Dear Neighbors:
Here’s the agenda for the March 16, 2022 City Council meeting: https://takomaparkmd.gov/meeting_agendas/city-council-meeting-agenda-wednesday-march-16-2022/. The meeting starts at 6:30 PM with a stormwater presentation from a George Mason graduate student in the Community Science Fellow program. In the regular meeting, starting at 7:30 PM, there are two votes: the final vote on the Ward redistricting plan, and a vote on appointments to the Commission on Landlord-Tenant Affairs. In the Work Session, there will be a presentation on pavement conditions in the City, discussions of three proposed contracts (tree canopy analysis, the red light camera program, and the Public Space Management Plan), and then a presentation on the City’s fiscal health. There will also be a proclamation on Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. For details on the agenda items see below
This week’s meeting will be in the Council chamber in the Community Center. As in last week’s meeting, we will have a hybrid approach when it comes to public comments. Those who wish to speak remotely via Zoom please sign up in advance by 5:00 PM on the day of the meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_V7C417d_RTeQWNqKzARcVw. To speak in person simply come to the Council chamber at around 7:30 PM (no advance registration is required). The meeting can be viewed on City TV (RCN -- 13, HD 1060; Comcast/xfinity -- 13, HD 997; Verizon Fios -- 28), on the City Council Video Page; on YouTube, or on Facebook.
Community Science Fellow Presentation:
Background: https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/agendas/2022/council-20220316-1.pdf
Presentation: https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/agendas/2022/supplemental-documents/GMU-Storwater-Presentation.pdf
Given the growing concern about the impact of increased stormwater flows due to more intense rainstorms because of climate change, this should be a timely presentation. I’m hopeful it will serve as a valuable jumping off point for more focused stormwater work in the City.
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month Proclamation: https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/mayoral-proclamations/2022/pr20220316_Disability-Awareness-Month.pdf
COVID UPDATE
The Takoma Park COVID-19 Data Dashboard has been updated through the end of last week: https://takomapark.shinyapps.io/covid_dashboard/. As of Wednesday, March 7, the City lifted its indoor mask mandate in City buildings and facilities. Masks are not required indoors but strongly encouraged for any unvaccinated visitors in any City buildings or facilities, where social distancing is challenging, and/or when there is direct interaction between the public and employees. The City will continue to have KN95/N95 masks and rapid test kits available for the public and employees as necessary.
There were 15 new cases of COVID-19 reported in the 20912 zip code since last week, one more than the previous week. Case levels over the last 7 days per 100,000 residents are at 57.17 in the 20912 zip code, constituting a "substantial" level of transmission per CDC guidance. Cases are down 42% in Montgomery County over the last 14 days, and hospitalizations down 41%. The CDC's Community Levels metric is "Low" for Montgomery County, based on a combination of case rates and hospitalizations.
Since last week, the 20912 zip code’s at least partially-vaccinated rate increased to 77.4% and the fully-vaccinated rate increased to 67.6%, from 77.2% and 67.4% respectively. There were no new deaths due to COVID-19 reported in the 20912 zip code since last week.
City Mask Policy: https://takomaparkmd.gov/public-notices/masks-no-longer-required-but-strongly-encouraged-in-city-buildings-and-facilities/
Mask and Testing Kit Distribution: https://takomaparkmd.gov/public-notices/covid-19-rapid-test-kits-and-kn95-masks-available-now/. The Takoma Park Library is continuing to distribute N95 masks and COVID rapid testing kits during all open hours.
Free COVID Testing at the New Hampshire Avenue Rec Center: Testing is available every Wednesday in March from 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM. No appointments are needed.
Other COVID resources: Vaccines for children ages 5 - 11: https://takomaparkmd.gov/news-alert/covid-19-vaccines-are-now-available-for-children-aged-5-11/; vaccines for people who are 12 and older: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19/vaccine/ or State Vaccine Website; Testing: Montgomery County Testing Sites; Food aid: Submit an online request for help with food resources or call 240-777-0311. The City is partnering with the Salvation Army to help residents with utility bills: email to housing @takomaparkmd.gov or call 301-891-7119.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Takoma Metro Station Development Meeting, March 14: The development company EYA, which has for many years held development rights to construct an apartment building on the site of the Takoma Metro Station parking lot, has revived its efforts and come up with a new plan for the site. I’ll be participating in a meeting with EYA and other City officials on Tuesday of this week where we’ll be learning more about the proposal. While the site is located entirely within Washington, DC, it’s literally across Eastern Avenue from residential portions of Ward One, so it’s a project I’ll be looking into and monitoring very closely. I’ll report back to the community after the meeting. Meanwhile, here’s a recent article with some details: https://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/over-300-apartments-retail-park-and-plaza-proposed-at-takoma-metro-station/
Low Income Homeowner ADU Program: https://takomaparkmd.gov/public-notices/program-assists-low-income-homeowners-with-an-accessory-dwelling-unit-adu/. The City and Habitat for Humanity are partnering to help two income-qualified City homeowners convert an interior space in their home into an additional living unit. This unit will be a separate and distinct living space, and can provide supplemental income when rented or a separate living space for family members. Application period: March 14 - April 4.
