PRESENT:
Mayor Williams Council Member Wright Council Member Clay Council Member Robinson Council Member Seamens Council Member Snipper Council Member Schultz		City Manager Matthews City Clerk Carpenter Deputy City Manager Ludlow Police Chief Ricucci HCD Director Daines Public Works Director Braithwaite

 

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.

Mr. Williams announced the upcoming Folk Festival and the Street Festival.

Mr. Williams reported that he had again been appointed to the MML Legislative Committee. The recommendations for the MML Legislative Conference will include restoration of Highway User Revenues and State Aid for Police Protection funds. Other priorities will include establishment of additional options for municipal revenue generation.

Mr. Robinson announced an upcoming concert in the Auditorium, by Oreka TX. He also noted that WACO was continuing to pursue the renaming of Takoma Urban Park to Gilbert Kombe Park.

Mr. Robinson commented on drivers being ticketed for illegal left turns going westbound on East Highway at new Hampshire Avenue. He said he felt that the intersection was set up to allow for the turns.

Mr. Snipper commented that he had heard a lot of good suggestions from residents about the Tree Ordinance. He also commented on the issue of traffic and the impact in his ward of the proposed Sligo Park Hills traffic restrictions. He said he would like to work with the City Manager or the Mayor on some strategies to have a better relationship with the County related to notification and other means of making the process more friendly for residents.

Ms. Clay reported a sinkhole at a storm drain that opened up on Larch Avenue where Hayward comes in. She said that Public Works had put a covering over the drain. She requested information on when it would be repaired.

Ms. Clay said she had no objection to studying the Rt. 410/New Hampshire Avenue intersection, but believed that the law related to left turns should continue to be enforced.

Ms. Clay said that she has been hearing from residents around Forest Park about code enforcement issues -- clotheslines, invasive plants and poison ivy around the Prince George’s and Conway Avenue area.

Ms. Clay reminded residents to enjoy the new (and old) local stores in Takoma Park.

Ms. Clay commented that she had heard some constituents who are concerned about calling the arborist because they are afraid of being fined. She suggested that the City Arborist do more outreach to the community.

She commented that she has not gotten what she thinks is a reasonable response about how the issue of people driving the wrong way around the Lincoln/Elm traffic circle would be addressed.

Ms. Clay commented that Longbranch Sligo traffic calming issues remain on the table, including tightening up the intersection at Sligo Creek Parkway where it meets Flower Avenue to discourage speeding into the Longbranch Sligo neighborhood. She said that lots of the people involved agreed that putting a raised crosswalk at the intersection would help. In addition, there were other ideas that had pretty wide agreement in the community.

Ms. Clay said that the Auburn and Devonshire Avenue neighbors had requested to meet with someone from the Planning Department to discuss what approaches they could take to follow up on the recommendations of the Police Chief for traffic calming.

Ms. Clay noted that the Recreation Department had announced a new youth council and stated that its formation may impact the Council’s conversation about a youth council. She requested more information.

Mr. Seamens commented on changes in Ward 4, including redevelopment of the building at Ritchie and Maple Avenues and planned renovations for the Edinburgh House. He said he was disappointed to learn that the Maple Market closed. He requested clarification on whether staff was involved in requests to remodel the store and change the product line.

Mr. Wright asked for an update on efforts to have smaller Ride On buses traveling along Maple Avenue.

Mr. Wright noted that there are signs on each end of Maple Avenue that indicate that trucks cannot go on the street. He asked if the prohibition was enforced.

Chief Ricucci responded that the signs were not enforceable.

Mr. Wright asked if the City could pass a law prohibiting large vehicles on Maple Avenue. He asked that the signs be removed if the City was not enforcing the prohibition.

Mr. Wright asked about the capacity of the City’s storm drains. He expressed concern that Boston Avenue flooded in one of the recent severe rainstorms.

Mr. Wright commented on an article in the Takoma Park Newsletter regarding the ECCO Park development. He said he was surprised that only the developer was interviewed by the reporter since past estimates of when the development would begin have been misleading. He said, because of the story, an October 2010 groundbreaking date was published by the City and he did not believe it was credible.

Mr. Wright requested an update on the plans for Takoma-Piney Branch Park and on the new City website.

Ms. Ludlow reported that a new Media Specialist had been hired by the City. He would be promoting the City’s Facebook and Twitter at the Folk Festival.

Mr. Schultz encouraged people to shop at the Crossroads Farmers Market. It is open on Wednesdays.

Mr. Schultz commented that areas of Ward 6 needed the services of the street sweeper.

Mr. Schultz thanked staff for its work on redesigning the two traffic circles on Wildwood Drive.

Mr. Schultz said that he, too, would like more information on the youth council that had been formed by the Recreation Department.

Mr. Schultz commented that he would like to figure out what can be done to limit the use of plastic grocery bags at the local level. He said he was also looking forward to the discussion about the Tree Ordinance. He said he had heard a number of complaints, concerns and questions from Ward 6 residents.

