April 13, 2006 Town Meeting
Town of Cheverly
Meeting Minutes
April 13, 2006
Call to Order
Mayor Mosley called the meeting to order at 8:00 PM in the Cheverly Community Center. There were 3 citizens in attendance.
In attendance: Attorney Colaresi, Chief Robshaw, CMs Ford, Hofmann, Oslik, Schachter and Watson.
Pledge of Allegiance
Agenda/Approval/Changes
Approved as written.
Minutes – 3/9/06 Town Meeting
CM Watson noted that CM Hofmann’s name was misspelled on pages 4 and 5.
Mr. Warrington added that there is an amended version that CM Oslik had a change on. The minutes will be approved at the Worksession.
Minutes – 3/23/06 Worksession
Approved as written.
Town Administrators Report
Mr. Warrington announced that Code Enforcement will begin sending notices to residents whose grass grows past 8 inches. Public Works crews are preparing for Cheverly Day. The landscape architect will install flowers on April 26 in front of Town Hall, at the entrance and at the Cheverly Day sign.
Police Report
Chief Robshaw summarized the March Report (attached to original of the minutes). There were no citizen robberies last month. There was a commercial robbery that occurred in Cheverly and the suspect was apprehended in DC. Reported incidents are down to levels reported in 1996 but 60% of crime continues to be thefts (home/autos). Chief Robshaw reminded residents to turn their porch lights on at night so that house numbers are visible, and he stressed against leaving valuables visible in cars.
Cheverly Police and Citizens Together (CPACT) will have a booth at Cheverly Day. An eight hour women’s self defense class will be offered on July 22. 40 women are needed to sign up and the class will be held at Town Hall at a cost is $20.00. The Department and CPACT will pick up the additional 60% of the cost of the program.
Flyers addressing pedestrian safety are currently being made and will be distributed on Landover Road in 7-10 days. Warning enforcement will begin in April.
CPACT will make award presentations at the May Town Meeting. For example, an award would go to Jody O’Connell who assisted officers in locating a suspect, which led to apprehension.
Computer software has been installed for cruisers and the computers should be installed this week and in full operation next week.
Smooth Operator will run from May – August. Motorists riding without seatbelts will be fined.
CM Oslik asked for an update on the traffic light at 57th Avenue and Landover Road. Chief Robshaw responded that the State assured him that all pedestrian lights were checked in preparation for next week’s meeting (including Columbia Park Road). He will find out whether adjustments have been made to timing. For safety reasons, he warned residents from making illegal turns from the left turn lane on Columbia Park Road at the Metro. He warned residents of motorists turning left from Tuxedo Road on to Cheverly Avenue because visibility is limited.
In response to CM Hofmann, Chief Robshaw stated that the Self Defense Class consists of 2 hours on victimology (how to avoid being a victim), 3 hours on self defense (pressure points, blocking, punches) and 3 hours with the red man suit (hands on self defense practice). Participants do not have to participate in the physical portion. The course is highly recommended for college bound students. If successful, the course will be repeated throughout the year.
Mayor and Council Announcements
Mayor Mosley clarified that the Black Tie Dance on April 28 will begin at 8:00 PM and will end at 1 PM. Music begins at 8:30 PM, and food will be set out between 8-8:30 PM (BYOB). Mayor Mosley asked Mr. Warrington to put this information on cable.
Mayor Mosley sent well wishes to Magda and Charlie Warner, Cheverly residents who own the Friendly Inn on Tuxedo Road. Magda, who suffered a stroke recently, is improving.
Cheverly Day Committee
CM Watson summarized that heavy hors d'oeuvres, a chocolate fountain, desserts and non-alcoholic beverages will be served at the Black Tie Dance. There will be tablecloths, centerpieces and wine glasses provided. Attendees must bring their own alcoholic beverages. Up to 17 tables have been sold and there are 3-4 tables still available as well as single seats.
The parade will begin on Saturday, April 29, at 10 AM. The route will run on Cheverly Avenue from Kilmer Street to Cheverly Circle. Mayor and Councilmembers and former Mayor and Councilmembers should meet at Spellman by 9:30 AM. 25 acts are scheduled to participate in the parade. A reviewing stand will be stationed in Legion Park. The festival will begin at 12:00 PM at Town Hall. Activities include a moon bounce, an obstacle course and climbing wall. Vendors include the Mango Café, Subway, Good Times Catering, the Legion Beer Garden and more. Live music includes a 19 piece orchestra, magic show, birds of prey demonstration. The art show will be held in the gymnasium and will include music and wine and cheese. Mayor and Council remarks and fireworks will be the
final events. Fireworks will begin at around 8:30 PM.
