson was established. Now, traffic turns on Elm Avenue and the restriction has had no impact on Boyd Avenue traffic. She suggested that both Elm and Jackson be local traffic only, or the City should remove the no right turn sign onto Jackson.
Ms. Clay agreed with the Ms. Cyr’s description of Boyd Avenue traffic and recognized the problem described. She noted that local traffic only signs were not enforceable.
Chief Ricucci confirmed that local traffic only signs are not enforceable under Maryland law.
Catherine Tunis, Larch Avenue, noted the kudzu growing on trees on the property owned by the Washington McLaughlin School. She requested enforcement. Ms. Tunis said she would appreciate information and advice about potential gang problems and what should be reported. Ms. Tunis also commented on sidewalks, noting that not everyone wants additional sidewalks because of the damage they can cause to tree roots.
Chief Ricucci said he would probably be doing a community gang update. He suggested that people report to the police anything that looks suspicious.
Brian Beach, Ethan Allen Avenue, commented that he was the owner of the fence that was burned down behind his home. He said he did not plan to rebuild the fence. (This comment was made in reference to Karin Anderson’s comments about fencing to separate properties from Forest Park.)
Ms. Clay thanked Ward 2 residents for attending. She said that she hoped that the community could work together to resolve issues. She said she was interested in doing more things to support neighborhood associations.
Mayor Williams announced the March 29 listening session on alcoholic beverage sales and encouraged people to attend.
Mr. Williams announced that census forms had begun arriving. He encouraged residents to fill out and return their forms.
Mr. Williams announced that he had hosted a visit from a reporter from a large Japanese newspaper who was interested in discussing non-citizen voting.
Mr. Williams reported on his recent testimony in Annapolis. He noted that he had judged some of the cars at the Troop 33 Pinewood Derby, and had attended the 22nd anniversary of the Lesbian and Gay Monthly Brunch.
Mr. Williams reported that the Takoma Park fire station was scheduled to reopen on June 1. The County Executive had proposed to move the ladder truck to another station.
Mr. Williams reported that he had a request from the Takoma Foundation to hold the Azalea Awards on May 15 in the Auditorium. He asked for Council input on providing the space free of charge.
There was no opposition.
Mr. Snipper reiterated Mr. Williams’ comment about the census. He noted that approximately $1,000 per year (or $10,000 over the 10 years) is lost for each person who is not counted.
Mr. Schultz commented on the potential loss of the ladder truck. Mr. Schultz reported that he had testified in Annapolis in support of the Neighborhood BusinessWorks and Community Legacy programs.
He also reported on a meeting he had attended regarding commercial signage and zoning. He said he hoped to work with staff on the issues.
Mr. Wright commented on the proposed revision to the Stormwater Ordinance. He noted that the Task Force on Environmental Action may wish to comment.
Mr. Wright noted the new businesses opening up in Old Town.
Mr. Robinson commented that the neighbors around Takoma Urban Park would like to pursue having the park renamed for Gilbert Kombe.
Minutes of January 4 and 11, 2010 were adopted upon motion by Mr. Seamens; seconded by Mr. Snipper.
Richard Payne, 39 Oswego Avenue, President of the Ritchie Citizens Association, commented on the Sligo Park Hills/Ritchie traffic study and comments that had been made by City Councilmembers. He noted that there was a street parallel to Ritchie Avenue that was already blocked off--Grant Avenue. He supported the Ritchie Avenue access restriction in light of the County’s plans for the Sligo Park Hills neighborhood. He asked for the Council’s support for the restrictions.
Jose Contreras-Vidal, commented that Ritchie and Geneva Avenue residents were not the first to request traffic restrictions; but the neighborhood’s request for restrictions was an effort to prevent problems that would likely occur as a result of the County’s action in Sligo Park Hills. He said he had requested the City Clerk to provide information on traffic restrictions in place in other areas of Takoma Park.
Wayne Willis, 121 Ritchie Avenue, commented that there are a number of speed humps on Ritchie Avenue, but they do very little good and people will drive on the curb to avoid the speed humps. He said if the County goes forward with the Sligo Park Hills restrictions, it could double or triple traffic volume on Ritchie Avenue. He said there are many children who play on Ritchie, and the issue boils down to safety versus convenience.
Roz Grigsby, Executive Director of the Old Takoma Business Association, announced upcoming events and public art projects. She noted that five new businesses would be opening in the next six to eight weeks.
Ms. Matthews reported that the Public Works facility renovation request for bids had gone out. Bids were due April 15. She indicated that the financing would take a little longer due to delays with the State program.
Chief Ricucci announced three arrests for a series of burglaries.
Eileen Sobeck, Chair, and Anne Hollander, Vice Chair, presented the report (attached).
The Council supported extending the term of the Committee and expansion of the mandate.
Ms. Matthews explained that the City has a deficit unfunded liability amortized over 40 years, that began in 1995. Staff believes that it would be financial advantageous to pay off the debt using tax exempt bonds. Due to the interest rate, the City is making little progress on the debt. Two proposals were received. Staff recommends the proposal of a 10 year fixed rate from SunTrust Bank.
Mr. Wright said we should be careful not to say we won’t end up with a deficit in the future.
Ms. Matthews responded that actuarial assumptions are always and should be periodically reviewed. It is hard to criticize the State for having done this in 1995. Paying off the debt to the State will solve the problem for the immediate future and some time out.
Mr. Schultz agreed that the City has a fiduciary responsibility to do this. The only question is whether to bond for 10 or 15 years.
Council discussed the term of the bond. The majority expressed support for a 10 year term.
Mr. Wright asked if the bond would negatively affect future bonding ability or the debt ratio.
Ms. Matthews responded that the unfunded liability to the State was sitting out there regardless. She indicated that she did not have concerns about the debt ratio.
Motion to adopt First Reading Ordinance 2010-14 Awarding a Bid for the Purchase of a General Obligation Bond (with a 10 year term) to be Issued by the City of Takoma Park for the Purpose of Paying a Deficit Arising From Less Asset Value than Accrued Benefit for Prior and Current Employees Under the State Retirement and Pension System of Maryland Moved by Councilmember Clay, seconded by Councilmember Snipper. (VOTING FOR: Mayor Williams, Councilmember Clay, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Schultz, Councilmember Seamens, Councilmember Snipper, and Councilmember Wright)
First Reading Ordinance 2010-14 (attached).
The Council adjourned for the evening at 9:54 p.m.