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Town Meeting Minutesnovember 8, 2006
The meeting was called to order at 8:05 p.m. Present were Mayor Calvo, Mayor Pro Tem (MPT) Jewitt, CMs Dennison, Gourley and Lofgren. Also present were Town Administrator Murphy, Chief of Police Murphy, Treasurer Lape, Clerk Harper; as well as Chair of the Education Advisory Committee (EAC) Ann Harris Davidson, Chair of the Historical Committee (BHHC) Cheryl Jewitt, Chief of the Volunteer Fire Department Chuck Fusco; as well as Principal of Parkdale High School David Burton and University High School Coordinator Dwight Wagner, Board of Education members-elect Donna Hathaway Beck, Nate Thomas and Owen Johnson and citizens.
Mayor Calvo led the Pledge of Allegiance.
1. Presentation Mayor Calvo welcomed Parkdale High School Principal David Burton and University High School (UHS) Coordinator Dwight Wagner. He noted that he graduated from Parkdale and that Mr. Wagner was his mock trial coach. Education Advisory Committee (EAC) Chair Ann Harris Davidson made the introductions, adding that 3 School Board members-elect are also in attendence. They are Donna Hathaway Beck, Owen Johnson and Nate Thomas. She said that the EAC has reached out to its neighborhood schools in a systematic way and has recently invited Principal Richmond Myrick of Greenbelt Middle School and the previous Principal of Parkdale, Donald Horrigan. Since 1993, Parkdale High School is one of 4 high schools that offer the University High School program, set up and headed by Dr. Wagner. It includes an International Baccalaureate (IB) Program, whose graduates receive a diploma that is internationally recognized and enables them to enroll in Universities all over the world. This week's scholar of the week happens to be a Parkdale student, Sylviane Elessie, who is in the program.
Principal Burton described Parkdale High School in greater detail. He said that Sylviane Elessie is a graduate of Parkdale's large ESOL program. Parkdale's other academic programs comprise a comprehensive program, a special education program and a University High School Program. The student population is 2,200 and consists of 70% African Americans, many of whom come from Africa and the Caribbean, 26% Latinos, 6% whites and 1% Asians. The teaching personnel consists of 49% of teachers with advanced professional certification, 23% with college certification and 22% with additional certification. Parkdale offers a number of advanced language programs, including Spanish, French, German, Latin and Japanese. Test scores have gone up in recent years: 36.2% of students are advanced proficient in English, 49% are proficient in Math, 37% in Biology and 47.5% in Government and History. Parkdale plans to build on these successes and is reaching out to neighboring communities to bring more families back to the school. Its new motto is “It can be done.”
Dwight Wagner gave an overview of the University High School program and the IB program within it. He said that these programs have grown and been judged successful since their establishment in 1993. There are approximately 60 students in the AP program and approximately 40 students in the IB program. The challenge is to expand these programs and make them accessible to all students in the County rather than only those who attend the 4 high schools at which the UHS programs are located. The high school improvement plan for Prince George's County Schools (PGCPS) drafted under new CEO Dr. Deasy calls for adding a fifth UHS program and opening all of them up to all students. There are also plans to add five IB Middle Year Programs (MYP) and to extend the IB programs into middle school. Together these changes may add another 60 students to the UHS program at Parkdale. While funding for the expansion is in place, substantial preparation of PGCPS teaching and administrative staff remains to be done.
In response to Councilmembers questions, Mr. Burton and Wagner said that Parkdale is offering the Advanced Placement (AP) – 8 program, with AP courses in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Calculus, Literature, History and Foreign Languages. There are approximately 60 students in the AP program. Parkdale ranks second in the County in the number of students taking AP courses. However, the rating is based on participation, not performance. Of 40 students enrolled in the IB program, 4 received the IB Diploma last year.
