DRAFT
Town of Cheverly
Meeting Minutes
March 12, 2009
Call to Order
Meeting called to order at 8:00 pm in the Cheverly Community Center.
In attendance: Mayor Mosley, Mr. Warrington, Chief Robshaw, and CMs Callahan, Watson, Eldridge, Johnson, and Schachter.
Pledge of Allegiance
Agenda/Approval/Changes
Approved as written.
Minutes – Town Meeting 2/12/08
Approved as written.
Worksession 2/26/09
Approved as Written.
Town Administrator Report
Mr. Warrington announced that the Town will be taking orders for the mulch delivery in April. The fee is charged to cover gas and the labor involved in delivering the mulch.
Police Department Report
Chief Robshaw reported on the month of February. The next CPACT meeting is scheduled for April 7 at 7pm. There has been a surge in home security survey requests. There was one robbery last month and should be closed soon. Two grants were recently received: 1) an additional $5,000 from the State was given for the Town’s Pedestrian Enforcement Program (officers will be out during school hours); and 2) the Department of Justice provided a grant for approximately $22,000. The Town is looking into buying new computer equipment. However, the Police Department is interested in gaining input from residents for use of the grant funds.
A police car was recently totaled by a drunk driver. However, the grant prohibits using the money for the purchase of vehicles.
The task force will be operating again next month. Hopefully, this will lead to further reductions in crime. The Police Department is also seeking a grant in order to hire an additional officer.
Mayor Mosley has spoken with Giant’s management about the panhandlers outside of the store. The management has been reluctant to ask the panhandlers to leave the premises.
Mayor and Council Announcements
Mayor Mosley stated that the Town’s CM elections are in May. March 20 is the deadline for submitting an application to run for CM.
CM Watson thanked Mr. Warrington and Mr. Torres for quickly replacing the Dewey Street stop sign that was taken down by a driver. Also, CM Watson requested that the following agenda items be added: Cheverly Day and Community Market Insurance, bus stop benches on Cheverly Avenue, and feral cats.
Mayor Mosley stated that these items would be included. Pepco and the Sector Plan will be on the agenda as well.
CM Callahan stated that the 202 Coalition will be having a meeting on March 23 about the Landover Mall. Parks and Recreation will have a series of meetings in the County regarding green space, an indoor soccer arena, and a dog park outside of Cheverly. Please check the Parks and Recreation website. CM Callahan thanked Mr. Warrington for his efforts in posting the newsletter’s Community Bulletin Board on the website.
CM Eldridge thanked Spellman Elementary School for its invitation to judge the thoughtful and creative science fair held recently.
Also, on March 26 at the Community Center there will be a CAPS meeting.
CM Schachter stated that the new community gardens at Boyd Park still have some available plots. Also, the CMs voted unanimously to purchase a snow blower. It is hoped that this will allow the town to clean the sidewalks in a more efficient manner. Finally, Public Works did a great job removing the graffiti from the “Welcome to Cheverly sign” by the 7-11.
Committee Reports
Recreation Council
Barbara announced that March 24 is the next open meeting. The flea market will take place April 4th. There are still a few tables available for purchase. The Easter Egg Hunt is on April 11. Finally, residents are encouraged to apply for the John Dent Wilson scholarship. Call Judy DeLeonabus at 301-386-4251 for instructions on applying. There is another scholarship for candidates interested in entering the field of Parks and Recreation. Please call Harlan Tucker at 301-262-1010 for more information.
Mayor Mosley added that some scholarships are available through our delegates and senators.
Cheverly Day Report
CM Watson announced that Cheverly Day is June 6, and the website is up (cheverlyday.com). There will be no parade, dance, or book (although there will be a 4 page insert in the newsletter). There will be a tennis tournament the last Saturday in May. The Cicada Crunch will likely take place. CM Watson added that there are plans for video games for the 8-18 age range. It is hoped that there will be a Peace Month event on the Friday night before Cheverly Day (in lieu of the dance).
Nick D’Angelo stated that sponsors are very much needed for the moon bounce, fireworks, and other activities. The History Club is also working on a display for the lobby.
CM Callahan discussed the Cheverly’s History Club’s development of a Cheverly history timeline for Cheverly Day. There will also be a whiteboard for residents to write history on.
Green Infrastructure Plan Steering Committee
CM Eldridge stated that the Committee is planning some educational meetings. The next meeting is in the Community Room. Jennifer Cotting from the University of Maryland’s Finance Department will discuss ways to finance some of the projects that the Committee is proposing (i.e. purchasing green space and trees). CM Eldridge encouraged residents to visit the Cheverly Green Plan website which has up to date information on events and meetings.
CM Eldridge announced that Jeremy Spoon is the new Planning Board chair. Mr. Spoon arranged to meet with Margaret McCarlan, the Director of the Colbin Institute of Real Estate Development at the University of Maryland, to discuss a pilot program developed in her department. The program seeks to help local communities plan real estate and economic development, and provide technical assistance to help the community. This project and the town’s involvement will be discussed more at a future work session. The Planning Board will be having a meeting on Saturday from 10-11:30.
Hugh Guest, former Planning Board Chair, stated that this Committee is an opportunity for residents to get involved with Cheverly’s future, and propose ideas for the Town. The Committee also discusses development opportunities along the areas of the hospital, Landover Road, and the Metro station. Recommends that members of the Board write down all our ideas to see which ones make sense and what is possible.
Citizen Input
None
Introduction O-2-09 Amending the Parking Restrictions
Mr. Warrington discussed the change to the parking regulations to prohibit leaving unattended running cars on private property. This is currently a county violation. This proposed amendment is the result of recent thefts to cars left running in the street/driveways in front of homes.
Mayor Mosley stated this is the second reading of the proposed amendment. The proposed amendment will be discussed at the worksession.
CM Callahan stated that he sent out a request for comment in his ward. The response from residents appeared to be divided on the issue.
CM Eldridge stated that in his ward, residents appeared to be mostly not in favor of this proposal. Also, CM Eldridge expressed an interest in finding out if other local towns have a similar code.
CM Watson stated he is leaning towards not supporting the amendment.
CM Schachter stated he is in favor of the proposed amendment. The merits of the proposal are reducing car thefts and police time spent in pursuing the suspects. CM Schachter suggested a compromise, which would include allowing the car to run unattended on private property when there are icy conditions or if a safety device were in place.
Mayor Mosley stated that the proposed amendment may be voted on at the next meeting.
Meeting adjourned.
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