Town Meeting Minutes

TOWN OF FAIRMOUNT HEIGHTS MINUTES FOR TOWN MEETING OCTOBER 19, 2022 MUNICIPAL BUILDING 6100 JOST STREET FAIRMOUNT HEIGHTS, MD 20743 ZOOM, ONSITE AND AS SEEN ON YOUTUBE Mayor and Town Council: Mayor Martin, Councilmember Waiters, Councilmember Stewart, Councilmember White, Councilmember Wood-Dodson, Councilmember Barnhardt, Councilmember Oscar excused absence Staff Present: Chief Moore, Mrs. Sarumi, Mr. Pinkney, Dr. Spann, Online Mrs. Tucker Members of the Public: Kathryn Osborne, Kimberly Gladden, Renita Flood-Bennett, Jonathan Wittig, Barbara Bearden, Ikenna Udejiofor, Martes Barnhardt Sr., Henry&Teresa Glover, Mary Sherrill, Edmond Sheffield, Ruth Thompson, Dianna Hall, Darius Hall, Joseph Fletcher, Tammy Hester Angela Washington, Posie C. Turner, Mr. Jackson, Dean Cooks, Sean Wright Temple 92, Euniesha Davis, OCR; Jean Jerome, Darnisha Dew, A. Porter, Joyce White Online: FHR, Anita Hall, Lola Clark, Tina’s IPad, 1. Call to order Mayor Martin and explained we will be adopting the County Executive agenda. 2. Moment of Silence & Flag Salute lead by Mayor Martin 3. Roll Call by Clerk to the Council- Mayor Martin announced we would divert to County Executive Agenda Schedule. New Business Agenda County Executive, Angela Alsobrooks - Euniesha Davis, Director Office of Community Relations thanked everyone for their advance work behalf of County. She explains they are there to equip with resources. She shared there is a new PGC 311 App to educate citizens on what county can and can’t do. She informed all that the numbered streets are State maintained. Introduced and turned time over to the County Executive, Angela Alsobrooks. Angela Alsobrooks, County Executive thanked the leaders of Town of Fairmount Heights and County. She gave her story on the history of Fairmount Heights and how her family fled South Carolina and came to Fairmount Heights, where her mother went to Fairmount Heights High School. She gave an overview of areas Prince Georges County helped during COVID. She discussed: Vaccines, Children 16 and under carjacking, Enforced Curfew that was on books to save youth lives, September saw drop in crime, Summer youth all applied got jobs, Reallocated $20 million to open Mental Health & addiction center, Assessment reviled behavioral health #1 need. New hospital in Largo operating at 98% capacity because a board said it had to cut 2 floor, therefore it was built too small; $67 million from Governor Hogan for Cancer Center, Medical building to bring primary care physicians back in County, 10) Litter on roads example Roads like 301 and 210 are state owned. Working on Blitz on cleaning County maintained roads, example Rt. 4. 11) Half billion-dollar investment over next 6 years Storm water management, ARPA allocated to storm water 12) Economic Development - $5 Billion Budget for Prince Georges County, 13) She informed disproportionately 70% taxes come from residential owners and only 30% of taxes comes from commercial or business taxes 14) Grow economy by building around metros. Blue line corridor Governor Hogan agreed to make $400 million investment Bonding Authority around FedEx Field. 15) Affordable housing, building of stadiums, expect an amphitheater, health care for Seniors. Thanked everyone for re-electing her in July to another term. Public Questions for County Exec: Paul Jackson of 714 62 Ave complaint of high taxes he made mention of solar and climate control. $5000 Program. County Executive answered about programs through Dept of Environment. County Executive shared about using solar, electric vehicles, leading in largest compost, lead in recycling. Director Davis spoke of classes to come Saturday Henry Glover asked about policy on pit bulls in PG. County Executive answered County Council is working on. Gwen Vandelu stated she has property issue someone moved on her inheritance property unaware. Angela Washington asked about FBI coming to Prince George County. What will happen to the old Landover Mall area? County Exec explained most land in PG is privately owned. County TOWN OF FAIRMOUNT HEIGHTS MINUTES TOWN MEETING OCTOBER 19, 2022 1|Page  TOWN OF FAIRMOUNT HEIGHTS MINUTES FOR TOWN MEETING OCTOBER 19, 2022 MUNICIPAL BUILDING 6100 JOST STREET FAIRMOUNT HEIGHTS, MD 20743 ZOOM, ONSITE AND AS SEEN ON YOUTUBE Executive shared that Landover Mall was privately owned by Lerner family. Her strategy is to invest in publicly owned land along blue line