March 9, 2006 Town Meeting
1
Town of Cheverly
Meeting Minutes
March 9, 2006
Call to Order
Mayor Mosley called the meeting to order at 8:00 PM in the Cheverly Community Center. There were 4 citizens in attendance.
In attendance: Attorney Colaresi, Chief Robshaw, CMs Oladele, Ford, Hofmann, Oslik, Schachter and Watson.
Pledge of Allegiance
Agenda/Approval/Changes
Approved as written.
Minutes – 2/9/06 Town Meeting
Approved as written.
Minutes – 2/23/06 Worksession
Approved as written
Police Report
Chief Robshaw summarized the February report (attached to original of the minutes). The Department has been working on a plan to reduce violent crime in Town; which has dropped dramatically and is at its lowest since 1996. He attributed the decrease to directive patrol. C-PACT (Cheverly Police and Citizens Together) is the new name for the Police Advisory Group / Neighborhood Watch Assn. Next meeting is March 27 at 7 pm at Town Hall.
Mayor Mosley added that she has received calls from residents regarding the increased patrols.
Chief Robshaw asked residents to read about the "Whistle Program," for residents who are frequent walkers, in the Newsletter.
In response to Mayor Mosley, MNCPPC is promising to install a gate at Euclid Street Park in the next two weeks.
In response to CM Schachter, he met with a vendor this week regarding surveillance cameras. He was impressed by the quality of the equipment and the prices are affordable. Pending Mayor and Council approval; he plans to apply for a grant with the Governors’ Office of Crime Control and Prevention in April. The low light wireless cameras will be placed at every exit in Town.
Chief Robshaw responded to Mayor Mosley that the application process begins May 1 and award may not be until September. The grant should cover all costs except utilities.
Chief Robshaw responded to CM Oslik that the cameras can only hold up to one week worth of data at a time.
Mayor and Council Announcements
Mayor Mosley stated that the Worksession is scheduled for March 23: An extra Worksession will be held the first Thursday in April.
Worksession agenda: policy exception at 5615 Greenleaf Road, surveillance cameras, review of cost estimate of the Belmont pathway and Belmont and Inwood lighting, Cheryl Harrington (Proctor and Associates) will update them on the Bond Bill and the State House, Cheverly Trail, Cheverly Row (new development in Capital Heights), Cheverly Day, update on Dog Park and a closed session with Attorney Colaresi.
CM Schachter indicated that the surveillance camera grant deadline will approach prior to the next Town Meeting and he will push for a vote at the Worksession.
Mayor Mosley stated that she did not hear that the deadline was that soon and that she would clarify the deadline prior to the Worksession.
CM Oslik commented that it might be useful to have an estimate form the Chief on how many criminal events in the past six months would have benefited from having cameras.
CM Oslik added two items for the Worksession agenda: a date and time for second Worksession and a Program Bill referred to as transfer of development rights. He would like Mr. Warrington to get information on the County Councils’ timing on this Bill.
CM Oladele asked that security in the apartments be added to the Worksession.
Mayor Mosley added that there will be a second Worksession in April; Mr. Warrington is not sure he will have the budget finished but she would like to discuss it.
CM Schachter asked for suggestions for what the Council can do for Cheverly Day.
Committee Reports
Recreation Council
Barbara Pejokovich stated that the next meeting is March 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 at 301-773-5883.
On April 15 the Easter Bunny will be in Town Hall followed by the Easter Egg Hunt, goodies and a surprise.
Cheverly Day Committee
CM Watson summarized that the Diamond (75th Anniversary) 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. Tickets are $20 each or $250 per table and the gala starts at 8:30 p.m. The parade will kick-off activities on April 29 at 10:00 a.m. So far there are only 16 float entries and more are needed. At Noon the festival will kick off at Town Hall. Planned activities include an art show, food, vendors, rock wall, moon bounce, magician 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. The Cheverly Day Booklet should be out 10 days prior to Cheverly Day. Entries are still needed. There will not be a race/walk this year.
Mayor Mosley added that volunteers are needed on Friday to set up tables.
Mayor Mosley added as Item 15, a Proclamation Designating April 12 as Arbor Day.
