Dear Neighbors:
Because we’re now in budget season, the City Council will be meeting twice in each of the next three weeks, with special Monday evening budget sessions in addition to our regular Wednesday night meetings. Tonight, the agenda will be focused on the operating and community services budget: https://takomaparkmd.gov/meeting_agendas/city-council-meeting-agenda-monday-april-18-2022/. To make a public comment, you can either come in-person to the Community Center auditorium at 7:30 PM or sign up to make a comment via zoom by 5:00 PM today: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0Fpq9LzlT8-i3bn8zWoo-Q.
In Wednesday night’s meeting, we’ll be voting on a resolution clarifying the use of our Community Development Block Grant funds; a revision to the sign ordinance; and an amendment to the Police Employees Retirement Plan. We will also be voting on resolutions of appreciation for two departing City employees. In the work session, we’ll first discuss the proposal from Adventist HealthCare to shift their urgent care facility to a primary care facility, and then a budget amendment. Here’s a link to Wednesday’s agenda: https://takomaparkmd.gov/meeting_agendas/city-council-meeting-agenda-wednesday-april-20-2022/. For public comments in Wednesday’s meeting, again you can speak in-person starting at 7:30 PM or sign up to comment remotely by 5:00 PM on Wednesday: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-saTalRMQfinyZgJljdujQ
For more information on the meeting agenda items, see below. You can watch this week’s meetings on City TV (RCN -- 13, HD 1060; Comcast/xfinity -- 13, HD 997; Verizon Fios -- 28), on the City Council Video Page; on YouTube, or on Facebook.
CITY BUDGET UPDATE
Each year, our municipal public budget process runs from early April through late May. The City Manager formally submitted his proposed budget on April 6: https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/agendas/2022/budget-presentation-2022-04-06.pdf
As outlined in my blog last week (https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/agendas/2022/budget-presentation-2022-04-06.pdf) I’m concerned about the proposed 3 cent increase (per $100 of assessed property value) which is part of the budget proposal. For a property with an assessed value of $600,000, the tax bill would go up by $180 if there is no increase in the assessment. However, with many homeowners seeing substantial increases in the recent assessments, the impact could be substantially higher, not to mention that many properties are assessed well above $600,000. As we work on the budget over the next few weeks, I’ll be seeking spending reductions that would enable us to reduce the proposed rate.
The final vote on the budget and tax rate is scheduled for May 18, but many of the key decisions will likely be made in the Reconciliation session on May 2. Here’s the budget schedule between now and the anticipated final vote on May 18:
Monday, April 18 -- City Council Budget Work Session
Monday, April 25 -- City Council Budget Work Session
Wednesday, April 27 -- Budget and Tax Rate Public Hearing
Monday, May 2 -- City Council Budget Reconciliation Work Session
Wednesday, May 11 -- City Council First Reading Vote on Budget and Tax Rate
Wednesday, May 18 -- City Council Second Reading Vote on Budget and Tax Rate
As a reminder, I’ve scheduled two opportunities tomorrow, Tuesday, April 19 for Ward One residents to meet with me to discuss or offer comments about the budget:
Office Hours in the public area of the Laurel Avenue Streetery: 10:00 AM - Noon.
Zoom meeting 7:30 - 9:00 PM: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89453583442?pwd=Ly9scGl2djBkRElJRk5VNi9sTGFtdz09
If you can’t make either of those times, I anticipate setting up additional budget meetings, and you can also contact me directly by email or phone, or set up a one-on-one meeting.
COVID UPDATE
The City’s COVID Dashboard has been updated through April 15: https://takomapark.shinyapps.io/covid_dashboard/. The COVID case numbers in our area are continuing to show a modest uptick.
Old Takoma Business Association Vaccination Clinic -- Tuesday, April 19, 1:00 - 5:00 PM: In partnership with the Maryland Department of Health, OTBA is hosting a free COVID Vaccination Clinic on Tuesday, April 19 in the Laurel Ave Streetery. Moderna, Pfizer and J&J vaccines will be offered - 1st dose, 2nd dose, and all boosters (check out the new guidance for additional boosters for those over 50 here). Pre-registration is encouraged, but not necessary. Register HERE. Insurance is not required. Open to Maryland and DC residents.
