City Council

CITY OF TAKOMA PARK, MARYLAND CITY COUNCIL REMOTE MEETING Wednesday, September 8, 2021 MINUTES Minutes adopted Nov. 17, 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 Fox, Deputy City Manager Clarke, City Clerk Carpenter, Public Works Director Braithwaite, HCD Director Cross. The City Council convened at 7:30 PM on Zoom. WELCOME TO THE NEW CITY MANAGER Mayor Stewart welcomed City Manager Jamal T. Fox. Mr. Fox began work with the City on August 2, 2021. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA / AGENDA SCHEDULING UPDATE Ms. Stewart provided an update on future agenda items and the Council’s schedule. FOR THE RECORD Mayor Stewart read three proclamations. • Proclamation of September as Emergency Preparedness Month (attached) • Proclamation Recognizing September 9, 2021 as Doris Rodgers Day (attached) • Proclamation of Car Free Day (September 22) (attached) INTRODUCTION OF 2021-2022 YOUTH COUNCIL Mayor Stewart introduced the Youth Council and recognized those appearing at the meeting. PUBLIC COMMENTS Page 1 of 4 Rebecca Woodings presented a critical needs community assessment to inform the City’s ARPA planning. She presented on behalf of the Takoma Park Presbyterian Church Racial Mindfulness Committee and the Social Witness and Action Committee. Victor Thuronyi spoke in support of establishing a Sustainable Investment and Banking Task Force. A. J. Campbell commented on concerns about unregistered rentals and disfunctional condominium governance. Buddy Daniels announced a memorial service for Pat Loveless. COUNCIL COMMENTS Ms. Dyballa recognized Crossing Guard Doris Rodgers; provided an update on the Habitat for Humanity housing project on Lincoln Avenue; and announced upcoming regional meetings that she will be attending. Mr. Smith thanked Doris Duarte and Jacquette Frasier for organizing the Lunch and Learn Program again this year; welcomed Mr. Fox; and commented on condominiums and unregistered rentals. Ms. Searcy noted the Children’s Business Fair organized by Youth Council member Faith Smith this summer and welcomed Youth Council members; reported efforts to establish a Crossroads foundation to assist with revitalizing the area; and thanked Public Works for traffic calming and stormwater work in the ward. Ms. Kostiuk welcomed the Youth Council; stressed the importance of taking COVID-19 precautions for Takoma Park residents; noted pedestrian safety improvements that have been installed but expressed continued concern about the Lincoln and Carroll intersection; and noted the upcoming Folk Festival. Mr. Seamens welcomed new City staff; welcomed the Youth Council; and noted the memorial celebration for Pat Loveless, Takoma Park’s Peace Delegate. Mr. Kovar welcomed Mr. Fox; acknowledged the comments of the representative from the Takoma Park Presbyterian Church; noted safety issues at Piney Branch Road and Philadelphia Avenue; and announced the upcoming Play Day. Ms. Stewart reported that a letter had been sent to the Biden Administration regarding the situation in Afghanistan and supporting and standing ready to assist Afghans in need. She participated in back to school events with the Planning Department’s Safe Routes to School program. Ms. Stewart reminded residents to stay home, as requested by DC officials and COG, during the rally to support January 6 defendants in DC. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS Page 2 of 4 Mr. Fox thanked the staff for their dedication. He provided a COVID-19 update; indicated that staff is till reviewing the Reimagining Public Safety Task Force Report; announced that the Takoma Junction project is scheduled for September 16 on the Planning Board agenda; provided census highlights for the City; and announced that this is National Suicide Prevention Month. ADOPTION OF MINUTES Minutes of March 24 and April 7, 12, 14, 19, 26, 28 were unanimously adopted upon motion by Ms. Searcy and second by Ms. Kostiuk. WORK SESSION 1. Update on American Rescue Plan Act Funding Mr. Fox made a presentation on effectively implementing and executing ARPA funding. The presentation is attached. Mr. Cross shared information about the Housing Division’s efforts to assist residents in need. The Council asked questions and made suggestions. 2. Discussion of Committees (Code Amendments) Mr. Cornbrooks and the committee subgroup of Councilmembers Searcy, Dyballa, and Kostiuk reviewed the proposed amendments to the City Code related to boards and committees. Councilmembers asked questions and made suggestions. 3. Discussion of Proposed Resolution Establishing a Sustainable Investment and Banking Task Force Ms. Dyballa described the purpose of the task force, which is to consider a sustainable investment and banking policy for the City and to address how the Nuclear-Free Ordinance should be reconsidered. 