corridor. Tammy Hester town residence and shared ask how we can get your administration and staff to work closely with Fairmount Heights we need help. Tammy share that the county response was unless you get a real government in place county can not help you, need help with 4.4 acres, how do we get grocery store? County Executive answered she would like to organize a meeting with Mayor and Council and bring the Economic Development team to talk about what some of opportunities are and see what strategies can put in place to make that happen. County Executive spoke of problem with overrun with liquor stores in county. County executive informed she has no vote in land use. The county council does. Diana Hall citizens of Fairmount Heights spoke of issues in FH spoke on junkyards and environmental testing. She shared Roads with potholes J and Jost. She also shared Town need speed bumps. County executives asked for Ms. Hall information. Mayor Martin shared working on speed humps and have finalized bids. Mayor said can not put a date out and a part of that will be a public hearing. Mayor shared more about getting streets resurfaced. EPA comment who Mr. Pinkney has contacted about the Junkyard. Jost street pothole was due to Washington Gas. Ms. Hall said we have been talking about this for 20 years. Citizen asked who would we talk to when call Town Hall and no one answers phone at Town Hall. Mayor Martin mentioned about Newsletter will be worked on by Councilmember White. Dean Cooks former Mayor/Councilmembers spoke on tax problems and bad roads, gas leaks. County Executive answered they can help with gas leak. Offered county email list to send citizens email. Mr. Martes Barnhardt shared that we have new council and new police chief. He shared Fairmount Heights is in rebuilding stage. We have had some council recall. He comments on County executive speaking of Economic Development will you have someone to come from your office to help us move forward for example developing the 4.4 acres? Councilmember Stewart spoke of people stealing cars and stealing the catalytic convertor off cars. County Executive gave a reminder to lock doors of cars. She thanked everyone. Deputy Director Michael Brown spoke from office of central services real estate team identify different lots owned by Dept. of public works. Mr. Dejafor spoke about who owned some parcels of land. OCR gave away blanket to Mayor. Name from sign in sheet Renita Bennett won a blanket. Mayor said would like to be a part of community walk. Masonic Temple 92 was invited to the microphone by mayor martin. Sean Wright Worshipful master at Fairmount Lodge 92 located at 5501 Addison Road. He introduced Worthy Matron of Columbine Chapter 46 Ms. Chante Woods. Mr. Wright stated they are here to reaffirm their commitment to the community. Mayor thanked all for coming. Thanked them for joining us for the Trunk or Treat. CM Wood- Dodson stated this will be a continuation with them. 4. Mayor Approval of the minutes June 30, 2022 & August 17, 2022. Mayor Martin asked had you all reviewed minutes. I will accept the motion for approval of the minutes for June 30, 2022 &August 17, 2022. Moved by Councilmember Waiters Seconded by Councilmember White. It's been properly moved and second that we approve the minutes for June 30, 2022 & August 17, 2022, Are there any questions on the motion? No questions Madam Clerk to the Council would you please call the roll: Mayor Martin yes, Councilmember Waiters yes, Councilmember Stewart yes, Councilmember White yes, Councilmember Wood-Dodson abstention, Councilmember Barnhart yes, there was one abstention No No’s so those minutes are approved 5. Treasurer Report: The treasurer is not present. She is at another event at church. 6. Code Enforcement: Mr. Pinkney (on file in Code Enforcement Office and brief summary here) TOWN OF FAIRMOUNT HEIGHTS MINUTES TOWN MEETING OCTOBER 19, 2022 2|Page  TOWN OF FAIRMOUNT HEIGHTS MINUTES FOR TOWN MEETING OCTOBER 19, 2022 MUNICIPAL BUILDING 6100 JOST STREET FAIRMOUNT HEIGHTS, MD 20743 ZOOM, ONSITE AND AS SEEN ON YOUTUBE This is my revised report for October 19, 2022. 23 citations issued $13,500 dollars. District Court awarded us $1,000. We have collected $1,000. The remaining $12,500 is pending payment. 2 building permits issued $755.16. 1 rental license $450 dollars. 20 corrective action notices for various violations. 