January 11, 2007 Town Meeting
1
Town of Cheverly
Meeting Minutes
January 11, 2007
Call to Order
Mayor Mosley called the meeting to order at 8:00 p.m. in the Cheverly Community Center. There were 12 citizens in attendance.
In attendance: Mr. Warrington, Attorney Colaresi, Chief Robshaw, CMs Oslik, Watson, Oladele and Callahan.
Pledge of Allegiance
· CM Watson moved to excuse Vice Mayor Ford. Seconded by CM Oslik. Unanimously approved.
Agenda/Approval/Changes
Mayor Mosley added a discussion on reclassifying a position in the Town Office. She removed the Election Supervisor item because she has not confirmed their appointments.
· CM Callahan moved to excuse CM Schachter. Seconded by CM Oslik. Unanimously approved.
Minutes - Town Meeting – 12/14/06
Minutes were not ready, approval was deferred.
Minutes – Special Worksession – 12/13/06
Approved as written.
Holiday House Decorating Contest Recognition
Mayor Mosley stated that she received a request for the revival of the Halloween Decorating Contest. She directed Mr. Warrington to add this item to the calendar.
Awards were presented by CMs Callahan and Oslik.
CM Oslik thanked CM Callahan’s daughter, Kat Callahan for assisting them with judging.
(Award winners list attached.)
CM Schachter arrived.
Town Administrators Report
Mr. Warrington reported that the resolution prepared for the Addison Row project was deferred by the Planning Board. Per Mr. Eley’s request, staff removed the word Cheverly from the documents and the Planning Board is scheduled to vote on zoning approval in two weeks.
A hearing was held to discuss the unsubdividing of five (5) lots at The Pointe at Cheverly.
The finishing touches are being put on the Police department facility and occupancy is scheduled for January 26. CM Oslik suggested an open house be held one Saturday in February.
In response to CM Callahan, Mr. Warrington stated that a meeting was held in January with the owners of the property on Medical Terrace. He agreed to secure the building and Mr. Warrington gave the owner a deadline of February 1 to clean up the building and decide what he wanted to do with the property. Mr. Warrington added that the owner was going to contact PEPCO to get power, lighting and a maintenance person.
A court order was issued to address Lydell Road violations; which need to be corrected by January 24. This property was graded and cleared without the proper permits. The developer has paid the $2000 fine.
CM Watson thanked Mr. Warrington for his work on the Lydell property. The overhead Judith Hoyer parking lot pathway lights have been installed and look good.
CM Watson asked if the Redevelopment Authority owns The Pointe at Cheverly property. Mr. Warrington responded that Redevelopment owns four lots and Cheverly owns the fifth lot. The resubdivision results in Cheverly and Redevelopment temporary partners.
CM Oslik asked about Tax Incremental Financing issue. Mr. Warrington responded that he was hoping to get The Pointe’s financial person to attend the Worksession but he had a conflict. Hopefully he can attend the February Worksession. The Redevelopment Authority’s point of contact has changed; however and there has been great progress in the last two weeks.
CM Watson inquired about power to the pathway lights at Hoyer.
Mr. Warrington said, per PEPCO’s request, a check for $1600 was issued to them in order to get the lights turned on.
Mayor Mosley added that the TIF discussion should be placed on the Worksession agenda even if there is not a representative is not able to attend.
CM Schachter asked if there was a response from Park and Planning on the Dog Park, a letter stating that the feasibility would be conducted was recently received.
Mayor Mosley asked about the gymnasium bleachers. Mr. Warrington responded that one set has not been reinstalled because they were broken. He is considering a donation from a church and he has also priced out purchasing options. He added that the soda machine will remain outside the gym and that he would look for the pads.
Police Department Report
Chief Robshaw gave the 2006 summary (attached to original of minutes). He reported that criminal incidents decreased by 13%; the most notable crime on the decline being stolen autos, which were down 70%. Robberies and burglaries increased (perpetrators lived in Town). Community members were responsible for large arrests. Although there was a 50% turnover this year they are back to a young and inexperienced staff; however, they will be fully staffed in February (first time in 5 years).
The next CPACT meeting is on January 30 and will hopefully be held in the new building. Each crime category will be reviewed and solutions proposed. There are 20 openings remaining for the second Women’s’ Self Defense Class scheduled for April 21. The class will be held in the gym.
Chief Robshaw responded to CM Schachter that he could discuss his thoughts on why auto thefts have declined at a Worksession.
