Dear Neighbors:
There’s no regular City Council meeting this week because of Yom Kippur. However, the Council did have a special meeting with the Tree Commission on Tuesday evening and will convene tonight (Thursday, September 16) in a closed session at 6:00 PM to discuss matters related to collective bargaining with AFSCME Local 3399, the union which represents a significant number of City employees. Next week we’ll return to our regular public meetings on Wednesday, September 22. Here’s a link to the agenda for that meeting: https://takomaparkmd.gov/meeting_agendas/city-council-meeting-agenda-wednesday-september-22-2021/. I’ll share more details on those agenda items next week prior to the meeting, but please note that we’ll be starting on Wednesday at 6:00 PM with a presentation on the City Ward re-districting process. For an update on last week’s Council meeting see below.
COVID UPDATE
The City’s COVID dashboard has been updated, effective September 10: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/publish?EQBCT=42a594afc3ad4c59ba7b1ca9965b7837. There were 18 new cases in the City last week, with no new deaths. That weekly case number is down from the previous two weeks when there were more than 20 each week. However, the total number of cases in August was higher than the previous three months, so the trend -- likely connected in part to the new variants -- remains worrisome. There is information on City resources along with COVID related assistance available from other levels of government and/or non-profit organizations here: https://takomaparkmd.gov/initiatives/project-directory/information-and-resources-covid-19/
On Saturday, September 25, there will be a vaccination event -- sponsored jointly by the City and the local organization Small Things Matter -- at the Takoma Park Community Center from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. For more details go to the Small Things Matter website: https://smallthingsmatter.org/. That site also includes information on the benefit concert they are sponsoring on Saturday, October 16 from Noon - 5:00PM in Takoma Junction to raise money for their work on food insecurity and other community needs connected to the pandemic.
There’s information on County vaccinations here: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19/vaccine/. It’s also possible to sign up for vaccinations through the State Vaccine Website. For testing options, see the Montgomery County Testing Sites. Tenants facing difficulties paying their rent due may be eligible for County assistance: https://montgomerycountymd.gov/HHS-Program/SNHS/rent-relief.html. You can also contact Takoma Park’s Office of Housing and Community Development: https://takomaparkmd.gov/government/housing-and-community-development/contact-us/. And, County residents can Submit an online request for help with food resources or call 240-777-0311.
SEPTEMBER 14 TREE COMMISSION MEETING https://takomaparkmd.gov/meeting_agendas/city-council-attending-the-tree-commission-meeting-tuesday-september-14-2021/. Members of the Tree Commission expressed concern about several issues relating to hearing procedures. These included members’ interest in having information on how their rulings -- once they are issued -- are implemented and monitored by City staff. In addition, they raised questions about how to handle cases in which it may make sense to attach to their rulings conditions relating to issues like stormwater, which technically fall outside their area of authority. The Council and City staff will be exploring options for addressing these issues.
COUNTY PLANNING BOARD VOTE ON TAKOMA JUNCTION PROJECT
The Montgomery County Planning Board considered the Takoma Junction project in its meeting yesterday, and voted 4 - 0 to extend the review period for NDC’s application for the project through January 20 of next year (the application was scheduled to expire today). Members of the Planning Board said the extension would enable them to more fully understand the State Highway Administration’s concerns about the proposed lay-by which is part of the site plan.
UPDATE FROM LAST WEEK’S COUNCIL MEETING
ARPA Funding: https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/agendas/2021/Documents/ARPA-Presentation-20210908.pdf. Following a presentation on potential uses for ARPA funds from the City Manager, Councilmembers offered their thoughts on how the funding should be spent. Of particular importance, virtually all Councilmembers expressed the view that we should allocate additional funds for more immediate or urgent community needs connected to the pandemic, even as we also consider using the ARPA monies for longer term programmatic improvements in the City. Based on those comments, I’m hopeful that we will dedicate more funding to those short-term needs, and I’ll continue pushing for that goal. You can see the ARPA funds discussion via this link starting at 1:10: https://takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/meetings-and-documents/city-council-video/
Council-Appointed Committee Code Amendments: https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/agendas/2021/council-20210908-2.pdf. As part of our work to reform and standardize our committees, boards and commissions, the Council has been considering the sections of the municipal code that would need to be amended in order to finalize the committee changes. Given the number of committees, it’s a lengthy list of changes, though I don’t believe most are particularly controversial.
