Worksession Minutes

 May 15, 2006

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. Present were Mayor Calvo, CMs Dennison, Gourley, Jewitt and Lofgren. Also present were Town Administrator Murphy, Director of Public Works Coleman and citizens. Clerk Harper had an excused absence.

1. Mayor

Announcements: Newly appointed CEO of Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS) Dr. John E. Deasy will attend his first public forum hosted by the Berwyn Heights and College Park Education Advisory Committees on June 13. The Strawberry Festival will take place on June 10 at the Berwyn Presbyterian Church, the Volunteer Appreciation dinner on June 15 and the Town-wide yard sale on June 17. The PGC Planning Board is scheduled to hold a hearing on detailed site plans for the Greenbelt Metropark South Core on June 22 in Upper Marlboro. All Councilmembers, except CM Lofgren, will attend the Maryland Municipal League (MML) conference from June 25 – 28.

Calendar: No changes were made.

Minutes: The Council reviewed the minutes. On a motion by CM Lofgren and second by CM Jewitt, the April 10 budget worksession minutes were adopted 5 to 0 with corrections. On a motion by CM Dennison and second by CM Jewitt, the April 24 budget worksession minutes were adopted 5 to 0. On a motion by CM Gourley and second by CM Dennison, the May 8 Worksession minutes were adopted 5 to 0. The May 10 Town meeting minutes were reviewed for adoption at the June Town meeting.

Department reports: CM Gourley reported that revenues are coming in above the amounts budgeted while expenditures are coming in below budget. All except 5 businesses have paid their special public safety tax bills. The Prince George's County Treasury has sent a listing of all motor vehicles registered to the Town of Berwyn Heights, on which highway user fees are based. One hundred twelve residences have no registration data. An updating of the Town Web site is planned by the end of June. CM Jewitt had no report.

CM Dennison reported that cooks have been found for the June 15 Volunteer appreciation dinner; that payments for being listed on the map of the Town-wide yard sale are due; and that the hanging bridge at Pop's Park has been repaired a second time after what appears to have been a deliberate loosening of bolts. CM Lofgren had no report.

Mayor Calvo reported that Officer Chapman has been assigned to see to the clean up of Branchville Road after the incorporation of properties on the north side of the street. A clean lot ordinance for the commercial district may have to be adopted for effective enforcement. Director Coleman noted that Public Works crews have already done some cleanup along the street. Mayor Calvo said that he has been contacted by representatives of Commerce Bank, which is interested in opening a branch at the intersection of 58^th Avenue and Greenbelt Road. Commerce Bank is changing the face of the banking industry with a retail-oriented approach that stresses convenience. If the project moves forward, it will likely entail some rezoning as plans call for the purchase of a residential property to enlarge the prospective site.

Citizen comments: CM Jewitt received a complaint about the lack of maintenance of the school grounds on the hillside abutting the tennis and basketball courts. Mayor Calvo received comments about two (2) rental properties on Bucknell Terrace, one of which may be unlicensed, and one (1) on Charlton Avenue, which has neglected to apply for a license despite repeated fines. He also received comments about the Seminole Street under drain project and the possible use of the street sweeper on commercial properties. CM Gourley received a call from a Goucher Street resident regarding a loud party.

NLC membership: Mayor Calvo explained that the National League of Cities has offered to forgive last year's membership fee if the Town signs up by June 30 for FY 2007. Berwyn Heights used to be a member, but let membership lapse last year and did not budget for it this year. He recommended joining the League and asked the Council for input. He noted that the League is sponsoring a small cities event hosted by Greenbelt the upcoming weekend to which Berwyn Heights is invited. Also, the NLC advocates for cities with respect to federal franchising legislation debated in Congress now. CM Jewitt said he is in favor of the membership and there were no objections from the other Councilmembers. The matter will be taken up under budget amendment.

Miriam Farwell memorial: Mayor Calvo said that long-time principal of Berwyn Heights Elementary School, Miriam E. Farwell, died recently. A resident has suggested that, in memory, the School be named after her. Mayor Calvo proposed that the Education Advisory Committee (EAC) and/or the Historical Committee (BHHC) be asked to come up with other ideas for a memorial. CM Lofgren said that the Town in years past dedicated the school grounds to her, calling them Miriam E. Farwell Park and installed an inscribed rock. CM Jewitt noted that in 2003 there was a proposal to ask Park & Planning to enhance the garden with a gazebo, but it did not materialize. Mayor Calvo said that the Town may want to find a way to revive the name of the park and build on what has already been done. The EAC and BHHC should be asked to come up with proposals. There were no objections to referring the matter to the Committees.

