Minutes of NCPCA Meeting on October 11, 2012
The meeting began at 7:30 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance. Councilmember Fazlul Kabir was present.
Presentations
Public Services – City Public Services Department head Bob Ryan spoke to members and outlined the services his department provides. They include supplemental police services (5 part-time contract officers to supplement County patrol officers, an aviation unit, and some detectives); code enforcement (6 officers plus staff to inspect rental properties, inspect commercial properties, ensure exterior property maintenance for all properties, enforce county zoning ordinances, perform fire and life safety code inspections); noise enforcement (complaint driven, they take readings at the curb, issue citations); the Noise Control Board (hears resident noise complaints); and parking enforcement (6 officers, typical schedule 8am-10pm in permit zone areas, enforces parking violations outside of permit areas on a complaint basis). Mr. Ryan answered several general questions and accepted complaints about specific properties in private.
City Survey, Complaints – Chantal Cotton, Assistant to the City Manager, spoke to members about the 2012 City Survey, which is available online at http://www.collegeparkmd.gov/survey as well as in paper form. The City performs the survey every 2-3 years; the deadline fro the current survey is Nov 9. She also described an online complaint reporting system (go to City’s web site, click on College Park Central logo on the right side). This system allows one to submit a complaint or request, anonymously if so desired, and to track the progress of the request.
At 8:30, the meeting took a short recess during which snacks and beverages were served. The meeting resumed at 8:40. President John Krouse moved up two agenda items so those who came for them would not have to wait longer than necessary.
New Business
Dog Park – Moved by Joe Smith/Leslie Booth: NCPCA is interested is pursuing the concept of a dog park located at the tot lot at Davis Field (the end of Kenesaw at the CSX tracks). Points raised during discussion: a dog park tends to keep out vagrants and drug addicts; the dogs would make a mess and create noise; who would pay for maintenance; how would the park be accessed; parking availability nearby; and would there be enough space for the dogs to run around and play. The motion failed by a vote of 0-18, which included many guests.
New Parking Permit Zone – Moved by Eric Newman/Fazlul Kabir: NCPCA supports the creation of a new parking permit zone from the existing zone 3 that would include 53rd Ave. south of 52nd Pl. and the part of Lackawanna St. east of 52nd Ave., which would be enforced 7 days during the hours 6am-12midnight. The primary reason is that permit holders in the existing zone 3 who live farther from the Metro station often park their cars in front of homes nearer the station, preventing those homeowners from parking near their own homes. The motion passed on a vote of 15-0, which included many guests.
Announcements and Reports
Moved by Mark Shroder/Fazlul Kabir: Adopt the minutes of the NCPCA September 13 meeting without change; motion passed.
President John Krouse reported he wrote and transmitted letters to County Council and City Council in which he expressed NCPCA’s opposition to the Preliminary Greenbelt Metro Sector Plan and the reasons for doing so. He also testified at the public hearing, along with many other residents. The mayor of Greenbelt also testified against the plan. John also reported that he copied and distributed flyers to the homes near the proposed dog park and permit parking zone.
Treasurer Cheryl Molinatto reported a balance as of 10/10/12 of $1,409.75; last month there were $40 in dues received, and expenditures included $20.77 copying and $44 postage.
There were no committee reports.
Bill Robertson announced there will be a ceremony at the College Park Veterans Memorial on Nov 11 at 11am. Fazlul Kabir announced that residents can still submit their opinion on the Greenbelt Metro plan, that the College Park Day celebration would be on Oct 27 11am-2pm at the College Park Community Center (NCPCA will have a table there), and that early voting will take place at the College Park Community Center Oct 27-Nov 1. Kennis Termini announced the Youth and Family Services Center will have a Halloween party on Oct 31 10am-noon. Jackie Pearce-Garnett reminded members that the online petition opposing the Greenbelt Metro Sector Plan is still open for more comments; there are 30 signatures so far.
More New Business
Moved by David Turley/Kennis Termini: Ask the City to replace the flag at Duvall Field and properly dispose of it; it is ragged and torn. Motion passed.
Moved by Jackie Pearce-Garrett: Direct the president to compose a letter expressing opposition to measures that limit public input on development projects, specifically mentioning County bills CB-79 and CB-80, and to send it to those whom he thinks would best be able to help. Motion passed.
Moved by Mark Shroder/Larry Bleau: Adjourn the meeting. Motion passed. The meeting adjourned at 9:30 pm.
Submitted by Larry Bleau, Secretary.