15 corrected. Tremendo Towing junkyard 5612 J St. I spoke with the Maryland Department of the Environment and requested an update. A tree has fallen on neighbor's home. Unregistered vehicle parked has been removed. He reported 9 homes for sale. 4 homes under new construction. Councilmember White asked if you would mind elaborating about our increase in revenue from the vacant properties in terms haven't you been fining the vacant properties and would you say been fining them more recently in the past months now that we know exactly when you can fine them? I'm asking if can you explain for the people who are here who are not usually here, explain how frequently you can fine these properties? Why you usually fine them for? Mr. Pinkney answered vacant properties we try to fine them every 60 days if the violation continues. Councilmember White asked are you fining these properties more often in the past month. Mr. Pinkney answered not really. 7. Town Manager Report Mrs. Sarumi (on file in Town Manager Office and brief summary here) Job Announcements no new job announcements. Public Works assignments are collecting and disposing of leaves from streets, sidewalks, Bulk Trash scheduled for October 24, 2022, 7:00 a.m. and November 2, 2022. Flyers, I think it's no more than five items. Pepco charging station- Pepco is offering a sale of streetlights. Pepco is awarding up to $10,000 ten thousand dollars for environmental stewardship. The town did submit a Grant application for project is The K Street Market Circle Alley Enhancement Project, located between Addison Road and Market Circle. According to Mrs. Walker Highway User funds can be used as a match for this project. Housing Initiative partnership has been awarded $650 000 funding through the Maryland Department of Housing Community Development. All citizens are encouraged to apply for Grants up to $60,000. $1.35 million will go towards the Net Zero housing there will be 15 of Home funds will be set aside for homes. Something else is very important Bond financing through the Office of Maryland State Senator Joanne Benson. Senator Benson contacted me on yesterday, of her intent to submit a bond bill on behalf of the Town. We're going to have to have some side discussion with the Council as to how we can use the bond financing the Bond Bill. The form is due November 1, 2022, and should be sent to the Office of Policy Analysis. Also, additional federal grants the U.S Department of Agriculture announced availability U.S. D.A. People's Garden Initiative. Economic Community Development Committee sustainable Community program applications for designation renewal. We submitted that. Blue Line Corridor which we are a part of. Our application was renewed June, July as July 1 2022. We started this whole idea of wanting to develop housing in 2014 and here we are what eight years later we're still going through the process. Some of the recommendations that the economic development committee made to recommend that the Council establish a historic preservation review board the purpose of the board is to review the designs and plans of all renovation projects and do construction and the committee would be made up of at least three members and no more than five. 8. Police Department Report: Chief Moore introduced himself as the new Police Chief. He informed he officially started October 11th. He shared he is riding throughout the Town using two different vehicles. He informed he and Mr. Pinkney walked the Town, talking to citizens and looking at abandoned vehicles. He wrote tag numbers and issued three tickets. He shared Councilwoman Stewart showed him places in Town to keep an eye on. He informed he had created a Facebook page. He explained he had a conversation with a citizen on 60th place whose window got broken out; the County Police came out and wrote the report. Chief shared he had a conversation with the President of the Boys and Girls Club who is practicing at the football field on Addison Road and Sheriff. I told him it was great that he was out there running at Boys and Girls Club. However, he stated the two knew each other, so they're responsible and accountable. So, Chief challenged him to pick up after their kids. Chief attended Fairmont Heights High TOWN OF FAIRMOUNT HEIGHTS MINUTES TOWN MEETING OCTOBER 19, 2022 3|Page  TOWN OF FAIRMOUNT HEIGHTS MINUTES FOR TOWN MEETING OCTOBER 19, 2022 MUNICIPAL BUILDING 6100 JOST STREET FAIRMOUNT HEIGHTS, MD 20743 ZOOM, ONSITE AND AS SEEN ON YOUTUBE School