RP Meeting Notes: Vote on Contentious Charter Amendment Delayed

The Riverdale Park mayor and town council met Monday night for their regular March legislative session. The packed agenda included the introduction of new legislation, the passage of several resolutions, and detailed mayor, ward, and committee reports. Here's a summary of what you may have missed:

Key vote delayed

• A vote on charter amendment 2012-CR-01, which was among council members at last week's worksession, was pushed back. Councilman Alan Thompson (Ward 2), who introduced the legislation, said that he’d had numerous discussions with Councilman Jonathan Ebbeler (Ward 1), who opposes the original version of the amendment. While he was not sure they would be able to reach a consensus, Thompson said he would still like to try over the coming months. The vote was postponed until the regular July legislative session, a delay supported by all of the council members present.

Legislative approvals

• The council unanimously approved a resident’s request for a 6-foot fence along the rear of the property located at 6107 43rd St. in Ward 1.
• The council also approved a carnival permit request from David Furr to be held in the Alamo parking lot from March 29 to April 3. The carnival will serve as a fundraiser for the .
• Resolution 2012-R-01 was approved by the council, establishing a permit parking area in the subdivision known as Madison Hill. Councilmember Chris Henry (Ward 4) explained that residents are concerned about excessive street parking and hope that the permit-only approach will limit the problem.
• The council approved the appointment of Riverdale Park resident Sarah McClellan to the town ethics committee.
• The council also approved a request to install two curb cuts at 4805 Queensbury Rd., the home of the Little Workers of the Sacred Heart Day Care.
• Resolution 2012-R-02 was approved, allowing the town to begin joint negotiations with Prince George’s County and other area municipalities over the Comcast cable franchise renewal.
• As a result of the delayed vote on proposed charter amendment 2012-CR-01, the council approved Resolution 2012-R-03, extending a previous resolution to allow the town to continue operations while issues with the amendment are addressed.
• The council approved a charter amendment dealing with the issuance of debt.
• The minutes from the Feb. 6 regular legislative meeting were approved.

Legislation introduced

• Henry introduced an ordinance to amend regulations relating to the town’s issuance of parking permits.
• Henry also introduced an emergency ordinance and a resolution concerning dumpsters and storage receptacles—one for public property and one for private property. The resolution would prohibit the storing of dumpsters and storage receptacles on pubic streets without a permit. The emergency ordinance would establish a permit and a fee to place these receptacles on private property.

Mayor’s report

• Mayor Vernon Archer reported that the rezoning application will be heard before the Prince George’s County District Council on April 11.
• University Park Mayor John Tabori sent a letter to Archer inviting the town of Riverdale Park to participated the the . The program is funded through a grant form the Department of Energy and the town of University Park has received approval to use a portion of their grant to proved STEP-UP in neighboring communities. Riverdale Park will have to send a letter of commitment to University Park by May 1 to participate in the program. The council was amenable to this action.
• Archer and Town Administrator Sarah Imhulse will be testifying in Annapolis before the both bodies of the state legislature seeking funding for the town youth and community center. The town’s planner, Paul Mortensen, has been hired on to begin working on the design of the center.
• Park and Planning will begin construction of through Riverdale Park in about two months, said Archer.
• The town’s annual Easter egg hunt will be held on Saturday, April 7 on the grounds of the Riverdsale Mansion (time to be decided). Volunteers are needed for this event, and those interested can call Imhulse at the town hall.
• The Maryland Multicultural Youth Center has reached out to the mayor and town to request space to paint a mural and plant a community garden in memory of Cesar Chavez.

Town administrator’s report

• The Route 1 Ride will be hosting a meeting in the town hall on Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. to choose the finalists in the contest to wrap the buses, and Imhulse asked if any town officials would be available to participate in the judging.
• Metrobus is holding a public meeting on Wednesday, March 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. to discuss public transportation along East-West Highway, in particular bus routes F4 and F6.
• Imhulse will be attending the M Square public hearing this Thursday.
• Volunteers are needed for the Easter egg hunt and the Riverdale Park Arts Council, said Imhulse. Those interested should contact her at the town hall.

Police department/code enforcement report

• Police Chief David Morris reported that the town will be working with Prince George’s County Police District 1 command on this spring’s pedestrian safety initiative being sponsored by the Council of Governments.
• He also reported that the town is continuing to work with county code enforcement to monitor Jey’s Auto and other properties to keep them in compliance.

Public works report

• Public Works Director Leonard Addison reported that the town clean up would be held on Saturday April 21. Residents can clean out their basements, attics, and garages and the town will be along to pick up the refuse between 9 a.m. and noon that day.
• April 21 also marks Earth Day, and the town will be collaborating with the Anacostia Watershed Society to clean the streams in town that connect to the Anacostia River. Those interested in volunteering should contact Addison at laddison@riverdalepark.md.gov.
• Addison also spoke with FEMA officials recently and said that the town will be recouping about $15,000 in funds spent during tropical storm Lee last fall.
• The town hall lobby and bathrooms will be repainted in new colors in the next few weeks, said Addison.

Ward and committee reports

• Thompson noted that with the warm weather, soccer games have begun. He requested that Public Works put up the soccer nets in the local parks.
• The Finance Committee is beginning the budget process and will adopt and monitor procedural changes.
• Councilmember David Lingua (Ward 3) noted that there would be a Central Kenilworth Avenue Revitalization (CKAR) meeting March 6 at 7 p.m. at 6200 Sheridan St.
• There will be a meeting hosted by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission about the proposed Riverdale Park Purple Line station on April 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. at in the Candlelight Room.
• Henry reported that he is working with Addison on a speed hump policy for the town. He also said Ward 4 will be hosting its annual Christmas in April and he encouraged the other wards to get involved as well.
• Councilmember Alejandro Sivla (Ward 6) reported that traffic calming measures in his ward had been delayed due to some underground pipe repairs and replacements being conduced by WSSC.