PRESENT:
Mayor Williams Councilmember Wright Councilmember Clay Councilmember Robinson Councilmember Seamens Councilmember Snipper Councilmember Schultz		City Manager Matthews City Clerk Carpenter City Arborist Bolton Public Works Director Braithwaite Police Chief Ricucci

 

Jeff Trunzo, Sherman Avenue, thanked the Police Chief, staff and Council for work related to gang activity. He encouraged that the fences between Lee Avenue and Sherman Avenue be repaired to prevent people from running between the areas, that the property owner at 7601 and 7609 be held accountable for the congregating activity there, and that the entire streetscape at the intersection be reviewed (hardscape, parking, and streetscape). He did not agree that the speed humps approved for the sloped portion of Sherman Avenue would be dangerous, but if there will be limitations on what can be done on sloped streets, then some equivalent alternative level of traffic calming be considered.

Jim Kuhn, Oswego Avenue, Treasurer of the Friends of the Library, commented on the importance of libraries and the value of the City’s Library. He invited the Council to the upcoming Friends’ annual meeting.

Mr. Wright announced Ward 1 Night, scheduled for March 21. He noted two problem properties, 7319 Cedar Avenue (with the blue tarp) and 36 Philadelphia Avenue. Finally, Mr. Wright commented that he supports a "green deal" for Takoma Park. He indicated that he has been hearing from residents of their desire to retake environmental leadership.

Mr. Schultz thanked M-NCPPC for cleaning out the homeless encampment in Ward 6, and for cleaning out the vines and invasives. He commented on the sidewalk planning process and said he hoped that planning for the sidewalks in Ward 6 would be resumed soon.

Ms. Clay requested that a one or two page handout be developed to address how the City will interact with residents around sidewalk installation. She also commented on the damage to Ethan Allen Avenue as a result of the Washington Gas utility work.

Mr. Robinson noted the work being done to address a house on Sycamore Avenue that is in serious disrepair, where staff is working with Adventist Community Services and the owners to forge a solution.

Mr. Snipper also commented on a property in serious disrepair, at 701 Erie Avenue. He noted that he has heard from Ward 5 residents about stormwater problems on Flower Avenue and the lack of sidewalks there.

Mr. Williams commented on the Budget Game and on some potential interest in a sister city relationship with a city in Brazil. He noted meetings and legislative hearings he had attended.

Ms. Matthews noted a change order submitted and accepted for the Public Works Facility project related to required changes in footers. The estimated completion date is now July 29.

Ms. Matthews reported that the City is waiting on a court date related to the 7319 Cedar Avenue property.

Ms. Ludlow provided a legislative update.

Ms. Clay moved to adopt the minutes of November 8 and 15, 2010. Mr. Snipper seconded the motion. The motion carried.

(1) 119-127 Geneva Avenue Subdivision Public Hearing 

The applicant presented the plan for building four single family homes on the property.

Richard Payne, President of the Ritchie Citizens Association, noted that the Association had held a meeting in November to discuss the previous iteration of the plan. He said that some of the concerns have been addressed in the new plan. Concerns about tree protection, runoff, and parking in the area remain. Mr. Payne asked if the proposed large size houses are what the Council would like to see built. He commented that Takoma Park is a premium area and that the builders should consider that quality construction in smaller square footage would get a good price.

(2) 119-127 Geneva Avenue Subdivision

The Council asked questions about runoff and sediment control, how the houses would fit into the character of the neighborhood, installation of sidewalks, tree protection and replanting, and energy efficiency of the homes.

(3) Crossroads Farmers Market

The Council heard a presentation from Michelle Dudley, Michele Levy, and Rosa Sanchez on the Crossroads Farmers Market. The Council was considering whether to include the $20,000 requested in the FY 2012 budget.

The majority of the City Council supported including $15,000 in the budget and indicated that the Council would support reprogramming of $5,000 of CDBG funding for the Market if approved by the County.

(4) Development of City Policy for PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) Agreements

The Council discussed whether to establish a policy on use of PILOTs and whether to establish a moratorium. The majority of Council did not support a temporary moratorium on new PILOTs. The Council agreed to continue to review PILOT requests on a case by case basis.

(5) Follow-Up Discussion on the Tree Ordinance and Related Matters

Staff presented a revised proposal for providing credit for pre-planting of replacement trees. The size of the original tree would be limited to between 1.5” and 3” caliper. There would be no cap on the number of years that could transpire before the credit for the replanted tree was used. The credit would be based on the size planted, with an assumed simple growth factor of ten percent per year thereafter.

The Council supported the proposal.

The Council then discussed a proposal for getting resident input on selection of street trees. The Arborist would send notice to residents on a block, allow them to vote on the type of tree to be planted based on a choice of three types of trees and would provide notice to the City Councilmember. The selection of the majority of households responding would be planted.

The Council supported this.

Ms. Matthews encouraged the Council to consider adding a required disclosure of the Tree Ordinance at real estate transactions. The Council had discussed previously whether to require the disclosure or to rely on public education.

The Council was supportive of requiring the disclosure at real estate transactions.

Ms. Clay suggested a way to deal with the residents on the block of Woodland Avenue where street trees were planted that some residents were opposed to. She suggested that she meet with those residents and work toward a solution agreeable to the group of residents. If the residents request that the existing trees be replaced, the City would then replant new trees funded by the street tree fund.

Council was supportive of this suggestion.

Ms. Matthews indicated that she would work with the City Attorney’s office to have an amendment to Tree Ordinance drafted for Council's consideration.

(6) Single Reading Ordinance Authorizing Execution of a Contract with a Consultant to Assist with Matters Related to the Proposed Relocation of Washington Adventist Hospital

Motion to adopt Single Reading Ordinance 2011-3 Authorizing Execution of a Contract with a Consultant to Assist with Matters Related to the Proposed Relocation of Washington Adventist Hospital. Moved by Councilmember Snipper, seconded by Councilmember Robinson.    (VOTING FOR: Mayor Williams, Councilmember Wright, Councilmember Clay, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Seamens, Councilmember Snipper, and Councilmember Schultz)

Single Reading Ordinance 2011-3 (attached)

The Council adjourned for the evening at 11:30 p.m.