Town of Cheverly
Meeting Minutes
January 9, 2009
Call to Order
Meeting called to order at 8:00 pm in the Cheverly Community Center.
In attendance: Mayor Mosley, Vice Mayor Ford, Mr. Warrington, Chief Robshaw, and CMs. Callahan, Watson, Johnson, and Schachter.
Pledge of Allegiance
CM Callahan moves to excuse CM Eldridge. Vice Mayor Ford Seconded. Unanimously approved.
Agenda/Approval/Changes
Approved as written.
Minutes – Town Meeting 11/9/08
Approved as written.
Minutes – Town Meeting 12/13/08
Reserved for February.
Town Administrator Report
Mr. Warrington announced that the leave collection schedule is winding down. Public Works is readying the trucks with plows. Mr. Warrington reminded all residents to adhere to the snow emergency schedule otherwise cars may be ticketed.
Police Department Report
Chief Robshaw reported on the end of the year statistics. December was not a good month because there were a number of assaults, and breaking and entering crimes, which have persisted throughout the year. There were 3 assaults, all closed by arrest, and 6 burglaries (closed with 4 arrests). Some of those arrests are attributed to citizen assistance. In addition, there were 4 robberies, 2 closed by arrest; 1 sex offense; 5 stolen autos; and 20 thefts (mostly shoplifters). For 2008, assaults were up 42%. The close rate was about 80%. Burglaries also went up in 2008 by 25% (5 arrests were made for burglaries in the past month). This was our worst year for conducting home security surveys. Further, for the vast majority of stolen property cases,
residents could not provide serial numbers for electronics to assist in locating the stolen merchandise. Robberies went down slightly. There was only 1 carjacking, which was closed by arrest. Car theft was down 25%. The crime rate overall is at its lowest since 1996, and has dropped 3 years in a row; however we still have a lot of work. The task force operations and resident radio program helped make a difference in crime. Most of the crimes are committed by local residents (2 groups from Cheverly and others from surrounding areas).
Four panhandlers were spoken to and escorted from the premises of the Giant shopping center on Landover Road. If they are seen again, they will be arrested. Residents are encouraged to report panhandlers to the police.
Mayor and Council Announcements
Mayor Mosley announced that the work session is not on the 4th Thursday, but rather on Jan. 29, 2009. The agenda items include: the budget (there are no surprises and positions within town will not be cut at this time); new lighting at Columbia Road and Arbor Street areas; the 59th avenue tree removal and replacement (an initiative of the Tree Commission and Public Works); stop sign and speed hump discussions for the 2900 block of 64th avenue; the Cheverly Day Handbook; presentation of the Town Park Concession and State Proposal; annexation; and etiquette and protocol at town meetings.
Chief Robshaw announced that the Town received a grant from the Department of Transportation to enforce pedestrian violations and cars that do not yield to pedestrians crossing. This issue will be particularly addressed in the area of Landover Road and Kilmer Street.
CM Schachter urged the Town Administrator to look at giving new priority for clearing the Columbia Park Road sidewalks for residents approaching the metro from either side. CM Schachter requested that this issue be added to the work session agenda.
Mr. Warrington stated that the Town starts with streets and then sidewalks that are the responsibility of the town. The Town addresses the streets first, and then gives priority to the Columbia Park Road sidewalks leading to the metro.
CM Callahan requested that Cheverly’s holiday traditions be added to the January work session agenda. In addition, CM Callahan announced that St. Ambrose is hosting the Girl Scout bingo fundraiser. In addition, for the month of January there will be increased helicopter presence due to training for the inauguration. Finally, the County is conducting a survey for 2010 parking planning needs. Any resident interested in this survey can do an internet search of Park and Planning’s, Parking Planning Survey.
Mr. Colaresi announced that the University of Maryland filed an amended petition to include the Town of Cheverly on the appeal of the Concrete Plant approval.
Committee Reports
Recreation Council
None.
Citizen Input
None.
Holiday Decorating Contest
CM Johnson announced the holiday decoration awards.
Ward 1 : 3002 Belleview Avenue, 6006 Kilmer Street, 3003 Crest Avenue, 3001 Crest Avenue, 3123 Belleview Avenue, 6007 Kilmer Street, 3110 Belleview Avenue, 3306 Belleview Avenue, 3114 Belleview Avenue, 3203 Tremont Avenue, and 3402 Cheverly Avenue
Ward 2: 5729 Euclid Street, and 2601 Valleyway Place
Ward 3: 2804 Laurel Avenue
Ward 4: 2701 Parkway Place, 6431 Forest Road, 6430 Forest Road
Ward 6: 2910 Cheverly Oaks Court, 3111 63rd Place, and 3001 Hillside Avenue.
Second Reading of O-01-09 Amending the Building Code
Mayor Mosley stated that the Town is considering amending the building code.
Mr. Colaresi stated that the Town has decided to amend the building permit code because of the length of time home improvement projects are taking. Building permits will be issued for 6 months. The work must be completed within that time. The Town may issue segmented permits for work to be divided and completed within a specified time. Fines and penalties may be assessed when stop work orders are violated.
Vice Mayor Ford made a motion to pass O-01-09, Amending the Building Code. CM Callahan Seconded. Unanimously approved.
R-2-09 Appointing Election Judges
The entire Town Council is up for election in May. The following election judges are proposed:
Ted Lamanski for Ward 1, Susan Pruden for Ward 2, Barbara Pejokovich for Ward 3, Kathryn Wintermyer for Ward 4, Reginald Meyer for Ward 6. There is an opening for Ward 5.
CM Watson made a motion to adopt R-2-09 as drafted. CM Schachter seconded. Unanimously approved.
Election clerks are traditionally staff members of the Town office.
CM Callahan made a motion to adopt R-1-09 for the appointment of election clerks. CM Schachter seconded. Unanimously approved.
Meeting adjourned.
Town of Cheverly
Summary of Action
January 9, 2009
- CM Callahan moved to excuse CM Eldridge. Vice Mayor Ford Seconded. Unanimously approved.
Vice Mayor Ford made a motion to pass O-01-09, Amending the Building Code. CM Callahan Seconded. Unanimously approved.
CM made motion to adopt R-2-09 as drafted. CM Schachter seconded. Unanimously approved.
CM Callahan made a motion to adopt R-1-09 for the appointment of election clerks. CM Schachter seconded. Unanimously approved.
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