February 9, 2006 Town Meeting
Town of Cheverly
Meeting Minutes
February 9, 2006
Call to Order
Mayor Mosley called the meeting to order at 8:05 PM in the Cheverly Community Center. There were 4 citizens in attendance.
In attendance: Town Administrator Warrington, Attorney Colaresi, Chief Robshaw, CMs Oladele, Ford, Hofmann, Oslik, Schachter and Watson.
Pledge of Allegiance
Agenda/Approval/Changes
Mayor Mosley added a Proclamation for resident Leanna Cooley for her 100th birthday as Item 8b.
Minutes – 1/12/06 Town Meeting
Approved as written.
Minutes – 1/26/06 Worksession
Approved as written
Minutes – 2/2/06 Worksession
Approved as written.
Administrator’s Report
Mr. Warrington announced that with snow in the forecast residents should be sure to observe the town's parking restrictions. Leaf vacuuming has ended and residents who have been raking heir leaves to the curb will receive notifications requesting them to bag their leaves.
Police Report
Chief Robshaw summarized that overall crime statistics have declined; however, robberies continue to be a problem. Police patrols have been highly visible. He has asked Metro walkers to contact the Department with the timing of their walking commute. This information will be kept confidential and patrol routes will be drawn up from this information.
Neighborhood Watch has developed a program called the Whistle Program. Whistles will be handed out to everyone who walks to the Metro so that they can alert police and the neighbors of incidents. Neighborhood Watch and the Police will be handing out whistles on Cheverly Avenue as well as sharing safety information.
Chief Robshaw reported that he has a meeting with the County to discuss the In Car Computer Program. By the end of February, in-car computers should be operational in Cheverly cruisers. The computers will alert Cheverly Police aware of all calls that come through regardless of whether they make it to the dispatch system. They are also exploring the use of cameras at entrance and exit points in Town to identify vehicles that have been involved in crimes.
The next Police Advisory Board / Neighborhood Watch meeting is February 22 at 7:00 p.m. Agenda items include the robbery reduction commercial, citizen awards, elderly visitation, Cheverly Day booth and pedestrian safety.
State Highway has erected a sign on Route 202 to direct pedestrians to the safe crossing; however, the signage is not in the best place. Chief Robshaw will be meeting with State Highway Administration (SHA) engineers in two weeks to discuss relocation of the sign. SHA has also promised to re-examine traffic light timing. In conjunction with Neighborhood Watch, the Department is producing literature for distribution to apartment residents and commercial businesses on Route 202 on crossing safety. There will be a public meeting on an upcoming weekend to discuss these issues.
Chief Robshaw reviewed the January 2006 Report (attached). Out of nine burglaries, seven were closed with arrests. He recognized Mr. Warrington for his assistance in the apprehension of one of the suspects. He plans to publicly acknowledge citizens for their actions as it relates to crime prevention in the past few months at the next Town Meeting.
CM Schachter congratulated the Chief for the steps he has taken to address these issues. The successes are no coincidence and are the result of teamwork between the Mayor, Council, town employees and citizens.
CM Schachter asked whether the purchase of motorcycles in lieu of police cars would be more practical than purchasing cars.
Chief Robshaw responded that motorcycles are not operable during inclement weather. However, they can navigate alleyways and make community policing easier. Most of the Department members have their motorcycle licenses.
CM Hofmann complimented him on his demonstration of the FN303 'less-than-lethal' pellet rifle.
Mayor Mosley thanked Chief Robshaw for his work in getting the gate approved by Park and Planning for Euclid Park. She also thanked him for his involvement in the Hometown Governors’ meeting.
Robert Madison, 6509 Maureen Court recalled when all four wheels of his vehicle were stolen in July 2005. It took an hour for an officer (who came from Laurel) to respond. He wondered if he should have gotten a follow-up from police.
Chief Robshaw responded that it is the practice of Cheverly Police to follow up with crime victims. Without details on Mr. Madison’s case, Chief Robshaw could not respond tonight but he promised to research the details and follow up with him.
CM Watson added that shortly after he moved to Cheverly, his house was burglarized and he did not receive a follow up either.
Chief Robshaw responded that the Town has one detective; however, a response is necessary.
Mayor and Council Announcements
Mayor Mosley thanked Delegate Victor Ramirez and Senator Gwendolyn Britt for sponsoring Senate Bill 256 and House Bill 2440; which would provide matching funds in amounts up to $250K to fund the construction of the new Police Department. She urged residents to contact Delegates and the Senator to support this Bill. A meeting was held on February 8 with Lieutenant Governor Steele who toured the Town and met with Department Heads. Items discussed included public safety (police station, Bills, discretionary funds), new lobbyist, financial condition of Dimensions Health, impact of potential closure of the hospital, Cheverly’s active involvement in decisions regarding the hospital, a Motor Vehicle Administration Express office either in town or nearby (Capital Plaza), listing Cheverly on driver license
versus Hyattsville, Kenilworth Avenue interchange (money has been allotted for maintenance and lighting), helicopters (not using protocol of flying down the Baltimore Washington Parkway), Route 202 maintenance and Metro Development (new owner wants to build a garage and the (Town opposes on the basis that there is no benefit).
Feedback from residents in Old Ward 4 on the barriers has been favorable. Complaints from non-residents who used those roads have been received; however, most important is the positive feedback from residents.
Mr. Torres presented a plan for the Dog Park to be at Euclid Park, which will be discussed at the Worksession.
CM Schachter is in favor of as many cameras as the Town can afford.
Mayor Mosley added that MML has rejected the surcharge on all traffic violations where revenue comes back to municipalities.
