CITY OF TAKOMA PARK, MARYLAND
SPECIAL SESSION, WORKSESSION AND BUDGET WORKSESSION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Monday, May 03, 2010
 
MINUTES


(Minutes adopted July 26, 2010)


Administrative Function Session of May 3,  2010
The City Council met in the Council Conference Room at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, May 3, 2010, to hold its quarterly meeting with the City Manager. (OFFICIALS PRESENT: Williams, Wright, Clay, Robinson, Seamens, Snipper, Schultz; STAFF/OTHERS PRESENT: City Manager Matthews) 

CALL TO ORDER

PRESENT:
Mayor Williams
Councilmember Clay
Councilmember Robinson
Councilmember Schultz
Councilmember Seamens
Councilmember Snipper
Councilmember Wright (by phone)
City Manager Matthews
City Clerk Carpenter
Finance Director Brooks
Deputy City Manager Ludlow
Recreation Director Haiduven
Recreation Manager Rasch
Assistant Recreation Director Clark
Recreation Manager Webster
Police Chief Ricucci
Public Works Director Braithwaite
 
The City Council convened at 7:40 p.m. in the Azalea Room of the Takoma Park Community Center -- Sam Abbott Citizens’ Center, 7500 Maple Avenue, Takoma Park, Maryland.

CITY MANAGER’S COMMENTS

Ms. Matthews asked Chief Ricucci to address the recent rash of gang taggings.

Chief Ricucci reported that the Police Department identified a suspect within hours of the report of the graffiti and had the suspect in custody before the graffiti was removed. He indicated that gang activity is an area wide problem being addressed by the police of area jurisdictions and the Federal authorities. He said the City has a special officer assigned to anti-gang activity and other officers have been trained.

Chief Ricucci said he was concerned about comments regarding the stores on Maple Avenue. He urged residents to not profile Latino and African American youth and assume that they are gang members. He said the Police Department and the Recreation Department are working to create a safe community.

COUNCIL COMMENTS

Ms. Clay noted the passing of Takoma Park resident, Amy Polk. She commented that Ms. Polk was very active and well liked in the community. Ms. Polk was working to have a birthing center opened in the community and was a key member of the Long Branch Sligo neighborhood. Ms. Clay offered her condolences.

Mr. Snipper commented on items on the consent agenda. He said he was happy to see the public art projects and the plan for the development at Piney Branch and Flower Avenue. He noted Public Service Recognition Week and National Police Week, and expressed his appreciation to the City’s employees.

Mr. Robinson encouraged residents to contact the County Council about the reductions to the police rebate and the tax duplication payment.

Mr. Williams noted that the total rebate from the County to the municipalities is $7.5 million. Of that, $2.5 million is the City’s police rebate. He indicated that it would cost the County far more than $7.5 million to replace the services provided by the municipalities. The reductions impact Takoma Park more than any other municipality in the County.

Mr. Williams commented on the Takoma Park 5K and the House and Garden Tour held over the weekend. Mr. Williams announced the opening events for the new Auditorium, that would begin on May 7.

Mr. Seamens commented on County budget cuts. He said the County was reducing the police budget by 4%, but was reducing the Takoma Park police rebate by 25%. He urged residents to contact the County Council.

Mr. Seamens noted the Personnel Appeal Board appointment on the consent agenda. He requested the scheduling of a discussion of the Personnel Appeal Board and its functions.

Mr. Schultz commented on the Nuclear-Free Zone Committee appointments, one of which was for a 13-year old youth. He said he would vote for the appointment of the young man as it is important to involve young people in civic activities.

Mr. Schultz asked for residents to be patient with the budget cuts the City would be making. He said that things will be different for a while because the City is limited in what it can do.

Mr. Williams announced that he would be scheduling an additional constant yield tax rate public hearing in the event that the tax rate may need to be increased beyond what was planned as a result of the additional County budget cuts.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Pat Loveless , 7620 Maple Avenue, encouraged residents to attend Ward 4 Night.