She added that on Saturday the Maryland House and Senate would be hearing testimony regarding the Town’s request for $500K in matching funds for the Police Station. She will be testifying at the first hearing; which begins at 9:00 a.m. The request is in House Bill 827 and Senate Bill 415. She would like a CM to attend with her in the event the first hearing runs over. Mayor Mosley thanked Cheverly’s Delegates Ramiriz and Parker who sponsored H.827and Senator Brit who sponsored S.415
Citizen Input
There was no citizen input.
Adoption Resolution R-1-06 Appointing Election Supervisors
Mayor Mosley read the resolution appointing Dr. H. Thomas Foley and Joanne Reitz Election Supervisors for 2006-07. (She added that there is no election in 2006, but there is one in 2007).
· CM Watson moved adoption of Resolution R-1-06 Appointing Election Supervisors. Seconded by CM Ford. Unanimously approved.
Adoption O-1-06 Amending the Annual Salaries for Mayor and Council
Mayor Mosley summarized that this ordinance changes Mayor and Council salaries. The Mayor’s salary would increase to $3600 and the Council’s salary would increase to $2400. This would be the first pay increase for the Mayor and Council in 20 years. The pay increase would become effective with the 2007 elections.
Mayor Mosley read the ordinance.
CM Oslik stated that he thinks the ordinance is appropriate but he remains concerned that it has not had sufficient public notice via the Newsletter.
· CM Ford moved adoption of O-1-06 Amending the Annual Salaries for Mayor and Council. Seconded by CM Schachter.
Mayor Mosley concurred with CM Oslik’s assertion that this item has not been discussed in dept h in the Newsletter; however, it has appeared in the Gazette, it has been discussed in two Worksessions and four Town Meetings and it has had a box in the Newsletter twice. She disagreed that it has not been properly publicized.
CM Schachter added that the Council has been diligent about getting word out to the public about their actions.
CM Hoffman asked if anyone heard objections to the increase?
Discussion.
VOTE: Unanimously approved.
Authorization to Award Bid – Cheverly Police Station
Mayor Mosley summarized that the staff made a recommendation from the five bids received.
Discussion regarding postponing award another month to allow for additional citizen input.
Attorney Colaresi summarized that the staff recommended award to Pioneer (located in Tuxedo), which came in at $1.07M and is the second lowest bidder. The lowest bidder was not recommended because they did not have experience with this size facility. The next highest bidder, Folger Pratt, is located in Rockville
CM Oslik stated that his priority in considering the bidders is quality of work not necessarily the lowest price.
CM Hofmann supports the project and the staff’s recommendation and hopes that those who are not in favor can come together to support the effort.
CM Schachter stated his support.
Mayor Mosley added that she is pleased that there were worthwhile challenges that resulted in more favorable solutions and will support the recommendation if her vote is needed.
There was no citizen input
· CM Schachter moved to accept the staff recommendation for award to Pioneer Builders in the amount of $1.07M to construct the new Cheverly Police facility. Seconded by CM Watson. Unanimously approved.
Introduction O-2-06 Authorizing a Bond Issuance
Attorney Colaresi summarized that before a bond is issued an ordinance must be passed. The Ordinance enables the Council to pass a resolution authorizing the bond in the exact amounts connected with it. There was an ordinance passed two years ago for the police station authorizing a bond for $800K. The bond was not issued because the building design was revised. This Issuance is for $1.2M and creates a ceiling authorizing the Council to borrow up to $1.2M. This Ordinance will be discussed at the March Worksession and passed at the April Town Meeting.
· CM Watson moved for introduction of Ordinance O-2-06. Seconded by CM Oslik. Unanimously approved.
Discussion – Endorsing Letter Regarding WalMart
Mayor Mosley summarized that the Council will be asked to consider and endorse the letter pertaining to community standards as it relates to WalMart and the Capital Plaza Shopping Center.
