Dear Neighbors:
Here’s a link to the agenda for the January 21, 2021 City Council meeting: https://takomaparkmd.gov/meeting_agendas/city-council-meeting-agenda-january-21-2021/. We’re meeting on Thursday instead of Wednesday because of the MLK holiday on Monday, as well as the Inauguration. We start at 6:00 PM in a closed session to receive legal advice from the City Attorney. In the public meeting, which begins at 7:30 PM, there are four scheduled votes on these topics: changes to the Police Retirement Plan; the Collective Bargaining Agreement for City employees covered by AFSCME; compensation adjustments for non-union City employees; and a single Consent Agenda vote containing resolutions on four separate purchases (a replacement food waste collection vehicle, Police mobile computers, four replacement Police vehicles, and extension of a Library computer/software contract).
Prior to the voting session, we’ll receive a presentation from the City Board of Elections on the recent local elections. There will also be Work Session discussions on a County Zoning Text Amendment to make it easier to place duplexes, townhouses and small apartments in residential areas within one mile of Metro Stations, and on a budget amendment containing adjustments to the current Fiscal Year budget. You can see more information on all these agenda items below. Residents who wish to provide public comments need to sign up by 5:00 PM on Thursday: link to sign up for public comments.
BOARD OF ELECTIONS PRESENTATION
Background Information https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/agendas/2021/council-20210121-1.pdf
Board Report: https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/agendas/2021/takoma-park-2020-city-election-report.pdf
This past November’s local election was challenging both because it was the first year of synchronization with Federal and State elections and because the COVID pandemic necessitated the use of mail in/drop off ballots. Despite these difficulties, the election was overall a success, with a substantial increase in voter turnout. This was a prime goal of synchronization. Looking forward, we need to consider whether to use mail-in/drop off ballots in future elections, return to a traditional physical polling place system, or perhaps adopt a hybrid approach. The Board report will help inform Council decisions on these and related points, and also serve as a useful recap of pros and cons and lessons learned from the recent election.
UPDATES
COVID DASHBOARD
The Takoma Park Data Dashboard has been updated with data through January 15, 2021, as well as with two new charts comparing the share of cases with the share of population for race/ethnicity and age groups. Here are other key data points provided by City staff:
· There were 87 new cases since last week, for a confirmed case total of 1,272 and a city prevalence of 7.2%.
· There have been 112 new cases since the start of January, and the 7-day moving average of new cases per 100k residents remains elevated around December levels.
· Available data shows disparities in positive-testing rates for different racial and ethnic groups in Takoma Park. Hispanic residents represent 11.6% of Takoma Park's population but 34.6% of all COVID cases, the highest of any racial/ethnic group (Maryland and Montgomery County have similar disparities, although less pronounced; for instance, Hispanic residents of Montgomery County make up 20.1% of the population and 30.2% of positive-cases).
Additionally, cases of the United Kingdom COVID-19 variant -- which has been estimated to spread at a 50% higher infection rate -- were discovered in Maryland. Finally, testing on Saturdays and Wednesdays at the Recreation Center from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM continues; no testing cancellations are expected this week. A total of 212 people were tested last Saturday. For other Montgomery County testing locations, visit this link.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES RETREAT. The Council held its annual priorities setting retreat on Saturday from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. This was not a decision-making event, but rather an opportunity for Councilmembers to hear from staff on key issues and initiatives and offer some of our initial thoughts on priorities for the coming year. We’ll be reporting out on the retreat in an upcoming Council meeting and developing a revised priorities list, with opportunities for residents to offer their views before the list is finalized and voted on. You can see background and the most recent priority list here: https://takomaparkmd.gov/meeting_agendas/city-council-remote-retreat-saturday-january-16-2021/. If you’re interested in watching video of the retreat, it’s in two separate sections here: https://takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/meetings-and-documents/city-council-video/. Scroll down to January 16 to find the relevant links.
