Committee for a Better Environment

Committee for a Better Environment Via Teleconferencing through Zoom July 22, 2024 – 7:00 PM Staff Present Absent Janet McCaslin X Susan Whitney, Councilmember X Members Term Expires Present Absent Alexa Bely 6/30/2025 X Frank Cifaldi 6/30/2026 X Wentao Guo 6/30/2025 X Brendan Hall (paternity leave) 6/30/2027 X Michael Hottinger 6/30/2026 X Todd Larsen 6/30/2026 X Yolanda Navarrete 6/30/2027 X Nikki Pancho (a 7:16pm) 6/30/2025 X Shyamala Rajan 6/30/2026 X William “Donnie” Scally 6/30/2026 X Doug Shelby 6/30/2027 X Nicole Sieck 6/30/2026 X Stacy Teng 6/30/2025 X Caroline Wick 6/30/2026 X Janice Wallace 6/30/2026 X Brandon Wray 6/30/2027 X Also Present: Sheryl DeWalt, Contract Secretary The meeting began at 7:02pm by Todd Larsen, chair. We welcomed our new members: Yolanda Navarrete, Doug Shelby, and Brandon Wray. 1. Mr. Cifaldi motioned to accept the amended agenda, and Ms. Bely seconded. Motion carries 11-0-0. 2. The June 2024 minutes were reviewed. Ms. Bely motioned to accept with one amended change, and Ms. Wallace seconded to accept the minutes. Motion carries 12-0-0. 3. City activities: a. FY 25 began July 1. CBE has a budget of $8,000.00 for the fiscal year. b. Electric/Manual Lawn care rebates: For FY 24, there were 74 rebates - $6,070.00. For FY 25, there is a $24,000 budget for rebates. c. Horticultural Vinegar was purchased and has been sprayed on the mugwart in the Permaculture Garden. Once it completely dies, the black cloth will be put into place.  d. The crews have been out watering the plants and trees daily. If everyone could lend a hand and water some plants and trees, it would be appreciated. 4. Reviewed the letter regarding environmental impacts of proposed development projects within the city and especially how it is affecting the tree canopy. Ms. Wallace made a motion to send the letter of support to the Mayor and City Council. Ms. Rajan seconded. Motion carries 12-0-0. 5. CBE to write a letter on the request from the College Park Airport Authority Committee to allow more flights in and out of the College Park Airport. This will be an ongoing discussion once further information has been given by the CPAA Committee. 6. Green Events. The town hall is set for September 15 at Davis Hall. Information to communicate to the residents must be provided by August 14. The suggestion was made to be a part of the DC Expo in Spring 2025 and to reach out to Hyattsville to join in their event. Ms. Wallace has asked for assistance with planning the Town Hall and future events. 7. Stormwater drains. The drain near the trolley trail has been sealed. The drain near the dog park will be sealed when the weather permits. More stormwater drain paintings will be done in the fall. Mr. Shelby volunteered to help seal the drains. 8. Climate Action Plan. The letter to Mayor and Council was submitted. 9. Sustainability Survey results need to be placed in a power point presentation. Ms. Teng, Mr. Larsen, Ms. Bely, and Ms. Wallace will be working on it. 10. Mr. Larsen shared different ideas for either polo shirts or T-shirts for the committee members to wear at various events, e.g., College Park Day, civic association meetings, Good Neighbor Day, etc. Ms. Wallace, Mr. Larsen, and Mr. Shelby will form a subcommittee to review and share at the August meeting. 11. Ms. Wick will share the Beltway Expansion letter at the August meeting. 12. Trolley Trail. The River Birch has a new label. There are a few other trees that need to be labeled. Ms. Bely and Mr. Hottinger will handle. Ms. Sieck, Ms. McCaslin, and Mr. Larsen will review the labels in their part of the Trolley Trail and let Ms. Bely know if there are any signs that need to be replaced. There are many labels that are no longer adhering to the backing. Ms. McCaslin will reach out to the manufacturer for a solution. 13. Municipal Scene: September: Support local agriculture/farmers markets – Ms. Wallace. October: Foods with carbon footprint – Ms. Sieck.  14. Bee City update: a. Unfortunately, the bee hotel was unable to be placed at the Cherokee Garden. Garden cleanup took place. The bee hotel should be placed later. b. Looking for a date to have another table at the Farmers Market in August and/or September. There are still quite a number of plants that can be given away. c. Discussed Good Neighbor Day projects, including the planting at Lake Artemesia. 15. TLB update: a. Presentation from MNCPPC on the new county rules for tree removal, stream buffers, and tree plantings. b. New tree award incentive program. c. Residential tree planting program. d. Drought discussion and how to help with the trees. e. Approved the CBE letter on environmental impacts of proposed developments in the city. f. New members are needed for the committee. 16. College Park Day is Saturday, October 5. CBE has a table under the City Tent. Volunteers will be needed to staff the table throughout the day. More information to be discussed at the August and September CBE meetings. 17. Suggestion to compose a letter to Mayor and City Council on environmental impacts on flora and fauna, air quality, water quality and loss of biodiversity in the area. Ms. Bely and Ms. Rajan will work on a draft letter to share with the committee. 18. The Permaculture Garden will need to have a fall clean-up date. It is generally scheduled as a Good Neighbor Day project, but the garden may need to be tended to prior to Good Neighbor Day. Will discuss at the August meeting. The next CBE meeting will be August 26 at 7:00pm via Zoom. Ms. Wallace motioned, and Ms. Bely seconded to adjourn the meeting. Motion carries 11-0-0. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00pm. Respectfully submitted by Sheryl DeWalt, contract secretary.