NORTH COLLEGE PARK COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
February 10, 2022 Regular Meeting at Davis Hall and via Zoom
Present: Mary Cook, Ellen Caswell, Stephanie Butler, Alaina Pitt, Carol Macknis, John & Annabel Schaupner, Carissa Janis, Woei-Nan Bair, Dylan Burns, Lisa Ealley, College Park Councilmembers (Maria Mackie, Fazlul Kabir, Denise Mitchell), College Park Mayor Patrick Wojahn, County Councilmember Tom Dernoga’s Constituent Services Aide Jerri Jones, Phil Aronson, Patti Coil, Judy Blumenthal.
Officers’ reports.
Carol Macknis reported a total balance of $1,238.48. No updates on online web payments, but we should see progress in April. Dylan Burns reported that the Welcome Wagon Subcommittee made significant progress. Mary Cook reported that some residents of the county are appealing County Council Member Derick Davis’s redistricting plan.
December and January Draft Meeting Minutes.
Carol Macknis brought up that the January minutes needed to be clarified: the total reported balance for the NCPCA should be: 1,238.42 not 1,248.42 (a mistake on Carol’s part). Mary Cook stated the minutes should use people’s proper titles when recording their names. Carol Macknis moved to approve the December & January minutes (January minutes with the changes noted) and was seconded by Stephanie Butler. The motion passed.
Recruitment Subcommittee update — Carissa Janis and Mary Cook.
Mary Cook and Carissa Janis met to discuss recruitment. Carissa contacted the post office about sending out a flyer for NCPCA, but was informed that it would cost over $500 to send them to the single-family homes in the area. Carissa also asked “College Park Here and Now” about putting an ad in the paper and was given a rate sheet. Members agreed to not have a newspaper ad. A suggestion was made to get information about NCPCA and the other city neighborhood associations into the City’s Guide. NCPCA should contact the City Manager about this.
Welcome Wagon Subcommittee update — Alaina Pitt, Dylan Burns, and Stephanie Butler.
Alaina Pitt reported progress has been made on the list of items that will go into the tote bag. These items include a membership form, a letter from the organization’s president, magnets from the city, and the resident guide. These items would be included in a shopping tote bag that would cost $250 for 200 bags. Alaina and Dylan Burns reported that the group discussed simplifying the application form so it would be easier to fill out for new members. Alaina also reported the group discussed making the logo for the membership form and Dylan offered to get it made. Stephanie Butler stated the Welcome Wagon Subcommittee’s goal was to contact 100 residences the first year and evaluate their efforts when the year is over.
Brainstorming Session for Wishlist.
Suggestions for the city to include in the FY23 budget: more flashing stop signs.; internet hot-spots so people have easier access to the internet; parking vouchers for city residents; resident vouchers for electric scooters; suggested putting up barriers to protect College Park bike lanes; traffic calming devices on Hollywood Road between US 1 and Rhode Island Ave. (such as speed cameras); home retrofitting for our elderly population; and improving the Rhode Island Ave-Edgewood Road intersection to make is more user friendly; Installing a sound barrier on US 1 at the Gateway Park; consider having bike sharing with Capital Bike, especially near the Greenbelt Metro entrance; and revitalize the commercial district in North College Park. Mary Cook stated a city councilmember could suggest more police enforcement on Hollywood Road.
New Business & Future Agenda Items.
Mary Cook said she would like to have Terry Schum, Director of College Park’s Planning Department, come back to NCPCA to discuss future developments. Carol Macknis suggested we become more involved with other neighborhood associations in the area and possibly have a meeting together. Mary stated we could invite the presidents of the other neighborhood associations to an NCPCA meeting to update us on what their associations are doing. Carol Macknis suggested the new District 2 and District 3 Councilmembers be invited to a future meeting. A suggestion was made to invite the City Economic Development Manager, Michael Williams, and the Racial Diversity Officer to a future meeting.
Announcements from elected officials (2 minutes each).
Mayor Patrick Wojahn said the city is trying to promote the health of pollinators by encouraging people to let their grass grow during the month of April. Mayor Wojahn also said the city is working with the Tree and Landscape Board and the Committee for a Better Environment is working with the city to hand out free trees for earth day.
Councilmember Maria Mackie said concerns about “No Mow” April are not going to lead to unruly grass because you still have to sign up and follow the rules. Councilmember Mackie said there are many activities happening and folks should check the city’s website.
Councilmember Fazlul Kabir thanked everyone who reported gas leaks in the city. Councilmember Kabir also said the city has started giving out free Covid test kits, but the demand is really high so you should check the city’s website frequently. Carol Macknis said the monthly Public Safety Meeting was next Monday, February 14. These meetings provide an excellent opportunity to discuss concerns with the city contract police.
County Councilmember Tom Dernoga’s Constituent Services Aide Jerri Jones reported there is a virtual meeting with County Police District 6 Commander on February 23; and Covid testing is available at the Herbert Wells Ice Rink: Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm and Saturday & Sunday, 9am-7pm.
Carol Macknis moved to end the meeting, seconded by Stephanie Butler. The motion passed at 9:28 pm.
Reviewed and Edited by Carol Macknis, NCPCA Treasurer.