The priorities list typically has more issues on it than can be addressed or accomplished in one year -- in some ways it also serves as a statement of what we care about. Some of the priorities I mentioned (during the meeting or in subsequent follow-ups) include the following:
COVID -- I support spending more money from our COVID fund as soon as possible, given our high infection rate compared to the County. In particular, I’d like to see us spend more now on food insecurity, with more funds potentially being devoted to eviction if the moratoriums end. I continue to believe we need more data and metrics on COVID needs in our community. One of the ideas Mayor Stewart mentioned was hiring a “navigator” to help with community outreach and engagement on the pandemic. I agree with this approach, ideally joined with an advisory committee of community leaders.
Housing & Economic Development -- establishing partnerships with foundations, non-profits or financial institutions that can help us scale up our affordable housing efforts; expanding eligibility for our Home Stretch down payment assistance program; strengthening our Rent Stabilization law,; supporting small business incubator sites; and standardizing our Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) program which helps preserve affordable housing.
Climate Framework -- addressing the stormwater impact of intense rain storms; moving forward on the multi-year tree canopy plan called for in last year’s tree policy resolution; finalizing the Open Space Management Plan, ideally including a public garden program; coordinating closely with Montgomery County on their climate plan; phasing out gasoline powered leaf blowers; and taking steps to curb wood smoke pollution.
Racial Equity -- given the timing of our budget work, building place holders or other contingencies into the budget for recommendations our Reimagining Public Safety Task Force may make; more translation of City documents and meetings perhaps -- as suggested by the Mayor -- using simultaneous translation technology if it’s financially and otherwise feasible; continuing our work to explore increases in Council compensation to help enable more residents to run for office; and making sure racial equity is incorporated into all major initiatives like the Climate Framework, the Open Space Plan, the Housing Strategic Plan and the multi-year tree plan.
Other Issues -- more budget transparency; continuing to focus on addressing conflicts that arise relating to noise, lighting and other quality of life issues at the boundaries between residential and commercial areas; finding ways to improve communication and responsiveness from utility companies; improving pedestrian safety; completing review of and action on the sign ordinance; considering whether guidelines are needed for freecycling and curb alerts; and doing a deep dive into the pros and cons of City versus County control on areas like trash/recycling and recreation.
KEY ITEMS FROM LAST WEEK’S COUNCIL MEETING
Financial Update/Hold List: We had a lengthy discussion of the City’s financial condition and the hold list (funds set aside potentially for use in the COVID response). You can see the staff presentation deck through this link: https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/agendas/2021/Documents/FY21-Financial-Update.pdf.
The key areas of concern I emphasized in the discussion included the following:
· arguing for continuing to keep the hold funds on hold if we’re not going to expend them in the short-term for COVID relief, while we continue to monitor potential COVID needs (in other words, don’t use the money for its originally intended purposes, such as road repair);
· recommending that CARES Act and FEMA reimbursements the City receives for COVID response work go directly into our existing COVID fund rather than into general budget reserves;
· checking on whether our income tax payments from the County are keeping pace with expectations during the pandemic (mostly, so far);
· inquiring about the incidence of City residents having difficulties paying property taxes (to date, City staff have only heard from a few people);
· making the point that we should only move to implement the proposed tiered stormwater fee structure (under which residents’ stormwater fees would be based on the amount of impervious surfaces on their property) if we’re also taking steps to begin addressing the growing stormwater flow challenges in the City connected to the increased incidence of intense rain storms.
City Manager Comments from Last Week’s Council Meeting (Jan. 13): Here’s a link to Suzanne Ludlow’s official City Manager comments: https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-manager/city-manager-comments/2020/City%20Manager%20Comments%20_%2001.13.2021.pdf. Topics include Inauguration Day security and COVID.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Police Chief Statement on Inauguration Related Security: Chief DeVaul has issued several statements since the US Capitol insurrection. Here’s a link to the most recent one: https://takomaparkmd.gov/news-alert/police-chiefs-update-on-security-preparedness/
Free Flu Shots, Friday, January 22 at the Rec Center on New Hampshire Avenue: https://takomaparkmd.gov/news-alert/fight-the-flu-free-flu-clinic-on-friday-jan-22-from-3pm-to-6pm/. Of course everyone’s concerned about COVID vaccines, but for those who want flu shots this is an opportunity.
