Police, Traffic & Public Safety Committee

Town of University Park Council Committee on Police, Traffic and Public Safety February 29, 2016 7:00 PM Conference Room University Park Town Hall 6724 Baltimore Avenue Present Committee Members: Linda Verrill, Council Member, Ward 4; Joe Thompson, Council Member, Ward 1; James Gekas, Council Member, Ward 2; Committee Member Michael Cron, Council Member, Ward 6; Roy Alvarez, Council Member, Ward 7 and Committee Chair Guests: Michael Wynnyk, Chief of the University Park Police; Ed Lee, Resident of University Park The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM. Meeting Notes 1. Update on Request for Parking Restrictions on “Upper” Queens Chapel At the Committee meeting in November 2015, a concern was expressed about the width of “upper” Queens Chapel Road. Because the road is narrow at the entrance to University Park from Baltimore Avenue, some residents believe that parked vehicles on both sides of the street may impede the progress of emergency vehicles and school buses when they enter University Park from Baltimore Avenue. It was noted at the January 2016 Committee meeting that no reports were made to the Town Police about buses or emergency vehicles having difficulty moving through that area. However, a possible solution to the problem would be to widen the road. Mr. Alvarez reported that the Town Engineer, Mr. Sidhu, estimated that it would cost approximately $100,000 to widen Queens Chapel between Baltimore Avenue and Clagett Road. However, if a there were a project that encompassed changes to all of Queens Chapel Road, widening just that area would cost approximately $10,000. The Committee decided the cost to widen the road at this time is prohibitive. However, the Committee will suggest to the Mayor that if a project to revamp all of Queens Chapel Road does develop, the possibility of widening the section closest to Baltimore Avenue should be considered. It was also noted that the makeshift easement islands that were constructed after the road was closed to general traffic are deteriorating. The Committee will suggest to the Mayor that if significant work is done to improve Queens Chapel Road, consideration should be given to removing those easement islands. 2. Update of the Problem of Cars Blocking Driveways of Residents Near University Park Elementary In January 2016, the Committee discussed remedies for the problem of cars blocking some Residents’ driveways near University Park Elementary. The problem occurs mainly when parents are dropping off or picking up students from the school. 2 Police, Traffic and Public Safety Committee Meeting 02/29 /2016 Chief Wynnyk noted that he and the Mayor worked with the school and the PTA, to alleviate the problem by communicating the severity of the problem with parents of children in the school. In addition, Town police officers have been giving warnings and, in a few instances, tickets to those drivers who block residents’ driveways. The Town Police have received no complaints about blocked driveways from homeowners in the area in the last month. Chief Wynnyk said that this program will continue as needed. 3. Update on the Discussion of Rules for Bicycle Riders In Relation to Stop Signs in Town A request was made at the January 2016 meeting that the Committee recommend to the Mayor and Town Council that the Town Code be amended to allow bicyclist to yield rather than stop at stop signs in Town. There is a program known as the “Idaho Stop” that allows such action in that state. The Committee agreed to look into the legality of such a change. Chief Wynnyk reported that such a change in the law could only be made at the state level. Chief Wynnyk also noted that he is working with other officials from surrounding communities on connecting bicycle trails in the area. He noted that two bicycle routes through Town, one mainly following Queens Chapel Road and one mainly following Wells Parkway and Van Buren Street were being considered. This plan is in the early stages of development. He promised to keep the Committee informed as the program progresses. 4. Implementation of Security System Rebate Program Mr. Alvarez shared the revised draft of the “Home Security System Rebate Request Form” and the accompanying “Rebate Program Plan” to be attached to the form. The revisions incorporated the suggestions Committee Members made at the January 2016 meeting. Several additional changes were made before the final versions were approved. (The final versions of the forms are attached.) Chief Wynnyk and Mr. Alvarez agreed to write a short article for the April edition of the Town Newsletter explaining the program and how to apply for the rebate. Mr. Alvarez will provide the Town Clerk with the forms and request that a pdf of each form be placed on the Town website for interested Residents to download and complete. 