Mayor Williams entered a proclamation for National Preparedness Month into the record. (Proclamation attached.)

Pat Loveless, Maple Avenue, commented on peace and justice issues and encouraged people to vote.

April Kissel, Lee Avenue, requested information on sidewalk work being done on Lee Avenue.

Kay Daniels-Cohen, Sherman Avenue and President of the SS Carroll Association, presented information on emergency preparedness.

Ms. Matthews reported that the renovation of the Public Works facility was underway. The majority of the administrative staff would be relocated to the Community Center during the renovation.

Chief Ricucci provided an update on the series of burglaries. He noted the work being done by officers to apprehend suspects and close the cases.

(1) Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments "Region Forward"

David Robertson, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, made a presentation on the Region Forward initiative (Power Point presentation attached).

In response to Council questions, Mr. Robertson indicated that COG would be developing some technical assistance for communities related to climate change, for example, proxy data and a primer for communities.

(2) Resolution Authorizing Application for and Receipt of Financing for Approved Community Legacy Projects

Ms. Daines presented information on the staff's recommendations for Community Legacy Project funding. The staff recommended funding for the Facade Improvement Program, streetscape improvements to the Ethan Allen Gateway, and improvements to the building being renovated by Historic Takoma, Inc.

In response to a question, Ms. Daines said that staff would hold one or two facade workshops for businesses and then open up the application process. Projects would be evaluated for quality and eligible projects would be funded on a first-come, first-served basis. Staff would include a review of past funding for the applicants and whether other funds would be available in the evaluation.

Ms. Daines noted that the State would review the City's application for funding and could fund none, all, or part of the request.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2010-51 Authorizing Application for and Receipt of Financing for Approved Community Legacy Projects. Moved by Council Member Seamens, seconded by Council Member Snipper.    (VOTING FOR: Mayor Williams, Council Member Wright, Council Member Clay, Council Member Seamens, Council Member Snipper, and Council Member Schultz)

Resolution 2010-51 (attached)

(3) Resolution Providing for an Appointment to the Board of Elections

Motion to adopt Resolution 2010-52 Appointing James Roberts to the Board of Elections. Moved by Council Member Clay, seconded by Council Member Seamens.    (VOTING FOR: Mayor Williams, Council Member Wright, Council Member Clay, Council Member Robinson, Council Member Seamens, Council Member Snipper, and Council Member Schultz)

Resolution 2010-52 (attached)

(4) Discussion of State Highway Administration Proposal Regarding Ethan Allen Avenue and Flower Avenue

Ms. Ludlow explained that the proposal from SHA was to have SHA take ownership of portions of Rt. 410 where the City owns the land under the road. SHA would transfer ownership of Flower Avenue to the City, from Carroll Avenue to Piney Branch Road. The transfer would occur after the State resurfaces Rt. 410 and Flower Avenue. She noted the Takoma Park history and concerns with the State Highway Administration proposals to widen the road. The proposal received from SHA does not mention conditions or controls. She said it would be important to state the City’s vision of the road and how any future widening would be approached (for example, minor widening for bike lanes). Language would be needed in the agreement as to how future issues would be approached. She said it makes functional sense for the road to be owned and maintained by SHA.

Ms. Ludlow noted that the City boundary used to go down the center of Flower Avenue. The City was urged by the County to annex the roadway to the curb. At present, there is still Montgomery County right-of-way from the curb to the property lines, which makes it difficult to work with the sidewalks on that side of Flower Avenue. Given the heavy pedestrian traffic along Flower, the City may be interested in improving pedestrian access. She said the City had asked SHA if grant money could be used to make improvements to Flower Avenue.

Ms. Ludlow noted that staff recommended that the two blocks of Carroll that are owned by the City be incorporated into the discussion.

Council discussed the proposal.

Ms. Clay indicated that it was good the City had come this far toward having the section of 410 between the Junction and Elm Avenue paved. She said she had been excited to learn that the City did own portions of 410, because then the City could begin to deal with the permitting process and problems with repairs after utility work. She did not want the City to lose the ability to do this enforcement. She said she had also been excited at the prospect of painting crosswalks at Elm and Ethan Allen. She said she was not sure if it was all worth the cost of repaving the roadway. Ms. Clay indicated no objection to the Carroll Avenue trade.

Ms. Clay said she liked the idea of owning Flower Avenue to control traffic there. She said she was not sure it would be fair to ask Takoma Park taxpayers to maintain sidewalks in front of properties that don’t pay City property taxes.

Mr. Williams noted that the inverse exists on Eastern Avenue, where the District of Columbia owns the sidewalks in front of Takoma Park homes. He asked Ms. Clay if she was suggesting that Takoma Park should be able to sign off on utility permits issued for City-owned sections of 410.

Ms. Clay said it might be a good idea, in addition to having the ability to paint crosswalks or add intersection controls or pedestrian crossing lights.