Parkdale also offers a variety of extracurricular activities and clubs and is trying to rebuild its marching band and sports teams as part of improving the school spirit. Mandatory uniforms were adopted last year and have already had a positive impact on the school's climate. The uniforms consist of khaki pants, shorts or skirts that can be worn with either a green or black polo shirt with a PHS logo or a white button down shirt and blazer. Discipline and safety have improved as result of putting in place a security team, hall monitors and moving out 5th year seniors.
In response to Ann Davidson, Mr. Wagner said that, unlike other high schools, Parkdale offers an IB Diploma program, which is a very demanding. Nonetheless, dropout rates are low. The diploma provides access to most universities in the world. He continued that Parkdale does not have an IB Middle Years Program, which covers grades 6 - 10, but agreed that it would be a logical extension of the diploma program. He did he have information at which middle schools the 5 proposed MYPs would be located.
Mr. Burton concluded with the announcement that Parkdale will hold an open house on November 15 and invited Berwyn Heights families to stop by.
Mayor Calvo welcomed newly-elected school board members Donna Hathaway Beck, Owen Johnson and Nate Thomas and invited them to make some brief remarks.
Nate Thomas said that he ran as an at-large candidate and thanked Berwyn Heights residents for their support. He said that he graduated from Suitland High School and took 2 courses in the IB program, which earned him 12 college credits. As a school board member, he will work to support this program and enable more students to take advantage of this opportunity. Other priorities include providing for a safe, orderly, and caring school environment for all children; involving parents in their children's educational progress and the schools' decision-making process; and providing students with opportunities to explore their interests and learn skills, which they can use in their daily lives.
Donna Hathaway Beck thanked Berwyn Heights residents for their votes. She ran as an at-large candidate as well and found it to be a grueling endeavor. While she hopes that the system will return to a 9 district member board, campaigning throughout the County familiarized her with the issues in different communities. She plans to draw on what she learned during the campaign and her long years as a parent advocate to carry out her job as board member. She will continue to welcome input from the communities and parents and take advantage of the opportunity provided by a new CEO and school board to move Prince George's Schools forward.
Owen Johnson, who ran for the District 5 seat, thanked Berwyn Heights for its support and for holding a candidates forum prior to the election. He appreciated the opportunity to learn about the issues that are important to Berwyn Heights and to begin a dialogue with the community. He was pleased to learn today about Parkdale High School and its IB program. He was teaching at Suitland High School when its IB program was set up. He believes it provided an excellent education to those who passed through it. He encouraged Berwyn Heights to work with Parkdale to strengthen the program and said that he would do his best to develop a close relationship with communities throughout the County to move the system forward.
2. Minutes Clerk Harper read a summary of the October 11 Town meeting minutes.
3. Treasurer’s Report Treasurer Lape gave the Treasurer's report for the month of October.
4. Mayor’s Report Mayor Calvo remarked on the November 7 election results. While Prince George's County overwhelmingly voted for Martin O'Malley as governor, the vote was more evenly split in Berwyn Heights. Martin O'Malley received 59% of the vote and Robert Ehrlich 40%. In the Senate race, Ben Cardin received 63% of the Berwyn Heights vote and Michael Steele 35%. Voter participation was just under 52 %.
Mayor Calvo reported that the Town continues to look for participants on the Safe Streets Committee and encouraged residents to apply by sending a letter of interest to the Town Administrator. The selection process should be completed by December and the Committee appointed at the December Town meeting. At the October 16 worksession, the Council received a presentation on a conceptual site plan for the redevelopment of Beltway Plaza. The plans call for adding 1,400 residential units and other capital improvements. The plans did not receive the backing of the Council in their current, still sketchy version but the opportunity for early input on the project was appreciated.
At the recent Maryland Municipal League (MML) conference, Councilmembers voted for next year's legislative priorities, which include: · increasing municipal police aid; · authorizing municipalities to purchase street lights; and · authorizing municipalities to aggregate electricity purchases on behalf of their residents
On November 9, the Council will attend a meeting of neighboring municipalities hosted by Senator Paul Pinsky to discuss issues of common concern. On November 16, the Council will participate in a legislative dinner hosted by the Prince George's County Municipal Association (PGCMA) that brings together municipal officials and state legislators from the County. On a smaller scale, the Council will also meet with its District 22 delegates, Senator Pinsky, Delegates Ann Healey, Tawanna Gaines and Justin Ross to discuss the issues important to Berwyn Heights.