PCR Testing at the New Hampshire Avenue Recreation Center: Now extended through April on Wednesdays, April 20 and 27 from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM: https://takomaparkmd.gov/news-alert/extended-onsite-covid-19-testing-every-wednesday-in-march/. Test kits and masks will be given to each person after testing.
Mask/Testing Kit Distribution: https://takomaparkmd.gov/public-notices/covid-19-rapid-test-kits-and-kn95-masks-available-now/. The Takoma Park Library is continuing to distribute N95 masks and COVID rapid testing kits during all open hours.
Other COVID resources: Vaccines for children ages 5 - 11: https://takomaparkmd.gov/news-alert/covid-19-vaccines-are-now-available-for-children-aged-5-11/; vaccines for people who are 12 and older: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19/vaccine/ or State Vaccine Website; Testing: Montgomery County Testing Sites; Food aid: Submit an online request for help with food resources or call 240-777-0311. The City is partnering with the Salvation Army to help residents with utility bills: email to housing @takomaparkmd.gov or call 301-891-7119.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Lawn Pesticides and Human Health Presentation -- April 19, 7:00 PM: Dr. Olga Naidenko with the Environmental Working Group will make a presentation in the Community Center.
Welcome Reception for City Manager Jamal Fox -- April 20, 6:30 - 7:20 PM: Join the reception in the Community Center to formally welcome our new City Manager.
Arbor Day Tree Walk, Saturday, April 23, 10:00 AM -- Noon: https://takomaparkmd.gov/news-alert/join-us-for-our-arbor-day-tree-walk-on-saturday-april-23/. Join a tree for Arbor Day led by Urban Forest Manager Marty Frye. Participants can speak about tree-related work they are doing. Contact Marty to speak about your project: urbanforestmanager@takomaparkmd.gov. For more details and to RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/takoma-park-arbor-day-gathering-and-tree-walk-tickets-295370580357
Main Street Takoma Community Shredding Event, Sunday, April 24, 1:00 - 4:00 PM: https://mainstreettakoma.org/event/free-community-shred-2022/. This event will take place in the Seventh Day Adventist Church parking lot (6810 Eastern Avenue).
Takoma Metro Station Development: https://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/over-300-apartments-retail-park-and-plaza-proposed-at-takoma-metro-station/19341. The EYA development company is proposing a new design for an apartment building at the Metro Station parking lot. There will be several opportunities to participate in informational meetings about the proposal, including an ANC meeting on April 25 at 7:00 PM, and a Takoma Park meeting in May (time and date to be announced). The project is expected to enter the formal DC approval process in the summer. The agenda for the April 25 ANC has not yet been posted, but once it is, you can register to participate through this site: https://anc4b.com/category/agendas/
Takoma Foundation Spring Grant Cycle -- April 29 Deadline: The Takoma Foundation raises funds to advance the social, environmental, economic, educational and cultural interests of the greater Takoma Park community. In this cycle, the Foundation will award general operating grants of up to $5,000 to support utility bills, fundraising, board and leadership development, salaries, meeting expenses, materials, or a specific project. See the grant guidelines at: takomafoundation.org/grants/guidelines and apply here: takomafoundation.org/grants-app.
Prescription Drug Take Back Day -- Saturday, April 30: The Takoma Park Police Department will participate in the national Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on April 30, 2022, from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Bring unused medications to the collection boxes in the first floor police lobby of the Community Center. Prescription, over-the-counter and pet medications will be accepted. In addition, vape pens and other e-cigarette devices are now accepted BUT only after the batteries are removed. As a reminder, the collection site is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Drugs can be dropped off with no questions asked. Items that CANNOT be left are liquids, inhalers, aerosol cans, regular household ointments/lotions, needles/sharps and/or thermometers. If you have questions, contact: cathyp@takomaparkmd.gov.
