City Council

CITY OF TAKOMA PARK, MARYLAND CITY COUNCIL BUDGET WORK SESSION Monday, April 26, 2021 Minutes Minutes adopted September 8, 2021 CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Stewart, Councilmember Kovar, Councilmember Dyballa, Councilmember Kostiuk, Councilmember Seamens, Councilmember Smith, Councilmember Searcy Also Present: City Manager Ludlow, City Clerk Carpenter, Public Works Director Braithwaite, Deputy Public Works Director Eubanks, Community Development Manager Grigsby, Deputy City Manager Jessica Clarke, Deputy Chief Andrew Powell, Director of Recreation Gregory Clark, Economic Development Manager Samira Cook Gaines, Housing Manager Grayce Wiggins The City Council convened at 7:30 PM via Zoom. BUDGET WORK SESSION Before beginning the Budget Work Session, Public Works Director Braithwaite introduced David Eubanks who has been hired as the City’s new Deputy Public Works Director. Operating Budget City Manager Ludlow presented on the FY 2022 Proposed Operating Budget (attached). Comments on Police Department Budget Councilmember Searcy asked City Manager Ludlow about the Police Department FTE count and proposed eliminating the K-9 unit (currently composed of one dog and $5,700 of the budget). Councilmember Dyballa asked about the Police Department overtime budget. Deputy Chief Powell explained that overtime for police officers increased due to COVID-19. Councilmember Kostiuk acknowledged the challenges of adopting a budget before receiving the Public Safety Task Force recommendations. Councilmember Kovar echoed these concerns. City Manager Ludlow commented on the Police Chief DeVaul’s efforts to have mental health professionals assigned to Takoma Park Police Department through working with either Montgomery County or using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Other Budgetary Comments Page 1 of 2 Councilmember Smith commented that he did not support a racial equity officer and that he did support increasing funds for stormwater management on private property to $200,000. Councilmember Seamens echoed his support on both issues. Councilmember Kostiuk asked Public Works Director Braithwaite if the money used to buy a new electric street sweeper could potentially be used for something else that would have a greater positive impact on the environment. Mayor Stewart expressed a desire to include the tree canopy project in budget. Councilmember Searcy proposed adding $50,000 to the budget for implementing future recommendations from the Public Safety Task Force if ARPA funds cannot be made available. ADJOURN The City Council adjourned for the evening at 10:05 PM. Page 2 of 2