Meeting Roundup: Riverdale Park Discusses State Delegation, Grants and Upcoming Events

Del. Justin Ross (D — Dist. 22) and representatives from local organizations came out to discuss various items in front of Riverdale Park's mayor and council Monday night for their work session and a special legislative session.

Here are the notes: 

• Ross said Annapolis was reeling from the downfall of the economy this session and while the economy is getting better, it's still hurt as every source of revenue is down. Income tax and sales tax, however, have started to increase.

• "The biggest issue we had was that federal stimulus money is now gone, so we had to make some tough, tough decisions. Prince George's County schools enrollment decreased by 1,000 students," he said, "but, we were able to restore $28 million of $30 million cut" — of which, $34 million for school construction too.
• In Riverdale Park,  $275,000 dollars was allotted for the community center construction. 
• "We didn’t just talk about dream act, gay marriage and wind energy, we also increased the alcohol tax will raise at least $89 million, most of which will be spent on school construction and some on 1,000 needy families from Developmental Disabilities Administration now will have the care they need," Ross said. He also said the alcohol tax will help decrease the number of DUIs, deaths and alcohol-related deaths.
• Ross said 33,000 low to moderate income women to the Maryland will have obstetric care, which means 8,000 less unwanted pregnancies.
• In addition direct wine shipping, the state put together task force to take a look at medical marijuana for people with MS, end of stage cancer.

• Sylvia K. Dasi, of the new , announced that the church will celebrate its 3rd anniversary on May 21 with a community health and fitness expo. A mobile clinic will be on scene to perform six different medical tests for those that are uninsured. There will also be a free mammograms signup for women. 
•  A representative of Sharp Communications presented information on a new telecommunication system for town hall. 
• Capt. Patrick Timmons, of the Riverdale Park Police Dept. said the speed cameras are back on Good Luck Road, if only momentarily.
• The police department continues to work with Maryland State Police for a license plate reader.
• St. Bernard's will hold a Latin festival at the church Memorial Day Weekend. On May 28, it'll be open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on May 29 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. There will be games for kids, food and music.
• Code Enforcement will continue to keep a look out for unregistered rentals, vacant homes and are changing their hours for the spring to Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Public Works Director Leonard Addison said Saturday drop-off will be on May 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Town elections will be held on May 2 in town hall from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

During the special legislative session, Town Administrator Sara Imhulse presented the council with a bid for construction.

Imhulse asked that Molina Construction, Inc. as the bid winner for façade improvement plans. It was the lowest of the two bids. Council granted them the project for a bid of $48,273.47.