NORTH COLLEGE PARK COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
January 13, 2022 Regular Meeting at Davis Hall and via Zoom

Attendees included: Officers: Mary Cook, Ellen Caswell, Carol Macknis, Dylan Burns; Mayor Patrick Wojahn; Councilmembers: Fazlul Kabir, Kate Kennedy, Denise Mitchell, Maria Mackie; County Councilmember Tom Dernoga and chief of staff Michelle Garcia; Board Members: Lisa Ealley, Judy Blumenthal; Members: Stephanie Butler, Carissa Janis, John Krouse, Stasia Hutchison.

1. NCPCA officers’ reports & approval of October, November, & December 2021 minutes.

Mary Cook reported that Hollywood Elementary School was very happy to have our help with the coat drive. Carol Macknis said we have $1,238.42 in our banking account. Carol Macknis sent out a 2021 financial summary report. Carol wants to make this a yearly requirement for the position of treasurer. In order to have the ability to pay fees with Paypal, we would have to upgrade our WordPress website to a paid option. Square, another option, requires no payment. There was a vote to approve the November and December minutes once both have a motion to adjourn added.

2. County Councilmember Tom Dernoga addressed issues including: home assessments, redistricting, community center, fireworks, and drag racing.

Councilmember Tom Dernoga announced that he has written a letter in support of a North College Park community center. He said a consultant team will get on board in the next couple of months. Community engagement begins in the spring. Councilmember Dernoga said that home assessments are up right now in part due to Covid. The homestead property tax credit in Prince George’s County is going up to the maximum amount. Councilmember Dernoga said that the redistricting was very political in nature and was intended to stop Eric Olson from running. Councilmember Dernoga said that he does not know the specifics about the situation in College Park when it comes to fireworks and drag racing. Councilmember Dernoga also said that officials across the area have had issues trying to tackle the issue of drag racing. Councilmember Dernoga said that the county law already provides the maximum fine for fireworks violations of around $1,000. There is a question raised about educating people on the legal status of fireworks use in Prince George’s County. Councilmember Dernoga said that the police will be putting out more information around July 4th letting people know the laws around fireworks usage.

3. Subcommittee on recruitment — 2-3 volunteers needed to implement members’ ideas, such as new signage and newspaper ads.

Mary Cook and Carissa Janis created a volunteer subcommittee on recruitment.

4. Brainstorming session on 2023 FY Budget Wishlist.

Suggestions include: (a) a North College Park community center, (b) more summer internships for students in high school and college, (c) funding for a resident-oriented city evacuation plan, (d) bus stop shelters, (e) funding for subsidies for residents who plant trees, (f) funding for residents who want to make their homes more sustainable, and (g) funding for utilities.

5. New Business and Future Agenda Items

Mayor Patrick Wojahn said that the new City Hall had a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and it is fully open for city functions. There is a new Covid testing facility opening at the Wells Skating Rink. Councilmember Fazlul Kabir talked about the resident’s need for a sidewalk on Rhode Island Avenue, and how Councilmember Tom Dernoga is helping with this. Councilmember Kabir said that Councilmember Dernoga has made it clear that residents need to write to County Public Works on the issue. Councilmember Kate Kennedy is chairing an organization through the College Park City-University Partnership (CPCUP). This CPCUP organization had a meeting where they emphasized the importance of affordable housing and neighborhood preservation. A presentation on this issue should be ready around March.

Lisa Ealley moved to adjourn, seconded by Dylan Burns. The motion passed at 9:22 pm.