At 8:45 p.m., the Council took a 5 minute break.

2. Public Works

AC bids (added item): Mayor Calvo explained that Director Coleman provided the Council with 3 bids for the installation of an air conditioning unit at the Public Works garage. Director Coleman said that the bids range from $5,000 - $8,500. He recommends the highest priced bid for reasons of product quality and length of warranties. Mayor Calvo confirmed that the purchase can be charged to the FY 2006 budget, as outlined in the FY 2006 Budget Amendment. The Amendment will be taken up under the Administration agenda.

Seminole Street water main project update: Director Coleman said that he has talked to WSSC representatives about finishing up the water main replacement. He will work closely with project director Newberry and his crew to ensure that damage to the road and front yards is repaired to the maximum extent possible. However, the road can not be restored to the condition prior without threatening the completion of the water main replacement. If the Town had insisted on a resurfacing of Seminole Street, WSSC would have re-evaluated doing the project. Chips in the curb and indentations in the asphalt will remain but it may be possible to obtain a monetary compensation for the damage.

Future water main replacement projects: Director Coleman explained that WSSC next plans to replace water mains on Osage Street from Edmonston Road to Cunningham Drive as well as the feeder roads, 63^rd Avenue, 60^th Place, and 60^th Avenue. As on Seminole Street, 8' – 10' trenches will be excavated and pipes upgraded to 8” pipes. The bidding for this project should have been completed by the end of May and the water mains replaced by the end of the summer. The road would be patched and a new overlay applied next summer. Director Coleman recommended using WSSC to do the overlay as it can probably get a better bid.

Curb and gutter survey: Director Coleman said that there is a total of 2,970 linear feet of curbs in disrepair, which would cost approximately $80,000 to fix. However, he regards the Pontiac Street gateway as a priority, with cracks and pot holes increasing by the day. His estimate of repairing the intersection is $18,300. CM Jewitt recalled that it had been proposed to renovate the intersection when Kenilworth Avenue was widened to a 6 lane highway because the unit cost in connection with the large-scale project would be lower. At that time, the layout of the Pontiac Street/Edmonston Road intersection should also be reviewed. Mayor Calvo noted that the Town just received $11,000 in additional highway user fees which could be applied to this or other projects.

Director Coleman gave a listing of the other possible street repair projects, beginning with the rear driveway apron at the Town Center, sidewalks at the BP gas station and a number of smaller curb and gutter projects throughout Town that could be combined into one or more larger projects. Upon request by the Mayor, Director Coleman provided detailed information about problem areas on the 5600 block of Ruatan Street and the 5900 block of 56^th Avenue.

Mayor Calvo thanked Director Coleman for putting together the inventory and asked that he assign priorities to the projects at some point. CM Lofgren said that the inventory should be organized by street and the street with most serious problems should be ranked top priority. This would probably be a more convenient and cost effective way for a contractor to bundle repairs. Mayor Calvo said he would leave it up to Director Coleman how to bundle projects. The most important thing is to have an inventory ready so that repairs can be made when funds become available. Smaller projects have taken a back seat in recent years because the Council was focused on setting up an infrastructure fund because of the loss of Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). The Public Works $25,000 budget for small projects was incorporated into the infrastructure fund. However, the Council may want to rethink that decision. CM Lofgren said that creating a priority list does not mean that projects can be tackled in short order. First, money needs to be allocated and bids solicited.

Director Coleman agreed to create an updated inventory while using it as a training tool for Public Works staff. In response to CM Gourley, he said that the Sports Park parking lot belongs to County but maintenance is Berwyn Heights' responsibility. However, Park and Planning patched it after water and sewer lines were installed for the concession stand. He suggested that the Four Cities be approached regarding establishment of a joint asphalt storage facility. Lastly, he noted that the concession stand water fountain valve was repaired. .