Mr. Snipper said he was in favor of the proposal, however, he was a little concerned about the potential of 410 being widened without Takoma Park input.  Mr. Snipper said he did agree that the City needed some control over 410.

Mr. Snipper noted that a surprising number of kids in Takoma Park go to Rolling Terrace Elementary School and try to walk along the north side of Flower Avenue. It has been difficult to have the County install sidewalks because it involves both the County and the State. He said if the City has Flower Avenue, it could implement better traffic controls. He noted the stormwater ramifications of annexing the right-of-way.

Ms. Ludlow said that, historically, there was a decision not to take the sidewalk because of stormwater ramifications. She said that there may be an opportunity to get grant funding.

Mr. Williams suggested that Montgomery County be brought into the discussion.

Ms. Ludlow commented that annexation of the right-of-way along Flower Avenue would involve some fairly standard steps that the City would have to go through; it would be simpler because it would not involve any property owners. The City would have to show the capacity to maintain it.

Mr. Wright said he was uncomfortable giving up the ownership of 410. He noted the fact that the State has maintained 410 in the past. He said he did not want to have the State own the road and try to widen it. He said his experience with SHA is that there is a focus on moving cars, not finding alternatives.

Ms. Ludlow said the State could not just widen the road. It would have to go through a whole transportation review and would have to be adopted by Montgomery County before it could go to the next level. The State cannot unilaterally widen the road. It would involve our State Delegates. It would not be a simple process.

Mr. Wright noted the example of the City’s experience with Montgomery College. Mr. Wright asked if there are other places where municipalities own portions of a State highway.

Mr. Ludlow said she was trying to inquire about getting legal advice as to what options SHA has and what language could be included in an agreement that would carry some weight. She noted that the repair of the roadway was not an issue until funding became tight.

Mr. Schultz indicated support for transfer of the two blocks of Carroll Avenue and would welcome paving of that portion of the road. He said he would support the annexation of the right-of-way on Flower Avenue, noting that Flower Avenue is an entrance to the City and one side of it looks awful. He said if the City repaves the road and doesn’t own the curb, it will just cause the pavement to deteriorate. He said his original instinct was to agree to take the State up on its proposal for the road transfer. He noted the formation of the Takoma Junction Task Force. He said he would not want to impede the City’s ability to do traffic engineering in Takoma Junction. He said he wanted to protect our ability to improve traffic patterns.

Mr. Robinson said he was supportive but asked about the stop light at Takoma Junction.

Mr. Williams said that the State still controls the stop light. It was to be turned over to Montgomery County but the State never did the required work on the light so that it would be acceptable to Montgomery County.

Ms. Ludlow said that the intent is to have all traffic lights in Montgomery County controlled by the County -- only Takoma Park has lights that are not under County control.

Mr. Robinson asked how traffic in Takoma Junction would be addressed.

Ms. Ludlow indicated that the County won’t have a role -- it would be SHA and the City. She said she believed that the issue of the flow of traffic should be part of the discussion regarding the road transfer. She said the State would like to have an agreement with the City so that their contractors could pave the roadway from Sycamore to Elm.

Mr. Robinson expressed continued concern about the traffic flow in Takoma Junction.

Mr. Seamens said he would agree with the transfer of the section of Carroll Avenue. He supported the Flower Avenue right-of-way annexation. He said further annexation should be considered, to include those residences on Flower Avenue. He said he would be concerned about turning Ethan Allen Avenue over to the State, given the problems the City has had. He said he was concerned about ceding any control to the State based on the history of having safeguards we put in place getting lost over time.

Mr. Williams said he had faith in our ability to keep things from happening that we don’t want to happen. He believed that the City would prevail in the long run and the benefits of the transfer make sense in the near term. He said that, as to Flower Avenue, he would like a firm understanding as to what would be done on the other side of Flower Avenue. The stormwater maintenance should remain the County’s responsibility.

Mr. Seamens said he had confidence in our State Delegation and in our residents, but given the history of the Takoma Metro and the issue of tax duplication, he urged the Council not to give up Ethan Allen Avenue.

Ms. Clay noted that the State could still lay claim to the road through eminent domain if it desired. She said she had no confidence that the State would not take the road if it wanted to.

Ms. Ludlow said she thought it was important to talk about the vision and the role that 410 should play through Takoma Park. If the City goes forward with an agreement, that type of language would be important to have on paper for the future.

Mr. Williams summarized the Council’s direction: staff should continue to talk with SHA noting the additional points raised by the Council; the Council all was supportive of transferring the Carroll Avenue segment; some give and take is needed regarding Flower Avenue; and there is some angst about transferring Ethan Allen Avenue. The issue of Ethan Allen may come down to the details with legislative intent. He asked Ms. Ludlow to continue to research the annexation issue for the Flower Avenue right-of-way.

(5) Annual Review of the Strategic Plan (Livable Community Goal)

Due to the lateness of the hour, this item was postponed to the next meeting.

The Council adjourned for the evening at 10:36 p.m.