Mayor Mosley commended the Chief for the arrests made and cases solved.
Mayor and Council Announcements
Mayor Mosley announced that she, Mr. Warrington and Mr. Colaresi met with Douglas Development to discuss a contract. Another meeting is scheduled for February 7. Information on density was positive and the only mixed news was that the contract contains good language regarding protections should the development consist of high-end apartments.
CM Oslik stated that he attended a meeting with Mayor Davis (Greenbelt) where the Mayor discussed how Greenbelt successfully negotiated agreements with developments that utilized green building technology.
Attorney Colaresi summarized that the main issue is that the Developer wants the Town’s consent to have the property rezoned from Industrial to Mixed Use. Mixed Use gives the Developer the flexibility to build as he wishes (retail, residential, etc). The Town wants to reserve the right to comment and take any position they want on the actual proposals before zoning. The town is only committing to the change in zoning.
Mayor Mosley announced that Congressman Wynn would hold a Town Meeting on January 11 at the Judith Hoyer Center from 10:00 – 11:30 AM and will give a brief legislative update. CM Oslik will welcome him on her behalf (she will be out of town).
CM Oslik clarified that Congressman Wynn is scheduled to attend the next Progressive Cheverly Meeting on February 1 at 7:00 PM.
CM Oslik announced that a Jazz and Blues Concert and Dance would be held on January 20 from 6 – 9:00 PM. The event is a fundraiser for the Safe Passages Mentoring Program, which benefits at risk teens. The program operates out of the Cheverly United Methodist Church. The concert will feature two groups and tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door; children under 11 get in free. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Interested residents may see CM Oslik for tickets or can call 301/773-7888 or email dcthorpe2000@yahoo.com.
CM Oslik announced that he recently attended two presentations on global warming and he has some thoughts about what Cheverly can do on a local level. This item was placed on the Worksession agenda.
Committee Reports
Recreation Council
There was no report.
Cheverly Day Committee
Nick DeAngelo reported that Cheverly Day is on May 19, 2007. Activities include: a dance (May 18), the Cicada Crunch, two stages (featuring local and regional acts) and fireworks. Ad space in the program booklet is available. More information will be shared at the Worksession.
Citizen Input
Laila Riazi, 3406 Belleview Avenue asked the Council to take a more active role in addressing global warming. She also attended the presentation with CM Oslik that was given by Mike Tidwell. The issues she would like to see addressed include more attention to recycling, individual composting.
Mayor Mosley added that one of the things on the Worksession agenda is the Cheverly Handbook; which can be a useful vehicle for disseminating this type of information.
63rd Avenue Traffic
Mayor Mosley summarized that a number of citizens have approached the Council on this topic. The police have been doing a lot of enforcement and the results were astounding.
CM Oslik stated that he wanted to give an opportunity to those who have not participated in the petition to give their input. The town is working to re-position stop signs located at the corner of 63rd Avenue and Kilmer Street. The Town has asked the property owner next to one of the signs to remove obstructing shrubbery. The Public Works Director conducted traffic studies, and the Council is discussing the following proposals: making a no left turn from 63rd on to Kilmer Street (during school opening and closing hours) excluding school buses; installing more stop signs on 63rd Avenue (Joslyn and at Spellman driveway) as opposed to speed humps; changing Inwood Street between 63rd Avenue and Laurel Avenue in to a two way street.
Since these items appeared in the Newsletter, residents who live below Inwood Street on 63rd Avenue put together their own petition for a speed hump but it was not sufficient. CM Oslik also suggested consideration of stop signs at the corner of 63rd Avenue and Inwood Street.
There are also residents on Montrose Road and Parkway who are concerned about speeding cars.
Marsha Minor, 2816 63rd Avenue complained about speeding police vehicles.
Michael Giese, 6208 Kilmer Street thanked his neighbors Diane Beedle and Rachel Mears for spearheading the petition effort. He fully supports the request for speed humps on Kilmer Street and would like to get more information on the cost. There seems to be a drastic increase in traffic during school openings and closings. He feels that more stop signs on 63rd Avenue will not make motorists slow down if they disregard current stop signs. He thanked CM Oslik for responding to his email.
Mayor Mosley responded that the cost of speed humps is not a consideration.
Diane Beedle, 3130 63rd Avenue stated that the problems on lower 63rd Avenue should be taken into consideration.
Mayor Mosley added that this item would be discussed at the Worksession and at that time, a report from the Public Works Director would be ready. The Police have already conducted a traffic study. A vote would not occur until the February meeting.
