PRESENT:
Mayor Williams Council Member Wright Council Member Clay Council Member Robinson Council Member Seamens Council Member Snipper Council Member Schultz		City Manager Matthews Deputy City Manager Ludlow Assistant City Clerk Andia

 

Mr. Williams congratulated the organizers of the Folk Festival. He encouraged residents to attend the Liz Lerman Dance Exchange performance on Friday and Sunday. He reminded the Council about the MML Montgomery County Chapter meeting on Thursday. He reported on the Watershed Implementation Plan Strategic Advisory Committee meeting. 

Mr. Wright commented on a robbery on Cedar Avenue. He asked about the use of video surveillance cameras. He noted that, according to the Chief, the video surveillance cameras were not proven to be a deterrent and that they were not cost effective. He asked that the Chief give an update on his current opinion of the cameras. He stated that the issues involving privacy would need to be discussed. Mr. Wright also asked about the status of the license plate scanners and when the Council would receive a report.

Ms. Matthews responded that the implementation of the scanners had been delayed due to technical issues.

Mr. Wright reported that the storm drain near Montgomery College needed to be fixed. He asked for an update on the City’s review of the lighted crosswalks used in Rockville and asked if the City was able to use such crosswalks in Takoma Park.  

Ms. Matthews said that the Public Works Director had checked with the State Highway Administration regarding the crosswalk lights. SHA would require traffic counts in the designated areas.

Ms. Clay commented on the Folk Festival. She also commented on the traffic circle at Elm and Lincoln Avenues.  She stated that she and residents had expressed concern about the width of the area before the circle was constructed.  Ms. Clay supported the evaluation of the traffic light at Route 410 and New Hampshire Avenue by the State. Ms. Clay asked if there was a capital outlay plan for sidewalks to be installed.

Ms. Matthews reported that at the end of October she would provide a Speed Camera Fund update. 

Mr. Robinson said he believed that the Route 410 and New Hampshire Avenue traffic light situation was worth more discussion at some point.

Mr. Schultz commented on the Folk Festival.

Minutes of July 6 and 12, 2010 were adopted upon motion by Councilmember Snipper; seconded by Councilmember Schultz.

Kay Daniels-Cohen, President of the S.S. Carroll Neighborhood Association, commented on the Folk Festival.  She handed out informational pamphlets from FEMA on emergency preparedness and pet care. She announced that on Wednesday, September 22 at 7 p.m. a CERT training program on emergency preparedness would begin in Silver Spring. 

Pat Loveless, Maple Avenue, reminded the community about the upcoming election.

(1) Proposed Changes to State Law Regarding Alcoholic Beverage Sales in Takoma Park - Sale of Beer and Wine for Off-Site Consumption

Robert Lanza, Cedar Avenue, stated that he was opposed to changing the law regarding alcoholic beverages. He indicated his opinion may be different if the City has veto authority over licenses.

Paul d’Eustachio, Pine Avenue, spoken in opposition to the change to the law, but said that if it is changed it would be critical for the City to have veto power over the licenses.

Preston Quesenberry, Westmoreland Avenue, spoke on behalf of TPSS Co-op. He said the Co-op does not have a formal position on changing the law. However, in the event that beer and wine sale would be allowed, the Co-op would be interested in exploring sale of organic, biodynamic, and local beers and wines.

Edward Gossman, Roscoe’s, 7040 Carroll Avenue, expressed his support allowing sale of beer and wine for off-site consumption.

Pat Loveless, Maple Avenue, opposed the proposed change.

Mr. Schultz submitted a letter from Roger van Zee, Glenside Drive, in opposition to the proposed change.

(2) Resolution Petitioning the Maryland Administration and General Assembly to Reinstate State Shared Revenues to Municipalities and to Provide More Diverse Revenue Raising Authority

Motion to adopt Resolution 2010-53 Petitioning the Maryland Administration and General Assembly to Reinstate State Shared Revenues to Municipalities and to Provide More Diverse Revenue Raising Authority. Moved by Council Member Snipper, 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 2010-53 (attached)

(3) First Reading Ordinance Authorizing FY 2011 Budget Amendment No. 1

Ms. Matthews reported that the proposed amendments to the FY 2011 budget fell under five categories. The changes involved the Public Works renovation bond proceeds; a series of projects not completed by June 30th; unanticipated grant funding receivable; the allocation of funds for health insurance; and the appropriation of the remainder of the grant funding for the Auditorium.