Mayor Adam Ortiz, Edmonston, summarized that he was in attendance on behalf of Bladensburg, Colmar Manor, Edmonston, the Greater Landover Knolls Civic Association, the Port Towns Community Development Corporation, Progressive Cheverly and the Radiant Valley Civic Association. These groups wish to ensure that the best WalMart comes to our community. The Standards that will be requested of WalMart are:
1. Prohibit sale of guns and ammunition
2. Prohibit the sale of alcoholic beverages
3. Provide parking lot security for customers and employees
4. Not to operate 24 hours.
5. To work with community leaders to manage area congestion
6. To design an architecturally desirable façade
7. To establish energy efficiently and environmentally innovative site
8. To recruit from the local labor pool and engage in workforce development efforts
9. To engage in ongoing dialogue w/elected municipal and civic association leaders for the duration of the store’s operation.
Mayor Ortiz stated that he has been in touch with WalMart and their response has been favorable to some but not all of the Standards. The response from area towns and groups has been favorable. New Carrollton responded with a letter of their own that included two additional Standards. He asked all organizations to solidify their support of the Standards in writing by way of a resolution or letter.
In response to CM Hofmann, Mayor Ortiz stated that these Standards would be requested of any retailer that wishes to move in to our community.
Discussion.
CM Schachter noted that except for #7 the Mayor and Council have already passed in our Resolution. Expressed concerns regarding #11.
CM Oslik recommended amending the motion regarding #11 regarding big box stores. Be amended to agree with Wal Mart site plan and to address future big box stores.
Discussion of wording regarding #11
CM Oladele stated the original intent is to support the 9 standards and didn't think we were obligated to agree with New Carollton's 2 items.
Mayor Ortiz in response said he is planning on sending the letter with the 9 standards.
CM Watson asked that the motion be repeated.
CM Oslik repeated the motion.
Discussion on the wording
CM Oslik clarified the motion of the last line to read that they be incorporated into approval for future site plan submissions for large retailers.
CM Ford noted that #11 will have no affect regarding Wal Mart because they have an approved site plan.
CM Hofmann noted that #11 is a stumbling block and it should just be eliminated.
Madeline Gold 3020 Parkway agreed with CM Schachter's position. She felt Council should support the letter of Mayor Ortiz and just include New Carrollton's letter.
CM Oslik amended his motion to remove #11 and to send a letter to Mayor Ortiz in support of the 9 standards included in letter and with support for the item #10 as submitted by New Carrollton.
CM Watson seconded.
Approval of Community Standards 6-0
Approval of Letter to Senators & Delegates – Supporting MML Legislative Positions
Mayor Mosley discussed proposed letter addressing General Assembly legislative issues of annexation and eminent domain.
CM Hofmann supports the letter.
· CM Ford moved approval of a letter to Senators and Delegates supporting MML legislative positions. Seconded by CM Oladele. Unanimously approved.
Mayor Mosley noted that CM Watson was not present for the vote.
Proclamation Designating April 12, 2006 Arbor Day
Mayor Mosley read the resolution.
· CM Oslik moved approval of the proclamation designating April 12, 2006 Arbor Day. Seconded by CM Hoffman. Unanimously approved.
Mayor Mosley thanked the signers for their hard work during this meeting.
Adjourned 10:45 p.m.
Town of Cheverly
Summary of Action
March 9, 2006
1. CM Watson moved adoption of Resolution R-1-06 Appointing Election Supervisors. Seconded by CM Ford. Unanimously approved.
2. CM Ford moved adoption of O-1-06 Amending the Annual Salaries for Mayor and Council. Seconded by CM Schachter. Unanimously approved.
3. CM Schachter moved to accept the staff recommendation for award to Pioneer Builders in the amount of $1.7M to construct the new Cheverly Police facility. Seconded by CM Watson. Unanimously approved.
4. CM Watson moved for introduction of Ordinance O-2-06. Seconded by CM Oslik.
5. CM Oslik moved to send a letter to Mayor Ortiz in support of the nine community standards included in his letter and with support for item #10 as submitted by New Carrollton.
6. CM Ford moved approval of a letter to Senators and Delegates supporting MML legislative positions. Seconded by CM Oladele. Unanimously approved. CM Watson not present.
7. CM Oslik moved approval of the proclamation designating April 12, 2006 Arbor Day. Seconded by CM Hoffman. Unanimously approved. CM Watson not present.
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