Meeting Roundup: University Park Talks Cafritz, Smart Growth, Approves Permits

Several residents showed up Monday evening at University Park Elementary School for the town's mayor and council meeting, which opened the floor to them for discussion about term limits and council compensation, as well as the updated Cafritz property plan and smart growth.

• Council opened the meeting with a public hearing on the possible change on — from three to unlimited.
• Two other public hearings will be held on the charter changes related to council compensation and the election process in November.
• During public comment, resident Bruce Burrows asked that council send out mailings when hosting public hearings or last-minute meetings not listed in the town's newsletter, since some people in town aren't web savvy.
• Former Mayor Harold Freeman said his wife would like to see an additional stop sign places near Pineway and Woodberry Street, because motorists don't stop at that intersection. She's also like the town to look at the sidewalk along Clagett and Pineway heading towards College Park.
• Resident Ed Lee would like the town to take the information from a traffic study they hope to do and decide where in town there is too much signage and where more is needed.
• The following items were approved:

• To install a Kohler Command Pro Generator at 4318 Clagett Road.
• To replace and existing storage shed with a vinyl sided shed at 6803 Forest Hill Drive.
• To expand a patio with an 18 inch retaining wall and replace the back steps and existing gate at 4120 Woodberry Street.
• To replace exiting brick retaining wall with a 30 feet by 3.5 feet brick retaining wall at 4205 Underwood Street.
• To send a letter of support for the residents at 6907 Forest Hill Drive that want to repair and replace and existing retaining wall and railing.

• Police Chief Michael Wynnyk said the police department have arrested a few people in connection with thefts in town. The department also received an e-citation reader to help them process tickets.
• DPW Director Mickey Beall said the town will submit expenses related to and Lee to FEMA and hope to get some reimbursement.
• Lynn Desautels, U.S. EPA Smart Growth Program, discussed what smart growth looks like and how the EPA can help local municipalities succeed with their developments.
• Chip Reed, attorney for Jane Cafritz, discussed the updated the developers recently submitted to MNCPPC. Look for story this week with details.