4. Discussion of EV Street Sweeper Purchase The Council discussed whether to purchase an electric street sweeper. The budget includes $500,000 for the purchase. Ms. Braithwaite provided additional information and responded to questions. It is expected to cost twice as much as a diesel sweeper. It would be very quiet, is small and can fit in tight spaces, and would require less maintenance than a non-electric vehicle. The City would see only a miniscule reduction in GHG from the purchase due to the low mileage and its small percentage Page 3 of 4 of the City fleet’s total generation of CO2. The funds are budgeted and not easily reprogrammed to another purpose. An ordinance will be scheduled for Council consideration, when a final decision on the purchase will be made. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 PM. Page 4 of 4  Mayoral Proclamation National Preparedness Month - September 2021 WHEREAS, the theme of this year’s National Preparedness Month is “Prepare to Protect. Preparing for disasters is protecting everyone you love.” WHEREAS, National Preparedness Month is observed every September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time; and WHEREAS, each week in September focuses on a different aspect of preparedness for individuals, families and communities. • September 1-4: Make A Plan • September 5-11: Build A Kit • September 12-18: Low-Cost, No-Cost Preparedness • September 19-25: Teach Youth About Preparedness WHEREAS, National Preparedness Month creates an important opportunity for the Takoma Park community to focus on preparing its homes, businesses, churches, schools and institutions for any type of emergency including storms, natural disasters, and accidents; and WHEREAS, investing in preparedness can reduce fatalities, prevent physical and economic damage, and aid in accelerated recovery after events in our communities; and WHEREAS, the Takoma Park Emergency Preparedness Committee advises the City Council on preparedness issues and serves as a resource for residents by promoting preparedness at community events, writing articles, hosting activities, and preparing educational materials; and WHEREAS, all residents of the City of Takoma Park are encouraged to be informed, make a plan, build a kit for disasters, and get involved in preparedness activities. NOW, THEREFORE, I, KATE STEWART, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF TAKOMA PARK, MARYLAND, hereby proclaim September 2021 as Preparedness Month in Takoma Park, and encourage all residents, families, organizations and businesses to develop their own emergency plans, and work together toward creating a more prepared and resilient community. Dated this 8th day of September, 2021. ____________________________________ Kate Stewart Mayor  City of Takoma Park, Maryland Mayoral Proclamation Recognizing Crossing Guard Doris Rodgers and Proclaiming September 9, 2021 as Doris Rodgers Day in Takoma Park WHEREAS, Mrs. Rodgers began her career as a Crossing Guard in Takoma Park on September 1, 1971. She arrived at the police station at the end of August 1971 to inquire about the crossing guard position and was hired on the spot. She was given a uniform and told to start on September 1; and WHEREAS, Mrs. Rodgers is the longest serving City of Takoma Park employee; and WHEREAS, Mrs. Rodgers has lived in Takoma Park at the same address for over 50 years. She raised three sons and one daughter who all attended school in Takoma Park; and WHEREAS, Mrs. Rodgers assisted Chief DeVaul in getting to school when he attended Takoma Park Elementary School and Piney Branch Middle School from 1972-1978; and WHEREAS, Mrs. Rodgers has worked every post in Takoma Park, but has been at Maple Avenue and Philadelphia Avenue the longest; and WHEREAS, Mrs. Rodgers is a dedicated Crossing Guard. Rain or shine, she is at her post and ready for work every day; and WHEREAS, Chief DeVaul says, “Mrs. Doris was my neighborhood crossing guard growing up in Takoma Park. I passed her post every day as I went to and from school. She always greeted me with a warm smile and created a sense of comfort for my friends and I. Fifty years later and she continues to have that same smile and impact on our children. Mrs. Doris is a true Takoma Park treasure.” THEREFORE, I KATE STEWART, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF TAKOMA PARK, MARYLAND, on behalf of the City Council, residents, and staff proclaim September 9, 2021 as Doris Rodgers Day and recognize her dedication and commitment in keeping our community safe. Dated this 8th day of September, 2021. ____________________________ Kate Stewart Mayor  Mayoral Proclamation Car Free Day – Wednesday, September 22, 2021 WHEREAS, the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB) is the metropolitan planning organization for the Washington Region; and WHEREAS, the TPB through its Commuter Connections program promotes and organizes the annual Car Free Day event along with its network members throughout the Washington area; and WHEREAS, Car Free Day invites Washington region residents to try alternative forms of transportation such as bicycling, walking and public transportation as well as “car lite” methods such as carpools, vanpools, teleworking, and making fewer trips by car; and