The June 2010 draft meeting minutes are now available online. Here is the link.
http://myncpca.org/2010/06/10/minutes-5/

Yours,

Fazlul Kabir
Secretary, NCPCA
faz.kabir
(301)659-6295

NCPCA Candidate Forum, July 15, 2010-5.pdf

The President has the authority under the bylaws to appoint three board members in addition to the officers. The board has the power to act on behalf of the Association between regular meetings. Last night I announced two of these appointments:

Mohammed Taluckder
Donna Weene

Wish us luck.

Prince Georges Co. Police COPS officer Sarita reported that on May 28, 6:30pm, a 15 year old girl was sexually assaulted as she walked from the Greenbelt Metro station on a footpath that led into the neighborhood. The assailant is described as a heavyset Hispanic male in his 30’s with dark curly hair, a dark reddish complexion and a tattoo of a snake on his left arm; wearing a blue shirt and jeans. On June 07, around 3:30 pm the Mundo Latino store was robbed at gunpoint by a Hispanic male. The suspect did not wear a mask and she received a copy of the video surveillance. Also on June 24, the A1 Pawn shop was robbed, with two assault rifles stolen. From May 1st to June 6th, there have been 6 B&Es and 7 auto thefts, mostly GPSs were stolen. Ofc. Sarita organized two Neighborhood Walks – a Day Walk on June 2nd and a Night Walk on June 4th. The Night Walk was attended by several residents and city officials, who distributed safety related pamphlets to the neighbors.

Donna Weene conducted the officers’ election for the year 2010-2011. David Turley and Mohammed Sarwar assisted her in the election. Mohammed Sarwar could not renew his membership before the start of the meeting – a motion moved by Peter Lakeland to waive the membership requirement for conducting election was passed. The candidates were Mark Shroder for President; Bill Robertson for Vice President; Fazlul Kabir for Secretary; Joseph Smith and Mohammed Taluckder for Treasurer. Before the members cast their ballots, candidates spoke briefly about their plans if they are elected. 

While votes were being counted, Sean Kirk and Brian Haddad of the Bamboo Eater made a short presentation on their newly opened tobacco shop on 9935 Rhode Island Avenue. They said their store does not sell tobacco and only sells tobacco accessories. A portion of their product lines include jewelry and local art works. They will only sell their products to adults (18+). When asked about a MD state law banning display of drug paraphernalia item such as glass pipes in their store, they said that they checked with County officials, who verified their business practice was legal. 

The election results were as follows: Mark Shroder was elected as President; Bill Robertson was elected as Vice President; Fazlul Kabir was elected as Secretary. Joseph Smith was elected as Treasurer with 14 votes, M Taluckder receiving 8 votes. The President-elect Mark Shroder later appointed Mohammed Taluckder and Donna Weene as members of the Board of Directors.

On a motion by Peter Lakeland, seconded by David Turley, the May 2010 minutes were approved. President Larry Bleau reported that there will be a Candidates’ forum for County Council District 1 candidates at Davis Hall, on Sunday, July 11th from 6pm – 8pm. He also said NCPCA is trying to organize another forum for countywide offices on July 15th; the next “Experience College Park Tour” event will be Wednesday June 23rd at 7pm at Plato’s Diner. 

As of June 2010, there are 69 members in 41 residences. NCPCA’s April 2010 bank statement states an ending balance $1,445.00. Revenues: $170.  

Stephen Jascourt reported that the Variance Committee took a position of “no opposition” on behalf of NCPCA on two variance requests this month. Our procedures only allow the Variance Committee to “oppose” or “not oppose”. The Advisory Planning Commission (APC) gave approval for a fence at 9419 Rhode Island Ave but did not approve a 57-foot setback (county code requires 60-foot setback) for a shed replacement with a much larger shed at 9903 47th Place. The question arose concerning whether NCPCA would like to enter a support position and send a representative to the hearing if the homeowner appeals the APC decision. Motion by Joseph Smith, seconded by Valerie Bleau, that NCPCA take no action on this case; the motion passed (7-1, 1).

Members discussed ways to make members more recognizable during meetings. Donna Weene and  Mark Shroder suggested use of name tags and name tents respectively. There was also discussion on seating arrangements during regular meetings. No decision was made. 

On a motion by Mark Shroder, seconded by Anne Riley, the meeting was extended beyond 9:30pm.  

Senator Jim Rosapepe, Delegates Barbara Frush, Ben Barnes and Joseline Pena Melnyk of MD 21st Delegation presented their report on the 2010 Maryland Legislative session. Their major accomplishments in the past legislative session included use of stimulus funds in repairing roads, schools and transit lines and preservation of police and teachers’ jobs. They also passed several bills – a bill banning hand-held cell phones while driving, a bill closing down health insurance loopholes, a bill extending sentencing terms for sex offenders, a bill protecting senior citizens from reverse mortgage scams, a bill requiring banks to try working with homeowners and state officials before foreclosing on homes. They also approved 3.8% increase in public school funding over 2010 levels and kept state funding for local transits.

On a motion by Anne Riley, seconded by Joseph Smith, meeting was adjourned at 9:37pm. 

Respectfully submitted by Fazlul Kabir, Secretary.

Larry Bleau
NCPCA President
ncpcivic
301-474-1338

Our thanks to Christine Nagle and Marcus Afzali for setting up the debate.

Larry Bleau
NCPCA President
larrycp1
301-474-1338

· Elections of NCPCA officers

· !Presentation: Community Police Safety Report – Ofc. Sarita

· !Presentation: The Bamboo Eater (a new business in northern C.P.)