Motion to accept First Reading Ordinance 2010-40 Authorizing FY 2011 Budget Amendment No. 1. Moved by Council Member Snipper, seconded by Council Member Clay.    (VOTING FOR: Mayor Williams, Council Member Wright, Council Member Clay, Council Member Robinson, Council Member Seamens, Council Member Snipper, and Council Member Schultz)

First Reading Ordinance 2010-40 (attached)

(4) First Reading Ordinance Amending Takoma Park Code 14.20 Allowing for Establishment of Administrative Regulations for Use of the Auditorium

Ms. Daines explained the purpose of the proposed amendments -- to delete certain obsolete or duplicative sections of Chapter 14.20 and to allow for adoption of administrative regulations for use of public space and buildings.

Councilmembers asked questions about the administrative regulation process and about the sections of the Code to be deleted.

No action was taken. Staff was requested to come back with additional information and separate legislation on deleting obsolete sections and adopting administrative regulations for use of the Auditorium.

(5) CONSENT AGENDA

A. Single Reading Ordinance 2010-41 Awarding a Contract for Tree Maintenance Pruning and Tree Removal to Excel Tree Service (attached)

B. Single Reading Ordinance 2010-42 Awarding a Contract for Tree Maintenance Pruning and Tree Removal to Mead Tree and Turf (attached)

C. Single Reading Ordinance 2010-43 Awarding a Contract for Tree Maintenance Pruning and Tree Removal to Arbor Care Tree Service (attached)

D. Resolution 2010-54 Supporting Montgomery Housing Partnership’s Renovations to the Edinburgh House (7513 Maple Avenue) (attached)

E. Resolution 2010-55 Authorizing the City Manager to Sign a Memorandum of Agreement with the Community Band (attached)

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

Ms. Ludlow made introductory remarks about the Strategic Plan. She noted that the City has had a difficult financial year with fewer staff and resources. She said that staff recommends identifying what items are priorities and deserve more intensive staff resources. She pointed out that there are a few areas where funding is available, through the Speed Camera Fund, for example.

Mr. Snipper said he believed that every strategy, program and initiative is subject to the phrase, "time and resources permitting." There needs to be a balancing to take account of the fact that we do not have unlimited time and resources. He encouraged staff comments as well as staff providing information on how long certain goals will take and how much money and staff time would be needed.

Mr. Robinson expressed interest in including a strategy in the plan to explore ways to reduce financial risks, including health insurance costs and pension plans. He suggested adding the review by the City and its labor unions as an initiative under the financial sustainability section. Mr. Robinson suggested adding language noting that rising energy costs and the potential drop in consumer spending may increase challenges to local businesses.

Ms. Clay agreed that the reduction of risk is a good idea, but noted that the City Manager and staff do that as an integrated part of their jobs. While she wanted to be sure not to send staff off on a "wild goose chase," she thought it might be interesting to hear from staff on management of risk. She expressed interest in delineating the time line on the goals which would create a priority list in the process. She said if the Council were to do more work on this, she would need some information from staff such as how much each project costs and how much time it would take, as well as what is the capacity for staff and what financial resources are available. She suggested that laying the information out in a matrix may help. She indicated that she wanted to see the plan simplified for residents and a pamphlet to communicate the information to residents.

Mr. Wright agreed with the concept of looking at risk for the pensions and health insurance, as well as building construction costs, because they create a gray area for long range financial planning. He also agreed with the concept of presenting a simplified strategic plan to highlight the concepts for residents.

Mr. Schultz suggested adding areas to the plan that address the natural environment. Mr. Schultz also noted that issues with commercial signage, improving access to businesses and providing off street parking were important for economic sustainability. He indicated that emergency preparedness deserved some attention in the plan.

Mr. Seamens indicated that he would e-mail some specific suggestions to Ms. Ludlow about additions and modifications. He supported the idea of having Council prioritize items in the plan. He advocated for reaching out to the community for assistance with refining the plan.

Mr. Williams suggested combining several items under financial sustainability related to tax duplication and municipal revenues, and engaging residents in the process of defining the community’s priorities.

Mr. Seamens agreed to the need for engaging the community on service priorities and costs for services. He again advocated for having outside assistance for modifying the plan.

Ms. Ludlow agreed to add the Council’s comments and suggestions to the plan for the next discussion.

The Council adjourned for the evening at 10:20 p.m.