5. Department Reports Administration: CM Gourley reported that a new recycling company has started to collect recyclables and begins collection on Thursdays at 7:00 a.m. sharp. Residents may call the Public Works Department to request new recycling bins. The Town has received $247,000 in FY 2006 personal property taxes of the projected budget of $300,000. The outstanding amount includes a number of delinquent accounts. The Town has also received $41,000 in FY 2007 highway user fees or about 34% of the $199,000 projected; $33,000 in income taxes and $687,000 in real estate taxes.
CM Gourley encouraged residents to purchase steering wheel locks to deter car thefts, reminded them to report broken street lights and to call the Town Office if they failed to receive the Town Bulletin by the 3rd day of the month. Next month, the Bulletin will feature a list of telephone numbers residents can call to report power outages and other emergencies. He concluded with condolences to the Gasch family on the death of their mother Hilda Gasch last week.
Code Enforcement: Mayor Pro Tem Jewitt reported that the Code Department has followed up on a number of barking dog complaints. Residents are requested to be considerate of their neighbors and comfort their dogs or bring them in when they are barking too much. He also reminded residents to be cautious when they are turning the heat on for the impending cold season and to screen heating contractors that are soliciting business door-to-door. He concluded with statistics on code violations for month of October.
Parks and Recreation, Education and Civic Affairs: CM Dennison reported that the Halloween Party was a great success and all present had fun. The next event is the Tree lighting on December 1, which features caroling, tree decorating and hot drinks and cookies to warm up. She thanked the Volunteer Fire Department for offering to put up the lights. The Historical Committee elected new officers at its last meeting. Cheryl Jewitt was elected as Chair, Sharmila Bhatia as Secretary and Sealani Weiner as Vice Chair. Hank Becker was selected as the Committee's representative to the Safe Streets Committee.
CM Dennison thanked staff for cleaning up a back room of the Town Office and moving the items stored there into the Town Center attic. She also thanked Ann Davidson and staff for organizing two school board candidates nights before the general election. She concluded with announcements of the upcoming Boys & Girls Club Awards Banquet and a free CPR class on December 9 at the Volunteer Fire Department.
Public Health and Safety: Mayor Calvo said that a report from the Chief of the Fire Department, Chuck Fusco, was scheduled for tonight. However, Chief Fusco was called away at the beginning and may not be able to report. Mayor Calvo continued with the announcement that the Town is seeking applicants for the paid position of Spanish interpreter to help the Town interact with its Spanish speaking residents. Those interested are requested to contact the Town office.
Chief of Police Murphy gave the police activities report for October. He said that officers had a moderate amount of activity. There were 11 Part I offenses, lower than the 5-year average of 12, bringing this year's total to 119, which is slightly higher than the 5-year average of 114.
Chief Murphy announced that the Police Department will host the annual Christmas party for children between the ages of 2 – 8 years on December 9, from 12 – 4 p.m. at the Town Center. Gift wrapping will take place on December 8 beginning at 5 p.m. The police welcome donations of toys and cash.
With colder weather arriving, he reminded residents not to leave cars running in the morning to warm them up. It is against the law and also risks having the car stolen. He noted that a recent case of breaking and entering that resulted in a person being shot and was reported to have taken place in Berwyn Heights, in fact took place in the Berwyn section of College Park. He concluded with highlights of press releases.
Public Works: CM Lofgren reported that a new trash truck has been received and is expected to be in service tomorrow. Snow clearing equipment has been repaired and readied for winter. Curbside leaf collection has begun. The Public Works Department is following a set route through Town that should bring them to every address once every 5 – 7 days. If residents have small amounts of leaves they can continue to bag them for faster collection. Further, residents are reminded not to throw out ashes that are not fully extinguished.