Veterans are being asked to participate as part of the parade. Call CM Watson or contact the Town Office for details.
A flyover has not been confirmed.
Ray Bellamy Jr. (who is turning 75 this year) is going to be the Grand Marshall for the parade. The Committee would like to include all residents who are turning 75 this year. Mayor Mosley added that the Cheverly Fire Department is celebrating 75 years this year. A story about the station will appear in the souvenir booklet.
Worksession: FY2007 Operating Budget, Cheverly Day, Belmont Pathway cost estimate, apartment security, personnel issue (closed session).
Mayor Mosley added that the FY2005 audit was just received 2-weeks ago and she has asked Mr. Warrington to provide a one page summary for the Worksession meeting project.
CM Oslik inquired about posting the budget on the website. Mr. Warrington responded that the Mayor and Council decided against that. Mayor Mosley added that this item could be placed on the Worksession agenda.
Committee Reports
Recreation Council
Barbara Pejokovich reported that on April 15, the Easter Egg Hunt will be held rain or shine for children ages 9 and under. It will begin at 11 AM at Town Hall. Peter Rabbit will be there. Awards will be given for 1st and 2nd places.
The next Council meeting is April 25 at 7:00 PM.
The Council is giving out pens on Cheverly Day.
There are two $500 Council Scholarships being awarded this year. The application deadline is May 15. Applicants should contact Judy DeLeonibus at 301-386-4251. Applicants can be high school students and adults continuing their education.
Summer Playgrounds begin on June 19 at Gladys Noon Spellman Elementary School.
Citizen Input
Dan Smith, 6019 Inwood Street, Co-Chair Friends of Lower Beaver Dam announced that on Earth Day, April 22, they are sponsoring a clean up and work session in Woodworth Park as part of a massive effort coordinated by the Anacostia Watershed Society. All who come will get a free t-shirt and will be eligible for a drawing for two Nationals baseball game tickets. There is a new brochure about the Anacostia and the Watershed that were compiled by the Anacostia Watershed Citizens Advisory Committee, which he chairs. The CAC is the official multi-jurisdiction restoration effort for the Anacostia. They will gather again on the last Saturday in May.
A permit has been issued by the State for the Bilo property (Cabin Branch Road) to an organization for clay mining. He emailed the permit number and this information to the Council and to the Department of the Environment. Mr. Smith expressed concerns that this is the largest parcel (70 acres) of forested land within the Watershed area and is adjacent to Boyd Park. The State indicated that notices had been sent in November and December regarding this action; however, he wanted to know whether there is recourse.
Theresa Roebuck, 6601 Oak Street, stated her appreciation for Chief Robshaw's attentiveness to the Oak Street Park. She called MNCPPC to express her concerns and they assured her that they will come out to evaluate the Park. She added that Oak Street is dark at night and could benefit from lighting.
Mayor Mosley responded that the Park has been targeted for improvements, and plans to rearrange it are still pending.
Robert Madison, 6509 Maureen Court commented that the trashcan they requested is full and it has not been emptied despite his request to Sanitation to check the receptacle and surrounding areas. He added that the Kilmer Street and Oak Street intersection is dangerous. Cars coming off Route 202 onto Kilmer Street, making a left turn onto Oak Street cars park on the hill making it difficult to see oncoming traffic.
Mayor Mosley added that she will have Mr. Warrington follow up on the trashcan and she explained that the Sanitation Department is down a number of employees.
Mr. Warrington added that the Oak Street hill is outside the Town limits, which is why the vehicles have not been ticketed. Mayor Mosley asked Mr. Warrington to send another letter to the County requesting enforcement.
Brendan Heneghan, 6024 Hawthorne Street, expressed concerns regarding conflicts of interest with the lobbyist. Mayor Mosley responded that questions would not be answered tonight because this item is on the May Town Meeting agenda.
Former CM Pat Wickersty 6103 Kilmer Street, apologized for bringing forth issues in a previous meeting in a nasty manner.
CM Schachter added that former CM Wickersty brought criticism (constructive) late in the evening and caught him by surprise. However, he reacted badly and apologized the next day. He repeated that apology and applauded her courage for coming forward tonight.
County Councilmember Harrington – General Items
Mayor Mosley introduced County Councilman David Harrington.
