Dear Neighbors:
With the local Takoma Park election results now finalized (https://takomaparkmd.gov/news/city-election-information/election-day-results/), I’m honored to have been re-elected and to know that I’ll have the opportunity to continue working collaboratively with the residents of Ward One for the betterment of the entire City. Thanks to everyone who voted. For those who didn’t have a chance to see it yet, you can read my post-election statement here: https://www.peterkovarforcitycouncil.com/takoma_park_election_results_news
UPCOMING CITY COUNCIL SCHEDULE
After our brief break for the election, the City Council will soon be resuming operations. On Thursday, November 12, at 7:30 PM we’ll meet virtually to hear from the Board of Elections in a special session at which they will present the official election results, which the Council will then formally certify. That meeting can be viewed by the community, though there isn’t a public comment period.
Then on Monday, November 16, the current Council will hold its final meeting, starting at 12:30 PM, followed by the swearing-in of the Mayor and Councilmembers at approximately 1:30 PM. I anticipate that the initial meeting, which will include votes on approving minutes for previous Council meetings, will be brief. This meeting will include a public comment period.
The swearing-in will be conducted in person, socially distanced, outside the Community Center (under State law, the swearing-in is required to be done in person). Because of concerns about COVID, including the new limitations on group gatherings, the ceremony is not being planned as a public event, with only a few staff and some family members expected to be in attendance.
The first official meeting of the new Council will take place at 7:30 PM on Wednesday, November 18. Agenda details are not yet available.
The public may view these events in all the usual ways: on City TV (RCN – 13, HD 1060; Comcast/xfinity – 13, HD 997; Verizon Fios – 28), on the City Council Video Page of the City Website; on YouTube; or on Facebook.
COVID UPDATE
City staff has updated the Takoma Park COVID-19 Dashboard with data effective through November 6. Several key data points flagged by staff:
· No new deaths reported.
· 21 new cases reported.
· Infection rate increased to 4.1% compared to the County rate of 2.6%
Drive-through and walk-up testing at the Washington Adventist campus (in the parking lot behind Sligo Adventist Church) continues every Wednesday from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM. This past Wednesday, another 155 people were tested at WAU, for a total of 609 tested so far.
There is also free testing available outdoors at Takoma Academy Preparatory School (8300 Carroll Ave.) on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, sponsored by the UMSI-Meduni Audelia Community Response Team. Appointments are required. You can call to schedule at 240-621-0762 or visit: https://allcarefamilymed.com/covid19-test-takoma-park-md.
You can find information on other County testing sites through this link: https://montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19/testing.html
Meanwhile, in response to increases in COVID cases, Montgomery County has put in place a new, more restrictive COVID order, which went into effect at 5:00 PM today: https://www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgportalapps/Press_Detail.aspx?Item_ID=28094.
Major changes in the order include:
· Gatherings of more than 25 people are prohibited at locations including parties, receptions, parades, festivals and fundraisers. Large events that are planned must be cancelled or postponed.
Limit capacity for indoor dining, retail establishments, fitness centers, salons and religious facilities to 25% (reduced from 50%)
Cut off carry-out and delivery services from restaurants at 10 p.m.
No alcohol served at restaurants past 10 p.m.
Require restaurants to keep a daily record of indoor and outdoor dining customers for at least 30 days to assist with contact tracing
Governor Hogan has also issued a new, more restrictive order, which goes into effect at 5:00 PM on Wednesday: https://governor.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/EO-11.10.20.pdf. Key changes include a reduction in bar and restaurant capacity from 75% down to 50%, and a strong advisement to cap indoor gatherings at no more than 25 people.
INTERIM REGULATIONS FOR TREE ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS
The City Manager has issued interim regulations for implementation of the Tree Ordinance revisions the Council approved this past summer. The regulations are focused on changes in fees for various actions under the Ordinance and updated requirements relating to noxious and invasive plants. The interim regulations will be in effect for 60 days (until early January) at which time the regulations will be finalized. I’m reviewing the changes we made to the Ordinance to assess whether other aspects of those changes -- beyond the fees and noxious/undesirable plants -- may also require regulatory changes. You can see the interim regulations here: https://takomaparkmd.gov/initiatives/project-directory/tree-ordinance-review-tree-canopy-goal/. Comments on the regulations, including any suggested changes, should be sent to the attention of City Manager Suzanne Ludlow at suzannel@takomaparkmd.gov
Peter Kovar, Takoma Park City Council, Ward One
240-319-6281; www.councilmemberkovar.com
(He, Him, His)
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