5. New Business Two additional items were added to the agenda. (A) Mr. Ed Lee, Town Resident, requested that the Committee consider the need for one or two additional stop signs on College Heights Drive in the area of Forest Hill Drive and 41 st Avenue. Mr. Lee believes that additional stop signs would help to slow drivers who tend to speed through the area endangering other drivers and pedestrians. The Committee agreed to look into the issue by reviewing previous traffic studies in the area and visually looking at the area. The Committee will discuss if any additional measures to control traffic speed in that area should be made before a proposed traffic study in conjunction with the opening of Riverdale Park Station (Cafritz) is completed. 3 Police, Traffic and Public Safety Committee Meeting 02/29 /2016 (B) Ms. Verrill noted that some Residents of Ward 4 have express the concern that the street lighting in Town is not bright enough, especially around intersections. Ms. Verrill agreed to discuss the concern with the Director of Public Works, Mr. Mickey Beall, to determine what the Town’s options are with respect to street lighting in Town. She agreed to report to the Committee at our next meeting. Mr. Gekas noted that all street lighting fixtures were recently replaced with more efficient high pressure sodium lamps. It was also mentioned that these sodium lamps may not be as bright as the previous, less energy efficient lighting. The meeting adjourned at 8:20 PM. Attachments: Home Security Rebate Request Rebate Program Plan Submitted by Roy Alvarez, Committee Chair 4 Police, Traffic and Public Safety Committee Meeting 02/29 /2016 HOME SECURITY SYSTEM REBATE REQUEST Request must be approved prior to purchase of equipment. The Council Committee on Police, Traffic & Public Safety and the University Park Police Department believe that home security systems are a deterrent to crime. In addition, home security systems may be helpful in solving crimes that have occurred. Therefore, the University Park Town Council has authorized a $100.00 rebate to any Town Resident who purchases and installs a new home security system costing $150.00 or more after March 01, 2016. Complete details are attached to this form. DATE OF REQUEST: _______________ NAME: ______________________________________________________________ ADDRESS: ____________________________________________________________ PHONE: _____________________________________________________________ EMAIL: ______________________________________________________________ DESCRIPTION AND BRAND OF EQUIPMENT TO BE INSTALLED: ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ TOTAL EXPECTED COST: (Cost must exceed 150)_________________________________________________  To qualify for the rebate, requests must be approved prior to purchase of equipment.  Eligible reimbursements are granted on the basis of fund availability.  Copies of warranty card and/or Prince George’s County Alarm Registration Number plus receipt for purchased items are to be supplied following installation.  Please submit request to the Town Clerk.  Any questions about this program should be directed to the Chief of Police, Town of University Park. 5 Police, Traffic and Public Safety Committee Meeting 02/29 /2016 March 01, 2016 Rebate Program for Home Security Systems A. A $100 rebate per household is available to residents who purchase and install approved security equipment that costs $150.00 or more. Rebate funds ($1,500) are available for the fiscal year only. No rebates will be available for the remainder of the fiscal year after the $1500 has been distributed. B. Eligible security equipment is limited to motion detectors, alarm systems (commercial or individually installed), outdoor floodlighting and outdoor cameras. C. Residents must submit The Home Security Rebate Request Form for a $100 reimbursement to the Town Clerk prior to purchasing the equipment. In the appropriate space on the form, applicants must provide a description of the security item(s) and estimated cost. Requests must be received and approved before the actual purchase so it can be determined if the item(s) is eligible for reimbursement. D. The Committee and/or the Town Chief of Police will review the request and respond to the Resident as soon as is practicable. E. The Resident (or his/her agent) will then install the security item(s) and provide the Town Clerk with a copy of the warranty card and/or the Prince George’s County Alarm Registration number along with a receipt for the purchased items. F. When all appropriate copies of warranty cards and/or Prince George’s County Alarm Registration numbers and receipts are received and approved, the Committee and/or the Town Chief of Police will request the Town Treasurer to issue a check for $100 to the Resident. G. All questions concerning this rebate should be directed to the Chief of Police of University Park. Council Committee on Police, Traffic & Public Safety and the University Park Police Department