Committee for a Better Environment

Committee for a Better Environment Via Teleconferencing through Zoom May 23, 2022 7:00 PM Members Term Expires Present Absent Alexa Bely (a 7:05pm) 6/30/2022 X Dylan Burns 6/30/2024 X Brendan Hall 6/30/2024 X Alan Hew 6/30/2023 X Todd Larsen 6/30/2023 X Alec Lynde (a 7:30pm) 6/30/2024 X Abigail Muro 6/30/2024 X Nikki Pancho 6/30/2022 X Donnie Scally 6/30/2023 X Don Schmadel 6/30/2022 X Emily Shohfi 6/30/2022 X Holly Simmons 6/30/2023 X Stacy Teng 6/30/2022 X Cameron Thurston 6/30/2024 X Daniel Walfield (a 7:37pm) 6/30/2023 X Caroline Wick 6/30/2023 X Also Present: Janet McCaslin, City Liaison; Sheryl DeWalt, Contract Secretary The meeting began at 7:02pm by Todd Larsen, chair. 1. The agenda was reviewed. Ms. Shohfi made a motion to accept. Mr. Scally seconded. Motion carries 9-0-0. 2. The April 25, 2022, minutes were reviewed. Ms. Shohfi made a motion to accept. Mr. Scally seconded. Motion carries 9-0-0. 3. City activities: a. The current budget remaining after the following expenses is $225.22. i. $267.42 – paint supplies ii. $102.64 – vests iii. $1500 – tree signage iv. $100 – allocated for Green Award b. Recertification is in process for Sustainable Maryland. c. The tree ordinance passed and is effective July 1, 2022. d. Ms. McCaslin will not be available for the June 27 meeting; she is inquiring about another staff member to fill in for her. 4. Mr. Hew was not available for this meeting, however, he asked to have Girl Scout Troop 96 nominated for a Green Award. He will be emailing a complete write-up to the committee. They are learning about pollinators and have submitted to the Bee City Committee to plant a pollinator garden at the semi-circle on Greenbelt Road. Mr. Larsen made a motion to give the Girl Scout Troop 96 a $100 Green Award. Mr. Walfield seconded. Motion carries 13-0-0. 5. The Trolley Trail tree labeling. Ms. Bely has submitted all information for the additional trees to Ms. McCaslin and Brenda Alexander. Upon approval, the additional tree signs will be ordered. It was noted that there is a dead magnolia tree on the trolley trail; Ms. McCaslin will discuss with Brenda Alexander. The website is live but needs to be updated by the GIS engineer, who is currently on leave. He is still working on the QR code work around. It was suggested to have a Tree Educational walk, perhaps with the Tree & Landscape Board, for all interested College Park residents once all the signs are installed. 6. Storm Drain update. The painting at 53rd and Lackawanna happened on May 21. Mr. Scally volunteered to clear coat sealant the drain. Additional drains selected for the fall (September/October) are: a. Near City Hall – Ms. Simmons will assist b. Near Duval Field – Mr. Larsen will assist c. Lakeland – need a volunteer d. College Park Woods – Ms. Pancho will assist It was suggested that the committee reach out to the scout troops and the University of Maryland to partner on the storm drains. There was a recent article in the “Diamondback” newspaper regarding the storm drain paintings. Ms. Wick will continue to work with CPAE on securing artists. Mr. Larsen sent out an email prior to the meeting showing various medallions for storm drains that will not be painted. Ms. Wick made a motion to spend $225 for medallions. Mr. Schmadel seconded. Motion carries 13-0-0. 7. Plastic Bag Ban – new calling “Better Bag Act.” Mr. Scally talked to his council members (District 1), and they are both in favor of it. They want to ensure that it will not be a burden on small businesses. They suggested that reusable bags could be distributed to residents. They also asked about how to encourage businesses to use up their current stock and not order more plastic bags. Ms. Teng talked to her council members (District 2), and they are both in favor of it. They also recommend giving residents a free reusable bag. Districts 3 and 4 council members still need to be contacted. A meeting with City staff and the local Business Association will be prudent. 8. Bee City Committee. Girl Scout Troop 96 presented a plan for a pollinator garden at Greenbelt Road and Rhode Island Avenue in the semi-circle area. There will be a survey going out to residents on No Mow Month. There will be seed packets distributed in the  Little Free Libraries. Reminder that the bee hotel project will be done on June 25 from 1pm-3pm at Davis Hall. The Permaculture Garden and Pollinator Garden will be part of Good Neighbor Day on November 12, 2022. 9. Municipal Scene: a. July – closing blinds, curtains and shades to help lessen use of air conditioning – Mr. Larsen. b. August – Audubon Program 10. TLB Update: a. Mr. Burns has not been attending TLB meetings and Ms. Wick is unable to attend all the meetings. We need a CBE volunteer to help attend meetings and Mr. Larsen reminded the committee that having a CBE representative at TLB is in the CBE charter. b. Discussed passing of the tree ordinance by Mayor and City Council. Residents can request up to $300 for replacement trees. c. Casey Trees is working with 50 residents on tree canopy. 11. The City is reviving the July 4th parade. The City is looking for entries. It was suggested that Bee City, TLB, and CBE participate in the parade. Deadline for applying is June 24 on the College Park website. 12. The next CBE meeting will be on June 27, 2022, at 7:00pm. Instructions will be sent out via email prior to the meeting date. Ms. Wick motioned to adjourn. Ms. Bely seconded. Motion carries 13-0-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:25pm. Respectfully submitted by Sheryl DeWalt, contract secretary.