I see two main outstanding areas within the proposed code changes which still do require some further review. First, we’re continuing to explore options for restructuring (or possibly sun-setting) the Nuclear Free Committee. I’d like to keep the committee, but in my view some re-thinking of its role would make sense. Furthermore, we should conduct a thorough study on how to implement the committee’s recommendation to move toward sustainable banking and investment practices which don’t support the nuclear weapons industry. I’m pleased the Council appears to be supportive of establishing a task force for both of those purposes (see below).
Second, while we’ve agreed to eliminate the Façade Advisory Board, there may be some standards in the current FAB municipal code relating to the physical appearance of commercial structures that it would make sense to retain, even as the responsibilities of the FAB are largely absorbed into the work of the County Historic Preservation Commission. The Council discussed making sure we review the existing code connected to these standards and their enforcement to determine whether we should in fact keep some of the current language. I’ll be taking a closer look at that question in the lead-up to our votes on the code changes this month.
Sustainable Banking and Investment Task Force: https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/agendas/2021/council-20210908-3.pdf. As noted, the Council appears supportive of creating this task force, which would -- in addition to making recommendations on the future role of the Nuclear Free Committee and on nuclear weapons-free banking and investment -- also look into how the City can eliminate investments in the fossil fuel industries. I plan on voting yes on establishing the task force.
EV Street Sweeper: https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/agendas/2021/council-20210908-4r.pdf. The Council had a lengthy discussion on the pros and cons of purchasing an EV street sweeper, which would cost roughly double the price for a diesel engine vehicle. The difference is roughly $500,000 vs. $250,000. While the EV model would fit into our overall climate change goals, the direct benefit in terms of greenhouse gas reductions would be relatively small, and it’s possible the additional $250,000 could be better spent in some other way that could move the needle farther on addressing climate change. So while we’re still scheduled to vote on the purchase later in September, staff will be gathering more data to help inform our decision.
LOCAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Applications for Membership on Council-Appointed Committees: https://takomaparkmd.gov/news-alert/the-city-council-is-accepting-applications-for-city-boards-and-committee-volunteers-through-september-30/. As we continue working to reform and standardize procedures relating to our committees, boards and commissions (see above), we are also actively recruiting residents to serve on the various panels.
Fall Play Day -- September 25: https://www.letsplayamerica.org/upcoming-events. This fall’s Play Day -- sponsored by Let’s Play America in coordination with the Recreation Department -- will take place on Saturday, September 25, from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM at Takoma Park Middle School. It will be a day of blended virtual and in-person community play. Anyone who would like to suggest ideas or to lead activities should send an email to info@letsplayamerica.org.
Street Festival -- October 3: The 40th Annual Takoma Park Street Festival will take place live and in-person, on Sunday, October 3rd from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, rain or shine. This year’s festival will feature booths on only one side of the street to reduce crowding, and follow COVID protocols for larger outdoor events.
Minor Master Plan for Former Adventist Hospital Site: The County Planning Office is conducting a Minor Master Plan engagement process on possible uses for the hospital site, taking into account the potential impact on nearby areas. Some of the ideas that have been suggested include using the site for a new elementary school, a recreation center, housing, a commercial development, or some combination of those options. You can read more about the master plan process, see the schedule for public events, and register your views on possible uses for the site here: https://takomaparkmd.gov/news-alert/citys-minor-master-plan-moves-ahead/.