The next Worksession is January 25. Agenda: renewal of lobbyist contract; discussion of CM selection procedures; discussion of the Friendly Inn; abandonment of right-of-way on Belleview; 63rd Avenue traffic; mark up of Cheverly Handbook; audit discussion; 2008 budget; pandemic flu preparation and 3 on 3 basketball for Cheverly Day.
Green Space Discussion
Mr. Warrington summarized that the town has been saving program open space funds and has received a livability grant from the County for 5811 Landover Road (Palm Reading building). The owner has agreed to the offer and Mr. Warrington’s is awaiting the owner to counter sign the contract. The Town will own the property through 100% reimbursable funds from the State.
Mr. Warrington responded to CM Callahan that the purchase price for this property is $297,500 and the timeframe for settlement is estimated in April or May. Removal of the building could take another six (6) months.
CM Callahan expressed that that the owner of the empty lot at 3414 Belleview Avenue wants to sell it and has received an offer for $140,000. No contract has been signed. The owner was waiting to see whether the Town would make an offer. CM Callahan asked the Mayor and Council to consider making an offer. CM Callahan reviewed the property estimate. The seller wants $70,000 for the property. A neighbor has offered to purchase part of the property for $15,000; which could make the Town’s purchase price $55,000. In this case, the property would need to be resurveyed. He added that the Town could commit at a minimum $65,000 or a maximum of $80,000 giver or take the neighbors offer. According to Mr. Warrington, funds for this transaction would be drawn from budget
reserves. This property abuts the Cheverly Nature Park. CM Callahan suggested creating an easement for this property so that it is not developed.
Laila Riazi, 3406 Belleview Avenue (home adjoins the empty lot in question) stated that she has had her property surveyed for a fence and from the front of her property to the ridge is about 4-5 feet, and from the back of the property to the ridge that could be 10 feet. There is a natural topographical demarcation and she was looking to offer funds toward the purchase of the lot to make the property more affordable for the town. She added that the mature trees and azaleas on the lot would suffer from relocation and development of that property if it does not become protected green space.
· CM Callahan moved to empower the Town Administrator to enter into a negotiation to acquire an easement over 3414 Belleview Avenue with a maximum price that we would gain at whatever the prorated amount. No record of second or vote.
Resolution R-1-07 Appointing Election Clerks
· CM Schachter moved adoption of Resolution R-1-07, Appointing Election Clerks Mary Jane Ulrich, Susanne Rosnick and Janet Isaacson. Seconded by CM Watson. Approved 4-0 in favor, CMs Ford & Oladele absent.
Resolution R-3-07 Appointing Election Judges
The following individuals are being considered for the position of Election Judge:
Wd 1 Ted Lemanski
Wd 2 Susan Pruden
Wd 3 Barbara Pejokovich
Wd 4 Catherine Wintermyer
Wd 5
Wd 6 Reginald Fitzgerald
Reclassification of Town Position
Mayor Mosley summarized that a part time position is needed in the Town Office. At budget time, a Grade 6 part time position was proposed that would serve as back up the Town Clerk and the Town Treasurer. Desired skills include web experience, and computer literacy. Needs have changed and the position is now being proposed as full time – thus a grade increase to a 7 is being proposed in order to attract skilled candidates.
· CM Watson moved that the front office administrative assistant position be regarded from a part time grade 6 to a full time grade 7. Seconded by CM Oslik. Approved 4-0 in favor, CMs Ford & Oladele absent.
Meeting adjourned 10:45 p.m.
Town of Cheverly
Summary of Action
January 11, 2007
1. CM Watson moved to excuse Vice Mayor Ford. Seconded by CM Oslik. Unanimously approved.
2. CM Callahan moved to excuse CM Schachter. Seconded by CM Oslik. Unanimously approved.
3. CM Schachter arrived.
4. CM Callahan moved to empower the Town Administrator to enter into a negotiation to acquire an easement over 3414 Belleview Avenue with a maximum price that we would gain at whatever the prorated amount. No record of second or vote
5. CM Schachter moved adoption of Resolution R-1-07, Appointing Election Clerks Mary Jane Ulrich, Susanne Rosnik and Janet Isaakson. Seconded by CM Watson. Approved 4-0 in favor, CMs Ford & Oladele absent.
6. CM Watson moved that the front office administrative assistant position be regarded from a part time grade 6 to a full time grade 7. Seconded by CM Oslik. Approved 4-0 in favor, CMs Ford & Oladele absent.
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