UP Meeting Notes: Candidate Files for Ward 5 Election, Compost Program Launches

The Ward 5 council seat, a new compost program, and ways to reward town employees for their hard work led the conversation at Monday night's University Park Town Council meeting. Below is a summary of key developments and discussion points.

Ward 5 election

Mayor John Tabori said that attorney Heidi Sorenson was the only candidate who registered to run in the special election for the vacant Ward 5 council seat.  from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Riverdale Presbyterian Church (6513 Queens Chapel Rd.).

During Monday's public comment period, Ward 5 resident Jayson Amster expressed “dismay at the secrecy” of former Councilwoman Tracey Toscano's resignation from the post.

Town Attorney Suellen Ferguson  in January after the council discussed the issue in an executive session. Ward 6 Councilman Michael Cron reiterated Monday that Toscano had stepped down to lease a new residence in Ward 6.

Amster argued that the council's discussion should have been held in the open and that the minutes of the meeting should be publicly accessible. He said that he is willing to take the issue to court to gain access to the minutes.

“I will tell you quite frankly and bluntly that the council is well within its rights to hold an executive session to take advice from an attorney and to discuss personnel matters,” Tabori responded.

Permits

The council unanimously approved a permit to erect a 4-foot fence in the backyard of 4304 Woodberry St. Neighbors have given the homeowners positive feedback, according to Councilman Len Carey (Ward 4).

Mayor’s report

University Park officials should explore further options to back up its server in case of emergency, Mayor Tabori told the council. The town currently uses a tape drive system.

Because the server holds privileged materials—including police investigations—the options for off-site storage are limited. Carey said the process should be conducted quickly.

Department of Public Works report

The town's mulch and SmartLeaf compost home delivery program began Monday, Public Works Director Mickey Beall noted. Residents can submit an order form on the town website to purchase wood mulch for $6.50 per cubic yard or SmartLeaf compost for $10 per cubic yard. The delivery fee is $30, and the program will run from March to October.

The town budget

With town’s budget process set to begin soon, Tabori presented council members with a list of grants that University Park made to organizations from fiscal year 2006 to fiscal year 2012.

About $32,500 was awarded in FY2012 compared to $18,500 in FY2006. Recipients included the Lewisdale-University Park Boys and Girls Club, Northwestern High School’s marching band, and the University Park Women’s Club.

Tabori also offered a list of the property tax rates from other Prince George’s County municipalities. Between FY2003 and FY2012, University Park's rate gradually declined from .462 percent to .421 percent, outpacing other Route 1 communities inside the beltway.

“It says that we’re doing a good job, a very decent job in keeping our costs down, and we’re able to serve the public,” Tabori said.

Arbor Day proclamation

The council passed a resolution proclaiming April 27 to be Arbor Day in University Park.

Ordinance on employee service recognitions

After preliminary discussions, the council unanimously approved the introduction of an ordinance to reward a Town Hall employee in good standing with small bonuses or other perks. The proposal will be discussed at a future meeting.

Members also supported Ward 1 Councilman David Brosch's proposal to establish an event honoring town employees, to be sponsored by one or more local organizations.

Ordinance on construction and storage receptacles

The council also approved the introduction of an ordinance to enact a permit fee and penalty for placing construction and storage receptacles on private property.

The ordinance would fine property owners $200. Though its introduction passed unanimously, several council members said they thought this fee might be too excessive.

“This fine is too much for private property,” said Ward 2 Councilman James Gekas. “I think the mayor should have the authority to wave any penalty if he finds good cause.”