Meeting Roundup: Riverdale Park Legislative Meeting

Riverdale Park’s mayor and town council met Monday evening in a legislative meeting where they discussed a number of topics.

• The council agreed to sign a “letter of agreement” giving a Virginia-based investment firm called Davenport and Company a shot at securing a lower interest rate for the city on a loan stemming back to 2006. The letter was presented and passed as a “first step” in the process, and does not bound the city to any fees associated with Davenport until after the firm secures Riverdale a more attractive loan. 
• The council also approved an ordinance establishing a reserve fund aimed exclusively at future capital outlays. As Councilman Alan Thompson (Ward 2) noted, the fund would be far less vulnerable to other operating budget items requiring more cash.
• Town Administrator Sara Imhulse said three businesses located along the 5400 block of Kenilworth Avenue — Riggs Grocery, Asian Restaurant and Kenilworth Liquors — may soon receive facelifts under a “façade improvement” project. Imhulse said construction could begin within four to six weeks, and hopes to secure the right bid for the job by April 19. “I’m very excited about this project,” she said.
• But that’s not all along Kenilworth Avenue. The council and Interim Police Chief Patrick Timmons also discussed how best to handle complaints over day laborers who tend to congeal along the road. More than one councilman, including Thompson and Chris Henry (Ward 4), said former efforts to curb the laborers have not worked out so well.  Timmons agreed, saying that arresting the laborers can be a thorny, legal issue and process.
• In other roadway news, Henry expressed concern over “increasing amounts of graffiti encroaching” on portions of Riverdale, including along the overpass of the Baltimore Washington Parkway on Good Luck Road. Timmons indicated he would work to limit the problem.
• Henry also noted what the removal of speed cameras along Good Luck Road has done. “You can tell the cameras are no longer there,” he said of speeding traffic. Timmons said he would ensure more “traditional” forms of traffic enforcement there, including the use of radar.
• Meanwhile, a squatter using the MARC station may now find it trickier to squat there, as Timmons said he has beefed up patrols of the station, and will ensure all doors are locked at the station. Timmons also noted that the problem may already be solved, having evicted a man found using the side of the station as a restroom earlier in the day. There are eight operational cameras at the MARC station, Timmons said.
• A recent audit revealed the need to limit health insurance benefits for retirees. While the town will continue to fund 75 percent of each retiree’s benefits, the council voted in favor of placing a 25-year limit on the benefit. The ordinance would also ward off abuse by requiring qualified candidates to certify their claims. 
• Public Works Director Leonard Addison emphasized that the town’s trash collection efforts will not be impacted by the Easter holiday.  Addison also noted that the city will pick up bulk-trash items on Saturday, April 9. But don’t wait until Saturday, he said. “Put it out on Friday evening.”
• April 9 also coincides with Earth Day, which could use a hand in cleaning up portions of the Anacostia River between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m., Addison said, adding: “Please come out.” Event organizers and refreshments may be found near the baseball diamonds located at the town’s recreation center. 
• Addison also spoke of a free, energy-efficiency program aimed at weatherizing homes that is now available to residents who qualify. The program is being sponsored by Pepco and Delmarva Power, Addison said, and applies to lower-income residents. For more information, call the town’s public works office.
• Riverdale Park’s town center, as in years past, will be closed on May 1 in observance of the Arts Festival.
• Riverdale Park’s annual Easter Egg Hunt will take place on the grounds of the Riversdale Mansion on April 16, between 9 and 11 a.m.