Applications to Serve on the Reimagining Public Safety Task Force Due January 29: https://takomaparkmd.gov/news-alert/call-for-applications-reimagining-public-safety-task-force/
VOTING SESSION
Police Retirement Plan Amendments: https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/agendas/2021/council-20210121-2-rev.pdf. There are two proposed changes: an early retirement lump sum payment program, and giving officers retirement credit for previous military service (which can be an effective recruiting and retention tool). I plan to vote yes.
AFSCME Collective Bargaining Agreement: https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/agendas/2021/council-20210121-3.pdf. This CBA covers City union staff other than those in the Police Department. While there are a number of policy changes relating to benefits for employees, the key provision limits pay increases to 1.5%, substantially down from the potential increase of up to 4.5% originally in the budget. This increase is the same as in the CBA for the Police Union (which was approved in October), and in the proposed wage adjustments for supervisors and other staff in the agenda item below. Taken together, the Police CBA, this AFSCME CBA, and the two separate non-union plans (the supervisors and a separate non-union compensation package approved in October) result in an estimated net reduction of $550,000 from the amount budgeted for personnel, according to City staff. I plan to vote in favor of the CBA and the other wage adjustments.
Wage Adjustments for Other Staff: https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/agendas/2021/council-20210121-4.pdf. This proposal covers 31 employees, primarily managers and supervisors. As noted above, I’ll be voting for it.
Consent Agenda (four purchase resolutions -- one vote): https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/agendas/2021/council-20210121-4.pdf. I’m generally supportive, though there are a few questions on the Police vehicles, including the timing for that purchase, about which I’d like to get more information prior to the vote.
WORK SESSION
County Zoning Text Amendment: https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/agendas/2021/council-20210121-6.pdf. County Councilmember Will Jawando has proposed a zoning change that would make it possible to construct duplexes, townhouses and small apartments in R-60 zones (residential areas generally limited to single family homes) within one mile of Metro stations. The aim of the change is to promote more “missing middle” housing (units that are neither large single family homes nor large multi-family apartments). As I understand it, the proposal would keep the current lot size and height requirements, meaning that no more than 35% of a lot could be covered by structures and they couldn’t be over 35 feet high. Historic Area Work Permits would be needed for any work in historic districts.
In Takoma Park the proposal would encompass much of the historic district and most of Ward One. The City can offer its views on zoning changes to the County Council, including suggesting changes. This week’s discussion will be the first step for Takoma Park in that process. The County will likely hold a hearing on the proposal next month.
While the concept in Councilmember Jawando’s zoning proposal is aligned with principles in our Housing and Economic Development Strategic Plan, and it could also further the goal of giving empty nesters, seniors and others more opportunities to downsize and remain in Takoma Park, there are a number of questions around the proposal I’d like to better understand. These include more on how it would apply to the historic district, how it meshes with the County’s recently approved Accessory Dwelling Unit law, the impacts on parking, on the environment (including specifically trees and stormwater), and on related infrastructure including schools. Please let me know what you think, what questions you may have, and whether there are changes you might like to see made to this proposal.
Budget Amendment: https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/agendas/2021/council-20210121-7.pdf. The key elements of the amendment include reductions in revenue due to lower than projected interest income, a decline in expenditures because of the reduced pay increases (see above write-up on CBA and other personnel matters), and an increase in spending connected to the City’s affordable housing collaboration with Habitat for Humanity at 7402 Garland Avenue. The aggregate amount of savings related to the lower staff pay amounts don’t appear to match the estimated net savings referred to in the CBA discussion above. So that’s one question on which I’ll be seeking a clarification. In addition, it’s not clear how the reduced revenue and changes in expenditures produce the final estimated net impact, so I’ll be looking for an explanation of those calculations as well.
The public may view the meeting as always: 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.
Please be in touch with questions or comments on any of the topics in this blog.
Peter Kovar, Takoma Park City Council, Ward One
240-319-6281; www.councilmemberkovar.com
(He, Him, His)
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