July 13, 2006 Town Meeting
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Town of Cheverly
Meeting Minutes
July 13, 2006
Call to Order
Vice Mayor Ford called the meeting to order at 8:00 p.m. in the Cheverly Community Center. There were 0 citizens in attendance.
In attendance: Attorney Colaresi, Chief Robshaw, CMs Ford, Hofmann, Oslik and Watson.
Pledge of Allegiance
Agenda/Approval/Changes
Approved as written.
Minutes – 6/8/06 Town Meeting
Approved as written.
Minutes – 6/22/06 Worksession
Approved as written.
Town Administrators Report
Mr. Warrington announced that storm drains had been inspected prior to recent heavy rains and there were no blockages, however, the amount of rain exceeded storm drain capacity. Corrective actions have been taken.
The police department walls are up and windows are going in. There have been a few glitches; however the project is running on schedule. Projected completion is still Thanksgiving. PEPCO is the only hindrance and Mr. Warrington added that he is working with them to expedite engineering approvals.
CM Oslik inquired about a letter Mr. Torres sent to Washington Gas regarding their failure to make street repairs after finishing their work.
Mr. Warrington added that WSSC patches the street following work. It has been two years since their work has been completed and their temporary patches have not been replaced. The Town is denying WSSC access to do further work in Town barring an emergency.
CM Watson asked for an update on the pathway lighting.
Mr. Warrington responded that he is awaiting contingent approval from Barry Christie, head of POS Administration, and the Department of Natural Resources. As soon as his letter is received work can begin. Mr. Warrington added that he is hoping for August. If the Town begins work before the contingent letter is received, the Town is liable for any costs not covered by the Department of Public Works.
Police Report
Chief Robshaw gave the report for June (report attached) and announced that crime is down 10%. There were a number of robberies last month and suspects have either warrants or are in custody. He hopes to close 5-7 robberies next month.
Chief Robshaw added that he received an $18,000 grant from the State for an electronic message board scheduled for delivery in two weeks. The board will be used in conjunction with other crime reduction programs.
Over the last few months the Department has received a number of suspicious activity calls from citizens. He attributes this to last month’s award presentations.
He invited citizens to attend National Night Out to be held August 1 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. The Tuxedo Fire Department will also be present, the event will be catered and there will be prizes. On July 22 the Women’s Self Defense Class will be held from 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and has a few openings. Interested citizens should contact him no later than the middle of next week. Smooth Operator and pedestrian enforcement begins in July.
The Department is hiring two new officers from the Maryland Police Training Commission Academy Class. They graduate December 15. Staffing will be 100%.
The next C-PACT (Cheverly-Police And Citizens Together) meeting is next week and will cover National Night Out.
CM Hofmann asked about establishing some sort of Home Protection Program.
Chief Robshaw responded that when residents plan to be away from home, they notify the department and their home is noted on the log. This program works in conjunction with the Elder Watch Program.
Vice Mayor Ford asked if the Chiefs ever meet regionally to strategize.
Chief Robshaw responded that once a month, Police Chiefs of Prince George’s County meet to discuss enforcement strategies.
Mayor and Council Announcements
Vice Mayor Ford reported that a land donation was made to the Town by Dr. Krugers’ family (behind the homes in the 3400 & 3500 blocks of Belleview) and will become part of the Cheverly nature park.
Attorney Colaresi added that Dr. Kruger is a dentist and his family purchased those lots in the early 1900’s and used them for picnicking before Cheverly was built. The land cannot be developed.
Mr. Warrington added that it is a nice addition to the nature park. He suggested amending one side of the right-of-way without severely impacting abutting private property so that these residents can legally extend their lots. This would add land to the tax rolls.
Proposed Worksession Agenda: Annapolis Road development, Blue Star Memorial marker location, Peace Park, lobbyist renewal, renovation proposal (old police department space), department head evaluations.
Mr. Warrington clarified for CM Oslik that the Annapolis Road development (county property) is an update on actions/inactions on this project. A Blue Star marker has been ordered and Mr. Torres will recommend a location to the Mayor and Council. Resident Joyce Lang wants to do a designation "for Peace" at Pinkey’s Park. The renovation proposal is a recommendation for public access and security improvements to Town Hall.
CM Oslik recommended that there be discussions around a possible flu pandemic. This item will be added to the Worksession agenda to include discussions on State and local government plans for emergency preparedness and evacuation.
CM Watson suggested adding a report on the Dog Park and Tuxedo Road Development.
· CM Oslik moved to excuse Mayor Mosley from the meeting. Seconded by CM Watson. Unanimously approved.
CM Oslik added that the Blue Star Memorial marker (proposed by the Garden Club) is designed to honor men and women serving in the armed forces. An article by the Garden Club in the Newsletter asked for donations to defray the cost of the marker.
Committee Reports
Recreation Council
There were no representatives.
Cheverly Day Committee
CM Watson reported that the next Cheverly Day would be held on May 19, 2007. The first planning meeting will be on the second Tuesday in August at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall. Cheverly Day 2006 was successful and he hopes to break even.
Citizen Input
There was no input.
Authorization to Participate in Alternate Pension Selection Plan
Mr. Warrington added that Town employees are in the Maryland State Retirement Plan. Maryland rates 47 out of the 50 states. Actions taken to improve the program include employee participation in the plan (currently contributing 2%) and beginning July 1, 2006, employee contributions will be 3%. Contributions are federally tax exempt. Another 2% is anticipated to be phased in over the next two years.
In order to make sure everyone is aware of changes, the Mayor and Council are being asked to pass the resolution to make the notification official.
· CM Oslik moved adoption of Resolution R-3-06 approving and consenting to participate in the Maryland State Retirement System's Alternate Contributory Pension Selection Plan. Seconded by CM Watson. Vote in favor 4-0, CMs Schachter and Oladele absent.
Town of Cheverly
Summary of Action
July 13, 2006
1. CM Oslik moved to excuse Mayor Mosley from the meeting. Seconded by CM Watson. Unanimously approved.
2. CM Oslik moved adoption of Resolution R-3-06 approving and consenting to participate in the Maryland State Retirement System's Alternate Contributory Pension Selection Plan. Seconded by CM Watson. Vote 4-0 in favor, CMs Schachter and Oladele absent.
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