Riverdale Park's mayor and council met for their worksession meeting Monday night at town hall and discussed a number of upcoming projects and events in addition to their discussion of agenda items for their Dec. 6 legislative meeting.

• Two guest speakers from the Neighborhood Design Center and the Center for Watershed Protection presented information on the development of a rain garden in town behind Riverdale Elementary and near town hall. Patch will publish a detailed story Tuesday.
• On Saturday, eight architects will volunteer their time to design a plan for town hall's possible extension, which would include space for youth and community.
• Mayor Vernon Archer suggested that the town donate to the Christian Life Center as its charity this year after attending the Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday he saw their efforts and also saw the need in the community. Archer recognized the possible issue of naming a church as a charity, however, he believed the money would go towards their programs.
• Archer also discussed the issues of overcrowding at Riverdale Elementary and although the new elementary school in Hyattsville will help with some of the issue, ultimately they may have to change the area's school boundaries or move the Pre-K out of Riverdale. He asked that the council make an effort to survey constituents on the issue.
• Town Administrator Sara Imhulse said the town would host its annual Children's Holiday Party starting at 3:30 p.m. this Saturday, Dec. 4 at town hall. The town will also host a senior lunch on Dec. 16 at Crescent Cities.
• Police Chief Teresa Chambers discussed how through more than $91,000 in grant money her department purchased new scanners only using $286 from the town. Chambers added that Cpl. Roland Alexander applied for and received a $17,000 grant from the county to use when he teaches D.A.R.E. at Riverdale Elementary.
• The police department is also hiring a police officer to help with questions and services regarding the town's speed cameras. This officer's salary, benefits and equipment including a vehicle can be paid solely with revenue from the speeding tickets.
• The town will participate in creating food baskets and getting donations from Toys for Tots. Anyone in need of toys or food should contact code enforcement officer Colleen Ferguson.
• Public Works Director Leonard Addison asked that folks place leaves on the strip of grass between the sidewalk and street for easy collection. Addison added that leaves in the street end up in the sewers.
• Addison also discussed how public works will be placing lighting on the hiker/biker trail in town and have also created a crosswalk on Lafayette Avenue near the train tracks and town center.
• Trash pick up will not be affected for Christmas or New Year's Day because the holidays are on the weekend.
• Holiday Market coordinator Jim Coleman said Christmas trees will be on sale on Dec. 11 and Dec. 12 in town center.
• Imhulse discussed the efforts between neighboring towns and Riverdale Park to allow residents to use UMD's shuttle system. The town is planning on writing a letter to state legislators concerning the use of the shuttle service. They will vote on this item at their Dec. 6 meeting.
• Archer and Councilman Alan Thompson discussed the memorandum of understanding between Hyattsville, University Park and Riverdale Park concerning Wells Run. They were in support of the changes and hope to pass it on Dec. 6.
• Thompson said residents who live near the prospective dog park project are reluctant to support it because they are worried about the upkeep. He hopes to have them talk to those on the dog park committee to hash out any concerns and issues.
• He also drafted up a resolution concerning the sale of the property on 51st Avenue to park and planning. It will also be voted on at the Dec. 6 meeting.

Look for more detailed stories in Tuesday and Wednesday's editions of Riverdale Park-University Park Patch!