Politics & Government

Riverdale Park Council Talks Town Elections, Snow Removal, Call for Volunteers

The town council met Monday night.

Riverdale Park's mayor and council met Monday night for their regular legislative meeting which included approval of five resolutions, updates from town officers and a discussion on proposed options for the possible or youth and community wing at town hall.

  • The council voted to approve town elections on May 2, 2011. The polling location will be town hall and shall be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • The council voted to authorize paper ballots to be used and provided for town hall election on May 2.
  • The council voted to appoint the following judges for the town elections
  1. Chief Election Judge: Kay Marcos
  2. Deputy Election Judge: Geraldine Gee
  3. Election Judge Ward 1: Open
  4. Election Judge Ward 2: James Coleman
  5. Election Judge Ward 3: Karyn Howard
  6. Election Judge Ward 4: Curtis Simpson
  7. Election Judge Ward 5: Crystal Jack
  8. Election Judge Ward 6: Denise DeWitt
  • The council voted to establish a fee any candidate filing a petition for elective office in the Town Elections on May 2, 2011. The fee to file a petition for elective office in this year's election is $25.
  • The council voted to establish the deadline for any candidate to file a petition for any town elective office of the elections on May 2. This year's deadline is 5 p.m. on April 7.
  • Mayor Vernon Archer said the council received the town's fiscal year 2010 audit report at Jan. 31 work session, which showed legal spending and revenues. He said the town's financial position has improved; currently, there is a minimum of two months of operating reserves. Archer said that "things continue to look better and brigher this fiscal year," noting grant assistance on a variety of projects and revenue from the speed camera system.
  • Town Administrator Sara Imhulse said she submitted paperwork for a bond bill for $400,000. During the work session meeting on Jan. 31, Imhulse said she had submitted a bill, which would allow the town to negotiate with the university and ride the shuttle. On Monday, she said the bill is now in the House of Delegates. Imhulse said the town has received a $37,000 Energy & Environmental Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) from the Maryland Energy Administration. The grant will allow replacement of the HVAC system in the police department. Imhulse finished her report by expressing her sadness over the violence in Arizona. She called for more volunteers in the community to work with youth and senior citizens. She asked residents identify to a skill they''re willing to share and to let her know "what your talents are and what you have to give."
  • Interim Police Chief Patrick Timmons presented council with a report on crime on Jan. 31. Last week, he said police "came across" an incorrect figure for aggravated assaults. Forty-four aggravated assaults were reported; the correct number is 31.
  • Director of Public Works Leonard Addison said the Presidents Day holiday on Feb. 21 will not affect trash collection. Saturday drop0ff is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 19. Leaf collection ended Jan. 15; 63 tons of leaves were collected. Addison thanked the residents for their cooperation. He is asking town residents to park their vehicles in a driveway or on the even side of the street. Snow removal is more efficient if residents comply with request. Addison said that residents are getting the message and emphasized "Help us help you."
  • Public works has installed snow emergency signs, and Addison noted that residents on Silk Tree Lane in Madison Hill are "really cooperating." Spring Cleaning will be held on April 9, which is also Earth Day. Addison said this day is a "family outing" and an opportunity to "talk to your nieghbors ... clean up your streets." Councilman David Lingua (Ward 3) inquired about the disposal of CFC bulbs. Addison said that bulbs are not collected as a separate type of disposal, noting that the landfill has areas for these bulbs. He said that he would need to check further.
  • Riverdale Fire Department President Steve Lamphier said the new fire chief is planning to hire two recruit classes, approximately 90 career personnel.
  • Councilwoman Alice Ewen (Ward 1) asked that residents please park on even side of the street when a snowstorm is forecasted. She said a meeting on the Purple Line is scheduled at 10 a.m. on Feb. 12 at St. Bernard's and encouraged residents to attend to receive the latest update on Purple Line plans. Ewen said that she will not run again for Ward 1 and added that it has been a "great privilege to serve."
  • Councilman Alan Thompson (Ward 2) said the finance committee meeting scheduled at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 26 is postponed to Feb. 9. He said that the news in the town's fiscal year 2010 audit report was generally quite positive. He noted one item of concern: The Town covers 75 percent of retirees' health insurance benefits and currently has no limits. The accounting system is a "big financial worry," he added. The Town is considering a "cap." One final note: Thompson said "I do plan to run again and hope to have support of residents."
  • Councilman David Lingua (Ward 3) said that a Public Safety Committee meeting will be held on Feb. 8 to discuss town policy for Nixle. CKAR will hold a business outreach event on Feb. 24. Lingua said that snow removal on sidewalks is an issue, particularly on vacant properties where property managers are not addressing removal.
  • Councilman Raymond Rivas (Ward 5) said he recently learned firsthand that troopers from the Maryland State Police, College Park Barrack, will be policing the community as well as other communities in the area. Rivas was told by troopers that they plan to do it on a regular basis. He stressed the need for to "do more for the kids" in the community. He, like Imhulse, called for volunteers to work with the youth. Rivas said he will run again.
  • Jonathan Ebbeler announced his candidacy for Ward 1.
  • On Jan. 31, Jan Townshend, from the Neighborhood Design Center, presented options from designers who volunteered time to draw up potential layouts for the possible or youth and community wing at town hall.
  • Archer said that "half of [the] plans not feasible based on government needs." He suggested a two-step process that would allow 1) a paring down of submitted designs to a selection of three to five; and 2) a presentation of initial selection to the public for review.
  • Council approved a motion for $100 to assist the Bladensburg High School SGA's request for a contribution for activities including, prom, a senior breakfast and graduation.


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