homecoming. He met several business owners, Hip-hop chicken and the electronic store on Addison Road. He’s been monitoring the liquor store. He, along with Mr. Pinckney stopped by the bail bondsman, that's now a junkyard. Spoke with the sublease person. We advised it had to be re-licensed as a junkyard instead of a bails bond if they're not running a bail bondsman system. Chief announced he wants to host a kids coat either in November or December. He invited citizens to come meet personally on October 26th sit down with questions. Councilmember Wood-Dodson advised about the Clothes Closet and felt this would be a good collaborative endeavor with coats. Discussion occurred about dogs. Chief Moore spoke of the Prince George's County dog leash law. Mayor Martin complimented Chief. Councilmember Barnhardt asked what Police Department Facebook page is. Chief responded it's Fairmont Heights Police Department on Facebook. Kim Gladden asked if someone calls how do they determine whether you reply or whether the County's replies. Chief Moore replied calls will be relayed to the County Police. So, whenever it's not an officer that's in service here in the town, all the calls either go to the County Police or the Sheriff's Office and the sheriff's office if it's a domestic violence situation. Mayor and Council Report: Mayor Martin mentioned a sign proclamation that was requested by Councilmember Wood-Dodson it's for Mrs. Teresa Graves who turned 102 this April is ready. Mayor Martin announced Veterans Day going to get a wreath to lie down at monument. She wants the Council to participate start at 10. Flyer went out with the information. She shared Councilmember Oscar left this morning on work assignment. November 8th general elections go out and vote because our vote is really needed. October 7th went to the Training Source. Kim Rims celebrate the reopening and the 29th year of service was invited by Councilmember Sistrunk. Thanked Forest Heights Mayor and Council for donating the police car. Got a notice about the 280th anniversary for Bladensburg coming Saturday at the Bladensburg Waterfront from 3 until 7. Councilmember Waiters shared Economic development committee meets on tomorrow we meet at 7. Link already sent. Request for historic preservation committee, as well as a request for the council to take a look at our fees for development of the 4.4 Acres Last month my report stated that I would council the Economic development because it was a dire need for the community to now be involved in Economic Development efforts for the Four Points. She advised to come to Economic Development meeting on tomorrow. She discussed with Mr. Gray about working with Councilmember White for the communication Improvements. She asked where an email address to upload those videos for publish for YouTube. Mr. Gary said okay. Concerning tiny house is what we would like to have discussion about that would eliminate some of those vacant Lots. This is not the plan but this is what had been done by University of Maryland some time ago and this is the 4.4 acre. Councilmember White stated the police chief meet and greet once again is October 26th. She reached out to First Baptist and Sylvan Vista church to get participants from the congregation. Councilmember Stewart and I were talking about how the town is slowly looking better. The general elections November 8th and early voting will start on October 27th through Thursday November 3rd. If you need help with voting by mail or you can go to elections.mypgc.us for information. The library is closed for a few renovations. The PG County Film grant program is taking applications now until October 28th with up to $45 000 dollars per production or project to support filmmakers. Follow up from last month's report the update on camera ordinance. Councilmember White explained we reached out to Pepco. We do not own the streetlamps that is correct, but we do feel that is in it is important for our citizens to have the right to privacy. So, there is a restriction of personal residential cameras on public poles. So, we are working with Pepco. Also, we are working on the Fallen Tree ordinance and compilation of a Town's newsletter, Volunteers are needed. She would like to formulate a Communications committee. I will be working with some volunteers from the town so if you know someone who will be interested, please contact me at Bwhite@fairmountainheightsmd.gov. Thanks new