Takoma Park Safe Routes Virtual 5K Run, May 15 - 31: https://takomaparkmd.gov/government/housing-and-community-development/planning-and-community-development/safe-routes-to-school/tkpk5k-challenge/. The proceeds from this annual event will benefit health, fitness, bike, and pedestrian safety activities at five local schools.
Independence Day Parade: https://www.takomapark4th.org/. After being cancelled the last two years, the parade and evening celebration are returning in 2022. For information on how groups, performers, etc. can register, use the above link.
VOTING SESSION
Resolutions of Appreciation for Departing Staff: The background material on this agenda item was not available as of blog-post time.
Community Development Block Grant Resolution: https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/agendas/2022/council-20220420-2.pdf. The City has received $91,000 annually from the CDBG program the last several years. While the funds were allocated for streetscape improvements, the work has not gone forward owing to challenges around compliance with Federal guidelines on the use of the funds. City staff are now proposing an alternative use of the funds for neighborhood improvements in Ward 5, including upgrades of Toatley-Fraser Park. I’ll be voting for the proposal.
Sign Ordinance: https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/agendas/2022/council-20220420-3.pdf. The City’s sign ordinance was suspended around the time the pandemic began to emerge in 2020, and the current suspension is set to expire on June 30. Reinstating the ordinance in a way that enables free expression while also curbing unsightly clutter can be complicated, given recent court rulings which significantly limit municipalities’ ability to restrict signs based on their content. I had several concerns about the initial draft of the ordinance re-write we considered last month, most of which have been addressed. The draft has been modified now to allow somewhat larger signs, to no longer require the name of the person who posted the sign (though the sponsoring group or individual would still need to be listed), and to clarify the requirements relating to posting near City facilities. While those changes have substantially improved the draft, I’m continuing to review the language to see if it strikes an appropriate balance between free expression and reducing clutter.
Police Employees Retirement Plan Option: https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/agendas/2022/council-20220420-4.pdf. The Council will be considering a technical adjustment to the effective date for the Deferred Retirement Option Plan to ensure eligible applicants can apply, despite administrative delays in developing the application forms. DROP is a valuable option for members of the Police force, and it’s vital to ensure it functions effectively. I’ll be voting in favor of this amendment.
WORK SESSION
Adventist Health Care Proposal: https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/agendas/2022/council-20220420-5.pdf. I’ve been part of a Council sub-group which has been discussing with Adventist HealthCare their plans to close the urgent care facility at the former hospital site and open a primary care center in the adjacent medical building. Opening the urgent care facility was a key condition AHC agreed to as part of the approval process for closure of the hospital, and AHC will have to apply to the State for approval of the new plan. While closing the urgent care facility will have an impact on the community, I’m pleased that AHC has agreed to provide behavioral health crisis response and behavioral health counseling in the same building where they will be opening the primary care center. I think that type of service can mesh well with the mental health counselling program for which we’ve approved funding as part of our ARPA spending plan. As a result, I’m supportive of the plan.
Here’s a link to the AHC proposal: https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/agendas/2022/supplemental-documents/AHC-Health-Service-Proposal-for-Takoma-Park_20220420.pdf
Budget Amendment: https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/agendas/2022/council-20220420-6.pdf. Periodically within a given fiscal year the Council considers budget amendments which reflect increased or decreased spending due to slower than anticipated work on projects and programs, temporary staff changes, and other factors that necessitate the shifting of funds from one fiscal year to the next. This budget amendment also reflects the use of ARPA funds for some programs that had been expected to be covered by the regular budget. This amendment’s net impact is over $5 million in reductions to the budget, though the bulk of that represents spending that will be moved to next year’s budget connected to the Library project. The remainder -- approximately $935,000 in net reductions -- comes from a series of mostly smaller changes. It’s not entirely clear whether some of those cuts will end up simply being spent in the next fiscal year or not actually spent at all. I’m looking forward to getting clarity on that point in this week’s meeting.
As always, please be in touch with questions or comments about any of the above matters.
Peter Kovar, Takoma Park City Council, Ward One
240-319-6281; www.councilmemberkovar.com
(He, Him, His)
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