Brandon Johns , 7611 Maple Avenue, said he was a staff member of the House Judiciary Committee, working on juvenile justice issues. He indicated that he is a mentor and one founder of Making A New United People (MANUP), a group that works with youth, ages six to 19. Mr. Johns said the group is working with youth in the Community Center, and with the Recreation Department, to keep youth engaged in positive activities.

Kay Daniels-Cohen , 19 Sherman Avenue, commented on the 5K and House and Garden Tour events. On behalf of SS Carroll, Ms. Daniels requested Councilmembers Seamens and Robinson to convene a meeting regarding the "Maple Avenue Crew." She indicated that the SS Carroll Association would be coming up with a plan to work with the City regarding the tagging problem, and would return within 30 days to present suggestions.

Shelina Hollinger , commented on the value of the Takoma Park Recreation programs for her daughter. Ms. Hollinger said that due to her daughter’s involvement, she has also become involved in coaching. She said she would like the Recreation Department to keep as many of the programs as possible.

Aziz ___, commented on his participation in Recreation Department programs. He expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to participate and said that kids in the neighborhood really need things to do.

Janet Pegues , 715 Devonshire Road, commented that the "older set" would like to continue its activities at the Recreation Center. She said she works out with the Ladies Book Camp program at least twice a week. She commented that there are enough activities for both the Community Center and the Recreation Center, and she urged continued funding support for the Recreation Center.
 
Barbara Farenton , commented that she travels 30 minutes each way to volunteer as an assistant coach for the double dutch program at the Recreation Center. She said the program is unique and exciting. There are about 19 young people participating, ages 6-13. She noted that the staff goes above and beyond to provide a friendly atmosphere.

Adrian Allen , 7105 New Hampshire Avenue, commented on the futsal program at the Recreation Center.

SPECIAL SESSION

(1) First Reading Ordinance Enacting Technical Amendments to the Stormwater Management Code

Ms. Braithwaite explained that the Maryland Department of the Environment had requested certain changes and clarification of one section of the recently adopted revisions to the City's Stormwater Ordinance. Section 16.04.090(D) refers to use of alternative water treatment measures if the applicant is not able to otherwise meet the requirements for environmental site design or structural best management practices. She said that the alternatives would need to be codified and, because of the City's lack of experience in their use, Ms. Braithwaite recommended deleting the list of alternatives.

Ms. Braithwaite noted another revision, in Section 16.04.170(E)(2) that clarifies certain information to be provided in an agreement related to waiver fees.

Motion to adopt First Reading Ordinance 2010-20 Enacting Technical Amendments to the Stormwater Management Code. Moved by Councilmember Snipper, seconded by Councilmember Clay.    (VOTING FOR: Mayor Williams, Councilmember Clay, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Schultz, Councilmember Seamens, Councilmember Snipper, and Councilmember Wright)

First Reading Ordinance 2010-20 (attached)

(2)  CONSENT AGENDA

A. Single Reading Ordinance 2010-21 Adopting the Recommendations of the Arts and Humanities Commission and Awarding a Contract for a for Public Art Project (attached)

B. Resolution 2010-21 Recommending Approval of Preliminary Plan for 8435 Piney Branch Road (attached)

C. Resolution 2010-22 Recognizing National Public Service Recognition Week (May 3-9, 2010) (attached)

D. Resolution 2010-23 Recognizing National Police Week (May 9-15, 2010) and Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15) (attached)

E. Resolution 2010-24 Recognizing National Public Works Week (May 16-22, 2010) (attached)

F. Resolution 2010-25 Providing for an Appointment to the Personnel Appeal Board (attached)

G. Resolution 2010-26 Providing for Appointments to the Recreation Committee (attached)

I. Resolution 2010-27 Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into a Grant Agreement with the Takoma Park Independence Day Committee (attached)

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

H. Resolution Providing for Appointments to the Nuclear-Free Takoma Park Committee

Ms. Clay requested that this item be pulled from the consent agenda. She commented that there are four people from Ward 1 and one from Ward 4 on the Committee, out of a total of seven positions. She said she would vote against the item because one applicant was too young to be a qualified voter of the City and because it would be the second person from one family. She said she did not oppose assigning slots for youth, but wanted to have a discussion first.

