Meeting Minutes—February 8, 2024
North College Park Community Association (NCPCA)
Attendees:
In Person:
Genesis Baez; George Bobak; Brys Broughton; Ariela Haber; Jacob Hernandez; Alan Hew; Jude Hew; Kamthorn Clary; Catherine MacDougall; Melissa Peterson; Rakhmel Rafi; Mark Shroder; Jane Sprouse; Timothy Sprouse; David Turley; Erik Valentine; Terra Virsilas; Brendan Wray
Online (names written as they appear in chat):
Jeff Clark; Celia Anklesaria; Laura Rogers;
Minutes Taken By:
Brian J. Roan, Secretary
Call to Order
President David Alicea opened the meeting with historical information related to Cherry Hill Park. He then read the agenda and Treasurer Melissa Peterson motioned to approve the agenda. It was seconded and the motion to approve the agenda was carried by a vote.
Minutes
A technical issue kept the minutes from being voted on.
President’s Report
President Alicea gave updates on the upcoming NCPCA board elections. He updated the body that the coffee social has changed to monthly from weekly meetings. He also requested more committee members.
Vice President’s
Vice President Brys Broughton gave updates on the state of the new member management system for the NCPCA. He announced his resignation in June from his position on the board.
A question came in regarding the coffee social asking if the hours could be extended and President Alicea said that this was being looked in to.
Treasurer’s Report
SECU Checking Account: $1,943.28
SECU Savings Account: $334.35
Treasurer Peterson confirmed that the banking information has been added to Member Planet, the new member management system. Anyone who is not sure if they are a member in good standing can reach out to NCPCivic@gmail.com. There will be a request for a grant from the city for $500 for a spring BBQ.
She also solicited ideas for merchandise that NCPCA could sell—not t-shirts.
Treasurer Peterson affirmed her desire to remain treasurer.
Secretary’s Report
Secretary Brian Roan experienced technical difficulties and his report was read by President Alicea. He had no updates beyond the usual calls to abide by decorum and announce names when speaking or making motions.
Development Committee Director Report
Director Brandon Wray provided updates related to his work to raise awareness for the community park proposal. He knocked on doors to solicit neighbor input and notes that some of those neighbors were in attendance.
Events Committee Director Report
Events Director Mary Roop was out but had updates delivered by President Alicea. The North College Park BBQ will be held on April 27 at the VFW; 5051 Branchville Rd, College Park, MD 20740. David Turley requested to speak with David regarding start time.
North College Park Community Garden
Rakhmel “Rocky” Rafi and Erik Valentine gave a presentation on the proposed new garden that will be located by Duvall Field. They noted the concerns related to the current garden placement and the reasons for moving.
Catherine MacDougall asked what happened to allow the previous garden to fall into disrepair. Erik Valentine noted that it was on private property, among other issues with its current placement that made it difficult to maintain. He noted that the garden has, until this year, been fully rented with a wait list.
College Park Food Bank has inquired about taking over any vacant plots.
Rental cost is $15 per plot per year.
[Audio technical issues resulted in gaps in the audio here. Other residents asked questions which were answered by Erik and Rocky. Concerns included use of field, the parking situation, and the upkeep of the garden,]
Erik and Rocky noted that the gardens have historically not been high traffic and are used by College Park residents.
Unscheduled Motions and Announcements
Mark Shroder spoke regarding Noise Control Board. People with complaints for the Noise Control Board either email the clerk (cityclerk@collegeparkmd.gov) or public services (publicservices@collegeparkmd.gov). Complaints must come from two people. He then gave insight into how the board works and answered questions regarding its process.
Kamthron Clary announced his intention to create a survey in order to gather feedback on the idea of creating a community meet and greet. The survey would be posted on Nextdoor and other social media.
Representative from Tom Dernoga’s office offered free reusable bags. The office is working on scheduling a coffee community talk. Time and date to come. Early voting starts May 2.
Councilmember Alan Hew brought attention to the possibility of the Beltsville firehouse closing. A rally will take place on Saturday February 10 at 5PM at the Beltsville Fire Department. David Turley noted this closure would cause trouble for the Branchville Fire Department. County police now has an online non-emergency reporting system.
CM Jacob Hernandez spoke about his district discussion the previous week. He spoke about calls to business development to improve the corner of Rhode Island and Edgewood. Branchville Fire Department is celebrating 100 years in service. He also noted the student grant program being discussed by the council, concerns about the future of the farmers market, the coming budget session, as well as his priorities as councilman which included calls for investment in translation and infrastructure for the North College Park tree park.
David Turley spoke in opposition to the student housing grant. This led to a discussion about how the city is letting down seniors with regards to their own housing programs. He also requested better police protection. This began a discussion regarding issues with police manpower allocation and the need to report incidents.
Final announcement regarded the city parade on May 4th.
Call to Adjourn
The motion was put forward to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded and passed by vote.