6. Committee Reports Education Advisory Committee: Chair Ann Harris Davidson summarized this year's accomplishments of the EAC. Thanks to its efforts, Berwyn Heights was the first community to host a meeting with the new PGCPS CEO Dr. Deasy in June, was actively involved in publicizing the school board elections, including hosting two candidates forums, and inviting Dr. Burton of Parkdale High School as well as elected school members to today's Town meeting. Ms. Davidson reported that the EAC is now working on arranging for the principal of Greenbelt Middle School to come to Berwyn Heights at the beginning of next year. She will also meet with Dr. Burton again to discuss program issues, including the possible relocation of the French Immersion high school program to Parkdale.
Mayor Calvo thanked Ms. Davidson for organizing the candidates forums, which gave Berwyn Heights a unique opportunity to establish a relationship with the prospective school board members and tell them about the education issues that are important to the Town.
Historical Committee: Chair of the Historical Committee (BHHC) Cheryl Jewitt reported that elections were held at the October 24 meeting. She was elected Chair, Sealani Weiner Vice-Chair and Sharmila Bhatia Secretary. Hank Becker was voted as the Committee's representative to the Safe Streets Committee and two other members expressed interest and may attend meetings. Also, the Committee chose the next historical street marker project, Carrington Avenue, which is now Osage Street. Ideas for the Commerce Bank mural were discussed, with the Committee seeking guidance from the Council on whether it should submit proposals.
Mayor Calvo responded that the Council is looking forward to receiving the Committee's recommendations on the mural and happy to work that into a formal agreement with Commerce Bank. Further, the Council confirmed Ms. Weiner as the Town's representative to the Anacostia Trails Heritage Association (ATHA) at its last meeting.
Neighborhood Watch/Emergency Preparedness: Carmen Greenwell reported that the Committee held elections at its November 7 meeting. Mike Attick was elected Chair, Joan Hayden Vice-Chair, who will also serve as the Committee's representative to the Safe Streets Committee, Jodie Culpa-Eddie Treasurer and Ms. Greenwell Secretary. The Council was given a budget request for work to be performed on the trailer. Completion of the project is expected in February so the trailer can be ready for Municipal Works Week and Berwyn Heights Day. Questions about the project's budget can be directed to Ms. Culpa-Eddie. Ms. Greenwell announced that a free CPR class will be held on December 9 at the Volunteer Fire Department. Those interested in signing up can call Tanya at 301-583-1899. The class is limited to 30 people. The next meeting is on January 3, 2007, 7:30 p.m.
Recreation Council: CM Dennison announced that the Tree-Lighting celebration will take place on December 1 and that the Recreation Council is signing up volunteers for planning Berwyn Heights Day 2007.
7. Unfinished Business There was none.
8. New Business Resolution 10-06 – Adoption of a Position Classification and Pay Plan: Clerk Harper read the Resolution. CM Lofgren moved to adopt the Resolution. MPT Jewitt seconded. Mayor Calvo explained that the Personnel Manual directs the Town Administrator to develop a position classification and pay plan. The plan defines existing and potential future positions, establishes a system of pay grades for all positions and then assigns a minimum-maximum pay scale to each position. The plan is based on a recent comparative study of salaries in neighboring municipalities undertaken by TA Murphy. Currently, not all employees are within the pay ranges established by this plan. The Resolution provides for complete implementation by January 2008. The pay plan is to be revised on an annual basis and will include any cost of living adjustments (COLA) given. Mayor Calvo thanked TA Murphy and the Council for all the work they put into this effort, which he considers essential to a modern Town Government.
CM Gourley thanked TA Murphy as well. He said that this salary plan puts into action a top priority this Council adopted 3 years ago and will help a number of employees with better compensation. MPT Jewitt emphasized that the plan adopts salaries that are competitive with peer jurisdictions and is important in helping retain the Town's hard working employees. CM Dennison said that the plan improves employees' opportunities for advancement in that it creates new grades for existing positions. It should help with attracting and retraining well qualified employees. CM Lofgren said that, while the Town had bits and pieces of a job classification and pay plan before, he is pleased to see this comprehensive plan adopted as it was part of the platform he ran on. He noted, too, that, while the classification system permits new positions to be established, they are not all funded. It remains up to the Council to implement a position via a budget appropriation.