2. Administration

FY 2006 budget amendment: Mayor Calvo said that the Council needs to discuss the Police Department's capital request, the National League of Cities membership fee and an actuarial study to join the Maryland State Pension system for inclusion in the budget amendment. Another option for a pension system would be for Berwyn Heights to set up its own. The Maryland Pension system study could serve as a cost baseline for an in-house pension as well. CM Lofgren said that other pension systems, such as the Prince George's County's, should also be considered. TA Murphy said that he has enough funds in the Miscellaneous line item in the Non-Departmental budget to cover the study. CM Gourley moved to authorize funding from the Non-Departmental budget. CM Jewitt seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.

Mayor Calvo explained that Chief Murphy's request for capital items includes a police car, which will be discussed separately, and TASER stun guns, which Mayor Calvo is not ready to approve. If the TASER stun guns and the new police car are taken out, the remaining items, mainly weapon upgrades and ammunition would total approximately $12,000. The Police Department budget's Capital Outlay > $500 still has $5,800, which leaves approximately $6,200 in remaining funding. Chief Murphy has pointed out that the Department has brought in substantial new revenues in Fines and Forfeitures that would cover these expenses. CM Gourley suggested that the Council might consider the establishment of a capital replacement fund for the Police Department so that weapons can be replaced at regular intervals. Mayor Calvo thought that weaponry didn't need a capital replacement fund.

CM Jewitt stated for the record that the Code Department needs a tracking system for rental properties and violations that he would have put up for consideration if he had been aware that year-end funds are available. Mayor Calvo said the Code Department should continue to research systems and keep a proposal at hand so that it can be submitted in the next budget cycle. As in the Police Department, revenues from code fines and license fees have gone up substantially and could help pay for the cost of a future tracking system. CM Gourley said he has been advocating for the weapons upgrades since he came on the Council and supports it. CM Lofgren moved to include $6,200 for police weapons upgrades in the budget amendment. CM Gourley seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.

Mayor Calvo reviewed a current statement of income tax returns, noting that the Town often receives substantial income tax revenues from the previous fiscal year in August.

Verizon cable negotiations: CM Gourley explained that College Park is in negotiations with Verizon to provide cable service to the city. College Park has asked Four Cities members and other neighboring communities to sign on so as to increase the potential customer base and bargain for a lower rate. Currently, Berwyn Heights, New Carrollton and University Park have signed on for a customer base of approximately 40,000 residents.

Mayor Calvo added that a federal communications bill, soon be passed, will pre-empt municipalities' rights-of-way, including any franchise agreements not already signed. Thus any revenues to municipalities from franchise agreements might be capped or eliminated. It is therefore prudent to conclude an agreement with Verizon, such as already in effect with Comcast, before the federal communications bill is passed. However, as College Park would negotiate with Verizon on behalf of those cities that expressed interest, TA Murphy would need to be given authority to sign the agreement when ready. A draft resolution to that effect is included in the agenda packet and would be adopted at the June Town meeting.

Alternate electricity providers: TA Murphy said he has located another potential provider of electricity, Strategic Energy, which is offering a rate of 10.9 cents per KWH. This compares favorably to Pepco's 11.6 cents per KWH (as of July 1) and Baltimore/Washington Corridor Chamber of Commerce's 12 cents per KWH. The Council requested more information on Strategic Energy and agreed to remain with Pepco for now.

4. Code Enforcement

No items were discussed.

5. Parks and Recreation

No items were discussed.

6. Public Safety

Police cars purchase authorization: Mayor Calvo said that Chief Murphy was able to secure a great deal for the purchase of two (2) 2006 Crown Victoria police cruisers at $19,000 each. TA Murphy recommended purchasing the marked police car outright with public safety taxing district money and the unmarked car with a lease-purchase agreement. The first installment of the lease would not come due until 2007 Fiscal Year. CM Jewitt asked why both cars couldn't be bought outright. Mayor Calvo said that the money would have to be taken from surplus, which has already been greatly reduced this year. CM Jewitt moved to approve one outright and one lease purchase. CM Gourley seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.

7. Executive Session

On a motion by CM Gourley and second by CM Dennison, the Council went into executive session to discuss a personnel matter.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:20 p.m.

Kerstin Harper, Town Clerk

 
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