Transfer Development Rights
County Councilman David Harrington addressed an email from the Town that discussed growth management policy and transfer development rights, Landover Mall, towing legislation and Prince George’s Hospital.
Regarding transfer development rights (TDRs) legislation – there seems to be an appetite in the rural tier. Commission 2000, which is a group of citizens who examine growth management, has defined three tiers: a developed tier (i.e. Cheverly), a developing tier (Mitchellville) and the rural tier (farmland). TDRs are a growth management tool that preserves open space in the rural tier while allowing development to occur in dense areas. It also provides farmers an opportunity to sell their land. The developer only develops half of the land and the farmer does not lose the price of their land. The developer who buys the rights can transfer the rights. The complex issue around TDRs is the sending area (rural) and the receiving areas (developed/development tier). The receiving areas will become
denser – and that may not be what we want. There is a framework bill that is getting a lot of attention, which should come out before the end of session. A growth management strategy is needed to adhere to smart growth principles. TDRs can be done voluntarily, publicly and mandatory (most controversial).
CM Oslik asked if there will be sufficient time for residents to give input. CM Harrington said yes and that he would bring copies for the Town to review once the bill has been hashed out. Also, developers would have the right to increase density if they purchase TDRs - that question merits additional review.
Attorney Colaresi asked whether this bill burdens the developer who wants to work in the developed tier. It encourages dense development in our area so that rural areas can have farmland. CM Harrington clarified that in a mandatory program, if you want to increase your density, you’ll have to purchase more expensive TDRs. If it is voluntary, builders will be allotted the density the zone detailed site plan allots.
Mayor Mosley commented that she is not in favor of impediments to the developed tier as a result of rural tier preservation (i.e. the Metro project).
CM Harrington clarified that he is in favor of quality development in the developed tiers. He is concerned about unbridled growth in the rural tier that would result in older communities being forgotten.
CM Schachter summarized that the basic problem is that developers prefer sprawl because land is cheaper in rural areas. The solution is that government makes it more expensive to build in rural areas and less expensive in the older areas.
Mayor Mosley asked if anything passed would affect Cheverly CM Harrington did not think anything would hinder development in Cheverly; however, it might hinder the Metro project.
Mayor Mosley stated that Metro has received the Towns’ request to meet with the County Council, the Planning Board, the Lt. Governor and others. She asked CM Harrington for his help in getting this meeting scheduled. There has been a change in ownership of this project, which has brought things to a halt; however, she is concerned things are happening behind the scenes.
CM Ford indicated concerns regarding targeting of older areas and wants to examine the holistic picture of development in a blighted area. At some point, blight should be torn down and new housing and services need to be brought in.
CM Oslik added that the Council should go on record regarding a mandatory TDR or similar program stating that it would interfere with quality improvements they have been struggling to achieve and maintain.
CM Harrington agreed and stated that Cheverly is the only developed community to respond on this issue so far.
Prince George’s Hospital Center
CM Harrington stated that the Council has been in discussions to save the Hospital, which is in dire financial struggle. It is within the County’s best interest to keep the hospital open. The County and State have developed a one year plan to infuse $30M in cash to be divided evenly between the two. There are interested parties who will either merge with the County and State or purchase the hospital outright. There will be a proposal review and some are currently under review.
CM Harrington responded to CM Schachter that the County residents cannot sustain a hospital, thus the County must consider a buyer or a partner in management.
Mayor Mosley added that the Council wrote a letter to the Governor and Secretary McCann (Department of Health and Mental Hygiene). The Governor's response indicates that this is the County’s problem.
CM Ford added that losing the Hospital would result in a gap in violent trauma care.
CM Ford added that you cannot separate the hospital from the health care crisis. This issue brings forth a necessary health care debate.
CM Oslik asked if the proposals will go out for public input. CM Harrington responded that this has not been determined; however, he agrees that it would be a good idea.
Landover Mall
The Lerner Corporation has begun to demolish Landover Mall. Lerner wanted to put in housing, which he opposed. The second proposal is a Town Center with retail. CM Harrington added that he would rather take criticism for supporting a dormant site until the right public use is determined. Quality must be demanded.
CM Hofmann said he would imagine developers would express interest in the site for restaurants and other businesses that would benefit from being near the stadium. CM Hofmann added that there is hotel interest in that area.
Mayor Mosley stated on CM Oladole’s behalf (absent from meeting) that there was legislation proposed in Virginia regarding the regulation of towing companies. There is a problem in the apartments with towing abuses.