Worksession agenda for February 23: Annapolis Road update, police station and bond issuance, Giant Shopping Center, Metro development, Metro Task Force revitalization, nature trail, Cheverly Day, Dog Park at Euclid Park, street light, tax rate and budget.
Committee Reports
Recreation Council
Barbara Pejokovich stated that the next meeting is February 28 at 7:00 p.m. The Flea Market will be on April 1. Table reservations ($15.00) can be made starting March 1 by calling her (telephone number is in the Newsletter and on cable). Table reservations are made on a first come first served basis.
She invited interested residents to attend the next meeting.
Cheverly Day Committee
CM Watson summarized that the Diamond celebration will be held on April 28-29. A black tie optional dance sponsored by the Mayor and Council will kick off the activities on April 28, and the parade will kick-off activities on April 29 at 10:00 a.m. The deadline to apply for parade participation is the second week in March. Planned activities include an art show, food, vendors, moon bounce and fireworks. Good Times Catering, Subway, the Boy Scouts and Mango Restaurant (Caribbean) will provide food. The dunk tank and pony rides will not be provided this year for fiscal reasons. An art show and tentative wine tasting will be held on Saturday. Updates are posted on www.cheverlyday.com.
CM Watson reminded Mayor Mosley that he needed the Mayor’s Letter for the program magazine. He also needs to discuss the Mayor’s Awards. He is looking for content from residents for the magazine, e.g. poetry, reflections, essays, etc.
Tables of 10 are being sold at $250 for the dance. Those who purchase their table by March 15 will be listed as a sponsor. Individual tickets will be sold at $20.00; however, these seats will not be assigned. Fred Price has arranged for a band and, non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. Attendees will be allowed to bring a bottle of wine. Black tie optional.
Citizen Input
Leah Davey, 2809 Park Way, stated that she has noticed the increase in police presence in Town. She recommended officers try bicycle and foot patrol on Metro walker routes. She asked how Cheverly could address businesses in town such as Giant that provide poor customer service.
Mayor Mosley responded that CM Oladele attended a meeting with Giant on a recent Saturday and relayed concerns regarding customer service. Attendees included Cheverly residents and neighboring community representatives. Other than the Police making the area safe for patrons, there is not a lot Cheverly can do.
Leah Davey added that as a victim of car theft, she is in favor of cameras in town.
Former CM Fred Price, 1709 62nd Avenue, thanked the Mayor and Council for the barrier installation. There is less traffic on State Street as well. He thanked Chief Robshaw for being at the Metro Station ensuring motorists follow signage that allows traffic to move properly and not back up on Columbia Park Road.
CM Schachter congratulated Ward 4 residents for making this project successful.
Proclamation for Leanna Cooley’s 100th Birthday
Mayor Mosley summarized that Mrs. Cooley is a 30-year resident who lives at 1713 62nd Avenue. She was an educator and homemaker who lived on both 61st and 62nd Avenues. Mrs. Cooley has three children, three grandchildren and attended Asbury United Methodist Church and is well known and loved by many who grew up in Ward 4.
Mayor Mosley read the proclamation in honor of Leana Cooley’s’ 100th birthday celebrated on January 6, 2006.
Mrs. Cooley’s daughter, Thelma Robinson, who accepted the Proclamation on behalf of her mother, thanked the Mayor, Council and residents for the acknowledgement.
O-1-06 Amending the Annual Salaries for Mayor and Council
Mr. Warrington summarized that this ordinance raises Mayor and Council salaries. The Mayor’s salary would increase to $3600 and the Council's salaries would increase to $2400. This would be the largest pay increase for the Mayor and Council in 20 years. The pay increase would become effective with the 2007 elections.
Adoption will be at March 9 meeting.
CM Oslik added that he would like to see a more descriptive proposal printed in the Newsletter.
Mayor Mosley responded that she would make sure a detailed description is printed in the Newsletter. The Resolution is on the website.
CM Watson added that he has not received feedback on this item and he agrees that there should be a more robust explanation in the Newsletter.
CM Schachter detailed the amounts of the salary increase and the reasons for the increase being that there has not been a raise in 20 years and there has been an increase in the meeting schedule.
CM Hofmann corrected that there has not been a raise in 35 years.
Discussion – Tax Increase for Police Station and Services
Mayor Mosley reported that the final audit for 2005 is forthcoming. One budget meeting has been held regarding the police department and other items. Until final numbers have been received on the year’s revenue from the State, serious discussion cannot occur. A $.02 increase is required to build the $1.1M police station (unfurnished). Ward 1 residents have been reassessed high, which is good news. This topic was placed in the Newsletter.
CM Schachter stated that the $.02 increase translates into about $300 a year for a taxpayer whose home is assessed at $300K.
Mayor Mosley added that she thought $300 per household was for a higher tax rate.
CM Hofmann added that $260.00 is the correct number.
CM Watson clarified that $.02 on a $300,000 home was actually a $60 increase in taxes.
Mayor Mosley added that taxes were raised $.02 for the FY2003 Budget.
CM Ford added that money raised in the last increases was absorbed into the budget.
Mayor Mosley added that additional assessment increases are coming possibly resulting in additional revenue and no need to raise taxes.
Former CM Price added that you get what you pay for. He urged the Mayor and Council to take the appropriate steps to raise the money needed to provide the type of services residents of Cheverly have come to expect.
Robert Madison added that a tax increase is needed.
Adjourned 10:00 p.m.
Town of Cheverly
Summary of Action
February 9, 2006
No actions taken.
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