Meeting Roundup: Riverdale Park November Legislative Meeting

Mayor Archer reported that they are working on the RFQ for the Town Hall's new wing. Archer also told council members that the number of foreclosed houses has declined significantly, down from a high of 48 sixteen months ago, to 37.

Town Administrator Sara Imhulse reminded the council of the Wednesday, November 9 Cafritz worksession, and informed them that Cafritz may submit revised plans this week.

Imhulse also reported that the town had received a Maryland Clean Energy grant to replace the outdated HVAC in the Town Hall, and that remaining funds would be used to replace outdated lighting.

Imhulse told the council the PCCAM dinner was being held on November 17, and that any members interested in attend should let her know.

The town administrator also reminded everyone that the town would be closed on Friday for Veteran's Day, as well as on November 24 and 25 for Thanksgiving.

Public Works Director Leonard Addison reminded the council that Saturday drop off for this month is November 19 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. He also noted that as the town is closed on Thursday, November 24 for Thanksgiving, that there will be no trash pick-up that day. The next trash pick-up will be the following Monday.

Addison also reminded the council that leaf pick-up begins on November 15. Leaves will be collect in Wards 2 and 4 on Mondays and Thursdays, and all other wards on Tuesdays and Fridays. Bagged leaves will be picked up on Wednesdays.

Riverdale Park Fire Department President Stephen Lamphier reported that they had a successful Riverdale Park Day, and he expressed his appreciation for the award given by the council to Nora Johns. He also noted that the fire department's HVAC renovation was supposed to start in January but will likely be delayed until the spring because of the cold weather. The storage pod in the front of the fire department is being used to put the items from their bunk room and attic, that need to be moved for the renovation. Lamphier also reported that he expects to have the bid out for the department's new ambulance before Thanksgiving.

Councilman Jonathan Ebbeler (Ward 1) reported that he had submitted several items for consideration by the Mayor and council, including a letter to Cafritz; a resolution to continue the town's membership in ATHA; a resolution regarding the purchase of Jey's Auto; and a resolution that the town become part of the Sustainable Maryland Certified Municipal program. He also reported that he supported Dumm's application, which has been filed with Park and Planning, and should be opening in January of February of the coming year. Ebbeler also stated that he would be attempting to get a weak board at the railroad crossing fixed, and he was also mentioned the SHA presentation on the Route 1 and MD 410 proposed improvements in his ward.

Councilman Alan Thompson (Ward 2) reported that last week's M-UTC meeting was dominated by Cafritz and that they will make recommendations on moving forward by December. He also reported that there had been no Finance Committee meeting in October, but one would be scheduled for November or December. He also reported that the Public Works committee had discussed PODs and how to regulate them; a better system for approving speed humps; Christmas in April; and the illegal signs on telephone poles and how to deal with them. Thompson was also pleased to see the potholes being filled on MD 410.

Councilman David Lingua (Ward 3) reported that there would be a MNCPP meeting regarding the Purple Line at Beacon Heights Elementary School on November 15 from 6:30 p.m. - 8: 30 p.m. He also mentioned that he volunteered at the Riverdale Park Elementary beautification a few weeks ago and was pleased with how many volunteers showed up, and with the work they had done. Lingua also reported that the Neighborhood Design Center had been planting along Nicholson and Kennedy Streets, and he thanked residents for helping to decorate one of the yards in his ward.

The council approved a letter of support with conditions for a variance request in Ward 2.

The council approved traffic calming at the 5400 block of Jefferson Street and at the 5500 and 5600 blocks of 54th Avenue (Ward 6.)

The council approved a letter to Cafritz with several amendments, and heard from both town residents and the developers on this issue.

The council approved a letter of support the county TDOZ legislation.

The council approved Resolution 2011-R-25, to renew the town’s ATHA membership dues.

The council approved the MOU with MNCPP for the hiker/biker trail.

That council approved a request for a waiver of bid requirements ti purchase new emergency equipment for the police department.

The council approved to support the town's CDBG Program Year 38 grant application.

The council postponed approval of the October 3 legislative meeting minutes indefinitely.

The council approved the minutes for the October 13 special legislative meeting.

The council tabled Resolution 2011-R-26, which supported the town's participation in the Sustainable Maryland Certified Municipal Certification Program.