Meeting Round Up: University Park Town Council

The University Park town council met on Monday and discussed the following topics:

• STEP UP page is now online and linked to the town's website. In order to find the page, click under documents for the STEP UP page. The STEP UP Advisory Committee is actively looking for an energy coach to help the town with the energy efficiency program.
• The council talked about the problem that occurs when the town must interpret county laws regarding residents building on their own property. Mayor John Tabori said he didn't like having to place conditions on residents who want to build on their own properties. Councilwoman Jacqueline Bradley-Chacon said 95 percent of the permit applications from residents are easy to approve. Yet Bradley-Chacon said she worries the permit process is not user-friendly and is frustrating to residents. The Policy and Rules Committee will meet on Sept. 13 at 11:30 a.m. at town hall to discuss county rules regarding structures on residents' properties especially when those properties are in flood plains.
• Police Chief Michael Wynnyk told the council that there would be some construction on Underwood Street after school begins next week. He said construction should not begin unto after school hours, and that police are aware of the situation and will make sure it is safe.
• Wynnyk is also working with Public Works Director Mickey Beall to clean up park areas for visibility purposes. He hopes it'll make it safer for residents to walk on the paths in the park.
• The council discussed issues with Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission not cleaning up after they begin repairs. There are issues along Pineway and Clagett Road, where water is leaking from open drains.
• Mayor John Tabori also gave an update on the Belcrest Plaza/Landy project and said it will come up for subcommittee review on Friday at 10 a.m.