Politics & Government
Meeting Round Up: Riverdale Park Legislative Meeting
Notes from Riverdale Park's mayor and council meeting on Oct. 4.
- Mayor and council voted in favor of a resolution requesting the governor and general assembly to reinstate municipal governments full funding for state highway user revenues and state aid for police protection.
- Councilman Alan Thompson (Ward 2) said the general idea was that the town took a significant cut after the budget cycle began on July 1 and now the town would like those funds restored or be allowed to get revenue in some other way, since towns are restricted on how they can earn revenue.
- Council also voted to approve the street closure of one block of 48th and Sheridan streets on Oct. 24 for a block party from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Mayor Vernon Archer thanked Nova Johns, Councilman Raymond Rivas (Ward 5), Town Administrator Sara Imhulse and the rec board for their work on Riverdale Park Day. Other council members also thanks them during their reports. He also thanked the families hosing the teachers from Guatemala including Laurie Lynch, Councilwoman Alice Ewen (Ward 1), Councilman Alan Thompson and Pamela Aguiniga.
- Town Administrator Sara Imhulse reminded residents that the railroad tracks at Queensbury will be closed into the early morning hours of Oct. 11.
- Police Chief Teresa Chambers said the department has received two grants - one for around $10,000 from the U.S. Department of Justice, which will fund three new workstations, printers and digital cameras. The other for around $12,000 from the state would fund camera equipment that will help police keep an eye on prisoners in the barracks and could also double as cameras in high-crime areas.
- Director Leonard Addison said leaf collection will begin Nov. 15. He said the department is well-equipped for the upcoming seasons - including in snow removal. Addison reminded residents that there is a place by the public works building open to the public where they can dispose of oil.
- Councilwoman Alice Ewen raised questions concerning the construction of a property off Queensbury Road. Ewen said the construction has been moving slowly and she's like an update regarding their progress. She also pointed out that after a the city of Hyattsville conducted a traffic study, their board would like to reroute some traffic through Riverdale Park, down 44th place - and she'd like to make sure if it affects Riverdale Park that the town's council has a say.
- Thompson discussed finance committee items in his report. He said the committee discussed changing accounting services for town to an open bid process. Thompson also added that in order to help get storefronts filled, the town would like to give tax credits to business owners. The next finance committee meeting is scheduled for Oct. 27 at 7:30 p.m. in town hall. Thompson also discussed the embankment in Wells Run by East West Highway and said they have found a temporary fix for the erosion, but still need to find something long term.
- There will be a public hearing on Oct. 25 at 7:30 p.m. regarding whether the town should take park and planning's offer to buy the property near the old boys and girls clubhouse for $150,000.
- Councilman David Lingua (Ward 3) said CKAR will meet on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Center for Educational Partnership. Newly elected president Thomas L. Wertz will run his meeting along with 15 other committee members starting Oct. 5.
- Councilman Chris Henry (Ward 4) said there is a short window to select the 2011 recipients of Christmas in April. Residents should nominate people they think might need help by Oct. 25th.
- Councilman Raymond Rivas discussed criminal incidents in his neighborhood. He asked that residents drink indoors and be aware of their surroundings. Rivas said he was really happy with the turnout at Riverdale Park Day and suggested that Riverside Park remain as the new location for the event. He and the board may put together an International Food Tasting for later this year.
- Farmers Market Coordinator Jim Coleman announced that the market was the recipient of a USDA grant for about $33,000. He said this grant would help with the marketing of the event and hopefully draw out more people to the market weekly.
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