Meeting Roundup: University Park Talks Summer Events, Crime Forums and More

University Park's mayor and council met Monday night at University Park Elementary School.

On their agenda were a number of items, including updates on local developments, permit applications and updates from departments and various town organizations. 

• Sarah Moseley, with the 75th anniversary commitee, updated council on a note she receieved from the executive director of the Jim Henson Legacy. They are supportive of the town renaming the triangular, grassy area in the center of town the Henson Green.
• Resident Tom Stickles said in the past he's strongly opposed a dog park in town and still does even though he's a new dog owner. However, he does think a small "romp" area in town for two or three dogs to meet up and play in would be OK. So on behalf of some dog owners in town, he asked council to consider allowing a 100-square-foot area in the park where dogs can meet up and play unleashed. It would be maintained by the volunteers who support it and it could be a trial for three months, after which it comes back to council for review.
• Pineway resident Jo Williams encouraged council to consider paying future mayor and councils because she realizes how much work they put in and believe they should be compensated.
• Council approved an application to replace an existing deck and stairs at 4301 Clagett Road.
• Council introduced an ordinance that would allow the town to bon itself for the amount of up to $2.38 million to fix infrastructure around town.
• Mayor John Tabori said he plans on testifying at the county's meeting about the stormwater management proposal.
• Tabori said the town is collaborating with Riverdale Park and other keys players about the new ideas for the Cafritz Property. He asked that developers come to the July 18 meeting to discuss their plans. 
• Tabori also thanked former Ward 2 Councilman Mickey Lucas for serving on the council for six years from 2005 to 2011.
• Chief Michael Wynnyk shared the May police report with council and told them about apprehension of one car thief.
• Wynnyk said police will be out to help during Friday's dog walk in town and will host an emergency exercise in town on June 18.
• The police department receieved their license plate reader and eight mobile radios.
• Wynnyk said he would host four public safety forums again this summer, but would get some guest speakers.
• DPW Director Mickey Beall said the department placed wood chips down on tot lot.
• Beall said the bridge railing has been repaired. He also said SHA is back on Route 1 to make the sidewalks ADA compliant.
• The town had a successful walk-through with WSSC representatives, so they hope to fix any issues contractors left.
• Bealls discussed how two DPW employees were charged by dogs. He said as a result employees may start carrying dog halt spray and receieve training for its usage.
• The county planted 16 more trees on the University Park side of Adelphi Road.
• Speakers from the town's civic association reminded council of the Fourth of July celebration on Monday, July 4 at the top of Queens Chapel Road at 11 a.m.
• They also asked for a permission to host the second annual corn toss competition– when teams of two play a game originating from Midwestern tailgaiting, but family-and kid-friendly. It's used as a fundraiser each year. Council approved them to use the town field on Sunday, June 25 from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Chuck Wilson, with the town's STEP UP Committee, said that residents are now retrofitting their homes after completing energy audits. STEP UP will host a workshop at 7:30 p.m. at Riverdale Presbyterian Church about energy-efficient windows and doors.
• Wilson also said the town has hired three summer interns, two who live in town, to work with the town's energy program.
• Council approved a six-month on-street parking waiver on 6704 40th Avenue
• Town E-Cycling was successful and another one has been scheduled for Oct. 29.