fridges by Councilwoman Stewart. We still have the TOWN OF FAIRMOUNT HEIGHTS MINUTES TOWN MEETING OCTOBER 19, 2022 4|Page  TOWN OF FAIRMOUNT HEIGHTS MINUTES FOR TOWN MEETING OCTOBER 19, 2022 MUNICIPAL BUILDING 6100 JOST STREET FAIRMOUNT HEIGHTS, MD 20743 ZOOM, ONSITE AND AS SEEN ON YOUTUBE old refrigerator, as well as the clothes so, if you know someone who would really like to volunteer, please let us know. A question from audience about the Free Lil Library our town we need to decide if we would like to move forward with either constructing one or purchasing one. Mrs. Sarumi committed asked about QR Code. Councilmember Wood-Dodson stated First Baptist Church of Fairmount Heights just celebrated their 110th year on September 26th. She attended Joanne Benson's 202 Coalition and escorted centurion Mrs. Teresa Graves. Angela Alsobrooks dedicated September 26 as Teresa Graves day. So, through the county she'll be recognized. Mrs. Graves was 101. October the 8th we had a good opening with the Clothes Closet. Eager to work collaborative with Chief with the coat drive. Gathering resource information from UCAP for help with the Community. On October the 29th we're looking forward to any candy contribution. Trunk or Treat will be at the back of this building from 5-8. We'll take collection if you want to drop off candy to Mrs. Tucker. Councilmember Barnhardt discussed planning activity in November like a glow party for the Youth. Will be decorating for Christmas and thanked Councilmember Stewart for YouTube videos on decorations. Light Up for Christmas night contest. We want to see the best house on the Block. Please decorate your homes we will be coming around looking at homes to see who had the best home on the block in Fairmount Heights. Around the second week of December and we're going to let everyone know in advance. Prizes will be given. A flyer has already been sent. Please follow the Historic Town of Fairmount Heights on Facebook. I just posted the fall annual bulk trash pickup on it. CM Waiters said like the page please. Kim Gladden expressed a lot of us are here in the town because we are second and third generation seniors get skipped over. Councilmember Barnhardt replied the seniors are not being skipped over. Councilmember Wood-Dodson deals with the seniors. She handles the youth. I'm rebuilding that part of the town because our youth is our future. Councilmember Wood- Dodson explained seniors in some instances are prideful and confidentially, who don't want their business all out in the streets. If you can get what they need and bring it to their door, that's the way it should be done out of respect. We are rebuilding a seniors list. Turkeys are coming Thanksgiving and those that I on list will be served. Councilmember Waiters interjected some of the seniors might not need a turkey. They might just need an activity or something to do. CM Waiters informed, I'm not a retired senior. I'm a working senior. So, what do you have for me? I turned 65 two weeks ago, what age senior starting? Because sometimes we overlook a certain select number of seniors because we're not either retired or we're not impaired. All seniors don't have challenges but per your question, we need something to do. Councilmember Wood-Dodson shared citizens especially seniors, can go to Westminster in DC for the Jazz or Blues every Monday and every Friday at Cedar heights. Dancing at American Legion in Cheverly have hand dancing and evening line dancing. I'll make sure that all of this be put out if you want to dance or maybe we can start with Bingo and I have the access to a machine. Councilmember Stewart thanked everybody for coming out. She shared about the meet or greet on October 26th from 6-8. Please come out hear what the new Chiefs strategic plan is on how he's going to combat the crime in this area. There will be light Refreshments. Mayor Martin addressed a question in the chat is it related to communication so if you could pass that along to Councilmember White and then after that public participation. Question in the chat can we develop digital announcements for the Town. Can we wean away from paper? Councilmember White answered the town website as well as veering towards social media that has already been in place for a couple of months so you will see the website updated more frequently. I really want to spend more time with Mrs. Sarumi as well as someone who could allocate more time to it. In