Maple Avenue Sidewalk Construction Work: The Public Works Department has announced the resumption of this construction project. Portions of the Maple Ave. sidewalk were re-done a few years ago as part of the City’s overall plan to make its sidewalks ADA compliant, a goal I support (so far 80 percent of our sidewalks have been re-done). This next round -- starting around September 22 and estimated to take 3 - 6 weeks -- will cover the remaining sections: the sidewalks on both sides of Maple between Tulip and the DC line, and the east side from Tulip to Philadelphia. Residents will be receiving a flyer on the project, the text of which I’m including below, plus some additional details based on a call I had yesterday with Public Works staff.
“The City plans to restore failing sections of the sidewalk on Maple Avenue (7100-7400 Blocks) from DC line to Philadelphia Avenue. The work will start near the intersection of Tulip and Maple Avenues on or around WEDNESDAY, September 22 (weather permitting). The crews will be working between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm. The existing sidewalk will be removed and replaced with a new ADA-compliant sidewalk. In addition, there will be some curb and gutter work associated with this project. Before the start of work, you may notice paint markings noting the sections that will be replaced.
“The new sidewalk may be raised several inches above the current level in many locations to prevent rainwater from leaving the roadway or ponding while remaining ADA compliant. As a result, your driveway apron and lead walk may be affected. Many existing driveways are sloped at the sidewalk crossing. In order to correct this problem, the driveway apron will be removed, and the elevation may be raised or lowered to enable the installation of a level sidewalk across the driveway. If your driveway apron is impacted, you will receive an advanced notice with the date the work is expected (typically a day or so before). Access to your driveway may be limited for three days as the old concrete is removed, forms set, and new concrete poured. Lead walks may need to be raised to match the new sidewalk elevation.
“We anticipate the construction will begin September 22 and may take a month or more to complete, weather permitting. Please contact the City’s Construction Manager with any questions at: IanC@takomaparkmd.gov or 301-891-7611.”
This is Peter again:
First off, there will obviously be some disruptions as this work is done. If there are particular problems connected to your property or to the project, in addition to reaching out to Ian Chamberlain (contact information above), you can also be in touch with Public Works Director Daryl Braithwaite (301-891-7615, darylb@takomaparkmd.gov). Feel free to contact me as well.
Engineers’ markings have been made on the street to indicate the location of utility lines. However, it’s anticipated that there will be relatively few cases where the crew will have to dig down to those levels. In most cases, they will go down about 8 inches (4 for the sidewalk concrete and 4 for the base). Gas and water lines are generally at least three feet down.
As noted in the announcement, in some cases where the sidewalk is currently lower than the curb, the new sidewalk may end up higher than it currently is in order to better control rain water flow. I’m requesting some additional information about the potential impact on residents’ front walkways.
The concrete saws the workers will be using have water features to help control dust. The loudest noise will likely be from jackhammers used to break up the old sidewalk. The workers are required to wear ear protection and masks, depending on what equipment they are using, though I would add they work for the contractor rather than the City.
The color of the sidewalk will be lighter at least initially, because the makeup of concrete isn’t the same as in decades past, but it will probably darken over time. In Ward One and elsewhere there are uneven sidewalk sections due to tree roots. They were generally paved with bricks instead of concrete, and some of these areas are becoming harder to navigate. The City will be replacing the bricks over time with flexi-pave, a material designed specifically for such areas. Right now, due to supply chain challenges connected to COVID, there are delays in obtaining flexi-pave. I’ll provide more information on when these areas may be able to be fixed when it’s available.
September Newsletter: https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/news/newsletter/2021/TakomaParkNewsletter_SeptemberEdition.pdf. With delays in US Postal Service delivery, I thought it would be helpful to include a link here to the September issue of the City Newsletter.
Sign up for Local Alerts: You can sign up to receive the Takoma Insider (which includes bi-weekly updates on what’s happening in City departments), as well as updates and alerts from the Police Department, the Office of Sustainability, Takoma Park Arts and more: https://takomaparkmd.gov/sign-up/. You can also register with WSSC to be notified when they are planning local water/sewer work near your home: https://member.everbridge.net/1332612387831877/login.
Please be in touch with questions or comments about any of the topics covered in this blog.
Peter Kovar, Takoma Park City Council, Ward One
240-319-6281; www.councilmemberkovar.com
(He, Him, His)
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