· Housekeeping and Reports (approve minutes, officers reports, committee reports)

· Name tags – discuss a new idea to better identify meeting attendees

· City Councilmember announcements

· !Legislative Report – members of the 21st District Delegation will attend, speak to residents about what they accomplished in Annapolis this past legislative season

Larry Bleau
NCPCA President
larrycp1
301-474-1338

The Committee for a Better Environment (CBE) and the group Citizens to Conserve and Restore Indian Creek (CCRIC) are hosting a Storm Drain Marking Project this Sat., June 5, 8:00am to noon. Volunteers will meet at HollywoodElementary School (9811 49th Avenue).

Here’s what’s required of volunteers:

1. Walk, bike, skate, or, if absolutely necessary, drive through designated streets and follow a County map where storm drains are supposed to be;

2. Clean off the area of the curb where the marker will go; and

3. Use adhesive to place the marker on that cleaned spot.

4. Mark the location on the County map where you really found the drain. (This is because we aren’t sure the County map is accurate.)

5. Place door hangers describing this project—and the importance of not dumping in the drain–at the surrounding houses.

Children are welcome with a responsible adult.

Let us know if you want to help (which is not required as it is fine to just show up) or get more information, please call Vicky (CCRIC) at 240-354-9503 or Janis (CBE) at 240-888-6972.

Larry Bleau

NCPCA President

larrycp1

301-474-1338

Prince Georges Co. Police COPS officer Sarita could not come due to a prior engagement; however, she sent a crime report for the members. The crime trends in the area have been breaking and enterings. There were 3 on Hollywood Rd, one on 52nd, and 48th Pl. All but one have been during the day and the one on 52nd occurred around 1 am. There was a stolen auto off of Cherry Hill Rd. and one on Edgewood; in the latter case the victim left the vehicle running while he went inside the store.

City Public Services Director Bob Ryan and Parking Enforcement Field Supervisor Scott Osborn made a presentation on the City’s Parking Permit program. The city currently has 16 parking zones – all were set up at the request of city residents. The restrictions in each zone are unique, and can be changed by residents of that zone to meet changing needs. The department has 5 F/T and 1 P/T parking enforcement officers (PEO), 1 field supervisor, 1 manager, 1 F/T and 1 P/T clerk. One PEO retired in early May; the position will not be replaced in FY2011. The total budget for the department is $800,541, which includes $590,630 on payroll and benefits. A total of 1008 tickets have been issued in north College Park in FY2010.

Moved by Bill Robertson and seconded by David Turley, the April 2010 minutes was approved.

President Larry Bleau reported that he appointed Fazlul Kabir to By-Laws Committee at the request of the committee members and he accepted resignation of Bill Robertson as Chair; no replacement chair has yet been appointed. He appointed M Sarwar to Nominating Committee along with Donna Weene (chair) and Bill Robertson. He decided not to appoint a Vice President but to allow the position to remain vacant until elections in June.

As of May 2010 NCPCA has 164 members in 91 residences.  So far there have been 9 renewals (15 members).

Although no Treasurer report was given, Mohammed Taluckder later provided the following: NCPCA’s April 2010 bank statement ending balance: $1,733.33. Revenues: $10 dues.  Expenses: $44.44 postage; $48.34 for copying; $24.27 other.

Council member Chris Nagle announced a joint forum involving candidates for the offices of County Executive, County Council, and State’s Attorney on May 18, and that PEPCO will be having a public hearing on a proposed rate hikes on Thursday, May 20. Council member Jack Perry stated that the Ledo’s Pizza store will be moving to the downtown in the building where the City’s Garage is located; the Maryland Book Exchange property is up for sale; the budget was introduced recently, but has not yet been approved; the City has a new animal control officer; Mazza GrandMarc will begin leasing this fall (the student housing complex has 630 beds and rent is set at $900 per bed); and the City has lost more than $600,000 on state highway user fees this year.

The 2010 Picnic coordinator, Valerie Bleau, reported that about 30-40 people attended, we all had a nice time, and the weather was beautiful. She spent $333.39 on the picnic, which does not include $10.03 on sodas that can be used as meeting refreshments. NCPCA authorized $300, $106 was already paid for the Halal food. She requests reimbursement of $204.03, and will absorb the remaining cost of the picnic.

The former By-Laws committee chair Bill Robertson reported that the Committee met twice, had real good discussions, and talked about a lot of topics. The committee will continue to meet over the coming year to review all the suggested changes.

Donna Weene, Nominating Committee chair, reported the following nominations: Mark Shorder for President, Arthur Eaton for Vice President, Fazlul Kabir for Secretary, and Joe Smith for Treasurer. Bill Robertson and Mohammed Taluckder nominated themselves for Vice President and Treasurer respectively. Moved by Peter Lakeland /Bill Robertson: Close nominations, motion passed.

Larry Bleau appointed Donna Weene as Elections Committee chair, with Kennis Termini and Mohammad Sarwar to assist.

Members discussed informally if NCPCA should set a policy on audio recordings of NCPCA’s regular monthly meeting proceedings, after which Bill Robertson moved: Authorize the NCPCA Secretary to make an audio recording of the meeting to assist in preparing accurate minutes and for no other purpose. An amendment by Peter Lakeland / Fazlul Kabir to prohibit others from recording the meeting unless they first obtain permission from the President failed.  The original motion then passed.

Moved by Mark Shroder and seconded by Peter Lakeland, Adjourn the meeting.  Larry Bleau pointed out there were still two more agenda items. Motion passed, and the meeting was adjourned at 9:30pm. 

Respectfully submitted by Fazlul Kabir, Secretary.