Dear Neighbors:
While this past weekend was very different from most Memorial Day weekends because of the Covid-19 pandemic, I trust residents were still able to honor the holiday and interact with friends and families in meaningful ways.
There’s no City Council meeting this week, so this edition of my blog includes a few updates, some information on key upcoming Council sessions, and several important announcements.
City Council Schedule
Last week, the Council took its final votes on the property tax rate (which was approved 5-2; I voted no) and the City budget (approved 6 - 1; I voted yes). My blog from last week includes a detailed discussion of my views on these issues: http://www.councilmemberkovar.com/blog/2020/5/18/may-20-2021-city-council-meeting-agenda.
For our June 3 meeting, the agenda includes a discussion of the Emergency Authority the Council previously approved for City Manager Suzanne Ludlow during the pandemic. You can see here the list of the emergency actions she has taken under this authority: https://takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-manager/.
On June 10, we’ll have an update on the work City staff is doing to assist residents and businesses facing challenges related to Covid-19. The staff information and our discussion will help us determine how to use the Covid-19 fund we established as part of the budget for Fiscal Year 2021 (which begins on July 1).
In the June 17 meeting, key topics include proposed amendments to the Tree Ordinance and an urban forest policy/tree canopy resolution. We may vote on these proposals later in June.
Montgomery College Forum on the Math-Science Building Construction Project -- Tonight
The College has scheduled a project forum for tonight (Tuesday, May 26) at 6:00 PM to provide an update on the abatement process and an overview on construction progress. The meeting will be conducted through Zoom. Use this link to register: https://montgomerycollege.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2RZ7HG8sTiur6vLt30zIsQ?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=RSVP&utm_campaign=tpss_leggett. If you have questions you would like the College to address during the forum, you can send an email to community@montgomerycollege.edu. MC Provost Brad Stewart’s message about this forum also noted that the College will be sending residents a separate invitation for a meeting in the near future about the College’s tree plan for the Math-Science Building project.
Albany Avenue Stormwater Project
The Public Works Department informs me a City contractor will soon be starting the stormwater work on Albany Avenue that was discussed earlier. The exact start date isn’t clear, and will depend on weather and other factors. But it’s likely the crews will be marking the area perhaps as soon as this week. The planned work is a new stormwater drain line under the street to replace the failed line just below the Buffalo/Albany intersection. City staff will drop off flyers at homes near the affected area before work begins.
Update on Recreation Department Programs
Summer Camps: All in-person summer camps have been canceled and the Department will shortly be sending an email with options for refunds.
Child Care Programs: The Department is actively working to refund remaining Morning/Afternoon Addition and After the Bell fees. They are waiting to hear MCPS’s final plans for next school year before developing a comparable program and accepting registrations.
Facility Rentals: Rentals through June 30 have been canceled and refunds are being processed.
Memberships: Renewals of memberships at the Takoma Park Recreation Center have been suspended, and will be extended later based on the length of time the City is closed.
Summer Registration: Registration for virtual summer classes and activities will open soon. Classes will begin in July and will be free or have a nominal registration fee.
You can see details about the Department’s activities through The Virtual Community Center
City Manager Comments from May 20 Council Meeting https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-manager/city-manager-comments/2020/City%20Manager%20Comments_%2005.20.2020.pdf. The City Manager’s comments include information on planned contact-less Library services.
Parking Permit 2021-22 Renewals
Residential parking permit renewal begins Monday, June 1, but with the pandemic the Police Department can’t process permits at this time. The Department anticipates being able to do so beginning on August 1, and the renewal deadline has been extended from June 30 to August 31. Residents can still mail in renewal requests, but they won’t be processed immediately. Permit applications can be found here: https://takomaparkmd.gov/government/police/permit-area-parking/. Call 301-891-7112 with any questions.
Peter Kovar, Takoma Park City Council, Ward One
240-319-6281; www.councilmemberkovar.com
(He, Him, His)
Important Privacy Notice: All correspondence, including emails, to or from City of Takoma Park agencies, officials, and employees is subject to the Maryland Public Information Act and may be disclosed to the public.