Minutes of Regular Meeting on March 10, 2016
Meeting began at 7:30 pm. Councilmembers Fazlul Kabir and Christine Nagle were present. Mayor Patrick Wojhan joined the meeting later.
Officer Reports
Vice President Arthur Eaton reported that there is sewer work being done on 51st Ave.
Treasurer Eric Hoffman reported a current balance of $959.76; no expenditures have been paid since the last meeting. There were no other officer reports.
Moved by Eric Hoffman/Donna Weene: Adopt the minutes of NCPCA February 12 meeting without change; motion passed.
Presentations
Rain Check Rebate
Debra Weller of the County Dept. of Environment Service’s Office of Community Outreach spoke to members about water pollution, the main source of which she said is stormwater runoff. The Rain Check Rebate program emphasizes 7 practices: plant native trees, rain barrels, cisterns, rain gardens, urban tree canopies, removing pavement, and green roofs. The maximum residential rebate is $4,000 per property. Eligible applicants can be owners of single family homes, multifamily homes, cooperatives, nonprofits (for the public good). Only property owners can apply. Once the application is submitted there will be a pre- and post-inspection, and the project must be completed within 12 months. One can also independently apply for a decrease in the County’s Clean Water Fee (a tax). Since faith-based groups are hit harder, alternative compliance is permitted, which consists of an easement for a decrease in impervious pavement, education, and a stewardship grant. More information is available at http://cbtrust.org/ .On May 19 there will be a free Green Summit at the Riggs Alumni Center.
City Stormwater Projects
City planner Steve Beavers reported to members on three stormwater projects currently planned or underway in College Park: a bioswale along Narragansett Pkwy. north of Muskogee; Rhode Island Ave. south of Greenbelt Rd.; and an Old town community garden, which is available citywide.
The meeting recessed at 8:39; snacks and beverages were served. Meeting resumed at 8:51.
New Meeting Location
Jackie Pearce-Garrett reported that Davis Hall will undergo some repairs renovation soon, so we will not be able to meet there for the April, May, and June meetings. Members discussed several alternative meeting locations, but seemed to favor the drop-in room of the College Park Youth and Family Services Center. While the room is smaller than the Davis Hall meeting room it should be large enough to hold our regular attendees, is free, and will be easy to schedule since it is run by the City. Members discussed a special mailing, membership flyer, greeter or sign to better inform attendees next month.
Announcements
On 5/7 will be the Mother’s Day 5K Run, which is on a Saturday this year, will start at City Hall at 8am, registration is $25 in advance, $35 on the day; on 4/2 will be Good Neighbor Day; on 3/15 Farmers Market will open, although its official opening date will be on 4/23; Third Thirsty Thursdays; on 3/21 Live Smart Eat Well will feature Fishnet in the Berwyn community.
Future Agenda Items
Jackie Pearce-Garrett will contact the 21st District Delegation about speaking to members about the current legislative session.
Moved by Dave Turley/Eric Hoffman: Adjourn the meeting. Motion passed, meeting adjourned at 9:12 pm.
Submitted by Larry Bleau, Secretary.