Mr. Robinson said he would support the resolution as long as there would be a discussion of youth appointments at a later time.

Pat Loveless , 7620 Maple Avenue, supported young people serving on committees.

Motion to adopt Resolution 2010-28 Providing for Appointments to the Nuclear-Free Takoma Park Committee. Moved by Councilmember Snipper, seconded by Councilmember Robinson.    (VOTING FOR: Mayor Williams, Councilmember Robinson, Councilmember Schultz, Councilmember Seamens, Councilmember Snipper, and Councilmember Wright; AGAINST: Councilmember Clay)

Resolution 2010-28 (attached)

WORKSESSION

(3) Recreation Committee Annual Report

Jay Keller (Chair), Cindy Dyballa (Vice Chair), and Kay Daniels-Cohen presented the report (attached), noting points for Council consideration: reaffirmation of the Committee's vision; greater incorporation of volunteers; building success in recreation programs; recognizing the Auditorium as a demonstration of the vision; and working with the Committee and City staff to create a plan for Takoma Park recreation five years in the future.

Council discussed the report with the Committee. Discussion points included the Committee's desire to bring in more adult volunteers and the Committee's relationship with the Recreation Department and the sharing of information. The Council did not disagree with the Committee's idea of taking a broader look at the future of the Recreation Department.

BUDGET WORKSESSION

(4) Recreation Department

Debra Haiduven, Eric Rasch, and Gregory Clark presented the Recreation Department budget. Ms. Haiduven noted the work done over the past year. She indicated that the 2011 budget included cutting 1.8 FTE’s and suggested decreasing hours in the Community Center and Recreation Center. She provided information on partnerships, proposed fee increases, marketing, statistics on participation, work done to attract teens, programs at the New Hampshire Avenue Recreation Center, and staff mentoring of youth.

Ms. Haiduven noted the cost of using the ActiveNet program for registrations. She said that each transaction incurs a $3 fee, absorbed by the City. Additionally, transactions done with a credit card carry a 3.5% transaction fee. This fee is also absorbed by the City.

Ms. Matthews indicated that there would be a later opportunity to discuss whether to pass on some of the fees to users.

(5) Initial Budget Reconciliation

Ms. Matthews referenced the supplemental budget information prepared for the discussion. She indicated that she hoped to receive some direction on advertising a tax rate. She said that in light of the potential loss of revenue, she started to review the budget and have follow up discussions with staff regarding reductions.

Ms. Matthews requested that, in light of the discussion about reducing the number of sworn officers, the Council make a decision on whether to hire a police officer candidate who has already been screened. The majority of Council supported hiring the officer.

Ms. Matthews provided information on budget reconciliation items. She said there was a strong possibility that the City may lose another $607,000 from Montgomery County. On the expenditure side, she indicated that she had refined personnel numbers. She noted that a 100% increase in the County energy tax was likely, and a minor increase in the phone tax, at a total approximate cost of $31,000.

Ms. Matthews asked what tax rate should be advertised for the constant yield tax rate public hearing. She wanted to ensure that there was some flexibility in the event of other revenue shortfalls.

Ms. Ludlow noted that a $400,000 property would pay around $100 more per year with a 3 cent tax increase.

The City Manager said she would provide options for the Council to consider.

Mr. Seamens requested that the Council schedule an additional worksession to discuss the Recreation budget and some possible changes that would save money.

Ms. Clay requested that the resurfacing of Ethan Allen Avenue be put on the reconciliation list.

Mr. Robinson requested information on a staff furlough option and ways to reduce structural expenditures, such as the pension plans.

Mr. Snipper suggested that the Council look at the budget lapse (unexpended funds).

Mr. Schultz said he would like to consider Ms. Haiduven's proposal to increase fees.

The Council agreed to advertise a potential tax rate of $0.61.

ADJOURN

Following the budget worksession, the Council adjourned for the evening at approximately 11:30 p.m.