CM Harrington responded that there is legislation around maximum amounts charged. A Towing Task Force has been formed and a resolution was passed recently on towing regulation. CM Oladele should contact him regarding participation on the Task Force.
Zoning
Mayor Mosley asked whether a zoning change could be expected early this summer. CM Harrington confirmed.
Staffing
CM Harrington reported that legislation has been put in to cause a building moratorium because of staffing levels for police. Staffing is below required levels. Until these levels increase, no permits can be granted; however, adjustments will be made to allow Cheverly to proceed with police department construction.
CM Schachter added that it seemed out of order to demolish the mall (i.e. buildings that were fine) before determining whether there is another use for them. This is an expensive option.
Mr. Warrington added that municipal police departments are not considered in legislation. CM Harrington added that he drafted an amendment that speaks to this issue.
Madeline Golde, 3020 Parkway, Co-Chair Progressive Cheverly, added that there should be a public process for Prince George’s Hospital proposals. The hospital is valuable, however, part of the problem is that it has not been able to attract enough paying clients. She suggested the Hospital be replaced with a facility that can strike a balance between state of the art specialty services and low income services.
CM Harrington recommended a liquid investment i.e. paying customers. The County should not be a bail out, but a consortium.
He added that he received Cheverly’s’ letter regarding DPWT issues but he has questions before responding.
CM Harrington thanked the Mayor and Council for inviting him and promised an opportunity for public input into Hospital proposals. He encouraged the Council to draft the letter regarding TDR legislation.
Introduction FY07 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program
Mr. Warrington summarized that a revised number was received from the State on the overall assessment resulting in an increase, which added money to the budget. Salaries of police officers will be raised to be competitive to municipalities such as Bowie. Mr. Warrington went over other proposed budget related matters.
Summary:
· $1.2M construction of Police Department scheduled to begin May 1.
· Potential land purchase via Program Open Space Acquisition funds (100%) and a County Livability Grant for purchase of the Palm Reading site. He spoke with the property owner who keeps the property for his mother who is getting older. He is amenable to selling.
· Program Open Space fund for the gym floor resurfacing (simulated wood with a foam backing) Work will be done in August. Funding is $.75 and the Town will pay $.25.
· Construction of a hiker/biker trail will begin after July 1 (Parkway to MaGruder Springs)
· Pathway lighting (Program Open Space) for parking lot of Hoyer up to Valley Way to 59th Place
· Fencing along Tuxedo Road
· Phase I construction of equipment shelters
· Road construction projects: Jason Street, Inwood, Hawthorne and 56th Place
· Preserving as many curbs and gutters as possible
· $5K for various curb and gutters (worst first)
· Construction of a streetscape curb at right-of-way of Cheverly Avenue and Belleview.
· Installation of an electronic sign at the Bellamy Park triangle (Forest Road sign) An application for a Livability Grant (100% funding - no cost to the Town) will be filed. A price quote has been obtained from son of former Mayor Tom Curly who runs a sign shop. The sign can be programmed remotely.
· 5 police cruisers and onboard computers (going from Crown Victorias to Impalas which are better on the terrain and gas)
· Street sweeper
· Bullet proof vests (50% matching grant)
· Personnel additions (part time police officer)
Mr. Warrington responded to CM Schachter that on a $300K house, a $.01 tax rate increase equates to an additional $30 on the tax bill.
CM Schachter asked for a detailed memo on the street sweeper (costs, utility and long term cost saving analysis). He suggested increasing taxes $.02 so that plantings can be improved.
Mr. Warrington responded to Mayor Mosley that he has not yet applied for the Livability Grant for the electronic sign.
Mayor Mosley added that this item will be discussed at the April and May Worksessions and the May Town Meeting. The budget will be up for adoption in June.
Adoption O-2-06 Authorizing a Bond Issuance
Mr. Warrington 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 to build the police department. The Town is going to pledge the repay the loan. A fair summary and paper of record will be run to allow creditors to make claim and allows public disclosure on this action. The State will follow up to find out what funds are outstanding and this action will become part of the Annual Report. The only
outstanding loan is Fontana Mosaic Lithograph whose rent is paying the loan back.
· CM Ford moved adoption of O-2-06 Authorizing a Bond Issuance. Seconded by CM Oslik. Vote 4-0, CMs Watson and Oladele absent.
Adjourned 10:35 p.m.
Town of Cheverly
Summary of Action
April 13, 2006
1. CM Ford moved adoption of O-2-06 Authorizing a Bond Issuance. Seconded by CM Oslik. Vote 4-0, CMs Watson and Oladele absent.
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