Mayor Calvo noted that former CMs Theresa Laughlin and Paul McNulty made important contributions to the plan and would have liked to have completed it before the end of their term.
The Council voted 5 to 0 in a roll call vote to adopt the Resolution.
Resolution 11-06 – Amending Personnel Manual Chapters 4 & 5: Clerk Harper read the Resolution. Mayor Calvo explained that the amendments update Chapters 4 and 5 of the Town's Personnel Manual to complement the new position classification and pay plan. They provide 1) for the Town Administrator to recommend changes to position classification titles or pay grades as well as changes to the pay plan as part of the annual budget process; and 2) for the standardization of the probationary period to 6 months for new employees, with the possiblility of two 3-month extensions up to a total probationary period of one year. Extensions are to be granted in conjunction with a performance improvement plan.
CM Gourley moved to adopt the Resolution. MPT Jewitt seconded. The Council approved the Resolution in a 5 to 0 roll call vote.
Electric Cooperative Purchasing Agreement (item added on a motion by CM Lofgren and second by MPT Jewitt): Mayor Calvo explained that TA Murphy received an e-mail today from the Town's electric purchasing cooperative offering to extend the current contract at a favorable rate with a 24-hour deadline. TA Murphy elaborated that the Town in May 2006 entered into a 10 month agreement with a 3rd party electricity provider, Strategic Energy LLC, as an alternative to PEPCO, which had raised rates by 55%. The offer to extend the current contract with Strategic Energy would lock in the cost of electricity for 3 years at a lower rate than the 10.3 cents per kilowatt hour (KWH) available in May. PEPCO's current rate is 11 cents per KWH. The 3-year rate offered is 10.132 cents per KWH, but it does not take into account street lights usage, which makes up the largest share of the Towns electricity budget. Thus the rate will be recalculated and may be lower than 10.132 cents per KWH. The decision before the Council is whether to lock into this rate now or wait for the next bidding period in May.
In discussions, the Council weighed the merits of a stable rate against the possibility of closing at a lower rate by waiting until the next bidding period. As these rates are market driven there is no guarantee, however, that rates will in fact be lower. MPT Jewitt proposed to lock in if the rate offered is below 10 cents per KWH. He did not care for being pressured to make a last minute decision. In a straw poll, CMs Jewitt and Dennison said they would wait, unless the rate offered is below 10 cents per KWH. CMs Gourley and Lofgren said to lock in now.
CM Gourley moved to lock in for 3 years if the recalculated rate is below the 10.132 cents per KWH offered today. CM Lofgren seconded. In a roll call vote, the Council voted 3 to 2 for locking in with CMs Jewitt and Dennison opposed.
9. Citizens Discussion Chief of the Volunteer Fire Department, Chuck Fusco, gave a report. He said that the Volunteer Fire Department (BH VFD) is holding its annual fund drive, which is done by mail only. The Department has received complaints for contributions being solicited by phone. The Prince George's County Professional Fire Fighters Association are also engaged in their fund drive and have hired a 3rd party that aggressively solicits by phone. However, money donated to that organization does not go the BH VFD. The VFD fund drive continues through the holidays and receipts will be appropriated toward the purchase of a new ladder truck.
Chief Fusco continued that the VFD did not hold an Open House this fall but plans to do that in conjunction with the next Berwyn Heights Day. Further, the Department will again sell Christmas trees after Thanksgiving and participate in the Police Department's children’s Christmas party.
Mayor Calvo thanked Chief Fusco for helping the Recreation Council put up the lights for the upcoming Tree Lighting ceremony. CM Dennison asked for a representative from the VFD to help plan Berwyn Heights Day.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:37 p.m.
Kerstin Harper, Town Clerk
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