Closed Session on March 18 to Discuss City Manager’s 6-Month Evaluation: The Council will meet in a closed session this Friday morning with City Manager Jamal Fox to discuss the evaluation of his first 6 months working for the City (his tenure began on August 2).
Montgomery County “Go Electric” Event -- March 19, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM: https://mygreenmontgomery.org/2022/goelectric/. This event, at Montgomery College in Rockville, includes recycling of gas yard equipment and small appliances, information rebates for purchase of electric leaf blowers, a lightbulb exchange, sustainable food, and much more.
Air Quality Poster Contest for Local Students: https://cleanairpartners.net/contest. Clean Air Partners is sponsoring a poster contest for students in grades 4 - 8 who are invited to submit a creative poster that brings to light solutions to air pollution and climate change and inspires people to take action to improve our region’s air quality. Deadline: March 25.
Minor Master Plan Public Event, March 29, 6:00 - 8:00 PM: https://montgomeryplanning.org/events/takoma-park-minor-master-plan-existing-conditions-presentation/. The Montgomery County Planning Office and the City will give a public presentation on the Takoma Park Minor Master Plan Amendment, which covers the site of the former Washington Adventist Hospital and the nearby area, including Washington Adventist University, residential areas along Maple Avenue and elsewhere, local schools and Takoma Park City government buildings. The presentation will focus on the Existing Conditions within the plan area. Advance registration is required. County staff made a similar presentation to the City Council last week: https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/agendas/2022/supplemental-documents/20220309-TPMMA-EC-Presentation.pdf
VOTING SESSION
Redistricting: https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/agendas/2022/council-20220316-2-rev.pdf
Map of proposed new Ward boundaries: https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/agendas/2022/council-20220316-2-rev.pdf. Last week, the Council voted 5 - 2 in favor of the redistricting option which had been designated as Map Y. I voted yes. This week we’ll take a final vote on the new map, and I’ll again be voting yes. You can see the map here: https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/agendas/2022/Exhibit-1-Final-Map-Boundaries.pdf. Click on the Council meeting’s main agenda link above and scroll down to “Redistricting” to see other map information, demographic data and background information.
For Ward 1, the key changes in the new map are that the commercial area along Laurel Ave. and on the side of Carroll Ave. which includes Ace Hardware and Republic are moved into Ward 3. Similarly Victory Tower and the apartment building next to it, plus The Girl and the Vine and the homes on that side of Carroll between Columbia Ave. and the Fire Station, are also moved from Ward 1 to Ward 3. The other side of Carroll from Philadelphia Ave. to the DC line (including the residences along that stretch plus the commercial area that includes Olive Lounge, Mark’s Kitchen, the old Bank of America building, etc.) will stay in Ward 1. In addition, the commercial strip on Carroll across from the Co-op will move from Ward 3 to Ward 1, and several residential areas in that area (including Grant Ave. and portions of Lee and Hancock Aves,) will also end up in Ward 1. The changes will apply for this fall’s elections, and will formally go into effect in terms of which areas Councilmembers represent after the elections.
Appointments to Commission on Landlord-Tenant Affairs: https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/agendas/2022/council-20220316-3.pdf. I’ll be voting in favor of the three appointments to COLTA.
WORK SESSION
Presentation of Pavement Condition Report: https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/agendas/2022/council-20220316-4.pdf. The Public Works Department has an ongoing process for maintaining the City’s streets in good condition. This presentation will provide details on past efforts, how the pavement conditions are evaluated, and plans for future paving work.
Tree Canopy Analysis Sole Source Designation: https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/agendas/2022/council-20220316-5a.pdf. The City has been contracting with the University of Vermont Spatial Analysis Laboratory to conduct tree canopy analysis every three years using LiDAR technology. Continuing this regular analysis is a key part of our overall tree canopy work, and we’re due for another round in 2022. The cost of the contract would be slightly under $15,000.
Red Light Camera Contract: https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/agendas/2022/council-20220316-5b-rev.pdf. This contract with Conduent Solutions, providing for the placement of red light cameras at seven locations around the City, would be operated under the terms of an existing contract Conduent has with Newport News, VA.
Public Space Management Plan Contract: https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/agendas/2022/council-20220316-5c.pdf. This contract, with CHPlanning (a Black woman-owned firm based in Philadelphia, with an active presence in our area) would be focused on completing the City’s Public Space Management Plan. The plan is an important Council priority, but one that has moved slowly in part because of the press of other City business. One of the key concerns in the development of this plan is equity in access to public spaces in the City. I look forward to hearing how CHPlanning would be able to help bring the plan to completion, in particular with that concern in mind.
Presentation on General Fiscal Health of the City: https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/agendas/2022/council-20220316-6-rev.pdf. The City’s new fiscal year begins on July 1. In preparation for the City Manager’s April 13 presentation of his recommended budget, and subsequent budget work sessions, the City’s Finance Director will provide a presentation on recent trends in the City’s reserve levels, fund balances, and overall financial structure from a multi-year perspective. The presentation will help provide budget context and a general outlook on the City’s fiscal health so the Council and public have a better understanding of the structural factors affecting the budget.
Feel free to 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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