WHEREAS, Car Free Day benefits the National Capital Region through improved air quality, reduced traffic congestion and parking demands, and the conservation of energy; and WHEREAS, the City of Takoma Park is located in close proximity to multiple forms of transportation including the Metro, bus lines, bike share stations, dockless e-scooters, and off-street bike trails to facilitate car-free transportation; and WHEREAS, Takoma Park recognizes the necessity of reducing car trips and transitioning to sustainable forms of transportation to combat climate change and create a more livable community for all. NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kate Stewart, Mayor of the City of Takoma Park, Maryland, on behalf of the Council, staff and residents, hereby proclaim Wednesday, September 22, 2021 as Car Free Day, and encourage all citizens to pledge to be Car Free or Car Lite by visiting www.CarFreeMetroDC.org. Dated this 8th Day of September, 2021. _______________________________ Kate Stewart Mayor  City of Takoma Park City Manager’s Office American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Spending Plan Update Jamal T. Fox, MPA City Manager September 8, 2021  ● Signed into law March 11, 2021, providing direct relief to all local governments with an $350 Billion-dollar allotment for the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. ● Th City of Takoma Park will receive our $17.4 million-dollar tranche What is ARPA? through the State of Maryland because we are considered a non-entitlement city with a population below 50,000. How much The first $8.7 million-dollar tranche of funding has our ● funding was received July 12th, and city received? the second will be received a year from now in 2022. ● We have until 2024 to encumber (identify projects/initiatives) the funds and two more years through 2026 to fully expend all funds. ● By the end of October every year beginning this year in 2021, we have mandatory reporting that we must submit to the federal Treasury to remain in compliance.  ● Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic ● Covering costs incurred from responding to the public health emergency What can ARPA funding be used ● Replacing lost, delayed, or decreased revenues due to for in Takoma COVID-19 Park? ● Addressing the negative economic impacts on households, local businesses and nonprofits ● Making necessary investments in water, sewer, stormwater, and broadband infrastructure What are the Expenditure Categories? Public Health/ Negative Premium Pay for Economic Impacts/ essential workers during Disproportionately COVID-19 Impacted Communities Infrastructure: Water, Public Sector Revenue Sewer, Stormwater, and Loss/ Administrative Broadband Recent Council Actions Council Action th July 28 $915,000 Approved Prioritization of ARPA One-Time Funding ▪ Short-Term o Tier 1: Immediate Relief o Tier 2: Emergency Budget Stabilization o Tier 3: Budget Amendments ▪ Long-Term o Tier 4: Leverage Partners o Tier 5: Big Investments  “A Resilient Takoma Park” ∙ Create a plan called “A Resilient Takoma Park” with a focus on 5 key areas: o Community Services o Equity o Economic Development o Sustainability and Climate Change o Public Safety ▪ Long-term, comprehensive, structural solution to funding City services and supporting the community ▪ Redesign and oversee the process for engaging the community through funding packages that align with the City’s long-term vision. ▪ The City of Takoma Park is an open and welcoming community, “A City of Opportunity” for all. ▪ Mantra: “One City, One Community, One Takoma Park” ARPA Implementation Plan ▪ Already Completed: o Request and receive ARPA Funds from Treasury o Mayor and City Council approval of $2,214,900 in ARPA funding for immediate community needs and administrative structure/tracking ▪ Current Steps: o Recruit and Hire ARPA Manager (position already posted) o Outreach to departments to identify priority need for ARPA funding o Development of an community engagement strategy & community outreach o Review ARPA Expenditure & Implementation Plan with Senior Leadership Team Workshop ✔ Development of Census Data Explorer to identify most vulnerable residents o Mayor & City Council direction on ARPA Expenditure & Implementation Plan ▪ Next Steps: o Confirm eligible expenditures o Identify and evaluate top- priority items o Mayor and City Council approvals for use of funding as needed Census Data Explorer Tool This tool allows the Senior Leadership team to explore 2015-2019 American Community Survey data that can be cited to fulfill ARPA reporting requirements. The beta version of this tool is in development as part of the SLT ARPA Workshop and will be available for public release soon. Housing and Community Department Census Data Explorer Tool - Examples CDC Social Vulnerability Map & Qualified Census Tracts Housing and Community Department Have suggestions for ARPA spending? Email your ideas to the email address below as our virtual suggestion box for the incoming ARPA Manager to review: ARPA@takomaparkmd.gov