terms of text messaging that is something we are looking forward to in the future. When you come in the town hall, we got the QR code set up which leads you to a TOWN OF FAIRMOUNT HEIGHTS MINUTES TOWN MEETING OCTOBER 19, 2022 5|Page  TOWN OF FAIRMOUNT HEIGHTS MINUTES FOR TOWN MEETING OCTOBER 19, 2022 MUNICIPAL BUILDING 6100 JOST STREET FAIRMOUNT HEIGHTS, MD 20743 ZOOM, ONSITE AND AS SEEN ON YOUTUBE questionnaire. You can give your name and number to stay in contact with us. I have code to go automatically into an Excel sheet. We do have senior citizens in the town and people who prefer the paper flyers. So, those have to keep coming out right now in terms of being accessible to everyone. We are assisting the town with the capacity building in going out for additional funding and sources to help bridge the gap in the development within the community and to assess and pursue funding through state and federal funds and other sources. Citizen Participation: Renita Flood Bennett of CDC with founder Daisy Capers is here and I do just have a presentation for Mayor Lillie Martin. On behalf of Miss Capers Little, Butler and Ayers presented flowers to Mayor Martin. Ms. Gladden asked question reference to ARPA spending and Bond Bill? Mayor Martin responded Senator Benson said she would be willing to help bond bill as well as Delegate Jazz Lewis. We Need an Engineer report for building like ADA requirements. Three have promised their assistance Senator Benson, Jazz Lewis and soon to be delegate Tiffany Alston. We will see if able to use ARPA funds. We will get back with treasurer on that. Councilmember Stewart said we have already put that together in a resolution. Councilmember Stewart commented the Council submitted their recommendations first and then the citizens. Mayor Martin stated her recommendations list had not been submitted or included. Councilmember Stewart informed items had already been put in a spreadsheet. Mayor Martin shared we must get it finalized. She continued then we'll know if we can use any of that funding as a match. Mrs. Joyce White commented when the Senator were here, they stated the Mayor and Council need a contractor to walk through this building. She asked Mrs. Sarumi if contractor was contacted. Mayor corrected that we need a consultant. Mrs. White stated they mentioned that contractors report by November 1st. Mayor shared she has some contact information that was given by Mrs. Capers. She gave me some information for an engineer and some other places that I haven't had the opportunity to contact. I will contact them this week between tomorrow and Friday. I will to talk to them to find out what their requirements are. I don't want to go beyond the process in case a RFP is needed. I'm trying to make sure we proceed in the correct manner, Mrs. White questioned if inspector come here six months ago, where’s that report? Mayor Martin answered I don't have the report from that and haven't talked to Miss Merritt. But I ask her the last day that she was here if she would forward that report. I don't have it. I think Renita might know the person even though she wasn't here for that time when the engineer came. As long as we could get that it would be wonderful, because I haven't been able to put my hands on it. Brief discussion ensued. Mayor shared, we didn't pay for that. She was here at the time that it was done and some good information came out of his report. More discussion ensued. Ms. Renita offered the CDC are open to help, Councilmember Barnhardt shared she has the construction report and it was sent on August 18th. She will forward it to Mayor. However, we need another building inspection done and I've been asking for this for the last two months to get this done. We are still in a slow process for getting it done. Councilmember Barnhardt read a portion of the letter “Good afternoon as promised please find that building evaluation slash construction budget that I received from architect Vincent Johnson.” CM Barnhardt shared she has that report right here and I will forward over so she can take a look at it. Mayor Martin replied I hadn't seen it I didn't even know it came. Mayor accepted the motion for adjournment Motioned by Councilmember Stewart and Second by Councilmember Wood-Dodson. All in favor all Ayes. Meeting adjourned at 11 P.M. Typed by: Dr. Arlene Spann Clerk to the Council TOWN OF FAIRMOUNT HEIGHTS MINUTES TOWN MEETING OCTOBER 19, 2022 6|Page