Meeting Minutes—May 9, 2024
North College Park Community Association (NCPCA)
Attendees:
In Person:
TK
Online (names written as they appear in chat):
TK
Minutes Taken By:
Brian J. Roan, Secretary
Call to Order
President David Alicea opened the meeting by reading the consensus to record presenting the agenda and soliciting a motion to approve. Secretary Brian J. Roan motioned to approve the agenda and was seconded by Vice PResident Brys Broughton. The agenda was approved by vote.
Minutes
Camthorn Klary motioned to approve the April minutes, with a second by David Turley. Approval was passed by vote.
President’s Report
President Alicea reminded the body that the next month would be the election for officers. Candidate nominations were due today with one candidate nominated for the one slot for the Vice President. He also thanked the events committee for the spring BBQ. He then asked if people were interested in helping with existing or forming new committees that they reach out NCPCivic@gmail.com
Vice President’s
VP Broughton welcomed a new member who joined from the BBQ, and also noted that the new membership system on MemberPlanet was now up and running. He requested that if anyone had issues that they contact him at brysbroughton@gmail.com. He then endorsed Kamthorn Clary as the successor for vice president at the upcoming election.
Treasurer’s Report
SECU Checking Account: $1,747.76
SECU Savings Account: $334.64
Treasurer Melissa Peterson reminded the body that they needed to be dues-paying members to vote in the upcoming election. Anyone who needed to check their membership status could check by emailing NCPCivic@gmail.com.
The BBQ only cost $239.79. She thanked everyone who helped with making the BBQ happen.
Secretary’s Report
Secretary Brian Roan reiterated the protocol for identifying oneself when speaking, and entering your name into the Zoom chat for identification purposes.
Development Committee Director Report
Director Brendan Wray presented an update from Eric Valentine that the Hollywood sidewalk would be delayed pending a maintenance amendment. The city legal team has been unable to get to that. The groundbreaking at Duvall Field has been delayed due to budget overruns. Councilmember Hernandez made a motion for 52nd Ave sidewalk to progress to 100% design but with no further action to go forward until more community input is acquired. A presentation on the Autoville townhome development will tentatively take place on 5/14 and 5/21 at city council.
VP Broughton asked about the full status of the sidewalk at 52nd Ave. Councilmember Alan Hew noted that he and CM Hernandez didn’t feel comfortable moving forward with it until the strategy was explained more fully to residents. He noted that other places in District 1 were more in favor of sidewalks.
Secretary Roan asked if these other places would require more money and more time, and CM Hew said that that was the case.
Treasurer Peterson wanted to be sure that the final design incorporated public feedback. CM Hew noted that the design work has incorporated the community desire that the sidewalk not cut into their yards and extend from the curb.
Diana Sisson inquired about the timeline for receiving feedback and wanted to be sure it included all D1 residents who might use the sidewalk, not just homeowners on the path of the sidewalk. CM Hew noted that at first it was just homeowners who reached out about the sidewalk, but they have since received other opinions. Sisson reiterated her ask for a timeline. CM Hew noted the need to work to get staff together to determine a time.
VP Broughton previously facilitated reachouts to the community. He said he felt responsible for bringing loud opposition voices. He felt another round of communication might be fruitful.
Secretary Roan noted the increased community input he’s heard on the affirmative side.
Mayor Fazlul Kabir ran down the history of the sidewalk project. He noted that this was a top priority street from a survey of residents. It has been tradition that the city only contacts residents on streets impacted by construction. It is his hope that the complete design will include the larger community.
David Turley noted that he lived on Wichita for 53 years and thinks that the city ought not to put in sidewalks until the city fixes the sidewalks that exist. CM Hew relayed that he has been told by Steve Halperin that the city will be doing a sidewalk assessment in North College Park through the summer to make real repairs, rather than a temporary asphalt fix as has been the case. Mayor Kabir noted that money for upkeep comes from maintenance fund, whereas new construction comes from Capital Improvement Projects funds. This resulted in a discussion about street conditions and repaving.
Secretary Roan asked if there was a timeline for 100% completion of design. CM Hew said that it had been at 60% completion. It could take months to a year to bring the discussion back to the community as it will not happen until the project designed is completed.
Events Committee Update
Director Mary Roop thanked everyone who attended the Spring BBQ and the College Park Parade. She noted no new North College Park specific events were upcoming.
Todd Reitzel thanked everyone for coming to the community cleanup last month.
Diana Sisson asked about the coffee social, which was now monthly on the Sunday before each meeting.
CM Hew noted that the University of Maryland ice cream store might be able to donate ice cream to a later summer ice cream social.
Meet the Candidate
Kamthorn Clary—candidate for Vice President—introduced himself to the assembly. He gave notes on his history in the area including being a part of the NCPCA and having run for city council. He noted his credentials for the position and made a case for himself in the office.
Unscheduled Motions and Announcements
No motions were forthcoming.
Kamthron Clary gave an update on his planned Hey Hollywood event. He gave updates on his work getting a grant for the event and thanked people for helping to coordinate. Venue is still pending. This would take place Saturday September 7 or 14 tentatively.
Todd Reitzel noted that on the first Thursday of every month the College Park Food Bank gets 6,000 pounds of free produce, but it must be picked up. He is soliciting volunteers to help at around 12:30 on the first Thursday of every month. CPCommunityFoodBank@gmail.com. Pickup is at UMD Dining Services.
CM Hew noted that Friday May 17, Attick Towers will be having a health fair.
Secrtary Roan noted that the first Friday Night LIVE will be happening tomorrow, May 10, featuring local bands and food and drink at City Hall Plaza from 6:30–8:30pm.
Director Wray brought up the desire for people to apply for city advisory board seats.
Call to Adjourn
Brys Broughton motioned to adjourn. David Turley seconded. The motioned carried by vote.